#this seems to be very in line with her character--she's not selling out

[myrkulitescourge]

imo karlach’s soul coin usage seems like it should have been a little more significant than it was.

she only ever really stops to consider the magnitude of burning through a person’s soul for power during an origin playthrough—otherwise she rationalizes to the player that they’re doomed anyway, and if using them gives her an edge in combat, why not use them for good instead of leaving them to be used by evil? the dialogue with lann tarv in act 2, where he tells the story of each soul he's handing over to her, tries to humanize each soul coin, and still she doesn’t really budge and disapproves pretty heavily if she's told no in regards to using them.

it just seems like something that could have caused some kind of conflict between her and wyll, given he sold his soul to a devil in dire circumstances and takes issue with the player for sleeping with mizora, because she 1) is mizora, and 2) similarly expends tormented souls during her romance scene, even if for a different purpose. but it just... never really comes up?

i love karlach. but that seems like it should have gone Somewhere, from a writing standpoint? karlach values wyll as a person but is willing to use currency forged from souls like his for the sake of a temporary power up. she knows the soul is consumed when she uses them. that whole exchange with lann tarv is there to emphasize that every soul coin she destroys was a person once. but it all kind of loses narrative purpose if this combination of factors doesn't mean anything? karlach doesn't change at all in her willingness to use soul coins, no matter what the player says or how much she cares for wyll.

idk. missed opportunity that wyll doesn't have any dialogue about this, of all things.

[eeldritchblast]

Ethel's Vicious Mockery Analysis

(Major thanks to Aloija for the Dialog Parser and Roksik for doing the parsing, from the Down by the River Discord Server!)

I love when Ethel uses vicious mockery in the game, because I feel like it gives insight into the character’s insecurities, you know? So let’s further dissect that mockery.

WYLL

“Oh, look! It's daddy's regret.”

“Fraud of the Frontiers!”

“Do you think losing that eye made you a hero?”

Wyll wants to be seen as a hero so badly… and I’m starting to think that has a little something to do with daddy issues. This “daddy’s regret” line from Ethel, matched with one of Wyll’s desires when confronted by the secret laboratory mirror being his father’s forgiveness, certainly says there is something unresolved there…

GALE

“I can smell what's under those bandages, wizard. You're all rot and ruin.”

“Come to greet death early? You'll be a lovely spectacle.”

“Who would be jealous of you, apprentice?”

The first two aren’t anything new—we’re already aware of Gale’s condition after all. But why would Ethel call him an apprentice? Is he lying about how great a wizard he once was? Or maybe it’s just because he’s lost all his powers, and she’s teasing him about that.

SHADOWHEART

“You're so far up Shar's cake you can't see straight.”

“Why would Shar love you when no one else does?”

“You're no complex puzzle. Just a sad little girl.”

These to me, at least, speak of an undiscussed bubbling crisis of faith Shadowheart may be undergoing. And I am very interested in the second line above. Shadowheart is the type of person to keep everyone at arm’s length, and yet at the same time, it seems from this, desperately wants to be loved? That matches up with her “she took me in when no one else would” answer when asked why she became a worshipper of Shar in the first place. So it seems to me, like Shadowheart experiencing compassion from another person, possibly for the first time in her memory, is leading her to question her faith in Shar.

LAE’ZEL

“A toad with a tadpole! How fitting.”

“Your people will never take you back - illithid scum.”

“Do you miss kissing Vlaakith's feet, gith?”

Lae’zel’s biggest desire is to become kith’rak – we know this. But more to that, I think her biggest desire is to be accepted and revered by her people. Ethel saying that she will never achieve this is probably Lae’zel’s greatest fear.

ASTARION

“Is there still rat stuck in your teeth, slave?”

“Deep down, you like being leashed, don't you?”

“You're one thirsty night away from betraying everyone.”

Okay, okay, okay… the first two? Ethel just being a top tier bitch. But the last one… The last one suggests that Astarion actually does have some care for his travelling companions, if he’s concerned about hurting them. I think that brings a lot out of his character, because it confirms he’s not just a one-dimensional jerk. The glimpses of his nice side are just as genuine.

KARLACH

“Let's pull your strings, infernal puppet.”

“Happy to sell everyone's soul but your own, aren't you?”

“When I'm done, even the Hells won't want you.”

We don’t know a lot about Karlach, because she isn’t available as a companion in Early Access. But what little we do know, adds up with what Ethel says here. We know she was caught up in the Blood War as essentially a slave to Zariel. And judging from this mockery, it seems that’s left her with questioning self-worth.

[ahoyimlosingmymind]

i think Sophie's personality took a nose-dive when Shannon over 'girl-bossed' the entire narrative surrounding all the girls in the books.

does this make sense??

I loved Sophie books 1-5. She had a fierceness and heroicness and a willingness to do what she believed was right from the get-go. But then somewhere along the line her already existing personality traits were shoehorned into this cringe label and over-saturated by characters like Ro who are always like "Girl power! and glitter!"

Sophie had so many great traits from the start-- but lately, her character almost feels like a caricature of those traits.

and I am NOT saying there is anything wrong with empowering women and girls-- however, the writing comes off as weak when it's spoon-fed to you that THAT is how you're supposed to perceive the character. Sophie was cool and smart and empowered way before the narrative decided to become "aware" of it in a textual sense. She was cool as hell before the books ever went "NOW THAT'S A STRONG AND POWERFUL GIRL!!! SEE THAT STRONG AND POWERFUL GIRL??? SHE"S SUCH A STRONG AND POWERFUL GIRL" like??? mf?? I READ the books. I ALREADY KNOW.

She was a leader from the beginning. She was a leader because she cared enough to do something about something. Way before the Black Swan named her the moonlark, and the leader of Team Valiant.

And she continued to develop those leadership skills over the books, until at some point, the writing became too aware of her development and shoved it into your face, instead of it being a subtle arc that spoke for itself.

but also... the way Shannon seems to want to sell her development doesn't exactly match with what she's written. There are moments in the books where characters shower Sophie in compliments that come off as generally untrue...

One of the defining aspects of Sophie's personality is her insecurity and secrecy. Which are traits that can be annoying at times, but are realistic. Regardless of those traits though, she still had dimensions and was willing to stand up for what she believed in from the beginning. The thing is, her insecurity never quite went away. If you read any of the later books, she has crippling self-doubt and identity issues. But then you have characters like Ro coming in and saying things like "Ur so confident!" and it just comes off as a very strange cognitive dissonance in the narrative.

No, Sophie isn't confident in her ability to lead, regardless of what the books say in small tidbits, when the whole of the books show that she is quite insecure, but believes in her values enough to do something to protect them-- which automatically shoe horns her into a leadership role.

What was admirable about Sophie's character was not her confidence. And is not her confidence. She's admirable because she's deeply insecure and flawed and not an amazing leader, but that she still tries. Sophie is a leader because she tries, because she steps out and says "this isn't right!" not because she's actually good at it. She does not have a lot of the typical qualities that make good leaders. She's not very outspoken most of the time, she's insecure, she's more introverted-- she's just a character who is justice oriented, so she rises above those feelings. WHICH IS A BETTER NARRATIVE CHOICE THAN "No Foster, ur actually a perfect leader <3"

I boil this down to:

TWO CONTRADICTING TRAITS CAN EXIST AT THE SAME TIME.

Sophie is insecure, and lacks confidence. But she's also moral, and therefore does her best to be a leader.

She's brave. Not confident.

am I making any sense??? I feel like I have a point and it's getting lost a bit here. Maybe I'll come back and clarify things another time. rn I'm tired.

ALSO: I fear the same thing happened to Biana and Linh.

I deadass think the introduction of Ro is what began it all. She's a try-hard character for female empowerment, that comes off as very forced and shallow.

[tshortik]

My random comic Recs #1

I've been reading more comics lately, so I wanted to share my love for them in the hopes that someone might give this medium a chance!

Note: I am not a fan of superhero comics, because I simply don't like that genre, so don't expect superheroes below. Gonna make these posts every now and then and they will always include 4 recs. 1.) The Many Deaths of Laila Starr

Death got demoted and sent to earth as a mortal! Some boy is going to figure out how to cheat death in the future, and our girl Death really doesn't appreciate that. The entire graphic novel is only 5 issues long, so it's VERY digestible and easy to get through.There is something so light and playful about the art style, and the vibrant colors really sell it.

For people that are completely new to comics as a medium, I imagine that this is actually an A+ book to start with for the reasons I just mentioned. The way paneling and the flow of time is done in here, is a great example as to why comics are so unique as a medium and why they should be looked at as its own art from, separate from movies or books.

2) Mécanique Céleste (Or "Mechanica Calaestium" in the German translation, or "Aster Of Pan" in the English translation)

An absolutely breathtaking French comic. Aster lives in Pan, a post-apocalyptic France where she scavenges for wreckage with her friend Wallis. After their people come under a threat by the Federation of Fortuna, they are given a choice —submit to Fortuna’s rule or beat them in a weird Hunger Games-esque version of Dodge, called “Celestial Mechanics”.

The detailed art pieces in each panel, the careful line work, the lively way the characters move and the stunning watercolors captivated me from the first page. This graphic novel (now 2 volumes) is one of a kind and truly unique!

3) Something Is Killing the Children

Note: Comic contains a lot of gore and violence!

Children are starting to disappear in Archer's Peak. The ones that come back tell impossible stories that no one seems to believe. Only one stranger trusts these tales - a mysterious girl named Erica Slaughter who seems to be able to see these creatures too. And she's here for business.

I loooove Something is Killing the Children. I haven't finished reading the ongoing volumes yet, but I am super fascinated at how well the pacing goes in this story. The rough art style with Erica's freaky large eyes is SO fun, and you start appreciating it even more the longer you read.

4) Mon Ami Pierrot ("Mein Freund Pierrot" in German, "My friend Pierrot" in English)

Another fabulous French comic! Cléa is to marry soon - a young man name of Berthier. Right before the wedding she meets the fascinating magician Pierrot though, who completely changes the course of her life. Entranced by his whimsical nature that makes her feel "free" for the first time in her life, she follows him and leaves her previous life behind. During her stay with Pierrot, questions arise, though. Who is he really? All the while her betrothed sets out to find her again.

The Ghibli influence both art- and storywise is easy to make out, and I personally really enjoyed that. I particularly love the colors and the facial expressions the characters are drawn with. Everything feels very whimsical and playful and I had a good time going through this chonker of a graphic novel!

No spoilers, but I expected toothrottingly-sweet wholesome stuff, and ended up surprised on several occasions. I think the colours and art style really help give those moments wham, because you don't expect it.

[merlincmgirl]

Domination - Howzer x FReader - NSFW

Summary: You have been teasing him all day, he decides that you're not going to get your own way this time.

Characters: Howzer, some of his men, Eleni, Hera, Cham

Pairing: Howzer x F!Reader

Word Count: 10, 766

Warnings: PinV sex, fingering, dom Howzer, bratting, teasing, very brief spanking, dirty talk, sub space, aftercare

Authour's Note: He's just so pretty, and I just know that he can take a firm hand when needed.

The heat was stifling as the sun beat down on you as you trailed through the markets on Ryloth. It was your first day off in a while and you were browsing the stalls, unsure what you were looking for but you knew something would catch your eye eventually. It did feel strange, your job as a civilian co-ordinator with the GAR, and then the Empire, kept you extremely busy. Especially during the political unrest that was hanging over Ryloth like a potential storm.

From everyone you spoke to, they didn’t understand the continuing presence of the troopers now that the war had ended. They had fought so hard for their independence against the Separatists, and all they wanted was to be able to rule themselves without the presence of clones and outside forces. Cham and Eleni was trying to persuade the Twi’leks to stand down and live in the peace that was hard won. Personally, you didn’t see it ending well, the Empire had been ushered in with the fall of the Jedi and the Republic and everything seemed to have changed overnight. The Empire felt more overbearing and hostile, and if it wasn’t for your friends, your loved ones, you would have left Ryloth and the Empire months ago.

A sharp pain cut through your dark thoughts and you looked down to see one of Hera’s elbows had landed in your stomach as she was racing away from something or someone. You had just enough time to steady her as she stumbled.

“Ohh! Sorry, Ma’am!” Hera apologised, righting herself and throwing a look behind her shoulder.

“Hera! Be more careful” you chided, a small smile on your face as you saw how nervous she looked. “It’s a bit early for you to be getting into trouble, isn’t it?” you remarked, raising an eyebrow at her as you returned to browsing the jewellery on the stall in front of you.

“Trouble? Why would you think that?” Hera frowned, but still tried to side step around you.

Rolling your eyes, you brought her in front of you and shook your head. “Because you look like a tooka that’s about to have a bath. Who did you annoy this time?” you asked, moving just slightly so your body hid hers. If anyone was to come looking for her, then they’d see only you. Glancing at her, you realised she was too easily recognisable and browsed the jackets and shawls that lined the other stall.

“I didn’t do anything! It was Chopper!” Hera complained, crossing her arms in front of her body. It definitely didn’t make her appear as tough as she thought. Especially with her cute little pout.

“What’s that droid done now?” you chuckled, selecting a dark blue shawl and wrapping it around her shoulders. Handing over the money to the blue Twi’lek man running the stall, you helped secure it around her. “Now, that should help you in your escape. But you never told me who’s after you” you reminded pointedly, wrapping an arm around the young girl’s shoulders and leading her to a stall selling a number of holobooks.

“Well, we were just trying to have a bit of fun” Hera huffed, thinking back to the prank that she had pulled.

Unable to help the smile that spread across your face, you wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into your side. “Hera, Chopper’s version of fun is not the same as most people’s” you reminded her, walking through the market with her tucked close to you. Hearing Hera’s giggle, you couldn’t help but feel lighter in her presence. She had such a unique perspective of life that it helped kindle a flicker of hope that everything would work out just as it was meant to be in the end.

“HERA!” a sharp voice cut through the market, and you turned around to see Captain Howzer and a squad of clone troopers heading your way. A number of them was covered in oil, and you could already see how one – Riko if you remembered correctly – was drenched in the stuff from nearly head to toe. So that was what Chopper had done. Probably in an attempt to help Hera get away from whatever mischief she had been causing.

“Ah, Captain, how lovely it is to see you again!” you greeted, stepping in front of her and pushing the young Twi’lek behind you. Hera giggled at seeing the mess and twisted her hands into the jacket.

Howzer and his squad came to a stop and even if you couldn’t see his face, you just knew he would be frowning. “Y/N” he greeted before turning his gaze down and looking at Hera who was hiding behind you. “Hera, we’ve been looking for you” Howzer stated, crossing his arms over his chest and staring her down.

“Hera? She’s been helping me at the market all morning” you frowned, turning to look between the two of them.

“All morning, huh?” he drawled, deep voice sending a pleasant warmth through you. It conjured up memories of that morning, both of you wrapped in blankets. Howzer pressing soft kisses along your shoulders as he chased the sunlight that danced across your skin. “Nice try, I caught her myself setting up the elevator doors to dump pink glitter on whoever walked out” Howzer informed you and you couldn’t help but smile slightly. Girl was clever, if you remembered correctly, Senator Taa’s quarters were on his rounds this morning. She’d probably been trying to get him.

“Pink glitter? That doesn’t sound like Hera” you scoffed, shaking your head and stepping closer to him. Looking behind him at the squad, you noticed a few did indeed have some specks of glitter dotted around their armour.

“Where would I even get that from?” Hera added, rubbing the back of her neck and trying to appear convincing.

“Over there, perhaps?” Dunk suggested, pointed over to a stall that sold crafts supplies, as well as a number of different dyes. The trooper in question had an oil stain splashed across his chest plate, but seemed to have missed the full force of Chopper’s hit.

You all turned to look at the stall and you sighed heavily. “Children! Am I right, Captain? I’m sure Hera didn’t mean to play a prank like that. It’s her way to express herself and explore boundaries” you shrugged, motioning for Hera to run for it when she could.

Howzer removed his helmet, resting it on his hip as he frowned down at you. “Dumping a load of pink glitter on Senator Taa’s head is not expressing herself and exploring boundaries, Y/N. She shouldn’t be sneaking into government facilities to set up pranks. If Taa had found out, Cham and Eleni wouldn’t hear the end of it. There’s only so much I can do to protect her when things like this happen” Howzer reminded, brow furrowing and a look of worry passed his face. He liked the Syndulla family, they had been nothing but kind, noble and loyal since he had joined them fighting for Ryloth during the occupation. He didn’t want them to be caught up in this unrest that was building.

“Captain, you worry too much. I’m sure it’s not the worst thing Taa has been covered in” you grimaced, before turning your attention to his troopers. “Besides, looks like they got hit by something other than glitter” you pointed out, admiring the chaos that Hera and Chopper had created.

“Where is your friend?” Howzer grunted, turning to Hera just as she was about to slip away from the conversation.

“I don’t know, he said that he had to help mother with some of her work” Hera shrugged, lips tilting down into a confused frown.

“What on earth could that droid have done now, Captain?” you wondered, nudging him with your elbow to bring his attention away from the girl.

“He shot oil at us when we stopped them both. Got us all good while Hera managed to escape. We were hoping to catch the pair of them” Riko explained, looking down at himself at all the oil that was covering him.

You smiled up at Howzer, playful intent in your eyes and you knew he recognised it because his jaw clenched slightly.

“Looks to me like Chopper covered you in all that oil, Riko. I don’t think I can see any of that lovely blue at all. Maybe you need to get all that armour off and hit the showers” you suggested, looking up and down the clone trooper. Even with his helmet on, you saw how embarrassed he was at your attention. He looked around at his fellow troopers and his fingers twitched on his blaster before he seemed to straighten himself up.

“Thank you ma’am, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing when we finish the patrol” Riko confirmed, nodding his head to you.

Trying to hide the smirk on your face, you turned back to Captain Howzer, a surprised look on your face. He wasn’t going to fall for it, the amusement underlying your expression was enough to give you away. You were toying with him and enjoying it.

“I’m sure Captain Howzer wouldn’t mind you cleaning up. My place isn’t too far away from here, if you’d prefer, instead of traipsing to the barracks. I’m sure the Captain could spare you for 10 minutes while you showered, couldn’t you Captain?” you asked, smiling serenely at the scarred clone who only huffed.

“No” he replied shortly, making your insides twist in victory at the small slip of composure he normally held when you talked in front of his men. “Thank you for the kind offer ma’am, but we really must be going. It seems Hera has managed to slip away whilst we were talking” Howzer said stiffly, looking behind you where Hera had been a few minutes ago.

Chuckling lightly, you shrugged your shoulders and winked at his troopers.

“Well, she’s a smart girl, she must have seized the opportunity.”

“No doubt.”

“Enjoy the rest of your patrol, Captain!” you called after him, as he shoved his helmet onto his head and lead his men past you. A few sent glances your way and you couldn’t help but wave at them in return. You knew that Howzer would catch the move and get even more annoyed with you.

----------TBB-HOWZER-TBB----------

The night was cool on the arid planet as Howzer walked the corridors to the small gathering that the Syndullas had arranged. This would be his last post of the day before he returned to the barracks with the rest of his men. Or if his cyare was willing, return to her loving arms.

Although he wondered if she would still be in a teasing mood. All day whenever their paths crossed, she would flirt with him, bat her pretty eyelashes at his men, making more than a few stumble or stutter in response. A couple had even returned the flirting good naturedly before giving her a nod and returning to their own responsibilities.

Shaking his head, he couldn’t help the chuckle that worked it’s way up his throat. She had been nothing but full of mischief recently. He knew it was a coping mechanism, a way to deal with the increasing tension on Ryloth. It was all in good fun and it wasn’t anything serious. If anything he loved to see her smile, hear her laugh as she met his eyes and saw the reaction she wanted.

“Ah, Captain! I didn’t think you would be joining us” Eleni greeted, a glass of something in her hand. She wore a pleasant and genuine smile when she saw him. “Would you like a drink?” she offered, nodding over to the drinks table to the side of the room.

“Thanks, but I’m on duty ma’am” Howzer nodded, smiling politely at his friend.

“Ah, you would leave us to the dreary boasts of Senator Taa then?” Eleni teased, raising a perfect eyebrow at him, a smile playing on her lips.

“You do it so much better than me, Eleni. I wasn’t made for politics” Howzer reminded, looking around him at the many, many people schmoozing up to Taa and his people. He felt much more comfortable on a battlefield than attending one of these parties, where political games were played between false compliments and thinly veiled threats.

“That may be so, but it doesn��t make it any more enjoyable. We will speak soon, Captain. I must go rescue Cham, he’s giving me his signal” Eleni chuckled, bidding him farewell before heading over to Cham.

Howzer secured his helmet onto his head and took his position around the perimeter of the room. From where he stood, he had a good line of sight on the door and most of the room. He just hoped that whatever support the Syndullas could drum up for the peaceful unification of their planet, they would do so without many more of these things.

Checking in with his men, glad to hear that they reported the all clear, he settled in for a long night.

That was until he spotted a beautiful woman talking to Cham and Eleni over by the exit to the balcony. He almost swallowed his tongue at seeing the dress his cyare was wearing. It was a lovely red dress, clinging to all the places that she loved the most. A split up the side showed a flash of her thigh and the cut was just enough to show a slight hint of the swell of her breasts. He could feel his codpiece become a lot tighter as he watched his cyare laugh at something that Cham said. She was absolutely beautiful and mesmerising.

“You’re looking beautiful tonight, my dear. Any special reason?” Eleni asked, watching as your eyes kept drifting over to the position where the Captain was on watch. She knew about your relationship, had been the one encouraging it even but she knew that the pair of you must be kept a secret from the Empire. You made a wonderful couple, and she was pleased that both of her friends had found some happiness during this time.

“Apart from your wonderful party? No reason” you chuckled, picking at the delicious fruits that was on offer.

“Has your Captain figured out your plan for this evening?” she wondered, smiling politely at Taa as he passed.

“I think he’s got some idea of what’s going on” you smirked, glancing over your shoulder at him. Even though his bucket was facing forward, you could feel the warm, heavy gaze of Howzer on you. Sliding your hand down your side, you carefully flicked your skirt, flashing him a bit more of your leg in a seemingly innocent move to readjust your clothes.

From your spot next to Eleni, you could see Howzer straighten up and his hands twitch into a fist before they calmed. You couldn’t help but giggle, enjoying teasing your trooper and watching him squirm, trying to keep a straight face in front of his men.

“I’m going to work the room, I’ll see you later” you murmured, sending her a wink before sliding over to the other side of the room. You noticed a shiny standing just opposite where Howzer was standing. Perfect for him to get a good view of the show you hoped to put on for him.

“Oh, hello there! I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Y/N, I’m a civilian co-ordinator here on Ryloth. What’s your name?” you greeted, smiling warmly at the young trooper in front of you.

“Uh… CT-9818, ma’am” the shiny stumbled over his words, surprised to even be approached, never mind addressed. He wondered why a nat-born, a nat-born woman at that, would even be talking to him.

You couldn’t help but scrunch up your nose at that, shaking your head at the way that these men weren’t even treated like normal human beings. Running a hand through your hair, you tried to put a softer smile on your face. “That’s not much of a name, trooper. I’m not one of these nat-borns who believe all you are is a number. What do your brothers call you?” you said, hoping he didn’t think you were prying. You really was genuinely interested in meeting the new trooper.

“It’s erm… Mince… ma’am. My brothers call me Mince” the trooper admitted, and you nodded encouragingly.

“It’s nice to meet you Mince. Were you transferred to Captain Howzer’s unit? Or have you just been hiding?” you inquired, raising an eyebrow teasingly at him. Looking back, you could see Howzer’s bucket tilt towards you.

“Course not, ma’am. I was er… transferred after the creation of the Empire. We were one of the last squads off Kamino” he hurried to explain, straightening up at hearing the teasing voices of his vod come through his internal comm.

He really was a brand new shiny then, straight from Kamino by the sounds of it. Had he been there during the fall of Kamino City? Was he evacuated before the devastation that saw the troopers lose their home? Although you knew that Kamino wasn’t home to many of the vode. It was a place of heartbreak, torture and nightmares for many clones. But it was where they were decanted, where they grew up with their brothers and formed the bond of vode an.

“I was only joking, I’m sure Captain Howzer feels that you are a credit to his unit” you assured, resting a hand on his shoulder. “How are you enjoying Ryloth, Mince?” you asked him politely, tilting your head as you listened to him talk. Every so often you would shift slightly, sticking your hip out and angling your leg so that the folds of your dress draped over your thigh.

On one occasion, you burst out into laughter as Mince told you a story of how his vod, Lapse had been on patrol before he was pounced on by an overly affectionate blurrg. Resting a hand on his chest, you shook your head as you tried to control your giggles. “I can just imagine his face! Next time I see him, I’m not letting him live this down. I hope he offered to buy the blurrg dinner” you chuckled, trying to lower your voice as several people looked over at you both.

Taking the opportunity, you looked towards your Captain, sending him a wink you knew he would catch. Noticing how he puffed out his chest and purposefully looked away, you tried to hold in the snort of amusement at his obvious move. You had gotten to him. Crossing your arms over your chest, pushing your breasts up slightly, you heard a thud from Howzer’s direction but didn’t turn around to look. Already in your mind, you could picture your Captain losing his parade’s rest and falling back against the wall behind him.

“Looks like Mince has bitten off more than he can chew, right Captain?” came the voice through his bucket. He glanced across the room to where Mince was positioned, spotting you standing close to him and talking to him quietly. He could see the mischief that was filling your eyes as you looked up and caught sight of him. Damn you! He knew you were making it hard for him on purpose. What he wouldn’t give just to sweep you into his arms, be the one you spoke to all night, be allowed to whisper all the sweet words he had to keep to himself into your skin as he worked his way down your body.

“Do you think someone should go rescue him?” Soni murmured in awe, watching the way your dress fell around you.

Howzer clenched his jaw.

“Why would he need rescuing?” Blaze scoffed, amused at how his younger brother was becoming flustered from talking to the pretty civilian officer that worked as a go between for the Empire and the Twi’leks resistance.

His eye twitched.

“From the Captain or her?” Suture, his medic, drawled. And if Howzer could, he’d shoot the medic a glare that would put him in the medbay. But he was wise enough to know not to piss off the medics, and that Suture was more than likely entertained at having to watch him sweat while his cyare was teasing him.

“Kriff, Mince! Your heart is going so fast I’d think you were running drills!” Drax chuckled, hearing the returning splutter from Mince. Thankfully it wasn’t picked up by his voice recorder!

Now that was an idea! Send his men to run drills every time they so much as looked in your direction. Especially while you were wearing something like this. He could just imagine how his brothers were enjoying the sight of seeing his cyare outside of uniform.

When you turned to send him a wink, he let out a small growl that was thankfully not picked up by his bucket. His little tease. You were enjoying this, he realised. A lot. Too much even, if that mischievous spark in your eye was any indication. He loved seeing you like this, so full of joy and happiness. He felt himself twitch behind his codpiece at your actions. Kriff, how could you make him hard so quickly, just by flashing that teasing look and a bit of leg. A beautiful, leg at that. He could remember how they felt wrapped around his waist this morning. He couldn’t wait until he could drag you back into bed.

Kriff!

He was so done for. What did Hera like to say to him? That was it! Head over heels in love with his pretty little civvie. She was right. As usual. He did love her, more than anything. And that was why he wasn’t reacting. She wanted to tease him, wind him up into a tight ball of tension and lust before he finally reacted. Well, that was the exact opposite of what he was going to do. His pretty little civvie couldn’t always get what she wanted.

“-zer? Captain Howzer?” a familiar voice called from his side.

He blinked, swiftly turning around to find Cham and Eleni addressing him. He gave them a formal salute before nodding at them respectfully.

“Is everything alright, Captain? You seemed a little distracted” Eleni inquired slyly, raising an eyebrow at him.

Once again Howzer was thankful for his bucket, it hid the blush that was rapidly growing on his face. “Yes ma’am, I was… er listening… to the, er, check ins?” he replied, wanting to kick himself at how unsure he sounded.

Cham shot a pointed look at his wife and smiled. “Forgive us for disturbing you then, Captain. We were just inquiring about how you are this evening? Enjoying the party?” Cham asked, struggling to hide his amusement at the enamoured Captain. He hadn’t missed the looks between the two, it reminded him of Eleni and himself.

“Oh, yes sir. It’s riveting” Howzer drawled, relaxing a little in their company. They were hardly going to report him for complaining about guard duty for an intolerable Senator and his entourage.

“Another hour to go, Captain, and then we’ll be free. Hopefully Hera will be in bed by the time we return home. She was disappointed that she wouldn’t be attending tonight” Eleni chuckled, leaning into Cham and rolling her eyes.

“Couldn’t prank anyone else?” Howzer snorted, shaking his head at the young Twi’lek. It was a joy to have Hera around, she was always making things interesting for him and keeping him on his toes. It helped that she seemed to always drag his cyare in tow.

“Not tonight, no” Cham sighed, although there was amusement and mischief in his eyes. “We can’t apologise enough for this morning Captain. Her and Chopper have been appropriately punished. Did your squad manage to get the glitter and oil off?” Cham wondered, glancing at the few troopers surrounding the perimeters.

“Just about, although Riko wasn’t too pleased to find glitter in his air filters. He keeps puffing out glitter every so often” Howzer admitted, lips pulling into an amused smile that, although hidden by his bucket, was clear in his voice.

Eleni and Cham couldn’t hide their laughter, already imagining the clone troopers colourful curses when that happened. She was the daughter of rebels for a reason.

Their conversation was interrupted when you walked towards them, a wide smile on your face seeing them all together and happy. But you were beginning to feel tired and all you wanted was for your trooper to hold you in his arms.

“Cham, Eleni, I’m really sorry but I might head home-” you called to them, noticing how Howzer was closer to you than your friends. Having an idea on how to get you both out of this, you surveyed the ground in front of you. It was just the right material. Making sure you looked slightly dazed, you allowed the toe of your heel to catch on the floor and you stumbled. As expected, Howzer quickly stepped forward to catch you, arms wrapping around your waist and holding you to him. You would have been able to feel his warm breath fanning across your face if his helmet was off.

“Ohh! I’m so sorry Captain!” you hurried to apologise, feeling how one hand kept an arm around your waist to keep you steady, the other holding your hand and squeezing it.

“It’s fine, are you okay?” he frowned, scanning your form to see if you were injured in anyway.

“My dear, are you alright?” Eleni asked at the same time, a teasing look in her eye as she looked you over. She hadn’t missed the flush in your cheeks as Howzer pressed you against his armoured body.

“I’ll be fine, thank you, I’m just not feeling too good at the moment. I’m going to try and have an early night” you told them, still not stepping out of Howzer’s hold. You would let him play the role of the caring knight in shiny armour if it meant you could have him touch you in public.

Cham nodded, resting a hand on your shoulder. “Of course! You’re looking a little flushed, my friend” Cham noted, feigning concern. He had spotted the devious look that spread across your face as you walked over, he had seen it many times on Hera’s face to know a ploy was afoot when he saw it.

Turning to the Captain, who was still holding you close, he clapped him on the shoulder. “Captain, would you be able to escort our friend home?” Cham requested, looking at him hopefully.

“Err… I’m still on duty” Howzer reminded, looking between you and the resistance fighters. Why did he feel like he was being lured into a trap? Had you planned this whole night out with Cham and Eleni? Were they your accomplices? He shouldn’t even be surprised.

“Please Captain, I’m sure your squad can manage until the end of the party” Eleni pleaded, gripping onto your hand. When Howzer looked back at his men, obviously reporting the issue with them, she sent you a wink and you had to smother the smile that was trying to break across your face.

“Oh no, I couldn’t do that. I’m sure Captain Howzer is needed here more than I need him” you protested, shaking your head. You felt his hand tighten on your hip, and could feel his warning look even through his helmet. Perhaps that one had been less than subtle.

“No, you need him more. I insist! I would hate for anything to happen to you on your walk back” Eleni nodded, rubbing your arm soothingly. You would have to compliment her on her acting skills. If anyone was looking in, they would be convinced that she held genuine concern for you.

“Would you walk me home, Captain?” you asked him quietly, biting your lip and looking at him hopefully.

“Of course. It would be my pleasure” he rumbled, allowing you to say your goodbyes while he passed command to his second. Blaze would be able to handle the rest of the posting until the shift finished. If anything happened, Blaze would comm him.

As you left the room where the gathering was being held, you straightened up and leaned into him more. It felt good to have this moment alone with him. Your time together was sporadic, depending on his work shifts and yours, and whether he could sneak out of the barracks to your room.

“I think we’re alone now, Captain. Take it off.”

Howzer couldn’t help but roll his eyes, but quickly gave in, taking off his bucket and attaching it to his belt. “Better?” he asked you, watching as your eyes roamed his face, a blush working it’s way across your cheeks.

You couldn’t help it, just the sight of his beautiful face was enough for you to feel warm. The way he looked at you, big brown eyes full of love and adoration had your stomach doing somersaults. His scarred chin and cheek just added to his ruggish look. “Much better” you breathed, seeing his features soften slightly at your answer.

Instead of answering, he offered you his arm to continue escorting you back home.

“Thank you for walking me home, Captain” you smiled, hooking your arm with his. “I think I enjoyed too much wine tonight” you told him, leaning into his warmth. Even with his armour on, you admired the strength of his muscle underneath your hand.

“You certainly seemed to be having fun” he commented, enjoying the way your hand fit into the crook of his elbow. One of the few spots in which he could feel you through the gap in the plastoid. “How are you feeling now?” he asked, checking you over once more in case you really were feeling ill. He was confident you had been teasing him, but it was better to check.

“I’m okay, just these stupid shoes. They’re beginning to pinch” you winced, eager to kick them off.

“I might be able to help with that” he murmured, lip quirking into a smirk before he shoved you into a secluded turn off the corridor you were walking down.

“Howzer!” you gasped, steadying yourself against the wall. You listened to see if anyone had seen him, hearing nothing, you scowled at your trooper. “A bit of warning would have been nice” you reminded, raising an eyebrow.

“It pays not to give your enemy forewarning” Howzer replied, before dropping to his knees right in front of you. His knee plates clattered against the metal vents on the floor and he carefully took off his gloves, tucking them into his belt. Looking up at you with darkened eyes, he couldn’t help but let out a little groan. You looked beautiful.

“I… uh… I didn’t think we were enemies” you breathed, thoughts becoming a little harder to hold onto as he slowly pulled away your skirt, revealing the shape of your legs to him. You loved when he took his gloves off slowly, already imagining the feel of his calloused hands running across your skin. He pressed a gentle kiss to the side of your knee before placing another slightly higher.

“We aren’t. This dress you’re wearing however, is keeping me from what I really want” he groaned, sliding his hands up your thighs, reaching the line of your underwear. Teasingly, he ran his fingers under the hem, threatening to pull them down.

“Howzer… people… they co-could see” you panted, running your hand through his hair and tugging him closer to you. His huffed breath fluttered against your core and you wanted him to stop teasing you and finally give in.

“Didn’t think you’d mind, cyare. After the way you’ve been behaving all day, thought you’d like them to see how good you look like this” he drawled, grazing his teeth across the meat of your thighs.

“Only teasing baby” you huffed, rocking forward into him but he just pulled away.

“I’m not going to fuck you here” Howzer told you, making your heart sink in disappointment. You really wanted to feel him, enjoy the result of your teasing. But it seemed the Captain had other plans. “Besides, we need to get these off you cyar’ika. Get you feeling comfy” he smirked, pulling your shoes off you and attaching them to his belt.

Unable to help it, you gaped at him, not even aware that he had been fiddling with your shoes enough to loosen them off your feet. Sneaky little womp rat!

“Come on, get moving” he instructed, pushing himself back up onto his feet.

You pouted, unable to help it as you tilted your head up to his. “Not even a kiss?” you whined, trying to entice him to give in.

“You want a kiss, mesh’la?” he whispered, stepping closer to you until your back was pressed against the wall once more. His armour was cool against you, the feeling seeping through your dress and making you gasp. Feeling a bit dizzy at him, you nodded.

“Alright I’ll give you a kiss” he growled, hand coming up to grip your jaw in a tight hold before he pressed his lips against yours. The kiss was rough, catching you off guard and Howzer used it to his advantage as his tongue swept into your mouth, running along your own. As you moaned against him, hips coming up to buck against his, he pulled away. The kiss over just as quickly as it began.

Your breaths came out in pants as you blinked up at him in shock, thoughts getting hazy. “Now get moving” he instructed, tugging you forward and landing a hard smack on your ass as you passed him.

You yelped, heat rushing through you at that. It seemed that you had pushed your Captain too far with your teasing and he was preparing to do his own. Rubbing your ass cheek, you led the way back to your apartment, glad that nobody was in the corridors. You didn’t think you would be able to hide the blush spread over your face and the slight dazed look.

Just as soon as you had shut the door behind you, Howzer was pressing you back against the metal door, his armour sending a chill racing down your spine as your nipples hardened beneath the material of your dress. You liked the way he pinned you against the door, dark eyes focused on yours.

“You’ve done enough teasing for one day, so you’re going to listen for once, cyare” he told you firmly, one hand sliding up your neck to grip it. It wasn’t a particularly tight hold, just enough to ensure that you were paying attention to him. “You’re going to get rid of this gorgeous dress and everything underneath, mesh’la, and I want you to sit on the chair facing me. Then you’re going to spread your pretty legs open so I can see just how wet you are” he instructed, leaving no room for any protest. All you could do was nod at his words. He smiled, leaning down to press a chaste kiss to your lips before turning and heading into your living room.

Sagging against the door, you let out a sigh, feeling how arousal was already pooling into your underwear. Fuck, he was so hot, your plan to push his control to the edge had worked. If your teasing had caused all this… well, it certainly wasn’t going to put you off from doing it again.

Knowing you couldn’t keep him waiting long, you slid the dress slowly from your shoulders, letting it pool down onto your hips before letting it drop to the floor. Howzer had wanted you naked before you sat on display for him, and you weren’t going to disobey him now. Following after him, you reached up to undo your chest band, leaving it on until you were in his sight again.

Howzer had taken off his armour, placing it in it’s spot in your apartment. At the moment, he was dressed in just the bottom half of his blacks. Already you could see the bulge that was pressed against the tight material.

Unable to help it, you couldn’t stop your eyes running over his broad, tanned, thick body. There was a scattering of paler scars along his neck and shoulder, similar to the one on his cheek and chin. You already knew the path of them by heart, after stroking each one and pressing soft kisses to the scarred tissue. He kept himself in peak physical condition, his training from Kamino still drilled into him, even after the war was over. The way his bronzed skin stretched over his sculpted muscles had you almost drooling over how gorgeous and handsome your Captain was.

“As much as I like you staring at me, mesh’la. I want to see you more” his deep voice cut through your thoughts.

Blushing slightly at how distracted you were, you released your hold on the chest band, letting it drop to the floor in front of you. A hitch in Howzer’s breath beside you had you grinning, enjoying the way he loved looking at your body. Running your hands over your breasts, groaning at the relief of being out of the chest band, you knew he would be feeling his blacks become more and more restricting.

As you headed over to your chair, the caf table in between yours and his, you hooked your fingers into the hem of your panties. Turning around, you bent over, giving him a show as you slid them over your ass and down your thighs, letting them fall to the floor and exposing your soaked core to his eyes already. A muffled curse from him had you smirking, before turning back around and sitting down in the chair he had told you to. Raising an eyebrow at him, you waited to see what he would do.

“Thought I told you to spread your pretty legs for me. If you can’t listen to simple instructions, tonight isn’t going to turn out very well for you” he warned, voice controlled and level as he kept his heavy gaze on you. Although you could see his jaw tightening at your little display. He wasn’t as unaffected as he appeared to be.

“Sorry Captain” you demurred, biting your lip and knowing you were teasing him even further.

Running your hands up from your knees and over your thighs, you slowly spread your legs, revealing your glistening core to him. The way his gaze felt had you wanting to close your eyes and whimper, the intense stare making you feel like he wanted to devour you. You wouldn’t mind, you wanted to feel him lose control with you and just take what he wanted.

“Feet on the table, spread them wider” he ordered, dark chocolate brown eyes darkening even further at the way the low lights in the room caught the slick that was pooling at your entrance.

Perching the soles of your feet on the table’s edge, you gasped as you spread your legs even wider, giving your Captain a better look at how much he was affecting you. You already wanted to reach down, press a desperate brush of fingers against your slit but you refrained, Howzer hadn’t told you to do anything else. And you didn’t want him punishing you by keeping you on the edge, over and over again. No, it was in your best interests to do exactly what Howzer said.

“Good girl, you can behave” he smirked, watching as your thighs quivered at his words. “Look how pretty you look, cyar’ika. Did you get this wet just from talking to my brother?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at you challengingly.

Biting your lip to hold in the sound that was dying to come out, you shook your head.

“No? Who got you this wet then? Who made this pussy leak so much?” he drawled, leaning forward now, elbow on his knees to get a closer look at you.

Unable to help it, you preened at the knowledge that he was just as desperate to be close to you as you were for him. If he hadn’t had instructed you to stay there, you’d be the one dragging him over the table and attaching your lips to his.

A rap of his knuckles against the wood brought your attention back to him. “I asked you a question, sweetheart. Do I need to repeat myself?” he asked, jaw tightening as he ran his eyes up over your heaving chest and to your swollen bottom lip trapped in between your teeth. When you released it from your grasp, he had to catch the groan he wanted to let out at how pink and swollen it was. He could just imagine those lips around his cock as you took him in his mouth.

“No Captain, I’m sorry. You’re the only one who makes me this wet” you breathed, trying to spread your legs even further for his eyes.

Howzer hummed, pleased with your answer but still not giving you the orders that you so desperately wanted. It was maddening to be so exposed and not touch yourself or have him touch you. He noticed your hands clenching tightly on the arms of the chair, fingers curled so tight your knuckles were white. Howzer wanted nothing more than to touch you, but he couldn’t forget he had been half hard for most of the day just because of your teasing.

“You’ve been teasing me all day sweetheart. Why is that?” he wondered, running his eyes up your shapely legs and towards your leaking centre. He could just imagine you spread out, his head between your legs devouring your glistening cunt, it was making it harder and harder to focus.

“Wanted you to snap… make you lose control and… and touch me. Please Captain” you groaned, hips rocking enticingly to hopefully spur him on. If he wouldn’t do anything, then you’d have to take matters into your own hands.

Chuckling at how mischievous his cyare was, he shook his head at you. “How’s that working out for you, mesh’la?” he teased, sending you a lazy smirk that had your breath catching in your throat. Fuck he was so handsome like this. All happiness and desire was clear to see in his eyes, the stress and worries of the Empire laid down for once.

“Howzer!” you whined, brattiness coming out before you could stop it.

“That’s not how you address me, cyar’ika” he frowned, voice losing the teasing tone and full of authority once more. It was the one he used when speaking to shinies who were still trying to find their place in the squad.

“Please Captain, I need you to touch me” you moaned, biting your lip and hoping he’d give in to you. The strain in his blacks was already noticeable from where you were spread out for him. There was no way that he would be able to last much longer without touching you, or you touching him. Kriff! All you wanted to do was palm his hardened length underneath those blacks, feel him throb in your hand as you mouthed around him. The thought had your legs quivering and your cunt clenching as more arousal slipped out of you.

Of course, Howzer’s keen eyes caught it, and the dirty chuckle he let out didn’t help the feeling of heat bursting through you. “Oh no, sweetheart, you forgot our rules didn’t you? The ones which make sure we’re safe and able to keep having these moments. Wouldn’t want anyone telling Rampart or Taa about us, would we?” he chided gently, sliding his hands up his thighs just to relieve some of the tension that was curling in the pit of his stomach. “So this is a punishment. I’m not going to touch you until I’m ready to” he told you, delighting at the way your mouth parted on a small gasp of surprise.

He couldn’t be serious, could he? Howzer always touched you when you were alone together, even if it was just the brush of a hand against the small of your back as he moved past you, or the soft squeeze of your shoulder as he went to make dinner. His touch was something you always enjoyed and looked forward to, even outside of your bedroom.

“Your little clit looks so desperate for attention, cyar’ika. I can see how much it needs to be touched. Why don’t you use your pretty little fingers and give it what it wants?” he suggested, fingers twitching at his own words. He wanted to be the one to rub your bud, but he couldn’t. Not yet. He still had to punish you for your teasing.

Sighing, you finally brushed the pads of your fingers against your clit, the light touch sending sparks up your spine. Unable to help the little moan of relief, you collected your slick and used it to play with your clit, rubbing it in little circles that had your eyes slipping shut. After so long teasing him, you had become just as worked up as the Captain. It felt so good to finally be able to relieve some of the pressure that had been building.

Howzer couldn’t take his eyes off you. You looked so perfect, so breath taking in this moment that he never wanted to forget the sight of you like this. Your thighs tightening in pleasure as you worked your swollen bud of nerves, breasts heaving with every laboured breath and your eyes shut, lust and desire written all over your face.

The cool night air fluttered against your skin, causing goosebumps to spring up. It was such a contrast to how you were feeling, it felt like you were overheating, as though Howzer’s simple words and heavy gaze was lighting a fire inside of you. One of your hands reached up, ready to tease and pull at your pebbled nipples but you hastily stopped, remembering that your Captain hadn’t given you any instructions on touching yourself there.

“Go ahead, cyar’ika, I want you to touch those cute little nipples. Wish I could run my tongue over them and tease them until you ache” he ordered, groaning at the thought of taking the buds into his mouth and lathing them with attention from his warm mouth and talented fingers.

“You can! Please, I want you to” you encouraged, rolling your hips against the fingers against your clit. The other hand slid up your torso until you could pinch and squeeze at your breast before pulling at your nipple. It sent a zap of pleasure down to your core, more arousal coating your fingers to aid in your touch.

It felt like you were dripping and leaking onto the chair beneath you from how wet you were. And he still refused to touch you. Gritting your teeth at the slow building pleasure that was forming in your core, you couldn’t help but want more. More of Howzer, more of his talented calloused fingers pushing you over the edge.

“Mesh’la” he breathed, feeling desire wash over him as he watched you follow his instruction and drive yourself closer and closer to the edge but have no way of reaching your release. “Use your fingers, want to see them inside of you cyare” he told you, voice strained as he drunk in the sight of you. His cock was throbbing in his blacks, and he ached to relieve the pressure just slightly. Cupping himself through his blacks, he let out a small groan that seemed to set alight the tease that was buried inside of you.

“That’s it Captain, I could make you feel so good” you grinned, watching as he palmed himself through his trousers. Sliding a finger inside of your dripping core had your eyes sliding shut for a second before you pushed them back open.

The sight of Howzer touching himself, desperate for some relief from the pressure building underneath them was something you didn’t want to miss at all. He looked so beautiful, eyes half lidded in pleasure as his head was tilted up just slightly. The gorgeous full lips of his was hanging open slightly, small panting breaths escaping as he lost a part of that control he prided himself over.

Gulping at the feeling of a second finger sliding into you, you couldn’t wait to feel him inside of you, to taste him on your tongue, to feel his strong body pressed against you. “Oh, I could taste you, have my mouth around your cock instead, bet it would feel better than your hands. OH!” you cried, crooking your fingers to press against the spongy patch in your walls, fire spreading across your body as you worked yourself closer and closer to the edge.

Howzer groaned loudly, biting his own lip to stop him from just pulling you onto his cock. You had a way of making him lose control of himself, and hearing your soft cries and teasing words were making it harder and harder to focus. Just the thought of your warm mouth surrounding his length, swallowing him down to the hilt had him near the edge of his own relief, but he refused to cum without making you cum first.

“You’re in no position to tease, cyar’ika. You’ll get there when I allow it. Keep touching yourself, slowly” he ordered, wrestling with his control at your words.

As you pinched your nipple sharply, and slowly pushed another finger in, you could feel your orgasm building and building, getting so close you could almost touch it. “Fuck! Sir, I’m so close!” you whined, rolling your hips against the fingers that were inside of you and arching your chest up into the air, desperate for him to touch you and help finish you off.

“See it’s so much better when you listen to me and follow the rules, isn’t it?” he growled out.

“Yes! Yes it is! Kriff, Captain, please!” you gasped, feeling your stomach tighten and warmth flood through you as you hurriedly slid your hand from your breast down to rub at your clit.

Just as soon as your fingers lightly brushed your bundle of nerves, a vice like grip circled your wrists and pulled them both away from your needy body. Gasping, your eyes met his amused ones as you felt furious at him for denying you your own release. He had snapped forward to stop you just as soon as he noticed you were about to go over the edge.

“HOWZER!” you spat out, unable to believe he would stop you when you were so close.

“I don’t think so, cyare. You’ve been teasing me all day, flirting with my men and wearing that pretty dress. You’re not getting off that easily” he shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he saw a pout forming on yours.

“Evidently!” you grumbled, noticing he still hadn’t let go of your wrists.

Chuckling at your indignation, he leant further across the table separating you and pulled your hand up to him. “Hmm, you smell so good. I know you taste it too” he murmured, before wrapping his lips around the fingers that had been inside of you. His talented tongue gently collected the slick on your fingers as he sucked them into his mouth. His eyes fluttered closed as the taste of you burst across his tongue. This! This was what he had been thinking of all day. The unique taste of you on his tongue and the way you sounded lost in your own lust.

Whimpering at the feeling of him sucking your own arousal from your fingers, you ran your hand up and down his arm, feeling the heat radiating from him. When your Captain grazed the pads of your fingers with his teeth, you couldn’t help but curl your fingers around his own and hold on tight to him.

“Hmm, you taste wonderful, mesh’la. But I really, really want to be inside of you” he murmured, leaning forward to press kisses along your jaw and down your neck. Sucking slightly on the spot beneath your ear, you couldn’t help but give in. You’d forgive him for stopping you earlier if he was going to make up for it. “Can I? Can I feel you wrapped around my cock?” he asked, grazing the darkening skin with his teeth before moving on to add another further down.

“Since when have I said no?” you breathed, tilting your head slightly so he could have more room.

“Never hurts to ask” he smiled, lips curling against your throat. He chuckled lightly at your nod of consent before pulling you onto your feet. Wrapping an arm around your waist, he held you against him as he teasingly pressed his lips against yours, lightly running his tongue over yours before pulling away. He looked around him for something before grabbing the blanket off the back of the couch and spreading it over the table.

“Lie down” he instructed, reaching for a pillow to support your head against the hard surface. It wasn’t the most comfortable of places, but it seemed that he didn’t want to move any further than he had to.

Pulling back to look at you, he couldn’t help but look at you in awe. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t believe how lucky I am that you want me” he breathed, almost shaking his head in disbelief.

“I’m the lucky one, trooper! Now are you going to come here so I can show you how lucky I am? Or do I have to come get you myself?” you teased, smiling up at him. His cheeks heated up at your words and he couldn’t help but think you looked stunning with the happiness that radiated from your smile.

“Brat” he huffed, quickly unfastening his trousers and pushing them down his thick thighs. Smirking at your stare as his thick cock sprung up against him, he kicked them off and turned back to you. He was already leaking pre-cum and he took a hold of his cock, spreading it up and down before pressing his body into yours. He felt the way your nipples brushed against the spattering of dark hair on his chest, how your skin had started to glisten with a thin sheet of sweat as you had worked yourself up. Pushing your thighs wider apart to accommodate his hips, he could feel just how wet you were as he brushed his cock between your folds.

You couldn’t help but whine at the feel of him rubbing between your soaked lips. The orgasm that had lessened off was building once more just at the feel of him pressing his body into yours. His body was all sharp angles and hard muscles compared to your soft curves, and it was just intoxicating having him like this. You ran your fingers through his dark hair, before tugging him up from where he was sucking marks on your shoulders to kiss him. The taste of you was still on his tongue and a groan escaped you at the taste of you both mixing together.

Pulling away, he kissed down to your chest, finally taking one of your pebbled nipples into his mouth and lathing it with attention, just like he had wanted to. He greedily ran his tongue over your nub, sucking harshly and making you cry out, pulling once more at his hair. However he didn’t stop, continuing to tease and suck bruises onto your mounds while his other hand pinched and pulled at it’s twin.

“Kriff! You feel so good, don’t stop!” you begged, closing your eyes and losing yourself to the sensation that he was building inside of you.

However just as soon as the words left your mouth, Howzer was pulling away, smug look already plastered on his face. It was all you could do not to curse at him.

“Not nice to tease, is it mesh’la?” he reminded, pressing a kiss to your chin. You could hear the amusement in his voice, never mind seeing it in his beautiful honey brown eyes.

“I’m sorry, now fuck me!” you demanded, bucking your hips up to his. It sent a burst of pleasure as his cock brushed against your clit.

It was soon over as Howzer landed a sharp swat to the outside of your thigh. “Ah! You lost your manners as well, mesh’la? That’s not how we ask for something we want” he growled, voice hardening and scowling down at you.

Realising that he wouldn’t move unless you gave in, you sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, please fuck me sir. I need to feel you inside of me” you pleaded, sliding your hands down his chest and resting them on his hips, squeezing just slightly to encourage him to move.

“Hmm, that’s better. You do have manners after all” he hummed, reaching in between you to slot his cock at your entrance. He didn’t push in, waiting until you let out another moan before slowly pushing his cock inside of you.

A gasp escaped you, unable to stop it as he continued to press into your soaking core, opening you up for his cock and sinking into your tight heat. He didn’t stop until he was buried inside of you, your walls clenching around him as you got used to the feel of him once more.

“Kriff, you’re so tight. Even with your fingers opening you up. Maybe I should have done it myself” he groaned, head falling to your collarbone as he waited for you to adjust to him.

You hummed, trailing your fingers through his curls and pressing a kiss to his temple. “Don’t matter, just fuck me now” you murmured into his bronze skin.

“With pleasure, cyare” he grinned, landing a soft kiss to your shoulder before dragging his cock out against your walls. It left you gasping at the feel of him before your breath was pushed back out again as he slammed inside of you.

He set a fast pace, teasing you by slowly pulling out and then slamming back into you. You knew he was paying you back for all the teasing you had done to him all day, but you would do it all over again if it meant that this was where you landed up every time. You cried out his name as his thrust sent your body higher up the table, your head nearly falling off the side as he fucked you.

Your nails dug into his back and shoulders, leaving crescent shaped marks that would remind him of tonight. He worked his hand into your hair, tugging sharply and swallowing your moan with his lips as he continues to pound his cock into you.

“Harder, please Captain!” you begged, the sting of pain from your scalp shooting to between your legs. He was all around you, every one of your senses filled by him as you writhed beneath him.

“Harder mesh’la? Alright then” he drawled, his voice making you clench around the hard length inside of you. Somehow he pressed you down more into the table, his hips relentlessly slamming into you as he held you even closer to him. Every part of you was touching as he grunted into your ear, loving the cries and moans that he pushed out of you.

Squeezing your legs tighter around his hips, you tugged him as close as you possibly could, body arching into his chest as you felt your core tighten and tighten.

“Fuck, please can I come? Please let me cum now” you gasped, words muffled as you pressed your face into his neck. Thank the Force for his superior hearing because you had a feeling you would combust if he didn’t.

“Think you deserve it? After everything?” he teased, tugging at your hair and squeezing the thighs that was wrapped round him.

“I’ve been good… did everything AH!… that you said” you whined, rolling your hips against his.

“You have, my good girl. So perfect for me” he praised, shifting his hips slightly to hit that spot that had you seeing stars. He hissed at the feeling of your nails digging even more into his skin, but it was marks that he would wear with pride. “Cum, cyare. Let me feel you shake around me” he demanded, slamming once more into you and targetting that special place that had you crying out his name, walls clenching around him as your release washed over you.

Howzer cursed at the feeling of you tightening so much around him that he could barely move, hips stuttering out one, two, three more thrusts before he painted your walls white. He collapsed against your front as your thighs quivered around him, both of you exhausted after your shared relief.

It took what felt like a few minutes for you to come back to yourself, but you didn't want to move, content to just stay in the warmth that Howzer provided for you. Your head felt all fuzzy and warm, happy to be surrounded by his love and care that nothing else mattered. You drew small patterns up and down his back as he gently pushed your hair back away from your face, letting out small soothing sounds that you couldn’t comprehend but they felt nice all the same.

Finally, as the cool night air began to register with you and you could feel his softening cock slip out of you, you grimaced and shivered against his. “Come on mesh’la, we can’t stay here. Let’s move this somewhere else” he murmured, scooping you up in his arms.

Pouting at being disturbed, you clung tighter onto him, wrapping your arms around his neck and burying your face there. Taking a deep breath, you couldn’t help but relax at the soothing scent of him. You felt the soft material of the couch under your back as he lay you down.

“Hmm, my good girl, wait right here” he muttered, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. Settling you better on your couch, he cupped your cheek before getting up. “Gonna get something to clean us up with” he soothed, hearing the small whine you let out at being away from his warmth.

Within moments, he returned with a bottle of water, a few snacks on a plate and some wipes to clean up the mess you had both made. “Going to clean you up now, sweetheart. I’ll be quick” he assured, spreading your legs and gently guiding the wipes over your sensitive core. He made sure he cleaned up his seed that was beginning to leak out of you before throwing them to one side.

Next, he encouraged you to sit up and lean against his chest, hands rubbing soothingly up and down your sides. “Drink this for me” he instructed, kissing your cheek as he unfastened the bottle and held it up to your lips. He wouldn't let you take hold of it, preferring to do it himself.

Sighing, you snuggled back into him, eyes beginning to slide shut but his chest shook at his small chuckle. You did look so cute as you fought sleep, but he wasn’t done with you yet.

“I know, we’re nearly finished and then we can go cuddle in bed. Need you to eat something for me, love. It’d make me real happy to see that” he whispered, encouraging you to take a few bites out of your favourite snack for him. “That’s a good girl” he mumbled, when you had enough and was curling into his lap even more.

You felt so safe and protected being in his arms, being surrounded by him, and distantly you recognised you were in that wonderful calm head space that allowed you to give up control and just be. Howzer would look after you, he loved you and would make sure that everything was okay.

“Come on mesh’la, lets get you into bed” he smiled softly, burying his face into your hair for a moment more. Once more he picked you up, positioning you just right in his arms so that he could shut everything off and lock the door for the night.

Your head had barely touched your pillow before you felt sleep claiming you. In those few moments before your relinquished consciousness, you heard Howzer whisper how much he loved you into the back of your neck.

[merwgue]

The Illusion of Feminism in ACOTAR: How the Series Fails Its Female Characters

Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) has often been hailed as a feminist fantasy, a tale filled with powerful female characters who fight, love, and rule their own destinies. But upon closer inspection, what the series delivers is an illusion of feminism—a narrative that dresses its women in superficial strength while confining them to traditional gender roles and patriarchal tropes. Maas may present her female leads as independent and powerful, but their development is constantly undercut by their relationships with men, their trauma, or their need for validation from others.

The series starts with Feyre, a young woman fighting to survive, taking on the role of provider for her destitute family. On the surface, she seems like a strong, independent character. However, her growth as a person is largely overshadowed by her relationships with male characters. Feyre’s development isn’t just about her becoming a stronger, more capable version of herself—it’s about finding a man to ‘save’ her. First, she is emotionally and physically exhausted under Tamlin's control, and then Rhysand comes along as her liberator, offering her the "true" freedom she never had. Feyre's journey, for all its twists and turns, is less about her own self-realization and more about trading one male protector for another. Her strength, while praised, only seems to materialize through the lens of her romantic relationships.

The problem with Feyre’s arc is that her identity and power are so deeply tied to the men in her life that it leaves little room for her own autonomy. Instead of choosing power or independence for herself, her development is almost always tied to how her male counterparts define her. The narrative tries to position Rhysand’s treatment of Feyre as "feminist" because he gives her choices, yet even within these choices, her journey is still deeply interwoven with romantic and sexual validation from him. The story makes it seem like Feyre’s strength is conditional on her connection to Rhys, reinforcing the very idea that a woman’s power must be connected to a man.

Then there's Nesta. Nesta’s arc could have been an opportunity to showcase a woman who refuses to be tamed or reshaped into society's expectations of her. Instead, the series turns Nesta’s rage, her trauma, and her defiance into something that needs to be 'fixed.' Her difficult personality, her inability to fall into line with her family's wishes, is portrayed as a flaw—something that needs to be softened or redeemed. And how does Maas attempt to ‘redeem’ her? Through Cassian, another male figure who becomes the anchor for her so-called transformation.

Nesta's journey is framed as a reclamation of power, but in reality, it's about her fitting into a more acceptable mold of femininity—softer, more open to love, more willing to be vulnerable. Instead of embracing her as she is—angry, hurt, and fierce—the narrative pushes her toward healing only through her relationship with Cassian, effectively turning her into another woman whose growth hinges on a man’s love and approval. Nesta’s complexity is reduced to a romance arc, undermining what could have been a far more nuanced and empowering portrayal of a woman dealing with trauma on her own terms.

Morrigan is another example of a character who could have stood as a beacon of true independence and complexity but instead falls flat. Morrigan, a warrior and a survivor of intense trauma, has been closeted about her sexuality for centuries. The idea that Mor, supposedly one of the most powerful and trusted members of the Inner Circle, can’t come out to her friends after 500 years speaks volumes about the so-called "family" dynamic Maas tries to sell. Mor’s queerness is sidelined to the point where her internal struggles with her identity are barely touched upon, and when they are, it feels like an afterthought.

In a series that prides itself on presenting complex female characters, Morrigan’s queerness is handled poorly, with little to no exploration of her struggles, relationships, or emotional depth. Instead, it seems Maas is more interested in maintaining the heteronormative love triangles and keeping Mor’s queerness in the background, where it won’t disrupt the more "marketable" relationships in the story. Mor's character could have been a ground-breaking exploration of queer identity, especially in a high-fantasy setting, but instead, she remains underdeveloped, reduced to a footnote in the larger romantic plots between her friends.

What’s truly disappointing about ACOTAR is how Maas consistently sets her female characters up as strong, independent figures only to then undermine them by tying their growth, power, and self-worth to men or romantic relationships. Even when Feyre, Nesta, and Mor display moments of agency, those moments are often framed within the context of male approval or romantic entanglements. The series pays lip service to feminism by giving these women positions of power, but Maas continually reverts to tired, patriarchal tropes by ensuring that their stories are defined by the men around them.

Ultimately, Maas reinforces traditional gender roles under the guise of progressive feminism. Women like Feyre and Nesta are lauded for their strength, but their stories hinge on the approval or influence of male characters. Mor’s queerness is sidelined, never given the space it deserves in a series that is already too focused on heteronormative dynamics. And all the while, the series frames this as empowerment, as though these women are truly independent when, in reality, they are just filling the same roles women have always been forced into: defined by the men around them, by their trauma, and by their relationships.

In conclusion, ACOTAR may present itself as a feminist narrative, but it ultimately falls short by reinforcing patriarchal ideas through its characters’ development. Sarah J. Maas creates the illusion of feminism by giving her female leads positions of power, only to reduce their stories to romantic entanglements and male validation. True independence for these women is never achieved, and until that changes, ACOTAR remains a series that fails its female characters under the guise of feminist storytelling.

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

TOM GLYNN-CARNEY INTERVIEWED BY BUSINESS INSIDER MAGAZINE.

AS YOU WERE WORKING ON THOSE SEQUENCES WITH MATTHEW NEEDHAM, HOW DID YOU APPROACH GETTING HIM TO THE POINT WHERE HE WOULD MAKE THAT DECISION?

"Well, I think he wasn't given a great deal of options, and this seemed to be an option where the least amount of collateral damage would occur."

"It's survival instinct, I think, at the moment."

"And Larys has proved himself to be somebody who Aegon can trust, at least for now."

"I think Aegon would bite his hand off for that opportunity to get out of there."

"And he can't do it on his own, either."

"So Larys was his ticket out."

THERE'S A VERY MEMORABLE MOMENT IN EPISODE EIGHT WHERE AEGON BRINGS UP HIS PENIS, WHICH WAS DAMAGED IN BATTLE, AS LARYS SPEAKS TO HIM. IS THAT A DEFLECTION, OR IS HE AT ROCK BOTTOM, OR BOTH?

"I didn't see it as deflecting at all."

"I thought it was pure rock bottom, like you say."

"I think he felt like he had nothing to lose, and his dignity went out of the window very early on due to his injuries."

"And I think he's just acknowledging and coming to terms with the fact that he's changed."

"I don't think those changes are fully sunk in yet, but I think the more he speaks about them."

"It's like, when you speak about something, you breathe it into existence, don't you?"

"I think that's the first time he's acknowledged that about himself."

"And as we all know, Aegon found a lot of use for that part of his body."

"So I think he's going to have to reevaluate how he spends his spare time."

WHEN YOU WERE SIGNING ON TO 'HOUSE OF THE DRAGON,' HOW MUCH DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PHASE OF THE CHARACTER, AND HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT WHEN YOU WERE FIRST APPROACHING HIM?

"I knew that he would be a challenge to wrestle into submission, but it was a challenge that I was more than willing to take on."

"I've absolutely loved every minute of it."

"I think he's the gift that keeps on giving."

"And even though his physicality has changed now, I don't particularly think for him, in terms of how unpredictable and how volatile he is."

"I don't think that's going to change at all."

"If anything, there will be more."

"So I'm really looking forward to getting back on season three, and taking him on this next chapter of his journey and really pushing the boundaries even more with him this time."

ALICENT MAKES THE VERY DIFFICULT DECISION TO SELL AEGON OUT TO RHAENYRA IN THE FINALE. DO YOU THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT CROSSED HIS MIND A POSSIBILITY?

"I think there was always potential for her to betray him."

"I felt like everybody's egg timer is running out, isn't it?"

"And Alicent was very much on her final grains of sand at that point."

"It was about time that she probably jumped ship and saved herself."

"She's a very, very intelligent woman, and she is a survivor."

"It's just testament, isn't it?"

"How much of a survivor she is that she'll throw her own kids under the bus."

"But yeah, maybe if they meet again at some point down the line, they can have a conversation and she can apologize."

"But I don't know if that's going to happen."

"I think that's probably a different show, isn't it?"

I SPOKE WITH EWAN EARLIER, AND HE SAID THAT AEMOND AND ALICENT WOULD GO HAVE PIÑA COLADAS ON THE BEACH IN DORNE AFTER ALL THIS IS OVER.

"Oh, I'm going to the south of France, not Dorne."

HOW DID YOU AND EWAN APPROACH THOSE CHANGES, PARTICULARLY AFTER ROOK'S REST?

"These two have been at each other's throats for their entire life, and it now feels like everything's come to a head, and Aemond's finally plucked up the balls to do something about it."

"I think it's now a sibling rivalry on a different level."

"There's absolutely no element of Aegon that trusts Aemond at all now."

"I think that Aemond has his eyes on the prize and will stop at nothing to get it."

"Aegon has to come back and fight fire with fire, so may the best man win."

DURING A CONVERSATION THAT AEGON ISN'T PRIVY TO, HELAENA PROPHECIES THAT HE'LL RULE AGAIN ONE DAY. DO YOU THINK HE'S GUIDED BY ANY TRUE BELIEF THAT HE'LL RETURN TO THE THRONE, OR BE BELOVED BY THE PEOPLE?

"I think what Aegon has is something that is far more present rather than looking too far into the future."

"He's a survivalist, and he feels so betrayed on so many levels, by so many people, that there's more of a steely stubbornness to him now, and he's taking it day by day."

"And I think that's where his strength lies, that we just take it one day at a time."

"He's got this inferno of fiery revenge burning inside him, his bitterness that keeps him awake at night."

"I think he's going to use that to fuel him, and not get too caught up with the whole end-game scenario."

IS THERE A PARTICULAR CHOICE THAT YOU'RE REALLY PROUD OF THIS SEASON, OR SOMETHING THAT YOU'VE BEEN DYING TO GET ASKED ABOUT?

"Fabien Frankel and his ability to look unbelievably heroic on a horse."

"Honestly."

"I mean, love the boy to bits anyway, but seeing him mount a horse and gallop off with all that armor, my god — if I had ovaries,"

"Jesus Christ."

FABIEN IS AMAZING. CRISTON, MAYBE LESS SO.

"But I'm not seeing — because I'm seeing Fabien on a horse."

I'm only watching it because my mates are in it, and I'm a fan of the show, so I'm like, 'Well, I'm watching my mate jump on a horse there. That's absolutely class.'

"And he's so good at it!"

"I know he says he's riding on the back of a trailer or whatever, but my God, I think that's even harder to make it look like a proper horse."

"Fabien deserves more airtime."

DID YOU EVER FEEL LIKE THAT WHEN YOU WERE GETTING ON MECHANICAL DRAGONBACK?

"Yeah."

"Well, less so, because it's mechanical."

"I'd love to ride a real horse in the show."

"Maybe that's something I put toward the showrunners for next time."

"Please, can I ride a horse?"

[siriuslyobsessedwithfiction]

Six of Crows did a great job showcasing ordinary people don't care about Grisha. (And Zoya turning into a dragon and the propaganda of new "saints" won't solve centuries of prejudice, lack of education in common folk, and capitalism taking advantage of Grisha.)

Most of the characters in SoC duology have known misfortune and discrimination in their lives. You'd think they show solidarity to Grisha, right? Wrong.

Kaz

Kaz is a businessman. No more, no less. He says so himself. Once again, the fandom is blurring the line between the canon and the fanon persona. Kaz is not a "mother hen" who would do anything for his crows but will grumble about it. If Nina and Matthias crossed him as they originally planned in Six of Crows, he'd notify the druskelle to come catch them without any regrets.

Kaz's defining trait is that he takes everything too personally. Kaz is not some vigilante who protects oppressed minorities. He couldn't give a less of a shit about Grishas' struggles, as he makes clear to Nina on more than one occasion. Kaz had no problem indenturing Grisha and giving them less than favorable terms. The only line he wouldn't cross would be selling their bodies. (His disgust of brothels and their clients, once again, comes from a personal reason of his touch aversion).

Even after everything Nina did for him and his crew, even after she took parem, he was ready to kick her off the job in CK when she protested that they needed to evacuate the Grisha from Ketterdam. The only reason he agreed is because he needed Inej for the job and Inej refused to help him unless he helped Nina.

Inej

The only reason Inej took Nina's side (in standing up to Kaz to evacuate Grisha from Ketterdam to save them in CK) is because she cared about Nina as a friend, not because she was very concerned about Grisha. Inej never directly acknowledges the injustice Grisha face even in her thoughts in her pov even though the Suli and the Grisha are both minorities, are being weirdly fetishized for profit and have not been treated particularly well by Ravkans. Moreover, she refuses to meet the Triumvirate, claiming the Ravkans have not been good to Suli in recent years, even though the Triumvirate has only been formed for two years and its members were ordinary Grisha until then. They were servants, serfs. And even after the civil war, they don't have that kind of political power, they obey the Crown. So, what do they have to do with anything? Why does Inej refuse to meet them? Is she afraid they'll be racist towards her? One of the members and the general of the second army is Suli. Who, btw, is known for her temper and pride and not tolerating disrespect. Shouldn't Inej feel proud that a Suli woman is commanding the second army? If Inej doesn't feel comfortable meeting them even with her friend Nina, is it possible Zoya never really acknowledged her Suli heritage? At least, until KoS duology, that is. In RoW, Inej suddenly remembers Zoya is Suli and tells her they don't abandon one of their own. I'm sorry, but it doesn't make much sense. There are two routes of explanations:

It's the author's mistake. Zoya was never described as Suli in the Shadow and Bone trilogy (maybe even in SoC duology? I'd have to check). She was said to have blue eyes and raven hair and that is that. She is also said to have "perfect nose", which doesn't necessarily mean she had a straight or a small nose, but it feels it's written like that. What gives me that idea? In the trilogy, the Suli aren't exactly written very respectfully, considering the two main "good guys", Alina and Mal, impersonate Suli fortunetellers (which is sacred to the Suli), very poorly imitate their accents and have a laugh about it. Zoya acts like a rich, materialistic brat in the trilogy, calls Mal's commoner mannerisms foreign and enticing and we only find out her father was Suli and she comes from an extremely poor peasant family in KoS. It seems like instead of making her own up to her mistakes and making her grow as a person, the author gave her an excuse in a form of a sad backstory.

Inej is a sixteen year old acrobat, who might not be well aware of political situations and doesn't realize what role do Grisha really have in Ravka. I don't want to diminish her intelligence or make her ignorant, but the author isn't giving me much to work with. It also might be possible that during Nikolai's father's rule, while the Suli were on the Ravkan soil, they were tested for powers and taken to the second army since the draft was mandatory and that's why Inej didn't like them.

Wylan

Wylan is a good person, and he had many, many things to deal with in CK, so I didn't expect him to start drawing a plan on how to make Grishas' life better while hiding in a tomb from his father, but it doesn't take much to spare a sentence to at least acknowledge how messed up their existence was. When they're discussing the Kherguud soldiers, they're only worried about Nina and Jesper, not the grand scheme of things. It's a whole race of people we're talking about. Idk, it just feels weird.

Matthias

Oddly enough, the only person who thinks how certain events will affect Grisha is an ex-druskelle. I cannot write his entire redemption arc here, but he definitely shows more care and concern.

Joost

Honorary mention to the boy who knew how dire the situation was and didn't shy away from it. He couldn't take a girl he liked out on a date because she was an indentured Grisha, knew he couldn't buy out her contract but wasn't planning to give up on her.

Also, he demands to know where Anya is as an authority because she should be working. So, not only the merchants and businesses who own them control them, but the Stadwatch are authorized to find them and drag them over to them if they're not at work.

Do you have to have a crush on a Grisha in order to care whether they live or perish? Grisha are an integral part of almost every profession in Grishaverse, they're written as the primary reason for technological advancements, and yet, the ordinary people never stop to think what their eradication would mean to their world.

As for KoS duology, it's a fever dream. I've read fairytales that make more sense than that. Yes, it's YA, but the author is not acting or writing like it's not supposed to be taken seriously. And once you've established a universe with certain laws, you can't throw it all to the wind, give the readers a half-baked explanation and say it makes perfect sense. The SoB trilogy showed us how Grisha were not accepted even when they fought the Kings' wars for centuries and a Grisha saint destroyed the Fold. The SoC duology told us that the civil war destroyed the second army and Ravka was bankrupt and collapsing. Since the draft wasn't mandatory, no one wanted to go fight and die for a country that has given them nothing. But suddenly, the nation of Fjerda, who has hated and hunted the Grisha for centuries, is swayed by cheap tricks to worship them as saints and Ravka will be fine because Zoya can flap her wings and burn whoever opposes her? Yeah, 'cause that went so well for the Targaryen dynasty.

P.S. I am not calling the author or the characters racist. SoC duology is one of my favorite books ever. But as LB herself wrote in this book: "You can love something and still see its flaws".

[studiodrydock]

Interview With a Werewolf - A deep dive into the character of Westley Vuk from Wylde Flowers

We've put together an in depth look at Wylde Flower's fuzziest romanceable character, Westley Vuk! 🐺💕

Westley, the romantic werewolf bookseller, is one of our most beloved characters, and we had the privilege of chatting with several members of the team involved with bringing him to life, including Iona Vorster (concept artist), Desiree Cifre (narrative director), Mike Taylor (animator) and Ray Chase (his voiceover artist).

We discussed all things Westley including his inspiration, design, and what makes him so popular (and dreamy)! Enjoy! ✨

Writing a Werewolf

Questions answered by: Desiree Cifre (Narrative Director)

Q: Can you start by telling us a little bit about Westley?

Desiree: Westley is a bookish werewolf originally from Alaska. He became a werewolf due to a case of mistaken identity. His identical twin brother, Lou, was a marksman for a logging company, and shot at a werewolf who then returned and attacked Westley one full moon. Once Westley turned into a werewolf, he vowed to keep his distance from humans to protect them and himself, and found safe harbor in the magical village of Ravenwood Hollow. He hopes to find a cure for his lycanthropy and in the meanwhile, prove that werewolves can be positive contributors to the magical community.

Q: What was your process like, including inspirations and challenges, when creating Westley?

Desiree: Our original scope for the narrative limited the characters to the members of the coven and the other, non-magical villagers, so I was delighted when Amanda and Alex told me we would have the budget for a magical village with four residents. I knew right away that I wanted one of them to be a werewolf and that I wanted him to be a romantic interest for Tara. A bookseller seemed like a natural fit so that he could sell Tara the parchment and incantations she would need for her spellwork, and when Iona drew up some concept art of our nattily dressed Westley we all knew that was the right direction for the character. Once I learned we could support him having both human and wolf forms, that opened up the space to create a little mystery around his first appearance in town, and then we got to dive into his backstory a bit more later in the game.

Q: Do you have a favorite line that you wrote for him?

Desiree: Well, I was expecting players to love Westley, but even I couldn't have anticipated how much of a fan-favorite he would become. I have to say one of my favorite lines is one that only plays if you are partnered with him: "Tara, you're looking ravishing today! Not that I want to, or would, I mean, you know." The actor who plays him, Ray Chase, gave such a hilariously brilliant reading of that line and it makes me giggle every time I hear it! The thirst is real.

Drawing a Werewolf

Questions answered by: Iona Vorster (Concept Artist)

Q: What was the process like for designing Westley? How did you incorporate his personality and backstory into his design? Iona: Initially I started with sketching out ideas for all the Ravenwood Hollow characters in tandem. I wanted to make sure they would sit well together, and since they are all (mostly) fae, I wanted to make sure they felt consistent across their designs while figuring out “what do the fae look like in the world of Wylde Flowers.” Once I had a good idea of what they’d generally look like, I took each character one by one to work out the specifics.

With Westley, the process was a bit more complicated because I also had to figure out what his werewolf anatomy would be like and how far we wanted to push it. Since Westley is a romanceable character, I wanted his werewolf form to still feel personable and able to emote like the rest of the characters, so going very wolf-like with his design didn’t feel like the best option!

As with all the characters, I did have a wonderful character background to reference for Westley, written by narrative lead Desiree! A facet of his personality is that he likes dressing well, so along with him being a bookseller, a suit seemed like the natural choice!

Q: Which did you design first, werewolf Westley or human Westley? Did you have to put any considerations into giving him a (relatively) consistent appearance between the two forms? Iona: I started with his human form, since I knew his werewolf form would need R&D on aspects of his anatomy like his face and legs. However, eventually I moved back and forth between the two, because parts of his werewolf form, like his fangs and his fur, informed design decisions on human Westley. I wanted to hint at his werewolf form when he was in human form, and vice versa/

I also wanted to keep consistency in his outfit, especially since there’s the comical details of his suit not quite fitting his massive werewolf frame, which accentuates the differences between the two!

Q: What is your favorite part of Westley's design? Iona: His fangs! Designing all of him was fun, but I love that he has fangs in human form.

Animating a Werewolf

Questions answered by: Mike Taylor (Animator)

Q: What did the collaboration (if any) look like between you, Desiree and Iona? Mike: I wasn't involved very much in the concept of Westley. As with all characters, I was asked for feedback on each concept, but the concepts are always so good, I have very little to add, and Westley was no exception. Soo-Ling (Wylde Flowers’ 3D Artist) and I would discuss his model more and especially the hair, since we knew that was a big part of his design. We would work together to decide how to structure Westley's hair so we could have the most movement as efficiently as possible.

Q: What types of personality bits or other considerations were you trying to showcase in his animations, and how did you achieve them? Mike: Desiree and Elizabeth put together Casting Notes for all the characters, citing specific actors and/or roles that best exemplified the character. I always started there as the basis. For Westley in particular, I know I felt that he should be a little withdrawn and maybe a little brooding. He's an intellectual who has been cursed with being a werewolf, after all. From that I thought his walk - which is the animation that gets the most personality - should be pretty subdued, compared to the other characters, and he should be looking at the ground rather than straight forward. It's subtle, but hopefully reads just a little.

Q: And for Wolf Westley? Mike: For Wolf Westley, the goal was to make him more feral, without going too far. To do this, I added some exaggerated chest breathing to his idle, arched his fingers and turned his hands inwards, then made his walk very 'stompy' to highlight the extra weight he was carrying around.

Giving a Werewolf a Voice

Questions answered by: Ray Chase (Voiceover Artist)

Q: Can you describe the direction you were given when portraying Westley? What types of personality traits, emotions, etc. did you need to convey? Ray: Westley is a really deep character - and one who I was immediately drawn to. Going back through my auditions for this game, it looks like I only chose to audition for him and the reverend! I love how genteel he is - there's a huge part of me that wants to go run my own bookstore in a small village, so I'm playing out my own fantasies when I'm playing him. :D The voice director, Krizia, was a big help in dialing in just the right amount of werewolf into this character. He shouldn't be frightening, but rather be a warm wolfy snuggle.

Q: Westley's fans have become quite passionate From an acting perspective, what do you think is the secret sauce that makes him so appealing? Ray: I'm definitely using my bedroom voice most of the time for this guy. I have heard that it can be...most enticing....

Q: Are there any lines or beats with Westley that stick out to you? Ray: I'm a vegetarian, so it's always quite alarming when I have to do his butcher shop quotes! I can't believe he eats that much meat... But I guess it's better that he buys from a friend than go roaming the woods at night… And that's a wrap! Thank you for reading! Victoria and the Studio Drydock Team Find out more about Wylde Flowers Here

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @steddiesongfics.

Diamonds on the Soles of His Shoes

May Prompt: Song Released in 1986 | Word Count: 2000 | Rating: T | Characters: Eddie, Steve, Robin | CW: Language | Tags: Post S2, Pre S3, Eddie POV, Pre-Steddie, Pre-Platonic Stobin, Eddie & Robin From Band, Graduation Party

For a song released in 1986, I picked Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon.

Partially hidden behind the trees, Eddie looks at the house, large and looming. Sure, he's been by it before, did a bit of trick-or-treating here in the rich neighborhood, but he's never actually been inside Steve Harrington's house. Never stepped foot over the threshold, beyond those red double doors.

Said doors are standing wide open tonight, inviting the whole world inside. 

Steve Harrington's graduation bash. Everyone's invited. That's been the mantra all week. 

Everyone. 

Eddie's not so sure that everyone really includes him, and he didn't even graduate, anyway. Not even on his second try, and he's dreading the idea of spending a third senior year at Hawkins High. He'd be able to run Hellfire Club for one more year, but that's about it. The silver lining, small and weak, compared to the dark storm cloud that is the prospect of another year in that hell hole. 

He sees a girl from band, Robin Buckley, also lurking and lingering at the edge of the driveway. 

"You goin' in?" Eddie asks, sidling up to her, making her jump.

"Uh, maybe?" she says, but doesn't sound sure about it. 

"You know Steve Harrington?" Eddie asks.

"Only the back of his stupid head," Robin answers, snarkily. 

Eddie laughs, agreeing, "Yeah, same."

But she doesn't move, and he doesn't either, "Why are you here, Robin from Band?" he asks, like that's her legal name.

She doesn't seem to care, just saying, "Reasons," and it's just cryptic enough that he's curious.

"Do you have a crush on Steve Harrington? Gonna make a move before it's too late and he's off at Harvard or Purdue or wherever daddy's money bought him a spot?"

"More like Roane County Technical College," Robin mumbles under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," she says, then turns and looks at Eddie, "just. I saw him applying to Scoops Ahoy, you know, the ice cream shop in the new mall? I don't think he's going to college."

"Maybe it's just a summer job," Eddie says, but that doesn't sound convincing even to his own ears. Why would Steve Harrington need a summer job selling ice cream?

"I don't think so," Robin says, and she's holding back. He can tell.

"Spill it, Buckley."

She cuts a look back at the house, then back at him, "Like, okay. You cannot tell anyone I know this, because, like, I took an oath–"

"You took an oath?" he asks.

"Okay, I didn't take an oath. But there was a lecture. A big lecture, about not repeating anything about what I saw cross the guidance counselor's desk, you know? I was her aide, fifth period."

"Okay, well, what did you see?" Eddie asks, because now he's curious. Very, very curious.

"Steve Harrington didn't get in anywhere. Nowhere at all. And now he's trying to sling ice cream all summer. With me."

"No way," Eddie breathes out, loving that he has this dirt on the little rich boy. Harrington's crown has been repeatedly tarnished this year, and Eddie's enjoyed watching the fallout from afar. 

"You didn't answer my first question: Do you have a crush on Steve Harrington?"

"No," Robin says, and Eddie follows her line of sight. Oh, ew. 

She's looking at the instigator of at least ninety-seven percent of the fallout King Steve's suffered, as he's holding court at the front door, like this is his party instead of Steve's. Billy Hargrove, surrounded by girls. Some freshly graduated, like the perpetually tone-deaf Tammy Thompson.

Eddie rolls his eyes. If he had to choose between the lesser of two evils, he'd take Harrington. 

"Hargrove?" Eddie asks, not even trying to hide his disgust at her bad taste, "I don't even really know you, Buckley, but you can definitely do better."

Robin laughs, but it sounds kind of sad, "I'm not interested in Billy Hargrove, either."

Eddie doesn't get it, then. If she's not here for Steve, and she's not looking at Billy, she's looking at…oh. 

No way.

He should have realized, should have seen himself mirrored in her or some shit. But he says nothing. If he's right or wrong, he'll never know, because it's just not discussed. 

"Glad to hear it, Robin From Band," Eddie says, and offers her his arm. "Wanna go in with me, then?"

And he's surprised when she slides her arm through his elbow.

Robin finds some girls she knows from her own class, and Eddie slinks off towards the pool. He can smoke a cigarette and see if there are any customers out there, so he can make a little bit of money, selling off his shittiest weed.

No such luck, it's strangely empty. Pool drained, even if it's getting warm enough for swimming, especially if it's heated. 

Eddie walks over to the diving board, and tests it, making sure it's not too bouncy. He doesn't want to take a header into the empty concrete, that's for damn sure. It seems safe, so he shuffles out until he can sit on the edge.

Lights a cigarette, and swings his feet.

The party inside is loud, and jam-packed, and Eddie is sure coming here was a mistake. There's nothing for him here, not at Steve Harrington's house. He should have rounded up Jeff and Goodie and found something else to do tonight. He's sure Gareth would have hung out, if he could get his mom to extend his curfew.

"What are you doing out there?!" The question comes, so sharp and hard, that it startles Eddie so much he nearly topples into the waterless void.

He grips the edge of the diving board, but loses his lit cigarette into the pool. Into the pile of dry leaves from last fall. Shit.

"Um, trying to burn your house down?" Eddie teases, and when he looks back, Steve Harrington is standing there, annoyed.

"Get off of that," Steve says, arms crossed across his chest like he needs to protect himself. From Eddie? In what world?

"Well, since you asked so nicely," Eddie taunts, batting his eyes.

"Please get off that," Steve says, dry as dust. No humor to be found. Which is odd. Eddie went to school with Steve for a long time, he is funny, as loathe as Eddie is to admit it.

He crawls off it.

"Just let me get my cigaret-"

"Leave it."

"But-"

"Don't go down there, Munson, are you stupid?" Steve snaps, and Eddie takes a step back. He's not stupid, but he's pretty pissed off now.

Eddie narrows his eyes, "Yeah, I have to repeat my senior year for a third time, Harrington, we all know that already," Eddie snaps, but rapidly loses steam. Steve Harrington's face says he didn't know that, not until Eddie told him. 

Fucking idiot, opening his own goddamn big mouth.

"Uh, well, um…" Steve trails off, "I'm sorry? I didn't get into any colleges if that makes you feel better. I was probably one D-minus in Mrs. Click's class from joining you."

"Ms. O'Donnell is the one torturing me," Eddie answers, off-kilter that he's even having this conversation with Steve Harrington.

And Steve smiles, "Yeah, I hear you. I think she only passed me because of my last name."

Eddie is taken aback, Steve Harrington is aware he gets special treatment? Aware of the diamonds on the soles of his shoes, as well as the noses so far up his ass they'll never see sunshine again?

Well, hell. It isn't good ammo to know Steve Harrington can't get into college if Steve's willing to tell him that himself. Kinda takes all the fun out of it.

"Heard you might be the new King of Scoops Ahoy," Eddie teases, and it is teasing, now. Not taunting.

And that must read, because Steve smiles.

"I'll look great in a sailor suit. I hope we get tips, because I'll kill it," Steve says, hands on his hips. But he doesn't look aggressive, he looks amused. 

And Eddie did that. Hot damn.

"What's up with the pool?" Eddie asks, and wishes he hadn't, when the black cloud passes over Steve's face.

"You know, Barb," Steve says, so soft that Eddie almost doesn't hear him.

Eddie's only heard rumors and gossip. That she went missing. That she didn't, and was instead found killed by everything from monsters, to Steve himself. The former seems more plausible than the latter, and isn't that ridiculous? 

"Did she die in your pool?" Eddie asks. Maybe she drowned.

Steve just kind of shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe. Where you were sitting was the last place she was seen alive, though."

"You're shitting me?" Eddie asks, but he's pretty sure Steve's not kidding.

Steve shakes his head. 

"Sorry, I didn't know," Eddie says.

"I know you didn't," Steve says, "it just scared me, seeing you sitting out there. All alone. Sorry if I was a bit of a dick about it."

And hell has frozen over, Steve Harrington is apologizing to him. 

"Um, you weren't. It's okay. Sorry I just made myself at home."

And Steve laughs, "Well, that's fine," he says, waving his arms around, "look at everyone else."

"And why aren't you with everyone else?" Eddie asks.

"Like who? My only friend these days is thirteen-years-old."

"Say what now?" Eddie asks, because that sounds creepy. Is Harrington, like, a pervert now? He'd heard rumors last winter about Harrington hanging around Hargrove's little sister, but he hadn't given them much credence. He knows the rumors that go around about himself, and the vast majority of them have no basis in reality either.

"Long story," Steve says, "long, long, story. I'm, like, his babysitter? Him and a bunch of other street urchins, I guess?"

"You're a babysitter?" Eddie asks, disbelieving.

"It's as shocking to me as it is to you. I'm not bad at it, though," Steve says, and he smiles.

"You're not like…messing with underage girls?"

"Jesus Christ, no, what kind of freak do you take me for?" Steve says, and he sounds so disgusted that Eddie's sure that's the truth.

"Sorry, I had to ask."

"Unless you mean, like, Nance?" Steve asks, brow furrowed, like he's really thinking this through.

"I do not," Eddie says with a laugh, "I thought you were broken up, anyway?"

"We are," Steve says, "definitely. We are. What about you?"

"Am I broken up with Nancy Wheeler? Yep, have been for as long as I can remember, anyway," Eddie snarks, and Steve Harrington laughs. An ugly, open-mouthed bray.

It's dorky, but real.

And Eddie's heart does a thing that he definitely didn't give it permission to do in his chest. Flipping and flopping, all willy-nilly.

He's not supposed to like Steve Harrington. 

Harrington's a rich boy, who doesn't try to hide it. And Eddie's poor as a pocket, with nothing to lose. 

But right now, standing out here in the near dark, he does like him. God help him.

"Word of advice, from one freak to another, stop saying it like that, or people will think you're a perv. Lead with the babysitting part."

Steve nods.

"If none of these people are your friends, why have a party? Why spend money on assholes that don't deserve it?"

Steve shrugs, "Habit, I guess. Won't be like this much longer, though. My dad's pretty mad about college. He's cutting me off."

Eddie blinks. That's…unfathomable, really.

Steve keeps talking.

"So, I got a job at the ice cream place in the mall. To learn my lesson. Earn my keep, whatever. You should come by, I'll hook you up," Steve offers, and Eddie feels insane. That can't possibly be a thing that they'll ever do. 

Then, Steve tries to sweeten the pot, "Pretty sure I'll be wearing a funny hat."

"And working with Robin From Band," Eddie says, and Steve just shrugs, like he doesn't know who that is. 

Poor Harrington, Buckley'll eat him alive, given half the chance.

And maybe, just maybe, Eddie will swing by to see that happen, live and in person.

Free ice cream and a show. 

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddiesongfics and follow along with the fun! 🎶

Notes: Oh, these kids. If they only knew how important they'd all be to each other just a short time later.

[zero-ek]

As soon as Yuu was released the first thing i did was to listen to her voice lines, not only because of who is voicing her (the Sailor Moon!!) but because i was very curious as to what sort of dimension her voice would add to her character.

And it's particularly interesting the way that her voice sells how... empty she is, like not only in that losing her memories destroyed her sense of self and her morality (like i had initially expected), but in that she doesn't seem to have a firm grasp of anything beyond the ideas of "Yuu", Shii, the list, Magical Girls and Witches. Like, it's like she doesn't even know what being a human even is.

That much is obvious just in the way she speaks, like she keeps switching back and forth between multiple voices and running over her own words, like she speaks out of muscle memory and can't control the sounds that her mouth makes. But also, some of the stuff she says is... concerning, here's a few lines:

(I got these from her F*ndom quotes page i didn't know where else to find them)

"We're together today too... is that the same as yesterday? Does that mean tomorrow's gonna be the same!? And two days ago too? I guess after tomorrow too... wait so even today too!?"

From her first login, notice how by the end of the sentence she forgot about whay she said at the start completely. Also it's hard to convey through written text but, not only her sense of object and spacial permanence is nonexistent, she seems to genuinely have a hard time undertanding the concept of time:

"Did you just say good morning? Oh that must mean it's morning nowiseewaitdid i... did i sleep? I'm bummed... no i'm not, aha! Morning!"

Her morning login.

"Did you just tell me good night...? 'Good night' is what you say when you're done for the day!? So if we keep repeating 'good night' forever, can we stop tomorrow from coming...?"

Her night login

A couple of her lines showing her extremely short memory, and how it affects her fundamental understanding of things:

"Man, i'm so hungry... WAIT! I think i was just full...! Which was it! Doesn't it really suck how you can never tell what's inside of your tummy?"

Noon login.

"Sorry! I...! What was i thinking about? Do you know? Can you tell me? What a bummer, what a bummer... Wait, what was i bummed about?"

Her standard login (honestly same).

"I gotta get goinghmm...? Where was i going again?"

Story end 3

"If your arms or your legs get really old, then why not just rip 'em off? It's gonna grow new ones so it's okay, here, lemme help you!"

Tap 4.

"Nagisa-chan loves cheese, meanwhile i have 'someone'... 'someone' is me! So don't forget about cheese and 'someone' even when tomorrow comes, alright?"

Magical release 1

"Y'see, ghosts only come from the past, they don't be coming from the future! So why... can i only go to tomorrow?"

Magical release 2

Also this one is just, man...

"No matter how many times time turns back, i'll keep doing the same thing! 'Cause i don't wanna pretend that all the times i messed up and all the times i was sad weren't real!"

Tap 8

It's also extremely unnerving how genuinely childlike and innocent her "main", higher pitched voice is, like i can't explain why but it really sells that she does what she does all because she genuinely doesn't know any other way to live, not least because it seems she wholeheartedly doesn't seem to be able to think beyond the current moment, like she just goes with the flow of time without having anything to ground herself on.

I think that, while having a fully fledged design added to her "inhuman" factor in a creepy manner, like, compounding to the idea of this beastly Magical Girl that rips people's organs off, her voice made her "inhuman" in a much crueler and sad way, in that it served to illustrate that she is the way she is because it's quite literally the only way of living that she knows.

[nynyhaha]

Thinking about the way Chrollo represents apathy and passion.

When I first saw him,he gave the impression of someone who is both very serious about his occupation and on some kind of mission,and someone who just lets things happen.

The reason he seemed so enigmatic compared to other troupe members is because we couldn’t grasp what he actually values, besides obviously the spider.This whole line of his about not caring for money,glory or fame.The fact that he sells the loot soon after stealing it.

It doesn’t make sense for a thief to be this indifferent towards the treasures he steals.And while the troupe risked their lives trying to steal from the auction,when things went wrong the loot was the last thing they considered.I always wondered what happened to all the boxes at their hideout.I hope they didn’t just leave it there??But it was never the main focus,

I think he occasionally finds something that fascinates him,just to discard it afterwards.It’s almost like he tries very hard to,excuse me, “fill the emptiness inside him”,with material possessions but is painfully aware that it’s not possible.The troupe are primarily known as thieves but it seems obtaining stuff can’t be that satisfying,at least not to Chrollo. Even if he tells everyone to “just steal” in his character song.

The scarlet eyes might’ve caught his attention at some point but again,he’s very dismissive of the whole kurta theme even when Kurapika demands some response.

So I don’t believe it’s greed that drives him.In fact,he doesn’t know what drives him.

And the reason he’s able to commit all those horrible deeds is because of his disconnection with PEOPLE. Being the leader,he’s somewhat set apart from the rest of the spiders.And there are rules that put the good of the organisation before the well-being of the members.That’s supposed to prevent members from caring as much for one another.Which is tragic.

It all only started because they all cared.

How are characters humanised in hunter x hunter? Trough forming bonds with other characters.

Killua and meruem are excellent examples.Both of them grew to care more about humans in general trough meeting a particular person.

Chrollo lost someone important and that very personal grief lead him to stop caring about human lives.Not just his own,but the ones of his fellow troupe members.

Obviously it didn’t work and they still feel very strongly for each other.The whole yorknew arc focuses on those repressed feelings of camaraderie that aren’t allowed to be experienced fully as that would interfere with the Spider.Pakunoda has to break the rules if she wants to save the life of her friend.

Chrollo can’t do that because the Spider with its rules is all he has.He’s very good at “severing ties” with things like living a save life,the authorities,possibly religion,connections with other people,seeing dead bodies as something to be respected and not as objects.He’s willing to give up everything that made him who he was,but what does he have in turn? Nothing.

The Spider needs to have a purpose but it seems that purpose is lost.Chrollo is lost,all his sacrifices lead to nothing.

He doesn’t even feel hate or anger at the world.He rarely takes things personally.

I think there was some revenge based reason for murdering the kurta clan.The troupe seem like they’d have some reason,even tho it could never be good enough.

But my thesis is that Chrollo’s biggest sin isn’t greed,pride,anger or whatever.It’s apathy.

Nothing prevents him from hurting people who have nothing to do with him,therefore he does.

He’s afraid that things will start mattering again,but at the same time we see him constantly searching for that something.He is scared of it,but he really strives to strive for something so that he can break out of this indifference he feels for everything.

So maybe Hisoka will awake some of this rage buried inside and with it make Chrollo once again seem like a very distressed human.

[nctstar]

the day that i met you i started dreaming.

You watched in satisfaction as the imprint of your lips stained a faded red colour, two semi-circles adorned by fine lines. The smell of strawberry wafted gently, so subtle you could have missed it. Yet, his voice rang in your ears. “You taste so sweet, baby. You always do.”

pairing: jungwoo x fem!reader

other members: johnny, mark (+his brother), haechan (only mentioned)

word count: 3k

genre: fluff, romance

warnings: lots of kissing, one small smutty scene, not very graphic (penetration and kissing only), profanity (one use of the f word, shit)

disclaimer: this is a fanfiction purely from my imagination. I don't know the nct members (including their family members!) and don't claim that they act like this in real life. I also do not condone any of the activity by any of the characters in this fic. Also, even though I was inspired by mark's real life doesn't mean this is accurate at all, please keep that in mind nobody sue me please.

a/n: this is for my bestie @neocty because I love her and there aren't enough jungwoo fics out there and she is struggling, so I did what any good friend would do <3 so everyone else please look away (and by that I mean like and reblog and send me requests)

You watched in satisfaction as the imprint of your lips stained a faded red colour, two semi-circles adorned by fine lines. The smell of strawberry wafted gently, so subtle you could have missed it. Yet, his voice rang in your ears. “You taste so sweet, baby. You always do.”

∞

You had first met Jungwoo in your first year of university. Surrounded by girls, one of them having their entire torso turned towards him like she was ready to mount at any moment. Giggles floated past you as you walked by, books slipping in your arms from the sweat on your skin. The edges dug uncomfortably into your side as you tried hoisting them from side to side, trying to find that sweet spot that wouldn’t make you want to throw all of them only the floor, give up and go home.

“Hey.” You hadn’t heard it at first, too busy untangling your arms. But it suddenly felt silent, too silent now, the giggles now gone. You looked up, and the first thing you noticed was also the first thing you said.

“We have the same headphones.” Your voice was monotone, your breath heating up your cheeks underneath your mask.

He frowned, and the second thing you noticed was-

“I like whatever you’re wearing on your l-lips.” He stammered towards the end, probably now understanding how strange that sounded. But if he was embarrassed, he didn’t let on. His face erupted in a confident, self-assured smile, one hand effortlessly running through his dusty brown hair. His face was cute, like a puppy, or a fluffy cat. Soft features, smile lines and shallow dimples on one side of his face. “I’m not hitting on you. My sister runs a small business and sells makeup. I’m trying to get girls to buy her stuff. She’s saving up for a car because she hates public transport. I, personally, don’t mind it. Anyway. Um, you want a flyer?” Paper shuffled in his hands as you realised that he was handing out flyers, not what you had originally thought when you saw all those girls around him.

You fought the urge to say aww as you took a flyer tentatively. You didn’t wear makeup other than yes, your lipgloss, the same one you had brought from your home country since you didn’t really have time to shop in Korea in the few days you had been here already. Your eyes started scanning up and down the flyer while your mind pondered, who still uses flyers to advertise nowadays?

You shuffled from foot to foot, aware that he was still standing in front of you for some reason. “Your sister seems really talented.”

“She is. She also, looks a lot like me.” Jungwoo proceeded to shove the remaining flyers under his armpit, other hand flipping out his phone. In your peripheral vision, you watched one girl side eye you, hard, very possibly the one who had wanted to mount him a minute ago. “Oh, that’s okay, um- oh wow!” Your eyes widened. “You guys look so alike!”

“Right?” Strangers standing musing for more than a minute was odd enough, but what he did next was even weirder.

“The flyer I gave you has my number on it, by the way.”

You looked at his face, soft brown eyes full of hope that made your heart twinge slightly with delight. He was so adorable.

“What happened to ‘I’m not hitting on you’?”

“I’m really not? It’s because my sister lost her phone, and,” he grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, “I want to help her earn money as soon as possible. Because if I don’t-“

He grabbed both your arms, making you flinch a little in surprise, but not pull away, eyebrows perked at his words.

“-she’s going to make me drive her to uni every day! Do you want that for me?” He whisper-shouted this last bit, and you shrugged his arms off.

“I don’t even know your name, so…”

“Kim Jungwoo. Jungwoo. Are you from America?”

“How could you tell?” You smiled, the English rolling off your tongue with ease. “I’m actually technically from Canada. Born and raised. Lived in New York for a while, so…close enough, I guess.”

“Oh! So is my roommate! His brother is auditioning for SM tomorrow, and he needs me to drive them both there-“

You laughed, this time your head naturally rocking back. “Are you the campus free uber or something, Kim Jungwoo?”

“No, he’s dating my sister. Mark’s brother, not him. Hey!” He pointed one finger out, almost comically, like a cartoon character. “You should date Mark.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re both from Canada. It just makes sense. He gets lonely sometimes. I think it’ll be good. Will you come with me?” He talked with the speed of someone on drugs, but with none of the fatigue or lack of lust for life. In fact, he was what you would expect if you asked anyone in the world to picture someone bright and cheery.

You told yourself that was the only reason you said yes that day. Never could you have known how far your relationship would end up growing. Like the first seeds someone carelessly tosses to the dirt in the cold season, another person notices and starts to water here and then, it was only a matter of time before something bloomed come summer.

∞

“We’re going to be late.”

“Oh, relax.” Jungwoo scoffed, but you eyed his nervous hands, shaking and fumbling with everything, from the gear stick to the AC controls. Behind you, Mark’s voice called out. “Did you want me to-“

“No, Mark. It’s fine.” You shared a knowing glance with the Canadian boy in the back seat, and Jungwoo noticed. He coughed, smiling like he knew something everyone else didn’t. “Shut up.” You hissed. He giggled louder, now catching the attention of Mark’s brother behind the driver’s seat, his eyes warily leaving his phone for only a second or two. “What’s so funny?”

Jungwoo finally pulls back the gear shift, that engine now grumbling to life. “I just think _ is too nice and pretty to not have a date for Christmas.” Puppy dog eyes now on you, shirt hanging loosely on his body, he turned and tapped you on the chin playfully. You rolled your eyes, groaning. “Oh my god. Tell me why I even started talking to you that day?”

“You said you reminded me of a puppy.” He pouted, making a tiny, perhaps insignificant part of you beam with something warmer, deeper that just friendship. For the past month, Jungwoo and you had been on a casual texting basis. If by casual, you meant every day, multiple times a day. Turns out you both just had a lot to talk about, or were drawn to each other, or…well, you didn’t want to think about it too much. All you knew is that for the first time since you had arrived here, or honestly, in your entire life, you felt like yourself. And that was enough for you. More than enough.

Now here you guys were, talking about dates for Christmas.

“Can we go, guys? Seriously.” You nodded aggressively and swatted at Jungwoo to start the car, while Mark leaned over, tapping you on the shoulder. Your body swayed as Jungwoo started driving as if he hadn’t driven in ten years. “Jungwoo told me your lips are pretty.”

“Uhm, excuse me!” Jungwoo braked hard at the lights, making the two men in the backseat yelp, Mark now flown back with a resounding dull thump. “Oh my god. Forget making it on time. I’m not sure we’ll make it there alive.” Concerned murmurs filled the car, but Jungwoo kept his foot on the accelerator, pushing through. “Oh relax, guys. And also, you agreed with me, Mark!”

“Well,” You pressed your head against the seat, hoping to avoid a future concussion. “I am wearing Min-ah’s lipgloss, so, it’s all thanks to her.” You shared a smile with Jungwoo, him glancing at you for far too long for someone on a busy road. Mark’s brother raised his arm in frustration. “Jungwoo! Please. I want to be an idol, I want to live!” A loud honk kick-started the car again, narrowly missing the lights changing from yellow to red at the busy intersection.

“Oh, Jin-hyung! That means you could probably advertise the glosses, right?” He slunk back into his seat, muttering something like they’re both mad. “Well, like, after you pass, of course.”

“I’m not sure I will.” Everyone in the car started overlapping with words of affirmations and enthusiastic praises, even yourself. “You’re so great! And you’ve practiced, what, like ten times? And that’s just in front of us.”

“Yeah, Hyung.” Mark’s hands patted Jin-hyung’s knee. “You’re the best singer I know.”

Jin-hyung turned to face Mark swiftly. “Can you come in with me?”

“Um, wait-“

“Please? I’m gonna shit myself if I go in alone. Please?”

Jungwoo leant in towards you, and you immediately placed one hand on his shoulder, steadying him. “Easy, tiger. You know you have to stay in your seat to drive, right?”

His eyes not leaving the road, he asked, “What are they talking about?”

“Jin-hyung’s asking Mark if he can come in with him. I’m not sure if that’s allowed…” You trailed off, watching the building tower over you, drizzles of rain prickling the wide front window. “Wow. Is this it?”

Jungwoo nodded, his attention now on the brothers in the back seat as he tried to park the car. The atmosphere was noticeably intense now, and you also weren’t sure how to react. He coughed. “We’re here. You guys alright?”

“No. Shit, I can’t do it. I can’t.” Jin-hyung’s face was one of pure terror, face pale and clammy, pit stains now forming on his shirt despite the cold blasts of air from the AC. You and Jungwoo shared a glance, the first one that wasn’t silly, rolling your eyes or smirking. “Well, a-are you sure?”

He was quiet, and you noticed light reflecting off the rearview mirror, Mark looking down and biting his lip, face marked with intense concentration. The tension in the car was suddenly thick, like the way a bread knife runs through a block of cold butter, and you swallowed. Finally, Mark spoke. “Okay, Hyung. I’ll come in with you.”

You watched as Jin-young’s chest retreated as he breathed a sigh of relief, cheeks still flushed and red. He tried not to let this relief show, but his voice cracked as he spoke softly. “Thanks, Min-hyung.”

After the two left the car, it was just you and Jungwoo. And, for the first time since you guys had met, it was quiet, maybe even a little awkward. Your hands flew towards the controls of the car, trying to fill the time, only to be met with Jungwoo’s skin on the back of his hand. Wow, he felt so soft. “Oh, sorry. Do you listen to music? I mean, should we?” Retreating your hand slowly, you let your eyes travel to his face.

“Kiss me.”

“What?” You didn’t even register, even as you replied. He looked equally as shocked, staring back at you blankly as if someone else had said what he had said. He let one arm slump over the back of his seat, and your heart starting pounding, your throat clammy. “Jungwoo…”

“I don’t know why I said that, sorry.”

“Wait, do you…But you wanted…me and Mark…”

“I know!” He brought both his palms to his face, rubbing his eyes so hard until it felt like you were seeing stars. “I know. That was so stupid. I can’t believe that just happened.”

You were silent, your emotions rattling inside you noisily, threatening to blow your cover. Your mouth opened and closed a few times, until you stared at his doe eyes, his cheeks now flushed pink with embarrassment. You leaned over, closing your eyes at one point before your lips met, soft, plush, a mix of his morning Americano and the strawberry lipbalm from Min-ah. Pulling away, you were met with the tiny intricacies of his face, his scent, the feeling of his shirt under your palm. The cologne he was wearing tickled your sinuses. Normally you hated that smell, but today…

“Was that okay?” His breath caressed the thin skin on your face, and you nodded almost involuntarily. “Your cologne is a bit strong for me, though.”

“My what?”

“Sorry.” You had no idea why you were so unfiltered with him, thoughts running free from the confines of your brain and into the air. “It’s just…men’s cologne makes me sneeze.”

“Oh baby, you are so cute.” His voice deepened and it felt like someone just released a dozen hungry butterflies loose in your stomach, beautiful and urgent. He chuckled, pressing a kiss now to the sides of your lips. “You’re cute when you blush. So cute.”

The sound of the car door opening made you both jump, both pulling away in the process, backs now snug against your own seats. “How did it-“ you started.

“Min-hyung is going to be an idol!” Jin-hyung’s face was sweaty and warm, his eyes puffy and red possibly from crying, but he wore an unapologetic smile on his face, like this was what he wanted all along, and the relief was simply euphoric.

∞

You pulled your hand away from inside his, trying to rid the clammy feeling off your palms. “What’s wrong?”

“Just nervous.” Jungwoo towered over you, wearing one of those denim fleece jackets you loved so much over a white t-shirt you had gifted him 2 weeks ago. “You look so yummy in white, Woo.” You wanted to cringe at that your own voice reverberating through your skull, but you felt warm and nice instead, like you had just sipped hot chocolate in this freezing weather. He knocked his ankle against yours, playfully pushing you to the side, only to drag you back with his arm looped around yours. “I’m right here. It’s okay.”

“Okay.” You nodded, but anxiety still stirred inside you, making you sick. “Plus, we can always leave if you want.”

“_! Jungwoo-hyung!” Mark looked small in his oversized puffer jacket, waving one arm over his head enthusiastically. Beside him was Johnny Suh, a trainee friend of Mark’s from Chicago, master of sarcasm and dad jokes. Walking up towards the two men, Jungwoo’s arms slipped away from yours, and you playfully patted Johnny on the arm. “Hey, you.”

“Hey, gorgeous. Wait, are you and Jungwoo a thing now?” You half-smiled, shivering against the blast of cold air that pierced through your stockings. You felt warmth spreading on the small of your back, and Jungwoo’s voice behind you. “Yeah, man.”

“I got him that.” You pointed at Jungwoo’s shirt, and he pulled you closer to your side, squeezing your hip firmly. “Yeah. So you can stop flirting with her now.”

“Damn, so you went out with her only to stop me from flirting? Red flag.” He raised his eyebrows comically, and you laughed, but Jungwoo didn’t seem very amused, not to you. He smiled and nodded, but you immediately knew he was uncomfortable. His lips were pale but plump, and you fought the urge to kiss him, biting your own bottom lip in reflex.

When you went inside, you wriggled your shoulders, shaking off your coat. “Hey, baby, you okay? You’re not jealous, are you?” Your tone was teasing, but you watched him carefully, at the way he avoided eye contact with you as he searched for an empty space on the coat rack. “I’m fine.” He muttered, and you pressed your lips together, fighting a giggle. Probably your toxic trait but he was so cute when he was sulky and pouty that you didn’t know how anyone took him seriously. “Woo, please. Don’t lie.”

“Okay!” He still wasn’t looking at you, smiling and nodding at passersby’s as he spoke. “I don’t care that he flirts with you, I really don’t, I really really…”

“Yes, you do.” You rested your weight on one hip, crossing your arms across your chest to look up at him.

“No, I don’t! I trust you.” The warm flame you had burning inside you erupted, replacing that tiny flame of anxiety, filling you with a sense of security, of love. I trust you.

“But you said I’m the funniest man you met, yet you keep laughing at his jokes.”

It was your turn laugh noisily in response, so much so that Mark noticed and joined in from afar, probably already a little tipsy and sharing random anecdotes from his life that no one asked for. You brushed snow off your boyfriend’s shoulders, watching as his nose and cheeks flushed red from the cold. “Cute. You’re so cute.”

“Well, I know that, but am I funny? I don’t care if your exes were hot or whatever, but funny?”

“First of all, you know you’re my first serious relationship. And secondly, Johnny’s humour is different. It’s more flirty, on the spot. You, well, you’re awkward and cute funny, you know? Plus,” you leaned in, intentionally letting the lipgloss on your lips smudge on his sensitive skin behind his ear, “you’re the only one I wanna kiss so bad right now.”

“WOAH! Get a room, you too!” You pulled away, noticing that the red on his cheeks were deeper, spreading all over his face. His eyes stared back at you almost blankly, and you pecked his cheek. “After this, okay? You can have all of me.”

∞

Chest heaving, you shut your eyes, wanting to savour every moment that had passed. Your bare skin shone with a thin layer of sweat, legs tangled in his. You felt him brush up against your neck, his voice vibrating in your ears. “Was that okay?” He asked as if he already knew the answer, pressing his bare body closer to you. You answered by bringing your face closer to his, and he sighed. “You taste like watermelon today. Lemon yesterday, and then strawberry on Tuesday.”

“Jungwoo, this isn’t what I wanted you to say after we had sex for the first time.”

“Sorry.” His eyes were flickering shut. “But you taste really good. Like, everywhere.”

“That’s so cute and kind of nasty too.” You scrunched your nose, and he chuckled. You hiked one leg above his thigh, needing him again. “Can I?”

He kissed you, sucking your lips, making you moan audibly and the tension in your body release as you sunk down on his length. “O-oh.” You whimpered as he began to thrust slowly into you, pressing your hips tight against his. “Fuck, yes.”

Your boobs against his bare chest, arms wrapped around his broad shoulders, you kissed him deeply, not wanting to lose contact. He groaned, thrusts getting sloppier as you felt yourself reach your own high for the second time.

∞

Your butt was getting sore from sitting on the hard surface of the stairs for hours, but you didn’t care. You watched him hang out with his friends, making them laugh so hard you could hear them from metres away. You held the envelope tight in your shaky hands, suddenly nervous. What if he didn’t like it?

“Hey, _.” The stairs creaked as you looked up, watching Johnny’s figure shrouded by the faded light of dusk. You shuffled over as he sat next to you, resting his arms over his knees. He looked tired, only hints of his sarcastic self shining through here and there. “You here to see the missus?”

“Johnny.” You rolled your eyes, but your stomach churned as you realised his eyes were on the envelope in his hands. You snatched it away to hide under your jacket, but it was obviously too late. “What’s that? Is that for him?”

“Yeah.” You had no idea where this self-consciousness suddenly was coming from. You were so proud of it, even this morning as you were driving here. Johnny was silent, matching you as you both sat, letting the distant sounds of the boys yelling fill the space between you for a few moments. Finally, he spoke.

“He loves you.” You swallowed, suddenly feeling tears well up in your eyes. When was the last time anyone had loved you like that? “So don’t worry. He’ll like it.” He patted your shoulder, and with a few thundering steps, he was gone.

As you stood in front of Jungwoo again, the same nervousness brewing in your stomach, you tried to remember those words.

“What? Who loves me? What guy?” Jungwoo looked confused, genuinely frowning and holding your hands in his. You furrowed your eyebrows, slowly coming out of your thoughts. “What?”

“You just said, ‘he loves you’.”

“Oh, oh…I said that out loud?” You removed one hand to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Look, I, had this entire monologue prepared, but, um, I’m just a bit nervous.”

“Why?” He caressed your face, and you heard some ooos  and cheers come from the right of you. Jungwoo rolled his eyes. “Lee Donghyuck, if you don’t-“

You watched Haechan give you both over-enthusiastic thumbs up with his hands, and Jungwoo gently guided you off the stage, his hand flush on the small of your back. “Just relax, baby. It’s just me. You’re making me nervous. Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing like that.” You shook your head just as you whipped out the envelope and thrust it sideways. Your heart felt like it was bursting out of your chest, under all the layers you were wearing. You blurted out. “I kissed the pages. I kissed them after putting on the lip balms and glosses and lipsticks I wore when I kissed you and you told me I tasted good. I know! That’s the kind of thing that sounds cute in theory, but absolutely psychotic in real life. And I just-“

Jungwoo shut you up with a kiss, the envelope grazing your side as he held you tight with his other arm. Goosebumps ran up your limbs, despite all your layers. Pulling away, he rubbed his nose against yours, making you break out in a smile, despite how corny it was. “You’re probably thinking about how corny this all is. But I love it. I love this. And I love you.”

[sunseed-fandump]

Beware the Fae King

Another quick Liar's Circus blurb! This one is about how Shadow Milk Cookie describes Elder Faerie Cookie to the Kids!

Enjoy!

“Are not!” Wizard Cookie snapped.

“Are too!” Came Gingerbrave’s well-thought-out reply.

Gingerbrave and Wizard Cookie had been arguing like this since they got back from their trip into town to get groceries. The trio were lounging in Gingerbrave’s tent, the boardgame they had been playing forgotten in favor of a petty argument. Strawberry Cookie had given up on trying to break them up and resigned herself to watching with a tired sigh.

She had been winning too…

“Hey, hey, hey! What’s going on over here, my Little Stars?” The Ringmaster floated over from who-knows-where, putting himself between the bickering friends.

“We’ll ask the Ringmaster about it, then!” Wizard Cookie said, not taking his eyes off of Gingerbrave, “He knows everything, which means he’ll know that I’m right!”

“Well I do know everything…” The Ringmaster said with a pleased chuckle, “But I must admit I am ever so very lost on what you two are fighting about! Mind filling me in, kids?”

When Wizard and Gingerbrave just kept glaring at each other, Strawberry decided to fill in the Ringmaster herself.

“It’s about faeries.” She said, failing to notice how the word made their mentor twitch.

“… Faeries?” His smile grew a bit strained, “Now wherever did you kiddos hear about… those?”

“A nice old lady in town told me a story about them!” Gingerbrave finally broke his staring contest with Wizard. “She said they might give us gifts if we’re nice to the forests! I was talking to Wizard about it but he says they’re not real!”

“They’re just rumor and superstition!” Wizard Cookie huffed, “Faerie Cookies are just something adults made up to trick kids into behaving! Tell him, Ringmaster!”

“They’re totally real and cool and nice!!!” Gingerbrave stomped his foot with a huff.

Both boys turned to the Ringmaster with expectant looks, wanting him to settle this argument once and for all.

Shadow Milk Cookie barely contained an amused chuckle at their adorably serious expressions. Why did kids always have to take such frivolous things so seriously? And why did their expressions just look so goofy?

The Ringmaster cleared his throat.

“Well…” He pressed his hands together as he thought about how to phrase this. “Yes, Faerie Cookies do exist.”

“HA!” Gingerbrave puffed out his chest, feeling victorious. Embarrassment colored Wizard Cookie’s cheeks as he glared at his friend from under his bangs.

“However, the myths of them being nice are wrong.” Added the Ringmaster.

“Whaaaat?” Gingerbrave wilted, disappointed that he might not be able to make a faerie friend.

Strawberry tugged on the Ringmaster’s sleeve, gaining his attention. She shuffled her feet as she asked, “Have you ever met a faerie, Ringmaster?”

He timed his hesitation before responding, “I have a bit of a history with them, yes… Though I must admit, I’m a rather biased party! After all… It’s hard to feel fond for one’s jailors.”

“HUH?!” The children gasped, taking the bait - hook, line, and sinker.

Shadow Milk Cookie turned his back to them to hide the small grin he could feel spreading across his face. He covered his mouth with his fist to sell the idea that he was slightly distraught.

“But didn’t you say it was the Witches who locked you up?!”

“You’re a really powerful cookie, how could a bunch of faeries keep YOU locked up?! How strong are they?!”

“But the story I heard said they were guardians of the forests!”

“Alright! Alright!” The Ringmaster turned back around, putting his hands up to stop the barrage of questions and exclamations, “I’ll answer all your questions… In the form of a story! And it’s about your favorite characters too!”

The children perked up in interest at that.

“The Five Great Heroes?!” Gingerbrave had stars in his eyes. They all loved the Ringmaster’s stories, but Gingerbrave seemed to have a special fondness for them.

“That’s right!” With a flourish, the kids were lifted off their feet and three cushions were brought over from Ginerbrave’s bed. They were gently seated as, with another wave of his hand, the Ringmaster summoned a small puppet theater before the trio. “But I must warn you, I’m afraid your favorite heroes don’t come out on top this time…”

Gingerbrave, who had practically been vibrating in his seat, paused. The other two children looked rather confused as well. The Five Great Heroes always won in the Ringmaster’s stories…

The Ringmaster vanished behind the puppet theater. The lights in the tent visibly dimmed, immersing the group’s focus on the little stage before them.

“Now… Where to begin…” The Ringmaster’s voice filled the entire tent. “Well… Can’t beat the classic opener! AHEM!”

Once upon a time…

There were Five great Cookies. Baked to be perfection incarnate! Great heroes who were so radiant, so glorious! They rebelled against their evil creators and began to forge a new future for the Cookies! One free of the tyranny of Witches!

Ah, but their greatness drew envy from many Cookies. But one Cookie’s jealously rose above all the others! He was known as…

The Faerie King!

A loyal servant of The Witches, he believed he had been baked to be the strongest in the world! Any Cookie who challenged him was dealt with, without mercy!

He stole the Life Powder from the Cookies foolish enough to give him their names…

He cursed the Cookies who wandered into the Faeriewood to wander lost forever…

Any who dare challenge him to battle? Was swiftly cut to pieces!

And should the Witches will it, he would kidnap small cookies into the night… To offer them to the Witches to EAT! Ah! How terrifying! I can barely look!

 Oh, but he was the REAL fool! Yes! Such a fool indeed…

And yet, despite his foolishness, he was dangerously sneaky, oh, so sneaky!

“Great Witches! How do I defeat these foes so I may become the strongest Cookie in the world?” He asked his dark masters.

“Alas, there is no way you can best them in battle…” Replied the Witches, “However, we know a way to remove them from the world forever!”

And so their evil plan was put into action…

The Faerie King challenged the Five to a great battle! But just as it looked like he would loose…

WOOSH! BOOM!

Silver rained down from the skies! Chains wrapped around the Five like snakes! It was a trap!

The Five Great Heroes, their bodies reduced to crumbs, had their spirits sealed away inside a magical Silver Tree. What a tragedy!

And so the selfish, cruel, but ohh so so foolish king punished the Five Great Cookies according to his own whim!

“HA HA!” He laughed, “Now I will protect this tree and all who stand against me will be offered to the Witches!”

The Faerie King still protects the Silver Tree to this day. For he refuses to ever give up his title as the Strongest! And any Cookies who have tried to free the Heroes and bring about the end of the Witches? Wind up as crumbs!

He rules the forests with an iron fist! His faerie knights attack any wingless cookies they see! And if you’re alone and wander too close to the wood… You might just wind up never being seen again!

They’re tricky! They’re evil! They’re sneaky! They’re cruel! Yes, the fae are not to be trusted one itty-bitty bit! And you should never be foolish enough to meet their King!

So be wary of the forest, kids! And never come home late!

Lest you meet the Faerie King and wind up on a plate–!

“EEEK!” Strawberry Cookie’s scared cry startled Wizard Cookie and Gingerbrave, who replied with their own screams.

The three of them instinctually huddled together, seeking the safety they knew came with being close.

“I’m sorry, kiddos! I didn’t mean to scare you THAT badly!” A voice behind them cooed and suddenly they found themselves being wrapped in the Ringmaster’s arms.

On the inside, Shadow Milk Cookie thought their reactions were hilarious.

“Th-Th-That story isn’t REAL is it?” Strawberry asked, eyes already watering.

“I’m afraid it is, sweetheart.” Said the Ringmaster, “Elder Faerie Cookie is super-duper dangerous! And the last thing I want is for any of you to get cut down by his sword or offered up to the Witches!”

“Y-You just wanted to warn us…” Wizard summed up. His little body trembling like a leaf.

“After that story, I hope I never meet any faeries, ever!” Gingerbrave shook his head vehemently.

“If you do, you’ll have nothing to worry about!” The Ringmaster said with a sunny smile, “I’ll protect you! Alright? You can always rely on me!”

The kids cuddled closer to him. Though he was a spirit and lacked any warmth, they still felt safe in his arms.

Yes, they would definitely be able to rely on their Ringmaster to keep them safe���

[little-drop-of-water]

I've finally had the chance to listen to People's Champion in order and I have some thoughts that have been going around my head. Actually, this idea first came when I listened to Sex=Money.

The lines about the therapist seem a bit confusing. Some think he's talking about his own therapist making money out of his situation. Others think he's talking about therapists as a group and that people in Finland are so shocked from him going from "family fierndly" to R rated that they ended up going to therapy.

I think the second take might be closer to what he meant, but of course is not meant to be taken literally. It's an exageration about the way people have overreacted to him moving away from his ESC "family friendly" phase and going back to his most usual not meant for children content.

But then again, the therapist is an interesting character, because they're making lots of money from the situation (they got themselves a brand new Volvo with turbo) at a very low risk to them. And that got me thinking, there's been a group of people that have benefited from Käärijä's fame in a similar way that the therapist does in the song: the media.

This idea that the therapist might be a metaphor for the media/journalists makes more sense to me after Skit and Autiomaa came out.

Skit hit hard on a personal level, even before I read the translation. This is because I overthink a lot and have a hard time forming coherent sentences, so when someone interrupts me when I speak, is really frustrating. Skit reminded me of a bad interview more than a therapy sesion. Think Kelly Clarkson's talk show, where she interrupts her guests and never lets them finish what they want to say. The therapist does exactly that. He behaves like a very unprofessional journalist (you know, like the ones Jere has had to deal with). Not only he interrupts Jere, he also makes assuptions based on what little Jere is able to blurt out before being interrupted again. An actual therapist (or an actual journalist for that matter) would never behave that way.

In Autiomaa, he talks about what he's been going through the last couple of years, how he's been feeling and how he wants to be listened. And then in the MV, the therapist...doesn't pay attention to him. He only takes a picture of him and continues to ignore him. The only notes he takes are "funny guy" and "not married :p", everything else in his note pad are doodles. This is very similar to the way the media has reduced Jere to "the funny party guy" and only care to take his picture, even when he doesn't want to.

So, basically, like the therapist character in the album, the media has done the same things to Jere:

There's a part of the video where Jere and the therapist are watching the headlines about Käärijä. Jere looks uncomfortable,  but the therapist seems to be the one making him watch (not as extreme as in A Clockwork Orange, but he's still forcing him to a point). This reminded me of the times journalists have dug into Jere's past for totally unnecesary reasons, like the time they found out how much he earned in 2022 or when someone else reminded him that he had to sell his moustache and then telling him how far along he's come from that.

*Not paid attention to the deeper meaning of his lyrics, reducing his work to just "party music".

*Reduce him to a cartoonish or clownish character.

*Remind him of unpleasant moments of his past for unnecesary reasons.

*And on top of that, cashed a lot of money from his fame.

[tyran-the-tyranical]

I keep seeing people bringing up Raphael’s line about Mol and are coming out with (in my opinion) a little bit of extreme takes.

“What a lovely specimen she is a blushing Apple begging to be plucked”

Firstly, this is just gross and predatory behaviour regarding Mol, just not in the way people are claiming.

He calls her a blushing apple and what he means by this is that she stands out - he sees potential in her and he’s planning on plucking that and exploiting it to his own whims. Of course blushing seems to have its own connotations but in relation to the apple analogy it makes sense. The sentence in itself is very disgusting and gross, but not because it gives off “pedo” vibes, it’s because he’s being predatory but not in any sexual way, there’s nothing sexual about it, literally nothing.

It’s gross because that’s what devils do, they prey on the weak, sick, elderly and children, the most vulnerable in a society because they’re easy prey (in their minds, etc) he’s also may be planning on grooming her presumably into a future position that would serve him later on (like what Korilla does now), yet might I add there’s nothing sexual about it.

People also bring up Gortash as an example but theres also nothing to add with that either. Gortash was abused by Nubaldin (who is an employee of Raphael’s), who says it himself that he would beat Gortash until he was sobbing, there is no mention of Raphael partaking in this let alone any other sorts of abuse (tho he’s not innocent here either, negligent in the very least)

Also, when looking at Gortash’s design it’s clear he holds some sort of admiration for Raphael, he copies his outfit somewhat with the devil’s accessories and such, which would be strange if any abuse by Raphael happened.

Raphael is a devil and if we even look at his father, who in canon, takes good aligned children/babies and eats them so perhaps the leap to something just as sinister isn’t too crazy to come to. Yet, at the same time there is no evidence of this whatsoever other than vibes which is a weak argument in the first place.

His line about Mol is purposely made to be uncomfortable and weird, Karlach even comments on it being such.

“please let me smack this creep”

The line is supposed to show how predatory and deplorable he is, but where I think people are getting confused is that they think him being predatory automatically means he is a pedo, which just isn’t the case. No where else in the game is it stated he has an affinity for specifically children and especially not in that way.

Karlach I think even says more about it after the conversation on how she sees mol going down the same route she did, as in someone taking advantage of their naïveté but not sexually, just that they’re going to use them to their own ends and screw them over in the long run, I think if Karlach thought he was being sexual about it she would’ve been a bit more pissed or comment about it at the very least (more than just calling him a creep lol)

Like I know I might be crazy for this comparison but this feels like when ppl were saying William Afton is a pedo, on the basis of him being (literally) predatory around kids and vibes - you can be predatory and not a pedo, the two aren’t synonymous.

I also think it’s kinda disingenuous to push away criticism by saying you’re only defending Raphael bc ur attracted to him etc, I can like his character and still think he’s a shitty disgusting person, as well as having critical thoughts on that matter, especially since I love my girl hope (justice for hope fr) and I will most likely always kill Raphael in my playthroughs too since he’s such a lil freak anyway.

I really think it’s just a total lack of media literacy, just because these characters are preying on kids weaknesses/vulnerabilities (luring them into selling their souls or grooming them to work for you in the future) does not equate to them being pedophiles. Is it gross and deplorable behaviour? YES, that was the point, but does that mean they’re pedophiles? NO.

The line is gross, it’s supposed to be, and I understand if someone’s first thought might be is he a yknow, but to stick with that and to boldly claim he’s something that there isn’t any evidence for is wild to me. Call him a predator, a groomer, murderer, a literal devil, all things he literally is lol.

Look maybe I’m crazy, maybe I’m being wild, I’m not trying to defend him, he’s disgusting and literally evil lol, yet I still think it’s a misjudgement of his character, since there’s other evil characters in game but that doesn’t mean you can just add every evil thing a person can be into them, like minthara, even Gortash, orin or ketheric or whatever, they have their limits, (tho orin is probably the one with the fewest limitations lol) but if you’re going to call anyone a pedo have it be Mizora, least she grooms Wyll and follows through with disgusting touching (everytime she’s licking him in the promotion, EW, tho that’s not in game so debatable)

I get that with such a clearly and obviously disgusting line that that might be the conclusion people will automatically come to but at the same time I just ask that you do some more thinking on the matter, like sure he’s just a lil pixel dude but at the same time it’s a bit worrying to see how quick people will confidently jump and claim he’s a pedophile.

Anyway, media literacy is dead and we’ve killed it.