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#5040
every-tome · 1 year
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corvianbard · 1 year
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#5040
Come to sing along The heavenly smith’s song That cannot go wrong.
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nosehair · 11 months
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Day Five Thousand Forty 5040日目
Sunny, 26.0 C Measured the length and poured water. Probably 1.1 cm long.
晴れ 26.0℃ 長さをはかり、水をやる。おそらく全長1.1cm。
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janmisali · 1 year
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how many nominations did 5040 get? i was meaning to submit it, but i forgor 💀
six of them. if it had gotten one more it would have made the cut lol
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cosmicrhetoric · 7 months
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i know this was one of the biggest mangas of the 2000s and it spawned multiple adaptations and had an effect on punk/alt fashion of the time and an original member of the sex pistols was on the tribute album so it makes sense that they get a video game. but this is where i draw the line like this is TOO MUCH......you become the third NANA? game of experiencing living alone??? ps2 games that make you speedrun discovering lesbianism in the middle of the loneliest part of your 20s?????????
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kingsofeverything · 1 year
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20342
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pesterloglog · 5 months
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Autoresponder, Jane Crocker
Act 6, page 5037-5044
timaeusTestified [TT] began pestering gutsyGumshoe [GG]
TT: Hold up.
TT: Before you go any further, there's been a change of plan.
GG: Really?
TT: Well, not a change of plan so much as an acceleration.
TT: Everyone needs to get into the game sooner than expected. There is a new unaccounted for variable.
TT: Particularly for Roxy and Dirk.
GG: What is it?
TT: They are probably going to die if they don't join the game very soon.
GG: Shucks!!!!!
TT: Hey, I'm upset about it too, but let's watch the fucking language.
GG: Ok, what do I do?
TT: Install the server. I downloaded it to your computer along with a few other crucial system upgrades when we established our connection.
GG: Upgrades? What upgrades?
GG: Wait, is that how this stupid "Delirious Biznasty" application got on here?
TT: No comment.
TT: Install and run the server.
TT: You will be connecting with Roxy. I will have Jake connect with Dirk. Setting up the chain like this will be important.
GG: Why?
TT: It seems that I again have no comment.
GG: Sheesh.
GG: Very well then, Mister Zipperlips.
TT: I don't have lips. You just said something laughably illogical.
TT: How typical of someone who isn't a fashion accessory of immeasurable intelligence.
GG: Whatever! Let's curtail the horseplay this once while I help Roxy.
GG: Ok. I installed it. Now what? Should I run it?
TT: Yes. That copy is programmed to connect automatically with the client she's running.
GG: Okey dokey. Doing that now.
GG: Hey, I can see her room! :B
GG: That's a really nice room there.
GG: But where is she?
GG: Hah, her drink is still there. So she can't have gone far.
TT: Oh snap.
GG: I don't see her anywhere in the rest of the house.
GG: I see plenty of plush wizards and window gizmos, and... pumpkins? Really, Roxy?
GG: What an unusual house design. Are all homes in the future like this?
TT: You mean the ones that aren't under water? Yes. They are all almost exactly like that.
GG: I just tried messaging her. But no response.
TT: I'm sure she's out cruising the hood, probably messin' with the locals.
TT: Maybe attempting some ill advised drunken heroics.
TT: Pretty tight numerical probability of that, I just decided with unfeeling precision.
GG: She said things were on fire when we last talked?
GG: Actually, she said the whole neighborhood was burning down, if I recall.
GG: But judging by the view from her window, it looks lovely outside.
GG: What exactly is the danger I am saving her from here?
TT: Zoom out.
TT: Way out.
GG: OH NO!!!!!
GG: Roxy, where are you??? :(
TT: We'll track her down.
TT: The important thing to do now is deploy all the devices quickly, so the house will be ready to jet the moment she gets back.
GG: How do you know she's not hurt?
TT: That is statistically remote.
TT: Given that I can track the coordinates of certain devices she carries, and they are presently in motion.
TT: Really, the fire is not the most significant threat, or even the drones.
GG: Then what is?
TT: Do you see the red stringy stuff coming from the sky?
GG: Oh...
GG: Yes.
GG: What IS that??
TT: If sources are to be trusted, and my calculations are reliable within a 0.001% margin of error, it's a bunch of super deadly red shit.
TT: No time to get into that now though. Just deploy the devices quickly.
TT: You know the drill.
GG: Right. Let's see.
GG: There's hardly any space in here to put anything. I'll have to make some room.
GG: I don't want to damage any of her belongings though.
TT: That would be unconscionable.
GG: WHOOPS!
GG: Dag nabbit. This trackpad is AWFUL!
GG: Lousy dad computer.
GG: Why does he have to buy his computers at the Dadly Depot?
GG: Why does he have to buy EVERYTHING at the Dadly Depot?
GG: I really need to keep looking for him soon. Thinking about our expeditions to the Dadly Depot is making me miss him.
TT: You really need to hurry up and deploy that junk instead of that.
GG: There. Those seem like suitable locations for the equipment.
TT: Yeah.
GG: Hey, where's Lil Seb?
TT: Just wandering around. Fidgeting and stuff.
TT: You know how he is.
TT: Just stay at your post until Roxy gets back.
GG: I think he went through the door.
GG: He just disappeared on that platform!
GG: I think it might be some kind of transport device, that works via teleportation.
GG: A kind of "transportalizer," to coin a completely silly and novel term.
TT: That's great. Now sit back down and wait for Roxy. She'll be home soon.
GG: But I think that's where my dad went too!
GG: I have to follow him.
TT: No, Jane. Do not follow the rabbit.
TT: Let's cool it with the Wonderland shit already. How much further through the damn looking glass do you even need to go?
GG: It'll be fine!
GG: I'm bringing my computer with me. I can tend to Roxy's entry along the way.
TT: This is an atrocious idea.
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ranaautomotive · 5 months
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The Benefits of Buying a Used Pick-Up Truck
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In the current economic landscape, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, buying a used pick-up truck is an increasingly attractive choice. The appeal of old pickup trucks is nothing to debate about because of their numerous benefits and choice. Something used doesn’t mean it has lost its value, in some manner it might be more useful for the next owner. The decision to opt for a used vehicle, as opposed to a brand-new one, offers many benefits beyond mere cost savings. Let's delve deeper into why purchasing a used pick-up truck is wiser choice for all your needs.
Cost-Effective Purchase
The primary advantage of choosing a used pick-up truck is cost savings. For example, purchasing a used Tata 1109 LPT in India or another place is far more affordable than buying a new one. The lower price point of used trucks makes them accessible to a broader range of buyers, including small business owners and individuals who require a robust vehicle for their daily needs but are constrained by a budget.
Slower Depreciation
When you buy a new vehicle, its value depreciates rapidly, especially in the first few years. However, a used pick-up truck, like the Tata BS4 32 footy, has already gone through this steep depreciation phase. As a result, its value decreases much more slowly over time, making it a stable investment. This is particularly attractive for those considering resale. Plus, it allows you to maximize your investment over the long haul.
Reduced Insurance Costs
The cost of insuring a used pick-up truck is typically lower than that of a new one. Insurance premiums are often calculated based on the vehicle's current market value. As a used Tata BS4 32 footy in Gurgaon or somewhere else has a lower market value than a new version, the insurance costs are correspondingly more affordable, easing the financial burden on the owner.
Reliability and Performance
When you buy a new vehicle, its value depreciates rapidly, especially in the first few years. However, a used pick-up truck has already gone through this steep depreciation phase. As a result, its value decreases much more slowly over time, making it a stable investment. This is particularly attractive for those considering resale. Plus, it allows you to maximize your investment over the long haul. Moreover, the slower depreciation rate means that you won't experience as significant a loss in the truck's value compared to a new vehicle
Variety and Flexibility
In the market for used vehicles has a lot of different choices. You can find all kinds of trucks. This means people can pick a truck that matches their needs and how much they can spend. Whether you need a truck for tough jobs or everyday use, a used truck is likely just right for the job. This wide selection makes it easier for everyone to find a truck that suits their needs.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a used pick-up truck is not just about cost savings; it's about making an intelligent, environmentally conscious, and practical choice. These trucks are the best at saving you money and making you more than what you invested if you find yourself a good one in the market. Rana Automotive emerges as an ideal destination for those seeking quality and affordability. Their expertise in offering a wide range of used commercial vehicles ensures that customers can find a vehicle that perfectly suits their needs while reaping the benefits of a second-hand purchase. Explore the options of vehicles at their website Ranaautomotiveused.com.
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Discover the Impressive Specifications of ACE Tower Crane 5040
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If you're in the market for a tower crane with unmatched performance and reliability, the ACE Tower Crane 5040 is a top contender. With its impressive specifications, including a maximum lifting capacity of 25 tons and a maximum jib length of 50 meters, this crane can handle even the most challenging construction projects. Our guide provides a detailed overview of the ACE Tower Crane 5040 specifications, including its advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology. Explore the capabilities of this powerful tower crane and find out how it can take your construction operations to new heights!
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jkmachines · 1 year
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panic-at-the-dm · 1 year
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do you guys remember a movie called tears of blood? it was a Japanese horror film but i can't seem to find anything about it anywhere.
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laptopspecs · 2 years
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Dell Optiplex 5040 Core i5 4 GB RAM 500 GB SSD Desktop Specs, office personal Computers are among the most adaptable in the market and power connections.
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nosehair · 11 months
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Houston robbery suspect seen shirtless in latest heist, police say Are you interested in this story? Download the Balanced News Summary app to read more! Link in our bio. For breaking news and updates follow @balancednewssummaryapp #BalancedNewsSummary #3Ee9355EB10F5040Bc5D3Ffc012043Bb, #Alert, #Article, #Cybernews, #Doyourownresearch, #Fnc, #FoxNews, #FoxNewsEntertainmentGenresCrime, #FoxNewsUs, #FoxNewsUsUsRegionsSouthwestTexas, #Freespeech, #Freethought, #Fyi, #Headlines, #Insidestory, #Instapolitics, #Nationalnews, #Newapp, #Newsflash, #Politicalnews, #Politics, #Realnews, #Todaynews, #Topstories, #Truthistruth, #Truthmovement, #Truthteller, #Worldwidenews
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cearavs · 4 months
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Fire Emblem Engage Popularity Poll Results with 5040 responses!
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Also includes rankings based on the breakdown of participants by gender
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politemenacephd · 4 months
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Arachnophilia (Part Fourteen)
Drider!Miguel O'Hara x Reader (+18)
Chapter Masterlist 🕷️
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Word Count: 5040 Notes: Voyeurism build up is here, will be dropping that next chapter. For now here's some tension/proper argument w HQ!Miguel and some fluff w Mig
‘You’re sure you wish to return today?’
You paused midway through the very unflattering motion of hoisting your suit over your hips, rolling on the bed like a flipped beach turtle, and turned to find Mig watching you from across the room.
His big red eyes already betrayed his concern as they darted from your face to your body, as did his slowly tapping paws.
You shot him a reassuring smile. ‘I’m sure, Mig! Don’t worry, I have a plan.’
Mig made that same adorable face he always did when he was disgruntled, as his nose wrinkled up and his brows folded in over his big puppy-dog eyes. Your reassurance would never be enough, sadly.
‘You could- stay, another hour’ he offered. ‘They can’t fault you for being a little late.’
You sighed through the nose and finally did up the last hidden button on your suit, snapping it into place.
It’d been a few days since Mig’s confession. You’d managed to snag the extra time away from the society by calling up Jess and going through some early talking points online, but all the time you’d gained had been devoted solely to working through Mig’s worries.
His possessive nature had certain gotten worse since he’d acknowledged his past to you. He startled at every minor noise, he rustled against you constantly to keep you saturated in his scent. He panicked when you weren’t in his line of sight, and he was patrolling his territory more and more.
The worst one though was at night, when he’d hide behind his giant legs and you had to gently coax him out.
It wasn’t easy, but you weren’t opposed to comforting your monster partner. You knew it was going to be hard on him. Today he’d made enough progress to at least let you return for a bit, and that was great, but you knew to expect relapses.
With a slight hop you stumbled to your feet and crossed the nest, carefully taking his hands into yours.
‘Uhuh, I could stay an extra hour. And then you would say, please stay another hour, then another, then another, and then I’m called in for insubordination and I get my watch taken away’ you said, firm but soft.
‘Mi arañita, it’s in my blood to keep you here’ he insisted.
‘Nope, can’t use that excuse anymore. I’m not in heat, am I?’ you said. You tried to keep it light by booping his nose with your finger, but Mig remained tense.
‘It’s in my human blood, to keep you here, is what I meant’ he said, his voice dipping. ‘I just want to know you’re safe. I can’t, know, if you’re not here with me.’
Sensing that he was spiralling you put his hand over your chest. He could sense your heart thumping beneath your ribs, small but strong. It seemed to have an instant calming effect.
‘I’m okay. See? I’m okay. And I’m gonna set something up’ you reminded him gently. ‘Right? I’m gonna go get some stuff while I’m at the HQ, like we discussed. You’ll be able to see my vitals on a screen here so you know I’m safe, and we will- test, you being able to call me, because I know if I give you unlimited reign you will call me every second of every hour. But, you know, I’m bringing stuff back to make this easier.’
Mig grumbled and rolled his tongue against his fangs at your reminder. ‘You… are you, sure, they won’t try to keep you away from me?’ he asked.
‘I’m as sure as I can be, Miggy. I mean Jess clearly got annoyed with Miguel for trying to separate us, remember? I don’t think the elite’s care, so long as we’re not endangering anyone. We’re two consenting adults after all.’
‘A monster and his pet’ Miguel grumbled. You couldn’t help but giggle at his sour tone.
‘A consenting adult monster and his consenting adult pet’ you added. Mig didn’t smile with you but you saw him tap his spider legs a few times, which you knew now meant he was happy. It was like a silent laugh for when he was too worried to laugh openly.
‘Hey. Come here’ you whispered.
You gestured for his foreleg and he stretched it out. You took it between both your hands and raised it your lips, pressing a single kiss to the fluffy little paw, showing no sign of fear or disgust. You then gestured for his human hands.
‘Here. Here, babe.’
Mig outstretched his hands, and with his fingers in your grip you kissed each of his claws one after the other. You could sense his body deflating, slowly losing all of that pent up tension as you showed his body the same love you always did.
‘Pretty spider’ you whispered after the final claw was crowned with your lips. When you looked up he was smiling at last.
‘Pretty spider’ he repeated back. You craned your neck and noticed his abdomen was rustling, the fur on his back gently bristling as his middle legs tapped at the floor. You beamed.
‘Mmm. Happy dance’ you noted.
Mig closed his eyes as he smiled, his old, chiselled face growing soft as he made the dance more overt. He tapped his feet back and forth, gently rustling his fluffy body up against your face. You nestled right back. There was nothing better than seeing that little display.
‘Okay, okay. There we go.’ You gently leaned back after giving him a quick squeeze, your hand flying to your watch. You knew you had to make the portal now or you’d never leave.
‘Guess I better get going.’
With a few clicks a portal to the HQ exploded into the centre of the nest, covering your face in that ethereal orange light. You glanced back over your shoulder and saw that Mig had stopped dancing. It hurt your heart, but it had to be done.
‘Can I have a goodbye kiss, please?’ you offered with your hand outstretched on the precipice of the portal. Mig was eager to take it.
‘Ah- yes, of course mi arañita.’
You should have been wise enough to know that this was a double play on his part. The moment your lips connected his hands were on your waist, digging in deep to the soft flesh beneath your suit.
His lips moved slowly, parting before rejoining as they smothered your own. They were so soft compared to the rest of his ruggedness, soft and full and warm. As his tongue teased your mouth they grew wet.
‘Mm—’
His low moan made your knees weak. It vibrated through your lips and into your soul. His lips parted right as you usually would have left, and soon you were entranced by his tongue.
‘Mm- mmm—’
You forgot the portal at your back as Mig gently rumbled against you, his fluffy body vibrating in a way that made your insides tingle. He dug his claws in deeper, a small dose of shock to widen your mouth, allowing his tongue to go right down your throat.
When he pulled back there was a long and heavy trail of spit between you, one that he licked into his mouth without ever breaking eye contact. You felt that pleasurable tension in your gut triple over.
‘Ah—Mig, I know what you’re doing’ you panted.
He’d held you for so long that the portal had closed behind you. You let out a mildly exasperated huff while he tilted his head, his face sickeningly innocent.
‘Doing what? I just wanted to kiss mi arañita goodbye.’
‘You told me you were incapable of lying, Mr.’
‘I am, yes. It’s not a lie’ he said. The earnest affection in his eyes broke you, and a smile crept back onto your face.
‘Mhm. It’s just- leaving out the full truth, right?’
He coyly darted his eyes to the side, forcing you to grab his thickset jaw and turn his head back. You were on your tip toes to reach him.
‘The full truth, is… I don’t want you to go, but, I know you have to. So I will do what I can to keep you here, because I am selfish. And… I will miss you, when you are gone. Because you make me happy. And, I like having you close’ Mig murmured.
‘I know’ you sighed. ‘I know. I’ll miss you too. And I will be back soon. I promise.’
You bumped foreheads once more before pulling back, and this time Mig let you go.
As you flew through the dizzying portal you were surprisingly optimistic.
You were going back to the society, and this time you were no longer alone. No matter what you had someone to go home to, someone to talk to, someone to hold you.
Your perspective on the society had also certainly shifted since meeting Mig, and that was something you had to contend with. Knowing that they were hiding things, these cosmic mistakes they didn’t want to deal with, it bothered you to no end. You’d previously viewed the elites as these unfathomable being, who just had to know best because of where they were, but not anymore. Especially in the case of Miguel.
You felt a little bad, but you hadn’t been fully honest with Mig about your intentions. Yes, you were going back to grab some items for him and to show you were available. Yes, you were returning to ensure your relationship was sanctioned.
But you also had something else in mind. Something a bit more personal. Something for the boss to deal with.
You skipped a few steps as your body was thrown from the depths of time and space, your shoes clacking as you hit the HQ floor. You stepped out into the lobby, into a bustling sea of spiders, and you breathed in the familiar smell of Nueva York. It smelled like spandex, like cleaning fluid and cold park air.
You felt the portal close at your back, leaving you standing alone in this great gathering of your peers.
And then you froze.
Almost half the spiders around you were still, their head craned in your direction. You felt the eyes on every inch of your body. You met their gazes through their masks, and despite you clearly looking at them they didn’t turn or look away.
You frowned. What was going on?’
A new sound filled the quiet buzz of conversation, the worst possible sound you could hear. Muffled laughter.
You spun around only for the laughter to stop, and by the time you’d turned back all the spiders were pretending not to have looked at all. They were deep in meaningless conversation, their heads down, and soon you were once again lost in the crowd.
You could feel your face burning, your cheeks hot and clammy.
Oh, fuck. Shit, shit, shit, fuck, shit, fuck. Did they know? How did they know? Who could have told them?
For a moment your blood ran cold. Wait. Had, Miguel, told everyone? To punish you?
In a brewing panic you started to make your way through the HQ.
All the way out of the lobby and up through the dizzying web of beams you felt eyes on you. You occasionally heard laughter but now you couldn’t tell whether it was aimed at you or not, which only spurred your paranoia, and you only continued to spiral further as you went about your objectives.
You stopped by the lab and grabbed the tech you needed for Mig: a watch for him to programme, a monitor for your vitals, and a few old or nearly scrapped holographic screens that you figured he could fix up. All eyes on you, staring at you through screens and over desks. You hurried out.
From there you made a stop at HR, a pretty run-down and disorganised area compared to the rest of the society, where you grabbed some paperwork Jess had ordered you to fill out. You felt eyes peering over piles of paperwork, soft whispers and curious mumbles hidden behind walls as you piled up the work.
By the time you made it to your last stop you could feel the sweat on your lower back from stressing so hard. Around Mig you felt safe, emboldened, but you were realizing quickly that you were still alone here.
You crept into the open research base and dropped into one of the empty desks. You were here, right back where you started, the day you first met Mig.
You thought of him, back in the nest, and your heart twisted. You missed him.
‘You’re the one, right?’
You jumped as an unfamiliar voice sounded off against your ear. Somehow you’d been snuck up on, and three spider-people you’d never met before were crowding around the back of your desk. Their faces immediately put you on edge; they looked far too familiar with you, far too excited.
‘I- the one, what?’ you stammered.
‘You’re the one who- you know—’
You felt your stomach drop as the spiders broke into playful smiles. You tried to push the chair back and run, abandoning the PC while it was still on, but to your horror the other spiders held you in place. You slumped back into the chair as they offered an overlap of fake coos and soothing words.
‘No, no, hey! Please we’re so curious.’
‘Curious about- what? Don’t- grab me!’ you said, inadvertently snapping as you pulled from their grasp. You could feel other people in the room starting to glance over at the commotion, and it was driving your anxiety way up.
‘You had sex with Miguel’s variant, right? The spider one?’ one of them whispered. The spiders holding you in place were practically giddy as they spoke over themselves.
‘We… they’re, all spiders’ you stammered.
‘No, no! You know what we mean. There’s one that’s like fully half spider, right? And you had sex with him?’
‘I—That’s, nobodies business’ you said defensively. Sadly, your tone only spurred them on harder.
'No come on please, oh my god- does he look like Miguel? Is he that big?'
'Does he have the teeth?'
'Oh god, ew, what's the spider part like? Was it like an actual spider?'
'Did you--' 
‘¡OYE!’
You went rigid in your seat, as did the spiders hounding you. Heavy footsteps filled the room as a huge, foreboding shadow slowly covered your body from behind.
‘What’s going on?’
You turned to see Miguel standing over you, his hands on his hips. The spiders almost fell over each other trying to placate him.
‘Hi! Sir, we were just—’
‘It’s fine Miguel we were—’
‘No gossiping. We’re not a rag newspaper, we’re a serious organisation, that does serious work’ Miguel said, his voice slow and cold. ‘Work that I assume you’re currently procrastinating on, since you’re here, and not somewhere else.’
The spiders quickly abandoned your desk, leaving you spinning awkwardly on the spot in your little chair. Miguel had to grab the back to make it stop.
‘Ah, hey, you—’
‘Come with me.’
Miguel didn’t wait for you to respond after cutting you off. He turned and walked in the opposite direction, his presumptuous, authoritative aura gleaming off him like musk.
You thought about saying no, just on principle, but it wouldn’t help. You’d been planning to talk to him anyway. With a slightly reluctant shrug you obeyed.
Miguel led you in silence up through the heart of the HQ building to his office. The whole way you continued to avoid the curious eyes on your back, focusing instead on what you wanted to say to him.
Up the beams, through the corridor filled with anomalies, down the messy side hall and into his office, where at last you were both alone. You shuddered in the gloom, where the only light was a thin lay of blue from above that tinted your skin. It was only here that Miguel finally addressed you directly.
‘I’m sorry they’re bothering you’ Miguel called over his shoulder.
‘Uhuh. Yeah, me too. Strange how they knew’ you said, making no effort to sugarcoat your accusatory tone. Miguel grunted a chuckle as he picked up on the implication.
‘It’s not strange. HR receives filings whenever a relationship needs to be sanctioned, such as- Peter’s and Mary’s receiving crisis training or therapy, or any spiders entering into inter-dimensional relationships. It doesn’t happen often, so when one comes up featuring a Miguel variant and a random spider, and some intern copying it notices the names, they talk. They talk to their friends at lunch, and then they talk to their friends on missions. Suddenly, everyone knows.’
You felt your face burning as he spun this elaborate story. You wanted to believe he was lying, but, it was one thing he and Mig shared in common: they didn’t lie.
‘I didn’t tell anyone’ Miguel grunted as he jumped onto his desk. ‘I understand how- frustrating hormones can be. I don’t blame you for what you had to do.’
‘Uhuh’ you said, your voice wary.
‘I just don’t understand why you’ve still choosing to remain around my counterpart now you’re free’ Miguel continued as he booted up his set, more to himself than to you.
‘Because he’s my friend’ you said sharply.
Miguel glanced over his shoulder, his one visible eye glowing brightly against the dull blue hue. He looked you up and down.
‘I don’t get it’ he repeated in a low murmur. You hated it but his presence still made you slightly weak, and that soft voice was painfully close to how Mig usually spoke.
‘If you were in pain I would have helped’ he said as he turned back around. ‘It’s not like you had no options. Was I really that cold to you?’
You balked at his unexpected confession, especially when said in such a nonchalant way. It was a pretty heavy thing to drop, surely, to admit that he’d sensed your heat and been willing to sleep with you too?
‘You- are you serious?’ you whisper shouted. Your outrage made Miguel chuckle again, something that only made your face warmer.
‘I’m serious, yes. I would have helped.’
‘Oh, oh of course you would have. Just, out of the kindness of your own heart?’
‘More or less.’
You scoffed openly. ‘My god- Do you have no shame? At all?’
Miguel turned again, craning his neck a little further this time to eye you up fully. You saw the thick curve of his back as he arched it.
‘I’d advise you not to be combative’ he murmured. ‘I’m still your superior, and I’m also well aware of what you’ve done. I don’t think you should be the one to tell me about shame.’
‘Why should I be ashamed?! Because I had sex with a nice person I was friends with, because we shared a mutual attraction? Oh my god, how could I!’
‘You let a monster mate with you and almost get you pregnant’ Miguel snapped back, his voice rising ever so slightly.
‘He’s not- a monster’ you said. ‘Not- I mean, physically he is, unusual, but he’s a good person.’
‘You have no idea who that man is’ Miguel impatiently snapped.
‘Yes, I do. Damn it-- He told me! About Dana!’ you blurted.
A brief silence fell as Miguel’s hands went still. Up until this point he’d been typing, casually micro-tasking while you argued at his back, but now he was totally focused on you.
‘He did?’ Miguel repeated back. He sounded shocked, confused, perhaps even impressed?
‘Yes. He- it sounded, horrible. That poor man.’
‘That poor man’ Miguel sneered, his shock quickly turning back to disgust. ‘You didn’t see what I saw. And that’s not your fault, but I’m telling you now, I saw it. The blood on his hands, the blood on his fur, the—face, of—’
Miguel paused and shook his head. ‘He may not have intended to hurt her, but he did. He couldn’t de-escalate, couldn’t control his own strength. He could have ripped the gun out of her hands, or pointed it upwards. His panic killed her.’
‘He was- he was scared, Miguel!’ you argued. ‘He’d just undergone a painful attempt on his life, he was turned into something new, something scary, and then his life was threatened again by someone who was meant to love him!’
‘Yeah, and you know what? I want through the same exact thing’ Miguel spat. ‘I didn’t kill anyo-- … I didn’t, kill, Dana, Did I?’
Internally you were seething. Part of you wanted to just rip into him for what he’d said, for so cruelly bullying Mig for something that wasn’t his fault while making overt passes at you in the same sentence, but you held your tongue.
At least now you didn’t feel at all bad for what you were about to do.
‘I want to- make a proposal’ you said, your voice echoing through the office.
Miguel blinked. His brows went up, slowly, as his eyes darted across your face. He looked surprised. ‘You do, do you?’
You stiffened your resolve as his shadow covered your body. Before you’d have never thought of standing up to your boss like this, and yet, here you were.
‘Yes. I want you to retract the clause that Mig remain isolated from other spiders and people. He’s not a threat and you know that. He deserves the chance to reintegrate, to see that he’s safe to be around other people and to connect with people like him who won’t be afraid. I want you to let him into the society.’
Miguel grunted, his nose wrinkling with disgust. ‘No’ he barked, and immediately he turned.
He thought that would be the end of it, the stubborn fool, but you weren’t interested in begging for permission. If he wanted to play dirty, you would too.
‘Fine’ you said sharply, ‘fine. Let me guess, his genes make him too dangerous?’
‘Wow, newbie, that’s a great point. You’re right. I’ll keep that on record next time someone brings up the idea of letting him join’ Miguel sarcastically drawled. You sneered.
‘Okay. Well, if he has to stay away because his genes make him dangerous, genes that you SHARE, may I remind you, then I suggest for the safety of the society we make it public knowledge.’
You saw Miguel freeze up. He was clearly frightened, as his back muscles popped to indicate he was tensing them tightly, and his biceps were clearly getting more prominent as he clenched his fists.  
You had to steel yourself to approach that terrifying visage.
‘What are you talking about?’ he hissed over his shoulder.
‘You know what I’m talking about’ you said, getting closer with each word. ‘You know that you go into ruts, the same as he does. You know that for all the pressure you put on him to stay away from people, you happily engage in that exact behaviour.’
‘What are you talking about?’ Miguel repeated, this time in a far gravellier voice.
‘I know, you sanctimonious asshole, that you’ve also been sleeping with people during your ruts!’ you whisper shouted, your voice slipping through gritted teeth.
Miguel immediately scoffed, trying to play it off. ‘You don’t have proof of that. I didn’t sleep with you.’
‘No, not- me, Miguel, I have proof. I have proof you’ve done this before.’
‘Oh, do you?’ he asked in that same sarcastic, defensive tone.
‘You decided to threaten me with my own medical records, so clearly that’s allowed, right? So, I can bring up that there are definitely files within the society bay detailing god knows how many other members or workers, filled with the same genetic material, covered in webbing?’
The moment you said ‘webbing’ he tensed up. You’d got him.
‘Perhaps a few, anti-venom prescriptions? Emergency birth control?’
He tensed up further, his head going forward as his shoulders rolled. You continued to push.
‘I don’t think the wider society would be too kind if they knew their boss was going into little, horny breakdowns, and then secretly taking out his frustrations on its members—’
At that Miguel spun around, his clawed hand slamming itself into the desk at your back. In barely a second you went from standing to trapped, your back bent against the desk with his enormous arms on either side of your torso.
‘Do you think you’re better than me?!’ he spat, his fangs dangerously close to your face.
‘Do you think you’re better than me, huh?’
You felt all of your previous convictions slip in his presence. God he was terrifying. He wasn’t nearly as big as Mig but he was huge compared to you, easily pinning your body to the desk. You felt the cold metal press into your spine as he bent you back, and your eyes instinctively drifted to his fangs.
You swallowed, hard, and were met with the strangest look in his eyes. He seemed ashamed, almost, as he realized you were scared of him, and yet there was something else there. Something more complicated.
You struggled to claw back a semblance of your previous anger.
‘You know what? No. Not in that sense. But that’s my point. We’re the same, you’re just a—’
‘Don’t say it’ he hissed.
‘Hypocrite’ you spat back in his face. With a frustrated grunt he pulled away.
‘I don’t put anyone at risk of spreading my genes!’ he said, his voice rising with his annoyance. ‘And I don’t touch anyone who I could hurt!’
‘How can you know that?’
‘Because they’re all men!’ Miguel blurted. He had to pause to breathe, his hands now gripped tight to his hips. ‘Or- at the very least they’ve had their reproductive organs taken care of. And they’re my friends, I never- I never approach anyone I don’t know and trust. I just… sometimes, I have to—have, something. Just one. But I’ve never- slipped and, indulged in anyone the way your sweet, innocent Mig has.’
‘You- but you JUST said you would have helped me out too’ you argued back. Miguel scoffed again.
‘I didn’t mean sex. I would have- offered something, for relief, because I know how much it hurts. I can control myself, but I’d rather not smell someone else going through the same agony, that’s all.’
‘Look, my— my point is, you do the same thing you accused Mig of doing. You don’t get to keep him out of the society if you’re allowed to be its head’ you said, trying to bring the subject back around.
‘He killed someone’ Miguel hissed.
‘And you exonerated him, because he was acting in self defence!’ you spat. This time your rage drove you forward, and you slammed your hand down on the desk beside Miguel, caging his tiny waist between your arms.
‘We are dangerous’ Miguel said, his voice even colder than usual. ‘We are not, safe. We are not supposed to be in relationships. I tried to tell you this, but if you won’t listen, I can’t help you.’
‘Oh, I’m the one who needs help?’
To your horror, Miguel suddenly let out a deeply sardonic chuckle. He bent so that his lips brushed your ear, and you froze as he spoke.
‘You fucked a spider’ he whispered slowly. ‘You found a version of your boss, who was half arachnid, and you let it fuck you. Furry legs and all. You nearly let it impregnate you. Yes, you need help.’
‘He.’
Miguel’s eyes darted, barely an inch from yours. You met them. You were shaking, yes, but you still stared him down.
‘He. Not it. I let him, fuck me’ you repeated.
You relished, secretly, in the deep resentment that crossed Miguel’s face. He looked jealous.
‘Why… Why, him?’
You blinked, taken aback by Miguel’s veiled question. You were expecting more vitriol, but instead his face sank as he pulled away from you.
‘What do you mean, why him?’ you asked.
‘You were in heat. I smelled it. You should have been drawn to my scent, but you turned and you ran. You ran back to him.’
You decided to let Miguel hang there for a moment, just to ponder how you should approach this.
‘If you ask that question honestly, I’ll answer’ you said slowly.
Miguel stiffened his jaw and stepped forward again. He was too curious to not take the bait. ‘Why? Why would you pick him over me?’
There it was. The most overt thing he’d ever admit. It wasn’t even really about you, was it? It was about his ego. It was about the fact that in that moment, when he’d grabbed you after your hospital trip, you’d been able to turn him down. You’d stayed loyal to Mig, and not just given in to your animal need so Miguel could satisfy himself with your body.
You could have given him a full lecture on why. His coldness, his mean streak, his little bursts of empathy that were never enough compared to Mig’s constant kindness. The way Mig gave you multiple chances to leave while Miguel grabbed you by the wrist, the way Mig praised you and thanked you and wished to acknowledge your relationship openly without shame while Miguel offered only a shameful coupling he would sooner forget.
You could have said so much. In the end, though, you just shrugged. ‘He’s hotter than you’ you said.
Silence filled Miguel’s office. At first his face was unreadable, but slowly, a smile crept onto his lips. It was an unnerving smile, the ghost of something cruel and cold.
‘Oh. Okay. Okay.’
You took a step back as Miguel turned back to his desk. The orange glow was eerie around the contours of his figure, highlighting his terrifying back muscles one by one as he rolled them.
‘Alright. You can have him here. And I won’t keep people off your back anymore. If you want to know, why I keep what I do quiet, why I keep my partners quiet, you can find out your way.’
You snorted. ‘Deal. Done. That’s all I needed from you.’
You left him there, alone on the desk, and you hurried back to the wider HQ, unaware of the new war you’d started for yourself. Link to next part!
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