#of course you can't expect anything from these men so let me just. vibe with the music

[kashilascorner]

You'll be listening to some metal band and suddenly boom anti-abortion song comes up

[joeys-babe]

Joey B Blurbs: Girls Night

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Summary: girls' night out with a couple of the other WAGs and you wear something that you'd usually never wear out. It was only ever worn in the confines of your and Joe’s bedroom just for him. He wasn't home when you left, but he sure was there when you got back.

(Part one to - Part 2)

Warnings: illusions to smut, jealous Joe

Pairing: Joe Burrow x reader

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*Off-season before the 2023-2024 season.*

(y/n’s pov)

“Wait so does Joe even know that you’re here, or did you tell him?” - Tianna

Today the other WAGs and I went out for some drinks as a way to have a big meet-up before our lives solely revolve around our men and football.

It was also a great way to include the girlfriends, fiances, and wives of players in their first season with the team.

After that was over me and Tianna decided to get drinks before heading home.

Tianna Robillard, new Bengals player Cody Ford’s girlfriend is one of the most recent women added to the crazy bunch of amazing women with Bengal boys.

Tianna was so sweet and emitted such great vibes.

“He knows I'm here yeah. He just wasn't there when I left… and doesn't know I'm wearing this little number.” - you

Tia looked over my body to take in the black lace bodysuit with black high-waisted bootie shorts.

“Emphasis on the little. You look really good though, it's super cute. Actually, mind sending me the link?” - Tianna

“Of course!” - you laughed

“Joe doesn't strike me as the type of guy to tell you what you can and can't wear.” - Tianna

“He isn't… but this one’s kinda special to him. He's the only person that's ever seen me in it and it's his favorite outfit that I own.” - you

“I'm sure there isn't anything to worry about, it's not like you're with some other guy while wearing it.” - Tianna

“Yeah, you're right…” - you

“Just chill. It'll be fine. Let's have some fun tonight, starting with me getting another drink...” - Tianna

I laughed at the moment and followed her to the bar, on our way there some whistles were sounded out and directed towards me. Turning around to see who the origin was I found myself asking are they even 21?

Flashing my bright, shiny, big, expensive diamond engagement ring, I was met with a few annoyed groans and one shrug.

“I love it when you do that.” - Tianna laughed

“I love doing it myself. I love Joe with my entire being, it feels nice to show it.” - you

She gave me a warm smile before we grabbed more drinks.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, stories, and getting to know each other a lot more.

It was thirty minutes till midnight when Tianna dropped me back off at home. I was expecting Joe to be asleep, so when I walked into the house with my heels in hand and he was sitting on the couch I was confused.

“What are you doing up?” - you smiled

“Waiting for you. I didn't know what shape you were in and wanted to make sure you got home and to sleep okay.” - Joe

“Thanks, babe.” - you

“No problem…” - Joe

He leaned back, stretching his back and long arms with a big yawn as I made my way into the kitchen.

I placed my purse and heels on the kitchen counter before shrugging my light jacket off.

“Hey can you throw me a bottle of water please?” - Joe

“Sure. Catch!” - you

Joe sat up and turned around in the direction towards the kitchen and put his hands up to catch the bottle.

As it left my hand and I chucked it, my outfit registered in Joe’s mind, instead of the bottle hitting Joe’s hands it hit him smack in the forehead.

“Oww!” - Joe grabbed his head

“Joe!” - you

I ran out of the kitchen and into the living room to where Joe was on the couch.

His face was scrunched up in pain as he held his forehead.

“I'm sorry, baby. You zoned out on me when I threw it. I didn't mean to hit you…” - you

“Yeah, no shit.” - Joe grumbled

His tone made me mentally wince and I backed away from him slightly. Joe immediately noticed the change of my body language and how the room felt more tense.

I sighed as I stood up, grabbed my stuff, and walked upstairs to our bedroom.

Not long after I changed into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, Joe went to open the door. I heard him cuss under his breath when he realized it was locked.

“Hey, baby? Can you open the door for me… please?” - Joe

His tone seemed slightly pleading, hoping he hadn't messed up too severely. Joe knew I hated it when someone was mad at me, and that I was a raging people-pleaser, so when someone acted slightly mad at me I shut down.

I slowly opened the door and Joe looked down at me with an apologetic look on face.

“Look… I didn't mean to come off like that. I know you didn't mean to hit me, it was my damn fault for zoning out and not catching it.” - Joe

I stared up at him as I chewed on my lower lip, Joe had worry written on his face hoping I wasn't mad at him.

“I'm sorry…” - Joe

“It's okay, I guess.” - you mumbled

“It's not okay, don't lie. I need to learn to stop being such a dick sometimes.” - Joe 

“You’re not a dick, Joey… I love you.” - you

Joe smiled slightly as he pulled me into a hug. His body was warm and his big hands running over my back caused goosebumps.

“I love you too, baby.” - Joe kissed your temple

“Can I ask you something?” - you pulled back and studied his expression

“Of course.” - Joe kissed your cheek

“What gave you the deer in headlights look before I threw the water?” - you

Joe chuckled as he pulled me into his chest, his arm looped around my waist to hold me into him tighter.

He pressed his lips just under my ear and his deep voice whispered into it.

“That black lace on you. You know it's my favorite.” - Joe

“Mmm… you know I love wearing it for you.” - you

“Did you change in the garage or something before walking in then?” - Joe smirked

“No…” - you nervously chuckled

“Oh, so you had something over top of it and took it off to surprise me?” - Joe

“No…” - you

My heart rate shot up when Joe cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brows at me, please don't get mad.

“You wore that out tonight?” - Joe

“Mhm… is there a problem with that?” - You

“No ma'am. I know you're mine, it's just that not every guy in Cincinnati knows that.” - Joe

“Don’t get jealous Joe. I got catcalled once and flashed this pretty ring in the prepubescent-looking guy’s face.” - you

I laid my left hand on Joe’s chest to point out the engagement ring on my ring finger, to which Joe smirked.

“So you did get hit on?” - Joe

“I can't control that, Joe.” - you sighed

“Oh, I know you can't. I’m fully aware of how fucking gorgeous my girl is. Right now I'm just feeling like I need to show you who you wear that shit for.” - Joe

All at once every pulse point in my body set off. God, he hasn't even done anything yet and I'm already turned on.

“Who do I wear it for?” - you

“Me and me only. You understand?” - Joe

“Maybe, but I think you should really drive the point home.” - you smirked

Joe’s big hands grabbed and squeezed at my hips immediately understanding what I was insinuating.

“Be a good girl and go put it back on for me. I'll be waiting out here.” - Joe

“Yes, sir.” - you grinned and bit your lower lip

His hands pulled me flush against him and his lips were rough on mine. Joe’s tongue was gently pushing against my lower lip, asking for entrance. When I parted my lips, his tongue was tangling with mine.

“Joey” - you moaned into the kiss

That's when he pulled away and with a harsh smack on my ass, he grinned down at me.

“Don’t keep me waiting too long.” - Joe

“Of course.” - you grinned and walked into the closet before pulling it out of the dirty clothes hamper.

Joe was going to show me exactly who’s I was.

————————————————————————-

Authors note: this ending sucked… part 2 of the real smut??

Request for this fic;

Hope you enjoyed! 💕

[mikuni14]

4 Minutes - Ep 1-2

I haven't had much free time to keep up with all the series lately, I was planning to catch up and influenced by @my-rose-tinted-glasses enthusiasm I decided to watch 4 Minutes first 😘

So, ok. I love it.

First of all, I'm writing this before diving into the 4 Minutes tag, so I have no idea about the most popular theories. I have a few of my own working theories, but I don't feel like writing about them right now hehe. I will write what I like tho!

very good execution, but it's BOC, so no surprises here

aesthetics, actors, everything is 💯💯

I really like the mystery, suspense, crime, ambiguity, confusion, slow discovery of new plots, a certain kind of darkness that already created the delicious vibe in DFF ✨ I also like the pleasure and satisfaction I feel as a viewer, when I see something that I suspect might happen, it happens and the series doesn't force the opposite, doing stupid, illogical or ooc things, just to shock and surprise me (looking at you GoT). For example, I knew that Title wasn't found dead in this field, and when it turned out that he was alive, it didn't take away my pleasure from guessing it in any way. I love it when a show lets viewers guess what's going to happen and respects their intelligence

no matter what universe, Jet plays a complete dick who is in conflict with Mio's character ✨

Mio, Mio, Mio, Mio!! 💖💖💖💖 I gasped when I saw him, I'm literally conditioned to love this guy. He's ruthless and uncompromising again, gosh, my heart 💖💖💖(fair warning: I'm going to be insufferable about him, so be prepared 🤡)

the sex scenes are as bold and high-quality as ever

traditionally for BOC we have a juxtaposition of rich and poor, corruption, tragic choices caused by poverty, exploitation, overworking, fulfilling the expectations of ruthless parents, wealth as well as poverty being the source of crime

Bible plays a poor rich boy, which I really like. I also like his pairing, which wasn't at all predictable and obvious, because I'm probably the only person in the world who can't stand his pairing in KP (please don't hate me)

luckily Bible is a Cat Person and it shows, because he uses a Special Voice to talk to the kitty. The cat is relaxed, which is an exception in BL series 😑 (isn't that his cat? they seemed close 🥺)

of course I must comment on the BL in the BL series. So… yes! It's good! Bible as Great is wonderful but then again I didn't expect anything else from him. Tbh I was worried about what his partner would be like, whom I didn't know. Jes turned out to be sensational, first of all you can see his experience, he's 32 years old (!), as Tyme he's an absolutely captivating mix of an intimidating professional at work and adorable baka when he's just some dude liking a guy 😄 I really liked how the series is serious for the whole 1st episode, most of the 2nd and then suddenly there's a scene of Tyme smoothing out his feathers in a peacock mode, emphasizing his figure and shapely butt to look nice for his crush, it was so funny and cute. Also when he awkwardly tried to flirt with Great, the faces he made when he realized how clumsy he was lmao. I love the kind of men in BL shows who are strong and masculine but who turn into fluffy, awkward teddy bears 🐻 in the presence of their loved ones. When I saw Tyme in ep1 I thought he was going to be a stereotypical seme and I'm so glad the show lets him be a normal person.

It's interesting that Great gets a second chance every time he does something wrong 🤔 And I wonder why he sees a future with Tyme? This kind of future? Hm.

Overall I love 4 Minutes, I'm officially hooked. It's very interesting, intriguing and spicy, there are a lot of plots that are starting to overlap and connect, the series has actors that I like (some I even like a lot! just seeing Mio and hearing Bible speak English accounts for like 74% of my enjoyment lol), it's not afraid of controversial topics, the series doesn't treat viewers like children, the execution is at a very high level, Jes and JJay show infatuation at first sight in a very convincing way, the romances started very interestingly and I've watched the Tyme/Great scenes a few times already.

That means 3 series to obsess over in a week! Lucky me! ✌

(I might edit this post by adding some gifs later)

[murdermepeacefully]

Brahms Heelshire Headcanons

Honestly I'm not sure why it took me so long to do Brahms, given I've been writing him since mid 2022. But I've been really vibing Slasher Headcanon posts lately, and today, it's his turn!

As always, these are of course my own personal opinion, but feel free to reblog, add onto them, ask questions about them, or add them to the ones you accept yourself! I absolutely love hearing from others on their thoughts.

.♡♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡♡.

Headcanons from the Movie:

The Greta doll [Or the Nanny doll, for fics or content where the nanny is an OC or the reader] was never intended as anything dark/kinky/etc. It was simply Brahms mirroring how he'd seen affection shown towards him. I went into this in more detail on this post, if you're interested.

While he doesn't have the ability/time to do things like take care of his hair or shave, he does shower when the nanny is outside doing the rat traps.

When he can risk it, he'll sneak his clothes in with the laundry, but that became more difficult once his parents left. He's sometimes able to manage it by putting a few things in with sheets/blankets, but more often than not he'll simply use the clothes his dad left behind when he needs something clean to wear.

Def a clingy boy. Likes being able to have some form of physical contact with his partner, or at least be able to see/hear them if he can't do that.

Sometimes doesn't understand things that one would expect an adult to know, simply because his parents didn't teach him. The best way to address moments like this is to correct any mistakes gently, and teach him what he needs to know. [This does not mean to treat him like a child, just be patient and don't use a judgmental tone.

Occasionally has trouble processing emotions, especially negative ones, due to his father having a 'men don't cry' mindset.

Headcanons from Fanfic or Fandom Interactions:

Once he's ready to do so, he's okay with being seen without his mask. Respecting the boundary of letting him decide when that happens is a great way to show you care/trust/love him.

Definitely nervous about leaving the property, but he can manage if he's not alone at first. Once he's been out with someone he trusts enough to adjust to things like the crowds, levels of noise, and the environments, he's ok with splitting up for short periods of time.

When he goes out, he wears a cloth mask to cover the lower half of his face, so that the scarring will draw less attention.

Random Headcanons:

He's 100% the big spoon, regardless of a partner's size. While he does enjoy being held, he prefers to do so when he's holding his partner at the same time.

Really loves having his hair played with, especially if combined with kisses or cuddles.

Dog person [Cats are too aloof, and he enjoys the energy dogs can have. They're also a good way to get him going outside in the fresh air again]

18+ Headcanons🌶️🔞:

Spicy Headcanons:

This man does not know his own strength, so do not be surprised at all if you have bruises in the shape of his hands.

Definitely a switch, because he can enjoy both being the one in control and the one being controlled.

Age Regression Headcanons: NOTE: I am not intending to say that age regression on it's own is spicy or kink. However, I feel it best to keep it under the 18+ cut.

One of his favorite modern children's shows is Bluey. This is partially due to the characters being dogs, partially because of the parenting dynamics shown, and partially because there are heavier/more adult topics addressed in a way that's easy to process/understand.

To add onto the above, if a nanny/partner sees him upset and prompts 'Checklist', he will recite off Chilli's checklist from the episode The Show, while allowing himself to do the items on it. It started as a way to help him address his emotions in a healthy way, but soon became something that helps both him and his nanny/partner, as he can do the same thing with them.

The checklist is as follows: ✓ Have a Cry ✓ Pick Myself Off ✓ Dust Myself Off ✓And keep going.

Likes doing coloring pages or other simple crafts, and will often proudly present his partner with the end result.

Loves it when they put it on the fridge where it can be on display.

They turn his childhood room into a 'Littlespace' room for him to go to whenever he like. This means painting the walls a soft, comforting color, putting soft rugs on the floor, adding prism window clings to the window to cast rainbows all about the room, a permanent pillow fort, and a TV with a DVD player and VHS player on a wheeled table that can be moved anywhere in the room, with a bookshelf full of movies from their childhood, as well as more modern ones.

One of their shared favorites is Quest For Camelot.

[makuzume]

Genshin Men Texting Their s/o Headcannons (Part 2)

Characters: Alhaitam, Zhongli, Cyno, Thoma, Lyney

Content: Gn! Reader; Genshin AU; established relationship

[Masterlist] [Part 1]

💚Alhaitam💚

Surprisingly, he's not as cold and distant as how he's often made out to be. In texts, his feelings and exact thoughts (positive or negative) are always expressed clearly and straightforward. 'I surprisingly found it really fun, we can go back again next time' or 'it could've been better, but I honestly didn't mind. We can try somewhere else you like next time' Still, he's not much of a texter in general, so he doesn't message much, though he always replies with his full attention when you send him a text.

His replies always come to you within just a few minutes: not too quick to respond but not long too either, just the right amount of time.

Alhaitam isn't one to talk much about his day in texts, he's just not much of a fan of texting in general and he mostly focuses on work during his office hours.

He most definitely prefers to talk in person once he comes home to you, so he can see/hear you express your thoughts better and more efficiently. Though if he can't see you that night, he would still let you know about his day through texts after work or, preferably, a call.

If you send him some video links you'd have to wait by the end of the day/during his break before he goes back to it. Alhaitam would prefer to view the things you send him when he's in his 'relaxed mode'. He also takes mental notes on the things you send as a reference to understanding more about the things you like or things you'd find interesting.

Though, he might get a bit overwhelmed if you send your entire feed of 100 links a day, so make sure to not send too many at a time.

Alhaitam can easily pick up on your texting patterns and know when you're feeling down. He'll ask about what's wrong right away 'is there something wrong? It seems like your mood's a little down. You can tell me, what's been bothering you?' though if you just say 'it's nothing' after he kept asking, he'll just say 'okay, I'll see you later when I get home then.' But then he'll find the time to leave work early to take you to your favorite food place, saying that it's because he didn't want you to have an upset feeling before you sleep.

🧡Zhongli🧡

He texts in the exact same way on how you would expect him to speak in person: refined but friendly. Though, when it comes to you, of course there would be a touch of sweetness to his tone when he messages you. (only you) Actually a bit of a boomer in texting.

Though there's nothing special that he specifically does to his messages, there just seems to always be this delightful tone when you read his texts. You don't know how to describe it, it's just his overall vibe.

He absolutely enjoys reading your messages as you endlessly babble about practically anything. Zhongli would definitely find anything you do to be endearing.

Though if you're less on the chatty side, don't worry, Zhongli can definitely pack up endless stories for you. Ranging from mundane events to grand, historical ones- Zhongli would know which ones you would definitely find interesting. (And would know the right amount to share which wouldn't feel too intimidating or overwhelming for you)

Typically replies quickly since he's taking it easy in the retired life, now only working as a simple consultant. (He has all day)

If you send him links to videos, memes, and articles, he would be very much excited to engage a conversation with the things you sent him. It doesn't matter how much you send, Zhongli would find them very interesting and enthusiastically respond with his thoughts on every single one of it. 'A picnic by the lake sounds like a splendid idea indeed, my dearest. I'll prepare the necessary arrangements needed for a trip to the mountains. And you needn't worry about the snacks, my expertise don't just simply lie within understanding history and antiques.' Afterall, these are things that describe you and your interests.

💜Cyno💜

Only one way to describe this man: a millenial dad with broken humor. He will text with you a lot of his dad jokes, and sometimes, he takes it so far as to planning exactly when he'll send you that text.

His texts look dry and serious, but don't get him wrong, he absolutely loves it when you text him, you're his favorite person to talk and listen to. He is just naturally monotone-sounding. He's actually not even serious at all. (More unserious than any of these men)

Random texting about things he's up to, gossip, or random facts he learned about practically anything. (Similar to Itto but a different flavor)

Might use emojis every now and then but they don't match his statement. It's amusing to read though, as it sort of matches the spontaneous personality he has under that serious facade 'im hungry and craving tacos so much that i will resort to eating my own hand by 1pm🦧'

When it comes to explaining some lore from a series or mechanics about a game (basically anything he could geek about) expect the longest paragraphs you'll ever recieve from anyone, ever. I'm talking about an in-depth thesis essay about why his deck of Sucrose, Mona, and Jean are the best for his TCG tournament and how he will use them during battle- all sent into a single message. (It took him an hour to reply because of this)

Easily picks up if you're not in high spirits and instantly gives you all of his attention and concern. Will ask how you feel and comfort you, asking what he can do to help make you feel better.

When this happens, he will be texting you the entire time, listening to you and comforting you as you talk, but then all of a sudden you get a random reply from him 'you locked your door. I mean thats a good thing that you do but can you please open it. Its raining really hard right now im soaked.' You open the door to see him drenched with a straight face on, holding a plastic bag 'I got you some chips'

He sends you memes a lot. His instict is to immediately send you anything he finds remotely funny.

In random times of the day, you'll get an out of context message that confuses you, only to realize it was actually a joke.

'Where are you?'

'I'm at home, why?'

'Theres a poster of you here and i thought someone reported you missing'

'Huh?? I'm not? I'm where you last saw me. What poster??

*sends you his low quality drawing*

'I'm blocking you.'

'You get it? Its hillarious right? You see i purposefully held back from explaining my first statement right away so that it would leave you in a state of confusion. Then after that i further timed to-'

❤️Thoma❤️

Absolutely expressive in texts. Definitely screaming golden retriever vibes. Even calls you all sorts of cute pet names. The sweetest cutie-patotie.

He often uses emojis, exclamation marks, stickers, and even loves customizing your nicknames and chat backgrounds.

Loves to type verbal expressions like 'awww' 'hehe' 'huhu'. Definitely expressive in how he feels.

Always a man of reassurance and feeding you with constant words of affirmation about his affection and appreciation towards you. And it's not just hollow words, he expresses them through his actions too.

Thoma bookmarks everything you send to him and will think it would be a good idea to do for the future. (For your birthday, christmas, monthsary, or any special ocassion) and he actually keeps everything you mentioned you like or mention in his notes app (he doesn't let you take a peep at it, but you just know it's more organized than anything in your drawer)

The type to always be ready to send you a long, sweet message at 12:00 AM when it's a special date for you/the both of you.

Always asks how you're doing and checking in on your well-being. The sweetest boy to have ever existed.

Eventually develops the same texting pattern and humor as you overtime. Especially based on the memes and other things you send him.

Will ask you where you are every now and then before lunch time saying: 'Hey love, where are you right now? I brought you some lunch, i hope I'm not late, am I?? You haven't gone out to eat yet? Huhu. I cooked you a bento meal filled with your favoritess~😊❤️'

❤️Lyney❤️

Always cheerful and enthusiastic. He definitely always has a bit of a flirty tone when he texts you, hoping to make you smile and giddy because of him.

Even though he often uses his charismatic facade to charm everybody (since it's common for a magician), you know his flirtatious tone towards you is Lyney actually being flirty with you. Genuinely. He loves being all romantic with you.

Often talks about his siblings either like a proud or concerned father. (They are practically the same age)

Likes to send you some tricks that can be done through the phone/over a call since he can't perform new magic tricks for you in person, that time.

Lyney loves showing off his charm to woo you, it makes him feel happy to know if his efforts to make you giddy are successful, so please acknowledge it, and don't tell him it's not working or it's cringe through texts (it's harder for him to read your tone and expression), it'll make him really embarassed and lose his confidence, might make the poor thing a tiny bit insecure.

Once you mention you're feeling down or if you encounter a problem, he'd immeditely turn into concern and drop everything he's doing, only being able to think about you and how to help you. Though he tries not to show it, his concern for you grows big enough as if it became even his problem. (Sometimes it ended up that Lyney became the one who was more worried). He just grew up having to strongly care about his family, and to him, you are like family too (a partner sort of family)

'Where are you right now?? Do you still feel a bit upset??'

'Don't worry, I'll come to you right away. Please just give me a few minutes, I promise I'll be quick.'

'Do you want some ice cream or some snacks? I'll buy some on the way'

'Nevermind, I just bought both of it and a few other things you might want. I hope you're alright over there.'

'Hey, I'm sorry I'm taking so long, the road was blocked so I took the other way, I'm hurrying right now.'

'I know it's only been 10 minutes but I can't help but worry for you okay? I'm really close by now. I'll see you in a bit.'

[Note: Slowly, my works are finally escaping the drafts >:D]

Check out my other works [Masterlist]

[sweetthingshavesharpteeth]

@threefolddefencespeech's worldcon report inspired me to write up what I've been reading recently, so here's the books I've read in roughly the last year (at least, what i recall). Let's start with the Hugo-nominated ones:

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, by Shannon Chakraborty

The blurb hooked me on this, and I wasn't disappointed. To be clear, it's not going to give great insights into the human condition or anything - it's a getting-the-gang-back-together heist movie, fun but not terribly deep. I do think "bad-ass older woman" is an underutilised protagonist archetype, though.

Witch King, by Martha Wells

This was not my favourite book by Wells - I enjoyed it enough, and the world and magic was interesting, but I think @threefolddefencespeech was right that the book sacrifices too much in character development to achieve its parallel-past-and-present narrative structure.

The Greenhollow Duology, by Emily Tesh

I actually read Silver in the Wood years ago on ao3, and when I saw that there was a sequel, I had to read it (after re-reading Silver in the Wood, of course). It has some great, and distinctive, characters, and some deliciously otherworldly vibes. I will have to read Tesh's Hugos-nominated novel (Some Desperate Glory) now.

Notorious Sorcerer and Shadow Baron, by Davinia Evans

Notorious Sorcerer is possibly my favourite book from the last year. It uses the trope of "outsider achieves what the indoctrinated don't even think is possible", but - in contrast to a lot of other examples of this trope - the protagonist doesn't magically stumble on the exact right thing to do the first time. He really doesn't know what he's doing, and uses a lot of trial-and-error. Evans sacrifices some smoothness of plot to demonstrate this, but I think it's worthwhile. It's also a book about corrupt power structures, but doesn't try to suggest that changing those structures is simple, or without consequences.

Shadow Baron is clearly the second book in a trilogy, and - as is typical with such books - doesn't really feel like it has a coherent plot of its own. I still enjoyed reading it, and I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy coming out.

The Archive Undying, by Emma Mieko Candon

This is exactly the sort of thing I love from SFF - it throws you in the deep end of a complex, alien world (for all it's ostensibly Earth), and you just have to trust that the author will make things clear in time. Stylistically, it felt a lot like the Machineries of Empire series by Yoon Ha Lee, one of my all-time favourite book series. I would highly recommend to anyone who liked that series.

Stories of Your Life and Others, by Ted Chiang

I can't believe it's taken me so long to get around to reading this classic short story collection (that includes the story the film Arrival is based on). In some ways, I think short stories are the ideal format for sci-fi - they can explore an idea without being overly weighed down by the need to have an engaging plot. Chiang does a good job of wielding short stories in this way, and explores some interesting concepts.

The Adam Binder Novels, by David R Slayton

There are surprisingly few novels with queer male protagonists that are written by queer men. I actually bought these books for a pound each, expecting to get holiday-worthy trashy reading, and was pleasantly surprised. They're well-written, with some interesting worldbuilding, and were definitely worth the price!

Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien

I re-watched the films last Autumn, and followed up by re-reading the books. I enjoy seeing how adaptations change a story, and thinking about why those changes were made. Also, every time I read LotR I'm more aware of the white supremacy woven into the heart of the worldbuilding.

Bunt!, by Ngozi Ukazu and Mad Rupert

Ngozi has a fantastic grasp of visual humour, and thematic parallels, and knowing when to be silly and when to be serious. It's something I loved about Check, Please!, and it's on display here as well.

Into the Tower, by Hari Conner

Claiming I've "read" this is a bit of a push - it's a choose-your-own adventure book, and I've played a handful of different paths, but there are still many more to explore. I love the world Conner has built - the weird, metaphysical world of the tower is perfectly suited to this style of piecemeal exploration, where a linear narrative couldn't hope to encompass the breadth of strange goings-on.

The Simon Snow trilogy (Carry On, etc), by Rainbow Rowell

This was sold to me as "a massive fuck-you to JK". This was inaccurate. It clearly started as Drarry fanfiction - the characters that were formerly Draco, Harry, Hermione, Hagrid and Dumbledore are plain to see - but it doesn't really engage with the themes or flaws of that book series in any meaningful way, rather using it as set dressing. Instead, it attempts to take on the broader genre of Chosen One stories - digging into themes of manipulation, being used as a tool, whether a Chosen One is actually doing Good, and what happens after their part is fulfilled.

I think it does a reasonable job of this - better than several others I've read, at least - although I didn't enjoy it enough to want to re-read it, or to make a particular recommendation of it.

Books I failed to get into

Raising Steam, by Terry Pratchett

Lesser Known Monsters, by Rory Michaelson

[boyinthevoide]

CW: Rape mention, homophobia mention, references to child abuse.

One of my favorite things about Heathers the Musical (haven't seen the film) is how a lot of the characters actions, while objectively very bad, make sense.

And example: Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney seem like just two teenage dickheads, pushing people around because they can. Makes you think "why are they like this?"

And then, in the scene directly before Big Fun (Act One, Scene 5), we as the audience meet Paul Kelly and Bill Sweeney- Kurt and Ram's respective dads.

And immediately from the way they talk and the way they treat their sons, you can instantly tell "oh. That's why."

The full dialogue is this (referencing the West End version due to me being more familiar with that version):

RAM'S DAD. Okay, Ram. Have fun tonight, but I expect you to act your age. The Hendersons have the phone number for the cabin. If they call to complain, I'm gonna drive back here and knock the sand out of your diapers.

RAM. Dude! What am I, five?

RAM'S DAD. I'm your dad, not your dude.

KURT'S DAD. That goes double for you, Kurt. You're a guest in Bill's house and you will treat it with respect.

KURT. Sure thing. Dude.

(RAM cracks up laughing. KURT'S DAD takes the challenge in stride, smiling. Then, to RAM'S DAD:)

KURT'S DAD. Hold his arms.

(RAM'S DAD grabs KURT's arms. KURT'S DAD puts his son in a headlock, laughing.)

KURT'S DAD. Who's a great big sissy? Who's going to prom in a bright pink dress (OP's note: If Kurt had made it to prom he should have worn a dress, he'd rock a dress.)? Who's a sissy?

KURT. Ow! Okay, me! I'm a sissy, I'm a big fat sissy.

(The DADS release KURT.)

KURT'S DAD. Darn right. Enjoy your party, son.

RAM'S DAD. Punch it in.

(The DADS punch it in and exit.)

Just from this one interaction, it becomes immediately obvious why Kurt and Ram act the way they do- because their examples of how they should be are their dads, who they mimic in so many ways, most obvious in the "punch it in!" that both so commonly do. While this doesn't excuse anything Kurt and Ram do- they're still homophobic rapists- it makes it make sense. It lets you look and go "oh. That's why they act like this. Because their examples of 'manly men' act like this."

And, of course, the other, more subtle example of this is J.D. There's little hints about his dad sprinkled throughout just his first proper conversation with Veronica in a 711 (Act One, Scene 4). Lines like "The old man seems to love tearing things down.", "[That's your dad?] In all his toxic glory.", "When mom was alive/We lived halfway normal/Now it's just me and my dad/We're less formal/I learned to cook pasta/I learned to pay rent/learned the world doesn't owe you a cent." paint a not-pretty picture of J.D.'s home life. And then when we meet Big Bud Dean, J.D's father, he seems to live up to J.D's description, telling his son to "get rid of" his girlfriend, describing to said girlfriend (Veronica) how he'd blow up a suburban house before darkly asking where she lives. He immediately has very bad vibes. Then later, right before I Say No, in Act Two, Scene 4, we see Big Bud Dean again. J.D. starts off the scene arguing with Veronica after she shouts about murdering three classmates, how they could have gone to prison if they'd believed her. As soon as Veronica gets him to calm down a little, Big Bud Dean appears, telling J.D. to get in the car and ignoring whatever might have been happening a second ago. When J.D. says he's busy, Big Bud Dean leans in and says, and I quote,

"Lotta pretty women out there, sport. I can make another son any time I want."

Not to mention every implied moment of past abuse throughout the show.

So while having a shitty dad doesn't excuse J.D.'s actions, it does give them an amount of sense. Since his mother died, he's only ever been shown cruelty from a clearly quite violent (and possibly murderous) father. Of course he seems to think people can't change, that he and the only person he trusts, Veronica, are judge, jury and executioner for the less pure people of the world.

However, one of the many messages I think Heathers puts out is "Just because you have been hurt does not give you the right to hurt others."

Just because Kurt and Ram and J.D. have been hurt by people who shouldn't be doing such things to them does not mean they have a pass to hurt others.

This has been a lecture from someone who relates to J.D. but understands he's still wrong.

[seitmai]

Ahhh I loved this and have many many thoughts...

You almost dropped your purse as you tried to wrap your arms around his neck, already wanting more of him. "If you really want to do this," he said between kisses, "then you're playing by my rules." You were practically whimpering as his lips found the side of your neck, because why did his words sound so sexy? "Absolutely," you whispered. "Jake's rules."

I would be more than okay to play by Jake's rules 🫡

He half carried you out to the dimly lit parking lot as he muttered, "This is a terrible idea." He squinted at your face and added, "You seem like the type who never learns her lesson." "I resent that," you said, running your lips along his ear even as your feet left the ground. "I have a 4.0 GPA. I always learn my lessons."

Haha perfect answer to make Jake aware aging of the age difference 😅

"Oh, my god," you gasped. "Are you married?" "What the fuck kind of question is that?" he shouted, looking angry now. "Of course I'm not married!" You reached out to him and grabbed his hand. "Sorry! It's just that you're sweet, and you seem to be taking this really seriously! I was just checking!"

I mean, valid. You never know 🤷🏻‍♀️

You were pretty quiet on the drive back to Jake's place, but you didn't seem as nervous now. If anything, he thought his nerves were ramping up while yours were calming down. He couldn't remember how many condoms he had left in his bedside drawer, and when he tried to estimate how many he might use tonight, he almost missed his turn. Was he really going to do this?

Nervous Jake in a situation like this? I wouldn't have expected that, but I like 🤭

The implications of letting you spend the night were creeping up on him, but kicking you out was absolutely not going to be an option. You likely had the entirety of the rest of your life to be disappointed by men, but he wasn't going to set that precedent. 

That is actually really sweet and thoughtful 🥺

"Let me take you back to your place." You laughed softly as you leaned a little closer to him. "Negative, Hangman. I have a twin bed and a nosy roommate. I think we're better off doing this at yours."

I love who she conters him so quick-witted!! It makes it so much better that Jake probably is not used to this at all😏

It wasn't that he didn't want to. You were all pouty lips and feminine curves and perky tits, and yeah... he did want to fuck you. And he wanted to make it so good, you'd ask for more. He wanted to take his time and pull that first orgasm from you while he gave it to you exactly how you needed it. When he didn't turn his truck back toward Pomona, you looked at him and whispered, "It's okay if you're not into it, Jake. You can take me home. You don't have to worry about me."

🥺🥺🥺

You bit your bottom lip, and he could feel you squeeze your legs together as you whispered, "You said you'd make sure I come. And that you would be sweet. And that if I tell you I'm not having a good time, you'll stop." Jake let his hand slide a few inches higher, and you responded by easing your legs apart and telling him, "I agree with the ground rules." Jake nodded once and said, "Looks like I'm stuck with you now."

Ahhh I'm obsessed! Also the repeating of the rules etc is giving pleasure dom Jake vibes 🤭😌

You kissed him. Somehow you caught him off guard every time you did it.

I'm squealing at this!!

You tapped the toe of your sneaker against the hardwood floor and said, "According to my ID, I'm the same age as you. I like white wine, thanks."

Hahaha iconic, I love the shamelessness

"But the Hard Deck?" he asked, closing the distance between your bodies. "Not your smartest move, parading around in there with a fake and some condoms. The guys that hang out there wouldn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to making sure a woman enjoys herself." "You hang out there," you told him with a little eye roll, and his fingers came up under your chin.

I can't, the banter between them mixed with the sexual is gonna kill me 🫠

The last thing you wanted him to know about was your complete lack of experience with guys. "We don't have to do that." "Yeah, well I want to," he told you, finally releasing your chin. "Good," you mused out loud, unable to contain your smirk as Jake grunted softly. "If you like it, then the guy from my physics class who I want to go out with will probably like it, too." His grasp on your wrist released immediately, and he leaned in, kissing you softly one time. "That's just a surefire way to get a guy jealous," he informed you, and another little chill ran through your body as you considered that maybe you just made him a little jealous. 

A little jealous??? Alexa play jealous by nick jonas lmao

"That's more like it, Darlin'," he crooned. "I'll take care of you."

😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Mr. Right Now Part 2 | Hangman x Reader

Summary: As soon as you decide that Jake is the one you want for your first time, he's very clear that you'll be playing by his rules. You're ready to get this over with and get on with your life, but he's determined to make you admit that you're allowed to feel good. And maybe you want to enjoy this with him.

Warnings: adult language, mentions of sex and virginity, sexual touching, 18+

Length: 3800 words

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female Reader

Why is Jake on my masterlist!? Mr. Right Now masterlist

"Jake," you whispered as his soft hair glided through your fingers. You liked his name. He was handsome. He was older. His lips tasted delicious. He had green eyes.

Why had you been so focused on Rooster? Oh, right. Because your roommate, Kylie, said he was good after she slept with him. She told you all about the Navy bar and the different guys with call signs, and you made it a point to remember that Rooster was the one who she said was the gentlest. 

You froze. Jake had his hands around your waist, his hips pressing his semi hard length against you. Those pretty green eyes were locked onto yours, and you knew it would be a long shot to get him to agree, even now. But something else was bothering you about this whole scenario. You suddenly wondered if Kylie and Jake ever had sex.

For some reason, that idea alone was enough to piss you off. Going blindly after Rooster would have been no big deal, but Jake seemed to actually give a shit about you. He just took the time to make sure you were really twenty, and he kept questioning you as to why you were here in the first place. In this bar where you apparently stuck out like a sore thumb.

But you wanted Jake specifically for your first time, whether he had already fucked Kylie or not. You leaned in and kissed him again, and he seemed more than willing now. You hoped your little skirt and tight shirt weren't going to fail you after you made it this far. He just needed to take care of this one, basic thing for you, and you'd be on your way. Then you could go out with Cooper who you were actually so ready to date, and you wouldn't completely embarrass yourself with him.

You let yourself touch Jake's hair again as you asked, "What's your call sign?"

His hand felt huge against your butt, and you went willingly when he pulled you even closer. "Hangman," he said in that cute Texan drawl. That didn't sound familiar at all, and Kylie was pretty proud of all the call signs she'd managed to collect. Maybe she hadn't gotten to him yet. Or maybe she wasn't his type. That thought alone made you smile even more as he continued to touch you.

"Okay, Hangman," you whispered against his mouth in the middle of this crowded bar. "I'm ready for you to take me to your place."

He kissed you gently and shook his head. "Let's go out to my truck, and I'll drive you back to your apartment or dorm."

God, he was such a good kisser, but he was really grating on your nerves at this point. You were a little nervous that he would keep saying no and then ruin your chances with Rooster or one of the other guys in attendance tonight, even though they would be clear backup options now. You whined in annoyance. "Come on, Jake."

"No. I'm not taking you home with me," he replied firmly. 

You stomped your foot; you really wanted to lose your damn virginity, and you couldn't give it away. "You don't even have to take me back to your place. We can fuck in the parking lot."

"Jesus Christ, Darlin'. That's not happening either," he said, looking scandalized. "Definitely not for your first time. And a leather mini skirt is an impractical outfit to get fucked in anyway."

You tipped your head back and groaned. "Well how was I supposed to know that?" Then you looked at his handsome face, pretty much ready to call it a night and try again tomorrow at a different bar. "I'm doing everything wrong."

He had the nerve to laugh at you again. "No. You're really not. The skirt is just going to make guys want to work harder for it. And honestly, somehow the sneakers are doing something for me?"

A small glimmer of hope flashed inside you as you ran your fingers along his stubbled cheek. "Yeah?"

"God. Damn. It." He was practically growling now as he started to haul you toward the exit. "If we're doing this, then we're doing it right."

"Okay!" you replied immediately, not really sure what you were agreeing to as he led you outside to the dark deck, letting the door close behind the two of you. The loud interior of the bar was a thing of the past now as he took your chin between his thumb and fingers and kissed you a little rough with the ocean as the new soundtrack. 

You almost dropped your purse as you tried to wrap your arms around his neck, already wanting more of him. "If you really want to do this," he said between kisses, "then you're playing by my rules." You were practically whimpering as his lips found the side of your neck, because why did his words sound so sexy?

"Absolutely," you whispered. "Jake's rules."

He half carried you out to the dimly lit parking lot as he muttered, "This is a terrible idea." He squinted at your face and added, "You seem like the type who never learns her lesson."

"I resent that," you said, running your lips along his ear even as your feet left the ground. "I have a 4.0 GPA. I always learn my lessons."

He grunted as he helped you into what you assumed was his truck before standing outside the door with his hands on his hips. "Like I said, you're a real smartass. Now listen up. I'm going to be as gentlemanly as I possibly can during this whole thing."

"Whole thing?" you asked, wondering what he could possibly mean. He just needed to get completely hard, shove his cock in you for a little while, and then call it a night.

"Yeah," he grunted, his green eyes a little wild in the glow from the truck's dome lights. "I'm going to make sure you come. I'm going to be as sweet as I can be. But you need to be clear if you're not having a good time, or if you want me to stop. If you can't abide by those basic ground rules, we're absolutely done here."

Oh. He was really taking this seriously. You chewed on your lip, and his face became more apprehensive. But you weren't debating with yourself whether or not his ground rules would work for you. You were actually trying to figure out why he was already being better than anything you anticipated tonight. Anticipated ever.

"Oh, my god," you gasped. "Are you married?"

"What the fuck kind of question is that?" he shouted, looking angry now. "Of course I'm not married!"

You reached out to him and grabbed his hand. "Sorry! It's just that you're sweet, and you seem to be taking this really seriously! I was just checking!"

Jake scowled, and his tone was one akin to hurt. "I'm not letting you make yourself believe that all you deserve for your first time is a careless fuck in a bar bathroom or a parking lot, and I'm certainly not letting one of those drunk assholes maul you apart!"

The more you thought about it, you really didn't want to be manhandled or have to pull your skirt up in a bathroom stall to make the best of things tonight. You squeezed his hand which you were still holding as you softly said, "Thank you."

He ran his free fingers through his soft hair and muttered something that sounded like, "Yeah, don't thank me yet." Then he kissed your lips and said, "Buckle your seatbelt," before he let go of your hand and closed the door. 

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

You were pretty quiet on the drive back to Jake's place, but you didn't seem as nervous now. If anything, he thought his nerves were ramping up while yours were calming down. He couldn't remember how many condoms he had left in his bedside drawer, and when he tried to estimate how many he might use tonight, he almost missed his turn. Was he really going to do this?

"You live by the beach," you remarked, playing with the hem of your tiny skirt while you looked out the window.

"I do," he replied, mentally cancelling his morning run if you were going to stay over. The implications of letting you spend the night were creeping up on him, but kicking you out was absolutely not going to be an option. You likely had the entirety of the rest of your life to be disappointed by men, but he wasn't going to set that precedent. 

"How old did you say you were?"

Jake felt a little dirty now when he said, "I didn't. But I'm thirty." He tapped the brakes when he was about a block from his house. His truck already smelled sweet like your perfume or shampoo, and he glanced at you when he turned onto his street. "Let me take you back to your place."

You laughed softly as you leaned a little closer to him. "Negative, Hangman. I have a twin bed and a nosy roommate. I think we're better off doing this at yours."

"Come on, Darlin'. That's not what I meant, and you know it."

He coasted up to the stop sign on the quiet side street; he could see his little, white cottage on the next block, but he turned to look at your face in profile as you crossed your arms over your chest. You were looking straight ahead, chin proudly held high as you said, "If you really don't want to have sex with me, then turn right and head back toward Pomona Avenue."

It wasn't that he didn't want to. You were all pouty lips and feminine curves and perky tits, and yeah... he did want to fuck you. And he wanted to make it so good, you'd ask for more. He wanted to take his time and pull that first orgasm from you while he gave it to you exactly how you needed it. When he didn't turn his truck back toward Pomona, you looked at him and whispered, "It's okay if you're not into it, Jake. You can take me home. You don't have to worry about me."

He made a noise at the back of his throat and licked his lips. "That's not it." He wanted to say more, but for now, he answered your concerns by moving his foot to the accelerator and driving straight through the intersection. You visibly relaxed in the seat next to him, and a few seconds later, he was pulling his truck up to his house. You were looking out the window toward his cottage, and when you reached for the door handle, he let his hand rest on your bare knee. You turned his way immediately, and he said, "You never agreed to play by my rules."

"I agree."

He shook his head. "Then tell me what my ground rules were."

You bit your bottom lip, and he could feel you squeeze your legs together as you whispered, "You said you'd make sure I come. And that you would be sweet. And that if I tell you I'm not having a good time, you'll stop." Jake let his hand slide a few inches higher, and you responded by easing your legs apart and telling him, "I agree with the ground rules."

Jake nodded once and said, "Looks like I'm stuck with you now."

You kissed him. Somehow you caught him off guard every time you did it. You were tentative and inquisitive, and when you moved closer, his hand eased up your thigh. "You're stuck with me," you murmured between kisses. "For probably at least a half an hour." Jake started laughing, and you pulled away slightly. "What's funny?"

"Darlin', you're playing by my rules. You want me to teach you about sex? Half an hour isn't even going to be enough to get you warmed up."

You looked surprised as you reached up to run your fingers through his hair. "Teach me about sex? I thought you were just going to fuck me and call it a night."

Jake moaned. "Definitely not. Now let's get started."

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

You found yourself in Jake's living room, eyes darting around, trying to figure out what to focus on first. He was an actual adult with award commendations from the Navy and a massive TV. You felt small in his space, and some of your bravado melted away as he chuckled and said, "I'd offer you a drink, but, you know."

You tapped the toe of your sneaker against the hardwood floor and said, "According to my ID, I'm the same age as you. I like white wine, thanks."

He was trying not to laugh as he walked into his kitchen, and you followed along behind him, watching as he reached for a wine glass and filled it with ice water. "Enjoy your chardonnay, Darlin'," he drawled, and now you were also trying not to laugh.

"Thanks," you whispered before taking a sip. You tried to set your purse on the counter, but the clasp caught the edge, and both of your IDs came sliding out along with a strip of three condoms. When Jake met your eyes you said, "I made sure I was prepared before I left my place. I'm young, not stupid."

"But the Hard Deck?" he asked, closing the distance between your bodies. "Not your smartest move, parading around in there with a fake and some condoms. The guys that hang out there wouldn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to making sure a woman enjoys herself."

"You hang out there," you told him with a little eye roll, and his fingers came up under your chin. He tilted your face up until you were staring into his pretty green eyes, and your core clenched with need.

"I don't make promises I can't keep," he told you, and you absolutely believed him. "Now, you said you're a virgin, but why don't you go ahead and tell me how experienced you are."

You swallowed hard, chin still held in place by those rough fingers. "Is that really necessary? I'm ready to go, Jake." You set your glass of water on the counter next to the condoms and reached out to touch his solid abs through his shirt.

"There's a little more to it than that," he told you, stroking your jaw with his thumb. "Let's talk and get to know each other a bit."

The last thing you wanted him to know about was your complete lack of experience with guys. "We don't have to do that." 

"Yeah, well I want to," he told you, finally releasing your chin.

"You're very old fashioned," you said with a smirk, and your hands settled on his belt.

"I'm a lot older than you, smartass. Humor me." Instead of responding with anything about yourself, you held eye contact with him while you yanked the end of his belt free from the belt loops and started to unbuckle it. A smile danced along his lips, and he said, "Fine. I'll start. I'm a Lieutenant in the Navy. I grew up in Texas, but I've lived all over the country. My favorite food is chili. I love running on the beach in the morning before it gets too hot out. I have four sisters. And I'm a Scorpio."

You had the button of his jeans undone, and you were easing his zipper down as you said, "You do seem like a Scorpio, Lieutenant Jake." His green eyes were still on yours as you officially went further than you ever had with a guy by letting your fingers run along his impressive length through his underwear. He licked his lips as you reached the tip and then dipped your hand inside his snug boxer briefs. He was warm and velvety soft while also getting harder by the second, and you gasped at the look in his eyes. "Does this feel good?" you asked softly as his pupils widened.

He nodded once, and his voice sounded raspier as he told you, "Yes."

"Good," you mused out loud, unable to contain your smirk as Jake grunted softly. "If you like it, then the guy from my physics class who I want to go out with will probably like it, too."

Suddenly, Jake's hand was on your wrist in an iron-tight grasp, preventing you from stroking him. "What?" you gasped, his hand tightening incrementally as something dangerous flashed in his eyes.

"Lesson number one. When you're with a guy, and you have your hand wrapped around his cock, you shouldn't be talking about a different guy."

You pouted up at him and said, "I already told you earlier that part of the reason I wanted to lose my virginity was so it would feel good when I get with Cooper."

"And I'm telling you right now that you're done talking about him," he grunted. "Got it?"

A chill of delight ran up your spine as you whispered, "Yes. Understood."

His grasp on your wrist released immediately, and he leaned in, kissing you softly one time. "That's just a surefire way to get a guy jealous," he informed you, and another little chill ran through your body as you considered that maybe you just made him a little jealous. 

When you ran your hand along his length again, his lips were back on yours immediately, and he moved you so your leather covered butt was pressed against the edge of his countertop. Then he took your hips in both of his big hands, and you whimpered into his mouth. He teased you, pulling away slightly just so you'd chase him for more. He was throbbing against your palm as your other hand found his hair once again. 

He was sexy. Even the rough stubble on his face felt delicious as it rubbed your chin and cheeks. Then, just as his lips started to migrate along your jaw, he carefully reached for your wrist again, withdrawing your hand from his jeans. "Yes, it feels good, but this isn't about me, Darlin'."

When his lips skimmed down your neck before settling on your pulse point, you whimpered his name. Then he sucked gently on you there while he toyed with the zipper at the side of your mini skirt. He was big and strong, and he smelled good, and as he worked your zipper down, inch by painstaking inch, you shifted so you were rubbing against him.

As soon as his fingers dipped inside the elastic of your underwear, it felt like you were clenching around nothing. Usually you had to use your fingers for a while to get that kind of result, but he hadn't even touched you there yet. Then you realized you were wet. Really wet from his lips and his touch. Your thong felt damp against your skin as your skirt started to slide down your hips, and your voice was a little too loud as you gasped and said, "Okay, I'm ready. I'm definitely ready. Let's do it. Where's your bedroom?"

Jake's lips released your neck. He brought his mouth up to your ear and told you, "Absolutely not. Not yet."

Your skirt slipped a few more inches as Jake ran his nose along the shell of your ear. "God. Do you need me to ask nicely or something? Please?"

"You're playing by my rules. Did you forget? We're not rushing through this." Your skirt dropped to the floor at your feet as Jake pulled away and looked at your face. "Unless you're not having a good time, Darlin'. Say the words, and I'll stop."

You had no control of your body as your head tipped back, a low moan escaping as you said, "I don't want you to stop." You panted as you rubbed your wet panties against the open fly of his jeans. "It feels so good. But I want more."

Jake's hand found the back of your head, tilting it forward until you were looking at him again. "What do you want me to do to you?" he asked as one of his calloused fingers played with the lace trim along the top of your underwear.

"I want you to fuck me," you whispered with a moan, nodding your head as he smirked at you. 

"Really, pretty girl? You sure that's it? Because it sounds more like you want me to make you feel good." His fingers stroked up to your belly button and back down again as you bucked against him. "I think you know by this point in our conversation that you're allowed to enjoy this. And I can tell that's what you really want." 

"What could possibly feel better than getting fucked?" you asked in desperation. "I want you to fuck me!"

"No, you don't," he whispered, voice harsh and needy. He kissed you hard on the mouth two times before adding, "You want me to make you feel better than you've ever felt before. You want me to touch you with more skill than you can touch yourself. And none of that has to do with me fucking you. Tell me I'm wrong."

You bit down on your lip as his hand reached around to your butt, and suddenly you knew for sure it wouldn't have been like this with Rooster or any of the other guys at the bar. They would have fucked you and unloaded into one of the three condoms by now. Maybe you wouldn't have even gotten wet for them. You'd probably be back at your place in bed, planning on seeing Cooper on Monday morning with a new outlook on life. But it wouldn't have been like this.

Jake wanted more than that for your first time, and now you were starting to see that you could have more as his rough fingers kneaded into you. If you were already about to come just from rubbing yourself on him, then playing by his rules and letting him take his time was sounding better by the second.

You took a deep breath, let your lips brush against his and told him, "I want you to make me feel good."

"That's more like it, Darlin'," he crooned. "I'll take care of you."

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

Jake is about to show you that he's a man of his word. He keeps his promises, and he's already made some to you. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

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@fanboyswhore9

@angel-w0nderland

@abaker74

@idontcare-11

@isaebella

@bringnattolife

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@mrsevans90

[jean-kayak]

Anon Request: Something about getting my clothes ripped off and fucked senseless just makes me 🤤

Can I request hc’s of Prohero!Bakugo, Shinsou, Aizawa, and Kirishima going feral on their black gf or wife and they rip a hole in her clothes or fully rip her clothes off before fucking her? Sis was wearing some yoga pants and doing downward dog that made her wagon look fantastic or she was in a cute outfit just vibing on the couch and when she looks up to her bae like “Hi, baby ☺️” and he just loses it on her.

I just love it when men are seduced by something so simple

A/N: Anon, it makes me feel the same way lmfao, hope you like it!

Characters: Prohero!Bakugou Katsuki, Shinsou Hitoshi, Aizawa Shouta, Kirishima Eijirou

💥He had so much frustration pent up from work, mostly because of the annoying wannabe villains he had to deal with that gave him a ton of paperwork that he needed to do

💥You were currently making dinner, music filling the kitchen as you danced around trying out a new pound cake recipe

💥You don't hear the door slam, and he cringes slightly, glad that you didn't hear it cause he knows you'll get his ass for it

💥He follows the music into the kitchen, his frustration starting to seep away when he sees your figure dancing, still in the outfit you wore today

💥But then his eyes fall on the mint green mini skirt you're wearing, and he's walking into the kitchen in about five steps

💥His heavy steps can be heard over the music, and you turn to greet him, and you yelp softly when he crowds you against the counter

💥His big hands instantly run under your skirt, making you gasp softly. "Tough day at work?"

💥"You don't even know." Then he's gripping the fabric and ripping it in half

💥"Katsu, I really liked that skirt," you whine, but your words get caught in your throat when he moves the crotch of your underwear over, sliding two fingers into you, making you grip the counter

💥He smirks as he watches your wetness coat him quickly as he moves his fingers in and out of you, your moans becoming louder than the music

💥You're about to say something when he slides them out, but then your top half is forced onto the counter as he spreads your legs before sliding into you

💥You don't even get to roll your eyes back before he pulling back out and slamming back into you, his pace making your legs give out

💥He catches you, keeping his relentless pace, his dick hitting your g-spot with every thrust, making you see stars

💥"Such a good wife, letting me use you like the cocksleeve you are," he grunts, his pace seeming to increase, and you have no choice but to drop your head against the counter as he uses you

💥He throws his head back when your walls clamp around him, your moans completely eclipsing the music as you cum

💥He thrusts into a few more times before he's tensing up and cumming inside of you with a low groan

💥He rubs over your back as you come down from your high, and you turn your head to look at him

💥"You feel better?"

🟣He was about to head out, on his way to work to start his shift

💥"Yeah, I do," he replies smugly, smacking your ass lightly after he pulls out

💥"Good. You owe me a new skirt."

🟣He turns around as he gets to the door, his eyes widening when he sees you

🟣"Wait, before you go, I want to show you something."

🟣"It's an outfit I've been thinking about for a while, but I don't know, what do you think?"

🟣You nervously hold your arms out as his eyes run down your figure

🟣You're wearing a low-cut top, a mini leather skirt, and knee-high socks, and he feels his feet move on their own accord being guided by his other head

🟣"Do you like it?" you ask hesitantly, moving back until he's got you against the wall, and with the closeness, you can see that look in his eyes

🟣His hands start to rub up your body as he smirks. "I love it," he emphasizes  before working your skirt over your ass, grabbing a handful into his palm

🟣"Toshi, what about work?" you start, but make no move to stop him, and he scoffs as he starts to move down

🟣"You expect me to go to work with you dressed like this?" He's pulling your thong down your legs as he makes his way to his knees

🟣You don't even get a chance to respond, he starts eating you out with so much energy that he has to grip your legs in order to keep you from falling

🟣You almost cum from that alone when he slides his fingers into you, but then he's taking his mouth of you and rising to his feet

🟣You're barely catching your breath and he's already sliding into you and thrusting into you, making your brain go numb

🟣He can't get to your chest because your shirt is tucking into your skirt, so he takes the fabric, tearing it down the middle and shoving your bra down before latching his mouth on your nipples

🟣You don't even register the tearing, just constant strings of pleasure from him ramming into that sensitive spot inside you, and his teeth pulling at all of the sensitive spots on your neck and chest

🟣He rubs over your clit, instantly making you cum, and when your back arches, he sucks even harder on your nipple, groaning around it as he cums after you

🟣"You tore my shirt," you say in between breaths

🟣He raises his eyebrows, his eyes widening like this is new information. "Was it new?"

🧣He was complaining that his body was sore, so you decided to show him some new yoga positions

🟣"No, but that's not the point."

🟣"I'll get you another one."

🧣You move your head down, looking between your arms and legs

🧣He's standing behind you as you move into the downward dog position, but you don't hear him moving

🧣"You're not doing anything," you comment, and you can't see his face

🧣"I'm watching to make sure I do it right."

🧣"Uh-huh," you respond after you roll your eyes, staying in the same position for a few more seconds

🧣You move into the child pose, resting your head on the mat as you sigh at the tension being released from your lower back

🧣Your head shoots up when you feel hands rubbing over your ass and your thighs, turning your head to see that your husband is on his knees behind you, his gaze burning into your ass

🧣"You're not doing the moves!" you chastise, and he gives you a distracted shrug

🧣"You look like you need them more than me." You frown because he was the one that asked you, and you're about to say that but then he grips the waistband of your leggings. "Let me help."

🧣Your breath hitches when he quickly pulls down your underwear and leggings, completely exposing you to the cool air, and he rubs soft circles on your back as he circles your entrance with his finger

🧣His eyes go dark as you start to buck back against his fingers, and you gasp when he flips you over, his sweats and underwear already pushed down his thighs

🧣There's nothing but a hungry look in his eyes and he removes your clothes with so much aggression that he ends up ripping them, throwing them to the side haphazardly

🧣"Shouta!" You're about to scold him but then he's pushing your legs up to your chest and slamming into you, making a scream replace the words that were going to come out of your mouth

🧣You're not going to last long with him pounding into you like there's no tomorrow as he seems to be hitting every nerve ending in your body

🧣He feels his climax approaching fast too, pushing your legs closer to your chest as he moves faster in and out of you, both of you cumming at the same time, Aizawa fucking you through both of your highs

🧣"You ripped my leggings, Aizawa," you say, annoyed

🧣"Well, if you saw the view I had, you would understand why," he explains, letting your legs fall around him

🔴He came home from a long day of work, just wanting to go sleep, and he walks into your room wanting to see you before he gets in the shower

🧣You give him an unimpressed look. "But you're buying me new ones anyway."

🧣"Only because they make your ass look great."

🔴His eyes trail down your body as he walks over to you, but he stops in his tracks when he sees your ass peeking out from under his shirt you're wearing

🔴You don't notice that he's walked into the room, and he finds you laying on your stomach, scrolling through your phone

🔴You jump softly when you feel someone moving you, turning to see your husband standing behind you as he turns you to that your legs are hanging off the bed

🔴"You scared me, babe," but he doesn't hear you because as soon as he lifts your shirt up, his eyes go dark and he feels blood rush south

🔴You're wearing Red Riot panties. He didn't even know this was a thing, but he can't help but bite his lips at the sight

🔴He's always loved the way his hero merch looked against your brown skin, wearing anything Red Riot related always got him riled up

🔴And this time is no different

🔴He steps in between your legs, spreading them out before running his fingers over your folds through the fabric, making you drop your phone

🔴He trails his fingers from your folds to your clit and back down, watching the fabric turn a darker red with your slick

🔴He's starting to have a hard time holding back, and he ends up ripping your panties almost to pieces before sliding his fingers in, making you moan loudly at the sudden intrusion

🔴He tries to stretch you out as quickly as he can, not wanting to wait any longer, sliding his fingers out of you before getting rid of his pants

🔴You try to question what started all this, even though you're not complaining, but he starts sliding into you, and you lose all ability to speak

🔴He gives you a few shallow thrusts to help you adjust to him, but once he gets past that, he's grabbing your hips and pounding into you as hard as he can

🔴Your mouth falls open as you claw at the sheets, your eyes squeezing such as overwhelming pleasure courses through your body

🔴A loud rip brings you back momentarily, but then you're being pulled up by your shoulder, and he gropes one of your boobs as he pulls you flush against his chest, his pace relentless

🔴"E-Eiji--fuck," anything else you try to say is garbled, and your body goes taut as you cum around him, his basically feral pace bringing you to your orgasm incredibly fast before your body goes limp

🔴He cums not even a few seconds after you, carefully laying you back down on the bed, your body feeling like jelly

🔴"You ripped everything I was wearing," you say, your words partially muffled by the sheets, and he chuckles softly

🔴"You have underwear with my name on it?"

🔴So that's what it was. "Well, not anymore."

[morethanaloveinterest]

A Melancholy Review of Natasha Romanoff's Costumes in Endgame

With Infinity War tossed in there, since she only wears one outfit in that. Let's talk about the most comfortable clothes she ever wears on screen.

At the very beginning of Endgame, this is what she's wearing in the compound while they discuss dealing with the aftermath of the war. Not a leather jacket, but a fitted cloth jacket (not a hoodie, I don't think). She has the usual silhouette without the leather, making her recognizable despite the dyed hair.

Female representation: 9/10 I think it's great that she got to dress down from the battle for the exposition scene. And she's still fully dressed and covered, unlike several other characters in this part.

Practicality: 8/10 I would expect it's as practical as her other civilian clothes - we don't see too much of it to know for certain, though.

This is obviously her Infinity War outfit, which she wears at the beginning of Endgame to go after Thanos. It has a lot of upgrades from the previous appearance in Civil War, which I'll get more into in another post on her suits. In any case, I think it's very appropriate to go to war in - she has all kinds of weapons on her person as well as actual armored sections. Plus the vest is super cute. It probably has a ton of pockets.

Female representation: 10/10 It’s awesome. Compared to some of the other female characters in these scenes, she is surprisingly the one showing the least skin AND the least body-hugging (surprising because it would be more her character archetype to have such clothes even in impractical situations).

Practicality: 10/10 Nat's very practical and, as I said, this looks about as prepared for a battle as what everyone else is wearing (except those in metal suits, of course). She can move easily, she has kneepads and shoulder pads - she's ready.

After the 5 year jump, we meet her still running the Avengers (unlike the useless male Avengers who have all wandered away). She's not dressed up for it, since she's not even wearing shoes (she does have her ballet shoes sitting on another chair, which is a great detail). Anyway, she also puts on a cute grey hoodie later - the first time we've seen her wear something like that outside of a disguise.

Female representation: 9/10 Glad to see we don't have the classic example of female breakdown as directed by a man. She's still dressed comfortably and her pain isn't there for us to gaze at - she's upset, but she's getting by on her own. More importantly, contrast this shoeless scene to the only other time she's been barefoot (the beginning of Avengers). Definitely a different vibe here that I appreciate.

Practicality: 8/10 It’s Nat, so I'm sure it's very practical. Probably for the best that she didn't face a fight in it, though, since she's not wearing shoes.

I put the outfits she wears the plan the heist together since we don't get much of them to discuss separately. The green jacket is reminiscent of her endless leather jackets (but does not seem to be). In the five years, it's pretty clear that she's gotten more casual with her style and less interested in form-fitting clothes. Which makes a lot of sense to me.

Female representation: 10/10 I love domestic Nat. There is no emphasis on anything you might expect from someone called a Black Widow. She doesn't wear anything especially tight or seductive. She's not dressed as a superhero - just as a regular person.

Practicality: 8/10 I'm sure it's all reasonably practical. I don't see anything she couldn't fight in, and most could easily hide any number of helpful gadgets. We don't see her get up to much beyond take notes, though, so I can't say for sure.

I wasn't going to talk about this one, since it's on screen so briefly and is all CGI, apparently? But I did just want to point out how pleased I am that the ladies didn't have suits that look dramatically different from the men's. No separated boobs here, it's great.

Female representation: 9/10 Slightly gendered, so it doesn't get 100%, but it's extremely good. Especially since both genders are dressed the same (essentially). Her chest plate might have a bit of a curve, but everyone else has the same white inset shape and everything, so it's not there to draw attention to her chest or whatever.

Practicality: 10/10 I have no idea how it works, but I must assume it's extremely practical for time heists or they wouldn't all be wearing it.

Her final suit. It's more feminine than the one from Infinity War, I think (though I can't point to what exactly gives that impression). It's the most detailed version we've seen, which is fun. Probably the most practical boots (after infinity war).

Female representation: 9/10 Thankfully no boob cups. The intricate pattern on her torso is cool without drawing the eye to her chest. We're a long way from the original design in IM2, and even that was a great departure from the comics skin-tight suit.

Practicality: 10/10 Obviously Nat is prepared for anything. Even though she doesn't face any bad guys while wearing it, so I guess we'll never know how it held up compared to the others.

Check out my other costume ratings here

Please come listen to me talk about Natasha’s character arc in each movie on Youtube - the whole 6-part series out now!

[thatssonanii]

Just the Two of Us (5)

HAHN AU

The hair salon Lainey worked at was visited by women from all different walks of life. It wasn't out of the ordinary to see prominent women there or women from her neighborhood. No matter where they were from all the stylists treated them with the same respect and made them feel relaxed and welcomed.

When she heard her boss call her name, Lainey looked up from the frontal she was installing with a smile on her face.

"Yes, Blair?"

Blair approached her smiling wider than usual. "I'm gonna finish this for you, there's someone in my office to see you."

Lainey didn't have time to ask any questions before Blair pushed her out of the way and shooed her to the office. Getting to the office, Lainey carefully pushed the door open and went in. Her heart was in her throat when she saw the woman looking back at her.

"Alaina, right? You look so much more beautiful in person, dear."

Lainey played with her hands nervously. "I...thank you, First Lady. Everybody calls me Lainey though."

"I'll call you Lainey if you agree to call me Victoria," she smiled patting the chair beside her, "Come sit. I want to discuss something with you."

Quickly, Lainey sat not wanting to disrespect or offend her.

"Alright so, my sister is having an event in a couple days and we need someone for hair and makeup."

"I can recommend some stlyists for you if you'd like "

"Unless you're recommending yourself that's not necessary. I want you to do it. I've seen your work and I was blown away. Please say that you'll do it."

Lainey nodded excitedly. "Oh yes ma'am, I would love to."

Victoria grabbed her hands and smiled. "Great! I already have your number, Blair gave it to me, so expect a call or text from me. You'll be doing me, my sister, my daughter and her son's girlfriend's hair and make up. Is that okay?"

"Yes ma'am," she nodded, "Just send me some ideas of what you all want and I'll make it happen for you."

"Then its settled," Victoria sighed getting up, "Your hard work won't go unnoticed either, you'll be paid your worth. You my dear are worth a lot."

Lainey thanked her as she was leaving the office. She sat there for a moment trying to take everything in. Never did she think she would be approached by the first lady to do hair and makeup.

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

Knowing her brother had spent all day packing up the rest of their house, Lainey got a ride home from a co-worker. She rushed inside and almost knocked her brother over.

"Whoa, whoa, road runner. You gon take me out," Benny laughed setting the box he was holding down.

"Guess what, B!"

"You finally realized you got chicken legs?" He joked earning a hit to his chest

"No! The First Lady came into the salon today and she asked me to do hair and makeup for her sister's event! She said that she admired my work, B!"

Benny's face lit up at his sister's excitement, he pulled her into a hug and lifted her up off the ground. He knew his sister's talent was major and it would take her places. He sat her down after a few minutes.

"When? What's the details?"

"In two days. She said she's gonna call or text me and give me more information. And I'm getting paid my worth, she said. Finally!"

"I'm so happy for you, baby sis. You deserve this plus so much more."

Lainey hugged him tight again. "Thank you, B. I'm gonna use the money to pay up some of the mortgage on the house."

"No, you not. You know we already got that all the way covered." He said quickly and firmly. "You gon take that money and work on opening your shop and whatever more you need, I'll put down. I'm sure if Marcie found that house for us she can find a shop for you."

"Really, B?" Lainey said excitedly.

"Yeah, really. Gone in there and tell Mama. Ima run these boxes over to the new house."

Hanna was extremely proud and happy. Seeing her kids thriving and so many things going in their favor had her forgetting about her sickness. She hugged her daughter tightly, praying over her.

"I'm proud of you, little girl. You and your brother have grown so much."

"Thank you, Mama. After you beat this, me and Benny are gonna take you to the place you've always dreamed of going."

Hanna smiled, "And where is that?"

"Aruba, Mama. You used to tell us about it when we was little. You said you were gonna go and bring us back sand," she laughed. "Remember?"

"Of course, I do. Yall got so offended when I said that," she laughed, "Tellin me I couldn't go nowhere without yall."

"And can't," Lainey agreed kissing her cheek, "I'm gonna run next door to Ms. Tilda's house. She cooked dinner for us to celebrate the move, ima help her bring it over."

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

Benny dropped his sister off at the Harrington residence. He helped her get her rolling bag out and walked her to the porch. As always, he let her know to call if she needed anything. He didn't want to leave her but he didn't have a choice, he was moving the rest of their stuff into their new house while she was gone.

One of the Harrington's housekeepers let her in then left her in the foyer. She stood idly waiting for someone to help her, after a few minutes she realized that no one was coming. She heard voices and decided to follow them leaving her bag by the front door.

The voices led her to an office. She saw four men standing with drinks and talking. Taking a chance she knocked on the door frame and cleared her throat making all four men turn to look at her. She recognized them immediately--the president, David Harrington, Jim Cryer and Governor Charles Frederickson.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm here for hair and makeup and I have no idea where I'm supposed to be."

Hunter whistled, "I'd say you came to the right place, sweetheart."

"No," Lainey shook her head, "I don't think I did, President. I'm looking for your wife."

David smiled and stepped forward.

"They are upstairs. Follow me and I'll take you there, Miss."

"Just call me Lainey, the miss isn't necessary." She assured him.

Charles smiled, he knew she was slightly intimidated when she first walked in but she was tough she didn't show it.

"Miss is just a sign of respect, I don't mean to offend, Lainey."

Lainey nodded, "Miss is manners, calling me by my name is respect, Mr. Harrington."

David gave an amused smiled and nodded, "Well okay then, Lainey. Would you allow me to show you where you should be?"

"Please," Lainey waved politely at the other men, "Enjoy your drinks."

David led her upstairs to the women, leaving his friends to.talk amongst themselves. Between Jim and Hunter they discussed Lainey in an unflattering manner while Charles stayed quiet thinking about how he could see her again.

"You're here! Did you get lost?" Victoria asked hugging Lainey.

"No, um the housekeeper let me in and just left me there. I had to ask for help."

"You need new maids, Ronnie. Come this way, I'll show you where to set up."

Lainey followed closely behind the First Lady with her bag to what looked like a vanity room. She got set up then started to work.

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

"Hey, you're Lainey, right?"

Lainey turned and smiled, "Yeah, that's me. You must be Melissa."

Melissa nodded closing the door to the room before walking over to the station Lainey had set up. "Yeah. Verinica wants my hair straight mostly."

Lainey nodded getting her flat iron ready. "What do you want? I think loose curls would look better on you."

"I do too but thats what she wants."

Lainey nodded not wanting to overstep her boundaries. She'd already done Veronica's hair and didn't get a good vibe. The twonof them talked and laughed while she did Melissa's hair and make up.

"Damn, girl! You look good! Jeffery is gonna love you!" Lainey hyped fixing a few pieces of hair. "Yeees! I did that!"

"You did a bomb ass job," Melissa complemented looking in the mirror, "But Jeffery won't notice and I don't care. I look good for me."

Deciding not to get into their business, Lainey started to clean up her area and put her things away. Halfway through, Lainey sent Benny a text letting him know he could come get her and she noticed Melissa was still standing there.

"Oh I'm sorry. Did you need something?"

Melissa nodded a small smile on her face, "Yeah, your number."

"Um, huh?"

"No, not like that," Melissa laughed, "You're pretty cool and I don't really have anyone outside of this family to talk to."

"Oh, oh," Lainey laughed, "Let me see your phone."

Melissa handed her the phone and wagched Lainey put her number in. When she get her phone back she sent her a quick text.

"And now you have my number. I gotta go get dressed but expect me to text you tonight."

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

Victoria thanked her profusely when she went to say her goodbyes. She assured her that by the time she got home, the payment would be in her account and that she would be in contact to do it again. Even though Victoria told her she could wait in the living room, Lainey decided to wait out on the front porch for Benny.

The door opened behind her and she slid over thinking someone wanted to get by.

"You're not in my way."

Lainey turned just as Charles stepped beside her. She didn't k ow what to say so she just nodded.

"You're very talented. The ladies look nice," he complimented.

"Thank you, Governor."

"Charles," he corrected, "Call me Charles, Lainey."

She nodded looking out at the large driveway. "Okay, Charles. You need something from me?"

Charles laughed loudly making her jump a little.

"I'm sorry, i just definitely expected you to be less forward. You seem sweet."

"I am sweet, Charles. I just dont have much patience and I'm not a pushover."

Charles nodded, "Noted. Well since you're impatient let me ask, are you seeing anybody?"

Lainey shook her head checking her text from her brother. He was turning in.

"In that case, would it be okay if changed that?"

Seeing he brother pull up, Lainey looked at Charles and shrugged her shoulders staring at him. She heard Benny's door open and his footsteps getting closer.

"Lemme get that," Benny said grabbing her bag ig oring the man, "You ready?" Lainey nodded looking away from Charles. "Aight, come get in the car."

Lainey smiled and started to walk off the porch only for Charles to grab her hand gently that didn't go unnoticed by her big brother.

"Ayo, my man," he spat with a huff, "Dont touch my sister."

"I didn't mean any harm," he said cooly. "Her and I were just talking. I was waiting on an answer. Well, Lainey?"

Lainey thought for a moment then nodded. "That would be okay. But I'm. Not giving you my number."

Charles smiled wide, "I'll find it. Don't worry."

Benny pulled his sister gently along with him, glaring at Charles giving a flash of his fronts. He got a good enough vibe from the guy but being at the Harrington house was a little iffy for him. He helped his sister in the suv, put her bag in the back then got in and drove off.

"B," Lainey called out fifteen minutes down the road.

"Yeah?"

"You think he likes me or he wants to sleep with me?"

Benny glanced over at her and sighed. "I think he likes you. But that don't mean you let your guard down, aight?"

"Alright, B. I won't."

[the-pallid-king]

“Yeah, I have the advantage, but not intentionally.” That should count for something, right? But that’s… kind of sweet actually. “You wanted that hollow but still didn’t consider letting me starve? You’re a really good boyfriend.” He knew that. But it’s food. You fed him and apparently didn’t consider keeping it for yourself. “Yes, really.” But he rolls his eyes. “I’m not setting the bar low. There is no bar. There’s just you. And since you’re not even vaguely humble, I’m sure it won’t surprise you to know no one else is measuring up.” 

“I didn’t think it was about getting something.” He wasn’t thinking about motives at all beyond you having a completely different set of morals and enjoying— well, whatever it is about running, screaming humans that you might enjoy. He doesn’t want to make you out to be a bad guy, he just expected bleed over from normal hollow activities into things you might like. He studies you. “Okay. Maybe you’ll think I’m full of shit, but that does actually make me feel better. I mean I don’t think it’s a stupid thing to worry about, but when you’re committed to something, even if it’s just trying not to worry me, I know you mean it. So I’ll try not to think about it and trust you to handle it.” 

He tilts his head. “That’s harder to explain. But you see how they look like they’re, I guess, hunting? Or look at that one. See how cozy he gets with that guy? He’s just trying to manipulate him into wanting to pay for sex.” But what you asked is more complicated than that. “Because they look like they already know what they’re doing is messed up, and it doesn’t stop them. You have that soda in your hands, so he just slides an arm around you, trying to give off very couply vibes and hoping none of these guys have anything to offer that two men might want, but he’s not holding his breath.

He moves down the street, watching the guys without trying to look like it or draw attention, but of course, they get picked out right away. The first one is easy. He just holds up a hand in a clear no gesture, so they can keep walking. The next guy is more determined and harder to shake and ends up with an arm around him while he has an arm around you and the whole thing is pretty awkward on a crowded street. But he just denies everything he’s offered until he can dislodge the guy with an elbow. “That one of the shops.” He points with a finger and steers them toward it. 

He rolls his eyes, but fine, "Yeah, I guess." If it were a more serious situation, he might argue that intention or not has nothing to do with it. He huffs a little. "There was bleedin', struggling food in front of my face, of course I wanted it, but it was for you and I wanted you to be ok more." Which he only realizes how very true it is after he's said it, and how not very hollow it sounds. He frowns a bit, and decides not to put too much thought into it. He eyes you when you start sounding a bit exasperated, a slight smirk working onto his features. "Sounds like you didn't give anyone a chance to try. I'm not complaining though. I'd just have to scare them off and steal you back to keep you to myself again."

He shrugs. "Sometimes it is, if there are obvious consequences and no benefits." In this case, the consequences would be upsetting you and the benefits would be little to nothing more than a few minutes of dull entertainment. He doesn't think you're full of shit; he can't see what you'd gain out of bullshitting him on this. And with as seriously as you take human life, he knows you'd never gamble with them, so he believes you. And he's also relieved that you take him seriously and take his word seriously too. "I don't think it's a stupid thing for you to worry about either, just... I mean it when I say I don't wanna hurt any of these people. I have passing curiosity about how busy they all seem all the time. There's.. A lot." A lot of noise, motion, smells, a lot of things to keep his senses occupied. "But that's it, it doesn't go further than that." He chances a brief look around them again, because he really is curious about a lot of what's going on around them, but his attention ends up drifting back toward Ichigo's general direction. He doesn't want to look too interested. "Maybe I can just tell you if for some reason it goes further than curiosity. Would that help? Then we can just steer clear."

He studies what Ichigo points out. "Hunting? I guess. It's easier to hunt if you're not so obvious to your prey." He thinks these guys aren't very good at hunting. They look more like they're being overly friend, which would probably be annoying but the oposite of scary. That arm slides around him and he stiffens a tiny bit, looking over, but more out of surprise than any discomfort. This is a kind of touch that doesn't happen often. Kind of like the hug. And he kind of likes this too, so he relaxes up against you a little bit, taking a drink of his soda, which is still weird and delightful.

He's kind of proven right when the first human approaches; bad at hunting. But the second one touches you, and that's actually a huge problem. A very big problem. And now he thinks maybe he gets why you thought he might be dangerous to these people. It's a bit ridiculous, because that man couldn't possibly pose any real threat to you, but you're his and on top of that, you pretty clearly aren't enjoying the touch. He doesn't even look over at the man, adamantly keeping his attention fixed forward for your sake mostly, but each exhale carries the hint of a growl under his breath until you manage to shake him loose.

[deepfriedtwinkie]

Why do you think Mike/Paige is so popular? Why do you think Gareth/Laurel isn't so popular? Songs that remind you of Dimitri/Anya? Favorite AU's for Enjoltaire? Rant about Hollstein (or one of your choice if you can't). What's a meme/quote that reminds you of Rogan and/or Java Junkies?

(see, THIS shit is why you’re my favorite human)

Why do you think Mike/Paige is so popular?

Probably because they look like Apollo and Aphrodite, tbh, b/c we all know that It’s Okay To Ignore Toxic Relationships If Hot—and because of the Fake-Ass Feminist™ idea that abusive women aren’t actually abusive at all, they’re ~EMPOWERED~ and men can never be victims ever. Like nooooooo, Paige was a BADASS for her (tunnelvisioned) commitment to those (ten, not hundreds of) girls, and for calling Mike on his lie about Lina (that her tunnelvision forced him into), and for holding him accountable (by extremely literally ordering a hit on him that was successful because he flatlined). All the times she hit, threatened, or belittled him was just Girl Power!! Like, yeah, what a badass woman, Bitches Get Shit Done, yup, sure. Or mAYBE FLIP THIS AROUND AND IMAGINE PAIGE AS A MAN AND MIKE AS A WOMAN AND THEN GET PROPERLY OUTRAGED BECAUSE OF ALL THE CLEAR AND PRESENT ABUSE, YOU USED NAPKINS—THE POINT IS, Aaron and Serinda are both unfairly pretty humans, and there are lots of “feminists” who actually don’t get the fucking point at all. Hence “Paige is a badass who’s SORRY for murdering him, murder means I love you!! Can they make out for my benefit now??”

Why do you think Gareth/Laurel isn’t so popular?

Political oversaturation. BrainDead had AWFUL timing; I know they were trying to CAPITALIZE on 2016′s hyperpolitical climate, but people were already fucking exhausted by reality. Plus come on, we ALL know how hard it is in REAL life for a liberal and a conservative to ACTUALLY get along. There’s eventually gonna be some shit you can’t agree on and can’t forgive and then the whole illusion of compatibility shatters, ���cause hi, that shit MEANS something for a reason. It’s pretty fundamental in like…everything. So sure, it makes a pretty great fantasy (especially with this I mean holy Jesus fuck), but at the end of the day, you either have to hope that Gareth’s eyes opened to more issues and he switched sides after some time, or expect that you’d eventually want to punch his pretty, pretty face in (and public faith in conservatives is rightfully so low that let’s be real, it probably wasn’t gonna be the former). It’s a lot harder to ship something that relies on headcanoning that half the ship will eventually change in order to make it last. THIS IS WHY I WILL ALWAYS WANT A SPINOFF WHERE THEY BOTH ABANDON POLITICS, TRAVEL THE COUNTRY AND GET A DOG

Songs that remind you of Dimitri/Anya?

OH GOD, first of all, “At The Beginning” and the rest of the soundtrack is just obvious (and I mean the MOVIE soundtrack because I’m sorry, I HATE that they scrapped the kitchen boy thing in the musical, THAT WAS THE ENTIRE SIGNIFICANCE AND FOUNDATION BEHIND THEIR RECONNECTION, THEY COULD HAVE MADE IT WORK EVEN WITH MORE REALISM, AND WHO REMEMBERS A FUCKING GLANCE FROM CHILDHOOD? IT’S SO RANDOM AND CONTRIVED, so for ME the Broadway version is NOT actually the couple I fell in love with and I’m mad at it, HE WAS THE BOY WHO OPENED THE WALL, DAMMIT, HE COULD’VE OPENED THE WALL OF THE IPATIEV HOUSE TOO, BUT ANYWAY, THE POINT IS I MEAN THE MOVIE). “La Vie En Rose” (Edith Piaf) is a Big Vibe one. “Your Mother Should Know” (The Beatles) always makes me think of them post!movie for some reason, especially b/c I used to write a ton of fanfic about them raising kids and whatnot, and I dunno, the past/family vibes….and it’s kinda silly, maybe, but “The Ballad of John and Yoko” (The Beatles) fit them post!movie really well for me b/c I always imagined them traveling all over the world together, and the song’s kinda part fun, part escaping persecution…. Basically anything romantic got my brain back on them for a while there…. Oh, and “The Same Boy You’ve Always Known” (The White Stripes), which sounds weird on the surface, but….You fell down of course / And then you got up of course / And started over / Forgot my name of course / Then you started to remember / Pretty tough to think about / The beginning of December….??? COME ON. And I know I’m probably forgetting some.

Favorite AUs for Enjoltaire?

I am a hugantic ginormic sucker for the very popular Modern College Activist Group one. More specifically, where Grantaire first joined Les Amis because he passed by a meeting during his freshman year and heard Enjolras speaking and it set his soul on fucking fire, and he proceeded to sit in the back and sketch and heckle for a year or two until the day came where Enjolras was arrested during a protest and Grantaire tagged the cop’s car with spraypaint so that they’d arrest him too, so Enjolras wouldn’t have to go alone, *loud obvious cough,* and then in their jail cell, before ’Ferre could pay bail, Enjolras asked Grantaire why he did it, and Grantaire confessed and Enjolras kissed him, and they became their friends’ frustratingly adorable OTP. And Enjolras is emancipated from his rich, shitty, homophobic adoptive parents, but has tapes and diaries from his lovely birth mother who died, and SURPRISE, his birth father is Javert, who slowly learns to come around, see the error of his black-and-white ways, and accept, defend, and even love his son, and punches Enj’s shitty adoptive father in the face. And Enj becomes a civil rights attorney, with guidance from Javert, and R becomes a legit commissioned artist, and they eventually adopt a little girl who was born into addiction, name her Emmeline, and Javert is a shockingly good grandpa/babysitter and eVERYONE IS STILL ALIVE. (YOU ofc go here also and didn’t need me to describe all this, but I figured I’d get detailed for all two and a half people playing along at home)

Rant about Hollstein (or one of your choice if you can’t):

OKAY, WE ARE JUST SO LUCKY THAT THEY ARE STILL/EVEN A COUPLE, THOUGH. THERE IS SO MUCH “HOLY SHIT” IN THIS THING. FIRST OF ALL, THE FACT THAT LAURA EVEN WENT “YOU KNOW WHAT, I THINK I LOVE THIS CONFIRMED VAMPIRE” IN THE FIRST PLACE. LET IT NEVER BE SAID THAT LAURA HOLLIS DOES NOT HAVE COJONES. SECOND OF ALL, THE FACT THAT CARMILLA WAS SO JADED AND YET STILL FOUND THE ABILITY TO FORGIVE LAURA FOR GETTING MATTIE, HER SISTER OF LIKE NINE BILLION YEARS, LITERALLY KILLED. I TOTALLY EXPECTED THAT TO NEVER GET FIXED BECAUSE FUCKING HELL. THIRD OF ALL, LAURA LITERALLY DIED, OKAY, LIKE STOPPED LIVING. THAT’S GENERALLY JUST SLIGHTLY HARD TO REBOUND FROM. THE FACT THAT THEY EVER BECAME A THING OR EVEN SURVIVED THAT SERIES AT ALL IS JUST, YEAH, OKAY, YOU NEED TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER, BECAUSE IF NONE OF THAT SHIT STOPPED YOU, CLEARLY SOMEBODY FUCKING LIKES YOU OUT THERE.

What’s a meme/quote that reminds you of Rogan or Java Junkies?

I literally can not think of a meme that has reminded me of a ship ever. There aren’t any literary quotes or anything that spring to mind either, but the first quote from the SHOW that I associate with Rogan is “Jerk, ass, arrogant, inconsiderate, mindless, frat boy, lowlife, butt-faced miscreant!” (which isn’t the most romantic but dammit if I don’t grin like a monkey every time), and the one I associate most with Luke and Lorelai is “I just want you to know, this thing we’re doing here? Me? You? I’m in…. I am all in.” 

(HOLY SHIT THAT WAS AN EMOTIONAL RIDE, I FEEL LIKE I JUST RAN A MILE)

[placebonut]

Quality meme. A++ Omg I forgot that conversation with Bast! Where he says that "she has nice ears, but overall, meh" and Kote can't believe what he's hearing lol.

Yeah, with all that said, there are aspects I appreciate: keeping Fela's physical features vague let's the reader decide for themselves what "the most beautiful girl Kvothe has ever seen" looks like. And the mention of her "worker hands" in WMF is progress. Like, she might have the face, body, and womanly assets of a wet dream, but her studies focus on working with stone, and she's good at it! So her body shows signs of that.

I think he could have been more creative with Mola or Devi though. There's no reason why either of them shouldn't be young and pretty, but does it really contribute to the story that they are? Maybe Pat wants to show what a Nice Guy Kvothe is by having him work alongside women he finds attractive, but doesn't feel entitled to anything extra. Seems like beginner feminist writing, but Pat started writing this series so long ago, maybe that's the point he was at. Devi especially though, I think it would make more sense if she were older. Maybe it's just me, but give me a wizened, foul-mouthed old crone over a pretty, wize-cracking youth any day! There's a trope I'll never tire of! I've noticed a lot of the fans get gay vibes from her, I wonder if that was intentional?

I'm hesitant to explain away too much as just "Kvothe's perspective". Giving characters a flawed world that reflects our own is important. The lack of women at the university (lamented in one of your other posts lol) is definitely intentional, it's a relatable experience to women in many industries, and having Kvothe actually notice and acknowledge that brings it to the attention of male readers who might not otherwise have noticed. Also creates a stark contrast to the Adem culture. Pat also has enough sense to realise all the girls would be friends! Too many male authors seem to think that a few women surrounded by men would compete against each other. I was one of 3 girls in a digital media course I did straight out of highschool, and on the first day we all beelined straight for each other!

I'll put that recommendation on my 'to read' list, thank you! Even if I winge and moan, I'm a huge fan, and have only the highest expectation for the next novel :D

Okay this might be a bit of a random message, but I'm doing a literary analysis of some of the Kingkiller women for one of my literature courses and I thought of you (because Kingkiller Chronicle). ^^ I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the fact that there are people out on the internet who think that the books tend to be quite sexist towards the women in them?

Oh, boy, do I ever have thoughts on this!! I just reblogged a bunch of relevant posts I’ve made in the past under the tags sexism and reference and may add more.

And you should think of me, I’ve managed to write two academic essays about the series.

So first things first, what you have to look at are the three layers of sexism in the series, because there is some, it’s inevitable, in a sexist society, esp written by a man. HOWEVER, you must distinguish between Kvothe’s sexism, the society’s sexism, and Patrick Rothfuss’s sexism. (Also keep in mind sexism can be subjective, I have friends whose opinions I respect who disagree with me on the subject and it’s a topic worth exploring, esp from different angles).

First, we have the most obvious, in my opinion, the lack of female characters in the start of the story. Now is this the author, the society, or the character? This I interpret as Pat’s fault. Up until page 236 or something, the only named female characters are his mother and a cortesan. Literally, the mother and the whore, which are all in reference to their relationship to men. Thats how they are defined. Compared to Abenthy, Skarpi, Trapis, and the bullies he faces. Not to mention, most of the unnamed characters are also male, like the shop owners in Tarbean. This could also be Kvothe as a young boy focusing more on men rather than women and also due to the fact they live in a sexist society. So that is often a large cry of sexism from readers, which honestly I get and I agree, although I know others who do not.

Second, is Denna, my absolute angel. Denna is woefully misunderstood. People read her as a Manic Pixie Dream Girl despite being a well developed charater with her own agenda, independent of Kvothe. She uses and manipulates men in the harmful society they created. Any critique of her being sexist I point to Kvothe, as he puts her on a pedestal and does not let her out of his rose colored glasses for the most part (well, I could elaborate more there but you get where I’m headed). Patrick Rothfuss uses Denna as a way to address to harms of patriarchy on women, so she is a product of her sexist society and a young boy romanticizing her. It’s also worth noting she is a prostitute of sorts which is a common and slightly worn out role of women in fantasy books. And you should examine her relationship with her patron as well as the young girl in the chapter Horses in wmf.

Third, you have the stupid ass claim that all the women in the series are in love with Kvothe. This is FALSE. Denna is in love with Kvothe. Fela has a crush on him. He has a sexual relationship with Vashet, Penthe, and Felurian. And he dates other women at the end. The other female characters, who have pretty major roles, do NOT (also Fela quickly realizes Sim is way better bf material than Kvothe). Devi flirts with everyone, Mola has never expressed any romantic or sexual interest in him, Auri greats him like family, Hespe could care less about him, and the other Adem women are like, yup, nope. And that’s not even all the women!!! So that’s bs and you should address that false claim I see repeated over and over.

Fourth, you have Felurian. Sigh. Felurian. She’s an awesome villain. But I low key hate the whole sex faerie/succubus trope. Many people find it sexist and that is worth exploring. Also worth looking at double standards, like what if Felurian were a man and Kvothe were a woman? How would that been seen as differently? She is portrayed is this dangerous yet mysterious light and her villainy is never truly explored. Her character gather a lot of critique and I think that is warented.

Fifth, look at the Adem. They subvert a lot of sexist tropes. I think they were partially written in response to all those “strong female characters” who are actually stock characters. Women have control in this society. And that’s incredibly significant. It also comes in book 2 …

Honestly, I may have gone off topic here, feel free to reblog with any more specific questions (i love talking kkc all the time and same with any kind of feminism). You can also message me directly @halfthealphabet for a direct conversation as well.