#so we decided to go a bit more subtle with the pose

[alixennial]

Send :mirror: to see them as a villain (if they are a hero) or vice versa.

This seems like it would be difficult for Indie, of all people, so of course I picked it. :D

Haha, thank you! This was a fun challenge!

For the brief of Villain (and mirror to her current self), I was aiming for ✨Intimidating✨ …hopefully we got close.

Indie dresses like such an Edgelord anyway it was hard to decide how to dress her for a villainous alter ego. At least this is something I know she wouldn't wear as Warrior of Light (it shows off far too much butt). In any case, the pose and expression had to do all the lifting here.

Thank you for the ask! 💖

Send me a thing!

[mild-and-hammered]

When I asked for prompts @unshatters-your-teacup blessed me with

"Teeny tiny superbat prompts 👀 what about them hanging out on a rooftop mid-patrol?"

and

"Or maybe Clark interviewing Batman? (writers choice if they know each other’s identities)"

So here we go!

The Rooftop

“We can stop here,” Kal El said, floating down beside Bruce, where he crouched beside a gargoyle. “It’s been slow tonight.”

“Mmh,” Bruce grunted. He needed a rest,he knew, recently bruised ribs presenting their bill. He knew Superman knew it too. 

Kal El –Clark– sat on the edge, feet dangling off the side of the building in his bright red boots. He kicked them a little, like a little kid. Bruce scowled at the way it made him want to smile, and settled from his crouch into a seated pose that mirrored Clark’s. He did not kick his legs. 

Gotham often ranked among the top five, regularly top three, ugliest cities in the United States. Bruce had never thought so, but then, most people didn’t get to see it from the vantage point that he did. He wondered what Clark thought of it, comparing it to the mirrored glass and sparkle of Metropolis. Was he disgusted by the fetid Finger River to the north? Could he smell it from here? In the middle of summer Bruce could sometimes. That insalubrious bit of Old Gotham generally known as the Cauldron was certainly not the prettiest part of the city, but Bruce stared to the southeast, in the direction of the Belfry and some of Gotham’s better kept older buildings. Through the fine, misting rain, everything looked like a watercolor done in deep purples and navy shadows, here and there the amber of a street light flickered.

“It’s gorgeous,” Superman said, smiling softly. 

Bruce studied him, then decided he was indeed being sincere. He reached into his utility belt and found the lollipops he usually kept for frightened kids. He handed one to Clark, who grinned and unwrapped it. 

“You don’t even need to eat,” Bruce snarked, but there was no edge to it. 

“I don’t need to read books, go for walks, or visit friends either,” Clark said. He leaned back bracing himself on his arms. One red-gloved hand brushed against Bruce’s fingertips. Clark didn’t seem to notice. 

“I suppose you think that’s what you’re doing now? Visiting a friend?”

Clark grinned again, teasingly, and Bruce was glad of the cowl to hide his expression. 

“Aren’t I?”

“You’re certainly visiting.”

“You love it,” Clark said. 

Bruce stared at him, feeling the solar-flare warmth of him even through both of their gloves, burning away just at his fingertips. The bat signal lit the sky, briefly framing Clark’s profile in a halo. 

“I do,” he said, shooting a grappling hook at the next building over. 

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

The Interview

Bruce had agreed to be interviewed as Batman for one reason only. It was a stupid reason, and when all of his various kids had expressed utter disbelief that he was being interviewed, he’d dodged their questions neatly, passing it off vaguely as a favor.

It wasn’t a favor.

Bruce was, well, he was just a little bit jealous maybe. The thing was, he and Superman had gotten close lately. Really close, really. He was probably one of Bruce’s closest friends, even if they didn’t know each other’s identities yet. Admittedly, Bruce’s other closest friends were Ollie and Dinah, Diana, and Harvey whenever he wasn’t trying to beat the shit out of Bruce.

He didn’t feel the same about Ollie and Dinah as he did about Kal El, though. Kal made his stomach swoop like he’d mistimed a grapple. And Kal spent a lot of time rescuing Lois Lane. Lois was smart, beautiful, and accomplished, Bruce had no issue with her as a person, he just wanted to know. 

So when she’d asked if the Daily Planet could get the inside scoop when Batman had saved a gala, he’d agreed. The interview could go both ways, perhaps. Although, he’d be much more subtle about inquiring into her dating life, of course. All things considered, he was ready for Lois Lane to meet him in Grant Park that evening. He was not prepared for Clark Kent, who was sitting on a bench hunched over a tiny notebook. Bruce only recognized the man from the blurry photo they put next to the byline in the Planet. 

“Oh!” The man said, standing up and promptly dropping the notebook, then, when he bent to pick up the notebook, the pen he’d stuck in his shirt pocket fell to the ground. He nearly brained himself on the underside of the bench scrabbling to pick it up. Behind the cowl, Bruce rolled his eyes. He was running on eight hours of sleep in the past three or four days, and the last thing he wanted was to sit through a half hour interview with the Daily Planet’s village idiot.

A voice in the back of his mind that sounded suspiciously like Alfred reminded him that he got rather mean when he was tired. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kent said, at last standing and shifting pen and notebook to his left hand so he could  offer his right to shake. Bruce did not shake his hand. 

“I was expecting Miss Lane,” he said simply, letting his voice modulator turn it into a growl. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, she was really excited that the Planet got the exclusive with you, but she’s been scheduled for an interview with the mayor and–” Bruce waved a hand, dismissing the issue. 

“Go on,” he said. “Ask questions.”

“Why did you decide to fight crime?”

Bruce answered a few standard, rather banal questions, eyes flicking mostly around the park to make sure they weren’t being followed or otherwise hunted. He was secretly hoping to see the Bat Signal so he could have an excuse to leave without insulting the reporter who was, likely, a perfectly nice man. He just couldn’t tell Bruce what he wanted to know…probably.

“You work closely with Miss Lane?” Bruce asked, next time Kent was scribbling something. He finally really looked at the man, the line of his nose, the curve of his chin…

“Oh, yeah, we share a desk actually, Lois is great.”

“Must get annoying, all the flowers Superman gets her probably take up a lot of desk space.” It was not Bruce’s most subtle play. It was, in fact, a disastrously obvious one, but hopefully he could play it off as him being interested in Miss Lane, as opposed to Superman. Considering that half the tabloids in Gotham thought Batman was dating Bruce Wayne, he could deal with the rumor mill spinning that Batman had a crush on a reporter. 

Kent was blinking at him, full lips parted, dark brow furrowed. He was remarkably pretty, in a way that niggled at Bruce’s mind. He’d seen the man before, but sleep deprivation and deja vu were mixing in an odd way. 

“You mean the daisies she got for her birthday? How did you– world’s greatest detective, of course, but um, I think those were from her dad, she didn’t like them all that much.”

“Hmm,” Bruce said, keeping his face carefully neutral. At least Superman wasn’t dropping roses off for her every day or anything. 

“Speaking of Superman, do you like him?”

“What?” Bruce worked hard to keep the shock from his voice.

“Oh, I mean working with him, you’re both Justice League members, and all that. Are you two friends or just colleagues?”

Ah, of course Metropolis’ newspaper actually wanted to interview Batman about their local golden boy. He wasn’t particularly upset about it. 

“Superman is one of my closest friends,” he said simply, trying not to panic at being so plain about it. 

“That’s very high praise,” Kent said. Was he blushing? Why was he blushing?

“Not exactly, I have very few,” Bruce said, feeling the poison of sleep deprivation sinking hooks further into his brain. The stupid reporter was cute when he blushed. 

“However,” Bruce continued, realizing how his statement could be construed. “Kal El is someone I trust completely to have my back. He’s an asset to the Justice League, and those of us that get a chance to know him are truly lucky.”

“Wow,” Clark breathed, scribbling. “What about you Mister, uh, Batman, who knows you?” 

Bruce froze at the question and blue eyes widened behind thick-framed glasses.

“Oh no, I meant uh, when you aren’t in the cape…readers want to know…there’s rumors you’re dating Brucie Wayne.”

“Mister Wayne is an acquaintance,” Bruce said, simply. Of course, the gossip mill did love to turn. 

“No comment, then,” Kent said wryly. “Understood. Between the two of us, I think you could do better.”

“Do you?” 

“W-well,” Kent stuttered. “All I mean is that you deserve someone who…understands the burden, I think. Of the cape.”

“And what do you know of the ‘burden of the cape’,” Bruce said, smirking slightly. 

“Nothing, obviously, it was just a silly thought.” Kent’s face was so red, scarlet even in the dim light as the sun set and lamps flickered on in the park. Scarlet like a cape… The man bit his lip and the dimple on his chin…

“Kal?” Bruce whispered.

Mortification, then guilt flickered across Kent’s face. Then he sighed, resignation tipping his broad shoulders downward. He pulled off the glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

“I guess I should know better than to try and fool you, B,” he said. “Sorry for the–” he waved a hand at himself, the notebook, the park in general. “Everything. Lois really is busy, though, and the Planet still wanted the interview.”

“You have a day job at the Daily Planet?” Bruce asked. 

“Yes,” Kal said, then, for the second time that night, he stuck out his hand to shake. “Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter from Kansas, at your service.”

“Batman, bad mannered protector of Gotham,” Bruce said, shaking his hand. Kal– Clark– laughed. 

“Why ask about Bruce?” Bruce asked. He wasn’t opposed to Kal knowing, certainly not now that Bruce had uncovered his secret, but he wanted to know if he had let something slip. 

“Oh,” Kal said, blushing. He looked more human, much more like a Clark-from-Kansas when he did that, as opposed to Kal El-from-Krypton. “It’s very silly, please don’t tell anyone.”

“Who would I tell?”

“I wanted to know if you were seeing someone,” Kal said. “I don’t know, I guess I just wondered if…”

“Mmh,” Bruce grunted as Kal trailed off miserably. “I agreed to the interview to find out if you were dating Lois Lane.”

“What?” Kal’s head came up, eyes confused. “Why–oh, I guess my dating life could be a liability for the league. Especially since Lois gets kidnapped so much now, when we’re just friends.”

“Just friends?”

“Yeah.”

Bruce hesitated a long while. “I was not considering the league in my inquiries,” he said at last. 

“No?”

“No. Do you really think I could do better than Bruce Wayne?”

“Um, I don’t know if better was actually fair of me to say–”

“What about you, do you think you could do better than Bruce Wayne?”

Kal, Clark, gaped at Bruce. “I’d never really–”

Bruce pulled off the cowl. 

[vampireimiko]

For MK1 Mileena ( and if it's okay to add in Baraka? ) after everything that have happened, what if one of the earthrealmer fighters ( gn!reader ) decided to stay in outworld as they are very skilled medical doctor and military medical officer who research about virus and disease

And let's say after many months doing ethical decisions and experiments the found a cure for the tarkat that stabilize not also the animalistic of the agresstion but also keep the individual actual stable mentally and not have intense hunger, like they are back to normal in some ways, but they can't fix the physical aspect due to them theories that it have some magic involved

Cures

warnings, none ^_^

note, i don't know if the request was insinuating mileena x reader or not, so if it was my apologies 😭‼️

"How are you feeling Mileena?" You asked carefully as she was just waking up from being sedated.

Mileena's eyes slowly fluttered open, adjusting to the light. She blinked a few times before focusing on you. The remnants of the sedation still lingered, giving her a dazed expression.

You repeated your question, concern evident in your voice. "How are you feeling, Mileena?"

She groggily attempted to sit up, wincing slightly. "I feel like I got hit by a carriage.. but other than that I'm fine," she muttered, her voice raspy.

You nodded, noting her discomfort. "That's expected after the procedure. You'll need some time to recover. We managed to stabilize the aggression and hunger aspects of your condition. How's your mental state?"

Mileena frowned, contemplating. "Clearer, less chaotic. It's strange, but not bad."

You smiled at her, happy that signs of your treatment working showed in her. "That is wonderful Mileena. If you have anymore concerns, you can always contact me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I had to check on Baraka."

Mileena nodded, acknowledging your words. "Thank you," she replied, her tone a mix of gratitude and curiosity. The transformation she experienced, was a journey that held promise and uncertainty.

"Also, before I go, I do believe Tanya is still outside." You said with a subtle smirk on your face.

Mileena's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and realization. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she caught your subtle hint. "Is she? Well, I should go greet her properly. Maybe flaunt my newfound stability," she said, chuckling lightly.

As you walk towards the room Baraka is currently occupating, you start to feel a bit guilty. Baraka had always talked about the struggles of Tarkat and how it basically ruined his life. You knew you hadn't fully cured Tarkat but hopefully the suppresser you made would soon lead into a full blown cure for those inflicted with Tarkat.

Entering Baraka's room, you found him in a state of post-procedure recovery. His characteristic blades were momentarily retracted, and the aggressive stance had softened. Baraka glanced at you, a hint of gratitude in his gaze.

"How are you feeling, Baraka?" you inquired, your tone carrying genuine concern.

The Tarkatan warrior grunted, a gesture that could be interpreted as a positive response.

"I feel normal again. The hunger I once felt is no longer there."

You took a moment to examine his vital signs and overall condition, ensuring that the stabilization process was proceeding as intended.

"That's encouraging, Baraka. The suppression of the aggressive tendencies and hunger is a significant step forward," you explained, your voice reflecting a cautious optimism. "However, it's essential to monitor your condition closely as we work towards a more comprehensive solution."

Baraka nodded, a rare expression of gratitude crossing his usually fierce features. "I appreciate what you've done. It's a change I never thought possible."

As you continued your examination, the weight of responsibility for finding a permanent cure for the Tarkatan condition weighed on you. The progress made with Mileena and Baraka was promising, but the complexity of their physiology posed unique challenges.

"We're not done yet, Baraka. I'm committed to finding a complete cure. In the meantime, rest and let the stabilization take its course. If you experience any changes or discomfort, don't hesitate to inform me," you assured him.

𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞; 𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐎 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 ☹️ 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 (𝐢𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥) 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 !!

𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

[starcrossedxwriter]

Date Night (MBJ x Famous Black OC)

Warnings: it's just our favs being horny as hell lol NSFW

A/N: Fluff was requested because of what I put y'all through in Part 9 lmaoooo so here you go! Enjoyyyyyyy!

“What do you think?” Charlotte spun around in her third outfit of the night. She did a couple fake model poses as if she were in front of a photographer. 

Michael glanced up from his cell phone, a whistle escaping his lips. He was already dressed, a graphic tee, black jeans, jacket and boots. He had been ready for the last 30 minutes. His girlfriend, however, had brought half her closet to his house and between those clothes and the ones she kept there, she still could not decide on an outfit.

“Sexy as fuck… just like the last two outfits. We gotta go soon if we actually want to make the game.” 

She turned in the mirror, ignoring his urges to hurry. “None of these are good. I dunno. I think this makes me look a little pudgy. These jeans barely fit anymore. Look at my legs… short and stubby… And my waist is huge.” She gestured down at her body, which had gotten a bit thicker since Michael first met her. But unlike Charlotte, he loved it. Relationship weight, happy weight, looked damn good on her. 

“I like it, your body looks great. Just gives me something good to grip when I’m fuckin’ you from the back.”

She rolled her eyes and smiled at him, “You are so vulgar for no reason,” she laughed. “Ugh.” She stepped out of her jeans and threw the sweater onto the bed. 

“And you won’t be saying that when I get fat… then you won’t be attracted to me anymore and you’ll be dragging me to the gym with you,” she mumbled as she walked into his massive closet and went to her side. Michael had cleared out a nice section for her to keep clothes there, making it far easier for her to stay as many nights as she wanted without having to pack a new bag. “It’s just our first date at a public event since the premiere. I wanna look nice.” 

“That’ll literally never happen. You’re sexy at any size and every outfit you’ve put on since you started getting dressed an hour ago. But if you need help choosing,” he jumped off the bed and jogged to her side, pulling out a black mini dress she had in the closet. “This dress with those thigh high boots, andddd,” he jumped off the bed and jogged to his side of the closet before pulling out a dusty rose colored bomber jacket that matched one of the many colors in his t-shirt. “This. I bought it during filming so it’ll be oversized.” 

She raised her eyebrow before stepping into the fourth outfit. Even she could not deny that she looked damn good. The dress accentuated her shape and curves, the boots made her legs look longer, and the jacket pulled the whole look together. It was clearly a men’s jacket, which she knew would turn a head or two, but its oversized nature made her look chic and cozy. And their coordination was just subtle enough that it wouldn’t look like they tried too hard.

“What do you think?”  

“You look better in that jacket than I did,” he remarked as she stood in front of the mirror. “Sexy and sleek. Comfy and will look good in photos court side.” 

“Look at you. A secret stylist too?? I might have to keep you around, Mr. Jordan,” she mused, her hands working to put on her earrings. with a playful smile as he grabbed her hips and watched her.

“That’s the plan, beautiful. You know what would look good with that dress?” 

“Hmm? More of your clothes?” 

Michael produced a thin Tiffany blue box, a perfectly tied white ribbon and bow surrounding it. 

“What’s this?” Charlotte moaned pitifully, her heart soaring at his thoughtfulness. “It’s not my birthday o-or Christmas or anything.”

He shrugged. “I don’t need a special day to give you a gift. I just saw it and thought you’d like it.”

You couldn’t have wiped the smile off of her face as she opened the delicate box to reveal a rose gold necklace. The diamond pendant set at the center was large and beautiful but the whole piece still had a certain understated quality about it. It was not gaudy and loud but it still drew your eye like moths to flames. She was surprised at how well he knew her style. She was not even a big jewelry wearer on an everyday basis but it fit the simplistic vibe of the jewelry she did own and was subtle enough that she did not need a special occasion to put it on. 

“Bakari,” she took a sharp breath. “I-It’s beautiful. Bu-” 

He immediately shook his head. He was still trying to get Charlotte to accept him spoiling her without questions. “No buts. You like it?” 

“I l-love it. It’s amazing and so timeless. It’s perfect.” 

“That’s all I need to hear. Turn around for me.” She turned to face the mirror again, her eyes trained on his hands as he placed it around her neck and fastened it for her. 

Her hand immediately went to caress the pendant, studying the most expensive piece of jewelry she had ever had in her possession. 

“It’s…” she was at a loss for words as she looked at herself. 

Michael pressed a soft kiss to the back of her neck before he let her curls fall back into place. “Perfect.” 

She turned back to face him, his hand adjusting the piece on her chest. 

“Thank you, it’s beautiful.” 

His fingers lingered on her skin for a moment, her breath hiking slightly. She leaned in and kissed him, the pair’s lips and hands exploring each other as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. 

“W-what about the g-game?” She asked in a teasing tone as he tossed her down. “Weren’t you j-just rushing me about being late?” 

He smirked at her as he hooked his hands on the fabric on her thong and pulled it to her knees. 

“You want me to stop?” 

Cocky mother fucker, she thought to herself. He knew exactly what she wanted him to do. Feast on her, love on her, send her to other dimensions. However, she merely gave him a noncommittal shrug that she knew would rile him up, pretending she did not care if their quickie continued or ended. 

“Oh really? Aight, ma,” he muttered as he dove between her legs. 

Charlotte’s thighs clamped around his head as he slid two fingers into her pussy, which was already dripping with need. 

“F-fuck!” She cried out as he curled his fingers into her g-spot, his tongue spelling out his name against her clit. He pulled out every trick he knew, every action he knew turned her into a blubbering weeping mess. And it was not his usual slow build, he hit the gas pedal hard, going 0 to 100 in seconds. “J-just like that… fuck. I l-love it.” 

However, Michael was, too, in a teasing sort of mood. The moment he noticed her telltale signs of cumming, he slowed down, stealing her orgasm from her. The first time, she merely groaned, realizing his game fairly quickly. An expletive or two might’ve slipped, her words calling him a few colorful names. But she refused to back down. She knew what he wanted and she was convinced she would not cave. 

However, what she did not account for was how much stronger the sensations would feel every time he restarted. Each flick of his tongue and stroke of his finger felt amplified by 10. She bit down on her lip to keep the pleas from falling from the tip of her tongue. 

She knew when he finally let her cum, it would be heavenly but the build up was nothing short of torture. Glorious torture… the type she would gladly sign up for again and again but torture nonetheless. However, when he stole her orgasm from her the third time, all that ego and pride flew out the window. 

“B-Baby, p-please,” she begged as he brought her to the edge and slowed for the third time. Tears started to spring to her eyes as he detached his lips from her clit. 

“You want me to stop?” He asked again as his hands continued fucking her, slow and deliberate, this time knowing exactly what the answer would be. She rocked her hips to meet every thrust, her mind wishing she would will him to speed up, add another finger, or fuck her harder. However, it wasn’t enough. She knew she would have to give in. “Tell me what you want, baby.” 

“N-No. D-don’t stop… P-please don’t stop,” she begged, a loud sigh of relief escaping her as he devoured her clit once again. And this time, he did not stop. 

Her hands gripped the comforter on his bed, the fabric bunching up in her hands as he finally took her all the way to her peak. He was a God carrying her to Mt. Olympus and she wished she could stay in that moment forever. 

A gentle tap to her thigh brought her back to Earth and reminded her to release him from the confines of her thighs. 

“S-sorry,” she whispered. 

He shook his head as he leaned over her lucid body and kissed her. “That’d be my preferred way to die, if you were wondering.” 

“Noted.” His hands grabbed her arms and helped pull her up so she could stand. 

“You ready?” 

Her eyes grew wide and her jaw fell. She assumed the game was a thing of the past. “You still expect me to go to the game after that??” She gestured toward the bed.

“Yes, and there’s more of that when we get back.” 

She wiggled her eyebrows. She did not much care about this basketball game but she most certainly liked the sound of that. 

***

Charlotte stayed close to Michael as he weaved them through the crowded stadium. She had never been to a basketball game in person but she had certainly never expected to go to one like this. Security escorted them through back doors and hallways directly to their seats, they did not even get to see the stadium. She had to keep reminding herself that while the perks of fame were new to her, they wasn’t to her boyfriend. 

She appreciated that Michael could tell she was a bit overwhelmed. Their hands stayed interlocked, his body close to hers as security directed them. She did not think his sexiness could increase in her eyes but in this light, it did. He was a true Hollywood star. It radiated off him, seas parted as he walked, she watched as he drew the eye of almost every woman they passed by. And it was effortless for him. 

By the time they reached their seats, Charlotte was so taken and turned on by his energy that she did not really care to watch the game at all. She wanted to drag him back to his place and finish what they started before they left. 

She tried to resist it, resist the way lust always curled in her belly at his smirks and playful glances her way and his touch. Fuck… his hands. Even the most mundane, chaste of touches sent jolts of pleasure and longing through her body that made her want to rip his clothes off. She was just overwhelmed at times by her lust for him. It seemed to never end and was never satiated. But thankfully, she knew it was not one-sided. He seemed just as smitten and taken by her, just as turned on by the simplest of tasks, looks, and touches. 

However, one downside of fame was that she had to, at least, appear as though she was not fucking him with her eyes every five seconds. She knew they’d be on camera throughout the night, which meant a level of decorum was required of them both. However, in this honeymoon stage of their relationship where lust and longing were at their peak, decorum was a feat in and of itself. 

“This your first Lakers game, right?” 

“My first NBA game at all, any team. Another first for you to collect. I’m excited. Don’t really understand it though…” 

“Well good thing you got an expert with you.” 

She nodded and pecked him on the lips. “Good thing I do.” 

Charlotte’s body leaned into his as they settled into the game, one of his arms on the back of her seat while the other rested across her thighs. His hand gripped the meat of her outer thigh and rubbed the soft exposed skin throughout the game. Every so often, he’d lean over and whisper facts or explain things in her ear, his basketball and Lakers knowledge appeared limitless. 

She settled back and watched the game and watched Michael and Kevin Hart who sat next to her. They were both thoroughly invested in the game in a way Charlotte was not but found more entertaining to watch than the game itself. They were hilarious and animated, acting as if they were coaches on the sideline instead of spectators. But she imagined it felt that way to them watching from their seats, up close and personal.

Michael’s tutorials throughout the game did not stick, Charlotte too taken by his voice and the discreet but sensual touches on her thigh to retain any of the information coming out of his mouth. By the time halftime started, she realized she had little to no idea what was even happening in front of her as her mind had floated away thinking about the bliss that awaited her when she and Michael finally got home. 

They both started chatting and joking around with Kevin Hart and his date as halftime progressed, their conversation cut short by cheering throughout the crowd. The two couples glanced up to find the Kiss Cam on the Jumbotron. It caught a few unsuspecting couples, each one playing along and offering a very cute but conservative kiss for the cameras. 

“Awwww… they’re really cute,” Charlotte whispered to Michael, pointing at one elderly couple.

However, she was shocked to look up again and find the camera suddenly on them, the Jumbotron already having their names across the bottom of the screen.

Michael leaned in and whispered, “What do you say we give ‘em a show?” 

She pretended to contemplate as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to kiss him, which made him scrunch his face up in faux offense. She laughed and gave him a quick peck before the announcer called out their chaste kiss. 

“You two can do better than that!” 

Michael’s finger went to her chin, lifting her gaze to his, before he grinned and pressed his lips against hers. It was sensual and slow but still tamed as he knew the entire stadium watched. However, she savored the few seconds it lasted. His lips lingered against hers for a moment, such a featherlike touch that let her know he was exercising extreme control and restraint. 

Her legs tightened together as they pulled away, offering a polite wave to the crowd before the camera moved on to spotlight another couple. 

“What’d you say we get outta here before the fourth quarter?” He whispered in her ear, his intentions clear with every word. 

“I’d say even that’s too long but I’ll manage.” 

“Y’all two are nasty,” Kevin remarked, teasing the couple, which caused both of them to turn their heads in embarrassment. “Been a couple in public for 10 minutes and don’t know how to act. Get some couth about you, damn.” 

What came next were the longest 12 minutes of Charlotte’s life. Followed by the longest car ride of her life and the longest walk into Michael’s house. By the time they entered, they did not even make it to his bedroom. They just stumbled into his kitchen, their limbs moving on pure muscle memory through his dark house and into the kitchen. As soon as his hand met the counter, he hoisted her up and got on his knees between her legs.

However, before he could hook one leg over his shoulder to continue worshiping her, she sat up. 

“No,” she shook her head, pulling his face to hers. “I don’t want that. I want to taste you.”

He stood up, allowing her to fall to her knees below him, licking her lips as she unbuckled his jeans. She had been dreaming about this for the last hour. It had taken her a few days to get over her own hangups about giving head. She was good at it but it was a chore to her. Now she laughed at how nervous she had been the first time, surprised that Michael laid back and gave her complete control. Control over his pleasure and the pace. Since then, she found the act made her feel powerful and sexy. She had control, his pleasure at her mercy, and she loved every second of it. And she could tell he did too. It was far from a chore to her now, it was something she looked forward to and craved almost as much as Michael did.

She started off slow, the tip of her tongue lightly licking the underside of his dick. She basked in every moment of it as if he was the best lollipop she had ever tasted in her life. She gathered all the moisture in her mouth and spit on his dick, her spit sliding down his shaft. She slid her lips over the head, just taking the tip of him and sucking lightly as her hand massaged him, spreading her spit along his length. She could feel him twitch beneath her, a groan escaping his lips. 

“Don’t tease me, baby.” 

“Not enjoying a taste of your own medicine?” She asked, reminding him of his little game earlier that almost had her weeping for release. 

He chuckled, nodding. “Aight. But when you don’t get a break later, I don’t wanna hear shit.” 

“I think you’re underestimating how much I like a challenge, baby.” 

She grinned before enveloping his length into her warm, wet mouth. Though she wished she could tease him, the reality was… she lacked his patience. She wanted to feel him cum and not even proving a point would stop her. She kept her eyes trained on him, loving his facial expressions as she sucked him. His eyes were the most expressive, windows into his soul. And when she was on her knees beneath him, she saw it all: desire, bliss, pleasure, pride, and love.

Her eyes watered as she worked to accommodate him, light and lewd gagging noises filled his kitchen. She was thankful for weekends like this when his parents went back to New Jersey because they could utilize the many surfaces and rooms throughout his house with no fears of interruptions. Lazy sex on the couch while watching a movie? Say less. A quickie bent over the counter while they cooked dinner? More of that, please. 

“You take me so well,” he moaned, his hand twisted in her curls. As much as he wanted to take the reigns and fuck her throat, he restrained himself, allowing her to maintain the pace and control she wanted. “You like sucking this dick?”

He could tell she lit up at his praise, a moan vibrating around him as she nodded.

“You look so fuckin’ sexy… that’s right, Els. Take all this dick, baby.” 

He panted lightly as Charlotte increased her efforts. Her gagging and slurping sounded filthy as it grew louder and louder as she sucked him, sneaking gasps of air every chance she got. 

“I’m g-gonna cum,” he warned her, Charlotte increasing the intensity for a few moments until she felt him bust down her throat. He held her head against him for a moment as she swallowed before releasing her, both of them panting for a moment. However, he did not give her much time for a break. 

He did not even give her a chance to strip down before he helped her to her feet and pushed her, face down, onto the counter. She hissed as her bare arms came in contact with the cold granite, thankful she still had her dress on though it was now bunched around her waist. He did not even take her thong off this time, he just pushed it to the side.

She moaned as he filled her, his nails digging into the skin of her hips. There was nothing slow and sensual about it. This was pure fucking. Fast. Rough. Uninhibited. Their bodies were the other’s drug and they were in an outright chase to get their fix of each other.

She used her forearms as leverage to throw her ass back to meet every thrust, not allowing him to do all of the work and proving she still had some stamina to play with. However, Michael would never be outdone so he lifted one of her legs and pressed it against the counter. 

Charlotte let out a gasp at the position, the stretch of her hips and how deep she could feel every stroke. All she could do was pant and beg for more as he fucked her fast and deep, her one leg almost giving out beneath her as she came around him. But his grip and strength kept her standing as always. 

“I’m cl-close, baby. You want me to cum in this pussy??” 

Lost in the clouds of lust and desire, Charlotte did not quite calculate the long term implications of that statement. She could only think minutes ahead and she wanted to feel him fill her.

“Y-Yes,” she moaned. 

She let out a content sigh as she felt him fill her, warmth spreading inside her. Her arms collapsed beneath her for a moment as Michael leaned against the counter opposite of her, his eyes never leaving her ass, which was still perched high in the air for him. 

As the haze left them both, realization seemed to hit them both like a train. 

“You took your birth control today, right?” He asked, scratching his head as Charlotte immediately busted out laughing. 

“You know, I feel like it would’ve been smarter to ask that before you came inside me?” She joked, pushing her dress back down her thighs and adjusting her underwear. “But yes, I took it. We,” her voice dragged out the word as she contemplated before deciding it was better to be safe than sorry. “Should still probably pick up some Plan B though… unless you want an oops baby?” 

He let out a belly laugh. “If I’m gonna have an oops baby, I’d want it to be with you.” He kissed her on the cheek. 

“Awwww,” her lips twisted into a little pout. “That might be the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She kissed him. “But we are definitely going to get the Plan B,” she whispered against his lips. “Can’t have your mom and the rest of the world thinking I’m a whore trying to trap you. Put on your shoes.” 

He groaned, his body exhausted, “We gotta go right now?? Isn’t it a ‘morning after’ pill? Like it’s still gonna be effective in the morning right?” 

She nodded, teetering on her heels. “Yes,” she admitted. “But… I’m starvinggggg. So on the way back from the drug store, we’d already be out and we could stop by… In & Out Burger?” 

“I can’t eat that stuff… my diet remember, babe?” 

“Come onnnnnn… one cheat meal for me?? We just put in serious work just now, Bakari. We earned a few extra calories.” 

He laughed, knowing his trainer would not accept such flawed logic. “Fine but when Calliet gets on my ass tomorrow, you’ll owe me.” 

“Deal.” She pulled him in flush to her body. She nippled lightly on his ear, teasing his favorite spot for a moment before whispering. “Tomorrow, I’ll give you a massage.” 

“I dunno if that’s gonna be enough.” 

She offered him a sly smirk. “Well, I’m sure I can get creative about how to make these calories worth it.”  

He nodded and grabbed his car keys. “Come on. I already got some ideas I can tell you in the car.” 

Tag list: @certifiedlesbianbaddie @bangtanxmegan @reelwriter19 @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @hi888888sworld @msniaimani @destinio1 @lynaye1993 @chaoticevilbakugo @blackerthings @pipsqueak-98 @miyuhpapayuh

***

A/N: I hope this helps ease the pain! And I'll go ahead and write some fluff to accompany part 10 cause y'all are just gonna hate me again lmaooooo

Drop a comment and let me know what you thought!

[the-words-we-sung]

The songs of Young Royals - S1 E1

So after a few re-watch I started noticing how well the songs are used in the show and I wanted to chat a little bit about it ^^ (Because I'm usually watching alone with my cat and he doesn't really care about my opinions on how awesome the show is at picking its songs :p So hopefully people here will be more interested!!)

Bad, Farveblind

I think it's wrong I think it's bad I think it's lame I think it's horrible The song starts when we see Wilhelm at the club where he gets in a fight and then we get the chorus through his earbuds in the car (note: I love it when a show put a music in the background that ends up being something a character is actually listening to in the scene!!). He just got out of a shitty situation which will have huge repercussions on his life and his mother is making decisions about his life without asking him: the show is not subtle about telling us how "wrong" and "bad" it is. And despite this lil' foreshadowing (the song plays before Minou tells Wille about his mother's decisions) and Wilhelm's strong opinion against them, it's still gonna happen. Going to a boarding school is "lame" (or so Wilhelm thinks) and the whole situation is "horrible". And yeah, it's gonna suck on a lot of points, but it's also gonna change his life...

Wannabee Ghetto, Fata Boom

... Keep up the front like it's your decision ... Look our best Covering up what we're missin It's literally what Wilhelm has to do now. His mother decided for him that he should change school and enroll at Hillerska, he is not happy about this plan but has to pretend he's okay with it. He just lied to the public that it was a decision he took part in. He is the prince, even if he's not (yet) the Crown Prince, and he has an image to maintain. An image that was damaged due to the video of the fight: someone is literally putting make up on him to "cover up" the marks of the fight so he can look his "best". And what is he missing? Well August will say it at least twice: he doesn't have the same drive as him or Erik. So he's missing the desire to be on top, to be king, to keep the status quo...

It takes a fool to remain sane, The Ark

... Wasn't life supposed to be more than this ... Let go off my hand and it will slip on the sand If you don't give me the chance To break down the walls of attitude I ask nothing of you, not even your gratitude 'Cause it takes a fool to remain sane ... Of becoming like the others Who become unhappy mothers And fathers of unhappy kids This song!! Such a great choice for their first song <3 Wilhelm being so incredibly unhappy and stuck because "being a prince is a privilege, not a punishment" but he wants more for his life. It is supposed to be "more than this", more than pressure and appearance. The song going on with the "unhappy mothers / unhappy kids" while we follow Erik and Wilhelm stiffly posing for pictures outside. How can Wilhelm not be scared? Is it the life that awaits him? Always keeping a nice front, not being himself?And why is that? 'Cause they've forgotten how to play But Erik and Wilhelm haven't forgotten yet!! Right after these lyrics we have a playful Erik who suggests they take off in the middle of the photo-shoot! And they do!! So there's hope for them!!

I see you, Nadia Tehran

Back to their bases Covering their faces Tones through the breeze yeah The power calls crises Round my crowd No cops allowed Interestingly the song starts with "you ain't welcome here, you don't look like us". This part is not in the show but works so well for Wilhelm starting at Hillerska. He's getting hazed by his peers "covering their faces" and being really rough with him (this hazing is so yucky, I struggle watching it every time ^^'), and he's welcome here because he's the prince, because he's supposed to be part of their world. But he's not gonna be like them. Do they know it already? "You don't look like us", and thanks god for that!! (And yup, "no cops allowed", right August? You can do whatever you want here without any consequences...)

Blah blah blah, Armin van Buuren

All we ever hear from you is blah blah blah So all we ever do is go ja ja ja And we don't even care about what they say The song plays while August is talking to Wilhelm about being among his peers and criticizing him for wanting to be "normal" at his previous school. I love that this song is playing because, yes, it's a good party song, but also, it's probably what everyone watching the show is thinking when August is being an insufferable prick like that! And Wilhelm too, who just usually goes "ja ja ja / yes yes yes" to what August tells him (until he stops and finally goes openly against him, but for now in the show, he just listens and nods). Erik told him he should listen and trust August, so he listens to him. But at this moment Simon appears, and suddenly Wilhelm "don't even care about what they say" because the cute boy he already has a big crush on just arrived. And August and his stupid speeches about rich people being above everyone else don't matter anymore.

[twice-inamillion]

Coming Home To A Surprise

(TIS) 173

After having plentiful rest and getting proposed to in Jeju Island it is finally time to go back. Jihyo mentioned that she wanted to stay a bit longer but understood that it was time to go home. Especially since the Dome Tour was going to begin soon.

You both putting your belongings in the car, locking the door of the house and taking one last picture of you two. You take a selfie together as Jihyo holds her hand out with her ring showing.

You turn on the car and drive away as Jijyo films on her phone towards the airport. Jihyo stares out the windows as she sees the beach and feels the breeze on her face.

Arriving at the airport gate you are escorted to the hanger to catch your private flight back home. Being the only two on the flight Jihyo decides to keep her ring on but is careful to not show it.

The flight is less than an hour long and by the time you both arrive you see Jeongyeon waiting for you at the hanger. Jihyo wants to show everyone her ring but with the group together so she quickly takes it off and puts it back inside the box and into her purse.

On the way back home Jijyo mentioned how much fun she had and for Jeongyeon to try surfing. They talked nonstop as you enjoyed the ride back home.

Arriving at the house Jeongyeon tells both of you that when she left the members and the kids were still sleeping. You insert the key and slowly open the door, trying not to be too loud.

As all three of you make it into the hallway the smile of food fills the kitchen. You see as the members are working efficiently to make breakfast. Some are talking turns by the stove, cutting the fruit at the kitchen island, and some setting up the dining table.

“We’re home” says Jihyo softly. The members turn around and smile. They walk towards you and give you both a welcome hug and kiss.

Nayeon invites everyone to take a seat and have breakfast together. Once everyone is sat down the two maknaes bring the food to the table and help serve.

“How was the trip” say the members in unison. “It was really great. I had a good time” says Jihyo. “She learned how to surf” said Jeongyeon.

“Really unnie? You learned?” asked Chaeyoung. “Yes, i was nervous at first but I learned quickly and it was fun” said Jihyo with a satisfied face.

Everyone begins to eat and keep multiple conversations going. You watch as everyone is having fun and see that the babies are sleeping on the floor mats and Daeun on her portable crib. It’s nice to see everyone together for the last time before the busy schedule.

The members are done and are picking up but they eating some of the cookies and chocolate that Jihyo brought from the trip. “I’m going to my room really quick” as she takes her purse. She’s the. Comes back with a  subtle smile and takes her seat. You notice that as she walked she wore her engagement ring. “Oh boy.”

“You bring us anything else Jihyo?” asks Momo, waiting for more snacks. “Well it’s not snacks but something else” as she poses with her hands supporting her face.

“Wait… unnie is that an engagement ring??” asks Tzuyu. Automatically the members attention shift towards Jihyo’s hand as they admire and want details of what happened.

Jihyo smile grows bigger as she shares the happy news to her members. “Yes, I’m finally engaged now. I’m Oppa’s fiancé.” The girls scream from how happy they are for Jihyo. To have one of their members engage shows how much they have grown.

“When’s the wedding” asks Momo. “That’s a good question Momo” says Mina. “We haven’t talked about it yet but I might be awhile since we are going to be real busy.

“Oppa, you finally grew a pair and asked Jihyo to marry you” yells Sana across the room as you watch the babies sleep. You’re caught of guard and can’t come up with words to respond back.

The members go back and forth asking how you proposed and what happen afterwards, Jihyo gets embarrassed as she mentions that you both had an amazing night that would be a night to definitely remember.

The members squeal like little girls from that they imagine what might of happen. Jihyo’s face is visibly red from embarrassment. It’s funny to see the members have fun with your sex life, there’s no privacy what so ever.

It’s all fun and games but not everyone feels that way. You see that Jeongyeon has a disgusted face as the members talk on how you might of fucked Jihyo. Dahyun’s expression also seems a bit different. You see that she looks detached from the conversation and a bit bothered by it. Dahyun clenches her fist together as she hears them speak. You know that you’re going to need to talk to Dahyun and make sure that she’s okay.

You on the other hand are sitting next to the babies who are fast asleep. You watch as Daeun is sleeping in the side of the mat, surrounded by an island of pillows, preventing the other babies from rolling into her area. Next to her is Hina who is taking her role as Daeun’s big sister seriously.

Jisoo and Ari on the other hand are holding hands as they sleep. It’s nice to see that the two of them are getting along. Even though they are half sisters they act are as close as true sisters can be.

A couple of minutes pass and Daeun is slowly waking up from her nap. She opens one eye at a time and looks around her surroundings. She looks around for her mother but she’s not there. Daeun panics and slowly begins to sob. You pick her up, trying to calm her down before the rest of the kids wake up but it’s too late.

Jisoo is the first one to get woken up by Daeun’s crying. She pops her head up, drool covering the side of her cheek from her napping and rubs her eyes. She slowly stands from the mat and looks at the group of aunties that are talking at the dining table. She smiles as the members wave to her.

“Where’s Jisoo?”says Jihyo who is trying to see if Jisoo can recognize her voice. Jisoo scans the room frankly, trying to see where her mother’s voice is coming from. She walks towards the dining table and looks at the members who are right in front of her. “Where’s my princess” calls Jihyo. Jisoo begins to wave her hands and pace around the until Jihyo pops her head.

Jisoo sees her mother walk towards her and her eyes begin to get watery from excitement from not seeing her mother for these past few days. Jihyo squats down and opens her arms wide, Jisoo runs towards her, “eo…eomma (mama).”

Jihyo face is in shock as she can’t believe what she just heard. “Oh my god… Did Jisoo just talk?” say some of the members. This is the first time Jisoo has said an actual word rather than baby talk. Jisoo wants into Jihyo’s arms and is picked up. Jihyo kisses Jisoo, proud that her daughter has finally spoken on her own volition from missing her mother. “I’m so proud of your Jisoo. You really miss me right? You missed mom?” Jisoo points at Jihyo and again says “eo…eomma” and smiles.

Previous Chapter 172.5 Next chapter 173.5

[tabitha42]

The Wizard's Apprentice - Chapter 12

Saffron is just a lowly apprentice with barely a successful firebolt to her name. So what chance does she have with the arch mage she's slowly falling in love with?

Gale x Tav, slow burn, eventual smut

Chapter 1 Previous chapter Next chapter

“That’s… a lot of goblins,” Saff whispered in fear as the group looked down at the camp from the nearby vantage point they’d found. 

“A lot of goblins to fuck up,” Karlach said with an eager grin. 

“Can I suggest we don’t run in all spells blazing?” Gale said firmly. “If there’s any way we can get in without having to fight our way in, I would much prefer that option.” 

“There’s goblins guarding the gate over there,” Wyll said, pointing towards a group of goblins in the distance. “That implies to me that, if we can get past them, the others will think we’ve been let in.” 

“Or they’ll think we’ve killed them and will turn on us…” Saff murmured. 

“Let’s at least go up to them and see if we’re able to talk to them,” Gale decided. “If they turn on us there’s only a few of them, we should be able to take them out. Then we can decide what to do from there.” 

Miraculously, the plan worked. Wyll managed to convince the goblins they had an audience with one of the leaders and soon the group were walking unhindered into the goblin camp. Saff hung back with Gale while Wyll and Karlach took the lead. She was incredibly nervous - she could just about handle a fight with a few goblins now, but a whole camp? She was terrified. 

The air was thick with smoke and various unpleasant smells, as well as the sounds of goblin revelry. They all grimaced at the sight of it, except Karlach, who seemed quite into the idea of a goblin party. Still, they convinced her there was no time to waste in joining in the festivities, and talked their way inside. 

“So three leaders to take out,” Wyll said as they headed into the great hall of the temple. “A goblin priestess, a hobgoblin and a drow. The guard said the drow’s at the back, so guess we’ll have to find the other two.” 

“Think we’ve found the first one,” Gale said, nodding up at the female goblin on the pedestal in the centre of the hall, blessing goblins as they lined up in front of her. 

“Let’s go!” Karlach exclaimed as she reached for her axe. 

“Let’s not ,” Gale interrupted quickly. “We’ll alert the whole temple. Maybe we can take out the other two in a more subtle location. That way we don’t have the entire goblin horde to fight on our way out.” 

Sadly the others weren’t in much better positions. The hobgoblin had his own audience as he tried and failed to cast speak with dead on a mind flayer (Gale was quick to point out what he was doing wrong, and Wyll was quick to point out they maybe shouldn’t hang around in case the mind flayer outed them as being infected on the ship rather than being the ‘True Souls’ they were posing as) and the drow, while a bit more out of the way, still had an uncomfortable number of goblins around her. 

They decided to continue searching the temple. They still had to find Halsin after all, and maybe they’d get lucky and find some other way to take out the leaders. They found and freed an adventurer from a torture rack, turned down the offer of a once-in-a-lifetime torture experience, helped Volo escape and came across an imprisoned goblin that refused to convert to the Absolute. They eventually made their way downstairs to find a group of goblins throwing rocks at an imprisoned bear. They didn’t really expect that telling the goblins to stop doing that would result in a huge fight, but when the bear managed to escape its cage, they were left with little choice. 

Wyll and Karlach wasted no time diving into the fight, shouting battle cries as they charged in. Saff tried to stay back, but they were surrounded. She summoned a firebolt to try to defend herself against the three goblins that charged at her, but was only able to slow one down as the other two reached her…

A sudden gust and crack of thunder blasted from behind her, throwing her attackers back into the far wall, leaving rolling static across their skin as they slumped to the ground. She felt the wind tug at her hair and clothes, the spark of electricity around her, but was left safely on her feet rather than blasted into the air with the others. She turned to see Gale behind her, sparks dancing on his fingers. He wasted no time and grabbed her arm while pointing to a platform at the edge of the room. 

“Up there! With me! Now!” 

More goblins stood between them and the platform, charging at them, weapons raised, but that didn’t matter - Saff knew exactly what Gale was telling her to do. With a synchronised gesture and incantation, they both reappeared in a swirl of magic up on the platform, narrowly avoiding the weapons that came crashing down on the spot they’d just been stood in. 

Gale caught Saff again as she stumbled, but the nausea faded quickly this time, and the two turned back to the fight. Wyll and Karlach almost looked like they didn’t need any help, til two worgs were released from their pens. With the advantage of the high ground Gale and Saff were able to rain fire down on them, but they weren’t invulnerable up there. Arrows flew up at them, most of which they could dodge, but not all. Saff felt one catch the side of her arm as it whistled past and could feel blood dripping down under her sleeve, but with the adrenaline of the battle she barely even noticed the pain. 

The goblins decided arrows weren’t the solution and changed tactics, running for the ladder that led up to the other side of the ledge they were stood on. Gale only realised what they were doing as they began to climb, and quickly ran over, kicking the ladder down with the goblins on it. As they hit the ground Karlach and Wyll finished them off, finally leaving them with just the bear. They prepared to fight, til the bear suddenly reared up, and in a flash of magic, an elf was standing there instead. 

And what an elf. Tall and muscled, glistening with sweat and blood… Gale might have got a bit jealous of the way Saff was staring at him, if he hadn’t been so busy staring at him himself.

“Pardon the viscera. One should cherish all of nature’s bounties… but goblin guts are quite far down the list,” he said as he wiped himself down. “You aided a bear without knowing if it would savage you? A true friend of nature! Or perhaps a lunatic. Either way, I owe thanks. I am the druid Halsin.” 

“ You’re Halsin?” Wyll said, a mixture of surprise and relief. “We came looking for you. Thank the gods you’re still alive!” 

“You did? I must say, I didn’t expect anyone to help. Unless…”

The conversation continued while Gale and Saff looked for a way to get down from their platform. The ladder had been an unintended victim of Karlach’s rage as she chopped at the goblins that were trapped underneath it after it fell, and they hoped to save as much of their magic as possible for the fights rather than using it for things like this. Eventually Gale carefully lowered himself down, grunting as he dropped down to the ground, before holding his arms out to catch Saff as she did the same. 

Sadly they learnt Halsin wasn’t able to remove the tadpoles, but he was at least able to give them another lead in their search for a cure - Moonrise Towers. First thing’s first though - they had to kill the leaders and get out of there. Gale hadn’t been thrilled with the idea of Halsin joining them in his bear form if it meant they were to start a fight everywhere they went, but he couldn’t deny that having an extra team member would be pretty useful right now. Halsin healed them of any injuries they’d suffered during the fight, and together the group set out their plan of attack. 

They decided to try to head for the drow first as she had the fewest goblins around her, but they would mostly have to follow Halsin’s lead while he was in bear form as he might not be able to make himself follow them. He also advised that if anyone was critically hurt he could transform back and heal them, but probably only after the battle was finished. 

Soon their plan was ready and they decided to loot the bodies for anything useful before making their final preparations and heading out. 

Saff knelt over a body, idly fiddling with a dagger it had on it, but her mind was elsewhere. She feared the upcoming fight - the few goblins in here hadn’t exactly been an easy fight, and there were so many more out there. Her arm was now healed, but she could still feel the blood that had seeped onto her sleeve. A stark reminder that, had she been stood just a few inches further over, she’d be dead now. All it took was one arrow…

She was taken out of her spiralling thoughts as someone knelt down next to her. She looked over and saw Gale looking at her in concern. 

“You ok?” he asked softly, having clearly seen her getting lost in her own thoughts. 

“Y-yeah. I’m just… nervous…” she admitted, her voice shaking slightly. “This is gonna be so much bigger than any fight we’ve ever done. There’s so many of them… even with Halsin, are we really going to be able to face them all?” 

He looked at her sympathetically, understanding her fear. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous himself. 

“It will be a difficult fight, for sure. But if we’re smart about this I believe we stand a chance. Remember - let the others go in first and get the goblins’ attention. Then there’s plenty of ledges and rafters for us to get to and stay safe, out of the way of the fight while still able to attack. Stay close to me - I’ll protect you.” 

He put his hand on her shoulder as he said the last words, and once again she felt her heart flutter. He had a habit of doing this to her, a certain tone he spoke in that took her breath away. Sometimes it made her feel excited, or flustered… right now though, it made her feel safe , which she desperately needed if she was to be able to face this fight. She nodded, still nervous, but slightly more confident that they might stand a chance. 

Ahead of them, the rest of the group were gathering.

“We ready to fuck up some goblins?!” Karlach shouted excitedly, raising her axe. Gale and Saff stood and joined them, reaching for their staffs, while Wyll readied his rapier. Halsin prepared his weapon too, morphing into a bear in a swirl of magic, then led the charge out the room. Gale and Saff shared one last look, before running out with the others. 

The fight was immediate. The goblins just outside the door were swiftly taken down before they even knew what was happening, but those further away jumped to battle as soon as they heard the commotion. Saff followed Gale’s instructions and teleported up with him to a ledge in the rafters where they had a bird’s eye view of the fight below. 

The pair of them focused on taking out any goblins that tried to break from the fight and run to alert the others. If no goblins were doing that, they took out ranged attackers like archers that the others couldn’t as easily get to. From their platform they were safe as the battle below unfolded, and soon the first group of goblins were dealt with. 

Gale and Saff stayed in the rafters, using their vantage point to scout the best place to attack next. They found a secluded group of goblins, told the others where to go using the tadpole connection, and soon they were taken care of too. 

They continued like this and for a while it was all going quite well… until one of the goblins managed to reach a war drum. None of them had even noticed it there, hidden round a corner, til they heard the sound echoing through the whole temple. 

Dread fell over them as the goblin horde descended. They tried to clear out as many goblins as possible before they all arrived to stop themselves getting overwhelmed, but they soon found themselves swamped by goblins. Then just to prove that things could still get worse, the leaders appeared, incandescent with rage. 

Gale and Saff tried to keep the goblins off the others while they focused on the leaders, but it wasn't easy. Halsin was finally knocked out of bear form, but that did at least give him the opportunity to give some much needed healing to Wyll and Karlach, who were taking a battering. Gale and Saff remained untouched as most of the fighting had been focused on the ground, but now goblins began to turn their attention towards them. 

Arrows started flying past them, clattering into the wall behind them. Goblins were filling the room now, and Saff could feel the charge of magic in the air as Gale began to channel more powerful spells. 

“Detono!”

A clap of thunder down on the ground swept through a whole group of them, taking them all out in one go. She looked over to Gale, seeing sparks flickering between his fingers. He cast another, and another group fell. She began to see how he must have looked in battle before the tadpole reduced his magic. How powerful he must have been…

She didn’t notice the fire arrow that flew past until it exploded as it hit the wall behind them, throwing her from the ledge in a blast of fire and sending her plummeting, dazed and defenceless, down to the ground. 

The arrow caught Gale by surprise just as much as it did Saff. As he fell he instinctively cast featherfall, but he didn't have time to check if Saff was in range. All he could do was pray that she was. 

The spell had little time to take effect and he hit the ground hard, but not hard enough to cause injury. Quickly he looked around for her, but soon started to panic when he couldn't see her. Then he saw the goblins descending on him…

On the other side of the ledge, Saff smashed through a wooden platform and hit the ground hard. Her head spun and her body ached, and as she forced her eyes open she saw the battle in front of her. Halsin, back in bear form, tore goblins to pieces while others tried to attack him from behind or jump on his back. Karlach and the drow leader were locked in battle, almost seeming to dance together between their attacks and dodges. Wyll finished off the hobgoblin then charged for the goblin priestess. She couldn't see Gale anywhere…

Then the goblins noticed her. Her eyes widened as they began charging towards her in an attack. Scrambling to her feet in a panic she tried to cast Misty Step once more to get to the high ground, but her magic failed. Falling back to simpler spells she raised her hands to cast Shockwave. This one succeeded and she managed to blast them back before they reached her, giving her just enough time to try to scramble away from them. 

Gale ran through the piles of bodies, the area round him a sea of static. He saw Karlach finally embed her axe into the drow's chest, letting out a battle cry as she did so. He saw an Eldritch Blast from Wyll that ended the priestess. He saw as they both ran to help Halsin as he was ripped once more back into elf form. But he didn't see Saff…

Then he caught sight of her, running from the goblins as she desperately threw firebolts back at them. His heart stopped as he saw an arrow suddenly pierce the back of her thigh, sending her falling to the ground with a cry of pain. Everything seemed to slow down as he saw the goblins, now with nothing to stop them, descending on her, ready to rip her to pieces…

His hands seemed to move on their own, the gestures for a spell that used to come so naturally he didn't even think about it now as he began to cast. He knew the orb would react badly to this, but that didn't enter his mind right now. All he knew was he had to act. Static once again sparked at his fingertips as the Weave built up inside him, ready to be unleashed.

“Harures!” 

Lighting burst from his fingers and streaked across the room as his voice echoed with the thunderclap that split their ears. Bolts of electricity tore through the goblins, jumping between them in a chain. Saff screamed as the goblins on top of her were suddenly fried by the lightning, then slumped down around her, their corpses smoking. 

The lightning disappeared and they were left in silence, just the crackle of static and the charge of magic in the air. Saff’s eyes met Gale’s for just a second… before the mark on his chest flashed angrily. He gasped in pain, clutched at his chest and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

[reesedragon]

Since bugblr likes my posts lemme tell yall about Bubba the fly

So I used to work at a krogers. I'd find flies all cold in the fridges, and gently place them in my shirt pocket till they had the strength to fly off. My hope was that they would at some point fly out the door and have a normal life. At the very least, I would have a friend perched on my shoulder keeping me company.

They usually flew off perfectly healthy. I'd just spent the entire summer nursing flies, and at last, it was autumn. Too chilly to see flies outside except in the bright sun. For the flies, this was their last hurrah.

This one fly sat on my shoulder for hours. Warmed right up in my pocket, crawled up and sat on the edge. He was a huge guy, blue hairy charismatic and beautiful with a subtle sheen to him. Eyes of a gentle maroon that accented the turn of his head. I thought he would be healthy because he looked young, with perfectly intact legs and wings. I decided to name him Bubba.

Stock time came, and I had to transfer him to the top of a low shelf. I gave him a wet paper towel, he drank and just sat for awhile. It was odd to me that he just sat there, even when things spooked him he just crawled a bit. He even hid under the towel- unusual behavior in a fly, usually a scared and helpless last resort. I was growing worried.

At the end of the day, I try to shoo him just to be sure. He does a sad little hop, but can't fly. I become so, so worried. Flies are a bit like horses; loss of mobility is a massive red flag to their health.

At this point, I'd grown quite attached to him. So, naturally, I purchase blueberries and shrimp and capture him gently in a to go container to take him home.

What follows is a magical week. I finally, after 2 days of care, nurse him back to flying. I buy a larger container so he can buzz in the 2 hours the sun would heat him up. I make sure he has water, fresh fruit, shrimp juice. I watch him crawl, fly, sip. He had a way of piercing the soft flesh of an orange with sheer force, and drinking the insides of each cell like a Capri sun.

I ended up thinking about his needs, what desires he may have. At the end of the week, he's got some strength back, and deserves the dignity of choosing what to do with it.

My apartments dumpster may have bottle flies he could court. One last 3 seconds of passion. Me and my girlfriend walk him to the dumpster with heavy hearts. We know the chill of winter will take this fly I have nursed back to health, but its the way of all things. Its his right to live his natural life.

What follows is a very chilly 5 minutes of trying to coax this fat fly out of his warm, safe container full of food. Nope. This is his retirement home, and its still got warm inside air in it. Even with us moving around him, he will not leave. I even wiggle my fingers behind him. Just won't go.

I respect his wishes, and nurture him until his end a week later. Twice or three times a day, I would replace his wet paper towels and food. Blueberries sliced in half, wet shrimp tails, various juices from fresh fruit and luncheon ham. He was living the high life. Dude was so chill, he dies in the same pose as he always sat in. Just like a monk in honey, he surrendered in a perfect life-pose amid excess and luxury.

It was bittersweet, but I knew providing geriatric care to an elderly fly would end this way. My solace was that Bubba lived a perfectly happy little fly retirement. A more comfortable end than most flies could dream of.

[charismaofobedience]

HELLO. i am cheren is here is why you should vote for Tomoe Hiyori (ohii-san for the intimates) on the @enstars-sexyperson-polls. ♡

also accidentally a eden propaganda in general

Let's start this our with the basics.

Have you ever read Eden lyrics? Exactly. They do not stray away from being explicit and teasing the listener with their songs. This can be felt through many of their songs where, yes, there are less explicit songs... Whenever they decide to toy with us, the listener, they go all in. They know they are powerful and sexy and won't stray away from it, they want us to be affected by them. They want you to join them in their game and fall from paradise alongside them, after all, as stated in Trap for You, with just yourself surrendering to them, you will become their prisoner. Eden is fully aware of the sheer sex appeal of their songs and doesn't hesitate nor hold back from going all in whenever they perform it, just look at their latest songs! The fact Eden is a unit built upon the concept of a sexy unit is undeniable, even for those who aren't their fans. It is also shown through their choreographies, who could forget how iconic trap for yous release was in enstars history? Idol games history, even? And this is not even starting to mention all of their hips movements shown in various songs (faith conquest, the genesis). Eden's choreographies and vocals are the definition of sexy and enticing, capturing the audience into their own garden of Eden.

Now, let's step back a bit and talk more about our member of focus here: Hiyori Tomoe.

Hiyori Tomoe is, undeniably, hot. He has insanely high charisma and is able to charm all of those he meet through a way or another. Even if he is confident, narcissistic and loud, he is still kind and compassionate about those he loves and cares for, going as far as to calling the rest of Eden his family. And even through that kindness, he still is bossy and commanding, fully aware of how pretty he is, flaunting his looks and talents. Hiyori is flirty and charming with most people he is familiar with, going from fellow unit members to others he cares for, and this is what makes him stand out from others... Hiyori is hot, yes, but he's also sexy.

There's a very clear distinction between being hot and being sexy: how they present themselves with sexy being a more subtle version of the word hot, and Hiyori has mastered the two. Hiyori can be hot by smirking at the camera and tilting his head in a teasing manner, but he is also fully capable of a warm smile and a inviting, enticing pose. He can be hot by being bossy and demanding of others, but he can also be sexy by caring for others and giving them treats. This duality makes Hiyori a clear outlier from other enstars characters where few can also fall onto both categories, with Hiyori being great at both. Of course he can get cards with more exposed skin and flirty expressions, he's in Eden and confident on himself after all, but he's also fully capable of being seductive by using suits who, instead of showing his skin, hug it tightly as a way to show his figure and offering us gentle, inviting smiles.

His duality personality-wise is also a great factor in making him sexy. Hiyori may present himself as bright, happy and full of life on everything he does, aiming to please those watching him on stage, and he is in fact all of that! He always brings joy to those who call for him, there is a reason why he is called Eden's sun, but we also have to remember that he's not only that. Hiyori is also brave and commanding, maybe even more so than Nagisa himself. He wants things to be done his way and will get angry if it doesn't go as he planned, shouting at others when he isn't getting the attention he deserves... Hiyori knows his worth, and he will always try his best to not let others words affect him on that. This confidence is attractive, even with his sometimes bratty attitude. The faith conquest card also shows a very good usage of chains and belts, tying it all of with a choker.

And in case one is a fan of more direct approaches... Fear not, for we have a card showing one of his entire legs, stomach, shoulders and arms. While not being the only one where his stomach is exposed (my city), Hiyori is far from afraid of showing skin and this card helps prove that, behind all those cards where he's in suits and hiding skin, he's also fully capable of exposing it. On this card he is also meant to represent a mermaid, and do you know what species have constantly been used as a symbol of seduction, attractiveness and enticement through ages, sometimes even causing others ruins? Exactly.

As we can see with his expressions in various cards too, not only does he has a range, but one thing is always constant: his eyes are inviting. Hiyori wants you to join him in whatever it is, always with warm eyes and seducing gaze. Hiyoris whole presence is inviting and he won't hesitate on giving everything he can to make sure others will join him.

So, this is why you should vote for Hiyori Tomoe!!! Finishing this all off with a compilation of moments where he's seen winking (with some probably even missing) and showing just how sexy he truly is. Stan Hiyori Tomoe 2023 ♡

[badedramay]

seeing the kim criticism from north american pakistanis is so funny. i admit i was annoyed by it in the first episode bc the terrorist label she gave dawood seemed a bit over the top but i feel like her "american" quirks are pretty mellow for the most part and hardly take away from the main themes of the drama wrt understanding, balance of power, etc. in a landscape of dramas that are thriving on their ability to attract audience with their overdone theatrics and abuse plotlines, isn't it nice to resonate with something more down to earth that seeks to address the more subtle issues we tend to overlook? and thankfully, at least from what i see in the youtube comments weekly, not many people seem to mind her american quirks and are instead focused on those strong points of the story, particularly the bonds showcased between the various women in the family. i'm not going to say kim's portrayal is 100% perfect or anything but the people constantly complaining are being so overdramatic. there's a willful blindness element at play here too, bc plenty of the pakistani american characters in older dramas also showcased their fair share of unrealistic behaviors. it's nothing new and idk why we're trying to scrutinize it so severely now!

THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS!!!

I will reiterate - the criticism that Kim faces from the non-Pakistan based Pakistanis is more because of how the character doesn't fit THEIR 'neat' image of a 'physically away but dil se always in Pakistan' persona that they are trying very hard to maintain. but that's not whom Kim is made to serve. her character is meant to serve the story Yunhi is telling and Kim is doing that perfectly.

YT audience is smarter than most intellectuals as it at least sees a drama for the drama it IS and not project their own prejudices and views on it. Kim started on a very bad note..the terrorist comment was TOO much and the criticism it got for that was justified. but Yunhi really scarified its initial weeks and got the 'bad' things out of the way. and now at least we have this assurance that things won't go back to that place again cuz hey, the characters are PROGRESSING AND DEVELOPING EACH WEEK!!!

I have accepted that it's not important if Kim is American. she could've been from Timbuktu and her character would've still been the same more or less as this narrative needed the FL to be an "alien" in the ML's world. an Outsider who can notice and point out the flaws in this world that its inhabitants have accepted as normal for so long they cannot fathom the idea of correcting these problems or the possibility of positive change. it's just that Amreeka is a word that everyone in Pakistan knows. it is still the land of dreams for many desis who have it in their head ke bass ek baar wahan qadam rakh den toh phir dollaron ki baarish hogi hum pe aur bass life badal jaegi. her being Amreekan is because it's more convenient for the story to convince the audience her being an Outsider but still belonging to a world that's desirable and achievable. that's just all there is.

Yunhi has its flaws and yes fAIneE Kim makes up for more than half of it. but c'mon! like you said..just look at the current landscape of dramas which is THRIVING on the melodrama and OTTness which is all about the bang bang with very little substance to offer beyond it and then look at Yunhi and how subtly but beautifully it is talking about things that ARE the reality of many normal middle class families living in the country. it is not posing to be something super progressive or making grand speeches about how something should™ be done. it's just shifting the lens just a little bit to bring forth POVs that are not always shown and letting the audience decide which side of the argument do they wish to support? there's no right or wrong here. it's not even going all that deep with anything! so yeah..all this scrutiny over accents and correct representation? WAY TO MISS THE ENTIRE POINT PEOPLE!!!

[thecandywrites]

Monster March- Day 25 - Angel

Half of My Forever

Because what is more divine than love?

Huge thanks to @borealwrites for their Monster March 2023 prompts. I am trying SO HARD. To finish these before May. Because it's the end of April. and I'm literally a month behind. Because Covid decided to pay me a visit, and took it's dear sweet time to leave, and leaving me with an upper respitory infection as a going away present.

Anyway, here's some sweet fluff.

Monster March 2023 Day 25 - Angel 

Half of My Forever

“Well hello Beautiful Rhenphrie.” A very familiar heavenly angel said as he came sidling up next to you as you were getting ready to fly in the cyclone in the clouds with your brethren.  

“Hello Angel.” You replied with a smile and a subtle shake of your head because he had been “showing up” a lot more frequently as of late, well, ever since you reached maturity, that is. 

“It’s Serephiel.” He reminded you, as if you’d ever forget. 

“It’s always hard to tell you angel types apart, all of you look the same.” You teased as he rolled his eyes but smiled at the fun you were poking at him. 

“We do not.” He insisted. 

“It’s you moura who all look alike.” He insisted. 

“Right.” You sarcastically agreed as you changed your earrings in your ear to better frame your face from the curtain of white blonde hair. 

“Yet, out of how many of us? You manage to remember all of our names?” You returned. 

“Look, I was created in perfection. So therefore, I’m able to remember all of you perfectly. Although there seems to be double your numbers this year as there was last year. Did your species double in number again?” He asked as he looked around. 

“Look, this new world has a world five times as big, with a sun five times as powerful. It’s not our fault if we take that and use it to our advantage. Besides, reproduction is such a pleasurable experience, and carrying a little life isn’t what it used to be. My parents insist that it took much longer and hurt a lot more than it does right now.” You insisted as you were relieved to not be on baby sitter duty tonight. 

“Do you still miss your old world?” He asked. 

“Nope. Not one bit. Granted, keeping track of my friends in the seas is a lot harder than it used to be. But I’m happy that the red algae didn’t follow them. And honestly, if the spheres were to try to converge tomorrow, I don’t think a single one of us would choose to go back. I know we wouldn’t all fit, that’s for sure.” You murmured before you readjusted your neckline of your gown. 

Since the convergence. You and your fellow moura were celebrating a full ten years in this new world. And the heavens that the regular angels inhabited were just above the cloud realm and unseen to anyone who didn’t have magical or a spiritual plane of vision. It was very pretty though. 

“So you decided to come down here with the mortals huh?” You teased him as you bumped him with your hip playfully while you changed little details about your outfit to suit your mood as you preened your feathers in your wings while your feet rested comfortably in the clouds themselves. 

“Guilty as charged.” He admitted. 

“Here to fly in the cyclone too? But,  don’t you have heavenly tasks to attend to? Keeping the gates to the pearly heavens safe from the other dangerous beings from below?” You asked him as you had noticed he seemed to be hanging around an awful lot lately. 

“Well, I wanted to come and see if after your flight, you’d want to come and take a stroll with me. There’s a river of golden waters inside, and it’s practically a paradise. I think you’d enjoy it.” He invited. 

“But aren’t I not spiritual, or would it be- magical enough- to be let in?” You posed to him, a bit wearily. 

“Nope, on the contrary, you’d fit right in and would be more than welcome.” He insisted. 

“Why is it so important to you that I come?” You asked him. 

“So? Doesn’t that prohibit me from entering your heavens?” You asked. 

“Because I was just talking with the Taunstons, and it’ll be another 90 years before they try to unmerge the spheres, and like you said, mouras aren’t eager to go back to your homeworld, so I was just letting you know, that if you wanted to, you could always find a place with me, or us rather.” He invited as he actually seemed bashful at the notion as his cheeks darkened which got you to give him a curious look.

“You’re a being of heaven. I’m a being, of magic and spirituality- true. But I’m still flesh and blood, last I checked at least.” You reminded him once you made sure each feather in the mirror’s surface was in perfect symmetry with the corresponding feather in the other wing.

“So?” He asked. 

“No.” He shook his head no. 

“Look, if the demons, who can take flesh and blood bodies can enter the heavenly realm, there shouldn’t be anything to keep you and your kind from doing the same. Besides, The Prince said you and your kind would always be welcomed in his city.” He insisted. 

“Are you sure I won’t get you in trouble if I were to accept your invitation?” You questioned him. 

“Absolutely.” He answered. 

“Why do I keep seeing more and more angels among us?” You asked him. 

“Well, besides your beauty and perfectly pleasant nature. You’re good company to have. And, well, I like you. Specifically you.” He finally confessed. 

“Me? Not…” you began to list off all your sisters and then all your cousins and then all the other female mouras you knew. 

“Yes, you. Just you.” He confirmed.

“Why me?” You asked him. 

“Because you’re…for lack of a better word- perfect. And even if I can only spend the next 90 years with you. I don’t want to waste a single second of it.” He insisted. 

“And if you get to have some immortality with me in my realm, then I want you to have it. I just..I really, really like you and adore you and I don’t want to spend, another moment without you if I don’t have to.” 

“Don’t they have female angels up there?” You asked him. 

“They do. They just, um, well they are all here, and well, you see.” He gestured to the female angels who were currently chatting up several of your brothers and cousins and male friends before you noticed that one couple in particular, the woman was already pregnant. 

“So you want us to have what they have?” You nodded over to the pair. 

“Yeah.” He confirmed with a soft adoring look at them before he turned his gaze over to you. 

“Ok, fine. Fly with me, dance with me and then you can take me up to your heavens and if they let me in, they let me in. But if I’m not good enough…” You began before he silenced you with a kiss that was practically desperate. 

“You are, you always were.” He insisted. 

“What will we do if I’m not?” You questioned. 

“It’ll be the best in the realm.” He assured you before you took his hand flew with him around the cyclone and then danced with him from the music performed by the various angels and mouras alike before he took you to the gate before you squeezed his hand extra tightly, worried that the other angels at the gates would not let you in. 

“Then I’m perfectly content with staying here with you. I’ll build you a house in these clouds with my own two hands if I have to and we will spend however long together that we can. I’ll find a way to give you half of my forever.” He insisted.

“Ok, ok. I want a really nice one though.” You insisted. 

“Please, let us enter.” He requested before the large pearl like door was opened and you were almost afraid to breathe as you walked beside him and walked right into the heavens with him. 

He was right. It was stunning, and so beautiful and a paradise without compare before you seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief. 

“See? Told you.” He beamed happily as he kissed the crown of your head before he slid a wedding ring onto your finger. 

“As much as you are mine, I am yours.” He vowed before you did the same, taking one of the smaller feathers from your wing and turned it into a ring of gold and slid it onto the corresponding finger on his hand too. 

“As much as you are mine, I am yours, for now, until…” 

“Until the end of time itself.” He murmured before he kissed you sweetly and soundly all the same. 

“Come, a home for the both of us.” He showed you to his heavenly home as you marveled at it’s sheer luxury and magnificence.

“And a third? Maybe a fourth?” You hinted as you looked from him to the bed then back to him. 

“And a fifth if you want.” He readily agreed as he pulled you to lay in the bed with him, it’s soft blankets and super soft cushioned bed a perfect place to lay down and rest and enjoy each other. 

[anomaly-sanctum]

Greetings, everyone! Sincerest apologies for having gone quiet! We have been a bit busy, here!

I thought I would show you a video from our forest biome, with some of the Kartana we have been working with. The Kartanas original dimension is also inhabited with trainers, much like this one. However, that does not mean they are easy to train.

Trainers there go through years of training their own body for speed and precision, and it is up to the Kartana to decide if they are a worthy partner.

I had spent time in that dimension myself undergoing this training so that I could gain their trust. They are VERY fiercely protective as well.

It is hard to see on account of their small size, but these Kartana have various physical deformities that - while subtle - affect their flight ability. We have trained together for quite some time to build up their precision.

[A video is attached to the post -press play?]

Tero stood behind a folding table that was set up, with six kartana - two on each shoulder and two on their URS helmet. There was a variety of fruits and vegetables on the table. As Tero grabbed all the fruits, the camera panned upwards. The fruits and veggies were thrown into the air, entering the shot, and in only a couple seconds, they were all sliced paper-thin.

The video replayed the footage several times, each time more slowed down than the last. You could only make out white blurs moving through the fruits until the footage was only a frame-by-frame play. Even then, the kartanas seemed to move unnaturally fast, going from one side of the screen to the other in only a few frames.

The footage turned back to normal speed as it panned back down to Tero, with the Kartanas back on their shoulders.

Kartana pointed to the camera. "While they may be small, do not deny that they are VERY powerful!"

They looked over to their left, putting a hand near their face to call to something off-screen. "READY, ABSORPTION?"

The camera panned over to the Buzzwole that had been previously seen in the exercise video, standing next to a GIANT tree that appeared to be blocking a dirt path. The Buzzwole quickly posed, flexing their muscles and letting out a triumphant-sounding "ZWOLE!", before picking up the tree with one hand and chucking it right in Tero's direction, full-force.

As the camera followed the tree's path, Tero had just barely entered the shot before the tree had been diced into into 12-inch logs, save for the middle, which had turned to sawdust that covered Tero as the logs fell around them.

Tero coughed a couple of times before dusting themself off as the Kartanas perched back on top of them.

"Good job, everyone," they said, their voice slightly hoarse, "The caretakers path is clear once again!"

A thumbs-up entered the frame from behind the camera as Zula's voice can be heard. "Score one for the Charcuterie Squad! Giant tree?" The hand changed from a thumbs-up to an O shape. "Big fat ZEROOOO!"

Tero's smile faltered to a confused expression. "The what squad??"

[Video END]

[popblank]

1776 at the Ahmanson Theatre, my thoughts three months late:

I already liked the musical & have a DVD of the film, but the reviews were pretty mixed on Broadway so I was worried about being disappointed. But I ended up being surprised when I really enjoyed it way more than expected. Part of that was just seeing nontraditionally-cast actors in these roles, which would otherwise not happen outside of some one-off thing like Miscast or Broadway Backwards. (I am a little worried that the mixed reception to this revival means I may never see a version of the show like this again.) Also this production is all about highlighting uncomfortable juxtapositions, and it’s fun to go see something that gives me complicated feelings and gets me to try to take it apart. 

The show starts off by making it very clear that these actors are putting on the roles (literally stepping into the shoes) of the Founding Fathers, rather than “being” those characters. The conscious stagey-ness that I took to be part of that “putting on the roles of these 18th century white historical personages” approach did take a little bit of getting used to. The choreography of “Sit Down, John” and “Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve” had the cast constantly reforming into various tableaus that seemed to to be mimicking the arrangements and poses of neoclassical paintings. However I think this worked against ”The Lees of Old Virginia” – I expected that song to be a little goofy and over-the-top, but when everything before it already felt a little over-the-top, trying to dial it up further didn’t have the the contrasting effect that it might have had. Other songs that were staged in a bigger and more dramatic way than I expected were “Momma, Look Sharp” and “The Egg,” though those were more effective.  “He Plays the Violin” was more overtly sexual than what I recall from the 1972 filmed version but again was not as egregious as I had feared based on Broadway reviews. “The Egg” is a song that took me a long time to appreciate when first listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording; it is possibly the cheesiest song in in a show where multiple other songs are reliant on dad-joke level puns. This production decided to go with maximally earnest All-American cheddar by projecting inspirational montages of protests for civil rights and the like, with a good dose of air guitar. It sounds kind of ridiculous (and it was kind of ridiculous) and it worked on me, but within the show it felt tonally a bit out of place.

The ending: I think I get what it was going for – leaving the audience with a final moment that represents the compromises and hypocrisies that were part of the nation’s founding and how we look back on it. But I think if it had found a way to create a stronger emotional moment (e.g. by a contrasting effect or just by being a little less subtle, since the show was not all that restrained earlier) it might have been more effective.

Cast: Liz Mikel as Benjamin Franklin and Oneika Phillips as John Hancock were perfect as far as I’m concerned – funny and profound and authoritative.  Brooke Simpson kicked things off by giving an compelling and non-perfunctory land acknowledgment that made me want to go learn things, and was also good as the Courier. Also liked Gisela Adisa as John Adams and Kassandra Haddock as Edward Rutledge. One fun thing was realizing how the casting/character portrayals made me think of what type of person I usually think of in authority roles; for example, it’s probably not someone with a squeaky voice and pigtails (as Roger Sherman of Connecticut is played by Anissa Marie Griego).  But really, why shouldn’t it be?  

Costuming and styling - lots of interesting details and choices. Coats were great all around but I particularly liked the one John Hancock wore. Josiah Bartlett wore a sheer shirt that showed top surgery scars; Edward Rutledge wore a corset; Col. Thomas McKean had flowing hair and leather pants.

Audience: the reaction definitely seemed mixed, not unlike when the Oklahoma! revival tour was here last year. I saw the show twice, and during my second viewing at least six people in my row conspicuously disappeared after intermission. 

In conclusion: It may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it tremendously and regret that I did not have time to see it yet another time before it left town.

[howareyouphuong]

A Self Reflection

Inspired by decoration on an old mirror of a wardrobe cabinet which I find lovely and dearest in my childhood. Simple dot with some sparks do bring joy and self-love when we comb our hair or posing for new clothes.

I have been struggled with the silhouette, first time I want it just simple panel fabric, 2 pieces stick together at shoulder. However it turn out a bit off and plain, so I decided to adding some parallel pleats for more texture as it can remind me more about the stiffness of the whole look of the cabinet.

I use hand embroidery white on white, I love the subtle and poetic of white thread on white cloth, It made you have to look closely to the details, and this technique also remind the of the very meticulous embroidery on a table cloth that used for my grand auntie wedding day.

Later on, in my film journey that I have chance to go to Ninh Binh I discover that there have a village with do all the hand work white on white embroidery call "thêu rua ren" which the French people have teach us the technique. Nowadays, there just have some ladies-in-house or small group still keep this handicrafts. I still keep some of their works as souvenir gifts

[ledenews]

Fat Man Eateth: Zhuzi Chinese Restaurant

It’s been a hectic week in the home of the Fat Man and his growing family. Now that the population of two-legged beings in this house has increased by one since last week, going out to eat poses more of a challenge than normal. Doable? Yes. But at present, sleep is at a premium and we’re trying to reduce potential headaches before they spring up. Therefore, takeout was in order toward the end of the week. When you think takeout, one of the first cuisines that pops into the mind, and stomach’s eye, is Chinese. Any type of Asian cuisine really—(can someone open a Thai restaurant here locally please, seriously—will do, but in this house, Chinese food is generally what comes to mind. The greater St. Clairsville area has some decent options in that regard. That further opens up if you’re willing to travel greater distances, say, to Wheeling, Steubenville, Moundsville, or even Cambridge. I was trying to limit our driving, as well as the time spent waiting to eat said food, so we opted to stay in the city. And since we were going takeout, we decided to go with our old Chinese takeout standby in Zhuzi Chinese Restaurant. That’s not to say we never eat at Zhuzi in person. We do. But given Zhuzi is in the same plaza as Starbucks, and Starbucks forever has a line wrapped around the building for its drive-through, it makes parking a headache at best. We also could have gone full lazy and ordered Zhuzi through DoorDash and had it delivered.  But, as someone who occasionally delivers food for DoorDash, I’m glad the public is willing to pay those upcharges. Because I’m not. They are a bit much. So I went to Zhuzi’s online ordering portal, found here, and decided to pick it up myself. You can also call ahead and order that way. Either way works. I’m just people-averse, so the less talking I must do, the better. Either General Tsos or Kung Pao Chicken is a great option at Zhuzi. The fried dumplings at Zhuzi are a quality option to share as an addition to your overall meal. An order of Sweet and Sour Pork plus fried rice. The Food The girlfriend is pretty standard in her ordering when it comes to Chinese takeout. She’ll want an order of Sweet & Sour chicken or pork, coupled with either fried rice or occasionally an upcharge for a side of lo mein noodles. The sweet and sour sauce she uses to dunk her egg roll. The chicken? She prefers ketchup. Yes, I know. But we all like what we like. She’ll also want an order of fried dumplings for us to share. Twist my arm, right? That’s a definite order. I don’t vary too much either, truth be told, but at Zhuzi I’ve slowly worked to try some of its different options. On this occasion, I went with General Tso’s chicken and fried rice. I will say this, it’s my second favorite menu option at Zhuzi. To me, there is nothing better than order a quart of Kung Pao chicken (no veggies, but including the peanuts), mixing that into the generous helping of fried rice, and feasting. The Kung pao provides a nice wee kick to the flavor profile. You won’t be running for a glass of water to dull the burn. It’s not that kind of hot. But it’s subtle and enjoyable. The General Tsos chicken is also tasty. Each Asian food eatery locally I feel puts its own little twist on this classic dish and, if you’ve enjoyed it long enough, you can pick out which restaurant has made it. Zhuzi’s General Tsos isn’t the best I’ve had locally, but it is good. I’d definitely order it again and have. That being said, I must revisit and state Zhuzi’s Kung Pao is the best I’ve had in the area. If I am in the mood for Kung Pao, it’s the only place to go. The friend dumplings were also pretty tasty. The GF and I are both in agreement that, in the Asian-style restaurants locally, the dumplings at Golden Chopsticks are tops, followed closely by Osaka in St. Clairsville. Zhuzi’s dumplings fall just below that top tier, but much like the General Tsos, are a worthwhile addition to your order. What sets Zhuzi apart, in terms of takeout, is it tastes just as good when you get hit home as it does in the store. Can’t say for sure why, but it doesn’t seem to lessen the flavor. That’s why when we opt for Chinese takeout, we head to Zhuzi. Zhuzhi is located at 67800 Mall Ring Rd. in St. Clairsville, right next to Starbucks. Read the full article

[bejaeyoung]

is this a team bonding exercise? or a military bootcamp?

that's the first thing that ran through jay's mind when nayoung fixes him with a stern glare, falling in line with the herd of people who believes jay isn't capable of anything serious. is this funny? not the entire thing, only siwoo's fake words and even faker expresions. is this a game to you? not the show, but this team bonding exercise felt like one. instead of saying any of that, jay bites the inside of his cheek and lets the next round run its course.

unfortunately, it's a little difficult, because siwoo is still faking it for the cameras. is it really his fault that it's funny? that he knows exactly what siwoo is thinking and the undeniable contrast falling out of siwoo's lips is comedic? he does manage to keep himself together though, somehow. having a chewing gum or a lollipop in his mouth would've made it easier, but he figured that would look even more like he's not taking this seriously. oh, well.

eventually, his turn comes once more.

"let me correct something," jay announces, tone leveled, pulling his legs closer to himself as he sits a bit more up-right as opposed to his more relaxed posture earlier. "this show was never a game to me. but i figured a team bonding exercise meant you can share a few laughs with the people you're trying to bond with. or is it supposed to always be tense like this?" he doesn't expect an answer from anyone, moving on immediately after posing the question. "i'm sorry, though. for laughing."

and now, to actually proceed with his turn.

"my challenge... i guess it was working with others? i've never had to do that before, really." not that it came as a shocker to anyone in the circle. "earlier in the show, i was called out for being too intense. now though, i'm not serious enough. the latter—i'm pretty used to. it didn't matter how a few people thought of me as long as i know i'm serious, but idols are all about image, aren't they? so that's obviously something i have to work on."

jay hums, shrugging as he decides that's all he has to say in that regard. he turns over to inho, smiling; this is the easy part. "i like your voice, you're always hitting your notes. i think your voice would fit perfectly with an alternative rock song!" before he could go on with his rambles, he cuts himself short. "that, and you kinda give off strong big brother vibes." didn't inho mention he had a younger sister? "i like that too."

what next, what next? is it time to address the elephant in the room?

he looks at @renxbe—and it's only now that he realizes how pitiful ren looks, so quiet and avoiding eye contact for the most part. jay squints, staring for a moment too long as if trying to dissect his own mentor. whether he found anything fruitful, jay doesn't share. "earlier i said it's not like we got to sit down and talk for me to know more about you. i'm not opposed to it or anything." he hadn't missed the subtle shade ren's words had previously, but he doesn't quite mind it. if anything, he found it amusing.

"but let's be real, we'd probably suck at talking." he snorts, but such a statement brings about no solution. "so, i don't know. we should just play a song together? that would probably be a better bonding experience."

while inho was paying attention and vaguely listening to the rest of the circle, his mind was wondering. the topic was what he was going to snack on when he got home but nayoung's stern question was enough to bring him fully back to reality. inho had biased observations of the group, he got along with all of them fairly well. the issues nayoung was calling siwoo and jaeyoung out on were valid, but their interactions with him were very different. his interactions with their coaches in comparison also were vastly different.

inho felt like he was caught in the crossfire almost as the two boys to each of his sides were at the end of nayoung's ire. why couldn't he have been randomly placed elsewhere. siwoo at least seemed to be making a better decision not to fuck around with nayoung after the exercise continued, even if he doubted the apologizes were genuine on siwoo's side. he wondered if jay would speak up at his turn.

the transition of asking who was next when it was clearly inho was a very clear way of awkwardly moving away from himself though.

he'd had a few people now to think about his challenge and a compliment. "one of my biggest challenges on next gen was dancing and learning choreography. i've never been a dancer either in my life, so it was a difficult step at the beginning, on top of being able to sing at the same time. i think i've improved a lot but i still will continue to work on that." it was honest but vague, he really didn't want to get into his real challenges.

inho turned then to look at siwoo, the person to his right. what was something nice he could say to the other that wasn't regarding his physical appearance? "siwoo, while your honesty sometimes gets you in trouble, i like how honest and upfront your are about what's on your mind."