#super beast scroll

[lesbian-sai]

lesbian sai is real i promise.

[facts-i-just-made-up]

Why no Super Mario Iliad or Aeneid though?

These are in fact the basis for the two Mario Galaxy games. It's not well known that every Mario game has its roots in mythology. While Mario 3 is well known to be based on several works of Greek Theater, and Mario 2 is clearly inspired by The Arabian Nights, the original Super Mario Bros. is the least known to have been based on, quite exactly, Dante's "Inferno."

The nine circles of hell in Dante's work are the inspiration for each set of 4 side scrolling levels, with each of Bowser's castles being collectively inspired by the ninth circle and transition into purgatory.

The first circle of Dante's hell is "Limbo" where he meets each of the virtuous but unbaptized poets who inspire him along his way. All of them Roman "friends," or in Italian, "cumpà," the origin of the English slang "Goomba." Each of them becomes a literal stepping stone toward his goal of finding his Princess Beatrice, flattening for him to walk through the stone abyss.

In the second layer of hell, Dante encounters the punishment for lust, in which a "whirlwind of lovers" manifests the sinful as fish attempting to swim aimlessly through a windy sky. Dante continues ever downward.

Gluttony in the third circle of hell is punished in eternal darkness, where bulbous white trees thrive, containing the damned within them, eating them as they feasted in life.

The fourth circle, Greed, is full of gold coins atop unreachable mushroom growths. Only a vine from Minos allows Virgil and Dante to climb away.

Deeper still flows Styx, the river of the wrathful. It holds ferocious sea beasts and damned alike who attempt to swamp Dante as he travels ever onward toward the city of Dis, where heretics dwell.

Dis, a tower made of squares and bottomless pits reveals The Beast Geryon, depicted as riding within a cloud, tormenting heretics with spines and impaling them on flagpoles bearing the names of their fraudulent beliefs.

The seventh circle is a wasteland for the violent where canons fire forever. Those who committed violent acts are shot, devoured by flying turtle beasts, or turned into trees like the gluttonous before them.

Hell's worst common sinners lay in ten walled ditches called "Bolgia." The ten great walls in Mario's penultimate level are a direct reference, as are the Brotherhood of the Hammer who built the walls referenced by the "Hammer Brothers." These hold gamblers, liars, and lazy authors who write excessively long jokes instead of working on the story they were commissioned to write.

At the end of each layer, Virgil explains to Dante that Beatrice is in another place. Urging him to keep going even beyond where he and other righteous dead may wander. All the way toward the final central circle, the castle of Hell itself.

Finally in the circle of traitors, Dante meets the devil on a bridge over troubled lava where he breathes flame from under his spiked shell upon the three worst traitors in history, Judas who betrayed Christ, Brutus who betrayed Caesar on an unknown date, and the "Traitor to Come," who is said to be a grotesque orange antichrist who will "sell out his nation" for a "Faulty carriage that travels on the power of lightning."

Finally, Dante finds Beatrice, his princess, who takes him to purgatory beyond the core of the Earth, where he ascends to heaven after touching the emblem of her name, the letter "B." He begins his new quest in Dante's "Purgatorio," which holds the Donut Plains, Chocolate Islands, Vanilla Domes, and Butter Bridges of what would be adapted into Super Mario World for the SNES.

[bbokicidal]

hi hi i absolutely adore how you write the skz boys, so ive come here to humbly request something to do with munch!chan :) i don’t mind if its a full oneshot, a drabble, or those wonderful headcannons you write so well. i’ll leave that part up to you.

thank you, and lots of kisses🩷

oooh, munch!chan...

hm. I think munch!chan isn't quite as messy as munch!jisung but he can definitely get a little bit drooly sometimes when he's going down on you. and the reason he gets drooly is because he's actually kind of feral???

less messy than jisung but definitely more rough. the type to start off slow and relax between your legs, eyes closed as he eats you out. his hands will rest on your hips, thumb stroking back and forth or holding onto your own so he can lace your fingers together. it always, always, always !! starts off super intimate and sweet. chan's like the definition of service top so he's most definitely going to be there to please you as much as he can. (but... well, he's also a munch bc he's kind of addicted to giving you head. but I digress!)

although it starts out intimate and sweet and he seems like the type to let up after a while so he can move onto something else - this man is relentless!!! he's not stopping unless you're like actually telling him red light or crying the code word; chan is going to tongue fuck you until you're squirming and crying and pulling at his hair in desperation and overstimulation.

the type to wrap his arms around your hips and pull you into his face when you try to wiggle away. the type to keep you there, sitting up on his knees so only your shoulders and head are on the bed and he's lifting your lower half so he can keep eating you out while you sob out every moan. and everyone mentions this im well aware of it but the way his nose bumps against your clit while he tries to push his tongue deeper into your walls. ughhh <33333

also?? I dunno if its just me but I think chan would love to eat it from the back if he's feelin real nasty. I also just.. think he's an ass man, but that's just me. :]

bonus: ive been thinking about this since I read this request this morning. chan absolutely falls asleep while eating you out. he's not ALWAYS a feral beast in bed. he's a sleepyhead who gets little to no rest because of work, so sometimes he'll let his tongue lathe over your folds while you read a book in the late hours, or scroll on your phone. the warmth and softness of your thighs lulls him to sleep and he falls into slumber with his cheek squished against your inner thigh. hes asked you before not to move him though if it happens, so you let him sleep there and cover him up with a blanket while you relax and wait for him to come to.

[madridfangirl]

Jude in a Suit

(Jude Bellingham blurb)

1.7k words. SMUT.

Summary: What Jude in a suit did to you. Then what you did to him. And then what he did to you.

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon. 

Jude was at the Bernabeu, on a sponsor shoot for the club. While you were at his place, enjoying a siesta after a hectic week at work. Sprawled on the couch, Sangria in hand, your comfort show playing on Netflix. Waiting for him to return. The plan was to have an early dinner & crash - his week had been super tiring too. 

You were scrolling through your phone, when THOSE pics dropped.

HIM in a SUIT. Tight fitted back suit.

It disrupted your brain chemistry. And set your body on fire. It didn’t help that you were ovulating.

You had seen him in tight fitted suits before. But this time it hit different. He looked sharper, sexier, bulkier, stronger, more mature. This was a man, not the boy who had arrived from Dortmund last summer. One year at Madrid had turned him into a beast - a physical specimen, a mentality monster, a true-blue footballing legend in the making. 

This was a man who knew he was on top of the world. You couldn’t wait for him to get on top of you. 

‘Come home ASAP. Keep the suit on.’

Jude was intrigued when he saw the message, but the chaos around didn’t let him dwell on it too much. He just wanted to go home, to you.

He had barely gotten out of the car, when you practically ran out of the door and jumped on him. His chauffeur drove away swiftly, while Jude laughed & grabbed you with one arm, holding his bag in the other hand. Your arms and legs wrapped around him in a koala hug.

He effortlessly carried you inside, while you nipped and kissed every inch of skin on his face and neck you could get to. Exhaustion was long forgotten, as he tried to connect the dots of what was getting you so riled up.

But you were desperate. Feverish with need. Ready to combust any second.

‘Bedroom.’

It was an effort to peel your lips away from his skin long enough to utter this. But then you saw his charming toothy grin, which turned you on even more.

‘I’m sweaty & dirty.’

‘Good. Now move.’

You bit his lips. Hard. Not the gentle tugging he was accustomed to. But actual harsh digging of teeth into plump skin. Showing him you meant business. That time was not to be wasted.

He understood, swatted your ass in acknowledgement, and carried you upstairs to your shared bedroom.

Once inside, you took charge. Again something he wasn’t used to.

Pushing him to the middle of the room, you started undressing him. Ripping off his perfectly tailored coat, battling with the buttons of his skin-tight shirt, tugging at his tie harshly. But when he tried to do the same, you batted his hands away.

He cocked his head sideways, looking at you curiously, while you jostled with his belt buckle.

‘What’s gotten into you?

‘What’s important is what NEEDS TO GET INTO ME. YOU. But you aren’t moving FAST ENOUGH. Now sit.’

Amused, he sat down on the edge of the bed, still sizing you up. While you got rid of his trousers, shoes and socks. Leaving him in his black briefs. The bulge starting to show.

Jude had understood it was gonna be a different kind of a night. It was unchartered territory for both to see you so bold & forthright. He licked his freshly bitten lips at what was to come. But, he was also an eternal opportunist and knew when to pounce.

‘What do I get if I do as you say?’

‘Ummm SEX???’

‘Yeah - but your way.’

‘Fine. What do you want?’

‘You know what I want.’

‘NOT THAT.’

He wanted you to swallow, something you had been holding out on.

‘How about the other thing, then?

He wanted a sex tape, had been yapping about it for a while. 

‘Maybe. If you be a good boy now & play your cards right.’

His dick shot up at the words, struggling against his briefs, a movement both sets of eyes followed. No further verbal affirmation was needed.

‘Lie down.’

Obeying in bed was new for him. Especially with you. It had always been him tossing & bossing you around. Manhandling & manoeuvring you to his liking. But he decided to comply, for the sake of his prize. And for a new experience, which was starting to become thrilling.

You looked around for something to restrain him with, settling on his discarded tie. As you tried to tie both his hands together to the headboard, he chimed in with a helpful suggestion.

‘Belt will give a tighter grip.’

‘It will hurt.’

‘It won’t.’

But you didn’t want to take a chance, going with the tie instead. You tugged at the knot, satisfied. Then looked down at his almost naked, tied-down form. 

Jude had always been sexy, the sexiest man you had ever laid eyes on. But lying down like this, all obedient and pliant and inviting, ready to do your bidding, with a tentative smile & semi-anxious eyes, made you want to eat him whole. 

Stripping down to your undergarments, you sat on his waist, legs on either side of him, as your hands ran over his bare torso, admiring the rock-hard muscles. To him, you looked like a lioness on the prowl, sizing up her prey, before devouring it. He couldn’t wait to be devoured, itching for it now.

You pinched his perky nipples, hard, then bent down to suck on them ferociously. He hissed, as you repeated the action over & over, gazing into his eyes. Making him wonder if that’s how you felt the zillion times he had assaulted your tits like that. It was pleasurable, but it also made him super sensitive, almost sore, as he squirmed under your wet mouth.

With one final tug & flick, you let him go, moving to bite his flexing biceps. Leaving teeth marks all over. But tomorrow was an off day for him, and you. Enough time to recover. His team-mates won’t see the marks in the shower or in the sleeveless jerseys he was so fond of.

You slid down, tasting his abs now, licking the sweaty tight skin, tracing the dips and curves with your tongue. He was all hard muscle there, no fat. Your fingers played with his belly button, another trademark Jude move on you, and his back arched, feeling ticklish and needy now. 

Cupping him over his briefs, you stretched up to somehow find his lips in a sloppy kiss, while your hand slipped inside, finding him more than ready, his resulting grunt drowning in your mouth. 

‘Get on with it. Stop teasing now.’

Jude didn’t even need to look at you to know what you were doing. He had the habit of making you come on his fingers or mouth first, to open you up, before fucking you proper with his dick. You were returning the favour, stroking him vigorously, making him whine.

‘Please, not like this. Inside, please.’

You bit your lips seductively, batting your lashes at him, hand unwavering.

Removing the briefs, you took the leaking tip in your mouth, swirling your tongue around it. Your hand continuing to stroke the base. He arched his back and nearly leaped off the bed.

Your mouth moved to his meaty tree-trunk like thighs, grabbing hold of a mouthful of tight skin, biting down with abandon. Marking your territory. Revelling in the purple patches that were starting to form on his taut skin.

He twisted & turned on the bed, as you went back to lick the length of his member.

‘Please, baby. I love you. So much. Inside, my love.’

The bastard. He knew you would yield with this. And you did.

But also coz you really wanted to. Waiting to get him hard a second time was not an option, you could feel your own need soaking up your panties.

Ridding yourself of the remaining clothing, you started to slide down on him, hands planted behind on his thighs for balance. Jude moaned filthily, thankful for the familiar wet heat, squeezing him deliciously.

You rode him like your life depended on it, following your pleasure, learning from his moans too. Nails digging into his thighs and abs as you shifted balance, grinding on him, taking him deep, trying to find that spot which he usually found in only a few strokes.

‘Let me.’

You shook your head, this was going to be your thing. But no matter how much you tried and how good he felt inside, you knew he could do it better. Take you higher & deeper. Make you scream your lungs out.

‘C’monn doll, let me give you what you need, yeah?’

He knew your body, what made you tick, better than your own self. How, you had no clue. 

The moment you nodded, he pulled his hands away from the so-called hold, sitting up in bed, pinning both your hands behind you with one of his palms, while the other grabbed your ass.

You stared dumbfounded. Of course the grip was too meek for him. Of course he was just playing along for your sake. 

But you couldn’t dwell much on that since his mouth had found your chest, taking out all pent up need on your tits. The familiar sting unlocking mind-numbing sensations in you, like he knew it would.

His hips, thighs and one hand worked together to bounce you like a rag doll on him, and just like that, in a few seconds, he made you cry out by hitting your sweet spot. He hit it repeatedly, and your head spun, your body shuddered, your eyes watered, and your lips gasped his name. Your marauded fucked-out state and your clenching walls drawing him closer too.

You nearly came together, him a few seconds after you, but as always, he kept stroking sloppily, till every drop was safely inside, while you shuddered and shattered in his arms, on his cock.

You threw your head back and he slowly pulled out, laying you on your back, hovering over your spent form.

’10 minutes. Then my turn. And I’ll show you how a belt doesn’t hurt.’

He whispered in your ear, then slid away to find his DSLR, an extra skip in his step.

..............................................................................................

This man has ruined my life! I am not ok!

[aamputation]

SVSSS AU ... Benevolent System 0.2

related to -> [THIS] Shen Yuan art, just a lil bit i typed up and want to share

EDIT: added more! > [1st] [3rd]

He can’t recall a time where he's ever felt so light before, in his past life or even now. He grins, patting down his new body, flush with health and brimming with energy. If he focuses on his breathing, he can feel his qi and the way it circulates through his meridians, full and robust. It feels wild, and exhilaration takes him over, a laugh bursting forth.

“Hey, System, you sure the prices in the shop weren't glitches? This feels like it's too good to be true for a total of 45 B points…”

《 Answering [Host] … 》

《 This System promises it was not a glitch! 》

《  o(〒﹏〒)o  》

《 This System merely wishes to fulfill its promise to be of use to [Host] in the world of [Proud Immortal Demon Way]!! 》

Shen Yuan snorts; he’s never going to get over the fact that this baby system used kaomojis of all things to express itself. On one hand it's a bit alarming, the difference between the one that attached itself to him versus the original system that yoinked his soul into that extra-planar space to begin with. That system was undoubtedly an asshole and Shen Yuan would have absolutely hated being stuck with such an obnoxious tyrant. Yeah, while this particular system just reeks of didi energy, it sure beats whatever nasty vibes the OG system was putting off. Good fucking riddance!

“So I've still got 55 B-Points left…” he rubs his chin as he hums, staring into the semi-transparent, floating holo-display showing him the System Shop.

《 If this System may offer [Host] a suggestion? 》

“Yeah, sure, didi,” Shen Yuan replies absently, scrolling through some cultivation manuals available for purchase out of his price range, “go ahead.”

The System makes an alarming electronic noise that to his ears, sounds remarkably like a flustered keysmash. 

《 Di-didi!? {ERROR.404: Name not found} This System apologizes to [Host] but it does not understand– 》

“Ah, my bad. You just remind me of what having a baby brother might be like, so didi slipped out. I can just call you System if you would prefer–”

《 … 》

《 {REGISTERING.BS01.NAME:[DIDI]} 》

《 … [Host]  is more than welcome to call this System Didi. 》

《  (/▽＼*)  》

“Okay then, didi. What was your suggestion about the remaining B-Points?”

《 Answering [Host] ... 》

《  This Didi would recommend purchasing world-appropriate styling. [Host] comes from an alternate world, and modesty standards are different. Would [Host] like to view available options within his budget? 》

《  Y  /   N  》

Shen Yuan nods, “I should have thought of that–thanks, didi.” He clicks YES, curious as to what the little system will show him.

His System—Didi, now—vibrates a little, the holo-display sending off little pink sparks that look remarkably cute alongside the blue and purple color scheme. It immediately pulls up the section on xianxia fashion, again all with shockingly low prices. Shen Yuan raises a suspicious eyebrow.

《  (←‿←;)  》

Shaking his head in bemusement, Shen Yuan begins his selections. He already knows exactly what he's going to do once he lands in the PIDW universe—why he basically maxed out his constitution, dexterity, and cultivation potential: it’s all for the monsters! He's finally got the chance to observe up close all the incredible beasts Airplane wrote about as mere stepping stones for Binghe's path to conquest! Knowing his plan to get up close and personal in observing and learning about these super cool monsters, he’s got to be practical.

His clothing choices probably would leave his family horrified with how unassuming and bland they are—utilitarian, easy to move in, and all muted neutral colors. He does splurge and spend a whole 15 B-points on the qiankun belt pouch, but the opening is large enough to fit anything the circumference of his arm, so it should be fine for now! He can always get a bigger bag at a later date. His other splurge is the pair of cool eyeglasses he can’t help buying, even though they’re 10 B-points. His face would feel naked without glasses, he's worn them for so long! Left with 15 B-points after his mostly-frugal fashion choices, Shen Yuan goes to close out of the menu but Didi stops him.

《 [Host] is forgetting that his current hairstyle is inappropriate for the world setting! 》

The holo-display automatically opens up the hairstyle menu options, and Shen Yuan's heart drops.

“Didi, no way! I- There's no way I'm going to be able to manage hair like that!”

《 Answering [Host] … 》 

《 These are expected styles for a [righteous cultivator] within the [xianxia] genre! Closely cropped hair is for criminals and slaves, and [Host] is neither! 》

“No, absolutely not!” Shen Yuan crosses his arms, the leather of his new arm guards creaking slightly with the movement. “Didi, I'm going to be studying monsters, okay? Big, scary, drooling oozing beasts. There’s going to be sludge and slime and probably shit, do you really think I'm going to have time every day to do my hair of all things?”

《 We- Well– 》

“No! The answer, didi, is no! I'm probably going to be a wandering cultivator once I get into the PIDW world, okay? I'm not exactly going to be living in comfort. Where would I even get the resources to take care of stuff like that? Huh?”

《 … 》

《 … [Host] has made his point. This Didi will remove excessively long hairstyles while remaining within style parameters for the world of [Proud Immortal Demon Way]. 》

Smugly, Shen Yuan grins at the holo-display, watching as the hair options dwindle down to a total of five. He immediately picks the shortest of them all, even if a below-chin length bob still feels like it's too long. Didi makes an electronic grating noise that to Shen Yuan's ears sounds somewhat distressed. He pointedly ignores it and idly runs his fingers through his new hairstyle, poking at the simple guan and hair ribbon that came with it. Meh. Good enough.

Alright, he thinks to himself, that leaves me with 10 B-points. There doesn't seem to be anything else in the System Shop that he can afford with the meagre currency he has left, not to mention his suspicion that he ought to keep at least a few points, just in case. He puts his hands on his hips and closes out of the Shop decisively. 

“Well, the only thing I’m missing is a weapon. I can’t afford anything else aside from this simple fan I bought in the Shop, but it’s going to have to do for now.”

《 … this Didi believes it can open the correct pathways to allow [Host] to find his own spiritual weapon within the world of [Proud Immortal Demon Way]. 》

《 Is [Host] amenable to this Didi’s suggestion? 》

《 (*•̀ᴗ•́*) 》

《  Y  /   N  》

Shrugging, Shen Yuan taps the YES on the holo-display. “I guess so. Hey, quick question! Will anyone else be able to see you after you drop me in there? Like, how do I interact with you?”

《 Answering [Host] … 》

《 This Didi is tethered to [Host]'s soul, only [Host] and other potential [Hosts] can see this Didi. Interfacing with this Didi can be done with a thought. 》

“So the holo-display will pop up if I need to interact with you? That seems… kinda awkward. Really breaks the immersion, doesn’t it?”

《 … 》

《 This Didi understands [Host]'s concern! Would [Host] like this Didi to synchronize with the [Plain White Hand Fan] he purchased from the {System.Store}? 》

《  Y  /   N  》

Shen Yuan stares at the YES / NO hovering before him, chewing his lower lip. “So you’d be… living in my fan, basically?”

《 Answering [Host] … 》

《 This Didi will not appear to [Host] while within the world of [Proud Immortal Demon Way] as an interface screen due to [Host]'s desire for deeper immersion. [Host]'s hand fan will serve as medium for all interactions with this Didi during his transmigration experience. Should [Host] wish to interface directly with this Didi, he only needs to say so. Otherwise, all needs can and will be met while this Didi remains within the confines of the [Plain White Hand Fan]{System.Store_PlWhite.Hand-Fan.pkg}. 》

“And will you being part of my fan grant it any special capabilities? Like, maybe… turning it into a cool weapon since I don’t have one?”

《 This Didi can modify the content code of {System.Store_PlWhite.Hand-Fan.pkg}, yes. Would [Host] like this Didi to implement code changes? 》

《  Y  /   N  》

“Yes!”

《 {INITIALIZING … [BS01_DIDI.EXE]{System.Store_PlWhite.Hand-Fan.pkg}  INTEGRATION.DAT} 》

Shen Yuan can’t help the tiny gasp that escapes him as the holo-display he’s started to become used to glitches and flickers out of existence. The simple fan he’d bought from the System Shop is forcibly pulled from the confines of his qiankun pouch and with a flash of absurdly bright light and a loud, electronic crackling noise, collides with the glitchy holo-display and explodes in a shower of sparks. The The fan returns to Shen Yuan’s hand, and he flicks it open on a reflex. There, staring back at him, is a message box plastered across the once-blank white surface. If squints, he can see the rapidly developing hex markings and digital-looking tracks that crawl out across the white silk like vines. He still hears didi’s voice in his mind, the Google Translate voice beginning to grow on him as it tracks its integration progress.

《 «𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡... 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎…» 》

《  ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 0%   》

《  █▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 8%  》

《  ███▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 29%  》

《  █████▒▒▒▒▒ 50%  》

《  ███████▒▒▒ 83%  》

《  ██████████ 100% ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇ!  》

《 «𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠…» 》

《 {INITIALIZING}[BSF01_DIDI.EXE]INTEGRATION.DAT} 》

Shen Yuan blinks down at the fan in his hands as it vibrates and shivers before fluttering with a spray of pink and purple sparkles. 

《 Greetings, [Host]! 》

《 This Didi has successfully integrated with [Host]'s {System.Store}  purchase. [Host]'s [Plain White Hand Fan]  has evolved into the [Benevolent System Fan] and can boast many new capabilities. This Didi is also eager to serve [Host]  as he journeys through the world of [Proud Immortal Demon Way]! 》

《 o(≧▽≦)o 》

《 (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ 》

《 (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ 》

[1st] < > [3rd]

shout out to adornedwithlight for the reblog banner

[bibookdemon]

(MDNI WITH THIS POST!!!)

Thinking of cumplane

Please feel free to message me about cumplane AAAA

Need more cumplane mooties

Also if you're afraid to message first, feel free to comment and I'll message you first uwu

A thought for a fic below the cut:

Thinking of a fic where SQH and SY haven't met yet

Wherein SQH is a horny little beast and one of the things he absolutely loves is being degraded. So after he posts a chapter, he turns off his computer, grabs his phone, and disappears to the couch (that folds down into a bed) and waits for a bit, maybe scrolls through his socials or watches some meme videos

And before too long, he hears the telltale ding of a comment, and he knows it's SY because he's turned off notifications for any of the other comments, and besides, SY almost ALWAYS comments first.

And so he opens the comment and he slowly slips his hand in his pants and rubs over himself

And he's so *so wet* even when he's only a couple sentences in because he knows just how much SY 'hates' PIDW (why does he continue reading it???) and despises the author because it's so 'disgustingly written' and that's really fuckin hot

His most-detailed comment writer, his biggest hater (fan) telling him all about his shortcomings. (He honestly rewrote the entirety of PIDW + gave it an actual ending + updates it occasionally when SY comments to add in smth he said - simply to gift to SY. He just hasn't worked up the courage to message him and tell him all about it. Cause he has a big fat crush. He really kinda sorta super wants to ask SY out.)

Anywho, he imagines he's straddling one of SY's thighs - he doesn't know what he looks like but he imagines some nerdy but strangely alluring and somewhat strict-looking guy - and rutting against it as SY types out a comment on his latest chapter

He imagines SY stopping his typing every so often to direct his words and attention to SQH, just telling him how pathetic he is, how his writing is sub-par, how he must be such a nasty-minded person to write such extensive smut scenarios, how SY doesn't even help him get off, just makes him move back and forth until he finally finds his release.

And probably scolds him for making such a mess, but SQH can't help it, he really can't when someone is speaking to him the way SY is speaking to him-

And it's during his post-orgasmic haze that he exits the comment and decides to message SY (I reckon there's a DM feature and while SY has his DMs set to limited, they're open to authors and friends messaging him)

And he gives SY a time and address for a local cheap coffee shop. Not really fancy, but the only place he can afford at the moment. And he just says smth like: 'Meet up with me here, we can work out our differences.' His brain is too muddled to dwell on the fact that he has no idea where SY is from and that his message is honestly so vague and weird that SY is probably horrified.

He falls asleep pretty quickly, and when he wakes up, he sees the message he sent, regrets it, but then rushes to get ready cause HE GAVE A TIME FOR THE NEXT FUCKING DAY?! He rushes to get the alt version novel printed and grabs his best clothes, then he's out.

He probably takes the train, and he's glancing at his phone anxiously every so often, and he's late, but then he's there, shoving the door open to the shop-

He spots SY in the corner, just sipping on a coffee, typing furiously on his laptop, looking like he hasn't slept in a long while his eyebags are so big. Also his glasses are taped in the middle. (I personally think that SY is such a shut-in that he takes forever to go out and get new glasses despite being perfectly financially stable...)

And he sits down in front of him, and he plops his stack of papers on the table. He doesn't say anything, he's honestly really nervous now and kinda guilty about the fact that he's been getting off to this guy's comments but...wow. SY is actually fucking gorgeous. Well, to him. He has a few acne scars, but his face is otherwise clear, and there's the tiniest bit of chub left in his cheeks, yet his cheekbones are still pronounced. His eyebrows are perfect, his hair is short and silky and frames his hair perfectly. And holy shit he really wishes he could get a look at the body beneath the clothes. Because if the rest of him is like his face...he's totally SQH's type.

But he doesn't say anything. And then SQH goes to open his mouth and say smth and SY stops typing and looks up at him and slowly closes his laptop. He looks strict with the look he has on his face currently: Intense, sharp, tired, but focused.

And then he sighs and it all kinda melts away and he actually looks really awkward/anxious as he looks at the table, and SQH can see him fiddling with his hands. And he just mutters: "Look bro, those comments weren't actually meant to be that mean, and I came because I wanted to say sorry, and I'm sure there are reasons for it...idk bro you seem chill? It's your story, and you're human, and it has nothing to do with my thoughts and opinions and-"

And SQH just slaps the stack of papers and slides them over toward SY. "Dude. I know PIDW is crap. I have to pay the bills." And he's not trying to be mean or anything about it, he couldn't care less what SY thinks (but also he's internally screaming BITCH IF YOU DONT KEEP ROASTING MY STORY IM GONNA FUCKING DIE-) he's just pretty straightforward. (I think when he's nervous he goes quiet, and he'll ramble when he's comfy around someone.)

And SY is just like "???" And he flips through some of the papers and his eyes go wide and there's just this SPARKLE in them (SQH thinks it's the cutest thing he's ever seen and he wants to kiss those beautiful eyes) and he's like "Bro, is this what I think it is?!" And SQH nods and SY just wiggles in his seat with this stupidly huge grin and starts reading through it, and every few seconds he points out smth he likes, or smth he didn't see coming, or etc etc. And they literally sit at that table and make conversation about this alt PIDW and SQH is happy and SY is happy. And then SQH realizes it's been a hot minute and he probably should get home and etc etc

But SY looks absolutely upset about this because he NEEDS to rant about this alt version because he's so fucking in love with it and even messaging SQH his every thought isn't enough

So SQH invites him over (totally a great idea. Did he ever clean up the wet stain on his couch from...?) And SY is immediately like NO I CANT IMPOSE + he doesn't want the vibe to change and mess up SQH's writing, so he invites him to the hotel he's staying at and SQH is so relieved and immediately says YES

And they pack their stuff up and go outside and he starts walking in the direction of the train station when he hears a beep beep, and there's this luxurious-ass car that SY is getting into. And he tries (and fails) to hide his surprise because is SY rich?!

Upon arriving at the hotel, yeah, yeah he's rich. They're at the fanciest place in town, and they go almost to the very top. It's a large suite. And then SY apologizes for not getting a larger room, it was just really short notice, and SQH is just 'dobdoavd9svs9acs9svs9vxozv' malfunctioning.

Anyway, after he gets over it, they start talking about alt PIDW. Hours and hours and hours pass like that. It's a long novel, so suddenly it's 2 or 3 in the morning, and they're not even halfway through (SY is a really fast reader holy shit) and SQH realizes it's time for him to go home. So he goes to get up (when did they end up in the bed together, side by side?) And SY grabs his wrist because he doesn't want him to go yet he NEEDS to binge alt PIDW and suddenly SQH is tumbling down, right onto him.

Their noses are just barely brushing, their eyes are locked onto each other, and maybe it's just SQH but are they both red and breathing a bit harder?

And then SY just asks: "Do you like boys?"

And SQH can only nod once, slowly, and then they're kissing, lips smashing together, and SQH is decent at kissing, and SY is...not but oh well, and they're tugging at each other, and they're breathless, and when they break away from the kiss they're both panting and tousled.

SQH: Please tell me that wasn't just me (even when SY very obviously was a happy participant, he's still worried cause holy fuck is he really...?!?!?!?)

SY: Y-yeah. If you wanna? Or is it weird that like- I never imagined you'd be this...hot, Airplane-Bro. (And he's blushing and can't look SQH in the eyes) I kinda always imagined you to be like...idek.

SQH: Well...I'm not whatever you imagined? I guess? ... I don't think it's weird? I mean, you weren't exactly wrong when you typed your comments (he shudders at the thought) about the fact I'm just a...horny little bastard.

SY: Sorry. Heh. About that. But um. I guess it's a good thing you *are*? Right?

SQH: Right. So you're cool with this?

SY: Yeah, yeah. Definitely. Please. Oh! Uh, I just realized, um, names. I'm Shen Yuan.

SQH: I'm Shang Qinghua.

And then they're pausing awkwardly, briefly, before they're kissing again, and then the clothes are pulled off, then they're figuring out what feels great to the other, and they're just setting up a decent rhythm.

They eventually finish alt PIDW together. And SQH, once again brave in his post-orgasmic haze, asks to date SY. And then he also admits he wants SY to keep commenting with as much ferocity as usual. He explains why and SY just goes bright red, but he's so down.

SY does have to return home soon, but he makes arrangements for SQH to move in not long after (a couple months at MOST, which were spent traveling back and forth by SY) - "Look bro, I absolutely need any updates to the alt, any insights, any brainstorming, to be said aloud IMMEDIATELY" - "You just want the great sex and cuddles" (SQH has become very teasing very quickly, and very confident in his sexuality, tho SY is still rather shy about it) - and SY goes bright red as usual XD

If you've read this far, PLEASE MESSAGE ME OH MY GOD. I NEED TO RANT ABOUT CUMPLANE MORE. And also if I do write fics for them I'll send you snippets. :3

And yeah. *thumbs up*

Have I fed you well, gremlins???

One last note: T4T cumplane my beloved

(SQH is on T and has had a breast reduction, SY is on T and has had top surgery but no bottom surgery, which he's still deciding if he wants or not.)

(ALSO - they do get to degrading eventually but SY is very nervous about it at first aha)

[persphonesrose00-blog]

Courtship💗 (oneshot)

~Azzi Fudd is in her super senior season at UConn, while her girlfriend Paige Bueckers is in her second year with the Dallas Wings. Navigating their busy lives and long-distance relationship isn’t easy, but between supportive friends, late-night calls, and game day rituals, they make it work.

Azzi Fudd sat in the UConn locker room, still buzzing from the Huskies' gritty win against South Carolina. Her 28-point game had cemented her as the team’s leader, and the entire country was watching as UConn charged toward another Final Four. But as the team celebrated, Azzi was already on her phone, scrolling through messages. There it was: "You were a beast tonight. I’m so proud of you. Call me when you can. Love you💗." Azzi grinned, her thumb hovering over the FaceTime button.

She ducked out of the noisy locker room to find a quieter spot in the hallway. The screen lit up with Paige’s face, her blonde hair tied back and her Dallas Wings hoodie slightly wrinkled from what was probably a grueling practice. Despite the distance and late hour, Paige’s eyes sparkled with the same warmth Azzi fell for years ago. “Hey, superstar,” Paige teased, her smirk familiar and comforting. “Look who’s talking,” Azzi shot back, leaning against the wall. “How’s Dallas treating you?”

“Good. Busy, though. Arike keeps dragging me into TikToks, and Nika is still the loudest person in the room. Same old.” Paige laughed, then tilted her head. “But tell me about tonight. I saw the highlights—you were unstoppable.”Azzi tried to play it cool, shrugging. “Just doing my job.”

“Your job is making the rest of us look bad,” Paige quipped. “Seriously, Azzi, you were amazing. I wish I could’ve been there.”Azzi softened. “Me too. But I’ll see you this weekend when you’re in Connecticut.”

“Can’t wait,” Paige said, her smile turning tender. “Now go celebrate with your team, okay? We’ll talk later.” Two days later, the Dallas Wings flew into Connecticut for their matchup against the Sun. Paige was thrilled to be back on the East Coast, but her excitement had little to do with basketball. “Someone’s extra motivated today,” Nika Mühl teased as they boarded the team bus.

“Leave her alone,” Aaliyah Edwards chimed in, smirking. “You know she’s just trying to impress Azzi.” Paige rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. “You two should talk. You’re just as bad with your FaceTimes after games.” Nika grinned. “Hey, can you blame us? Long-distance love is hard.”

“Exactly,” Paige said.---Game day arrived, and Azzi was courtside, decked out in a custom Wings jersey with “BUECKERS” emblazoned across the back. She sat with her former UConn teammates and best friends, Lou Lopez-Sénéchal and Caroline Ducharme, who had made the trip to cheer on both Azzi and their pro friends. As the Wings warmed up, Paige caught Azzi’s eye across the court. Azzi gave her a subtle wave, and Paige’s grin widened. “Focus, Bueckers,” Nika called from the layup line, smirking.

“I’m focused!” Paige shot back, though the quick glance at Azzi betrayed her. The game was a hard-fought battle, with Paige showing off her playmaking skills alongside Nika and Aaliyah, who were thriving in their rookie seasons. Paige finished with 19 points and 9 assists, and Dallas secured the win in the final minutes. After the buzzer, Paige headed straight toward Azzi, dodging reporters and fans.“You killed it,” Azzi said, beaming up at her. “You’re just saying that because you love me," Paige teased. “Maybe,” Azzi admitted, tugging on the hem of Paige’s jersey. “But I’m also right.”

Later that night, Paige and Azzi sat in Azzi’s apartment, sharing takeout and reliving the game. Paige had traded her Wings jersey for one of Azzi’s UConn hoodies, and Azzi was curled up beside her, scrolling through social media. “Look,” Azzi said, holding up her phone. “Someone made a meme of you looking at me during warmups. ‘Paige Bueckers: professional WNBA player, amateur simp.’” Paige groaned, but her smile betrayed her.

“You’re lucky I don’t mind being your biggest fan.” Azzi leaned her head on Paige’s shoulder. “You’ll always be my favorite, you know.”

“Good,” Paige murmured, pressing a kiss to Azzi’s hair. “Because you’re mine, too.” For now, they were balancing two demanding worlds, but the thought of sharing the court again—this time as WNBA teammates—kept them grounded. Until then, they’d keep showing up for each other, one game, one call, one moment at a time.

(first fanfic, how'd I do?)

[ranticore]

I get that “making” the Holy Beasts is a huge undertaking that would obviously require a lot of manpower but I was curious as to whether the people who actually design and make the beasts are in this covert organisation within the Church where everything is super duper secret in a similar manner to Lockheed’s Skunk Works?

kinda yeah. the enginesmiths are broken into two broad groups; those who design & work on holy beast engines, and those who design and build smaller, less important engines. within the first group, masters of the craft may go on to have instrumental roles in making a 'new' holy beast. these are chosen based on papal favour or, occasionally, the outcome of a vision or prophecy experienced while inhaling exhaust fumes.

'new' holy beasts are rare to non-existent, so often what you're actually making is just a more modern part to fit an older chassis. Mercury Luca, for example, was granted the privilege of designing the heart of Saint Leun [Leun being quite modern but based off an older chassis design]. The heart would have been made from scratch based on Luca's original design.

although the construction work is often impossible to hide (given the scale of it all and the resources required), the actual secrets are hidden in the construction diagrams and blue-prints. there'd be thousands of these for each beast, diagrams and drawings of every single part from the bolts to the furnace. these are held in reliquaries within the scribe sect. copies are made frequently, for redundancy's sake, but the scribes and illuminators that handle them take a vow of silence and are forbidden to interact with anyone outside their enclave.

the way it goes is: a Master Mercury produces a series of scale model prototypes, selects the best one, and sends it to illuminators to be rendered in ink. the blueprints are then sent to the appropriate Master Mars armoursmiths (usually those in the same stable as the Master Mercury, so they can work closely side by side). the armoursmiths fabricate the engine parts. It is assembled by the enginesmiths under the direct supervision of the Master Mercury. only the master has the clearance to actually test the engine with fuel as these engines lack a timing chain - they must be played like an instrument to keep time, and only the master can do this as it is their design and they have the skill required to do it. once it has proven to work, more instruction diagrams are made, sent off, copied, etc, and slowly the other components of the beast are introduced to the new engine and tested to ensure compatibility.

the note-keeping is extremely thorough at every stage because no one's ever gonna forget the embarrassment and shame of having all their scrolls in one figurative basket and that basket going up in flames, leaving a holy beast completely unrepairable in centuries past.

[quitealotofsodapop]

The incident with the Samhadi Fire, as well as Wukong's distraction of Azure being the turning point that allowed the Queen Mother to escape being killed alongside her husband, Li Jing himself being spared from dying at the Rhino King's hand by Wukong deciding to take offense at him and attack during the Journey, and many other incidents where Wukong had dome soem seemingly selfish or impulsive thing that ended up inadvertently saving someone often without them even knowing are all gathered together as evidence that this is a thing that happened. Mainly because the concept itself is so unbelievable to them that they built a whole conspiracy board to try to find the link to why so many fates got averted and they all led back to a certain monkey

Prev.

The Celestials connecting their avoided deaths and times Wukong was involved like:

Though many have a newfound paranoia for the Monkey King, others find a new appreciation.

Erlang, reading his Draft Scroll: "What on earth? Why does this say I died of old age soon after the Investiture crisis?" Erlang: (*mentally computing the dates*) Erlang: "Ah. Me and the Plum Hill Lads were given Lao Tzu's pills as reward for capturing Wukong. I suppose if I hadn't pulled that off, Uncle would have been content to let me die as a half-mortal..." Erlang, putting his scroll away: "Thank you, old friend."

The Queen Mother herself both thanks and damns the monkey. For although his actions saved her and her daughters, they still caused her to be forever separated from her husband. But she admits that she would have also torn Heaven asunder to secure her mate's health, as the King had done for his Warrior.

Li Jing is shocked of course. When the Rhino King had stolen everyone's astras and weapons, the Heavenly General was left unarmed. Had the divine beast decided to attack head-on, it was likely that Li Jing's mortal origins would have betrayed his body.

And its not just Wukong who's been unknowingly saving people...

Mei, deep into her family's draft scrolls: "Hey Pigsy! You want to see what your's says?" Pigsy: "Absolutely not! Knowing that kinda stuff just spells disaster." MK, panicked holding Pigsy's scroll: "BUT THIS SAID YOU DIED TWENTY YEARS AGO!!" Pigsy: "WHAT!?"

Yup, right there on the bamboo in white and black.

Twenty years ago, January 15. Kitchen gas explosion?

Pigsy scrunches his face with confusion. When the heck was he around bad kitchen equipment? He treats his restaurant like a temple!

Well... except for when he was starting out obviously He was a younger boar then, and a lot more pig-headed. He had wanted to open up immediately, no matter if the equipment that came with the building was decades old and could probably give him tetanus.

But Pigsy had ultimately decided to take a few weeks off and renovate the restaurant. it had been a huge hit to his pockets, but luckily Tang pooled his meagre inheritance together to help out.

Pigsy is pretty sure that Monkey King wasn't involved in all of that.

MK, super worried: "Pigsy, are you 100% sure that nothing weird or Monkey King-related happened on that date twenty years ago?" Pigsy, thinking: "Weird? I mean uh..."

Pigsy, trying to play it as normal: "I mean. I did have to do some baby-proofing, but nothing out of the ordinary." Tang, half-teasing: "Liar. I caught you crying at 4am on the kitchen floor, tearing up all the electricals because you didn't want your little piglet touching anything with a sketchy wire." Pigsy, defensive: "He could climb, Tang! And he chewed anything he got his teeth on! I had to put that bad-tasting spray they make for dogs on all the extension cords!" MK, quietly: "Did... did I help Pigsy avoid that explosion? When I was a baby?" Mei, supportive: "Well... you are Monkey King's mini-me. It makes sense that you inherited some of that changing course of planets and fate power!" MK, thinks back to the Pillar: "Oh."

So yeah. Monkeys of positive chaos, saving their friends and enemies with their presence.

[unfriedough]

Hi super sorry if your request aren’t open.

I had this thought about Zuko x waterbending reader and maybe they could be related to Hama (like a grandma or something) and r basically it’s difficult to explain but Zuko and reader started dating after the war and he tries really hard to get Hamas approval because he’s from the fire nation and Hama ends up sorta accepting him but is still hella weary about him

‘Dinner’- Zuko x female!reader

An: HIYA! So as to not be annoying I’m leaving my lil disappearance explanation at the bottom, enjoy 🫶

(As usual, thank you for your request and patience it means a lot 💕)

Warnings: fighting/agression but it’s brief dw (this is also a very short piece)

You smiled as a candle flickered in your room, kicking your feet as you read a letter your boyfriend, Zuko, wrote to you. He detailed in it his most recent endeavours as a fire lord, as well as affirmed that he could in fact come for a visit. You had been planning to move to his palace soon, as per his request, but he was afraid your grandmother, Hama, a ruthless fire nation hating blood bender who might just hate Zuko, would not be on board. You decided the easiest way was to have them both over for food, and you’d prepared a huge feast of different delicacies of both nations. Zuko was meant to arrive in about an hour, and Hama was already down stairs washing up. She vaguely knew you were going to introduce her to someone, just not entirely aware of who. You shoved the scroll into another backpack you packed for your move, which was supposed to take place a week from now if all goes well.

You walked over to the window sill and sat on a cushion you placed on the protruding wooden part, sighing. You wandered in an endless maze of thoughts, until a face appeared in front of you. You squeaked, almost falling backwards but you caught yourself. Shaking your head, you unlocked the window and pulled zuko in.

“Dude?” You questioned, pulling him in for a hug.

He smelled like the sea, you noted, originally expecting the smell of a certain beast on him.

“Sorry- I got nervous,” you giggled, pinching his pouty cheeks.

He grinned, dipping you into a passionate kiss that screamed ‘I miss you’ in every language. His hand trailed to your back, and yours his hair. Just as things began to escalate, the door swung open.

“YN!”

Immediately, you pushed him away, and he stumbled backwards. Both your eyes landed on your grandma, who was as pale as a ghost.

“I can explain!”

“What kind of nonsense is this?”

Zuko was frozen, from the long list of things that could've gone wrong, this did not even make the top one hundred list.

“Grandma, this is Zuko,” you calmed down, “My boyfriend,”

He snapped out of his trance and extended an arm to shake with her. She walked out, leaving a small stone to prevent the door from closing again.

“Sorry about her,” you groaned, embarrassed that she left him hanging.

He retreated his arm, shoving it into his pocket, “She already thinks I suck. It’s over.”

“It’s okay she’s easy to win over,” you smiled sweetly, contrasting the lies that currently fled your lips.

Stiff, awkward, weird… all of the above.

You couldn’t relax for this dinner, things were so tense after what just happened. He didn’t even get to say hello before she saw his tongue down your throat and now she probably is a hair away from blood bending him into a ball. And he could tell she hated him- when he asked you to pass him a spoon she threw it at him. She missed…

“So, why don’t you tell her about yourself Zuko,” you broke the silence.

His eyes widened, suddenly being put on the spot, “Well I-uh-um-“ he coughed.

“He helped the avatar end a hundred year war,” you chimed in.

“Yeah so he can start a 200 year war all on his own,” she remarked, glaring at him. “All fire folks are the same,”

“Gram, give him a chance, he’s trying his best,” you held his hand over the table, rubbing your thumb in comforting circles.

Suddenly, a fork came hurling at you, and when you both dodged your hands away, you found it embedded in the table.

“Right…” you breathed out.

She stood up abruptly, folding her arms, “Yn, come outside, now,”

“Yes ma’am,” you replied, looking back at Zuko with a worried expression.

You shut the creaky wooden door behind you and adjusted your garments as you stood by here on the patio.

“A fire nation boy?”

“He’s different… he’s not what you think he is,”

“That’s what they all say Yn, he’s bad news.”

“What about him is bad news?”

“Everything. Especially the fact that he’s a ticking time bomb.”

“He’s a good man.”

“Are you forgetting his past? He attacked the avatar!” Your eyes widened, “That’s right, I did my research… I know every little thing he did and so help me if you dare leave this house with him I will make sure that’s the last time either of you see each other.”

“You can’t do that!”

“Who’s gonna stop me?”

Your eyes brimmed with tears- it was one thing to ban you from seeing him, but a completely other thing to treat you like a child. You were old enough to make these decisions on your own. You huffed, storming back inside and waltzing into your bedroom, slamming the door with a lot of force.

Hama sat back down at the table, smiling before she flipped it onto Zuko. He gasped, standing up quickly to avoid being crushed. She stomped around the table and got up in his face, grabbing the collar of his shirt. She was surprisingly strong for her ancient age.

“What do you want from her?”

“To be with her,”

“Why?”

“Because I love her,”

“WHY?”

“WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?”

She pushed him onto the ground, lifting her arm as if about to bloodbend him. He’d heard the tales of what she was capable of from his friends, and he felt his heart drop.

Zuko froze, waiting, shielding himself and closing his eyes.

“Aren’t you gonna firebend?” She asked, a bitter sounding tone.

“No.”

Just then, you exited your room, finally having collected your bearings. There, you found Zuko almost curled up on himself, and Hama glaring at him. He breathed heavily, and she looked as if a blood vessel was about to pop. You immediately rushed to his side, helping him up to his feet and checking him for wounds. He was fine of course.

Your hand brushed against his cheek and he closed his eyes, humming, “I’m fine,”

“What did you do?” You yelled, looking at the old lady.

“I tested him.”

You laughed sarcastically, “And did he pass,”

“With flying colours,” 2 out of 3 pairs of eyebrows flew upwards, you and Zuko exchanged glances. “For now,”

After a bit of cleaning up, you finished the night with Zuko in your bedroom, sitting at your desk.

“Is everything okay?” You asked, leaning against the table.

“If she doesn’t even want me near you, how on Earth are you going to move in with me?”

“That’s… that’s a great question.”

An: OKAY SO idek where to start I basically obv got back to school and I had exams and then even MORE EXAMS coming up (send help) BUUUT I mainly just lost my spark and interest in writing but it feels wrong to continue to ignore my inbox so I’m gonna try my best to clear it soon. If you have requested I’m genuinely so so sorry it’s taken this long I’m sure you’re mad at me but hopefully not too mad don’t hate me okay bye love you 🩷

[xmonday-mintx]

Super Beast Scroll! 🎨🖌️

[burningcheese-merchant]

merchant I was browsing the crk wiki at random and was super impressed at how well-researched mystic flour's entire page was. they wrote such an in-depth analysis on her personality and ended on a beautiful metaphor with how her relationship with dark cacao is: "like how a white cloud would contrast a black stone. Instead of standing as a bulwark against conflict, she envelops others in a fog of visions to obscure their path forward and render them helpless, until they have no choice but to acknowledge their own futile actions. But though a cloud can never be harmed by a stone, a stone can never be moved by a cloud in return" like holy crap I really recommend reading the entire thing it's amazingly well written. then I thought "I need to see what they wrote about the relationships between other beasts and their ancients." I got to burning spice next. scroll down. motherfucker has 2 small paragraphs describing his personality in the most barebone sense 🫠 NO METHAPHOR NO NOTHING... Smlik is better but not by much... there is clear favortism afoot in this wiki 🤨

I've read it before lol. It is, indeed, well written. Hats off to the mod responsible.

... But yeah, Burning Spice is the middle child of the Beasts so far and it really shows lol. Both on the wiki and with Devsisters themselves. Dude didn't even get a countdown while Mystic Flour and Shadow Milk did and then some. Shadow Milk gets an hour-long commentary video, a limited edition plushie, a billion different sprites, even Devsis' avatar on YouTube is Shadow Milk's stupid, ugly clown mug. What does Burning Spice get? Not even a decent wiki entry smh

He's based on Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. There's so much that can be said with that. There's so much that can be said about his dynamic with Golden Cheese. How they compare and contrast. How GC herself mirrors aspects of Hindu mythology, just like he does, in tandem with him. I could honestly go on about it forever because I actually did look into it out of curiosity, and the parallels are unreal. Everybody did them BOTH dirty tbh, can't believe the disrespect

Maybe they don't acknowledge how GC fits in with BS in that particular context because then they'd have to admit that she is disturbingly close to being like Parvati, Shiva's beloved wife, without whom he cannot function lmaooooooo

[hrrtshape]

you give former gacha kid vibes with the old songs still on your playlist

bro i WAS. i WASSSSSS. i think i mentioned this too, somewhere….but you don't understand. 2017-2020 gacha era emma was like. a beast. a soldier. a war criminal. i didn't even have apps on my phone. just the gmail app and raw determination. i accessed youtube the same way early christians accessed forbidden scrolls, secretly, desperately, illegally. and it was gacha. ONLY gacha. gacha life, gacha studio, gacha verse, gacha club. all of it. all-consuming. been there done that.

the memes (which were edits and not memes. still bitter about that misuse of language) ran my brain like an occupying force. like why was a sad purple wolf girl falling into darkness to an ncs song meanwhile "kinemaster" was at the top right corner……… why was "heathens" by twenty one pilots considered sacred text??? i'll never know. i'll never heal. but it made me.

anyways evil doesn’t die, it reinvents itself and i need a glass of champagne. nightcore > sped up. i see you. and yea maybe i cried to a sad gacha video set to "i'm only human" by christina perri. so what. sue me.

also i kind of got nostalgic and proceeded to scroll on youtube trying to find anything from 6 years ago (HUH) and i saw this (youtube link) AND GRAH. the second one was my favourite thing on earth for a bit i think. like yea maybe i was super cringe but like. YOUDONTUNDERSTAND😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭THISWASCOACHELLA2016YOUDONTUNDERSTANDNNDDNDNNDNDNDND

[blueteller]

Hi, dear cool person! Do you happen to know if all magic circles in lcf are drawn on the ground or if some types can be done in the air? Do they need a physical surface for them to work? I got a little confused by that and couldn't find an explanation yet (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)

Hello, "dear cool person"! 😊 I admit, no one ever brought up that kind of question to me, and I think it's worth investigating!

First of all, to make things clear: TCF/LCF uses what we call "Soft Magic System". In other word, the rules concerning magic are vague, without much elaboration from the narrative – which I have to add, does NOT equal poor world-building.

People often toss around Fullmetal Alchemist as an example of good world-building (which everybody who knows me is probably aware, is one of my favorite series of all time), without understanding that FMA uses "Hard Magic System" as it plays a vital role in the story. How alchemy works is very important to the plot and its themes. While my inner nerd absolutely loves it, I must remind myself that it's not a required element for a story to be well crafted. There are many series which go into great detail about their magic systems, but that doesn't actually guarantee it will be successful in making the story enjoyable.

"Soft" or "Hard" magical world-building, what actually matters is how it's used.

So, in TCF we are dealing with "Soft Magic System", because how magic works is never actually important to the story itself; what the characters are doing matters far more than what exact tools and powers they're using. The "what" of their capabilities is always more emphasized over the "how".

Obviously, we know some of what magic can do, as we get many example throughout the series. We also know that there are multiple other powers in that world aside from mana-based magic. For example, regular magic can be used to create fire, cast illusions, teleport, levitate objects, and even for telepathic communication. Dead mana magic can be also used in similar ways, like casting illusions or creating light. There are also powers of Nature, Beast People abilities, Earth Abilities, Divine Powers, and quite a few of others.

But the question is about arrays specifically. Let's try to find a couple of examples to work with.

We know that circles CAN be drawn, at the very least. The earliest instance of an array being used was way back during the Plaza Terror Incident, when blood-crazy mage Redika tore up a teleportation scroll to escape the plaza. So we see that certain spells can be pre-made and are one-use only, which makes sense. Not everyone seems capable of teleportation, especially long-distance. Remember, Dragons are super rare and the fact that Cale has basically unlimited access to instant teleportation through Raon is basically cheating lol. I assume it's both difficult and expensive to create even a single scroll like that. It requires lots of effort and preparation, not to mention it's set for a given location – the word "coordinates" is often dropped throughout the story.

We also know that circles can be created through magic in an instance, as that's basically what Raon and Eruhaben do every time they teleport. But once again, they're Dragons, so I assume you have to be Arch Mage level to do that type of stuff without literally drawing the array. Definitely not something Redika was capable of. I also suspect Rosalyn could do that, but that's because she's a rare talent of her own – not to mention how Eruhaben taught her on top of it.

I struggle to find any example of array-based magic that ISN'T about teleportation, however. Perhaps all arrays ARE meant exclusively for transportation in TCF? Feel free to correct me if you find any evidence to the contrary. Another example that comes to my mind is when they were teleporting the Castle of Light, later re-named Black Castle, into the Forest of Darkness. We know it required a huge amount of power, which was why Eruhaben asked Cale for magic stones. We didn't actually SEE them cast the array, however, so we don't know if they literally needed to draw one around the castle, or if they used their Dragon powers again to simply make it with magic.

There are several conclusions I draw from all of this.

First, most if not all examples of array-based magic in TCF are teleportation-related. So either all arrays are about teleportation, or teleportation is a very complex brand of magic (which would make sense) and arrays are exactly for that type complex magic, so they could be also used for other things.

Second, it seems that drawing arrays is a "human method", but it is unnecessary for Dragons, as they can use magical shortcuts. So naturally, I don't think they need a solid surface to work with when they're casting spells.

Third, arrays can be either instantly used and created – if you're powerful enough that is – or they can be pre-made and "loaded", then used for emergencies via deliberate disruption. I also assume you don't need to be a mage to use a teleportation scroll, if it already contains all the magic needed.

And that's basically all I have to say about magic circles in TCF! I hope this was helpful 💖

[kaakelymaakely]

the winner takes it all

Klance fanfic

CHAPTER 1/2

Lance has always known he was destined for greatness. Broadway, Hollywood—maybe even both at the same time. But for now, he's ensemble in his college’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Not ideal, but hey, all the greats start somewhere.

Unfortunately, "somewhere" happens to be one forgettable scene, zero lines, and a tragic lack of stage time. But when a new opportunity presents itself—one that involves working very closely with Keith, the ever-annoying, ever-broody stage manager—Lance is faced with a choice.

College Theatre! AU

The boys’ dorm room was a picture-perfect description of chaos– textbooks cracked open but long forgotten, laundry threatening to pile over from the desk chair, and a half-empty bag of chips lounging on Lance’s stomach. The single window was unlatched, letting in the gross, stale smells of campus life– more specifically, the strong tang of weed from two floors down. Their cheap LED strip bathed the walls in a flickering red glow. 

Lance was sprawled across Hunk’s bed like a sickly Victorian woman, one arm flung dramatically over his forehead, the other digging into the bag of Lays. Pidge sat criss-crossed on the floor, back against the mini fridge, scrolling on their tablet as usual. Hunk– the one who should’ve had an actual claim to his bed because Lance’s was right there— was too kind to kick Lance off, instead opting to nudge him periodically in protest. 

After a long week of auditions, and a seemingly longer day of callbacks, the cast list for VLD University’s musical had just been posted. Or, more accurately, emailed. The trio had been arguing over the logistics of a heist into Professor Coran’s office– he’d totally notice a missing computer!-- when the message had been delivered. As the only one in the room who was participating in the college’s production, had refused to read the email himself. Instead, when he heard the telltale ping of his phone, he scrambled to toss it towards Hunk.

Ever the sweetest friend, Hunk graciously caught it, easily unlocking Lance’s phone and opening the message. He skimmed through the list, searching for Lance’s name. Lance watched as he scrolled, and scrolled… and scrolled… and… scrolled… until finally–

“I’m just saying,” Lance begins, talking through a mouthful of chips, crumbs flying as he gestures wildly with his free hand. He swallows– a little too quickly, coughing once before soldiering on. “Don’t be surprised when I get my first Broadway contract from Mr. Broadway himself.” 

“Lance… listen, I’m super duper proud of you— we both are!” Hunk pats Lance’s knee for emphasis.

Pidge gives a solemn nod, barely glancing up from their tablet.

“But?” Lance prompts, narrowing his eyes.

Hunk winces. “...But… you’re only Townsperson Number 4.”

Pidge laughs. “Not even Townsperson Number 1!”

Lance waves his hand dismissively. “Irrelevant. All the best people start off in the ensemble! It’s an important learning curve.” He flings a chip in Pidge’s direction, but they easily dodge it.

“Maybe,” Pidge shrugs, “but you’re not even really in the ensemble, you’re in one song. And then… nothing else.”

They reach for the bag of chips. Lance, lightning-fast, smacks their hand away with a scandalized gasp. “Thank you, Pidge. Really helping me live my dreams here.” He cradles the bag protectively. “Who even got The Beast?”

Hunk squints at his phone, scrolling through the email. “...Keith…”

“WHAT!?” Lance sits up so fast the bag of chips tumbles off his chest, spilling onto the already-cluttered floor.

Hunk bursts into laughter. “Just kidding, he’s the stage manager.”

Lance glares at him before dramatically flopping back down. “Typical.” He doesn’t bother picking up the chips.

Pidge suddenly straightens, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oooooo! Idea!”

Hunk and Lance turn to them in sync, expectant.

Pidge grins, wiggling their eyebrows. “Since you’re only in one number, maybe you could help out backstage with Keith! Be a stagehand, get all up close and personal.” They smirk before throwing on an absolutely horrendous Bridgerton-esque accent, fanning themself for effect. “‘Oh, Keith! I can’t lift this set piece all by myself! I need your big strong biceps to help me!’” 

Hunk snorts, covering his mouth to muffle his laughter.

Lance lets out an offended squawk, swinging a pillow at Pidge, who dodges just in time. “Hush, you!” His scowl barely lasts a second before slipping into a grin. “...Though that’s not a horrible idea…”

Hunk smacks him with a pillow. 

–

The Director’s office was always intimidating. Or maybe it’s because Lance was really only invited in when he was causing a ruckus. 

 It was tucked away in the back corner of the auditorium, past the racks of abandoned costumes and towering set pieces. The door itself was old, its once-polished surface now scratched and dented from years of stressed-out techies knocking too hard or actors slamming it in frustration. A laminated sign reading Director’s Office was taped just slightly crooked above the handle—probably slapped on last-minute after too many people barged in unannounced.

Lance barely bothers to knock before pushing it open with a dramatic flourish. “Hey, Allura!”

Inside, Allura’s office was no less intimidating. The cramped space was lined with tall bookshelves, each crammed with stacks of play scripts, mismatched binders, and hastily scribbled notes shoved between them. The air smelled like old paper and the faint lingering scent of coffee, despite the fact that Allura had officially quit caffeine three times this semester.

Allura, seated behind her cluttered desk, barely glances up from the paperwork in front of her. “Lance.”

With a grin, Lance steps inside and slams the door shut behind him—loudly. Allura jolts in her seat, her pen skidding across the page.

Lance snickers. “That’s Townsperson Number 4 to you, Miss Director.”

The corner of Allura’s mouth twitches upwards, but she quickly schools her expression back into neutrality.

Lance leans against the desk, crossing his arms. “Anyway,” he starts, stretching out the word. “I need to ask a favor.”

Her expression fades. A slow, exhausted sigh escapes her lips as she folds her hands on the desk, tilting her head in mild suspicion. “What do you need?”

“I was wondering, since I’m really only in one song—”

“No, Lance.” Allura cuts him off before he can finish, her voice firm. “I’m not giving Townsperson 4 any more lines. If I change the script, I’ll have a Disney lawsuit on my hands.”

“Actually, not what I was going to ask, but definitely noted. I was actually wondering if I’d be able to help out backstage.”

Allura raises an eyebrow. “You… Lance McClain… want to help out backstage?”

Lance nods quickly. “Yes. That is exactly what I just said.”

She leans back in her chair, arms crossed now, considering him with a knowing look. “What’s the catch?”

Lance sputters. “What!? There’s no catch!”

Before Allura can respond, the door creaks open, and Keith walks in, clipboard in hand. He’s already speaking before he fully looks up. “Hey, Allura, I needed to—” He stops short when he sees Lance. “Oh. Sorry. I’ll come back.”

“This’ll only take a minute, Keith,” Allura says smoothly. “Please wait outside.”

Keith hesitates, then nods. He turns to leave, but Lance lifts a hand, giving him a slow, totally casual wave.

“Heyyy.”

Keith blinks at him, unimpressed. He presses his lips together in a tight line, nods stiffly, and ducks back out, letting the door click softly shut behind him.

Lance is still watching the door when he hears it—Allura’s soft, knowing hum of realization.

“Ah.”

He turns back.

She’s smiling now, but it’s different this time—smaller, sly, dripping with amusement.

“There’s the catch.”

–

“You, Lance McClain, want to help out backstage?”

Lance groaned, his shoulders slumping forward dramatically. “That’s exactly what Allura said too.”

Shiro shrugged, arms crossed as he leaned against the nearby workbench. The tech room smelled faintly of sawdust and old paint, the shelves behind him cluttered with tangled extension cords, and a chaotic assortment of tools that only he seemed to know how to use. “Sorry, Lance—”

“Townsperson 4.”

“—Townsperson 4,” Shiro corrected with an amused smirk. “It’s just… hard to believe. You’ve always been more interested in being in the spotlight, not actually… you know. Being it.”

Lance clasped his hands together, lacing his fingers with an exaggerated plea. “Shiro, my heart, my life, my incredible and amazingly talented tech director—please, please, you’ve got to let me help out. I’m going to die of boredom if I don’t have something to do. Do y’all seriously expect me to just sit backstage quietly during the show?”

Shiro exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s… fair.” He seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding. “Alright, tell you what. We’ll start you off helping with building the set before we even think about letting you near lights or sound.”

Lance perked up instantly, hands dropping to his sides. “That’s a very safe choice.”

“Then it’s settled. Keith will help you figure out where to start.”

“Wait—I’m doing what?”

Lance nearly jumped out of his skin. He whirled around to find Keith standing behind him, arms crossed, brows furrowed in immediate suspicion. How long had he been standing there?

Shiro grinned, completely unfazed. He reached over and ruffled Keith’s hair, earning a sharp glare. “Townsperson 4 here wants to help out with the set! And, as stage manager, I’m trusting you to help him learn how.”

Keith swatted Shiro’s hand away with a scowl before shifting that glare to Lance. “Lance McClain wants to help out backstage?”

Lance threw up his hands. “Seriously?! Why is everyone so surprised?”

Keith shot a look at Shiro. It wasn’t just a glance—it was a whole silent conversation, one that Lance definitely wasn’t privy to. He frowned as Keith’s expression twisted into something frustrated, his lips pressing into a thin line before—

Keith flushed.

It was quick, barely there, just a dusting of pink along the tips of his ears, but Lance saw it. And before he could even process it, Keith snapped his attention back to him, scowling even harder.

“Fine.” The word was practically spat out.

Wow. What a way to make a guy feel welcome.

Before Lance could comment, Keith grabbed his wrist and yanked him forward, practically dragging him out of the room.

Lance barely had time to shoot a helpless look back at Shiro—who, the traitor, just winked at him in silent encouragement.

Keith led him to the workshop, a chaotic but organized mess. Long wooden tables lined the room, covered in half-painted set pieces, rolls of masking tape, and scattered paint brushes soaking in murky water. Over in one corner, a group of students were painting a large sign, their laughter mixing with the occasional curse whenever someone smudged their work. A few others were hunched over a prop table, adjusting a broken chair leg.

Lance barely had time to take it all in before turning back to Keith—only to find him holding a sharp, jagged saw.

Lance’s eyes bulged out of his head. Oh hell no.

Keith barely looked up. “Do you know how to use a handsaw?”

Lance took a step back, eyes flicking between Keith and the saw like he’d just been handed a live grenade. “I’m not trusted around weapons.” He shook his head solemnly.

Keith sighed, lowering the saw. “Okay… um, can you use a staple gun?”

Lance raised a brow. “Also a weapon.”

Keith pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath. “Fine. How about some wood glue?”

Lance’s expression instantly brightened. He shot Keith a wink. “Now that, I can do.”

Keith huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “Okay, basically, you’re going to glue these pieces together first, and then we staple them.”

Lance frowned. “Why not just staple them without gluing them?”

Keith leveled him with a deadpan stare. “Trust the process, Townsperson 4.”

Lance groaned, dropping his head back. “It’s humiliating when you call me that.”

Keith smirked. “Maybe try and get a better part next time, then.”

Lance scoffed. “Hardy-har-har. Keith’s got jokes over here.”

Keith’s smirk widened. “I’m full of surprises.”

“More like full of shit.” Lance crossed his arms, eyebrows raised. “Now teach me how to glue these together.”

–

Keith strides over, carrying two thick planks of wood under one arm like they weigh nothing. He drops them onto the worktable with a dull thud before crossing his arms over his chest.

“All you have to do is glue these two ends together,” he says, nodding toward the planks. “Easy peasy. Even someone as dull and oblivious as you can do it.”

Lance, who had been examining the wood with mild curiosity, snaps his head up so fast he nearly gives himself whiplash.

“Dull and oblivious?!” His voice cracks with outrage, loud enough that several people stop what they’re doing to stare. Some of them exchange amused glances, waiting to see what will happen next. If anything, Lance thrives under the attention. He straightens his back and dramatically places a hand over his chest. “Name one thing I’ve been oblivious about!”

Keith meets his eyes, expression unreadable. His lips part slightly, and for a split second, Lance thinks he might actually answer. But then Keith exhales sharply, shakes his head, and mutters, “Just glue.”

Lance squints at him in suspicion but lets it slide, instead picking up the glue bottle. He presses the tip against the wood and squeezes. Nothing happens. He squeezes harder. Still nothing.

“This isn’t working.”

Keith lets out a long-suffering sigh, stepping in close—so close that their shoulders brush. The warmth of him seeps through the thin fabric of their shirts, and before Lance can react, Keith’s hand is wrapping around his. His grip is firm but not rough, guiding Lance’s fingers into applying more pressure to the bottle. A thick line of glue finally squeezes out onto the plank.

“There,” Keith murmurs. “You just needed to apply more pressure.”

Lance doesn’t respond. He can’t respond. His brain has short-circuited.

Because Keith is still there, pressed up against him, voice low and steady in a way that makes something inside Lance buzz. He keeps his eyes firmly trained on the glue, as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. His throat feels tight, and when he finally tries to speak, it comes out as a choked, strangled noise.

Keith turns to look at him, an amused glint in his eye. “Cat got your tongue?”

“As if,” Lance forces out, his voice an octave too high. He clears his throat and tries again. “I just… am really focused on gluing this wood.”

Keith smirks. It’s the kind of smirk that screams I know something you don’t want me to know. He presses his side harder against Lance’s, leaning in ever so slightly. If Lance turned his head right now, they’d be right there, noses almost brushing, lips—

Lance makes a small, wounded sound in the back of his throat.

Keith grins. “I see.”

“I’d sure hope so—I bet it’d be real hard to stage manage if you couldn’t,” Lance blurts, desperate to regain some control of the situation.

Keith hums, still far too smug for Lance’s liking. “You can dish it out, but you can’t take it.”

“...What?”

Keith tilts his head slightly, like he’s about to say something more, like he’s enjoying watching Lance squirm—

But before he can, a voice cuts through the air.

“Keith!”

A freshman jogs into the workshop, out of breath, hands braced on her knees. “Griffin just spilled paint all over the stage-right flat!”

Keith curses under his breath and immediately pulls away, already turning toward the stairs. And Lance—Lance does not miss the warmth, and he absolutely does not watch Keith’s ass as he marches off.

[angelofthenight01]

Operation Paws Rescue

Kate Bishop x Reader

genre: fluff     ||     warnings: none 

Summary: you and Kate are on a mission to save some adorable dogs.

The Avengers had fought many battles, saved the world more times than anyone could count, and taken on threats that no one else dared face. But today? Today was different.

Kate Bishop stood confidently in the center of the briefing room, her purple bow slung over her shoulder, hands on her hips, looking far too serious for the task at hand.

“We’re rescuing dogs,” she announced with a perfectly straight face.

You blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me,” Kate nodded, her tone unwavering. “Super important mission. Top-secret, high-stakes stuff.”

There were a few exchanged glances in the room, but none of the Avengers seemed to argue with her. Clint Barton was grinning behind his coffee cup, Tony Stark was scrolling through his phone (probably ordering more tech), and even Natasha gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was clear that no one was going to question Kate’s mission. It was too ridiculous, too adorable to resist.

You raised an eyebrow. “So... what’s the mission exactly?”

Kate leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “There’s an underground dog-fighting ring in the city. The pups are being held captive and used for illegal matches. They need to be rescued, and I’m the only one who can do it.” She swung the bow dramatically. “And I need a partner.”

You shot her a half-smile. “You want me to help you rescue... dogs?”

“Yup. We’re going undercover as dog trainers. I have my credentials.” She pulled out a laminated ID that read “Top-tier Dog Trainer Extraordinaire” with an absurdly cute photo of her and a Golden Retriever.

“Wait,” you asked, chuckling. “You’re a certified dog trainer?”

Kate’s eyes sparkled. “Well... it’s a temporary certification. But I’ve been around enough dogs that I think I can wing it.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. I’m in. Let’s go save some dogs.”

* * * 

When you and Kate arrived at the shady warehouse on the outskirts of the city, she wasted no time. She pulled a pair of ridiculous sunglasses out of her bag, placing them firmly on her face as she strolled up to the entrance like she owned the place.

You followed, trying to match her confidence but realizing you probably looked more like a confused civilian than a secret agent.

“We're here to assess the dogs,” Kate said to the guard at the door. The man raised an eyebrow, looking Kate up and down like he was questioning her credibility.

Kate smiled brightly, holding up her fake ID. “I’m a professional. We’re here for a very important inspection.”

The guard squinted at the ID, shrugged, and opened the door without saying another word. Kate’s plan was working better than you expected.

Inside, the warehouse was dark, full of cages with barking dogs. Some were huge, others tiny, and they were all either pacing anxiously or wagging their tails at the sight of you both.

Kate immediately dropped to her knees, pulling out a bag of dog treats she had smuggled in her jacket. “Who’s a good boy?” she cooed, reaching for a scruffy-looking terrier who immediately jumped into her arms, tail wagging like mad.

You laughed, shaking your head. “I swear, you’re more excited about the dogs than the mission.”

She grinned up at you while holding the terrier in her arms like it was a prize. “I’m just really good at multitasking. Saving the world and making new dog friends.”

Before you could respond, a loud crash came from the back of the warehouse, and two massive guard dogs appeared, their growls echoing across the room.

Kate immediately stood up, her eyes locking onto the beasts. “Okay, I got this. You handle the backup.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Backup? You just want me to… what? Do what?”

Kate was already on the move, pulling an arsenal of dog treats from her bag, each one more extravagant than the last—peanut butter bones, bacon-flavored chews, and something called a "mega squirrel snack" (which, frankly, sounded terrifying).

“Distract them with the treats! I’ll deal with the big guy.”

You blinked. “I— what?!”

With the guard dogs distracted by Kate’s incredible supply of snacks, you made a beeline for the smaller cages, unlocking them and ushering the dogs out with a lot of awkward coaxing. Some of them were scared, others just wanted pets. It wasn’t exactly glamorous, but you were doing your part.

Meanwhile, Kate had managed to convince the giant dogs to sit in front of her by bribing them with an entire bag of peanut butter biscuits. “You see, I’m really good with animals,” she said proudly, holding one of the dogs’ faces between her hands like it was a tiny puppy.

You just shook your head, watching the scene unfold. Only Kate Bishop would think she could single-handedly calm down guard dogs with treats and an overwhelming amount of charm.

Eventually, all the dogs were freed. You and Kate both knelt down to meet them, laughing as they swarmed around you. “Mission accomplished!” Kate cheered, holding a small, fluffy dog over her shoulder. “We did it, partner. We saved them!”

You smiled, scratching one of the dogs behind the ears. “Yeah, we make a pretty good team.”

Kate’s grin softened for a moment, the satisfaction of a job well done settling in. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” she said sincerely, then added with a wink, “Plus, you look pretty cute with a bunch of dogs around you.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself, Bishop.”

As the dogs wagged their tails around you, you couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, saving the world wasn’t always about facing down supervillains or alien invasions. Sometimes, it was about saving a bunch of adorable, slightly confused pups from a bad situation—and having a hell of a good time doing it with Kate Bishop.

The mission was definitely a success.