#‘…… so there’s this game called our life-’

[mocchii-writes]

can you do a dae ho fic, with him being super protective and defending the reader, but she shows her own strength (maybe even saving him) and he is so star struck and falls in love immediately

She's the Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene

Paring: Kang Dae-ho x fem!reader Summary: Dae-ho felt the need to protect you, but didn't expect how starstruck he could be when you returned the favor. Words: 1k Warnings: death, guns, swearing, violence, normal squid game stuff lols A/n: I hope I didn't make this too Y/n lmao ♡ ~🍡🍡

It's definitely hard to trust people here, to say the least. You see it all, just about. The blood of hundreds stains your clothes, and the screams you’ll probably have in your nightmares feel like a fever dream. Your survival instinct can only get you so far, though, and you know it. You need to find a backup.

You expect some kind of weapon to fill the gap in your barrier. You could break a mirror in the bathrooms, maybe? It's an understatement to say the supplies are limited, and you just barely make it through the last game. You can tell you're a target. Maybe not a huge one, but everybody here has someone after them, and it's easy and difficult at the same time to be discreet here.

But it isn't a weapon you get for help--it's a man. He doesn't hesitate to help you out when you need it, and you know that he’s valuable in this setting. You call him Dae-ho. Probably because that's his name, but it still has some meaning to you. Hopefully to him, too. It feels right, rolling off of your tongue, but you digress.

He seems to care about you, at least compared to some of the heartless shells of people here. You've both found solace in each other, and he truly made you feel safe, even if you had only known each other for a few days. You talk to one another. He tells you about his life, his past. You tell him about your past, your life. It's a small feeling of comfort, at least to you.

You're snapped out of your thoughts at the sound of lights out being announced by that cold voice that makes your skin shiver. You kick your legs, sitting on a bed as you look at Dae-ho across the room. He's discussing something with his little group. He'd previously invited you to join, but you said you'd rather keep your circle small. You swing your legs, looking at his face. It's very serious, but he's pretty far away. He says something, and then you feel his eyes on you. He nods briefly at someone else as he heads to you. Your face shows concern as his serious demeanor doesn't falter.

"You need to be near us tonight, preferably in our base." You think he's joking, but you don't laugh, just in case.

""Base"?" You ask, smiling. "Why?" He rolls his eyes a bit, but you can't say you blame him. "I can handle myself." He raises an eyebrow and smiles.

"I'm not going to argue with you about that, but I could." You squint at him but chuckle. "Mr. Seong says people are going to fight tonight. He has a plan to keep us safe, and he said you can join."

"I thought we were gonna place bets." You smile. "My money is on that greasy guy who hangs out with the purple-haired asshole." He doesn't look amused, so you sigh. "How do you know he's not trying to get you killed?" You ask, dropping your egotistic demeanor.

"All he does is try to help us. Please." He says, pleading with you to have some common sense. You knew you would eventually accept, but you didn't like the thought.

"I'll think about it, alright?" He sighs and smiles a little. He knows he should take what he can get, but he hates the thought of someone hurting you.

Dae-ho isn't sure why he's taken the responsibility to protect you, but he has. He thinks of you like a flower sometimes. He can't make you take care of yourself if you don't want to, but he knows he's going to protect you anyway because everybody deserves a chance.

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

You were lost in your thoughts, breaking out when you hear the robotic voice again.

"Player 230, 401, 299, 331, and 268, eliminated."

What? How? Your eyes track the room and land on Dae-ho, who's staring at the guards, confused. You make eye contact briefly, before people emerge from the bathrooms.

They go on to accuse each other of attacking the opposing team, creating an edge in the room. You're not listening very closely, though. Maybe Dae-ho was on to something when he said you should hide tonight.

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

Update: He very much was right.

But you can't really think about that because there are far bigger issues at hand.

The lights are flickering so intensely you're afraid they might explode, and there's too much yelling and screaming to organize your thoughts. People are moving everywhere like scattering ants, and everything is a weapon for everyone. There's blood, a lot of it, all over the floor. You run, but it's like playing operation with corpses. You have scrapes from falling off your bed and defending yourself as you regret acting tough to Dae-ho.

Your ears are ringing, only because of a punch you just took. Everything is moving at the speed of light, and you don't have time to catch up. You kick back and stun the other person enough to run away. You feel a hand on your shoulder as you whip around, ready to fight.

To your brief luck, it's Dae-ho. He says something you can't hear and then pushes you behind him. You almost scoff if you weren't truly afraid for your life. He punches the person following you but quickly takes one himself. You try to move him, but he blocks your entrance again. You shout to him, telling him to let you help, but he probably can't hear you. You see someone holding a glass bottle sprinting to you, and your instinct finally kicks in. Literally.

You shift to the left and swiftly kick them, stunning them enough to drop their bottle as you punch them, their head ramming against a bed frame as they slide down, eyes closed. You force yourself to look away from the small pool of blood forming and push down the sick feeling in your stomach. You look for Dae-ho, to see him still fighting. He appears to be losing, though you can't hold it against him.

You don't hesitate to pull the guy off of him, grabbing his shirt from behind and throwing him down as best you could. He sits up, but you kick him hard in the face, knocking him out. You're better at this than you thought. You see another lady running to you, screaming. You quickly pick up the discarded glass bottle and shatter it against her skull. The lights turn on as guards rush in, appearing to stop the fighting.

You pant, wiping unknown blood from your face as you look to Dae-ho. You expect him to look horrified at least, but he's simply staring at you. You tilt your head at him.

"You... handled that." He says, grabbing your arm and bringing you to his "base".

"I said I could," you smirk, "You seem surprised."

"No, I'm impressed." He laughs dryly.

That stressful moment didn’t feel like it would ever end, but it did, and you found yourself still standing. Or at least, still breathing. Dae-ho was too, which was the only thing you cared about at the moment. You leaned against the wall, your body trembling from the adrenaline. He was sitting across from you, his eyes anywhere but you.

"You're full of surprises," he says, his body seemed to hint at something softer than what his voice did.

"You thought I wasn't?" you say, a smirk tugging at your lips.

"I never said that." He pauses, looking at his hands before looking at you. "I'm just happy you're okay."

His words linger in the air for a moment, and you’re unsure how to respond. You’d only met him a few days ago, but Dae-ho had become more than just an ally. He was someone you could trust in a place where trust was a gamble most people couldn’t afford to make.

"You didn't have to stick your neck out for me," you say, trying to sound nonchalant, but your voice wavers slightly.

"I wanted to," he replies simply, as though the decision had been easy. He finally drags his eyes to look at you. "You make this mess... bearable."

You feel your cheeks flush despite the blood coating your skin. His honesty is unexpected, but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Not anymore. You’d seen too much in such a short time to waste moments of purity.

"Dae-ho," you start, but his name on your tongue makes you falter. You take a breath and try again. "I don’t know how much longer either of us will make it here, but... you give me hope in this place, I guess."

His smile is small, but it reaches his eyes this time. He shifts closer, closing the space between you two. "Then we survive for each other. Okay?"

You nod, a warmth blooming in your chest that you hadn’t felt in what seemed like years.

For the first time in what feels like forever, the world outside of this moment feels small. The chaos, the blood, the fear—all of it fades away. In its place is Dae-ho, his presence holding your soul in an unfamiliar but welcome warmth.

You're both specks of dust in a hurricane, and you both know it. But, for this moment, you know you'll have a place to rest in the heart of this chaos. You can't say you're in love, but as he gently rests his hand over yours, you can't say you couldn't be.

So, I kind of love this, lmk what you think ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

~🍡🍡

[prettygirl-gabi]

Chapter 22: Crossing Lines

Rating: General Audiences

Warning: angst, Paige and reader are getting stern talking too, fluff

Paring: Paige Bueckers x !photographer fem reader

Fandom: Women's basketball

Summary: Figure It Out

Welcome to the chapter 22 of Through The Lens. I hope you all enjoy and there is more to come...stay tuned my loveies!! 🏀💕📸

Paige’s POV

Practice had started like any other—well, almost. There was an awkward tension I couldn’t shake. Every pass, every sprint, felt heavier, as if the weight of my conversation with Y/N the night before hadn’t entirely lifted. I was trying to focus, but the sound of Coach Geno’s whistle cut through the air, jarring me out of my thoughts.

“Bueckers, CD wants to see you. Now,” Coach called, his sharp tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, wiping the sweat off my face with the hem of my jersey as I jogged over to the sidelines where CD stood, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

“Sit,” she said, nodding to the bench.

Coach Geno followed, his expression unreadable. “Alright, kid. Spill. What’s going on?”

I frowned, glancing between the two of them. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb,” CD snapped. “You’ve been distracted. Your passes are off, your energy is low, and don’t think I didn’t notice you and Y/N being sent home yesterday. You’re not just off your game, you’re off in general. So, what gives?”

I clenched my jaw, staring down at my shoes. “It’s… complicated.”

Geno sighed, sitting on the bench beside me. “Look, Paige. We get it. Life outside of basketball can bleed onto the court, but if you don’t handle whatever’s going on, it’s going to cost you—and your team. So, whatever this is with Y/N, you need to fix it, fast.”

CD added, her voice softer now, “We’re not asking to be in your personal life, but you’re one of our leaders. If you’re not okay, it affects everyone. You’ve got to figure this out before it spirals.”

I nodded, their words settling in. “We talked last night,” I admitted. “But it’s… hard. We’re both scared of what happens next, especially with me leaving for the WNBA soon.”

Coach Geno leaned back, his face softening ever so slightly. “Fear’s normal, Paige. But letting it control you? That’s a choice. Don’t let it ruin something good.”

“I won’t,” I said, more to myself than to them.

“Good,” Geno said, standing up. “Now, get back out there and show me you’re ready to lead this team again.”

I nodded, standing up with a renewed sense of determination.

Y/n’s POV

The hum of the lecture hall buzzed in the background as I typed notes on my laptop, trying to focus on the professor’s voice. My phone vibrated on the desk, Nika’s name flashing on the screen.

I hesitated but declined the call, sending a quick text: In class. Call you after?

The reply came almost immediately: Fine. But it’s important.

I sighed, tucking the phone away and forcing myself to concentrate. It wasn’t until class let out that I stepped into the hallway and hit Nika’s number.

“Finally,” she said, answering on the first ring. “What took you so long?”

“I was in class, Nika. Mandatory, remember?” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. So… did you and Paige work things out?”

The question hit me harder than I expected. I walked toward the campus quad, finding a quiet bench to sit on. “I mean, we talked,” I said hesitantly.

“But?” she pressed.

“But… I don’t know. It feels like we’re both holding back. She’s scared about leaving for the WNBA, and I’m scared about what happens when she does. It’s a lot.”

Nika groaned. “Of course it’s a lot! Za ime miloga! You two are practically a walking soap opera. But, Y/N, come on. You’ve got something special. Don’t let fear ruin it.”

“I’m trying,” I said softly, staring at the ground.

“Try harder,” she shot back. “Paige loves you. I’ve known her for years, and I’ve never seen her care about someone like this. You’re it for her, Y/N. But you’ve got to meet her halfway.”

Her words made my chest ache, but I knew she was right. “I love her too,” I admitted.

“Good. Then tell her that. And don’t let her run away from it either,” Nika said firmly.

“I won’t,” I promised.

“Good. Now, go fix it. I’ve got a game to prep for,” she said, hanging up.

Paige’s POV

When practice ended, I sat in the locker room, staring at my phone. Nika had texted me: Talk to her. Like, really talk to her. No excuses, Bueckers.

I smiled slightly, shaking my head. She really didn’t let up.

Grabbing my stuff, I headed back to the apartment, my heart racing. Y/N was already there, sitting on the couch with her laptop open. She looked up when I walked in, her face softening.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” I replied, dropping my bag and sitting beside her.

“Long day?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Yeah,” I said, hesitating. “Can we talk?”

Her brows furrowed, but she nodded, closing her laptop. “Of course.”

I took a deep breath. “I know we talked last night, but I don’t think I was completely honest with you—or myself. I’m scared, Y/N. Scared of how much I care about you and how fast this has all happened. Scared of what happens when I leave.”

Her eyes softened, and she reached for my hand. “Paige, I’m scared too. But we can’t let that fear control us. We especially can keep anything bottled in anymore.”

“I know,” I said, squeezing her hand. “And I don’t want to lose you. I’m going to mess up, and I’m going to be scared, but I love you. And I want to figure this out, together.”

Her lips parted, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I love you too, Paige. We’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”

Relief washed over me, and I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to hers. “Thank you,” I whispered.

“For what?” she asked softly.

“For loving me,” I said, pulling her into a hug.

For the first time, our fears they didn’t feel so heavy. Together, I knew we could face whatever came next.

---

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       -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

Tag list: @sayurireidotcom , @astroeliza , @paxaz535 , @0phantom0 , @starlighttsv , @authentic-girl03 , @sevyscoven ,  .... (more to be added)

[svetamillss]

Headcanons: Your life together with them🩵

Featuring: Cho Hyun Ju x Reader(f), Kang Dae Ho x Reader(f), Thanos (Su Bong) x Reader(f), Park Gyeong Seok x Reader(f), Nam Gyu x Reader(f)

Summary: various joint situations when you live with them.

A/N: I apologize for writing a little less often!

🩵🩵🩵

Cho Hyun Ju

Since the girl served in the army and got used to discipline, she will follow it while living with you. She always wakes up much earlier than you, about three hours, where you can sleep until 9-10 a.m., in some cases even before lunch if you get very tired. While you are sleeping, Hyun Ju will do a lot of things around the house (quietly so as not to wake you up), cook you a delicious breakfast and go to wake you up.

She will do it gently and carefully, stroking and kissing you wherever she wants. You sometimes grumble and tell her to lie down and sleep with you in a hug, but it doesn't affect her, so she continues to wake you up with kisses.

- Baby, it's time to get up, your favorite breakfast is already getting cold. And we have a lot to do. - she says gently, kissing your sweet lips.

After a couple of minutes, you still wake up and sleepily go to eat what your Hyunnie has prepared for you with love.

Kang Dae Ho

The guy has a lot of fun living with you. After all, you have new ideas almost every day. Again, recently you wanted to lose weight by the summer, you decided to run every morning. But it wasn't very good alone, so you forced your boyfriend to join you.

- So you want us to wake up at 7 a.m. on our weekend and run down the street when normal people will sleep? - he didn't understand at all why you need it, because you were beautiful.

- And you will run with me for the company! - Dae Ho only had to agree, he didn't want to offend you.

And he knew that soon you would get tired of it and you would throw away this idea, so he decided to be patient.

Thanos (Su Bong)

You and the guy were complete opposites to each other. It was especially seen with household items. Su Bong was dirty. He constantly left his clothes all over the apartment: socks in the corners, clothes were lying on the backs of chairs. You were very unhappy with it, okay, unwashed dishes, but these are extremes.

- Can you stop scattering your clothes? Can't you put the clean ones in the closet, and throw the dirty ones in the laundry. I'm tired of cleaning up after you like a little child. - you mumbled when you removed his clothes from the chair again, while he was sitting on the phone.

- Yes, yes, good. - he said without much attention.

- If this happens again, all your things will fly to the trash!

- I got it, just don't be angry, my baby. - he put down the phone and started cleaning everything, then you rewarded him with a kiss.

But he won't be able to get used to it, so he'll still leave his things, but he's ready to clean up for your extra kisses.

Park Gyeong Seok

The three of you lived in a small apartment: you, your future husband and his daughter Na Yeon. Since the girl was undergoing treatment, she often stayed at home. But you and the man didn't want her to be alone, so you decided to take a housework and sit with Na Yeon.

You and the girl played a lot of her favorite games. She is very attached to you and even calls you mom.

When a man comes home from work, the girl asks him to join you and he, though tired, agrees, because he can't refuse his beloved girls.

Sometimes you and the girl like to mock him, so you can make up him with different makeup.

- Dad now a real princess! - said Na Yeon when she painted Gyeong Seok with children's cosmetics, you just laughed at this whole situation and at the face of a man who was both grumpy and smiling.

Nam Gyu

The guy loves cats very much, but since you both work a lot, you can't get a pet yet, but Gyu really wants to, so he started feeding street cats.

He thinks there's nothing wrong with that, but he was wrong. The cats are used to the fact that the guy began to feed them and they began to come to your house en masse, meowing and asking for food.

When you saw this, you were furious, you immediately called the guy and he had a shy face, he knew what was going on.

- Gyu, do you want to explain to me what's going on with cats here?

- Well... I fed them a little, it looks like they got used to it.. - you looked at him with an evil face, although you understood that he not on purpose.

- Now you will clean up after them, so that there is not a single shit from them! - you said and entered the house, he only agreed with you.

After this situation, the guy began to feed these pets less often, and you began to think that maybe you would give Nam Gyu a kitten.

🩵🩵🩵

[lani-heart]

|| series masterlist || next // previously ||

genre(s) -> slow-burn, soulmate au, Hunger Games au paring(s) -> ATEEZ OT8 x FEM!READER warning(s) -> murder, mental health, gore, suicidal thoughts. words -> 2.5k

abstract -> who said sacrifices were easy?

Y/N’S PERSPECTIVE 

“What are you two planning?” he asked me and the male tribute… and I didn’t know how to answer. What was I going to showcase after a few days of training? All I’ve been practicing was fish tackling for fishing, swimming, and studying the plants in humid plains. My ally was of help but she couldn’t even wield a spear… how was I a threat to anyone?

“The best thing for the two of you would be to act weak… then you won’t be a target for the career's best-case scenario, where you’d get an average score and won’t be targeted for a while,” he said, and suddenly, the elevator opened… We walked in and saw District Twelves’s mentor.

Kim Hongjoong. The Devil in Disguise… The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

Jeonghan stepped forward standing next to him while we stood before our mentor.

“I heard you’re trying this year,” he said to Jeonghan, earning a scoff.

“I heard you left your tributes to die?” he asked and Hongjoong laughed. How could you laugh when people were dying when you knew what this felt like? When you didn’t even want to help them… when they were just in your position?

“They don’t have what it takes… most of my district doesn’t,” he said and the doors opened as we walked off. I don’t know what came over me but I turned behind me to see him looking at us. 

He waved his right hand making my eyes widen. Another red string connecting to me? 

“Whatever happens here is fine… okay so don’t get too nervous, they go in order of district with the male tributes going first. Good luck”

Everyone, starting from District One and ending at District Twelve, sat in silence, waiting to be called. This was all to showcase how we could survive or kill one another. 

It felt like forever when it was finally my turn… with everyone’s eyes on me as I walked. 

I went inside to see the game makers. Jeonghan had mentioned that they’ll be on edge and watch every tribute this year since Hongjoong won.

Last year, he was given a meek rating of two… he truly was considered weak. But Jeonghan said to avoid that—not only would I be targeted, but sponsors wouldn’t help me, which is something he told me I needed to heavily rely on. 

I still didn’t know what to do so I could use a weapon… so when I decided to go to the plants they laughed and conversed with themselves. They didn’t pay attention to me after. 

I didn’t know if that was good or not so… I had to think of something to bump my score, anything even a little. So I practiced memorizing beaches and tropical plants when I realized… Maybe I should talk to them. 

“This year's arena is favoring District 4 right? Either beach or ocean?” I asked as I looked behind me slightly and they stopped talking to look at me. I smiled as I got confirmation what I was doing was correct. I was relieved as I continued, facing away from them as I showed them everything I chose of tropical plants… stating I knew from the start what they were planning. 

“You want District Four to win this year… but respectfully I don’t think they will,” I said as I finished and bowed, thanking them for my time as I walked out and I was confident. Walking passed all the other District tributes to the outside where I was going to find Jeonghan.

“I’m guessing they weren’t as observant?” I heard and I saw Hongjoong. “That doesn’t matter,” I said, not wanting to tell him anything. “It doesn’t matter about this small little detail. If you were smart like your district is known for… you’d stop fighting for your life. The victor's life wouldn’t suit you” he said and I was confused about what he meant.

“Seonghwa may put hope in your head if your brother already hadn’t but trust me. Death would suit you better than a cage” he said and I didn’t understand…

You’d think being soulmates would—

“y/n!” I heard and I saw Jeonghan’s glare. I walked to him and he looked at me angrily. “Come on,” he said as he led me away from the lobby where I heard Hongjoong’s laugh… we walked away from my psychotic and knowing soulmate. When we were finally out of the public’s view… I had to ask. 

“What did—“ “I think it's time to make a choice… he’s right you know. Living in a cage isn’t fun at all,” he said, cutting me off and I didn’t know what anything meant. What did Hongjoong mean?

We were on the elevator when he asked what I did.

“Plants at first—“ he sighed disappointedly “—but then I asked them about the arena,” I said and his eyes widened. “Why would you do that!? You needed to take the chance rather than…” He yelled but stopped as he saw my reassuring smile… “I needed to know… if I was right or not so I could see if what I calculated was wrong. Jeonghan…” I said and he looked at me worried. Like everything could come crumbling down… the stress in his eyes was evident but I gave him a relieved smile of my own.

“Jeonghan… I was right it's an arena for District Four”

The next step was now waiting for results. Seeing if we could get a high enough score to not be a target and be low enough to also not be a target. However, this year the careers were deadly, the highest ranking being eleven. 

My tribute partner ranked a two for my escort to try to cheer him up while Jeonghan didn’t even try. He waited for mine. I knew he deserved to fight for his life too but… it was him or me and I had to choose myself for Junghwan. 

“It’s okay dear, it’s different in the arena” our escort comforted the boy crying next to me as my name was called out and then a score…“So y/n, a score of… 10” I felt my eyes widen. Just for telling them what arena I knew? 

“Ok… not bad but you did put a target on your back,” Jeonghan said and I felt scared. More than ever.. in just three days of training and now the results of our showcase were… terrifying. 

Tomorrow is the interview… everything was suddenly going so fast. After the interview, I'd step into my death if I didn’t play it right. 

While everyone went to sleep I didn’t know what to do… At first, it felt like a nightmare… What would I even say tomorrow?

“Let me tell you a piece of advice, kid” I heard and I saw Jeonghan with a drink in his hand as he approached me. He put a hand on my head trying to comfort me when he asked…

“You have people to live for don’t you?” I nodded… Junghwan but also… “You said you met your soulmate… is it in your district or here in the capital?” He asked and I didn’t see any point to lie when I might die in the next day or so. Besides… I think I could trust Jeonghan. 

“My stylist and Hongjoong…” I said and he sighed almost like he was also debating on what to tell me... “The minute a victor leaves you get crowded with lights and pretty words from the capitalites and they idolize you but they don’t know nor do they ever realize that you were killed in there… that you have blood staining your hands that won’t ever come out,” he said and I didn’t think of the guilt afterward…. Survivors' guilt.

“But then you meet the president and he will seem to give you a good life and deals… but be smart. Don’t go against the president… or the ones you love will be killed off one by one. Your brother and your stylist could die at any minute just because you misbehaved” he said and I nodded. 

Act good… behave.

“Hongjoong had lost his parents this year because he didn’t follow that rule. I can tell that the only thing pushing you is your brother… otherwise, this would be complete suicide so I don’t want to see what could happen if your brother died because of something you did”

Behave… I’d just have to act the part. Jeonghan said he had to learn to put on a fake mask in front of the audience. I’d have to do the same… be charming, cute, and perfect in their eyes. Get sponsors… and make me a loveable victor that they wouldn't want to see die

His games… he showed me them and he told me everything he did as well as his thought process. He made an elaborate plan and lied to them to gain sponsors. Those same sponsors are the reason he won… so what would I do?

“Hello again” I heard and I saw Seonghwa. My soulmate… someone I wanted to protect but would he look at me the same after seeing what I'd do if I did survive? “Are you ready to look like you belong from the capital?” He gave me a smile. How… could he be from the capital and smile knowing tomorrow there’d be so many deaths?

“You’ll win. You got a score of ten, that's impressive you know!” He praised me as he started doing my hair. He talked on and on about his plans for me and praised me for my score. He was clinging to the idea of me surviving…

He was just as desperate as I was but… the thought ran around my head. Isn’t it better to just… have to protect my brother? He’s safer with everyone thinking that I had only my brother. 

I don’t think I'd ever forgive myself if I was the reason for his death. I can’t imagine… having to attend his funeral or living my life knowing it was all my fault. Not when he looked at me with admiration, hope, and… love. 

“Here, let’s get you to put on the dress my love, it’s going to make you look heavenly!”

“So y/n!!” I heard the caster say as I walked onto the stage in the white feathered dress with gold accessories adorning my hair neck and arms. 

“Well don’t you look like an angel” he smiled. Boo Seungkwan… Jeonghan told me he knew him personally and trusted his character. So I could do the same and I found comfort in him weirdly enough…

“Now, when you were chosen I had goosebumps. Everything was silent unlike the previous districts since yours is the cut-off from careers. But the boy… his pleas were heartbreaking. Can you tell me about him?” He asked and I nodded. I couldn’t help but smile thinking of my silly brother. 

“He's my brother… he turned twelve this year,” I said and he smiled softly. “How about your parents?” He asked and I shook my head. 

“Our parents died a few years back… it’s been only the two of us since then. It’s why… I need to win” I said and I heard the awws from the audience. How could they aww to two orphans and a boy potentially losing his only family left… orphans who lost their parents to peacemakers… workers for their president?

When it was their rules they implemented… that we had to live this way?

“I see my dear… may the odds be ever in your favor for his sake. Let’s talk about the parade… Your dress was a fan favorite. The feathers made you look… like an angel!” He said and I smiled. 

“My stylist had a good eye,” I said and he chuckled “Well of course and even today's dress!” He announced and I smiled. “I could give you a spin?” I offered and he nodded as we stood up. 

He took my hand and twirled me. It cascaded feathers down to the crowd which capitilites tried to get. The dress even had two parts where the feathers separated almost making it look like wings “Even if this dress gives this light, your district represents power. How does this reflect that?” He asked and I chuckled.

“Light is important, isn’t it? Without district three we wouldn’t have electricity let alone the light. We need something to shine in our lives at the hardest times Mr. Boo'' I said and he smiled. 

“You’re very right my dear. Now, how do you feel about tomorrow?” He asked to make the atmosphere serious as we sat down. The audience seemed entranced so now… make them cry as Jeonghan advised. 

“Worried and a bit scared. I’ll get back to my brother either in his heart or in person” I said with tears blurring my vision. The emotion was real… this wasn’t an act. 

“But surely you have some confidence you got a ten!” He said and I had an idea pop inside my mind.

“Yeah… if I’m being honest? I only got a high score because I predicted the arena” I said and his eyes widened and I heard gasps of shock. 

“Predicted it?” He asked, confused and maybe intrigued… I nodded confirming he didn’t hear incorrectly. I’d do the same thing as Jeonghan… differently but the same aspect. He is my mentor after all… this could ruin District Three’s reputation but it didn’t matter to me. 

“Do you wanna know a secret?” I asked and he leaned in. “A dessert arena”

“You little genius!” Jeonghan exclaimed and I smiled. “They’ll be fed wrong information and some of the tributes will take the trap,” he said and I nodded. He gave praise and he honestly looked relieved…

“Ooh! You already have a nickname in the capital!” My escort soon said running to us excitedly. She was too innocent for all of this. 

“Our little angel,” she said and I was going for a bird-like demeanor but the angel was a lot better. “You’re going to win this… I promise you will” she said and I smiled. The rest of the interviews went as planned… but soon everyone was talking about the spoilers of tomorrow’s arena. I took the attention off everyone which was good…

As we had dinner I waited for my partner's tribute and our escort to leave… because if I was gonna die tomorrow I needed to know everything… “What did you mean by Hongjoong was right?” I asked, referring to the other day and he sighed. 

“Would you die for your brother?” he asked and I nodded. “That's the problem,” he said, confusing me. “Hongjoong lost his family this year to a ‘disease’… that's what the public knows. But our lovely president killed them to punish him and now he’s free. Your brother would be in danger–"

"So it would be better if I die in the arena?” I asked and he sighed. He looked at me conflicted… there wasn’t a right or wrong answer to this. It seems there wasn’t an answer at all…

“I'll be honest… you're a pretty girl, so prostitution, escort ship, paid company, whatever you'd like to call it… he might assign that on to you,” he said and I was confused. 

“So if I behave my brother is safe?” I asked and he nodded with nervousness in his eyes but even with knowing this detail... 

“Then nothing else matters”

taglist -> @klllerwaifu @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone @bunnii-dolls @haowonbins @kaqua @atzloverr @furfoxsake22 @kibs-and-bits @automaticcrusadenight @chngbnwf @sousydive @nuggiesnuggetdog04 @starfallia

please don't be a silent reader !! reblog, comment, and like <3

[afinestoutlove]

things i love about heartstopper 51/?

This show knows how toxic people (mostly men) actually behave. Ben and Harry both ask why people are angry with them, when they know full well why people are angry with them.

This is so accurate to these kinds of toxic manipulators. They always throw responsibility for any issue back onto the person they hurt. It's a way to make the other person look like they're "making a fuss" when they're actually trying to raise valid issues. And in real life, it's often effective.

Our culture doesn't like it when people "make a big deal out of nothing", even if (especially if) that "nothing" is actually seriously toxic behaviour. Especially especially if the person being called out is a cishet white dude. And Harry and Ben and David know this.

When Imogen breaks up with Ben, she refuses to play the game. She refuses to let him set the terms of the conversation, definitely refuses to reassure/comfort him the way women are expected to. Instead, she explains exactly what's wrong. So he lashes out and calls her a bitch (you know you've gone too far when Harry's calling you out!). She refused to play the game the way she was supposed to, and insisted on holding him accountable. We know he doesn't actually learn anything - the next day, he's blaming Nick for "ruining his life" - but sometimes the only thing you can do with people like Ben (and Harry and David) is refuse to engage and leave them to deal with their shit on their own.

Honestly, this representation of toxic people (men) is way too real. I say I love it, because it's well done, but it's hard to watch because of it.

[selunesdreams]

Chapter 19: Kiss the Ring

How are kindred spirits working out for you now? Would Spite like to weigh in on that topic?” Lucanis narrowed his eyes. “You’re impossible.” His hands found her waist, lifting her from his lap and inclining his head toward the kitchen doors.  “Come, I’ll walk you to your chambers.” “Are you kicking me out?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of spirited defiance. Lucanis smiled and leaned in close, lips brushing along her jawline. “It’s clear you are unwilling to listen to my words,” he murmured, “so I’ll have to find other ways of holding your attention until you take me seriously.”

Pairing: Lucanis x Fem Rook/OFC x Spite???

Summary: A Dellamorte family heirloom causes more problems than it's worth.

Word count: 3.7k

Things of note/warnings: 18+ fic, MDNI! Please read on AO3 if you need to track warnings, they will be inevitably detailed better there (or just want to be real sweet and give me hits/kudos/comments).

Read on AO3

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

Lucanis stirred at twilight, the embers of the fireplace long turned to ashes. Nestled in the crook of his arm, Rook shifted and groaned softly, her dark hair splayed across her face. He reached around, brushing a lock from over the bridge of her nose behind her ear, and carefully slipped out of bed.

Something wrong? With Rook?

Spite’s voice was far more quiet than usual. Lucanis wasn’t sure if it came instinctively to the demon, or if he was so concerned about Rook that he’d resorted to hushed whispers as his phantom-like form hovered over her as she slept.

She’s just dreaming, Spite. Leave her be. 

He pulled the curtain aside and glanced out at the sun rising over the gardens. Caterina would be awake soon, if she wasn’t already. Better he find her in the kitchen than for her to come knocking on his door. 

He bathed and dressed, scribbling a few words on a piece of parchment from his desk. Carefully, he pressed his lips to Rook’s temple and left the note on his side of the sheets. She grumbled something and swiped weakly at him before rolling over. He grinned, watching her resume her deep slumber before slipping into the hall.

Caterina. Then return here!

“That’s the plan.” He said to Spite under his breath.

Lucanis had never woken with a woman next to him before, let alone someone he felt so strongly about. He’d imagined it so differently. In another life, he would make breakfast, coffee, remain in bed until the afternoon and listen to her talk…

Mierda . He already hated this Talon business. After the Wigmaker job, he and his cousin had toasted to Illario’s future as First. Lucanis wanted none of the notoriety, the demands, the politics of it all. Had Ilario been patient and trusted him, things might have turned out differently…

And now nobody had what they wanted. Not really. Even with Rook in his bed, Lucanis had doubts about what it meant for them. Had they moved too quickly?

At the dining room table, Caterina was already situated with her breakfast, reading through a heap of correspondence. Evidently Illario had not delivered her mail while he had her locked away.

“Well, what was so urgent that you had to abandon your own celebration?” She didn’t bother to look at him as she scrawled something down.

Lucanis tensed and poured himself a cup of coffee, avoiding her eyes. He felt like a child again, as if her cane would come down across his shoulders at any moment. 

“I apologize. Rook and I were called away by an urgent matter-”

“Save it. I was young once.” Caterina snipped, cutting into her grapefruit with a spoon. “I know exactly what urgent matter you needed to address under my roof.”

Across the room, Lucanis caught one of the staff staring and shot her a disapproving glare until she blushed and hurried into the hall.

“Just don’t get that girl pregnant. Weddings and pregnancies are opportune times for enemies to present themselves.”

ROOK IS NOT-

“Caterina,” Lucanis squeezed his eyes shut and pinched his nose, praying to the Maker this did not turn into another nosebleed before he had the chance to explain Spite to his grandmother, “if we could talk about anything else…”

“Fine. We will talk about this .” She pushed her plate across the table. “I watched Fiammetta fight last night. Dante failed that girl. We train our children the way we do for a reason! But he abandoned Crow tradition the second he kicked the hornet’s nest that was the Antaam’s wrath!”

Waving her spoon in the air, she continued ranting.

“Dante never taught her to stay out of trouble, because he assumed trouble would always find her. Typical fathers, underestimating their daughters!” Caterina scoffed. “Fiammetta didn’t learn the instincts you and Illario did. Viago’s influence is the only reason she learned our ways fast enough to become a Crow.”

“Yet even with all Illario’s training, Fiamma still brought him to his knees.” Lucanis said in a warning voice. “You give her too little credit.”

“You brought him to his knees. Had he not had such a soft spot for her, she’d be dead. And every House watching that display last night knows it. Illario took a hostage when he could have easily taken a life. The Crows saw her exploit his weakness, not demonstrate her strength!”

WE! BROUGHT HIM TO HIS KNEES. 

Frustration and confusion warred in Lucanis’ eyes.

“Do you not care for her, Caterina, is that it? Did you try to chase her off during your private chat last night?” 

“If that were the case, I would not have wasted my time.”

“Then what is this about?”

“Do you really think it was Viago ’s idea to send her here as punishment?” Caterina sneered. “Fiammetta has potential. I had every intention of molding her into a better Crow during our time together, but she is beyond my reach now. You, however, can still help her.”

“You are not so charitable, Caterina. What do you get out of this?”

“You have always been such a romantic, Lucanis. Better you end up with someone like her, than someone who would take advantage of your position. House de Riva would be a strong, worthy, connection-”

“Enough.” 

Lucanis knew better than to raise his voice at his grandmother, but as he set his coffee mug down on the countertop, it took exceptional effort to remain composed.

“Let me make myself clear. I will take up the mantle of First Talon, and one day when you are gone, I will lead the Crows. Whatever is left of the Dellamorte name’s honor will be preserved by me. This House will endure.”

His fingers pressed hard against the ancient oak table as he leaned his weight over it.

“But if I end up with Fiammetta de Riva, it will be because it was not just my choice, but hers . Not the result of another plan you orchestrated. Not the future you decided for me.”

“I am not a matchmaker.” Caterina snapped, “I’d prefer you to remain alone than endure the loss, the paranoia, that comes with First Talon! If I could spare you that fate, I would, but I fought too hard, lost too much, to relinquish our title to another House. But if you insist on falling in love, do not choose someone that would die so easily.” 

Lucanis found both himself and Spite without words. Caterina was not a vulnerable person, but this was as close as he’d ever gotten to hearing some semblance of mourning from her. 

“You do not reach my age without becoming well acquainted with death. I have watched generations of Crows from birth to death, the rise and fall of Houses scratched from history books. I have killed people I once considered friends and lovers. That garden is fertilized by the bodies of my family, my children. I am wise enough to avoid arrogance, so believe me when I say that no Crow knows death better than me .”

Emotion did not betray her features as she spoke with unwavering conviction. Caterina looked down, stirring a dash of milk into her espresso. The porcelain cup, expertly crafted from bone ash, produced a delicate sound that contrasted his grandmother’s harsh tone.

“Never let your guard down around what you love, and always expect that you will lose it, anyway.” 

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

Following one of the deepest sleeps she’d had in quite some time, Rook reached across the mattress for Lucanis, her fingers brushing only the cool, smooth silk sheets. She squinted at the sunlight peeking through the curtains, catching the dust motes dancing in the air. A part of her questioned if it had all been a dream until she found a neatly folded note where Lucanis had slept.

In the unfortunate event you wake before I return, make yourself at home. - L

A slow smile spread across her face as she laid on her stomach, clutching his message tightly in both hands and rolling onto her back to stare at the bed canopy.

Lucanis Dellamorte invited her to his bed. How deep this went, she didn’t have the slightest idea, but just this once, she got something she wanted. Whatever happened next, no one could take last night from her. 

The marble floor was icy beneath her bare feet as she padded to the bathroom. No expense had been spared on the deep, clawfoot tub, or the floor to ceiling length mirror by the sink. Rook examined her disheveled hair, the raised welts and purple bruises blooming on her skin, before turning the tub faucet. The tap instantly delivered scalding hot water, and she winced as it burned her fingertips. Even Viago didn’t enjoy such luxuries. Caterina must have paid a fortune for these kinds of enchantments.

She bathed slowly, taking the time to sample Lucanis’ extensive collection of bath oils and salts from across Tevinter, just long enough to hear the door open in the bedroom. Rook stood and snatched a towel, wrapping it around herself just as Lucanis peeked inside the bathroom. 

“I brought you coffee. And these.” He set a folded stack of clothes on the counter. “They’re clean. You left them behind in the guestroom. Your boots are by the door and the staff are laundering your dirty clothes.”

She cocked her head at his distant tone, frowning as he ducked out the door. Wet footprints and puddles glistened in her wake as she crossed the bathroom floor, catching Lucanis by the wrist. He stiffened at the unexpected contact, and she pulled in him forcefully, jolting with surprise as her lips pressed against his. At last, he relented, one arm instinctively snaking around her waist as he melted into the kiss.

“You’re so reserved this morning.” She mumbled against his lips, “what happened?”

“Caterina.” He muttered, pulling away. As he retreated from the room, Rook let her towel drop to the floor and slipped on the clothes he’d brought her. The leather drug against her damp skin, fitting loosely on her torso. Leading in Varric’s absence had taken its toll on her body, and her old clothes highlighted her health’s decline. She felt a slight pang as she mourned her old self.

“Is your grandmother cross with you for leaving early?” Rook asked, flipping her damp hair out of her shirt and combing her fingers through it. As she stepped back into the bedroom, she found Lucanis on the edge of the mattress, attention fixed on her silk gown from the previous evening. Was he having regrets? 

“No, she’s…” He drug a hand down his face, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “Just more eager for me to take her role than I had expected.”

“Can’t say she hasn’t earned her retirement,” Rook said, joining him, “but it’ll have to wait until these gods are dealt with.” 

Lucanis shook his head. “I won’t abandon our contract, Rook. I gave you my word.”

“I thought you wanted me to burn your contract?”

“I meant it.” Lucanis remained on edge, but his expression softened. “But you’d still have my word.” 

Rook’s heart thudded in her chest, an ache in her stomach intensifying as she watched him, brows furrowed in deep thought, beside her.

“Did we…make a mistake?” Her voice wavered slightly, and she regretted her words as soon as she spoke them. She wasn’t certain she wanted an answer.

Lucanis’ eyes widened.

“No, of course not! Last night was…” His voice faltered, and his palm slid over her leg, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake before coming to rest on her knee.

“It meant a lot to me, Rook.”

Her eyes darted away uncomfortably.

“It doesn’t have to mean anything, I just would hate for you to-”

Lucanis interrupted her words, his hand sliding behind her head, pulling her closer until their lips met in a fervent kiss. The initiation flooded her with relief, and as he released her, his hand lingered on the back of her neck.

“Whatever this is?” He whispered with a smile, “I’ll take it.”

He stood up, his movements accompanied by the creaking of the bedsprings, and brushed the wrinkles from his perfectly tailored trousers.

“Viago is going to have questions, you know. We didn’t return through the eluvian with Davrin.” 

“This is hardly Viago’s business-“

“Since when has Viago minded his own business, Fiammetta?” Lucanis tilted his head with a grin. “Certainly not when it comes to you.” 

“Let me handle that.”

She stood up with a wink, retrieving her weapons from where Lucanis had set them on the coffee table and sheathing them at her waist.

“I’ll see you back at the Lighthouse?” She asked, a mischievous grin playing on her lips as she tugged on her boots.

Lucanis forced a flat smile and nodded. 

“I look forward to it.” 

His gaze followed her to the door. Whatever had been troubling him still lingered there, but she didn’t dare ask about it.

“Rook?” He called after her. She glanced over her shoulder as her fingertips hesitated on the handle. 

“Watch your back today. After what happened with Illario…”

“I prefer when you watch it,” There was a playful challenge in her tone as her eyes glittered in the sunlight, “but I fare just fine on my own.”

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

“Shouldn’t you be babysitting?” Rook asked as she strode into the Cantori Diamond. Viago was alone at his desk, shuffling through a few papers. 

“It’s Teia’s turn.” He said without looking up. 

“You have a lot of trust in Illario.”

“I have a lot of trust in her.” 

Viago set his pen down, massaging his temples with his thumb and forefinger.

“We had a…productive talk. After I had him personally move your giant mirror back here. I don’t think he could so much as climb a staircase if he tried, between the swollen muscles and bruised ego.”

Rook considered a scathing remark, but something in her cousin’s face softened her. 

“I’m sorry, about yesterday. You caught me at a bad time.” 

“No, I…” Viago exhaled and dragged a gloved hand across his face. “Perhaps Teia is right. I am…hard on you.”

“You taught me…everything. It’s kept me alive. I could stand to be more appreciative.”

Viago’s brows knitted as if he doubted the intentions of her gratitude.

“Maybe my methods are no improvement over your father’s, but…I have high expectations of you because I know you are capable of rising to the occasion.”

Her cousin averted his gaze, clearly uncomfortable with his admission. Rook blinked in surprise, sparing him a verbal jab and glancing across the room.

“That being said, your fighting yesterday evening was sloppy.”

Ah, there it was. 

“Never miss an opportunity for criticism, do you, cousin?”

“You still lack the important teachings. Discernment, knowing your enemy, how to avoid a fight in the first place…” Viago’s lip curled, “But I blame your father, not you.”

“This I have to hear.”

“Then stop interrupting me and listen, Fiammetta!” Viago snarled. “ He didn’t care if you fought well, so long as you survived long enough for him to swoop in and save you. You shouldn’t need anyone to save you. I won’t always be around to, and you can’t hide behind Lucanis’ rank-”

“Excuse me? What does Lucanis have to do with any of this?”

“Is that not a Dellamorte heirloom on your finger? You did not join your friend to take the eluvian back to the Lighthouse after the party. Do you think I was born yesterday?”

“Caterina gave me this ring.” 

Viago shook his head and laughed bitterly.

“Cousin, you have no idea what you’ve accepted. Gifts from Caterina Dellamorte do not come without strings.”

“What could she possibly want from me?”

“Grandchildren. Legacy. Rebuilding the Dellamorte line.” He suggested, clearly displeased to be the one pointing it out. “You are the only woman Lucanis has ever shown a public interest in. Don’t think you are immune to her schemes, Fiamma.”

Rook examined Caterina’s ring with discomfort. Had it not been so sentimental, she’d have ripped it from her hand and thrown it in the canals by now. Maybe she could pawn it in the casino downstairs.

“I’m not the marriage and family type.” 

“No Crow thinks they are until…”

Viago swallowed uncomfortably, rearranging the papers in front of him. 

“I’m asking Teia to marry me.” He announced, clearing his throat. “When this is all over.”

Rook carefully schooled her expression of shock, not wishing to draw attention to them.

“Did you get her pregnant?”

“What? No! Do you take us for fools?”

“But why? The back-and-forth between you two is so fun to watch. Why ruin a good thing with marriage ?” 

Viago scowled, leaning forward and bracing his palms on his desk.

“I want every Crow to know that to cross her is to cross me. None of the fools in Antiva would give what I’d give for her. Would sacrifice themselves, everything to ensure-” 

He cut himself off and hung his head. 

“I think of little else. It torments me. It has since the moment I met her.”

“You’re in love.” Rook breathed. “I didn’t think it was possible for that poisonous heart to let anyone in.”

Viago pointed at her threateningly. 

“Say anything about this, and I’ll kill you myself.”

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

Rook strode across the dark courtyard to the kitchen, where she could hear the timbre of Davrin and Lucanis’ voices through the door. She pushed her way inside, finding both of them slouched in chairs before the fire, Lucanis drinking wine from a coffee mug as Davrin waved a tankard around mid-story.

“-You try fighting a hill with a sword sometime!” 

Lucanis leaned forward in his seat. “How did you kill it?”

“Lamp oil. Everything stank of burnt tentacles for miles after!”

“If the two of you were going to open a bottle, you might have told me first.” Rook said. 

“It’s not a good bottle.” Davrin slurred.

“Rook!” Lucanis’ face slackened as he noticed her arrival, setting his cup aside. “You’re back. How was Viago?”

“Worried, under a thinly veiled demeanor of irritation. Nothing new.” She sat on the arm of Lucanis’ chair and he blushed, glancing over his shoulder at the pantry.

“Is anyone else hungry?” He asked. “Maybe I should cook something…”

Davrin glanced between them and snorted quietly to himself. 

“You know, I was just thinking about getting some sleep. Enjoy your evening.” He said suddenly, rising to his feet and striding toward the courtyard. “Assan! Bed.”

The griffin raised its head from where it had been napping by the fire, and reluctantly stood and shook itself awake, padding out after Davrin.

As the heavy doors closed with a soft thud behind them, Rook eased herself onto Lucanis’ lap. He straightened in his seat and he caught her in his arms, his body warm against hers.

“You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?” She asked with a smirk. 

“Only enough to make Davrin feel safe spilling all his secrets.” 

She leaned back, legs dangling over the arm of the chair as she draped herself across him. “What did you learn?”

“It turns out he has a sense of humor, under all the brooding.” He bent and kissed her affectionately. “Did you learn anything today?”

“I’d tell you, but Viago would kill me. So instead, I’ll confess that I think your grandmother is up to something.” Rook offered her hand to display Caterina’s ring on her middle finger. “She insisted I take this when we were speaking in the garden, but it feels wrong.” 

Lucanis reached out, his thumb gently grazing the surface of the opal.

“How did I miss that?” He wondered aloud, voice just barely above a whisper.

“Dark rooms. Distractions.”

He hummed in agreement, his eyes distant.

“She gave that ring to my mother once. It was the mark of her favor. House Velardo killed my parents and sent it back to Caterina to demand she surrender the seat of First Talon.”

“Maker, Lucanis! It should stay with you, not-”

“Caterina’s gratitude is always symbolic.” He said, “She’d never put it in words, but if not for you, I would be dead, and that seat she lost everything for would have been stolen to my cousin, who could not possibly appreciate her sacrifices to uphold our House’s place in the Crows.”

“How long will your line fight to keep First Talon before you realize it is a curse?” Rook exclaimed as she fumbled with the band on her finger. “I don’t want whatever strings are attached to this-”

Lucanis stopped her, holding her hand and deftly securing the ring in place.

“No strings. You owe nothing to anyone.” He reassured her. “Not my grandmother. Not me.”

Uneasiness washed over Rook, and she shifted uncomfortably. Lucanis, sensing her discomfort, kissed the pulse point of her wrist, his lips soft against her skin.

“Keep it, please,” he pleaded. “It suits you. Even as a child, I knew it was meant for you.”

Rook threw her head back and groaned. “ Enough .” 

“I stole it from Caterina the morning of the funeral to present to the Flame as a gift. I looked up to him, you know. Several of us young Crows did. It was fitting - a fire opal for the Flame after he lost his wife, the Gem…” 

With a tender touch, Lucanis traced a thumb along her cheekbone. 

“But I saw you alone, and…you were the first kindred spirit I’d encountered since my parents’ deaths.”

“Yeah? How are kindred spirits working out for you now? Would Spite like to weigh in on that topic?”

Lucanis narrowed his eyes. “You’re impossible.”

His hands found her waist, lifting her from his lap and inclining his head toward the kitchen doors. 

“Come, I’ll walk you to your chambers.”

“Are you kicking me out?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of spirited defiance.

Lucanis smiled and leaned in close, lips brushing along her jawline.

“It’s clear you are unwilling to listen to my words,” he murmured, “so I’ll have to find other ways of holding your attention until you take me seriously.”

Rook’s breath caught in her throat as desire swelled in her chest.

“I didn’t think you-” she began just as his fingertips danced down her spine.

“Go on, tell me what kind of man I am,” he challenged as he escorted her to the door. “I’d love to surprise you.”

[morningsharksworld]

Just confess already!!!

Hazard x Hopeless Romantic! Reader

A/N: This was going to be an oc x cannon fic but tbh I know some people feel like this for others and went WHY NOT

Summary: JUST TELL HIM ALREADY

You were nursing a cup of coffee at the dimly lit bar the Phreaks called their second home. The music was low, a rare lull in the usual chaos that followed the gang. Across the room, Hazard was playing darts, his sharp eyes focused on the target. Every so often, he’d crack a joke or smirk at something Boomslang said, his laugh echoing in the space.

You couldn’t stop staring, your heart doing that stupid fluttering thing it always did when he was near. But no matter how much you felt, you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything.

“You’re pathetic, you know that?”

The sudden voice beside you made you jump, nearly spilling your coffee. You turned to see Boomslang leaning against the bar, her ever-present smirk firmly in place.

“Excuse me?” you said, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t play dumb” she said, gesturing toward Hazard with his drink. “You’ve been making goo-goo eyes at him for months. Hell, maybe even years. When are you gonna grow a spine and tell him?”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “Not you too.”

“Oh, definitely me” she said, sliding into the stool next to you. “And you’re lucky, ‘cause I’m the nicest one in this group. If Susie were here, she’d—”

“If Susie were here, she’d what?”

You flinched as Susie appeared out of nowhere, her boots clunking against the floor as she crossed her arms and gave you a pointed look. “Don’t stop on my account, Boom. Go ahead, finish the thought.”

Boomslang grinned. “She’d give you hell, obviously. Right, Susie?”

You felt Susie rolled her nonexistent eyes and turned her attention to you. “Look, we’re not trying to be jerks. But seriously, what’s stopping you? Hazard isn’t a mind reader.”

“He doesn’t need to be” you muttered, staring into your coffee. “It’s obvious he’s not interested.”

Susie snorted. “Are you kidding me? Do you know how many times he’s asked me if you’re okay when you’re not around? Or how often he gets distracted during missions ‘cause he’s worried about you?”

Boomslang chimed in, “Not to mention the fact that he’s actually tolerable when you’re around. That’s a miracle all on its own.”

You frowned, your heart pounding. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?” Susie leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “Listen, I’ve been around enough people to know when someone’s holding back. Hazard’s got his issues, sure, but he cares about you. Probably more than he even realizes. You just have to give him a reason to admit it.”

You shook your head, your stomach twisting. “It’s not that simple.”

“Nothing worth having ever is” Boomslang said, clinking her glass against yours. “But you’re running out of time, sweetheart. Guys like Hazard don’t stick around forever.”

Susie nodded, her voice uncharacteristically soft. “I’m not saying he’s gonna disappear tomorrow, but life happens fast in our world. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance. And trust me, regret’s a bitch.”

You glanced back at Hazard. He was laughing now, leaning against the dartboard as another member of the crew tried (and failed) to beat his score. He looked so carefree in that moment, so alive.

“I don’t even know how I’d do it” you admitted quietly.

Boomslang grinned. “That’s the easy part. You walk up to him and say, ‘Hey, Hazard, I’m into you.’ Boom. Done.”

Susie smacked her arm. “Ignore her. Just… be honest. Tell him how you feel, no games, no excuses. If he feels the same, great. If he doesn’t… well, at least you’ll know, right?”

You swallowed hard, the weight of their words settling over you. They were right—you’d been holding back out of fear, but that fear wasn’t going to disappear on its own. If you didn’t take the risk, you’d never know what could have been.

“I’ll think about it” you said, your voice shaky but determined.

Boomslang raised her glass in a mock toast. “That’s all we’re asking for. Just don’t take too long, yeah?”

Susie hummed. “And if you chicken out, don’t worry—we’ll happily push you in his direction.”

You groaned, but a small smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks… I think.”

As they walked away, you took a deep breath, your eyes drifting back to Hazard. The fear was still there, but so was something else—hope.

Maybe, just maybe, it was time to take the leap.

The noise from the bar faded as you stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air wrapping around you like a welcome reprieve. You sighed, leaning on the railing, the weight of your thoughts pressing down on you. This was the only quiet spot, far from the crowd—perfect for what you were about to do.

You pulled your jacket tighter around you, gathering the courage once more. You couldn’t keep pushing it aside—tonight had to be the night. You were tired of hiding your feelings, of pretending you didn’t care. Hazard deserved to know, no matter what came next.

Just as you were about to speak, the door creaked open behind you. You turned to see Hazard stepping out onto the balcony, his eyes scanning the space for a moment before settling on you.

“What’re you doin’ out here?” he asked, his tone casual but curious.

You shrugged, playing with the hem of your sleeve. “Needed some air. A lot of things have been… on my mind.”

Hazard’s brow furrowed slightly as he approached, his usual cool expression softening. “Ye a’right?”

You hesitated for a second, then let out a nervous laugh. “No, actually. I’ve been kinda of a mess.”

Hazard stepped closer, now standing beside you, his presence quiet but steady. “A mess? What’s got you in such a state?”

You sighed, turning to face him fully. “Look, I didn’t come out here to waste time. I needed to say something.”

Hazard’s sharp gaze sharpened. “Aye? What’s on your mind, then?”

You took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage you had left. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while. And I can’t keep pretending anymore… I like you, Hazard. I like you more than I should...”

His lips twitched into a subtle smirk, and you could tell he wasn’t surprised—but it still made your nerves tangle. “Oh?” he murmured, his voice soft but with that familiar teasing edge.

“Yes” you continued, feeling more confident now that the words were out. “And… I don’t want to pretend it doesn’t mean anything anymore. I care about you, more than I should.”

Hazard’s smirk grew, but it wasn’t mocking—more like… intrigued. “You’ve been carryin’ this for a while, haven’t you?”

You nodded, unable to hide the blush rising in your cheeks. “Yes. And I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I—”

Before you could say more, Hazard took a step forward, closing the small distance between you. His expression softened, his gaze steady. “You should’ve told me sooner, then.”

Your breath hitched. “I was scared. What if I messed things up? or worse, what if you didn’t like me at all?”

Hazard chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re braver than most I’ve met, Ach, I've seen ye punch guys twice yer size Luv. But ye don’t need to worry ‘bout that.”

You frowned slightly, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before locking eyes with you again. “I’ve known for a while now… I’ve been feelin’ the same.”

Your heart skipped, the weight of his words settling in. “What?”

Hazard gave you a small, amused smirk. “Aye, I’ve been feelin’ the same way ‘bout ye.”

For a moment, you were speechless. Your mind couldn’t process it.

“…You like me?” you whispered, disbelief washing over you.

“Aye” Hazard replied, his expression serious now, but with that familiar quiet confidence. “Just didn’t want to ruin what we had.”

You blinked, your mind reeling. You couldn’t believe it—he’d felt the same for so long, and yet, he’d never said a word. And now, here you were, finally hearing it from him, your face completely flushed.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” you exclaimed, throwing your hands up in disbelief. “Do you have any idea the amount of nights I’ve stayed up thinking about you!? I mean I must look like a damn dog waiting for y—”

But before you could finish, Hazard stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. He leaned in, cutting you off mid-rant with a soft, kiss on the lips—firm but tender, grounding and real.

Your eyes widened in surprise, but your breath caught in your throat, melting into the kiss. It was unlike anything you’d imagined—something more, something you hadn’t realized you needed.

He pulled back just slightly, his Scottish accent thick and warm as he murmured, “Now, does that feel like ruinin’ anythin’ to ye?”

You blinked, your heart fluttering wildly. No—this felt right. More than right. And you couldn’t help but smile, your hands gripping the edge of his jacket slightly.

“No… it doesn’t” you whispered, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest.

Hazard smirked again, leaning in just enough so his breath brushed against your ear. “Good. ‘Cause you’ve got me now, and I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

You felt a rush of relief—of certainty—that this wasn’t just a fleeting moment. This was real.

And finally, you let yourself believe it.

[canirove]

Canary boy | Chapter 8

Previous chapter | Next chapter (coming out on Friday)

Masterlist

It's been two weeks since the Halloween party.

And now you may be wondering, oh my God, what has happened between Inés and Pedri since then? Have they talked about what happened while they were dancing? About what he said? Did she speak with Carla the next morning? Did she get too angry? Are they still friends?

Well, yes, we still are friends. And yes, she got a bit angry. 

Once we got home from the party we didn't say much. I was still a bit shaken by what had happened, so she just helped me get out of my dress and we went to bed. But in the morning, while we were having breakfast, I told her everything. From Pedri not telling me who he was, to me finding out, getting a bit tipsy because of Nacho's fault, and all the touching and kissing neck and cleavage that came after plus what he confessed while my hand was there, and then when he told me about breaking up with Nerea and the swimming pool accident. And her reactions were different intonations of the same “oh my God, Inés!” than went from “what the fuck is wrong with you”, to “what the fuck I can't believe it”, and everything in between. 

But in the end, everything was and is good between us. She still can't believe the hand part, loves reminding me about the tits kissing like she calls it and making my face turn bright red, keeps telling me to be careful because things could still get messy and she doesn't want him to break my heart, but at the same she doesn't forget about what Nacho said. About everyone knowing that I like Pedri and that he feels the same for me. That he likes me back.

“They say kids and drunks always tell the truth, Inés” Carla had said. 

But we are talking about Nacho. He isn't the most trustworthy person. Though he and Pedri are really close, so could he have confessed something to him? 

Then there is what Vic told me before the party, all that thing about the connection we have and Nerea being jealous of it, me maybe being in love with him… 

And oh, yes. Since all that wasn't confusing enough already, we need to add football to the mix.

We've been playing back to back games and barely having any free time since the Champions League is back. It's been all about training, playing, resting, traveling…  There hasn't been time for much else, not even to see Pedri and have that very much needed chat.

But today may be the day that changes.

It is my last game with Barça before the international break, which means that those of us who haven't been called up will have some time to breathe and relax for a bit. He is coming to watch us play, and then we are going to my place and making dinner together.

So maybe… Since we have this joke about only asking personal questions while cooking or cleaning for the other… I'll be brave enough and ask him about the party. About what happened between us. About what it meant.

Or maybe I will chicken out and stay confused as hell for two more weeks. Make your bets.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“You know, if life as a journalist doesn't work, you can always open a restaurant, Pedri. This is the best thing I've ever eaten.”

“Thank you” he smiles. “Though maybe you should try eating it a bit slower?”

“I can't. This is fucking delicious” I say, filling my mouth with more food.

“Do it for me, Inés. I don't want our first kiss to be me performing CPR on you because you are choking.”

“What?” 

“See?” Pedri chuckles when half of what I had in my mouth falls to the plate, the other threatening to go the wrong way. Such a lady, Inés…

But did you hear what he just said? Like, did you? Our first… Holy shit. 

“So… Umm…” I say when I manage to properly swallow. “I have something for you. Like an early birthday present.”

“Inés, you didn't have to get me anything.”

“It's nothing. Wait here while I go get it, ok?” I say, getting up from my seat.

“I'm not going anywhere, I promise” he smiles. 

“Like I said, it's nothing” I say when I'm back, my hand shaking a bit when I give him the envelope with his present.

“A Spider-Man birthday card?” he laughs.

“It fits you. You wore the suit the other day, saved someone's life, Pedro in English is Peter…” I shrug. My other option was one that said “happy birthday, hot stuff”, but we aren't there yet. “The present is inside.”

“Ok…” he says, opening it while I bite my lip. Why is he doing it so slowly? “Inés!” Pedri gasps. “This… you… I… I can't accept this.”

“Of course you can! It's a present!”

“Inés, it is a plane ticket to Tenerife. No, it actually is two since there is one to go there and one to come back to Barcelona.”

“I know.”

“This isn't cheap. I know it better than anyone.”

“But I can afford it, Pedri. I already told you this is nothing. And this isn't me bragging about having money or shaming you because you don't have enough or…” Focus, Inés. Focus. “It's just that you sounded so gutted the other day when you told me that you couldn't spend your birthday with your parents and celebrate their anniversary, that I… I… I didn't like seeing you like that. I don't like seeing you like that, Pedri. So if I can do something to make you smile again, to make you happy, I will” I say, my eyes focused on my hands. Did I just say all that to him? Aloud? Oh… my God.

“Inés…” he says, getting up from his seat. “Inés, look at me” he says again, holding my chin and making me look at him. Have I ever mentioned that he has the most beautiful brown eyes ever? “You don't know how much this means to me. I… Thank you. Thank you very much” Pedri says, his voice cracking a bit before hugging me.

“You're welcome” I whisper as I hug him back, daring to move one of my hands and caress the back of his head, something that makes him hug me tighter as he buries his face on my neck. And he… He is… Oh my God. He is crying. I've made him cry, I… “Sorry.”

“What?” he says, looking up.

“I've made you cry, Pedri. I wanted to make you happy and I've made you cry. I am so stupid…”

“These aren't sad tears, Inés” he smiles, wiping them away. “They are the happiest I've shared in a long time.”

“They… what?”

“This is one of the best birthday gifts I've ever received. I would say the best, but that probably is Iniesta’s Barça shirt when I was a kid” he chuckles. 

“I mean, he won us the World Cup. I can't compete with that.”

“You actually could, you know? Even beat it. You just have to come to Tenerife with me” he smiles.

“What?” I laugh. “Wait, you are serious.”

“Deadly serious. Come with me, Inés.”

“Pedri, I…”

“You are going to have some free days because of the international break, aren't you?”

“Yes, but…”

“Then come with me” he says, putting a lock of hair behind my ear, the feeling of his fingers touching me not helping with the way my head is spinning. 

“I can't, Pedri. Like, you just broke up with Nerea. You can't show up a few days later in front of your parents with a new girl.”

“I never told them about her.”

“You… what?” I say, my eyes definitely looking as if they are about to pop from their sockets.

“Yeah” he shrugs. “They knew that I was seeing someone, but I didn't tell them anything else, if it was serious or not. Only Fer and some of my cousins who follow me on Instagram knew that we were actually dating.”

“And didn't she ask you to meet them?”

“No” he shrugs again. 

“But you were together for almost three years, Pedri. Did you at least meet her parents?”

“I did.”

“And judging by your face, it didn't go well.”

“It didn't, no” he sighs. “We met a couple of times, and I always got the feeling that they thought I wasn't enough for their daughter. Like, her grandfather on her mum's side was a duke or something like that, and the one on her dad's owned a bank in Switzerland. Meanwhile, my parents run a small bar and need to save for months in advance to be able to visit their son.”

“Money doesn't make you a better person, Pedri.”

“I know but… nevermind” he says, shaking his head. “That's in the past now.”

“And it is their loss. Because you are so worth it…” I say, caressing his cheek. “And just judging by what you've told me about your parents, so are they. Nerea's parents wish they had a family like yours and a relationship and love like your parents do.”

“Thank you” he smiles. “But does this mean that you will come meet them?” he asks, his smile turning into a teasing one. “If they are so worth it…”

“I…” Damn it. He's got me there. “But what will you tell them? That I am just a friend?”

“Yeah” he shrugs. Ouch. “Come with me, Inés” Pedri says, closing the space between us a bit more, my heart starting to beat even faster than it already was. “Let me show you my home, the city where I grew up and my favourite places, introduce you to the people I love, to my childhood friends… Let me show you a side of me you haven't seen yet. The canary boy like Carla calls me.”

“Wait, you know about that?”

“Mario told me” he laughs. “C'mon, Inés. Say yes.”

“Pedri…”

“Say yes, please” he says, moving even closer. “Don't make me cheat and do my pouty face. I know you can resist it.”

I mean, who can? Like… those lips? Urgh. 

“Inés…”

“Ok, fine. Fine, I'll go.”

“Really?” he says, his smile growing by the second.

“Yes. I will go to Tenerife with you.”

“Oh, yes! Yes, yes, yes!”

“Pedri!” I laugh when he lifts me in the air and starts spinning around. “You are gonna make me dizzy!”

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry” he says, putting me down. “I'm sorry. But thank you, Inés. This is gonna be the best trip ever. Thank you.”

“You're welcome” I reply, finding myself smiling as big as he is and even getting excited about it. Though at the same time, there is a part of me that is freaking out because I'm about to meet his family, all while another can't let go of the fact that he said he is going to introduce me as just a friend. Which it is what we are but… What about everything that happened at the party? About what we did and what he said? Did it mean nothing? Did I dream it all? 

“Should we finish our dinner?” he says, letting go of me.

“Yes, of course” I nod before sitting down.

“You are going to love Tenerife, Inés. I promise you” Pedri says, still smiling.

“Yeah” I say before starting to eat again.

Let's just hope I don't regret it all.

[aventurineswife]

I want Obey Me! brothers with a reader who is like Aventurine please

“Life’s a gamble, and I’m not afraid to play”

Tags: Obey Me! Brothers x Aventurine based Reader, Gambling, Complex Emotions, Dangerous Allure, Survivor’s Guilt, Emotional Walls, Vulnerability, Romantic Tension, Calculated Risk.

Warnings: Manipulation, Emotional Trauma, Mature Themes, Tension & Angst, Possibly Unhealthy Relationships.

Lucifer never let his guard down, but there was something about you, something that made him question his usually strict demeanor. You strolled into the room with the kind of confidence that could make anyone stop in their tracks. A blend of elegance, danger, and calculated charm, you had his full attention.

He watched as you approached, your eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Lucifer," you greeted smoothly, your voice a melody of deliberate calmness. "I do hope I’m not interrupting anything important."

His lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “You never interrupt, MC. You simply… reframe the situation.”

You flashed a grin, the kind that could disarm any of his carefully laid plans. “I’m flattered, truly. But perhaps there’s more to this game than you realize.”

Lucifer studied you, every flicker of your gaze, every slight movement. He saw through your mask of charm—the hidden tension in your posture, the way your left hand, uncharacteristically, remained hidden behind your back. “Still playing with risks, I see. You never change.”

“And why would I?” You shrugged nonchalantly, turning your eyes toward the window, observing the moonlight dancing across the room. “What’s life without a gamble, Lucifer? A dull, predictable affair. I find excitement in the unknown.”

He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. “And what would you risk this time?”

Your smile remained, enigmatic, your eyes darkening with hidden depths. "Everything."

He chuckled softly, though his gaze was sharp. "Then it seems you and I are more alike than I care to admit, MC."

There was no answer, just a brief flicker of shared understanding between you two. The game was always on, whether you were playing with words or with your lives.

Mammon couldn’t help but stare at you, his gaze lingering on your every movement. Your aura—unpredictable, yet effortlessly charming—drew him in like a moth to a flame. You had that same glint in your eye that screamed danger, the kind of danger he couldn’t resist.

“Oi, MC,” he called, his voice a little more flustered than usual. “What’s the deal with all this... fancy clothes and big-shot talk, huh? Ya some kinda god of games or something?”

You gave a soft chuckle, flipping a lock of your sandy blond hair out of your face as you glanced back at him. "I like to think of myself as... an architect of fate. The stakes are high, Mammon, but I never back down from a challenge."

Mammon frowned, scratching the back of his head. “Yer freakin’ weird, y’know that? Always talkin’ like life’s a game. Ya can’t just gamble with everything!”

“Why not?” You asked, your voice smooth and enticing, yet with a flicker of something deeper. “Everything is a gamble, Mammon. Even now, we’re gambling with our time. With our choices. The difference between us is that I don’t mind losing, as long as the thrill remains.”

His eyes narrowed, unsure whether you were trying to impress him or scare him. “So what’s yer game, huh?”

Your lips curled into a smile, the edges of your grin both inviting and dangerous. “The game is simple, Mammon. Don’t fear the stakes; fear the regret of never taking the risk.”

He swallowed hard. "Guess you’ve got a point there... but maybe not all of us wanna play with fire."

You tilted your head, your eyes catching the light just right. “You’d be surprised, Mammon. Sometimes it’s the fire that keeps us alive.”

Levi was never one to deal with complicated personalities, but when you entered the room, he couldn’t help but stare. You weren’t just confident—you were unnervingly composed, and that sharp, strategic mind of yours? It sent shivers down his spine.

“Hey, uh, MC, right?” Levi muttered, his voice shaky. “You’re like... totally different from what I expected. I mean, your whole vibe is like... I dunno, like you’re always on a high-stakes mission or something.”

You gave a low laugh, the sound light but with a hint of a challenge. “High stakes? I would say it’s just life. Nothing more thrilling than walking a tightrope, don’t you think?”

Levi looked at you, wide-eyed. “A tightrope!? No way! What if you fall?”

“I never fall, Leviathan.” You tilted your head, eyes glinting dangerously as you continued, “Falling is for those who are afraid to rise.”

You seemed to glide through the conversation, your movements as fluid as a dancer. But there was a subtle tension in your posture, a hand always hidden or tucked away behind your back, a secret you kept locked in your mind. It fascinated him.

“I... I guess I get it?” Levi muttered, his fingers twitching nervously. “But... don’t you get scared? I mean, gambling with everything sounds... kinda crazy.”

Your smile was sly, calculating. “Fear isn’t the problem, Levi. The problem is living without it.”

Satan always prided himself on his intellect, but you, had a way of getting under his skin, making him feel like a mere pawn in your grand game. He observed you closely, noting how your eyes flickered with silent challenges as if daring anyone to take a step into your world.

“You seem so... sure of yourself,” Satan remarked, his voice sharp as he leaned against the wall, watching you with intense scrutiny. “It’s almost as though you see everything as a puzzle to be solved.”

“You could say that.” Your grin widened, your eyes locking with his. “Everything is a puzzle, Satan. And I... am very good at solving them.”

Satan raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. “But you don’t mind playing dirty?”

You shrugged, the casual motion making your gold rings gleam. “Dirty? Life is messy. You either get in the dirt and make your play or you watch from the sidelines.”

He frowned, not sure if he was impressed or irritated by your words. “You sound like someone who’s never faced consequences.”

“Oh, I’ve faced them.” The playful tone in your voice slipped for a moment, a shadow of something deeper passing over your face. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by that same confident smile. “But consequences are just another form of the game. You play with the pieces, you take the risks. That’s the fun of it.”

Satan eyed you, a mix of curiosity and caution. “You certainly have a unique outlook. But I suppose that’s what makes you dangerous.”

You chuckled softly, your gaze never leaving his. “And yet, here you are, intrigued.”

Asmodeus was no stranger to captivating people, but you? You were a whole different level of dangerous allure. The way you walked into a room—your smile, your confidence, your playful, almost teasing nature—made him immediately want to know more.

“Oh darling, you’re a puzzle wrapped in an enigma!” Asmo exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “I can already tell you’re the type to keep everyone guessing.”

You leaned in, brushing a lock of your hair out of your face with a flourish, before meeting his gaze. “I’d say you’re half right, Asmo. It’s not about keeping others guessing, it’s about knowing when to let them in.”

He was momentarily taken aback. “So you do let people in?”

You raised an eyebrow, your smile lingering with a mysterious edge. “Sometimes. But it’s never without a price.”

Asmo couldn’t help but laugh, his interest piqued. “You certainly know how to make things... exciting.”

“There’s nothing dull about a gamble, Asmo,” you said, your voice almost teasing, yet with an underlying seriousness. “You of all demons should know that.”

Beel, despite his usual calm demeanor, couldn’t ignore the unsettling aura you carried with you. You weren’t like the others. The way you spoke, the way you carried yourself—everything screamed danger, but in a way that made him want to stay close.

“You don’t look like someone who’s afraid of anything,” Beel commented, his voice steady but curious. “Aren’t you scared of losing?”

“Fear of loss is a weakness, Beel.” Your voice was smooth, yet there was a quiet depth to it. “It’s only through loss that you truly understand what you’re willing to risk.”

Beel chewed on the words for a moment, his gaze softening slightly. “I don’t know about that... I’ve lost a lot.”

You gave a small, knowing smile. “We all lose, eventually. But we’re still here, aren’t we? That’s the real gamble.”

Beel blinked, slowly understanding. “You make it sound like there’s no escape from it.”

“Exactly,” you said, your voice more certain now. “There’s no escape, only choices. And sometimes... the best choice is to keep playing.”

Belphie, the quiet one, was strangely fascinated by you. While most people were intimidated by your demeanor, he saw something else—a deep, unspoken vulnerability behind your games, your calculated charm, your hidden fears. He couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“Hmm... you don’t seem like the kind of person who sleeps well,” he remarked, his lazy voice cutting through the silence.

You tilted your head. “And what gives you that impression?”

He yawned. “I’ve met a lot of people who act like everything’s fine, but you... you’re different. Always playing your cards close to your chest, hiding behind that smile of yours.”

You paused, eyes flicking briefly to your hand, which was tucked behind your back. “I sleep just fine, Belphegor. But some things... are better left unsaid.”

His gaze lingered on you, as if waiting for you to reveal more, but he knew better than to push. Sometimes, it was the quiet moments that spoke the loudest.

“Well, if you say so.” He shrugged, rolling back into the couch. “I’m just saying, the game you’re playing? It’s got a hell of a lot more stakes than you let on.”

[staryscorner]

For us

Paring: Gi-hun x reader

This happens once Gi-hun won the games and was dropped off at Seoul. He doesn't have a daughter and his mother never died. (cuz this man needs a break🥺)

After not knowing where your boyfriend was for almost a whole week you wanted to get the police involved but on that 7th day someone came knocking at your door ... It was Gi-hun. He rushed in and just hugged you. You knew something was off. He was never this bold. He would get nervous when he tried to hug you. You had so many questions but you just hugged him back not wanting to lose his warmth again.

He just cried in your shoulder.

Once he was done you grabbed him by the hand and brought him to the bathroom so he could get himself clean. As he was in there you brought a warm coffee and a blanket to the living room so he could be comfortable since you could tell how exhausted he was. Once he was done and changed into some pjs you sat him down and asked the question.

“Where were you all this time!? Do you know how worried I was I thought you were gone for good.

Gi-hun looked up at you, his face full of guilt.

“Will you believe me if I say things out of this world”

You looked at him with a strange look but when did he ever lie to you? You trust him with your life.

“I just want to know what happened to you” You said with genuine concern.

…

“Well you know how we have been struggling with money. You remember when I came with those 100,000 won I never told you how I got it.” He sighed “This man in a suit asked me to play ddakji and if I won he would give me 100,000 won and if not I would pay with my body and that would mean I would get slapped.”

You remembered that day he was all bruised up but he just gave one of the biggest smiles you’ve seen him with. Holding the money in one hand and grabbing you with the other telling you that he would treat you on a nice date. All he told you was that he worried hard to earn that money and now that you know how he got it he really did work hard for it.

“Well after I won he handed me a card with a number to call if I wanted to play more games for money and I thought it would be like the games I played with the man so I ended up calling … I thought it would make life for us easier. I could make you happy and could make you work less hours at work.”

“After I called I was instructed to go to a location and a white van picked me up and then I was knocked out and woke up with many others with many others in debt”

Gi-hun then explained all the horrors he faced in those games. You felt so bad for him. You got up and over to where he’s sitting and just held his hand letting him know that you were right there with him.

“I need to end those games” 

"But didn't you say they were horrible?"

"Yes they are but I have to save other from dying in those games"

That's what you loved about him. He was such a selfless and caring person.

“I'll help you with anything you need.

“Honey. I know you want to help but I don't want to put you in danger. I don't want to lose you.” He said gripping your hand tightly

“You won't I promise” You said giving him a smile”

You both just stayed together hand in hand until you both fell into a peaceful slumber.

Our little Gi-hun 🎀 I kinda feel like making a part 2 but idk you guys let me know (,,> ᴗ <,,)

[blorbologist]

I wish you would write a fic where...

More of the consecuted!Ashton being raised by Essek, please 😘

~580 words | Gen | Essek-centric | Mention of this being 100+ years post-canon and most of the Nein have passed, as well as Ashton

Short one! I stopped to think about how, exactly, Essek would somehow adopt Ashton before they even realized they had past memories, and perhaps this isn't fully sound but I had fun with it :D

I wish you would write a fic where... prompt game

--

Deirta Thelyss once claimed, in the gentle and patronizing way of one practiced at such speech, that she knew from the beginning that Essek was a new soul. He dismissed this immediately as justification for the cool detachment with which she raised him while waiting to see if he was anyone worth caring about.

This was a very solid conclusion until roughly three hours ago, where just as quickly as he disregarded his Umavi’s words he recognized this child. This child he had never met before in his life.

It had been a hunch to ask around. A gift of fortune that he was not immediately carted off as a (as Beauregard would have called it) a complete fucking creep.

But he knew where Greymoore had died. And so could extrapolate the - purely hypothetical - radius to investigate very accurately. And it’s not like the Cobalt Soul didn’t research the strangest of topics. Such as - again, hypothetically - any children born in this range of days potentially experiencing strange flashes and memories.

And if it became a long-term, fruitless research project, well. It’s not like he’s had much better to do. Caduceus is lovely, quite lovely, but there’s only so long he can garden before he’s gently being told to stop cross-breeding the plants and experimenting with grafts. 

(Only so long he can endure the reminders of what they’ve both buried in this same earth. He has always been a weak man.)

Essek long wrote this off as a fruitless thing. Ashton Greymoore was not consecuted, and calling their brain a biological Beacon would be generous (and swiftly provoke several rebuttal papers if he could publish the findings under another alias), and it had been too long. Frankly, he should have given up after fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, twenty years passed without a youth seeking him out on his rounds.

This child is not even toddling. It’s been over a century since he last met this soul, but he knows - he knows, deep in the pit of arcana in his stomach - that this is that genasi.

At this point the towns in his circuit consider it a queer sort of rite to show Essek their children. He’s learned to entertain them with simple spellcraft, enough of a delight to buy good faith. 

“Whoever birthed this little one dropped him on our doorstep,” the weary old orc is explaining; there’s a rush of sympathy and frustration swimming through his bloodstream. Deirta’s face flashes before his eyes, for no particular reason.

They keep talking. Essek keeps nodding and hopes his poker face has improved, because he is panicking. 

He had thought this out. Be the benevolent, strange sort of uncle (the memory of Jester’s voice trills, like a fairy godmother!) and be conveniently available when anamnesis occurred and otherwise simply… observe. For science. Because this was quite the unique sort of circumstance, and could disprove or bolster centuries of his work (and Caleb’s, the foundation of so much of it).

Essek can’t simply sit back and observe - can’t watch Ashton Greymoore grow up in an orphanage. Not again. 

The small human looks nothing like the Ashton he knew. And giggles and reaches for the flutters and skeins of magic without any hesitation, without pain. And he has a shock of red hair.

So with the heedless decision-making that’s evaded him since Caleb and Jester and Fjord and Beauregard and Veth and Yasha and Kingsley passed he says, “Ah. Well, I could offer-” they? They don’t know that yet, “- him a home.”

[kuroosatoru]

let me love you - ceo!toji x fem!reader

based on 'let me love you' by ari ft. lil wayne and practice by drake // wc: 795

cw: mentions of: knives, overdose, harassment.. not proofread too good lol

you toss the last moving box inside of your new apartment and thanked your mother for helping you move once again. you guys weren't as close anymore but she still would be there for you in an instant. the place wasn't luxurious by any means, but you just needed a decent place to stay while you live through the last bit of your savings.

you had moved across the city to get away from your now ex boyfriend, who had turned into someone else overnight. his constant harassment was starting to get to you after he had called you from his now fourth 'new' phone number, and you had reached the point where you didn't answer any unknown number unless you were waiting on a call back from a job interview.

-

it had been a few months now and your money was running low, so you decided to finally look around for something somewhat enjoyable. after waiting a week, you had gotten a phone call from what you had assumed to be your ex begging to apologize for what he had done to you over a year ago. to your relief, it was a secretary opening reaching back out.

"hello this is sato with fushiguro industries homebase. is this miss y/n?"

"this is she. how are you?" if your memory was serving you correctly, sato was the young man who was the assistant to toji fushiguro himself.

"i'm better now, thank you. i'm reaching out on mr. fushiguro's behalf to offer you our secretary position, are you still available?"

a jolt of excitement ran through your spine, "yes i am," you reply quickly, trying to not sound too excited. the job was offering an honorable 55k a year and you mostly had to set up appointments and take calls for toji as he had his son handling the other intricacies of the job, "when can i start?"

"mister fushiguro needs you here at 6:30am monday. if you need transportation mr.fushiguro offered to send a car out to you," sato said with a little more pep in his tone.

"i will take him up on that, thank you sato." you say, a smile sneaking onto your face at the thought of your future.

"you're welcome miss y/n. see you monday." sato replied, ending the call.

you decided to end your night with a glass of red wine and called your mom to tell her the news the next morning.

-

"i thought i told you y/n? you can't ruin my life like this, i won't be anything without you. i didn't mean to, i promise you i won't do that ever again." he had gone off the deep end about a month ago after deciding to go on a ski trip with his friends and nearly overdosed after showing up at your job and threating your boss with a knife.

you cringe, "i'm ruining your life? you ruined mine when you took everything away from me by taking me away from my family and getting me fired from my job by being a damn nutcase!"

you have had enough of his games and of his empty promises to get help, and to be honest, you didn't really care what happened to him anymore. "yuma, you can do whatever the hell you want with your life. all i know is that i'm no longer going to be part of whatever sick games you're playing."

you wake up in a cold sweat, unaware of the torture your mind was going to put you through in your dreams, and you get into the shower. it was finally monday. even though you only had to wait three days, but it had felt like forever due to your excitment to start something new. after a quick shower, you put on your makeup, and take a second to ground yourself before putting on your outfit and heading out the main door to the car toji had sent out to get you. it screamed money and success and you told yourself you wouldn't get too used to it.

after a short drive, you arrive to the skyscraper of an office that was fushi llc. and hoped you wouldn't have to be too high up. the building smelled woodsy and clean and to your surprise, was actually quite beautiful inside despite its brutish exterior.

"ah! there she is, ms.y/n." sato exclaimed, happy to see you had made it in.

you smile at him tenderly, "hi sato, is this where i'll be staying?" you ask, glancing down at the welcome desk in front of you.

"this is megumi's area; he's who you'll be working with. please follow me. " sato replies, making his way towards the elevator and hitting the call button.

notes: sorry if it's a little rough, if it helps, the next part WILL be longer <3 i haven't written something in so long. im happy to be back and im so excited to finish this lil series. stay safe out there xoxo, jib.

[cookeham]

"Life Off the Ice: At Home with Keith Tkachuk" by Michelle Burgess, from the Raising Arizona Kids Magazine, Vol 11, No 1, March 2000

It is a busy, hectic day at the north Scottsdale home of the Tkachuk family, where two phone lines are ringing, a photographer is setting up equipment in the backyard and a curly-haired, blue-eyed toddler who looks a lot like his famous father is in search of a playmate.

"Play hockey," 2-year-old Matthew says to a group of assorted adults in the room. "Play hockey, play hockey, PLAAAAAAYY HOCKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!"

Clearly, Matthew knows what he wants. He gets it, too, when the photographer's son picks up a stick and heads out to the backyard with him. During the respite, mom Chantal gives a bottle to Braeden, born in September, and takes a few minutes to go over the evening plans with her husband.

Welcome to the house of Captain Coyote himself, 6-foot-2, 225-pound powerhouse left winger Keith Tkachuk. On the ice, he is a fearless blur of muscle; at home he is simply a dad, albeit a busy one.

Keith, who turns 28 at the end of this month, appears to be just as much at home talking about fatherhood as he is about hockey.

"Fatherhood is a lot harder than I thought it would be but it's great," he says in a thick Boston accent. "Having these two kids who you've helped create, seeing how Matthew is growing and talking and calling me, 'Daddy' and always wanting to play with me--it means everything to me."

At the sound of his father's voice, Matthew comes back, stick in hand searching for a more worthy opponent. After Keith assures his son he will be out soon, Matthew reluctantly heads back outside.

A teenage standout back in Boston, Keith was drafted at 18 by the Winnipeg Jets. When the Jets became the Coyotes and moved to Phoenix, he and Chantal, a 27-year-old Winnipeg native, resettled in the Valley. Keith, whose last name is Ukrainian, says having children has given him a better perspective as a hockey player. Bad games no longer get to him, he says, because he comes home "to something that is so much more important than any games."

And his wife, who calls herself "Keith's biggest fan," says that the post-game blues after a loss aren't what they used to be. "He's not hard to be around," she says. "When he has a great game I tell him about it but when he has a bad game I don't say anything. He knows it. He gets over it."

The big guy has even developed a distaste for the excessive violence that has long been a part of his sport. He's pleased that the number of fights has been steadily decreasing over the years but doesn't think fighting will, or should, disappear entirely.

"You still need some (of the fights) to keep certain players from taking cheap shots," he says. "But, because of all the kids who watch, I'm glad it's gone down."

When asked about Matthew's reaction to seeing his dad beat the stuffing out of opponents, Keith says he doesn't think his son has noticed yet.

"I'll have his mother try to explain it to him when the time comes," he says. "That'll be a tough one."

So what does this old-fashioned Catholic Irishman from a traditional hockey town think of Phoenix?

"I love this place," he says. "It is the best place to play, the best place to live and to raise kids. We're building a new house and are going to live here for the rest of our lives, no matter what happens." (Throughout the month of January, rumors of a Tkachuk trade made headlines in sports pages around the country. As Raising Arizona Kids went to press, however, no news of a trade had been confirmed).

Fans back east have nothing on those in the Valley, he says.

"The first year, nobody knew who we were or knew what to expect when the NHL came to town but the whole Valley has embraced us. Coyotes hockey has become huge. It's just unbelievable.

"We want to return the favor. We want to play well, to get out of the first round of the playoffs this year. We'd like to get home ice and do some damage."

The advantages of Tkachuk's lifestyle are obvious: money, fame and adoration from fans, plus the bonus of playing hockey for a living. But there is a downside.

The Coyotes have 41 road games each season, resulting in an estimated 80 days a year that Keith is away from this family. And he's had to cope with the lack of privacy common to all successful sports figures.

"It's not until you've lived the life that you see the sacrifices," says Chantal, a down-to-earth, natural beauty who recently celebrated her third wedding anniversary with Keith.

Keith agrees.

"When I take Matthew out to play I want to be his daddy, not Keith Tkachuk the hockey player," he says. "People don't think about us having lives off the ice but we go through all of the normal things people go through. You have to play hockey and your kid's home sick with your wife. (Parenting) is a 365-day-a-year job."

Still, both Tkachuks say they wouldn't trade lives with anyone.

Growing up "never in a million years" did she imagine the life she leads today, Chantal says.

"I feel very fortunate that I met such a great guy and have 2 beautiful sons," she says.

"Did I ever picture myself living in a place as wonderful as Arizona? No way. I feel very, very lucky. I count my blessings every day."

His life is "far more than I expected," Keith says. "I've got a good life. I'm living in a great city, playing the game I love to play and getting paid to do it. I have the best little boys in the world and the best wife. This is it. This is what it's all about."

[marcusrobertobaq]

What u explained is basically what I mean by "Carl's bias", after all the interest in the information came all from Carl's "lessons" about history and philosophy (and clear wish Markus becomes a real person - or at least the person he wants Markus, an android, to be).

According to the game any violence act is supposed to start a war against humans, the problem is they forgot it's a multi-branched narrative - or they just wanted to make a very stupid B&W point that is intentionally unrealistic or intentionally cartoon-ish for the sake of a satire about reality (what I think may have been the first idea until they had to wash everything out to sell the game).

"An eye for an eye and the world goes blind", it's better if everyone is blind equally rather than your opposite pretending to be blind. In the end of the day these said players don't really care about the message fr, they just wanna get the best outcome since it's a game, and games always got the good and best choices and outcomes, right? Maxed out stats and all this shit, like a RPG.

But there's one thing I'm interested here:

"(...) they will be more successful if they are the innocent, unarmed protester being harmed"

"He even states in a peaceful route that his people's sacrifice will help them."

There's a lot of religious tone and faith here, since it's basically what Markus character had as a core until they went for the more civil-activist one. No movements are really 100% peaceful, tho. And mfs sure hope u ain't violent so it's easier to repress directly, all u can hope is that in the end of the day u don't die for nothing and your ideals still live, cuz things are never welcomed with open arms. So endurance when the world is crushing u is (metaphorically) showing the "true humanity", refusing the "animal" while being crucified, not falling for the "temptations" (impulse), cuz "in the end God is always with them and He's just". Or at least it's the so called cloud that will fuck with how u see things and make decisions, cuz if the decision is the right one it will pay out, it's worthy.

Right?

It even raises a good question about Markus as a leader since part of his canon personal wish to "have a normal life among humans" comes from Carl (and originally also Riley) experiences, it's how he knows it's genuinely possible in a world that basically got no real place for it or perspective of being something more than a fake/empty imitation. But how much sacrificing people that is blindly following and put 'em lives in your hands and decisions would be being "selfish"? Cuz let's be honest, most androids are lost and see Markus as rA9 (or close to), this charismatic liberator figure that will lead androids to victory and freedom - that's why they follow him even if 'em own personal opinions and experiences are the opposite.

It also raise questions about how well it's possible to manipulate the human psychology into making things favorable to u (in this case support) - that's a characteristic of "charismatic leaders", the charismatic leader Cage was going for but def didn't care about the more scientific view, it's more about references.

At what level things are faith, naivety or purely statistical? We got the 3 mixed together exactly cuz we're the android leader with the future of a species in our hands, we're forced to be strategic.

I know Markus definitely using "human approaches" to try establishing a bridge with the humans so they understand what's going on, like trynna speak the same language (and that's on both main routes) but there's a very clear context and difference between humans and androids, but that's a 4th wall issue since it's supposed to be more like metaphors or focus on the human side of things, not really the scientific or technological aspect of AI developing desire for autonomy. That's the danger.

I want a simple, quick and in the face answer.

Why is "violence" ok with Kara and Connor (also always justified by something) but Markus not? Cuz he's the android leader? Cuz of his bias towards Carl?

I won't accept "plot convenience" or "Cuz the writer is dumb" type of answer.

[vintageseawitch]

this is what i think of when third party voters go around acting morally superior because they don't want to get their hands dirty like the rest of us. they're toddlers having temper tantrums because instead of using the system in a way that could benefit them in the long term like the extremist Republicans have been doing for decades, third party voters refuse to participate in local civics & then claim the entire country is already fascist. they're so cute in their naivety if they think the US can't get any worse.

what the fuck do you think will happen if you try to protest against a government with a military as massive, lethal, & expensive as ours. who do you think will be sacrificed first? oh what's that? crickets? thought so. i'm a white woman but i will absolutely use my voice to point out leftists can be racist as fuck & the anti-blackness in your spaces can be absolutely fucking wild. not everyone leftist is white, but many that are can be pretty problematic.

if you think i'm selfish then fine. if you state that you would gladly exchange my life for a Palestinian like one of you said in a comment to me a few weeks ago then fine. i'm out here fighting to make sure the people who live here in this country don't experience our own Holocaust.

if you have a problem with people wanting to fight this while claiming you're anti-genocide, you're a fucking liar & a hypocrite. you won't know what the fuck to do in a true fascist country. i don't doubt there are pockets of fascism already existing here but you thinking it's already the worst it can be is as infuriating as people who think the government is creating their massive hurricanes using weather machines. you sound just as childish & delusional. you already sound like children because you will never take responsibility for your choices if it ends up helping him win.

jill stein's campaign is a sham. she is deliberately running as a spoiler. she's a wealthy white woman who lives in a mostly white affluent neighborhood. she's going around lecturing black people about white supremacy. she is getting funds from Republicans as well as help from trump's lawyers. Lockheed Martin has given her money. she's involved in shady as fuck index funds for companies that harm the environment. she only started talking about Gaza during this election cycle to hit you in the feelings so she can bank on it. she made a whole stink about needing a recount, raised a bunch of money for that, & then that money disappeared who knows where. do you all hear this? do you care? no, you're just like maga with their orange Jesus. you don't give a FUCK about stein's red flags because she's "different."

if Harris loses & you blame anyone but yourselves, you're cowardly traitors who threw us regular Americans to the wolves because of your precious fucking principles. history has shown time & time again that protest voting typically allows something worse to take control. it's hardly ever beneficial to the people. you're vile. you don't want to make this world a better place by allowing so many near you to suffer & die. if both sides are the same then please tell me you're okay with another trump presidency. or just shut the fuck up.

i look forward to more potentially heartwarming messages saying that my life doesn't mean shit from people who allegedly are against the death penalty & are pro-human rights 🥰

please vote, don't stop talking about Project 2025, etc. i hope enough of us vote in a way that these pathetic third party voters don't gain any kind of traction. at this point i'm just angry at their hypocrisy when they don't even listen to other protestors who live here & are begging them to not vote third party. i refuse to listen to y'all not take responsibility for your part. Project 2025 will hurt us all but apparently you're okay with that or you think it's already here. smooth brain takes all around. anyways good luck & stay safe to anyone who votes blue 💙

[realkeylogger]

revamped my smp character a bit euuuuh.yeah i #HATE him