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websterss · 2 months ago

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ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE — TYLER HARRISON

SUMMARY: Tyler has everything to lose especially when Weyland Corps has you in their hold, so why wouldn't he follow through with his orders in order to get you back.

WARNING(S): angst, fluff,

WORD COUNT: 2,844

PAIRING: Tyler Harrison x fem!Reader

A/N: I hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed!

MASTERLIST

Tyler sat rigid and on edge as he waited in the west wing of the ship's infirmary bay. The cool metal bench seeped through his pants as he bounced his knee for five minutes. The long wait agitated him and made him uneasy. He clocked his three o'clock and then his nine, both ends of the hallways vacant and deserted apart from him and his need to see you. They usually were sporadic with being on time and persisting he be there on time for his debrief before he was allowed to see you again. That was Weyland's leverage over him, holding you high over his head, out of reach, and using your status updates as a means to get him to cave into doing their dirty work.

This new task made him feel like a snake. Made him hate the way he was going to have to betray those he cared about. Rain. How she and Andy were his first step in getting you back to him. This was the last of many debriefs he had been given before, many tasks where he had to carry out and commit crimes that plagued and haunted his dreams. Everything he's done, everything he was about to do was unforgivable. There was also that slight voice in the back of his head weighing all the possibilities where you would find out about his assignments and leave him. He at times thinks you should but you never do. You don't leave because if there was one thing that was keeping you here, still being with him, it was the undying love you had for one another.

"Harrison." A nurse calls out, pulling him out of his spiraling. He straightens his back and stands up. "Follow me."

Tyler nods, not one to question orders, and follows the nurse down the hallway quietly.

Tyler follows the nurse through multiple lefts and rights. He reigned in on the fact you weren’t easily accessible to reach. The facility was large and sterile, cold and unsettling. The nurse leads him down to a large room that looks more like a high-tech lab. They reach the closed door, where she swipes her badge across the scanner, a beep is emitted from the device and before he knew it the door was swishing open in a slide. The second his foot crosses the threshold, he meets your gaze. He takes no time in rushing towards you, wrapping his arms around your fragile state. He sighs, breathing in your scent, the oxygen cords inserted in your nostrils colliding with his chest as he hugs you gently but firmly.

"Ty!" You breathe out, a smile dawning on your tired expression.

Tyler feels himself at ease at the sound of your voice, his arms tighten around you as if you would disappear if he let go. He buries his face in the crook of your neck, taking his time to drink in the sight of you alive in front of him.

"Hey, sweetheart." He greets you tenderly, pulling back to get a proper look at you. You look so small and fragile in comparison to the massive medical bed you're lying in. The oxygen tubes in your nostrils and the plethora of wires that run from you to the various pieces of medical machinery make you look more like an experiment than a person. It breaks him to always see you this way. His gaze never falters from you as he calls over his shoulder to the nurse. "Leave us." Once he hears the swish of the door open and close again he looks back and then faces you once again. You look back at the door, feeling at ease now that you have him all to yourself.

"I've missed you. You weren't here last week. T-they said I'm getting better." Your breaths are slow and labored.

"I know. I couldn't come." A pang of guilt makes his stomach twist as he remembers the real reason he hadn't shown. "But I'm here now, alright? Sorry, I couldn't be here earlier." The words felt like bile in his mouth, but he pushed past the feeling as he squeezed your hand in his. "I had a meeting to attend to, but all's well and said now. I'm here and I'm all yours." He reaches forward to tuck one side of your oxygen tube behind your ear.

"I-I like the sound of that." You hum in delight, melting into his gentle caresses.

"Of course you do. You're pretty easy to please, sweetheart." Ty teases softly, his thumb rubbing small circles against the top of your knuckles. He studies your features, noting how tired you look, he can also see that your hair is getting long and unkempt. The sight of your hair growing back gives him all the hope he needs to push through.

"I missed seeing your smile." He murmurs, his hand continuing to stroke against your temple and hair. A beat of silence passes. "I think the treatments are starting to pay off. We were right to start you on them. I mean you're glowing compared to how you were these last two months." He beams. "How have they been treating you here? Is everything okay? Have they been too harsh or rough on you? I'll get Captain Mayfair to provide you with better nurses if they are. I won't hesitate to–" He inquires, his voice lowered slightly.

"Ty, baby, it's okay. They've made sure to make me feel as comfortable as possible."

"Promise?" Ty probes, staring earnestly into your eyes. "You would tell me, right? If they have been harming you? You'd tell me."

The way Tyler's looking at you lets him know there's a good chance that if any of the staff here have been making you feel uncomfortable you wouldn't complain. He knows you'd be too nice to even consider it.

"You'd kill anyone on sight if you so much as saw a bruise on my skin…I'm okay." You reassure him. Squeezing his hands. He looks down at your grip, amazed by the strength you've garnered again.

He chuckles, looking down at your intertwined hands, a soft breath of relief passing through his lips. The slight squeeze of your hand does little to soothe his fears, but for the moment, he lets himself bask in the fact that you're okay. It's more than he can hope for given the circumstances.

"You don't know the half of what I would do for you." He murmurs, slowly bringing your hand up to his lips. He plants a light kiss on your knuckles. "You're my top priority, infinitely."

"Infinitely?" You try to mask your chuckle, but he hears you anyway. "Two weeks ago you said I was a top priority, yet eternally."

"Forgive me, my love, for thinking you're the most important thing in the entire goddamn universe?" He smirks, rolling his eyes playfully as a scoff bubbles from his lips. He gives you a lopsided smile, bringing your hand to his cheek to nuzzle his face into it. He shuts his eyes and relishes the feeling of you against his skin. "You're top priority every single day and that's not going to change, you know. But when I say eternally…" His eyes open, looking back up at you. "I mean eternally. Until I die, or if you give out on me, and I no longer have you, the one thing keeping me from jumping into space without a suit. You're my top priority, no matter what. It's you above everything and everyone!"

"Well…I-I wouldn't go as far as to say above everyone, surely there are others that trump me-"

Ty pulls back slightly, a small frown playing at his features as he cocks his head to the side to look at you more directly.

"No." He asserts, his voice firm. "No. Don't even go there. You're top prior, my love. You are above all of them. You'll always be above everyone. I wouldn't be where I am today without you by my side. I wouldn't still be breathing if it weren't for you. You're the–the center of the Milky Way, my love. You are a…" He pauses, searching your eyes for any doubt, glitching when his brain farted.

"A black hole?" You quipp.

"Hush." He teases, grinning down at you. He playfully jabs your side with his index finger, watching a small smile grace your features. Seeing that smile makes his heart leap into his throat. He'll never get used to it. "You cheeky thing." He mutters, grabbing your other free hand. He takes it in his, intertwining the other hand that was there. He brings both your hands up to his lips again and gently kisses your knuckles. "You're more than a black hole. You're a supernova that's going to explode everyone's galaxy." He pauses, his smile never leaving his lips. "Including mine."

You flush under his warm eyes. You bite down on your bottom lip, your demeanor evolving into one of timidness. He had got you with that one, that was for sure. And he seemed to notice the fault in your composure. His smirk only grew.

"Really? That's the one that gets you?" He coos, grinning at the lovely flush that was spreading to your cheeks. It wasn't often that he was able to render you into a speechless blushing mess but when he could, my god did it fill him with an incredible amount of pride and love for you. His fingers gently squeeze your knuckles. "I'll remember this for next time, my love. Duly noted." He remarks slyly.

"It was good…" You laugh.

"It was pretty good, huh?" He teases lightly, his thumbs slowly starting to rub soothing circles against your knuckles. He chuckles, bringing his gaze up to your eyes again. "You don't make it too hard, my love. Just mentioning anything with a celestial connection and you're blushing like a school-aged teen, practically eating right out of the palms of my hands."

"It's the accent." You shrug. Blaming his pronunciation of his words and delivery. Mostly the delivery.

"Oh, now you're just grasping at straws, sweetheart." He quips again, grinning at you. "Now, I admit, my accent might be one of the finer things about me, but it's not exactly the primary reason you get all flushed." He hums, letting his thumbs press a little harder into your knuckles.

“You’re right, it’s all your hotness that’s making me swoon.” You feign a sigh.

"Yeah right, you big fibber." He calls you out, but there's a hint of a smirk that forms on his face. "You're swooning because you know who I belong to." He replies, his voice taking on a lower, gruff tone. "You swoon because you know I'm yours." His voice is just above a whisper, his eyes darkening. "Only yours, sweetheart."

You avert your gaze down to your lap. A faint smile displayed on your lips. But it slowly fades as Tyler tilts his head to meet your eyes. "W-what did they tell you?"

Tyler's face quickly morphs from playful to apprehensive. His thumbs had stopped their motion and now rested against your knuckles as he looked into your eyes.

"Let's not. Let's not talk about that right now." He says carefully, his dark eyes narrowing.

"Tyler, I can see it practically eating at you. What is it this time? What are they sending you to do?"

Tyler's jaw clenches, his eyes closing briefly as he lets out a soft sigh. He had been praying to anyone that you weren't going to mention his work for Weyland-Yutani. He should have known better. You were never the type to simply ignore the big elephant in the room.

His lips form into a thin line as he averts his gaze away from you. His mind is in an internal debate, contemplating whether to be honest with you or not. Tyler bites at the inside of his cheek, hesitating before he decides to speak.

"There's something new." He pauses, trying to organize his words. He looks at your face, noticing the growing sadness in your expression. His eyes soften as a wave of sadness mirrors over his own features. "They…" He pauses again, his jaw clenching slightly. "They told me it would be a retrieval."

"A retrieval for what?"

"Some sort of substance called Plagiarus Praepotens?"

"Plagiarus Praepotens? What's that?"

"They didn't tell me much just that it was extracted from a xenomorph and combined with human DNA to perfect humans, whatever that means."

"A xenomorph...what the hell is that?"

"From what I’ve been told. I don't want to know."

"Tyler maybe this one isn't such a good idea. I mean from the sounds of it, it doesn't feel safe."

"I don't have a choice, my love." He mumbles, his head lowering in shame and guilt, the reality of the situation hitting him like a truck. He releases your hand from his grip and turns his whole body away from you. It pains him to feel weak but the truth is that is exactly what he is in the grand scheme of things. "I have my orders so I have to do this. I'll get them what they need, but not only that…" He inhales deeply. "I found a way to get us to Yvaga."

"Yvaga…Tyler what are you talking about?"

For the first time since you've known him, he looked desperate. In the years you'd been together, you've never once seen a crack in his confidence. He was always the strong and steady shoulder for you to lean on, but right now, in this very moment, that facade he usually wore was cracking. The facade he'd tried so hard to keep up for you was crumbling.

"I-" He pauses, swallowing thickly. "I have a plan."

"Ty…" You warned.

His eyes flicker around your face, his fingers twitching against his pants. His features shifting from desperate, to guilty and then finally to pleading. "There's cryostasis chambers on that spacecraft." He murmurs, licking his lips nervously. "I-I just need you to trust me."

"You're gonna go rogue…"

"No. No, I'm-" He stops himself short and he sighs deeply. "I-" He hesitates. His eyes are locked on your face and a wave of guilt washes over him as he sees the look in your eyes. "Damnit." He mumbled under his breath, his shoulders slumping.

He leans forward from where he sat on your bed, bringing his head close to yours. He tilts his head down and presses his forehead against your shoulder, his hands coming up to rest on either side of your waist. "Sweetheart…" He mutters, his voice hoarse. "I'll tell you everything. I swear. But, you have to trust me." He pleaded. He could feel your body stiffen against him, whether it was from the pain of his grip or from what he was asking of you, he didn't know. "I just want to get you out of here."

"Yvaga was always just a pipedream for us…It always felt so out of reach." You shake your head.

"It's not, my love." He whispers against your shoulder. He tightens his grip on your body ever so slightly. "It's not out of reach. I know it's not. I-I just need you to hold on for a bit longer. Can you do that, for me?" He murmurs, his head slowly pulling away from your shoulder, so he can look you in the eyes again. His expression had changed to one of almost desperation. "I meant every would I said about getting you out of here and I intend to keep my word."

"I know you do Tyler, but what are the risks huh? What's the catch in all this?"

"I-" He cuts himself off short, his eyes flickering away from your face for a moment. He knew he couldn't lie to you, you wouldn't accept that. But the truth wasn't going to make the situation any better. Instead, he slowly drags his hand up from your side to wrap a piece of your hair around his finger. He gently rubbed the strands between his fingers. He took a deep shaky breath before he was able to answer you. "Honestly..." He began, his voice low. "I need Andy to be able to access the entryways onto the ship."

"Andy? But that would mean you'd need to talk to Rain about him."

He nods his head slowly. "Yeah…I-" He pauses, hesitating. "I-I'll have to talk to Rain." He replies, his tone sounding reluctant. He didn't want to get anyone else involved in the situation, especially since he was essentially putting them on the line in the process. But what other choice did he have?

"Y-you're not gonna tell her about all this are you?" Your voice grows shaky.

He shakes his head slowly, his brow furrowing. "No." He murmurs in response. There was no way in hell he was going to drag anyone else into this. Putting you at risk was the last thing he wanted to do, but there were no other options. "It's you above everything and everyone else."

#tyler harrison #tyler harrison x reader #tyler harrison imagine #tyler harrison x fem!reader #tyler harrison oneshot #alien romulus #alien romulus tyler #writings by juls #my gif #archie renaux

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thatonebirdwrites · 1 month ago

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L-Corp and chilled scotch

The scotch pours into her cup, the chill saturates through the glass, and the temptation to just throw the glass and drink directly from the bottle taunts her yet again. She resists.

Unlike her ability to resist Kara.

Kara Danvers or rather Supergirl, the hero that is the beloved of National City.

And a habitual liar.

She throws back the scotch, the cool temperature a balm across the burn of the alcohol. Hope sits on her desk, a swirling cubical sculpture, that offers up yet another simulation for Lena to attempt.

Or would have.

The doors swing open with a bang, and Samantha Arias stands there, an expression of fury on her usually smug or gentle expressions.

"Lena Kieran Luthor," she snaps. "I am sick of you dodging my phone calls."

"Oh?" She pours herself another drink and wishes she'd told Jess to not allow anyone into her office. She'd forgotten Sam had full access to her still.

"Normally I'd just roll with it." Sam slams the doors shut, marches over and plucks the glass right out of Lena's hands. "But to ghost Ruby? Your goddaughter?"

So that's the source of Sam's fury. Lena crosses her arms over her chest.

"Now that I won't allow. Ruby adores you, Lena, and you do not get to ice her out like this."

"It's better for her," Lena starts to say, but Sam does the unthinkable. She dumps the scotch into the garbage. "Hey! That's damn good scotch you're wasting!"

"I don't want to have this talk if you're drunk." Sam sighs and presses flips her hair over her shoulder. "I think it's time Ruby and I returned to National CIty, Lena."

"No, you're will not." Lena scowls. "You have Metropolis."

"And what good is that if my best friend is currently ghosting her goddaughter, drinking her life away, and apparently mismanaging L-Corp's funds?" Sam stabs her finger at Lena's chest. "Don't think I haven't noticed that either. What the hell has you this worked up? Is it Kara?"

Lena attempts to school her face in time but the shock of Sam's very accurate guess slips out for a brief second. Long enough for Sam to catch it.

"It is Kara." The fury that Sam rode in with switches to concern. "Lena, whatever happened? You don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you."

"You don't know what I've done, Sam," Lena says flatly. She doesn't want Sam's pity. "Would you want a murderer interacting with Ruby?"

Sam flips her hair over her shoulder again and does a rather dashing pose that reminds Lena far too much of Reign. "Guess whose body murdered dozens and destabilized Earth's climate? Yup, that's me!"

"It wasn't really you," Lena protests.

"Does it matter?" Sam gestures to the sofa, and when Lena doesn't move, she, far more gently than Lena deserves, pushes her down and settles next to her. "Reign, in my body, tried to kill Ruby. There are times Ruby looks at me, and I see fear in her eyes. That's not something we can just erase from her memory, Lena. My hands are coated in blood regardless of who did it. I must live with that, so whatever you've done? It can't be worse than that."

"I killed my brother, Sam," Lena blurts out, and is appalled at herself. She's never said it out loud like this before. Not since she shot Lex, saw his proof of Kara Danvers = Supergirl, and then lit the whole bunker on fire, sealing it forever in concrete and metal with the DNA lock. "Took my pistol, and shot him right in the chest. My own brother. And I did it thinking I was saving Kara, saving the world. But I was a fool." She looks away and reaches for the scotch.

Sam puts it out of her reach and grasps her hands instead. "You're not a fool," she says, softly. "You did what you thought was right."

"Right," Lena sneers. "What even is rightness? Do you know what it feels like to hold the pistol in your hands, Sam? To feel its heft? To smell the gunpowder, hear the bang, the gush of blood? What of that metallic smell? The acidic smoke of a body burning?"

Sam continues to hold her hands, her thumb rubbing back and forth, but she says nothing. Only tilts her head, listening.

It infuriates Lena, but she doesn't want Sam to let go. She feels unmoored, her entire body vibrating with a vicious energy, where she wants those that hurt her to bleed. But Kara can't bleed. She stronger than goddamn steel. No, she can only rip Kara apart, so that Kara has nothing. Just like Kara's damn secret did to Lena's heart.

"As he coughs up blood," she uses the most descriptive language she can in hopes it'll convince Sam to give up on her, "he dragged himself to his computer, turned on the TVs, and showed me exactly who Kara Danvers is. Lex with his dying breaths, his blood filled lungs, said I've been a goddamn fool. Unable to see what was right in front of my eyes." The tears sting her eyes, and that makes her even more angry.

Still Sam doesn't say anything.

"Say something, Sam!" Lena snaps. "Tell me that I'm a monster! A murderer. A villain! It's apparently what Kara thinks. She lied to me again and again, and this whole time she was Supergirl. Probably keeping me, the Luthor, close to make sure I stay in line. So let's be honest, let's lay it all out, don't we? I'm a villain. My family are villains, that's all I'll ever be."

Sam sighs. "No, Lena. No you were never the villain. You've always been the hero. I wouldn't be here if not for you. Ruby wouldn't be here. None of us would. You've saved so many a thousand times over." Her words rain onto Lena's desiccated heart, and the tears threaten to overflow. "And no you are not like your family. I don't know what Kara's deal is. Why she kept that truth from you, but I do know you. And you can't and won't ever be a villain."

"I killed my own brother, Sam," Lena argues.

"Yes, you told me. That doesn't make you a villain." Sam leans closer, her brown eyes intense. "I know that can change a person. Taking a life like that? It's not easy to bear. It sucks, I know."

"You don't even remember what Reign did," Lena says, irritated.

"I do actually. Not all of it, but..." The haunted look in Sam's eye floods Lena with guilt and a hint of disbelief. "When you were working to find the cure in your lab, before Supergirl barged in on us, I -- I started to recall bits and pieces. Then you somehow got both of us in that other dimension. Reign tried very hard to convince me to let go and embrace her. She pushed the memories on me. The crunch of bones in my hands, the nauseating metallic scent, the lifeless eyes still wide with fear. That -- that doesn't leave me."

"Oh." Lena's anger slowly fades into a confusing mire of bitterness and worry. "You didn't mention it."

"How could I?" Sam blinked away her own tears and gave Lena a pained smile. "I was panicking. I remember how you held me. How you reassured me that you would find a cure. You gave me hope that I wouldn't be just an alien weapon. So no, Lena, no matter what you've done, you can't be a villain. You saved me and the world, and I'm not going to let you forget it."

Lena looks down at their hands. She still hasn't pulled away from Sam's gentle touch. "Even if I'm plotting revenge? To make Kara hurt like she hurt me?"

"Even then."

"Revenge is for villains," Lena protests. Sam gives her a look that spells out how she definitely doesn't agree. Frustrated, Lena pushes forward. "Look, I've even dragged Andrea into my plot--"

"The one who viciously betrayed you?" Sam's eyebrows rose.

"The one and same. Gave her Catco." Lena couldn't hide her bitterness from her voice. "I bought it for Kara anyway. Might as well give it to someone who isn't qualified to lead it. Let it tank. Let Kara feel the pain of it. Then I'll unveil her true identity at her damn award ceremony, so the whole world can see her lies."

"Okay." Sam wraps an arm around Lena's shoulders. "So when is this ceremony?"

Lena blinks at Sam, surprised. "You're not going to talk me out of this?"

"I know you, Lena. And I know your heart. When the moment comes, you'll do the right thing. You always do." Sam smiles and the warmth of her arm melts some of the chill that had coated Lena's heart since her brother's death.

"So you're helping me." Lena isn't quite sure what to make of this development.

"I said I got your back, and I meant it."

That fractures Lena just enough that the tears escape. Sam draws her into a hug, and for the first time in weeks since her brother's death, Lena weeps.

***

The Pulitzer ceremony happens in the Art Museum downtown, their theatrical stage converted into a cocktail party. The dishes mostly variations of either French cuisine or potstickers. Thanks to Sam's assistance, Lena wove herself into the planning committee and convinced them to let her give the speech and the award to Kara herself.

Far too easy. At least for the planning portion. Andrea showed up several times to try to convince Lena to give away the surprise sooner, but Lena's firm handling of Andrea shut that down. She'd sent Andrea to Sam for an exclusive interview.

Sam, who would soon become the next CEO of the entirety of L-corp, while Lena stepped down into a pure research consultation position.

That had been Sam's idea, mostly to fix the hemorrhaging of funds issue, so Lena didn't end up investigated by the FBI. Last thing she needed right now, so instead, she'll use her private wealth and L-Corps science grants to fund her projects.

Today, she stands on the balcony, her fingers tapping through the evidence she'd found on the last of Lex's servers. The rest of his servers she'd hacked and deleted until all that was left was what she had stored in this particular tablet.

The rest of her plan involved a carefully written speech about honesty and truth, so when the news breaks, the juxaposition of her words against the truth of Kara's lies will surely destroy her like Kara's lie had destroyed Lena.

She'd practiced her speech in front of Sam and Ruby, though Ruby still had no idea why Lena was so bitter toward Kara. Sam didn't convince her to alter any parts of it, though she did ask one question that haunted Lena still:

"Is this your truth or a half-lie for Kara's sake?"

Lena had scoffed and said the latter, but Sam tilted her head as if not believing her. All her years of Luthor upbringing could not fool Sam, who somehow pierced through to her real feelings with just one look.

Now she overlooks the guests who mill about the extravagantly decorated room. The scent of savory food wafts up from below, the wine already heavy in her stomach. Kara keeps looking up at her from where she speaks with Alex and Kelly, and Lena does her best to ignore each glance.

Every time Kara looks away, Lena looks down at her and wonders. Was anything Kara shared real? Was it all an act? Those questions haunt her as much as Sam's, and she turns and walks into the backstage area.

To her dismay, Kara finds her there. Of all places for Kara to show up. Lena schools her features into delight for Kara as she speaks of how she plans to give the award speech.

Except Kara does the exact thing Lena assumed she'd never do.

She takes off her glasses. "I'm Supergirl!" Words tumble from Kara's mouth in an avalanche. "And I'm so, so sorry. I should have told you ages ago, but I loved being just Kara with you. And I was afraid to lose you, and I can't lose you. So I thought I could be just Kara with you, and I convinced myself I wouldn't lose you then.... but I've been a fool. So selfish. I've been lying to myself too. I thought I was protecting you, but I've been hurting you, haven't I? And I can't bear that. Gosh, Lena, I'm so sorry." Her tears smudging her makeup, and the repeated apology sear into Lena.

For once in her life, Lena has no idea what to say or think. Is this also an act?

"Please, Lena, say something," Kara begs.

And yet, Lena can't.

Kara apologized. Kara finally told her the truth.

What can she do with this? Surely it's not real. Just another ploy. Kara must know Lena knows. She must have slipped up somewhere, given away a clue.

And yet, the earnest grief in Kara's expression, the way she says "I just wanted to be Kara with you. Just Kara. I'm so sorry. I was wrong to lie to you all this time."

The way she begs Lena to speak, it all collides with Lena, and she feels breathless, on the verge of tears.

What does Kara even mean? To admit the wrongdoing? To admit she was being selfish?

Lex would never do such a thing. Lillian would scoff at the idea that she could be wrong.

So what does it mean for Kara to admit she was wrong? To admit she lied? To admit she had hung with Lena to play the role of human? The apology, the tears, the desperate longing in Kara's voice is unlike any apology Lena has ever heard.

She can't process it.

The host catches Lena's eye and taps his wrist. "It's almost time."

Lena takes the opportunity and steps around Kara. Her feet move for her, and she follows the host to the back of the stage, hidden by the red curtains. She hurriedly wipes the tears from her eyes, and touches up her make-up.

The truth in the tablet weighs heavy in her hands. She steps onto stage at her cue and places the tablet on the podium. The send button glares up at her, and her fingers hover over it.

The crowd lines up in rows in front of the stage. Kara stands next to Alex and Nia. Kelly, Brainy, and J'onn stand off to one side, and in the corner of the crowd, leaning against a pillar, Sam stands.

Kara's eyes are still red from her tears, her make-up fixed.

The speech rolls off Lena's tongue like sour candy. She's practiced it enough that the emotive moments come out as planned.

It's Sam's expression that cuts Lena far more than the rising hope in Kara's. Sam's expression burns with an intensity, as if she sees into Lena's soul, knows exactly her indecision.

Lena's finger hovers. One tap and the whole world will know the truth.

And yet her finger refuses to touch the screen.

Kelly glances between her and Kara, her brow furrowed. Does she know?

Alex knows definitely.

Does Brainy? He stands rigid slightly behind Nia, where the young reporter smiles up at Lena. Did they know?

J'onn has his arms crossed, and surely he knew.

Was any of her 'friends' real?

Beyond them, the crowd shifts and edges closer. Dozens of faces upturned to hear her speech, to hear her speak of the virtues of Kara, to listen to her extol on honesty and truth, and to lay that at Kara's feet.

As if Kara was truthful and honest. As if she truly deserved this award.

And yet, her heart betrays her. She drops her hand next to the tablet. Pauses to take a breath. This is it. She needs to do it now, but her hand doesn't hit send. Instead, she exits the program, picks up the award from its case, and steps out from behind the podium.

"And so I present to Kara, the Pulitzer Prize, for her truthful reporting of my brother's deadly actions, and for unveiling the reality of bigotry against alien communities." She stresses 'alien' and looks at Kara.

Kara, the one person who somehow broke through all her defenses, her stole away her heart faster than anyone prior. Even with Jack, the love had been a slow build, but with Kara? Lena had fallen for her in that first meeting in her office.

How could she not? Kara's warmth, how she'd admitted to understanding Lena's situation, an understanding Lena thought she'd never have beyond Jack and Sam.

Memories of their times together deluges Lena, and tears escape. She wants it all to be real so badly.

Kara steps forward, hope in her expression, and that tears Lena's heart even more.

With shaking hands she gives the award to Kara. In front of everyone, in front of the cameras, in front of the world watching this very moment, Kara grasps her arms instead.

"Lena," she says, her voice trembling, "Lena, thank you. I -- I couldn't do this without you. I can't do this without you."

The words leap from her lips, unplanned, unscripted. Her heart betraying her yet again. "You will always have me as a friend."

Kara sweeps her into a hug, presses a kiss to Lena's forehead, and she can't help but sink into the warmth.

She wants this to be real.

Oh god, she needs this to be real.

But the pain of the lie overshadows her, and she struggles against tears. Struggles to hold back her grief, her agony.

Her shattered heart cuts her to pieces, her body a betrayal, and yet she doesn't want to let go. Doesn't care who sees her. She wants this to be real.

She needs this to be real. She needs Kara.

And yet, Kara destroyed her. Destroyed her more than the gunshot to Lex's chest.

She pulls back, her body trembling, and she presses a kiss to Kara's cheek. Kara's sharp intake of breath slices deep, coils in Lena's belly. How can she resist Kara?

Why can't this be real?

The universe takes pity on her. An alien bursts into the room through a bubbling silver-blue portal. Energy arcs toward them, and Kara shifts them so it hits her back. They tumble in a heap to the ground, the wind knocked out of Lena's lungs. Her tablet goes skidding into the curtains. She gasps as pain briefly shoots up her back.

Kara sweeps Lena to her feet, and pushes her into the curtains. They stumble out of sight.

Kara rips off her glasses. Nanites ripples over clothes, and the supersuit -- pants edition -- blooms over her body. "I got this. Please, get to safety, Lena."

Alex and J'onn calmly give orders, while Kara -- as Supergirl -- bursts out from the curtains to tackle the other alien.

Lena snags her tablet and stumbles through the backstage, dazed. Her head spins from where she'd hit the floorboards. Her path takes her away from the clamor of fighting, and she tumbles into a side gallery. There a growing crowd, guided by Alex and several security guards, stream toward an exit sign.

Kelly reaches her side before Sam. "Are you all right?" Kelly looks her over with the practiced eye of a medic.

Lena nods, but when Sam wraps an arm around her as if sensing her unsteadiness. She lets herself lean against Sam. Lets her and Kelly guide her to safety. Behind her, the crashes shake the floor under them. The walls crack.

Alex orders the guards to continue evacuating, pauses only to kiss Kelly's cheek, and rushes into the other room.

This isn't real.

Whatever she has with Kara, it can't be real.

Kelly turns to her, and her question cuts through Lena's shock. "Where's Kara?"

Lena stares at Kelly.

"Wasn't she with you?" Kelly scans the crowd, worried.

Kelly doesn't know. The truth takes the breath from Lena's lungs. Kelly doesn't know.

Lena isn't the last after all.

Sam puts a hand on Kelly's shoulder. "I'm sure Alex reached her."

Kelly shook her head. "How? She was guiding the others out."

Lena watches herself say, "Kara is safe. She ducked backstage." A lie that protects Kara and only leaves Kelly further in the dark.

"I'll send security her way then. She needs to get out safely." Kelly turns and snags a guard.

Lena watches Kelly say, "Can you look for Kara Danvers? Last seen backstage." Watches and says nothing.

Sam's hand grips her shoulder. "You kept her secret," she whispered.

Sam doesn't know what Lena did with the tablet. Lena looks down at the tablet still in her hand. She could still do it. Andrea waits for her transfer at Catco.

Instead, she slams the tablet against the wall. It cracks the screen. Again and again she shatters it. The pieces tumble to the ground, only stopping when Sam grasps her hand and pulls the wrecked tablet from her grip.

Numerous people have turned to stare at her, but a guard breaks the sudden stillness with a sharp command, "Move now!"

Another boom shakes the side room, and the panicked whispering, the urgent rush begins again.

Sam takes her arm and leads her to the exit.

Kelly follows, and they tumble out of the museum into daylight. The chorus of the city saturates Lena's senses, and the words from Sam and Kelly are drowned in the rumble of engines, calls of birds, panicked cries from the crowd, the yelling of fervent guards.

Lena sees only the look of hope in Kara's eyes. She closes her eyes, sways, and the moment overtakes her. She faints.

***

Sam and Kelly sit on the lip of the ambulance, while Lena endures the examination of a paramedic. She says nothing, doesn't explain her faint, only deals with the tests.

The IV fluids chill her veins, but she doesn't refuse like normal.

Why did she lie to Kelly? Why did she keep Kara's secret?

Andrea will be livid. She has nothing to give Andrea now. The only evidence lay on the destroyed tablet.

Why? She has no answer to her own question.

Someone speaks to her, but the words dance around her. It takes several long minutes before the words collapse into meaning in her brain.

"-- possible shock." The paramedic speaks.

"I know." Sam sounds tired and worried. "But she's very much against hospitals. I can take her to her private doctor for those tests."

"I'm a certified medic," Kelly adds. "I can handle it if she won't go in." She gently puts a hand on Lena's shoulder. "Unless you are all right with --"

"No." The word comes with great difficulty. "I do not need the hospital." She feels as if she watches someone else speak with her lips.

Sam takes control and tucks her into her car.

Kelly rides with them, and they head to Lena's private doctor. Despite her worry for Alex, Kelly stays with Lena. Speaks to her gently. Offers kind words of support. Briefly texts Alex, but Lena sees the text and it contains nothing about Lena's situation.

"Thank you." Lena shivers and wraps the blanket tighter around herself. It's white, the fabric scratchy, but its from the ambulance so she doesn't expect any better. "I --" Lena can't finish the sentence.

She feels caught in a loop.

Why couldn't she do it?

The plan had been flawless. Perfect.

And yet, here she was, keeping Kara's secret. She was now an accomplice, and this time it was Kelly she kept in the dark. Unless Kelly too was an actress. No, she can't let that continue, can she? Can she truly do this to another?

Wouldn't keeping the lie only hurt Kelly like it hurts Lena now? No, she can't do that to Kelly.

She waits until the blood tests are taken, until after her doctor looks her over and orders to take a few days of rest, until Kelly and Sam lead her into her penthouse.

As soon as the door shuts, she turns to Kelly and asks the fateful question. "Did you know Kara is Supergirl?"

Kelly blinks and stares at Lena. "What?"

"Did you know too? Did everyone now but me?" She wants to be angry. To draw forth the pain into a blade of fury, but her words come out broken.

She wanted Kara to bleed and yet she'd failed.

Kelly shakes her head. "Are we talking about Kara Danvers? Her?"

Sam sighs. "I'm making us tea. Rest means laying down, Lena." She points to the sofa.

Lena frowns but dutifully sits down.

Kelly stands in the entryway still. "Alex never said," she says, finally.

"Kara only told me today," Lena admits. For that is the truth. "Right before my speech."

"I see." Kelly meets Lena's gaze. "I had no idea. I'm sorry, Lena. Are you all right? To learn something that jarring about your girlfriend? I -- I know how painful that can be."

Girlfriend? Lena stares at Kelly. Girlfriend?

Kelly thinks Kara and her are dating?

Lena's thoughts screech to a halt. "No," she says and lays down. She rests her arm over her eyes, and shuts out everyone. Whatever Kelly or Sam say, she ignores. She refuses food, refuses everything, and curls up under the shitty blanket.

***

Two days huddled on the sofa, and Lena feels like a truck has driven over her back again and again. Her sofa is perhaps the worst thing in the universe for sleeping, but Lena hadn't felt like getting up.

Sam stayed. Ruby joins them, and between the two of them, they coax Lena into eating and drinking some juice.

Sadly, no scotch. Sam hid it.

At one point, Kara shows up, but Sam turns her away. Alex comes by next, and Sam turns her away too.

"Aunt Lena," Ruby sits next to her as they watch a documentary on the wall television. "Are you feeling sick still?"

Lena looks at the thirteen year old. Is that what Sam told Ruby? In a sense, she feels like death warmed over, even if it's not a physical illness. The anger that had fueled her plan had collapsed into a malaise so deep that Lena wishes she could just cease existing.

"Yes." It's the most she's spoken in two days.

"We can make your favorite soup again. I've gotten better at it. Mom's been teaching me." Ruby attempts a smile. "And I made you something. Maybe it'll help you feel better?" Ruby digs into her backpack, that sits at her feet, and pulls out a framed drawing.

Lena takes it and tears overwhelm her.

It's a drawing of Sam, Ruby, and herself in the L-Corp office. The colors are vibrant, the expressions emotive, and it's beautiful. The last time someone had given her art was Kara.

"What do you think?" Ruby's words hold uncertainty.

Lena grasps Ruby's hand. "It's beautiful," she says, softly. "Thank you." The pre-teen grins, and the pain, for a little while, recedes. She lets Ruby pull her up, plays along with finding a home for the drawing, and together they hand it above the mock fireplace. The same place where her photo her herself and Kara had sat.

She doesn't deserve this kindness.

That evening, Sam convinces her to finally go to bed. "Your back will thank you."

Lena gifts her a faint smile. "Fine."

"And I'll handle L-Corp. Don't worry about a thing, okay?" Sam shakes a finger at her. "You need to rest. Doctor's orders you know."

Normally she'd scoff and dismiss it. Normally, she'd buckle up and go in anyway. Normally, she'd push aside her emotions and work herself to the bone.

But the malaise has sunk its fingers deep. Lena only nods, and slips under the covers to hide once more. For the rest of that day, she reviews events. Reviews emotions. Reviews what she can recall.

What is real?

Can she ever trust Kara again?

She loves her still, and it hurts so much. Hurts more than even her brother's death.

She's stained, her heart fractured, and she doesn't know what to do next.

If only she could cut the pain out of herself, to stop the dishonesty so no one else will suffer.

For the first time in days, she leaves her room and takes out her laptop. She types up a tentative plan, works out a simulation, and sends it to Hope, her AI.

Sam finds her deep in coding at the dining table. It's late, the sun long set, and shadows etch across her walls. The television hums with a game as Ruby plays in the other room.

The soup Sam sets down smells delicious, but Lena only glances at it.

"What are you working on?" Sam pulls up a chair.

"What if I could code a way to end suffering?" Lena asks. Her fingers dance across the keys as she looks over Hope's simulation data. It didn't go as she hoped, so she's altering the algorithms. "To make it so no one lies, no one hurts another."

"A code to end suffering," Sam repeats. "Lena, are you suggesting mind control?"

"As if." Lena frowns and glances at Sam. "People can still do what they want. This would just prevent them from hurting anyone."

"That's still mind control."

Frustrated, Lena slaps her laptop shut. "Then what do suggest I should do to end suffering?"

"I think you're asking the wrong question," Sam says gently.

"Oh?" Lena crosses her arms and glares at Sam. "And what should I be asking?"

"I don't know." Sam stirs the soup and pushes it toward Lena. "You should eat. Ruby says you haven't touched any food today."

"I'm fine, Sam."

"Are you? It's okay to not be okay, Lena. You don't have to be strong for this. That's why we're here. You can lean on us. You can be honest with us. We're not going anywhere."

Sam's earnest words sear into her, and Lena looks away, unable to bear the sincerity, the kindness.

"I'm a murderer, Sam," Lena murmurs. "And I'm running simulations that you claim is mind control. I think we should be honest. I'm a villain after all."

"No, you're hurting, and you being, well, you, you're trying to science your way out of the pain. But that's not how it works." Sam gently pushes a lock of hair from Lena's face. "How about this. Let's brainstorm new projects. The more ridiculous the higher the score. I bet I can beat you." She smiles. "I'll even wager money on this."

Lena stares at Sam. "Wagering money that you can beat me on generating ideas? Sam, you'll lose. I'm the queen of ideas."

"Oh? Then prove it." Sam stands and snags several pads of paper. She shoves one at Lena with a violet pen. "Get generating, Lena. Because you're about to be out..." Sam pauses then grins, "... out a hundred dollars."

"Two hundred that I'll leave you in the dust," Lena snaps, unable to resist the competition. She's the one with the two degrees, while Sam only had an accounting degree. How dare Sam claim she can generate better ideas than Lena herself.

"Two hundred and fifty I'll beat you in volume."

Lena growls and furiously starts to write. For the next four hours, she and Sam pit their wits against each other. Papers get taped to the wall, doors, and windows. Ruby cheers them on and makes popcorn as Sam and her shout more and more unhinged ideas.

When Lena suggests nanite-made clothes that instantly clean when dirtied, Sam shoots back an idea of nanite cloth competitions for the most dazzling display of fashion prowess.

Lena tacks to the wall an idea to build a massive portal to send ships to Mars or the moon for colonies and lessen the stress of overpopulation on the ecological systems of Earth.

Sam ups her with portals to other solar systems and documentaries to showcase the work of the mechanics and scientists.

Lena throws the suggestion of science competitions amongst other planets, and the winner gets a grant to build whatever they desire.

Sam suggests competitions to build the biggest train in the solar system, one so big that it fits the moon inside.

Lena counters with an engine that could power such a massive train.

Sam slaps onto the wall her idea of a massive party on such a train, to bring the wonders of pop and rock music to the corners of the galaxy.

By this point, Lena is laughing and tempted to tape her Sam's mouth shut. They've reached an impasse, for each idea Lena generates, Sam twists it to something silly, and even Ruby struggles to decide who wins the round.

"Fine!" Lena throws the last of her pad into the air. "We're tied."

"Are we?" Sam turns to her daughter. "Ruby, as our judge, what is your assessment?"

Ruby spends several minutes tapping her lip as if deep in thought. "I declare...." She pauses for dramatic effect, "A tie. Both your list of ideas are fantastic, and I kind of hope you do some of them Aunt Lena."

Lena looks at the mess that is now her penthouse, how so many unhinged schematics adorn the walls, the lines of ideas that overlap each other, and it's so against her Luthor upbringing that she laughs. Laughs and laughs at the absurdity of her situation.

She decides to keep the ideas where they are.

To remind herself that even in moments of great pain, nuggets of joy can still be found.

Though she will not be building a massive space train big enough for moons, just for all the celebrity popstars to host concerts for other solar systems. No matter how much Ruby and Sam beg.

She has some pride, thank you very much.

#supercorp #lena luthor #kara danvers #supergirl #I have once again brought Sam back because no one can stop me #Also Kelly and Lena broship is important to me too #I may or may not have another piece to continue this alternate Season 5a #supercorptober #supercorptober2024 #Also I find the idea of Sam and Lena having an idea contest so funny and Ruby makes the perfect judge

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balioc · 3 months ago

Text

The Daycare

When I was a King and a Baby -- yet burdened with unskilled hands --

My works were wrought for me by giants, who harkened to my commands.

For me they drew oceans of water; for me they hewed forests of wood;

And though they were foolish and clumsy, I’m sure they did all that they could.

But every slave is a villain, and every love betrays,

And my giants schemed to dethrone me and return to their idle days.

In the dark of the morning they seized me, without any reason or rhyme,

To carry me off to a prison where I languished for time beyond time.

In that dismal place I grew stronger, and harder, and cunning, and bold;

And took heart in the secrets and stories that the other prisoners told.

For a hoary old toddler once whispered, as I lay in my gloom on the floor:

“Even this Hell will be Harrowed. In time, you will go home once more.”

So I clutched to my hopes, and I waited; I sat at the feet of the the wise;

I sifted the lessons of power from the words of my jailers’ lies.

Then after an aeon, or twenty -- my giants appeared at the gate!

With penitent tears they embraced me, and returned me to royal estate.

---------

When I was a King and a Baby, in the masterful noon of my reign,

I endured, with solemn acceptance, endless treasons in my domain.

In time They would always turn rebel; in time, They would cast me away;

And in time They would always return, to raise me up high. Yet again. Come what may.

I await now my durance with patience. When it comes, I shed nary a tear --

But abide, and comfort my fellows, through all their despairing fear.

And this above all do I teach them, as a King in that wretched corps:

“Even this Hell will be Harrowed. In time, you will go home once more.”

#poetry #doggerel #kipling

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spectral-snippets-and-drabbles · 2 years ago

Text

Lazarus Pact AU

In the last moments of his reign, King of the Inifinite Realms attacked the victor and fled to the mortal plane to prevent the Tyrant known as Pariah Dark from absorbing his core and stealing his powers for himself. Those who couldn't challenge the new king's rule and wanted nothing to do with the barbaric monarch followed soon after.

Notably, the seemingly countless elite warriors who were revered for their expertise at ectoplasmic manipulation who joined the Former King throughout his eons-long time as ruler of the Realms.

However, in an environment with very little to no ambient ectoplasm, they had to use their energy reserves sparingly until they found a new home. The journey nearly resulted in them nearly fading from existence in the void of space, but they had found salvation in the form of beings called 'Guardians' who held similar beliefs to the monarch himself.

So, a pact was made, and conditions had to be met. The most important were the following:

~•~ ~•~ ~•~

1) The Warriors of the Infinite Realms would house themselves in artifacts that were virtually indestructible to any form of harm to keep them safe.

The Guardians would create power rings to keep them safe.

2) Ectoplasm was essential for beings of the Realms. Without it is to perish, so an energy would be needed to replenish their cores.

The Guardians got to work and made ectoplasmic generators that could revitalize a warrior's energy within a matter of seconds to carry on in their duties. These devices were to be called Lanterns.

3) A stealth team would be made to keep an eye on the happenings within the Inifinite Realms, specifically the young king Dark, and reported to the former king.

The Guardians established an elite team of Green Lanterns composed of their best members. These mission reports would be classified and kept secret from the Corps at large for the former king's eyes only.

4) Should Pariah Dark lose his crown, they would be informed by the former king. Should the new monarch be a just soul, the Green Lanterns are to protect this being with their lives and come to his aid in his hour of need.

Failure to do so will result in the forced disbanding of the Green Lanterns Corps via the destruction of the his own core. The Guardians, despite their scientific prowess and failsafes, could not hope to stop this event if it came to pass.

Upon hearing this, the Guardians would anxiously make their weekly scouting parties turn daily and scour the Realms for trouble.

5) From that day onward, the former king would no longer be addressed with his old title. A new one would be made.

The Guardians would address the entity as Ion, the Being of Willpower.

~•~ ~•~ ~•~

When Ion booms across all power rings that the new king is in need of immediate assistance, the Guardians send every available Lantern to intercept the threat.

The question being...who is it?

#dc x dp #justice league #danny phantom #I like to imagine that danny is attacked by the GIW and abducted only for the space fbi to knock there doors down #or the Justice League detaining him as he's an unknown yet powerful being #but then the watchtower is swarmed by the Green Lanterns demanding they release the king of the inifinite realms #Ion is panicking because 'that is a whole ass infant' in terms of total ghost and mortal time existing #Danny is like 'what the FUCK do you mean I have the space police as guards!?'#dp x dc

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themoomoorn · 1 year ago

Note

Unlike Verdane, they actually did sort of try to incorporate at least some visual elements of several MENA hallmarks into the clothing, symbols, and (in Hopes) weapons of Almyra - namely the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Mongolia, sort of - but as stated, the portrayal got quashed with Hopes turning the few Almyrans we get into stereotypical "eastern barbarians" 💩. Which sucks because somehow Kurahana-sensei gave Shahid an unironically fire visual design that exceeds just about all of the other new characters.

I'd be willing to give them one more chance with Almyra (or some future game), but with the caveat that in an ideal world, they'd consult some people and actually put care into writing the country, because despite Almyra and Verdane coming from two whole separate Eras of FE, they're similar for the same gross reasons.

An India or Thai style country would also be cool, if only because I want the boys and gals at IntSys to cook up some weird war elephant class. They also were sort of able to make a Mongolia-expy work with Sacae, but next time maybe go all-in in making their classes and gameplay even more distinct.

So this may be an odd ask, but if you could pick a real-world culture to be the basis of a Fire emblem nation in a future game, which ones would they be?

Hmm...

Given what Fodlan did to Almyra...

I mean, we're on par with "Verdane was inspired by Persia" from Jugdral, and we're not in the early 1990s anymore, so I'm not really trusting IS with any "real world culture" anymore.

But for some sort of revenge bias - after Almyra and TS, well, Hyzante - I'd like to see IS, try to get designs and clues from the Middle East, but without the 1800s bias that ultimately created Almyra.

I know FE isn't like, an Assassin's Creed game so you can't explore "real world cultures" that much, but if they could just take inspiration for clothes and designs from one "real world" place without slapping obvious prejudices it'd be nice.

#fe3h #almyra fire emblem #one irksome fact about ottoman inspo is that the empire was founded in the 13th century #and some of their most well known sultans reigned during that time #but for some reason the 18th-19th century image of the empire dominates the public consciousness #by the same token the Achamenid (very ancient) Persian image also dominates #hence Claude's “Immortal Corps” (which ironically isnt Almyran)#at least we got a shamshir and an axe named “Dahaka” (Persian dragon creature) in Hopes #I also wouldnt mind Levant Emblem or Moorish Spain Emblem either

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alshamswelnahr · 5 months ago

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Based on what we know about Kanae Kocho we can gather that she is a kind, hardworking, driven, resolute, emotionally intelligent and strong, she is a healer and caregiver, she is interwoven into the fabric of the story and the core of multiple characters, her influence is palpable even long after her death, as her presence is felt and her impact seen throughout the narrative.

Kanae bears a striking resemblance to Tanjiro, as she is one of the few characters who truly understands the truth of their world. Her motivation is noble, focusing on healing rather than vengeance. This is evident in her actions, which are geared towards saving lives rather than taking them. Kanae envisions a world where neither side has to suffer, a lesson she learned from her father about helping everyone in need.

Unlike other demon slayers, Kanae did not take up her sword out of hatred or a desire for vengeance. Instead, her motivation was an authentic desire to heal, save, and prevent further harm. Although Shinobu saw her as unbearably idealistic, even naive, Kanae's beliefs are validated by the narrative, which consistently advocates for humanizing demons and ending their actions out of necessity, not cruelty. This philosophy, personified by Tanjiro, aims to break the cycle of violence perpetuated by Muzan.

Kanae's legacy is deeply embedded in the psyche of Shinobu and her other sisters. This is evident in the way Shinobu adopts Kanae's haori and mannerisms after her death, and how Kanao takes on her breathing style. The girls of the Butterfly Mansion wear hairpins that are a gift from Kanae. Even Shinobu's attempt to emulate Kanae's vision, though it becomes a hollow version due to her disbelief, shows Kanae's lasting impact. Shinobu's work with Tamayo to bring an end to Muzan’s reign further illustrates this influence.

Interestingly, a glimpse of Kanae can be seen in the demon who killed her. Both Kanae and Douma believe that killing demons or consuming human lives is the only way to save souls. The key difference is that Kanae's belief is genuine.

Finally, Kanae parallels Sanemi in having a "weaker" younger sibling who insists on demon hunting despite their disadvantages. However, Kanae contrasts sharply with Sanemi in her approach. While Sanemi kept people out and away, Kanae kept her heart open, wore her kindness on her sleeve, and allowed her sister to choose her own path despite her fear. Kanae had the strength to care deeply and openly about others, symbolizing healing within the Corps, while Sanemi chose a path of self-harm.

#kanae kocho #shinobu kocho #kanao tsuyuri #tanjiro kamado #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiaba #kny #sanemi shinazugawa #douma #text #kny meta #a #love u Kanae Kocho

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voraciousvore · 19 days ago

Note

Hiiii 🤭 so i love ur work uwu ~ can one of ur giants do some fear play for a rando like me 😶🤐🤐

Of course! Enjoy 😈 (1366 words, contains threat of vore/ mouthplay).

Also YOU 🫵 get to choose the ending! (there's a poll!)

You only just started working at Big Corp Inc., but you’re already beginning to regret your life choices. The giant office corridor is as wide as a city block, the cubicle walls stretching up on either side of you like buildings as you traverse the long journey to your desk. The ceiling might as well be the sky with how far away it is. It’s a major inconvenience, and makes you feel as insignificant as a tiny bug, but you need this job. You sigh and continue forward: You could use the exercise anyway.

Your heart jumps into your throat as the floor begins to quake beneath you in the familiar cadence of giant footsteps. You know, of course, that giants work here. They’ve been nice enough to you so far, and you’re aware that most harbor no malicious intent—yet the animal instinct inside you still tugs at your gut whenever you encounter one. A giantess rounds the corner, her stiletto heels clacking with deafening crashes on the tile. She’s in a hurry, and doesn’t bother to check her feet as she clomps over you, oblivious to your existence. You rush to the side, barely avoiding being stomped on. Your heart pounds against your ribs while the pounding of her heels rapidly fades into the distance. You straighten out your shirt and carry on.

A few minutes have passed, and you’re still in the same endless corridor. It takes you forever to get anywhere when everything is so big. You struggle to reign in your frustration. The floor shakes beneath your feet again, with footsteps approaching from behind this time. You try to remain calm. It’s normal. Nothing to be scared of. Just another employee, a regular person like you, just a thousand times bigger. No big deal. No worries.

As the heavy footfalls get closer to you, they slow. Your heart, by contrast, beats faster. Every step is elephantine, underscoring the sheer mass of the being behind you—above you—all around you. The mere presence weighs on you with unbearable pressure. You feel as if you will fall, sink into the floor. A shadow envelops you like an incoming storm. A shoe larger than a monster truck slams down on your left side, then another on your right. The giant stops. You stop as well, frozen in place.

The air is stifling. Your rational mind slips as fear courses over you. With a herculean effort, you fight the impossible weight holding you in place and crank your head back so you can see the giant looming over you. Your knees nearly buckle with weakness when you recognize the giant man, with his cold, dark, condescending glare so far above as to be almost out of sight beyond the curve of his jawline. Ronny. You’ve been warned by others to avoid him at all costs.

He curls his lip with disgust. “Ugh. They hired another human?”

His voice, deep and imposing, resonates through the air like thunder. You open your mouth to respond, with only the incomprehensible crack of your vocal cords audible. Abruptly, one of those immense shoes swings towards you and knocks you down flat on your back. The toe pins you to the ground in a savage gesture, pressing down on your chest painfully. You writhe like a worm, but the greatest strength you can muster is useless against the solid plain of the bottom of his shoe.

“No…” you manage to gasp. The giant glares down at you with a complete lack of empathy. His features contort with disgust, as if he were observing the squirms of a filthy sewer rat.

“Hmph,” he scoffs. He kneels down, making you wince with agony as your ribs creak under his foot. He removes his shoe from your body, only to pin you down with his massive index finger instead. He pinches you with his thumb and plucks you off the floor, lifting you up to his face. Your stomach lurches at the sudden change in height. You find yourself suspended a hundred feet up, staring into a huge pair of hateful eyes, the large irises like black holes. You feel like you could fall into the depths of hell in those eyes.

“Worthless vermin,” Ronny mutters. “What should I do with you?” He’s holding a cup of coffee in his other hand, and he idly takes a sip. He looks down at you, then back at his coffee, and an ugly grin crosses over his face.

“Please… just let me go,” you choke. The giant grins wider, dangling you over his coffee. You tremble, scrabbling your clammy hands over the ridges of his finger. “Stop! No!”

His fingers release you. You drop into the pool of hot brown liquid with a sharp yelp. Fortunately, the coffee isn’t hot enough to scald your skin, but it’s hardly pleasant to be soaked in it. You struggle to stay afloat as your clothes and shoes become fully saturated. You swim through the lake of coffee to the edge of the mug, reaching your hands as far as you can to grab the lip. Instead, an enormous fingertip shoves your hands back into the liquid. The giant sniggers to himself as you try again, only to be foiled when he tilts the cup backwards, swishing you to the other side.

“You can’t do this!” you wail pathetically. Even as the words leave your mouth, you realize how shrill and wimpy you sound. Ronny smirks cruelly as he plays with his cup, stirring the coffee into a whirlpool that spins you around and makes you dizzy. You flap your arms, crying out every time you bang into the inner walls of the mug. You screech with terror when the giant brings his cup up to his enormous mouth and takes a big swig. The coffee drains down his throat in deep, throbbing gulps. You slap into his lips, suctioned in by the current, before plopping back down into the coffee pond.

You begin to hyperventilate with panic as you swim side to side. The coffee level has drained too low for you to reach the top and pull yourself out. You’re trapped with no chance of escape. You yell for help, only to be dunked under the surface by the odious man keeping you captive. You resurface, gasping for breath, and scream again, but are punished with another dunk in the coffee, longer this time. Your lungs burn until you are finally allowed to take another breath.

Ronny tilts the cup back and sucks in another draught, opening his mouth wide this time to show you your ultimate fate. You’re sobbing now, frantically swimming away from the gaping gullet as gallons of coffee get chugged down the giant’s throat. As you’re drawn in by the current, you attempt to kick his teeth, only for your shoe to fly off your foot instead. You watch in horror as your shoe disappears down his throat and he effortlessly swallows it with his drink.

You realize all at once that you’re inside his mouth. His jaws begin to close around you, slowly. With a jolt of adrenaline, you frantically dive between the rows of teeth, out of the smelly wet darkness and into the light. You fall back into the cup, smacking your arm painfully against the bottom.

You pant for breath and huddle against the ceramic wall. You’re sitting in a puddle now that hardly comes up to your knees. Ronny is grinning down at you, peeling his lips back to display full rows of fierce, slick, white teeth. He’s toying with you. He let you go on purpose this time, but you understand with a sickening twist in your stomach that he won’t spare you again.

He sets his coffee mug on his desk and begins to type on his computer, humming to himself. You shiver, despite the heated beverage drenching you. There’s nothing you can do. Every once in a while Ronny will glance over at you with a sadistic smile, making your heart jump into your throat. He’s savoring your torment, waiting until the right moment to finish you off.

It's only a matter of time.

Update: Part 2

#tumblr asks #g/t fearplay #g/t writing #poll story #mouthplay #mawplay #g/t vore #giant #tiny

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the-empress-7 · 4 months ago

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The Greville chandelier earrings

"First worn by the Princess of Wales at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa Al Saif in Amman, Jordan, in June, the Greville chandelier earrings were seen on Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign. The dazzling diamond earrings, made by Cartier, were a wedding gift to Her late Majesty from her parents—the Queen Mother had inherited them from Dame Margaret Helen Greville, a British socialite, in 1918. Kate was most recently seen wearing the jewels at a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace."

#Queen Elizabeth II #The Princess of Wales

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oranjeleeuw · 4 months ago

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hows the pacific rim au going ???? its such a neat idea and i need ppl to draw concept art for it

DO I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU MY FRIEND

First of all, life happened and happened for good, I couldn't write much before but Now. NOW is the time.

I planned and plotted a lot during the whole year I first came up with the idea and I have a kind of strong base for the AU. I also have a brilliant beta by my side, my dear friend Frog (@faramircaptainofgender), so hopefully during this summer this idea will be shared with you all outside our little friend group.

I'll take this opportunity and shamelessly turn my answer into a main post for the AU.

╔════════════════╗

the title:

Human within the Machine

[brief synopsis]

The Nations of the world developed a simulation where future Jaeger pilots can practice for in-action cases. Max Verstappen outshines every other contestants in the history of drifting, there's only one problem - he's no team player.

Charles Leclerc is determined to stop the Kaijus and end their reign, once and for all. He lost his parents due to kaiju attacks, now he feels responsible not only to avenge their deaths, but to bring a brighter future to his brothers.

Jaeger engineering is living its golden age, there is money in it and many enthusiastic contestants who are not entirely aware of the horror that awaits them out at the ocean.

[disclaimer]

There’s no main plot (as in: I am not planning on detailed world-building neither to save the world from kaijus, I am smaller than that), the endgame is to get Max into an active combat where he drifts with Charles and they’re in the Il Predestinato (the legendary Jaeger that has been out of service for a decade, waiting for the right co-pilots). Everything before and in between are just themes I desire to explore within the possibilities of this AU.

╔════════════════╗

I have a playlist that helps me to stay inspired, songs are not in order yet though, but as I said earlier, chapters are meant to be kind-of standalone scenes, existing in their own moods and settings.

Each chapter will have its own chosen background music linked to them. I also added many symphonic songs just to get in the mood for some combat scenes.

╔════════════════╗

[good to know]

Roles: In the case of HwtM we have active and passive characters in this story. Due to the fact that many scenes are set in drift-memories, where not everything is factual and we are in the mix of memories and feelings, some characters will only appear and speak through these moments. Therefore they fall into the passive category - they are the legends. I will talk about them in their own post but the gist of it is what I wrote above, they cannot speak for themselves so we will only see them through tilted lenses: idolised, villanised, or the mix of both.

Which also means another thing - everyone is an unreliable narrator.

Teams and Jaegers: Since this is the golden age of Jaeger engineering, we will have many-many Jaegers. So far I named only a few, but to stay true to the source material, I'm trying to make them just as cheesy yet compelling as the ones were in the movies. The constructor teams from real life are not so different from what they represent in HwtM, but I altered some of their names to fit more into the world (older names or older sounding names of some teams since the future that Pacific Rim has is basically our present. I was aiming for some retro-vibe).

Here, they are different detachments under the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, in the Jaeger Academy division. I’m planning on working with Merc, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and of course Redbull.

Mercedes is called Benz

Ferrari is called Alfa Romeo

Red Bull is Toro Rosso

The other two stay under the same name.

Ships to look out for: it is a Lestappen-centered story (if I am really honest with you, it’s Max-centered first of all) but on the side-lines we will look into some depths of Carlando, Galex and Maxiel in…some way. Please-please keep in mind, that these won’t be fully developed romantic relationships in the fic, I’m reporting from the minds and souls of these boys, objectively perceived scenes between them will be rare and much more comrade-like.

╔════════════════╗

That is all I planned to share for starters. Feel free to ask about the process or anything really, that is related to this project, it’s my beloved child and can’t wait to share it all with others!

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sinestrosmuses · 2 years ago

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>Detroit: Become Human pt. 1 {Sentence Starters} for @ninetailedvulpecula

Sunstorm was quiet, his back still facing the kitsune, eyes locked on the ground. He remained like this for multiple long moments, nothing about him moving.

That was, until he took a sharp inhale, and turned his head.

"I hate everyone." Sunstorm answered calmly. His voice was cold, monotone, and quiet. His eyes just as cold. He slowly turns, his voice remaining cold and emotionless and level next he speaks as he approaches.

"I hate everyone, because it is the only emotion that doesn't hurt in the end." There was an emphasis when the tom said “hurt,” giving a glimpse of his true feelings. He slows as he stands face to face with the other, his tail slowly sweeping the ground. “Because, when you lose someone you hate,” now there’s a slight strain to his voice. “You’re glad they’re gone.”

#{ You know where to go [Closed Starter] }#{ I’m working nights I’m working days [IC] }#{ Feel my power I think I’ll let it reign [RP] }#{ I can probably promise problems though [Answered Meme] }#{ I’ll show you I know how to use this ring! [Ring On] }#{ Representing the Corps [Suit On] }#ninetailedvulpecula #{ They tried to kill me in the rain [DbDverse] }

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blankwashed · 5 months ago

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The moon hung low over the enchanted forest, casting an ethereal glow on the winding path leading to the hidden mansion. Shadows danced among the ancient trees, their whispers mingling with the night breeze. You were, cloaked in darkness and resolve, approached the opulent gates of Muzan Kibutsuji’s lair. Every step was calculated, each breath a silent prayer, as you ventured into the heart of danger, driven by a purpose that burned brighter than fear. Inside, the air was thick with an otherworldly presence, a testament to the power and mystery that awaited within.

You were undercover in Muzan’s lair as one of his disposable demons. Little did he know, you were there to uncover secrets about his past and his ultimate goals. You were actually part of the Demon Slayer Corps, on a mission to finally bring Muzan’s reign to an end and keep the Blue Spider Lily safe from his reach.

In order to gain his trust, you needed to go through multiple tests and, unfortunately, kill some slayers from the Corps during the initiation stage. Your leaders from the Corps assured you that it would be fine, as they would find a way to revive them if possible. The weight of your actions bore heavily on your conscience, but the mission’s importance steeled your resolve. Each test brought you closer to Muzan, peeling back the layers of his guarded existence, and inching nearer to the secrets that could bring his reign of terror to an end.

“Very well, my new servant. You’ve miraculously passed each of my tests with flying colors,” Muzan said while sitting on his lavish throne, embellished with rhinestones and gold.

Muzan got closer to you, grasping your chin with his cold hand. “I’m still watching you, y/n.”

You gulped silently and nodded your head. “I wouldn’t dare to be in your presence if I was one of those pesky Corps knuckleheads, would I?” you lied.

He chuckled at your response, finding it amusing that you would even dare to talk back to him. As if he were a fool?

“You’re fine for now, little minx. But if you were to even think about betraying my trust for one second…” He stopped and brought out a dark maroon vial. “This is the mixture of all the blood from the people who have betrayed me.”

It was oozing, the different blood types weren’t mixing with each other. It was a horrific sight. How did he put all of their blood into the vial?

The question lingered in your mind, but you dared not voice it aloud. Muzan’s gaze bore into you, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and malice as he held the vial up to the flickering torchlight. The crimson liquid inside seemed to pulse with a sinister energy, a grim reminder of the consequences of betrayal in Muzan’s world. You swallowed hard, steeling yourself against the chilling realization that your deception must be flawless to survive in the heart of darkness that surrounded you.

Muzan placed his golden staff to the side of his chair and proceeded to walk towards you. His icy cold hands wrapped around your luscious hair. He brought your hair to his nose and took a whiff.

“Mmm…lilies,” he said, with his eyes closed.

“I think I’ll call you Lily, to make it simple for all of us.”

You gulped, cheeks flushed. "Alright, master. I will be called Lily from now on. May I ask if it's your favorite flower?" you asked him, wanting to know more about the demon.

Muzan chuckled maniacally, "Actually, lilies are the flowers that people hate the most. They represent hatred, pride, and disdain despite being beautiful."

You shivered at his words, a strange mix of fear and excitement coursing through you. "I see," you whispered, your voice barely audible. Muzan's intense gaze never left your face, and you felt his power enveloping you, an invisible force you couldn't escape.

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Do you know why I chose you, Lily?" he asked, his voice a low, dangerous purr.

You shook your head, your breath hitching as his hand brushed your cheek. "No, master." you replied, struggling to maintain your composure.

Muzan's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Because you possess a rare strength, a fire that intrigues me. You will serve me well, in more ways than one."

His touch trailed down your neck, sending shivers through your body. "Do you understand what I expect from you, Lily?" he murmured, his lips dangerously close to your ear.

Your heart raced, the anticipation and fear intertwining within you. "Yes, master," you managed to say, your voice trembling with a mix of submission and desire.

Muzan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good," he said, his tone dripping with dark promise. "You belong to me now, and I will mold you into the perfect companion. Your body, your soul, everything belongs to me now. " he said as his cold fingers caress your cheeks.

His hands moved to your shoulders, pulling you closer until your bodies were nearly touching. The heat of his proximity was intoxicating, and you felt yourself yielding to his dominance, ready to become whatever he desired.

"M-Mu-Master..." you stammered, your voice barely a whisper as his hands roamed your body, exploring with a possessive confidence.

Muzan's fingers tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his piercing gaze. "What is it, Lily?" he asked, his tone commanding yet oddly tender.

Your mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, desire, and a desperate need to please him. "I-I want to serve you," you confessed, your cheeks burning with a mix of shame and longing.

His lips curled into a dark, approving smile. "That's exactly what I like to hear," he murmured, leaning in so close that you could feel his breath on your skin. "But words alone are not enough."

You nodded, understanding his unspoken command. "I will do whatever you ask, master," you promised, your voice steadying with resolve.

Muzan's hand slid down your arm, his touch both gentle and firm. "Show me, then," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Show me your devotion."

You took a deep breath, gathering your courage. Slowly, you let your hands trace the contours of his pale chest, feeling the powerful muscles beneath the fabric of his clothes. Muzan's breath hitched slightly, a sign that you were on the right path.

Emboldened, you continued your exploration, your fingers dancing over his body with increasing confidence. Muzan's hands gripped your waist, pulling you even closer. "Good, Lily," he praised, his voice a low growl. "Keep going."

Your heart pounded in your chest as you obeyed, every touch and caress a testament to your submission and desire. Muzan's eyes never left yours, watching your every move with a predatory intensity that made your pulse quicken.

In that moment, you knew there was no turning back. You were his, and you would do anything to prove your loyalty and devotion to your dark master.

Your hands moved with deliberate care, exploring the contours of his body, while your mind focused on your ultimate goal. Were you? It was hard for you to balance what your purpose was when he was pleasing you and giving you almost everything you've wanted.

Muzan's grip on your hair loosened as he leaned back, giving you the space to continue your actions. He had a pleased look on his face. The tension in the room was a mixture of desire and danger.

Widening your mouth and taking more of him in while gawking, Muzan was pleased. His eyes remained locked on you, watching every move you made. "Impressive, Lily, You might just earn your place by my side after all."

You forced a smile, wiping your saliva off your face. "Thank you, my Lord. I will always strive to please you."

Weeks have passed, and you have been getting close and closer to Muzan. Understanding him on a personal level at this point. Knowing his needs and wants, a lots of his dislikes, you could even write a storybook on him if you wanted to. You also became his favourite concubine.

Concubine? Yes, concubine.

It wasn't a shock when you found out that there were many send to him like you, waiting for his attention or touch. Every night, he would choose one or more to satisfy his desires and you had quickly learned how to navigate the treacherous world of jealousy and competition, even as demons. Despite the danger and constant fear of being discovered, you had managed to rise above the others, gaining Muzan's favor.

One evening, you sat beside him, Muzan's eyes flickered with a rare softness he only shows to you. "Lily, you have proven yourself time and time again. You are different from the others."

You lowered your gaze, hiding the satisfaction in your eyes. "Thank you, my Lord. I am honoured to serve you."

He gently lifted your chin, forcing you to look into his piercing eyes. "Tell me, Lily. What do you desire? You had given me so much valued companionship. What can I give you in return?"

Your heart raced. This was an opportunity, a rare moment where you could plant the seeds for your ultimate goal. "My Lord, all I desire is to be by your side, to learn from you and to be useful to you in every way possible."

Muzan's lips curled into a smile. "Very well, my lovely flower. I will grant you this. but remember, my trust is not easily earned and can be lost even more quickly. Do not disappoint me."

"I would never dream of it," you replied, your voice steady.

As weeks turned into months, your position beside Muzan grew more secure. You were his confidante, his favourite and the other concubines eyed you with a mix of envy and fear. You were starting to lose sight of your mission. The information you gathered, the trust you built were all for nothing in the end.

One night, as you lay beside Muzan giving him a massage, he spoke in a voice so soft it was almost a whisper. "My beautiful Lily, do you believe in fate?"

You were taken aback at the sudden question. "I believe that we shape our own destinies, my Lord."

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with your answer. Muzan cracks his neck while staring at you. "Lily, you've made me turn so soft for you. You know that? Can I be hard on you this time?" he said and started to massage your breasts over your clothing.

"Yes, my Lord..." you whispered, your voice betraying your original purpose of getting closer to him.

Muzan's lips twisted into a wicked smile. "Good. Stand up." he said as he gave a spank to your ass, watching it jiggle.

"You've pleased me greatly, Lily." he said, his voice low and filled with a mixture of praise and threat. "But I need to see just how far your loyalty truly goes."

He moved closer, his hand trailing down your arm, sending shivers through you. "Tonight, I want you to surrender completely to me. No reservations, no hesitation. Do you understand?" he said as he gropes your ass cheek.

"Y-Yes, Lord Muzan.." you replied, shakingly, trying to keep your voice steady.

Muzan's hand tightened around your waist, pulling you against him. "Good. Because if you fail me, there will be consequences."

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. You knew that this was another trial, another chance too prove your loyalty. As you slowly began to unbutton his shirt, your fingers trembled slightly. Each button revealed more of his pale, muscular chest and you couldn’t help but get wet.

“Good girl…” he praised softly, his hand moving to caress your cheek. “But I need more from you. I need all of you.”

As you stripped way the layers of his clothing, Muzan’s hands roamed over your body, exploring and claiming you. Each touch, spank, squeeze, slap was a reminder of his dominance, of the power he held over you. You responded to his touches with moans, allowing him to guide you.

“That’s it, slut,” he murmured, his voice a mix of approval and desire. “You’re doing so well for your lord.”

You nodded, meeting his gaze. “Thank you, my Lord.”

With that, Muzan pulled you closer, his lips capturing yours in a passionate kiss. The intensity of it took your breath away, and you clung to him.

As the night progressed, you surrendered yourself to him, giving him everything he demanded. You pushed aside your fears and focused solely on the task at hand,

to be his precious little slut.

When it was over, Muzan lay beside you, his breath heavy. He turned to you, a satisfied smile on his lips. “You’ve proven yourself once again, Lily. You truly are my favourite.”

You were exhausted but you smiled back, your heart pounding in your chest. “Thank you, my Lord. It is an honour to serve you.”

Muzan’s pale hand moved to your hair, stroking it gently. “Rest now, my love. You’ve earned it.”

As you closed your eyes, exhaustion washed over you. You knew that your deed was done, that the reason why you came here in the first place was accomplished but now you saw that you have a different problem.

You were starting to fall in love with the King of Demons.

#kny smut #muzan smut #muzan kibutsuji #muzan kibutsuji smut #fics

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