#people just love to give female characters a Commanding Presence and have them be intimidating and always respected

[yukidragon]

Sunny Day Jack - Omegaverse AU Headcanons

Soooo… A/B/O. Alpha/Beta/Omega, also known as the Omegaverse. Let’s see what happens when I mix it with Something’s Wrong with Sunny Day Jack, shall we?

This is going to be a pretty off the wall ramble, since, well, Omegaverse doesn’t have any set rules besides Alphas are strong, territorial, and are thirsty as hell because of the pheromones Omegas give off when they go into heat and are ready to make babies. I’ve found during my idle browsing of various pages on the subject that each storyteller tackles the rules differently, sometimes wildly so.

So I’m just gonna do whatever I want. Sounds good?

I’ll take your inability to respond as a resounding yes.

Content warnings: this post is going to be full of talk about sex, from sexy times to sex organs, and maybe even some smutty snippets if I feel inspired. I mean, Omegaverse is rooted in sex, so it’s a given. There might be mention of the darker sides of sex like SA and sexual harassment, but I’m going to be mostly sticking with shamelessly indulging in my OTP as much as possible. That means I’m going to be using my OC Alice in the main character’s role, but feel free to play around with any of my headcanons for your MCs if you feel like dabbling in this silly crossover of smutty subjects too.

First off, Alice (/MC) is an Omega in this AU, and all the love interests are Alphas. It’s fitting for a protagonist of an erotic romance game with a bunch of suitors, don’t you think?

Yes, even Ian is an Alpha. I’m playing with the tropes a bit, and I think it would be fun to play with the idea of Ian being intimidated by the pressures of being an Alpha. Not to mention I can see his mother coming down even harder in this universe due to his Alpha urges.

The Worldbuilding

It might be good to go into how I’m going to define the basic rules of my dip into this Omegaverse. In this world, genders are sorted first into Alpha, Beta, and Omega. After that they’re divided further into male, female, or any other flavor of non-binary. There’s a hell of a lot more gender variety in this world, and a lot of folks who have both sets of sexy bits to play with.

There’s also a supernatural aspect to these genders that give Alphas and Omegas extra abilities that Betas don’t typically have. Betas are the closest to normal humans and tend to have the same amount of male/female/intersex variety. They’re the largest percentage of the population, and are susceptible to the influence of Alphas. Still, they, like all people in this world, are much more in tune with their instincts than people are here.

Alphas are all capable of insemination, and as such regardless if they have a clit, a dick, or whatever else, they produce sperm. Those who also have a uterus as well tend to be regarded as female or intersex Alphas.

What separates Alphas from Betas are their supernatural abilities. Alphas tend to be bigger and stronger, with sharper senses. They have a commanding presence to them that mildly affects others. It’s not mind control, but it can influence the instincts of Betas to make them feel inclined to submit to their will proportionally to how strong the Alpha’s will is. Because of this, Alphas often are the ones who take commanding roles and other positions of power. They also often clash with other Alphas often because of this instinct to take charge of others.

Alphas often have some slight animal features as well. Sometimes they’re born with harder nails like claws, or fangs. Sometimes they have extra features to their dicks like you’d find in a Bad Dragon toy. Knots and wolfish instincts are the most common features an Alpha can have, but more rarely you get other animal features, like a cat’s ability to purr and have smaller bumps/ridges on their penises that similarly are meant to keep a cock locked in place after cumming. These animal influences can result in very interesting variety in the bedroom for those who want to sample what various Alphas have to offer.

Yes, I was thinking of Shaun when I came up with these alternative animal traits. I just couldn’t picture him acting wolf-like or having a knot like the other guys. I mean, maybe he could pull off the catdog look, but I think it’s more interesting if his features are more on the feline side.

Alphas are more sensitive to the pheromones of others due to their enhanced sense of smell. They also tend to have a much higher libido than Betas, so it’s not uncommon for them to be very sexually promiscuous. There is a supernatural aspect to the pheromones as well that allow Alphas to “mark” others with a unique energy signature that makes it easier to find them and let other Alphas know that someone with that mark is under their protection. These marks can only be made with consent of both parties involved, and are usually temporary depending on the relationship the Alpha has with the person marked.

Mate marks are made when an Alpha wants to mate for life with one person in particular. They’re a very serious commitment that can’t be undone, and it can’t be done if either party is even the slightest bit uncertain about that level of commitment to one another. As such, it’s not something that happens anywhere near as often as marriage.

By mating like this, an Alpha is sharing their life with another person, regardless of gender, and their mate is agreeing to the same. Mates are able to sense things about their mate all the time, no matter how far apart they are, with a strong sense of empathy and the ability to pick up when they’re distressed, in danger, horny, etc. This can lead to mates being clingy and instinctively seeking each other out more than usual relationships. This also has a tendency to make for a lot of sexy fun times between mates.

Those who have gotten these mate marks are called a “fated pair.” Since it’s so difficult to commit so completely to another person and allow them so much access to yourself, these marks are rare enough that the pair are thought of as soulmates. There are even stories of fated pairs who were reborn and found each other again in their next lives. Mate marks are all unique to that fated pair and can be fairly complicated, sometimes even very colorful. This is a magical world after all.

A fated pair are fully committed to one another. The idea of leaving their mate for someone else becomes unthinkable. In a way they’ve become one and feel incomplete without the other. Their strengths and pain are shared. They are no longer able to feel romantic or sexual attraction to anyone else but their mate, but they make each other stronger by being bound together. The natural abilities of Alphas and Omegas increase with the mate mark, making them more powerful, and Betas awaken their own supernatural power - the power to dampen or even neutralize the abilities of other Alphas and Omegas.

An Alpha can have their fated pair be an Omega, Beta, or even another Alpha. Not every Alpha has a fated pair, and polyamory is more common and more accepted in this universe. With so much gender diversity, pansexuality is far more common than heterosexuality in this world. The topic of sex is also less taboo to discuss due to the phenomenon of “heat” and “rut.”

Heat and rut are when a person experiences an increased desire for sex and their instinct to reproduce is heightened. The only difference is whether the person’s desire is to impregnate someone (rut) or be impregnated (heat). This is a side-effect of the supernatural powers of the people of this world, and as such affect Alphas far more strongly than anyone else, but Betas sometimes experience a milder version. It doesn’t seem to be tied to a particular season, but more to the individual. Sometimes a heat/rut can be set off by an Alpha getting too excited while using their powers for a prolonged period of time.

Of course, we can’t talk about heat without going into Omegas. Omegas are the rarest type. If Betas make 90% of the population, Alphas take up 9%, and Omegas only 1%. All Omegas have a uterus and are capable of being impregnated and carrying young. Omegas are empaths, very perceptive to the emotions of others, with the supernatural ability to heal, and are often thought of as nurturing figures.

Omegas also are the only ones that can instinctively make Alphas submit due to their pheromones. When in heat, they can send anyone receptive nearby into rut. Their smell is appealing even to Betas and they have a natural allure to them, though Betas can’t go into heat/rut.

Now, in a lot of Omegaverses, this is where the dubious/non-consent comes in hard. While I can understand the appeal of a character going into heat, desperate for sex, attracting everyone and making them desperate to have sex with them… Consent is king in this house, baby, and that includes my version of Omegaverse.

Heat and rut don’t strip an Alpha/Omega of their ability to consent or affect their judgment. It can be intense like starving for a good meal, but it never goes to the point that they’re willing to choke down rotten food. There’s a limit to the horniness, and consent is taken very seriously.

While an Omega has the power to set off rut in others and be alluring, it only affects those that are receptive to the Omega sexually. Asexuals in this world simply aren’t affected by these supernatural pheromones, or at least not as strongly depending on where they are in the asexual spectrum. Demi-sexuals still need that strong emotional connection before being affected, for example.

An Alpha that is receptive to an Omega and thus affected by their heat has an instinct to submit to the wants of the Omega. If the Alpha wants the Omega and the Omega doesn’t want the Alpha, they won’t be able to bring themselves to do anything except pine for the Omega due to their strong instincts. If an Omega wants an Alpha, but the Alpha doesn’t want the Omega, then the Alpha doesn’t get affected by the Omega at all.

That’s right, I’m leaning in hard on the supernatural angle to ensure that all parties are consenting even when affected by magical horny vibes. While this doesn’t eliminate SA altogether from this world, as scumbags are going to prey on others regardless of their wants, this supernatural horny magic isn’t going to sign off on non-consent in this version of the Omegaverse.

Betas for the most part are immune to these heat/rut pheromone shenanigans and pretty much can just potentially find Alphas, Omegas, or other Betas attractive in a more conventional way. They are also capable of reproduction provided the individual doesn’t have health issues that get in the way of that.

If Alphas have the ability to make Betas instinctively inclined to follow their lead, Omegas have the ability to make Alphas instinctively want to protect them. Even the most feral Alpha has a hard time overcoming their instinct of not wanting to see an Omega harmed.

Going feral is something that only happens to Alphas. Typically this is tied to intense emotions, usually aggression in combat, protectiveness, possessiveness, or even horniness. They might even have more animal/monstrous features as their supernatural nature spikes. Reasoning with an Alpha that’s gone feral is best left to Omegas, a beat down from other Alphas, or heavy dosing of sedatives.

While Alphas are apparent from birth, Omegas are usually only discovered after they have their first heat, or a traumatic event awakens their ability to heal. Since the person’s desires are what cause heat/rut, these states only happen when the person wants to reproduce and in what way they’re capable/wanting to do so. Someone who doesn’t want to produce children won’t experience heat or rut, even if they might experience elevated levels of hormones at times.

What’s the difference between heat/rut and being horny? The desire to make babies. Bo, for example, would be going into rut all the time with how much he wants to make his puppy have his pups. Alphas and Omegas have the potential to be exceedingly horny and affect others through their pheromones without going into rut/heat.

Though rare, Omegas are also capable of siring children and going into rut if they have the right equipment for the job. Likewise, Alphas can birth children if they have a uterus and can go into heat if they want to do so. An individual’s will strongly affects this supernatural state of horniness and their desire to reproduce.

Alpha Joseph Cullman

Now, with the foundation of the Omegaverse we’re working with out of the way, let’s get to the characters we know and love. Many of the broad strokes of the SWWSDJ timeline are the same in this AU, but changing the finer details can craft a very different picture.

Joseph Cullman was born an Alpha, but he struggled with the role. Sure, he could more easily intimidate others, make them submit, but ruling by fear does not earn you love. He was clumsy with his connections with others, showing off his strength and trying to get attention in a desperate bid to be loved.

It’s just fortunate that this troubled Alpha found his fated pair when he was young.

Yes, this AU is mixed with my reincarnation AU, which I talked about in previous posts here and here. Come on, fated pairs? It was practically begging for a reincarnated soulmate storyline!

Mary thought she was a Beta until the trauma of being told that she was going to die before reaching adulthood awakened her healing powers and allowed her to heal her chronic illness, revealing her to be an Omega.

Omegas, being so rare with the power to heal, are exceedingly coveted. Mary’s parents, being narcissists who saw their children as extensions of themselves, were keen to exploit this power for fame, fortune, and acclaim. This made them tighten their grip on Mary, and when they found out an Alpha was sneaking into her bedroom… ho boy they put a stop to that.

Joseph, having Alpha instincts to protect the only person who cared about him, especially since Mary’s Omega nature was affecting them all the more, fought even harder to keep her. This led to an altercation between him and her parents. Instead of something bad happening at Haberdae High, it was his escalating conflict with her parents that led to things breaking down for him.

The fateful incident where everything went wrong involved Joseph losing control of his rage, resulting in him going feral, with Mary being kept from him so he couldn’t calm down until it was too late. This led to a very violent incident that resulted in police involvement. The Phoenix family pressed charges despite Mary’s protests and Joseph, being a minor, was sentenced to juvenile hall.

Joseph wasn’t left unscathed mentally from going feral. He remembered vividly what he did and was horrified by his extreme acts of bloody violence and loss of control. It left him seeing himself in a much more negative light.

It made him feel like a monster.

Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse for Joseph. While he was locked up, the Phoenix family moved away. Whatever reputation he had left in that small town was destroyed, and everyone avoided him. Even his parents grew more distant from him, ashamed and afraid of the monster their Alpha son had become. Teachers and other authority figures scrutinized every move he made, ready to come down at him for any perceived slight, and Haberdae High felt almost as much of a prison as juvenile hall did.

Of course, Joseph ran away when he couldn’t handle it anymore. He also couldn’t let Mary go in spite of everything. He tried living on his own for a while, but loneliness ate away at him more than the hunger he felt while living on the street without a home.

Life for Mary wasn’t sunshine and roses either. Her parents exploited her new healing abilities to line their pockets, having her heal rich investors even when overuse of her powers was damaging to her health. It was almost ironic - her parents used to be so concerned about her health, but now it was like it no longer mattered to them, not when she was finally useful to them. Besides, she would eventually heal herself, so what did it matter that she suffered for a while? She needed to grow up and help out the family, in their opinion, especially after all the trouble she put them through with Joseph.

Ever since Mary’s powers truly awakened, she was increasingly aware of the fact that her parents didn’t truly love her. Being able to detect other peoples’ emotions can let you know when people are faking theirs. Their affectionate displays had strings attached, and their emotional abuse just highlighted the lack of care she could feel so painfully clear with her powers of empathy.

Fortunately, since Joseph is an Alpha, he left a mark on Mary, which allowed him to eventually track her down. It was a shock when she heard a familiar rapping at her window in a place states away from her old home, and then saw a familiar face that she had been aching to see for so long.

Though Mary was aware of the violence Joseph committed while going feral, even being the one who had to heal the damage he left behind with her powers, she still loved him, and she could keenly feel his love for her in a way she didn’t feel from her parents.

Joseph didn’t feel worthy of being with Mary, feeling himself unclean, monstrous, but when he found her, he couldn’t leave her again. He just couldn’t live without his sunshine. He gave in to his weakness once again and asked her to run away with him. They could leave their toxic families behind and just be together. All the adults in their life failed them, and their bond was too strong to want to be separated, even if it meant that they would be struggling on the streets.

Despite the guilt Mary felt for abandoning her family, she agreed to run away with Joseph. However, while Joseph ran away without a plan and only the clothes on his back, Mary didn’t want to be quite so reckless if she could help it. In the middle of the night, she stole money and her parents’ car keys so they could get some distance before selling the car so that the police wouldn’t be able to track them that way. They traveled quite a while even after that, taking on new names to make sure no one would track them down. It was easier for them to disappear in the age before the internet.

Joseph made sure to protect Mary from dangers that come from being homeless and on the run. He was a strong Alpha who was no stranger to getting into fights, and sometimes he had to do things he regretted in order to make sure they were both safe and stayed together. They had enough money to last them while they traveled and put distance between them and anyone who knew them.

Eventually, the two managed to find a place to make a new home. Joseph took the moniker of James, and Mary changed her name to Maria. (Yes, I had to get that Silent Hill 2 reference in.) When introducing themselves to other people, they claimed to already be married, even if they couldn’t be legally. Joseph James got the part of Sunny Day Jack, and things were looking up as the show took off.

It was when James finally felt like he made himself into someone truly worthy of someone as kind and loving as Mary Maria that he wanted to take things further, for them to be a fated pair. Maria had actually been the one to bring up the idea first, and they had attempted it before, but it never successfully formed. It was only when James felt less haunted by the mistakes of his past and happier with the person he had become that he was able to feel worthy enough to become one with his sunshine at last.

The pair were happy. Things weren’t easy, and they had plenty of challenges to face, but they loved each other. They promised each other forever.

Then the Incident of ‘84 happened.

A fated pair has many benefits of their mating, being stronger together and feeling each other’s pain and joys, but unfortunately the downside is that when one dies, the other is quick to follow.

Joseph, James, Sunny Day Jack, [Redacted]... the man known as all these things was sent to a hellish afterlife, deprived of the chance to reincarnate thanks to the wicked machinations of LambsWork Productions and what they did to him. Yes, I’m going with my headcanons that Jack’s fate of being trapped in the tape was by design and not an accident. I mean, I’ve had fun playing with that in other AUs, so why not here too?

Since Mary/Maria wasn’t part of the ritual, she was spared the hellish fate. She was reborn as Alice and the King family made her far happier and feel more loved than the Phoenix family ever did. Still… she felt like something was missing, a longing she could never quite explain. She was born with an unusual intricate birthmark. Some thought that it looked like a mate mark, but that couldn’t be. It was already there on her neck since the day she was born.

Besides, fated pairs are just people who bond for life and entwine their energies together. Soulmates and reincarnation are just silly superstitions made up by romantics…

Right?

A Fated Pair

Alice had a similar childhood as she did in the main universe, meeting Ian in the 1st grade and befriending him. Over time he started having romantic feelings for her, but, unfortunately, she never reciprocated them.

It didn’t feel right to Alice. She loved Ian like a brother, but the idea of romance with him felt… wrong. It almost felt like a betrayal… but of who?

Ian’s upbringing was strict. His absent father was an Alpha who paid child support and wasn’t loyal to his mother, making his mother come down harder on him, especially after learning he was an Alpha too. Even as a child, he was shamed for his desires or standing on his own. She shredded his pride to ribbons, and he could never fully use his powers as an Alpha while living under her roof.

His mother went after him for any relationship Ian had, so it was difficult for him to make friends. Alice stuck with him when others were chased away, and more than once his mother warned Alice to watch out for Ian and his predatory Alpha desires. This was made worse when Ian’s mother found out Alice was an Omega. Ian’s mother immediately branded Alice as a whore who was wired to entice all Alphas into rutting for her all the time.

Needless to say, Ian was a lot happier when he grew up and could go no contact with his mother.

Despite the accusations and harassment, Alice helped Ian break free of his mother’s grip. They eventually moved in together in college, but they weren’t in a relationship, no matter how much Ian wished otherwise. Eventually, she helped encourage him to pursue his dream to become an actor, and he left for a fancy college to help him along the way.

In California, now completely on his own, Ian learned to spread his wings. He was surprised by how many people found him appealing now, both sexually and as a romantic partner, especially as he learned how to assert himself. He started exploring his sexuality for the first time. He had wonderful experiences with multiple partners, but he longed for the security he felt with Alice and held out hope that someday, maybe, she might return his feelings.

Ian wasn’t the only one pining for Alice, even when off at college seeking out his dreams. Shaun fell for Alice when they went to college together. Without a boyfriend to scare him off, he tried to shoot his shot with her… eventually. Poor guy was flustered and fumbling over himself for quite a while, blurting out embarrassing things and accidentally self-sabotaging more than once. Unfortunately, with Alice not feeling that way towards him and his miscommunications, he never even got the chance to be turned down like Ian was before he had to go off to another college as well.

It was after her friends were gone that Alice really started feeling lonely, especially in an apartment meant for two people. She still remained connected to Ian, Shaun, and other friends through phone calls and online communication, but something was missing.

When Alice was around her friends and family every day, she could forget about the strange longing she always felt. When she was alone, it was so pronounced. She took to wandering when not at work, trying to find… something. She didn’t know what. She just… needed to find it. She had to. The world wouldn’t be right until she did.

That was what drew her to the thrift store and a certain video tape. It was compelling in a way that it was almost confusing for her. It was as if this strange old tape filled her with a longing that wouldn’t be satisfied until she took it home with her and watched it.

When Alice played the tape, she found what she was missing for so long.

Sadly, Jack forgot who he was entirely in his 40 years of hell, but a part of him recognized her right away. He didn’t even remember her name, but Alice was his sunshine, he knew it. He knew that he loved her with his whole heart instantly, and longed for her touch in a way that left him weak.

Needless to say, Alice was very confused when she woke up and saw a giant clown in her apartment. However, unlike in Sunshine in Hell, her shock wasn’t as strong. She didn’t retreat from him. There was such a sense of relief and completeness he brought her that reassured her in spite of the surreal situation. It was so strange that she was certain she had to be dreaming. There’s no way this feeling and this beautiful man who made her heart flutter like no one else could was real…

Jack greeted her, all smiles. He was her new best friend forever, and she was the reason why he was there. When he held her hand, he could’ve melted from her warmth, and she never felt so warm and safe from someone’s touch before.

It was just so absurd to Alice. She magically summoned a children’s show clown as her best friend forever? Definitely a dream. Besides, she was sure that she dreamed about this man before. His touch was so familiar, and being with him felt so right. These warm fluttery feelings felt too good and a part of her had been aching for this for so long…

Alice decided to just enjoy the dream for as long as possible.

Jack was startled when Alice suddenly kissed him, but definitely anything but displeased. He returned the kiss with a passion she didn’t expect. She had never actually kissed anyone before, so she was caught off guard when his tongue slipped so easily into her mouth. Still, it was almost the most natural thing in the world to let him in, to twine together with him so intimately and feel their heat and taste meld together. His scent was heady, delicious, familiar…

It wasn’t outright heat and rut since neither of them were thinking of making babies, but their instincts and hormones kicked in. The connection between them made them share and amplify each other’s arousal. Alice never felt this with anyone before and was almost overwhelmed, but there was this familiar security with him that kept urging her along. Jack was almost overwhelmed by all the sensations after going without for so long, but he drank them all in greedily, and her most of all.

There was no phone call to interrupt them. Instincts kicked in and clothes started coming off. The motions were so familiar to both of them, these hot kisses on equally hot skin that tasted so sweet and nostalgic. Consciously they forgot one another when death separated them, but their souls did not forget, and their bodies ached to reconnect after being apart and missing each other for so long.

It was only the discomfort of the lumpy couch that prevented them from having their first time then and there. Alice barely had the sense to direct Jack to her bedroom, and he carried her the entire way, their hearts hammering hard.

In the bedroom, it all suddenly became so much more real to Alice, and she started feeling fears, doubts. Even in this world she experienced a traumatic SA incident as a teen, and she was aware that she was alone and naked, with a half-naked giant looming over her.

Jack was so gentle though, so familiar. He slowed down when he noticed her trepidation. He confessed his love for her, how he was sure that he was waiting for her for so long… and he could feel she felt the same.

…

“You felt it too, didn’t you?” Jack said, his voice a whisper low and husky from the heat churning between them. “You’ve felt like something… someone was missing for so long… It felt like a piece of you was missing, like you could never be complete without that special someone.”

Alice swallowed hard in a futile attempt to alleviate her dry throat. She stared up into those beautiful dark eyes that ached with a longing that she felt deep down in her soul. He was right… she felt this way for so long…

“Don’t worry,” Jack said soothingly as he leaned in closer, inching them both back towards the pillows. “I’m here now. I’m right here… and now we won’t ever have to feel alone ever again.”

“Jack…,” Alice whispered, rolling his name on her tongue and it tasted so sweet, just like his kisses. She never knew kisses could taste as sweet as the ones Jack gave her. She wanted more, a part of her ached for more, more of this mysterious man who seemed too good to be true.

Jack reached out to touch her cheek, but hesitated as Alice jumped a little. “Is this okay?”

For a moment Alice hesitated, her heart pounding hard enough it echoed in her ears. Then she tentatively reached up to tug off the glove so she could feel his palm against her cheek directly. The touch of his skin was like fire, and it melted away so much of her fear, leaving her once again aching for more. She turned into his hand and lightly pressed her lips against his palm before whispering against his skin. “Yes.”

Was this a mistake? Logic would say so, but Alice had never felt anything so right before. Jack felt like a missing puzzle piece. His lips fit so perfectly slotted with hers, their bodies melded as if they were always meant to be one. She was tentative and uncertain, but she let her instincts guide her to touch him and lean into his touches and kisses that set her skin on fire.

Jack was so gentle, and he took care not to rush her. He savored every touch, every kiss, every moan. He memorized every inch of her body, wanting to etch Alice so deeply into his mind that he would never forget any part of his sunshine ever again. It felt like practically a sin to forget even a second with her, but at least his soul remembered. His hands moved with familiar purpose, finding all the sweet spots that he instinctively knew would make her arch into him and cry out his name so beautifully.

At some point Alice went from reluctant to impatient. She felt so good, and she loved the way Jack moaned when she touched him, how he could whisper such beautiful words of love and praise into her skin. She felt loved in a way that she never experienced before, yet at the same time was all too familiar… and a part of her eagerly anticipated that connection that would allow her to feel him fully, to experience all of his love.

This time it was Jack hesitating, not because he didn’t want to keep going - far from it - but a few exploring fingers between her legs made it quickly apparent that Alice wouldn’t be able to take his cock, and definitely not his knot unless he fully prepared her first. This body of hers had never experienced anything so big inside before, and he had to take extra care to stretch her out and get her ready.

Those big, thick fingers of his brought Alice to orgasm more than once, and eventually her frustration was too much. She needed Jack inside her, her body practically screaming for it. “Please,” she begged, flushed and embarrassed but her own neediness. “Please, Jack… I need you.”

Jack felt his heart squeeze at that plea and the desperate look in his sunshine’s unforgettable blue eyes. “Alice…” He removed his fingers, coated in her slick, and couldn’t help but taste her. Sweet and sticky, and the way she blushed at the sight made him feel a little greedy. “Alice… I love you so much.” A part of him was fit to burst, aching for her, but he needed just one more thing. “Can I ask you for something first?”

“What?” Alice asked between breathless pants. She spread her legs open wide for him, more than ready. She felt practically ready to do anything for him in that moment.

“Can you say it?” Jack whispered, desperation of his own creeping into his voice. “Can you tell me that you love me, just so I know for sure?”

Alice felt her pulse spike at the request, and that little voice at the back of her mind reminded her that what she was doing was crazy, but it lacked any fire and soon was lost under the fluttering warmth that filled her, that Jack gave her.

It was crazy, but so right. Her instincts were absolutely certain of that fact, and in that moment all Alice could think about was how much she needed Jack.

“I… I love you, Jack,” Alice whispered, the words coming out soft but far more easily than she ever expected. Once the words left her lips, the more right they felt. The next time she spoke her words came out more clearly, more certain. “I love you, Jack.”

Jack practically melted, those words setting him free in a way he had been denied for 40 long years. He couldn’t hold back any longer. His lips found hers again, and his hips moved with purpose. She moaned what sounded like his name against his lips, which acted as a muffler as he eased himself inside her nice and slow.

Alice was expecting Jack to be big - his cock had been so hard, hard, and heavy in her hands - but he felt even larger inside of her, filling her more than she thought possible. Vaguely she remembered her first time should be painful, but there was only a delicious stretch that bordered on pain, but was a glorious ache that left her feeling so full. She clung to her mate, digging her fingers into his back as he bottomed out inside her, and they finally became one after being incomplete for so, so long.

“Oh… oh God,” Jack shuddered. Memories flickered back of moments like these - from a clumsy but sweet first time to countless unions that came so expertly - and all the love and pleasure crashed into him. It was so much after an eternity without any sensation but a numb coldness. It took all his willpower to keep still and make sure that Alice was comfortable. He would never forgive himself if he made her feel any pain.  “Oh my God…” He had to take a moment to look into her eyes again, finally feeling truly whole again.  “Alice… You feel so amazing from just this.”

“J-Jack…” Alice panted. She fumbled for words, overcome with sensations and emotions that felt more powerful than anything else in the world. Despite his size, Jack just fit just right. Everything was so intense and overwhelming, yet nothing else in the world ever felt as right as this. She needed more. “Ple-please…”

Jack bent down to kiss her forehead, gently smoothing out the slight ridges there. “I’m going to move now.” He showed her a smile as dazzling as the sun. “I’m going to fill you with my love.”

Alice let out a shuddering cry as she felt Jack start to move his hips. He drew back so far that a part of her felt an irrational panic that he was going to pull out, but those fears were quickly alleviated as he brought their hips together again.

It was a slow and steady rhythm to start. Jack was determined to make sure that Alice never experienced even a second of pain, and the noises she made let him know just how good a job he was doing. He could feel the pleasure he brought her echo through his body, and his body’s pleasure resonated into hers the same way. They were one, moving together with practiced ease that came so naturally to the fated pair.

It was Alice who urged Jack to go faster by digging her heels into his backside, her legs wrapped around his hips. She couldn’t control the tempo from this position, but she could cling to him tight and make her needs known. “Mmm… more please! Jack please!”

“As you wish, sunshine,” Jack cooed before capturing that begging mouth of hers in another hot kiss. “I’ll give it all to you, all of my love.” He relished the cry she let out as he started to go faster, harder, and the pleasure made his head spin. His eyes rolled upwards, and for a moment he was sure he had gone to heaven as these powerful feelings of love washed over him. “Oh Alice!”

His praise and words of love were addicting, and Alice couldn’t get enough. She could feel his love surrounding her, inside her. The way Jack kept cooing and encouraging her drove her crazy, and words of love spilled from her lips in return, broken up by ragged breaths and cries of pleasure as he drove himself into her harder, faster.

Alice barely registered when their position changed, her legs bent back in his firm grip, but she felt just how much deeper he could thrust himself inside her, making her see stars.

The world disappeared, and nothing mattered but this desperate hunger they had for each other that bordered on animalistic. Their instincts howled for one another and the love they shared. Their bodies collided and meshed together, hot and sweaty. The air was thick and heavy with heat and the perfume of pheromones that left them both lightheaded and aching with need.

Jack managed to keep his senses enough to keep whispering words of love and praise for his irreplaceable mate, but Alice could barely do more than call out his name between animal cries of pleasure.

The pleasure continued to build, and before they reached that glorious crest, Jack bent down, his mouth seeking out her neck. His fangs grazed across that familiar mark he created a lifetime ago then sank in, renewing their sacred vow that they would love each other forever.

The world went completely white and Alice could only scream his name as she clung to Jack, her body convulsing around him with pleasure she didn’t think possible. She didn’t even notice when she was able to take his knot, but she could feel it pulsing inside her along with the rest of his cock as he came. He flooded her insides with warmth, and she relished in the heat pooling in her belly.

As the tide of pleasure slowly started to recede, Jack drew away from her neck and licked his lips. His sunshine’s blood was just as sweet as he remembered, and the mark glowed with a gentle, familiar light, just like the day he first made it. Alice moved in closer as he drew back, her instincts crying out for him, and he moaned as she sunk her teeth into the mark she left on him so long ago, a mate mark identical to hers.

The marking ritual wasn’t necessary to repeat, but it was like a renewal of their vows, of the promise that nothing, not even death, would keep them apart. Now, as the pair slid into a gentle afterglow, they brought their red stained lips together in a kiss that sealed them together forever.

…

After the Afterglow

Of course, eventually Alice is going to be aware that what she just did with Jack is very serious. There’s going to be fears and uncertainty even if a part of her is feeling so content with him. When it’s just the two of them, it’s so easy to fall into him, to give in to her instincts and love him just as completely as he loves her. His love is so addicting, so familiar and safe. It’s hard to have to face reality when this dream come true is so wonderful. A part of her is no longer missing anymore, and she can’t imagine living without him.

Since I suspect that MC’s love and closeness with Jack will allow him to be more real the more strongly they feel it, he’s going to be a lot more real in this AU a lot more quickly. Being a fated pair is a magical bond that can’t be broken. Add it and the general supernatural nature of this world, and Jack has a much stronger hold on reality thanks to Alice, especially after they share so much love as soon as he appears.

This means Jack doesn’t just appear in mirrors and in cameras, but also in front of other people. He doesn’t experience the world as a ghost, though he still has to contend with just suddenly appearing out of nowhere with no ID and all the other issues that come with suddenly existing in the world again.

However, just because Jack is more real doesn’t mean that he’s human again. He’s still a very supernatural being in a world full of people who have sharp animal instincts. Alphas like Ian, Shaun, and Nick can sense that something is wrong with Sunny Day Jack despite his bright and shiny smile. This is something these three are more sensitive to due to their attraction towards Alice and their Alpha instincts telling them to protect the Omega they care for.

Since Alphas have better senses to a supernatural degree, maybe they smell something… off about Jack, see something unnatural about him. Perhaps he’s a bit… staticy? He’s not simply another Alpha to them, he’s something not right. He’s uncanny… and dangerous.

And, much to these Alphas’ concern, Alice doesn’t see that at all. She has no sense of the danger Jack poses. All she sees when she looks at Jack is the man who she loves with all her heart, who loves her just as much.

Will Shaun, Nick, or Ian manage to shine a light on this shady clown and expose what’s wrong with him, or will their fears be proven to be unfounded? Will these Alphas clash with claws and fangs or worse? Will Jack have to go to extremes to make sure no one takes his sunshine away from him ever again? He’s gone feral before because of the fear of losing her, and it’s pretty common for Alphas to clash in this world after all, especially when it’s to protect someone they love.

Good thing Omegas have the power to heal when Alphas are ready and willing to tear into each other, but hopefully Alice won’t have to heal the wounds left behind from her lover’s feral frenzy like she did back when her name was Mary. Jack certainly doesn’t need more sins weighing down his soul when he’s finally clean now. Fortunately Omegas have a knack of keeping Alphas from losing control when they’re around… at least, unless they want them to lose control during sexy times.

Wow, this ramble went on a lot longer than I expected. I guess that’s what happens when I need to go into full-blown world building, huh? Anyway, I hope you enjoy my take on Omegaverse with the SDJ cast, and my spicy bit of writing between Jack and Alice! Maybe I’ll dip into this AU again sometime.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur

#Sunny Day Jack #Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack #SunnyDayJack #sdj #swwsdj #Omegaverse #Alpha Beta Omega #Headcanon Ramblings #My Writing #Omegaverse AU

[sad-sweet-cowboah]

And I’ll Succumb To You part 2

Part 1

Summary: It’s been nearly a month since you joined the Van der Linde gang. With your next heat on the horizon, you and Arthur set out to find a new bottle of Lilith’s Blessing.

Warnings: Smut, duh. ABO dynamics. And cursing.

AN: THIS CAME OUT TO 10,808 WORDS. Please enjoy ya thirsty hos! I may also make a part 3.

A whole three weeks passed since your life changed. Three weeks since you’d gone from a lone bounty hunter to a part of one of the most notorious gangs in the United States.

You’d been dozing peacefully on the back of Arthur’s horse by the time the two of you reached camp. His low voice aroused you from your slumber as he helped you to the ground. He tied his horse to a hitching post before repeating it with your horse. He then proceeded to remove your things, which you protested and said you could do it, only for him to shake his head and insist.

Arguing would have gotten you nowhere, so you followed him into the surprisingly large camp. A mixture of scents hung heavy in the air. The first thing you’d noticed was the campfire directly in the center, glowing bright orange against the fabric of the tents and dark wood of the wagons. People were sitting around it, and as soon as you got closer, heads turned.

You hadn’t expected such a big welcome.

Arthur had placed you in the care of the camp girls. A small group of them you found were excited to take you in. Karen and Mary-Beth were both Omega and thankful to have another in camp to bond with. Abigail was another Omega who had her hands full with a child of her own. Tilly was a Beta, though did not look down upon you which you were thankful for. Molly, another Beta, you found kept more to herself and greeted you politely before wandering toward one of the more extravagant tents. You also soon found they had a ringleader: A woman named Susan Grimshaw, the only female Alpha you’d ever met in your lifetime. Female Alphas were about as rare as a male Omega, and simply being in her presence was both awesome and overwhelming.

After they’d set up your bedroll underneath a hanging tarp next to a wagon, you were introduced to the others. The men, a mix of both Alpha and Beta. Dutch Van der Linde, the leader, was an Alpha and wary about your presence given your reputation. However after speaking with his right-hand man, Hosea Matthews and Arthur, Dutch begrudgingly accepted you as a new member.

Over time you’d gotten to know the rest. The others were…colorful characters, if you could call them that. They were a group of misfits from wherever just trying to get by in life in any means possible. If it meant robbing folk or doing good deeds.

It took a while for you to leave by yourself, due to Dutch’s orders. You were confined to camp for the first week with unseen eyes on you. Then began the small tasks, going into town for a grocery trip or hunting usually accompanied by someone else. You couldn’t complain, it was something to do and kept food in your belly. Once Dutch began to realize you weren’t going to turn on them, he began to send you out for bigger missions alongside the girls or the other men.

Today however, was a different. You’d woken up to the sounds of movement around you. Opening your eyes, you’d watched as Mary-Beth packed things into her satchel. The others were bustling around more than usual amongst the camp, moving sacks of supplies toward the horses. It confused you, wondering if it was possibly time to switch locations. However, you realized it was only a few people, a few people specifically. It was then when an all too familiar scent wafted into your nose: the heat of the other Omegas.

Karen and Mary-Beth had left with Susan and a few others, mentioning they’d be half-day’s travel away. Hosea explained they would be protected by the Alphas and Betas while they chose how to sate their desires, if it meant finding someone else to help or taking care of it by themselves. Abigail, you found, stays behind for the sake of Jack after obtaining some Lilith’s Blessing. She grumbled about how his father wouldn’t be competent enough to fill in as a parent for a week in her absence.

With the camp emptier, it felt both strange and relaxing. You kept yourself busy by helping the others run errands or fulfill other missions in the meantime.

A couple of days passed, you’d come back to camp after aiding John and Javier in a burglary. It fairly late then, the sun low in the sky and casting red hues amongst the surrounding woods. Your horse was sweaty and tired, so you untacked her and began to brush her damp coat.

The sound of twigs snapping caught your attention, and you turned to see Arthur walking past. He caught your eye and smiled politely, giving you a short wave before turning his attention forward. You’d returned the gesture before turning back to your horse, although your mind began to wander.

You two really hadn’t spoken about your encounter. You’d mutually agreed to not mention it to the others to avoid any awkward questions. You and he however barely spoke after that. The first few days in camp he would check in and see how you were adjusting. He’d greet you in the mornings and bid you a good night when turning in, or sit next to you at the campfire with idle chatter on some nights. He was usually busy anyway, often gone on missions or hunting trips. As the weeks passed by, he would intrude your thoughts and dreams.

Sure, he was handsome. Additionally he was sweet and showing a surprisingly soft side. The way he spoke to the girls and treated the others in camp was a stark contrast from the man that once intimidated you in Big Valley just weeks ago. How gentle he was with Jack melted your heart at times. Despite his Alpha nature, he never used his position to abuse the power he had over others. He was, after all, third in command. He was a decent man. More than decent actually. Sometimes you’d catch yourself staring at him for a second longer than intended. You also could have sworn you caught him gazing at you on more than one occasion, though his eyes would quickly avert when you did a double-take.

You breathed out a heavy sigh, leaning forward to plant your forehead against your horse’s neck. Surely you shouldn’t be falling for him, it seemed silly to even consider.

Someone called your name. You stood up straight and saw Tilly walking up to you out of the corner of your eye. You turned to face her, offering a smile to her. “Hey Tilly.”

“Hey Y/N. Mind if I speak with you?” she asked.

You nodded. “Of course, what is it?”

“Well…” she stepped up to your horse, offering the tired steed a carrot, whose ears perked up immediately and greedily munched the snack straight from Tilly’s hand. “Have you given thought on what you’re going to do with your heat?”

You blinked. “My heat?” you repeated. “I don’t know…” Your unused tonic had soured and you hadn’t had the time to seek out the market for a new one. You supposed you could make an attempt and ask Abigail where she received hers.

“Are you going to have Arthur again?” Tilly asked simply.

You blinked and spluttered, taken aback by her words. “Wha-how did you know?”

Tilly’s lips stretched into a knowing smile. “Could smell him on you when we got close to ya, and not cause you was sharing a horse.”

You bit your lip shyly, turning your head away. “It was just a one-time thing,” You huffed, keeping your voice low. “He and I just met and…well… it was just the wrong place at the wrong time,” you of course never told anyone that you were hunting him, and he also kept his mouth shut about that.

“You sure? Cause I’ve seen the way you stare at one another across camp. Seems like there’s something else going on, thought you’d ask him when the time comes.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” you mumbled. “I’m just gonna ask Abigail where she got her Lilith’s Blessing. Should be easy enough.”

“Alright. Just let Miss Grimshaw know when she returns about what you plan on doing in case things go south,” Tilly replied before she reached over to pat your shoulder, and headed back to camp.

---

With the sun rising bright and early through camp, you planned your day ahead of time. Abigail mentioned she purchased the tonic from a seller in Emerald Ranch, a place you were familiar with and was just a few hours’ ride away. You’d gathered a few supplies needed and saddled up your horse. You mentioned to Tilly your whereabouts just in case anyone asked.  It had been a while since you’ve gone on a journey by yourself.

You hoped you would have just a simple trip to get what you need and come back without a hitch.

Just as you tightened the cinch, and heard a voice from a few feet away.

“Where you headin’ off to?”

Of course it was Arthur. Your heart skipped a beat once you recognized him. Your arms fell to your sides and you turned to face him. His hands were gripping his gun belt with one hip slightly cocked to the side. You had to admit to yourself you loved when he grabbed his gun belt like that, as if it were a subtle way to exude his power. His face held an expectant expression.

“I’m…heading to Emerald Ranch,” you explained. “See if I can get my hands on some Lilith’s Blessing.”

Arthur nodded in understanding. “You, uh, close?”

“Still a few days off, I think. Which is why I’m heading out now,” you answered while turning back to your horse and preparing to mount on. As you pulled yourself up, you heard Arthur speak again.

“Mind if I join ya?”

You swung a leg over and seated yourself comfortably in your saddle, and then looked down at Arthur. You couldn’t fathom a reason why he’d go. Perhaps as protection? Sometimes Lilith’s Blessing sellers were more untrustworthy than others, but you could handle yourself regardless. However, there was no reason for him not to go. Finally you said, “Sure, come on then.”

Arthur didn’t take long to grab his own satchel before mounting his horse and coming up alongside you. You two rode together silently through the woods for the first few minutes until he spoke.

“So, how you likin’ it so far?” he asked curiously.

“Well it’s different,” you answered, turning you gaze up to the patches of sunlight that shone through the leaves above. “I like being somewhere where our statuses don’t matter. Feels like I’m a part of a family for the first time in a long time.”

“That’s what’s important,” Arthur rumbled. “We take care o’ one another as you saw. Glad you’re fittin’ in too.”

You nodded in response. Up ahead the forest gave way to a field, the blue sky expanding across the green landscape. As the two of you crossed the tree line, your gaze wandered over to him. His body was slightly hunched over on his horse while you loped graciously across the landscape. His forearms were bare, the sun shining brightly on his skin. His tightly corded muscles angled in the light, thick and strong. Your eyes shifted to observe the rest of his body. You’d never actually seen him naked, however you remembered how felt against you. Warm and strong and solid.

“Hey, you alright?” he suddenly asked. You blinked back into focus and saw him staring right at you.

You’d nearly flinched from being caught, and turned your head back to face straight. You couldn’t let yourself fantasize over that, not like it would ever happen again anyway. You’d fallen silent for the rest of the ride, only speaking once or twice and keeping the conversation short.

You reached Emerald Ranch by early afternoon. You’d stopped briefly to eat a quick meal before going about your business. It was a small place, full of Betas like most towns were. You’d never felt uncomfortable here.

“Where do we find what we’re lookin’ for?” Arthur asked you, casually walking beside you.

You tilted your head toward one of the barns. “The fence behind there, he keeps tabs on the local sellers.”

He nodded in response, keeping in step with you as you headed to your destination.  Up ahead you could see a small caravan of people both on wagons and horseback rolling through. The scent hit you first however, the overwhelming Alpha musk carrying with the breeze.

Out of the corner of your eye, Arthur stepped even closer, placing his body between you and them in an almost protective manner. His hand hovered over your lower back, so close the heat radiated from his skin was felt through your shirt. He kept you closer to the side as the others passed, his eyes never leaving them.

Once they were a good distance away, Arthur stepped away to his previous space. You looked at him, noting how tight his jaw was clenched.

“Arthur?”

He looked down at you. “Eh, sorry. Jus’ wanna make sure they didn’t get any ideas…”

“They wouldn’t have smelled me yet, I’m not close enough to my heat,” you pointed out.

“I know. But jus’ in case,” he murmured.

You looked at him for a second longer, curious as to why he was so keen on protecting you at that moment. Then again being in a blended gang probably meant he had to fulfill the same role for the other Omegas. You decided to not question it further and continue on.

The fence was in the spot he always was, a little shack nestled at the end of the barn. Arthur still remained at your side, though stepped back slightly to allow you to do your business. The fence locked eyes with you as you approached him, a dry smile crossing his face.

“Haven’t seen ya in a while,” he said casually.

You nodded in response, stepping closer to lean in. “Darkness is a blessing in disguise, ain’t it?” you murmured, using one of the few phrases known for discussing the tonic in public.

The fence frowned slightly. “Sorry, it’s all sunshine here,”

Your heart sank immediately. It meant that the seller in question had left. “Er, do you know when the sun sets?”

“Can’t say I do, miss,” he responded while shaking his head. “I ain’t no time teller.”

You sighed in frustration, turning to Arthur with a sour look on your face. You gestured for him that it was time to go, and he nodded wordlessly, confusion crossing his own face.

He waited until you were out of earshot of anyone close by before he said anything. “What was that about?”

“Seller ain’t here,” you grumbled, storming up to your horse and yanking the reins from the post with more force than necessary. “And he didn’t know where they went.”

“Oh,” was all he said in response. You saw him chew on his lip out of the corner of your eye as he went to mount his own horse. “Er…y’know anyone else that might know?”

“No,” you huffed, urging your mare into a smooth canter. “That’s the thing. They move around without any word on where they go next. They leave clues for Omegas to find, but I don’t even know where to start looking.”

Arthur hadn’t replied, and the two of you rode in silence across the green expanse of the Heartlands. The fourth week was soon, and you knew your heat would be quick to follow. You didn’t have days to run around trying to find something that may not be there in the first place.

If only you could find a clue, or pick up at least the tiniest hint of a trail. Most sellers were Betas that didn’t have unique scent markers like an Omega or Alpha would, which made it easier for them to avoid unwanted company. They were very rarely in the same place twice. Had you been on top of this, you would have taken care of this issue before it was even an issue.

Would you have to resort back to your old ways of pleasuring yourself, leaving you not so quite satiated? Arthur told you there were alternative methods of your choice. You knew Karen was keen on bedding someone to relieve hers while Mary-Beth opted to keep to herself. Neither sounded pleasant to you.

A flash of memory crossed your mind. That night with Arthur…the way your body so readily accepted him. You were inebriated by your own desire then, clouded by the temptation of his musk and the swell of his knot. It was as if you were given the best meal of your life after being fed gruel.

What a dangerous sensation to chase.

You sighed and shook your head. It certainly won’t happen again. You couldn’t risk giving yourself to anyone like that ever again.

“What do ya plan to do?” Arthur interrupted your train of thought, breaking the long silence.

Hell, you still weren’t sure at that point. “I don’t know,” you groaned, clenching the reins in your fists hard. “I used to…just do it myself. Suppose that’s what I’ll have to do again.”

“But that don’t take it all away, right?” Arthur pressed.

“Never. It’s never enough…” you trailed off, pursing your lips. There was a curve in the road ahead, and the two of you slowed down.

Arthur took the opportunity to step his horse closer to yours. “Unless you…” he muttered, trailing off.

You nodded, answering his unasked question. Your memory was once again taken back, vividly reminiscing the way his hands held you, the way he was careful to move you before his knot released. It was nature’s intention to put an Alpha and Omega together. Those few moments of sweet bliss, as if you two were meant to be one… “Never knew how it felt like until you came along.” you turned your eyes to him, noting the look of interest he had on changed to surprise.

“Wait, I was your first?” he exasperated. When you nodded again, he brought his hand to his face, rubbing it as he let out a groan. “Christ… ‘M so sorry, that jus’ makes me feel worse…”

“Worse?” you repeated.

His gaze met yours with a solemn, shameful stare. “Didn’t even know you was a virgin. Takin’ somethin’ like that away from ya in that moment…”

You sighed heavily. That never mattered to you in the slightest, especially when the last thing on your mind was mating with someone. “Didn’t matter then, doesn’t matter now. Besides, we’re both guilty anyway.”

Arthur appeared as if he were going to say something else, instead he shook his head and sighed. “Maybe we can find, uh…another seller? There’s more than one, right? They gotta be ‘round somewhere.”

“Sure but not many,” you grumbled. “Arthur, I appreciate the help, but we ain’t gonna find one before my heat. I know that much. Like I said, they move around without much word.”

“You dunno that for sure,” he pointed out. “It’s worth a try.”

“Why are you so determined on finding one?” You asked, giving him a look. “Not like you’d get any benefit from it.”

“Jus’ wanna make sure you get what ya need,” he answered. “I know how much ya hate your heats.”

That little slip of truth in that moment, you remembered. You felt flattered that he’d come such lengths to try, yet at the same time it seemed unnecessary. Despite what happened between the two of you, neither of you had an obligation to one another. “You don’t have to, you know,” you pointed out.

“I know,” he murmured, so quiet you had to strain to hear him through the rhythmic hoofbeats and the wind whipping your face. “I jus’ thought I try to help ya this time. If you don’t want it, then I’ll head back to camp. Your call.”

You blinked in surprise. In truth you weren’t exactly sure what you’d expected with Arthur coming along. You were resigned to the idea of riding out your heat by self-pleasuring in a cabin somewhere. However, his determination refused to wither. He wanted to help you. He went out of his way just to make sure you purchased the tonic. You admired his persistence. Maybe with his help, it could be possible. You eventually responded with, “I guess we can try. But the moment I start feeling it, we need to stop.”

Arthur looked at you for a moment, and nodded in understanding. “Sure.”

—

You started in Valentine, a knowing there could be some people milling about with information. Mere droplets were shared, only learning of rumors and tales rather than anything concrete. There had been a seller there just a day before, but with no direct route of passage of where they went next. From what you gathered, the seller was headed either to Annesburg or Saint Denis. East as a general direction that also meant adding a day’s worth of travel after having traveled in the opposite direction.

You and Arthur left just as the sun was setting, casting beautiful warm hues across the Heartlands. He was hasty with his departure, ensuring there was as least time as possible in getting to your destination. The two of you decided to tackle Saint Denis first, hoping to pick up leads in a more densely populated area before moving on to Annesburg if needed.

The night grew later and your eyelids began to grow heavy. You’d just passed the state line into Lemoyne, the air much warmer and more humid than the clear atmosphere of New Hanover. The heat that surrounded you like a blanket was not helping your fatigue. When you yawned widely, Arthur decided to set up camp.

Soon you found yourself sitting in front of a small fire. Arthur found a small clearing surrounded by a few trees far enough from the road to not draw too much attention. After setting up your respective tents and getting a fire going, he left to hunt and assured you he would be near enough in case there was any trouble. You hadn’t been sitting by yourself for very long, and you let yourself succumb to your thoughts.

Saint Denis was just a half a day’s worth of travel from where you were right now. You hoped you could find better answers there. If not, then it would take almost another day to make it up to Annesburg. Arthur mentioned you two could take the train to save some time. A practical idea, but you were hoping it wouldn’t be needed.

You always had a good grasp of when your heat would start. However, you were beginning to grow anxious on how close it was cutting. Unlike before you were not afraid to confront it without the tonic now, but having it possibly start in unfamiliar territory was daunting.

The sounds of grass rustling caught your attention, and you smelled Arthur before you could see him. He appeared out of the darkness, hands laden with a few rabbits. He caught your gaze and offered you a half-smile.

“Doin’ alright?” he asked.

“As well as ever,” you answered, sitting up and watching him begin to skin the rabbits. “How about you?”

Arthur’s eyes swiveled back to you, a momentary look of faint confusion crossing his face before he focused back to the meat. “I’m alright I guess.” After managing to section the meat, he stuck some on his knife and knelt down over the fire.

It took a few minutes for the meat to finish cooking. The savory smell wafted to your nose and your stomach rumbled. Arthur handed some pieces to you, and you began to munch on them gratefully. It wasn’t a full meal but it was enough to keep you sated until tomorrow.

Besides the crackle of the fire and the sounds of nature surrounding you, it was quiet. You were staring into the dancing flames, letting your mind wander once again. Your fatigue was beginning to settle after sitting for so long and you were prepared to turn in for the night. You lifted your head to tell Arthur, only to find him staring at you.

His reaction was just a second too late, turning his head away and awkwardly clearing his throat. You blinked. “Something wrong, Arthur?”

“Er, nothin’,” he mumbled. “Sorry.”

It only occurred to you then it was the first time that you were alone with him since that fateful night. You wondered what was going through his mind at the moment. Was he too thinking back to it? You remembered the conversation you had earlier, how he felt ashamed of taking your innocence. You supposed an otherwise hardened outlaw would not care about a woman’s virtue. But he did.

You also realized that you didn’t really know much about him past the outlaw life. Almost a month living in the same camp together and he was still a stranger to you. Contemplating on picking his brain a little, you scooted slightly closer. Your movement aroused him and he offered a look of curiosity.

“What’re you thinking about?” you asked lightly.

His gaze broke from you, a small shrug on his shoulders. “Nothin’ in particular, why?”

“Just curious,” you admitted. “Quite frankly…I don’t know much about you.”

He scoffed at your response, his eyes rolling in the golden light. “I ain’t a man worth knowin’, especially after what I done.”

You frowned slightly. “I know your ledger ain’t the cleanest-”

“I meant with you,” he interrupted. “I know you said it don’t matter, I just can’t help feelin’ guilty over it still.”

You breathed out a heavy sigh. “Arthur, we were both guilty. I was the one who lured you in, remember? Wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t go after you in the first place.”

“Shouldn’t have fallen for that trap,” he chuckled without humor. “But I took advantage of you…your heat... I can hold myself together around an Omega, but somehow…”

As he trailed off, you nodded in understanding. An Alpha’s rut was almost as difficult as an Omega’s heat to ride through. Only older and more seasoned Alphas were able to achieve it. Arthur shared a camp with Omegas, so you could see how he’d learn to contain himself.

You bit your lip, suddenly feeling guilty as well. Your own temptations had tested his breaking point only to smash it to pieces. “Jesus, I had no idea. I’m sorry.” You murmured.

Arthur looked at you again, his expression hard to read. His lips twitched slightly before he spoke. “Ain’t your fault, Y/N. My own for lettin’ myself get to that point o’ no return.”

“It’s still on both of us regardless, no matter which way you spin it,” you pointed out. “What happened has happened, can’t fix that now. We just have to keep moving on.”

“I guess,” he sighed.

It once again fell silent between the two of you. Your gaze fell back to the now dying fire, the embers glowing faintly against the earth. The indigo and cobalt expanse of the sky was slowly engulfing you. Thoughts began to stir in more curiosity. It was the most you’ve talked about it, and somehow it felt more awkward than burying it with your memories. You supposed it was better to speak about it than not.

“We should turn in for the night,” he spoke again, moving to stand up. As you got to your feet as well, he kicked out the remainder of the fire and shrouding you both in near-total darkness.

As your eyes adjusted, you could see his gleaming in dim. He was staring at you again for a beat longer before turning to face his tent. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

For the briefest of a second you could feel the brush of his fingertips along the bare skin of your forearm as he passed by. A simple quick touch that sent sparks through you. It was so quick and sudden you assumed it might’ve been an accident.

Or was it?

A large yawn instead took your thoughts to your bedroll. Bidding him a goodnight just as he disappeared into his tent, you made your way toward your own.

---

The early morning sun peering through the slits of your tent aroused you from your restful, dream-filled sleep. You sat up slowly, rubbing the last dregs of fatigue from your eyes. As your body became more aware, the low crackling of a fire outside caught your attention. You crawled forward and opened your tent to see Arthur sitting in front of the fire. His attention was on the leather journal in his hands. He seemed to be writing something down, not having noticed you yet.

You’d seen that journal a few times before. You wondered often what he wrote in it. As you crawled out of the tent and into the dim morning light, only then did Arthur look up and close his journal.

“Mornin’,” he rasped, his voice just slightly sleep-touched while he reached for a coffee pot and cup off to the side. He poured some into the cup and held it out. “How’d you sleep?”

You thanked him with a smile and grasped the cup in your hands. The cool metal began to warm instantly and you took a sip. Bitter and hot, it was an unusually welcoming feeling in your dry mouth. “Pretty decent. How about you?”

He shrugged slightly in response before he placed the journal in his satchel. “Can’t complain. Anyway, we’ll be headin’ off once you’re done with that. Sound good?”

You nodded while taking another sip. Leaving soon meant you’d reach Saint Denis by either late morning or early afternoon, and left you a good amount of time to start asking around. Once you finished your coffee, Arthur helped you break down your tent before tending to his own. Once the site had been completely devoid of everything, you were on the road again.

With the air becoming more humid and hazy, it were as if each breath you took was like inhaling water. Through the thickness of the atmosphere, the buildings of Saint Denis unveiled ahead. You’d reached the cobblestone streets by high noon, the sun disappearing above the smog. Both a beautiful and intimidating city, you were both hopeful and determined your search would end here.

You and Arthur agreed to split up to cover more ground. He knew you were perfectly capable of handling yourself after learning your reputation. However it did not stop him from being apprehensive. Before you set off, he asked you to dismount your horse. You did so, about to question as to why when he dismounted his to stand in front of you, and he tugged the black bandana from around his neck to hold out to you.

You stared at it in confusion, before turning your eyes to him.

“Keep my scent on ya, just in case anyone gets any ideas.” He explained.

“I don’t need-” you began, yet the look on his face stopped you in your tracks. True concern. You knew what he was trying to do; an Alpha sometimes would scent mark their mates by having them wear an article of clothing, an added layer of protection to ward off any rival Alphas if they were ever separated. He wasn’t trying to claim you, though. He had a good reason to make sure you were guarded. You weren’t too familiar with Saint Denis, but you knew there was a considerable amount of Alphas here. Without another word, you took the bandana from his hands and wrapped it around your own neck. His scent wafting off the fabric filled your nose.

A small smile of relief crossed his face. “Thank you. Alright, let’s meet by the train station in four hours,” he said, mounting back on his horse. “Be careful.”

You nodded to him, climbing onto your mare. “You too, Arthur. See you in a few hours.”

And in those few hours you’d discovered absolutely nothing.

Your frustration only grew as you moved down the streets and through the alleyways, finding the more questionable of people to ask. To your dismay they wouldn’t know or they avoided the question entirely. Some answers had you tracing back to Valentine or Emerald Ranch. Your head was absolutely spinning with the lack of direction, but you didn’t want to give up just yet.

After a few hours of dead ends and misleadings, you’d found hopefully one more lead.

You had around fifteen minutes before meeting Arthur back at the train station, and the last place you decided to try was a saloon on the seedier part of the city. The building itself appeared run-down, and the faint smell of urine lingered on the walls. You crinkled your nose and pushed the door open, coming upon a scene that wasn’t unfamiliar to you.

Drunken fools slurring and giggling in their seats, tipping half-empty bottles of beer and whiskey to their loose lips. An abundance of Betas with a few Omegas mixed in. Surely someone here could be persuaded through their inebriation.

You approached another Omega who seated herself in the corner, her cheeks rosy and her eyes half lidded as her distant gaze met yours. She clutched an amber bottle in her hand. You offered her a polite smile and sat across from her.

“Hello,” you greeted.

“H-hey, sugar,” she slurred, the smell of whiskey strong on her breath. “W-wanna have a good time?”

“No,” you answered immediately. “Listen…I’m in search of something. Something that would help…people like you and me.”

The woman blinked at you with an absolutely dumbfounded expression. “I…I ain’t sure whatchoo talkin’ about! Whuh-what?”

You sighed and closed your eyes to keep your composure. This seemed like a good idea just a minute ago. “A certain…tonic,” you leaned in and dropped your voice. “Ya know…a blessing in disguise.”

She hiccupped heavily, frowning as her fogged gaze turned away from you. She doubled over and held her stomach, promptly stumbling off her stool and heading to the exit. As she disappeared through the door, you heard the unmistakable sounds of retching and you sighed. So much for that.

You turned to look around, hoping you’d catch someone else that could tell you. There weren’t too many other Omegas, and each and every one seemed to be as inebriated as the previous. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea as you thought. You instead decided to leave, the smell of fresh alcohol vomit filling your nostrils as you exited into the hazy afternoon air. The poor girl was off to the side, moaning in pain next to her puddle of shame. You just kept walking, looking around for your horse. The mare had wandered off and your lips formed to whistle for her when another smell overtook your senses.

Alpha. A scent unlike Arthur’s but heavier and…rancid. Your nose crinkled and you hastened your steps. As you passed by an alleyway, a silhouette appeared and made its way toward you.

“Heard you were lookin’ ‘round for some Lilith’s Blessing,” a voice rumbled from the silhouette, who moved to step in behind you.

You kept your cool despite a small bubble of anxiety rising in your stomach. You’d dealt with Alphas like him one too many times before. “Bet you’ve heard many things in this city,” you countered, keeping your sights forward.

“I just thought it was strange…for a claimed Omega to be askin’ for such a thing when her Alpha should be takin’ care of her,” he continued as if you hadn’t spoken. He was still right behind you, too close for comfort.

You turned around to face him. Much taller than you as expected, wearing clothes that would easily cost you an entire month’s worth of bounties to achieve. He had a gleam in his eye that you did not trust. “What I do with my Alpha is none of your concern.” You hissed with a scowl. “Please leave me alone.”

“Ah, I don’t think so,” he growled, his arms quickly reaching out to you. You’d anticipated this and stepped back, bringing your own arm to swing a punch directly to his face. The distinctive and satisfying crunch of his nose breaking beneath your fist was enough to bring him to his knees. He yowled in pain, followed by expletives you cared to not repeat.

You turned on your heel and sprinted down the street. Your feet hit hard against the cobblestone as you sought to push as much distance between him and you as possible. You turned a corner and another, hoping that if he recovered, he would lose track of you that way. You weaved through random pedestrians, their sounds of shock and surprise falling on deaf ears. You only stopped when you’d ended up in an alley.

You were breathing hard, leaning against a wall in attempts to catch your breath. You had to find your way to the train station from here. Arthur surely would have reached there by now and was probably wondering where you were. Maybe he’ll come looking for you, though it was such a vast city you weren’t sure if that was possible. Hopefully you could ask someone for directions.

As your breath evened out and your heart stopped hammering, you straightened up again. Just before you began to move however, a tightening below your navel made its presence. A sensation you were all too familiar with. Your heart dropped to your stomach. Shit.

It was a little too early for this.

You had to find Arthur and high-tail it out.

You made your way back to the street and whistled loudly, hoping your horse was close enough to hear you. Others in the area turned their heads toward you, and you hoped it was because of your whistle and not the other reason.

You waited for a full minute, and nothing. Huffing in frustration, you headed to the first person you saw and asked for directions to the train station. Thankfully you learned it wasn’t too far away, and not in the direction of the Alpha who attempted to assault you. You hurried in the direction they told you, keeping your pace fast and your eyes forward.

The further you went, the more eyes were upon you. You hastened your steps again, knowing you had caught the attention of more than one Alpha in the area. The scent on Arthur’s bandana was beginning to fade.

The presence of others on your tail made you hyperaware. They were far back enough for you to slip out of sight, favoring to move in between buildings. You knew the general direction of the station and hoped you wouldn’t get turned around again. You were closer, possibly a few blocks away from what you were told. The steady breeze was moving with you.

As you approached the opening to another street, a large body stepped into your way. You skidded to a halt, eyes widening as the Alpha musk once again enveloped you.

“Omega…” he growled, his eyes flashing brightly. You ducked his opening arms, quickly skirting around him impressively in such a narrow space before darting forward.

Out into the open street, you managed to weave between horses and wagons. A train whistle sounded through the crowd, signaling that you were close. You put on a burst of speed, sprinting down the street with the train station clear ahead. You heard the Alpha behind you, his low snarl ripping through the crowd. You prayed Arthur was there waiting.

The Alpha grew closer, his larger body and longer strides were able to catch up to you in nearly no time at all. The busy street had only given you a slight headstart. You willed your legs to go faster, but the ache settling deep in your muscles told you that you weren’t able to.

He was just feet behind you.

Panic began to settle in.

You were ready to meet your inevitable fate when the sounds of hoofbeats appeared behind you, thunderous and quick, you heard the metal of the horseshoes skidding to a stop across the cobblestone.

“Back off,” a familiar – and welcoming – voice growled. You spun around to see Arthur on his horse, effectively blocking the Alpha from you. “She’s mine.”

The other Alpha snarled. You couldn’t see what happened next, only heard the connection of Arthur’s boot to his body. A grunt of pain was quick to follow, accompanied by the heavy thud of his body on the ground. It was only then did Arthur turn to look at you.

“Come on,” he huffed, gesturing to the back of his horse. You did not have to be told twice, jumping up onto the stallion was the quickest you’ve ever mounted a horse. As soon as your arms wrapped around his torso he took off.

Your heart hammered wildly in your chest as you kept your eyes forward. The train station was dead ahead. “Arthur-” you breathlessly uttered. “We can’t go to Annesburg. My heat-”

“I know,” he interrupted lowly. “I smelled it this mornin’.” Instead of heading toward the train, he veered off to the right and followed the tracks opposite of the way the train was facing. Residential buildings gave way to factories and stockyards, meaning you were nearly out.

A familiar whinny caught your attention. You turned your head and saw your mare running toward the both of you, and you sighed in relief.

---

The two of you rode out of Saint Denis without any trouble, heading westward toward Rhodes. Arthur however kept on the paths away from any sort of civilization, that of which you were grateful for. The longer you rode, however, the worse the pressure in your belly became. His scent wafted around you, prodding you further towards the peak of your heat. It wouldn’t be much longer before you were coated in your own slick and unable to move in his presence.

You gave him a warning, hoping he too would be able to compose himself like he said he could. He stopped deep in the woods, close to a stream where you were able to temporarily quench the burning in your throat. Arthur was quick to set up your tent, though keeping himself at a safe distance to not inhale your ever-growing scent of temptation.

It was only twilight by then, though appearing darker underneath the canopy of the trees. Your skin was already damp from the humidity, yet the presence of your slick was beginning to soak through your bloomers. You took a deep breath and looked at Arthur, tugging away the bandana from your neck and holding it out to him. He took it, carefully not allowing his fingers to brush yours.

It’d been quiet between the two of you when you stopped. You finally broke the silence. “Arthur, you can leave me,” you said to him. “I know my scent can’t be too friendly on you.”

He looked at you with a slight frown and a furrowed brow. “I ain’t leavin’, Y/N. Gotta make sure you’re safe.”

His refusal surprised you and simultaneously fluttered your heartstrings. You weren’t sure how to feel about his response. “We’re not close to any towns or-”

“Don’t matter. You know exactly how far your scent can travel.” He said knowingly. “Can’t risk that, so you do what you gotta do. I’ll be out here.” He gestured to the forest that surrounded you.

You sighed heavily. There was no arguing with Arthur, that you learned after having caught wind of his conversations with others. It wasn’t a situation you were foreign to either. In your younger days you’d learned to pleasure yourself in the presence of others who were close by to keep a lookout. You would tune it out and become lost in your own thoughts.

Time to visit the past.

You nodded to him and turned toward your tent. As you entered it you listened to his footsteps grow distant. You took a deep breath and lay on your bedroll, allowing your mind to succumb to your heat.

You closed your eyes and unbuttoned your shirt. Your wandering hands rolled up your chemise to explore your bare skin. You were hot and damp to the touch, and your nipples were already puckered. It’d been so long since you’d done this to yourself that you almost missed it. Almost.

Your pants were next, the denim constricting you as your body demanded to be free. You unbuttoned them and slid a hand in, your fingers sliding along your folds still covered by your chemise. You kicked off your jeans and shrugged off your shirt, and your underclothing was soon to follow. Your fingers dragged their way to your slit, parting them and your other hand began to caress your bundle of nerves. The pleasure began to roll through you, growing slowly as your touch became more fervent.

An image appeared in the depths of your mind. Arthur pinning you against a tree, fucking you to his content. It disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, yet it was enough to send a wave of fresh yearning through you. Biting on your lip, you tried to ignore it.

That however did nothing to staunch the way your body responded further to that memory. You mentally tried to push it away despite how wet you were growing for that sensation again. You shouldn’t fantasize about Arthur, you couldn’t.

Your mind kept screaming at yourself, but your body keened for his touch. The seconds ticked by and you were losing control of your own thoughts.

The dam broke open, flooding your mind with the memories of how Arthur took you that night. How perfect he felt inside you. The way his hands ravaged every inch of your sensitive skin and he rammed you. Your fingers slid into your entrance, desperately trying to reenact the sensation of his cock inside you. His growl, audible in your mind, was enough to send shivers cascading through your body.

You remembered how instantly protective he was over you earlier. The power in his voice, she’s mine. Even if it were just in the heat of the moment to ward off the other Alpha, those mere words sent you spiraling.

A small part of you wished you hadn’t resorted to him. He however was your first, and the only memory that you sustained in such a powerful event. You ached so painfully for it again. Your hands worked feverishly against your clit and teased your entrance. Every nerve of your body tingled as you barreled toward your release.

“Arthur…”

Your climax crashed over you fiercely, overtaking your muscles as you clenched around your fingers. You expelled a fresh rush of fluid into the palm of your hand. That was new.

You released shallow breaths as blood rushed through your ears. The fire of your release began to ebb away, settling back within your belly. You expected the dull ache that accompanied your usual ministrations. However, it were as if you hadn’t even done anything. The yearning returned with full force, gripping hold of your insides that you nearly gasped out from its intensity.

You moaned in frustration and gritted your teeth. God damn it. You knew what you were craving, who you were craving. You should have expected it wouldn’t be the same after your encounter with him. It were as if he changed your entire chemistry right down to the very core. You wouldn’t be satisfied unless he were to copulate with you. And you weren’t even mated to him.

But would he oblige?

You swallowed and sat up, the growing need for him beginning to cloud your mind. A small part of you contemplated on just riding the remainder of your heat out, regardless how long it took. There was no way Arthur would agree to do this again. You were ashamed of even considering it. You knew how he felt about it and you couldn’t blame him. Hell, you couldn’t blame either of you.

A swell of pressure grew within your core, forcing a sharp intake of breath from you. Perhaps you ought to try.

You stood up and peered through the flaps of your tent. It’d grown even darker, and you strained your eyes to see through the trees. A small breeze carried by, bringing Arthur’s scent to you and flooding your senses. Your legs trembled from how it enveloped you. He was still nearby.

You called his name into the quiet night and waited. A moment passed by when the faint sounds of moving underbrush appeared. His silhouette formed through the dark, becoming more prominent with each step. He was close enough to see his face, though still stood a good distance away.

“You finished?” he asked.

You shook your head. “No…” you mumbled. “I...I need help.”

You watched as his expression changed to confusion in the dim. “Help? With what?” he asked.

You swallowed hard. “I-I think you know…” you stammered, shyly glancing downward. You waited for him to reject you, waited for the anger of you even suggesting it.

Instead was even more bewilderment. “W-why?” he asked.

You sighed heavily. “Because I-” you paused for a moment to collect the right words. “I tried, it didn’t work. It’s the only way, Arthur. Please…I wouldn’t ask if there was another way aside from…riding it out.”

He’d fallen silent for a long moment, his gaze turning away from you, and you assumed that was his rejection. You withdrew back into your tent, unsure what you were going to do now. Embarrassment began to flood through you, and you cursed your heat for even allowing you to consider asking for his help. It was going to be a long week.

You heard the flaps open, and you turned your head to see Arthur at the entrance. It nearly surprised you, giving him a look of your own confusion. “Arthur?”

His eyes were on you, eyes bright against the darkness. His scent began to overwhelm you as he stepped in completely. You instinctually covered yourself, shyness overcoming you.

“Y/N…” he rumbled, kneeling down and reaching to gently cup your face. You hadn’t expected it, your body both flinching and responding to his touch. Rough fingers slid against the soft skin of your face, and you closed your eyes, allowing the sparks roll through your body.

You felt his lips brush against yours. His hands coaxed your stiff arms down and away from you. It surprised you that he was so intimate and gentle unlike before. He pulled you into his lap as if you were weightless, his clothes rough against your naked skin. The bulge beneath his pants were already prominent, sitting against your soaked mound.

The kiss became more fervent, his tongue prodding you open. You gladly accepted his invasion, letting him take the lead. One hand left your waist to trail up and down your back. A simple touch that had your heat keening for him. Your back arched and you pressed your breasts against his chest. A quiet groan rumbled deeply from him, and he parted his lips from yours.

The hand that trailed along your spine had come to rest on your lower back. “You sure ya want this?” he murmured to you.

You took a deep, shuddering breath. “Yes,” you answered coherently. “I want you, Arthur. I need you right now.” Your arms wrapped around his neck.

He inhaled deeply, allowing your scent to flood his senses. A growl emanated from his chest, sending a shiver took hold of you. “You smell so good…” he whispered. His hand moved to your navel, sinking down low to your folds. Another shudder rippled through you as his fingers grazed against your sensitive clit. You could hear how wet you were when he teased your entrance.

“T-take me, please. Arthur…I’m aching for you,” you moaned, canting your hips to his touch.

He hummed at your words, sliding his fingers into you with ease. His thumb circled your nub. A gasp passed your lips as he toyed you tantalizingly, almost lazily. He hadn’t done this before with you. Even with his fingers, it was what your body needed. He felt so good that you could get lost just from his hands alone. His other hand moved from your lower back to your chest, grazing his thumb across one of your nipples. He played you like an instrument, his fingers expertly teasing you at a slow pace in every right way. It didn’t take long until you were writhing in his lap. You begged for more, but he kept at it with his ministrations, his eyes on you the entire time.

Your second peak had washed over you smoothly, yet somehow was more satisfying and explosive than the first. You moaned his name, your fingers grappling onto him like claws as it gripped your body. The last of it trickled out of your body as you trembled in his lap. You’d certainly made a mess on his jeans. The ache in your belly had lessoned however still remained prominent, and you wanted him even further.

“Did that help?” he asked lowly.

“A little,” you sighed. “Not enough��I need to feel you.”

He didn’t answer, ducking his head as if in thought. You could sense his hesitation and could guess why: his thoughts were still lingering on his guilt. You placed your hand on his stubbled chin, coaxing him to look at you.

“It’s okay, Arthur. I’m asking you…please. I want your knot.” You whispered to him. Your free hand slinked down his torso to rest on his strained jeans. His entire body twitched beneath you.

His gaze was fixated on you. There was still an unsureness hidden within those depths, yet the gleam reflected much more. His rut was the forefront, the need to connect with you held back by uncertainty. He released a rattling sigh, finally muttering, “I want you too.”

You smiled and your hand left his chin to work on the buttons of his shirt. It was already partly opened and you moved to work on the rest. It would be the first time seeing him nude and a fresh wave of need washed upon you thinking about it. The fabric fell open and you placed your hands on his exposed torso. He felt solid underneath his hot, hairy skin. His even breathing slightly disrupted from your touch. Fingertips trailing along his midline, you explored the planes and angles of his muscles. He was built just right. The very epitome of an Alpha.

You dare to explore further, dipping down to the waistband of his pants. As the buttons released the tension it unveiled what lay hidden underneath. You reached in through the opened folds to fish out his length. It was as thick as you remembered, your hand not fully wrapping around its circumference. The knot at the base was slightly swollen.

His breath hitched as you slid your hand along his hot and silky skin. Even though he’d taken your innocence last time, you were not ignorant on how to pleasure a man. His soft moans were a sweet melody to your ears, calling to you and reaching even further to your heat. You drew in a ragged breath as another swell of yearning overtook you.

Arthur sensed it, and his hand covered your own. He pulled your hand off him gently. “Think I need to focus on you now, sweetheart.” He muttered, planting a soft kiss upon your knuckles.

Sweetheart. You hadn’t expected that. A blush painted your face and you smiled shyly, tucking your face against your shoulder. He moved you off his lap and placed you back on your bedroll.

“On your knees.” He said gently. You listened and turned around, raising your ass up in presentation to him. His large hands took place on your waist and you waited for him to pound in. He instead slid his cock between your folds, groaning lightly as he coated himself with your fluids. He teased your clit for a short moment before he found your opening and slid in with ease, taking his time to fill you inch by inch. He stretched your walls oh so deliciously until he was completely sheathed.

You felt whole again, the two of you fitting together perfectly like puzzle pieces. Your body naturally pushed back, your butt flush with his hips. He uttered a small swear while his grip tightened on you.

He began to thrust. A slow and rolling movement that sent waves traveling through every fiber of your being. “Arthur…” you moaned. “You feel so good.”

His pace quickened a touch as he moaned out your name. He was careful with you this time, each touch and thrust as gentle as handling fine china. He caressed every curve you had to offer, tingles erupting everywhere his calloused pads roamed. He left no inch of your flesh untouched, exploring everywhere he could reach. He leaned over you, clouding your mind with his musk as his strong arms wrapped around you. Your breasts were at his leisure, toying with them as he had before. The way he pinched your nipples sent shivers down your spine.

“You feel amazin’,” He groaned, pressing himself deep as he inhaled sharply. “So soft…” he straightened back up and ran a hand down your back, his nails spurring you enough to enhance your ever-growing pleasure. He reached around to rub against your clit.

The additional sensation had you trembling in his grasp. Your head tilted up to whine out loud, uncaring of the volume at the moment.

“That’s it darlin’,” he rumbled to you. “Give me your pleasure.”

Darlin’. His voice. It was enough alone to send you nearly over the edge. It brought your third peak sooner than expected, coiling right deep within your core. It sprang free and spread like wildfire through your veins. You sang your pleasure out to him, your muscles clenching around him so tightly that he grunted.

He swore out loud, driving into you rather hard. You gasped and tried to wiggle away from the overstimulation. He held you against him yet returned to his normal pace. “Shit,” he groaned. “You sound beautiful.”

Your face heated with another blush. You turned your head to look at him. His eyes locked to yours, his clouded with lust. He offered you a small smile and briefly caressed your neck. Such intimacy continuously caught you off guard yet was pleasant all the same. “C-can you go harder, please?” you sighed.

He moaned at your words and heeded your request, thrusting harder and deeper into you. The waves of absolute ecstasy that followed were almost dizzying. You gripped the bedroll and released a wanton moan. His knot was starting to swell more, indicating he was close to his own release. His thrusts became more fervent as he chased his pleasure. Leaning over once again he wrapped his arms around you to bring you upright, pressing your back to his chest. You could only gasp in surprise from this action words lost to you with your mind too fogged. His scruffy chin rested on your shoulder as he murmured sweet praises in your ear. He was relentless, his fingers hadn’t left your clit while his other hand fondled your breasts. Your body threatened to melt in his grip with yet another orgasm on the climb.

It washed onto you like a tsunami. Your entire body vibrated in his arms as you cried your release out to the heavens, his name mixed in a tangle of swears and squeals. With the flames ebbing away, his arms held you tight while he drove himself even further into you.

“Shit, I’m close,” he growled lowly. His knot teased the sensitive nerves of your inner walls. You could only breathlessly whine while he used your body to his bidding. With a few strong thrusts, he unleashed a guttural groan and pressed himself into you as much as he could, spilling his hot spend inside you.

His knot had swelled completely, once again locking you to him. The little space of your tent had become filled with the heated panting of your breaths. The aching swell once residing deep in your belly had finally dissipated, leaving behind a blanket of fatigued bliss.

Arthur’s arms loosened a fraction from around you. You hadn’t expected the next maneuver when he shifted you as if you were weightless. He’d managed to carefully lay the both of you atop your bedroll, his weight was on top of you for only a brief second before he rolled onto his side and pulling you along with him. He was now spooning you, and only then did his arms leave your torso.

The air was hot, the heat radiating from his skin even hotter. That didn’t matter to you in the slightest. Riddled head to toe with satisfaction of finally having what you needed with the person you needed it from. Just an hour ago it seemed even impossible to reach this point.

You felt him shift behind you again. His presence loomed over you and his hand reached to cup your jaw. You turned to his touch without resistance, peering up into those bright eyes of his. He had a soft smile that shone through the dim, and he brought his lips to meet yours.

The kiss was as tender as the first. It still amazed you how this beast of a man could be so soft and gentle with you. He held you to him and you marveled how plump his lips felt against yours. Another long moment passed before he released your face, his hand coming to rest on your hip.

Such a simple notion had you lightheaded. You gave a small huff, your senses still filled to the brim of his scent. He chuckled lightly, sending vibrations against your back.

“Been wantin’ to do that for a while,” he rumbled.

You blinked and shifted slightly to view him better. “What, fuck me?”

“Not exactly,” he murmured. “Kiss you.”

His answer had you taken aback. “W-what? Really?”

His hand moved again, beginning to trace lazy patterns up and down your waistline. “Yeah… was afraid to say somethin’ to ya after what happened. Weren’t sure if you even liked me. Thought I’d try.”

You released a shuddering sigh at his words. Never did you once imagine it would have come to this point. You denied your slowly growing infatuation for him as one-sided and heat-driven, assuming he’d never even want to touch you again. And you were glad you were wrong.

“’Less you just needed me for my knot…” he mumbled, turning his head away and taking your silence for rejection.

“No!” you exclaimed. He flinched from your interjection. You cautiously moved yourself to cup his cheek. “Arthur…” you said, lowering your tone. “Listen, I… I like you. I do. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have asked you to help me with my heat…” you sighed again. “Regardless of what happened between us. I like you.”

You watched the disbelief melt away from his face to slowly form a content smile. His hand covered yours, passing his lips across the skin of your palm. You closed your eyes, allowing the sensation to envelope you. He kissed a steady, feather-light path up your arm and along your shoulder. He finished by placing his mouth against your pulse point. His teeth grazed your flesh, catching your attention. Your breath hitched and you opened your eyes.

“Don’t worry, I won’t mark ya,” he assured, whispering into your skin. “Too early for anything yet…”

You nodded silently. Still much too soon to even consider such a large step, if it were even a possibility in the future.

“But I wanna get to know ya more…” he continued. His touch moved to your stomach, rubbing it in slow, soothing circles. “If that’s okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” you granted, sparks igniting deep from how he caressed you. “Just wish you’d done it sooner.”

He exhaled a puff of breath with a small chuckle. “I ain’t the most confident of folk, believe it or not.”

You hummed in response. “Guess I ain’t surprised since you went almost a month without saying much to me.”

“’Spose I gotta make up for that then,” he replied, placing a sweet kiss on the back of your neck. The hand on your stomach pressed your torso closer to his in a tight embrace. You fell to it easily, finding comfort and security in his capable hands.

The post copulation ache that took hold of your muscles soon began to engulf you whole. Sleep weighed heavy in your mind and tugged at your eyelids. The last thing you heard was Arthur’s voice soothing you to a restful sleep.

#Arthur Morgan x reader #Arthur Morgan x reader smut #ABO dynamics #a/b/o dynamics

[bloody-britt26]

Can you give us headcanons about your trainer and your team? You both look so cute!!

Aww thank you for asking about me my character and my her team! 💕

♡ Britt

• Although her full name is Brittany, she always introduces herself as 'Britt'. The reason being that she's from an English family, but lived in the French-speaking region of Kalos before moving to Galar. Kalosians could never properly pronounce her name, and she absolutely hated the French pronunciation of her name. And so, she opted to be called by her nickname instead. It stuck, even after she moved to Galar.

• 20-years-old, born on July 26th.

• Bisexual, baby!!

• If her colour scheme isn't enough of an indication, she adores Poison-type pokémon the most. She thinks that they are underrated. Dragon, steel and Fairy-types are her other favourites.

• Her colour scheme and fashion choices would have you assume that she's edgy or emo, but that couldn't be further from the truth!

• She's an absolute goofball, all smiles and jokes. She's a fan of sarcasm and playful banter, but she doesn't overstep any boundaries to hurt someone's feelings.

• Speaking of jokes... innuendoes. All of them. She's far from being innocent. If you're innocent or easily embarrassed, you will not last five minutes in her presence.

• Her patience levels are bellow zero. Probably around negative fifty. If she wants to do something, she'll want to do it now, and there's little to nothing that you can do to stop her.

• She's a short sh*t. Like, 5'2 kind of short. Yet, she'll still try to convince a 6'5 guy that she can pummel him to the ground.

• Her cheeks are pretty chubby. Like, really squishy. People kind of want to pinch them.

• Speaking of being short, she hates having people help her reach things. She'll do it on her own, thank you very much. Even if she is clearly struggling and clearly needs help. It's short people pride.

• She's got messy black hair with faint purple highlights. The black isn't natural, her natural hair colour is actually a very pale brown with red and blonde highlights. The black hair suits her so well that people don't believe that it's not her natural hair colour.

• Like mentioned, her hair is beyond messy. She has to straighten it a little or else she looks like she hasn't brushed her hair in a decade.

• She looks permanently tired and has dark bags under her eyes. She still keeps a cheery attitude though!

• She has a scar going across her left eye due to her idiotic and clumsy ass falling off a computer chair as a child. She basically smashed her face on the corner of a desk while trying to stand on a computer chair to reach something. Short people pride was always a thing with her, even as a child.

• Doesn't. Do. Mornings.

• Please do not talk to her until she has downed five cups of tea and has been out of bed for at least two hours.

• She claims that she never cries, but she will absolutely bawl her eyes at the sight of an injured pokémon, or if someone is feeling down. She's a big softie.

• She can be pretty airheaded at times and may easily forget things. She's also a huge klutz and will absolutely trip over oxygen molecules and run into doors even if she is looking where she is going.

• Totally has a crush on the bastard fairy man that is Bede.

• Pink arrogant asshole + dark hyperactive goofball = ?

• You'd think she'd try to go for someone like Leon or Raihan.

• But nah.

• Shiny hunter for life.

• Spends more time camping with her pokémon than actually battling. She's strong af though and will 100% yeet you.

• She doesn't really have any real interest in becoming the champion. Instead, she runs a sanctuary for rescued/abandoned/abused/injured pokémon.

• She also loves to breed and is pretty well versed in how to breed good quality competitive pokémon, though she has no interest in really competing in any form of big world competition.

• She's shaped like a friend and will 100% support you and give you advice on anything. She's there to listen, not judge.

♡ Len

• Britt's starter pokémon in the Galar region!

• Len is a cocky boy and is pretty smug. He walks around like he owns the place, but he'll usually be put in his place by other pokémon.

• Although he's cocky, he always has a smile on his face. He's a very jolly pokémon, overall.

• He's often seen hanging with Dollop, Britt's Alcremie. He always wants to play or talk with her. Do you have a crush there, buddy?

• He's often seen competing with Deception, Britt's Roserade. Len often initiates races with Deception and they often get into quarrels.

• Despite their rivalry, Len will absolutely be the first to protect Deception. Len loves being the hero, after all.

• Some would believe that he loves spicy food, being a Fire-type and all, but Len loves sweet food. He actually despises spicy food.

♡ Deception

• Deception is definitely a pretty boy.

• He's very friendly to all of the pokémon in the team, but he seems to like riling up Len.

• It's not that he hates Len, Deception just hates how overly cocky Len gets. So, Deception will purposefully sass Len, trying to get him down from his high horse.

• Deception is quite bold himself, he's not afraid to take risks and stand up to danger, which is why he stands up to Len, knowing that he could get devastated by a Pyro Ball.

• Deception is rather confident in his battle abilities and physical appearance, but to him, there is a fine line between confidence and outright arrogance.

♡ Bangiras/Tyranitar

• Britt got him in a surprise trade when he was just a baby Larvitar, so he is of Japanese origins.

• He is such a baby.

• Tyranitar is such a terror on the battlefield, but he is the biggest teddy bear outside of battle.

• He's very relaxed and he always seems to be at ease with everything and everyone. He naps quite often.

• He will play fight with bigger pokémon, but he is very soft with smaller pokémon. He is an absolute gentle giant.

• He 100% loves having his chin and belly scratched.

♡ Wrath

• Wrath is somewhat of a loner and would rather stay alone, or surrounded only by those he trusts.

• Outside of battle, he loves to play fetch. It is quite the sight to see this little 5'2 girl playing fetch with a huge sea monster. Wrath especially loves the ball with Leon's face on it.

• It took a while for Britt to get a good handle on Wrath in battle as he is quite hasty. He loves to fight, but he is quick to act recklessly and, at times, without being commanded.

• Wrath was the first pokémon that Britt caught, right outside of Prof. Magnolia's house. He was just a Magikarp back then.

• Wrath is very protective of her and extremely loyal. Should anyone harm Britt, true to his name, the offender will have to face his wrath.

• He's very alert to his surroundings, always making sure that the area is safe for his trainer and fellow teammates.

♡ Sazandora/Hydreigon

• Much like Tyranitar, Britt got Hydreigon through a surprise trade as a Deino. She's of Japanese origins, just like Tyranitar.

• Hydreigon is arguably the biggest and most threatening powerhouse of Britt's team.

• She is absolutely devastating in battle and has no issues sweeping through tough opponents' entire teams.

• Outside of battle, she's actually rather timid and quite the mother figure to all of the other pokémon.

• When she first came to the team, she had a hard time fitting in as she was too shy and intimidated by all the other pokémon.

• She also felt weak as a Deino and Zweilous compared to her teammates as they were all fully evolved and she was taking forever to do so herself.

• Hydreigon are known for their violent personalities, so people are always shocked to see just how sweet and cuddly she is when she's not decimating opponents.

• She's become the mascot of Britt's team.

• She even has a son. A shiny Deino named Ghidorah and the relationship between the two is absolutely heartwarming. She's always hovering near her son and/or playing with him.

♡ Dollop

• Dollop is the only other female in Britt's team besides Hydreigon.

• She's treated as the precious little princess of the group, being the smallest of the team.

• Seriously, she's just a cute little pile of mush amongst monsters.

• Don't underestimate her, though. This cute pile of mush can be pretty devastating in battle.

• She's kind of an oddball. She's often lost in thought, staring into space and not really paying attention to her surroundings.

• She's very relaxed and laid back, kind of on the slow side and never one to be hyper.

• The other pokémon on Britt's team all seem to adore her. She doesn't get into fights with anyone.

• She's most likely plotting world domination.

• But she likes hugs.

• And she loves to hang on Britt's shoulder over being in her Poké Ball.

#pokemon headcanons #pokemon shield #pokemon sword #pokemon #roserade #hydreigon #tyranitar #alcremie #cinderace #gyarados #not an x reader #sorry #hope y'all dont mind #my pokemon #my pokemon team

[blondeblackwidow]

S U R E F I R E: CH VII

summary: amicea has been a queen since her eleventh day of life. with the first order’s shadow beginning to grow, and with the love of her life joining on the opposing side, while thrown into in an engagement with the newest commander in the first order. she begins to feel her control on her own life spiral. 

pairings: poe dameron x original character x kylo ren

header made by the lovely @whirlybirbs​ !

Ch VII. the opposition (AMICEA)

The Queen’s meeting hall was a large room with stone walls, and grand windows. It was meant to seem larger than life, to intimidate, to inspire, even. The chairs at the main table were simple, nothing about them was special. The head of the table though, had a large velvet chair with gold adornment. It was a visual reminder that only one person wore a crown in this room. 

She felt like her neck was going to break from the metaphorical weight of it before this was all over. Kylo sat at her right, a few trusted advisors scattered around, and the vultures in recycled Imperial uniforms filled the empty chairs. One of them, pale and red haired, had worn his wool great coat and thick trousers, sweat was brewing on his brow already from the sun.

  Good. She thought. Let him be uncomfortable.

This meeting wasn’t one of happenstance or coincidence. First Order troopers have been scouring the outer mining villages for weeks. Amicea was waiting for them to have enough gall to ask for what they wanted. So here they were, troopers shifting in their boots, and officers standing as she made her entrance. 

She wore another white gown, her own act of rebellion against the wolves swallowing her palace in black. Her lords were first to rise, followed by Kylo, and then the generals who needed some reminding of their manners. She took a seat at the head of her table, and the room filled with silence as the rest of her guests sat. She waited, finally looking over at Kylo, before starting to speak.

  “Are we going to talk or?” She turned back toward the men. Her hands folded neatly in her lap. She felt like she should be nicer, but all she could think about were Kylo’s words in the gardens.

“Your Majesty.” Lord Vadik, spoke first. “The people in the capital have felt unnerved by the First Orders presence.” 

“I believe we talked about this?” She furrowed her brow and Kylo sunk in his chair. “They were supposed to pull out weeks ago.”

“The Supreme Leader thought it best to leave the troops in the Capital…” Kylo began

“The Supreme Leader isn’t Queen, Commander Ren.” Her tone was cold, and ice-like. The officers in the room were shifting in their seats at such a remark about their master. “Pull all marked troopers out of my city, please.” She cleared her throat. “Is that it?” They all blinked, wondering how to word their next comments. 

“The First Order needs access to the mining villages, your highness.” The red headed one spoke first.

“What is your name?” 

“General Hux.” He smiled with pride.

“Well, General, your highness is reserved for Princes and Princesses. And I haven’t been a princess since I was an infant.” She forced a smile back, quickly letting it fade. “I was also under the impression that the First Order was already in the mining villages.” She quirked her head. “Unless I have my facts wrong.” 

“We have sent out preliminary patrols to confirm…”

“Why wasn’t this told to me?”

“It was a secure project -”

“Security? You can’t possibly be doubting my loyalty when I’ve already agreed to marry your commander.” She scoffed.

“The mining villages have a rare crystal.” Kylo interrupted the banter. “We need them in order to continue operations. It’s nothing that your economy considers of value, you won’t notice it’s gone.” She nodded slowly. He was a breath of fresh air in this room, the dark robes and pointed glances felt like they would suffocate her. 

“There is one more matter.” Hux stood. “About the title of our commander upon marrying her Majesty.” She smirked at the correct use of her title.

“Prince Consort, as all husbands of Adroran Queens before him.” Lord Vadik responded and Amicea turned to a very uncomfortable Kylo.

“We believe that this is not suitable for a man of his achievement.” Hux smirked. “King consort is more appropriate.” Every lord in the room choked. The once soft and kind queen that was hidden during this meeting, truly died at that moment. 

“King?” She laughed, and stood. 

“We believe..” 

“You believe what, General Hux?” She tilted her head. “The was a Hux that was part of the Empire as well, if I’m not mistaken. And he only had one son, which was a bastard.” Her face fell flat. “I would rather burn then let a bastard boy lecture me on titles.” 

“Your Majesty.” Kylo gestured softly, offering his hand, as if to calm her. Maybe in the garden weeks ago, it would have worked. But now, here was a room full of vulturous Generals trying to take what was hers, and she couldn’t be calmed. “You were born to lead your planet, to protect it.” His voice rang in her ears.

  “In case you all are unclear, the title of King goes to the male monarch of Adrora. The title of Queen goes to his wife or the female monarch. The title of Prince consort is exclusively reserved for the husband of the Queen.” She placed both her hands on the table, leaning forward. “Whatever you believe in, whether it be some magic energy that binds us or your Supreme Leader. Being Queen is my birthright.” She growled. “You try to undermine that again, Generals, I will give the New Republic what they need to burn you to the ground before you can even blink.” She nodded and folded her hands back in their place, turning and exiting the grand hall.

= 

Amicea sat on her balcony overlooking the ocean, she had been crying for a couple of hours. Her family had ruled this planet for generations, her father held it strongly in the face of the Empire, and all she could feel was her grip on her people loosening the longer the Destroyers stayed in orbit.

She felt like she might lose it completely when she goes through this marriage. 

“If it helps, I didn’t know Hux was going to try that, I am sorry.” Kylo spoke from behind her, she jumped, only to relax when she saw his face. He pulled up the second chair next to her. 

“Considering that it’s not the reason I’m crying, it’s not much solace.” She half smiled and pulled her knees to her chest. She felt so informal, but she felt so lost, she just wanted to feel normal for once in her life. 

“Why are you, then?” 

She sighed, how does she put into words that her system is rapidly spinning out of her control, and she felt like the best shot she had feeling at ease in her life stormed out of her chambers months ago. “It’s complicated.” She finally responded. 

“I do apologize for any part I’ve played in it.”

“I’ve done it all to myself.” She sighed. “You should get back to your ship, I doubt your Supreme Leader would appreciate you associating with such a traitor.” She responded, staring at the shoreline. 

“Amie, I am sorry for the way I acted..”

“You had no right.” She snapped. 

“I think there was some justification to it all.” Amicea whipped her head to stare at him.

“You cannot be serious, justifying going through my things, reading notes that were personal to me, from someone who came long before any proposal was ever suggested..” Her volume was going louder with each word as she stood.

“The Order would have laid waste to your planet if they had caught you.” He began to yell to match her.

“Why?! He’s just a republic pilot, who cares what his opinion of the First Order is?! It’s the same as everyone else on Hosnian Prime.” 

“Because he’s not just a Republic pilot anymore, he’s a commander in Organa’s Resistance.” She felt all the air escape her lungs. Poe Dameron was her grey area, her neutral zone and he had officially stepped over the line. “This is so much bigger than you realize. Snoke has a plan, and he will crush whoever is in his way. I know you love your people, and I care about you, so please, get rid of the notes, and anything else you have. If you are named a sympathizer your life will become so much harder.

“Like it’s already so easy? Your troops are going to land in the villages tomorrow. I am not naive, Ren, they are not going to be courteous to my people. They will take what they want and leave them to die.” She pressed a finger into his chest. “I am trapped in a life I cannot control, and am losing more and more of my planet everyday, because you and your precious order have your sights set on me and my people and no one will tell me why.” Kylo opened his mouth to speak and she kept going. “Unless whatever you are about to say is the entire truth, I suggest you take your leave, and do not come back until I call for you.” 

He simply bowed his head and left the room, too struck to speak. 

Amicea stared out at the sea. She turned to her glass cups on the outside tea table and threw them against the stone, and she screamed. 

A queen's life is never her own. Her mother’s words rang in her ears. It will always belong to her people.

#poe dameron x original character #poe dameron x oc #poe dameron #kylo ren x original character #kylo ren x ofc #ben solo x oc #ben solo x original character #star wars fanfiction #kylo ren fanfiction

[lalaurelia]

Quick Gotham 5x11 thoughts

FINALLY WE HAVE GOBBLEPOT CONTENT IN THE EP!!! Sorry about going all caps, but I’ve been thirsty for this stuff for far too long XD

To summarize - good action here, actually nice/professional Jim, badass Babs, sweet BatCat moments, and Gobblepot scenes. Did I mention Gobblepot? Well, we have it. Now let’s get to the deets.

Oh, and sorry, but I just can’t like Ed lately. And Lee. And I’m being mean about it. Sorry.

Things are looking grim for Gotham’s green zone with the army closing in, but Jim’s being all tactical about it and hoping to stall the army enough to actually reverse the criminal orders. Criminal orders - I’ll be mentioning these several times here, because really now. But for the opening scene I love Jim and his allies being all to the point, very focused, very professional, it just makes sense and is so pleasant to see them all working together for Gotham.

Then we have Oswald abandoning the submarine plan for the sake of following his heart, and oh, Oswald, my dear, you’re so romantic. Because... who does Oswald follow throughout the episode? Jim. Jim’s his heart, his half of Gotham, his everything.

Do I love the scene where Oswald comes to Jim? Oh do I? I LOVE IT TO PIECES and yes, sorry, all caps again XD Because - you just look at it.

Jim recognizes Oswald’s presence before he sees him. He claims it’s his “recognizable odor, part dandy, part snake” but come on, he just can’t flirt to save his life, this man, and when he does it comes out this awkward XD Jim teases Oswald before offering him a drink. Now, forgive me if I’m wrong here, but he never did it before. So this is Jim’s acknowledgement of Oswald as an ally, at least, if we remove the shipping goggles no can do, I think I was born with them.

And Oswald’s monologue about Gotham, about how his life is in Gotham, how he is part of the city as much as Jim is. Seriously, when the trailer was out I was afraid they’d make the line “it’s part of you too” be addressed to Ed with the amount of screentime that mutated broccoli was getting and so many scenes that Oswald had with him. God, I’m so glad it’s Jim that hears this. They both acknowledge what Gotham means to them, and they’re always going to be united through that more than anything. Their version of being married, so to say.

Oswald is so breathtakingly beautiful in that scene too, I just can’t.

Then Ed shows up, hogs the blanket, eh, you’re barely more than a civilian at this point, Ed, and you were always a crappy shot. Do you think you make a difference? But as far as symbols go, him standing alongside the heroes is a nice touch.

Loved Jim teasing Oswald about if he still wants to fight, and him shooting back about his full pardon. Lovely banter between husbands

Then we get the good guys of the GCPD on the barricades with Bane’s soldiers down there. I’m not sure if they still had any advisors at this point, with the show’s situation being what it is, but if they wanted us to buy that Bane was ex-military and knew what he was doing, tactics-wise, they kind of… failed. I might go out on a limb here and consider this to be intimidation tactics on his part, but in the sutuation where your troops and resources are limited… that’s not the best idea.

Also. The way Bane took command was by force, sure. But first he and Nyssa made the general issue a criminal order. And the thing about criminal orders - you don’t follow them. The soldiers caved there, for plot, and because you have to know about it, you have to keep your thinking critical, to recognize the order as criminal, and well, army’s not known for a lot of that.

Jim though, I do buy (and headcanon) as having a head for tactics. First his plan to stall the army at a certain point, then him securing the higher ground for his troops - that's good thinking. But then Jim goes and also issues a criminal order, by opening fire on the army soldiers. He gets a bit of leeway there, since they’re actually protecting civilians, but - well, I guess my issue there is that they should’ve waited for Bane’s side to shoot first.

The way Bane’s soldiers were situated in that little square, though… no cover, no nothing, they just stand there like scarecrows - Jim's side could’ve taken them out in minutes. But okay, plot. And it wasn’t all bad, I guess, just kind of stupid, and I don’t like Gotham to be stupid, it’s too good a show for that.

I didn’t enjoy another scene of Oswald getting hurt, and that’s all I’m going to say about it.

Then Jim goes to save Babs and the baby and get the general too, for stopping all that. He’s being all stealthy XD And Babs helps him, distracting the guards, taking them out herself, man, girl just needed a good opportunity to. Also I was angry a bit for Jim not even asking if she was alright, but I guess he didn’t want to anger her more XD So I’m gonna be thinking he just knows Barbara enough to not ask her stupid questions.

Loved him and Babs working together in this scene, period. Now that’s a badass parents couple, if we’re talking hetero romance - and seriously. All Lee scenes were so extra and useless here. I just can’t, they make her so superficial it’s annoying. First her treatment of the Narrows in S4. Then her reverting back from it here in S5 and seemingly not giving a damn about the Narrows. The way she never sees Jim for the person he is - the only hint of her understanding him was when she was saying goodbye to him in S4, of all things. And so here, we get her saying “oh, this person needs this, this person needs that, someone do it” - you're a doctor, goddamit, DO THAT YOURSELF. Because by the time she’s arrived at the GCPD, it’s past triage time. And she only remembers the Narrows when she needs to look all concerned - and then DUMPS the people to just go do whatever she wants. Yeah. Stellar leadership skills. You couldn’t have made me dislike the character more if you tried. Or maybe you did try. I dunno.

I loved how Jim goes all soft when he holds the baby, it’s so damn sweet. Him, Babs, and little Barbara actually look like a very sweet family, and you know, since we’re not getting canon Gobblepot, I’d rather they ended up together instead.

Because Lee makes no sense. Ugh. I’d prefer not to waste any more time on this cardboard cutout of a character, so I’ll just get it all out here at once. When Jim relies on her to lead the people of the Narrows to safety, she doesn’t show any conflict, about how she wants to stay with him instead, and she just goes. Then she dumps them, people who actually rely on her too, who look up to her (poor souls), and abandons them to go die with Jim. It could’ve been a touching scene, with her feelings all in turmoil, her conflicting desires to do good and be with her loved one at the same time… but we never got that. She’s emotionless and empty in those scenes, and all we get is her being stupid, whimsical and superficial. Ugh. I don’t like hating on female characters, but I do hate on this version of Lee. And Jim also goes all stupid with her, and it doesn’t seem as he respects her, either. What was that line about her disobeying him becoming a habit? Women aren’t property, Jim, even if you’re married, and since I decided to ignore that filler ep, you’re not even married, so shut up about it, Jim. You seriously need to continue your relationships with people you respect instead.

I wonder how Babs convinced all those people to go and risk their lives though - that must have been quite a speech. And it was indeed very moving, and enough for the soldiers to finally realize the orders they’ve been given were criminal, and turn on their commander instead. GOOD.

The scene with Babs and Jim at the GCPD after that is again so soft. So cute. I love seeing that soft smile on Jim, and I like Babs being soft with him too. Seriously, I love Babs in this episode.

Then we get Oswald and the mutated broccoli scene. Kind of cool I guess. But I don’t like how he blatantly tries to manipulate Oswald when he’s emotionally vulnerable. AGAIN.

Oswald, my prettiest bird, you should’ve stabbed him. But you keep giving people second chances, and that’s a trait I love about you. Too bad I don’t enjoy that narcissist with a fondness for mirrors and would prefer for you not to waste time on him. Nothing good will come from that, only negativity, and the knife pressed to your back.

Also the scene looked too dragged out and their interactions too forced. They’d be a fun comic duo, but if you want us to buy the tension between them… it’s not working. Also - you just can’t rely on Ed for anything. Oswald trusted him with Martin and we never saw the kid. Oswald trusted him with a dog, and he abandoned it in the submarine. What the hell, Ed.

Oswald is so pretty in that last scene, I’m crying. Of course he dolled up for such an occasion with Jim! And Jim’s eyes, they flit to his side, is it any surprise even? XD

I kind of realized I completely left out BatCat scenes here, but I’ll just say they’re good and sweet and touching, and what the hell, Bruce! You don’t treat Selina like that! Stupid, stupid boy! You had half a brain to say goodbye to Alfred, at least, but man, you owe Selina big time.

This episode could’ve been made better. But I still enjoyed it a lot, mainly for good Babs content, Jim being nice, and finally, finally some premium quality Gobblepot.

I live.

#gotham #gobblepot #jimwald #oswald cobblepot #jim gordon #otp #dc #barbara kean

[violent-optimism]

Ranking the Female Characters in LOTR/The Hobbit

Hi everyone! I know it’s been some time since I made a list like this. School and Practicum have made me a busy bee. Regardless, I’ve been thinking a lot about the lovely ladies of Tolkien’s work and I have decided to rank them from least favourite to my favourite. Just to be clear, I think all of these characters are wonderful, there are just some I like more than others. There may not be that many of them, but in this case it truly is quality over quantity.

And yes, I will also be including Tauriel in my ranking. I realize that she’s not technically part of Tolkien canon, but because I love her so much I don’t really give a hoot.

Disclaimer: I will be focusing mainly on the film versions of these characters.

 So let’s get started!

 4) Arwen

Sorry Arwen, I like you! I really do! It’s just a shame that besides rescuing Frodo and reviving Aragorn, your role in this story is pretty minimal. I will admit that Arwen has probably some of the best outfits in the series (especially her green dress in Return of the King), and Liv Tyler gives a surprisingly good performance as an Elf. However, her personality is lacking and she really doesn’t do a whole lot to contribute to the overall narrative. Unfortunately, she mainly serves as Aragorn’s love interest and not much else. It is true that without her character, Aragorn’s motivations would be different, but that’s basically all the influence Arwen really has in the LOTR films.

  3) Eowyn

Eowyn is probably the best example of an oppressed character that took control of their own destiny. Unlike female Elves, the women of Gondor and Rohan are not treated equally, and even though Eowyn is the niece of King Theoden, she is still seen as a lesser person and unfit to join the war. I think what makes Eowyn such a compelling character is that every woman in the audience can relate to her in some way. She’s the underdog, the silent heroin, the maiden with a heart of steel. Her situation represents everything that is wrong with sexism and misogyny. Even though both her uncle and brother forbade her from joining the fight, she ultimately brings down one of the most feared and powerful beings in the entire story. Many people accuse Tolkien of being sexist in his writing, but with Eowyn, that is anything but a legitimate claim.

 2) Tauriel

Those who have been following me for a while probably already know that I ADORE Tauriel. Despite the controversy surrounding her character, I fell in love with her almost immediately. Even though she doesn’t exist in Tolkien’s writing, her character does feel like she belongs in that world. I think what I love most about Tauriel is that she’s imperfect. She’s hot-headed, she’s naïve, and she can even be a bit sassy. Her personality is quite different than the other female Elves we’ve seen thus far. On the other hand, Tauriel is curious, brave, and loves everything that is good and beautiful. Evangeline Lily is remarkably talented and I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part. Am I happy with the way her story ends? Not exactly, but to love and lose is part of life, so in that aspect, Tauriel is incredibly relatable.  

  1) Galadriel

To be honest, I went back and forth a lot on who was my favourite: Tauriel or Galadriel. As much as I love that red-haired archer, the Lady of Lothlorien is the epitome of grace, beauty, power and wisdom. At first glance, Galadriel does not look very intimidating, but if you’ve seen the films, you know this is not true. She has such a strong presence in every scene, and you always get the sense that there’s a dark power brewing beneath her delicate figure. She’s not just inhuman, it’s as though she’s from a different world. While working on this ranking, I realized that Galadriel is the only female Tolkien character (canon or not) that commands respect from everyone, regardless of race, title or gender. Absolutely no one looks down to her, not even Sauron. Although she often remains calm and ethereal, you do get the slight impression that she enjoys a bit of humor, which I like. She’s also played by my favourite actress, Cate Blanchett, who is absolutely amazing in everything she does.

  So there we are, folks. Thank you very much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed my ranking of the lovely Tolkien ladies!

Sam out!

#Tolkien #female characters #Galadriel #Tauriel #Eowyn #Arwen #my thoughts

[lecherouswritings]

Earlier on this blog I did a large, basic outline of Rat’s plot with MANY details and interactions redacted for the sake of making something easy to read and not a blatant script. The structures of the writings I post here are more for my memory’s sake and not actual prose or even thought-provoking? It’s so I can keep track of where I was in the story comparing where I am now. The stories change up a lot, as do the characters, but some have been around for so long that the changes they make are minor. I thought it might be kind of fun to “go off” on some stuff I want to touch on in Rat’s plot. I get a lot of this stuff is masturbatory self-fulfiling stuff and I don’t expect anyone to give it a read so don’t feel any pressure haha. It’s always done for myself, but I appreciate anyone who takes the time regardless.

Rat goes through several personality changes. When I had originally wrote out this plot, before tumblr, Rat was kind of this idol that people took with them, and his presence where ever they took him was disruptive, like a bad omen. Almost like he’s hibernating the whole plot until one day he breaks free from his cocoon and is the Devil. I examined it and heard other people’s ideas and felt that wasn’t really good enough. I wanted Rat to be more involved. In fact, my characters are very interactive with me on a daily basis, and I want to be able to share the voices that interact with me. It has to go through me and I’m not the best converting tool, but I’m giving it my best shot so bear with me. I thought that maybe Rat would have severe abandonment issues what with not having parents and using his friends as a family, and I wanted to avoid the word family and use the word Pack, not just for the wolf reference, but to definitely not reference the Manson Family which is a very real thing that happened and don’t want to be disrespectful to victims and such. I did model a lot of what Rat and his pack do after The Manson Family movie that Jim Van Bebber did, that was a huge, huge inspiration for me, but again, didn’t want to completely take from a real event, even if the movie was amazingly executed. All that being said, I think Rat does fine on his own and doesn’t have any fear of abandonment. He alters how he behaves and talks around certain pack members, and has a general authoritative role when they’re all together. Mixing and matching his personality based on who he’s interacting with is an important thing to keep in mind whenever I get around to the comic. I’d say he’s most genuine around Peter because Peter doesn’t believe in most of the shit that’s happening, whereas most of the pack members are fooled ( they’re impressionable 20 somethings, basically kids. ) I think also, Rat, having been bullied by other kids and adults due to his differences ( He has wolf teeth, deformed arms and legs, socially repugnant ) found a sort of underdog hero in The Devil from when he would attend church. God, who was so loving and good, never stepped in whenever Rat needed Him, so this lead to a stream of thinking that maybe he was rooting for the wrong side. But then, Satan did nothing either. That left option 3: BECOME Satan! Why not? What’s stopping him? We’re taught to be whoever we want to, so why not that? Rat doesn’t have a good concept of ( or maybe he doesn’t care to ) what’s doable and what isn’t in the frame of reality. It should also be noted that since he didn’t have much of a childhood, it’s also a big big reason why he acts so childish and childishly cruel and silly. It’s his way of expressing a part of his life he didn’t get to have much of, aside from with Amy and Kyle. Rat also has a problem processing real empathy. He’s good with faking it, playing a role if it gets him what he wants, but actually feeling sorry for someone isn’t something he’s capable of feeling once he gets older. As a kid, sure, he’s still very tender and has some good intentions left in him, but toxic masculinity sets in the older he gets, the ego and all it’s clowny ridiculousness, and how everything imaginable is a plaything for him. Again, why not? Morals? He doesn’t really care. To quote his faceclaim, “I can’t believe in the things that don’t believe in me” which I attribute heavily to his character. There are certain principals he’ll abide by, but that doesn’t make him good by any respect. He may not abide by rape, but he’s certainly an advocate for murder. OH but, he does legitimately care for his select Pack members, but it diminishes over time and becomes fake, but the readers aren’t too sure when that is, when he’s faking it and when he’s being legitimate. Why does Rat advocate for murder? What makes someone think it’s alright to take the lives away from others? So one huge thing about my stories is they’re all linked to an Old God named Hito. The chain of command in this story goes Hito - Rat - The Pack. When they worship Rat, it translates to Hito, so they’re all participating in a limited faction of Hitoism, and they’re aware of Hito and what they’re doing and what for, just not the limited part. Hito does have smaller factions that branch off, like Acolyte’s Endaiyanism which is like a masculine version of Hito but still Hito, and the opposition is Larionism but I’m not going to get into what that’s all about. What’s important is Hito and her role in this. Also super important detail as to why I almost never touch on Hito in recent art and things: Hito is never to be seen by mortals. Only glimpses and verbally but never seeing her. You have to be in the correct dimension to see her and living or mortal beings are NOT ALLOWED THERE. There’s no oxygen there so there’s no way anyone could just walk through a portal and be OK there. You can go there in dreams but Hito will not be in a visible form, you can feel it but not see her. You could’ve seen her when she was alive on Earth but she’s also not human ( her pronouns are preferred since she appears female and her cult is very female orientated but technically I don’t think Hito has a gender. ) Hito has a sort of wishmaster role in the comic where she can make people’s desires and wants become reality, so long as they’re willing to pay a life-long loan for it -- the loan being murdering people in Hitotian ritual. Rat, at a young age, wanted to encompass the concept of the Devil as he viewed him, and Hito would make that happen, so long as he killed so many people in a quota per night. The pack idea worked out because he’s able to meet that quota through his followers, so it keeps Hito satisfied and Rat on the path to physical and spiritual transformation. People never did Rat any favors, so why be peaceful when he can get what he wants by killing them? They don’t mean anything to him, He can’t relate to them, or be bothered to. He’s also a very keyed-in person, despite his lack of empathy. Rat’s the kind of person you can really get along with. He’ll know what to say to make you laugh or delight you, but he can also pull at your strings, find what makes you tick, and rile you up if he wants to. With Hito in his corner, it diminishes his fear, so Rat is very bold, in your face, and often times throwing himself and others into reckless danger for an idea he has. Or because he just wants to. Again, he tailors his personality based on his current company. He’s like a parasite who loves to worm into people for the sole purpose of his gain and nothing else. All charitable things he does for his pack members is to earn their trust. Ryan doesn’t trust Rat from the start, but is blindly following for his own gain. Rat’s aware of the mistrust and the disbelief, the Judas of the group, and knows that changing Ryan’s mind is out of the question. Ryan’s flawed by his own humanness, so Rat knows that he’ll get what’s coming to him. Based on the way Ryan and Amy interact, and knowing their history, it doesn’t take Rat a long time to deduce that Ryan took advantage of Amy as a minor when she was in a desperate phase in her life, and Ryan being older and knowing better, he’s earned Rat’s complete ire, but he keeps Ryan around because he’s a good tool; good at killing, huge and bulky, intimidating, bold and out there. Personally, however, he can’t stand the guy. He’s got a lot of normie qualities about him that Rat finds deplorable and unnecessary, but his feelings are slightly hypocritical as Rat indulges in the same behaviors as Ryan sometimes, but mostly as an act. Whoever needs to see it. I also realize, personally, that Rat and I talk about his views and reasons on things and I get 100% honesty in his responses, but the problem is that I feel it translates easier through verbal communication than written. Writing down facts and feelings on Rat are really difficult. It’s as if it doesn’t translate well, and since I don’t have any immediate questions I’m not sure what to really start or end with with Rat. Not to mention, Rat isn’t a singular age throughout the comic; he ages from 7 years old to 60s/70 years old so depending on what age the question’s aimed at will the answer vary, just like an actual person, so I try and make up general things to talk about that don’t change that much, like his stance on rapists and murdering. How about I do bullet point type of things, maybe that’ll help. Children: Hates them! Rat adopts a pecking-order mentality with children being the lowest, adults being slightly higher, and the elderly taking a backpedal back to one, but he feels more justified in messing with an old person than a child. Sometimes he’ll antagonize or enlist a child, like to help him steal something, or to incite a ruckus, but Rat hates children to the point of not wanting to kill them. He’ll usually send Ryan or Peter to kill them since they don’t have a problem with it. Amy doesn’t mind either but her, Jessica, and Kyle prefer not to. Food: Rat’s favorite foods are: Fruit gushers, milk chocolate, Baby Ruths, crunchy candy cigarettes, caramel apples, big giant lollipops, novelty candy like ringpops or baby bottles, anything with chewy caramel or rainbow designs on it. Actual food he’ll eat except he hates vegetables. Meat, cheese, but toss him an onion or asparagus and he’ll hit you. Rat’s spent most of his life living out of dumpsters and eating people’s throwaways, which is why he’s usually emaciated. He’ll sooner offer his Pack food than himself. ( Favorite drinks are chocolate and strawberry milk. ) Drugs: He’ll do it all but his favorite is acid and tequila. He’s dabbled with heroin and enjoyed that feeling, cocaine, but nothing beats the trip he gets on acid, or the punch of gold tequila. TV: His favorite shows are Care Bears, Wacky Races, anything Hanna Barbera or Looney Tunes related. Scooby Doo he loves, as well as stuff like Hair Bear Bunch and shows that were popular in his time, but mostly the children shows. Intelligence: Rat’s actually very well-read and street-smart! He’s book smart in various areas because he spent a lot of time in the library growing up since it was Not in his horrible home or on the streets, which is where his extensive reading of Satan happened. Rat loves to play dumb, a quality him and Jessica ( and occasionally Peter ) share. Maths not so much. Rat interpreted the bible’s Genesis story as a cautionary tale against learning so he made it a personal goal to learn as much as he could about everything around him. Rat’s mostly well-read on events concerning America, only after his arc does he make himself internationally known and learn about them, but Rat is um. He’s a very proud Florida-native American. Actually, in talking with him, I think he likes the image of something huge and powerful and stupid being in control, so he loves playing up dumb and insensitive when he’s a big scary monster post-arc ( He appears in other character’s stories as a monster that must be stopped!!! outta control!!! ) Attention: Loves it. Can’t get enough of it. He’ll be an absolute clown or a total showman, whatever the situation calls for. Maybe give someone else a spotlight while he waits for his moment to spring to life and steal it away. Rat is the ringleader of his merry bunch and will make sure everyone knows he’s A REAL ( MORNING ) STAR!!! Abilities: Rat has a Madness-By-Proxy ability where if he lingers in a place long enough, the people inhabiting the area will go insane and hallucinate. It’s a mind-control power that he has to flex and strengthen to get better at controlling it. The older and more experienced he gets with Hitotian ritual and murders, the larger the madness waves reach. People will wake up and murder their families and then not know why they did it, or whatever horrible deed -- in a way, this is almost a “devil made me do it” excuse if you think about it. As Rat metamorphoses, his power becomes stronger, then weaker, then the strongest. His metamorphosis is over time, deforming his body and changing his genetic structure so that he can safely pass into another dimension of familiars who’ll christen him The Devil, but first he must suffer, as suffering creates a residual energy that influences Hito and other entities to pass into our realm and alter us. I’d say almost every story I write has that element in it or similar. It’s hard to get at Rat because of his lack of empathy and warm blooded attitude, so his body and mind are targeted, his two treasured things as he’s a huge egomaniac. That being said, his body becoming deformed is both a blow to his ego and a huge ( somewhat erotic ) fascination he has. His pack are more upset by it than he is most of the time. Think of Rat as an insect going through the motions, like a caterpillar. I’d say Rat’s more adjacent to an insect than a wolf, but he loves the wolf symbolism so, so much. ( He’s a furry, give him a break, and also Peter had him manifest as a wolf in his fears so Rat loved that. ) Death: Extremely fascinated with it. All of his fantasies are centered around death, be it his own death or others. Him and Amy used to play a game when they were kids called ‘wahwad’ which is a way of pronouncing Who And How Will ( they ) Die? where they’d sit and people watch and try and guess how they’ll die or how they would kill them if they could. Rat would try and see how many drugs ___ he could do before he would feel himself slipping off, and Amy would watch him and he’d do the same for her. Kind of a trust exercise. All that being said, Rat doesn’t take other’s death seriously. He thinks people’s lives are a joke, that people are just there for him to mess with and pick apart. There’s no value to other’s life in Rat’s mind, they forfeited that when he saw how nasty they can be at any given moment. Other people’s deaths aren’t on his mind. He’ll keep people around as long as is convenient for him. I wanted a scene or two of a few victims Rat doesn’t kill right away who challenge his views, but I hate that it ends disappointingly with their logic not sinking in. I also wanted an extra pack member to be witness who WAS affected by the victim’s logic and Rat realizing their change of heart and cornering them with the rest of the pack and tearing them apart, mocking their empathy. Which leads me to... Empathy: Rat had heavy empathic feelings as a young pup, but it disintegrated as he became a teenager. Seeing the world for all it’s ugliness and until a certain age, he saw people as literal pigs ( he’s aware people don’t normally look like that because of TV and magazines ) but after they start looking like people, he secretly wonders if they really do look like pigs and which one is the facade and which is really how they look. That aside, he thinks compassion and empathy are weaknesses, which is why he loves insects, because he perceives them as living organisms with no empathy, same with reptiles. He thinks it perverts people’s abilities to make decisions and hinders them, as does morality. I wonder if even the reason he has hard anti-rape sentiments is because he’s a survivor, and it pains me to think he would have a different view if he wasn’t. All in all, Rat’s supposed to be an example of how someone can turn rotten over time. Rat’s definitely not someone to look up to, but he has good qualities if that makes sense. Rat’s story is supposed to be about a person who caves under the bad shit and turns it around and makes it power, but he does it in the worst way, hurting thousands along the way. He doesn’t care about anyone, but he’ll make you think he does so you can trust him. I wanted him to be a villain you love to hate and hate to love. I want him to make sense sometimes and nonsensical the next, that maybe your views align with his from time to time. As with all my OCs, making them as human as possible, even the monstrous ones, is very important to me, and given how vocal they are in my head, I consider them like room mates so it’s hard to translate that for people who don’t have them around. So if anyone has any questions about Rat or anyone else, feel free to ask them because I’d love to try and tackle it!

#oc: rat #long post #meta stuff #rape ment cw #drug ment cw

[jennaschererwrites]

How Instant 'Black Mirror' Classic 'USS Callister' Guts Toxic Fandom - Rolling Stone

It's a familiar image: a strapping, confident young white guy seated in the captain's chair of a spaceship, blaster at his hip, hair coifed just so, one elbow on the armrest, legs spread wide as if to say, "Mine is no tiny penis you are dealing with." He's a hero we all know, love and trust do the right thing in the end, whether it's James T. Kirk or variants like Han Solo, Peter Quill or Mal Reynolds. This is his story. He takes the lead. He gets the glory, and ever it shall be.

Except when it's 2018. And except when it's Black Mirror.

Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones' anthology sci-fi series kicks off its fourth season with an episode – "USS Callister" – that begins with what seems to be a loving homage to the original 1960s Star Trek. Then, slowly, methodically, the story starts unfurling its true form: a damning exploration of toxic masculinity and the dark side of fanboy nostalgia culture. Here, the heroic captain is anything but, and the misunderstood "nice guy" is the true monster lurking on the dark fringes of the galaxy.

We open on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise-like USS Callister, where the swaggering Captain Daly (Jesse Plemons) and his trusty crew are fighting a space battle complete with harrowing music, old-school special effects and lots of high-grade phlebotinum ("plasmorthian crystals," anyone?). True to every trope, the good guys win the day.

Naturally, this being Black Mirror – a show that revels in gut-wrenching turnabouts – nothing is as it seems, least of all the hero. Daly is a bit tooswaggering; his crew is a bit too trusty. After he defeats the bad guy with suspicious ease, the men launch into a round of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" while the women line up to be kissed by the good captain. Something is deeply wrong with this squeaky-clean scene: The crewmembers' smiles are plastered on, and there's a glint of malice in their fearless leader's eyes.

Cut to gray reality, where we meet the real Robert Daly: a whey-faced office drone with a receding hairline and the stooped posture of the pathologically insecure. He's the CTO of Callister Inc., a company that designs an immersive MMORPG called Infinity, in which players can explore a virtual cosmos in their very own virtual starships. The members of his "crew" are there too, belittling or ignoring him: The USS Callister's bowing and scraping second-in-command, James Walton (Jimmi Simpson), is the ultra-alpha head of the company; the communications officer (Michaela Coel) won't give Daly the time of day.

Our beta male is the brains behind the game, but everyone at his company treats him like gum stuck to the underside of their shoes. His office is decked out with posters and memorabilia from Space Fleet, a Star Trek-esque TV show from a bygone era whose aesthetic we instantly recognize from the opening scene. So is he a put-upon sweetheart, bullied by his peers, who escapes the drudgery of his day-to-day via a rich but ultimately harmless fantasy life?

Not so much. Turns out he's been secretly harvesting his coworkers' DNA in order to create digital clones to populate his own walled-off version of Infinity. We see him enact the process on Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti), a new employee who idolizes Daly for his coding genius but commits the grievous sin of not wanting to hook up with him. And so he finds a way to possess her the same way he meticulously collects his complete set of Space Fleet DVDs (and Blu-rays and VHS tapes, natch).

We discover along with Nanette, who wakes up aboard the Callister in a pastel polyester miniskirt, just how bad things are for Daly's digital prisoners. He's the god of this tiny universe, forcing his crew to LARP along with him using torture and intimidation. He's every disaffected nerd-bro with an X-Box and an ax to grind who delights in torturing NPCs (non-player characters) for the sheer sadistic thrill. Except these are real people, and Daly has knowingly trapped them in his own private Hell.

And to make matters worse, he's pedantic about it, lecturing them about the vintage show's moral code ("It is a belief system, founded on the very best of human nature") even as he brutalizes anyone who defies his will. Daly's rigid adherence to Space Fleet fandom extends to more than just words: Women don't get guns, no one ever really dies and unwholesome genitalia are morphed into the flat, undifferentiated physique of action figures. This is the last straw for Nanette, who declares in a moment instantly GIFed 'round the Twitterverse: "Stealing my pussy is a red fucking line."

And that's when "USS Callister," thrillingly, becomes a rip-roaring space caper in its own meta-narrative. Except the scrappy, charismatic hero isn't Daly, with his posturing and his forced Shatnerian speech patterns; it's Nanette, who's smart as hell and sick to death of putting up with his expectations.

The best Black Mirror episodes – of which "USS Callister" is definitely one – identify issues lurking beneath the surface of the real world and extrapolate them into a future where technology has given them form and heft. In this case, it's the fanboy backlash that's become an all-too-familiar presence in our pop-culture conversation. We're talking about legions of speculative fiction fans on the Internet who feel that, in expanding the worlds of beloved sci-fi properties to include more diverse representation and worldviews, something is being taken from them.

Their complaint, broadly, is founded on the deeply limiting idea that all narratives should center on straight, white men, who have been the unquestioned default protagonists up until very recently. This is an idea that's particularly ironic in the world of sci-fi, which is all about imagining potential futures in which anything is possible. Daly, on the other hand, builds himself a world that is incredibly constricted, based on his devotion to a retrograde narrative. Does any of this sound familiar?

It's only a step from there to the current, very loud backlash against The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson's addition to the Star Wars universe that takes on some of the franchise's sacred cows: It puts a largely non-white, non-male cast at the center of the narrative, takes aged golden boy chosen one Luke Skywalker in an unexpected direction and asks whether the Jedi Order is really all it's cracked up to be. Certain loud, angry corners of fandom hated Jedi so much that a petition was created to have it struck from the canon and a group of alt-righters (surprise!) launched a campaign to lower the movie's Rotten Tomatoes score.

Equal ire has been leveled at Doctor Who, another sci-fi institution that shook off the dust recently when the good Doctor, who's been played by a series of men since 1963, regenerated into a woman (viva Jodie Whittaker!) And then there's Star Trek: Discovery, CBS All Access's long-awaited return to Gene Roddenberry's universe that has faced unabashedly racist reactions for casting a black female lead (Sonequa Martin-Green).

And just like Daly, they're deeply missing the point. What Star Wars, Doctor Who and Star Trek have in common – aside from decades of canon and rabidly devoted fandoms – is a vision of vast, multifaceted galaxies and universes teeming with diverse societies and life forms. All three franchises have taken a great leap forward in recent months to make their central characters reflect that ethos, and it's far past due. There will always be Dalys, but there will also always be Nanettes, too, boldly going where no man has gone before. (Black Mirror itself did, too, in its way — all of Season Four's six episodes feature female leads.)

The denouement of "USS Callister" offers one of Black Mirror's rare hopeful endings — and a low-key revenge fantasy to boot. The Callister has escaped and left Daly trapped in the starless black of his own switched-off bubble universe. (Turns out he was never a god ... just an oversized kid burning ants with a magnifying glass.) Released into the vast, Net-connected cosmos of Infinity, the liberated crew is thrilled to make contact with someone from the real world. But "Gamer691" (voiced by Aaron Paul) turns out to be an all-too-familiar kind of asshole who threatens to "bomb them to shit" if they don't get out of his quadrant.

And rather than bothering to engage in this unwinnable, childish fight, Nanette claims the captain's chair and instructs her crew: "Stick us in hyperwarp and let's … fuck off somewhere." They're off to explore the universe, and Gamer691 is left shouting into the empty vacuum of his lonely corner of the galaxy: "You better run! King of space right here. King of space." But no one is listening to him anymore.

#jenna scherer #black mirror #uss callister #rolling stone #toxic masculinity #television #sci-fi #sexism #the last jedi #star wars #fanboys #misogyny #representation #doctor who #star trek discovery #star trek

[geekgirlnavigatingtheworld]

I expect spectacle when I see a Luc Besson movie. My eyes will be exhausted from trying to track a thousand and one things at any given moment, and my brain registers a plot and story are in there somewhere, but, quite frankly, I’m in so much visual ferret shock, the first viewing of the movie is pretty much a giant exercise in saying “OOOO! Lookitdat!”. I don’t just accept this, I go gratefully along for the ride.

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is based on a series of French graphic novels. I know, I know, being Madam Obvious, there, but, just in case someone reading this doesn’t know, there it is.  This movie is essentially about Valerian and his partner Laureline trying to save Station Alpha, a giant conglomerate of space stations created by thousands of different species (including humans) which has been released to float through space to avoid crashing it into the Earth. A mysterious zone of contamination has cropped up in the middle of Alpha Station. Nobody seems to know what caused it or why, and the Commander of Alpha Station is determined to stop it. Valerian and Laureline are the best agents the government has to offer, so, naturally, they’re called in.

Visually, the movie is stunning. World building is done through progressively more fantastic images, piling on sensory input to provide the eyes with a bountiful feast. The costuming and set designs, as well as the animation are done gorgeously. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I have no complaints.

Story-wise, however, well, let’s start with it. If the plot seems a bit simplistic, that’s because it is. I understand there are different types of stories with different driving mechanisms. Valerian is written as though it’s intended to be character-driven, however, it’s clear from the outset the setting is the driving force, which is emphasized and reinforced through the scenery. This one suffers from poor and inconsistent writing which would only be acceptable in the framework of a parody.

The characters aren’t really anything new here. Valerian is an overconfident cad, Laureline is a verbally and physically abusive woman who seems to mistake bitchiness for toughness and strength, Clive Owen’s character is-exactly what you peg him for the moment he steps on screen and, in the climactic reveal, ends up elevating his two-dimensionality to glossy standee levels. It’s all predictable. Really predictable. I knew what was going to happen as soon as all our principal players were introduced, which I found both sad and frustrating. I’m also going to more than quibble with a character set up like Valerian’s, where, one minute, he’s got to be chewed out by everyone on the mission with him for not reading his memo, then in a pivotal scene claiming he’s a soldier who’s all about the rules and going by the book. What. the. actual. fuck? No. No. Character development (which there’s zero in this movie) requires character consistency. A truly dedicated by the book soldier would have read that memo so many times he had it memorized, not obstinately, willfully stayed clueless so as to endanger everyone else on the mission with him.

Canonically, Valerian’s pretty much a dick. Besson didn’t mess with that character description much at all. However, with a character like Valerian, he needs to be played by an actor who has the charisma and screen presence to pull it off. Dane DeHaan was not the guy to do it. He just couldn’t pull off the necessary swagger, and instead of seeming laid-back, he comes off as sedated. I’m still not sure if he as an actor was confused or phoning it in.

When it comes to Laureline, I don’t think Cara Delevigne was miscast. I think she got bad direction. Laureline is intended to be the capable one who gets things done. She’s supposed be tough and feisty. She can GET mean, but I was never under the impression Laureline was practically as bad as everyone she’s attempting to save the world from. In the opening scene, which is supposed to be one of those fighting as foreplay kind of scenes, there’s a total lack of chemistry between DeHaan and Delevigne, to the point that, rather than flirty or playful (trust me, there is an arctic desert of playfulness going on there), it’s really uncomfortable and awkward. These two actors are wrestling for superiority and beating the shit out of each other while trying to normalize it in a context of “playing hard to get” and jockeying for dominance. There’s no sexiness. None. Zip. Zero. Zilch. I will forever point to this as a scene of “No. Just, no.”

Laureline charges through the movie beating people up and shooting things while either screaming or barking at people. She’s supposed to be intimidating. I found her mostly psychopathic. I wanted to see her have more facets than “Generic Kick-Ass Unattainable Soldier Girl”. I wanted her to use some diplomacy and some eloquence to solve some problems, instead of violence, especially given Station Alpha’s intent (which is stated several times, explicitly with the EXACT SAME PHRASE EVERY TIME) to be a place where all species come together to share knowledge and intelligence. It’s really not the kind of place where violence first seems like an acceptable or effective policy. But, you know, as a woman and a feminist, I’m supposed to be totally satisfied with Laureline showing a tiny bit of tenderness when she’s designated the caregiver of an alien creature, which, of course, she knows exactly how to nurture back to health. Dammit. She’s a Mommy to an alien pet. Did I mention this happens when it’s established she’s the only woman in a room full of dudes? No? Well it does. Three more dammits in a slumped formation, let me tell you.

So, in addition to writing issues, we also have two massively unlikeable characters we’re supposed to somehow develop empathy for and root for to ultimately get together. They’re set up as so laughably toxic I can’t hold out any hope for their relationship to survive. 

Clive Owen shows up to chew through scenery and snarl, which he does pretty well, especially given what he had to work with. At least he had a couple of different emotions I could find believable. 

And yet...I still don’t feel as though my ticket was a waste of money.

Rutger Hauer made a return to the big screen in a blink and you might miss it role, but I’m still very happy to see him. He does cranky old bastard well and it’s fun to see him play it.

Herbie Hancock shows up as the Defence Minister. I didn’t  know he acted, but he did and he was easily one of my favorite parts of this film. He had an air of wise gravity and common sense “Valerian” desperately needed. Yes, I admit it, every time he came on screen, I thought to myself “Oh, thank god, there is an adult running things here after all!”

Ethan Hawke’s turn as a sleazy space pimp was inspired and hilarious. He gave himself over to the part with complete, gleeful abandon and it showed in every second of screentime. He was having fun and, honesty, I needed to see someone in the movie looking like they were having fun being in it.

Rhianna also did a great job as Bubble. I’m not sure if this was her movie debut, but she was also great fun to watch. She definitely seemed to be having fun there, too. I was impressed with the impact she gave her character’s relatively small part. She was memorable in all the best ways.

I do like that Luc Besson is a Big Picture kind of thinker. It shows in his movies. He sees the forest and he’s so very excited to show you the entire thing, he sometimes forgets why a single tree might gain importance. He gives his audience credit for being able to follow him when he makes time and logic jumps, and he’s obviously not afraid to try new things. As a filmgoer, I find when I watch his movies, he gives me so much to look at, I see different trees and follow a different path every time. I can appreciate his style and his enthusiasm.

I had a discussion with a friend just yesterday. We were talking reviews of “Valerian” and, of all things, Michael Bay. I don’t like Michael Bay and my friend had to ask, “But why? What’s different about a Michael Bay spectacle versus a Luc Besson one?” 

Admittedly, when I watch a movie, it’s a visceral, emotional experience for me. I watch first, as a rapt starry-eyed little sprocket. Then, I turn around and analyze the hell out of it. My friend was asking me to articulate a difference I hadn’t actually tried to verbalize before.My answer surprised me.

I don’t like Michael Bay movies because he condescends to his audience. His disdain for the public he can so easily shill for their money drips out of his movies more and more obviously with each new sequel. It’s so obvious in the trailers they string together I don’t even have to bother with the movies anymore. He doesn’t care about the franchise. He doesn’t care about the fans. His movies have a rote list of checkboxes and standard-issue explosions, car chases, and female body exploitation scenes in order to distract from the lack of plot and character development. He does his best to shiny thing away the plot holes and inconsistencies.

I’ve never felt as though Besson was throwing cheap tricks at me to keep my butt in a seat and make his box office. Instead, his movies, at least his true spectacle movies feel like someone who opened up a toy box and is trying to show his new friends every wonderful thing he just discovered and convince you to come and play, too. He’s tripping on the thrill of his own imagination and doing his absolute best to bring everyone else along on the ride with him.

So, yes, I loved the eye candy. The alien designs, especially for the inhabitants of Mul (which should have umlauts, but I don’t see how to add them in Tumblr) are very striking. The glimpses of the worlds within Alpha are interesting and intriguing. I found myself wanting to watch this movie again for inspiration for stories I want to tell because it’s so full of sheer concept. 

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a beautiful romp in a Luc Besson sandbox. It comes with some frustrations attached, but I’m glad I saw it.

#movies #movie review #valerian and the city of a thousand planets #luc besson #dane dehaan #cara delevingne #clive owen #rutger hauer #herbie hancock