the way chenle devoured that whole mma performance

Day 6: Sensory Overload -- Tobirama

pre-MadaTobi | Warring Clans Era | Content Warnings: captured and held captive, temporary sense-blindness, killing captors via throat-slitting

Whumptober Masterlist

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The mission had been brutal and not meant for one man to handle on his own, and even though Tobirama was far more skilled at sixteen than most of the other shinobi in the Senju clan, it was too much for even him. A solo courier mission through Wind Country was dangerous enough, and his path had taken him through the harshest part of the desert and along the territory lines of a few clans known to be particularly vicious to outsiders. Getting ambushed and trapped on his return run had almost been expected at that point, though he hadn’t expected to be outnumbered ten to one.

(He had managed to kill most of them, but the last three had been smart, had waited until he was worn down and tired and hurt before engaging. He hadn’t stood a chance.)

The first two days, he was too injured to do anything but lie there in the dark of the cell and pray he would live long enough to escape. At least the cell was underground and therefore cool. He didn’t even mind the total darkness so much; his eyesight had never been particularly good and it seemed to only get worse through the years. The chakra-dampening cuffs were a much bigger concern.

Without his chakra, he was functionally blind. And unable to heal himself. And unable to utilize his jutsu repertoire. Though his chakra reserves had been so low by the time he’d been captured, he wouldn’t have had much to work with even if he’d had access to it.

By the third day, he felt less fuzzy at the edges, and while his injuries weren’t healed, someone had come while he was unconscious to wrap the worst of them. They want me alive, then, he realized. The purpose was still unclear—would he be a bargaining chip, a hostage? Would they try to torture him for information once he was cognizant enough to provide useful intel?

On the fourth day, he had observed enough to pick up a sense of routine. There were no guards posted in his immediate vicinity, but possibly one stood at the top of the stairs. Twice a day, someone would come down into the underground cell with food and water, and while Tobirama never saw them, he could hear their footsteps and breathing easily enough. He ate the food they gave them and drank the water; he needed the strength and it made little sense to poison him at this point when they could have killed him earlier and seemed to be making an effort to keep him alive.

They weren’t drugging him, either, which was a mistake. Maybe they thought he was too injured to move. Maybe they thought binding his chakra would be enough. Maybe they thought keeping him in the dark would reduce the risk of escape. Morons, he thought, but was grateful for it.

The fifth day he spent in meditation, running through the plan in his mind over and over again, preparing himself mentally.

The sixth day, when one of his captors came to bring food, he moved.

Even injured and blinded he was a capable shinobi, and he had the element of surprise. When the door was opened for food to be shoved through, he darted forward, following the sound of his captor’s breathing to gauge where they were, and utilized quick, heavy hits to sensitive nerve points to bring them down. His captor was armed—predictable, but stupid—and Tobirama used the man’s own kunai to slit his throat.

Silently and slower than he’d have liked, he moved through the room in pitch darkness until he found the stairs and followed them up. He rapped twice on the door—the same tap sequence he’d learned over the course of his time here—and when it opened, he lunged without hesitation, cutting through this man’s throat as well before he could make a sound.

The lighting here was dim enough that it didn’t hurt too bad, but there was enough so he could see outlines and shapes. Alone for the moment, he allowed his eyes to adjust slowly, and then held the suppression cuffs up to look at the seals on them more closely. They were sloppily done. He’d thought the quality of the metal had felt cheap, and it was, but the biggest shortcoming—a lucky break for him—was that the seal had been etched on the outside of the cuff, not the interior. Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered if Tobirama wasn’t something of a sealing enthusiast. Perhaps the average shinobi would not have known which marks to cross out to render the cuffs ineffective.

But Tobirama did.

It took two crosses along the x-axis of the seal to run through the key markers, easy enough to accomplish with the low quality of the metal and the sharp edge of the kunai, and then he could feel his chakra again.

He fell to his knees, mouth clamped shut desperately lest he should start screaming.

He knew it would hurt, knew that the rush of awareness of every chakra signature in his range would be borderline crippling after nearly a week of empty-blank-nothingness, but he hadn’t been prepared for this.

Hundreds of pinpricks of light assaulted his senses all at once: the half-dozen in his immediate vicinity, enemies. A little further out, three whole villages filled with so many people they had coalesced into mini-suns of energy. Further than that, the edge of Fire Country—he wasn’t far, that was good—and the Senju compound, Hashirama’s too-bright-too-green-too-much chakra that always made Tobirama’s head feel like it was splitting open. And beyond that—

Warmth. Golden embers. Ash. Dark, volcanic rock.

Madara.

Tobirama allowed himself only a minute to linger on his guilty pleasure. Madara’s chakra always felt so good, always felt like something safe and strong and protecting even if it went against logic. Even if Madara was an enemy.

It didn’t matter. Right now, the steady burn of his supernova chakra was the only thing keeping Tobirama centered in this moment.

He breathed through the sharp pain in his head as he let his senses settle, and when it was no longer unbearable, he turned his attention to the remaining enemies in the building. Only six remaining.

Yes, Tobirama was still injured. Yes, he was outnumbered.

But if he was fast—and he was very fast—and if he approached it like a true shinobi, without any of the honor or fairness Hashirama often tried to insist on, then he could do it.

And then…then he could bask in Madara’s chakra a little more before he had to go home.

HELLO HELLO HELLO! I just got out of the Def Leppard Motley Crue concert! I want to share my thoughts for anyone who’s also seeing the concert!

• Joan Jett was amaaaaazing! She sounded amazing and her set was great! She was the artist that had the most music i didn’t know, but she screams “pretty girl badass” aesthetic and I eat that up.

• During Joan’s performance an army plane flew really close overhead which was awesome to see

• Poison was good from what I can remember. I was so exhausted because of the heat that I kinda dissociated through half the set. Brett did a song for the troops which was nice.

• Motley Crue was who I was excited for. Their pre-show was amazing. They were the only group who had a theme and also really hot women dancing with them.

• Tommy broke 4 ribs so be aware he will be on and off the drums switching with someone.

• Everyone was on their A-game. Tommy let loose and was the personality, Nikki had some great solos. Mick carried the songs as usual, and Vinnie… well he showed up lol. I’m kidding but yeah he had a hard time with the songs, which is understandable since the songs are intense vocally.

• Motley Crue was the loudest band, by far lol.

• They also brought in a super special guest i won’t spoil tho 😈

• Def Leppard. my pride and joy. I’ve seen them perform before so I knew what to expect. During the first half of the set, it rained… like harshly. I ran undercover but still had good eyes on the guys most of the time.

• The second half tho… will never be topped. It was lightning, really harshly, and it added sooo much to the set. I wish i took a video because at some points in the songs light ing would cross the sky and added sooo much to the songs!

• They let thundergod have his moment, he got to do his solo into Hysteria and his intro to Rock of Ages.

• Also Phil looked super good, they all looked good but Phil had something extra going on mmm.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 || 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵

Tw: drug use, drug poisoning, vomit

           The lights were dim, in a color of a night sky illuminated by a moon with a little coat of pink like candy-floss and it worked wonders on her glittered, white-as-snow figure.

           Although, Diya prefers the weekend shows at private rooms with her favorite coworker Neirah, she didn't mind a good solo. All eyes just on her, her beauty and grace that she came to bless them with a pinch of her performancing talent. It was an addictive rush that pools all over inside your veins, giving you confidence you couldn't even grasp moments prior.

           Learning to be hyper-observant over the past two years because of her ex became useful, Diya could memorize faces well and could pick someone new from the crowd or tell how frequently the person visits and with who. Nothing gets past her.

           And tonight she found a lovely, new customer by the lush bar of this establishment. And it looks like he's with friends that will abandon him very soon.

           He sat at the bar, sipping on his drink with a serious expression on his face from what she could see of his profile while his buddies were a bit more rowdy and ocassionaly bumped elbows with him to keep the man included. Maybe get him to ease up too.

           His rugged looks and confident demeanor drew Diya in, set her loins shamelessly on fire — and for that excessive energy she had to use for her performance.

           With a slow, seductive twirl around the silver pole she sprang at, her body lead by the rythm of the music her pasties jewelry glittered when the lights reflected off of them, tinsles were tinkling. And what is shiny makes onlookers drink in the sight more than ever.

           The audience was captivated by her every move, their eyes glued to her as she seductively removed her gloves before throwing them at their faces when they least expect it. It riled up the crowd like a chain reaction.

           They cheered and whistled as she danced, her body moving in perfect harmony with the pre-recorded music.

           All what mattered was that Diya could feel his intense gaze on her, finally he landed his eyes upon her show! His eyes, pale blue but sharp and intense immediately locked onto hers as if they were magnets - it is sent shivers down her spine. Even if the lights were dim and there is a good distance between them, it is not that hard to spot when you wonder where the sclera ends and the iris begins.

           She had became a free-spirited woman, unafraid to take risks and follow her heart. And in that moment, her heart was set on on that someone she wanted to get to know more personally.

           She flashed him a coquettish smile before focusing back on her work. Madam Bo was watching as well and she wanted to make her proud. But no matter how much she tried Diya's eyes kept wandering towards Reiko most of the time until the very end of her performance.

           The roaring, whistling crowd boosted her ego as always but it hurt her to see her potential partner for a lay did not show any sign of appreciation for the work she put in today at the end of her night shift.

           Back at her changing room she didn't bother to put on anything but her skin-tight dress with crossed laces running down on both sides along her body and immediately stepped out to get a shot at the bar but also for something else.

           The man in the red, checked undervest still sat there on the stool with his beer and most of his guy friends had already abandoned him. Diya feigned innocent, not sparing him another thirsty glance as she approached, shimmying past the tables with too much elegance.

           He looked up at her from his drink, his piercing gaze sending shivers down her spine just the way she likes as she sat down on a stool next to him.

           The bartender already had her favorite purple gecko shot ready the minute she was done with her show, Kole handed over the salt-trimmed glass with an arch in his brow, knowing that this was only the appetizer before dinner.

           "Thank you, darling." Diya beamed at how quick he was to serve her, Kole never disappoints. Her palms connectedin front of her to give a little applause with her slim fingers.

           Taking a bite of her citrus had made the man all that more curious, he watched her down that shot with a slight tip back with her head to let it ease down her throat burning and awakening all senses that were being idle all night. Diya's glittered throat moved with that one swallow and it looked like a suggestive invitation for him to take a bite of his own, from her peripherals she saw him swallow dryly.

           Diya didn't slam the shot back down as others would to express their pleasure and gratitude, she's a lady, she gently set it down on the bar's island desk before turning fully to face him. She fluttered her mascara-painted lashes and rested the back of her wrist below her jaw, not completely leaning her chin on it.

           He didn't shy away from her direct approach, only half-turned his own body towards hers and somehow her crossed knees were caged in between two thighs in tight jeans.

           "So, mister, enjoying your first time in our establishment?"

           "Certainly." he replyed without missing a beat, leaning back from his elbows on the counter to appear more welcome to the fine company this beauty is.

           His voice was hoarse and she hoped it's not because he's drunk, she'd listen to it all night until sobriety and would be disappointed if it lost this raspy charm. Something warm other than the alcohol pooled into her tummy and then travelled lower, the urge to rub her closed thighs together for more friction grew nearer.

           Diya flashed him a beatific smile on her painted lips.

                                            A customer's pleasure is a top priority!

           She offered her hand and he took it. His skin was rough and little black hairs were on his knuckles to the first digits, Diya didn't shy from running her thumb tenderly over the first two knuckles, he jolted a little but didn't pull away.

           "The name's Diya." she cooed, losing herself in his icy orbs, looking for that fire of passion in them.

           "Reiko." his grip tightened ever-so-slightly and it made her squeal with giggles.

           He did gave off the vibe of a rough guy, but it's nothing she wouldn't handle. The question is; if he can handle her. Her hyper lust drained even the most confident of lovers she have had.

           Reiko chuckled as he took note of her animated theatrics when she was excited. It was... cute. Refreshing even. And understood she wanted to make her own research about him before fully initiating intimacy. He may be one brash fella but he respects boundaries and compromises.

           Diya leaned in closer the moment they moved past the small talk into longer monologue, her curious paws never left a part of his body or skin to test the waters. Reiko wasn't diffident either, his palm spread over her plush thigh under her bress and he found out he liked the contrast of his skin over her albino flesh.

           It felt exotic, she was a fine specimen on Earth with her blend of Asian and European DNA. Diya knew it, and used it to her advance at work. Nowdays people became influencers if they would have a face like hers but she prefers a real life contact than talking to a camera or a phone.

           Within half-an-hour their small talk turned into conversations and from there, with their boundaries set and were immovable Diya lead them at the back of the second floor to a door that lead to the pension next door by a fire escape.

           Reiko half-way up the stairs carried her in his arms and Diya more than happily obliged to be in his strong hold. Carried like a princess.

           She was pleasantly suprised to discover he could keep a good balance with her grabbing, pulling, kissing, and clawing at him within reach. He carried her off to the floor she told him they need to reach without breaking a sweat and Diya just. knew. his stamina exceeded her expectation.

           Diya kept her mouth busy all the while pulling keys from between her breasts, her lover attacked with the same energy of ferocity, leaving her breathless and fumbling with the door's lock for a good while.

                                                                                        A good sport!

           As soon as they entered the complex Reiko was left stunned on the spot when she tore herself from his chest while her teeth had a gentle hold on his lower lip.

           Glancing now and then behind her shoulder, giggling and running down the hallway she only had a second to notice that devious smirk on Reiko's abused lips with smeared lipstic before he was hot at her tail.

           Diya choked on her squeal and was nearly jumping from her shoes from sprinting from a spot so quickly. When she was at their private room's door for tonight she had no time to inspect it behing open a crack when her feet left the ground and her world was spinning and then blinded by her own white locks that freed out of the bun.

           Reiko caught up to her sooner than expected and Diya realized it a moment too late.

           Her laughter echoed down the hallway while she was spun, her body tightly flush against his.

           "Reikooo~ We're making too much noise~" she yipped playfully and her long nails raked into his shaved sides of his hair, then into his messy ponytail, gently pulling on the elastic until his raven-colored hair was freed and framed around his rough, square face.

           But them beinga noisy bunch didn't nother neither of those when they are about to get louder inside the room.

           Huffing strands of locks from his mouth, he gently set her down, making sure her slim body ran over his while doing so.

           With a tempting smooch to his rough-textured chin, Diya threw her back slowly at the door, opening it fully with a simple push of her buttocks.

           She was about to grip at his shirt with a strength you wouldn't expect she has and threw him on the bed herself but the sight of the naked body on the fluffy carpet floor is what threw that idea out of the window.

           Diya would recognize that pink mass of hair. poking from behind a coffee table, anywhere.

           It was like a cold shower hit them both like a tsunami, sex being the very last thing on their minds and in their appetites.

           "LILLY!!" Diya cried out, immedieately at her coworker's side, in long strides she was across the room within seconds.

           She couldn't help but grimace at the odd displacement of her friend's clothing and the lack of it. She hoped it isn't what she thought it was. Without a client and a conscent from Madam Bo's employee, to be intimate with them in the first place, Lilly would not get into the premises of this hotel.

           Diya turned her on her back and freed her face from the puddle of spew she must've heaved some time ago, her body trying to reject whatever it is it ingested. For two and a half years she had started her strip dancer career but she never forgot basics or even advanced knowledge about first aid from her med school.

           Judging from the pale skin, vomit, unconsciousness, she had an idea that it might be a drug overdose which is --- something Lilly wouldn't go near in the first place! But that's the least of Diya's concern now.

           With two fingers at Lilly's throat, Diya's alarmed gaze swept over to Reiko who already had his phone to his ear.

           "I'm calling the ambulence-"

           "She's not breathing! She's suffocating!" Diya's voice jumped an octave as she barked, wanting him to inform the medics that would be on their way. She already had began to pump at her friend's sternum with all her might, trying to resuscitate her or they will lose her.

           Reiko's knee crashed right above Lilly's head and held it tilted back. "They'll be here in ten..." he grunted through his teeth, obviously stressed.

           Diya didn't respond, focused on pressing at Lilly's chest again and again.

           Lilly's whole body made a twitchy spasm and she began to spit out more bits and juices of whatever that was stuck in her throat and filling her lungs. Reiko immedieately turned the younger woman on her side as she kept on heaving and coughing, going in and out of consciousness.

           Long and heavy exhale left past Diya's lips. She just saved a life.

           Gently rubbing circles into her friend's back between her shoulder-blades to soothe her, Diya and Reiko looked at one another, relief embedded into their faces. Her thumb caught a sweat that rolled down his temple into his brow. It was funny, she didn't break a sweat at all. "I think... I'll call my manager. And then we'll go grab a coffee after she gets into a hospital, how does that sound?"

           It sounded wonderful at that moment, actually, but Reiko was too stunned to speak.

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MONSTER

+ pairing. demon!oikawa / fem reader

+ genre. smut

+ word c. 2,209 words

+ warnings. alcohol, dom/sub, oral, praise kink, creampie

+ author n. happy halloween !! i hope everyone is having/had an amazing day 🧡

your mother often warned you about the dangers of halloween parties. she’d tell you not to trust anyone, especially those with a mask until you could see their real face. there’s a tale she always told you about:

a young woman meets a mysterious, masked man on a halloween night…

the party’s in full swing, everyone holds the distinctive red solo cup as their bodies dance to the beat. your eyes trail over the place and they're met with a drunk frankenstein grinding his hips on a witch—a sight you weren't expecting.

“you made it!”

a hand lands on your shoulder and spins you away from the weird scene.

your classmate—the one who invited you to the party—gives you a side hug and when she finally releases you, she studies your costume.

“slutty 60’s girl? i dig it.”

“shut up.”

granted, you know the costume is quite revealing. a baby blue sundress that barely reaches your mid-thigh, paired with kitten heels and the distinctive sixties makeup that would make lana del rey proud.

another classmate joins you and they start rambling about an assignment you have no interest in, not for now at least. excusing yourself, you leave to go get a drink.

there’s a variety of bottles sitting on top of the dining table but before you can pick your poison, an unknown voice gets your attention.

“there’s a secret stash in the kitchen,” a man with a demon costume stands next to you, his eyes narrowing as he scans the bottles with a disgusted look. “and with way better quality drinks.”

sharp-looking horns contrast against his brown hair, a white shirt with the first buttons undone and black dress pants make him look straight out of a hollywood film. he could give young brad pitt a run for his money.

“i don’t think the owner would appreciate a stranger in their kitchen,” you manage to answer back, pushing your flustered state aside.

“oh, he’ll survive,” he waves it off, dazzling you with a handsome smile. “he’s smashed already.”

with a tilt of his head, he points at another guy with dark, messy hair and a matching costume, lying on the couch. you can tell the guy's fighting to keep his eyes open.

“come with me.”

he doesn’t give you a chance to reply, already walking ahead of you, so your only option is to trail behind him. he makes his way around the people easily, a few girls winking at him and boys patting him on the back which are all answered by him with a friendly smile.

once you make it to the kitchen, you notice the noise of the party has reduced considerably.

he hands you a beer—opened right before your eyes—and you give him an appreciative nod. “thanks.”

“oikawa tooru,” his charming smile is back for a second before it switches to a smirk. “you can call me master, though.”

shaking your head, you laugh at the joke and take a sip of your drink.

...he lures her to leave with him…

“on your knees.”

without thinking twice, you do as he says, ignoring the discomfort that comes with it.

two hours and a couple of drinks later, all of your inhibitions were gone and you wanted nothing more than to have oikawa fuck your brains out. lucky for you, he was hoping you’d allow him to do exactly that.

and he was very pleased when you agreed to go somewhere more private.

“what an obedient little thing,” he coos and you feel yourself getting wetter at the praise. “i want you to suck me as if your life depended on it, okay?” he says, smirking at how unaware you are of the meaning behind his words.

“yes.”

“yes, what?” he raises an eyebrow and you’re confused for a moment before you remember the words he said earlier.

gulping, you answer him with the most submissive tone you can muster. “yes, master.”

oikawa nods and takes his cock out of his pants, slapping the head on your cheek twice—your cue to open up your mouth. he quickly places it inside, your lips wrapping around the tip and giving it a harsh suck.

“mhm, you’ve been craving this all night. right, sweetheart?” his hand grips the back of your head, setting a comfortable pace for you.

“yes, i needed your cock,” you say after releasing him from your mouth, but a harsh tug on your hair acts as a reminder to be careful with your words. “master.”

“you’re such a cute, little whore. choking on your master’s cock,” his words are like an aphrodisiac, encouraging you to take him deeper. “fuck– i can feel your throat contracting around me.”

a mewl leaves your mouth but it’s muffled by the gurgling sounds of your throat being fucked by oikawa’s long cock. a mixture of your saliva and his pre-cum drips from the corners of your mouth, and oikawa swears has never seen something so divine yet so lascivious.

...he shows his true form…

“you'll ride my face until cum drips out of you.”

your body shudders at the thought of his mouth on your most sensitive place. as he places himself down on the bed, you indulge a bit in your fantasy, wondering how his lips will feel, his tongue lapping at—

“are you making your master wait?” he snaps, a hint of irritation radiating out of him.

“n-no,” you’re about to climb up on the bed when the pointy horns catch your attention. “uhm… could you take those off, please?”

“hm? oh,” his fingers wrap around the horns, a playful look taking over his features. “i don’t think that’ll be possible.”

you notice his dark eyes flashing with a red gleam but it’s gone before you can blink again. blaming it on the alcohol, you ignore it and move until you’re straddling his face, your pussy right above his mouth.

“c’mere, baby. let me ravish you.”

his arms wrap around your thighs, pulling you down to his mouth and you shudder when his breath hits your pussy.

oikawa doesn’t give you time to adjust to the feeling, going straight to slurping like a starved man. his lips latch on you while his tongue laps up your juices, drinking them with a greediness he’s never experienced before.

your soft moans echo in the room as his nose rubs against you, inhaling your scent and sending him to a different state of bliss. it’s as if he could get high by your scent alone.

“master,” you breathe out, your hands going to his hair—gripping it—while you rub your pussy on his face.

he hums, the vibrations making your pleasure heighten considerably. opening his mouth, he lets his tongue wander until it pokes right on your slit, he feels your legs tremble and the harsh grip on his hair tells him you’re on the brink of your orgasm. his tongue glides in and out until he’s practically fucking you with it, his nose rubbing on your swollen clit.

“fuck, fuck, fuck,” your hips grind against his face, not caring if he’s even able to breathe and only focusing on your release. “m’gonna cum, i’m gonna–” and with a loud cry, your orgasm ripples through your body, the familiar warmth taking over your senses.

your hips stop moving, but oikawa keeps lapping up at your pussy, savoring the creamy juices coming out of it.

“s-stop, too sensitive.”

oikawa takes a deep breath one last time and finally lets go of you, your body falling limply on the bed right away. he relishes the sight of you sprawled out, still riding off your high while he pumps himself a couple of times.

“are you ready for me, baby? i can’t wait any longer, i need to feel your sweet little pussy around my cock,” his tone is soft yet demanding.

if he had to be honest with himself, he is getting needy. and he has the flushed tip of his cock, wanting nothing else but your cunt to milk him dry, as proof of it.

“yes, master. please, fuck me.”

and that’s all he needs to place himself on top of you. you open your legs for him, your pussy in full display, and ready to take him in.

he rubs his length between your folds a couple of times, teasing you both, but once he starts sinking in he can’t help but close his eyes.

“shit,” your warmth sends his mind into a state of bliss, your tight hole stretching and creaming all over him. “baby girl, you feel divine.”

oikawa would’ve laughed at the irony if he wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by the sensation. he has known hell all of his life and he doesn’t remember it ever being this delicious.

you must be his piece of heaven.

once he’s all in, he exhales and opens his eyes to look down at you. your face is contorted in ecstasy, your mind turning into mush at how good it feels to have him pulsing inside of you.

oikawa starts a languid pace, one hand groping your tit and tweaking the nipple between his fingers while he drives his cock in and out of you. he can’t remember the last time he had a pussy so tight, so exquisite, and desperate for him that it's making him feel so close to shooting his load inside of you.

“master,” your tiny voice takes him out of his daydream. “faster, please?”

he hooks your leg over his shoulder, driving his cock even deeper making his balls smack against your ass. his eyes trail down to where you two are connected, watching his cock ram into your abused cunt relentlessly.

“so needy for me, huh? don’t worry, baby. i’ll fuck another orgasm out of you.”

your walls flutter around him, his words going straight to your pussy and making it clamp around his cock. you can feel it pulsating inside of you, the head reaching so deep it rubs on both your sweet spot and your cervix.

“i’m close,” your hand goes to his forearm, trying to get a grip on something, anything, that can keep you from passing out.

he collects a bit of your arousal with his finger and then starts circling your clit with it. “you can cum, baby. i want to see you gushing all over my cock.”

the constant feeling of his dick stretching you plus his touch on your clit, end up sending you to your second orgasm. your walls spasm around his cock, the snug grip making him see stars.

with one last thrust, he finally cums. his cock pumps three long spurts inside of your cunt and his hips involuntarily jerk forward when it keeps tightening around him. after a minute, he kisses your leg that’s still draped over his shoulder and pulls out.

you’re about to close your legs when his firm grip on your thigh stops you.

“not yet, let me see.”

your pussy clenches around nothing when his predatory stare lands between your legs, his eyes focused on the way his cum starts oozing out of your hole.

the last few moments feel like a haze. his voice seems far, sweet nothings coming out of his mouth, and the last thing you feel is his finger gliding over your slit before you pass out.

...by the next morning, she realizes how close to death she was.

“miss, miss. wake up.”

you fight to open your eyes—which takes you around a minute since they feel unusually heavy—and when you finally do, you see a man, not older than sixty, staring at you in concern.

“man, this always happens.”

you hear him murmur but you pay no mind. scanning your surroundings, it finally dawns on you that you’re not in your home. in fact, you’re in the last place you would’ve expected: the cemetery.

the sun is barely up, the atmosphere looking a bit somber and the crisp air making the hairs on your arms stand up.

“why am i here?” you turn to the old man—who must be the night shift guard—with panic rapidly flooding your heart. “what’s going on!?”

“did you meet a man last night?”

your heart rate spikes up at the odd question.

the guard sighs, visibly finding the situation tiring. “immortal creatures and spirits wander between us during halloween nights, you should be more careful.”

flashbacks of last night run through your mind. there wasn’t anything suspicious about oikawa, right? but then you remember how he never took off his horns and his pupils turning red every once in a while.

“every year, girls—boys, sometimes—appear here the morning after. most of them run with just a case of amnesia but there are others who don’t make it.”

you gulp, fear taking over your body as you realize how you let something—because apparently the man you met last night wasn’t human—have their way with you.

“i-i have to go.”

you basically run out of there, feeling as if someone is watching you but there’s no one else—apart from the guard.

there’s an odd sense of hurt in your chest, your heart sinking to the pits of your stomach, and you don’t know if it’s out of fear or because of the thought of oikawa doing this, every year, with someone else.

13 January 2021 Additions to Reylo Fake Relationship

These fics have been added to the Fake Relationship list located here.

All Bets Are Off by crossingwinter (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “Fake girlfriend. What does that even mean?” Ben asks her. Rey rests a hand on his arm, feeling the muscles underneath his sleeve. “Babe,” she says, leaning close to him. “It means we pretend we’re madly in love. Think you can pull that off for your office pool?” Ben’s eyes flicker softly between each of hers and he swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat.) Let me Dream, Let me Stay by Melusine11 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey has kept up a charade of a non-existant boyfriend for two years and now that Rose and Finn are getting married, she needs someone to pretend to be said boyfriend, enter her coworker Ben.) maybe the night (holds a little hope for us, dear) by notkellymarie (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The inhabitants of The Loft have been invited to a college friend's wedding and Rey's ex-boyfriend will be in attendance. Wanting to avoid an interaction with him due to a messy break-up, she hopes bringing along a plus one will do the trick. Luckily, her friend Ben Solo from 4C is a trooper.) Be My (Fake) Wife by paynesgrey (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is in a bad predicament because of his father. He must produce a wife in order to impress the retiring President so he can take over his family's company. The problem is, he doesn't think he knows anyone who can help him...until Rey, his kendo student, offers to fake marry him for compensation. The only problem is... their marriage and feelings may not seem so fake as they get to know each other.) Force du Couer by Stargazer1116 (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren is the CEO of a successful corporation in NYC. In a power play, his board, led by his uncle, demand that he marry to makeover his dismal public image. Rey is an art therapist working with foster kids in Harlem. When she contacts Kylo for possible support, he proposes a business deal that can benefit them both. He has no idea how much this woman with a fierce heart will turn his world upside down.) as luck would have it by prncesselene (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When a case of violent food poisoning ruins Rose and Hux’s honeymoon plans, who better to take their place at a pre-paid Hawaiian beach resort than the Maid of Honor and Best Man? Sure, it’ll take some maneuvering, but a free vacation is a free vacation. They just have to pretend to be devoted newlyweds for a bit to enjoy it. There’s only one glaring issue, really: they can’t stand each other.) Home for the Holidays by LarirenShadow (AO3 2016  Rated T Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren, in a moment of weakness, tells his mother he'll be home for Christmas and will bring his girlfriend. Problem is he doesn't have one. Enter Rey, his grad assistant. He makes a deal with her so she'll be his girlfriend for the trip home.) daylight by sparklylulz (sparklyulz) (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Coffee shop employee Rey has a run in with one of the difficult professors. Thus starts a very turbulent friendship until Ben needs a fake date to go with him to see his parents, the first time he's seen his parents in a while.) Merry (Fuzzy) and Bright by JaneNightwork (AO3 2019  Rated M Complete, 25 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: One night Ben finds a dog abandoned on his doorstep. She's cold, scared, and pregnant. Ben takes her to a nearby vet clinic and meets the beautiful veterinarian Rey, who promises to help him be the best caregiver the dog and her puppies could ask for. Throughout the holiday season Ben and Rey fall in love with the puppies and, of course, each other.) Trouble for Thanksgiving by Biekewieke (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 40 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Kenobi's temporary work visa is about to expire. She needs her boss' signature on her renewal application to get the extension she desperately wants and needs. Only her boss, the infamous Ben Solo, is an asshole. He's notoriously difficult and she knows this firsthand. Nevertheless, she needs his signature on those papers if she wants to avoid being deported by the end of the year... So when Rey tells her about her looming deportation, he finds a way to bend the situation to suit his own needs. Except, for the first time in his adult life, things don't go exactly as planned when he takes her home for the holidays...) Strictly Business by WinglessOne (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 11 Chapters, The Proposal Film AU, Quick Synopsis: Working for a nationally recognizable magazine is a huge honor, one that Ben Solo doesn't take lightly. His boss, Rey Erso, would be the first to agree and is thoroughly comfortable with her status as editor-in-chief. When her visa status is denied, she'll do anything to stay in the United States and avoid being deported back to England. Even if that means forcing her assistant to marry her.) Variance by Stargazer1116 (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 23 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is heartbroken when she learns her temporary visa is expiring...and is mortified when her office crush. Kylo Ren, catches her crying about it. He is a partner in Skywalker & Associates law firm where she is an assistant. One thing leads to another...and what started as a simple solution for each of their problems turns into something much...much more. Together they wade through their deep scars to love.) In Sickness And In Health by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey knows it's not an ideal situation, but it's a situation thousands of people are in. It's not like there's much she can do about it right now, anyways. She can go a little while without health insurance. Until she gets breast cancer. The treatment will be simple if she can get it. But she's worried she can't, until her old co-worker Ben offers a solution: "We could get married.") Overboard by Biekewieke (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 10 Chapters, Overboard AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Organa-Skywalker is a rich snob who hires her to clean his party barge, making her life difficult and fouls her mood. After a freak accident throws him overboard and Rey ends up saving his life. When he wakes up, it turns out he has amnesia. Rey sees it as the ultimate answer to all her prayers. She gets to take his arrogant ass down a peg or two AND she has someone to help around the house and with the kids for a while.)

Okay so since finals are currently killing me and that means I can’t finish editing here’s another snippet from my Bobby fic (this one hints at juke and ~soulmates~) hope you like it beautiful imène- 🌙

Carrie and Julie are ten when they start talking about music together; the three of them curl onto one of the couches in the living room and Trevor talks to them about pieces of his life. He doesn’t tell them about the Orpheum, the poisonous hotdogs that took away his best friends and bandmates, doesn’t tell them what it feels like to listen to music and carry this regret of not being there in that dark alley dying with his brothers. Instead he tells them about rock music, about guitar riffs, he talks about what it’s like to open for big arenas and hearing the audience shout out your lyrics back at you, and feeling like for a second you are a god. He lets the girls parade around, sometimes with Flynn when she’s not busy taking gymnastics, accepting awards and giving speeches about who they’d thank.

“Sometimes I feel like there’s nothing more important than music,” Julie says one day as they’re sitting listening to ‘his’ first album. “Like the minute I touch the piano I can’t imagine wanting to do anything else. It’s like this weird connection and sharing it with other people makes it more special.”

Shit, Trevor is quiet. He doesn’t have to think hard to know who should be here listening to this small talented kid. Luke would’ve loved to talk to her.

“This is my favorite part,” Julie smiles and Trevor knows they’re listening to his track and that it’s impossible to hear his bandmates singing along - but he swears for a moment he can hear Luke’s voice growling out the lyrics.

“Why this part?” He can’t help but ask. He knows the lyrics, the chords, the stage cues like the back of his hand - the old and the new ones. He also remembers creating the song and who added which parts where; so it really shouldn’t surprise him that Julie’s favorite part is Luke’s.

“I can’t explain it Mr. T,” he doesn’t go by Mr. W or Mr. Wilson because Wilson reminds him of his parents, of being the last name called in homeroom, of being Bobby. “Maybe it’s the lyrics? When all the days felt black and white, those were the best days of my life. Or just the progression from hearing the electric being picked to the drums fusing in? It’s like you can feel the building up to this big moment of epiphany and then the chorus hits and the rhythm guitar comes in and the bass is just making everything build faster and faster. It feels like seizing the moment, like music is bigger than just life, like you don’t exist for a moment and the audience can feel it and-,”

Trevor watches as Julie’s hands fly everywhere in her eagerness to explain what music feels like to her - what their music feels like to her and he can feel his heart picking up speed. He remembers bigger hands, calloused and pale, waving around in a similar fashion and explaining how music makes everyone believe there’s something bigger in the universe than just them. He watches her hands grasp at imaginary chords and notes to explain how music makes her feel alive in a way nothing else can and he can see so vividly Luke jumping on his couch in his parents’ old garage turned studio with the lyrics in his notebook. He can recall them all splayed out on the floor with pizza and soda cans as they scribbled in ideas and chords and solos. He can hear Alex timing his beats to his guitar strums and Reggie saying his solo moment should come close to the end of the song.

He remembers how much fun it was to collaborate on songs together. How Luke would come up with a chorus or a verse or two and ask for their input. How they were always trying to add more solos than a three minute song could have or how they always were advocating for the other member to get a solo. He tries not to think about how he had been messing around with his guitar during rehearsal and Luke had shook his shoulders in excitement.

“Dude! We have to add that solo somewhere in the middle. That was wicked! Would before the pre-chorus work?” Sunset Curves frontman was the shortest of the group but his exuberant personality always made Luke feel and act six feet tall. And as confident he was about his talent, all the members appreciated that he never struggled to immediately applaud them and try and incorporate their ideas into the songs and stage moves. They were brothers, and brothers always looked out for each other.

So, as Julie continues with her piano playing hands, Trevor can’t help but think of Luke and how he would know how to finish her sentence. He wonders if it’s morally correct to quote a dead best friend when you’ve already passed their lyrics off as your own. He wonders how much guilt he can carry before he breaks. But then he looks at Julie’s bright brown eyes and Carrie’s who are quietly listening and watching her friend and he knows Luke would understand.

“Like there’s no more you, it’s just music and it’s energy and it’s magic,” Trevor quotes and as Julie’s eyes widen as if he took the words right from her brain, he feels a small stone hit the bottom of his stomach. Because he never did understand that phrase that Luke would repeat before a gig or rehearsal. All the guys loved music and it had saved each one of them in a different way, but smiling at Julie, Trevor knows no one could breathe and live for music - no one could even try to fully grasp its power - like Luke could. Like Julie could.

Julie who plays the piano and started playing the keyboard when she was five. Julie who takes her keyboard to their home constantly to perform with Flynn’s growing skills at remixing tracks and Carrie singing as frontwoman. Julie whose soul is just as connected to the keys as Luke’s used to be to strings. Trevor can’t help but feel he’s intruding on a moment between them - Luke’s and Julie’s spirits. Because without meeting, he’s realizing Julie always picks Luke’s lyrics, picks the chords he wrote, the the way he chose to sing a vowel. It’s uncanny her ability to pick him out of every song, like her soul could recognize his without ever hearing his voice. He wonders at how she can pinpoint the hidden legacy of a runaway teenager nobody remembers. He tries not to be envious that she loves music like it’s the muscle making up her heart, just like Luke did.

uM EXCUSE ME??? GETTING A SKEAk peek of juke’s soulmatism back when julie was still young and had just started listening to bobby’s music? or sunset curve????? bro 😭

this is so good!!!!!

i can’t wait to read the whole thing 🥺

(also good luck with finals!!! *luke voice* you got this!)

also ty 🥺🥰

Nostalgic For A Different Future: Arcade Fire's Will Butler On How His New Solo Album Finds Healing In Community

When Arcade Fire released their very first single, it came with a B-side that hit very close to home to brothers Win and Will Butler: a recording of a song called "My Buddy," credited to their grandfather, Alvino Rey. In fact, several generations of musicians line their family tree. While those historic echoes provide joy and solace for younger brother Will, the world tipping into pandemic and protests over racial injustice reinforced life’s darker cycles. On Butler’s second solo album, Generations (due Sept. 25 via Merge), he explores the ways in which we come together in community both because of and in spite of those ripples.

The video for early single "Surrender" represents that duality perfectly. The clip opens with studio footage of Butler’s band recording the jangly anthem, complete with call-and-response vocals and gospel falsetto. But much like 2020, things devolve quickly, with closed captioning-style subtitles mourning the deaths of Black men and women killed by police, calling for sweeping political change, and insisting on prison reform. Though written long ago, the album holds a special ability to tap into something boundless and timeless while simultaneously feeling entrenched in the tragic pain of the present.

Butler spoke with GRAMMY.com about the album’s similarities to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the ways in which songs take on new meaning over time, how Generations fits in with an upcoming Arcade Fire album and the healing power of community.

Did you have any hesitation about releasing the album in the midst of the pandemic?

I'm sad to not tour it. If I could wait four weeks and then tour the record... but that's not going to happen. It's actually kind of a good time to put out music. It feels morally good! People want music, so let's put out music. I've experienced that, where people put things out and it feels generous.

It truly does. You've compared this album to a novel and your debut before this to a collection of short stories. Is there a particular novelist that you feel would be in tune with your work? Do you take inspiration from fiction in that way?

It's not Dostoevsky. [Laughs.] But it is weirdly more inspired by Dostoevsky than it ought to be. It's the tumult of the 19th century, the next stage of the industrial revolution and the gearing up of socialism and anarchism. It feels related to the pre-revolutionary thing happening in Russia. [Laughs.] It's not a one-to-one comparison by any means, but it’s just the deeply human things happening in a context of the whirlwind.

Was there an experience that led you to the feeling that it was the right time to deliver such a politically driven album?

Partly, I went to grad school for public policy. I explicitly went as an artist wanting to know what's happening and why it's happening. I started the fall of 2016, which was a very bizarre time to be at a policy school. But I had a course with a professor named Leah Wright Rigueur, a young-ish professor, a Black woman, a historian. The course was essentially about race and riot in America. And since it was a policy school, the second-to-last week on the syllabus was talking about Hillary Clinton and the last week was talking about Donald Trump. It was a history class, but in an applied technical school, so it's like, "What are we doing with this history?"

We read the post-riot reports of Chicago in 1919 and the post-riot reports of the '60s, the Kerner Commission and after the Watts riots, and we read the DOJ reports after Ferguson and after Baltimore and Freddie Gray. And then Donald Trump got elected at the end of the semester. This course really trained my eyes at this moment of time, just being in that state of thinking about what's going on and why it's happening.

Right, and the album's title feels like it encapsulates not only the history that you were learning at the time but also your personal and familial ancestry.

Yes, very much so. My mom's a musician, and her parents were musicians. My grandmother grew up in a family band driving across the American West with her parents before there were even roads in the desert. Her dad got arrested a bunch of times for vagrancy or for not paying off loans. There's something very beautiful about being in the tradition of generations of musicians. That's a positive thing in this world. It's no coincidence that I'm a musician. There are, however, many more poisonous things that are also not coincidental that are rooted in both personal and political history. All of political history in America has been geared towards making each generation of my family's life better insofar as they're white men. It's been very good to my family, but that is as much of an undeniable generational heritage as music, which is this beautiful and faultless and glorious thing.

Do you see that musical tradition in your family as storytelling?

It's never been explicitly storytelling, though that is part of it. It's more about building community or building a society through entertainment. Entertainment is almost too light a word. My grandfather and grandmother did all these broadcasts during World War II, and some of it's jingoistic, some of it's incredibly moving, some of it's just dance music for people who don't want to think about the war for a minute. It's all these emotions, but still with this aim of trying to get us all in it together–which in a war context is fraught. But there's that element of always trying to make a family, make a community, learning how to bind us all together.

That reminds me of the call and response vocals you've got throughout the record. It has an especially gospel-y feeling on "Close My Eyes," which is such a clever way to paint a song about surrendering to something bigger than yourself, that communal feeling. What was the impetus for that narrative voice?

Part of it is just rooted in Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. [Laughs.] Years ago, someone mailed us the complete Motown singles on CD, just every single starting from day one. Even though there’s some garbage mixed in there, it just feels so human with those gang vocals and great singers that sometimes they just pulled off the street. You get the sense of humanity. Having backing vocals be so integral instead of just having my voice layered feels like having a community and feels very natural. It's hard for me to not just rely on that every third or fourth song. [Laughs.] It just feels like that's how it should be.

Those multi-part harmonies must be especially potent live in a room. Do you write in a way where you’re already picturing these songs live?

We played almost every one of these songs live before we recorded them. My solo band played "Surrender" live on the Policy tour for years. But even before we went into the studio last summer, I booked a weekend of shows. We did the Merge 30th Anniversary festival just to have us feel it live and have that communication. And then we went down to the basement to try to iron it out.

Speaking of "Surrender," that song took on an entire new life in the video. It starts out with videos of your band in the studio, but then quickly and powerfully gets replaced with messages mourning the deaths of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and emphasizing the need for prison reform. You never know what life a song will have when you’re writing it.

That song is very nostalgic in a certain way. It’s looking towards the past, but not wishing to be in the past. It's wishing that we were in a different present because we had already chosen a different past. So when I was editing the video, I started it as a "making of" video. But the footage is from January of this year—five, six months old. There's this feeling of nostalgia, but also 2019 was not good enough to look back at. [Laughs.] 2019 was also horrible.

It's not like I want to go back to 2019. I want to play music with people. I want to be having fun with my friends. I want to be making a record. But I don't want it to be 2019. I'm nostalgic for a different future. And as I'm editing the video, there have been six weeks of protests of people trying to build something, and it just felt crazy to not acknowledge that. It was what people were focused on, at least the people around me.

Do you feel like you'll be infusing more overt social and political commentary into your music going ahead?

I think so. It's important that it's organic. It's part of the world I live in, part of my family and my friendships. Before the coronavirus hit, I was very much looking forward to touring and had vague plans to do town hall meetings and discussions. It felt like a rich time to do that around America, and around the world. I'm sad to not get to do that, but I think it will happen someday.

You produced the album yourself in your basement, so were you writing with the production choices already in mind or were you writing while in the studio?

I had the band come down and record for a week. And at the end of that first week, we had seven or eight songs that could be real. Some of them were clear. Some of them are simpler, like "Surrender." Others were trying to figure out where they would go. "I Don't Know What I Don’t Know" was more trial and error, trying something crazy. We'd turn everything off for two days and then come back to it and try something else. You try to be surprised by it.

I love revision. Well, I don't love it. I hate it. [Laughs.] I love the process of editing, of making a version of something and then finding something that's either better or worse. It's fun when you work with an editor that you trust, but when you're just doing it yourself, you drive yourself batty after some time. But I still love versioning it until it makes sense.

It feels like you're not too precious. You just want to service the song at the end of the day.

Yeah. I try to not be precious. I feel like the songs mostly came out with a fresh spirit. I didn't massage any of them too much. I'm very conversational in how I think of the world. Nothing is the final statement. You say something and then someone says something else and then you say something. And you have to finish what you're saying in order to hear what the other person says. So if that means putting it out into the world without rounding everything off, to me that feels right.

The record begins and ends on the same burning synth tone, like history ready to go around the loop again. What does that synth tone represent for you?

Not to get too mystical, but there's something about the bass that is so embodied. There's something about a really powerful bass that is fundamental, something that just gets to the core. I wanted that core to feel a little uneasy. It's not like the hit at the end of "A Day in the Life" where it’s this clear conclusion. It's a little bit gnarly. It's a little bit not in the right key for the song. It’s something disturbing at the very core of everything.

What has writing and producing this record taught you about yourself?

I found that while I still prize quickness and thoughtfulness and conversational life, this record took longer and took more effort than Policy. It was way less casual. It was not casual in a very good way. I realized this shouldn't be a casual undertaking—even though it can have lightness and humor and breezy elements. Even then, the whole undertaking can still be serious and grounded. It can even be quick without being casual. In the past, I've fallen into thinking, "Just do something first before you think about it too hard." But this was a reminder that you can do something more thoroughly.

Were you writing these songs while working on the next Arcade Fire album? Speaking about intention, how do you compartmentalize those two sides of your creativity?

Yeah, Arcade Fire is always very cyclical. We record for a year and a half, we tour for a year and a half, and then we're off for a year and a half. I was very conscious to do this in a moment when I wasn't distracted by something else. I wanted to focus on this.

I'm still figuring it all out. Right now I'm making a video for the song "Close My Eyes." I have children, two-year-old twins and an eight-year-old, so the spring was just complete family time—net positive, but total chaos. [Laughs.]

https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/nostalgic-different-future-arcade-fires-will-butler-how-his-new-solo-album-finds

Dust Volume 6, Number 13

Trees

It’s four in the afternoon and already getting dark, a foot of snow on the way. One year is nearly over — and yes, we’ve got some essays on that coming up after the holiday break — and another one is taking shape in our inboxes, mail chutes and hard drives. But for right now, let’s take another look at 2020, doubling back on the records that caught our ears without exactly fitting our schedules, the ones that almost got away. Here are the usual free improvisations and long drones, hip hop upstarts and cowpunk also-rans, a harpist, a cellist, a tabletop guitarist and at least one stellar punk record that has us hoping for sweaty live music again in 2021. Contributors this time included Bill Meyer, Bryon Hayes, Andrew Forrell, Patrick Masterson, Jennifer Kelly, Jonathan Shaw, Arthur Krumins, Ian Mathers and Ray Garraty, heck let’s call it a quorum, and see you again in the New Year.

Mac Blackout — Love Profess (Trouble In Mind)

Love Profess by Mac Blackout

Mac Blackout owes his surname to his membership in the Functional Blackouts. That’s a garage combo that was once the subject of an article about how they’d been banned from various venues on account of the destructive chaos of their live performances. But you can’t do that forever, and nowadays Mac’s a painter and solo recording artist. His latest sounds are unlikely to make anyone want to put a chair into the mirror behind the bar, but they might send you flipping through your record collection, looking for the sounds that you and he have in common. Love Profess opens with a burst of piano-pounding, sax-overblowing free jazz, but that lasts for about nine seconds before it gets swallowed by some John Bender-worthy synth throb. Give “Wandering Spheres” a couple more minutes, and Mr. Blackout goes full La Dusseldorf on us. By turns spacy, spooky and seriously compelled to vent nocturnal loneliness, this half-hour long LP is both as familiar and as unknown as a well-shuffled deck of cards.

Bill Meyer

 Ross Birdwise — Perfect Failures (Never Anything)

Perfect Failures by Ross Birdwise

Vancouver-based electronic improviser Ross Birdwise rails against spatio-temporal norms. The concepts of tempo and rhythm are malleable in his universe. Architecturally, Birdwise is Antoni Gaudí, working in fluid lines to build incomprehensible structures. With Perfect Failures, he leaps even further away from the orthogonal grid of musical construction, dissolving beats into grains of sound. The warped rhythms found on Frame Drag are divested in favor of an approach that more resembles electroacoustic composition. As a matter of fact, the title track comes on like a digital recreation of a piece of classic musique concrète. Birdwise avoids venturing into purely ambient territory yet borrows some signifiers from the genre: keyboard melodies, elongated tones, washes of sound. He overlays these seemingly innocuous elements with crashes of noise, oblique jump cuts and hyperkinetic sequences, constantly forcing us to shift focus to make sense of his soundscapes. The febrile nature of the music is what intoxicates, but the discordant melodies are what enthrall.

Bryon Hayes

 C_G — C_G (edelfaul recordings)

C_G by C_G

Belgium-based French electronic artist Eduardo Ribuyo (C_C) and Israeli drummer Ilia Gorovitz (Stumpf) join forces on C_G, a one-take collaboration of molecular machine noise and improvised percussion. It opens as a slow creep, Gorovitz playing minimal rhythms that sound like someone walking through the pre-dawn streets of an awakening city. Ribuyo accretes whirrs, cracks and electrical pops to evoke the dread of a night not over. On “Normalising Cruelty,” for instance, the discomfort builds, the drums tumble in flight, the noise intensifies. The relative conventionality of the percussion tracks seems intentional and serves to focus attention on the granular details Ribuyo conjures from his machines. Think the experiments of similarly minded Mille Plateaux and Raster Norton artists. When played through headphones at volume, its full queasy Room 101 buzz and grind squirms most effectively into the brain. Easy listening this is not, but if and when home gatherings resume this would be an ideal way to clear the house.

Andrew Forell

  Che Noir — After 12 EP (TCF Music Group)

If you’ve been paying attention to hip-hop in the last few years, Buffalo’s Griselda camp has dominated the “old heads” conversation away from whatever the kids are vibing to on TikTok. But there’s life away from an Eminem partnership, and not just in the form of Benny the Butcher: Witness Che Noir, who has been on fire throughout 2020. After starting off the year with the 38 Spesh-produced Juno and following it up with the Apollo Brown-produced As God Intended, Che’s closing things out with this self-produced seven-song EP that covers a wide range of territory without dipping into tales of street hustling, just the age old struggle to get some respect. “Hunger Games” is an early highlight that shows her chemistry with Ransom and 38 Spesh, while she completely takes over in speaking to the times on “Moment in the Sun,” which is the clear emotional highlight of the EP. Amber Simone’s pleading chorus on closer “Grace” is another stylistic turn and closes things on a high note. The last words you hear are Simone’s as she sings, “Imma go get it”; the lingering effect is that you know Che Noir is already showing you as much. Miss this one at your own risk.

Patrick Masterson 

 Cong Josie — “Leather Whip” b/w “Maxine” (It Records)

Leather Whip / Maxine (AA single) by Cong Josie

Frankie Teardrop rides again in this smoking synth punk single from Australia’s Cong Josie. “Leather Whip” is about as menacing and minimal as synthesizer music gets, braced by the hard slap of gate-reverbed drums and a claw-picked bass sound (maybe electronic?) and Cong Josie’s whispery insinuations. “Maxine” is just as stripped, with blotchy bass sound and swishing drum machine rhythms framing a haunted rockabilly love song. It’s very Suicide, but isn’t that a good thing?

Jennifer Kelly

   Divine Horsemen — Live 1985-1987 (Feeding Tube)

Divine Horsemen “Live”1985-1987 by Divine Horsemen

With Divine Horsemen, Chris D of the Flesh Eaters had a brief but memorable run in vivid, gothic, country-tinged punk. This disc commemorates two red-hot live outings from 1985 and 1987, the first at Safari Sam’s in Huntington Beach, California, the second at Boston’s The Rat. A sharply realized recording shows how this band’s sound fit into the cowpunk parameters set by X, with strident guitar clangor and hard knocking rock rhythms (the ax-heavy line-up featured in this recording included Wayne James, Marshall Rohner and Peter Andrus on guitars, the Flesh Eater’s Robyn Jameson on bass). The secret weapon, though, was the ongoing and volatile vocal duel between the front man and his then-wife Julie Christensen, a classically trained soprano with an unholy vibrato-laced belt. You can hear how she transformed his art by comparing the Flesh Eater’s version of “Poison Arrow” with the one here. It’s as aggressive as ever, musically, and Chris D. is in full florid, echoey, goth-punk mode. Christensen, however, is molten fire, letting loose cascades and flurries of wild vibrating song. There’s a scorching, stomping romp through the vamping “Hell’s Belle,” and a lurid rendering of mad, howling “Frankie Silver,” and, towards the end, a muscular take on the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” Christensen later made a mark as one of Leonard Cohen’s favorite backup singers, and Chris D is still knocking around with a reunited, all-star Flesh Eaters, though there’s some talk of getting this band back together as well. I’d go.

Jennifer Kelly

 Dezron Douglas & Brandee Younger — Force Majeure (International Anthem)

Force Majeure by Dezron Douglas & Brandee Younger

Harlem harpist Brandee Younger and bassist Dezron Douglas faced down New York’s early months of quarantine with a series of live broadcasts recorded in their apartment on a single microphone. This document of intimate resilience collects highlights of the Friday ritual. Younger and Douglas perform covers of spiritual Jazz, soul and pop songs as well as the delightfully titled original “Toilet Paper Romance.” The music is so close you feel the fingers on the strings and frets. Younger’s harp playing is a revelation, pianistic on John Coltrane’s “Equinox”, pointillist yet robust on his “Wise One” which they dedicate to Ahmaud Arbery. Douglas provides vigorous and sympathetic accompaniment and his solo rendition of Sting’s “Inshallah” is a tender tough exploration of his instrument. Along the way there are lovely versions of pieces by, amongst others, Alice Coltrane, Kate Bush and Clifton Davis. Douglas closes with the words “Black music cannot be recreated it can only be expressed” and Force Majeure demonstrates that the same goes for humanity and creativity.

Andrew Forell

Avalon Emerson — 040 12” (AD 93)

040 by Avalon Emerson

It’s been a big year for Avalon Emerson, who started 2020 prepping a move from Berlin to East Los Angeles and ends it back home stateside with an almost universally acclaimed DJ-Kicks entry to her credit. This three-song 12” for the label fka Whities is a nice way to close out a triumphant year, illustrating her penchant for bright melodies and percussive detail. “One Long Day Till I See You Again” is a welcoming slice of beatless percolation to close; “Winter and Water” leans heavily on rhythmic tricks in the middle. That makes A1 “Rotting Hills” the ideal lead as a balance between them. There may not be so obvious a gimmick as a Magnetic Fields cover, but that makes it no less valuable for showing what Emerson can do. Call it one more fluorescent rush.

Patrick Masterson

 End Forest — Proroctwo (Self-released)

Proroctwo (The Prophecy) by End Forest

For some of us, the fusion of folk music forms with crust and metal mostly issues in obscenities like Finntroll (yep, a Finnish band that makes folk metal songs about…trolls) or in politically toxic, Völkisch nationalist fantasias. But some bands get it right; see Botanist’s remarkable work, and see also End Forest, an act just emerging from Poland’s punk underground. Singer Paula Pieczonka employs a traditional Slavic vocal technique that roughly translates to “white singing” — but before you get creeped out by any potential fascist vibes, please know that the “whiteness” at stake in the phrase is purely an aesthetic value. And her voice is really great, open and soaring. “Proroctwo (The Prophecy)” has the sweep and drama of a lot of contemporary crust, and all of the genre’s interest in symbolic violence. The lyrics envision a future wrought and wracked by social conflict, a coming conflagration of torn bodies and of piles of dislodged teeth housed in some horrific archive of viciousness (that’s quite an image). It’s harrowing stuff, big guitar chords accented by sitar and flute. The track is available on Bandcamp, along with several inventive remixes by Polish musicians and DJs, like Tomek Jedynak and Dawid Chrapla. End Forest indicates that a full record is forthcoming sometime in spring. Looking forward to it, y’all.

Jonathan Shaw

 Lori Goldson — On a Moonlit Hill in Slovenia (Eiderdown Records)

On A Moonlit Hill In Slovenia by Lori Goldston

Goldson creates movement and tension in an arresting way with a rough-hewn approach to the cello. This could be a good entry point to her solo work, which is varied and bridges the gap between DIY attitude and elevated levels of musicianship and considered approach. The flow of her playing here evokes the almost brutal scrape of the strings, which gives a welcome texture to the melodic squiggles.

Arthur Krumins

Hot Chip — LateNightTales (LateNightTales)

The LateNightTales series of artist-curated mixes has seen a fair bit of variation over the years since Fila Brazilia first took up the torch in 2001, which makes a certain amount of sense; how we spend our late nights can differ wildly, of course. Hot Chip’s instalment in the series hits some of the expected notes (at least one cover, in this case a deeply moving one of the Velvet Underground’s “Candy Says” they’ve been playing since Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard were in high school together; a closing story track, in this case Taylor’s father reading a bit from Finnegan’s Wake) and otherwise depicts the kind of late night Dusted readers might be more familiar with than most; one where a clearly voracious and eclectic listener is keeping their own private party going just for another hour or so, but always keeping things just quiet and subtle enough to not wake up anyone upstairs. The three other, non-cover new Hot Chip tracks all make for standouts here but there’s plenty of room for accolades, whether it’s for the smoothly groovy (Pale Blue, Mike Saita, Beatrice Dillon), the more avant garde (Christina Vantzou, About Group, Nils Frahm) to just plain off-kilter pop (Fever Ray, PlanningToRock, Hot Chip themselves). The result works as both a wonderful playlist and a survey of the band’s sonic world; and it does work best when everyone else is in bed.  

Ian Mathers

Annette Krebs Jean-Luc Guionnet — Pointe Sèche (Inexhaustible Editions)

pointe sèche by Jean-Luc Guionnet, Annette Krebs

Annette Krebs and Jean-Luc Guionnet recorded the three long, numbered tracks on Pointe Sèche (translation: Dry Point) over the course of three days at St. Peter’s Parish church in Bistrica ob Sotli, Slovenia. Location matters because this music couldn’t happen just anywhere; Guionnet plays church organ. Krebs was once part of the post-Keith Rowe generation of tabletop guitarists, but since 2014 she has abandoned strings and fretboards in favor of a series of hybrid instruments called konstruktions. Konstruktion #4, which appears on this record, includes suspended pieces of metal, a handful of toy animals, a wooden sounding board, vocal and contact microphones and a couple touch screens that manage computer programs. While both musicians have extensive backgrounds in improvisation, this recording sounds more like an audio transcription of a multi-media collage. Guionnet plays his large instrument quite softly, extracting machine-like hums, brief burps and dopplering tones that flicker around the periphery of Krebs’ fragments of speech, distant clangs and unidentifiable events. The resulting sounds resolutely defy decoding, which is its own reward in a time when so much music can be reduced to easily identifiable antecedents.

Bill Meyer

 KMRU — ftpim (The Substation)

ftpim by KMRU

If you happened to catch Peel, Joseph Kamaru’s wonderful release on Editions Mego in late July, but haven’t paid attention before or since, early December’s half-hour two-tracker ftpim done for (and mastered by) Room40 leader Lawrence English is a Janus-faced example of the Nairobi-based ambient artist’s power. As Ian Forsythe put it in his BOGO review of both Peel and Opaquer, “Something that can define an effective ambient record is an ability to disintegrate the perimeter of the record itself and the outside world,” a line I think about every time I listen to KMRU now. “Figures Emerge” feels more immediately accessible to me as a relatable environment where the gentle, pulsing drone is occasionally greeted by sounds outside the studio, while “From the People I Met” is more difficult terrain, a distorted fog of post-shoegaze harmonic decay — no less interesting, but perhaps more metaphorical in its take on the outside world. (Or not, given how 2020 has gone.)

Patrick Masterson

  Paul Lovens / Florian Stoffner—Tetratne (Ezz-thetics)

Enough years separate drummer Paul Lovens and guitarist Florian Stoffner that they could be father and son, and Lovens membership in the Schlippenbach Trio, and Lovens role as drummer in the legendarily long-running Schlippenbach Trio establishes him as an august elder of free improvisation. But the partnership they exhibit on this CD is one of equals committed to making music that is of one mind. Whether matching sparse string-tugging to purposefully collapsing batterie or burrowing sprung-spring wobbles to an immense cymbal wash, the duo plays without regard for showing us one guy or the other’s stuff. The point, it seems, is to how they imagine as one, and their combined craniums generate plenty of imagination. They operate in a realm close to that occupied by Derek Bailey and John Stevens, or Roger Smith and Louis Moholo-Moholo, but their patch of turf is entirely their own.

Bill Meyer

  Mr. Teenage — Automatic Love (Self-Release)

Automatic Love by Mr. Teenage

Melbourne, Australia’s fertile garage punk scene has squeeze out another good one in Mr. Teenage, a Buzzcockian foursome prone to short, sharp riffs and sing-along choruses. A four-song EP starts with the title track, whose arch talk-sung verse erupts into rabid, rip-sawing guitar, like Devo meeting the Wipers. “Waste of Time” piles palm muted urgency with explosive release, with a good bit of the Clash in the crashing, clangor. “KIDS” struts and swaggers in a rough-edged way that’s close to the violence of early Reigning Sound or Texas’ Bad Sports. “Oh, the kids these days,” to borrow a phrase, they’re pretty good.

Jennifer Kelly

 Nekra — Royal Disruptor (La Vida Es Un Mus)

Royal Disruptor by Nekra

Remember punk shows? Remember half-lit, dusty basements and fully lit, dirty kids? Remember your sneaker soles sticking to scuffed, gummy linoleum? Remember greasy denim battle jackets and hand-drawn Sharpie slogans? Remember warm beer (watery domestic suds in cans and cups) and cold stares (angsty bravado and bad attitude for its own sake)? Remember anarchists arguing with nihilists, and riot grrrls arguing with rocker boys? Remember people laughing and people smoking and people shouting and people spitting, all without masks? Remember the anticipation that crisps the air when the amps switch on? Feedback from the cheap-ass mic stabbing your ears? Beefy dudes elbowing through the press of flesh? That volatile, stomachy mix of happiness and truculence? Those warm-up thumps of the bass drum and the initial strums of crackling guitar? Remember all that? For the time being, in the United States of Dysfunction, here’s the closest thing you’ll get: an EP of feral, fast punk songs that sound like they’re happening live, right in front of your face. Thanks, Nekra — I really needed that.

Jonathan Shaw

 Neuringer / Dulberger / Masri — Dromedaries II (Relative Pitch)

Dromedaries II by Keir Neuringer, Shayna Dulberger, Julius Masri

Yes, Dromedaries II is a sequel. It follows by three years a debut cassette which was sold in the sort of microquantities that 21st century cassettes are sold. So, it’s more likely that you have heard another of the bands that the trio’s alto saxophonist, Keir Neuringer, plays in — Irreversible Entanglements. While the two combos don’t sound that similar, they share a commitment to improvising propulsive, cohesive music that will put a boot up your butt if you get in the way. While IE focuses on supplying music that frames and exemplifies the stern proclamations of vocalist Camae Ayewa, the trio plays instrumental free jazz that balances individual expression with collective support. Neuringer, double bassist Shayna Dulberger and drummer Julius Masri play like their eyes are on the horizon, but each musician’s ears are tuned into what the other two are doing. The result is music that seems to move in concerted fashion, but usually has someone doing something that pulls against the prevailing thrust in ways that heighten tension, but never force the music off track.

Bill Meyer

Kelly Lee Owens — Inner Song (Smalltown Supersound)

One of the distinctive things about Kelly Lee Owens’ marvellous debut LP a few years ago, as noted here, is that it felt so confident and distinct that it could have easily been the work of a much more seasoned producer. That impression, of a deftly skilled hand at the controls and a keen artistic sensibility and taste shaping it all, certainly doesn’t recede on Inner Song, whether it finds Owens homaging the grandmother who provided support and inspiration (“Jeanette”), gently but firmly rejecting unhealthy relationships (the utterly gorgeous “L.I.N.E.”) or teaming up with John Cale to make some bilingual, deep Welsh ambient dub (“Corner of My Sky”). And that’s one pretty randomly chosen three-song run! Owens continues to excel at both crafting gorgeous, lived-in productions and maybe especially with her handling of voices (her own and others), and she’s comfortable enough in her own skin that if she wants to open up the album with an instrumental Radiohead version (“Arpeggi”) she will, and she’ll make it feel natural, too.  

Ian Mathers

San Kazakgascar — Emotional Crevasse (Lather Records)

Emotional Crevasse by San Kazakgascar

You won’t find San Kazakgascar on any map, but give a listen and you’ll know where this combo is coming from. Geographically, they hail from Sacramento CA, where they share personnel with Swimming In Bengal. But sonically, they are the product of a journey through music libraries that likely started out in a Savage Republic and sweated in the shadow of Sun City Girls. They likely spent time in the teetering stacks of music collections compiled in a time when the problematic aspects of the term world music were outweighed by the lure of sounds you hadn’t heard before. More important than where they’ve been, though, is the impulse to go someplace other than where they’re currently standing. To accomplish this, twangy guitars, rhythms that straighten your spine whilst swiveling your hips, bottom-dredging saxophone and a cameo appearance by a throat singer who understands that part of a shaman’s job is to scare you each take their turn stepping up and pointing your mind elsewhere. Where it goes after that is up to you.

Bill Meyer

     John Sharkey III — “I Found Everyone This Way” (12XU)

Has Sharkey mellowed? This early peek at the upcoming solo album from the Clockcleaner legend and Dark Blue proprietor suggests a pensive mood, with liquid jangle and surprisingly subdued and lyrical delivery (albeit in the man’s inimitable hollowed out and wounded snarl). But give the artist a power ballad if that’s what he wants. The song has a graceful arc to it, a doomed romanticism and not an ounce of cloying sentiment.

Jennifer Kelly

 Sky Furrows — Sky Furrows (Tape Drift Records/Skell Records/Philthy Rex Records)

Sky Furrows by Sky Furrows

Sky Furrows don’t take long to match sound and message. As Karen Schoemer drops references to SST Records and Raymond Pettibone, bassist Eric Hardiman and drummer Philip Donnelly whip up a tense groove that could easily have been played by Mike Watt and George Hurley. Mike Griffin’s spidery, treble-rich guitar picking is a little less specifically referential, but does sound like it was fed through a signal chain of gear that would have been affordable back in the first Bush administration. The next track looks back a bit further; Schoemer’s voice aside, it sounds like Joy Division might have done if Tom Herman had turned up, pushed Martin Hannet out of the control room before he could ladle on the effects and instead laid down some space blues licks. Schoemer recites rather than sings in a cadence that recalls Lee Ranaldo’s; pre-internet underground rock is in this band’s DNA. The sounds themselves are persistently cool, but one drawback of having a poet instead of a singer up front is an apparent reluctance to vary the structure; it would not have hurt to break things up with some contrasting passages here or there.

Bill Meyer

  Soft on Crime — “You’ve Already Made Up Your Mind” b/w “Rubyanne” (EatsIt)

7'' by Soft on Crime

These Dublin fuzz-punks kick up a guitar-chiming clangor in A-Side, “You’ve Already Made Up Your Mind,” which might have you reaching for your old Sugar records. Sharp but sweet, the cut is an unruly gem buoyed by melody but bristling with attitude. “Rubyanne” is slower, softer and more ingratiating, embellished with baroque pop elements like flute, saxophone and choral counterpoints. “Little 8 Track” fills out this brief disc, with crunching, buzz-hopped bass and a bit of guitar jangle under whisper-y romantic vocals. It’s a bit hard to get a handle on the band, based on such disparate samples, but intriguing enough to make you want to settle the matter whenever more material becomes available.

Jennifer Kelly

Theoxinia — See the Lapith King Burn (Bandcamp)

See the Lapith King Burn by Theoxenia

Students of Greek mythology will grasp it right away, but in the internet age, it doesn’t take anyone long to figure out that when you name your record See the Lapith King Burn, you’re casting your lot for better or worse with the party animals. The Lapiths were one side of a lineage that also involved the considerably less sober-sided Centaurs, and the two sides of the family had a bloody showdown at a wedding that has been taken to symbolize the war between civilization and wildness. Theoxinia is Dave Shuford (No-Neck Blues Band, Rhyton, D. Charles Speer & the Helix) and his small circle of stringed instruments and low-cost repeating devices. If you were to dig through his past discography, it most closely resembles the LP Arghiledes (Thrill Jockey) in its explicitly Hellenic-psychedelic vibe. But, like so many folks in recent times, Shuford has decided to bypass the expanse and aggravation of physical publication in favor of marketing this LP-sized recording on Bandcamp. If that fact really bugs you, I guess you could start a label and make the man an offer. But if fuzz-tone bouzouki, sped-up loops and unerringly traced dance steps that will look most convincing when executed with a knife between your teeth and the sheriff’s wallet poking mockingly out of the top of your breast pocket sounds like your jam, See the Lapith King Burn awaits you in the realm of digital insubstantiality.

Bill Meyer

 Trees — 50th Anniversary Edition (Earth Recordings)

Trees (50th Anniversary Edition) by Trees

This boxed set presents the two original Trees albums from the early 1970s, The Garden of Jane Delawney and On the Shore, with the addition of demos and sundry recordings from the era. Here the band took the UK folk rock sound emergent at the time and drew it out into its jammy and somewhat arena rock guitar soloing conclusion. It’s good to have all of this in one place to document the myriad ways that Trees wrapped traditional material into new forms and with a bracing, druggy feel.

Arthur Krumins 

 Uncivilized — Garden (UNCIV MUSIC)

Garden by Uncivilized

Guitarist Tom Csatari presides over NYC-based large jazz ensemble known as Uncivilized, whose fusion-y discography stretches back a couple of years and prominently incorporates a cover of the Angelo Badalamenti theme from Twin Peaks. This 27-track album was recorded live at Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works space in 2018 with a nine-piece band, who navigate drones and dances and the multi-part Meltedy Candy STOMP, a sinuous exploration of space age keyboards and surging big band instruments. Jaimie Branch, who lives next door to Csatari and was invited on a whim at the last minute, joins in for the second half including a smoldering rendition of the Lynch theme. It’s damn fine (though not coffee). Later on, Stevie Wonder gets the Uncivilized treatment in a pensive cover of “Evil,” led by warm guitar, blowsy sax and a little bit of jazz flute.

Jennifer Kelly

 Unwed Sailor — Look Alive (Old Bear Records)

Look Alive by Unwed Sailor

Johnathon Ford, who plays bass for Pedro the Lion, has been at the center of Unwed Sailor for two decades, gathering a changing cohort of players to realize his lucid instrumental compositions. Here, as on last year’s Heavy Age, Eric Swatzell adds guitars and Matthew Putnam drums to Ford’s essential bass and keyboard sounds. Yet while Heavy Age brooded, Look Alive grooves with bright clarity, riding insistent basslines through highly colored landscapes of synths and drums. The title track bounds with optimism, with big swirls of synth sound enveloping a rigorous cadence of bass and drums. “Camino Reel” is more guitar-centric but just as uplifting, opening out into squalling shoe-gaze-y walls of amplified sound. Ford, who usually leans on post-punk influences like New Order and the Cure, indulges an affinity for dance, here, especially audible on the trance-y “Gone Jungle” remix by GJ.

Jennifer Kelly

 Your Old Droog — Dump YOD Krutoy Edition (Self-released)

Dump YOD: Krutoy Edition by YOD

American rapper Your Old Droog has been releasing solid music for years. He never had ups for the same reason he never had downs: he never left his comfort zone. Dump YOD Krutoy Edition (where “krutoy” stands for “rude boy” or “badass”) may be his breakthrough album. He always kept his Soviet origins in check, and here for the first time he draws his imagery from three different sources: New York urban present, Ukrainian folk and Soviet and post-Soviet past (even Boris Yeltsin makes an appearance). In this boiling pot, a new Your Old Droog is rising, among balalaikas and mean streets of NYC, matryoshkas and producers with boring beats, babushkas and graffiti writers.

Ray Garraty

Hi Rayne!! Just finished (yet another) re-read of BtB, and I don't think I've cried this hard in a long, long time - it was very cathartic. But, feels aside, I was wondering if you could tell us a bit more about Karibi? She's fascinating and I'm just dying to know more! (Sorry if this has been asked before!!)

Hi there, my lovely Anon!

Apologies for the delayed response. Aw, luv.  Always so, so chuffed to learn someone has revisited the series and even more touched to know it hits you in the feels <3.

But, feels aside, I was wondering if you could tell us a bit more about Karibi? She's fascinating and I'm just dying to know more! (Sorry if this has been asked before!!)

Karibi! <3 Firstly, no, this hasn’t been asked before, so imagine my excitement regarding an OC ASK -- can you picture it? TREBLE IT. XD 

Another dear Anon asked about Naoki in a previous ASK and I thank you for your expressed interest in Karibi! It’s a funny one because I have two Karibi OCs -- the edited version I inserted into BtB and the original, original version. Given that we’re talking about BtB Karibi...let me rewire my character brain a moment and firmly draw a line or two...or twelve....

Right! A Third War orphan, Karibi grew up in the orphanage outside of Konoha and proved to be quite a handful over the years given her feisty nature, constant escape-attempts, insistence on dressing and behaving like a boy (for which she earned consistent bullying and beatings), and her rough-housing free-for-all scraps with other kids -- as well as her routine habit of stealing food from the kitchens to give to a stray dog who constantly hung around the outskirts of the orphanage. It was easier for her to attach herself this dog than other kids who came and went, just like the voluntary care-givers. Her mischief-making, stealthy tactics, “never stay down” stubbornness and streetwise attitude soon caught the attention of a retired Konoha ANBU veteran (a patron of the orphanage) who interrupted a violent fight between Karibi and a group of local boys who’d stoned the dog to death. Observing how fiercely she fought (always getting up when knocked down) despite being outnumbered and beaten, the ANBU veteran recognized her potential, promptly adopted her, and trained her in ninjutsu, genjutsu and chakra control.

Their relationship was close, until it wasn’t.

Advancing quickly through the academy and ranks – winning zero friends along the way – she was soon put forward for ANBU by her adopted father, who immediately cut his ties to her, damaging an already tentative trust. Intended as a solo agent, she was immediately assigned to a 3-team ANBU unit named Team Yokai consisting of herself, Genma, and Naoki (Captain).

Enter in, bonding.

It was here, after a lot of boundary testing and testosterone busting, that she finally formed some hard-won emotional attachments after beating Genma and Naoki bloody in taijutsu combat – taunting them constantly to get up (“seven times down, eight times up”). While she was promptly one-upped by both in ninjutsu, her genjutsu prowess brought her right back onto an even keel with them both. Perfectly balanced, respect began to form between them – then friendship – which later led to a lover’s trine between the three of them. This was intense but short-lived; Karibi soon recognised that though she loved them both, she preferred women and also realised Genma and Naoki’s feelings for each other went a hell of a lot deeper than ‘close friends with benefits’. She knew they’d fallen for each other before either admitted it to themselves, let alone each other.

The three of them were inseparably close.

They were more than her friends or comrades – they were her family.

They kept each other going.

Karibi allowed Naoki to establish a permanent telepathic link with her whereas Genma only allowed it during missions and in the bedroom. Karibi kept her mind open to Naoki always, though he never intruded until years later after being listed as Killed In Action.

His death blew a hole in their world.

Their team was dismantled.

They would not accept another Captain.

To make matters worse, due to the unbroken telepathic link and the resulting ghost of Naoki’s presence in her head, Karibi never truly believed Naoki had died and her adamant ‘denial’ of this ‘fact’ created a heart-breaking rift between her and Genma.

This rift between them grew darker and wider as Genma turned to solo deep-cover missions and Karibi turned to drink when she wasn’t neck-deep in assassinations and a failed “could’ve been” relationship. And then one day the edge of all the smashed glass bottles in her life looked very, very tempting.

Genma found her, just in time – the first time at least.

Treated and cleared of suicide risk, Karibi was soon diagnosed as schizophrenic given the “voice” of her dead Captain in her head and this threatened her position in the ANBU – but her brokenness caught Danzō’s interest.

After a failed attempt to recover her relationship with her civilian lover and unable to mend the rift between herself and Genma, she signed on for a ROOT initiation mission – which sadly finished what she’d started with the bottle – though it was an impulsive and sudden decision rather than a deeply pre-meditated one. She disobeyed orders when sent into a child-trafficking operation being run out of an orphanage. This was a trigger for her. Rather than complete the ROOT mission of kidnapping a couple of kids for ROOT grooming, she murdered her ROOT partner and slaughtered the “nuns” who were supposed to be taking care of the children rather than indenturing them into the sex-trade to raise funds. When the ninja traffickers showed up, she lit the building on fire, and while the children escaped she made damned sure not one “piece of trash” running the trafficking ring got out alive.

She went down fighting in flames.

Her death was the final crippling blow to Genma. He went to Mizugumo immediately after that. Then he went to his own personal hell before Kakashi met him there in ANBU’s gutter and helped drag him out of it years later, saving him from the same fate as Karibi when he almost identically mirrored the blaze of glory tragedy with his suicide attempt in Tanzaku years later.

Random Trivia:

Karibi loved dogs and often kept an eye out for Inuzuka women looking for a bit of rough and tumble.

She dealt with a lot of possessive shit from Naoki. He was very possessive of his family/lovers and was only just about able to accept Karibi being intimate with others, even after he’d stopped sleeping with her. Genma always joked that Naoki only accepted her activities because her preference was for women, not men.

Karibi, like Naoki, felt strongly about the abuse of children, given certain illicit incidents she’d witnessed at the orphanage -- she and Genma understood Naoki’s childhood trauma and were the only ones who could handle him when he flew into a rare rage

Her favourite catchphrase was “seven times down, eight times up” (“Nana korobi, ya oki” which means “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” It means choosing to never give up hope, and to always strive for more.)

While her ANBU step-parent/mentor abandoned her in the end, she retained the green knit scarf he gifted her (the only gift she’d ever received from him other than her training and removal from the orphanage)

She began to fall for a civilian woman -- the scariest thing for her, other than losing her teammates.

Karibi’s top value was “resilience” and never giving up – which made her suicide attempt so painful for Genma to accept

She turned to Naoki for help retrieving memories about her parents – this enabled him to perfect his own kinjutsu to reverse memory erasure

She had a plethora of ear piercings and a tattoo Naoki inked on her hip

She loved various green teas

She had a crush on Kurenai – round about the same time Genma did, which made for an interesting competition between them….and a somewhat unfair irritation towards Asuma.

She was a bit of magpie in the ANBU and stole items on missions, donating them privately to the orphanage

She loved berry-picking and was very well-versed with poisons

Genma gave her chickenpox and she gave him hell for it

She almost managed to shove a spinning top up Genma’s ass – almost.

Genma accidentally broke her baby finger playing “thumb wars” and it never set properly on the joint, causing her to have a crooked little finger

Most of her illusion/genjutsu techniques focus around folklore creatures and light, which came in handy on missions dealing with highly suspicious village folk

Her dream goal was to one day be Goei Shotai to a female Hokage – a dream Genma later lived out for her when Tsunade came into power

Naoki was with her telepahtically when she died, as Genma was with Naoki when he died -- in that way, Karibi was not as alone in death as Genma always feared.

Wow, that was LONG.  Sorry, Anon! I absolutely love character-writing and development....I get carried away even if most of their story never makes it into the actual written piece. Thank you for asking about Karibi, I hope this insight gives you some answers! <3

Archaia’s Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance #2

The Quest for the Dual Glaive Part 2 of 4

The comic book prequel to the Netflix series prequel and a hopefully short review on it as I try to fill the Dark Crystal hole in my Dark Crystal soul.

Please don’t stab me with crystal shards, this is all metaphorical.

In issue one, an Arathim army led by a different take on what the Ascendancy is wipes out Stone-in-the-Wood. Stonewood Maudra Vala’s advisor decides that the only thing that can fix this is not Raid, but a legendary sword hidden in the Caves of Grot. As the coolest guy, Young Ordon volunteers to go find the sword. As a pretty cool girl, Fara Pre-Maudra also volunteers but is told she can’t. So she stows away in Ordon’s bags and goes anyway.

The issue picks up right where the last one left off except Ordon isn’t surprised by the surprise Arathim. He’s the coolest guy, remember?

Despite the Arathim breaking his spear, Ordon shows the kind of martial prowess that the Gelfling seem to suddenly have when they’re not puppets anymore (check out the probably non-canon Legends of the Dark Crystal comic for a Gelfling soloing a Garthim with a broken flute).

But when it looks like the Arathim is going to get the drop on Ordon, Fara comes out of hiding to distract the Arathim by throwing Ordon’s broken spear.

This works incredibly well for distracting the spider away from him. It works less well in the sense that the Arathim decides to chase her down instead.

Ordon is able to kill the Arathim while its trying to get Fara but he and his landstrider are wounded in the action.

He is less than impressed with Fara saying that she thought she could help, considering what has happened.

Ordon: “You saw how fierce the Arathim are. Picture that descending on our home, unrelenting, fierce, hungry... Hundreds of them attacking at once! Congratulations. You finally see this quest is not about you proving yourself.”

He tells her to go home and gets on his landstrider and continues on.

Before long though, the landstrider collapses from the poisoned wound and Fara just pops out of nowhere because of course she’s still been following and of course she popped out of nowhere. Its what she does best.

Ordon tells her to go home again but she rather accurately points out that like it or not, he’s going to need help soon. He wasn’t bitten too long after the landstrider.

Like it he doesn’t.

After some less than ideal attempts at setting up a camp and finding something to eat, Ordon and Fara sit around the campfire and bond, sort of.

Fara is thrilled to learn anything about coolest guy Ordon and she manages to get some personal details out of him, including some interesting insight into how Ordon sees himself and his wife.

Fara: “I just want to know if she’s as stubborn as you!”

Ordon: “Yes. Though she is also far softer. I was destined only for the battlefield. I bring death. But Shoni? She brings life. And I would give her -- did give her -- everything, except...”

Fara: “Except?”

Ordon: “It doesn’t matter. If I fail, by the time I return Shoni will not even have her own life to treasure.”

So Ordon really does have problems with the Stonewood ethos of setting aside your weapons. Interesting for a character held up as one of the greatest of his clan. But an effective way of making him a character, not just his culture. It can be a problem when you have clans with one distinct characteristic.

And then after bonding with Fara, Ordon tries to ditch her in the middle of the night.

Geez, Ordon.

Caught mid-ditch, he and Fara get into an argument which is interrupted when the entire bit of land they were camped on turns out to be an enormous tortle.

Turtle to tortle is not the most inspired fantasy naming but I love enormous turtles being mistaken as islands or in this case a hill so much that I’m not going to complain.

The two Gelfling fall from the tortle into the deep water of a cave. Ordon is knocked unconscious by the fall. Fara swims down to rescue him but he’s too heavy for her to pull to the surface.

But at the same time she’s not willing to abandon him so they sink deeper and deeper before being rescued by many hands.

urRu!

I love these guys!

So we get some reiterating and expansion of Ordon’s deal in this issue. We also get some good Fara content. She’s determined to be useful and has chosen not to understand the word “no” or the phrase “absolutely not, go home immediately.” And whoops may have caused the problem she’s trying to help solve. It be like that sometimes.

She also gets a beautiful moment where she sings the dying landstrider to rest.

I’m enjoying the comic and its mostly due to the clashing personality dynamic between Ordon and Fara. The plot is fine but the characters are fun!

Fara brings out the bestworst in Ordon, even prompting him into a sarcastic clap when she brings a poisonous mushroom for dinner. Which then opens its eyes like a Mario mushroom because Thra is like that.

Hi! Can I ask you a request? 👉🏻👈🏻 something with Minho, something sensual but kind of cute. Maybe with the girl he hates the most at school, they are together in dance class and they have to work in pairs! Thank you so much 🙏❤

i can offer this as well!

----------

Your relationship with Minho was… strange, to say the least. A few hours ago, you’d been at each other’s throats, and an hour from now, you would be standing chest to chest, panting like you’d just ran a marathon. To be more precise, the two of you had spoken very few words to each other throughout the year. It was no secret to the student population that you guys were always competing, be it in class or out of class. There had even been rumours at some point that you two had had a fling, and you weren’t even sure how that rumour had started. 

It had been announced yesterday that for the mid-term assessment, you would be working in pairs. The class had let out a collective groan when it was stated that the pairs had been predetermined, and it was an understatement to say that you had felt like the whole world was against you when Minho’s name was called in conjunction with yours.

The whole lesson had been spent bickering about how to attack the assessment. 

“You will be required to reinterpret a choreography intended for a solo dancer. There are two of you, so work together to decide how a solo can be performed by a duo.”

Eventually, you guys had grudgingly decided to book a practice room after school, so here you were, panting.

“Okay, so we’ve both learnt the choreo, but how do we make it… ours?”

Minho wipes a hand across his forehead and swallows. “Gosh, do I need to do everything…? Give me the laptop-”

You glare at him as he grabs the laptop and moves to a corner of the practice room. He sat down, putting in earphones. 

“This is should be a team effort, Minho. We only have a week, so don’t go making all the decisions by yourself and then expecting me to follow-”

“Look, I’ll come up with something and we can try it out, and if you hate it, then you can come up with something tonight, and show me tomorrow.” He flashes you a smile that tells you to deal with it. “Go buy drinks or refreshments or something, I can’t concentrate if you’re going to be staring daggers at me the whole time.”

You let out a “hmph” before exiting the practive room. The nearest vending machine was on the other end of the corridor, and you make your way over. Your head is swimming with thoughts, and you’re not sure if you like the thoughts or not.

So maybe you guys made a good team when you tried. It only took twenty minutes to stop snapping at each other. While you were both fairly good dancers individually, you found opportunities to point out things to the other, and only now did you realise how weird it was that no one argued back in response to these pointers. 

It was strange - despite all the dislike you had held for each other, there was a strange tension when you danced together. Sure, you weren’t really dancing together together - just next to each other at the moment - but your moves had become synchronised. It was different to having both of you dance on beat; you were dancing apart, but the energy and the expressions were combined. They made you seem like you were dancing as one. It was scary to think about how well you guys could pull off a dance duet.

That was another thing - in all honesty, you didn’t mind Minho taking charge of adjusting the choreo for the two of you. He definitely had more experience in dance than you, afterall. It was probably the year-long competitiveness you had with him that made you want to prove yourself too.

And you’d find a way to prove yourself, even if it was going to be his choreo you danced to. 

You return to the practice room with two bottles of iced tea and some snacks, just like you’d been asked. Entering the room felt like entering a furnace - it was overwhelmingly hot and stuffy compared to the corridor outside. You press a cold bottle to your forehead, handing Minho the other and throwing the snacks down next to him.

“I poisoned the drink.”

��Excellent.” 

You can’t help but let out a breath of laughter at his delighted tone, watching as he downs almost half the bottle in one go. 

“So, what’ve you got?”

It takes only fifteen minutes for him to run through his idea with you. It was simple enough - just a few changes in the choreo and positioning.

“Got it?”

You scoff. “What do you take me for, an amateur?”

He rolls his eyes with a grin and plays the music.

Although you start a metre apart, it takes little to no time to close the distance. The pre chorus has you guys mirroring each other's moves, palm against palm and hip against hip as you slowly turn against each other. 

The chorus has you dancing with him, and that’s when you think that oh, now is the time to one-up him with his own choreo.

You’re moving smoothly against his body, and you see him in the mirror. He’s cocking his head in amusement, eyes holding yours in the reflection as you continue to sway your hips. You reach up, placing a hand behind his head the same time he slides a hand around your waist. Your breath hitches, and he smirks.

Thank god it was another verse.

You move apart again, but Minho maintains eye contact with you in the mirror. You glare at him, and hear him scoff in return.

When the chorus comes back, you’re all over each other again, the competitive spirit back in the both of you. He made an effort to have his hands trail along your arms, and you made an effort to move against him like you were in a club. 

You would have wondered if the two of you were going too far, had it not been for the grins you shared with one another in the mirror, eyes asking how far the other was willing to go.

You’re in front of him, and his hands rest on your stomach. Your hands are behind his head, and you can feel his pinky brushing the skin on your abdomen. 

“We’d make for a wicked power couple, y’know,” he murmurs into your ear. His breath is warm, almost sending shivers down your spine. “If only you’d give me the chance…?”

“In your dreams, Minho,” you shoot back, spinning away from him. 

As the song comes to an end, you guys are drawing closer and closer together, now staring directly at each other. You crash into him, throwing hands behind his neck to steady yourself. He has both hands on your hip, keeping you glued to him. You’re chest to chest, and your foreheads are pressed together.

The music stops, and you’re both panting, breathing in each other’s exhaled breath in an attempt to catch your own.

“I don’t…” You gulp - had you really been dancing that hard? “I don’t think that half of anything we did was appropriate for an assessment.”

Minho grins at you, and you can’t seem to break eye contact with him. Had his eyes always been this pretty, his lashes this long? You had never bothered to pay attention. You weren’t sure if your cheeks were warm from dancing or from the seemingly intimate proximity.

“But it was fun, right? Admit it.”

It takes you a second to register his words, and you finally pull back, letting out a laugh. You’re a little glad to hear him laugh as well. 

“Surprisingly… But now, I get to come up with the choreo because this was not suitable.”

“It was fine until you started grinding on me-”

“You did it back, so you can’t complain!”

He lets out another laugh, surprising you. “That’s a pretty fair point…”

He throws you your bottle of tea, which you catch gratefully and start chugging down. When you look back at him, he’s staring at you with a strange sense of wonder in his eyes,

“You’re not horrible company, in all honesty.”

“I’m flattered, but I don’t know if I can say the same back,” you tease him. Your words earn a roll of the eyes.

“Honestly, it’s kind of tiring acting like I hate your guts all the time. This is kinda better; talking and dancing together.”

Thoughtful, you raise a hand out to him. 

“Truce?”

He looks like he’s about to laugh again, but he takes your hand and shakes it.

“Truce.”

peach’s masterlist 📚

this will almost certainly be always out of date, but i’m doing my best. ♡

this is most of my one-shots. all my multi-chapters are on ao3.

gen:

“oreo”: gen, fluff, sympathetic deceit. patton has a secret.

“trapped within my skin”: gen, hurt/comfort, platonic intruanxceit, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm, violence, intrusive thoughts. remus can’t help it. if only thomas would believe him.

“scared of me”: gen, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending. warnings: self harm, eating disorders, panic attacks, touch starvation, emetophobia. it was easy when they didn’t care.     -chapter one -chapter two -chapter three -chapter four

“i’ll fall apart”: solo, smut. warnings: anxiety, masturbation. virgil’s embarrassed, but he can’t help it.

moxiety:

“safe harbors”: platonic moxiety, hurt/comfort. warnings: anxiety attacks, implied self-harm. when virgil has a panic attack, patton’s always there.

“cozy mornings”: moxiety, fluff. when virgil can’t sleep, he likes to watch the sun rise.

“the big picture”: moxiety, fluff. warnings: anxiety mention, spiders mention. patton finds a calming activity.

“eight-legged surprises”: moxiety, fluff. warnings: spiders, arachnophobia. patton meets virgil’s pets.

“hot chocolate”: moxiety, fluff. warnings: food, pre-accepting anxiety. virgil and patton share a hot chocolate.

“soft embrace”: moxiety, fluff. warnings: food. patton and virgil share a midnight cuddle.

prinxiety:

“night time butterflies”: prinxiety, fluff. warnings: insomnia. virgil can’t sleep.

“sunsets”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort, remus mentioned. virgil’s hiding out in the imagination until a certain someone finds him. 

“to hold at bay”: prinxiety, fluffy hurt/comfort. warnings: panic attacks. virgil has always been scared of storms.

“sweet dreams”: prinxiety, fluff. virgil attends a sleepover.

“fight or flight”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort. warnings: panic attacks, self hatred. virgil has a panic attack.

“hold my hand”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: eating disorders, anxiety. virgil has a secret.

“baby, i’ve already got your heart”: prinxiety, fluff. warnings: stalking (but not really). virgil loves roman. maybe too much.

“buttercup yellow”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: poisoning, self harm, panic attacks. virgil’s curiosity leads him into trouble.

“i’ll sleep when i’m dead”: prinxiety, fluff. virgil can’t sleep. neither can roman.

“petals red as blood”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort. warnings: hanahaki disease, blood. it figures this would happen to roman. 

“noctem”: prinxiety, fluff. warnings: nightmares. virgil isn’t having a good night.

“shades of grey”: prinxiety, fluff, sympathetic remus. virgil finds roman in the imagination.

“safety blanket”: prinxiety, fluff. virgil’s hoodie is missing.

“burning like a phoenix”: prinxiety, hurt/comfort. warnings: slight touch starvation. roman gets a hug. 

roceit:

“star dusted”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food, pda. deceit doesn’t always tell lies.

“into silent slumber”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: hypnosis. roman can’t sleep after a show. deceit helps him out.

“it’s called confidence”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. roman returns the favor.

“lazy afternoons”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit likes to bask in roman’s room.

“fire in my chest”: roceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: depression, anxiety attacks. it’s pointless. he knows that much. (it’s not.)      -”chapter one” -”chapter two”

“falling for you”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: minor injuries. deceit has an accident.

“up on a hill”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit goes sledding for the first time.

“hold my hand”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit has a present.

“see the sun”: roceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit’s never liked the holidays much. until now.

anxceit:

“fragile”: anxceit, fluff. virgil loves holding his boyfriend’s hand.

“tag you’re it”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: panic attacks, age regression. deceit and virgil aren’t always at odds.

“to paint a sunrise”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. virgil introduces his hobby to his boyfriend.

“auld lang syne”: anxceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, remus mention. warnings: panic attacks. after the trial, virgil has a visitor.

“plans and portents”: anxceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. virgil is done.

“falling for you”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit considers himself lucky. virgil feels the same way. 

“cold hands”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food mention. deceit is cold. again.

“the poison in my bones”: anxceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm, self hatred. deceit has a bad day.

“soft breaths”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: panic attacks. deceit helps virgil calm down.

“trick or treat”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus mention. warnings: food. virgil and deceit make halloween cookies.

“baby bat”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. deceit finds virgil in the closet.

“inside your head”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: nightmares. deceit has nightmares.

“sweet as sugar”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus mention. warnings: food. deceit and virgil bake christmas cookies.

“mittened”: anxceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. virgil has something for his boyfriend.

analogical:

“stargazing”: analogical, fluff. logan loves the stars.

“color coded”: analogical, fluff. logan’s not the only one who takes notes.

“cuddle fatigue”: analogical, fluff. logan’s door is always open.

“vulnerable”: analogical, fluff. virgil likes to watch the sun rise.

“here comes a thought”: analogical, fluff. logan gives virgil a present.

“i’ve come alive”: analogical, smut. warnings: hand jobs. virgil and logan have a moment.

“eye of the storm”: analogical, fluff. it’s irrational to be afraid of storms. logan knows this. it doesn’t help.

“nebulae”: analogical, fluff. virgil visits his boyfriend.

“not an ember”: analogical, fluff. virgil and logan cuddle to solve a mutual problem.

dukeceit:

“without a spindle”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. remus plays in the imagination.

“goody two shoes”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: violent thoughts, age regression. sometimes it’s easier for remus to shut it all off.

“i know you can hear me”: dukeceit, angsty fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: kidnapping overtones at the beginning. deceit wakes up, chained up. again.

“gently with a chainsaw”: dukeceit, angsty fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: self hatred, sexual implications. deceit hates the scales on his face. remus loves him.

“on your best behavior”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts, blood, violence mention. deceit and remus have a chat post-episode.

“acceptance”: dukeceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: intrusive thoughts. deceit’s tired of his treatment by the so-called light sides. remus just wants his boyfriend to feel better.

“hours after midnight”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit has a hard time sleeping until remus helps him out.

“like a car crash”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: intrusive thoughts, crime shows, murder mention, food. deceit and remus watch tv.

“discarded”: dukeceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. remus waits. deceit waits with him.

“stitched shut”: dukeceit, angst, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: self harm, suicidal thoughts, mild gore, blood. the others don’t want him to lie? fine. but he’s choosing his own way of going about it. the others are horrified.

“snake face”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. deceit’s shedding.

“behind my face, above my throat”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: migraines, emeto maybe. deceit has a migraine. remus is surprisingly helpful.

“(lack of) self preservation”: dukeceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: suicide attempt, intrusive thoughts, unsympathetic roman/patton/virgil (mildly). remus is lucky to have deceit. he doesn’t care what the others think. he never has.

“dashing through the snow”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit hates the cold.

“do you hear what i hear”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit and remus have their own caroling tradition.

“did i say that out loud”: dukeceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: suicidal thoughts, self hatred. he knows they don’t care about him. so why does it hurt so much?

“found family”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit reflects.

“on thin ice”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit attempts ice skating.

“peppermint sticks”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. so much for a good impression.

“glass ornaments”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. who gave remus something breakable?

“coming home”: dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. deceit and remus join the light sides’ holidays.

“still standing”: dukeceit, angst with a happy ending, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food, blood, cheating implication. sometimes the best present is each other. and perhaps a milkbone?

intrulogical:

“better than jam”: intrulogical, fluffy hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts, anxiety attacks, mild unsympathetic roman. sometimes remus doesn’t feel worthy.

“class is in session”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: pda. logan gets tutored.

“oatmeal raisin surprise”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts, food. remus helps logan bake.

“lost in the stars”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. remus gives logan a present.

“domesticated bliss”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts, food. remus takes logan to the imagination.

“i’m the bad guy”: intrulogical, fluffy hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. logan is better at comfort than he thinks he is. 

“the brightest star”: intrulogical, fluffy hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: intrusive thoughts. remus doesn’t understand why logan’s in love with him.

“breakfast in bed”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. remus wants to treat his boyfriend.

“octopuses give the best hugs”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. remus has a surprise.

“alexithymia”: intrulogical, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. logan’s sad. remus knows how to fix that.

“aquarium”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. remus takes logan to the aquarium.

“everything is blue”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. remus paints logan’s nails.

“sinking paradise”: intrulogical, fluff, sympathetic remus. remus and logan visit a special aquarium.

“as i whisper in your ear”: intrulogical, angst with a happy ending, sympathetic remus. warnings: unsympathetic roman/patton/virgil. remus is used to the trash. he’s not used to logan.

“not so fake happy”: intrulogical, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: sensory overload. sometimes remus needs logan.

moceit:

“chocolate chip cookies”: moceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm. deceit’s not as good at hiding as he thinks he is.

“sunlight”: moceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. he just wants to be warm.

“baby noodle goes blep”: moceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. in which deceit has had too much and regresses.

“movie night blues”: moceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit goes to movie night.

“bittersweet”: moceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. deceit finds patton baking.

“atop the tree”: moceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit helps with last minute decorations.

logince:

“trace the galaxies”: logince, fluff. logan visits the imagination.

“ribbons of stars”: logince, fluff. roman plays with logan’s hair.

“ribbons of gold”: logince, fluff, sympathetic remus. roman and logan have a moment.

logicality:

“taste test”: logicality, fluff. warnings: food. patton conducts an experiment.

“icing the galaxy”: logicality, fluff. warnings: food. patton makes brownies.

loceit: 

“a time for thaw”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. when logan can’t take it anymore, he regresses.

“legally binding”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. deceit wants cuddles. logan is happy to oblige.

“of snakes and stars”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. logan and deceit have a date.

“bluebells for the soul”: loceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: hanahaki disease, blood, suicide attempt. deceit wishes that he was better at lying to himself.

“mini marshmallows”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. logan and deceit spend a quiet evening in.

“gift giving”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. logan has something for deceit.

“aurora borealis”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. logan takes deceit on a date.

“silver and cold”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. logan cuddles a sleepy snek.

“burnished kaleidoscope”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. logan helps deceit take care of his scales.

“all the stars in the sky”: loceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. logan needs a distraction.

dukexiety:

“check my vital signs”: dukexiety, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm. virgil’s having a bad night.

“ginger tea”: dukexiety, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: food, emetophobia mention, clowns mention. remus helps out.

“haunted house”: dukexiety, fluff, sympathetic remus. it’s halloween season.

“the wings of a butterfly”: dukexiety, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: implied self harm. remus finds virgil drawing butterflies.

intruloceit:

“midnight’s reminder”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. it’s time to go to bed.

“heat seeking”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit loves to cuddle his boyfriends.

“night time routine”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: touch starvation. deceit has a message for logan.

“soft pretzels”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts, food. remus takes his boyfriends to the imagination.

“as the sun begins to rise”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. logan works too hard.

“letters by my bed”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: migraines, emetophobia. logan has a migraine. his new boyfriends are here to help.

“until midnight fades”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. logan just wants to sleep.

“icicles”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit’s cold again.

“soft whimsy”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. it’s cuddle time.

“until sundown”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: hypothermia. deceit stays in the cold too long.

“pillow forts”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. deceit doesn’t do winter. 

“peace on earth”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. deceit spends a quiet night in with his boyfriends.

“constellations on the ceiling”: intruloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. sleepy cuddles are the best.

wrathality:

“if every cupcake were perfect”: wrathality, fluff. warnings: food. patton and wrath make cupcakes. it goes better than expected.

“more bitter than sweet”: wrathality, fluff. warnings: food, anger issues. patton’s the sunshine to his storm.

“nothing like the others”: wrathality, hurt/comfort. warnings: minor self harm. wrath has a moment. his boyfriend comforts him.

“everything in between”: wrathality, fluff. wrath’s not the only one who has bad days.

royality:

“morning light”: royality, fluff. roman and patton cuddle.

“rose kissed”: royality, fluff. the boys do each other’s makeup.

“star freckled”: royality, fluff. roman loves his boyfriend so much.

losleep:

“sleepy time”: losleep, fluff. warnings: food. happy birthday, remy!

moduke:

“kittens”: moduke, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. remus gets creative.

“to love like you”: moduke, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: self harm. remus finds out a secret.

“made with love”: moduke, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. remus has a question.

“milkshakes”: moduke, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. remus brings patton a surprise.

“cookies for the soul”: moduke, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: food, intrusive thoughts. remus has bad days. patton relates.

anxceitmus:

“follow me to sweet dreams”: anxceitmus/intruanxceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: nightmares. virgil has a nightmare.

“birthday wishes”: anxceitmus, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. blow out your candles, virgil!

analoceit:

“find the stars”: analoceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm, panic attacks. virgil’s boyfriends help with the aftermath of a panic attack.

“put it back together”: analoceit, fluffy hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: anxiety attacks. virgil loves his boyfriends.

“the monster under my bed”: analoceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. virgil’s not scared. honest.

“hush little baby”: analoceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic deceit. warnings: age regression. virgil shouldn’t have read that.

roloceit:

“fairytale picnics”: roloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. roman takes his boyfriends to the imagination.

“listening”: roloceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. roman, logan, and deceit have a moment after the courtroom.

royaliceit:

“something borrowed”: royaliceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. patton’s scarf is missing.

“together breakfast”: royaliceit, fluff, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. happy birthday, patton!

moceitmus:

“gingerbread houses”: moceitmus, fluff, sympathetic deceit, sympathetic remus. warnings: food. deceit decorates a gingerbread house.

“christmas cookies”: moceitmus, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food, cannibalism mention. deceit decorates cookies with his boyfriends. it sort of goes to plan.

analodemus:

“snowed in”: analodemus, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food. remus might have made a mistake.

“what you always wanted”: analodemus, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: self harm. logan’s fine. really.

dlamp:

“nyctophobia”: dlamp, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food mention, phobia of the dark. roman’s afraid of the dark.

“lovesick”: platonic dlamp, fluff, sickfic, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. patton has a problem.

“the best medicine”: dlamp, fluff, sickfic, sympathetic deceit. warnings: food, age regression. logan knows what to do when his caregivers are sick...right?

creativitwins:

“turn my nightmares into dreams”: creativitwins, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. remus has a bad night.

“my brother’s keeper”: creativitwins, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings:  unsympathetic patton (he doesn’t mean to be, but he is), intrusive thoughts. once upon a time, they were one.

“safety in dangerous practices”: creativitwins, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. it’s time to go to bed. roman disagrees.

“reunited”: creativitwins, fluff, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. roman comes back.

“you should see me in a crown”: creativitwins, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: mild unsympathetic patton. roman has a secret.

“of knights and crowns”: creativitwins, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: fear of heights. roman’s not supposed to be the one who needs rescuing.

“shadows will scream”: creativitwins, background dukeceit, fluff, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: migraines, emetophobia, patton is a little rude. roman has migraines. they have stuff for that.

“once upon a time”: creativitwins, platonic roceit, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus, sympathetic deceit. warnings: blood, injuries. roman and deceit watch over remus. he doesn’t appreciate it.

“the other side”: creativitwins, fluff, sympathetic remus, kid fic. roman is brave. remus is braver.

“try to wake up”: creativitwins, hurt/comfort, sympathetic remus. warnings: intrusive thoughts. remus has nightmares.

subject yearning meme // selectively accepting : :

                                                   @graysistance : :                                     ❝ you always know how to make me smile. ❞

word count 1401 avg. read time 5 min.

             hateful memories plagued rey in the darkest hours of the morning. fleshed of the tally-ridden wall suddenly erased. there was nothing, just a tiny girl before a barren wall with tears trapped in her eyes. with shivering fingers, she reached up and carved her very first scar.

             the day i was left behind.

             the torrent of images ripped ben solo from his own restless thoughts. already poised to strike, he reached his senses through the dark till he found rey's fitful figure on the other side of the makeshift curtain they'd haphazardly strung up.

             the images that haunted her poisoned the dyad and filled his mind with the pain that ran rampant through her. his body ached, the front of his skull pounded. it forced him to his feet and into the pre-dawn light where he could battle whatever plagued them both with planet's crisp cut air.

             ─────

             ❝ heian sulla! ❞ triffiss dilgat threw her arms out in rapturous welcome. the soaked cleaning rag in her hand struck the rodian patron she had just been talking to clean across the face. ❝ how's one of my favorite racers? ❞

             but the radiant joy in her face was quickly replaced by disgusted suspicion as the trandoshan sniffed the air. ❝ why do you smell like fish? ❞

             ❝ i need your kitchen. ❞

             triffiss' nostrils flared. she looked like she was about to argue but instead, waved the man happily away. ❝ go ahead! my nest is your nest, hatchling. with the money you and that girl bring in, i can replace that kitchen ten times over. so feel free to commit whatever crimes against nature you have planned. just clean up when you're done. i don't want my cantina smelling like the sea. ❞

             ben's vocoder mask crackled, ❝ those are strong words, lizard. ❞

             the trandoshan hissed, ❝ i have strong feelings about things that crawl out primordial soup. ❞

             ❝ have i ever told you i'm from chandrila. ❞

             the reptile shuddered, ❝ oh, get in the kitchen, you silver sea-stained scum, before i change my mind. oh! by the way, heian, your partner was looking for you. ❞

             ❝ don't let her know i'm here. ❞

             her suspicious squint returned.

             ❝ don't, ❞ ben repeated, ❝ it's a surprise. ❞

             the surprise in question took hours of diligent prep and complete focus. ben lost himself in clouds of spice and measurable precision as he hollowed out giant mollusks and tenderized the meat. he stripped the skin from long-bodied beasts that were more tentacle than core. the makings of a stew bubbled in a caldera-like pot.

             it was inevitable that d-o finally tracked him down. the little droid's conical head popped across the threshold and scanned the kitchen. when he spotted ben, he excitedly rolled towards him.

             ❝ b-b-ben! rey is looking for you. ❞

             ❝ ssssh! ❞ the man scolded, ❝ i told you, it's heian when people are around. ❞

             ❝ s-s-sorry. i-i will go get her. ❞

             as d-o started to wheel away, ben blocked him with a vicious stomp that startled the droid.

             ❝ no! not yet. i'll find her eventually. i need to finish this first. ❞

             ❝ b-but ─── ❞

             ❝ it's a surprise. for rey. now be useful and stay out of my way. ❞

             quiet and curious, d-o cautiously weaved around ben's legs as the man worked. for hours the pair paced the kitchen until finally the young solo cleaned the hollowed shells and halved the stew between them. there wasn't a single drop left, perfectly measured.

             ❝ done. ❞ he sighed and wiped his hands on a dishrag as he inspected his work with a critical eye. ❝ now, where is she? ❞ he asked as he grabbed a pair of spoons.

             d-o excitedly trembled as he rushed towards the door. ❝ s-s-she is fixing the whisper. ❞

             ben snapped, ❝ she's WHAT ? ❞

             ─────

             ❝ is there a reason you're scuffing the whisper's paint job instead of your x-junker's? ❞ knowing she'd take the bait, ben held the conical shell full of steaming stew near the open cockpit. rey's grease smudged cheeks emerged only a second later with a growl hitched on the corner of her lips.

             ❝ your precious whispers about to become a smoldering ruin ─── again ─── if you insult my x-wing── ❞ her eyes widened like a tooka's as her nose nearly dived straight into the stew, ❝ is that for me? ❞

             ❝ yes, ❞ he said a moment after she snatched the shell from his hand and threw back a grotesque slurp of the boiling liquid. she immediately regretted her decision as the thick ichorous brew scoured the roof of her mouth and the tender surface of her tongue. she parted her lips and hah-hah'd through the pain as she stubbornly refused to waste a single dollop of food. when the savior of the galaxy finally managed to get most of the stew down her gullet, all that was left was a half-chewed tentacle dangling from the corner of her mouth.

             ben's face was twisted by immeasurable horror. he extended his arm again, this time with a spoon enclosed in a napkin. ❝ do you know how to use one of these? ❞

             rey slurped the tentacle with a satisfying snap and whisked the offering from her companion. ❝ i think i can manage. ❞

             the scavenger happily shoveled spoonful after spoonful into her mouth. ben leaned against the bulk of the whisper, letting her have the high ground all to herself.

             ❝ thississ amrzing. whurrdird you grtit? ❞ rey asked as another tentacle threatened to escape.

             ❝ triffiss' kitchen. ❞

             rey's brow popped up as she mercifully swallowed what was in her mouth. ❝ but she hates seafood. ❞

             ❝ she didn't make it. ❞

             rey sputtered on the spoonful she was currently devouring. ❝ you did? you? made this? ❞

             ben didn't deign to look at her. ❝ i have talents beyond killing people, scavenger. i'm multifaceted. ❞

             ❝ multi-facist? ❞ rey retorted through another mouthful.

             that one caught ben off guard. ❝ watch yourself, you porg-smuggling ecological threat. batuu will be a wasteland because of you. ❞

             their once quiet conversation became a rancorous banter of quick verbal jabs and aggressive spoon-pointing. to any passersby on the landing, it sounded like a heady quarrel that would erupt into a full-blown brawl at any second. in the end, rey's shoulders were shaking in silent laughter as she tried heroically to continue eating with snorting while ben responded with a single hmph of amusement.

             ❝ was that a laugh? ❞ the young woman teased, toying with the spoon between her teeth.

             ❝ the closest you'll ever get to one. ❞

             a companionable hush blanketed them again, only the click of their utensils against the emptying shells could be heard.

             ❝ so, ❞ rey set her now empty shell in her lap, ❝ where did you learn to cook? ❞

             ben, who was barely halfway through his own, shrugged dismissively. ❝ a story for another time. ❞

             the young woman responded wordlessly. the quiet was now tangibly heady and ben bounced the spoon against the rim of the shell as he worked up the courage to say the next thing.

             ❝ i know... ❞ he scowled as the words fell short and his voice followed after, ❝ i know it didn't start pretty but...happy birthday, rey. ❞

             it didn't take the power of the dyad to sense the sudden trepidation that clouded her aura. ben couldn't say he was surprised when they were both chimeras of tragedy, wound together by a chance of nature. their bond was still terra incognita with a terrible habit of creating cold clarity whenever the pair wanted privacy and being aggravatingly unwieldy when they attempted to bridge a rift neither knew how to navigate.

             but there was a timid spark of joy that cast away the shadows with a tiny sun-like flame. ❝ you know, ❞ the scavenger chimed, ❝ this is perhaps the second-best birthday i've ever had. ❞

             ben could hear it her voice. he was being baited. ❝ what was the first? ❞

             ❝ the day hondo and i stole that coaxium from you. ❞

             hook, line, kriffing sinker.

             ❝ you know what, scavenger? ❞ with his spoon raised in a duelist's threat, ben readied a tongue lashing that he begrudgingly sucked back with a frustrated hiss. instead, he raised his barely touched portion towards her, ❝ do want this? i've suddenly lost my appetite. ❞

             rey eyed the offering with mock discernment before she bogling hopped from the whisper's cockpit. she settled beside ben, her crusted spoon already buried in ben's share. ❝ no, but i'll help. looks like you need it. ❞

             he claimed several more bites before he handed off the rest of the shell to the eager rey. she happily devoured the rest as they gazed at the violet-black sky.

             ❝ thank you, ben. ❞

Engagements, Weddings, and Arranged Marriages

Updated 15 November 2021

Rest of the Masterlist.

(take me to) the lakes by akosmia (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It’s a quiet Saturday morning and they've been dating only for two months, when Ben slips and calls her wife.) A Dog is a Man's Best Friend (and also a force for fate) by Impossiblefangirl0632 (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben is dog-sitting for Poe and everything is going fine until BB sees a rabbit and runs off. Rey finds a muddy, but happy dog and takes him home with her. She's going to turn him into the shelter, she really is but before she can she runs into a very stressed, very annoyed Ben who accuses her of dognapping.) A Doggy Intervention by corpse_wife (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Interventions come in many different forms. Whether it's time, a place or occasionally, people, it's up to the universe to decide when two soulmates meet. In Ben Solo's case, the universe had a cruel sense of humor. For his intervention comes in the form of a German Shepard and his graceless brunette owner. Two things happened in the short span of a minute: 1.) Ben got tackled to the ground 2.) The dog had just swallowed his wedding rings) A Marriage of Rebellion by Zoa (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Historical Arranged Marriage- Rey is a princess and must choose a prince to marry. Solely (at first) to spite her grandfather, she chooses the grandson of his old rival, Prince Ben Solo.) A merry Reylo Christmas by MeadowHayle (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are roommates and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. For Rey it's the first real Christmas with friends and family and she wants to make up for all the things she missed as a child. Ben tries to help as best as possible, giving her a Christmas experience she deserves.) A Night at the Opera by orphan_account (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Prince Benjamin is resistant to his arranged marriage to the Palpatine heir. ) A Scandalous Match by Musickat18 (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Despite a very poor first impression, Rey has found herself forced to wed the mysterious and intimidating Ben Solo, Duke of Ren. The marriage is deemed highly scandalous by society as Rey is no more than an orphan living on the good graces of Mr. Unkar Plutt. Rey, now Duchess of Ren, finds herself forced into a role for which she has no training, with a husband who does not even seem to like her.) Adoration of One Rey of Light by stellarnightmage (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Since she was born, Rey Palpatine has been betrothed to Ben Solo, someone she's never met, and who's 10 years older than her. She hates the very idea. That is until they meet when she's 19 and Rey finds that it's hard to hate someone when they seem to adore you. It was her birthday, and the contract dictated she had to meet her husband-to-be on this god-forsaken day. She’d rather not ever see him ever. Or marry him. Or whatever.) All I Need for Christmas is You by Atchamb7 (AO3 2019  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben wants to make this Christmas special. He finds a rare toy that Rey has wanted since she was a child (baby doll) and attached to the doll is a ring.) an unexpected alliance by antematter (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: A Regency ABO story in which Captain Kylo Ren dallies with Miss Rey Niima, and she accidentally mates him.) And Closer Still Is Never Enough by lovefrompluto (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben has an arranged marriage to Rey but what happens when he starts to court the wife who is a stranger to him?) And Your Kingdom Too by vuas (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: Her kingdom sells her hand the moment his thunderous black horse arrives at the border. Nobody fights for her honor like in the stories she’s read. There is no duty-bound, brave knight in possession of sparkling eyes coming to save her. There’s only the Red King and his bloody sword.) as luck would have it by prncesselene (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When a case of violent food poisoning ruins Rose and Hux’s honeymoon plans, who better to take their place at a pre-paid Hawaiian beach resort than the Maid of Honor and Best Man? Sure, it’ll take some maneuvering, but a free vacation is a free vacation. They just have to pretend to be devoted newlyweds for a bit to enjoy it. There’s only one glaring issue, really: they can’t stand each other.) baby fever by cursebreakker (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey’s boss kylo basically has a heart of stone, he literally has a reputation in the offices as 'Satan’s right hand'. That is until Rey’s two year old daughter toddles up to him outside of work one day and he just completely melts.) Baby, It's Just Biology by Polkadotdotdot (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 32 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Jackson, trying to finish your degree in Biomedical Science at Harvard is difficult enough when you're one of the few Omegas on campus. It's made even more difficult when your Professor is the one to trigger your heat. You can't help it, it's just your biology. An Alpha Omega love story.) before we go. by AquaWolfGirl (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: On the eve before the battle against their enemies, General Rey Jakksun seeks out General Kylo Ren. There are others she could have gone to in their camp, sure, but of all the men there, she decides to ask him to teach her pleasure -- something she's never known and wants to experience once before she dies in the morning.) Bespoke by fettuccine_alfreylo (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When new stylist Rey Jackson receives a request to dress the hottest (and most unfashionable) new actor in Hollywood, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Mentally AND physically. Because Ben Solo is freaking massive.) But I Do by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben get married at the same venue at the same time. When both are left at the altar, they decide to flip life off and marry each other.) Butter Crisp Sandwich by DarkMage13 (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “Mr, I insist you join me for a tea party today, at precisely noon. My teddy will be there.” Ben glanced at the boring clock on the wall. Ten minutes until noon. He swallowed in fear. There was no escape.  Or: Ben Solo cannot say no to an adorable hazel-eyed little girl's request for tea.) Compass by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Kira is not in the business of harboring fugitives aboard her ship, but for a doe-eyed prince disguised as a peasant, she makes an exception.) count the rings by lachesisgrimm (olga_theodora) (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Urban legend says the demon tree needs a bride in order for it to escape its confines. What happens when Rey jokingly marries herself to the tree during a camping trip?) Crystal Crowns by altargaryen (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Royalty AU, Quick Synopsis: Princess Rey Palpatine was a sprightly twelve year old the day her very best friend in the whole world left her. She is a women fully grown the day he returns, six years later, on the verge of taking up her own crown half a world away. A best friends to lovers, royalty romance.) Day Follows Night; Dark Follows Light Sequel by LyricalRiot (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 20 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: After the thorough defeat of the First Order, the Resistance is busy forming a new government, and two powerful Force users, Ben Solo and Rey, are in search of their destiny now that the war is over. Their new feelings for each other are strong, and they know they want to stick together, but learning what exactly that means is undiscovered country. Vague plans and a bit of planet hopping are all they have in their future for now, but it won't take them long to find the Force has other plans in store. Visits to old homes, nights of glamor and artifice, and exploring the secret deep places of the galaxy ahead. Steamy, but not graphic.) Deceit, Delusion, and Desire by AttackoftheDarkCurses, thebuildingsnotonfire (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey realizes her student visa is about to expire, she struggles to find a way to stay in the country legally. Her roommate has a terrible idea, and it's just risky enough to work.) Dreaming of a December Wedding by greywilde (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 11 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A Reylo modern AU based on the Hallmark Christmas Movie, "A December Bride" Rey Jackson was supposed to marry Poe Dameron and have her dream December wedding - until he fell in love with her foster sister Kaydel. And it's all Ben Solo's fault. Now it's payback and he's her fake date to the wedding, but when Ben makes an impulsive announcement, it sets the stage for an elaborate holiday arrangement.) Eating for Two by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is pregnant and smells her neighbour Ben's cooking. She goes round to ask if he would be willing to share. But maybe Ben would like to share more than his cooking with Rey.) Fated and Inevitable by Kyriadamorte (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Padawan Ben's life gets a whole lot more complicated when a group of Force users on Jakku demands he marry one of their own before offering aid to a floundering New Jedi Order. He refuses, of course. At first.) Five Times That Ben Saved Rey's Valentine's Day & How She Forever Saved His by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben makes a confession in his wedding speech: He knew he was going to marry Rey when he and Rey were 4 years old and she gave him a Valentine she made and colored herself. And 21 years later, he still has that Valentine.) for love or money by KiKi37 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 30 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The loss of a scholarship has left Rey Niima in a financial bind, with only a few months until graduation. Her friend Rose might know of something that could help.) Force du Couer by Stargazer1116 (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren is the CEO of a successful corporation in NYC. In a power play, his board, led by his uncle, demand that he marry to makeover his dismal public image. Rey is an art therapist working with foster kids in Harlem. When she contacts Kylo for possible support, he proposes a business deal that can benefit them both. He has no idea how much this woman with a fierce heart will turn his world upside down.) forever valentine by bellestar (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben makes a confession in his wedding speech. He knew he was going to marry Rey when he and Rey were 4 years old and she gave him a Valentine she made and colored herself. And 21 years later, he still has that Valentine.) Gifted Forevers by ABeautifulBreakdown (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey said yes to Marrying Ben Solo she never expected things to get so out of hand. Now, on the day of her wedding, she's given a choice because all roads lead to him.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 18 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey asked for something to keep her warm for her birthday. Poe decides the best present he could get is Ben.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 45 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: From childhood to adulthood, Ben is practiced at catching a clumsy Rey.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 50 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben needs to get married in order to get full ownership of his company. Rey learns about her boss' predicament and offers a helping hand.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 56 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Hungry overworked Ben accidentally ends up in McDonalds. Guess what happens next?) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 59 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: This chapter was born during a video about how pockets on women's clothing shrunk through history. Modern Rey would be outraged to know that womankind used to have pockets big enough to stash a loaf of bread. Imagine all the snacks they could fit! But she would have to make do with her boyfriend's pockets. Yep, that's basically the plot. Warnings: if Reylo babies bother you, you might want to skip this one.) Good Opinion by Hormonal_Trashbag (AO3 2016  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: “Will you allow me my freedom if I consent to marry you?” He blinked, startled by her question. “You cannot be serious. Regardless of what my mother may want, we have no need to marry.” The flickering candlelight cast wild shadows on her lovely face. There was something absolutely untamable about her, something he could never touch should he want to; Ben found that he decidedly did not. She was fierce and unforgiving as the sea, and he could not fully comprehend the twist of desire coiled in his gut at her unmoving gaze. Her response was simple. “Is that really true?”) Good Opinion by Hormonal_Trashbag (AO3 2016  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: “Will you allow me my freedom if I consent to marry you?” He blinked, startled by her question. “You cannot be serious. Regardless of what my mother may want, we have no need to marry.”) heaven in hiding by blessedreylo (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They say it's impossible for a guy and girl to be "just friends", but Rey and Ben had managed to discredit that throughout their decade long friendship. What they both have is special, that people would often arrive at the conclusion the two were made for each other. He's her safe haven, her rock. She gives him a sense of clarity and direction. Ben and Rey know each other more than anyone ever possibly could. Therefore on Valentine's Day, their friends decided to secretly set them up together on a blind dinner date.) Heavy in Your Heart by crossingwinter (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo, a prince who decided to have one last good night before their arranged betrothal, fell in love with a stranger at the bar. They don’t remember much except a voice. The next day, the stranger at the bar is at the altar marrying her bethrothed when she recognizes him as the man she had fallen in love with last night.) Homestead Fire by ladyofreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Prairie AU, Quick Synopsis: In this story, Ben Solo is a homesteader trying to court O. Kenobi's adopted daughter whilst on the prairie. He believes he will make Miss Rey a good husband. He shows her how when he stops by to chop wood and build up her fire.) Hope Is Like The Sun by LoufromJakku (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 15 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Leia tries to set-up her painfully single son with her assistant Rey. What Leia doesn't know is that Rey's already pregnant with Ben's child after a (drunken) one-night-stand and she hasn't told him yet.) How Not to Break Up by LadyBrettAshley (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Nothing means more to Leia than her Annual Pumpkin Carving extravaganza. That’s why Ben asks Rey to keep their recent breakup a secret until after the party. After a carving-related accident, Ben comes to her aid and it turns out... they may not have to tell anyone they broke up at all.) I Thee Wed by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is a wedding planner and on the wedding day she finds out that the young flower girl and the ring bearer are very stressed about their role in the wedding. Rey offers to walk them through it by pretending to be the bride so they could practice at the altar. They search for a fake groom amongst the wedding guests and find Ben. He agrees to help. ) I'll Pick You by greywilde (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey broke off her no-strings arrangement with Ben to move to the big city and broke his heart (and her own) in the process. Three years later, a trip to an apple orchard has her falling - literally - into the arms of the man she left behind. His feelings haven’t changed, but have hers?) I'm Your Dream Girl by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Reylo AU where Ben & Rey are roommates but Ben is constantly blowing up at Rey for being messy, eating his food, but Rey always just smiles and takes it. That’s because she knows Ben’s secret. He talks in his sleep. Mainly about how much he loves her and wants her to be his wife.) ignorance of etiquette by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Lady Rey Kenobi lives a life of pristine comfort and luxury on her family's estate in Chesire with her parents Lord Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Satine Kenobi. When they receive word that an old family friend, Lord Benjamin Solo, is coming to visit, Lady Rey is reminded of how he tormented her as a child. She decides that she will prove herself not the same girl she once was in more ways than one.) ignorance of etiquette by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Lady Rey Kenobi lives a life of pristine comfort and luxury on her family's estate in Chesire with her parents Lord Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Satine Kenobi. When they receive word that an old family friend, Lord Benjamin Solo, is coming to visit, Lady Rey is reminded of how he tormented her as a child. She decides that she will prove herself not the same girl she once was in more ways than one.) In Sickness And In Health by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey knows it's not an ideal situation, but it's a situation thousands of people are in. It's not like there's much she can do about it right now, anyways. She can go a little while without health insurance. Until she gets breast cancer. The treatment will be simple if she can get it. But she's worried she can't, until her old co-worker Ben offers a solution: "We could get married.") Inspired by Wasting Time on the Interwebs Chapter 8 by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are paired up for an economics assignment, but they have a major difference of opinion on some key points.) key to the kingdom by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Princess Diaries AU, Quick Synopsis: Most girls get a drunk weekend in Vegas for their 21st birthday, but Princess Rey Kenobi gets the chance to rule the country of Alderaan. But the only way she can become Queen is if she marries a man in 30 days, or the throne goes to the selfish (and annoyingly attractive) usurper Lord Benjamin Solo. Will Rey be able to ascend to the throne or will it all just become a royal pain in the ass?) lay all your love on me by akosmia (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben doesn't really think much of himself, and Rey is determined to change his mind.) Leave a Message by spicytofuuuu (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey's relationship as told by the voicemails Ben leaves for Rey.) Let me Dream, Let me Stay by Melusine11 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey has kept up a charade of a non-existant boyfriend for two years and now that Rose and Finn are getting married, she needs someone to pretend to be said boyfriend, enter her coworker Ben.) lie with me and just forget the world by hi_raeth (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Solo, the year is 2016. She’s just woken up in the hospital, she’s recovering from a car crash, and she’s wondering where the hell her husband is. For Ben Solo, the year is 2021. It’s been two years since the divorce, since the worst mistake in all of history, since the day he walked away from the love of his life. Sometimes, the universe has a weird (and potentially fatal) way of bringing people back together.) lucem ac viventis by neonheartbeat (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 17 Chapters, Beauty and the Beast AU, Quick Synopsis: In the midway of this his mortal life,/Poe found him in a gloomy wood, astray/gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell:/ it were no easy task, how savage wild/ that forest, how robust and rough its growth,/ which to remember only, his dismay/ renews, in bitterness not far from death/--Yet to discourse of what there good befell, /all else will he relate... discover'd there. A Star Wars take on Beauty and the Beast. Tale as old as time, in a galaxy far, far away.) Make Me Over by Hellyjellybean, Twisted_Mirror (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a man with a past. The famous actor has used everything from drink to sex to try and fight his demons but maybe all he really needs is the love of a good woman? Rey Johnson is excited to have been appointed MUA to the lead actor on her first film set. From the moment she meets Ben Solo, she's a goner but does he feel the same?) make my heart a better place by defiersofthestars (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben is babysitting his niece and she begs him to FaceTime Rey so she can read her a bedtime story. He’s never met her but as soon as the call connects, he’s completely transfixed. He doesn’t tell her when the kid falls asleep because he doesn’t want her to stop reading.) My Dad Will Not Date Miss Palpatine (But Maybe He Can Marry Her) by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Annie Solo is perfectly happy with her Dad and brother and the last thing she needs is her dad's high school sweetheart coming to town and ruining everything. But maybe just maybe Miss Palpatine will be far better than she expected.) My Sandwich by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Someone took Ben's turkey sandwich at work, he is infuriated and eager for revenge, until he finds out it was Rey then those feelings no longer exist.) My Whole Life by AttackoftheDarkCurses, thebuildingsnotonfire (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 13 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The "Without a Hitch" high school sweethearts, fake-dating rom-com AU.) Nevertheless, She Persisted by dawninthemtn (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Junior campaign staffer Rey works for US presidential candidate Leia Organa and ends up with the job of babysitting her aloof and entitled adult son Ben.) Newspaper Hearts by Celia_and (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “She made her Valentine’s cards. She tore hearts out of newspaper and glued them onto used envelopes and painstakingly wrote each child’s name. She probably spent days making them. And you know what she wrote on mine?” He doesn’t need to read it to know what it says, so he looks down at her instead, and the hand on her heart and the tears in her eyes. “Ben: You are OK. Rey.”) Nonsense & Nuptials by thehobbem (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is the ward of Leia and Admiral Han Solo. She lives alongside Ben Solo who is the victim of her repeated attempts at matchmaking. But her scheming reveals more about her own feelings and fears that she's missed out on something very important.) Of Colds by Armayra (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis:  Rey gets a cold and ends up feeling lonely. Ben plans to fix that.) Peacock by AttackoftheDarkCurses (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 22 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Thanks to a series of misunderstandings, failed attempts at flirting, and loud Katy Perry music, Ben grows to hate his new neighbor. Proposing to her wasn't the best solution to his problems.) Port in the storm by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey pretends to be afraid of thunderstorms so she has an excuse to sleep next to Ben. Ben figures it out when he races home early after seeing thunder, fearing Rey will be crying alone curled up in a ball, only to find her totally chill and eating ice cream.) Rey, Voulez-Vous Prendre Ben Comme Époux? by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is her boss's best friend and is present at his French wedding. However, due to a language barrier, Ben and Rey are the ones who end up married.) Sleepyhead by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben, a mere himbo, tucks a stray hair behind Rey's ear in class. He knows he deserves the hot coffee in her hand to be thrown in his face and yet he gets a date. ) Something Beautiful by ceciliasheplin (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: Lord Ren forces orphan Rey to marry him. On their wedding night he refuses to take her because he wants her to be willing. Rey is both enraged and frustrated. She may hate him but she isn’t exactly opposed to being ravished by her husband.) Sunshine and Gunpowder by rightforlife (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: She’s a teacher who would do anything to protect her student. He’s a glorified hitman with a heart of black gold.) Teenage Dream by ReyloRobyn2011 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They met on the playground in first grade. Ben saw the scrawny girl with three messy buns lining the back of her head from across the schoolyard. She sat by herself on the bench, watching the other kids play. He’d never seen her before; she was the new girl in class. Ben didn’t have any friends and he was too shy to talk to anyone— but there was something about this girl. He felt drawn to her.) The Background by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: He draws her every week. He draws her looking at him smiling, thoughtful, or truly magical, He pours his heart and soul into these drawings. Every Sunday he comes to the hospital room, hoping to meet her eyes. But she's not waking up. His hope is fading. Today...) The Five Times Ben Stole Rey's Halloween Candy and the One Time He Bought Her Some by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They meet when Ben Solo tries to steal Rey Kenobi's Halloween bucket and Rey hits him over the head the with her plastic lightsaber. They eventually become best friends and then more. This is just all the Halloween Fall Fluff in the world.) The Soiled Doves by fernybranca (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 28 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Luck raised Miss Rey Jakku from the streets into the household of Baron Luke Skywalker, and he willed her a fortune beyond the dreams of wealth—earning her the eternal hatred of Benjamin Kylo Skywalker Organa Solo, His Grace of Alderaan, who had counted on his uncle's money to rebuild his ruined ducal seat. But hatred bleeds into obsession, obsession into love, and the rules of the haut ton are strict.) The Trail Bride by SecretReyloTrash (BadOldWest) (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 47 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Niima finds herself in a perilous situation when her husband dies at the start of their journey West. From the few bachelors on the trail in her party; she attaches herself to the best of her options. That option is the mysterious Banker Ben Solo.) The Trial of Naboo: Fall of a Duke by Twin_Kitten (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey are engaged to be married, but after several attempts on her life, he takes personal responsibility for her safety, including keeping her in his bed at night. Problem? Ben is extremely attracted to his bride but the MUST wait until marriage. ) The Ward by dreamingspires (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: An angsty, Bridgerton-ish/Alpha/Omega/Smutty mash-up, Ben rescues Rey and ends up her guardian.) the way I see you by ocjones (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben glides a finger over the painting’s shining face. It’s long since dried, having traveled the slow journey of hills between Naboo and Mortis, yet the varnish is so glossy it almost feels wet to the touch.And there she is: a soft-looking woman, her breasts pillowing over the top of her corset, her hair held lightly back with a band and flowing out behind her. Her delicate fingers grip a book, clasp it in her velvet-clad lap. The smile on her face is as gentle as her portrayal. His wife.) The Wedding Necklace by daughter_of_the_fifth_house (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 21 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: Nambi Ghima sensed Rey’s longing for a family and gave her a wedding necklace for her future husband - the necklace Kylo Ren ripped off Rey's neck. Which means getting married. First Order Officer Tishra Kandia is confused why she had to analyze said necklace. She and a lot of people – and droids – on both sides of this war wonder about the marriage of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and the Jedi Rey. The only thing is… Rey and Kylo don't even know they’re married.) Through the Years by castles_and_crowns (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo and Rey Jakkson meet on the playground as children under unusual circumstances and quickly become best friends. This fic follows them through the years, showing glimpses of their friendship as it slowly progresses into something more.) to climb steep hills by galvanator (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: No one really talks to the new girl who sits in the back of the class. She’s been here a month but kids are afraid of her and teachers are too overworked to be able to solve a problem like Rey. No one really talks to the new girl - except for Ben. A childhood to adulthood love story.) To Have and to Hold by bunilicious (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: “Your husband is gravely injured, my lady.” The envoy’s words should have pleased Lady Rey. After all, her husband was one of the dreaded Norman barons who invaded her beloved country and claimed the lands in the name of the bastard who now called himself king. Ben Solo had stormed her uncle’s keep, killed all the men who opposed their new conquerors, and claimed the stronghold for his own. He took the keep, he took the surrounding lands and, at the new king’s orders, took Rey to wife. Rey should have hated him. But, in the six months following their hasty and undesirable marriage, Rey found that hatred for her new husband was the furthest emotion from her heart and mind.) Trick or Treat, Baby by Everren (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is not in the mood to deal with trick or treaters this Halloween. In fact, he’s taken measures to ensure he doesn’t have to. Can Rey, his next door neighbor and lover of all things Halloween, change his mind?) Unexpected by incognitajones (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey doesn’t want anything from her one-night stand Ben Solo, not even now that she’s broke, jobless, and pregnant. But he’s desperate to avoid a scandal that could derail his election campaign, so they agree to a cold-blooded business deal: she’ll marry him and be the perfect political wife—for a price, and a limited term.) weddings and wingwomen by bigfootsflannel (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After hiring Ben Solo as her wedding photographer, Rose discovers her true calling as part-time matchmaker.) Wild Child by tmwillson3 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey spends her first Season in Bath with her best friend, Rose Tico. When Rose begins a hate-at-first-sight relationship with Sir Armitage Hux, Rey thinks that nothing more exciting could happen. That's when Sir Hux's friend, the Earl of Alderaan, and his dogs come crashing into Rey. Rey has never liked peers, but when she bonds with him on a rainy day, everything changes.) Wild Child by tmwillson3 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey spends her first Season in Bath with her best friend, Rose Tico. When Rose begins a hate-at-first-sight relationship with Sir Armitage Hux, Rey thinks that nothing more exciting could happen.That's when Sir Hux's friend, the Earl of Alderaan, and his dogs come crashing into Rey. Rey has never liked peers, but when she bonds with him on a rainy day, everything changes.) Worth the Wait by LadyBrettAshley (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After being cheated on by her fiancé, Rey decides not to wait til marriage & decides to lose her virginity to known scoundrel Ben. "Scoundrel" Ben begs her for a dinner with him, worships her in bed and trails after her like a lovesick puppy. Rey is confused.)

Will Butler - Surrender

As someone who plays alongside his brother in one of the most successful bands in the world, it’s clear that family has always been pivotal in Will Butler‘s life.

For new solo album ‘Generations’ – out in September via Merge – Butler dug even deeper into generation after generation of his family, slowly coming to terms with his place as an artist, and an American, pouring the new findings into his second solo effort.

The Arcade Fire multi-instrumentalist previews ‘Generations’ today (July 14) with first single ‘Surrender’, a joyous call-and-response folk-pop track. Listen to it below alongside our new interview with Butler.

Speaking to NME about the new single and album, Butler discussed the job of white artists during an era of Black Lives Matter protests, what to expect from ‘Generations’, and the future of Arcade Fire. Check out our whole interview with Butler below.

Your new album sees you dive further back into your family history – what did you find?

“My dad’s side has been in New England since the 1600s. The first Butler came over from England in about 1630 to Boston. They’ve lived on a handful of islands in Maine since the 1700s, and they’re still fighting over the old hay fields. Siblings and cousins still periodically fight over it. ‘No, that’s MY piece of the salt marsh!’

“My mum’s side were Mormon pioneers driven out of America by mob violence. Before that, the founder of my mum’s branch was a Portuguese sailor who washed up on the beach in New York in the 1600s. People had all these theories, but the one that’s most compelling is that it was a sailor whose last name was Rodriguez, and everyone called him Joe Drigs, so Drigs became the last name.”

Does ‘Surrender’ feel representative of the whole album?

I think it’s one of the poles of the album. Both sonically and in attitude, there’s a joyous side and a guitar-based side, and this is the guitar-led, joyous, ecstatic portion. Then there’s a really sludgy synth-based side, and a ‘trying to be honest, despair-filled’ side.

The new single’s video sees you discuss the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the Black Lives Matter movement – has lockdown been a time of self-examination for you as a white artist?

I got a masters degree in Public Policy in 2017, starting at the end of 2016, and it was quite a time to be in a politics school. Partly, I realised that I am in the public sphere already, and I thought: what am I going to do with this? I’m a powerful person. I didn’t particularly seek it out, but I needed to work out what I was going to do with this [power]. That question, not shockingly, continues to be relevant. Back in 2015, people thought that you were so racist for saying Black Lives Matter, that was the default. Now, people see that it’s a serious problem, and the polling shows that. People see that how the police treat Black people is a problem.

And you and the band have done significant charity work before…

Arcade Fire had been working with [Haitian charity] Partners In Health for a decade, and I wanted to see how I could support what they were doing in a better way. If I have any power at all, it’s as an American. I can help Haiti, and donate money, but I don’t speak Creole and I don’t speak in Haiti, so I’m fundamentally limited. I live in America, and I’ve got generations of experience in a certain type of America, so what do I do with that?

And what about your musical ancestry?

“My mum is a musician, and her parents were musicians, and my grandmother grew up playing a pre-depression variety show in the American west, driving across the desert before there were even roads in the desert… just going from church to church and getting kicked out of towns. Her father was the last child of a polygamous Mormon and wanted to become a musician. That’s at the end of the 19th century. He said, ‘I want to be a musician!’ and he failed, but his kids did it. Very concretely, what I’m doing today is rooted in 19th century America.”

Is your ancestry something you and Win discussed a lot when you were starting Arcade Fire?

“The very first b-side of the very first Arcade Fire single was a recording of a performance by our grandfather. It was a ’40s radio broadcast that was recorded. There’s a whole line of musicians, and me and my brother continue to be musicians. It’s not coincidental. There’s something really beautiful about that, and something really poisonous about that. I think in generations of musicians, there is very little that’s poisonous about it, but it’s more about generations of power. Why I own a house is rooted in the 19th century and before. There’s great value in knowing the truth for its own sake, and then thinking, ‘What do you do with that truth?’. It’s about exhuming the truth and working out, ‘My god, how the hell did we get here?’.”

Since your album has been finished, how have you been spending your time?

Arcade Fire was recording. Well, we were recording… But now our drummer is in Australia, two of us are in Canada, and the rest are in America. Australia are having a crazy outbreak, the border to Canada is sealed right now… like, Jesus Christ. It takes more logistics to get together. It always took a certain amount of logistics, but right now it’s insurmountable.

How far had you got with a new record before you had to stop?

I’ll only know that when it’s done. Like, ‘Oh, half of it came from before [lockdown]’, or ‘None of it came from before!’. Who knows.

Are you able to do stuff remotely and send ideas back and forth while you’re all quarantined?

None of us quite have the file management skills for it to be creative at the moment. It’s hard, and that’s partly why I made my own videos for ‘Surrender’ and stuff. I wanted to go out into the world!

Will Butler’s new album ‘Generations’ comes out on September 25 via Merge.