#only to have my heart restored when they meet on the bridge

[jacesvelaryons]

His Chosen Bride (Senator!Coriolanus Snow x Capitol Reader).

Chapter 1

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excerpt

summary: senator coriolanus snow seems on top of the world with everything in his life ahead of him except for one thing. the perfect bride. in his pursuit, your life changes forever.

word count: 1.7k

a/n: thank you everyone for your patience as I prepared this!! i hope you all love it and show your support through likes, reblogs and especially comments of what you thought! i love hearing what my readers and other people in the fandom think about my work, so any of your thoughts would be appreciated.

requests OPEN

Upon his return to the Capitol, his reputation restored, wealth acquired from the Plinths who so generously named him the heir to their grand fortune, his path to power was paved for him and he knew he just had to take the strides to get to the prize. The Presidency.

Coriolanus Snow, scion of one of the oldest and most elite of bloodlines of the great Panem families was home, his shameful exile to District 12 remembered by no one and purged from the registry.

Enrolled in university and an apprentice gamemaker, he was eventually promoted to become Senior Gamemaker upon Dr. Gaul’s semi-retirement and her preparation to hand off the reins to her protégé. Her brain child whom she molded from the vestiges of his sorrow and pain, of his loss in the districts and what hardened him into the man he was now.

When he graduated with honours from the political science department, it was only a few months before he was elected in a landslide to become the youngest Senator in Panem’s history, relying on his contributions to the recent games, memories of his late parents to those of a certain age to secure his win.

He would have considered re-election for another term before advisors of his and other cabinet members of the old, sickly President Ravinstill were close to swearing their support but all echoed the same thing that he lacked, they said. It was not his youth, he was wise for his age they said, but he was not married. If he had a wife, they said - they would be on board for his presidential election. And it seemed that election would be sooner than later, even before his first term finished.

Coriolanus needed to find a wife, not just of good breeding, but of the most impeccable lineage, from among the most illustrious hundred or so families of Capitol society. It was a given it would be purely political and strategic, someone whom he could not love and open his heart to after his previous tragedy pursuing such.

The perfect bride. The search for the perfect companion, the woman whom he would call his wife, his future first lady, and mother of his heirs. The ideal woman who would bridge the gap between his dreams to make them a reality.

He could not just choose the first possible candidate recommended to him or that caught his eye, Coriolanus had to devise a thorough, multi-step testing process to find his perfect wife, his bride.

A rigorous procedure would be curated in finding her. Interviews, tests, exams, genealogical inquiries, fitness tests, and practice scenarios will be prompted from eligible candidates, already filtering through those only from the old, grand families upon application.

Digging through his family library into the latest edition handbook of noble and elite families of the Capitol’s upper class, the creme de la creme, ignoring recently disgraced clans, ones full of scandal and controversy, with plenty of illegitimate children, and extinct ones rotting in poverty nearly like his own had he not reversed their fortune.

He scheduled a meeting with his advisors and closest allies on creating the program, the selection process, examinations and interrogation, and how to make the announcement for the families of these eligible girls to put their names in, with their consent or not.

Coriolanus Snow was born from the upper echelon of society, and only deserved the best woman with whom he would continue his lineage with and hail his presidency with. No one had dared, rather self-important he could argue if he cared, to make as many girls clamour for his attention rather than to propose to a woman of his choice.

Just as he was about to put the book down and shut it closed, a name caught his attention. Yours. Your lineage, accomplishments, your etiquette were second to none, and he had to have you. At all costs. He would burn heaven and hell, but the question remains - would he win you over? Or will he have to force your hand no matter what?

Besides, he requires others to choose from, even if you are the most qualified. It would not do well for your ego to have the satisfaction you were chosen for. He wants you to want it, to beg for it, claim it and aspire to be one worthy to be by his side, motivated by the competition who would slit your throat and ruin your reputation for it.

And yet a lingering thought crept up his mind. He had brought life back into the Hunger Games, that was on its dying breath before his arrival, why not another? Everything is a game if you try hard enough.

…

A brightly lit room surrounded you as you grabbed a few more pieces of dandelions and baby’s breath bunches for your bouquet, in your floral arrangement lessons for the week. Under the watchful eye of your teacher, a premiere florist who is hired by the Capitol’s elite for the most fashionable and well-sought events every season.

Hailing from one of the oldest families among the Capitol’s blue bloods, your family may not be the wealthiest but definitely prosperous to be among them, yet your lineage is prominent even before Panem’s founding, the most ancient of them all.

In your family home’s perfectly manicured garden, you immerse yourself in the arrangement, something that would impress your teacher yet also something you would find pleasant in a vase by your study. No way would someone of your heritage be found associating with anything subpar.

After your studies at the Academy, your lessons and tutoring would never end, usually something different for each day. Piano, ballet, etiquette, floristry, household management, painting and so on.

As you gathered a crimson bow around the branches of your bouquet, you could hear murmurs among the uniformly dressed maids and servants around the stately home, as your mother jaunted towards you in her glossy designer heels.

“Yes, mother?” You greeted politely, observing the unreadable expression on your mother’s face.

She approached you carefully, gently taking your hands in her own, soft and having never experienced hardship.

“A great honour has been bestowed on you, daughter. A promising Senator has taken a liking to you, and wants you to be considered for his future bride.” Your mother smiles in celebration and pride, and your brows furrow in consternation.

“A Senator as old as father? A man old enough to be my grandfather-”

“Hush, darling. He is young, from a proper family of the elite family unlike those Plinths, new money scum. Senator Coriolanus Snow, the son of late General Crassus Snow and his wife Victoria Snow. He is only twenty four, I think you would like him.” She brushes your hair behind your ears, but you turn away from her, pushing her hands away.

“Twenty four, when I am eighteen?”

Your mother shrugs. “It is the way of the world I suppose. I was your age when I met your father. Eighteen and he was twenty one, a match fit for the sort like us.”

“You mentioned I was being considered but no outright proposal or courting has begun. What do you mean?”

She unveiled a large envelope she was holding behind her back, taking it out for you before a gold hued canvas invitation was unveiled.

Dear Y/N L/N and family, I hope this letter finds you well. As I have progressed through my career as a gamemaker and politician, it has been too long since I have navigated through life without a lifelong companion and wife.

You are a woman of unblemished character, accomplished in many ways, intelligent, well-bred and would fit the bill of what a man like me seeks in a future partner.

There is no guarantee that you must receive this invitation and accept, but rather that your name will be included in a pool of candidates to be considered. I hope that you and your family would view this as a position of honour, and even if you shall not be chosen, you will be compensated for your time and this shall only raise your standing in our society.

Please reply to the number and address attached below with your response, and I would be beholden and pleased to hear if you would put your name forward to possibly become my future First Lady.

Sincerely, Senator Coriolanus Snow

You could not believe it, the humiliation of not being asked directly for one’s hand in marriage but having to compete with other ladies of society and grovel for his attention.

“Are you and papa seriously making me do this? The Hunger Games to be someone’s wife and heir maker?!”

Your mother sighs, shaking her head as she crosses her arms. “You do not understand, child. I have heard of other elite families whose daughters, sisters, nieces such as the Heavensbees, the Cardews, Dovecotes, among a few have been invited and all have accepted. No one would even think to refuse a Snow!”

“But it is not guaranteed. How would I not be offended if he did not make a guaranteed offer but wants me to participate like I am in a beauty pageant. I have to close off even entertaining other suitors and I am not even assured that I will not be left dry and humiliated if I was not chosen.”

“Your grandmother was Miss Panem many years ago before the war and those rebels ruined everything, I am sure he will choose you. Even if he did not, any other unmarried peer of yours would scoop you up in no time, that if Snow perceived you as someone potential, they are from the cream of the crop.”

You sighed, putting down your shearing tools and your bunches of daisies and baby’s breath. You never liked roses.

“You have always aimed for the stars, daughter. Would you pass on an opportunity like this or be forgotten to the tombs of time?” Your mother suggests, walking over to you with a guiding hand on your shoulder. “Choose wisely if you want to make something of yourself, to not pass on opportunities like this.

Golden letter in hand, you stared intensely at the dark line above your name, signifying whether you would submit your name or not. With a bold stroke of your ink pen, you sign your fate and future away. I agree to participate.

Let the games begin.

His Chosen Bride Taglist:

(if your name is bolded, I put in your user but it didn't show up when prompted so I'm not sure if you got notified!) Please let me know if you'd like to be added and reminded every time I update.

@xsunaxrinx @bialuvss @emma0320 @callieyanderechan @crimsonred13 @starcrosslove @castellandiangelo @sylmthadmnglla13 @tragicmiserybone @o12lk22gr @anna-stasia @paumartinezsstuff @coriosbunni @nora4us @jupiterstearx @corvinaweeb @batman1asf @imperfectophelia @madmaxsalltoowell @vicky2408 @folklorelogy @bradpittwh0re @linaa20 @abcde601375 @kickmybark @emynunez21 @princessofthereach @maeve-a24 @ellie-bellie-29 @ashfromurfire @dante-pearl @yuuuumii @kxksksjjd @everythingjp @frill0 @aslalali @addriaenne @joyfulyouthlover @rbrsvb @motomami111 @imamybubbles @x-gabrielle-x @crystalstars88 @cc13723things @izzy02soph @shycandykitty @thtweirdointhecornr1917 @drpeperrlover11 @starmaiden @itz-me-cherie @papi-chulo69000 @meetmeatyourworst @sombodynotimportant @hyunjinspdf @bellaramseysgirlfriend @mari-mari12 @kis9na @lvrdilfs @mizuki80mizuki80 @deago21 @hafisjfjsit @miniatureblazellama @livid-euphoria @sugaxmamii @kropka4321 @jamesyrobin @joana2934 @kotadislikesthissite @byisy @shinae28 @atlasedelgard @eimearj123 @urfavewh0r3 @sophs-sofa @dreammie-marrie @cos-ilsee @nikolaikirche0 @bigwmc66 @mandoskenobi @theswreties @soniusstuff @1lovesnowballs @bitvhese @craftycloudcollection @byraaaaan19 @mythic-moon-moth @reading-in-velaris @bestboymikey @marytargaryen @cleverpeachheropersona @adeline32sblog @snowdrops-png @lysonal @tiffdx @bingxuu @noothemoo

[tarotwithavi]

You from the eyes of your future lover/future spouse

Read part 1 here

How to choose a pile?

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Kindly ask your spirit guides to show you the right pile for yourself and then open your eyes. Whichever pile catches your attention is the right pile for you.

For my female audience , I'll be using she/her pronouns in this post.

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Pile 1

When I'm with her, I feel an overwhelming sense of strength and confidence, as if I could conquer any challenge that comes my way. She embodies everything that brings me joy and fulfillment. Being in her presence makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world because I have her by my side. Her mere existence has the power to make my wildest dreams a reality. Not only does she inspire me to reach for the stars, but she also motivates me to become a better version of myself. Her influence pushes me to strive for greatness in all aspects of life. Just knowing that she is there for me, supporting me, and believing in me, helps me heal wounds that were never caused by her. Her presence alone has a transformative effect on my well-being, bringing me solace and restoration. If her love were poison, I would willingly drink it without hesitation or remorse. Such is the depth of my devotion and the extent to which I value her affection. I yearn to be of assistance to her, to be a reliable pillar she can lean on. I aspire to be her rock, her unwavering support, providing comfort and strength whenever she needs it. Being with her fills me with an indescribable sense of empowerment and joy. She is my beacon of happiness, encouraging me to strive for greatness and inspiring me to become the best version of myself. Her love and presence heal me in ways I never thought possible, and I am eager to reciprocate by being her steadfast support and ally.

Pile 2

Describing her is a challenging task, for she possesses a depth that transcends the confines of ordinary words. She carries an aura that attracts wealth and prosperity wherever she ventures, as if they were faithful companions by her side. From a distance, she appears strong and bold, yet I sense a vulnerable little girl hiding within her, fearful of the harshness this world can wield. She has distanced herself from those around her, for nobody has truly comprehended her essence. No one has made an earnest effort to unravel the intricate puzzle of her being. My deepest desire is to be the one who unravels that enigma, the person who embraces the challenge of understanding her complexities. I yearn to discover every missing piece and gently place it in its rightful position, completing the beautiful picture that is her. I want to penetrate the walls she has built, to listen to her unspoken fears and insecurities, and to offer solace and understanding. By becoming the person who comprehends her deepest self, I hope to bridge the gap between her and the world that often fails to perceive her true nature. I want to be the companion who supports her unconditionally, providing comfort and encouragement as she navigates through life's labyrinth. It is my aspiration to create an environment where she can fully express herself, knowing that she is truly seen, heard, and appreciated.

Pile 3

The moment our eyes met, I was immediately captivated by her essence, as if an invisible force had bound my heart to hers. Prior to meeting her, I had been skeptical of love at first sight, dismissing it as a mere romantic notion. However, in her presence, all doubts were washed away by the sheer brilliance of her beauty. She has bewitched me completely, leaving no room for retreat. Even if her allure leads to my demise, I would embrace it willingly, for the privilege of experiencing her presence outweighs any consequences. Her presence has an intoxicating effect on me, causing me to lose my composure in the most enchanting way. It is as if she holds the power to unravel the layers of my soul, igniting a fire within me that I cannot control. My hands yearn to touch her, to explore every corner of her body, as if searching for an uncharted territory that only she possesses. Every flaw she may perceive within herself, I view as perfect imperfections, enhancing her unique beauty and making her all the more irresistible. Words fail to fully express the depth of my admiration for her. She is a work of art, a masterpiece without blemish in my eyes. I am eager to shower her with praise, to extol every facet of her being, and to make her feel cherished beyond measure. In her presence, I find myself stripped of pretenses and laid bare, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. It is an indescribable sensation, this all-consuming affection, where reason and logic are overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to be closer to her. She has become the center of my universe, a gravitational force pulling me toward her. To love her is to lose myself willingly, surrendering to the magnetic power she holds over me.

[ewanmitchellcrumbs]

Release

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x f!reader Warnings: Mild angst, oral (m receiving), rimming (m receiving), smut Word count: 1.2k

Summary: When Aemond receives some unwelcome news, his wife finds a novel way to cheer him up. Based on this request.

Author's note: No gods, no masters, no tag lists. Community labels are for cops.

She sighs, a shiver running through her when she catches sight of her husband’s face as he sweeps into their apartments. Aemond’s jaw is set, teeth obviously clenched together as the usual pout of his lips is set into a tight line. His seeing eye blazes with anger, brow furrowed, and nostrils flared. She can practically feel him seething as she steps towards him, tentatively reaching for him.

He withdraws from her with a slight shake of his head. “Don’t,” He says quietly.

Her heart aches for him, she cannot bear to see him like this. “It’s happening, isn’t it? They’re making Aegon King.”

His mouth turns downwards into the faintest of grimaces as he nods, his eye refusing to meet hers.

She longs to throw herself into his arms, to comfort him and tell him it will all be okay, but she knows Aemond, knows he does not want that, what he perceives as pity.

“It should be you,” She whispers.

Aemond’s face softens slightly, he bows his head, but does not answer.

“I’ll have a bath drawn for you,” She offers, desperately wanting to lift his spirits. “Would you like that?”

“Hmm.” He moves through their chambers, unbuckling his tunic. His anger does not feel quite so intense as it did mere moments ago, it has shifted, morphed into something more melancholic.

She can handle Aemond when he is angry, it is familiar territory for her. However, to see him so defeated, quietly despairing, is utterly foreign and unease sits like a weight in her chest as she struggles to decide how to traverse his present state of mind.

Instructing the chambermaids to prepare a bath, she retires to the bedchamber, readying herself for sleep. It is clear that Aemond is in no mood to talk, and she hopes that the quiet solitude of a long, hot soak will aid in restoring his mood.

She is sitting up in bed, reading, when he enters the room, dressed only in thin, cotton breeches. His skin is still damp, the planes of his chest and abdomen glistening in the candlelight, his long, silver hair hangs loose, the moisture causing the ends to stick to his skin in waves. He has removed his eyepatch, but it is not the sapphire that glints softly within his eye socket that captures her attention, it is the solemn expression he still wears. 

Wordlessly, Aemond climbs beneath the covers, laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling. She had hoped bathing would relax him, it usually does after a particularly tough session of sparring in the yard or when his eye is causing him pain. However, she can sense how tense he is as he lays next to her, as though a dark cloud hangs over him. She hates seeing him like this, it makes her feel powerless to not be able to comfort him.

She closes her book and sets it to the side before rolling to face him. Tenderly, she traces her fingertips over his brow bone, along the aquiline bridge of his nose and across his prominent cheekbones. His eye flutters closed as he leans into her touch.

“He doesn’t even want it,” He murmurs after a few moments.

“I know, my love,” She whispers reassuringly, peppering soft kisses across his jaw and down the length of his neck.

Aemond inhales deeply, full lips parting as she continues her downwards trajectory, pressing her mouth over torso. “You don’t…you don’t have to…” He murmurs.

“I know,” She tells him, eyes flickering up to meet his intense stare. “But I want to. Allow me to treat you like the King I know you are.”

She grins against his flesh as she hears his shaky exhale, clearly excited by her words. Her lips move over the still damp hardness of his abdomen and the sharpness of his hip bones, before tugging his breeches from his legs. He is half ready for her, resting heavily against his thigh, and she takes him into her hand, stroking him languidly to full attention, laying her cheek against his groin as she watches him stir to life beneath her touch. 

He smells faintly of lavender oil, and she leans forward to lick tentatively at the flushed head of his length, her chest swelling with pride as she hears him hiss through his teeth.

“Do not tease your King,” He all but groans, and she rewards him by parting her lips and allowing him to sink as far as she is able to take him into her mouth. She hums around him as the salty taste of his arousal hits her tongue, bobbing her head up and down and using her hand to pump at what will not fit. Aemond lets out a pleasured grunt, his knuckles turning white as they grip the sheets with the effort not to grab her hair and thrust upwards into her throat.

Drool gathers at the corners of her mouth, and she pulls off of him with a gasp when her jaw begins to ache. She focuses her attention on the plush swell of his stones, running her tongue over the sac and delighting as she feels him shiver at the sensation. 

Growing bolder, she suckles at the delicate skin, moving lower to run her tongue over the expanse of it. The tip catches lower than she means for it to, swiping between his buttocks and she feels him lurch.

She pulls back, eyes wide and apologetic. “I-I’m sorry…I didn’t mean–”

“Do it again,” Aemond rasps out.

Her breath catches in her throat, unsure of if she has misheard him. “You want me to..?”

“Please,” He swallows thickly, cheeks ruddy and breathing ragged.

She nods her assent and leans forward again, tentatively licking a stripe between his buttocks, listening carefully for his response. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he plants both of his feet flat upon the mattress, allowing her easier access.

Encouraged by his enthusiasm, she pushes her tongue deeper, feeling every ridge of his tight ring of muscle, moving her hand against the swell of him in tandem with every drag of her tongue.

Aemond’s moans are wanton and unrestrained, were she not in the room with him she would not recognise these noises as her husband, but they spur her on. She moves her hand faster, her mouth moving sloppily against his opening. Her own arousal sits sticky between her thighs, excitement flutters wildly in her lower belly.

When she feels him begin to tremble and tense, she breaches his entrance slightly, her tongue penetrating him by a fraction, and Aemond is done for. His fists release the bedding to bury themselves in her hair, holding her against him as he bucks his hips, stomach muscles contracting with the force with which he spills his seed across his abdomen. A noise that is half grunt, half strangled moan rumbles from his chest.

His grip on her loosens and she pulls away, grinning as she smiles at the sight of him, eye heavy lidded, skin sweaty and flushed, hair in disarray around his head. He has never looked more beautiful than he does at this moment.

She reaches a hand upwards, dragging her index finger through the spend that lays glistening against his flesh, before bringing it to her lips and sucking it off with a quiet noise of satisfaction.

Aemond’s fingers card through her hair, visibly relaxed as he gazes at her. “How could I ever feel anything less than a King,” He murmurs. “When I have you as my Queen?”

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[yurigalactica]

would you mayhaps infodump about LC! lyrics? 👀👀 /nf

(I saw you on the anon game and am incredibly interested)

OOOOOOOOOH YESYESYESYES I WOULD LOVE TO INFODUMP ABOUT LOS CAMP LYRICS

okay okay so first of all. this band is so good. they have so many banger ass songs and that cannot be denied. HOWEVER in my heart To Tundra will always reign supreme. like holy shit. it's got lyrics like "meet me at st. nicholas among the oaks, behind the church that sway like pig-tailed girls as summer wind whistles around your bare-skin knees and the forsythia leaves" and "we take on the burden of all these sad-eyed children with lilies bunched in our hands" like. those lyrics are so visceral and potent they literally leave me with my mouth hanging wide open after i hear them. oh my GOD that song is magical

some of my other favorite songs lyrically is OBVIOUSLY tiptoe through the true bits. that's the song that whenever i hear it i have to stop literally everything i'm doing, turn up the volume as loud as it will go, close my eyes and just absorb the Vibes. it's so gorgeous AHHHHHH. the bit that makes my heart go !!!!!! is the part where it goes "the bed-spread decked in suns and moons and symbols of the star-signs, how you read how mine applied to how I would be sex-wise." like that paired with the little guitar picking up in the back and the drums kicking in are SO GOOD AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

AND. IN MEDIA RES. that song changed my life genuinely. like WOW. the whole vibe of it, especially the end when the trumpets (i think they're trumpets at least) kick in and gareth goes "if you were given the option of dying painlessly in peace at 45 with a lover at your side, after a full and happy life, is this something that would interest you? would this interest you at all?" like WOW what an existential crisis moment while you feel like you're running through a rainy field. man that hits yknow

ALSO i am emotionally attached to Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #4. i dont know why but the first time i ever heard it my brain latched its claws onto it and now it wont fucking let go. so whenever i hear the guitar at the beginning i am Legally Obligated to belt out at the top of my lungs "I RESTORED YOUR MOTHER'S FAITH IN MEN WHILST BORING YOU TO DEATH LEFT NOTHING MORE THAN A CIRCLE OF STUBBLE RASH AROUND YOUR CHEST--"

AND!!!!!!!!! for flotsam also has a very special place in my heart. i love the lyrics in that one, particularly "summer of odd-numbered year" like. MY GUYS YOU ARE SO CREATIVE???? all of your football metaphors to describe your boredom and emotions. like i don't watch football but you go guys i think its so kickass. i love you los campesinos. also the bit where they go "flotsam, jetsam, and spindrift, all the girls i have loved, dumped to earth by a spendthrift, gilt angels from above" with the "aaaahhh" in the back and the very faint piano in the background that i can only hear when i'm listening to it with my gaming headphones on bc my gaming headphones have really good mid range. just AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

AND WHAT DEATH LEAVES BEHIND TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 fun little fact this was the first song that i listened to when i first decided to listen to their discography all the way through. and let's just say that was a VERY good start because i was very impressed right off the bat. like "i was the first match struck at the first cremation, you are my shallow grave, I'll tend you as a sexton, if you're the casket door that's being slammed upon me, i'll be a plague cross painted on your naked body" LIKE HOLY SHIT. THATS SO EVOCATIVE. HOW DO YOU USE SO MANY METAPHORS AND BIG WORDS. THEYRE SO GOOD AT WORDS. i love listening to this one because it is so lyrically complex and yet it all goes together so well auuugghhhhhhhh

also since i started university recently, hung empty rings very near and dear to my heart. like the bit in the bridge that goes "my vision is fading, it's blurry, there are fingerprints all over the sun, we're glad to be loved but we're lonely and we feel like we're the only ones." like. that's the experience of moving out right there!!! i don't know where the fuck i am and i'm so lonely but it feels so bright and new and cinematic. this song Gets me on the most fundemental level it feels so very College-Esque

ALSOOOOOOO she crows!!!!!!!!!!!11 i LOVE she crows. someone inject this song into my veins Right This Fucking Instant. i need to live and breathe this song right now. just the instrumentals combined with the anthemic feel of the song really seals the feeling of looking back on your life and all of your mistakes and acknowledging that all of them brought you to where you are now. especially the end bit, i don't know why, but when it goes "big tip for the pretty girl waiting the IHOP, these blank napkins/unwritten suicide notes, it's dark inside these eyelids, blacker than the ink (squid)" it really feels like the end of the day. these are the lyrics that buzz like caffiene in your veins as you sit outside a dutchbros at eleven pm surrounded by the only people you feel like you can be yourself around. it's the feeling of cold biting at your skin while your heart feels warm and full. it feels like an open finale, the first time you smile in a long time, an acceptance of the complex beauty of life, that unforgettable moment when you realize that you wouldn't trade who you've become for the world

and CODA A BURN SCAR IN THE SHAPE OF THE SOONER STATE. I LOVE CODA SO MUCH AGH. PERFECT CRYING IN THE SHOWER SONG. like the lyric "an artist's impression of the manhattan skyline" will get me fucking SOBBING immediately. it feels like watching the world move on without you, the world a blur as you crumple inward under the weight of your emotions, a collapsing star in an endless void. and then obviously "i can't believe i chose the mountains every time you chose the sea" WOAH the SYMBOLISM i will just pass away right here in my dormitory with my headphones on. no sorry professor i can't write my essay i am unwell about the romance is boring album again. sorry yeah i'll be unavailable for 3-5 buisness weeks

but uh. yeah. los campesinos amirite???????????

[cherry-flavored-sigh]

i got to see cinderella's castle on friday night! so i looked back at this post by @cindytoast404 and decided to fill out the bingo card! let's see if we get a bingo, shall we?

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!!!!!!! DO NOT LOOK IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS FOR CINDERELLA'S CASTLE!

we DO have a bingo! hooray! (assuming the middle is the usual Free Space)

let's go through it square by square:

`1. the prince is absolutely the horniest person in the show. putrice gets sort of close, but she's really the only one in my opinion who does.

2. sir hop a lot does NOT die, but there is a point where he transforms back into a regular frog and putrice eats him. he later becomes a knight again once the magic is restored and escapes her stomach.

3. the prince is hot but he is just too stupid for ella to actually be attracted to. sorry! she needs a man who thinks about more than cunny all day!

4. no arson... unless you count the metaphorical "burning" of the ashmore family's legacy

5. the Narrator chided us a bit because when ella came on stage, we cheered for her, and he snapped and said "you don't even know anything about her yet!" so kind of? he also has help from ragweed (i believe that was the old man puppet's name), who comments on how the story progresses and argues that he doesn't like the results at one point. so there's a decent amount of acknowledging that a fairy tale is being told to an audience.

6. i would say rancilda is semi-redeemed because she defies her mother's wishes and wants to follow her own dreams that don't necessarily involving killing and eating people

7. ella does not kill a man, sadly :( but her loyal knight whoops some corrupt guards' asses!

8. as one would expect from a fairy tale, there is a lot of emphasis on wishes, desires, and happy endings. ella reflects on what she truly wants beyond revenge

9. sort of? the ball is the prince's way of choosing a bride. he clicks with rancilda at first (shared love of perverted jokes), then ella appears and steals his heart... then ella almost gets murdered by guards that the stepmother coerced into assassinating her and runs away, accidentally losing her magic in the process. so the prince does not end up with a bride that night and instead starts the search for the girl whose foot fits the glass slipper left behind.

10. if we assume sir hop-a-lot did not go off and chase her and kill her, then yes, rancilda does get to go live under a bridge and tell riddles for a living, just like she always dreamed. good for her!

11. the songs for the troll stepmother and sisters are BANGERS. they are evil, disgusting, and absolutely LOVING IT. hot troll girl summer is here, folks

12. the queen is pretty spooky and ethereal. her presence is far from "comforting fairy godmother" and more like "LET ME GIVE YOU THE POWER TO SMITE YOUR ENEMIES"

13. there is a skinning! two, actually! we meet two lovely girls that come to stay at the house and are set up to be ella's saviors... who are then promptly murdered by crossbow and then skinned to provide "outfits" for the troll stepsisters for the prince's ball (their whole picnic scene with ella gave huge "I love being alive!" vibes)

14. honestly, i can't recall any gay people. unless you count the Narrator, cuz he's a bit fruity, but he gives off big flamboyant fae vibes, which one could argue is just how fae are. you could sort of argue about the prince being a little gay with tadius (see the later square about homoeroticism), but no one seems to be explicitly referred to as homosexual. :(

15. everything is magic! ella's mother was burned for being a witch! the trolls use magic to stitch together their skin suits! the fairy queen of sweet dreams grants ella "starlight" to help her seek revenge. magic is what brings sir hop-a-lot and crumb to life as speaking creatures.

16. this one is debatable. the prince does not turn into a human (though if you want a humanized version of him, you can just look at jon's silly outfit while using the puppet lol). but he DOES sort of become a prince, because after the kingdom is saved, ella grants him a huge amount of land and tells him to sire many generations of tadpoles. so... close enough? he is not ella's prince, but he could be considered a prince now that he owns land, i guess?

17. again, the Narrator gets snippy when we cheer for ella without knowing who she is yet

18. almost! the evil stepmother threatens to begin a war with the trolls coming back to take over the kingdom once she steals the throne. thankfully, that doesn't come to pass

19. there sure is a castle. on a hill. as the story goes.

20. tadius quite literally has to wipe the prince's ass for him. and he also prepares "the wank couch" after the prince obtains ella's abandoned slipper.

21. ella ends up with tadius. he's the only man who can match her wits (and is human). though it would have been cute for sir hop-a-lot to become her human prince, i think that ella and tadius make a good couple. together, they have the smarts to properly rule the kingdom.

22. the prince does get murdered. tadius doesn't do it (though he really REALLY wants to), but instead, putrice gets a bit too rowdy after her wedding vows and rips the prince's head off. tadius runs away screaming in horror.

23. because putrice married the prince before she died (exploded by sir hop-a-lot when he became a knight again and busted out of her body) and the prince and king die/get killed (maybe the king smothered himself, who knows? tadius wasn't there), the crown goes to the next living ashmore... which is ella! yay!

24. ella does not get her own sword. sir hop-a-lot considered himself her sword since he is her protector and knight. but ella DOES get magical trappings made of pure starlight, so i honestly think that's a lot cooler.

aaaaaaaand that's that! feel free to argue with me if you've seen the show, too (or once you see the digital ticket version), cuz some of these are based more on opinion. i'd love to hear everyone's thoughts! just be kind and tag your spoilers! <3

[raparopa]

a/n: @mischiefmanaged71 @crazyhorseforgot

warnings: Language, Squaller!OC

pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x OC!Dasha Romanov

summary: There is clearly an understatement between Nikolai and his childhood friend. But who knew that things could get even worse when the sun shines on the horizon?

gold and silver

part one. about meetings

I looked at the stars. Silver jewels scattered over the blue velvet of the night sky - this was the sky above the sea, in which I spent almost all my time. And yet, accepting Nikolai's invitation was one of the best decisions of my life.

I have found a new family. Tolya and Tamar turned out to be some of the most incredible people I have ever met. Such a connection was for me...not new... The fact is that I myself experience such a connection, the only thing I do not know for one hundred percent is whether it is mutual.

During the time spent side by side on the ship, next to Sturmhond, I realized that I love Nikolai. And every day this feeling only intensified. I looked at him and tried to figure out if his feelings were similar to mine, or if Nikolai was acting like a little stinging fox as usual. But there was something in his actions, looks, words that made me suspect that we had a good chance.

We became much closer than in our youth, we were two parts of one whole, we were those who cannot live without each other. We never said anything that could indicate our feelings for each other. I don't know if it was necessary at this time? I did not want to destroy that wonderful peace between me and Nikolai, which we have been building and restoring for many years, and now we support it.

Each time, Tamar said with a cheerful smile how Nikolai's heart was beating, as soon as he thought of me. But how was I to know if she was joking or not? You can't tell these twins.

A cool sea breeze blew into my face. I smiled, twisting it with my fingers into a small whirlwind and letting it float through the water. But from the other side of the ship there were conversations. And several voices were clearly unfamiliar to me. I frowned and pushed off the deck with my hands, striding confidently there to understand what was happening. I don’t know what was going on, but my gut told me that something was going on that I obviously didn’t like. Because of this, the wind increased, rose, crashing into the sails.

I went to the other side of the deck and saw Tolya, Tamar and two strangers at the gangway. One of them was a tall, strong guy, next to him was a short girl with long, black hair. They talked about something very tensely.

-What's going on?-I shouted to be heard. All pairs of eyes immediately stared at me and at my menacing face.

-Dasha!- Tolya greeted joyfully, waving his hand to me. -We have unexpected passengers here,-he pointed to a couple of strangers.

-Yes, they want to charter our ship,- Tamar continued, showing me a gold hairpin that sparkled in the moonlight. -We need to take them to the captain. How is he? In what mood? - She smiled strangely at me.

I was embarrassed, but did not show it, only raising my eyebrows.

-As usual, in good health,-I said, folding my arms over my chest and carefully looking at the strangers. -Good, -I nodded. -Tolya?

He nodded to me.

-Take them to the captain.

It seemed to me that the issue was resolved, but then soldiers of the First Army appeared from the darkness.

-You! Stop!- the old man in military uniform croaked.

- Do you want a fight? Huh?-Tamar said menacingly, pulling out her axe.

-This man is a deserter, he must be with us!- the old man continued.

-Is that so?- Tamar continued caustically. I rolled my eyes, rubbing the bridge of my nose. -They want a fight!- she roared, causing everyone who was carrying bags on deck to grab their weapons.

-Oh, Saints, help me...- I said to myself, mentally dreaming how I would conduct a conversation with them, and how I would ask Nikolai to give them a couple of diplomacy lessons.

-I don't want to aggravate the conflict with Shu Han...

It was a mistake. Mistake old man in uniform. Tolya took up the sword.

-We are not Shu Han,-Yul-Bataar said, approaching his sister. -We are on our own.

-Save your bullets for the war, and tell your soldiers to know their place.- I barked belligerently, stepping onto the gangplank. I was rather tired of this situation, and I wanted to exhale as soon as possible and calmly sail away. Both my words and my old caftan, with which I did not dare to part after the Second Army, were clearly a weighty argument. Ravka's soldiers retreated.

Strangers boarded.

They looked rumpled, but they were very smart. I slowly examined them from head to toe, trying to isolate at least something that could help me find out more information about them, but I did not find anything strange or unusual.

-We’ll go to the captain,- I said slowly and low, when Tolya and Tamar appeared behind me. - He will give his final verdict.

The guy jerked his shoulder in annoyance, glaring at me angrily, but I didn't care.

-Let's go. -I passed by, heading straight into the hall to Nikolai.

I physically felt the tension that was in the air. No one dared to utter a word, I think the twins and I looked menacing, so the strangers were silent.

Nobody ever tried to charter our ship, it was the first time, but it was...interesting.

We approached the doors when Tolya opened them.

-Captain,- he turned to Nikolai, going inside. -They want to charter our ship.

- And immediately. - Some unprecedented courage suddenly woke up in the boy. We were also in the room.

-We need to sail now!- the girl also flushed, stubbornly following her companion.

Nikolai chuckled.

-Let's get two things straight,- he braced his hands on the table. -I'm not given orders on my own ship.- His face immediately became tense.

It was always amazing how he switched from one state to another so quickly.

- And we're already sailing. Glad you joined. And now, maybe add some light to the cabin, - I frowned, not understanding what he was talking about. - Since you, Alina Starkov. Saint on twenty million kruge.

These words hung in the air like a thick fog. My face stretched in surprise, I felt something rising in my stomach. That was the last thing I expected to hear tonight, I would have been prepared for anything but this. I looked first at Alina, then at her companion, and in the end my eyes fixed on Nikolai, as if demanding an answer from him.

How did he know? How does he know the price for this girl? Why didn't he say anything to me... That is, to us.

Lantsov quickly shot his eyes in my direction, and again turned to the newcomers. He pulled a revolver out of its holster and placed it meaningfully on the table.

-Alive or dead.- His voice became low and almost menacing as she looked at Alina.

What the hell...

-It’s silly to play up, Starkov, you are a Sun Summoner,-Nikolai continued.

In surprise, I even had to lean my hand against the wall as thoughts raced feverishly through my aching head. I looked at Tolya, but judging by his expression, he was also, to put it mildly, shocked. We both stood with him, behind Alina Starkov's back, like fools, the only ones who didn't understand what the hell was going on.

-Yes, you are right,- Alina threw belligerently, throwing up her hands, from which light immediately escaped.

Nikolai whistled.

-Not bad,- he shook his head, with a meaningful smile. - I'm hard to impress.

But Sun Summoner clearly did not share Nikolai's fun.

-Let us go,- she hissed, -Or lose twenty million kruge and the ship. Her threats looked a little funny. No matter how saintly Alina was, she did not seem to me an experienced fighter, rather a chaotic bundle of energy.

The light burned in Alina's hands, like a real, living flame of light. I myself did not understand how I took a step forward, how my fingers froze in signs that they could summon a hurricane. But I was gently pulled by the shoulder.

-Don’t, Dasha,- Tolya whispered to me. -Don’t jump to conclusions, Romanov. We can always get into a fight. Where is your diplomacy?

I glared at him, reluctantly admitting that he was right.

-Let you,- Nikolai got up from his chair at the table. -You can sentence us to death in the sea desert,- he went to the table, pouring some amber alcohol into a crystal glass. - Please note that we are already far from the shore. Besides, I won't hand you over to the Fjordans.

-Really? -Alina immediately stopped releasing light from her palms.

-Yes, Saints forbid,- Nikolai simply threw, realizing in a moment that he had blurted out. -Or is it indecent to say this in front of a living saint?- He turned to me in a rhetorical question. I tilted my head, pursing my lips.

They continued talking, but the words slipped past me. The only thing I heard was Nikolai's cute tone when he spoke to Alina. I still tried furiously to grab at least one word of their conversation, but I couldn't. For some reason, I felt betrayed. Did Nikolai not trust me so much that he could not devote to his ingenious plan to "capture" the Sun Summoner? Am I not the kind of person he can share everything with? He knows that I will always be by his side.

I looked at Nicholai. I felt offended. I felt selfish. Why was my chest so empty? Why, as soon as Alina Starkov stepped on board, did it hurt so much?

Maybe I did something wrong, since Nikolai no longer trusts me? Did I say something that made him doubt me?

Someone touched my shoulder, and only then did I wake up.

Tolya looked at me with regret, nodding in the direction of the exit. Of course, damn it, he heard my heart. I quickly gathered myself together, gave him a forced smile and nodded, following him and our "guests" to show them their sleeping quarters.

-No, no, no,- we were all immediately interrupted by the voice of Nikolai. We turned to look at him at once. - You, - he pointed to me. - Dasha, stay for a minute. -he asked, trying not to smile.

Tolya smiled slyly at me and led the passengers out of the cabin. I carefully closed the door, turning to look at him.

- Nikolai. - I said evenly, straightening my back, and folding my hands behind my back, raising my eyes with an effort to look at him...

He finally allowed himself a wide smile as he walked up to me, taking my hand and leading me forward through the cabin.

- Nikolai, if you want to talk, then speak. - Sharper than you wanted, I said.

-What's the matter?- he asked softly, his blue eyes sparkling charmingly, the way he always did when he wanted to get something.

I exhaled heavily, disengaging from his grip and rubbing my wrists.

This gesture obviously did not please him. He stopped smiling.

- Dasha, what happened? Any problems?

I looked at him from under my brows.

-Well,- I began hard. -Tell me, Nikolai, do you trust me?- I decided to come from afar.

He opened his eyes in surprise.

-Of course I trust you. More than anyone, you know it дорогая. Ever since you didn't tell your nanny my name as a kid when she asked about the stolen cakes. -he said, grabbing my hand again. Those words made me smile faintly.

-Remember that?- he chuckled. -I remember well how you…

-...Saved your ass for the first time? Yes, such things are not forgotten, Nikolai. - I continued for him, forcing the prince to roll his eyes jokingly. -But... It's different. Why didn't you tell me about Alina Starkov? - I finally asked. -Do you think, - I swallowed a lump in my throat from the weight of my own words. - Do you think that I cannot help you? It was possible to devote, at least in general, to your incredible plan. - I turned up my nose.

Nicholai sighed softly.

-Everything had to be as natural as possible. No one should have suspected anything, Alina Starkov in particular. No, of course, I don’t doubt your acting skills, Romanov, but I already walked on the edge of a knife.- He said as his hands let go of my palms, gently wrapping around my waist. - I didn't know it would hurt you so much. I didn't think about your feelings, my mistake.

He shook her head. - Excuse me. - He looked into my eyes, and some mischievous sparks sparkled in his eyes. - Can you forgive me?- he smiled.

I closed my eyes.

-Promise to continue to share such things with me, Nikolai.- I asked quietly, blowing off the hair that had fallen on my face.

-I promise if you let me offer you a worthy apology. -He ran his fingers along my cheek.

Saints. Are my assumptions correct? Could it be that the connection I felt was shared by Nikolai?

-Watching what you mean? -Oh, dear Nikolai, don't think that I'll give you up so easily. - Everyone can say big words.

If I don't drive you crazy, Nikolai Lantsov, no one can do it.

[ofmermaidstories]

mer *hands on shoulders* pls help me get excited about sdv bc I have the game on every single console I own but I have never been able to get into it but I DESPERATELY want to. pls sell the game to me 😭😭😭😭

hmmmmmmmMMM. do you like relaxing nice games that don’t stress you out? if you do don’t play. 💀 HOWEVER, if you like the rewarding satisfaction of arriving to a new town where everyone’s a dick to you and then stalk them into submission until they all universally love you, then have at it, i reckon. 😌 i like piddling around on my farm digging up acorns and pinecorns and smashing open random containers that wash up on the cove’s shores, so the early-game grind of like, setting up the farm so that it made enough money that i could do whatever i wanted without going broke was what kept me going with my second save! also restoring the community gave me something to like, remember to focus on, so if i got bored and dropped the game i still had that to recentre me. 🥹 i treat stardew like i treat animal crossing: new horizons—something fun to wander around in and pick up random things. i’ve only recently gotten the hang of combat, in the skull caverns—that adds something too, because i like trying to find prismatic shards (i’ve only found two so far 😔). but what else? 🧐 you can make mayonnaise and then drink it in front of npcs and they’ll be like “ew” or “what?” and it will make u laugh. 😌 and, of course, you can date!! people make a lot of noise over the dateables. there is an alcoholic called shane who is quite soggy and sad BUT if you get enough hearts with him you will be able to buy blue chickens. they have curly tail feathers!!! i like elliot, he lives on the beach and mopes on a bridge or reads in the library. there’s also a doctor called harvey you can date, he’s into airplanes! sebastian still lives at home with his mum and stepdad, but he rides a motorcycle. there’s emily and haley, they’re sisters—emily is older and likes crystals and mystical woo woo things and haley is mean LMAO, she treats you like DIRT until she starts warming up to you (she likes sunflowers and coconuts and pink cake). leah lives out in the forest and has the cutest house, she always decorates it for the season. 🥺 she’s an artist!!! she does a lot of sculpture. she’s also quite forward LOL. ummmm there’s sam, he’s a cutie, he does tricks on his skateboard. his little brother is my little bestie, i bribe him with snails and cranberry candy. maru is seb’s stepsister and tbh she seems like a true loner in the town—kinda isolated? but she works in the clinic with harvey and she likes using her telescope to see the stars. alex was my first love—he’s a jock, and he’s also mean when you first meet him LMAOOO. he likes summer and the beach and wants to go pro one day. you can give everyone in town gifts and birthday gifts—i like giving stuff to kent, the ptsd-riddled veteran who’s come back from what sounds like a P.O.W camp? he’s married to jodi—they’re sam and vincent’s parents! the mayor is kinda ok. you can find his boxers in his girlfriend’s room and if you wanna you can put them in the summer luau’s giant soup pot and make him really mad lmaooo.

if you have the game on pc, you’ll have the 1.6 update, which is meant to add so much to the game too, like new secrets and stuff. 🥺 im only on my switch so i haven’t been able to play with it but from what i’ve seen and read of the update, starting a new save with 1.6 is a whole new ballgame!!!!

[neartheeasternfence]

Changed, or Not Changed

Impressions; Chapter 49

Continued from Beautiful, or Not Beautiful

Changed and unchanged have been the keywords since the meeting with Yashiro and Tsunakawa in chapter 42 (vol.7). Doumeki looks to have changed completely into yakuza, but is it still Doumeki inside? I have begun to assume the possibility that he tried to break off his lovesickness for Yashiro during the four years. He did not go to see Yashiro despite his tracking Yashiro’s movement. He cannot and will not forget Yashiro, only he might have tried to sublimate those whole affairs as a remembrance, and he might have thought that he could already have done so. At the beginning of their reunion, it looked as if Yashiro were the person of bittersweet memory (ch.41, 42).

Yet in the washroom, when Inami’s name appeared on Yashiro’s phone, another emotion was evoked (ch.43, vol.7). Doumeki’s words were offensive: “You still do it with anyone as used to be, right? (You are still sleeping with men promiscuously)” Yashiro, in the bathroom, pondered the words hurled at him for a few panels, and replied, “What makes you think I have changed in just four years? (No, I have not changed).” Doumeki widened his eyes and the momentary expression on his face was not disturbing; in fact, it appeared to be the opposite. On the next page, however, he put his head down and muttered with an expression of discouragement, “No, [no subject] cannot change so easily.” From those on, he held on to a series of provocative words and actions. What was the precise subject of “cannot change so easily”? He might have been disappointed in himself, realizing that he, too, could not change -- that he could not let go of his intense feelings for Yashiro. He has exposed his obsession with Yashiro around the edges. He himself must be aware of that now.

Doumeki informed his boss that he was not in a physical relationship with any woman, and he was in a so-called ‘my dominant hand is my lover’ state, adding “as I am unprincipled (ch.37, vol.7).” I suspect that he intentionally suppresses the utilization(?) of his bodily functions, which was able to say had been restored by Yashiro. My inference is that he must really not make even his own hand his lover, still, he allows that, thus it may mean unprincipled. Similar to his coping (none coping) after the Aoi incident. I would say that had been self-punishment. If he feels the need to do so again, he could have any realization about the significance of the affair of volume 5 to Yashiro. Or, to say further, about Yashiro’s sexual behaviour.

Yashiro’s sentiment toward Doumeki is romantic, regardless of how he perceives himself (ch.46). He had been giving his heart to Kageyama in silence for long years and once secretly kissed Doumeki (ch.5, vol.2). Becoming a smart, skillful, and ‘lecherous’ yakuza leader, down deep inside he retained such tender feelings. Can it be counterposed to ‘lechery’? Being ‘lecherous’ was a strategy for him to find pleasure in violence and focus on it in order to survive the assault he had been forced to. After the night with Doumeki, the strategy turned ineffective -- the indiscriminate pleasure was gone. Even so, he has any reason to need Inami's violence. The persona of ‘lechery’ may be unusual, but however unusual it may be, for him it is a means of survival found in extreme conditions. In volume 5, Doumeki unintentionally tore Yashiro's persona away. Yashiro confronting Hirata was driven by the urge for self-destruction more than usual, while no doubt he did not want Doumeki to die. Eventually, he threw Doumeki away almost desperately. It was also to send Doumeki back to the non-yakuza world. It was supposed to have been. 

In chapter 40 (vol.7), reuniting with Doumeki, Yashiro’s view was distorted as he walked alone to the bridge. And his expression resembled the one he had in chapter 32 (vol.6) when he was fastened his seatbelt by Doumeki after the heated argument about whether to get out of the car or not. Doumeki’s words that his time and body were his own were impressive, declaring that he was in the yakuza world by his own will. What was going through Yashiro’s mind at that time? 

He overall highly praised Doumeki at the meeting with Tsunakawa, and I believe that they were in effect directed toward Doumeki (ch.42). He meant that a pure person like Doumeki should not have been close to a twisted person like himself... His distortions -- for example, ‘lechery’ -- could contaminate Doumeki, and the yakuza world surrounding him could take Doumeki’s life. In chapter 34, when Doumeki was shot in his left chest by Hirata, and when Doumeki dropped down, it seemed that Yashiro’s face was more like a dead. He looked discernibly insane beating Hirata up with the rubble. Amidst the roar of the plane, realizing anything infinitely close to love, he touched Doumeki’s face. Simply put, he let the man go because he held him very dear. But this time Yashiro has grabbed Doumeki. In chapter 49, Yashiro repeats, “I have not changed essentially,” which is not true.

[scotianostra]

This Cameronian radical had been a fugitive for many years, ever since he darkened a thanksgiving service for King Charles II’s restoration by voicing from the pulpit of his Glasgow parish what many feared in their hearts: that Presbyterians were about to get the rough end of the restoration pineapple.

We are not come here to keep this day upon the account for which others keep it. We thought once to have blessed the day wherein the king came home again, but now we think we shall have reason to curse it; and if any of you come here in order to the solemnising of this day, we desire you to remove.

That was the end of Cargill’s career as a licensed preacher. His remaining years were illicit services, ducking arrests, and a flight to the Netherlands; he was wounded in service of the Covenanter cause at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679, which I posted about last month.

Cargill, like many of the leading Covenanters enjoyed a wee declaration to himself, his one was called the Queensferry Declaration, or The Queensferry Paper, only because it was in the pocket of another Covenanter, Henry Hall of Haughshead, when he was seized at South Queensferry on 4 June 1680. Hall was in the company of Donald Cargill when they were discovered but the latter made his escape, Hall died of wounds received during his arrest. The paper dared an open case for rebellion in pursuit of “the overthrow of the kingdom of darkness, and whatever is contrary to the kingdom of Christ.

As well as this, Donald also took it upon himself to "excommunicate" King Charles II and his counselors and the entire Scottish Government. Wandering in exile, he often preached openly in the Scottish lowlands, but at other times, he was forced to stay hidden. Highland clansmen hunted for Donald and other Covenanters, because they had been promised bounties for the capture of such "rebels." These were dangerous days, is it any wonder they have been tagged "The Killing Time".

He was cruelly treated and hauled to jail with his feet tied tightly under a horse's belly. Convicted of high treason in Edinburgh, he was condemned to be hanged and beheaded.

In one of his sermons, Donald had said, "If believers loved Christ as He loves them, they would be more in haste to meet Him." That spirit caused him to die bravely. As he mounted the ladder to be hanged, he said, "The Lord knows, I go up this ladder in less fear and perturbed of mind that ever I entered the pulpit to preach... Farewell, all relations and friends in Christ; farewell all acquaintances and all earthly enjoyments; farewell reading and preaching, praying and believing, wanderings, reproaches and sufferings. Welcome joy unspeakable and full of glory. Welcome Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Into thy hands I commit my spirit."

To the Covenanters, Donald was a martyr for the faith that many Scots had vowed to uphold. But to those Scots who had accommodated the reigning powers, he seemed a radical and a traitor.

Donald Cargill is remembered on a number of Covenantor memorials, and in Maybole a stone rescued from the Cargill Memorial Church as seen in the third pic.

The excellent Mark Jardine, as ever has loads about the Killing Time and Donald Cargill here https://drmarkjardine.wordpress.com/.../donald.../page/1/

[myscottsdale]

Guide to Restorative Dentistry and Benefits at My Scottsdale Dentist

Introduction:

Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and when teeth are damaged, decayed, or lost, it can significantly impact not only your smile but also your ability to eat, speak, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Restorative dentistry offers solutions to repair and replace damaged teeth, helping you regain full function and confidence in your smile. At My Scottsdale Dentist, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality restorative dental care in Scottsdale, AZ, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the teeth, gums, and jaw, restoring both function and aesthetics. This branch of dentistry includes procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, all designed to repair or replace teeth and ensure the mouth functions properly. Unlike preventive care, which aims to prevent dental issues, restorative dentistry addresses existing problems to restore oral health.

Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?

Individuals with cavities: 

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, requiring fillings or crowns to restore the tooth's structure.

Patients with broken or chipped teeth: 

Accidents, injuries, or decay can cause teeth to break or chip, necessitating restorative procedures like crowns or bonding.

People with missing teeth: 

Missing teeth can affect chewing, speaking, and the alignment of remaining teeth, making restorations like bridges, implants, or dentures essential.

Those with worn-down teeth: 

Grinding, clenching, or acidic foods can wear down teeth, often requiring restorations to restore function and appearance.

What’s the Difference Between Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

Restorative Dentistry: 

Primarily concerned with the function and health of the teeth and gums. Procedures aim to restore normal function, prevent further decay or damage, and maintain overall oral health.

Cosmetic Dentistry: 

Focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and smile. While cosmetic procedures can also improve function, their primary goal is aesthetic enhancement, such as teeth whitening, veneers, or reshaping

While both restorative and cosmetic dentistry aim to improve your smile, they have different focuses. Restorative dentistry primarily deals with the health and functionality of your teeth. It involves procedures that fix structural issues such as decay, fractures, or missing teeth. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry focuses more on the aesthetics of your smile, with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.

There is often an overlap between the two fields, especially when a procedure improves both the function and appearance of your teeth. For instance, placing a crown not only restores the tooth’s structure but also enhances its appearance. Choosing the right type of care depends on your specific needs and goals, and often, a combination of both restorative and cosmetic treatments will give you the best results.

Why is Restorative Dentistry Important?

Restorative dentistry plays a critical role in maintaining your oral health. Untreated dental issues can lead to more serious problems like infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues. By restoring damaged teeth, you can prevent further decay, avoid more complex procedures, and enhance your quality of life.

A healthy mouth is vital for overall health. Problems like tooth decay or gum disease can contribute to conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Restorative dentistry not only improves oral health but also supports your general well-being, making it an important aspect of healthcare.

Prevents further dental issues: 

Restoring damaged teeth helps prevent additional decay or damage, which could lead to more complex and costly problems.

Restores function: 

Repairing or replacing teeth improves the ability to chew, speak, and maintain a proper bite, contributing to better digestion and overall health.

Preserves jawbone and facial structure:

Replacing missing teeth with implants or other restorations prevents bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to changes in facial structure.

Enhances quality of life:

A restored smile boosts self-confidence and eliminates discomfort or pain associated with damaged teeth.

What are the types of dental restoration?

Fillings: 

Used to treat cavities, fillings involve removing decayed material from a tooth and filling the space with a material like composite resin or amalgam.

Crowns: 

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often used after a root canal or to protect a weak tooth.

Bridges: 

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is anchored to the surrounding teeth or implants and "bridges" the gap left by missing teeth.

Implants: 

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. They provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dentures: 

Dentures are removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be full (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing only a few teeth).

Inlays and Onlays: 

These are custom-made restorations used when a filling is not enough to restore a tooth but a crown is not necessary. Inlays and onlays are bonded to the tooth, providing strength and protection.

Preparation for these procedures often involves an initial consultation, during which your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss the best treatment options. Most procedures require local anesthesia, and some may involve multiple visits.

What are the advantages of restorative dentistry?

Improved Oral Function: 

Restorative procedures restore the ability to chew, speak, and maintain a proper bite.

Enhanced Appearance: 

Many restorative procedures, such as crowns and implants, also improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Long-Term Oral Health: 

By repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing ones, restorative dentistry helps prevent further dental problems and maintains overall oral health.

Boosted Self-Confidence: 

A complete, healthy smile can significantly improve self-esteem and confidence.

What are the risks of restorative dentistry?

Infection: 

As with any dental procedure, there is a risk of infection, particularly with more invasive procedures like implants or root canals. However, this risk is minimized with proper care and hygiene.

Allergic Reactions: 

Some patients may have allergic reactions to the materials used in restorations, such as metals in crowns or bridges.

Procedure Failure: 

While rare, there is a possibility that a restoration may fail, requiring additional treatment. For example, implants may not integrate with the jawbone, or a crown may become loose or damaged.

Sensitivity: 

Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity after restorative procedures, particularly with fillings or crowns.

The most common risk is sensitivity or general discomfort after a restorative dentistry procedure. Very rarely, you may get an infection or have an allergic reaction to the metals used.

Dental restorations have very few risks. But crowns, for example, may become chipped or loosened. If you have deep cavities or delay getting cavities filled, that can lead to root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Contact a dentist right away if you have a problem with your teeth.

Recovery and Outlook: 

The recovery process and outlook vary depending on the type of restorative procedure performed. Here are some general guidelines:

Fillings: 

Recovery from a filling is usually immediate, with patients able to eat and drink shortly after the procedure. Some sensitivity may occur but typically subsides within a few days.

Crowns and Bridges: 

After receiving a crown or bridge, patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay around the restoration.

Implants: 

Recovery from dental implant surgery can take several months, as the jawbone needs time to heal and integrate with the implant. During this period, it’s crucial to follow the dentist’s instructions for care to ensure successful healing.

Dentures: 

It may take a few weeks to adjust to new dentures, and some patients experience soreness or difficulty eating initially. Regular follow-up visits with the dentist ensure proper fit and comfort.

Overall, the long-term outlook for restorative dentistry is positive. With proper care, most restorations can last many years, providing a lasting solution for damaged or missing teeth.

Conclusion:

Restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving oral health, functionality, and appearance. Whether you need a simple filling or a complex dental implant, the team at My Scottsdale Dentist is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care tailored to your unique needs. By addressing dental issues promptly and effectively, restorative dentistry not only restores your smile but also enhances your overall quality of life.

If you’re considering restorative dental procedures or want to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health, contact My Scottsdale Dentist today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction with your dental care.

[rainbowywitch]

Hello there 👋🌸,

I hope you're doing great! I wanted to reach out and ask for a little help. My brother Osama's life in Gaza has taken a tough turn, and he's working hard to rebuild everything he's lost. We've set up a GoFundMe campaign called "Helping Osama Rebuild His Dream."

If you could check it out and maybe share or donate, it would mean so much to us:

Link: https://gofund.me/100da7db

Even just sharing the link can make a big difference!

Thanks a ton for your support 💖

With gratitude,

Ahmed, (on behalf of  @osama-basil-ps )🌹

Verified by @gazagfmboost

Opportunities in life are rare, and when destruction strikes, they seem to vanish. But I believe that with strong willpower and support, we can create new opportunities even from the ashes. My name is Osama Basil, and I’m a web developer from Gaza. For the past 10 months, I’ve been living through the horrors of war. My office, where I poured my heart into my work, was demolished, and with it, my livelihood and dreams were shattered. As each day passes, life in Gaza becomes increasingly harsh. Destruction and devastation have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily existence, leaving deep scars on our community. The loss of so many friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones weighs heavily on our hearts. I refuse to give up. Despite the destruction and displacement, I am determined to rebuild my life and career. The war took nearly everything from me—my job, my dreams of marriage, and the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in programming and web design. Forced to flee to Rafah with my family, I’ve spent months living in a tent, struggling to survive without reliable access to electricity and the internet—both crucial for my work. The lack of stability has made it difficult to maintain even the simplest routines, yet I refuse to let these hardships define me. Each day is a test of resilience, pushing me to adapt and find new ways to continue my work, no matter the obstacles. Campaign Goal: I’ve set a goal of €15,000 to not only rebuild my office and restore my work but also to continue my education. This funding will help me regain my footing, pursue the master's degree that is vital for advancing my career, and contribute to a brighter future for both myself and Gaza. How Your Donations Will Help:

Rebuilding the Office: Every dollar you donate will help rebuild my office, giving me the chance to start anew and continue my work. Securing Essential Energy and Internet Access: Due to severe electricity shortages and unreliable internet connectivity in Gaza, part of the funds will be used to install a solar energy system and secure stable internet access. These are both increasingly expensive due to the ongoing conflict but are absolutely essential for sustaining my career in web development. Restoring My Passion: Your contributions will enable me to invest in the tools and resources I need to revive my talent and passion for web development. Supporting My Livelihood and Family: Donations will also help meet my basic needs and provide support for my family, enabling us to stand on our feet again during these challenging times. How You Can Contribute: Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, holds immense value in my journey to rebuild my life. Share My Story: Please share my story on social media platforms to bring hope to others and make this opportunity possible for me and those facing similar struggles. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can build a bridge of hope above the rubble and rebuild our dreams. Thank you for standing by my side on this journey. Let’s rebuild together. Contact: Facebook Instagram (Personal Account) Instagram (Business Account) X (twitter) Whatsapp Telegram My Web Development service website: https://osamashmala.com/website-design/ Yours sincerely, Eng Osama Basil

[f1-birb]

well birb, i’ve lost my sweet girl. i don’t have words.

except for the fact i’m frustrated i just now found out about the rainbow bridge. i wish i would have known about it before/during, i think it would have helped a lot.

(but I can’t quite figure it out now, how it is supposed to help? i’m sooo tired and sad rn but also it could be the autism in me 🙃)

i wanna go back. i wanted to hand feed her more meals since she would only eat from me and i want to relive last night when she cuddled with me in bed for the first time in years and how am i supposed to now sleep in that bed?

we shared a (last) meal together before we left 🥹her precious lil face i’m gonna miss it so much

what do i do now

sorry to be so sad i just. am uncontrollably sad

anon you have nothing to apologise for, you're allowed to be sad, you're allowed to grieve, and you're gonna be sad for a while and that's okay

I had to look up the Rainbow Bridge because I've never heard of it and I think it's such a sweet notion and comforting thought to have

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

~ author unknown ~

you're gonna have bad days, and better days, and some really fucking sad days, and that's okay, that's grief, that's getting through it

you've got the pictures, you've got the memories, you know just how much you love her and I'm sure she knows that too

you remember her, and you let yourself feel, and you, in time, feel the hurt a little less - not because it shrinks but because you grow around it

[rbadentalcare]

Best Maxillofacial doctors in faridabad

When it comes to oral and maxillofacial health, residents of Faridabad are fortunate to have access to one of the region's top dental clinics: RBA Dental Care. Known for its comprehensive and patient-centered approach, RBA Dental Care is the go-to destination for anyone seeking high-quality maxillofacial services. The clinic boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced doctors dedicated to providing the best possible care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Meet the Experts

At the heart of RBA Dental Care's success is its team of renowned maxillofacial surgeons. Each doctor brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a commitment to patient care that is second to none.

Dr. Puneet Ahuja is a leading figure in the field, with extensive training and years of experience in handling complex maxillofacial cases. His expertise ranges from corrective jaw surgery to facial trauma reconstruction, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.

Comprehensive Maxillofacial Services

RBA Dental Care offers a wide range of maxillofacial services, ensuring that every patient receives tailored treatment plans designed to address their specific conditions. Some of the key services include:

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct a variety of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. This not only improves facial appearance but also enhances the functionality of the jaw.

Facial Trauma Reconstruction: In cases of facial trauma, timely and precise intervention is crucial. The experts at RBA Dental Care are adept at handling fractures of the facial bones, ensuring optimal recovery and restoration of function.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth. RBA Dental Care’s maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in the placement of implants, offering patients a durable and natural-looking alternative to dentures and bridges.

TMJ Disorders: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause significant discomfort and

dysfunction. The clinic provides comprehensive treatment plans, including surgical and non-surgical options, to alleviate pain and restore normal function.

 

Cyst and Tumor Removal: The removal of cysts and tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region requires precision and expertise. The surgeons at RBA Dental Care ensure that such procedures are performed with the utmost care, minimizing risks and promoting quick recovery.

Patient-Centered Approach

What sets RBA Dental Care apart is its unwavering commitment to patient satisfaction. From the moment you step into the clinic, you are greeted by a friendly and professional staff dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible. The doctors take the time to explain each procedure in detail, addressing any concerns you may have and ensuring you are fully informed about your treatment options.

The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning. This, combined with the expertise of the surgeons, ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care tailored to their specific needs.

Testimonials from Satisfied Patients

The success of RBA Dental Care is reflected in the positive feedback from its patients. Here are a few testimonials:

Ravi S. "I had been struggling with jaw pain for years and visited several doctors without much relief. Dr. Puneet Ahuja at RBA Dental Care diagnosed my condition accurately and performed surgery that changed my life. I am now pain-free and can enjoy my daily activities without discomfort."

Priya K. "The team at RBA Dental Care is simply amazing. Dr. Puneet Ahuja was so kind and patient with my son, who needed corrective jaw surgery. The results were fantastic, and the entire process was smooth and stress-free."

Anil J. "I had dental implants placed by Dr. Puneet Ahuja, and the experience was excellent. The procedure was painless, and the implants look and feel just like my natural teeth. I highly recommend RBA Dental Care."

Conclusion

RBA Dental Care in Faridabad stands as a beacon of excellence in maxillofacial care, offering a blend of advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and a compassionate approach. Whether you need routine care or complex surgical intervention, you can trust RBA Dental Care to provide the best possible outcomes. If you are looking for top-notch maxillofacial services, look no further than RBA Dental Care, where your smile and well-being are their top priorities.

Trust RBA Dental Care - Where Excellence Meets Compassion in Dental Care!

GET A QUOTE

Free Consultations

RBA Dental Care Contact Information:

Address: [House No.17, Opp. Sector-15 Main Market Faridabad - 121007]

Phone: [+91 8860672002]

Email: [ rbadentalcare@gmail.com]

Website: [https://www.rbadentalcare.com]

[existentialmagazine]

Review: The anthemic alternative rock duo davvn just shared their newest angst-filled single ‘care less.’

Formed by two kids who grew up on AIM and MySpace, the female-fronted duo davvn are a nostalgic alt-rock group that draws influence from early 2000’s pop punk and modern alternative - and that fact is very clear in all of their musical releases. Boasting multiple viral TikTok songs (including a new version of 1985 featuring Bowling for Soup), the Nashville-based pair are only growing even more ready to not just waves with their music but cross oceans around the world delivering it to the masses. Their newest offering ‘care less.’ continues these dominating themes, reminding why they’re a pair to keep your eyes on.

Perfectly bombastic and allowing absolutely no one to dim their thundering light, this new single ‘care less.’ is one just as angst-filled as the title suggests it would be. Storming in from the very beginning with vigorous electric guitar strums and smashing drums, ‘care less.’ establishes its down-to-earth pop-punk tones straight from pressing play, loud and unapologetic after evident years of being silenced from their full potential. Mixed with their female-fronted vocalists powerfully protruding vocal lines, the opening verse of ‘care less.’ is one you’ll be eagerly singing along with in absolutely no time, eye-rolling and flipping off everyone who once screwed you over. The chorus pushes this already dominant sound even further, throwing hard hitting lyrical ear worms right your away between aggressive guitar strums and pounding drums that pause the soundscape between their smacking hits. Filled with a constant burst of infectiously thriving energy, ‘care less.’ continues pushing forward with this absolute force of sound, relentlessly determined to be an anthem you’ll be listening along to for years to come. Taking a moment for the instrumentals to shine and shred to their heart’s content, the bridge rips apart with striking prowess before the vocals airily float through the sound beside a haunting pair-back of instruments to slowly build back up. With the same kind of memorability as those 2010 emo hits like ‘Thnks Fr Th Mmrs’ and ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’, you won’t be forgetting davvn and this new track anytime soon.

Lyrically, ‘care less.’ seems to be filled with those teenage years of insecurity and self-doubt, yearning to fit in with crowds that later in life you know better than to change yourself for. Reminiscing on these past memories, davvn sing ‘I should try not looking back’, an acknowledgement they’ve moved past it but still can’t help but carry some of the weight everywhere they go. Continuing ‘gotta get it off my chest, ‘cause I’m done wasting all my breath on bad friends’, this cathartic outburst is one that finds relief in letting it out and connecting with those who have found themselves in similar positions of dulling their true selves. Further elaborating ‘you looked down on me from your pedestal, but you peaked in high school’, it’s clear these former friends (or perhaps even bullies) were superficial and obsessed with nothing more than status, not feeling a hint of guilt for crushing others to make that a reality. As they crawl back after finding their clique doesn’t quite meet the hierarchy in the real world, lyrics like ‘you only call when you’re not down on luck’ emphasise their eagerness to keep in touch now the pair have reached high levels of success. If you’re a fan of alternative music, you can likely relate to being the outcast shunned for just being yourself, finding a sense of peace in moving forward from those darker days.

Check out ‘care less.’ here to restore your sense of self and head-bang along the whole way!

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Photo Credits: Unknown

// This coverage was supported and created via Musosoup, #SustainableCurator.

[obsessivedilettante]

Indulging in a comfort-watch of the OG Anne of Geen Gables and I just reached the point where Gilbert secretly watches Anne from behind the tree, with the biggest look of yearning on his face, and I’m like, “Oh. This is why I’m still single. I want a Gilbert Blythe. But not just any Gilbert Blythe. Only Jonathan Crombie, GOAT, will do.”

[absolute-flaming-trash-archive]

Hurt - Part 2

Was not expecting that many people wanting a part 2, but who am I to deny y'all?

Trick question, I myself am insatiable

Pairing: Hisoka x Fem!Reader

Smut and Angst

Word Count: 4′645 This was supposed to be short

Warnings: NSFW, Dubcon (bordering on Noncon), Unprotected Sex, Blood, Hisoka being a cheeky little shit. Semi-edited.

I’m gonna use this opportunity to say that, even if your partner doesn’t outright say “no”, that is NOT consent. Unfinished sentences, hesitation, and no response at all does not mean “yes”. Always check in for consent.

That being said, enjoy my fellow Hisoka fuckers. I loved writing this and I will actually cry if this flops.

Part 1, Part 3 

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

The silence that filled the room was palpable, interrupted only by the rhythmic drips of water falling from the cloth into the bowl.

Hisoka had yet to release his hold on you, making you narrow your eyes in annoyance. He licked his lips as he stared down at you, enjoying the direct line of sight he had down your shirt.

“And what if that isn’t my cards, what would you say then~?”

“Then I’d say that if you have enough energy to be thinking about that, then you are capable of cleaning yourself up. Your wounds have stopped bleeding, anyways.” You wrenched your wrist from his hand, trying not to think about how easily he let you go as pushed yourself to your feet. “You know where the shower is, there’s clean towels under the sink as usual.”

He leaned back against the couch, tilting his head slightly as he regarded your aloof attitude with a chuckle, “What if I really do require your... assistance? I have lost a lot of blood, after all.”

You scoffed and folded your arms in front of your chest, “I think we both know it takes a more than a little blood loss to make you lose consciousness.”

He hummed and stood, walking towards you to bring a finger underneath your chin, “Will you be joining me, just to make sure?”

You swallowed thickly as your cheeks burned when his hot breath fanned across your face, and you wanted to kick yourself. His heavy-lidded gaze did nothing to help the feeling that stirred deep in your gut. You pulled yourself away from him, taking a step back to collect yourself and fixing another glare on him, only making his smirk widen. “Don’t be ridiculous, and don’t use up all the hot water.”

I’m gonna need one after cleaning up all your shit

You let out a sigh of relief as he relented, walking towards the bathroom. You hadn’t realized you had been holding your breath.

Running a hand down your face, you slung the bloody cloth over your shoulder and turned your head to examine the damage done to your couch since his arrival. You groaned at the sight. Deep red patches stained the cushions and armrest, there was no way that those were coming out no matter how deep you cleaned. There was only so much that online tips and laundry detergent could do, but that was a problem for later.

Your attention turned to the bloodied shirt that Hisoka had tossed unceremoniously on the floor, grimacing slightly at the way the clotted blood stuck to your fingers when you picked it up. Fuck, it was.... absolutely drenched! How the hell he was even able to stand was a miracle to you, but you didn’t want to think about it too much. That man was an enigma enough as it was.

The faint sound of the shower starting filled the silence in the house, making you relax slightly; the tension from earlier finally beginning to dissipate a little bit. You moved to the kitchen in order to attempt to restore the atrocity in your hands. It would need to soak in cold water for at least an hour before you could even begin to try scrubbing the blood out.

The sound of the sink filling with water aided in calming your nerves further as you held your fingers underneath the stream to test the temperature, tossing the bloody cloth onto the counter. It didn’t take long for the water to reach the halfway point before you turned it off.

The water immediately turned a deep red as soon as you placed the shirt in the sink. You repressed the urge to gag as gobs of clotted blood began to float off and onto your hands. No matter how many times you bandaged him up, you would never get used to the sight of the blood...

You paused briefly; your hands starting to get numb from the cold of the water as your mind wandered. How many times had you done this? How many times had he come into your house whenever he pleased, only for you to treat him without question? You let out a small laugh, shaking your head at yourself. ‘Without question’ wasn’t entirely accurate, but who could blame you for asking the Magician with a death wish what the hell he gets up to every once in a while. You frowned, looking over your shoulder towards the hallway that led to the bathroom. What were you going to do with him?

Guilt began to eat away at your heart as you thought about the gash going down his chest. You made him clean himself up, then again, he deserved it, but you wouldn’t leave him to patch himself up. You sighed, and picked the shirt up out of the water, ringing the material as much as you could before pulling the plug in the sink. You’d have to keep changing the water if you wanted any hope of getting the majority of the blood out.

While the sink filled again, you retrieved your kit from the living room and set it on the counter by the sink; pulling out what you believed you would need. Gauze for sure, it didn’t matter if the wound had stopped bleeding, you would need to pack it. From the state of his clothing though, you figured the worst of the bleeding had stopped before he arrived. Antibiotic ointment was mandatory... so was the compression bandage...

You groaned and massaged your temples in an attempt to relieve the oncoming headache. You couldn’t do stitches, which meant he would have to stay in your home so you could monitor his recovery. Which meant you’d have to get close to him to change his bandages. Multiple times.

The couch was out of commission as a place to sleep on now, given the state it was in...

You wanted to scream.

Hitting the handle on the tap a little harder than necessary, you placed the shirt back in, this time the water turning only a dark pink as it began to soak once again. You worried your bottom lip while wiping your hands with a dishtowel, trying to think of any possible sleeping arrangements that didn’t result in him sharing your bed; your anxiety rising the more you realized that it was looking like he might just have to share your bed...

God. Fucking. Damnit.

You shook your head, glancing over at the stove to read the bright red numbers that displayed the time.

11:06pm

With another sigh, you threw the towel on the counter and turned around to go deal with the couch. What you did not expect was to see Hisoka standing directly behind you, making you flinch in surprise and letting out a startled gasp.

“Holy mother of hell, Hisoka, warn a girl would ya?!” You panted, placing a hand over your now racing heart, sending yet another glare to the offending man in front of you. The glare, however, was short lived as soon as your realized his state of undress. The only thing keeping this man from being entirely stark naked in your kitchen was a grey towel that was slung a little too low on his hips for your comfort. You coughed and averted your eyes, despising the heat you could feel creeping up your neck and onto your cheeks.

“Would it kill you to put a pair of pants on?”

It was difficult to keep yourself from tripping over your words at the sight of him, and you glared at the wall when you heard him laugh in response.

“You’re so red, my dear, am I making you uncomfortable?”

You grit your teeth in frustration, seething at how his casual drawl wasn’t making anything better for you. You closed your eyes, inhaling deeply through your nose in an effort to calm yourself down before looking back over at your newly acquired house guest.

“You are beginning to overstep your bounds when it comes to my hospitality, either cover up or find someone else to treat your wounds.”

It was an empty threat and you both knew it. You both knew you were too kind to kick him out of your house, despite how uneasy he made you. It just wasn’t in your heart to do so. You ran your hand down your face again, your fingers pinching the bridge of your nose as you felt the headache begin to form once again.

“Just... grab the pair of sweatpants from the top left drawer of my dresser at least. I’ll wash your clothes tonight, since that’s the only guess I have for you being naked as a jaybird. I’ll meet you in the living room when you’re done.”

Grabbing your kit and a chair from the kitchen table, you brushed past him as quickly as possible and placed it in front of the one patch of the couch that wasn’t covered in blood and set your kit down on the floor. You peeked over your shoulder to see if he was still standing here.

He wasn’t. Thank god.

He reappeared moments later in the pair of grey sweats that looked way too good on him for how small they were. You felt heat creep back into your cheeks for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

“Take a seat in front of me, please.” You began to pull out what you would need, “it’ll make things easier if I don’t have to crouch in front of you.”

It would also make it harder for him to pull the same stunt he did before. A look you didn’t recognize flashed through his eyes before he complied. You leaned forward, resting your elbows on your knees, holding your hands under your chin as you began to reassess the damage.

The injury on his torso wasn’t as bad as you initially thought. It was deep and would still require stitches, but with the blood washed away it didn’t look as horrid as before. Clearing your throat, you began to work.

“I’m going to have to do this once or twice a day depending on how you heal,” you said, scooping some antibiotic ointment onto your fingers, “you won’t be able to do any more jobs until the large gash is fully healed, or anything too strenuous really.”

He simply hummed in response as you began to apply the ointment to his chest, trying to ignore how his muscles twitched with every swipe as you worked over his wounds. God, his skin was so hot against your hands...

“That being said, this isn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” you began to pack the wound with gauze, being careful not to press to hard on the wound, “with the amount of blood on the couch and on your clothes, I was expecting a lot worse...” you trailed off, the realization hitting you way later than it should have.

The sly smile that graced his face was frightening.

“Most of it isn’t mine, darling”

Your stomach lurched when he confirmed your suspicions out loud, but you forced the bile rising in your throat down; only nodding as you reached for the compression bandage. Your discomfort was still noticed by the magician, however, who leaned forward towards you a little more than necessary as you began to wrap the bandage around his chest.

“Because of the state of your injury, I would suggest you stay here for the next little while so I can keep an eye on your progress.”

You didn’t like the smile that crept across his face at that, or the way he leaned in closer to you when you wrapped the bandage around his back, “How long are we playing house then, hmm~?”

You gulped. His voice was teasing as always, but the implication behind it combined by the fact it was spoken directly in your ear sent shivers down your spine.

“I’d say about week or two.” You didn’t trust yourself to say much more as you secured the bandage with tensor clips. You checked your work over one last time before beginning to gather your things up. A frown tugged at Hisoka’s lips from the less than pleased tone in your voice.

“Don’t you want to play with me~?”

You shot him an unimpressed look as you stood up, wanting to be away from this man sooner rather than later. “I’m not your toy, Hisoka. I’m doing this for the sake of your health, because believe it or not, you are mortal.”

He followed your movements, standing in front of you before you had the chance to create any more distance between the two of you; once again taking your chin in his hand, this time more gently than before. It was.... caring almost.

“And it’s for reasons like that, my dear, that you are my favourite toy, and the idea of... playing with you in such a way is too much to pass up.”

It was your turn to frown at his words, “I don’t know what you mean, and I’m quite sure I don’t want to know.” That was a lie. You got the message loud and clear, but by god you wanted it to be wrong.

A dramatic sigh left his lips before he clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“My my, do you need me to explain it to you more simply?”

He didn’t. Shit.

You stared up at him, his red locks tickling your face from how close he was to you.

“Why me?” Your voice was barely a whisper. He tilted his head almost mockingly so.

“What was that, my dear?”

You narrowed your eyes, a sudden resurgence of bravery. “You could have anyone you want, why me?”

You expected him to give you that insufferable smile of his, or to at least laugh at you for even daring to ask such a question. Instead his eyes bore into you with an intensity that you’d never felt before, “Because you’re the only one that I want. You healed me when you didn’t have to and did so without question. I don’t think you understand what that means, my dear.”

You let out a surprised squeak as his lips collided with you in a kiss that held pure unbridled lust, teeth clashing from the intensity. He left you panting when he pulled back, licking along the shell of your ear. “You’re mine”.

You couldn’t even get your bearings before he kissed you again, just as bruising as before. Your gasps granted him the access to your mouth that he so obviously desired. The feeling of his hands wandering up your sides to your breasts brought you back to your senses enough to pull away from him and send a hand flying towards his face.

The smack resonated around the room, leaving your hand stinging while your chest heaved. You felt dizzy. Too much was happening too fast.

“How fucking dare you,” your voice was barely audible as a whirlwind of emotions ran through you. Hate? Want? Fear? You didn’t know anymore, but all you knew was that it was too much for you to handle, “You mistake my kindness and hospitality for something more. I am not yours, Hisoka.”

His head was still knocked to the side from the force of your slap. He wouldn’t admit it, but you hit harder than he expected. His shock was quickly replaced with a look that could only be described as predatory as he looked back towards you, licking his lips, tasting the blood from the small split you had caused; a mixture of a moan and growl leaving his throat.

“Oh, but you are, Y/N. You have been mine for a long time.” 

The dread hit you like a bus. He had never said your name before, never in all the times he had come into your home. He was serious.

Oh fuck... what had you gotten yourself into...

In a last ditch effort, you bolted, but you didn’t get far.

You felt yourself getting yanked back, making you lose your balance and land on the floor; knocking the wind out of you. You wheezed, coughing from the force of the fall, stars littering your vision from your head smacking against the floor.

You regained clarity to the sound of your clothes being torn from your body, making you yelp, kicking and slapping the man on top of you in a vain attempt to get free. He chuckled and easily batted your hands away, gathering them into one hand and pinning them above your head. You whimpered, your clothes around you in ruined strips, leaving you bare beneath the man you had just treated moments ago; a small feeling of betrayal forming in your chest.

You were trapped.

The room was silent as Hisoka stilled above you for a moment, seemingly admiring the view. You were frozen in a state of shock and fear, tears beginning to form in your eyes while he ran his other hand down your body, stopping to cup your sex. You squirmed at the look he gave you when his fingers came away wet. How could you be wet from what he was doing to you?

He began to stroke your folds, letting his head fall into the crook of your neck and letting out a loud groan.

“Why you, you say?” He dipped one of his fingers into you, smirking into your neck as your breath hitched, placing open mouthed kisses along your throat as he began to thrust slowly.

“Because of this.” He punctuated the word by biting into the skin on your collar bone and sucking harshly, making you keen when he inserted another finger. “I’ve dreamt of this~”

You turned your head to the side, refusing to acknowledge the pleasure he was giving to your body when his lips wrapped around one of your nipples; his teeth lightly scraping making you shudder involuntarily. He groaned in response, shifting his heavy-lidded gaze towards your face and releasing your nipple with a pop.

“Oh, no, no, no, my darling~” He quickly withdrew his hand from your cunt hand and gripped your cheeks, forcing your head straight; his nails on his fingers, still wet from your arousal, digging into your skin harshly. You whimpered when your eyes met his, the intensity almost too much for you to bear, “I want you to watch every single thing I do to you.”

He slowly let go of your jaw, dragging his claws lightly down your throat to your breasts, giving them a light squeeze. You flinched, your hands clenched in fists at your side.

“I’ve dreamt of you under me...” He continued; the sentence broken up by wet kisses placed down your body. Your eyes widened, realizing his intentions immediately, but forcing yourself not to look away in fear of what he would do if you did.

“S-stop.” God, you hated how weak you sounded. Tears began to slip down your cheeks as he ventured lower down your body until you could feel his breath right on your cunt. “Please, Hisoka, I-”

A loud growl against your skin killed whatever pleads you had on your lips; the pupil of his eyes blown so wide they nearly swallowed the golden iris. He looked feral.

“I love the way you say my name, Y/N”

A squeal left your throat when you felt his tongue on your slit, your hips bucking on their own accord when the hot muscle dragged from your core up to your aching clit before he latched onto it and sucked harshly; making you toss your head to the side as you squeezed your eyes shut at the burst of pleasure that shot through you, more tears dripping onto the floor.

The breathy moans and growls from Hisoka only added to your reluctant growing arousal as he ate you out like a man starved. His hands gripped you from under your thighs so he could pull you close to his face while holding you down; the sounds coming from his mouth loud and downright lewd as he lapped at the new slick.

“I want you to say my name over, and over again; I want you to scream it so loudly your neighbours can hear exactly who you belong to.”

Your breathing hitched as you felt a familiar tightening beginning to form in your lower stomach. You bucked against him, the last of your resistance starting to die out as your orgasm continued to build. You felt him groan into your core more than you heard him, making you shudder.

“Moan for me darling, don’t hide any of those pretty noises from me.”

You cried out when you felt his fingers back at your entrance, dipping into you with less caution than the first time. You could feel his nails dragging along your walls as he fucked his fingers into you at a steady pace, scratching lightly on your g-spot in a way that should not have felt as good as it did.

“Hisoka!”

“Cum for me, darling, let me hear you~” He purred, suckling on your nub with vigor as he pumped his fingers into you faster.

You came with a chocked sob mixed with a moan, your pussy clamping down on his fingers like a vice, gushing around him. You felt sick as you came down from your high, watching as he released his assault on your clit with a lewd pop, a thin trail of drool connecting his lips to your swollen cunt. 

“You’re so good for me, darling.” He cooed. You could only muster up a withering look, your words failing you. This, of course, just made him chuckle as he pushed the grey sweats down his hips, his length springing free and slapping against his stomach. “However, I’d much rather feel you come undone on my cock.”

Your eyes widened... he couldn’t seriously go through with this... could he?

Could he?

“Hisoka wait!”

Your shout made him pause briefly before he kissed his way back up your body, coming to hover just above your lips; that insufferable smirk back on his mouth that shone with your slick. Your face flushed at the sight, and you rolled your head back to the side in shame.

“Please... please don’t...”

Another silence filled the room as he regarded your trembling form pinned beneath him. A spark of hope was reignited in you, his hesitation giving you the courage to bring your hands up, pressing lightly against the bandage on his chest in your attempt to push him away.

That spark was quickly snuffed out when he let out a guttural moan, his eyes rolling back slightly before focusing back on you.

You forgot he liked pain.

“Didn’t I already say, love?” He teased the head of his cock against your swollen clit making you squirm, new tears forming in your eyes from a combination of the stimulation and the hopelessness. Your back arched off the floor and your jaw fell open in a silent scream as he sank into you in a slow, agonizing thrust. He licked a stripe up your neck with a possessive growl, stopping just in front of your ear. “You belong to me.”

He didn’t give you time to adjust to his size before he pulled back and thrust his hips against you harshly, the sound of skin hitting skin echoing throughout the room along with your moans and hiccupping sobs.

“Oh fuck, Y/N...” He gasped, his head tilting back in ecstacy, your walls fluttering around him as he hammered your insides; stretching you out in a painfully blissful way.

You loved it, and you hated yourself for it.

“Oohhhh darling, you were mine the first time you treated me.” He grunted, shifting the angle of his hips to penetrate you deeper. You bit your lip, desperately trying to contain the whines leaving your throat with each brush of his cock on the bundle of nerves deep inside of you, his words only making you flush deeper... if that were even possible.

“I would’ve taken you then and there, had you begging and crying under me like you are now.” You felt his dick twitch inside you at his own words and your pussy clenched around him.

God, what was wrong with you?

He growled, and suddenly pulled away from you. Relief flooded your system for a split second before you felt yourself being flipped over, your hips being pulled back and his cock sheathing back inside you with a thrust that made the whines finally spill from you; your arms laying limply next to your head as he resumed to pound into you at a pace that could only be described as inhuman. His balls slapped against your clit each time he bottomed out, making your breath come out in quick, desperate gasps.

“Do you like that, my dear? Knowing that I could’ve done this to you sooner?”

You only groaned in response, the coil in your abdomen beginning to form again. The tears slipped from your eyes as you weakly shook your head. Why did this feel so good? Why did your body react to him like this?

Your teeth dug into your bottom lip when you felt his hand circle around to your clit, rubbing in rough circles that made your eyes roll back into your head.

You couldn’t take it.

You couldn’t help the wanton moan that passed through your lips as you came, your head hanging loosely as your body continued to bounce from the power of his thrusts; your pussy convulsing around his cock as he fucked you through your orgasm.

“Hmmm~ you didn’t want to cooperate a few minutes ago, look at you now,” He fisted the hair at the base of your skull and pulled you back to his chest, his thrusts never wavering as he spoke into your ear, “coming undone for me a second time.” His chuckle gave way to a breathy moan as his thrusts became more erratic, losing rhythm as he began to slam into you with fever.

“I’m going to fill you up, my dear.” He growled, biting down on the junction between your neck and shoulder, making you cry out when his teeth broke the skin. The sight of your blood making him thrust into you harder and faster. “Then you’ll truly know that you are mine.”

Your moans left you with no restraint, incoherent babbling falling from your lips at the overstimulation. You could no longer think, all your energy focused on the dick that was pistoning in and out of your squelching cunt.

Hisoka’s hips stuttered as he came inside of you, his cock spurting thick hot ropes of cum right against your cervix, coating your walls as he bit down on your neck once more, lazily fucking into you a few more times before he stilled.

Your breathing was ragged as everything slowly came to a stop, the weight of everything crashing over you as your lids dropped with exhaustion. You whined weakly as he pulled out of you, the sudden emptiness now foreign to you. You slumped to the floor, emotional and physical fatigue washing over you as you stared blankly up at the man who had just ruined your trust and your body. Your eyes flickered to the bandage on his chest, a thin line of red beginning to form from your exertions.

Even after all that... you still cared.

Damn him.

He ran a hand through his hair as he stared down at you, a pleased smile on his face as he took in your fucked out form, his dick twitching at the sight.

Oh yes.

He would enjoy playing house with you much more now.

----

Part 1, Part 3

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