#odd cover choices but still very exciting to see

[thequeendomeffect-noah]

UM, HELLO?????

SUPER SWING Hana and Danielle is now alt. Seymour too???

[nana-au]

Best Friends Know Best

Suguru Geto ♡

MDNI

₊˚ପ⊹ Summary: Your trip to the mall stresses Suguru out, so you treat him to some head when you two get home.

₊˚ପ⊹ Warnings: possessiveness, praising, immodest clothes in public, toxic ideology from geto, oral m! receiving, slight slut shaming, throat fucking, dirty talking (did i miss anything.. lol)

₊˚ପ⊹ an: this is sorta an extension off of my fic Best Friends Forever! (also sorry for not posting in a while i’m working on longer fics while also struggling to keep up with life lol)

₊˚ପ⊹ wc: 1.8k

𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

He doesn't really understand why you insist on dressing up to go to the mall. You were there to buy new clothes, does it matter what you have on? Typically he would never complain about your fashion choices – You look darling in your girly little outfits. 

But today? He cursed himself for not making you change while he still had the chance. He didn't want to be cruel, you were so excited to wear your new dress. It was a pink gingham number – it was so you. What he didn't like was how your chest spilled out of the low neckline and how anytime you shifted in just the right way your sheer panties were on display. He wanted to cry upon noticing how see-through your panties were – there was no mistaking the outline of your plump cheeks. Did you not know how many creeps there were in this world? Did he protect you so well that you were blissfully unaware of the dangers of looking this good? Tempting any man that is so fortunate to breathe the same air as you. 

All throughout the day Geto followed closely behind you, shielding what he could of your body while trying not to make it obvious. You didn’t really notice what he had been doing until his hand reached to cover your chest from the employee at your check-out lane when you bent over; looking at the cute bracelets set up on the counter in front of you. You slowly stood up straight, giving him an odd look as he pocketed his credit card and grabbed your bag of items from the clerk. “What was that about?” you asked him while walking out of the store. 

“Nothing baby,” he said from close behind you, your multiple bags in his arms, “Let’s go get you a latte.”

“Ooo that sounds good,” you mused, daydreaming which flavor syrup you wanted before you quickly snapped out of it, “Don’t change the subject! Why did you cover my chest? Is it really that noticeable?” You ask, looking down to see your cleavage spilling out the top of your dress. “It’s not that bad…” An exasperated sigh left his lips, seemingly exhausted by spending the whole day trying to keep you modest. “Geto? Does my dress upset you?” you stopped in the middle of the mall, turning around to meet his dead eyes. Your brows furrowed, noticing just how tense Geto was compared to when you first arrived. “Do you not like my dress?” your voice is drenched in worry.

“No baby, your dress is very pretty,” he meant it, your dress looked amazing on you. But that was just the problem he was having. “You look good… Just a little too good, y’know?” he forced a chuckle, trying to convince you that he was less upset than he really was. The two of you had been there for three hours, and for three hours he was at war with every guy’s wandering eyes. He had endured three hours of men checking you out, some were so indiscreet about it that the handles of your shopping bags were barely managing to keep the straps under his tight grasp. “Let’s get you a drink and head home, hmm?” he said, pulling together all of his energy to sound fine.

𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

Even after a couple of hours went by at your shared place, Suguru still looked as wound up as he did at the mall. He sat on the couch, drinking a beer and staring at the show on the tv, obviously not really watching it. His grip on the beer bottle was loose, only sipping it when he remembered it was in his hand. 

You grew more and more worried as time passed. You lost the outfit as soon as you got home, opting for pajama shorts and a long sleeved shirt – hoping that he would forget about whatever issue he had with your dress if he no longer had to look at it. That didn’t seem to be the case. 

“Sugu?” you barely said above a whisper, “Is everything okay?” he only hummed at you, not taking his eyes off the screen. “Do you want to talk about it?” you meekly asked. His head shook while he took another lazy sip of his beer. You bit your lip in thought, taking in his still tensed figure that leaned back into the couch. He never changed out of his jeans and black tee, opting to prioritize drinking over unwinding for the day in his usual sweatpants attire. An idea came to you while your eyes trailed his figure, and you hesitated before speaking. “Do you want your cock in my mouth, Suguru?”

He nearly choked on his beer hearing your words, turning to see your face. You looked desperate to hear his response, so eager to hear you can please him. “Of course,” was his response to you, he could never turn that down. You crawled down from the couch and placed yourself between his legs. He sat up, moving to the edge to make it easier for you to reach. He pitched a tent almost immediately seeing you between his thighs. You began to undo his belt, working slowly as he watched with bated breath. 

“Will this be a good apology, Sugu?” your doe eyes met his and you can see him melt at your words. He takes his bottom lip between his teeth, waiting patiently as you pull down his zipper. He lifts his hips off the couch, helping you slide his pants all the way off. You rub his cock over his briefs, slowly stroking it and watching the fabric grow a wet patch. You decide it best not to tease for too long, so you pull his cock out and run your thumb across his wet tip. 

“F-fuck,” he sighed, his hips following you as you began to stroke his cock. You twisted your wrist as you slid your hand up his length, teasing the head with your thumb each time you reached the top. He watched you behind his lidded eyes, waiting to feel the warmth of your throat. He dropped his beer onto the end table, preferring to stroke your hair as your wet tongue reached out to lick a fat stripe from the base of his cock to the tip. He groaned at the feeling, leaning back as your mouth finally took him in. You started slow, only taking him halfway and stroking the half that was left out with your hand. It wasn’t long before Suguru started his usual dirty talk that made you squirm. “You feel so good, princess,” he grunted, “This is what I deserved after a long day of putting up with you, hmm?” His hips bucked up, his tip hitting the roof of your mouth. “Having to keep you safe because you wanted to dress like a slut,” his other hand reached down to pull up his shirt, exposing his toned stomach that flexed every time you showed his tip extra attention. You licked the slit, pulling back just to spit all over it and using your hand to guide the lubricant down. He shuddered as you took more of him into your mouth, massaging his length with your tongue as his tip neared further down your throat. “Just couldn’t help showing yourself off,” he let loose his frustrations while his dick was stuffed in your mouth, preventing you from talking back. “Gotta suck my cock to make it up to me, princess,” he snickered. “You’ll do a good job? Hmm? Take me all the way?” it was your turn to react to the pleasure he was giving you. The way he talked to you always riled you up, his words always going straight to your clit. You shifted on your knees, desperately trying to give yourself any form of relief. As if he knew, his foot reached out for you and you took it, rubbing your clit shamelessly against the spot where his ankle and foot met. He laughed darkly at you, completely in awe as he watched you hump his foot while you drooled around his cock. “Look at you baby,” he purred at you, “Getting off to sucking my cock…” his Adam apple bobbed in his throat while he tried to collect himself before he came too soon. Your tight shorts were already growing wet as you rutted into him, sucking him even more feverishly. You took all of him, your eyes watering at the heavy feeling against your tongue and in your throat. “Fuck your throat feels so good. S’warm and wet,” he was moaning now, not capable of keeping it back anymore. “Almost as good as your little pussy… too bad she doesn’t deserve my cock right now…” you whined at his words, causing you to gag against his cock. You pulled back, coughing and wiping the tears from your eyes. “Am I too big for you, princess? Can’t take it?” he teased and you shook your head, readying yourself to go back down. Instead he guides you back, standing up and pulling his briefs completely off. “Gonna fuck your mouth, okay?” he asks you and you nod, moving in to take him back in your mouth. As soon as his tip hits your tongue he is pushing himself all the way in, gripping your hair and shoving his cock down your throat at a brutal pace. You feel his trimmed hair tickle your nose with each thrust of his hips. Your cheeks were covered in tears and drool seeped from your lips and onto your chin. “You’re so good t’me,” he moaned out, throwing his head back as he used your throat. His hips stuttered and you felt his dick twitch in your throat, you could tell he was close. “You’re gonna swallow it all… else you’re gonna have to try again until you get it right. Fuckkk, can’t waste a drop,” you dug your nails into his thighs, waiting eagerly for him to reach his peak. Eager to taste his salty cum. 

When he finally came you did as you were told, cleaning up anything that spilled out with your fingers, before popping it back into your mouth. “Such a good girl,” he murmured to you, smoothing out the hair he roughed up previously. “So beautiful,” his dark eyes showed nothing but adoration for you, kissing your forehead as he spoke, “A little too beautiful…”

[ohthethingswedoforlove]

Warnings: yandere character; scopophobia; a whole lot of fear/paranoia being described;

  Yandere!Wally Darling, in which you find an old collection of VHS tapes and are able to communicate with the characters in the show. Or, at least, one of characters in the show.

  When you found those tapes out in the wild, in someone's garage sale or a dingy little shop full of dead stock of years passed, you almost felt pulled in by the colorful little world depicted on the sleeve keeping the VHS' together.

  Maybe you have some vague, blurry memories of watching the show as a child, or maybe you are simply a collector of these kinds of things. Maybe you even heard about a certain restoration project involving the likeness of this world and characters, fully aware you had just stumbled upon something very exciting.

  So you decide to pay the small price written on the paper sticker and bring it home with you. 

  It doesn't take many online searches to understand exactly how rare of a find you now have in your possession, all that has ever been recovered from the old obscure show being images and corrupted audio tracks, some merch and a puppet or two. Never full episodes, not even snippets of footage. Aren't you lucky?

  You consider sending it to the team of the restoration project, but curiosity got the better of you before that choice could fully take shape. How could you not? You just had to see it for yourself.

  When you finally arrange the means to play the first VHS out of the collection you bought, you couldn't help but notice the odd black stains covering the tape, barely noticeable beforehand as it nearly blended with the color of the plastic. You half-heartedly try to clean it, but with the persistence of the stain and your growing impatience, you end up simply shoving it inside the VCR player, giving up. 

  Marking your first mistake as you miss the way the stain quickly grew and infected the sleeve of the tapes and the hem of your shirt with the same sunken dark.

  The screen flickers and you're cheerfully greeted with what you would expect from a children's show of that era, all bright colors, silly eccentric characters and possible life lessons. Quiet and intrigued, you watch as a day in the neighbourhood plays out before you.

  Until the episode introduces you to Wally Darling himself, your supposed new best friend. He monologues a bit about the premise of the episode, always acting as if having a conversation with you, the audience, directly. That by itself didn't give you much pause, you know it's common for shows like this to treat the audience as their own character.

  But then he asks you for your name.

  You assume it's supposed to have a short quiet moment, to give the kids at home the illusion that the characters are listening and waiting for their answer, but it starts to drag out for a really long time. Longer than it should.

  Af if he was actually waiting for your answer.

  Some possibilities rush through your mind. Is the cassette faulty? It didn't show any signs of it aside from those weird stains, and the footage itself didn't appear to be tampered with, certain elements of the world behind Wally are still moving, as if that pause is indeed intentional.

  The entire time you couldn't bring yourself to tear your eyes away from the puppet, his gaze not even flinching for a second away from you.

  You finally say your name out loud, as if giving up under some sort of pressure, even if you immediately felt silly for doing it. It's not like he's going to-

  "What a wonderful name. I'm sure we'll be the best of friends. Ha. Ha. Ha."

  The rest of the episode continues to play similarly, with it going along as you'd expect, only to pause for excruciatingly long times anytime Wally would direct a question to you. Even when other characters did their own bits, their moments of quiet would last but a few seconds, not aware of when or what you might be saying to your TV.

  But not Wally. He diligently waits for your response, even as everything and everyone around him keeps moving without him and they start to question why he's just standing there. Staring. Unresponsive to the activities they're trying to involve him with.

  And his responses seem weirdly... appropriate to what you're saying. Frank didn't react to your displeased expression to being told that bugs are friends, Julie didn't actually guess your favorite game, but Wally... 

  He repeated back what you said your favorite color was, adding that it's one of his favorites, too. He only joined in on the game that Julie suggested once you agreed that you'd like to play as well. He has to make sure his friend is having fun, afterall. You find yourself wondering if the way he's constantly smiling is by the design of his puppet or if it's somehow a conscious choice.

  It's like you're transfixed, almost hypnotised by what you're watching. Fascination keeping your eyes glued to the screen, even as a part of you is practically screaming that something's wrong. You're being watched as much as you're the one watching.

  Your breaking point finally reaches at the end of the episode. Wally makes his way back to Home after the misadventures of the day, and the house greets him, in creeks and onomatopoeias, with eyes for windows that make you just as uneasy as Wally's. The door opens for him for the both of you? to enter. And it's dark. So impossibly dark, in a way that feels unnatural and alive. Like a creature patiently waiting for you to place yourself in its jaws.

  And you finally snap out of it, rushing to turn off your TV in an action so abrupt and panicked it felt like fight or flight.

  You barely sleep that night. 

  Stuck in between a state of awake and asleep, constantly being brought in and out of a dream you can't seem to fully grasp. Until you're shaken completely wake by loud noises coming from your living room. From your TV.

  It had, somehow, flickered to life as if by its own volition, replaying the tape all over from the start as a now familiar audio plays out. You stumble your way through your house in a half-wake disoriented panic, and once again coming to face... Him. 

  There he was again, Wally patiently waiting for you, the tape stuck at the segment where he would ask a question to the audience and wait. His eyes bearing into you, you stood frozen at the doorway as he stared unflinching back at you. Has your living room always looked this dark? Engulfed, consumed by it?

  Fear takes over your actions again as you fidget with the VCR, this time with the intention of ripping the tape out of it, caring little of the state it would be left in by doing so. You only started to feel some semblance of relief once you disconnected all of the TV cables and rushed to turn on the light.

  After that night, you didn't even dare watch the rest, throwing the tapes in a plastic bag you left in a corner of your room, hoping it had all been some weird dream fueled by the exhaustion and stress of your everyday life. 

  But it never left you. He never left you.

  You keep having strange dreams, dreams where you are the new resident of a bright, colorful neighbourhood. Dreams where you are so warmly welcomed by kind neighbours, new friends who would like you to join them! And him as well, always so strangely quiet compared to the others but so fixated on you.

  The thought of getting rid of the tapes consumes your mind, but you just can't bring yourself to do it. You can't. You can't.

  You can't. 

  And you watch as the dark that once only stained the tapes now grows and festers in your floor, your furniture, creating a stain seemingly deeper than the wall itself.

  You swear you start to see him as well, in the dark. You're growing oh so familiar with those eyes.

  Wally doesn't understand why you look so scared. He just wants to be your friend. You two could have so much fun in the neighbourhood, together! He's sure that the others would agree too.

  Why are you being so difficult? He knows you can hear him. See him. He can see you too.

  You just have to let him in.

[unforth]

i don't know if you are still into 2ha? but what would you say if someone asked you what makes 2ha stand out? It's full of tropes that have been done before and there is nothing new. it's full of cliches according to some people. So, what makes it stand out?

I am still into 2ha, I'd consider it one of my top fandoms right now.

I'll own I find this whole ask rather odd? It implies that novelty is a. possible and b. what I'm looking for in a book.

For a... Name me a book that isn't full or tropes, name me a book that isn't full of "nothing new," name me a book that isn't full of cliches. Enjoyable books aren't ~original~, and imo original is a myth. It's about how the ideas are strung together, not about them being fresh and different and new.

For b... look. I'm almost 42 years old. I've been reading a ton since I was 8. I've read a l.o.t. over the years. And I've come to learn the things I love in characters and books.

Give me a main character (or, in 2ha, BOTH main characters) who thinks they're worthless and will give everything they have to save an innocent stranger. Give me archetypes of self-sacrifice and martyrdom and low self-esteem and adoration and obsession cooked so deep into their bones that it extends over multiple life times. Give me that adoration reciprocated but the pining, oh, it is mutual for these idiots who should be and will be lovers. I'll eat that up every time. Give me someone who thinks they're unlovable but loves the world anyway, and give me someone who loves them so much they'll tolerate the claws.

Give me epic length I can sink my teeth into. Make the plot sprawling, the side characters lush, the world developed. It's okay if some parts drag a little, it's hard to keep momentum over an epic, and one person's "that dragged" is another's "that rocked." Anyway, the slow bits makes the more exciting parts that much more thrilling.

Give me whump, and hurt/comfort, and pain that burns the soul. Make the characters deep and compelling and then confront them with nothing but bad choices, force them to pick... and then see them pick each other, everytime, even in the midst of the darkest night imaginable. Give me unreliable narrators and angst and characters with nobility that shines like the sun even when they're covered in shit.

I adored this kind of story when I was 12 and I started the Wheel of Time and fell in love with Rand al'Thor, and I adore this kind of story now, in Tian Guan Ci Fu and The Husky and His White Cat Shizun and Modu. The patterns in the kinds of books I enjoy most, the ones that make me feral and obsessed, are very consistent, and being Old means I know what those patterns are and I can seek out books that have them, and recognize them when I find them again. It's happening with the book I'm reading now, in fact, and I can feel the feral obsession growling in delight in my brain, lmao.

Ya know how some people go into fanfiction because they love a character and want to see iterations of them over and over a little to the left? Well, that's why I started fanfic, and through fic I found a genre of original fiction that does that for me. I want similar character archetypes in endless iterations of stories, and danmei gives that to me, and that's why I'm up to my nose in danmei fandoms, and why the specific ones I like best are my favorites.

What stands out about 2ha, for me, is that it fits my taste in character archetypes and plot type. If someone out there shares that taste, they'll probably also love it. If they don't share that taste, they may not, but they may, because it's a complex enough book to cater to more than just one specific type of taste. Someone who likes OP control fantasies will also probably like it, for example. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, and that's not a bad thing. Stories that appeal to everyone tend to be shallow and not attract deep obsession, having sacrificed the depth to draw a wider audience.

Anyway, anon...you phrased this like an anti. 80% of your ask is trashing the book on false premises about tropes and cliches. I genuinely can't tell if this is meant as a troll or if it's sincere, but I've answered as if it's sincere. But regardless, you'll be a lot happier as a reader if you forget originality. Books aren't original. Find an author, genre, series, whatever, that fits your taste, and frolic there. That's the route to happy reading.

I've found mine. I hope you find yours.

[robobarbie]

For Angst/Romance hour: one of the LI (your choice) is stuck reliving the best day of their life with MC on a permanent loop.

Their best day of their life is the day they met.

1

Xyx hears his name called and turns. The smile on your face is a sight he will never forget.

He rushes across the airport tile and scoops you up into a hug. "Ohhhhh, love. Finally."

You drop your bags and squeeze him back so hard he wonders for a moment if it's truly possible to strangle someone with a hug, but he honestly doesn't care if it's true -- what a way to go out. Enviable, really.

You two stand there together for a few minutes longer, hugging too tight, laughing nonsense, and taking in how it feels to be together. Some passersby murmur or chuckle as they watch the scene -- Xyx doesn't care. Drink it in, loves! I'm happier than you fucks will ever be!

When you both finally relent and ease back from each other, Xyx bumps his forehead against yours and smiles. "How was the flight?"

"Long," you sigh, still smiling, "but alright. I watched Boss Baby."

"Oh? And what else?"

"Just Boss Baby."

He laughs. "How many times is that, then?"

"I lost count. Felt a little insane, honestly."

"Well," he says as he finally releases you and scoops up your luggage, "I suppose that's the right state to be in for meeting me, right?"

"Oh, of course."

The rest of the day is a sleepy one. You're exhausted, understandably, so Xyx has an easy day planned. Lunch somewhere nearby his home, a simple walk around a park, then take you back to his place for a nap. Wake for dinner, then maybe watch a movie, then back to bed to get ready for an exciting next day.

At lunch, he takes note of how you hold your cup while drinking. During the walk, he smiles when he notices the peculiar way you swing your arms -- not that you've ever noticed, he's sure. And during your very-much-earned nap, he can't help but push some lingering strands of hair from your goofy sleepy face. Oh, that expression is to die for, doll.

When dinner is wrapped up and a movie starts on the screen, Xyx's heart almost bursts as you lean into him and cover you both with a blanket. "This feels nice."

He blushes and nods into your hair. "Yes. That it does."

You both fall asleep during the movie.

-----------------

2

Xyx feels a bit... fuzzy. Here he is, at the airport. A little disoriented, he glances around. Wasn't he just here? Didn't you... just a few hours before, appear at the gate?

He hears a familiar voice call his name, and he turns -- and that smile is there. Again. Xyx can't help but smile at the sight. Maybe he just had a vivid dream.

He runs across the airport and scoops you up, burying his face in your hair. "Lovely to see you."

You laugh. "So formal."

"What? Want me to be a bit more...?"

"Absolutely not!"

He laughs and holds you close. He notes that you seem to be squeezing him just a bit too tight. The sensation makes him feel odd. He's felt this before. He's wondered how nice it would be to die like this, he's sure.

Clearing his throat, Xyx carefully lets you down and picks up your discarded luggage. "So? How was the flight?"

"Long, but alright. I watched Boss Baby."

He frowns. "Oh? And what else?"

"Just Boss Baby."

Something isn't right.

"I might have just looped it over and over, ha. Felt a little insane, honestly."

"That does sound a little insane, love."

You laugh and take his arm in yours, pulling him towards the exit. You're tired, but eager to start the day. He's got a simple day planned for you already -- lunch, a walk, a nap, dinner, and a movie. He's saved all the exciting bits for tomorrow. And the day after.

At lunch, he takes note of how you thrum your fingers on the table when you think how to respond to certain questions. During the walk, he notices the small, nearly missable limp in your left leg. How did he miss it before? Wait, before? There was no before. He shakes his head and you ask him if he's alright.

"Yes, just a fly."

During your nap, he looks at the odd shape your hair has made draped over your face. It's almost like a spiral. When dinner is wrapped up and a movie starts on the screen, Xyx smiles as you lean into him and cover you both with a blanket. "This feels nice."

He glances down at you next to him, curled up and comfortable. You're here, next to him. He kisses your head.

"Yes. That it does."

You both fall asleep during the movie.

-----------------

5

Xyx clenches his jaw. The airport walls are a sickly shade of yellow in the cheap lighting. Almost nauseating. How can anyone stand to be here?

You call his name and he turns towards you with a tight smile. You run to him and he catches you, giving you a small spin.

"Hey!! You made it!!"

You laugh. "I'm so glad I did."

You murmur small things into his ear for a few minutes and he chuckles in response to each one, but doesn't say much else. There's a pit in his stomach -- he's been here already, right? Aren't you already at home, snuggled up on the couch?

When you finally pull back to pick up your luggage, he rushes to help. "No, no, let me. You're tired."

You acquiesce happily. "Thank you. It was an exhausting flight."

He nods, not really wanting more information. "I think the exit is... that way?" He points vaguely towards the baggage claim and starts to walk, one hand in yours.

"You ever seen Boss Baby?"

He barks out a laugh. "Can't say I have."

"Well," you giggle, "I have. About a million times."

"Have you, now?"

Xyx wants to throw up.

At lunch, he sees the way your eyes light up when you talk to him -- so, so eager to spend time together, get to know him more. "Do you live near here?"

"Yes," he answers, the words feeling rehearsed. "Just up the street a couple blocks."

"I'm so jealous. This is a great location."

"Mhm."

On the walk, he offers you his arm. "Here. I know you're tired." You take it with a thank you.

The nap passes, dinner is delicious, and then there you are, waiting on the couch for him with a blanket.

"Come, sit!" You pat the cushion next to you and open the blanket.

After a moment of hesitation, he sits and allows you to curl in close.

"This feels nice."

It doesn't feel nice.

-----------------

12

Your voice calls out for him, and he rushes to meet you in the middle of the tile, with a hug.

"Gah!! I'm so happy to see you!!"

"Yeah, yeah, love, me too, but--"

You squeeze him a bit too tight and the words choke in his throat. He coughs and you quickly release him.

"Oh, sorry!! Are you okay?"

"Peachy," he laughs, rubbing his throat. "Here, let me help you with your things-"

"No, no, I got it!" You quickly pick up your luggage. "Don't strain yourself too much!"

"I'm not-- ha." He shakes his head. "Fine. Have it your way."

"Did you want to say something, by the way?"

He thinks for a moment.

"...No. I don't think so."

You take his arm in yours and lead him from the airport.

At lunch, you ask him if he's seen Boss Baby. He says no. You tell him how many times you've seen it. His laugh is forced, and you notice.

On the walk, he offers you his arm and you decline, wanting to not be a bother. He insists you aren't. You still decline.

During the nap, you ask if he doesn't mind staying out of the room -- you're really tired, you see. He understands. He doesn't necessarily want to be there.

Dinner passes quietly, and then he's putting on the movie. He calls out for you, but you don't reply. He stands to check where you are, and finds you asleep once again, facing the wall.

He closes the door and returns to the living room.

-----------------

34

"Is something wrong?"

Xyx stares at you before him, bathed in the yellow airport lighting.

"Yes," he replies. "Something is wrong."

"What is it?" You gently take his hand in yours.

He looks down at your joined hands. The way your thumb traces his skin is so familiar to him now. But, it's not to you.

"I just feel a little sick. I'm sorry, love."

"Oh, don't worry. That's okay. You can't help being sick." You're quick to assure him as you pick up your things. "Here. Let's get you home. We can just relax there today, yeah?"

"You sure?"

"Of course. We can watch a movie or something." You giggle. "Just not-"

"-Boss Baby. I know."

"...Yeah, Boss Baby. Good guess."

"I'm a genius, duh."

You laugh.

When you finally get home, Xyx flops down on the couch. You sit next to him and place a hand on his forehead. "You do feel a little warm."

"Mmm."

"Blanket?"

"Yes, please."

You curl up next to him and flip through movies on the TV til you find something interesting. It's a different one, he notes. That's interesting.

"Feeling okay?"

"As good as I can."

"I'll take it." You take his hand in yours and squeeze it. "Let me know when you want to eat."

-----------------

98

"You watched Boss Baby at least four times on the flight."

You blink as you drop your luggage at his feet. "Yes. What? How did you know?"

"Why did you do that?"

You shrug. "I don't know. It just sort of looped and... there I was. Watching it over and over again."

"Did you like it?"

"I guess? But I think four times was enough."

"Not ten times? Twenty times? I'm sure you could unlock something important if you kept at it."

"Like what?" You laugh. "A strong desire to off myself?"

He smiles. "Ha. What a thought."

-----------------

242

He grips your arm and says it again. "We've already done this."

Your confused look is familiar to him at this point. He's seen it ten times before. But he has to keep trying. There has to be a way.

"You're not making any sense, Xyx."

"I know. But you have to listen to me."

He rattles off all the information you've told him before on all the other cycles. The Boss Baby information, the small fall you had before the trip, the way you were worried about being a burden to him the whole flight over. All of it. And with each fact, your expression became more and more confused.

"Does that... how could I know all that, love? How could I? If this wasn't happening?"

"But... if it is... why can't I remember anything?"

He starts crying.

-----------------

1003

"How about a game instead of a movie?"

You perk up. "Sure! What game?"

He closes his eyes for a moment to think. What haven't you already played together? He might have exhausted his collection, he realizes.

"How about we get something new?" New is a precious word to him, now.

"Oh, that's not necessary. How about this one?"

You point to a game on his shelf for the fortieth time, and he smiles. "Okay."

-----------------

5210

He's older now. He knows it. Yet in his reflection, he still sees the same sight. Unchanged. He's grown to hate the lack of grays in his hair.

He sees you wave excitedly at him across the sea of people, and turns around. You call out to him in confusion, but he continues his exit.

The doors open and he stands, eyes closed. The cold air outside is refreshing.

He throws his phone in the trash and hails a taxi.

"Where to?"

He thinks for a moment. Where did he want to go next? He recites the list of locations in his head before arriving at a small cafe he'd been meaning to try for... for years, now. His memory is quiet good by now, which is nice at least.

The taxi driver nods and sets off. Xyx watches the city pass by -- the same red cars and the same angry pedestrians. When they arrive at the cafe, he pays the driver way too much and proceeds to have the most average ham sandwich of his life. But he loves every bite. He tips the waitress too much as he leaves, of course.

He doesn't think about you all day. He hasn't thought about you really for several hundred cycles.

As he walks up the drive to his home, he recites the list of places he wants to try next. "Community college sign ups, call center interview, bank robbery..."

The bank robbery will be exciting.

[bluebblurry]

The Bad Boys and their soulmates

(Someone already made something like this but i wanna write my own lmao.)

“Etho.” Joel nearly spat out the name like it was poisonous. It no longer came with a soft gaze, but rather his own reflection in pitch black sunglasses. Joel’s bangs covered his eyebrows, and his mouth was set in an indifferent line. How was Etho supposed to read him like this..?

“Hi Joel!” Etho greeted anyway, his voice chipper and smiley. “I’m likin’ the leather vest. It really works for you.”

Joel huffed, his sword disappearing from his hand. He didn’t blush, like he used to when Etho would compliment him, only kept the same guarded expression.

How dare he keep playing with my emotions like this! Joel quietly seethed. Etho was being cruel– pitying him. Joel clenched his fists. He knew he never meant anything to Etho, they had been stuck together. So why, oh why, did Etho have to keep hurting him like this?

“Etho,” Joel tried again, his voice darker this time, “once I hit red, you are done for.” It was both a threat and a promise.

Etho smirked, nothing innocent in his eyes. “Hmm.. you gonna ravish me with charged Red passion..?” He teased. He knew Joel didn’t mean it like that, but he was desperately hoping it would break whatever wall Joel was trying to build between them.

Joel didn’t even react. At least, that’s how it seemed to Etho. Joel’s insides were burning, with excitement or anger he wasn’t sure. He scoffed. “Just watch your back.” He nearly growled.

The air was charged with buzzing static, and Etho hated it.

*****

“Jimmy!” Jimmy heard his name being whisper-shouted. He glanced at his two teammates asleep in the triple bed. If it wasn’t them, then who would be calling for him in the middle of the night??

“Jim!!” The voice spoke again, a little louder. Jimmy’s sleep-deprived mind raced through the list of server members, trying to think of who could possibly need him. He huffed quietly, figuring it was someone looking for an easy prank target. Until..

“My rancher, are you up there..?”

It was Tango.

IT WAS TANGO!!

Jimmy bolted out of bed and nearly sprinted to the edge of the roof. He peered over the edge, and sure enough, there was his rancher, looking cute and very dapper in a red button down, black waistcoat, and matching black bowtie.

Jimmy smiled brightly and jumped down, water bucket in hand. He landed (not-so-gracefully) in front of Tango, instantly running up and tackling him in a giant bear hug.

Jimmy couldn’t fly here, but his wings wrapped around Tango, encasing him in a golden yellow double hug. He buried his face in the blaze’s neck, melting when he felt Tango start to purr. His tail curled around Jimmy’s ankles, just as gentle and soft as it’s always been.

Timmy and Tango had agreed not to team this season, but that didn’t stop them from missing each other.

*****

They made peace with their desert a long time ago, but they both knew they’d never have that same connection again. Especially after Grian’s.. choices in Double Life.

Scar stared up at the stupid woodland mansion, flint and steel in hand. He was still bitter. Maybe he should be going after Big B too, but Grian.. how could he just do that to him..? Sure, things weren’t the same as in Third Life, but did he really mean that little to Grian?

“Scar..?” He heard a whisper from the tree line. He whipped around, seeing the very avian he’d just been thinking of. Though, Grian didn’t look the same here. The white button down he’d taken to wearing under his sweater was gone, taking away the nice little nod to Mumbo that Scar liked to think of it as. He had a leather jacket, too big and too edgy for him. The dark glasses on top of his head were odd to see against his normally fluffy blond hair.

Grian didn’t look right like this.. without a red and white poncho and sand goggles.

[electric-blorbos]

JUST HAD MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! can I please get anything wheatley-related I would appreciate it very much thank you

Sorry it took me so long to get to this! I guess a belated Wheatley birthday present is better than nothing, though. I hope you enjoy it!

Wheatley Surprise:

Included: Just Wheatley from Portal 2

No I'm not going to tell you what's in this post, that would spoil the surprise! Just click on it to find out!

"I don't care what you have to do with him, just get that little idiot out of here!" Your boss, who also happened to be the main personality core controlling the entire facility. GLaDOS looked down at you in scorn, displaying an image of your pride and joy on one of the screens on the wall. Poor Wheatley.

"he's doing much better lately, I promise, GLaDOS! He can work odd jobs around the facility! After all, his illogical function makes him work just like an organic-"

"that defeats the purpose of assigning ai to tasks. Why would we want an illogical idiot who thinks like a human to work in the facility when we could have perfectly logical personality constructs working here. Either drop him into the incinerator, or get rid of him some other way, but I'm not looking at him any longer."

You sighed, and walked out of GLaDOS's chambers.

"Wheatley?" You called out for him, walking into his section of the facility to find him. He was simply hanging from his management rail, awaiting instructions from his boss in the relaxation vaults.

"Wheatley, I'm going to have to disconnect you from your management rail, alright?" You walked up to him, holding your arms up to take him down, but he pulled away.

"no! Your team told me that if I ever disconnected from my management rail, I'd die! Are you trying to kill me?"

You shook your head.

"you trust me, right Wheatley?" You asked. He nodded hesitantly as you climbed up a stepladder to take him down as he detached himself.

"Unfortunately, GLaDOS says that you're... Well-" it was difficult to break the news to him. He looked up at you hopefully, not piecing the dots together. He didn't even seem to realize that he could be fired.

"what? She said I'm what?"

"Being let go, Wheatley... GLaDOS is firing you."

"WHAT?" his camera lens darted around the hallway the two of you were in, visibly in a state of panic.

"She can't let me go- even if dropping down from my management rail didn't kill me, that incinerator will definitely kill me! Please, y/n, you have to hide me somewhere! I don't want to die!" You could hear soft sobbing noises coming from Wheatley's core as he squeezed his lens covers shut. He was terrified, and couldn't imagine a more horrible fate than this. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him, and you wrapped your arms gently around the core.

"hey... Hey, Wheatley, it's going to be alright. I'm not going to incinerate you. Nobody is. We're going to take you somewhere safe."

You pressed your cheek gently into the top of his chrome shell, and he nuzzled into your chest as well as he could. He trusted you more than anything, knowing that his grip on reality wasn't the best, so he had no choice but to trust in you.

You took Wheatley to your office, setting him down on a spare chair for the rest of the day. He chattered away all day, babbling about how he hadn't seen the office part of the facility in a while, and how excited he was to be able to finally get off his management rail. You didn't manage to get any work done on your latest project, but that was ok. Your coworkers were even glad to see Wheatley go, calling him an annoying little idiot. A few of them even congratulated you on making him so insufferable.

"PCH, I'm not insufferable. You like me, right? I'm a likable little core. Even if GLaDOS did fire me... I'm still doing a good job, right? I'm sure I can get a job outside the facility, right? Maybe at Black Mesa?" He talked to you as you walked him to your car, and you chuckled.

"you'd probably be sued beyond recognition if you let Black Mesa get ahold of your tech, Wheatley. But it's ok, you don't need a job right now."

You buckled him in, and started driving off to your apartment. Wheatley kept babbling to you as you drove, not worried about distracting you. Even still, you were pretty good at staying focused even while he was babbling.

After a while, you got home to your little apartment. Since you lived alone, it wasn't really much to speak of. A bit of a mess, but Wheatley looked around at it like it was the most beautiful mess he'd ever seen.

"wow! This is what human homes look like? And I thought the relaxation chambers looked cozy and lived in! This is amazing, love!"

You chuckled and blushed a little, setting him down on your sofa.

"I usually just have some dinner and relax on the couch. I'm not used to having guests."

"That's alright, love! I'm just happy to be out of Aperture labs!"

Despite his cheerful demeanour, you'd never seen Wheatley this genuinely happy before. He couldn't really move around without his management rail, so he just sat contentedly on your couch until you sat down next to him with your bowl of ramen and egg.

"You seem to be adjusting to the life outside of Aperture fairly well, Wheatley. I've never seen you this happy before."

"Sakes alive, mate... That place was a prison! I'd never had the chance to see the sun, to drop off my management rail... To live, know what I mean?" He raised his lower lens cover at you in a smile-like gesture.

"It's the best feeling in the world to be out of that place. I didn't think you'd actually take me in, though! But-" he started to look concerned.

"what am I going to do when you're not at work? I don't have any hands, so I can't read books or use the internet... Do you have any ideas?"

You hadn't really thought much about that, to be honest. You were mostly just excited about having your own British orb to keep in your house and talk to, but he was right. It wouldn't be fair to just leave him in front of the TV... He'd be bored out of his mind.

"we can come up with something. Until then, I think I'll hire a babysitter to keep you company during the day. Then maybe we can sign you up for some hobby groups so you can make some friends. It'll be fine."

Wheatley nodded his little lens camera, visibly understanding.

"I'm not a baby, but that sounds a lot better than being alone all day."

"better than nothing, right?" You smiled, setting your finished soup bowl on the coffee table and putting your arm around Wheatley to watch a few episodes of your favorite show. Wheatley talked through it, of course, but you'd already seen this show through several times, so it was okay.

When you were done, you went to rinse out your bowl and put it in the sink.

"well, time for bed. You comin', Wheatley?"

Wheatley lit up.

"Really? I've never seen a bedtime before! They simulate daylight hours at all times in Aperture. People don't even have a bedtime routine in the relaxation vaults. It's mostly just check-ups and then back to bed, ya know what I'm saying?"

You nod, picking him up and taking him to your room. You set him down on your bed, and angle him towards the bathroom so he can see you brushing your teeth.

"Alright, I'm going to shower and get changed into my pajamas now, so I'm going to close the door."

"I mean... I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of watching you shower and get changed."

"Oh don't be a pervert." You closed the bathroom door while you showered and got changed, and then you got into bed with Wheatley.

"this probably won't be too different from watching the test subjects in the relaxation vaults. Just try to relax, alright? I'll be awake in a few hours."

"Yeah, alright. You know, the craziest thing happened in the relaxation vaults last week. So there I was on my management rail..."

You pulled him in close, holding him like a stuffed animal, and listened to him chatter on as you fell fast asleep.

[glassrowboat]

Orange Ribbon. Itto.

Summary: Dressing up animals is therapeutic, no matter what anyone says. To see them in cute little clothes, in top hats, maybe even bow ties never fails to put a smile on your face. A hobby. It's a silly one, but a hobby nonetheless. And, of course, Itto (under his own insistence) needs to be decked out by his girl, too!

Word count: 1000+

Authors note: mentions of the reader being short, but to be fair when I think of Itto I still imagine that one photo of him next to Zhongli back before he was released. Itto is seven foot in my heart damnit-

Perhaps this is the perfect hiding spot, tucked behind grandma Oni's house with a stray slab of wood leaned against the wall to cover a few boxes from the rain whenever a storm comes crawling through, and currently yourself too. The treated otogi wood had a familiar smell that filled your senses. Though admiring some lumber wasn't your prime objective of this little game of hide and seek.

Not that you really needed to bother. Shinobu said the boys would be busy today helping put up posters for one of the many odd jobs they tend to pick up just to rake in some cash. Meaning you had all the time in the world to-

And the safe haven shook, the wood peeling back from this old paneled wall of the hut to reveal red horns and wide eyes right on you. A wide smile with pointed teeth that could only belong to one man, or in this case oni. “Look what I got for us!” He called out, hand holding up a small bag that, knowing him, was undoubtedly full of snacks.

So, no time in the world then.

Heh….

Taking a lid to the box you had set the onikabuto in to keep him all nice and secure as you subjected him to dress up time you slowly tried to slide it over the little guy as Itto excitedly talked. “Well my favorite sweetie pie, my bro, I got some strawberry daifuku, melon pan, and I even scored dorayaki!”

Dropping his bag on the box you were slowly sliding the lid over with a nice, hefty thud you couldn't help but jump. Itto was right about the snacks, they were something to get excited over, but not so much so when the little bug inside made a noise from the fright he was unwillingly given. You couldn't even fully click the lid over the box in time as Itto's black nails were poking the lid off as he made a small huh?

“What are you doing to my little buddy?”

The real answer to that? Well, the stray cats in the village have taken to running away from you everything they even caught a sight of your presence. Fully self done, but it still hurt as they turned away from you, fleeing from the person who would snatch them up and cover them in bow ties, little sweaters, or on the rare occasion a top hat for the less squeamish ones. It seems that you've completely lost every cats good graces after treating them like dress up dolls so you were stuck with no choice but to turn to a creature that reasonably couldn't run away. So now there's Crimson Staff being revealed to both your eyes as a bright orange ribbon was wrapped In a neat bow around his horn.

Deflect. Deflect. 

“What have I told you about calling me bro?”

“Don't call you bro when I've had my tongue in your mouth? Sorry, babe.” As he spoke, an awkward laugh slipped out of him, sharp fangs on show as he tried to brush it off with a smile. “But what are you doing to my star onikabuto beetle battler?”

Can't have his little champion getting distracted from the ring and all that. 

Okay, the first deflection didn't work.

“It's actually for your beetle battles!” You claimed, eyes flicking down to the bright orange fabric. “It's a warning. You know how in nature the most colorful animals are the dangerous ones, right? So this is just like war paint.”

Poison dart frogs are characterized by one very important feature that could only help solidify your point, so clearly, this claim has some backing. Backing Itto only seemed to nod at as he raised a hand to pat the little guy on the back, always so careful to make sure he wouldn't do any actual harm as he did so. “Interesting way to see it.”

Not at all….

“Though I'm not sure an orange ribbon would look more menacing than the bright red color he already has. Or what about that badass looking scar? But I respect the decision.” 

“Why thank you for your approval, I'm honored.”

Teasing him didn't work well though when he moved his hand over to pinch at your cheeks, pulling and squishing them at his leisure. “You’re a goof, you know that?”

“Says the town idiot.” A little uncalled for? Yes. Did you care when he was still trying to egg a reaction out of you? No. You didn't even feel bad as your tongue stuck out to point at him.

“Who you callin’ an idiot, short stuff?” How you could see his eyes flicking down to your tongue, or maybe even your lips as he leaned in closer, towering frame crouching down to where you were kneeling close enough to kiss. 

So how could you help yourself from pressing a quick smooch to his nose, trying not to giggle outwardly as his eyes crossed to watch your actions. So cute. “You, tall stuff.”

“Oh now you're asking for it, babe.” Reaching his hands out you didn't even have time to squeal as he picked you up, raising you up and into the air as Itto stood back up. There would be no freedom for you to have like this. Especially not when he had such easy access to grab at your ass. “Alright, so let's play a guessing game, yeah?”

Without even bothering to wait for you to say yes, you're down for this, Itto kept talking. “This is because you can't dress up the cats anymore, isn't it?”

Ah…you've been figured out.

“No. Maybe. Okay, yes.”

“Then I volunteer.��� Katniss? “Why bother the onikabuto when I'm right here, babe? You can tie all the ribbons you want in my hair. Get some clips too if you want. I'm down for it all.”

“Is-”

“Better yet!” Itto started, cutting you off as he jostled you in his arms to keep you from falling. Mother fucker could've given a warning. “We can get the entire gang in on it. You could make us look all cool and stuff with all sorts of things. So let's get you some ribbons so then I can be the manliest oni on the block.”

“You're…ridiculous.”

“No, I'm all yours.”

Fair. “Yeah, you are.” Grabbing a tussle of his white hair you twirl it around your finger, unable to help yourself from thinking about tying it in all sorts of ways with all the little hair accessories you have back home. Maybe the ones with little skulls, more ribbons, or that one charm Itto had got you after first becoming official. (Shinobu had only told you later Itto had worked for a week straight to get it for you). “Then you're my dress up doll for the next hour, mister. No backsies?”

“None at all. Do to me as you wish, I'm so ready for a makeover!”

Oh, you're gonna make sure he'll regret saying that.

“Challenge accepted.”

Sucker.

[danthediamondminecart]

Finally posting the references for the revamped RBB / TMA AU, hooray! Its alternate title is the Top Of The Food Chain AU, but that’s subject to change.

The new premise of the AU is this:

Kreek Craft is a budding ghost-busting YouTuber living in a fictional city in the USA (I'm thinking Pennsylvania, but that's still being decided), where the RB Foundation also operates. He and his friends have been trying to make it big for some time now, to no success - everything he tries has already been done before. However, after Kreek has a genuine supernatural encounter with…something, and the video he posts of it goes viral, he starts to sink deeper into the supernatural world…and what comes with it.

…Yeah, I'm aware that premise is toeing the line between character ad creator, but I just really want to create a Hunt-focused story where the hunt is for something metaphorical like fame or information, and the brainworms made me do it here.

Character bios under the cut, and I’ll post more about the AU when I have more to show for it LEL

Main Cast:

Kreek Craft

The main protagonist. An excitable guy with dreams of being a famous YouTuber, and runs/hosts a ghost busting channel under the name KreekCraft - though growth is slow at the moment. However, an encounter with and subsequent murder of a creature of the Dark changes that for him. Due to this dedication to his craft and the chase for views, the Hunt soon claims him, whether he wants it to or not.

Steak Wads

Kreek’s co-host who’s one of Kreek’s best friends. He does all the odd jobs on the channel that Kreek doesn’t do. He’s a little…too upbeat despite some of the crazier circumstances they get into, but I’m sure that won’t lead to any issues. He gains a valuable connection with the Flesh avatar in this story, and later, the Hunt takes him as well. 

Bella Cinder

The camerawoman for the more produced episodes, who also runs her own more casual YouTube channel on the side. She finds herself in possession of a cursed camera, which gives her the attention of the Eye - as well as this, she ends up bringing the Institute’s attention to the goings on of the YouTube channel.  

Lana Raee

A make-up artist hired to cover Kreek’s tracks, she ends up asking to stick around and see more of the supernatural goings on. She ends up drawing in the attention of the Stranger due to her own fears of being replaced and the way she advises the cast. Very much the only sane woman. 

Booshot Mistr

The final member of the crew, and the audio guy for the more produced videos. Booshot is more no-nonsense than the rest of the crew and finds Kreek a little annoying, but he sticks around for Bella’s sake. In the final arc of the story, he is targeted by the Lonely.

Supporting Cast:

Ominous Nebula

Night-Foxx’s younger brother and Pink’s roommate. A musical theatre student that’s always upbeat and ready to do something to help others, but he has a lot of hurt he is hiding. He was adopted into the Nebula family as a sacrificial lamb to the Vast, not that he knows it until later of course. Where Lana is more desensitised but still an outsider, Ominous is the true ‘only sane man’ of the extended cast. 

Night-Foxx Nebula 

Kreek’s other best friend and Ominous’ older brother. He’s in a privileged position, already being the owner of the space travel division of the Nebula Travel Corporation at his relatively young age. Though, that’s most likely because his father passed the role down to him. However, he’s hiding a secret related to his father’s demise, and his connection to the Vast. 

Pink Leaf 

Bella’s childhood friend and one of the first ‘interviewees’ on Kreek’s channel, at Bella’s suggestion to ‘put himself out there!’, talking about an interaction with some creepy mannequins. However, something horrible happens as a result of this choice, leading Pink’s resentment towards Bella and Kreek to grow and for the Lonely to claim him. 

Justin ‘Think’ Noodles

An avatar of the Dark with ties to the Slaughter through his trusty pickaxe, Think was in some way related to the creature that Kreek killed. He tries to get revenge, but realises he could capitalise on it, and offers Kreek a deal - he’ll tell Kreek about other creatures he can make content about, in exchange for Kreek’s life when he retires. Kreek accepts, and Think something of a mentor to Kreek - however, this dooms the both of them. 

RB (Research of the Abnormal) Foundation Archival Employees: 

Russo Talks

The Head Archivist of the RB Foundation, and a 'world-building protagonist', so to speak. Has been at this for a few years, and is doing alright despite what his job really entails - but knows when to get serious. Has a lot of experience dealing with the entities. Is watching the events of Kreek’s life changing from afar, getting statements from those involved, and only getting involved if Kreek wishes he does. 

Deejay Monopoli

Russo’s assistant and Sabrina’s loving husband. A Hunter who became after Sabrina’s initial disappearance. He isn’t technically employed at the RB Institute, instead being a music producer full time, but he helps Russo out with the more…problematic missions. He finds out about Kreek’s predicament and takes it upon himself to ‘help’, becoming Kreek’s second mentor, as well as having a bet going with Think on Kreek’s fate. 

Sabrina Brite

DJ’s loving wife and Russo’s other assistant. She had an encounter with the Not-Them, but was revived by an artefact of the End and a researcher of cursed artefacts. She lived a double life for a while before DJ hunted her down and she returned to her original life. 

Not pictured: Jay Piercer

The head of the RB Foundation, and an avatar of the Eye (with connections to the Web..?). Tried to sacrifice Russo to the Eye. Failed. Not too important to Kreek’s story. 

[lemonzestywrites]

Ahhhhh Zesty!! Okay okay here we go (I’m sending you LOTS)

🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢

🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮

🌲🌲🌲🌲

haha baz thank you!! always glad to see you in my inbox! i hope you enjoy!

🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢

But that was before all of this. Before their scenes and the phone calls and the fucking pictures (the bastard). Because all it took was the feeling of another hand around his cock, gently cooing him to a gorgeous orgasm, and now Eddie’s absolutely done for. His entire body aching for more and more and he can’t do jackshit about it. It’s been three weeks. Three weeks.  And Eddie is fucking dying. The only thing really keeping his sanity afloat is knowing that he can finally get a little bit of reprieve tonight. And yeah he woke up this morning with a bit of a preemptive morning excitement, but Buck doesn’t need to know that. (Somewhere, though, Eddie is already certain that somehow Buck already knows, a sixth sense of sorts already inclined to the kind of torture he’s putting Eddie through).  But it’s fine- it will be after tonight.

🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

He feels like Buck probably wouldn’t make him wait here for any longer than 20 minutes. Though even that feels like it’s pushing it, Buck can be a little cruel, yeah, but he’s not sadistic. The idea of him making Eddie sit and kneel, waiting an hour for his arrival, feels pretty out of character. Eddie trusts him, though, and if he really gets uncomfortable, he’ll move or reposition.  But in the meantime, he waits. That sinking, sweet headspace comes back rolling back from the edges to encapture Eddie’s mind once more, a welcomed feeling he eagerly accepts. He relaxes again into his own body, tension slowly loosening from his muscles as he allows his mind to drift once more.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Something in him purrs hungrily, padding around in circles with an aching, eager desire. There’s a mountain of potential of untapped unknowns waiting just at the edge of his fingertips, and Buck- In a clearer mind, not overtaken by adrenaline and very impulsive choices, Buck might panic, let worry sink its claws into him, and listen to the voice that tells him this is a bad idea. Granted, there’s still a whispering of it there, but something else very much still lies there awaiting. A more powerful need, a more prevalent craving. Eddie lies there, skin flushed and covered in a thin sheen of sweat. His eyes half-lidded and pleasure-filled, blown out and still so desperate for more. Fuck, and Buck hasn’t even gotten inside of him yet. That thing so wild and primal inside of him preens at the haphazard thought. Buck’s cock throbs in his shorts, sending a shock down Buck’s spine as it brushes up along the front of Eddie’s own wet and soiled underwear.  Eddie gasps at the sensation, his entire body flinching at the contact.

🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮

Eddie’s ass is now coated in this gorgeous pink color, skin heated beneath Buck’s touch. It’s just not fair someone can be this attractive all the time. But hey, on the bright side, when you have a boyfriend that is as humble as Eddie about his looks, Buck is more than happy to be the one to constantly remind said aforementioned stunning boyfriend just how fucking hot he is. Buck smiles to himself as his hands slip further back up, enjoying the small little sounds that slip past Eddie as Buck gropes the tender flesh of his ass. Thank fucking god they don’t have work tomorrow.

🌲🌲🌲🌲

Eddie looks down at the papers all nicely stacked and signed in his lap, realizing a bit more what the weight of the words printed on them really means now. Something vague in its presence and definition settles across Eddie’s shoulders- an odd mix of uncertainty but also anticipation curling in his veins. “Three months of complete isolation,” Eddie sighs, a half-joking tone present between his words. “Not entirely,” Bobby says, and Eddie shoots his head up curiously, catching the slight smile in Bobby’s voice that did definitely not go unnoticed.

[cringecannon]

Post Tadpole'd Durge seems to brighten up so much after meeting this stranger (IE, remeeting their little assassin) and gets the gang to make them join the party by implying they help Durge's memory. Surely it's the least that can do to aid the Grove's savior! It's okay if there's not enough tents, they can share :)

The amnesia appeared real. They almost seemed sheepish. I don't mean to intrude, they'd said politely. Do I know you?

Know you? Bile rises in your throat as memories flash through your mind. They know you better than anyone. The taste of your flesh, your blood, the way your skin splits under their blade. Every scar, every mark, every pathetic, traumatic noise that could be drawn from your suffering.

You hadn't even noticed that your eyes had glazed over until they managed to catch your attention again. Concern is a strange look on them. You smile when they ask if you're alright. It's strained, forced. Too wide. You apologize. Once, yes. You knew them once. Acquaintances, nothing more. Their pale companion scrutinizes you behind them. You pray your nerves won't betray you.

The lie works. Their sudden look of excitement sends a bolt of fear through your spine. You are a godssend, they gush. Finally, someone who can shed some light on their situation. You'll be at the party, yes? You can talk more at camp.

With the Grove saved, you find yourself in an unfavorable position. You refused to go back to the city with the tieflings. Regardless, now that they knew where you were you couldn't stay here with the druids. You can't risk them looking for you, and if you don't show to the party odds are someone will see which direction you went and rat you out.

So you show. You stay to yourself, making polite conversation until the time is right. The festivities make a decent enough cover, but you feel eyes on you wherever you go. Multiple times you have to remind yourself to breathe and calm your nerves. When everyone is distracted, you'll make your move. You'll run into the woods, and run until they'll never be able to find you again.

That was the plan, anyway. You creep through the darkness, all too aware of an echo to your footsteps that should not be there. You anticipate the ambush and swing around, the point of your dagger pressed to the lean neck of their pale companion. Red eyes narrow dangerously, his own weapon pointed at your stomach. It's rude to leave without so much as a goodbye, he purrs. You don't humor the man with a response, instead giving him a warning. Leave now, and he can walk back into his camp with all his entrails still on the inside.

He moves closer, and you take a step back. There's a gleam of malice in his eye as he sneers. All bark and no bite. What do they see in you? You falter, gritting your teeth as your hands start to shake. He wastes no time and pounces on the opportunity. A cold hand finds your wrist, pulling your blade away from his vitals. The elf leans in close, eyes boring into yours as he makes a proposition.

You can leave. Run into the woods, try your luck. Hells, you could even kill him while you're at it. No witnesses. They will find you though. He doubts they'd be very pleased to find one of their allies dead.

On the other hand, you could come back to camp and he'd be more than happy to pretend this little incident never happened. Water under the bridge. He doesn't understand how yet, but clearly they think you may be useful. You may be able to shed some light on this situation, and he'll be damned if he lets such a pretty little opportunity go to waste. To him, the choice is obvious.

On the walk back to the party, you feel sick. Their face lights up when they lock eyes with you. The elf squeezes your wrist, thin fingers digging into your skin. The message is clear. Be good, play along. He stalks back to his tent and you glower at his back as your master leads you somewhere to talk. They've thought about this all day. They just can't wait to catch up.

[cptn-m]

One Piece chapter 1139 review and analysis

It's definitely not the blockbuster that the last two chapters were, but the rollercoaster had to peak somewhere, and I don't think there's many who'd complain about getting a Scopper Gaban reveal. Even with a shorter pagecount and break week to really make things feel like old times.

I'm on record somewhere on the internet saying I didn't see where the fanbase's obsession with Scopper Gaban comes from. Like yeah, any member of the Roger Pirates who shows up is automatically going to be a big deal, but a lot of the discussions on the topic treated the character like he has some kind of established personality and role to fill despite his having maybe two or three lines in total. Yes, he was most likely, being one of the few recognisable in Buggy's flashback from way back when, but the material before now was thin enough that you could elevate any member of the crew. But it's Scopper! And now that he's here he can start being built into an actual character.

The early pages put a big spotlight on the summoning circle, but they don't really tell us much we didn't already know. Rodo's never been in the castle, so he couldn't say if it predates the current day or not (although Scopper implies he's been through here before and doesn't make any remark on it). There's no debris on top of it, but I'd say it's fairly likely the plumes of smoke and fire we see when they activate could push obstructions aside to let the user through. Or it's just an aesthetic choice from Oda to ensure the design sticks out. All of the Elders' circles remained totally clear despite Egghead Island literally falling apart around them. We'll have to keep waiting for any real info on how these things work.

My first impression of Scopper is that he seems fun. A little similar to Rayleigh, but I can live with that. The flying axe that precedes him is proportioned to Rodo, not the humans, and he easily picks up the giant-scale key at the end of the chapter, so I'm wondering if he'll have a fighting style centred around oversize weapons. The training regiment could involve using a giant's weapon until you can swing it as easily as you would a human one. The scar on his head is certainly an attention grabber - and we know from that cover story that he's known to leave Elbaph and travel the seas, so it's feeling pretty reasonable this is the burn scar man with the last Poneglyph. And as exciting as that is, it substantially raises the odds that Elbaph is the last regular arc before things get very final war-y. I didn't mind the idea of one final voyage to track down the last piece of the map, but I'm sure it's all part of the plan.

Scopper drops some interesting lore as well. Mainly that Buccaneers are a mixed blood race. But of what? Partly human, obviously, but aside from being fairly bulky and tough they don't have physical characteristics to align them with anything we've seen so far. Sticking a pin in that.

Also it's interesting that Collun seemingly got the full giant lifespan. That must make a very interesting father-son dynamic. I wonder if Luffy'll try telling him to step up because he's older than he is later on. And on the topic of family dynamics, it threw me for a loop that Rodo calls Scopper Ripley's husband and he talks about marrying a giant like he's done it, rather than it being something he would or wouldn't do. I had to look back a few chapters to double check Ripley identifying herself as his "common law wife." And I understand that term, I do, but we use a different phrase for that kind of partnership where I live, and the people under it wouldn't describe themselves directly as husband and wife like that.

I'm not expecting much more than a skirmish from Luffy fighting Scopper over the key, just enough to prove he's on the level and get Scopper to internally make the obvious comparisons to Roger and Rayleigh, and maybe identify a final area of weakness or absent technique to mentor Luffy through. Still, that should be pretty damn exciting just on its own, even if it's only a chapter. What's the bet the arrival of the third Holy Knight interrupts the bout though?

It's crazy to think we're only reaching the halfway point of volume 112 in this chapter. That book is going to end up being one of the most absolutely stacked tones in the whole series even if nothing else happens for the next five chapters (which I seriously doubt). And there's almost no one important to these chapters you could put on the cover without someone crying foul about spoilers. But the possibilities there make good thought fodder as we go into the break.

[gossipsnake]

TIMING: April 19, 2024, immediately before this LOCATION: Airport / Airplane PARTIES: Anita (@gossipsnake), Metzli (@muertarte), & Xóchitl (@vanishingreyes) SUMMARY: Anita, Metzli and Xóchitl make their way to Ireland!

Despite having very little context for why this impromptu trip was occurring, Anita was quite excited to head off to Ireland - not just because of the vague promise of seeing Siobhan naked.  Life had been so hectic over the past few months and she had begun to question the choices she made that had led her to this town, and all of the complications that came with living in Wicked’s Rest. A trip, a chance of scenery and pace, felt like exactly what she needed to refresh. So while it seemed odd when Siobhan had invited her to go visit her hometown but the inherent curiosity to learn more about her strange and beautiful co-worker was really all she needed to say yes. The fact that Xóchitl and Metzli had also been invited was really just icing on the cake. 

The semester was nearing its end and Anita had been able to cash in a few favors from the other professors in her program to cover her classes while she’d be away. She had packed nearly twice as many bags as Metzli, not wanting to be in a situation where she didn’t have the perfect outfit for whatever activities they might be partaking in. It took a bit of rearranging, but there had still been plenty of room in the car to accommodate Xó’s bags. After all, it made more sense to carpool to the airport. 

Knowing that Metzli was feeling a bit uneasy about the idea of going on an airplane, Anita had set the radio to their favorite station for the drive to the airport - turned off. “Have either of you looked up the area where we’re going to much? Seems like more country than city living. Pretty sure the whole state of Maine is bigger than the whole country, though, so I’m sure we’ll have time to see a bit of everything if we want.” 

_ 

“There are going to be too many people.” Metzli rocked idly in the back, grumbling half to themself and half to their companions in the front. Normally they’d have taken the passenger seat, but given they were leaving during the day, the best protection from the sun that they had would be in the back, where the windows had been tinted perfectly for them. They were grateful for that, finding so much relief in the way Anita had been so accommodating. She even went as far as to keep the noise to a minimum, further adding to the comfort they were experiencing. 

It felt important and necessary. Not just because Metzli needed it, but because Xóchitl still didn’t know their true nature. There were enough variables to keep the vampire from relaxing, but because Anita knew them so well, they were rolling their wrists contentedly and sipping on a bag of blood as if it were a capri-sun. Another of Anita’s accommodations. She insisted on the sunglasses too, and Metzli agreed so they could hide their eyes. Though, something told them it gave her some sort of amusement. Probably the snort and a laugh she released. That had to be a clue. 

“How much longer?” They grumbled again, taking a sippy break. “I have been too anxious about flying in this metal bird to do Googling on Ireland. It is not natural to be in the sky in metal.” A shiver raked up their spine and they groaned into a sulk, continuing to sip to alleviate their irritation. 

_ 

She knew that she could use some spontaneity in her life. Not that Xóchitl had been non-spontaneous recently, but still. Going on a trip to Ireland was something she hadn’t done before. Anita and Metzli were coming too, which only added to the fun. She’d immediately agreed when Anita had suggested carpooling, because that just meant less unnecessary complexity. Emilio had agreed to watch over Esperanza, so there was that taken care of, even though Xóchitl would’ve liked to take her, and even though that would’ve helped quell any sort of anxiety she had, Esperanza was better off with Emilio and Teddy and Perro.

“We’re here for you, Metzli. Just concentrate on that.” She offered them a small smile from the front seat. “You can wear headphones on the plane, and you’ll be safe.” Xóchitl knew that she couldn’t technically guarantee that, but even just mentioning it had to be some sort of helpful. Hopefully.

“Yeah,” she nodded at Anita. “I looked it up a tiny bit because I like research, what can I say? But it’s more country-like, but we should go to a city sometime if we get the chance. I just want to see an authentic Irish sheep. Which sounds silly, perhaps, but you’ve got to appreciate the little things. Plus I want to try Bailey’s Irish Creme and also whatever other classic alcohols are there.” Another turn back to Metzli, “it’s wild and not natural, yeah, but it’s also a miracle, according to some. I know it’s how Mama and Manman went to México and also Haiti, and it was more efficient than driving or taking a boat. Besides, I brought snacks.” She tapped her bag. 

_ 

“We’re close. Not much further to the parking area,” Anita reassured Metzli. There were a lot of things that she wanted to say to Metzli, both to poke a bit of fun at them and to try and calm them further. After all, people always said normalcy helped calm people when they were anxious about a new experience, and normalcy for them was Anita poking fun. But she’d have to be careful, not just in the car but for the duration of the trip, with what she said around Xóchitl. Especially since Xó would still be able to understand her if she switched to speaking in Spanish. By this point, having known her for some time, Anita was fairly certain she was as human as humans came. A shame, really, but the reality of the situation. Not only was she exceptionally human but she was unaware of the fact that she was sitting in a car with two fanged beings. 

“It’s not natural to be in a metal carriage driving around but you do that. You’ll see, the plane isn’t anything to be scared about.” Anita did not want to be dismissive about their concerns but she also wanted to show them that this was a normal thing to be doing. “I definitely want to check out some of the city life,” she agreed, turning her attention to Xó, “not sure they’re well known for tequila but I suppose the trip would warrant a departure from my drink of choice to test out these whiskeys they are supposed to be famous for.” 

As they passed a sign noting that the airport was only a few more miles away, Anita relayed the information to Metzli in the back seat. “I’m also excited about exploring the countryside too, though. I don’t think they have a particularly diverse ecosystem but I’m interested to see what kind of insects might be around where we’ll be staying. Wouldn’t that be fun, Met? Going on some nature hikes. We could go at night, too, to get a sense of what kind of nocturnal creepy crawlies they’ve got.” 

_ 

“Yes, but the metal carriage is closer to the ground and is not in the sky!” Metzli softly exclaimed, not really going into a true yell. They knew better than to raise their voice at their friends, especially when they’d done nothing wrong. It was just the anxiety and overall change in routine that put their mood on edge. They sulked, their head sinking in embarrassment. “I am sorry. I will not yell again. New things is hard.” With that clarity and awareness, Metzli clung to it and began to rock themself in their seat, counting up to eight before repeating themself. It was their safe number, and each one leading up to it would get them through the new experience. 

Two of which were sitting up in front, while a few remained at home and a few others resided in Ireland. For now. 

“I appreciate both of you. Almost forget about my phonies.” With another deep breath and a pat to their bag, the bristling at the back of Metzli’s neck began to settle, and taking a final gulp from their pouch relaxed them completely. “Crawlies are good. Will you help me take pictures on my phone? I want to have memories to show Leila.” They paused, thinking of all the things their partner had recommended they do on their first trip outside of home. “She say I should also take photos of myself. Maybe we can do this with the whiskey.” Their head tilted curiously as they searched through their memories with their roommate. “Have I had this, Anita?” If they had, Metzli couldn’t recall it. Then again, they rarely asked questions when Anita put a drink in their hand. 

“Are we there yet?”

_ 

“You don’t have to say sorry, and that wasn’t yelling, promise.” She still felt a need to reassure Metzli at every turn, to make sure, perhaps, that they didn’t retreat into themself again, like they had when they’d first met. But right now wasn't the time to focus on things like that – on things that could be seen as a bad omen, or anything else. Not that Xóchitl was going to voice that particular train of thought right now (or ever, but right now seemed especially necessary).

“New things are very hard, and sometimes a lot of shit. But we’re here, and so it’ll be good.” Xóchitl would’ve winced at how falsely optimistic she sounded, because it wasn’t who she was (not really, though she supposed she was more of a cheerful person than she ever would’ve admitted, which, ick. Maybe.)

Still, she wanted to be there for Anita and Metzli even if she didn’t understand exactly why she was going to Ireland, but a trip wouldn’t be bad, right? It was even something that she’d wanted to do, and since Emilio hadn’t taken her up on her offer to go traveling.

“We’ll take lots of pictures, happy to help you, and to take some of you and for you too. My… boyfriend probably wants photos too.” Xóchitl rolled her shoulders back. “We’re not there yet, but we’ll make it work. Okay? That’s a promise.”

_ 

It wasn’t long after that Anita pulled her car into the long-term parking lot at the airport. They were a bit earlier than she would have been arriving for a flight by herself, but she didn’t want there to be any unexpected stresses that came up. “Okay, Aer Lingus is flying out of Terminal C. I already pre-paid for checked bags, so we just need to drop our stuff off at the main counter before going through security.” She took the keys out of the car after she parked, then looked back at Metzli, “People are going to be very dumb and annoying, okay? Just stand in between me and Xó so dumb people don’t bother you.” 

The airport was expectedly crowded, full of dumb people all pushing forward to get to their gate only to sit around for an hour before their flight even boarded. Anita had been through many airports before, but she knew that the experience was going to be a lot for Metzli, no matter how much she tried to prepare them. As they were loading their items up on the security belt, the woman behind Anita kept trying to push forward and shove her in the middle of their group. “What time is your flight?” She asked, somewhat innocuously to the woman after her second attempt to squeeze in. “It’s at 3,” the woman huffed back in response. 

Anita smirked, intentionally taking a long time to take off her shoes so Metzli and Xó could go through security ahead of her. “That’s fantastic. Sounds like you have plenty of time to calm your ass down, stop being a maldito pendejo, and still get to your flight with time to spare.” The group managed to get to their gate without incident, however, their journey was just getting started. 

_ 

Anita was perfect to have around when there were crowds involved. She had an intimidating energy that parted people to the side without her needing to speak. Although, she always did take the opportunity to impart a little vicious wisdom on some people. It made Metzli feel seen and taken care of, like they finally knew what family meant. What it felt like. 

They hardly minded the way the cool lights overhead buzzed and thrummed when they were required to take off the phonies for security. It felt pretty easy, for the most part. Their fake passport worked and Metzli had mentally prepared to manipulate the crew to let them through, but they were fortunate enough to not need that ability. Sometimes using it was inevitable, they knew that. It just felt better to not have the need to control people. They knew what it felt like to have everything taken. All too well, in fact.

“Thank you.” Quickly, Metzli took their bag and placed the phonies back on their head. Everything muffled instantly and a sense of calm surrounded them with warmth. “One…two…three…four…” Metzli counted quietly to themself, absentmindedly reaching for Anita’s hand once she stood next to them. Their thumb massaged the back of her hand, a pattern that kept in time with their counting. It kept them peaceful, from biting anything. Well, besides the inside of their cheek.

_ 

Anita had a good point about people being very dumb and annoying – there certainly seemed to be a higher concentration of that in airports. If she could help Metzli not have to deal with that as much, then that alone would be a win itself. Finding the gate wasn’t too bad either – and not that Xóchitl believed in good luck signs, not really (so much of her life would be different if those were real), but the three of them moving smoothly through the airport and finding their gate was seemingly seamless, and she’d take that win.

“Do either of you want drinks or snacks? I brought some, but figured we could always get more if we want. It’s overpriced but sometimes chips from airports taste even better than ones from the store.” Xóchitl shrugged. Thankfully, they’d be called in one of the first groups, if not the first group, which would undoubtedly make all of this easier. The sooner she could get a glass of wine, the better.

Without missing a beat after Metzli grabbed her hand, Anita reached over and linked her free arm in with Xóchitl’s as the group made their way to the gate. After finding the most secluded seating area possible near their gate, which was still not all that secluded, she pulled out her phone to see when their boarding time was. “Have you ever known me to say no to a drink?” She teased with a grin, “That’s one of the best parts about airports, if you ask me, there is almost always an open bar somewhere.” 

_ 

“They should be calling our group to board in less than thirty minutes.” Anita almost noted that was the expected time provided there were no unforeseen delays, given how often those seemed to happen during air travel. But it seemed like an unnecessary possibility to speak out into the universe. “If you two want to hold down the fort here, I’ll go get us all a round of mezcal?” It was a question mainly to Metzli, as Anita wasn’t sure if they would want a drink or not. She had packed a few travel sized bottles of blood for them since it wasn’t exactly a short flight, and was thrilled that they didn’t raise any suspicions going through security. Then she turned to Xó, with a warm smile, “And whatever flavor of deliciously overpriced chips your heart desires.” 

After getting everyone’s orders in, Anita went off to the nearest bar. Which was within spitting distance, practically. It didn’t take long for her to return with several overpriced libations, a few salty treats, and a few sweet ones. That was what humans did, wasn’t it? Bought way too many snacks for a trip that was undoubtedly going to provide them with some more snacks? 

_ 

There was no rejection Metzli’s part. In fact, when Anita let go and went on her search, they went on their own. A single round of mezcal wasn’t going to be enough for them and their dead body. They needed far more than most to feel any of alcohol’s influence, and so they found themself at the same bar Anita found. Only, they were across the way where she couldn’t see them. 

“Five tequilas in those little glasses.” They tapped the bar, “Please.” In a matter of seconds, they were placed in front of them, and they drank them in rapid succession. “And four more, please.” The bartender gave Metzli a look, and they stiffened. “They are for my friends.” A nod. “Here.” With four bills on the table, the bartender shrugged and gave Metzli what they requested on a platter. “Keep change. Goodbye.” They looked more than happy at the money, and without saying another word, the vampire rejoined their friends. 

“These are for me.” The platter was placed on the table with a light clack, and they realized three shots between two people was uneven. With a grumble, they sacrificed one of theirs so Anita and Xóchitl could each have two. “Better.” Metzli smiled awkwardly and downed their drinks. “And more better.” There was hardly a burn on the last swallow, but it was enough to make them shift in their seat. 

“Metzli Bernal, to the front desk.” 

Metzli stiffened and lit up, realizing they were about to board first after the arrangements Anita made for their peculiar needs. “I get to sit at the window.” They chuckled, disappearing with their things. 

_ 

Anita and Metzli both seemed immediately agreeable to the suggestion of alcohol, which, win. Not that Xóchitl had had any sort of real doubt about whether or not they’d agree, but it was still good. Maybe a drink (or a few) would get her brain back to actually working, rather than whatever nonsense was going on now. Lack of general eloquence, lack of understanding about just what on earth was going on. But she liked doing things without thinking about consequences, and doing things with friends was even more fun. It brought her back to college, and grad school, even. Not always in the best of ways (but that wasn’t the point right now, was it?), but now it could be in the best of ways. 

Or in the goodest of ways. Which wasn’t a word, but again, not the point.

While Anita and Metzli went off on their ways, Xóchitl took a swig of a cap of alcohol she’d somehow managed to get through TSA. Not that things like that were hard, not for her, though she figured some of that had to do with projecting an air of confidence. That much she was quite expert at. It wasn’t self-centered if it was true, right?

Soon enough, both of her friends returned, and both with a few drinks. “I’m buying us a round or three of something when we get there.” She grabbed one of the drinks and the bag of chips from Anita, offering the both of them a small shrug. Metzli was called to the front desk, and Xóchitl felt her stomach clench for a moment, wondering if they were going to get in some sort of trouble (though she was ready to tell off anybody who tried to fuck with Metzli), but it turned out that they’d gotten a window seat. “You’ll love that. You can see how the world looks from way up high.” She offered them a kind smile. “Also you can cozy against the side of the plane, which makes relaxing easier. At least that’s my personal feeling on it.”

_ 

Anita was always quite amused when Metzli managed to surprise her. And surprised she was to see them coming back with a small tray full of tequila shots at the same time that she was returning from her own supply run. It was like they had read her mind. “Here’s to Siobhan, for bringing us all together for this strange adventure.” Anita saluted in Spanish before taking her first shot of tequila. It wasn’t Casa Dragones, but it wasn’t half bad. “And here is to all of the great Irish liquor I’m sure we will discover.” She said as she raised up the second shot, finishing it off just as the attendants called for Metzli. 

If they were being called off to board that meant that the first class call wasn’t far behind. Sure enough, shortly after finishing up the rest of the drinks and reorganizing her bag a bit, the announcement rang out “We now welcome our passengers traveling in first class to board.” Anita grinned over at Xóchitl, “Vamos, mamacita.” 

First class on a transcontinental flight was truly a luxurious experience. Separated from the main cabin by a hallway not just a flimsy little shower curtain. Not that it was the status that Anita really cared about, though. Sure, that was nice, but it was the comforts and small luxuries that made the expense worthwhile. “Miss me?” She teased once they ruined with Metzli in the cabin. After stowing her bags, she slid into the aisle seat and let out a soft sigh of contentment before reaching over and pointing at the screen in front of Metzli’s seat. “This can show you an overview of our flight path, can play music or movies, or you can just turn it off.” Then she turned across the aisle where Xó’s seat was. “This whole thing was so last minute I forgot to even ask, how do you and Siobhan know each other?” 

It didn’t take long for the rest of the first class passengers to fill in and the attendant came around to offer everyone a complimentary glass of champagne, which Anita finished rather quickly. After all, she was on vacation. 

_ 

Being the first person on a flight was interesting, especially when you had only seen pictures of what the inside of a plane looked like. It was only slightly overwhelming, and Metzli was surprised to find that even at their height, their area was spacious. “Oh…” They sat down and looked through the tiny window, anxious to see how the wings would fly in the sky. There was so much to touch and see. Maybe a bit too much for their liking. But Metzli thought it better to wait until Anita arrived, which felt like forever. Though, that was likely the anxiety altering their perception.

“Not really.” They replied, legs bouncing anxiously. “Will they make me sit all the way back? I…I do not like how it feels.” Metzli’s posture was stiffer than usual as they strained to avoid the seat. They could feel themself blinking more than necessary as they battled with how the lights seemed to grow brighter and the amount of people shuffling in produced more noise. With a swallow, the ringing in their ears reached a head, and they took a breath to just barely catch what Anita was saying about the small screen in front of them. 

“Okay.” They nodded, swallowing once more as the flight attendant’s appearance startled them into focus. “Thank you.” Tentatively, Metzli took the plastic flute and held it firmly for a moment to gather their bearings before downing the champagne. Oh. It was the pointy liquid they didn’t like very much. They tried not to frown, to hide their discomfort and their cough, but with their leg advertising how they truly felt, it was almost impossible to get a word to not shake from their mouth. “I told you h-how we meet already. We-we had sex.”

_ 

She couldn’t help but throw a wink at Anita. It was all in good fun, and it was how the two of them worked after all, wasn’t it? She wanted to check on Metzli, anyhow, to make sure they’d done alright boarding and that nobody else who’d gotten on the plane already was giving them trouble. Which, thankfully, nobody seemed to be. Not that she’d expected anybody to be giving them a hard time, but it was another box ticked in the ‘things are going smoothly’ column. A column that Xóchitl realized she was likely relying on way too much. That didn’t mean she was going to stop. She relied on tequila too much sometimes, but she certainly hadn’t given that up (nor did she intend to).

“You can sit however you wish. The only rules planes have is about wearing your seatbelt, but everything else? You can take at your own pace.” She hoped that was comforting. She didn’t know if it was. Xóchitl didn’t consider herself a comforting person, but she also knew that there were quite a few people (maybe a handful, maybe less, maybe more) who might’ve disagreed with her on that.

Anita was now asking her how she and Siobhan knew each other, and Metzli had jumped in with an answer and so Xóchitl figured why not? “I also slept with her. Well, technically my neighbor tried to get us to hang out so she’d annoy me, but that didn’t happen. You and her work together, right?”

_ 

“I wasn’t asking you,” Anita clarified with only a slight twinge of annoyance, refusing to let her face show how that was amplified by Xóchitl’s response. Apparently Anita was the only one whom Sibohan thought she was too good to sleep with. Maybe this trip would change that. “Yes, we’re both professors. We also committed arson together once.” The comment slipped out, more of a jab to try and make herself feel a bit better since she doubted either of them had burned down a nightclub with Siobhan before. But then she remembered that Xóchitl was a human and that humans frowned on arson. “Kidding,” she added in with a bright grin and a laugh. 

Once all of the passengers were boarded, the attendants began their safety demonstrations. The bright lights, the loud crackling overhead announcements, and the annoying dinging bells that preceded them, it was all very apparent that it was overwhelming for Metzli. Sometimes Anita didn’t know where the line was between being helpful and being overbearing and never wanted to inadvertently make things worse. 

Anita reached down into the bag that was tucked underneath the seat in front of her and pulled out a small pouch that had a black-out eye mask, ear plugs, and some suspicious looking clearly homemade red “candies.” Whatever Metzli wanted to do with the materials was up to them. Not long after the safety demonstration ended, the plane started to taxi away from the gate and down the runway. The stiff air was mixed with sweat and people trying to mask that sweat with too much perfume. Anita adjusted herself more comfortably into the seat as the captain announced that they were about to begin their take-off. 

Within an instant the noise in the cabin nearly doubled as the jet engines prepared themselves to carry the aircraft up into the sky. Anita thought about offering her hand for Metzli to hold onto but immediately thought better of it, intentionally or not they could break every tiny bone with just one squeeze. The wheels began to turn and the plane took off down the runway, the rumble shaking and jostling everyone on board slightly. After a few moments of that, the plane lifted off the ground and there was that strange pressurized sensation that was only felt when one was in an active fight against the laws of gravity. She looked over at Metzli, knowing there wasn’t anything more than what she had already done to help them through these moments of discomfort. 

_ 

The plane rumbled and whirred, sending Metzli’s reflexes into attack mode. Even Anita’s attempts at being a good friend went missed as the sounds made their body tense. Muscle to muscle, from the shoulders and to their feet, everything flexed. With a swallow, a pitiful sound escaped Metzli’s throat and an even louder sound scraped on their right. 

Trembling, they rose their fist to find that the armrest had been twisted and bent away from its place. “Oh…oh no.” The plane jumped forward, jostling the armrest from Metzli’s grasp and sending it to the floor. They looked to Anita and then to the floor, and back to her again. Well, that was a problem for later, they thought, feeling the metal carriage ascending into the sky.

_ 

“Well, so long as you were both safe,” Xóchitl shrugged. Not that she especially approved of arson, but she also wasn’t about to fight Anita about it. It had already been done, and the cops sucked and so who exactly was she even going to report it to?

Besides, Metzli seemed to be more in trouble and the armrest of their chair disconnected from the rest of the chair, all of a sudden, and that was both confusing and not something Xóchitl could bring herself to focus on too much right then and there. “We’re here for you, okay?” She whispered across the aisle to Metzli, giving a nod to Anita. “We’ll be there before you know it.”

[damien-wolfram-art]

Different

   Hashirama stepped out from the warmth of his farmhouse into the harsh morning coldness of his winter garden. The freshly fallen snow crunched beneath his boots as he made his way over to his greenhouse. The windows were painted with steam from within. He rubbed his gloved hands together and exhaled eagerly, fogging up the window to the door. Earlier that week, he had spoken with an odd merchant to procure a new bonsai for his growing collection. Now that it was in his greenhouse, he was excited to see if it would overwinter well.

   He pushed in the door and felt the hot breath of the sauna-like conditions, steaming his olive face. His face brimmed with a large smile, despite the dew collecting on his eyebrows. On one of the many tables within, was the pot in question. At the very center, was a small sprout. “Oh! Nice!” He cheered, running over to greet the new addition. 

   “Well, aren’t you looking healthy this morning?” He began preemptively. It wasn’t until further inspection that he noticed small black fibers growing out of the ground around his little sprout. He suppressed a gasp. Could it really be mold? So early in the game?

   Hashirama wasn’t going to take any chances. He peeled off his gloves and rushed to find the mold killer that his brilliant younger brother, Tobirama, had gifted him with. In his haste, his hand brushed by a cardboard box and its edge cut surprisingly deep into his hand. He winced, but he was desperate to get back to his newest obsession, so he put healing himself off to the side. Instead, he grabbed the spray bottle and rushed to the little bonsai’s aid.

   A knock at the door stopped him in his tracks. 

   “Eldest brother?” Called a voice younger than Tobirama, it was his second youngest, Itama.

   “Yes? Come in, don’t catch cold!” Hashirama chastised. In his distraction, he didn’t notice a drop of blood leaving his hand to fall on the leaves of the tiny sprout.

   “You’re one to talk about well-being! You forgot breakfast again! Kawarama made some for all of us. C’mon before it gets cold! Your plants will still be here, I promise!”

   Defeated by his brother’s kindness, Hashirama had no choice but to join his two youngest siblings. “I will be right back,” he whispered to the bonsai and ran to catch up with Itama, leaving the mold killer behind.

   While the man with the green thumb was away, something began to stir in the soil. At first, it was a mere wriggle. Then, the soil shifted and the head of a small man emerged. At the top of his head was the little sprout surrounded by thick black locks of hair matted with dirt. His tiny dark eyes took in what felt to him the vast expanse of his greenhouse home.

   Hashirama did keep his promise though. Moments after the little man emerged, he returned still chewing on some breakfast. He nearly choked upon seeing what was in his newest pot. He had to force the food down as he scrambled to the table. “Hello there!” He greeted the timid looking dirt covered creature.

   “Hello there!” He echoed; his voice was strong, deep, and respectable though it felt pitched up to match his stature.

   Hashirama was stunned. “Y-you can talk?” He asked.

   “You can talk?”

   “Well, yes, I can talk and so can you it seems!” He burst into boisterous laughter. 

   “I can talk,” said the plant man, quickly picking up on Hashirama’s speech patterns and learning the basics of the language.

   “Yes yes! That’s amazing! So, what are you exactly?”

   The plant man furrowed his brow. “What am I?” He asked himself, rubbing his chin with his tiny hand. Suddenly, he perked up. The answer had come to him. “I am Madara!” He said proudly.

   Hashirama echoed him this time. His “R” was laughably hard compared to his plant friend. “Madara huh? You are quite different, aren’t you?”

   “No, I am Madara!” Madara corrected with passion.

   Hashirama was taken aback by the correction and chuckled. “Of course, Madara,” he began; his hard “R” remained, and Madara didn’t seem to mind this time. It seemed that his quarrel wasn’t with Hashirama’s pronunciation.  “but did you know you can be many things? You can also be different.”

   “Different?”

   “Yes, different.”

   “What’s different? Is it bad?”

   “Hm,” Hashirama leaned on the table and prodded at the sprout on Madara’s head with a knuckle. “Different isn’t bad. It means you’re special. I don’t have one of those on my head.”

   Madara leaned into the gentle stroking. “Ah I get it. I am Madara Aaand I am different!” He agreed affectionately. His smile matched the warmth of  Hashirama’s perfectly.

Part of a collaboration with @flawlessstriker

Here it is!

@hashimada-week

[doctorstrangereview]

0025: Strange Tales #133

Cover Date: June 1965 On-Sale Date: March 11, 1965

Doc gets some good cover real estate this month and is even first, occupying the left third. It's a Kirby original based on the story inside. Kirby's interpretation of Strange is improving, but still a little bit off. The other exciting thing is that there are not one, but two women on the cover! For a series that barely acknowledges the existence of women, we get two in major roles! We had to journey to another universe for this to happen. Yes, this is one of the side trips in this story arc.

Our splash page shows Doc's silhouette in white against an unknow background vaguely reminiscent of the dimension Mordo sent Doc's house back in issue #117. Moving back to Mordo, staying the Ancient One's pad rent free, he is talking with Dormammu on the floaty, smoky TV. Mordo believes he's destroyed Doc, by Dormie corrects him. "No, you idiot. He skedaddled outta there. Are you so stupid you couldn't sense it?" says Dormie. "You gotta charge me up so I can follow him," replies Mordo. "Are you still being a moron? There are infinite dimensions. We'll have to wait for him to show up again."

Nearby, Clea is apparently listening in on all this. Looks like Earth isn't the only place where magical beings can't be bothered with security. Clea frets for a bit, but has no ideas, and these panels just fill the rest of the page without moving the plot forward.

Back to Doc. He's turned into a big, black marble that is bursting through some very wet dimensional barriers on his journey. They do look very cool!

Eventually, Doc's spell runs out of steam and he winds up... somewhere. By an amazing coincidence, he reforms right near an important character to this story. The character is so important, neither Ditko, nor Lee bothered to name her. Stranger danger lady warns Doc to go back whence he came. She succinctly explains that her mad sister has stolen her throne and will kill any strangers. While Queen-in-exile remains nameless, her evil usurper, we discover, is named Shazana. While the two banter, one of Shazana's guards capture the two of them.

Doc is brought before her and attempts some friendliness. Shazana's having none of it! "My sister brought you here. Just a moment while I conjure a spell to kill the both of you!" Doc manages a counter-spell which alerts Shazana to the fact that he is also a magician. Shazana tries again and Doc fends it off but is too weak for anything else. "Maybe she'll think I'm always this useless" Doc thinks to himself. For some never explained reason, Shazana doesn't try again to kill them.

Shazana then realizes her sister is a weak little pain in her butt and send her to her room. Doc conjures a distraction to give him some time to rest and regain some strength. The distraction arrives in the form of a Shazana toady telling her she needs to accept tribute. "I'll be back, stranger, and then you'll see!" Shazana leaves. Doc is still to weak for just about everything, including going ghost, so he has no choice to wait as a weird creature looks in on him.

We have a brief interlude at the Ancient One's secret cave where Hamir, his retainer, is busy retaining him. The old dude continues to babble on about helping Doc. The keyword "Eternity" is absent this chapter.

Back across the infinite dimensions, Doc has encountered the weird little creature when he has an idea. "This odd little dude hangs around Shazana a lot. I'll bet it knows something," and proceeds to probe it's mind. I'm not sure if these creatures can give consent and therefore the morality of this action is unknown to me.

We get a nice, terse origin for Shazana. She enticed a magician to teach her magic, killed him and stole the throne. Her power all comes from a glowing globed hidden in the funky looking throne in the funky throne room.

Doc then sends an image of his all-purpose amulet's eye to the unnamed sister and tells her to meet him in the throne room.

More mystic TV! How awesome!

Doc and the nameless one wait for Shazana to finish banishing the tributaries for insufficient tribute. She heads out to taunt her captives and finds them gone. "Oh Crap! My magic globe!" She heads back, but Doc has used the time to start blasting the funky throne with his amulet. The throne fades away revealing the globe. Doc shatters it, making Shazana powerless. Unnamed lady reclaims her throne as her sister is driven mad. Doc heads back home. Best of luck Nameless Majesty, long may you reign.

It's silly and the plot isn't very original, but it's a nice diversion from the main arc. In many ways it's a traditional fairy tale. If we look at our women, the good girl is a blond while the evil one is a brunette. I don't know if that's intentional. They are dressed similarly with odd headgear. The deposed queen has an extra tress of hair sticking out the top of her head. Perhaps that denotes her higher rank. Shazana is dressed in green. I'm not sure if it's Ditko or the colorist, but they do like green for their villains. Onward!

[codradin]

It's been a long day for a lot of reasons, and a long couple weeks for every more reasons. Guess I decided to vent it all into my take on a creepy pasta.

TW: FIRE, DEATH IMAGERY

I've always loved pokemon. Course I have, it's a massive franchise. Probably will be one of the biggest in the world some day, even with only a few games out.

Smoldering Silver

I don't really remember a lot--it's never really been a bother, though. I just go to school, forget it, and come home to play pokemon. Nothing else really matters. It's almost nice--every playthrough is fresh.

I know I've played red and blue to heck and back--but I do own silver, too.

I've been meaning to play it. Maybe I have. Doesnt really matter.

I decide to pop it in the old Gameboy one school day, sitting in my dirty room on my bed. It's very warm out today, even inside, but what're you gonna do.

I turn it on, excited, faintly surprised to see no save file. Maybe I keep forgetting to play it. Whoops.

Oh well! New adventure starts now.

Professor Oak talks to me, tells me my name is Red, which is a little odd--isn't that the red and blue protagonist? Maybe they brought him back for a new adventure. That's fun. I liked Red.

I never liked Blue, though. He was always mean to red. I didn't get it. It made me scared.

Oak goes to release me on my journey, before the game seems to freeze, audio pausing.

Eh? Did the game freeze already? I know red and blue were kinda funky sometimes, but--

The Gameboy let's out a horrific scream, a human scream, and I jump as Oaks face seems to melt--

I panic turn off the Gameboy, heart racing. What the heck?-

I stare at the dead screen, confused and scared, but so unbearably curious at the same time. That's not normal, I know that.

I slowly turn the Gameboy back on.

No intro plays--the game boots up, and reds sprite is standing in a new town, a town I don't recognize, but that's not super surprising.

I amble up to the biggest house in town, a nice tune playing. There's a different sprite staring into the side of the building. Oh, like the guy outside my window! Okay.

I walk into the big building, and get to choose a pokemon! Exciting!

The choices are new and different, especially considering I've apparently never played this, so this'll be cool.

I've never liked fire types, though.

I go with Chikorita. Silly little guy.

I accidentally forget to name them, but when I go to examine my new friend, they already have a name.

Chrysanthemums? That's a big word I don't know. It's silly. I'll call her Chrys.

I walk outside the lab after being told something or other, I dunno, it doesn't really matter.

The man in the window is still there, and I look at his sprite a little more closely.

It's all monochrome, so colors are a little weird, but they seemed "tall", with a yellow hat and beige clothes, something covering their face, and in the low quality pixels, it's hard to tell what they're holding in their hands, but it's long and straight.

Huh. Thats a funny character design.

I take Chrys and go out onto the first route! I destroy some silly rats and birds, considering I have no pokeballs, but that's okay.

The first town I enter seems normal. I heal up, I talk to an old man, but his dialogue is kinda weird.

"I don't think they meant it to go this far."

What?

Man, my game is corrupted as heck, isn't it? I wonder what happened.

Oh, well, the battling seems to be working, so I quickly get distracted again. Away I go.

Up to the house I guess I was supposed to go to, woah, egg?? I have egg. Egg is exciting, and I guess the guy who gave me Chrys wants it. Cool!

I walk back to the second town-- no one is around. It's weird--I thought npcs had just been around? Eh. Memory probably is wrong again. Silly me.

I walk back to the first town. I haven't encountered any trainers yet. I wonder why.

I go to cross the line into the first town--

The game crashes.

Aw, cmon! I haven't saved. I debate just giving up right then and going back to my actually working games, but something urges me on.

I sigh and restart the game. Again. Man, this game is worse than the silly missingnos.

I load back in--oh, it...saved on its own? But wait, where am I?

I'm in a completely new town. What?

I check my pokemon--Chrys has, apparently, evolved, into a long necked flower dinosaur. It's almost giving me a sad look.

It's level 39.

What kinda memory black outs am I having? I was just...okay. this is weird.

The town is large, with a railway track running through the middle of it.

I must've gotten badges to get this far, right? I check my trainer card.

I have 3 badges, now. But my trainer doesn't look like Red...they're familiar, in a way. Long ish hair, a dirt smudged face, a strange look on their smiling face, hatless, almost vacant yet carefree.

Their name is Nina.

Huh. More corrupted cartridge nonsense, I guess.

All the npcs in town are wearing all black. It seems to be raining. None of them talk to me--I can't interact with them at all.

Okay. Uhm.

I walk north for a while, before walking through a transition tunnel.

It's a lovely park, and I think the music should be peaceful and soothing, but it's distorted into sadness, somber and...disturbing.

My skin prickles with uncomfortable goosebumps, and I continue forward.

There's a large gathering of npcs, all wearing the same black in the now pouring rain, the pixels blocking the screen solidly.

I walk up to them, but they don't move. They don't talk. They don't do...anything.

This is stupid. I just wanna play some pokemon. Why is it all creepy and sad?

I accidentally press forward--and can step through the npcs.

Oh, what? I'm the invisible man!

I walk forward to the two pixels their surrounding--a brown pixel and a grey one.

I can't move over the brown one, but I can interact with the grey pixel.

NINA GREY HAWKINS

DEC 7 1992

NOV 22 1999

I stare at the Gameboy picture of a gravestone.

A face stares back at me.

My face.

My tomb.

The heat gets worse and worse and I look up as the room fills with smoke and ash, I can hear screaming, at the window is a man with a strange protective helmet, a gas mask and heavy clothes, an axe shattering my window.

I scream, and he shouts something at me as the entire house rumbles.

I run to him--

--

I've always loved Pokemon.