#I do very light moderation just to make sure no one's trying to pick a fight with anyone but that's about all I do
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Sideblog shenanigans
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Love the attitude I have towards my sideblog's Tumblr community vs the Twitter community.
When I look at RA, I'm always fondly scrolling through the tags and laughing at people's reactions or jokes, meanwhile when I look at Twitter I'm like:
"So help me god you WILL all be polite and well-behaved or else."
#i talk#I already sent one person to the void for a weird comment (“joke”) about one of the girls#Back when I worked with kids (and college students) I feel like I was firm but fair#and I was always the favorite teacher / assistant#whenever I open RA's Twitter I definitely do feel that teacher mentality rear its head#sideblog shenanigans#...was that my tag for it#well I haven't used it in 4 years but might as well use it now#Anyways it's really nice using RA's Twitter because I literally just open the app post stuff then close it#and I also literally ONLY follow CCs so that's also very helpful#I do very light moderation just to make sure no one's trying to pick a fight with anyone but that's about all I do#I did however have someone inform me of some very unfortunate stuff when I last opened RA to post stuff and I'm like ah. cool. that sucks#didn't want to know that but thanks#* today
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Affection & PDA w/ Smoker, Corazon, & Robin
Content: Gender neutral reader as always. Lots of fluff here!
Notes* I NEVER POSTED THIS??? I WROTE THIS IN THE BEGINNING WEEK OF MY BLOG??
Smoker
Smoker loves to be affectionate with you. He’s most comfortable when he’s able to touch you in one way or another, and he most definitely will keep you trapped in his arms for as long as he can get once you’re there
He’s not shy in telling people you’re his person, but he also isn’t very comfortable being too lovey in public
He’s got an image to maintain as a Marine soldier, and he’d rather not have you shadowing him on the job both for his own focus and for your safety
The exception is if you crossed paths while he’s on his patrol around town, of course. He’ll light up when he sees you and ask what you’re doing out, and after a quick conversation he’d be just fine kissing you good-bye and promising to see you later. Tashigi makes a comment at how his cheeks have a tint to them, and he’ll grumble something under his breath along the lines of ‘stop talking’
If you’re in public and he’s off the job, he’s got no problem holding your hand as you walk together, kissing your cheek or sitting close together to share a drink
All that to say moderate PDA is fine
Smoker’s favorite way to show affection is to lie on the couch with you with you on top, head on his chest while he plays with your hair or rubs your back- whatever you’re more comfortable with
Of course he also loves to kiss you anywhere and everywhere he can get. Cheeks, especially
He peppering you with kisses and watching you laugh and try to squirm away from him
He’ll get super embarrassed if you two get caught, though
Corazon
Cora is also someone who is very affectionate with his partner, so much so that they are usually covered in lipstick smudges
His favorite spots to kiss are your nose, lips and neck and they are usually stained with his signature colour
He has definitely taken you down with him a few times while trying to give you kisses
Neither of you is really sure how you two ended up toppling over while you weren’t even moving
He’s not shy to show you off to people, either. Unlike Smoker, he doesn’t care who knows about your relationship
But years of living with a certain someone’s attitude has made him wary
Cora pours his heart and soul into the people he loves, and he doesn’t like to share
He knows all too well the manipulation tactics his brother could impose on you to make you feel bad, or worse- to sway you into his arms instead
I fully believe Doffy would steal Cora’s partners. I haven’t seen Cora’s episodes yet so who knows how accurate this is but I’m sticking to it
Cora is extremely possessive over you. So being publicly affectionate with you only comforts him in knowing that everyone believes you’re his
His favorite thing to do is to pick you up, your legs wrapped around his torso, pressing kisses all over you
It doesn’t happen often with how many times he’s dropped you or himself, though
Corazon would love surprise kisses
When you’re alone, he’ll ramble on and on about how he feels about you, all sorts of sweet things
Robin
Robin is not shy about giving you affection, but she is classy with it
With her Devil Fruit powers, she can reach you anywhere to hold your hand or give you some sweet touches
Her preferred method of showing you love, in her motherly fashion, is to gently caress your cheek with the back of her hand
She’ll also keep an arm around your waist or shoulders, knowing how the feeling of being held is comforting to you
She’s comfortable giving you quick kisses and loving words in front of the crew, but in a public setting- especially when you’re all new to the area, she’ll go as far as holding your hand and that’s about it
The best time to give her affection is while you’re out on the sea
Lazy days in the sun, just sitting together while she reads, your head in her lap while she swipes her thumb over your cheek in soft, slow motions
It would be very easy to fall asleep there if it weren’t for the chaos of the rest of the crew
Robin will welcome affection anytime, too. No matter what she’s doing on the ship, as long as she’s in a good mood, if you sneak up behind her and wrap your arms around her or lean down to kiss her cheek in passing, she’ll always end up smiling to herself
Robin isn’t used to being treated kindly- at least in a physical sense. It took her forever to learn to trust the crew to that point, and a little longer with you because of how intimate your relationship was. So having gotten to this point where you two are happily able to share these precious moments is very important to her
#one piece#harleywritesop#hwop#smoker x reader#smoker op#captain smoker#smoker one piece#devil child nico robin#op robin#nico robin#nico robin x reader#robin x reader#corazon rosinante#corazon x reader#donquixote corazon#corazon one piece#rosinante x reader#rosinante corazon#one piece rosinante#donquixote rosinante
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Madripoor || Bucky Barnes X Reader
Agent Bucky X Bratty/Agent Reader
18+ Minors DNI
Plot: Making Bucky jealous didn't totally go where you thought it would.
Warnings: praising, dirty talk, language, pet names, jealousy, a little metal arm kínk, no condom (but they are both clean and r is on birth control), implied aftercare, no mention of y/n
I can see Bucky standing by the bar with the same stoic expression on his face. He knows I'm here but he hasn't noticed me yet. I walk up to his left side, so he doesn't see me coming.
"Are you going to ask me to dance?" I lean against the bar, not looking at him.
He turns his head to look at me. He doesn't say anything, just staring at me. God. I hate when he stares at me like that. Or...more that I hate the way he makes me feel when he looks at me. My muscles tense up and my breath hitches. Shit. I pause, trying to plan my next moves very carefully.
I smirk and start to speak, "Well, if you don't want to dance with me, I'm sure somebody else will."
I know he watches as I disappear into the crowd of dancing people. The music blares as I push through people. I walk up to a random guy. I've been watching him since I got here. He's been trying, (and failing), to flirt with girls all night. I know Bucky's seen him too. I pretend to be drunk and stumble into him making sure to place my hands where his abs should be. Emphasis on should be.
"Fuck. Oh my god. I'm soooooo sorry. God." I pat where my hands were just moments before and slowly look up at him. He's moderately attractive. In a conventional way. He looks like you would imagine an attractive guy to look. He's taller than me. Around 5' 11". I can't tell what color his hair because of lights but its styled to look messy. He's not in bad shape but you can tell he's not one of those gym guys. "Oh. Wow. You're... wow." He smirks like he expected my reaction.
He grabs my hand and pulls me on the dance floor. I start grinding against him. We're dancing for about 10 minutes. All of the sudden, I have a feeling that someone is staring at me. It all happen so fast: Bucky walking up behind us, him grabbing the guys shoulder and pushing him away from me, him grabbing my arm and pulling me off the dance floor, the guy following us, shouting, and Bucky punching the guy in the face. He pulls me further down the hallway.
There are a few people in the hallway. Some making out against the wall and a few smoking joints.
"What the fuck do you think you were doing?" Bucky's voice low.
I cock my head to the side, confused, "What are you talking about? I wanted to dance and you wouldn't dance with me. So I found someone who would."
He doesn't say anything and I notice the position were standing. My back up against the wall and Bucky in front of me, his face close, and his arms holding himself up by my head.
"You know," my voice playful and teasing, "if you're jealous-"
"I'm not jealous," He cuts me off immediately. His voice short.
"Oh. Of course not. But, if you were, that would be fine." I smirk my eyes not leaving his.
He grunts in response.
"Well, if we're done here," I duck under his arms and start walking back toward the dance floor.
He grabs my arm and pulls me back towards him. Within a millisecond, his lips are locked on mine, and they don't seem to have any interest in leaving.
I break away and Bucky look at me. Before he can say anything, I grab his arm and pull him the opposite direction down the hall. I've been here before so I know exactly where I'm going. We enter a room and I shut the door, locking it behind us. As soon as the door is locked, I'm back to kissing him. He picks me up and puts me on the bed, not separating his lips from mine. I feel his metal arm sliding up my thigh until he's at my panties. I moan at his touch.
I sit up and start working on his belt. It doesn't take long and as soon as its off, I'm unzipping his jeans. He pulls his boxers down with his jeans and I take off my panties.
He stares at me in awe. "My god. Are you sure you want to do this? With me?"
I nod.
"Doll," he looks at me expectantly, "I'm going to need you to use your words."
"Yes, sir." I pause, unsure of how he feels about me calling him sir.
He takes a deep breath, "Fuck."
I pulls me closer to the edge of the bed and pumps his cock in his hand a few times before pushing it inside of me. He's slow at first, making sure to constantly check in on me.
He starts pulsing in and out, faster. He picks me up and flips us over so I'm on top.
He has his metal arm on my waist, guiding my movement, and his other arm works to unzip my dress. Within a matter of seconds, my dress is on the ground and he leans back as both of his hands guide me.
He sits up guiding me but also kissing his way down my neck until he reaches my breasts. He flicks his tongue and I moan as he does. Everything he does drives me crazy. His hands grip my waist tighter.
He leans back so he can see all of my on top of him. Riding him. Enjoying every moment of it.
"Oh. FUCK! Bucky- oh- fuck," I try not to scream.
"Scream as loud as you want, doll. You're doing so good. I'm so proud of you. Taking all of me. Good girl. Oh. Fuck. Keep going, love. Oh. That's so good." His voice is low and he moans as he speaks.
I buck forward and lean over him. He keeps guiding me but he takes more control. His hips thrusting his dick in and out. Over and over. Hitting the spot every single time.
"Fuck. Oh. GOD. Right there. Oh. That's it. Right there." My arms give out and I'm laying on top of him.
He chuckles under me followed by a deep moan.
My can feel myself reaching my high and I know he can feel it too.
"That's it. You're so close. Oh. That's it. Good girl." His voice is breathy and full of pride.
My eyes roll into my head and my back arches. I let out a loud moan as I orgasm.
"Oh. Good girl. Oh. Thats so good. Fuck." I can feel Bucky finish. We lay there, still, listening to each other breathing.
"Fuck, Bucky. That was amazing." I let out a small laugh as I speak.
"Doll, you can call me James."
I look up at him in surprise, "Really?"
"Of course, love. You can do whatever you want to me. I fucking love you. I've wanted to tell you for so long but I love you so fucking much."
I pause. "I love you too. I can't tell you how much I wanted to kiss you every time I saw you. Every time you look at me, I just want to fold and give you everything. I love you so fucking much."
We lay there in silence for a while, neither of us wanting to move.
"I love you." Bucky whispers.
"I love you too, James."
#bucky barnes#bucky x reader#bucky x you#bucky fanfic#bucky barns x y/n#bucky barns x reader#bucky barns fanfiction#bucky barns imagine
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hi!!! it's super nice to see people opening their requests for venture bc I have been digging(pun intended) for content recently!! I don't normally make requests but I particularly like this blog! if possible, could I request venture with a reader(any pronouns) who deals with rlly intense migraines? if you're unfamiliar, the primary symptoms come with headaches that can range from moderate to severe, nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, smell, lightheadedness. mine have gotten worse recently and I need some comfort 😭 thank you, and I hope you have a fun time writing!!
Venture w/ Reader that has frequent Migraines
here you go we hope this works out for you and thank you so much !!! -Xor & Frisk
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Venture is very accommodating, as loud as they are, when they pick up that you're not doing too great they quiet down as to not make you're Migraines worse
When you feel nauseous they're quick to suggest some fresh air or they offer you a gingersnap cookie, often recently made.
They found out ginger was a good help, no matter the way it's consumed, digging through old recipe books they got their hands on.
They're prone to having the lights on bright due to the need to see express differences in rocks. They got themselves a little spotlight so they don't disturb you when your migraines flare and the light becomes too much.
When the Migraines themselves start up they are usually by your side as soon as possible just in case you feel lightheaded and need to lean on them.
This has also caused them to be prone to picking you up and carrying you to bed or a darker quieter room.
If you allow them to they 100% enjoy getting physically affectionate and just holding you close in the dim lighting. Quietly rambling either about their latest findings, old relics and myths or whatever they find interesting
Over all they do their best to be accommodating but they're also very loud and very excitable, so they mess up sometimes. Shouting from across the room or house, with an energy that you can't always match.
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A little bonus blurb because we're so excited!!!! - Xor
This was written by frisk btw
"Uuuugh-"
Rummaging around Wayfinder's medbay, you wince, eyes squinted as you try to find the stash of Advil you'd hidden specifically for times like these. You had a horrid migraine and couldn't get it to subside no matter what you tried.
Turning the lights off? Didn't help. Drinking water? Nothing. Taking a nap? Couldn't get to sleep in the first place!
Spotting the bottle of your precious meds at the back of the cabinet you were ransacking, you snatch it off the self, taking two out of the bottle and silently celebrating your victory over your own brain.
Taking the pills with a totally-not-stolen water bottle, you head back to your own room to sit in the dark and hate everything for however long this migraine decides to last. As soon as you step out of the medbay though, the sound of your wonderful, amazing, spectacular, yet also extraordinarily *loud* partner, Venture, returning from their latest expedition and heading straight for you.
"(Y/n)! Guess who just found the coolest artifact ever! It's super small but its green which is awesome and it's glowing which is a little concerning but if it's cursed that just makes it even cooler and-!"
You hold up a hand to interrupt them, pinching the bridge of your nose in pain.
"Venture, love, please- you're a little too loud right now."
Almost immediately, they stop talking and stare at you silently. Without saying anything, they grab you by the shoulders and start pushing you to their room, making sure you didn't drop anything as they did.
"What- Venture what are you doing?" You question them, but allow them to guide you as they push you to what you find out is there room, letting them sit you on the bed once you reach it.
"You've got a migraine, right? You only ever tell me to quite down when you got one of those, so I wanna help!" They smile brightly at you, hands on their hips as they whisper, still as enthusiastic as before, just quieter.
You stare at them for a moment before softening, the love and concern in their eyes making you weak, then again, they were far too adorable to *not* have you wrapped around their finger. You nod and take the Advil you'd stolen earlier, watching Venture as they close the door to their room and turn off the lights, turning on a small nightlight they have instead so you could still see.
"Thank you, lovely. So, what is that you were saying about a cursed artifact?"
Immediately, they grin wider than ever and plop down next to you, wrapping an arm around your waist and quietly telling you all about this apparently 3000 year old "cursed" artifact they got from someone named "Ana," no clue who that is, you silently nod along and listen to them as your headache slowly starts to fade.
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I love all your head imps, pinnie!! I want to give them all little forehead kisses. They're such hard workers. I want to spoil Rieba by giving her pudding and tell her how much I appreciate her hard work and dealing with Cero's tantrums. I want to pick up Roch and cuddle with him in bed like a teddy bear. I would join Eleri's mischief and be silly together and talking shit about others.
Thenk you! <:7
They're a gaggle of very stressed demons, you'd be a beacon of light in their lives, in all honesty. Not that dealing with all seven of them together is that much easier than dealing with the seven Icons themselves- There's just less large-scale consequences to their tantrums.
[More servant asks under the cut.]
You'd be correct. Most of the time they only play with Nena's set, because Rinx somehow got his hands on an UNO card pack that's made of some precious metal. It's a totally unnecessary purchase, but it does come in handy when Flints tries to tear the cards in his rage. Sometimes Rieba tries to bite the cards when she's losing and you just hear the constant *tink tink tink* of her teeth.
Eleri has tried to stab someone with them before, Flints liked that a lot. Lacai tries to make it so the losers have to strip until the end of the meeting (not his sister, of course), Nena and Jayde play like normal people and Roch has to be woken up every couple of rounds.
Everyone knows what happened last time they tried Monopoly, the demonlords had to pause their meeting to impose order and every each one of them got punished back in their ring, so they opt to not even mention the game anymore. Probably for the best.
Roch doesn't have a particularly defined scent to himself, but his outfits sure do. It's a very soft and fresh lavender smell-
Until he's inevitably sprayed with blood, y'know?
My God Roch is getting popular.
Grimbly honestly feels more threatened by Eleri than he does anyone else.
They're too similar, the femboy survival instincts would demand he immediately try to start shit with Vorticia's imp.
[Thenk.]
What strat are you going to pull for that mix and mash foursome?
How in the Seven Rings you're going to get all their vacations to line up I have no idea, but provided you can achieve such, then totally.
Since all of them will never ever settle on a location, you should probably take them to places they've never been to before. Like a tropical surface area, anything with water and chirping birds and a lot of fresh air.
Some like Eleri and Rieba might bitch and whine, but you'll catch them genuinely having a great time as soon as they're out of Hell.
Keep an eye out for Roch, because he can get lost or left behind when one of the others isn't keeping a moderately frequent eye on him.
Jayde does not know how to swim and won't admit it.
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What are some of your headcanons for Doc?
I’m so glad you asked~
• he has a series of medications that he is SUPPOSED to be taking but he forgets a lot because he’s a very busy man.
• people are always trying to pull him every which way because he’s the head medical supervisor in the mafia, so he has a lot on his plate. I imagine sometimes, taking care of himself is not first priority. Please god remind him to take his medicine. Force him if you have to.
• he won’t physically fight you. He knows he has to take the medicine. He’s just forgetful. It’s not that he doesn’t want to. But thank god he wouldn’t fight you because he’s stronger than he looks.
• now, he’s not nearly as strong as anyone in the rest of the flags. And he’s not even strong enough to pick you up… but he IS stronger than he looks. You once startled him and he grabbed your wrist with such a firm grip it left a little bruise. Was it hot? Absolutely. Did he apologize profusely afterwards. Absolutely as well.
• he’s cuddly. But not in a normal way. He isn’t one to wrap his arms around you often. In fact he’s not really even a big hugger. But he LOVES being in some form of contact with you. This comes in many forms, such as bumping his forehead against your shoulder and just kind of leaving it there for a minute. He also likes to come up behind you and rest his chin on your shoulder. If you’re sitting down, he’ll lean his body up against you, or perhaps lay himself down into your lap depending on his his day is going. He never says anything about it, he just does it. He likes it when you pet his hair too, but he never ASKS. He just grabs your hand and places it on his head and allows you to piece together the rest.
• he knows a lot about what foods are nutritious and good for you, and the certain vitamins and proteins in foods. Despite this… he does not really know how to cook. He’s no where near as bad as some others on the team… *cough* pianoman and albatross…. But he isn’t great. He can make himself sandwiches. But he doesn’t do that… feed him i beg of you.
• he really likes super gory horror movies and psychological horrors. Sometimes you can barely handle some of the fucked up shit he watches, but he barely blinks and eye. Just cuddle up to him on the couch and he may ACTUALLY put his arm around you if he senses that the movie is spooking you.
• he says the strangest…. Most out of pocket shit all the time. Like… he’ll just mutter shit to himself that makes you have to do a double take. Once was sitting on the couch and murmured.
“Well… obviously ketchup doesn’t come in cans… you couldn’t microwave It then…”
And you had to whip around and go, “motherfucker WHAT.” And then he just looked up at you like he hadn’t said anything at all.
• should you ever get sick or injured he’s there in an INSTANT. And he’s so sure of himself. When doc is taking care of your medical needs, you can tell he’s most in his element. His voice becomes more firm, but still gentle. He remains focused, and talks you through everything he does and why he needs to do it. His touch is feather light across your skin, and he treats your body like priceless porcelain. This makes you feel special because you’ve seen first hand that he isn’t as careful with his other patients. But with you, he acts as though any pain you’re in he can feel too. It’s precious, really.
“It looks like a moderate syndesmotic injury… just a sprained ankle. I’ll need to get you some ice to put on it, and I’ll prescribe you with some anti-inflammatory medication that should assist… let’s go ahead and get you on some mild painkillers too while we’re at it- nothing too serious.”
“I can go get myself some ice, dear. It’s okay-“
His grip is on your wrist suddenly, firm. His other hand is on your thigh, and he holds you in place on his medical table.
“I don’t recall telling you you could get up yet. I’ll get you ice. Sit. You need to be resting. I don’t want to see you getting up unless you have to for the rest of the day.”
“But doc-“
“Doctors orders.”
• he’s actually super self conscious, and sometimes doesn’t quite understand why you’re with him. He knows he’s smart, but he doesn’t really perceive himself as physically attractive or necessarily fit. He isn’t inherently open about these insecurities… but you can tell in the way he clams up and gets noticeably stiff and anxious with a more physically intimidating man starts to speak to you. For a while he would even clam up slightly of the rest of the flags talked to you. But you caught on and just attempted to be a little more intentional about letting him know how handsome you thought he was, and how much you love him. He seems a lot more comfortable now, and doesn’t seem so threatened by others anymore.
• he gets SO disgruntled if he can’t sleep with you when he’s ready to curl up and go to bed. If there’s any reason you can’t spend the night with him he’s going to be so grumpy the next day. His patients better watch out because he will be in a MOOD.
•he likes to sleep laying on his side, typically facing the edge of the bed with his back facing in towards the center. It makes it easier for him to keep his IV connected should he have to. He sometimes has trouble sleeping if he can’t feel you pressed against his back. He likes to have your body wrapped around him, but if he can’t have that, even having you slightly touching him is enough to help him sleep.
•over all 10/10 relationship but please take care of him. Not only does he need it but he deserves it. He’ll pay you back ten fold for whatever you offer him. He’s a weird boyfriend, but a really really good one.
#bungou stray dogs#bsd#bsd flags#flags bsd#bsd young bloods#bsd doc#stormbringer doc#stormbringer flags#bsd piano man#bsd albatross#stormbringer#chuuya nakahara
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I loved your Sasuke fic so much I figured I’d come back for more (if you’re willing)! What about Sasuke with envy and 😘!
I do love some Sasuke. Best ninja ever! Approx. 1400 words of envy and awkward romance!
Sasuke stood at the edge of the garden, his presence obscured by the natural flow of greenery. Hiding in plain sight was a moderately awesome ninja skill, and one he honed to perfection. Today though, he wanted very much to be seen. The temptation to step into view set a tension in his legs and torso, an unpleasant tug-of war between competing desires.
Only a little ways away, Kenshin knelt on a sandy path beside the chatelaine, their knees almost touching. Bunnies romped all around them, going between the two for attention and back out into the garden to nibble. It was a moment of perfect romance, with the smell of fresh blossoms on the warm spring air and warm afternoon light giving the scene a golden glow.
It didn’t help that Kenshin was, objectively, beautiful. His pale, delicate hair, porcelain skin, an intense gaze that only softened when he looked at the bunnies or at Mai. He was graceful, strong, and powerful. A presence that commanded attention. The complete opposite of a ninja that could and did disappear completely into the background.
The ninja felt something solid in his throat, a pressure as if he might choke. An acid bile that crept into his mouth and made everything sharp and sour. He wanted Mai to see him. To give him all of her attention, in a way that went beyond friendship - something he would not yet admit to himself.
He told himself it was better this way. Better for the chatelaine, and for him. Because he would have to say goodbye, and goodbyes with friends hurt less when you didn’t let yourself get attached. If only his heart would believe it with him.
Sasuke swallowed, trying to banish the bitterness. He couldn’t be jealous of Mai’s other friends, even when those were ridiculously attractive warlords. He should be glad. Happy for her. With that thought firmly in his mind, he turned to slip away unnoticed. She didn’t need him here, interrupting her time with Kenshin.
“Hey! Sasuke?” Mai’s voice stopped him mid-step.
He wasn’t sure how she’d spotted him. Epic fail. Sasuke turned.
Kenshin gave him a sharp look. “If you cannot hide from one girl, I think you and I need some more training sessions.” His lips curled up in a faint smile. “We can start now.”
“No! Nope! No training in the garden. Especially not with bunnies present.”
“Hmph.” Kenshin crossed his arms. “Later then.”
“So . . . were you just passing by?” Mai stood and patted the dust and bunny hair from her clothes.
Sasuke nodded. He was desperately glad for once that his face was so unreadable. He wasn’t sure what expression he would be making, something between embarrassment and happiness, and affection.
She smiled at him. “Where are you headed? Are you on an errand?”
He wasn’t, actually. This was a day off, which was why he’d gone looking for Mai. But saying so now would only dig the hole deeper. Because then she’d want to know why he was sneaking around, watching her. Stalker vibes did not make for solid friendships! “Yep. On an errand. To the, er, market?”
“Oh! That’s great! I was thinking about heading there later this week to pick up some notions. I am looking for ribbon and embroidery thread. Is it ok if I come with?”
Kenshin’s expression went from faint joy at the thought of chasing Sasuke in a mock-fight to disappointment. “You would leave me? And the bunnies?”
Mai gave him a regretful look. “I’d like to go out with Sasuke today.” She patted his head the way you might do to comfort a child. “We can have bunny time another day. I promise.”
Sasuke expected an outburst from his quixotic boss, but Kenshin just sulked.
“Fine. Another day then. Don’t think I won’t hold you to it.”
She laughed. “I expect no less.” Then Mai held out her hand to Sasuke. “Ready?”
Sasuke blinked. The sun was creating a halo around her smiling face, and little color bursts of light around her. It was too beautiful. She was too beautiful. He reached for her hand and felt her fingers intertwine with his. “Yes.”
He barely noticed walking out of the garden and down onto the road. They surely passed people in the halls, and went through doors and up and down steps. But the only thing in his world was Mai. The feeling of their palms touching. His heart felt as if it would burst and his pulse pounded in his ears, an unhealthy 190 BPM. His skin felt too warm and his clothes too tight.
“I might need to stay in today,” he told her just as they reached the turnoff to go to the market. His voice shook a little as he said it, his throat clenching as if to hold in the words. Because he certainly wanted to spend the day with her. More than anything.
Mai’s eyes widened in concern. “Are you ok? You aren’t getting sick, are you?” She put her wrist to his forehead.
Silk-soft skin, smelling faintly of herbal soap and light perfume sent his heart into an even faster gallop. “I . . . maybe?”
“You don’t have a fever. Maybe you just need some water. Did you eat today?”
Sasuke couldn’t remember if he had or not. Right now, he wasn’t sure he could recall his own name. Her touch felt so - so nice.
“Hmmm.” She pressed her fingers lightly to his neck, sending little shivers through him. “We should definitely sit.” Mai tugged him over to a bench and pulled him down to sit beside her. She leaned lightly into him. “Better?”
It wasn’t, really. The spot on his leg where her thigh almost touched his tingled weirdly. “More symptoms,” he replied, feeling confused. This presented like no disease he knew of.
Mai leaned closer. “Your eyes look ok. Not dilated.”
From this close, she was even prettier. Sasuke could completely understand Shingen’s need to call her an angel. She was that, and more. And he wanted to kiss her. The realization hit him so suddenly that he gasped.
“What is it?” She put a hand on his shoulder.
Her lips were so close. Did friends want to kiss friends? On the lips? Sasuke tried to rein in the urge. Maybe? Maybe they did? “Do you think . . . is it . . .”
“Yes?” She squeezed his shoulder gently.
“That is, would you mind if . . . if I . . .” Sasuke couldn’t seem to get the words out. They tangled on his tongue, impossible to pronounce. His face felt frozen, his throat tight and hot.
She studied his face as if searching for something there. “You can ask me anything.” Mai leaned closer yet, or perhaps it was him, leaning closer to her.
He could feel her breath stir against his cheek. Her lips were only a hairsbreadth from his own. Sasuke swallowed. He thought he might burst into flame, he was so hot under her touch. And irrationally, part of him thought a kiss - just a friendly little mouth to mouth kiss - might help. But he couldn’t push past that paper-thin barrier. Not without permission.
“Oh gross! What are you doing? Sasuke!” Whatever might have been about to happen, it all fell apart with a single voice. Yukimura marched toward them, grimacing. “You can’t sit that close together!”
Mai shot away from Sasuke like she’d been stung. “I - I was just checking for fever.”
“Sure you were.” Yuki scowled at her.
“She - she was. I’m feeling ill.” And he still did. A bit light-headed, but his heart was beginning to calm down. “I think it passed though. I probably just needed to sit.” Yes. Sitting. Not kissing. Not thinking about kissing.
Yukimura snorted. “Whatever. Just don’t be gross where I can see it.”
Sasuke was certain there would be nothing gross about kissing Mai. Nothing at all. He cleared his throat. “Anyway, we were going to the market. Did you want to come? BFF’s invited!”
“Yeah. I better. Otherwise who knows what the boar woman will seduce you into.”
Mai smacked his arm. “I am not a boar woman! And I am not seducing anyone!”
“Sure.” Yuki rolled his eyes.
As the three of them set off, Sasuke noticed a little frown of disappointment on the chatelaine’s lovely lips. Had she wanted to kiss him too? The thought was both exciting and intimidating. Perhaps they could be friends that kissed.
“Don’t look so happy,” Yukimura elbowed him.
“I only look happy because you’re about to lose our race.” Sasuke shot back.
“Our what?” Yuki’s question came a beat late, as the ninja lunged into a run. “Wait up!”
“Hey!” Mai laughed and broke into a run, with Yukimura hot on her heels. Just three friends, enjoying a free day together.
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In one of your recent posts you mentioned mastodon. I've been thinking of trying it out but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of different servers. Which one would you recommend? Preferably ones that are trans and autistic friendly?
oh wonderful! always glad to help someone try something new.
some general info, before we start. for you and anyone else who may be reading this:
mastodon servers aren't isolated from each other. it's like how t-mobile and verizon are different phone networks but can call and text each other. it's also harder for larger servers to moderate their user base well, since the vast majority aren't run by businesses/professionals, just individuals. this aspect is similar to forums and discord. and so, pick whichever server you want based mainly on the server's rules and moderation! to be clear, i DO NOT recommend mastodon.social for the above reasons.
with that out of the way, here's my server recs!
if you take my word for it, you can assume they're all well moderated, LGBTQ+ friendly, and staunchly anti-fascist lol. that being said, always be sure and read the about and rules pages on any server before joining! i recommend reading through the rules of multiple servers even if you decide on just one, so you can get a better feel for how things work.
first, the three servers i have accounts on:
tech.lgbt / on the larger side, but really nice. main user base is lgbt people in the tech field (shocker) and a significant amount of furries (the overlap in this venn diagram is Huge) but you do not have to be one of those things or post that content to sign up there whatsoever!
cutie.city / smaller and super chill lgbtq+ run server, lots of general posting, cute pics, artists, etc. very easy to talk to, and very friendly! highly recommend this server if you are just starting out and feeling things out.
urusai.social / cool and friendly fandom focused server, mainly focused on animanga, light/web novels, e. asian dramas, video games, etc. it has a sister server (sakurajima.moe) you can also check out.
here's a few servers i'm not personally on (yet) but that i have friends on, have read the rules for, and have seen are well moderated:
mastodon.art / on the larger side, and is the main mastodon server artists and creators of all kinds join! friendly, with lots of fun events run by the main mod.
strangeobject.space / super small instance, really chill.
fandom.ink / another fandom focused server, but much more general and not so heavily focused on e. asian media.
honorable mentions that i have mutuals from but dunno much about personally: floss.social / mstdn.games / socel.net / queer.party
if you want to follow people who aren't on your server, all you have to do is place their account url into the search bar of your server and follow from there. (there's other ways to do this, but that's for another post, this one's long enough already). for accounts to follow after signing up, i recommend:
FediTips / nice account with tips for new users
FediFollows / run by the same person, they post follow friday lists of cool accounts to follow.
Curator / the admin for mastodon.art. boosts cool art a lot and has events (run through hashtags) that lots of people join, so you can find new artists
Hashtags / this isn't a specific account. on mastodon you can follow entire hashtags, similar to the way you can here, but better. it's one of the easiest and best ways to find new content and new people to follow.
Also, after signing up, your server will have a /directory page where you can easily find more people to follow!
once you're signed up, be sure to set up your profile, make an introduction post (and tag it with #introduction, hashtags are the best way to find people, remember), and have fun!
if you'd like to learn more about mastodon (either casually, or in depth) AllThingsTech and Fedi.Tips are great sites to do so! and you're free to ask me whatever you'd like about it as well, even if it's a "small" question.
P.S. - sorry for the long response, i hope it wasn't too overwhelming! i wanted to give more info not just for you but for anyone else who may be interested or confused.
TL;DR: the instances i linked are great to join! just look at the links, lol
#ask#ky speaks#mastodon#fediverse#im viralvulpes on those three instances btw feel free to follow me as well!
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@krikeymate left these incredible tags that i wanted to address
#Scream#THIS IS SO RUDE#i love it#do you think Tara ever considered drowning her sorrows too#ever picked up a bottle. the pills left behind.#maybe she did one day. another night alone and she just drinks and drinks and drinks#maybe she accidentally texts Amber. maybe she was coming over anyway. maybe she had just decided to come over so Tara wouldnt be alone#and Amber finds her lying on the floor drunk out of her mind. empty bottles surrounding her.#she's furious. she yells. she drags her to the bathroom and shoves her fingers down Tara's throat#how dare she. Tara isn't like them. she's better. she won't accept this from her.#you aren't Sam she says. I am oh I am she thinks. unable to look at her reflection and not see the echo of her sister. her mother.#but she doesn't tell Amber that. it would only make her mad.#Amber hates when Tara compares herself to Sam. hates when she talks about her. thinks about her. maybe Tara should hate it too.
THAT'S WHAT I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT, but then i was thinking back to the opening of five. in the texts, amber is encouraging the intake of liquor. which always struck me as odd, given that later on we learn she saw first hand what it did to christina, and sam. so i toyed around with a few ideas until i settled on one i thought fit best
at first, amber is so damn glad that tara doesn't drink or touch drugs. she's seen the effects they've had on christina, on sam, and she knows tara is better than that. better than them. tara can do so much more. tara can be so much more. and it looks like tara knows that too! tara is such a good girl, recognizing the fact she's better than the rest of her family and holding to it. and then amber learns the real reason tara doesn't drink. i promised. before she left, i promised i wouldn't. and she might break promises, but i don't. irritation lights down amber's spine. so it hadn't been about tara at all ... it had been about sam. honestly, at this point, what in tara's life wasn't about samantha fucking carpenter?
after that, she tries to convince tara to just try it. a sip here, a shot there, in moderation it isn't dangerous! and tara has the control! (or, well, amber does. she can watch and make sure things don't get out of hand.)
it's the first time amber ever heard the word no.
tara, who's been like a dog at her heel since sam left, says no to her. tara, who she's looked after and listened to and pieced back together, says no to her. for the ghost of her goddamn sister, who's not even here.
its a reminder that when push comes to shove, sam will always come first.
its a reminder amber doesn't take very kindly.
it ignites one of the first arguments between them, because as good as amber is at masking her annoyance at everything sam related, tara is painfully attuned to every miniscule shift in expression and tone. she has to be. she reads into it, assumes amber is angry at her. things get really messy, really fast.
at the end of the day, tara caves. sam is gone, she never has to know. besides sam lied first, sam left, amber's right, what obligation did tara have to uphold her end of the deal? especially if, in her head, it meant making amber angry/giving her a reason to leave? she's already lost sam, she can't lose amber too
amber feels the dizzying rush of power, of finally being one step ahead of stupid fucking sam. tara choose her, choose to make her happy over some long held promise. and tipsy tara is adorable. all wide wet eyes and messy hair, looking up at her with this absolutely vulnerability and trust.
amber regulates the drinking closely. tara is not allowed to drink without her, or too often. after all, amber can't have her falling down that familiar familial path.
#alcoholism tw#scream#amber freeman#tara carpenter#its the posession and obsession for me#amber hates ANY reminders of sam#or the fact that tara loves sam#'you are better han them tara. you can regulate and pace yourself.'#'things only ever have as much power as you give them'#words that richochet aroun tara's head post everything#words that fuel that spiral in six#she holds fast to the idea she's regulating. she's not giving these things any power over her#the same way she isnt giving the memors power over her#( while in reality shes very much doing both and just in severe denial)#krikeymate
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BOOP
Savage was reporting to the human female what supplies they had left, taking it all very seriously when the tiny human poked his nose with a loud 'boop" sound. The yellow Zabraks lite gray green eyes widened as she covered her mouth and stifled a small giggle.
"I'm so sorry." She continued to giggle gently patting his shoulders.
"I don't understand..." Savage stated looking to his brothers.
Mauls arms were crossed as he rolled his eyes observing the scene with a hard scowl line creasing his face.
"She's... odd..." Maul stated to his older brother. "Darling mine... do control your impulsiveness." Maul raised a tattooed brow at her. She laughed heartily and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I thought you liked my impulsiveness." She cooed kissing his chin. Maul snorted.
"You are insufferable." He droned rolling his eyes. "We must go get our supplies now... you'll need your cloak." Maul told her.
"Right!" She whirled and took off to her room. Maul looked to his two brothers.
"Make sure she doesn't... do something impulsive." Maul ordered his two brothers.
"Like what?" Ferral questioned.
"Just keep her from harm." Maul eyed him sternly before turning to where she wad practically skipping past them.
"Waiting on you now." She teased. Maul caught up to her quickly, gripping her swinging hand and held it still at thier side.
"I've ordered my brothers to keep you safe... so keep them busy would you." Maul whispered to her, kissing her temple. She smirked broadly up at him.
"I know... I'll look after them." She hummed, kissing his jaw. "Misbehave yourself." She called after him as he left her side.
"Always." Maul smirked pulling his cowl up as she winked.
"Let's go shopping!" She grinned at Ferral and Savage. She linked her arms around thiers and walked on rambling about the culture and animal life of the planet they were currently on.
The trio collected the supplies they needed then sat down at a Cafe to eat. The brothers scowled at her plate.
"It's a salad, you blithering womp rats, not nuclear waste." She chortled waving a fork full of food in thier faces.
"Does it even taste good?" Savage asked curiously.
"To me it tastes pretty good... there are some veggies I don't like cause they only taste like dirt... this salad is actually the best I've had in a while." She smiled at them.
"Id like to try it." Ferral stated. She smirked at him and picked out a bite for him, and put it next to his plate of meat.
"Only just a bite... Maul ate some vegetables once, cause it was all we had, and he shat himself silly. Zabrack being carnivores and all... that one bite won't hurt you. " She assured. Ferral took the bite and shuddered, wanting to spit the food out immediately. She held a napkin out to him. "Spit it out in here."
"That was terrible." Ferral gagged. The human and Savage chuckled at the young zabraks antics.
"Just stick to the food you know brother." Savage stated, shaking his head.
"There are some fruits, grains, and veg you guys can have in moderation... but we'll cross that bridge when we get there... we gotta get back, Maul is on his way back to the ship." She explained finishing her meal.
"How long have you known our brother." Savage asked as they started pushing thier crates of supplies back to the ship.
"Little over ten years now I think... long story for a different day... hey, Ferral?" She replied, grabbing the light orange zabraks arm.
"Yes?" He answered looking at her
"BOOP!" She grinned poking his nose. Savages rumbling laugh echoed at Ferrals displeased scowl.
"You're trouble..." He grumbled after her as she giggled maniacally.
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Hi! I just came across one of your fics and really enjoyed it. Saw you prompt list meme, and I hope you don't mind me plopping in a prompt here. Please ignore me if you do. :) I'd love to see nr. 18 (“I don’t like the way they look at you.”) for Jamie Winter (or WinterNelson).
hello! thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the fic! <3 always open for prompts, just also a bit slow - hope this is okay!
[read on AO3] [send a prompt, get a fic, Eventually]
They have every opportunity for regret, and take none. Nelson sees no faces tilted up, trying to pick out the flat’s window from street level. No last glance through a rain-flecked windscreen. No farewell flash of lights. They just drive off into the low cloud of the early evening, gunmetal car gleaming amidst Causton’s muted, drizzle-gentled tones. Might as well have been a pair of high-flyers leaving a moderately successful business meeting.
Nelson hadn’t really expected anything more. He’s not at the window because he’d been waiting to wave back. Watching them go, yes, but in the way a sheepdog waits for a wolf to vanish beyond the treeline; seeing, being sure that they’re out of Winter’s life again.
That done, he glances down into his glass, swirling it so that the last of the wine dances with reflections. A dust mote, caught against the deep ruby of the surface, sits steady as the hand of a spun compass.
“I don’t think they like me very much,” he says.
On the other side of the flat, Winter looks up from the sink, considering Nelson over one shoulder. Still just as quiet, his expression just as empty as it had been all through lunch.
“Parents usually love me,” Nelson adds, straightening, pushing himself away from the window. He paces past the table, setting the glass down with a faint scrape of crystal against hardwood. “I’m told I seem very responsible.”
It takes a moment, as though Winter’s internal systems are lagging so badly that he needs time just to recognise him, but then he smiles, and it’s real. Nothing like the polite, skin-deep efforts that he’d been making all afternoon.
“It’s not personal,” he says, and there’s even a trace of a laugh in it. He turns away from the washing up bowl, flicking excess water from his hands, and reaches for a tea towel. “And you don’t like them much either.”
Nelson stops. He’d meant to make a start on the drying himself, but Winter is already descending on the draining board with a studied intensity that clearly would have been frenzy, if he’d let it.
“I don’t like the way they look at you,” Nelson says, settling against a work surface instead. He hadn’t liked most of it, really – the atmosphere had been so cold, and Winter had carried himself so stiffly, that they might as well have eaten outside, half-frozen in the November wind – but that had been the worst of it. Their polite disinterest. When they’d shaken his hand with all the engagement they might grant a gate across their walking route. A four-hour lunch with only cursory attention paid to their son’s partner, like it didn’t matter to them who he was seeing. They’d looked at Winter, at everything he was and everything he cared for, weighed it and found him wanting. “When they asked about your inspector’s exam–”
He’d wanted to step in, then. Had let his eyes flick over to Winter, trying to ask, silently, do you want me to defend you? Is that why I’m here? But he’d got nothing back. Winter had just sat there, replied to his parents in a flat, level voice, blank behind it.
Nelson had tried to divert them anyway, throwing out a few questions about their own work, but he’d known by then that he wasn’t saving anything. There had never been any chance at that.
“They’ve always had high expectations,” Winter says, in the same casual tone that he uses to talk about everything that hurts. “I barely saw them growing up. They were always out working. Wanted to send us to the best schools, make sure we had a good start.” He slots a plate back into its place in the cupboard, utterly without force, a stark contrast to the anger that turns in Nelson’s gut like an animal seeking flaws in its cage. “They just wanted more for me than the police, and definitely more than a dead-end job in Midsomer.”
“More than someone like me?” Nelson guesses, but even with all that bitterness in his mouth, none of it’s on his own behalf.
Winter pauses, back at the draining board. His fingers shift away from another plate, reach for a glass instead. He passes Nelson on the way to its cabinet, and lays a brief hand against his arm, the slightest shading of regret across his features.
“I’ve known for a long time that nothing that makes me happy is ever going to be enough for them,” he says, his touch a request that Nelson hears the part he thinks is more important. He does, but the rest of it’s still too sour for him to taste anything else.
“And you’re just all right with that?” Nelson asks. Wasted breath, probably. They wouldn’t be having this conversation if Winter didn’t think he could pretend that everything’s fine.
“I got used to it.” The same sort of thing he’d say about Misomer’s climate. About immutable qualities of the world that cannot be altered, rather than two people who’d apparently never got over the fact that their son didn’t measure success the same way they did, and didn’t bother trying to hide their disappointment. “They do try.”
“Not hard enough.” Nelson curbs a snarl, swallows the urge to snatch the tea towel, take Winter’s hands himself. Whenever this had broken, it had been a long time ago. The bone’s too knitted for sharp edges anymore.
He leaves it.
A few months ago, he remembers, Winter had told the Barnabys about their relationship. They’d talked about it beforehand. Winter had been sure the Barnabys would have no problem with his sexuality. He’d known that they already liked Nelson. And yet, through every conversation they’d had about it, Winter had been tense, nervous despite his efforts to pretend otherwise. Dogged by a fear of something he wouldn’t or couldn’t articulate, right up until he’d finally spoken to them.
Winter had asked him down for this over the phone, voice so level, so resigned, that Nelson had thought there might actually be something wrong with the line, up until he’d heard it the same all through lunch. He’d made no occasion of the introduction.
So, Nelson’s here for him, not them.
He stays where he is, lets himself be the still point, while Winter finishes with the drying up, and then starts to move methodically through the flat, putting everything back the way it had been before his parents had come. Keeps going until it’s all done and the dark’s drawn in around them, and then he just stops. Stands there like a clockwork toy that’s run down.
Nelson steps in before he can feel it.
“Do you want to order in tonight?” he asks, pausing beside him with an off-hand glance at his watch. “There are repeats on until three, and they’re showing the episode where Detective Ostergaard’s trapped in a haunted hotel.”
He’d usually expect a light, good-natured jab about his taste in television, but Winter just nods and smiles, lets Nelson lead him to the sofa and trusts him to order something he’ll like, while he scrolls through the available channels like he doesn’t remember exactly which one he’s looking for.
Winter’s quiet, and he stays that way until so close before the end of the opening credits of their first episode that he might have measured it specifically to stop the conversation from going any further. Or maybe he’d just realised it was his last chance to speak.
“Thanks for coming,” he says, eyes fixed on the screen and flickering with cold reflections.
Nelson exhales, his attention flickering away from Detective Ostergaard’s crime scene, spattered with red that’s slightly the wrong shade. He has nothing he knows how to say, so he just takes Winter’s hand, and raises it to kiss the inside of his wrist, a ghost of lips across his pulse point. Hopes that tells him everything. And then he lets go, brushing his thumb across Winter’s knuckles.
They watch in silence for a moment, Kate’s favourite pathologist spouting nonsense to camera with more conviction than the average person will ever feel, then Winter lets out a dragging breath, like he’s trying to purge every corner of his lungs. He wavers towards Nelson, and Nelson leans in to meet him.
This is why he’s here, Nelson thinks, as Winter’s head settles onto his shoulder, and he inclines his own so that his cheek rests against Winter’s hair. Crap telly and a takeaway, a weight of warmth, someone who remembers the way back to normal. Just to be there, where he’s needed.
With any luck, it’ll be a long while until Winter’s parents feel obliged to visit again. The food will be here soon, and there’ll be enough spice in it to burn the last of the bitterness off Nelson’s tongue. The wound will scab over again, and Winter’s smiles will look a little less brittle.
For now, this can be good enough.
#midsomer murders#winternelson#jamie winter#charlie nelson#I'm so sorry this took 84 years#I had no ideas and then I had six#narrowed that down to two#thought it would be easier if I just wrote both#and the other one turned into a casefic#and now we're here!#and I suppose that's the Winter's Parents Aren't Great square for the old midsomer fic bingo card
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bro what’s ur skin care routine
First of all thank you for this much needed ego boost <3 second dont let the walls of text scare you its actually moderately simple
I try a lot of things, but typically I use the fuck out of these three face washes
The first one is what I use everyday in the shower and scrub tf out of my face with bc it's gentle enough that it doesn't hurt when I do that but it's not like... super light it actually makes me feel clean. I also use it on my armpits for that reason.. the peach one is just super good at getting makeup off I actually just use this one when I wear dark eye makeup and I also scrub the hell out of my skin with a more coarse washcloth when I do use it for makeup removal.
The third one has the consistency of the useless foam handsoap in most public bathrooms and I bought it bc I thought the packaging was cute lol but I actually just use this throughout the day when my skin feels gross like after sweating a lot? It's useless as a main cleanser but it's great as like a pick me up and especially if you work gross jobs. If this existed when I was still cleaning toilets I would have used it on my work break to at least feel like I got the germs off me midday lol.
ANYWAYS the potatoes of my skincare are these
Vanicream is a godsend if you have any type of disorder that makes you dehydrated or fucks w ur skin. I have EDS so my fiance actually bought this for me after resrarching what exactly EDS tends to do to skin. I use it on my face after exfoliating and I use it as a conduit for tea tree oil (three drops for one half pump. Bc putting tea tree oil directly on skin isnt good in the long run) and that's what I wear to bed.
The skin proud ones I got bc they were cute and I wanted something lighter for my eyelid area and they do that fantastic. I use the pink one the most but since it's so fucking hot rn I've been using the blue one which has some sort of menthol in it to keep me cool and from putting sweat right back into my cleared out pores.
My preferred spf no longer is sold so I switched to this one last year... not as good as my former fave but it does make my skin feel very soft and I can put it on my eyelid area without it stinging. You need to rub it in good and it feels a little icky until it dries down but it's not a grease-fest like a lot of spf is. PLEASE DONT SKIP... it's the most expensive thing in my skincare and the one thing you can't just get at Walmart or ulta on here but it is definitely worth it. I live with the highest UV in the usa and it REALLY fucking does its job lol. Also its one of those products that lasts ages me and my fiancé both use it face and décolletage and we got it last year sane bottle.
So in step form I shower at night and scrub my skin with some kind of exfoliating cloth with the pineapple enzyme... (or the peach one of I was wearing makeup) I actually do the dry wash technique too which is where you put the soap on before your skin gets wet since it gets into the pores better and does its job better. When I have time at least once every two weeks I actually massage it into my skin for ten mins with no or minimal water (just make sure your hands are clean first) and exfoliate + rinse in the shower. Ngl I mostly do it that long bc it feels good on my face muscles, you only need to do it 3 mins max
Then I use my vanicream with 3 drops of tea tree oil and go to bed.
The most high maintenance thing about my skin is that I'm a huge germaphobe and I use a clean pillowcase and wash cloth almost each time I use them. I handwash my pillow cases with antibacterial handsoap and hang them up to dry overnight just so I have clean pillowcases to use later without having to pay to use a washer all the time bc who tf has time for that or coins. I usually replace my pillowcases every 3 days. (Or the main pillow I put my face on, the other ones idc)
When I wake up I have bedhead so I shower really quickly to remold my hair and use the pineapple stuff again but I use my actual moisturizers instead of vanicream when I get out and I put them on about 15 mins before my spf. (Spf is the last thing I put on before I leave which isnt recommended professionally but idc) and I use very hot water but I do a little rinse with cold water to feel extra clean for some reason. I dont think it does anything i just think it feels nice ^^;
And... that's it really. After running errands I might use the foam cleanser after washing my hands bc I'm weird and I wash my hands too much XD but yeah thats all it takes for me. My genetics arent that great but my OCD and germaphobia make up for it because really my skin is the way it is because I dont let bacteria feel welcome for a second even if I'm doing dirty work. :P I'm also hyper aware of when sweat is jamming my style because I hate the feeling of sweat on my face so i have a built in tattletale for clogged pores phhh
(I also should say as a disclaimer that I only wear eye and lip makeup and I think foundation is annoying ;;0;; I used it a few times and my skin hated it each time. If you use it make sure you use tea tree oil before bed and when waking up, your skin will need the extra hand kicking the makeup out!)
I hope this helped ^_^
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The lesson I want you to learn is it doesn't matter what you look like, or that's what Rob Zombie's hoping for at least?
The year is 1964 and everyone's television was taking them down to 1313 Mockingbird lane for the first time to meet a wholesome new friendly family. The Munsters, although this wasn't your typical family; be it Herman Munster played by the late great Fred Gwynne who some may recognize as the judge in my cousin Vinny (1992) or as Jud in Stephen Kings Pet Sematary (1989). Yvonne De Carlo as Lily Munster who also started in the Ten Commandments (1956). Al Lewis as grandpa Munster who was in used cars (1980) Rock 'n' Roll highschool forever (1991) and yes Ramones: raw (2004) because Al Lewis knew how to party. Also featuring Pat Priest as Marilyn and Butch Patrick as Eddie. It was simple really, a normal family like any other except the father was a Frankenstein monster, the wife was a vampire and grandpa was Dracula, the son was a Wolfman leaving Marilyn (the niece) a human to be the ugly duckling of the family so to speak. It would have wholesome family moral values discussed in episodes with occasional cheesy gags throughout the show. The show was moderately successful with 2 seasons, 2 movies, a mini cartoon movie, a reboot movie and today this.
When Rob Zombie took this opportunity I wasn't sure how I felt. Sure he's a fan and he'll treat it with care as everyone around me said; but I didn't feel that way especially when the first thing I heard was his casting. Now first I'm not trashing on the acting abilities of any actors here I enjoy the movies each of them do and their parts. The thing is directors typically cast the part by who's the best fit and actor for the role. Try outs are held and they go through processes. Yes sometimes they pick their friends for certain parts but he seems to do that a lot. His first choices were his wife of course, and his friends that have been in other movies of his. Another thing is he does a great job at directing and cinematography in my opinion but he needs others to help if not take over the script writing. We all enjoyed the white trash bits in devil's rejects because it fits in that movie, but once he did Halloween and added in his white trash touch, it just ruined it. That's an article for another day so let's move on to the new trailer.
Rob Zombie's newest movie, a love story, the first he's done. Has dropped and it's a reboot of a classic, one of my all time favorites, The Munsters. Being hailed by the internet as one of the worst trailers ever released I've watched it several times now. To begin I will say when the teaser dropped, the black and white remake of the opening of the original. I was excited and had some mixed feelings. The characters looked pretty decent although grandpa had some extra liberties taken making him seem off, which was fine. For the most part everything seemed ok I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Then the new trailer hit and like most of the viewing audiences watching it I was very concerned as a fan what was done to the property I so dearly loved. The money put into making this movie does not reflect on the trailer and it looks like a "made for TV" cheap knock off movie done in a hurry. The voice of Herman is awful and he doesn't fully look the part in every aspect but it hits worse when that voice pierces your ears. The effects and lighting looks horrendous. Although the color looks fun and unique it shows it would be better in black and white. Now it still looks somewhat cute and fun in a way if this were not to be a big budget movie that was a reboot of a beloved classic I would be on board totally.
That being said after watching it a few times I've come to my final conclusions to give the movie a chance and here's my words of hope. In the trailer Grandpa makes Herman who later meets Lily and falls in love. My belief is that bc Herman was just made a.k. born he's going through a form of puberty and that's why his voice is not low and weird. Also this may be a way to keep the story at bay, by not revealing everything in the trailer. I think this is a flashback of how Lily and Herman met and married and moved to 1313 Mockingbird Lane. That the rest of the movie looks good and it's going to be a different all great film but the memory is hooky because it's a memory. That's theory and I'm hoping it'll go in that direction.
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NEVER SPLIT THE PARTY: THE ADVENTURES OF THE CREEPING BAM, BOOK FOUR: THE HUNT - CHAPTER 4
If you’re new to the story, please go check out Book 1 first …
Boof 4 Chapter 1 is here …
IMPORTANT: Please note this story includes content that may be considered mature, such as moderate battle violence, some strong language and occasional mild sexual scenes.
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CHAPTER FOUR: KESLA
Darwyn’s small enough Shay can carry her in cradled in the crook of one arm while she’s holding Ashsong’s sword low and wary in her other hand, not convinced we’re safe even though the young guard clearly looked human. The halfling’s in a hell of a lot o’ pain, wincing with every jog even though the half-orc’s definitely moving careful to make the ride smooth as possible for her, but ‘least she ain’t passing out instead. It’s a better sign, at least. But that wound … I seen ones like it before, and she’s in a bad way.
I lead the way through the doorway, crouching low with my own sword gripped tight in both hands, cuz I ain’t taking any more chances than my friend, even if I did recognise the girl. I just saw those nightmares ooze outta a near dead kid just outside this room, and it was only Krakka’s quick thinking made sure we didn’t all suffer the same fate as every other poor bastard we found so far in this place. Suddenly meeting a healthy live one in here don’t put me much at ease. I’m paranoid as hell right now, but that don’t mean I don’t have cause.
Leaning my shoulder to the door, I give it a gentle push to open it out the rest o’ the way, then step into the room beyond. It’s darker in here than it was outside, but I realise now that having Lady Naru’s fancy lights right now might actually have made us walk right on by without noticing candles burning under the door as we passed. Yes might’ve picked up on the new scents in time, but given the pervading stink of death in here that even I can’t miss I wouldn’t wanna place money on the outcome o’ that bet.
There’s a few individual candles burning round the room, but by and large it’s barely enough to pick much of anything out right now. Most of the illumination now we’re bringing in with us, my own sword in particular lighting things up a whole lot more, so as I step inside I just start to pick up on exactly what’s going on here. And where I actually am.
When I was a kid, growing up in our apartments over the training barracks in Tabaphic, I had my own room, and it was nice enough, I guess, but I was never really the homiest person if I’m honest. I spent so much o’ my time out in the world or training under da an’ the other sergeants, my room was really little more’n just the place my bed was. Even in my adolescence, when the moodiness started to kick in and I found it harder to get up in the morning, I still mostly thought of it more as a room than mine. Truth be told, don’t reckon I really got the whole idea of girls actually having their own personal bedroom as a haven, their safe little space apart from the rest of the world, until I became more’n just friends with Janna. First time she took me into her room it was genuinely like stepping into another world.
I catch something o’ that here but it’s a hell of a lot more extravagant. Then again, we’re dealing with rich girls here, never mind they’re the Hellcat’s daughters. It’s very … rich, and a whole bunch o’ fancy too, a good deal more o’ the kinda overblown foofaraw as da would’ve called it, the kind I try not to roll my eyes at when I do deal with rich folks, particularly the women. The bed alone … fucking hell, that thing is huge, it’s big as whole bedrooms I seen other people inhabit before, actually, and there’s just so much space. There’s bloody big posts supporting a canopy over the top of it, with big, thick velvet curtains hanging round it, while the mattress is almost alarmingly high off the floor, not enough to cause a nosebleed but enough to hurt if you fell out at night. And the bedclothes … it’s all satin, I swear, smooth and soft and … bloody hell, there’s fucking lace too. And it’s just some of the lace I see decorating this place, actually.
That being said, there are enough touches scattered about to tell me this girl ain’t entirely devoid of her mother’s martial character, even if I hadn’t already gotten a suggestion last time I met her. Instead o’ toys or whatever else I might expect a small child like Mara to prize, I see weapons hanging on racks or set on the vanity table in the back of the room alongside much more feminine accoutrements, which instantly mark this as Pela’s room. Certainly there’s no way I’d ever expect to find Thura standing a room like this for herself.
“Who’s there?” A very familiar voice breathes with fragile hope from just past the bed, and I see now that someone else is peeking up from behind a fancily decorated post. It’s the tone of her voice that shakes me, I never would’ve expected it – Lady Thura Vezrim, the Hellcat of Kumehn Valley, is scared out her mind right now. “Who …”
As her words peter out she squints in the relative gloom, although I suspect it might be more to do with the glowing blade I’m now moving to hold out to my side to redirect the light some. Then I notice her looking me over, some strange, oddly wistful kind of recognition in her eyes as she takes me in, and I’m bloody slow remembering I’m wearing da’s armour, right down to my own specially commissioned new helm.
Kesla, you fucking moron. You look just like a Rundao Regular right now. Poor woman prob’ly reckons she’s seeing a ghost.
“What … are you … who is that?”
“Shit!” I hiss under my breath, and before I even realise what I’m doing I stab Hefdred down so it pierces a good six inches into the floor like the boards are made of soft cheese, sticking up so I can let go. Only now realising I just jammed my sword through the carpet of her daughter’s bedroom, I’m already dragging my helmet off as I spit out a rather muddled: “Oh fuck … I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to –" while turning her way again.
But her eyes just widen as she must recognise me, ‘spite of my greased hair and the black strip painted across my eyes, and there’s the slightest touch of a smile that reaches her lips now. Fragile hope, kindled a little more brightly in her now. “Oh, wait … Mistress Shoon? Kesla! You’re here! But … oh, I’m a fool … of course, Sulin said you were coming for us …”
Her voice is breaking a little now, and I realise she’s crying, has clearly been crying for a while now, looks like, given how ruddy her cheeks have gotten, and the redness of her eyes. For a moment I’m reminded of when she started to weep when we met her in her office, remembering her men, in the Valley, but even so … no, this is just wrong, it’s so strange, the Hellcat crying like some small, scared child. I can’t fathom it at all.
Hooking my helmet onto my belt, I straighten up a bit as I yank my sword free again and take a few more steps into the room, looking round now. “Yeah, well … I mean ‘course we came. Are you okay? What’s –”
“Help me … oh gods please help me, Kesla …” Her breath’s hitching badly now as her voice cracks entirely, finally just dropping to her knees outta my sight, and I’m spurred on to follow her quicker now seeing it. Even though I’m almost scared of what I might find …
Thura ain’t so much ducked back down as simply collapsed onto her side behind the bed, and as I come round I finally see why. Okay, Mara’s all right, and Pela too, at least, the elder daughter hugging the younger tightly to her, while their younger brother Thadeon sits by with a deeply haunted look on his face, not really seeming to see anything right now. There’s a lot of blood on him, I see, but it’s clear it’s not his, most likely it came from some poor bastard who died protecting him whenever it was he was clearly traumatized.
Most likely it’s his brother’s, I realise now. Thura’s eldest child, Deriel Vezrim, virtually a man already but still so fucking young all the same, too young for this … Thura’s not really tending to him, mostly she’s just slumped at his side while she just holds onto his one remaining arm, gripping tight enough for her fingers to dig right in as she’s really starting to lose her fight to stop herself from just shattering right here. The young guard, stood by waiting now, whose name I now realise I never caught, is watching me like she’s almost pleading with her eyes for me to help him, but even as I look down at the boy I realise any care that could be offered likely won’t do any good by this point. His eyes are glassy, pupils wide, empty now as they just stare up at the ceiling, unblinking.
Gods … he was laid right open. Poor kid, clearly he barely had time to throw on a simple pair of britches over his nightshirt and grab his sword, so he was entirely unarmoured when … whatever happened to him. Then again, given what we’ve already seen, it’s not hard to work out. I suspect he did exactly what the son of Thura Vezrim would have done when his little brother was threatened, bearing the brunt of the horrible attack instead. I just hope he was dead before he even knew it had happened …
“Oh fuck …” I barely manage to breath it, both my arms going limp as I just slump into myself standing over ‘em all now, the weight of sudden, unbearable sorrow settling on me like hot lead.
“What is it?” Shay’s at my side now, I realise, her own blade bringing a little more illumination, and this just lights the whole awful scene up brighter. “Are they … shit. Oh my … oh fuck no … oh, Kesla, I’m so …” Her voice falters at that, but I still sort of feel her reaching up to grip my shoulder the best she can, the effect still largely lost with my pauldron.
Finally Thura just gives up trying to compose herself and just starts openly bawling, finally shattering as her grief just takes over. She’s realised as well as I have her son’s gone, maybe just while she was begging me for help, and her heart is breaking sure as her composure now.
When I try to take a breath I find it hitching a little too, my throat suddenly very thick, and I turn to look back towards the door, finding the others flooding in behind us now. Art’s already on his knees next to Darwyn, working to get her out of her now damaged armour as Yeslee’s settling on her other side, fishing through her modest field kit for anything she might use to patch her up. Krakka, meanwhile is almost entirely doubled over on his knees, hugging Bloodmoon while his glassy eyes really don’t seem much more focused than Deriel’s now. Fuck … even before I step forward to ask after him I know my plea’s gonna be pointless. “Fuck … is he … Krakka, are you with me? We need you right now –”
“It’s no good, Kesla.” Lady Naru’s dropping to one knee beside him now, hanging onto her staff while her free hand settles on his shoulder, but she looks up at me, solemn and contrite. “He’s burned himself out. We would be lucky to have him back on his feet by morning, certainly not anytime sooner. There’s nothing he can do.”
“No, I can …” He blinks as he tries to straighten up, but barely even manages to raise his hand off his hammer, his head still hanging while he completely fails to gain any more focus. “I can … you need … fuck …” Lady Naru doesn’t even need to try and hold him down, he’s so weak. Fuck … damn it, Krakka, why’d you have to be so effective getting us out of that mess? Now we’re stuck …
Taking a very clumsy step back, I don’t so much turn back as simply stumble round in a clumsy swing, and I guess it’s a miracle I’m still managing to hold onto my sword at all as I just sway along automatically now. I’m … fuck, the fact I can’t help Thura when she needs me the most, that’s … even though we’re here now I feel like a failure seeing this. I barely even realise I’m doing it as I push past Shay and stab Hefdred back into the floor before dropping to my own knees, very noisily I sort of realise but there’s nothing I can do now. Pela flinches at the metallic clanking and hugs her sister a little tighter, but there’s no reproach in her wet eyes as she watches me look over her brother and mother.
Finally I reach out, leaning forward as much as I can with careful gentleness to touch Thura’s shoulder, warily hesitant as I try hard not to spook her. Even so, when my heavy, gauntleted hand settles she stiffen instantly, a little sob escaping her as she jumps, and I freeze too, instantly regretting my action but knowing I gotta keep going all the same. So I lean in a little more and take another shaky breath, very carefully choosing my words now as I speak: “Thura? I … I’m sorry … we can’t … there’s nothing we can do … for Deriel, I mean … Krakka’s outta power …”
Slowly she raises her head, still sobbing, and I can tell she’s trying to get herself under control again, but it’s not working any better than before. When she finally looks up at me her face is enough to break my heart all over again, I’ve never seen grief quite like it before. There’s anger in there too, hot and fierce, but mostly it’s just pure, broken, jet black sorrow. I remember her telling me about how she lost her husband, the way he went, it was so ugly and unfair, and it’s clear to me now that she knows as well as I do that this is even worse, how her son’s gone before he even had a chance to really live.
“Kesla … what the fuck is going on … what are they … they took him … my boy … Deri … they took my boy … MY BOY …” The rest of her words disintegrate into a formless howl of pure anguish and she just falls into my arms as I lunge forward to catch her, pulling her close and hugging her as tight to me as I dare given how heavily armoured I am. I want to comfort her so badly but I’m painfully mindful that I’m covered virtually head to foot in hard, unyielding tempered steel …
In the end it don’t matter, she clings to me sure as if she’s drowning and I’m a pylon at the end of a dock. So I give up trying to be gentle and just crush her tight as I think I can get away with, and just hold her while she vents and rages and screams. And the whole time I’m unable to take my eyes off Deriel’s lifeless body as the guard crouches beside him and gently closes his eyes and lays his arms over his chest, finally reaching over to drag one of the quilts off the bed to snap it out the best she can to cover him. She’s crying hard too, I realise. Looks like this family means as much to her as it does to me. But at least she actually got to know them.
I’m crying myself now, I can’t help it, but at least I manage to hold onto myself enough that it’s just hot tears and a little hitch in my breathing, no sobs. I gotta be the strong one right now, even though I’m hating it.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper to her, my voice low and soothing as I can keep it with the hitching of my own breath, and rock her gently. “I’m so sorry, Thura. I’m so, so very sorry. There’s … fuck … there’s no words, I … I’m sorry …”
There’s no telling how long we stay like this. I suspect it probably ain’t more’n a matter o’ minutes, but it seems to be hours to me. She quiets by increments, not so much calming as just wearing herself out, the grief exhausting her as her wailing gives way to sobbing to shuddering and sniffing and low, keening moans. Finally she just slumps in my arms, becoming soft and limp and helpless while she just breathes into my shoulder, still hitching and shuddering all the way, but largely spent now. I tighten my grip a little more, keeping the crush gentle but hesitant, and take a breath of my own. It’s more than a little relieving that it comes in smooth this time …
So when I look up, turning my head enough I can take in what’s going on across the room again, I see the others still fussing over Darwyn, who’s been largely stripped of her leather now, a lot of bandages wrapping her shoulder, arm and much of her chest. She looks very unhappy, and I don’t blame her at all for that, even while I was tending to Thura I couldn’t miss the cries and whimpers behind me. She’s looking clearer than before, at least, but even paler too, wan and weak now. Art’s got her swaddled in his arms now as he sits behind her, while Yes finally rocks back in her heels, looking up with a particularly deep frown. She looks right at me now, almost on cue, and while it’s subtle her expression says everything it has to.
“That bad, huh?”
“If we don’t get her to a healer soon she’s going to die.” She shoots a cautious look to Art, whose own eyes perceptibly widen at that, then Darwyn hisses as he hugs her a little tighter without really meaning to. “We have to go. Now.”
Thura must have caught that, I feel her shift in my arms now. It’s still weak, and clumsy, but she’s with it enough all the same. I relax my grip a little as I subtly shift my position, making a little room for her to push herself up if she chooses, but for a few moments at least she don’t move again. “Um … Thura? I’m sorry, but … um … we need you to be with us now …”
“Oh …” It’s less of a moan than a grunt really, and when she starts to push against me now it’s with more strength, so I just let her, shifting back myself to let her now. Finally she reaches up and starts working her fingers up across the front of my armour, clumsily questing for the top of my cuirass. After a moment I just reach up and take hold of her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, and now she looks up.
She’s … fuck, her face is a ruin, it’s flushed red and angry but streaked through the dirt where her tears have run, eyes raw and bleary and fighting for focus now, while her lip’s still wobbling even though her own breath is evening out a little more. Mostly she just looks haunted now, and I’m scared she ain’t even there enough to answer me.
“I …” Honestly, I ain’t got the first clue what to say now, my words have just completely dried up. Then she reaches up with her hand and grabs hold of my pauldron, dragging herself a little closer, and now I might be the only thing holding her up. “Thura, I …”
“What …” she croaks now, and her voice … fuck, she’s screamed herself hoarse. “What’s happening … how did … who did this …”
“Vandryss.” Lady Naru surprises me, seemingly to sweep in out of nowhere now with her little globe of light still hovering above her as she crouches at my side with her usual unfathomable graceful ease. She looks solemn but … still so composed all the same, even while her tone is as gentle as I’m trying to keep mine. “We believe it must be Vandryss. They’re making their move, it seems.”
“But …” Thura blinks up at her now, still struggling to focus, I see. “But why … how did she even know …”
Lady Naru’s eyes flicker to mine now, and there’s that worry again, deep down. She licks her lips before answering, seeming to be working hard to choose her words very carefully. “Darion … they must have broken him. He … he’s been compromised.”
It’s a long beat before Thura can answer, her brow furrowing deep as she looks back to me, then to Naru again, then down, just searching randomly now. Finally she mutters something low under her breath I can’t make out, before finally looking up at her friend again. “But … but how? He would never … I know him, he … no, it’s not possible –"
“They have Gael.” The words are out before I can help it, and I look down now, unable to face her. “His … Darion’s child. Our friend. They took ‘em when … it was a mess, and mistakes were made and …” Fuck. Honestly, I don’t know how I can make it sound any better than the shitshow it already is, now it’s made things so much worse.
Thura slips free from my armour with that first hand, and I have to look up as she drags me somewhat to the side as she reaches out for Lady Naru now, vaguely grasping like she still can’t quite make her out. “Oh … Sulin, I’m … I’m sorry …”
Naru takes hold of the proffered hand in both of hers, and I can see her face breaking a little now, her composure slipping. When she looks down she breathes a heavy sigh, her voice seeming thicker as she breathes: “We’ll get them back. I swear it. I will … I won’t rest until … until …”
“Got to go.” For a long beat I can’t identify the voice that rasps that loud little croak from the far side of the room, I’m so focused here now. Then I look up, and I see Brung’s moved into the room too, coming towards us, but being real cautious about it now. As he clears the bed and comes into view of the family I see how uncomfortable he is now, real reluctance in him, and he’s looking down as he steps very deliberately. “Something … can’t explain.”
First I actually realise others have seen him is the sharp intake of breath and the sudden flurry of movement as the guard starts fumbling for the sword hung at her hip. I reach out my hand quick as I can to check her, hissing a warning, but even so she’s already cleared a foot of steel before Lady Naru finally pipes in: “Uhra, it’s all right. He’s with us. Brung’s a friend.”
The young woman checks herself at that, at least, but even so she don’t relent yet, looking the goblin over for a long beat before finally letting her sword settle back in its scabbard. She stands ready too, still fiercely tense as she watches the little merc close. “Okay … if you insist, my lady, but …”
The children are looking him over with wide eyes too, I see, but then they likely never seen a real live goblin before in their lives. I wonder now what kinds of stories they actually been brought up on regarding ‘em, if they been filled with the same kind o’ cold, bone-deep prejudice as most o’ the big society types I met. Somehow … I dunno, I can’t imagine it, not with Thura. Not after how I’ve gotten to know her.
That said, this is all clearly too much for them right now, one more startling development on top of so much bad that’s already been piled on them this night … so I finally let go of Thura, who releases her own hold as I start to push back up onto my haunches, instead grabbing hold of Lady Naru, who wraps her up in her own close embrace. I’m already turning to the new arrival as I don’t bother standing up, instead just shifting my feet so I can face him while staying in my crouch. Keeping very much on his level now. “What is it?”
“Can’t explain.” He cocks his head towards the door, his eyes never leaving mine. “Easier to show. Quick.”
Frowning, I look back at Naru and Thura, who are still locked in their awkward hug, the sorcerer rocking the former warrior gently while she just stares at nothing in particular, more haunted than ever now. “Just wait. I’ll be back.”
Not waiting for a reply, I push myself up, already starting to move before I’ve straightened, and I’m even more careless yanking Hefdred free than I was planting it in the first place. Brung’s words are already gnawing at me, I really don’t have time for a mystery right now.
He leads me to the door, and Yeslee’s already stepping up as I pass, plucking her bow off the floor and falling into step with me without hesitation while giving me a particularly cool, sidelong look down. Sensing my own mood, I’m sure. I don’t say anything, just letting her make up her own mind about what we’re about now.
Shay’s already waiting for us, holding her own glowing sword off to the side and, now I’m actually paying attention, very much inside the room, so that, especially with the door barely open more’n a crack, it don’t really shine much light out into the corridor. She’s looking out into the darkness without, and even as I approach I can almost feel the tension coming off her. Something’s really rubbing her the wrong way.
I’ll admit, for a beat I’m struck enough by Shay’s sword to be a tad distracted. Given the blade’s strangely crystalline-seeming structure, the glow of the god-light in it seems to manifest in a different way to our steel. It almost seems to shift and ripple, subtly pulsing in lazy waves from hilt to point, while the blade itself seems almost hollow beneath it. It’s uncanny and quite beautiful, but in a slightly unnerving kind of way.
Brung stops a little short, and I pause with him, leaning somewhat now so I can get a little closer to his level again. “What’s up?” I breath in the lowest whisper I can manage.
“Out there.” He cocks a clawed thumb towards the door, and his expression remains as unchanged as ever. “Just look.”
Frowning deeper still, I ponder for a moment before sheathing Hefdred and stepping up to Shay’s side. I notice her tense a little more as I arrive, but only for a beat, as she must register that it’s me cuz she simply takes a step back and turns towards me. She looks somewhat shook, I notice, and that just worried me too. “You need to see this.”
Opening my mouth, I almost asks her what she means, but after Brung dodged the question twice I wonder if Shay might gimme the runaround too, so instead I just step up to lean into the crack between the door and frame. Then I realise that all I can see out there is varying levels of shadow, and I genuinely have to fight the urge to curse under my breath as I step back again and start fishing in the pouch on my belt. Finding my goggles. Unwrapping ‘em, I toss the cloth to Shay with greater irritation than I’d like to show and, while she jumps to catch it slip the gear onto my head, uncomfortably mindful now that I’m getting grease on the strap from my hair. Nuts …
Even so, when I finally take a breath and step to the crack again, suddenly I can actually see into the hallway again … and it’s enough to make me forget about anything else. Fuck … yeah, she was right, this is serious …
I mean sure, it takes me a moment or two to even make sense o’ what I’m actually looking at, to begin with it just looks like … well, something just shifting and growing out there, slowly seeming to increase in size and form as it staggers around out there in the gloom. More than one something, in fact, once I start to look. At least three definite shapes out there … no, four, or maybe five, another one seems to make itself known as I start to make some kinda sense o’ what I’m seeing. But not really. It’s still bloody strange and pretty disturbing looking at this.
Pieces of the bodies out here … they’re forming new bodies. But not the same bodies, no, the corpses themselves ain’t coming back to life, or whatever it is undead things do, Krakka’s got a fancy word for it, I remember … reanimating, that’s it. No, this is something else … honestly, it’s more like something else is just taking whatever’s immediately to hand and reforming in whatever way’s most convenient in order to create something that’s simply functional. Gods know, the first thing, which seems to be the most fully put-together and is already starting to slowly lurch towards us from some way down the corridor, don’t appear immediately recognisable as any specific form of … well, I sure hesitate to call any o’ this shit life. For one thing, it’s got too many limbs, with too many … I guess they’re joints, in the loosest sense. And no immediately discernible head, ‘least not that I can immediately pick out. ‘Course it’s still forming, but …
“Fuck me …” I growl with deep unease as I pull back, slipping the goggles off careful as I can so I don’t slather the lenses in grease too. Finally I flick ‘em to Shay, who again has to scramble some to catch ‘em, and take a few big steps back away from the door, my head still reeling bad from what I seen out there.
Frowning herself at my reaction, Yes steps up where I was and has a look for herself, and pulls back almost immediately, her eyes unusually wide now. She don’t swear like I did, but still lets out a deep, uncomfortable sharp hiss that says more than enough for her own opinion. When she looks my way she bares her teeth, looking about as wild as I ever seen her. “That … that is … just wrong.”
“You ever seen anything like that before?” I almost don’t ask, but reckon I have to.
She watches me for a long beat before growling: “Fuck no.”
“Great.” I mutter, turning back to Shay, who’s bundled my goggles up again, now holding ‘em out to me to collect. She don’t look any calmer now than before, I see. Reckon she’s thinking the same thing I am, that we are in deep shit right now.
Turning back to the room at large, I find Lady Naru’s on her feet again, still stood by the bed with her staff clutched close to her in both hands in such a way she looks strikingly like Gael in this moment. Her expression seems mostly expectant, but … maybe she’s just picking up on our bad vibes.
Stuffing the bundle back into the pouch, I step up to the cluster on the floor again, looking down at Darwyn as Art cranes up at me, looking like he’s picked up on my mood too. “How is she?”
“Bad.” He’s stroking her hair, keeping it out her face as he half-cradles her. She’s looking up at me too, but her eyes are heavily lidded, and she’s clearly having trouble focusing, her face the palest I ever seen it. “I … I can’t … we gotta do something –”
“Yeah, I know. We will.” I look down at Krakka now, finding the cleric’s finally sitting up without slumping, although he’s still cradling his hammer tighter than a child. He looks pretty miserable, but ‘least it seems like he can actually see me now. “Can you move?”
“I don’t know.” His croak is particularly raw, and it don’t make me feel any better than the look he’s giving me now. “Honestly, I’m really feeling my age right now.”
“Shit.” I mutter now, more to myself really, but it still prompts a little tightening frown from him too. Instead of replying to it I simply take a breath and turn away to move back towards the bed, unhooking my helmet from my belt again as I go. I can’t help squaring my shoulders as I walk, sucking in a deeper, heavier breath now as I try to prepare myself for what I know I gotta do now.
Lady Naru steps into my path as I approach and I give her a sharp look as I look her over. “Kesla –”
“I need you to get ‘em out. Right now. D’you reckon you can port ‘em all outta here at once, or is that gonna be too much? Cuz if not I need you to get Thura and her family back to the temple right now and then come straight back for Darwyn an’ Art. And I guess Krakka too, state he’s in right now he’s no good to anyone.”
For a long moment she don’t say anything, she just looks at me, and again I get that subtle sense that she’s grown so very tired, her veneer slipping now so it’s easier to pick up on, or maybe it’s just anxiety in the situation. Finally she leans into her staff again, letting a heavy sigh go as she looks down, licking her beautiful lips. “I … can’t.”
“What … what d’you mean? You have to, there’s no time, something’s –”
“I’m sorry, Kesla, but I can’t. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but …” Shaking her head, she looks back up, and gives me a more sheepish look now. “I suspect it might be something like the effect that Driver 8 seemed to be experiencing down below. There’s something here that … I can’t really explain it, but it’s blocking me. My senses, or at least my focus. I can still see, and hear, and feel, but I don’t have a sense of place like I normally have. I need two points of focus to achieve an effective portal spell. Firstly, I need a strong sense of where I’m going, either a specific location in my own mind or someone else’s, or at least a strong enough idea that I can take a blind jump on faith and hopefully luck out of ending up inside a wall. But I also need a sense of where I am, a solid fix in time and space. And here, now … I just can’t find one. I know where I am, I’ve been here enough times, but … somehow, that familiarity has been stripped from me.” She sighs again as she must catch the scepticism in my look, and it’s a weary thing. “I know, it must sound … ludicrous, but it’s simple fact.”
For another beat I hold my tongue, searching her face for any hint that she might at least suspect she’s wrong about this, but … no, she’s the expert here, she’d know what she’s talking about. “Fuck.” I turn away, clenching my empty fist while tightening my grip on the helm in my right, and it’s all I can do not to spit right here in Pela’s bedroom. “We just can’t catch a bloody break …”
“What is it that’s –”
Turning back, I just run right over her now. “It don’t matter, we can’t stay here. It ain’t safe. I need you to get ‘em out anyway. Any way you can. You with me?”
Her frown deepens as her eyes narrow. “What are you going to do?”
“Whatever I have to.” I look down at the helmet in my hand now, the one I commissioned special from Janna, made to measure but intentionally styled close as I could get to the one my da would’ve worn back in his day. “Yeah. Whatever it takes to give you time to get out. I just need you to promise me you’ll get all of ‘em out.”
Naru looks ready to argue, but she stops herself short, finally letting another weary sigh go as she must realise I ain’t backing down. Guess she’s gotten to know me enough since we met … gods, however long ago it was now. Feels like an age, the way things have gone lately. In the end she simply nods, frowning again, and there’s a little bit of a growl to her voice as she breathes: “All right. I promise. But you have to make sure you get out as well. You have to help me find Gael, remember?”
That makes me smile, I can’t help it, and I reach up with my free hand to touch her cheek before I’ve quite realised I’m doing it. She don’t shy away from my touch, and her own more subtle smile is brief and sad but … well, it’s warm enough at least.
Nodding, I step round her now and duck down behind the bed, dropping to my knees gentle as I can at Thura’s side. She’s slumped over her son now, head on his arm, and while she don’t seem to be sobbing she still looks pretty thoroughly out of it now. I look round at the others now, seeing her elder daughter still quietly weeping while the younger’s got her head buried in her sister’s side, but Thadeon’s just watching me with quiet intensity. Seems he must’ve cried himself out now, mostly he just looks angry.
Finally I turn to the guard, who I realise is watching me with more of a cold, calculating wariness now. She’s gripping the sword at her hip now, and while I don’t feel any actual threat from her right now, I still choose my tone real careful as I speak to her. “What’s your name, if I may?”
This just makes her blink, she clearly weren’t expecting it, and for a long beat I wonder if maybe she just won’t answer anyway, and I wouldn’t blame her, she don’t know me, not really. She’s seen me twice now, and the last time barely. But finally she lets a little sigh out and licks her lips, her eyes flickering up to, I imagine, Lady Naru for a moment before returning to mine. “Uhra. Uhra Sedrun. I’m … well shit … honestly, I’m scared I might be it for our security force, now.”
“Well I’m sure you’re capable enough to serve just fine.” When I say it, her brows prick right up high, but I don’t back-peddle. Time’s too short. “I need you to help me out here. Help us all out. It’s about to get proper scary up here, and you have to get her Ladyship and her children outta here fast. There some other way down outta here, besides the stairs? Any way at all?”
“I don’t …” Uhra looks down again, frowning more thoughtful now. “The east wing was burning before, an’ with all that shit going on I doubt anybody’s had a mind to fight it, if they even are still alive … so may be half the house is on fire by now. The garden balcony probably ain’t much good now …” Her frown deepens, and she pauses for a long moment, then looks up, to Lady Naru again, I’m sure. “The library? I forgot all about the Black Helix, nobody uses it anymore. Not since … um …” She turns awkward now, her eyes going to Thura.
“Since Terth … passed. Of course.” When I look up, Naru’s stood right over me, thoughtful now, but still wistful, likely from being reminded of the death of another person she cared deeply for. “It’s probably the surest way out. I can lead the way if you think we can get past those –”
“Oh, don’t worry about them.” I let a deep sigh out as I look back down. “They’ll be plenty busy, I can promise you that.” Leaning forward, I finally reach out and lay my hand, as gently as I can, on the grieving mother’s shoulder. “Thura? I’m so sorry, but I need you with me now.”
For a long beat she don’t stir, and I think maybe she really is just broken now, that the death of her eldest child has taken the last lick of strength she had, whatever she had left over after so many years without her husband. But finally she raises her head again, slow and faltering, seeming shaky but still responding, and while she looks every bit as broken as before, there’s … focus enough, at least. “What … what’s happening?” Her voice is still little better than a rasp, but she’s all cried out now, looks like. “Are you –”
“It’s time to go. I’m sorry, I know you don’t want to … I get it, I’d wanna just stay here and die, I felt the same when …” Fuck … I have to stop myself there, look down and take a deep breath, fighting the slight hitch in it as I feel my own past trauma starting to stir inside me, the old wounds pricking again. It really ain’t the time. “We’re in deep shit, Thura. You need to get your family out now. I’m sorry about Dery, but there ain’t nothing you can do for him now. You gotta look out for the rest o’ your kids now. So you gotta get up, and you gotta run. You might have to fight too. Probably have to fight.” I look her right in the eye now, deep and close as I can. “Can you?”
Blinking, Thura watches me for a long beat, then looks down at her son’s body again. Then at her daughters, and her remaining son. For a moment it seems like she might be fit to burst into tears again … then she sets her jaw, bearing her teeth a little, and with the subtlest frown her face hardens. Oh … that is a fierce look, it’s enough to give me chills, just looking at it. I wonder if that’s her war face? The deepest part o’ me gets the slightest thrill to see it, I swear.
Then she reaches over, behind her, and picks something up from the floor on her hidden side. It’s her sword, that beautiful bastard sword I remember from her office. The same blade she made such a name for herself with. “Lead on.”
Nodding with the subtlest smile, I roll back onto my heels and push myself up, flipping my helmet over as I do so to flare the cowl out. As I straighten up I slip the whole thing back into place over my head, taking a moment to adjust it until it’s perfectly comfortable in place, and turn back to Lady Naru. “I’m gonna need some light out there.”
That makes her frown. “But we already have light. This follows me, so of course it should be enough for you to –”
“I’m not gonna be with you, though. Somebody’s gotta keep those things distracted, cover your escape. I’m the best fighter here, ‘least after Thura, and she’s gonna be busy getting her family out. Which you’re gonna help her with.”
“What? But –”
“No arguments, Sulin.” Her brows rise at the sudden familiarity, but I don’t regret the slip. To be honest, reckon I’ve gotten used to her enough now it fits. “You’re leading ‘em out, and I’m trusting you with my friends as well as yours. You got me?”
I say that just as I’m sure she was gonna try and argue again, and for a moment she just stands there, watching me with her mouth open, before finally closing it with a particularly frustrated little frown. “Damn it … all right. But you remember your promise to me. I need you as much as you need me right now.”
Watching her for a beat, I finally just extend my hand, and after a loaded beat she reaches out and give it a healthy grip. Then she nods, lets go, and turns back to her friend.
Now I look at Uhra. “You up to this?”
“Of course … yes. I am.” She lays her hand on her sword as she steps to Thura’s side and gives me a stern look. “It’s my job. But I mean … I would anyway. They’re … y’know …”
“Yeah.” I nod in response. “I get it. Good.”
When I turn round this time I’m already starting to step away, but I’m stopped short when I find Shay’s stood less than three feet behind me, giving me a particularly dark look. “Don’t even think about telling me to abandon you too. If you’re staying, I’m staying.”
I almost argue with her, but I stop myself as I realise I don’t want to. To be honest, I know I could use the help. So I just nod as I sigh: “Yeah, all right.” Stepping forward, I give her shoulder a soft little slap. “I’ll be glad to have you.”
She just frowns at that, and clearly I surprised her since she must’ve been preparing to argue her case. Instead she gives a clipped nod and steps back out my way, and as she moves I see Krakka behind her, pushing himself to his feet. Still unsteady on ‘em, but smoother than before.
“Don’t start, you’re going with the others.”
Narrowing his eyes, he gives me a particularly stern look as he grabs hold of Bloodmoon’s shaft and gives it a hard yank that largely fails to pick it up off the floor, instead just pulling him over to lean at an angle. “Come off it, I’m … I’m getting better now. My Lady is … I think I have something in me again. Another few minutes of prayer and I might –”
“There’s no time, Krakka. Besides, if there is anything in your tank right now, they’re gonna need it more’n we are out there.” I let my hand settle on Hedred’s hilt now. “You already helped us, it’s up to us to give the rest o’ you a chance to get out. Then we’ll be right behind you.”
He watches me for a long, loaded moment, and I genuinely can’t tell if I’m winning him over or he might try to argue again. Then he lets a grunting, raspy sigh go and nods, or maybe it’s more like he just drops his head in clear exhaustion. “Shit … all right. But you’d better follow, as soon as you can. Otherwise I’m coming back in the moment the others are out.”
“Fair enough.” I step up to him now and grab hold of his shoulder by the pauldron, giving it a gentle but firm tug to drag him to his full height so he can finally pick his hammer up again. He blinks up at me in somewhat flustered surprise as I let go, but I’m already moving on.
Art looks up as I reach him, already picking Darwyn up in his arms as he gets one foot under him and straightens his back. Ready to lift. The halfling looks deeply uncomfortable, but I also get the sense that her clear pain is at least giving her focus as she blinks up at me, managing to focus now even if her eyes are still heavily lidded.
“Okay, I need you to –”
“Yeah, I got it already.” Art growls under his breath as he pushes himself upright, giving me a pretty scathing glare. “I can read a room. I’ll be ready.”
“Fine. Well just go fast, and stay close to Krakka.” I reach out now and give his shoulder a little squeeze too. “And be careful.”
“You too. No stupid risks. Don’t do any more’n you got to to cover us, then haul your arse out. I mean it, I’m with Krakka. I’m gonna be pissed at you if you die in here. Gael needs you.”
Giving his mane a little ruffle before he can stop me, I drop him a nod. He don’t bat me away this time, just steps back, giving me a sharp look, but he’s smiling a little all the same. Finally I tip Darwyn a quick wink and she manages a tired half-smile of her own in response, and I turn for the door now.
Yeslee’s already stepping towards me, her bow still nocked as she keeps half-turned towards the door. Ready in case anything happens even as she regards me. “It’s getting ugly out there. We have minutes, and not many of those.”
“Yeah, I’m on it.”
“Do you want me to back you up, or …” She don’t finish, instead just frowning, looking round at the rest o’ the room, and I pick up on her reluctance immediately. It’s almost enough to make me take her up on the offer, but I can’t.
“No, you’re my best hope for ‘em all getting out good an’ fast. Brung too.” I look at the goblin now, who’s already turned away from this place at the door to look at me now as he catches his name. “You’re cool with that, right wee man?”
“Yes.” He turns away without another word, going straight back to his sharp-eyed vigil through the crack.
Cocking a brow, I turn back to Yes. “Guess that’s good. You okay with that?”
She quirks her own brow just a little even though I know there’s no way she could’ve actually caught my gesture with the helmet, then just shrugs. “If you think it’s best. You’re probably right. I’ll do my part.” She turns to Shay now, giving her a look over. “Watch over this one. I’m starting to like her.”
When I turn to the half-orc I see her own brows have shot right up, her eyes wide as she looks at the Fir Bolg with clear surprise, but there’s a little bit of a shy smile touching her mouth too. Then I spot Lady Naru making her way over, weaving something between her hands while Thadeon follows her with her staff grasped in his little hands, and I realise she’s making another one of those light globes. I step back towards her now as she arrives, already holding out her hands as it takes form between ‘em. “Great, just in time –”
”Here.” She thrusts it right at me without ceremony. “Hold your hands out. Quickly, please.”
Catching the slightly flustered urgency in her tone, I do as I’m told, and as I bring my hands together in front of me she essentially tosses the globe into ‘em. I scramble a touch to make sure I don’t drop it, but it don’t actually fall, as if it seems to sense my own intent, and simply floats above my palms. “Um … right, sure, what do I –”
“Blow on it.” She has a subtle smile of her own now as she gently plucks her staff from Thadeon’s grasp. “Gently.”
Frowning, I closely raise my hands, and the globe rises with ‘em. “Um … okay?” Leaning forward and feeling entirely ridiculous, I breathe a gentle puff of air onto the little ball of brilliant light, and I swear it brightens just a little when I do it. Then it starts to rise, and as I take a surprised step back it follows me. Oh … wow, that’s actually really cool.
“That’s it.” The sorcerer beams at me, already taking a step back. “You’re all set.”
“Great.” I take a deep breath, suddenly realising I’m actually committing to this plan now, and take another step back, opening room around me now as I reach for the back of’ my belt and unhook the other little something I picked up from Stormshield’s workshop in Bavat.
Taking a moment to strap it into place on my left wrist, I check the fit over for a couple o’ beats until I’m comfortable with it before giving the handle the little twisting squeeze that the Silver Order’s master weaponsmith explained to me. It feels a little rudimentary, I remember at the time I wondered if it might not be a little foolish since I’m just as likely to repeat the gesture without thinking about it in the middle of a battle, but he assured me it wouldn’t be a problem. The way he made it, the enchantment he wove into the mechanism means that it's designed to pick up on my intent when I do it, so once I twist it’ll activate and then lock until I intentionally close it up again. Even so, I don’t really believe it’s actually gonna work until I actually do it … and it activates just as it did back in the Academy.
Essentially it’s a shield, but it’s the fanciest one I ever seen. Not so much in its actual design, although I’ll admit it’s pretty sweet looking in a largely functional kind of way, built for practicality more’n style. Or maybe that’s just why I like it. It starts out as just a tightly folded block of thick, dark dwarven steel plate less’n a foot square, but with that simple motion the whole thing seems to uncurl, almost like a flower opening to the sun. Albeit a good deal louder, with a lot o’ clicking and metallic shunting, until it’s fully unfurled.
Now I got a subtly curved shield with a tilting diamond shape strapped to my arm, three feet tall and two and half across at its widest. Once again I’m a little surprised that it’s nowhere near as heavy as I expected it to be, but then Hurrig promised me that was very much taken into consideration when he made it in the first place. Even so, I find myself shifting my stance immediately to compensate for its simple bulk, years of deep-ingrained drilling and muscle memory taking over almost entirely without conscious thought. It’s been a few years since I actually used a shield, but it feels like I never stopped …
“Bloody hell …” Shay breathes beside me, which perks my attention a little, and I look up to find her eying my shield with surprise. “So that’s what it does?”
“Beats having to lug a regular one round all the time.” I mutter as I test its heft for a few moments, just getting a read on how it effects my balance. To be honest, it might’ve been better if I’d got a little practice in with it first, I’m usually pretty wary about jumping straight into a fight with an untried piece o’ kit, and like I said it’s been a little while since I actually fought with a shield. But this time round circumstances ain’t really been too conducive to opportunity. So I’m going with what I got.
“It’s very impressive.” Yes offers up, and while her face is completely straight and her tone entirely even, I can’t help feeling like she’s taking the piss a little bit. So I give her a sharp little glare that she likely misses thanks to the helmet anyway.
“Whatever.” I finally growl under my breath, reaching over now to draw my sword. If I’m gonna do this, might as well do it properly. Then, as the blade flares bright when I slide it free, I turn to Thura, who Lady Naru’s now helped to her feet, supporting her friend even as she holds her sword low at her side, preparing herself for … well, whatever. “You ready?”
“Enough.” Her reply’s honest, I’ll give her that, but then she’s still too worn out from just pure grief to really convince as a warrior right now. “Someone … can someone come back for Dery? I don’t want him to … burn ...”
“We’ll do what we can.” Shay surprises me, but she’s looking down at her sword when she says it, testing the edge of the strange crystalline blade as it glow in her hands. Like she’s preparing herself for what’s to come.
“Yeah.” I agree with a clipped nod. “We get done up here, I’ll bring ‘im down myself. We don’t manage it, it’ll be cuz we’re dead.”
Naru cocks a brow at that, while Yes narrows her eyes a little, but it’s Krakka who reacts most to my words, his own eyes widening considerably while he seems to be searching for an admonishment. But then Thura simply says: “Thank you.” her voice cracking a little, and it seems to smooth the mood somewhat.
I turn to give Yes one last look, and for the life o’ me I can’t think of anything to say in the moment, but she just nods at me, seeming to read me even with the helmet, and that’s enough for me. So I turn round without another word and start for the door, just trusting Shay to pick up on it as I go.
Brung’s already dragging the door open wide now, springing aside as I approach so he don’t trip me up, and he gives me a little nod of his own as I pass him by. I start to charge now, squaring up my shoulders as I tighten my form, bending my back so I can draw myself into a ready guard soon as I’ve cleared the door. Adjusting my grip on my father’s sword as I rush out into the corridor, taking a cautious breath and holding it in anticipation of what I’m about.
In the end I only look round with my eyes, and I keep the glance short and focused, taking in only what I need to right now. The first one of … whatever the fuck these things are, it’s almost right on top of us already, I reach it in three big, quick strides, and there’s ‘least half a dozen more behind it now, or maybe that’s just all I can make out in what seems to be an ugly growing jumble of … unpleasantness.
Soon as I’m close the smell hits me, stronger than before by a wide margin. It’s a truly nasty stink, not necessarily rotten meat, but it’s gone bad all the same, more like it’s been badly burned, but greasy too, a really fatty odour that catches in the back o’ my sinuses. But worse is the sound, these things seem to creak and crackle as they move, wet and sinewy as only raw meat can be, and it’s enough to give me chills on its own.
Their movements, now I can really see it, are jerky and somewhat … off, really. Now I’m really looking they don’t really seem like they’re actually alive, it’s just a trick o’ their animation, they remind me more of puppets, but they got something really wrong with ‘em, like the joints or strings or whatever it is making ‘em move don’t work right. Maybe there is something of the undead in ‘em, but … no, this is something else, something truly strange and unfathomably wrong.
At least my own instant revulsion helps to spur me to action, even if it’s just to get this thing outta my way quick as I can. So I swing the moment I’ve closed the distance, turning in a low cut to arc up to cleave it in half through what could generously be called its waist and up through its lower chest. Eldritch horror or not, this thing’s just meat, I don’t see it putting up much of a fight against my white hot blade.
Except that it reacts to my attack while I make it, and while my blade does cut a substantial gouge up through something resembling a ribcage, it still manages to dodge a full, cleaving stroke. And I suddenly realise it’s got a whole lot more limbs that it has any right to as it snaps something like a mix between a leg and a heavily segmented whip round towards my face as I reel aside, attempting to recover from my aborted cut. Intent on battering my down, or maybe worse. I saw what those shadow things did to Darwyn, I don’t wanna see what these things could do with whatever they got.
So I bring my shield up quick, planting my feet best I can as I turn my shoulder as much into the coming blow as I can … and it still hits me like a battering ram. The shield holds up magnificently, bearing the brunt of the strike, but I still fold under the force of it, and it knocks me hard into the wall before I bounce off again. Suddenly unbalanced …
Then Shay’s there, her sword flaring spectacularly as she spins it in a blazing flourish which sheers the offending appendage clean away with a hissing hot sizzle before following through with three cuts to the body which are so fast I have trouble tracking ‘em. Certainly this thing don’t have a chance to dodge this time, and as I start to topple now it’s already coming apart as it starts to sag. Then I’m falling and I got more immediate concerns.
Growing acutely aware that, comparatively light as it is, the shield’s definitely thrown off my balance from what I’m used to, I just throw that arm out to the side as I hurl myself forward into a hard roll, judging the coming tumble well as I can for the weight of my armour. ‘Least I manage to hold onto my sword as I just barely make it without throwing myself onto my face on the recovery, but I’m still clumsy regaining my feet. In the end I just chuck myself at the wall again, this time intentionally bouncing off it so I can come up ready on the other side. Just as another one comes at me with startling speed, jerky as the first and, now that I’m starting to get a read on ‘em, damn unpredictable.
When this one tries to take a swipe at me with one of its nasty feelers I don’t try to dodge this time, instead swinging my shield up in a wide, forceful arc fully intended to swat it away while I charge in to meet it. I hear the dull, wet, heavy thwack of meat and snapping, cracking bone but the check works, and I’m already turning my shoulder into its centre of mass, gritting my teeth as I hold my breath, trying hard not to breathe when I’m this close to the fucking thing. It's like barging into a chunk of solid oak, it’s got no right to be this bloody solid, but it ain’t rooted like a tree, so I still manage to knock it off balance. So I plant my feet and this time when I cut up my attack works without a hitch.
Thorin, it’s a beautiful stroke, actually. I don’t just shear clean through its main trunk in a near perfect forty-five degree angle, but I sever three more o’ those nasty dishevelled limbs in the process, all the pieces tumbling aside around me as I manage to step right through it without quite meaning too. Already planting my feet now as I see more of ‘em coming up fast beyond.
“Are they clear?” I call out without turning, reluctant to take my eyes off the threats as they present themselves. “Tell me they’re clear!”
“They’re gone!” Shay’s already coming in close on my left, bent low at the ready as she takes up a wary stance with her sword cocked high in both hands. “It’s just us! What do you want to do?”
Chancing the quickest sidelong glance at her, I shift my footing and adjust my grip on Hefdred, moving my shield now to cover me again as I prepare for the next attack. “Just hold the line. We can’t break yet, we gotta stand. You good?”
“Good enough.” she breathes, tightening up just a little more. “You?”
I almost grin at that. Honestly, now the fight’s on I almost feel good again. “Oh yeah. Don’t mind me.”
TO BE CONTINUED ...
#never split the party#the creeping bam#the adventures of the creeping bam#book 4 chapter 4#original fiction#fantasy fiction#original fantasy fiction#to be continued
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4455 Angel Number
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In numerology, the number 4 demonstrates extensively comprehended restriction, mindfulness and keeping ceaselessly.
4455 is a bunch of surprising highlights, like honesty, dependability, obligation or keeping a word. Tragically, these highlights are related with an absence of receptiveness.
Them 4455 are fairly uninvolved, still occupied and zeroed in on their arrangements. He doesn't go to get-togethers more frequently than expected by shows.
Some suspect that the 4455 are unfortunate. Notwithstanding, this misconception should be cleared up. The 4455 are not driven by feelings but rather by reason.
To that end they frequently don't choose to make specific moves. He simply thinks of it as an exercise in futility. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that he may then be viewed as a weakling, as a general rule he is basically judicious.
In the numerological work, the 4455 stand apart over the normal. It isn't just upright and careful.
He views his obligations very in a serious way and consistently puts them first. Scarcely anybody plays out their obligations as determinedly as 4455. This is the manner by which he makes progress throughout everyday life. I
f she doesn't surrender to lethargy - and this can occur - nothing will be unimaginable for her.
The Mystery Importance and Imagery
I don't rely on anybody's assistance. He likes to do everything alone, in light of the fact that no one but he can trust himself 100%.
Whenever he embraces another venture, he works determinedly and performs assignments thusly. He can show tolerance simultaneously.
Another person would have surrendered quite a while in the past, yet entirely not 4455. She pushes ahead in any event, when she can't see the impacts.
He realizes he will succeed in the end, so he doesn't need to stress over the long and twisting street to him.
To be happy with their lives, they should capitalize on their normal tendencies.
These are fundamentally authoritative abilities, on account of which one should rest assured about progress.
The 4455 will accomplish their objectives assuming that they do everything thusly and save some additional opportunity for diversion.
Them 4455 ought to try not to fall into an excess of schedule. He is leaned to do as such, in any case it's anything but a decent life way.
Regardless of whether the 4455 appear to be agreeable and safe, they can cause more damage than help.
Since the 4455 are solidly on the ground, they are reliable. Companions and companions ordinarily see her like that. Her functional sense makes her an incredible ally to deal with any undertaking.
So she is valued by partners, particularly the additional craftiness ones who like to utilize others.
4455 love to design and get ready activities. He frequently ponders the future, simultaneously contemplating the means she should take to accomplish her objectives.
Obviously, thinking doesn't stop there. 4455 are similarly satisfied to try their arrangements.
Outings to nature additionally make each 4455 exceptionally blissful. She is an admirer of nature, plants and creatures. She is really glad with the strength of the designs that nature makes.
They show up without exertion, yet are solid to such an extent that they fill our planet to the edge.
Love is a genuine demonstration of constancy and security in the exhibition of the 4455. She is incredibly faithful to her accomplice and won't ever harmed him. It is a help for your relatives.
Love and Heavenly messenger Number 4455
In connections, the 4455 frequently yield to their accomplices. He is a low-struggle individual and typically attempts to adjust to the prerequisites of the climate.
Tragically, many individuals use it and attempt to assume command over the 4455. The facts really confirm that they don't hurt the dependable 4455 along these lines, yet it can adversely affect her life.
The 4455 are over all soundness and determination. Its better element permits than construct strong starting points for each task known to mankind.
The 4455 will make the most grounded establishments, the most sturdy designs - whether or not it is a structure, a plane or a rocket. In the event that you need to plan it and, fabricate it, 4455 will make it happen.
4455 is a conceived coordinator. She is reasonable and steady, so anything that she designs, she understands 100%.
He has an extraordinary inspiration to make his fantasies work out. He can likewise foster an extremely exact arrangement and stick to it regardless.
Luckily, she is certainly not a fan, so she knows how to change her arrangements in the event that the circumstance requires it.
The uncommon strength of the brain permits her to go with the ideal choices and determinedly seek after her objective.
As an aggressive individual, the 4455 don't sit around and attempt to fill in however much as could reasonably be expected. She is venturesome and gifted in numerous areas.
Because of this, he can perform a wide range of callings and perform a lot a larger number of obligations than any other individual.
Watch Youtube Video About Holy messenger Number 44:
Fascinating Realities about Number 4455
What the 4455 loathes most is change. He jumps at the chance to have his life taken care of - every one of its perspectives ought to be foreordained and organized in a complex example, guaranteeing a feeling of safety.
Where it counts, the 4455 are extremely touchy. Nonetheless, he attempts to offset this quality with presence of mind and obligation to work.
She needs to be essentially as powerful as could really be expected, and on account of that, as it were, she won't possess sufficient energy for an inside and out investigation of human mischief and treachery.
Just in this manner might he at any point manage existential troubles.
The 4455's tirelessness invests energy first. Nonetheless, he would rather not be only a worker for hire of somebody's marketable strategies.
It functions admirably as a subordinate, however most cravings to work for yourself. She longs for an administrative position or possibly one where she will have extraordinary freedom.
4455 is a solid individual, portrayed by a steady and fair character. A lot of individuals consider her to be a compulsive worker, yet this isn't completely obvious.
The 4455 basically like work. It's anything but a weighty drudgery for her, however an enthusiasm.
The 4455 are incredibly sturdy, so they can assume a great deal of liability on their shoulders. He doesn't attempt to take a stab at commendation and acknowledgment.
He works for the actual work and does all that without a lot of commotion around himself.
Inward discipline is a gift moved by the trivial few. It merits letting the 4455 use it without limitations. It will bring a ton of progress and - what can be said - joy.
Seeing Holy messenger Number 4455
All the time, individuals addressed by heavenly messenger number 4455 have splendid thoughts.
She is insightful, so it isn't is to be expected that she frequently concocts thoughts that could alter the whole human progress.
Luckily, 4455 doesn't generally go that far. It is enough for her to roll out certain improvements in her own life.
You can't conceal that the 4455 have a splendid brain. Be that as it may, not just knowledge is his benefit.
Similarly significant is instinct and discernment. 4455 are watching the world intently, getting data that others frequently miss.
The incredible requirement for opportunity and freedom is a steady component of every single numerological Friday.
Tragically, this is related with high hastiness and absence of persistence. 4455 are in consistent movement, continually searching for something that could change in their lives.
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hi!!!! i hope you are having a good day! i wasnt sure if you have any rules for your requests (im new to your blog ^^). i was wondering if you might be able to some headcannons/drabbles/something (sfw and nsfw) with kyojuro and/or tengen? thank you for all of your writing, i been scrolling through and everything is amazing! ^^<3<3
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it (*´꒳`*) I’m super glad to see people liking my writing ♡
And you helped me realize that I don’t think I ever wrote down a rules set lmao I get started on that
Also, I didn’t add the wives in the Tengen headcannons cuz idk of you wanted them added or not ^^;;
Another note; Reader is Fem! for this work since I only do Fem!Reader nsfw but the sfw headcannons tend to stay gender neutral 🤗
❤️🔥 Rengoku Kyojuro ❤️🔥
꘎♡━━━━━━━🔥━━━━━━━♡꘎
He definitely is a physical touch kind of lover. He’s always wanting to touch you in some sort of way, wether it be hand holding, hugging, touching shoulder to shoulder, all that jazz. He loves it.
I can also see Kyo being a words of affirmation lover as well. He’s always praising you and telling you how beautiful you look to him. Whatever is on his mind, he’ll tell you, no matter where you guys are. Sometimes he embarrasses you like this heheheheh
“You look very beautiful today, Y/N!!! There isn’t a day where you don’t look beautiful but I just had to tell you!”
“Kyo… please… im in line for pizza in my pajamas….” random modern au insert lmao
Kyojuro is always definitely very protective over you. But not in a toxic, jealously way at all. More of a well being kind of way. If there is any kind of threat towards you, he will make sure it’s gone even if it means taking his own life.
One time a demon somehow found it’s way into his estate and was about to eat you until Kyojuro appeared out of nowhere and the flames from his sword made the night look like day. You had never seen Kyo so angry and threatening. It’s scared you a bit.
“Don’t ever try to hurt my, Y/N. I will watch you burn alive if you even think about touching a hair on their head.” His eyes lit up with rage.
The demon just groaned out, “I’m already dead you fucking idiot!” As his body was slowly fading away.
He just turns to you with his usual wide smile like he didn’t just scarily threaten the demon.
“Are you okay, Y/N? You didn’t get hurt did you?? Let’s go inside. What were you even doing outside at night?? You know it’s not safe…”
Even if you slightly cough to clear your throat or sneeze cuz dust got in your nose, Kyojuro is already charging at you with medicine.
“I heard you sneeze, are you sick? Are you getting sick?? What medicine do you need??? Don’t get too sick please, Y/N. I want you to stay healthy.”
Ever since his mom, he’s very anxious about you getting sick…. It brings his heart to a halt if he hears you cough…. Just let him take care of you…
Kyo can also be surprisingly romantic. Usually he’s just straightforward and blunt with you like “We’re going on a date!!” And then take you to a nice restaurant or a pretty garden.
But sometimes, he’ll plan out a whole date and surprise you with it. Like the whole shabang of a trail of rose petals, candle light dinner he made himself, plenty of gifts he spent time meticulously picking out for you, all that sweet stuff.
Dude loves cuddling. It basically recharges him. I cannot stress enough how much Kyojuro loves cuddling 😤😤
Kyojuro loves being big spoon cuz it makes him feel like he’s protecting you lol
And he just loves feeling you in his arms. You always feels like a perfect fit in his arms as if you were made to be right there all the time
One of his favorites cuddling positions is you sitting on his lap with your head against his chest and he can rest his head on yours. He just hugs you tight and close. He often falls asleep in this position as well lol
NSFW
I can honestly see Kyo having either a high sex drive or just a moderate one
He also probably really enjoys side fucks and doggy idk he just seems the type to find your back really fucking attractive 🤔
Kyojuro is an ass man. Which also adds into why he likes doggy
He likes watching your ass jiggle with each thrust 🤤
He’s also pretty vocal during sex and moans/grunts a lot
Whenever he’s close to climaxing he always likes to be tightly embracing you
So like if he’s doing doggy and he’s getting close he’ll just press his abdomen close to your back, maybe grab your boobs to hold you tighter/closer to him and his face is buried in your neck just moaning “I’m close fuck I’m close”
He would never do public sex he just doesn’t think it’s right. He wouldn’t want people to see cuz he just thinks it’s rude to being having an intimate moment like that out in public where there’s many people who just don’t want to see that.
I can see Kyojuro being a fan of quickes too tbh
“You’re leaving for your mission already?? Can’t you spare at least ten minutes?” You ask him seductively
“I can get you coming in five.” He says eagerly as he starts to undo his pants
❤️ Uzui Tengen 💚
꘎♡━━━━━━━💥━━━━━━━♡꘎
We all know this dude is a womanizer 🙄🤚
But like. A womanizer without even realizing it. Dude is just being himself and is somehow just naturally flirtatious.
His good looks didn’t help. He had you down bad real fast
He’d just do random nice things for you without realizing he’s looking hawt doing it.
I feel that Tengen is definitely a gift giving lover so he showed his affection to you by buying you a lot of “flashy” things.
“Y/N!” He’d greet, bending down to look at you.
“Tengen-Sama! You’re back from your mission! Glad to see you back safe.” You beam at him
He smiles brightly and pulls something wrapped in cloth from behind him and hands it to you.
“Yes and I bought you something from my mission that reminded me of you.”
You open the present to see that it was a very pretty hairpin that matched the colors of your haori/kimono.
“Tengen!! It’s so beautiful!!” You exclaimed as you proceeded to place the shiny present in your hair.
“Exactly why it reminded me of you, Y/N.” He said softly as he placed a hand in your hair next to the hairpin, making direct eye contact as his eyes squint with his wide smile.
You blushed and pushed at his chest telling him to shut up while he laughed.
Oh and he loves being praised to feed into his god complex so Tengen loves it when you call him Lord Tengen/Tengen-Sama
Tengen is also very protective of you like Kyojuro but he can also be the jealous type. He doesn’t like seeing other men flirting with you or eyeing in you that kind of way.
He’ll approach you quickly and stand between you and the man.
“Huh?? Are you flirting with my lady??? Hmm??? Don’t you have something better to do, old geezer??”
“Tengen…. He was asking for directions….”
He got really embarrassed but just aggressively told the man the directions and took you far away from the scene he made.
But yeah expect Tengen to get hella jealous lmao but he never blames you for it and never gets angry at you. He knows your loyal to him and only have eyes for him so he knows it’s the other person being a creep.
When Tengen falls for someone, he usually falls hard. So he always wants to make sure to have time for you. Even if he could get in trouble, he cares more for the person he loves than some stupid rules.
The rules abide to him, he doesn’t abide to the rules 😤😤 he’s the god of festivals!!!!
Also this guy puts a lot of time and effort into his look so if you guys are getting ready for a date expect him to take longer than you
Tengen likes to try and act all cool and that he isn’t fazed by anything but this dude is kind of an open book
It can be really easy to embarrass him and having him falling head over heels for you over and over again.
You’re just doing you own thing, minding your own business and just completely in your own world. Absolutely unaware that Tengen is watching you and blushing
“Stop it.” He says bluntly.
“What?” You ask, snapping back to reality.
“That thing you’re doing. Stop it.” Now you can notice the embarrassment and small blush across his face.
“What? This??” You tease.
Tengen gets up and towers over you in all his 6’6 glory. His hand holding your wrist.
“Stop acting cute and maybe I won’t have you locked up in the bedroom with me for hours.”
NSFW
High sex drive for sure 🙄🤚
Sometimes you wonder if there’s anything other than sex on his mind
But he’s damn good at it so you’re not complaining
I can see Tengen loving oral. He prefers more giving than receiving but they’re a damn close tie.
He loves looking up at you as his tongue is just working away at your drenched pussy and you can’t contain yourself from the pleasure
Your hands desperately grabbing at his head to push him further in, your thighs quivering as they squeeze his head and his larger hand pressed against your hips to hold you down 🤤🤤
“Baby girl, don’t move around too much or I’ll have to stop” he teases
Oh yeah Tengen’s a big fan of teasing and edging
He wants to hear you beg for it
Tengen also lowkey has a size kink because he’s always just been a big dude his entire life so seeing you’re smaller frame underneath him in bed just gets him fired up like crazy
He also loves it when you comment on how big his dick is 👀
“Ngh, so big..” you manage out between pants and moans
“You’re doing so good, Baby” he praises, “Just a little more, okay?” Tengen watches his dick stretching you out and slowly disappearing inside you. Your warm walls clenching tight onto him as he feels your second heartbeat. He might as well had cum right then and there it was so orgasmic watching
#demon slayer fanfic#kny x reader#rengoku x reader#rengoku kyojuro x reader#rengoku smut#kyojuro smut#rengoku kyojuro smut#rengoku headcanons#tengen uzui x reader#tengen uzui smut#rengoku x you#uzui x y/n#uzui headcanons#tengen x y/n#rengoku kyojuro x you
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