#you know what's glorious? her animated hair

[babe-a-yaga]

What was done to Isseya is one of my personal biggest upsets with this game. I loved her in Last Flight. She's a genuinely interesting, complex character, and given the themes of mistakes and regret present through Veilguard, it makes TOTAL sense for her to make an appearance! What makes no sense at all is for her to be reduced to a two dimensional villain with no clear motivation who's just...doing exactly the thing she fucked up in life? Except worse? I'm gonna summarize the events of last flight for the folks who haven't read it;

The first griffin Isseya put through the joining was already blighted in battle, and dying from it. Quickly. Griffins are extra sensitive to the Blight and any attempts made to join them resulted in the animals going berserk and tearing themselves, and anyone else in range, to pieces to get away from what was now in their veins.

In a well meaning, but misguided effort to save one of the animals she loved, she used blood magic to alter the griffon's mind, to convince it the Blight in it's system was just a regular cold, and it didn't need to fight it, then put it through the joining.

It worked, but it changed the griffon. Made it stronger, fight harder. More difficult to handle. The griffon ultimately went out in a spectacular blaze of glory, and people didn't know what she did, just that she did SOMETHING, and that griffon did ten griffons worth of damage on it's way out.

The fourth blight was far worse, far longer than any of the blights we have witnessed first hand. I think it lasted like 15 years? And it was going badly for Thedas. They ordered Isseya to do what she had done to the first griffon again as a last ditch to stand a chance at I *think* Starkhaven (it's been a little bit since I read last flight, so I'm sketchy on dates and what battles were fought specifically when). She hated doing this, but it was orders, and it was exploit this handful of griffons or watch the world die. She's a warden, she signed up to stop the blight at any cost. In war, victory. In death, sacrifice.

By the time her brother Garahel slays Andoral, she's had to blight a number of griffons, and the constant blood magic use has massively accelerated the blight in her own body. Her brother garahel is this golden haired pretty boy beloved by everyone who looks upon him, and Isseya looks so much like a ghoul at this point people are uncomfortable being in the same room as her. Even though this is completely due to her service to the wardens.

Then, the remaining joined griffons start going mad. And then it starts to spread to the other, non-joined griffons. In using blood magic to convince the griffons the blight was just a disease, she had caused it to become one. A contagious one.

It's one of the most interesting examples of how dangerous blood magic actually is we ever see. We're just told over and over "blood magic bad, slippery slope to killing people. Bad. Even if you use your own." And we never really see explicitly why it's an inherently dangerous form of magic until this.

Back to Isseya though. Garahel's lover's Griffon had a clutch of eggs sired by Garahel's Crookytail. Isseya, knowing there was no stopping what was now in motion with the griffons, set out to do her one last act of penance. She took, and purified those eggs, hid them in a ward that kept them in stasis, so that they might only hatch once the griffons were gone, and this disease had died with them, so they might have a chance. And then she hid the clues to their location, and begged that whoever find them not let them be used by the wardens again.

And then she went on her calling.

These are not the actions of a villain. Isseya EMBODIES the warden principal of sacrifice. But it isn't glorious battle rewarded by a quick death alongside an archdemon for her. It's death by inches, by blight, knowingly and willingly accelerated in her own body to stop it from consuming the world. Sacrificing her ideals, the animals she loves, her brother, Garahel. Isseya gives it all for the wardens, to end the blight, and is not thanked for it or remembered kindly.

And she did everything she could to seed the slightest bit of hope, that both in spite of her and because of her, griffons might return to the world, as free creatures.

Her Veilguard arc feels like really egregious character assassination, and I wish she had been given an ounce of the sympathy that other characters had been given. It made sense for her to be here, thematically, mistakes and regret, and good intentions still leading to bad ends, but she deserved the same opportunity for forgiveness and/or redemption that Solas, Mythal, Cyrian, even Illario got.

Isseya was done dirty by Veilguard.

[anyataylorjoys]

SINBAD: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN SEAS —2003, dir. Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore

[writing-intheundercroft]

Ser Freckles // S. Sallow

Rating: T

WC: 2,743

Summary: As heir to the throne, the princess takes appointing her sworn protector very seriously.

A/N: Submitted as part of a writing challenge because I'm a glutton for starting AU projects. inspired heavily by HOTD (I've been looking for an excuse to use the name Gawayne). Much love to the pals who keep Knight!Seb living in my brain <3

“Now that you are of age, and officially the heir to the throne, it’s time you appoint your first sworn sword.”

She looked up to Fig as they walked down the stone stairs, the excited chatter from the courtyard echoing off the walls.  Fig had been her tutor all her life, and only now did she realize her lessons with him had a greater purpose.  She was the only daughter of the king’s dearly departed brother, a king who lacked any heirs of his own.  And now that she’d turned eighteen, with no hopes for a male cousin in sight, she had been formally invested as the heir apparent.

Fig was no lowly court tutor, she realized. He’d been placed with her from her youth, preparing her for what had seemed like a distant possibility that she might one day become queen. Lord Eleazar Fig, a member of the King’s Counsel, had been priming her to take power all along.

”I’m not sure why I can’t keep Lady Singer,” she mumbled, kicking her skirts as they continued their descent. “She’s been my guardian for as long as I can remember.”

”Lady Singer is a governess,” Fig reminded her. “And in no way capable of being your sworn protector.  The young man you choose today will become a knight, sworn to your king's guard.  Can you remind me what the function of your king's guard is?”

”My queen’s guard,” she snipped, emphasizing the word, “will protect my counsel and me from harm, as well as my future heirs.”

“Precisely, Princess.” Fig smiled. “It’s largely a symbolic role considering the relative peace our realm has seen this past one hundred years, even more so with the city watch taking guard of the castle.  But the king—er, queen’s guard is a deep rooted tradition each house takes very seriously.  The gentlemen we’ve assembled today for your selection come from some of the great houses of the realm.  Others have been lauded for their bravery and skill in the battlefield.”

The princess and Lord Fig walked to the balcony, the crowd below falling into silence. There were six men (boys, she observed, especially considering she’d grown up with four of them around court) standing in the courtyard below.  They all wore gleaming armor, save for the last, wearing a dull set without embellishments.  Each had a pennant with their house sigil, members of their families standing behind them. The animals on each pennant were embroidered with gleaming metallic thread–lions, eagles, badgers, and snakes taking center, representing the great houses each family bowed to. 

Lord Fig took her hand, helping her stand on a stool to catch a better glimpse of her future knight.

”The first proposed candidate is Ser Leander Prewett,” Fig stated loudly. “Ser Leander is the second son of Lord Lyonel Prewett.  He is a fine duelist, trained by one of the land’s most notable swordsmen.”

She cocked her brow, observing the redhead below.  Tall, lithe, with a glorious mane of red hair.

”And rather shit on a horse,” she muttered under her breath. “Did you see him in the last tourney?”

”Horsemanship is not a requirement of a knight, Princess.” Fig muttered.

”He truly had no idea if he was facing the front, or the back.” She joked. 

Lord Fig concealed his laugh in a cough. He waved his arm, and Leander’s gleaming smile vanished into a rather sour expression as the next option stepped forward.

”Ser Garreth Weasley,” Fig announced. “The third son of Lord Gwayne Weasley.”

”I know Ser Garreth well,” she smiled demurely. “Is it not one of the oaths as my queen’s guard to take no wife, have no children, and to be sworn to uphold the duties of the crown until death or dismissal?”

”It is, Princess.”

She clicked her tongue. “I know very well my dear friend Lady Natsai would be quite upset if I took her beloved to my service.  I’d rather see the two of them happily married than split apart by duty.” She waved him backwards, knowing Natty would be pleased.  Garreth stepped back, cheeks red, but a relieved look on his face.

“The next option is Ser Amit Thakkar,” Fig looked down at his notes. “Son of the Dowager Lady Tara Thakkar. No notable tourney experience, he’s been—“

”Away for his studies in the new world,” the princess interjected. “I know Ser Amit quite well. Tell me, Ser, how was your research on the skies?  Anything new to report?”

“I’ve identified at least twelve constellations once lost to our maesters,” Amit announced excitedly. “And I do look forward to finding more.”

She tilted her head to Fig, eyebrows raised. “I do believe Ser Amit’s talents are better used with the college of maesters, rather than as a member of my queen’s guard.”

”Moving on,” Fig tutted. “Ser Duncan Hobhouse, son of—“

”No.”

”Okay, on to the next.” Fig winced, letting the young Duncan Hobhouse step back with a sigh. “Next is Ser Isaac Cooper. Son of Ser Tristan Cooper, the Lord Commander of the city watch.  Strong, steady, and good with a lance.  Ser Isaac has topped the tourney lists, specifically winning the tourney of Aranshire this past spring. ”

The princess chewed her lower lip as she appraised Ser Isaac.  He stood tall, black hair cropped closely to his head. His parents stood behind him proudly bearing the badger on their sigil.  Isaac gave her a beaming smile, followed by a rather obvious wink.

“I look forward to serving you, my princess, in all ways you see fit.” Isaac said loudly, followed by a showy bow. A gaggle of young ladies on the upper balcony giggled audibly, Ser Isaac blowing a kiss to his admirers.

The princess gagged, wrinkling her nose as she turned back to her tutor. 

”A tourney knight,” she huffed. “Tell me, Lord Fig, do any of these knights have real combat experience?”

Fig sighed deeply, beckoning forward the sixth option.  It was the knight in plain armor; unlike the others, he did not have a large gathering of family members behind him.  A thin, peaky girl stood by his side, wobbling on her feet as their sigil shook in her hands. The green velvet of the flag looked worn, but a silver snake had been embroidered into the fabric with metallic thread, red beads for eyes.  Behind them was a stern looking man, beard peppered with silver hairs.  

The boy paid them no attention, standing forward with his head bowed to her. 

“Ser Sebastian Sallow,” Fig cleared his throat. “The nephew of Ser Solomon Sallow, a former knight of the city watch.  He was dismissed from his post after the death of his brother, taking on the stewardship of his young niece and nephew.  Ser Solomon and his nephew Sebastian have taken the responsibility of patrolling the lower highlands, protecting their hamlets from ashwinders and poachers.”

She leaned forward over the railing, interest piqued by the humble knight below. “Tell me, Ser Sebastian, of your experience fighting against the ashwinder rebellion.”

He lifted his head, big brown eyes framed by an explosion of freckles. He had a round, boyish face for eighteen, thick brown hair descending in waves. A blush took over his cheeks as he dipped his head once more.

”I have fought against the ashwinders for the past five years, Princess.  For as long as my uncle has allowed me.” He said, tipping his head back towards the stern man. “The lower hamlets rarely see reinforcements from the city watch, so it is up to the residents themselves to gather arms.”

“And when did you become a knight, Ser Sebastian?”

Sebastian turned briefly to look at his uncle, who merely nodded. “The Lord Commander of the city watch was passing through our hamlet when he witnessed me apprehending a cohort of ashwinder assassins.” He adjusted his grip on the helmet in his hands, metal clanking as he shifted.  Unlike the others, there were no grand decorations, no feathery plumes attached to the helmet.  It was practical, well-worn steel that had seen battle many times before. “He knighted me on the field, after the battle.”

”One boy against twenty ashwinders,” Fig whispered in her ear. “Quite a feat.”

She braced her palms against the stone ledge, hair falling over her shoulders. He looked up at her intently now, eyes wide.  even with his armor on, she could see his throat bobbing, swallowing down his nerves.  

“That settles it for me. I choose Ser Sebastian Sallow.” 

The hall descended into loud whispers; the girl holding his sigil gasped with delight, while the man behind her dropped his mouth open in shock.  Sebastian knelt, but kept his gaze fixated upon her.  It was as if the chocolate brown orbs were burning into her, somewhere between admiration and curiosity. 

Fig gave her a knowing look. “Ser Sebastian it is.”

”I’ll leave the details to Ser Sebastian’s investiture to you, Lord Fig.” the princess said, stepping down from the stool. Her heels clattered against the floor, hands folded behind her back. “And measure him for new armor.  Something befitting my sworn protector.”

”The customary armor, of course, with your sigil on the pauldron.” Fig noted.

She paused, turning one last time towards her counsel.

”Don’t forget his snakes.” She reminded him. “Silver with ruby eyes.”

Fig tried to conceal his smile. “Yes, princess.”

“You know we’re not allowed in the armory,” Poppy hissed, trying to tug on her skirt. “Lady Singer–”

“Lady Singer can kiss my arse,” the princess declared, enjoying the way her lady in waiting’s cheeks flushed. “I would like to supervise the fitting.  Will you join me?”

“I think not,” Poppy lifted her nose. “I’ll be off to the library to meet with Imelda.  You should stay out of trouble.” the brunette warned.

The princess pulled open the heavy door of the armory, grinning at her friend. “Trouble is my middle name,” she sang, waving goodbye as she entered the room.  The normally bustling armory was quiet at midday, with most of the knights standing guard.  She stepped past the rows of white cloaks, all hung under their corresponding owner’s name.  Weapons were stacked against the wall on wooden racks; she wouldn’t dare go near the spears, swords, and morningstars for fear of tipping them over.  Her slippers pattered against the flagstone floors as she walked deeper into the chamber in search of her new knight.

“There you are,” she declared, seeing him standing on the pedestal. Ser Sebastian Sallow stood in his freshly tailored white breeches and shirt, half dressed in his new gilded armor.

“Princess,” the armorer bowed his head quickly, stepping away from Sebastian. “I did not realize you were coming in to supervise the fitting.”

“Is it not tradition?” she asked, circling the pedestal with an approving nod.

“It is,” the armor rubbed his hands together anxiously. “For the king.  But you are a young lady, it’s hardly appropriate for you to be in the armory with a knight in a state of undress–”

“Ser Sebastian is my choice,” she pointed out. “So I will supervise the fitting of his armor and his sword selection, just as my uncle did for his sworn swords.”

“As you wish, princess.” The armor nodded. “I’ll fetch his sword at once.”  He bowed, walking backwards out of the room.

“Are you always so commanding?” Ser Sebastian asked, a hand on his hip.

“Only when they’re so formal.” she grinned, crossing her arms. “The armor looks good on you.”

Sebastian’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you.” he stammered. “And thank you for honoring my house.” he gestured to his pauldron, decorated with the Sallow family sigil. Instead of the crudely carved 

The armorer returned, holding a glimmering sword with a checked handle. “His sword, your grace.” he handed it to her for inspection. “I shall return shortly with his cloak; the seamstress was just finishing the hem.” He backed out of the room once more, leaving the pair alone.

The princess bobbed her head as she held the sword in her hand, testing its weight. “Good balance,” she mused, tossing it from one hand to the other.

“You’re trained with a sword?” Sebastian asked, eyebrow cocked.

She gave him a toothy grin, swinging the sword from side to side. “My uncle thought it best that I was taught the same as any other prince of the realm.” 

“I certainly agree,” Sebastian offered. “I trained my sister as best as I could before coming to the capitol.”

“Well then, should we practice for your investiture?” She asked. “On your knees, then.”

Sebastian sank to the floor, beaming up at her obediently.  He tipped his chin upwards, right hand resting over his heart. 

“Do you swear to uphold the code of the kingsguard?” she asked, trying her best to remember the vows Lord Fig had tasked her with memorizing.

“I do,” Sebastian echoed.

“Do you swear to guard the king with all your might, and give your blood for him and his heirs?” She recited the words slowly and thoughtfully.  The sword was beginning to feel heavy in her hands, but Sebastian didn’t budge.  He stayed, knelt below her on the ground, closed fist bound to his chest.

“I do.”

“Do you swear to take no wife, father no children, hold no lands? Do you swear to guard your king’s secrets, obey his commands, defend his name and honor?”

The princess blinked down at her chosen knight, hovering the blade over his shoulder. His big, brown eyes stared back at her, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.  She hadn’t noticed the freckles on his lips; then again, she’d never been so close to him before.  He looked both like a knight and a boy all at once–his armor was unfinished, missing the pauldron on his left shoulder that would bear her sigil.  Sebastian’s messy hair stuck up in the back, and the princess felt the strong urge to pat it down.

She instead remained steady, blade in hand.

“Do you swear, Ser Sebastian?” she asked.

“I swear to take no wife, father no children, nor hold any lands.  I swear to guard my queen’s secrets, obey her commands, defend her name and honor. For as long as I breathe, my life is my queen’s.” Sebastian gave her a coy look, eyes glittering with mischief; he aimed to flatter her, charming the princess with his change in verbiage.

Two could play that game, she thought. The princess lifted her sword, tapping it on both of his shoulders.  “By the grace of the future queen, I name you Ser Kiss Arse.” she declared dramatically.

Sebastian choked, and the princess laughed.  Her whole body shook with her giggles, and Sebastian pouted. 

“No fair,” he complained. “Pick a better name.”

“Fine,” she wiped a tear from her eye. Feigning composure, she straightened her posture and gave him her best queenly glare. “By the grace of the future queen, I name you Ser Freckles.”

“You’re making a mockery of it,” Sebastian whined.

“We’re practicing, remember?” She snorted. “I promise, I’ll be much more official during the actual ceremony.”

Sebastian huffed. “Fine then.  But if I get a nickname, then you get one too.” he warned. “Princess Picky is what I’ll call you.”

The princess scoffed, backing away. “Who called me picky?”

Sebastian gave her a sheepish look, rubbing the back of his neck. “Everyone at court, actually. They thought you were too picky with your requirements of the kingsguard.  The public is fairly certain you’re making a mistake in picking me as your sworn sword.” his smile faltered, a wave of doubt crashing over his face. “My family has no riches, no influence at court.  I have nothing else to offer you.”

The princess chewed her lower lip, dragging the sword behind her as she leaned down to face her knight. “It is no mistake,” she murmured, pressing a hand to his shoulder. “You are the most deserving of the title.  I chose you. And if that makes me picky, so be it.”

Sebastian touched her wrist; the gesture shocked her, eyelashes fluttering from the surprise embrace.  But she did not move her hand–the princess kept it on his uncovered shoulder, her hair falling in her face as she looked down at her sworn protector.

“Princess Picky and Ser Freckles,” Sebastian joked. “An eclectic pair.”

She gave him an earnest smile. “I’d have it no other way.”

[thisgirlnamedblusy]

👁️👄👁️ mayhaps g!p Donna X fem reader having morning sex. reader is a soft dom and has a praise kink. Reader just sweet talks Donna while she rocks her, then they go make breakfast after they manage to recover from their legs feeling like jelly lol

Yess!!! Thank you for your request!!! I hope you like it and sorry about the language mistakes!!! :))))

What a morning

Pairing: Donna Beneviento x Fem!! Reader

Warnings: G!P Donna, smut, Minors DNI, fluff,

Word count: 4,147

Summary: You didn't want to get out of bed...

N/A: Sorry about the language mistakes!!! Requests are open!!! I'm waiting yours!!!I love you all!!!

“Come on, tesoro... Wake up.”

A soft voice interrupted your pleasant slumber.

To be honest, you couldn't know if you woke up from a dream, or were already living on it. You, who already thought that your life would be reduced to taking care of animals and praying to Mother Miranda, were more than satisfied with the turn that fate had for you.

The inclement weather in the region helped you get lost in the forest, and find who would be the love of your life along the way. Donna Beneviento, Lord and lonely woman, also met her own fate due to inclement weather.

At first sullen and distrustful, she didn’t feel comfortable with your presence. You could have died. You could have hallucinated until you fell off the cliff. You didn't, you survived her anger at someone snooping around her territory.

And not happy with having the privilege of continuing to live, love came later. Donna could be many things, but nothing that had anything to do with what people said about her in the village. She was just a woman tormented by her past, by her appearance. She just needed someone like you to make her life less dark, and you, you too.

“Mm, leave me alone...” You said, slapping the air, trying to get rid of her soft touch on your body. “Five minutes…”

"That's what you said ten minutes ago, (Y/N), come on, we have things to do,” Donna whispered, treacherously uncovering you. You groaned in annoyance and shook your head.

“Donna... Come on, come here...” You whispered with your voice still asleep, searching everywhere for the warmth of the body that was hugging you.

She laughed sheepishly, but she shook her head, getting out of bed. Not before giving you a soft kiss on the lips.

You sat on the bed, trying to cover yourself from the cold of that dark room. Well, at least that way you could clear your mind.

“I thought today we could go for a walk in the woods,” she commented, getting rid of her nightgown and combing the black hair that drove you crazy.

“Can I take the bed with me?” You asked jokingly, rubbing your eyes. She laughed again, shaking her head.

You sighed and lay face down, admiring that beauty that took you so long to discover. Sometimes you found it that it wasn't really a dream, hard to believe.

When she turned around, you had to force yourself to contain your laughter. Donna was always so shy, so embarrassed... It was a shame that her body thought for itself, marking a prominent bulge in her underwear, to which you raised your eyebrows and shuffled a little closer to her.

“Oh…. Wow... Wow...” You sighed amused, biting your lip. Yes, some morning passion could be enough to wake you up.

“What?” She asked, oblivious to where your eyes were pointing. When she looked down, and she realized what exactly you were devouring in your thoughts, she cringed in shame, putting her hands in front of her to push that glorious vision away from you. “Oh, I'm, I'm sorry,” she said shyly, her face growing redder.

You laughed, shaking your head, not looking away from her.

“Why are you sorry? I like to see you so... Happy,” you commented with a velvety, sensual and provocative tone. You just hoped she wouldn't run away that time, as was customary when her body did that kind of things, seemingly for no reason.

“Don't... Look so directly at me, it makes me nervous,” Donna protested, looking away and turning around.

You laughed again, getting up from the bed and slowly walking towards the lady to grab her waist.

“I like what I see,” you whispered in her ear, making her cringe at your cheeky whisper. “Hey, Donna… What do you think if we change the walk thing? The woods are so boring...”

She sighed, grabbing the hands that rested on her waist and slowly turning towards you, with a look of suspicion.

“Oh, and… So… Where do you want to go?” She asked, a bit nervous about the kisses you were beginning to place on her neck, smiling against her skin.

“I had thought that maybe... Instead of walking through the woods you could...” You murmured, caressing her skin gently, making her stay completely still on the wooden floor. “You could take a walk… Through my body.”

Donna laughed and turned around, which you took advantage of to kiss her before she could protest or make some kind of absurd excuse.

“(Y/N), you are...” The doll maker whispered, taking a breath after a few hungry and eager kisses, which matched caresses to her bare chest.

“Wonderful? Incredible? The best?” You asked jokingly, hanging onto her neck and walking slowly until Donna collided with the edge of the bed.

“Impatient,” she whispered, pulling on your lower lip, showing you that ​​taking a short walk on your bare skin was a good plan. Her body only emphasized her conformity.

“Mm, maybe I am,” you said, gently pushing Donna so she fell on the bed and you could climb onto her body, moving your hips so you could feel her erection against your skin, something that drove you crazy. “Do you know what you are?” You asked with a hungry smile, as you got rid of your pajama shirt.

“No... I don't know,” she responded, grabbing your hips with her hands, maintaining that constant movement against her body.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” you whispered affectionately in her ear, making her tremble even more. Yes, you were an absolute fan of compliments, especially because of the reaction that those soft and tender words provoked in Donna.

“You make me blush,” she said, amused, joining your kisses, gently caressing your bare chest while you moved your hips slower making her body protest with a moan.

“That's the intention...” You hissed, with a dark, almost perverse tone, slowly kissing her chest, every inch of her skin, making her eye close in pleasure. “Do you want me to tell you more things?”

Donna nodded, holding on to you to keep you steady as her nails scratched your back in arousal. You laughed, standing up, causing another moan from the brunette, who felt the lack of contact like a stream of ice water.

“Then be a good girl and lie down on the bed,” you whispered in her ear, gently pushing her onto the mattress. Donna hesitated, but it was hard for her to turn down the opportunity to love you in such an unexpected way.

It wasn't the first time you caught her off guard. Every corner of the old estate had already been desecrated by your lust.

Crawling comically, she obeyed your request, lying down and watching expectantly as your pants disappeared in one swift movement, causing her dark, anxious gaze to fall on those now exposed parts.

“That's it... You're so good, Donna... You're so, so good...” You whispered, climbing onto her body and continuing with that soft friction, with discreet but noticeable movements of your hips.

She smiled, caressing your cheek as you kissed her neck, her chest, her shoulders... It was not something improvised on your part, it was intentional. You wanted to see her burn with desire, beg you to be closer to her, to have your hands playing with what her underwear was pathetically trying to hide.

“Oh, my love, do you need something?” You asked amused, grabbing one of your breasts, making her gasp at the sight and want to join on that lascivious touch. You pushed her hand away from you, clicking your tongue. “No, no, Donna… I asked you a question.”

She smiled nervously, but she kept your gaze, lowering that impatient hand over your chest, over your belly...

“I need you, (Y/N),” she whispered with a marked accent, her voice hoarse with her own desire, something you hoped to hear, but that wasn't enough for that torture you enjoyed every day.

“You’re so romantic…” You joked, making her shrug and look at you expectantly. “You love me, right?”

Donna nodded, her gaze tender, her hips moving a little faster, relieving the pressure she had between her legs.

“I love you, (Y/N),” she said softly, pulling you into a passionate kiss, something you didn't stop, laughing triumphantly at her serenity despite her nervousness.

It was possible that she was trying to fight against your words of affection. Maybe she was trying not to seem like a victim who gave in easily to your charms. Unfortunately for poor Donna, that was something she had never achieved.

You moved away from her kiss with a sigh that feigned severity, guiding her hand to where she wanted to go a few moments ago, to your breast, grabbing it, playing with your nipple between her soft and skillful fingers. You gasped, but remained calm. No, no, no. You were having control of the situation. Her caresses and kisses couldn't make you give in.

“I love you too, my love... My beautiful Donna,” You whispered, lowering your body so it rubbed against hers. The dance of your hips was accompanied by the wet kisses of your lips, which felt the vibration of her moans from your sweet words.

Her mouth traveled to your neck, to your shoulders, leaving her room to kiss, closing your eyes and enjoying her soft caresses, that romantic touch so far from lust and closer to innocence. But that didn't stop her mouth from biting one of your nipples, from stopping her lips from landing on innocent corners.

You smiled satisfied, moving away to play with the hem of your underwear, which had been getting in your way for a while.

Donna paused for a moment, only to watch your nakedness displayed in front of her. You noticed and played with the garment between your fingers, pouting at Lady Beneviento, who looked at you with curiosity and a bright eye, almost desperate.

“Do you want me to take it off? Do you want that, my love?” You asked in a sweet voice, moving away from her hips so she moaned again from the lack of contact. You discreetly glanced down at where her erection was twitching outside of her own underwear. No, not yet, you still had to play a bit more.

She nodded, frustrated at the lack of contact, bringing a hand to her trembling shaft to compensate the lack of your touch. That made you raise your eyebrows and give her a gentle smack as punishment.

“Donna, don't do that...” You scolded in a childish voice, leaning towards her and staying very, very close to her lips. “Don't be mean, mm?”

She moaned in response, trying to kiss you, which you prevented by pulling away again, causing her to protest with another anxious moan and stronger movements of her hips.

“Please, (Y/N)” she begged, framing your body with her hands, moving them over your skin so the temptation to masturbate would disappear with the softness of your body on top of hers.

You smiled again, caressing her chest, running your hand down her belly, brushing her erection with your fingers, making Donna gasp at your soft touch.

“Tell me, Donna, do you want me to take it off?” You asked with that soft voice again, emphasizing the movement of your hands in your underwear, pretending to lower it but at the last moment, you didn’t do it.

“Yes, please,” she asked in a comically formal way. To be honest, your panties had been bothering you for a long time, so there was no need to prolong that torture.

The garment disappeared down your ankles under her watchful gaze as she released her shaft from its prison, moaning in relief.

You put a hand on her chest so her back collided with the mattress. Your gaze was calm and your caresses were gentle, almost grazing her skin rather than touching it, a sensation she approved with a moan, grabbing your hips to position you in the desired spot, lining up your wet entrance with her trembling shaft, glistening with arousal.

Amused by her haste, you backed away from her, shaking your head and leaning into her ear.

“Who is the impatient one now?” You asked ironically, making her smile nervously, cupping your face in her hands and pulling you to cover yourself again with kisses, to continue that erotic dance of your bodies moving, rubbing skin to skin.

“I want you, (Y/N)...” Donna whispered, in your ear, making your dominant position about to falter, just about to falter.

“You want me,” you repeated amused, kissing her neck again, biting her skin, leaving a small mark, which made her tremble even more.

Your tireless lips moved down her chest, your tongue playing with her nipples, causing her moans to be replaced by gasps of surprise at your skillful movements.

Their hands stopped being so anxious and caressed you in a tender, romantic way, passing through your hair, over your back, brushing with your legs, with your hips, running over your entire body as if they wanted to memorize it, as if they wanted not to touch anything that wasn't your skin.

“You're so soft, so beautiful,” you whispered, rocking your hips, brushing her erection with your body, but only brushing. “Your whole body, your skin, is like a miracle, Donna, you are my miracle.”

Her eye widened and her expression saddened with a melancholy smile. Anything you could say to her was enough to get her excited by your words of affection. Donna was always alone. She never had anyone to tell her the truth of her existence, an almost divine one for you.

“(Y/N),” she moaned into your lips, pulling your face so they crashed into hers again, this time with more passion, with your tongues dancing at the same time as your bodies. The atmosphere had forgotten about the cold, it was only warm, scorching, capable of making you sweat while the desire increased, while it became more and more unbearable.

Her kisses turned you on even more, her hunger, the tremors of her body, the hardness of her shaft rubbing against your crotch. Even if you had wanted to wait a little longer, you wouldn't have been able to, not at all.

“Okay, my love... Here we go...” You said softly, lowering your hand to correctly position her erection at your entrance, playing with the tip on your clit, making you close your eyes in pleasure, just like her.

Donna kicked the mattress at the eternal waiting, at the touch of her penis against your moisture, without actually entering it. You knew she was enjoying it, but you also knew she needed you, a lot.

Little by little you lowered your body, feeling how her shaft slid smoothly inside you. Your arousal made that job easier, and made you shudder.

“Donna, you're so... Big...” You said in a low, lascivious tone, making the blush on her cheeks worsen as your walls hugged her body, stretching little by little. “You are perfect, my love, my body takes you so well…”

“So good...” She repeated when she was completely inside of you and you danced so she could feel you even more. “You, you hug so tightly, (Y/N)... I, I’m feeling you so much...”

“That's because I love you so much, my love, my beautiful Donna... My good Donna,” you said affectionately, moving slowly up and down, letting your body enjoy that intruder, letting your walls continue hugging her while you moaned in a low, sensual tone, one that you knew would make her more and more nervous, more excited.

Your words of comfort only made her moans the complete opposite of yours. Her hips moved as they could under your body, making you feel full, making you feel she was inside of you, making you hers and loving you as only Donna could do.

“My body is made for you, do you see? My body adores you, Donna, I adore you...”  You continued saying among moans, letting her hands play with your hips, making your body move the way she wanted, the way she needed.

“I, ti amo...”

You laughed at the loss of control of her language, something that only happened at moments like this, something that only anticipated how close she was to her release. But no, it was still early for that, although your body screamed for you to let your own orgasm out.

“Wait, honey...” You said, pulling out and making her moan in surprise and frustration at the loss of contact. “Come, come here.”

You lay down, taking her place, gently pulling on her hand so her body was on top of yours. Donna didn't protest the lack of her body in yours, surely she was embarrassingly close to her own release, and she didn't want it to be so soon either.

After a few wet kisses, which revealed with gasps the desire and hunger of your lust you opened your legs slightly, making the brunette position herself between them, entering you again with a faster movement, making you moan in surprise.

“Donna...” You sighed with a mischievous smile on your mouth, running your hands along her back, scratching her skin while her thrusts sent huge waves of pleasure to your body. She smiled, but she didn't stop, leaning into your body, a gesture you already knew, and you knew what it meant.

“Oh… My love... Do you want me to hug you?” You asked, to which she nodded moving slower inside of you, making your hips lose that dominant control and move without your permission. She went even deeper and lowered her head to your chest.

You hugged her lovingly while her body adapted to that new position, while your hands played with her hair, while your body took her again, this time faster, revealing her need... And yours.

“Shh, calm down, my love... I'm here with you...” You said while you cradled her body while you kept her so close to you, flattering her, showing that unconditional love, that way of showing those feelings. “Donna, I'm so close...”

She moaned at those words and her hips moved a little faster, in an almost frantic rhythm, synchronized with your moans. Your walls hugged her erection with hunger, with the impatience that your face didn’t show. You let yourself be carried away by pleasure, closing your eyes and hugging her body tightly, letting only her movements take you to the limit, something that didn't take long to happen.

Your back tensed, your nails digging into her skin as your body suffered the spasms of an intense orgasm, one that you released with a moan you were sure would have made a few more cracks in the walls.

“Keep going, keep going, my love, you're doing so well...” You said when Donna stopped to contemplate the pleasure that her body was giving you.

With you now free of pressure, she no longer had to worry, and she resumed her movements in a much more intense way, in the way she knew she couldn't endure for long.

“Can I do it inside? Please,” Donna asked you with an intense moan, with that need forcing her to stop until she heard your response. You smiled, embarrassingly close to a second release.

“Of course, Donna, you've been so good,” you said in a condescending tone, gripping the sheets to hide your second orgasm, one that was revealed when Donna moaned again with one last thrust and her heat was released inside of you.

You clung to her body, not wanting to lose that overwhelming heat, that wet caress that made its way into your body. Donna fell to your chest, hugging it tightly as her seed filled you, while your walls played with that wetness, tightening with a second orgasm.

“It has been...” She sighed, taking a breath, smiling freely and with her bright eye, smiling in a tender, almost innocent way, almost.

“Amazing, like you, Donna,” you said affectionately, letting her leave you and lean better on your heaving chest, letting your fingers tangle in her black hair again.

“You are so flattering,” she murmured, playing with her finger on your chest, intertwining your legs, wet from your actions, from her release and your wetness mixed together. “You tell me some very nice things, (Y/N).”

“Do you like me to tell you?” You asked laughing amused. It was a little fetish of yours, but if it served to make Donna look at you with that face, so be it.

“I like it so bad... I... No one had ever said something like that to me or... Or done something like that to me,” she said with a slightly sadder tone, surely remembering the darkness of her past.

“That doesn't matter anymore, Donna, you are with me now, and I will never stop telling you how much I love you,” you said with a sincere tone, free of lust and any other feeling that wasn’t love. “Should we take a shower?”

The hot water ran down your exhausted bodies. It was a relaxing sensation and at the same time… Hot, very hot.

Donna hugged you from behind, resting her head on your shoulder while you enjoyed that romantic feeling, those arms tenderly embracing you. A shame your head turned to the path of sin when you turned around.

Without giving her time to protest, you launched yourself into her kisses, ones that she accepted willingly, hugging your body, keeping it very close to hers, making it so not even water could extinguish the flame of passion.

It may not have been something so slow and intense, but still, that moment of passion underwater was also worth remembering. It was a more unbridled, faster, more accelerated passion. Your body maintained balance while her arms served as support, feeling her inside of you again, feeling how she took you again, eagerly, without fear, without shame. What a day, and it had just begun.

“I'm so, so tired...” You murmured, leaning on the kitchen counter.

Once dressed, you decided to prepare breakfast. With your body and hers hidden under the fabric of your dresses, there was no longer any room for temptation, well, at least on her part. You just had to imagine her body inside yours like a few moments ago to feel that unbearable heat again.

“Me too, you’ve destroyed me, (Y/N)” Donna said amused, watching how the coffee maker did its work on the fire.

“Well, don't exaggerate,” you joked, running your hands up her back and peeking over her shoulder, stealing a quick, chaste kiss, to which she smiled shyly.

“My legs are shaking, (Y/N),” she commented, amused, moving the coffee maker off the heat and exaggerating her steps. You laughed, shaking your head.

“Me too, and I'm not complaining that much,” you said, putting the cup in front of you so that bitter liquid would clear your mind and divert your desire to sleep.

“You were complaining five minutes ago, tesoro,” she commented, pouring a coffee to herself and blowing out the heat.

“Well, but... I don't know, it was worth it, don't you think?” You asked feigning indifference, leaning next to her and looking at the rickety ceiling.

She nodded, glancing at you out of the corner of her eye, sighing at the same time as you.

“What do you want us to do today?” She asked, diverting the conversation so your lascivious eyes wouldn't attack again. It's not that you didn't want to, your body was simply too tired to repeat... At least at that moment, there was a whole day ahead.

“I thought you wanted to go for a walk,” you joked, nudging her, to which she laughed again, making a funny face.

“I don't think I can walk more than five minutes, (Y/N)... I think, I think we could work on the dolls.”

“What you don't want is for me to attack you again, huh?” You asked mockingly, joking, of course. Joking, right?

“Well, that too,” she teased, gently pinching your chin and kissing your cheek lovingly, pulling away before you could make another move.

“I couldn't even if I wanted to,” you admitted, with a sigh, controlling the trembling of your legs. “Look at my legs, they look like jelly.”

Donna looked at you amused, and she shook her head at that comparison, suddenly putting on a serious face.

“I mention the dolls...” she whispered, thinking about something.

“It's true, where is Angie?” You asked, alarmed by the missing puppet, which should already be bothering you.

“I'm up here, you stupid clings! Whenever you want, you can stop making babies and come here to pay me some attention! You stupid morons!”

“Oh...” You sighed, embarrassed. “Do you think she is angry?”

[craziechwiv]

The Paladin and their Succubus frenemy - 1

Jaune the Paladin was on a quest to find some herbs for a nearby village, plucking away at some he found while he sang a tune to himself. All was going well apart from some altercations with wild animals, until he heard someone's voice snickering in the distance.

He instinctly got up with quick haste and pulled out his shield and sword, preparing for a brawl only to see no one around his vicinity. That is until he felt a sharp cold feeling go down his spine and the gaze of someone watching him.

???: Ooo, you're getting quicker by the day our paths cross; oh glorious paladin of mine~.

Jaune: sigh, Ruby...why are you here?

Jaune lowered his guard and turned around, to be greeted by a short, black haired girl with red tips. She smiled innocently at the paladin as he walked up to him, swaying her hips side to side and placing a hand on his chest, trailing her finger down to his...lower part.

Succubus!Ruby: I'm just here to see my favorite target. It's not often to meet such a strong man, in faith and in endurance that is~.

Jaune grimaced to how they first met, with him still bearing the scars of her claw marks on his armor and his back. During then, she merely tried to seduce him before trying to kill him straight off. Now? She is more of a nuisance than any.

Jaune: Uh huh, like I'll believe the word of an insatiable lusted demon. Could you please not get in the way of my task this time? I'm in the middle of collecting-

Succubus!Ruby: These?

Jaune turned around to face her, only to see her holding a bag that she extended towards him. Jaune hesitantly took the bag from her before checking its contents. He couldn't believe his eyes as he saw it was full of some herbs he needed a bunch of or he hadn't found yet. He turned his gaze back towards the succubus who just looked at him with a shrug.

Succubus!Ruby: I heard you we're looking for these by...spying on you when you were still at the village. So, I took the initiative of finding most of them for you. I wouldn't want my favorite Paladin getting harmed, you know~.

Jaune his ignored her other comment but was grateful for her help, even if she was what he sworn to slay. Neither the less, Jaune patted her head softly, a surprise to Ruby who backed away from the action as Jaune looked at her with a stern look.

Jaune: I'm grateful for you doing this for me, but still know we're still on opposite sides at the end of the day.

Succubus!Ruby: U-Uh huh...

Jaune nodded back and made his leave from the dense forest, leaving a flustered Ruby who licked her lips slowly, as she sprouted her wings and tail that she hides when meeting mortal beings.

"Well...now I DEFINITELY want him~."

Next chapter >

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Credit for the idea goes to @goldenhawk18550 even if he didn't want it.

[corpsebasil]

NIKOLAI HUNGER GAMES PARTE DOS

dear God he's so handsome I can't do this

Maybe you shouldn't be, you know you shouldn't be, but you're happy to see your prep team regardless of how you're feeling on the inside.

"'The female tribute for District Two'" Lionus Treech, the announcer for your district, had cheered, reading the slip of paper inside the glass bowl. If you could've bet money you'd put your life's savings on every name in that bowl being yours. "'Y/N Y/L/N!'"

When you moved forward, exchanging one quick glance with the sharp-toothed Enobaria, you knew none of the other surviving victors would volunteer. Even Brutus, a nasty, violent man that still treats life like an arena, hadn't done much but lift his brows when Nikolai's name was read from the male bowl. (It helped that Nikolai was watching Brutus with an expression that promised unspeakable violence if the older man even blinked funny.)

"Darling!" The first voice cries; the trio of stylists that burst through the train door are as loud as their sense of style, all three clad in some sort of animal print. "You look stunning!" Lark gasps, bringing his warm hands to your face. The dark-skinned man is wearing bright purple liner, the color unfairly gorgeous on him. "Don't worry, we'll get these dark circles out of the way. Where's that handsome man of yours?"

"You won't believe the party you missed last month, Y/N. There were aerialists dressed like actual swans! And a frozen swan ice sculpture!" Jem adds, kissing your cheeks quickly. Her dark hair is pulled back in a spiky bun, the part of her hair zigzagging. "You would've looked glorious in this white little number I was working on--covered in feathers. Just glorious."

"I'm sure Y/N feels devastated she missed it." Xiomara, your most level-headed stylist, muses, her tattooed skin free of any makeup. She almost looks normal by Capitol standards--if it weren't for the ear-modding that leaves the tips of them pointed like a fairy's. Her golden eyes are amused when she pulls you into a soft hug, her voice soft. "Hello, darling. We've all missed you." When she pulls away it's clear she wants to say more but she doesn't. "The gem of the Capitol. We will do our best to make you shine."

"Oooh! That's an idea!" Lark snaps his fingers. "'Shine'!"

"What are you getting at?" Jem scoffs.

"Shiiiiiineee. We can cover her skin in gold dust! She'll look like a goddess."

"She'll look like a damn disco ball."

"Lets see you come up with--"

"Hello." The moment Nikolai speaks, his frame filling the empty doorway, all three preps whip their heads in his direction. Jem actually blushes. Then the cooing begins, Jem and Lark fussing over him while you and Xiomara watch with tiny smiles on your faces. Your prep team--Nikolai's biggest fans. "Yes, yes I did." Nikolai responds to a flurry of questions, Lark's biggest concern being whether your lover has cut his hair recently or not.

"With you and Finnick there I'll have to keep smelling salts around for the amount of swooning Capitol citizens." Lark sighs, fanning himself dramatically. "Just imagine him covered in gold dust, Jem."

"I am certainly imagining it."

"Picture it. Picture it vividly."

"Let's allow the two of them relax." Xiomara urges, calmly leading her fellow stylists out the door. She gives Nikolai a soft pat on the shoulder as they leave, still squawking about covering the two of you in gold dust. The second the door closes you sit on the nearest velvet-clad seat, a long sigh leaving you.

"Gold dust, hmm?" Nikolai hums, approaching you calmly. "Seems like your prep team is excited for the Quell."

"Maybe they're inspired. They get to style me, after all."

"Course they are." Nikolai smirks when he leans over you, arms caging you against the couch. Your eyebrows lift, chin raising a fraction as he crowds you, forcing you to look up. "You're utterly striking."

"Why thank you. I always say--"

"You always say--?"

"--'I am the gem of Panem'--"

"Yeah, yeah." Nikolai scoffs, cutting off your giggles with his mouth. He leans into you, lips roving over your own while you close your eyes, your hands tugging him even closer. "'Gem of Panem'. You certainly are." His words are spoken softly against your lips before his tongue moves to trace the curve of your throat.

"Yes..." You murmur, head tipping back. "That is....true."

"Mhmm."

"Nik."

If anyone overhears the moan you let out when he kisses his way down your neck, tugging the front of your dress down with him, they don't bother you.

Lol

I need him

[bigfuckingdudes]

Jet's Been Cursed!

Have you met Jet? He's the ugly guy in the corner, with the mop. You probably used to know him.

Jet was handsome. It was his whole thing and always had been, that he was gorgeous, conventionally speaking. He had golden hair and blue eyes, perfect skin, toned muscles and a bizarrely glorious dusting of facial stubble, just enough to look rugged and masculine. And so he was a model and an actor and a spokesperson and all that hot, rich guy shit he's now totally unable to do.

If you looked like he used to, wouldn't you be a model too? Unfortunately, Jet was also a bit of a rude fucker, always yapping away gossiping even in front of the targets of his disdain, always treating his support staff like actual servants, and always showing up late to set. His looks carried him throughout life as if upon an enchanted breeze and he loved both said looks and said life.

One Friday, his coffee order was late. The air conditioning wasn't broken, but it wasn't exactly working either. And the photographer didn't smile at Jet when he walked onto set! Jet was FURIOUS. He stormed back to his dressing room and fumed like a little kid, whining to nobody, texting on his phone to anyone who might reply about how awful his life was.

A PA came to grab him for the last shot of the day, and Jet SNARLED like a villain from a cheap movie at her, making her cry immediately. He sat in his steaming rage for another hour or so and eventually went back to set, having made everyone stay late without pay. Everyone, unsurprisingly, had lost interest in his beauty and just hated the guy.

When Jet eventually went home, he of course didn't notice the hex bag affixed to the bottom of his car. No one would. He was so exhausted from being a brat that he crashed into bed immediately, into a dark and dreamless sleep.

The next morning, he woke up, belched like a trooper and then paused. He didn't burp. He didn't even drink sparkling water, for god's sake. So he was surprised when he let out a rancid fart too. Clearly yesterday's shitty coffee disagreed with him? Maybe they'd used oat milk instead of his requested fresh macadamia. He stumbled out of his silken bed and went over to the mirror, itching his face slightly. He felt oddly heavy, really drunk on sleep or hungover with it.

Ew!

There was a stubborn...beard appearing all over his face and his neck! What the fuck?! It was hideous and he felt like throwing up just seeing the unkempt mess spreading across his face, obscuring his features. Jesus! And he... He... His tan had faded into pale, spotty looking skin. He looked at the blotchy pockmarks of his face and felt deep fear. He looked both ten years older and ten years younger all at once. He let out another fart, this one a faint squeak of panic. He looked like some fucking nerdy creep, not like the hunk he'd been the night before, the hunk he'd been for his entire life.

And, dear god, he was hungry. He ran downstairs, oddly aware that his gait wasn't quite right, and, feeling out of breath, he ate an entire packet of "health" cereal. It tasted like dirt. It wasn't enough. He finished everything in his cupboards and literally listened to his stomach gurgle like an animal. It still wasn't enough. He needed to get out. He pulled on a coat over his t-shirt and underwear and stormed out of his apartment and across the street, where a neon sign announced "DINER". He'd never really noticed the place before.

He stumbled into the diner, breathing heavily, feeling yet more hair burst from his chest, his face, even his toes. It was like a forest was emerging from his body, and with the hair came sweat and a thick scent of body stench. He was like a hog under the hot sun. People waiting, queuing for a table, dodged out of his way, given him a clear path to a booth which he slammed down into, feeling himself itch and moan uncontrollably. He howled like a wolf upon seeing nearby food, scratching his now incredibly hairy genitals.

"BURGERS!" He roared, like an animal, literally feeling drool pool at the edges of his mouth and drip down into the table in front of him, forcing the approaching waiter to back up and give him a look halfway between pity and fear. "MILKSHAKE," he screamed. Shortly, a plate of burgers appeared in front of him accompanied by the world's largest milkshake which was really more of an ice cream sundae on steroids. And boy, did Jet go to town on all of it, making a real mess, shoving it down him, burping and crying slightly as he did so, dribbling meat juice and ice cream down his shirt. His shirt...which was...bubbling and pushing outwards, as his belly and chest started to swell to mammoth proportions, spurred on by some foul magic and his new appetite's demands. By the time he finished his meal -- and the other meals he then ordered -- he was vast.

He had almost womanly breasts bursting from the sides of his shirt, only recognisably male due to their hideous hair. He had love handles which had their own gravitational pull. He had a hugely fat gut itching to expand even more. He could feel padding of flesh on his ass and thighs and hips. He felt vast and he needed to escape, run back home to his old life, to bed, to his regular dreaming sleep immediately.

But he was so big he was sorta trapped in the booth! It took a real struggle for him to break free and by that point the entire diner was gazing at him. He stumbled back to his apartment, unsteady on his fattened feet. But when he got there, things seemed... different.

His flashy gadgets were gone. The apartment was grubby. His expensive artworks had been somehow replaced by flaking movie posters. And the photos from his modeling career were just pictures of other hot men, clearly ripped out of magazines. And his phone suddenly was a worse model -- with a cracked screen! What was happening to him?

When he stumbled to work, wearing the largest clothes he could find, belly hanging fleshily and whale-like from a t shirt's bottom, he found he was not the talent as he insisted, but the building's... janitor. He was handed a broom and a mop and a uniform that barely contained him, and told to get to work in the background while a new model strolled in, all sweetness and light, treating everyone well. Jet burped and started to cry.

It was almost like he'd been cursed?

Since the curse hit, Jet's been a lot more polite, but the world doesn't care. It treats him just as he used to treat like: like shit. He's a fat slob and he's treated like one.

Does he deserve it? Jury's out, but he's gotten really good at sucking cock since his transformation, and he's discovered he loves pleasuring guys who are particularly cruel to him -- do you wanna give it a go? Go on, call him a gross fatty and see what happens.

[bellaxgiornata]

OMG—I wanna ask the boys for sure—what is their inner animal (respectively) that THEY think they have versus what you think for them, vs what they would assign for each other???

🤣🤣🤣

#letthechaosbegin

If you wanted chaos with this internal dialogue, you certainly found it 😅 The moment I read this ask, two of the boys immediately started causing trouble which is why it took a bit to get this answered 😆 As always, it's below the cut because this was long.

Bella: Welcome back to another round of ASK THE BOYS!!

Matt, muttering under his breath: Always got to yell that now, don't you?

Frank, roughly elbowing Matt on the couch: Let the lady have her fun, would ya?

Michael, ignoring the pair beside him: What's the question this time, pet?

Bella, glancing down at her phone: Looks like a multi-part question dealing with what your inner animals are.

Frank, eyes narrowing: Inner animal?

Bella: Yeah, and it looks like they want to know what I think each of you are, what you think your inner animal is, and then what you think each others’ inner animal is.

Frank, chuckling to himself: This'll be good.

Michael: Why don't ya start us off then, pet? Might need a minute to think.

Bella: Okay, well. I guess for Frank I'd say timber wolf. The Punisher gives me lone wolf vibes, but before that you used to be a part of a pack–whether it was your family or your Marine unit. And timber wolves typically mate for life, too, which screams loyal to me. I think you're a pretty loyal person–and pretty damn terrifying if someone messes with those you care about. So yeah. Wolf vibes all around.

Frank, nodding: Alright. Guess I can see that.

Bella: And for Matt, since he gives cat vibes, I'd say a leopard. Specifically a black panther. They're solitary animals, very territorial, and they're great climbers. Sort of like how you work alone, defend Hell’s Kitchen specifically despite it being such a small area, and you climb buildings like nobody's business. Plus, you know, the black suit and all.

Matt, grinning: Better than what I thought you'd pick.

Bella: And as for Mikey, well, I get grizzly bear vibes.

Michael, rolling his eyes: Is this a reference to the beard and chest hair again?

Bella, shaking her head: Not exactly, though now that you mention it–

Michael, mumbling: Figures…

Bella: No, wait! Hear me out. Grizzly bears are actually not aggressive unless provoked or caught off guard, otherwise they kind of mind their own business and want to be left alone. But obviously they'll protect their young and would savagely tear you apart if you fucked with them. I mean, we all know you don't want to be the killer your family forces you to be, you'd rather get out and live a quiet life. You just want a relationship with your daughter, Anna. But if anyone messed with her, you'd absolutely kill them without a second thought.

[Michael, running a hand across his mouth and humming thoughtfully.]

Bella, gently nudging his leg with a foot: See? There was a reason besides your glorious chest hair.

Matt, brows furrowing together: Glorious chest hair? Did you just actually say that?

Bella, waving off his comment: Okay, so why don't you guys each say what you think your inner animal is before you choose for each other next?

Frank, shrugging: I like the wolf thing. I'll go with that.

Matt, nodding: Yeah, I think I'll stick with the panther idea you had.

Bella, frowning: Seriously? You aren't even going to give it any more thought? [Looking hopefully over at Michael.] Please tell me you're not just going to say grizzly bear now?

Michael, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck: Uh, no. I s'pose…a dog? Generally don't fight unless provoked and they're usually considered friendly?

Bella, releasing a sigh: Fine. At least you put in more effort than those two. Now what do you think each others’ inner animal is?

Frank, immediately tossing a thumb at Matt: Chimpanzee. He's always climbing on buildings and making too much noise with his mouth.

Matt, frowning: It's called talking, Frank.

Frank, leaning back into the couch: More like chimpanzee noises to me. And they're territorial, too.

Michael, quietly chiming in: I'd still say stray cat for him.

Matt, frowning: Well then Frank is a hippo. Large and incredibly aggressive.

Frank, turning and shooting Matt a dirty look: The fuck you call me?

[Bella, burying her face in her hands while Frank and Matt begin to bicker on the couch.]

Michael, once more quietly chiming in: I picture him as more of a hawk. Or an eagle. Kinda stalks his prey from a distance before takin’ his shot.

Bella, glancing up at him: Well thank you for making some level of effort here while the old married couple over there just fights.

Matt, glowering: We are not an old married couple!

Frank, scowling: He's the last goddamn person I'd wanna be shackled to.

Bella, annoyed: Can we get back on track? You still need to pick an animal for Mikey.

Matt and Frank simultaneously: Dog.

Bella, throwing her hands up in defeat: Wow, really making an effort, you two. Great job.

Frank, rounding on Matt again: Look what you did, Red. You went and upset her.

Matt, eyebrows rising up onto his forehead: Me? You're the one not taking her game seriously!

[Matt and Frank return to arguing.]

Bella, focusing on Michael: You want a coffee? Cause I could use a coffee. They're making my head hurt.

Michael, nodding and rising from the couch: Yes. I'd love one.

Bella, heading to the kitchen with Michael: So what would my inner animal be?

Michael, nervously making a face: Uh…well…

Bella, shaking her head: Nevermind. Forget I asked. Let's just make some coffee.

[whos-orion]

ACT 2 WAS CRAZYYY

MAJOR SPOILERS UNDER CUT. LIKE ALL THE SPOILERS. I AM DUMPING MY THOUGHTS.

So ep 4 was great !!! I loved Jinx and Isha's interactions and then Isha getting her hair blue!!!

Ending of ep 4 was crazy 😭😭😭 could not believe vander was alive

LOVE EP 5 AHHH!!! The beginning sequence was incredible, showing vi's circle and how unsustainable it became. And then the teamup!!! They've finally sorta reconciled!! Poor Isha though, Vi standing up for her in ep 3 and then making her nose bleed now.

ALSO MEL. MEL HAPPENED. I SCREAMED WHEN "KINO" APPEARED IT WAS CRAZY. I love the way the black rose magic is animated. AND THE REVEAL WITH MEL. OH MY GOD. THAT WAS CRAZY

And then there's jayce. Oh, jayce. He is LOSING it. With how Viktor was talking in the end of the ep while possessing Salo he seemed like he was gonna be the villain, and then he was sunshine and daises in ep 6. Speaking of.

Ep 6. Wow. I. Wow. Im not ok fr.

First off, I like Jayce. He's a good character. But my first response to him at the end of the ep was WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKKKKKK

ANGRY SAD CRYING SOBBING however i do not hate him. He's complicated and my feelings are not simply anger. He's got a lot going on...good on him for not killing that child in front of him though. Even though he killed them later.

CAITVI MADE UP???? WHAT???? LOVE THAT FOR THEM. They're slowly kinda back?? They at least worked together. Also can we talk about how caitlyn immediately attacked Vi when she saw her walking. Like that was overkill, the way she hit her multiple times. Caitlyn didn't recognize her as Vi and if she had she wouldn't have done that, I think. But it shows what she thinks. I'm gonna have a more in depth post about the brutality from the Enforcers/Noxians soon. Im just getting my thoughts out rn.

Ok. Now the big part. Actually crying over Isha. We don't know for sure.....I'm praying shes ok....but wow. All I've got to say is she's brave. She's incredible. She's smart. She took the hextech gemstones from Vi's gauntlets anticipating a fight. She's so amazing, and I really hope she's ok. Also Vander. I've got less hope for him, though.

Misc thoughts:

EP 6 PARALLELS TO EP 3 S1. FINALLY REUNITING AND EVERYTHING GOING TO BE OKAY, THEN SOMEONE GOES AND FUCKS IT UP. WHAT THE GOOF.

on a lighter note AAAAAA THEY PLAYED PAINT THE TOWN BLUE! THATS MY FAVORITE SONG FROM THE SOUNDTRACK!!!!!

Loved seeing Vi and Jinx's mom. She's so much like Jinx. Younger Silco too! And the flashback scene, seeing Vi and Jinx before their parents died. Which means they KNEW Vander when they saw him on the bridge. They knew him all their life. Im not ok rn. Also Vander suggesting the name violet??? DO YOU THINK SILCO SUGGESTED THE NAME POWDER?

AND THEN AND THEN. VIKTOR SAID THE THING. HE SAID GLORIOUS EVOLUTION. AND THEN JINX SAID "MACHINE HERALD" IN REFERENCE TO VIKTOR IM LOSING IT.

Anyways i think thats it....i need act 3 now

[randomfoggytiger]

"Just Sing Anything"

Fictober, Day 5

*-*-*-*-*

The beast was stalking furiously below, tail slashing and breaking the undergrowth in rage. Every so often it would abruptly halt, snapping and snarling at the rivulets of blood leaking from its eye, trying to recalibrate in the barriers of its new limitations. Scully's shot had been lucky. But though the animal couldn't see, it could smell; and the scent of fear sweat and lingering cologne kept it looping, again and again, around their tree. Mulder's tree: Scully and he had run in different directions, she to burrow away on the ground and he to scramble up the trunk haphazardly, trying to keep his charge from falling and his shoes from slipping.

Little Moss Ingram was burying her terrified, snuffling, shivering face into the side of his body. With each roaring, thrashing circuit, her shoulders shuddered more uncontrollably; and Mulder expected an impending eruption with more and more certainty. Though the monster was harder of hearing than most, a shriek of any kind would be impossible to miss.

"Moss, how did you scare away the bad man in your dreams?" he asked, rubbing her back methodically, drawing her closer and tighter in. He needed to resituate them on the branch. He needed Scully, he needed the search party. He needed a night off after three back-to-back-to-backs. His limbs ached.

There was no answer at first, not until Mulder changed plans and drew the girl fully into his lap, scooting and maneuvering awkwardly until she was wholly consumed by his coat.

"My dad woke me up. And he stayed with me," Moss whispered, thin, dirt-coated hair snarling in his buttons. "He sang the monster away."

"What did he sing?" A flicker of movement to the south caught his eye-- a figure edging the perimeter. Scully, on the move; and wisely scouting for backup instead of heroically charging in. Good.

"He sang...."

A horrendous cracking, slow and demonstrative, sounded below. Likely the log he'd used as a distraction earlier. It splintered, shattered like a skull slowly crushed under the weight of an industrial double drum roller tractor. The VCU, he thought, despite the throbbing in his pulse points, left its mark. "What did he sing?"

"Singing in the Rain," Moss replied, clinging to Mulder's shirt. She sniffed. Sniffed again, choked on a whimper in her throat.

"Did it make the bad man go away?"

"No. But it helped me get back to sleep."

He was going to tell her about his own bad dreams; tell her about his own father soothing him to sleep, a study away, in the dark. But the creature stood on its hind paws and screamed, first-- screamed so violently that the air electrified with its howls of pain and fury. Moss launched closer, wailing her little heart out in agony; and Mulder did his best to shield her ears and hush her cries.

"I'm singing," he began, discordant and hurried, not knowing what else to do, "in the rain. Yes singing--" Hurry, Scully, "--in the rain."

Although his perch passenger was still sobbing, her pitch was lowering. Mulder stopped her frantic attempts to tear the buttons from her hair; held her hands while he earnestly insisted, "What a glorious feeling. And I'm ha--," and deftly switched supporting arms so he could free her, "--appy again."

"Moss," moaned the beast, pleading and starving and growling behind its teeth. "Mosssssssss."

"What's the next verse, Moss." She'd stopped shaking, stopped all movement. Shock. "You've got to help me remember."

"I'm... laughing" was barely audible, "at the clouds" a hair stronger. "So dark up above--"

"The sun's in my heart and I'm--," Mulder continued, swaying her in a slight upbeat, waiting until she finished his verse.

"--Ready for love."

The beast was screaming, thrashing; breaking, roaring.

Moss dug her little fist in the fabric above his heart. "He can't find us," she realized, stuttering, afraid of their good luck.

Mulder bowed his head over hers, trying to block the incoming rain. "It won't find us. I promise."

*-*-*-*-*

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

Tagging @today-in-fic and @xffictober24.

[gremlinaristocrat]

Overthinking Sylvie’s Strategy

So, I know the Gio&Molly vs Sylvie fight in Ep2 was mostly about getting the protagonists to show off their personalities and powers . . . but I think if you read (way too far) into the strategy Sylvester uses it tells you a surprising amount about him.

Start at the start. Sylvie overhears our heroes talking about how they’re villains. Instead of sneak attacking them while he has the drop on them, he starts a dialog, to confirm they’re actually bad guys (and maybe to satisfy his own desire for drama and/or indulge in his sense of invulnerability). Gio responds by confirming he’s a criminal, calling Sylvie a kid and initiating combat.

It’s kind of overshadowed by what he does later in the fight, but the doc is pretty reasonable early on; I get the feeling he’d have been even more willing to talk things out if dealing with Indus’ stupidity and Mera’s manipulation hadn’t shortened his already-short fuse and made him Done with Trying To Talk To People.

Sylvie’s first move is to use sleep pollen like he did with Indus earlier; unlike all his other attacks, he doesn’t call its name when he uses it, probably to minimize the chances that his targets will figure out what it does in time to stop it. This is a 10/10 opener, with the potential to harmlessly incapacitate enemies and end fights before they start.

When that fails thanks to Molly’s quick thinking and Gio’s creativity, he follows it up with Counting Sheep. This is another solid decision, and unlike the last one, it actually works out for him: his minions swiftly swarm and overwhelm his opponents.

Pictured: Flawless Victory.

Note that – as far as I can tell – Sylvie has basically won at this point. Molly and Giovanni have no way to stop the sheep before they nibble and poof them into unconsciousness; all he has to do is stay the course.

And then our boy screws up. He banishes his own army – or maybe incinerates them, the animation isn’t clear on that point – in order to confront a twelve-year-old girl with her worst nightmare, while having no idea what that nightmare is or how he’d be able to use it.

He also picks this point to sacrifice his vantage point, achieving no obvious gain. I don’t think Jello did this on purpose, but it fits very well that Sylvie literally gives up the high ground for no reason – while forcing his opponents onto a different patch of high ground – at the same time he’s metaphorically doing that.

Let me psychoanalyze the psychoanalyst: what the hell is the good doctor thinking when he unleashes (almost literal!) hell on the adorable cosmic brownie? What’s going through his head when he passes up sure victory for the chance to re-traumatize a child?

Well, it’s possible that Counting Sheep drains stamina faster than it appears to (though he doesn’t seem winded after using it). It’s also possible that he’s worried about one of them using ranged attacks on him, and feels the need to end the fight ASAP. The magic system in EE is intentionally kind of loose and vibes-y, so there’s an endless list of possible excuses.

That said, I think the most likely answer to “what was he thinking?” is “absolutely nothing”. This whole thing looks like a (legitimately!) clever synergy-exploiting strategy he thought up a while back, rarely or never got to see in action, and is just unreflectively executing on even though a more humane approach would have straight-up let him win.

I didn’t notice this until the Youtube comments pointed it out, but I think it’s neat Gio never calls Sylvie a kid again after he finds out the doc has issues with it (except that one time he does it to signal that he’s putting on a show for the cops). He’ll mock you mercilessly, and maybe steal your stuff, but our glorious pink-haired overlord will not use That Word You Dislike to describe you once he knows you dislike it.

Anyway, back to the fight. Sylvie tries to negotiate with his prisoners in the Flame Vortex, since apparently his Psychology PhD never taught him that confronting people with their literal worst nightmares might make them unreasonable and/or push them to extremes. Gio escapes with Molly; Sylvie doubles down on the Nightmare Fuel; Gio responds by thwacking a ball of yarn at him.

This is another point at which – again, as far as I can tell – Sylvie has basically won. The fact that Giovanni resorted to such weird and desperate measures suggests Gio & Molly don’t have any better ways to attack or escape from their current position. All the alleged genius needs to do is take cover behind an exhibit and let his summons finish the criminals. Instead, he cancels his own winning move (again!) so he can summon Dr Beefton, escalating (again!!) in a way that doesn’t actually help him (again!!!).

Like, seriously, what was the plan here? There are a lot of words you could use to accurately describe Sylvie’s colleague/alter-ego/fursona, but ‘agile’ and ‘nimble’ aren’t among them; if Gio and Molly had decided to hold onto their high ground on general principles after Sylvie (apparently) fainted, or if they’d sprinted off in different directions instead of trying to stand their ground, what would he have done then?

From here on out, the beef revolves around Beefton. This tells us very little about Sylvie, except maybe in terms of how much frustration he’s repressing, and what being powerful means to him.

Pictured: What Peak Performance Looks Like

So, what does all this say about Sylvie? He’s clever, willing to hear people out, and merciful when he can get away with it; however, he makes dumb or pointlessly cruel decisions under pressure, and follows a prescribed plan instead of adapting to the enemy; will escalate when surprised or provoked, even when it’s counterproductive, choosing moves which feel strong instead of ones which make sense. In summary, he’s the world’s smartest dumbass, and (at least in this part of the story) acts more like a stereotypical cop than the actual cop character.

He’s getting better quickly, though. I think a lot of this is symptomatic of him being new-ish to fights, and especially new to fights where people get hurt and/or which last more than one move . . .

Yeah, it shows, and not in a good way.

. . . since he gets more flexible and responsive when fighting Mera . . .

Pictured: Character Growth

. . . though, uh, apparently not enough for him to realize that he could demoralize her and/or broker a truce by offering to remove her Epithet with the amulet if he wins.

Out-reasoned by the tweenager; that’s embarrassing.

[sweetwriter]

Second Chance: Chapter 1

Single dad! Bakugou x Black! Reader

Chapter 1

“So yer the beautiful teacher Kasumi always rambles on about” Is what Bakugou wanted to say, instead he looks at her hand. YN is a little confused by his standoffish behavior compared to his daughters extroverted personality.

“Well, it was a pleasure to meet you,” YN smiles generously and then looks down to the child who has a death grip on her leg, “Kasumi make sure to say your goodbyes and have everything, wouldn’t want you to hurry and leave without your high fives and hugs from your papa right?”

“RIGHT” She said a little loud- she has a little trouble with speaking really loud, I need to work on that, thought Katsuki.

“Alright papa, high five and hugs before Ms. YN starts.”

Kasumi loves Ms. YN with as much love a four year old can have for someone. Something just clicked in her mind, that Ms. YN is someone that she loved more than anything besides her papa, of course.

As he heads out he hears someone call his name, “Mr. Bakugou, I completely forgot, just in case you are not her pick up-“

“Who said I wasn’t?” He snapped. His eyes widening and he clears his throat, “I uh, I am picking Kasumi up today” God he felt stupid, felt like he was back in highschool, defensive when he was nervous. She made him so nervous, he wanted to impress her. The glorious and fantastic Ms. YN, the woman his little Kasumi loved. Four year olds love super hero’s and cartoon animals, not Kasumi. Bakugou felt like their first impression was going like shit, and he wasn’t wrong.

YN felt like Bakugou rubbed her the wrong way- stand offish and now rude. This isn’t going as planned. He was the “fantastic” father of Kasumi. The greatest person to ever live, in her eyes. She wanted to show him that she was a capable teacher that loved his daughter, but apparently she is showing herself to be incapable.

Clearly, they're both very incorrect

“Ok, the preschool is having a garden party, all the kids, are so excited about showing their families all that they’ve been growing, its next weekend.” YN gives Bakugou the flier. A group picture in front of the barrels holding the ready-to-be-harvested vegetables.

“I’ll um try to make it-“ he affirms, “Anything I need to bring?”

“Nope. Just bring you, and Kasumi of course.” She sends a smile and turn into the class. He can hear her starting the class as the door closes.

Bakugou must think he looks dumb standing in front of the door with his mouth agape but he can’t seem to care, all he can think is “wow.”

He looks down to check the flier and smiles to himself.

It’s 30 minutes before the garden party and Bakugou feel ridiculous. He hasn’t shaved his “beard’ new growth in about 3 weeks and here he is- shaving it and making sure his hair looks absolutely perfect.

Why you might ask? Well, ask Bakugou he would say “I needed to freshen up, the fuck is wrong with that?”

But he knew he couldn’t completely lie to himself, he feels he made a shit impression on Kasumi’s pretty teacher.

“Kasumi- do you need papa’s help?” Bakugou shouts from the bathroom. He knows she’s four and she wants to be a big girl.

“No, I’m a big girl.” She waddles in.

“Yes, yes you are a big girl. Your papa’s big girl- just because you’re a big girl- doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. “ She pauses and looks at him for a second and then she eventually smiles and nods, “ok papa.”

Now it’s Bakugous turn to pause waiting for her to say something.

“Is that what you wanted to wear to the garden party?” Looking down at her outfit: yellow shirt, purple leggings, and a green skirt.

“Mhm, Ms. YN said to wear all your favorite things.” Bakugou nodded, “I mean- alright then. Let me do your hair munchkin.”

They both finished getting ready and as Bakugou was strapping Kasumi into her booster, Kasumi bent down to sniff her papa’s hair, “Your hair smells like my hair.”

Bakugou used Kasumi’s hair gel.

_

-

-

A/N: hey y’all- took me a minute to get this out. I was planning on making it longer- but I like having little snippet chapters.

I love this story so far. I have a bunch of fun little plans for the characters. Also I love Kasumi-

Alright I’ll talk to you later with much love,

Sweetwriter

[thecapricunt1616]

Blue Lotus - SxC Fic - Chapter 2

♡ Summary: Carmy & Syd go horseback riding!!! Carmy's therapy friends push him to go for what he wants, his 'light at the end of the tunnel'

♡ W/C: 6,534

♡ Posted Date: 04/07/2024

♡ A/N: Hayoooo!!! I am too inspired... this has become a multi-chap fic hahaha I am havin' so much fun here!! Thank you @gingergofastboatsmojito for inspiring me to keep going!!! ILY! As per usual please know - this fic was inspired by THIS FIC here - Tucson by the GLORIOUS GINGER!!!! Go read that before you even THINK about reading this fic ok?! I love how I hate storer for the same reasons but im a sucker for writing a slowburn - I find myself screaming at MYSELF internally "make them kiss already!!!!" but they will KISSSS SHORTLY SO SHORTLY MY DEARSSSS !!! It will be a JUICY TAYLOR SWIFT DAYLIGHT ASS KISS OK!!!! THEY WILL ONLY SEE EACHOTHER FROM THEN ON!!!! Its gonna be a 'and I can still see it all in my mind all of you all of me intertwined I USED TO THINK LOVE WOULD BE BLACK AND WHITE BUT ITS GOLDENNNNNNN. We need Carmy to realize a few more things but then - he will be hozier level devoted to this woman even more then he already is, I hope you enjoy!!

♡ Warnings for BTC: Not really any? Like? LOL - Swearing?! Smoking cigarettes?! They just went horseback riding & carmy went to therapy- oh Ig talks of carmy getting hard LMAO but thats as crazy as we get this chapter. ➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 ♡

Stardust nudges his shoulder so hard he almost falls over, and he turns to look at her. His heart jumped into his throat, his mouth suddenly feeling dry. She was there, she was really there. 

“Uh-” he blinked a few times, to be sure that she wouldn’t disappear. “Syd? Hey..uh-” he felt his entire body buzzing with excitement. He couldn’t help the smile that took over his features. She looked… gorgeous. Carmen wasn’t sure there actually was a word in any human language ever to exist that could describe just how wonderful she looked. 

Her hair was in its natural state, she was wearing an adorable corduroy jacket, black jeans, and white sneakers. “You came to a farm…in those?” he motions to her shoes. 

She laughs a bit “Wow- it’s great to see you too, Carm. Didn’t realize you were…actually like living on a farm” she approached him carefully. 

“Shit- yes- fuck- It’s its so good to see you, Syd, C’mere” he pulls her into a tight, long hug. The smell of her lavender vanilla perfume nearly made him melt. 

“You’re like…tan- and…muscley now” She laughs a bit, squeezing his arm lightly. 

“Uh..” he pulled away, cheeks bright red. “Yeah uh.. It's like- fuckin hard t’ride a horse. And the um…” he rubbed his neck nervously “The uh cows.. They eat hay? Most the time, and so we need to move the bales during the morning for em, they’re like…. 75? 80 pounds? So moving like 10 back and forth every day helps. And I dont really.. Go inside? Here? Its like… uh.. Thats the therapy mostly, the animals- at least f’me” he said sheepishly. 

She nodded, looking around the stable. “That one behind you is yours? Shes been side-eying me creepily since I started talking” she pointed to Stardust. 

“Oh! Fuck sorry yea, well- no…not- not mine- I got ‘er t’trust me. But uh, yeah this is Stardust. She’s a super sweet girl” He explained. Stardust leaned in, sniffing Syds hair carefully. 

“Cute- All you’re missing is a hat” She teased.

He chuckled a bit,  “Ok, c’mon - why are you here, Syd” He said with a small smile, crossing his arms over his chest.

She shrugged, looking at the ground and kicking a rock out of the way with her shoe. “Cause…I was worried- I dunno…” She definitely wasn't going to get bold and tell him that she’d missed him, terribly.

“Ok…well now that y’here, and y’see i’m okay…wanna have some fun?” He asked, a small smile on his lips.

Syd looked back up at him, as if he had 3 heads. “Okay- Where is Carmen Berzatto- Not his… Weird alien clone- Camren Brazota” she said, laughing a bit “what do you mean fun?” She asked, and Carmy laughed, real, and genuine. 

“Well- If I didn’t change my view a little I’d never leave. So, yes, Syd, ‘a little fun never hurt noone’ - per my therapist. Shes fuckin annoying. I much prefer the horses.” He pet Star’s mane and she leaned into his touch.

“Holy shit” Syd laughed a bit. “Wow- alright. I feel like you’re a whole new man already, what kind of fun?” she mused. 

“Ever ridden a horse?” he walked over to the saddle rack, pulling off a double seated one and hanging it over the back of the stall door. 

“No- Actually, Don’t I need um…like - stuff for it?” she asked. 

“Oh don’t think I wont give you the full experience” he opened the riding closet, “Whats your shoe size?” he asked, crouching down and looking through the pairs of extras. 

“8? Er- 9 probably 9” she said. He dug through them until he found a matching pair.

“These should do, y’stuff is cool here we can just leave it in her stall” he told her, holding out his arm for her to hold while she switched her shoes.

“You seem like…” she said as she slipped off her sneaker and put on the boot. “I dunno…chill- well- i wont go that far- but chill-er then before.” Carm snorted a laugh, holding on to her arm to steady her. 

“Thanks? I guess..that’s good right?” He asked. 

“Yeah! Yeah of course…I mean, it’s nice. To see you not so…anxious.” She said, slipping the other boot on. 

“Yeah I um…” he cleared his throat, opening the stall door. “I uh..I’m takin meds- Now? Uh..all this shit. Y’know they have me like tranquilized more then these guys” he said and she laughs, Carmen smiled proudly at the fact, relishing in the wonderful sound. 

“But yeah like Like 3 er..er 4. they say I had all this uh..mental shit. Goin’ on w’me and that’s why I was all…wound up I guess” he explained, calling Star out and getting her harness situated. 

Syd caught herself staring at his arms as he worked, how the toned muscle moved beneath the fabric of the shirt. 

“Aren’t you freezing?” She asked, noticing he wasn’t wearing a jacket like she was. 

“Used to it now, well- I mean the moving around. It gets hot this shit is heavy. Wanna try to hold the saddle?” He asked, unhooking the saddle from the stall door where he’d left it momentarily. 

“It can’t be that bad” she countered. 

“I think this thing weighs probably as much as you do.” He said “hold out your arms” he smiled a bit. 

She lifted her arms out in front of her and he plops the saddle down, she had to plant one of her feet forward so she didn’t fall face first due to the sudden weight and he laughed, catching the saddle quickly and baring most the weight. 

“Told you” he teased. 

She rolled her eyes “yeah whatever. Saddle up the horse, cowboy” she dropped the saddle back in his arms. He hurled the saddle over Stars back with a grunt. 

“Fuckin hell” he huffed, realizing since the saddle was nearly double the weight as his usual, and being on the shorter end- he couldn’t just get it on her when she was standing straight. “Bow” he told the horse and she just stared at Sydney. 

“Don’t embarrass me, Star. Bow” he told her and she looked the other way. 

“So uhhh…this one’s trained, huh?” Sydney teased. 

Carmen looked back at her “mmhmm maybe she doesn’t like strangers” he said, walking over to the other side. 

“Since she’s bein difficult y’gonna have T’help. C’mere” he waved her over and she followed. “So when I push it up, just grab the saddle pad and make sure it doesn’t move, yea?” He asked. 

“The fuck is a saddle pad, dude- I know my way around a kitchen not a fuckin horse stable.” She looked at the many different layers the horse was already wearing. 

“Alright. So this,” he lifted the cloth, “is her blanket. Keeps her core warm. And beneath it” he pats the pad “this is her saddle pad, it makes it more comfortable. So our bones aren’t like..diggin in her back and shit. Also shock, when she jumps the foam of it helps our weight disperse. The saddle is so big and heavy I can’t keep the pad still at the same time, so just hold it f’me,” he took her hand, guiding it to where he wanted her to hold. 

She felt her heartbeat quicken, his hands were so large and calloused on top of her own. She nodded wordlessly, keeping her eyes trained on where she was meant to be holding and focusing on keeping it steady as he went back around and carefully lifted up the heavy saddle with a grunt, laying it over the horses back. 

“Jesus- how much can this thing carry” Syd asked. 

“Well she is a mare, she weighs about…mmm- 1900? She can comfortably hold about 400 pounds for a decent distance but she can’t do that for hours and hours at a time. We together can’t be more then 300, and her gear is less then 100 pounds. Were just goin f’r a quick ride, I gotta get to therapy at 3” he explained as he buckled on her saddle. 

“Ah. So you’ve been memorizing horse information instead of creating recipes? I figured when I got here you’d have gone nuts by now without being in a kitchen so long” she gently touched the horses mane as she spoke. 

“Maybe. Well…I am kinda goin crazy? But I can’t…let it out?” He chuckled a bit “does that make sense? Nights are a little hard before my sleep meds kick in but that just says I haven’t done enough that day” he got up. “So y’gettin up first since I’m sittin in back” he explained. 

“Oh…uh- ok how do I?” She asked looking up at the at least 7 foot tall animal. 

“Y’not gonna be able to do it alone. C’mere” he told her. She comes over and looks at him. 

“How the fuck do you do this?” She looked up at the saddle that was at the top of her head before looking back at him. 

“So-“ he snorts a laugh at her wide confused expression. “She’s not gonna like you trying to roll up on her back, and I don’t want you t’get thrown off, she can be moody with new people. I almost broke my shoulder my first time trying to ride her” he said and she crossed her arms slightly. 

“So how. How do I get up there?” She asked. He pulled out a step stool, setting it next to the horse and getting up on the third step. 

“I’m giving you a lift. Arms up” he said with a playful smirk. 

“No- no way- Carmen that’s too high. You’ll drop me!!” She took a step back, feeling slightly nervous. 

“I won’t because I’ll bribe her Syd. C’mere” he pulled a pack of peep marshmallows out of his pocket and the horse nearly starts dancing. 

“Carm- what the fuck is happening?” She asked and Carmy chuckled. 

“Bow. Cmon Syd wants t’ride. Bow and you’ll get y’treat star.” He told the horse. 

It obediently bowed down and before Syd could process what was happening, Carm was scooping her up beneath her arms Syd squealed in surprise. “Oh my GOD WHY ARE YOU PICKING ME UP!” She shrieked, wiggling in his arms. 

“open y’legs! Cmon! she’s gonna get up!!!” Carmen laughed holding her up higher. Syd finally obeyed and he gently plopped her on the first saddle. “Good girl” he told the horse, feeding her the marshmallow and putting the packet in his pocket again before swiftly getting on behind Syd. 

“Alright. Hard part done.” He reached around her waist, and she lifted her arms slightly. 

“What- can you tell me what’s going on? I’m a horse virgin!” She said, and they both went quiet for a moment, before cracking up laughing. Syd leaned to her left slightly as she tried catching her breath, grabbing the rein for stability and tugging. 

Star took off sprinting, Syd screamed in surprise, her body going tight with fear. Carmen quickly wrapped his arms around Syds waist protectively, tugging on the reigns “WOOOOAH!” He called to Star and she quickly came to a stop. 

“Stand.” He told the horse firmly. 

“What the fuck Carm I thought she was trained!” Syd exclaimed, gripping onto his forearms for dear life. 

“I gotchu, you think I’d let her kick you off?” He tightened his arms around her. Carmen swore his heart was thumping so hard that she felt it on her shoulder blade. 

“Also when she moves it’s hard to keep still.” She said nervously. 

“Don’t worry, I gotchu, Syd. Lean into me, if our weight is centered then it’ll be easier for all 3 of us” he gently pushed at her stomach. 

She leaned back into his broad chest, “see” he said softly. He was lucky the angle didn’t allow for her to see him, because his face was bright red, And having her body pressed against his…was making him flush somewhere else too. 

He clicked his tongue and Stardust started walking again, at an easy comfortable trot. “This…is ok.” She said, much more comfortable now. 

“I’m gonna take you t’one of my favorite spots.” He said, pulling on the reins to the left lightly so she would follow the left trail. 

“Wow, already sharing secret spots huh? I think this therapist may just be Doctor of the year I don’t even think I’ve seen your favorite Chicago spots” she teased. 

Carm laughed a bit, he felt so much lighter with Syd around. And life had been lighter ever since he got here. 

“How is…uh- how is it back home?” He cleared his throat lightly. It was something that had being weighing on him. Yes, he was here, he was doing the thing. He was making Sugar happy. He was making Syd happy…but he would go back, at some point. 

And his biggest fear was things will just go right back. He won’t have this outlet, he won’t have sunset rides with Stardust to ease his mind. He won’t have the cows happily running up to him and greeting him when he was the first one to bring out a bale of hay. He felt like if he was here, he may have the confidence to tell Syd how he feels. But back home? It was another life. 

“Fine..things are..y’know. The usual shit. But nothing bad, no one’s getting locked in any freezers if that’s what you mean” she said playfully. 

Carm rolled his eyes with a light smile. “Mmhmm. So the restaurant is-“ 

“Is fine.” She said. “I’d have told you. You know that.” She said and he nodded a bit. 

“I know she scared you back there…but it’s pretty fun to go fast. You wanna try?” He asked. 

She shifted a bit uncomfortably, her hands tightening around his arms that were holding the reins around her waist. “Uhh…maybe? Are you sure we won’t fall off?” She questioned. 

“I’m sure. Here you can be the one to control it. Start light ok? With your legs.” He gently ran his hands down her thighs to right below her knees “here” he said softly, squeezing the flesh gently so she wouldn’t have to lean and look. “With that part of your legs, give her a little squeeze. But really light, or we’ll take out of here like a bat out of hell” he held around her waist again, securely holding the reins. 

“Mmhmm” she said, she was beginning to feel hot- and not because she’d done any hard work in regards to getting the horse ready. 

“Alright. Whenever you’re ready, you’re the boss” he said the last part softly in her ear. If it wasn’t for her jacket, he would see the goosebumps that had risen on her arms. She nodded quickly, staring straight ahead and trying to maintain her composure. 

“So I just?” She squeezed gently and the horse picks up her speed slightly. “Oh…ok” she said. 

“Told y’she was trained” Carmy teased and she rolls her eyes. 

“Mmm you’ve done a very good job, bribing this horse with peeps. The staff know you do this?” She asked. Carmy snorted a laugh

“No. But she’s healthy. Made sure. She only gets one or 2 if she doesn’t listen.” He admitted. 

She shook her head with a smile. “And how’d you find this out, Carm?” She leaned into him once more. 

“I…” he laughed a bit, his chest vibrating with the movement and it made her heart warm. 

“I uh…spent a few days in the library here. Reading up. After she threw me off. It’s all about trust with em. So I never lied to ‘er and I’ve never done something she didn’t expect because I always try to warn her.” He said, pulling her reigns a bit tighter. 

“This is like a joyride Syd cmon, I said fast not an evening stroll.” He teased. 

“Fine. Mister horse master- show me what Miss Stardust can do.” She said. 

With 2 kisses and a quick tap of his heel, they were off like a rocket. He held Syd steady, being sure she wouldn’t have to do most the work of holding herself center as he gripped each reign with the opposite hand, holding them taught so Star knew to keep going. 

Syd laughed, the wind flicking her dark curls all around. He wished she could see her amused expression. “Holy shit this is the best!” She shouted over the loud thuds of Stars hoofbeats. 

“I know right! Can you believe she can go faster?” He said, holding his knees taut around her hips to keep her from sliding. 

“Okay we are not! This is fine!” She said and sat up a bit “are we going into the-” She asks as Star begins to barrel through a creek, the freezing water spraying up and around them getting them slightly wet, the freezing water splashing from their calves up to their cheeks.. “CARMY!” She screams through laughter. 

He could barely catch his breath as he laughed so hard his stomach and ribs ached. “I’m sorry!! Syd! Oh god-“ he chuckled “woah girl- woah” he called to the course and she slowed down once again to a stop. 

“Fuck-“ Carmen chuckled “you okay?” He asked, picking a wet leaf from her jacket and throwing it to the forest floor. 

“Yeah- I’m.. I’m fine. That was really fun actually. C’mon I wanna see the spot” she said and took it upon herself to tug the reins so Star would take off again

“Shi-it!” He quickly finds his balance, “warn me!! Oh god I almost flew off!!” He told her. 

“You think I’d let her throw you off?” She mimics him from earlier and he takes the chance to playfully pinch her waist 

“Yes because who’s in back and who’s in front?” He wrapped his arms around her again, taking the reins from her grasp. “Your reign privileges have been revoked for this riding lesson, Ms.Adamu”  

She laughed a bit “I’ll earn them back. Don’t worry” she mused. 

“Mmm we need to talk about more shit before I just literally hand the reins over. Coulda spooked her and we’d be fuckin dead.” he angled the outside reigns so she’d slow down as they came to the clearing. 

“Here we are” he hopped off, raising his arms to help her down. 

She carefully reached out for him and he lifted her off, gently setting her down. “Holy fuck Carmy” she turned around, watching the waterfall cascade down over the rocks. 

“Right! Told you. It’s a fire spot” he went over to one of the rocks he usually sat at, plopping down and taking out a cigarette. “Oh- shit- can’t have y’running off” he told Stardust and chuckled, leaving the cigarette between his lips as he walked over to her, guiding her over to the tree, and hooking her right rein around a branch before sitting back down. 

“Yeah…I can’t remember the last time I went somewhere so…” she trailed off, looking at all the trees and running water. 

“Green?” Carmy lit his cigarette, taking a drag. “Not packed with smog? Somewhere that doesn’t smell like shit.” He said as he exhaled. 

“…yeah” she said and laughed a bit. “Yeah. Guess that’s it.” She came and sat next to him. “What did you mean about her getting scared?” She asked curiously. 

“Oh- a scared horse will fucking kill you. Not on purpose, but they’re big and pure muscle, and will do anything to get away from danger. I scared the shit out of her one time, that was it. Dislocated my shoulder 8th day here. Doing that hurts like a bitch by the way.” He rolled his shoulder gently. 

“How’d you manage that? God I knew you were shit at chatting up girls but she dislocated your shoulder?” She teased. 

He rolled his eyes with a playful smile, taking another drag. “Yes, I was fuckin around on the trail, dunno why- but there was this branch sticking out so I grabbed it, it snapped, she fuckin reeeared dude. I flew back so hard. My back might still be bruised I’m not sure. Still hurts a little to laugh” he said. 

“You better have seen a doctor” she said. 

“Ohhh silly Syd.” He sighed, a puff of smoke filling the air in front of him. “We aren’t allowed to refuse treatment here. If you get hurt, and you refuse to get help, it’s considered self harm, which leads to them believing you have suicidal ideation, which leads to you being locked in the actual nuthouse. So yes. I willingly went to the doctor daily for a week. And now, I’m being checked on once a week. So yeah. Oh and therapy daily. And every day I’m given my meds and someone checks over ‘pre-existing injuries’ which that is now considered. So yeah. I’m good. I’m fuckin fine as fine can be.” He said. 

“Awww poor little chef, being taken care of so well that’s so hard isn’t it?” She teased and he gives her a playful glare, but couldn’t help but crack a smile when he realized she was smiling too. 

“I was being taken care of fine at home by myself but you and my sister just had to ship me off after one tiny accident” he leaned back on his hand, taking another drag of his cigarette. 

“It stops becoming an accident when you didn’t care, Carm. You didn’t care. It didn’t phase you. You weren’t even…you weren’t even scared. Just because you didn’t do it on purpose doesn’t mean you did the sane thing which would have been doing everything you could to not let something like that happen.” She said, her tone suddenly serious. 

He looked down at his lap, swallowing thickly. He suddenly felt all of the armor he’d spent the last 31 days chipping at, slowly start to meld back together and shell him back in at the shame the whole situation was making him feel. 

“I have nightmares…you know. About it. What happened” she said quietly, and he could physically feel his heart ripping open. 

The only sound between them was the bubbling stream, and the sounds of their even breaths. 

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly, gaze fixed on his lap knowing he would burst into tears at the admission she’d been so deeply plagued by something he’d done, if he had looked at her.

“I know” was all she said, gently resting her hand on top of his. He felt the same fireworks exploding in his chest that he only ever felt when she was around. 

“Do you um…” he clears his throat and shook his head, embarrassed by the question plaguing his mind. “Never mind it’s..it’s stupid.” He removed his hand, putting his cigarette in it and resting the hand opposite of her on the rock. 

“That usually means it’s not stupid. What?” She coaxed, bumping his knee with hers gently. 

“It’s stupid” he said again, shrugging his shoulders. 

“It can’t be stupider then asking me what UPS means” She said playfully. He rolled his eyes, smiling and looking over at her. 

“And what if it is?” He questioned. 

“I would be..worried they’re giving you a bad concoction of meds that’s turning your glorious chef brain in to Swiss cheese” she teased 

He snorts a laugh. “I was gonna ask..if you wanted to cook..t’night. My cabin…it uh- has a kitchen? I haven’t cooked in a month. They give us food so I haven’t really bothered but…seeing you makes me miss it more, I guess” he blushed, looking back down at his lap. 

“Well obviously. Not gonna let you eat whatever bullshit they’ve been giving you while I’m around.” She said and he shook his head, meeting her gaze once more with a playful smirk. 

“Maybe you should check in. My therapist says it’s bad apparently to feel ‘responsible for others’ - says it’s a ‘subconscious self harming behavior’ “ he teased. 

She smiled a bit. “Okay- say I do. How about, I check in now, we shoot the shit for what- eleven more days- then, you go back home- and see how stressful it is in that restaurant when one of your hands is basically missing” she plucked the cigarette bud he’d forgotten about from between his fingers before it burnt him, flicking it into the creek. 

“You know that’s the first time I’ve seen you smoke- other then…me like checking on you when you were about to explode at work. But you’ve never…pulled one out and smoked it I guess” she said, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her cheek on her forearm as she looked at him. 

“Oh…” he said, pulling one of his legs up and resting his arm on it. “Didn’t realize you noticed” he said, brushing some dirt off his jeans. 

“I notice a lot of stupid shit about you, it’s kinda annoying honestly.” She said without thinking, her eyes widening when she realized and she looked the other way, resting her other cheek on her knee and squeezing her eyes shut. 

Why would you ever say that?! She asked herself internally. 

“Oh?” He said again, smiling a bit. “You do?” He questions, but that was as far as he’d push. 

“Mhm” was all she responded. Carmys phone started buzzing in his pocket and he pulled it out in case it was one of the ‘base keepers’ they called them. Carmy rather call them babysitters. He knew what they were for, being sure if they were out of sight too long they were making sure they could still get ahold of them. 

He sighed in relief when he saw it was just his 2:40 alarm. “Gotta go” he stood up, offering his hand to Syd. “Like- now. Or my ass is getting chewed out.” 

The ride back to the cabins was mostly silent. He had no stool this time, so he had to pick up Syd essentially by the ass and gently place her on Stars back so she didn’t get spooked. 

He was embarassed as fuck that the tiny action had the crotch region of his jeans tightening more then was casually explainable. Thank god no one was around to see him awkwardly hop in the way of his semi hard third leg down his left pant leg, grunting but covering it with a dry cough when she settled her ass back into him to ‘center their gravity’ 

Syd absolutely felt the firmness pressing into her ass. She thought it was a bit funny, but also brushed it off to the strange friction that came with riding a horse. She couldn’t allow herself to fully believe his teenage like excitement was due to her, or she’d go insane. 

Carmy dropped Syd off at his cabin, giving her the key and telling her he’d put up Stardust and be back by 5, she would be blushing if it weren’t for her mahogany complexion at the domesticity of it all - er what she could imagine domesticity with Carmy would feel like. 

Her panties were also soaked through from the feeling of his enormous length pressed into the curve of her ass - the entire way back - but she just chalked that up to not getting laid for a few months, and misreading his natural arousal for him being horny- she quickly pushed the thought down and just chalked it up to the horse. Because guys get hard when they ride horses…right? Right?!

Carmen arrived to therapy extremely frustrated, and extremely ready to talk. He sat down in his regular spot in the back, tapping his knee nervously and covering his crotch with his hands. Luckily, thinking about his mother was enough to make him soft nearly instantly so he had that to thank her for at least. 

“Alright guys!” Julienne, the usual Friday therapist came in, sitting in her spot in the circle. “Who is up today! We are-“ she looks at her iPad “oh! Yes this is another OP class, so- no pressure but, I wanna hear what’s goin on!” She crossed her legs. 

Julie was far from his favorite therapist, at Blue Lotus. But he wasn’t his least favorite. So he would still talk. He cleared his throat, raising his hand slightly. 

“Carmy?! What a treat! Okay what’s up” she grabbed her little stylus pencil. He bit the inside of his lip nervously. He despised how casual she tried to make this all feel. 

“Uh…so- my um…business partner, she came to see me. I guess I haven’t been…keeping touch? Enough? She just said she was worried…” he cleared his throat again, gaze fixed on his lap. “And uh…I’m startin’ t’-t’realize stuff?” He sniffled nervously, rubbing his mouth with slightly clammy, nervous hands. 

“She uh..” he chuckled a bit. “She…she just…showed up. Didn’t hear shit from ‘er. She probably knew that I’d uh…I’d tell ‘er no?” He finally meets the gaze of Julie. 

“Okay. You know guests are allowed right? Like- during the visiting hours, 6am to 11pm, no fraternizing between patients but-“ Carmen cuts her off

“We aren’t - no. Not fraternizing” He shook his head. “But uh…today? We were- we were sitting. This spot, near uh, Jupiter point? On the north side. And I had this- this urge T-to tell her…everything.” He shook his head, looking at the floor again. 

“So…you wanted to tell her you love her?” Jesse, one of the guys he’d had lunch with a few times piped up. 

“T’be honest, I don’t know.” Carmen said honestly, looking at him. 

“Well what does it feel like?” Jesse asked, sitting up a bit. 

“What? Like- what does what feel like?” Carmen asked curiously. 

“Her. Being with her. Talking to her? Inside. Like. Your chest. Your skin?” He questioned. 

“Uh…” Carmen sat back, swallowing thickly and crossing his arms over his chest. He thought for a moment.��

“Hot. I get hot. All over. My chest feels tight but - but good? Like- a hug almost. And then…when she…” he blushed, looking down with a shy smile. “When she touches me” he shook his head slightly. “When she touches me it’s like um.. fireworks? Like fireworks beneath my skin.” He chuckled a bit at how cheesy it sounded. 

“And you haven’t fucking nailed her?” Jessie asked plainly. 

Carmen furrowed his brows, glaring at him. “No” he clenched his jaw “I haven’t.” He snips. 

“Dude- you are- pussy whipped with no pussy?! You- you love her, Carmen. You love this chick. I feel like I’m looking in a weird straight mirror - the first time-“ he laughed a bit “the first time I kissed a guy- god. He was so hot. But I had no idea! I had no idea. I really thought that I was just-“ he shook his head “that I was just wanting to befriend him? Or something? But like- I wanted to fuck him. And when I did kiss him? Something unlocked in my brain dude. It was like…like a whole new world. I felt like I knew - I knew what love could feel like? Just ‘cause of that one kiss “ he shrugged. 

Carmen looked at him, arms crossed, trying to absorb everything he was saying even though every fiber of his former self was screaming to take it with nothing more than a grain of salt. 

“Kiss her dude. Kiss her.” Jesse said and sat back in his chair. 

“Well. Although, consensual sexual instances are against the code of conduct to discuss - I am very proud to see you two coming out of your shells. Has anyone else felt… confused in their romantic endeavors and would like to share?” Julie asked. 

Carmen crossed his arms tighter, looking down at his lap. This was quite unusual for him, he was one of the patients to only add what he had to to be credited during inpatient, and during outpatient - only spoke when he really and honestly had to. 

“Uh-“ the super tall girl, Shayna sits up. Carmen was never really sure why she was here. She looked…perfect by all means. Perfect skin, perfect nails, pretty face, long blonde hair, a perfect body by girl standards. Or at least what Carmen had understood of them.

 “Not really the same.. but before I came out? I like…I would uh buy…girl clothes. That I liked. For my girlfriends at the time…” she blushed “and um.. I realized after a while that I liked them. And I wasn’t just..wanting to see my girlfriend in them. And like- it’s not the exact same, but when he said… about how Jesse realized he wanted the guy. That’s how I felt when I finally tried the clothes on” she shrugged. 

Carmen was…aghast. He just simply stared at her. He’d never met- or thought-  he’d ever met a trans person before today. But…Shayna? 

Well- he was wrong because he had met her, they actually knew each other fairly well as far as patients go, she joined the program when he did. When they first met, she’d made a joke about how they were the tallest girl and shortest guy in the class, so that meant they were bound to be friends, since opposites attract - and that earned a chuckle out of him before his meds had even fully evened out. 

“I love the cis-and-confused look- it’s cute” she said and laughed a bit. Carmen blushed, smiling a bit. 

“Not confused- well, maybe. Maybe a little. Y’Just so…dainty? I dunno..” he shrugged. 

“In case you haven’t noticed- mr.little man syndrome- you’re only one out with the cows doing the hay on time in the morning. Ninty percent of the group is your version of dainty ” Jesse teased. 

“Jesse” Julie gives him the look. “I’d assume that means- the rest of you that aren’t out helping with the bales- are scraping out the cow pens? Since Carmen is doing all the hard work according to you.” 

“I’m not girl- fuck no! The second I got out of inpatient house arrest? I walked my happy ass down to Walmart and bought me some blackout curtains. I recommend those to all of you! Oh my god and some ear plugs!! The stupid fucking roosters! Worst 15 days of my lifeee! I’m never coming back here peace and love to you all though. Truly. Can’t stand this cow shit stank ass place.”  Shayna said dramatically, causing Carmen to chuckle a bit.

 He had loved her boldness since they’d met. If Shayna didn’t want to do something- she wasn’t doing it. He learned that the day the staff tried to force her on anti-depressants. One of the main therapists got a Wellbutrin straight to the eye, they never attempted that battle the same way again. 

“We know Shayna you aren’t shoveling scat, princesses don’t do that” Jesse mocked her valley girl tone. 

“Okay! Okay. Alriiiight! Back on track- done with the bickering!” Julie said. “Now that open call is over let’s move on to breakthroughs. This issss-“ she looks at her iPad “ah- yes! D group. So. That makes it-“ he checks her watch “ah- right. 11 days! How are your light tunnel projects going?” She questioned. 

Carmen’s chest tightened, but not in the Syd is smiling or he made Syd laugh way- in the - I haven't done something I was meant to do way. 

The Light Tunnel project wasn’t hard. It was simply one thing you have done that you had wanted to do when you came into the program. And Carmy knew what his answer was, 

Admit how he felt to Sydney. 

Or, as his Therapist- Mandy told him ‘become more truthful with yourself and those you know about how you feel’ because “counting on someone to like him back would put him at square one” he had pretended to understand, but knew that he had to tell her and soon - or he was going to really go insane. 

“ my light tunnel was to talk to my asshole father- but lucky for me I just caught wind the motherfucker finally died thank god. So by default I win and don’t have to be here anymore cause his abandonment was what fucked me up anyhow“ Shayna said jokingly, causing Carm to snort a laugh. He knew she was only joking about the leaving early part, not the father part. Her father was an even bigger piece of shit then Carmen’s was, he had come to learn.

“Mmm that isn’t how it works we know that Shayna. We’ll talk more about this in one to one “ Julie told her and Shayna crossed her long legs, looking out the window. 

The last 20 minutes of the session Carmen sat silently, looking out the opposite window to Shayna, watching the horses running around in the field before they got called in for dinner and just spacing out, thinking about what he may say to Syd. 

“Yo - Carm space cadet” Shayna said before kicking his boot he jumped a bit, looking up at them both and had realized the room since had cleared and Julie was preparing for her next session. 

“Shit.” He said “how long have I been like…like that?” He asked, his cheeks feeling hot. 

“It’s the OCD meds. They get you stuck in a happy thought loop sometimes. Are you just gonna sit here? You wanna do another hour of this with sniveling group a? They got here three days ago.” Jesse said. Carm shook his head, getting up. 

“No- no sorry” he said starting with them outside. Shayna laughed a bit 

“You were thinking of screwing that business partner aren’t you. “ she said, causing Carmys cheeks to go pinker. 

“Shayna shut up!” Jesse scolded, pushing her shoulder lightly. 

“Awwww carmyyy are your feelings hurt little buddy? Do you need a hug? Jesus men are such pussys” she pushed open the doors of the therapy cabin for them. 

“Let me see pictures of this hot chick. If you don’t fuck her I will and I bet I’d do a better job” Shayna teased as they started heading back towards the cabins. 

Carmen couldn’t even process what she said as he felt his breath get caught in his chest, he saw her. She was sitting on the porch of his cabin, criss-cross in one of the rocking chairs as she writes in her notebook. He couldn’t help but stop and stare at the way the setting sun hit her bronze skin, her curls casting intricate patterned shadows on the wood. He felt his heart pick up, his chest squeezing in that way, the way that only happened when he saw her. 

Shayna and Jesse stopped after a few moments when they realized Carm had gotten stuck behind. They both follow his gaze carefully to see what he was so fixed on, like a trance. 

“Holy fuuuck!!! Holy fuck how did I get this lucky!! She’s here? She’s here still?!” Shana asked excitedly, “oh my god- you’re getting laid- tonight” she excitedly skips up to the cabin and Syd looks up, locking eyes with her before seeing Carmen just a few paces behind.  “I’m Shayna! Do you and Carm wanna hang out with us tonight?”

➵ 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 ♡♡♡

[klanced]

dog au

this is less about designating them as a specific dog breed and more about the Vibes

keith: he’d be one of those dogs that are bred to have a specific job but he’s unemployed (read: house dog) so he just constantly destroys the house and eats the walls. neurotic as fuckkkkkkk. he would calm down if you gave him a sheep or something

allura: one of those dogs that looks like a horse like a greyhound or an afghan hound. if allura was a dog she’d have a long skinny snout and huge soulful eyes that make her look like a prey animal. neurotic as FUCK but she doesn’t eat the walls like keith instead she just micromanages the shit out of her daily walks

shiro: obviously you could type-cast him as one of the Quintessential Japanese Dog Breeds but that’s such low-hanging fruit imo. i do think shiro is one of those dogs that was bred to thrive in subzero temperatures but now he’s forced to live in like san francisco so he constantly suffers from heat exhaustion. he’s still missing one of his front legs in this au idk maybe zarkon hit him with his car or something.

hunk: born to be a teacup dog forced to be Huge. if you compare him in the tags to a golden retriever i will stone you. if hunk was a dog i think he’d be one of those dogs that have beautiful bangs and luscious facial hair like a portuguese water dog. i actually think hunk would have less anxiety if he was a dog

lance: honestly idk what kind of dog lance would be all i can say definitively is that: 1) he’d be one of those dogs with a weird shaped head, and 2) he’d be one of those dogs that were bred to Hunt and Chase. so looooong legs. i also think he would have very short + thin + smooth fur and he wants to be a lap dog so, so, so bad but he unfortunately weighs like 50+ pounds

pidge: i think pidge would be one of those mean as fuck small dogs. like she’s an angel to her family but a total terror at the dog park to the point that you have to walk her at weird hours so there are less dogs around for her to bully. i know pidge is comically short in canon but as a dog i think she’d be a small to medium sized breed. i also think pidge would be some kind of spaniel or one of those dogs that have alarmingly human-like eyes

coran: ok i know i said this wouldn’t be a specific list but coran is CLEARLY some kind of terrier and he is specifically one of those breeds that has glorious muttonchops like an airedale terrier or a scottish terrier. if coran was a dog he’d be the purest kind of purebred with a carefully registered bloodline going back hundreds of generations in scotland

[sxrrandomfanfics]

RazLili Week 2024 Day 1 - Animals

Raz grabbed Lili's hand as Truman and Augustus were deep in conversation. "You two feel free to talk as long as you want!"

As he tugged on Lili's hand, she added: "Take your time! We'll be fine!"

Augustus smiled, "ah, young love."

Truman chuckled, "they think they're being subtle."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You still have those on?" Lili asked as Raz walked around only in his acrobatics outfit. The boots seemed fine when Raz did his acrobatic tricks, but stomping about the grounds seemed uncomfortable, given that they went up to his knees.

"You never know what's on the ground at a circus. Besides, stopping at my trailer might mean that we'll miss what I want to show you."

"And what's that?"

"It's a surprise." Raz squeezed Lili's hand as the two made their way over to what seemed to be a stall that horses would be in, but it was... very tall.

"Some secret horse? Like your sister's 'World's Smallest Pony'?"

"Uh. No. I'm still not allowed around Sugarcube." Raz shook his head. "Actually, this fine lady here is the opposite of a World's Smallest Pony." Raz then opened the door to the pen.

As Lili's eyes went up, her jaw dropped lower and lower. A large elephant, wearing purple jhul on her head and back raised her trunk.

The elephant was polite as she waved her trunk. Oh, Razputin has told me so much about you!

"Yup! Lili Zanotto, meet Naomi: The Crown Jewel of the Fildes Circus."

"Fildes? But I thought you were in the Aquato Family Circus."

"Yeah! Multiple small circuses usually work together to make these shows run." Raz waved his hand. "Anyways, I'm glad you two get to meet one another."

"Wait, so you just... talk about me to random animals?"

"Not random. Naomi was the first animal I ever really learned to talk to. Well, understand the emotions, if you're including proper Zoolepathy with Harold."

"... I thought you were just lying about having the elephant to have a badass line in front of Agent Nein."

"Nope! I uh... my family agreed to have me assist with Naomi after..."

"... after what?"

He pulled my tail. He used to be awfully rude.

"Raz? Rude?"

"I mean... I think I'm pretty rude."

"The rudest you got with me was staring at me. And the worst you called Bobby was 'hair boy.' You're not rude."

Naomi lifted her trunk with a laugh. Oh, the stories I could tell you about this young man.

Raz groaned, "please, my mom is enough." He looked back up at Naomi. "Does this mean we still can't try what I wanted to?"

Oh no. I'm still fine with it. Naomi turned around, showing she was still wearing the howdah that she had been wearing for the show.

Raz then got onto his Lev-bubble, and looked down to Lili, expecting her to do the same.

Lili understood, but then smirked. "What, not even going to help me up?"

Raz raised an eyebrow, then mirrored the smirk. He put on his best theatrical voice. "Oh, my apologies, princess. Let your knight assist you onto this glorious creature so that way we may galavant around the town."

Lili laughed, joyful that he would reciprocate, and took his hand. Up, they climbed onto the back of Naomi. Lili smiled, but gulped as well.

"Nervous?"

"Never been on an elephant before."

Don't worry. I'm perfectly calm.

Raz patted Lili on the shoulder, smoothly putting his arm around her after she realized which shoulder he patted. "We won't go too far on this. Just a quick little ride."

"Wait, we're going outside?"

"It would be more fun!"

"Do you have permission?"

"Well, I often like to think of asking for forgiveness is better than asking for permission."

Oh, he begged for permission.

Raz frowned, feeling less cool, but Lili smiled.

"Glad to know you're at least somewhat responsible now."

Raz pulled Lili in tighter, smiling.

[blueraineshadows]

Your ‘Wedding Night’ fic is one of the best things I’ve ever read 🫶🏼 I was wondering if a Part 2 has crossed your mind? I don’t feel like there is enough Seb x MC stuff after Hogwarts and it would be great to capture them at this time 🥰❤️

Thank you so much 🥺💜 I'm so happy how well Wedding Night has been received and would love to write a bit more. I hope this okay, plenty of soft Seb in this one 💚

Sebastian woke to the first pale light of dawn. He blinked a few times and looked down at the warmth of his wife's body pressed against him, her head was nestled near his shoulder, her glorious hair spread across the pillow behind her.

His eyes worshipped the fan of her lashes on her cheeks, the delicate curve of her jaw beneath her ear, and a smirk slowly spread across his lips as he admired the bloom of red marks at the curve of her neck. He couldn't get enough of the little sounds she would make when he sucked her there. He felt the blood rushing to his cock and lifted the edge of the blanket, peeking beneath to admire the soft curves and dips of his wife's body. After six months of marriage, he was still hungry for her, hating any minute spent away from her. It was still a mystery to him how his luck had sent her his way. Without her he would be dead, or worse, he knew it in his bones.

She looked so peaceful in her sleep, but his mouth had other ideas. He caught her earlobe in his teeth and tugged, a hand swirling over a hip to cup her backside. He loved the sight of her arse in those tight little duelling trousers she wore, but he liked it even better naked and in his hands. He gave it a squeeze, urging her closer so that she nudged against his growing arousal. She sighed and shifted, her breasts moving against his chest. He gave a little moan of appreciation, they were next on his kiss list.

She opened one sleepy eye at him. "And what do you think you are doing Mr Sallow?"

He smirked and lifted her thigh to wrap her leg about him. He rubbed his nose against hers, lips searching out lips for soft kisses. "I missed you," he whispered against her mouth.

She half sighed, half chuckled. "I am right here, you know," she protested. Her eyes blinked sleepily towards the window. "Its only just dawn, too, and you kept me up so late."

"I definitely heard no complaints at the time." He bit her lower lip, rolling their bodies so he was above her, grinding his hips luxuriously against her. Her legs welcomed him, her foot sliding down the back of his leg. "Besides, I promised you a whole day of my undivided attention."

She braced a hand against his shoulder with full intentions of shoving her husband off and returning to her sleep, but his kisses had always been the most devilish distraction. MC found herself moaning against his tongue, lifting her hips to welcome the familiar push of his hardness as he filled her to the hilt. She moaned, a spark of devilment making her lips twist into a teasing smirk. "Fuck me," she demanded in a low voice. He loved it when she talked dirty.

It escalated quickly, his thrusts deep and forceful, fingers digging into flesh as they climbed to the peak. MC flung up her arm, her hand braced against the headboard as he pounded, relentless, his eyes hooded and full of fire. He was not holding back. His name burst from her lips in a cry, her eyes widening as her release crashed over her, but there was no respite. She gasped as he shifted, grasping her hips to lift them, fucking her harder, the sounds tearing from his throat were pure animal as he found his own release, collapsing over her, dragging air into his lungs in harsh breaths. She could feel the hammering of his heart where their chests were crushed together. She held him to her, smoothing her hands along his back, waiting for him to speak. Her own heart thumped at the intensity of their desire.

He shifted, lifting himself to kiss her softly. "You drive me crazy, Mrs Sallow."

She smiled, shuffling out from under him, her hands coming up to her breast with a slight wince. Immediately, Sebastian sat up and cupped her face, concern marring his brow. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, no, of course not," she assured him. She touched her breast again. "Its nothing, just a little tenderness."

His frown remained. "Is it your time to bleed?"

Her gaze softened and she pressed a kiss to his mouth, appreciative of his unfailing care of her. "I am fine, I promise. Although, I do need to visit the bathroom. When I come back you can tell me of your plans for our day together."

He looked unconvinced, reluctant to let her go as she slid from the bed and walked to the bathroom.

Wrapped in coats and scarves, Sebastian held MC's hand as they strolled along the Thames River bank near the ancient Tower. Sebastian looked across at the impressive structure of Tower Bridge. "Its quite something, isn't it?"

MC snuggled against him in the morning chill. "Yes, and no. Nothing will ever compare to Hogwarts in my eyes. I will never forget the first time that I saw it, magnificent against the sky. I had no idea just how much was in store for me."

"So many memories of our time there," he said. He kissed her forehead, frowning in thought. "You know, I'm feeling a little nostalgic."

"You are?" She gave him a curious smile.

"Ive got an idea," he said grinning.

He dragged her to the nearest Floo network portal and, giggling like children, they spirited off to the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Hogsmeade, to be exact. Arm in arm, they strolled the cobbled streets they knew so well, bought sugary treats in Honeydukes, and ended up in the Three Broomsticks. They sat at their table, their hands entwined on top of his thigh, sipping at their Butterbeers.

"Its good to see you both," Sirona said. "How is married life treating you?"

They exchanged a look, the kind that two people deeply in love share, intimate secrets in their eyes that only they understood.

"Actually, dont answer that," Sirona said with a grin. "Its written plain as day on your faces, and I for one, am happy to see it. I remember the day you both burst in here after the troll attack, and I could see the spark between you even then. It did not surprise me when you finally married."

They ate at the Three Broomsticks, catching up some more with Sirona, before heading back out, wandering their way down the familiar path towards Hogwarts. MC sighed with pleasure at the sight, the sky clear in the brisk air, no smog or bustling city life to distract from the beauty.

"I remember every moment you know," he said. "Every adventure, every time you knocked me on my arse in Crossed Wands."

She giggled. "Sneaking out at night to the kitchens or the library," she added. She gripped his arm tighter. "We used to take so many risks."

"It was worth it though, right?" He paused to look down at her. "No regrets?"

She thought for a moment. "There are some darker memories, of course. It wasn't always perfect, but I have no regrets." She took hold of his upper arms, the breeze sending tendrils of hair across her face. She looked up at him, her love. "Every moment brought me closer to you, without the dark we would have never found our light. I remember our first kiss, in that very castle, I remember telling our friends that we were courting and how supportive they were. So many beautiful memories and all of them have you by my side. How could I regret any of that?"

Sebastian's eyes had turned glassy as she spoke, he swallowed, his face thoughtful as he gazed across towards the castle. His voice was raw when he next spoke. "Are you happy in London, MC?"

"I'm happy to be wherever you are," she said immediately.

A smile ghosted across his lips but he remained serious. "I mean, is it the right place for us? The way you speak of this place, it sounds like home. Earlier, in Hogsmeade, it just felt right, nothing like London. It just felt like..."

"Home," she said softly. She gazed at the castle now and smiled softly. "Hogwarts was the first time I felt truly accepted as me, and it brought me to you. It has given me so much to be thankful for."

Sebastian held her face in his hands, the pad of his thumb sweeping across her cheek. "You look tired of late," he said. Worry shadowed his face. "Just last week you felt unwell, you were so pale. You have been different, and then this morning you said you felt tender. Are you in pain?"

She could see the fear creeping into his eyes, memories, dark memories of when Anne had been so sick. A lump formed in her throat. How could she have thought that he would not notice these things about her? He had always been so protective, so attentive.

" Oh Sebastian, please, do not fear. I am not in pain, I promise you, in fact, far from it." She reached into her enchanted bag, rummaging about until she found a small package wrapped in brown paper, a silk, green ribbon tied about it. "I have been waiting to give you this, I was saving it for a special moment, but perhaps here where it all began for us is the perfect place."

She held out the box and he noted the tremble in her fingers. His stomach clenched as he took it, the worry refusing to leave. He stared at the cute package wondering what she had given him. At her urging, he tugged the ribbon free and tore at the paper. A smooth white box with a lid was inside, and when he lifted the lid, white tissue paper covered the gift. She bit her lower lip as he pushed aside the tissue paper, her eyes fixed on his face to see his reaction.

He frowned in confusion, his fingers hesitating to pick up what lay nestled in the tissue paper. MC held her breath, hands clasped tightly together. "What..." He stopped speaking, fingers lifting out the little bonnet in deepest green velvet, so soft and delicate. Beneath it in the box were a matching pair of little booties, a silver snake embroidered on the tops of each one. His eyes lifted to hers, wide, not daring to believe what he held in his hand. Surely his heart had stopped, there was no air to breathe. All that existed in that moment were her beautiful, beautiful eyes, and an infant's hat and booties in Slytherin colours. His lips parted but nothing came out. He tried again, but clearly, for the first time in his life he was rendered speechless.

MC placed her hands over her stomach. "Baby Sallow is due to be with us come Autumn," she said softly. "I have seen a doctor and he was happy with me, with us." She caressed her stomach with loving hands.

A shaky breath managed to escape Sebastian's lips. He hadn't moved. MC's bottom lip trembled and she brought her hands to his face, her fingers wiping tears from his cheeks that he hadn't even realised were falling. "You're...you're pregnant?"

She nodded. "I am."

He reached for her, crushing her to him and burying his face into her neck as he lifted her off her feet, the gift box and bonnet gripped tightly in his fingers at her back. A sob escaped him and she held him, stroking his hair, his back. "Are you alright?"

"There are no words," he said into her neck. "I love you. I love you so much it hurts."

He placed her gently back on his feet and moved back to stare at her stomach, a trembling hand reaching to press carefully against it. "I love both of you."

That night, they lay in each other's arms, hands exploring skin with gentle strokes and soft kisses. He held her so gently, his fingers constantly straying to where their child grew within her. He pressed his nose gently below her navel, light kisses peppering the skin. "I want our child to grow up knowing where he or she belongs, MC," he said. "They will have us, of course, but more than that, I want them to have what we missed out on."

"What do you mean?"

He moved to look into her eyes. "Let's go home, to Scotland. We can live there, near Hogwarts, near people who know us. Our child can grow there in clean air, free to be who they are away from this smog ridden, muggle life. What do you say?"

"I say, when do we leave?"