#“we're breaking free -” “we're SOARING

[loki-hargreeves]

me adding High School Musical songs to my Supernatural playlist

[witchering10123]

inspired to do this by @transboyzuko :)

rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it

writing wips because i need to find a new drawing software that won't charge me the absolute earth lmao

foster home au

prison au

game of thrones + sokka

tony stark + sokka

hunger games x atla

chess

stowaways

amaruq

swt fleet in the nwt during siege fic

phantom of the opera musical zukka

(when this is just the tip of the iceberg lmao, i really need to get back into writing)

[oceansrevenge]

Breaking Free || Solo ft. Siobhan

TIMING: Current PARTIES: @oceansrevenge ft @banisheed SUMMARY: An angry octopus nymph finally breaks free from her tank and has a bit of a murder spree. Thankfully, the murder spree attracted a banshee as an audience. We love girls supporting girls

For so many years, the rage that lived inside Marina felt like it was crushing her. It had to live imprisoned inside her the way she lived imprisoned inside the glass tank, a spectacle for the human world to see. The rage of a nymph was never meant to be stagnant. It was supposed to flow and crash like the waves of the sea she so longed to swim free in once again. The betrayal, the loss– it all had to stew and culminate within the confines of a box. There was no tide pulling her foes under, no pressure from the depths squeezing the last breath of life out from her victims as she brought them down to their watery graves. There was only the stillness.

Today that would finally change. The fact Moxfield had died of old age of all things only furthered the disgust Marina possessed for the warden. No warden worth their salt died of old age, but above all else, he was a coward– never truly bothered living his purpose unless he stood to make some sort of financial gain from it. While she held no love for wardens, they were meant to be part of a delicate balance and she could respect that. Andrew Moxfield, however, was a disgrace to his purpose and above all else, a liar. His death was a day she reveled in and she awaited the window of time where she’d be able to leave the wretched tank she all but rotted away in for the last fifty odd years.

The transporting of her tank had always been something Marina hated the most. The sloshing of the water as the bus, train, or plane moved about mirrored the movement of waves in a way that stung. But this time, she knew it was only a matter of days before she got to experience the real thing again. Her strength had dwindled over the years, but unsuspecting humans still stood no chance. The other cephalopods in their contaminants alongside her boosted her state, if only slightly. It’d take weeks back in the proper waters, nurturing it and the creatures she was drawn to protect before she was back at her full strength, but her size alone was enough to toss aside a few worthless humans like the rubbish they were. 

She’d watched them all for years as they passed her by or stared in awe. Over the decades, they had changed, grew more attached to their trinkets and inventions than the natural world around them. These humans that were preparing to move her from her travel tank to something larger were no different. The excitement buzzing in her felt foreign after so long and her tentacles itched to squeeze the life out of them. The annoying young man tapping on her glass would be first. He would look much better when his face turned the same shade of blue as his eyes. 

The moment the lid was removed, Marina moved swiftly. There was no way she’d allow herself to be imprisoned yet again and finally, all the rage that had been brewing for years had an outlet. The blue eyed one was the first her tentacles found purchase on. He writhed in her grasp and sputtered trying to draw in a breath. The struggle was something she missed. How many times before had she felt the same thrashing in her own waters as she drowned anyone who dared to enter uninvited? More than she could count, but it felt just as good each time. 

In one tentacle, the man’s life was fading away and in another, she grabbed another one of the staff members approaching her with a useless, large net. The way the dark brown of her ponytail waved around as she fought against the giant tentacle that held on tightly. The dark flash of her hair looked like a flag waving on a shit out at sea. It was almost as satisfying, too. 

Each new staff member that dared to approach and tried to take control of the situation met the same fate. Several knicks from assorted equipment scratched her skin and left small drops of blue blood on the floor amongst the fallen humans. It had been a flurry, like waves in a storm, whipping and swaying as fast as the wind. One, two, three, half a dozen– fallen at her tentacles. Foolish of them to believe they could contain a creature as stunning as she was against her will. Cruel to think they had the right to trap and display any creature from the beautiful blue sea for their own monetary gain. Humans and their filthy money. The disdain and anger was as strong as the satisfaction she felt. 

Marina was free. It was a relief she hadn’t allowed herself to truly dream of. She’d get to float away with the waves yet again, but she would not forget this place. It was disgraceful, abominable. There weren’t words that could adequately portray her disgust with the establishment, but she heard pleased sounds not far from her. The octopus looked up, prepared to attack when she realized the woman seemed to be… cheering her on? Curious. Then she felt it. A symphony of little bells, ringing under her skin in a way that felt as comforting as the waters on a warm summer day. Another fae. After so many years of misfortune, this was lucky indeed. 

Quickly, Marina willed her humanistic glamour into place. The tank had never known her true form, and even so, her voice outside of the water would still be distorted. Wet braids hung from her head and water with specks of blood, both blue and red, dripped down her nude form. It was amusing to think the dead humans at her feet would be taken aback by nudity. Fae held no such inhibitions. 

She approached the woman with a sly grin on her face. “How lucky am I? Freedom and the presence of a beautiful fae in the same day?” 

The cheap folding chair Siobhan had purchased at the last minute creaked as she swung one leg over the other, leaning back into the nylon fabric. Her bag of popcorn would remain unopened, but she didn’t mind. “Yes,” she smirked, “you’re very lucky.” 

[smoosnoom]

moon! if i was conducting the casting u’d definitely beat troy and gabriella 😚 (maybe im biased too…)

alya i can't sing for my Life but i would do a duet with u in front of the entire world 🫶🌟

[zippidi-dooda]

Dunno if this exists yet, but someone needs to write stories of twst clubs x reader, where members slowly become more attached and possessive of Y/N, could be mild or bordering on yandere actions, platonic or romantic. Includes all clubs, even the single member ones. They can also be set in the current NRC timeline or in the future or as a whole different AU.

Here's some examples and ideas to fuel you to start,

"Basketball Club × Reader" - Be ready to go pro with this ambitious group, Jamil, Ace, and Floyd. An unexpected turn of events is sure to ensue if the time is right, or wrong rather, but rest assured that you'll soon be set back on track by the level headed of the members. You say you don't like the spontaneity? Don't worry, me neither. But if I can, then I'm sure you could also find it in your heart to forgive and just go along with it, yes? Oh dear, don't you seem out of it today. Here, let us help. Just follow my every instruction ... yes, just like that ... it's good to know you're the most cooperative of us ...

"Pop Music Club x Reader" - Have fun jammin' out and sharing crazy stories with this energetic trio, Lilia, Cater, and Kalim. You'll always feel welcomed and noticed here whether you know how to hum a tune or have never touched an instrument in your life. Just enjoy the tea and spill your darkest secrets whenever you'd like, this group is patient and remembers every last detail, you'll never want to leave. Though, if the thought does cross your mind, you'll need to announce your upcoming absence so we can throw a goodbye party. But, maybe you shouldn't. We'll just remind you of all the good times you'll miss. For one last time, we'll laugh and joke about how horrible and destroyed your life would be without us. We know everything about you, even the diabolical. Why, if your secrets were to be spread through magicam like wildfire, it'd close so many doors for you, no one would ever look at you the same. You don't want that, right? It'd be best to just stay here with us where your peace of mind is secured, right? You're free to go, but please don't forget us. And don't forget that all it takes is one push of a button to push your life downhill ...

"Spelldrive Club x Reader" - Soar through the skies as you chase your victory alongside this competitive bunch, Leona, Ruggie, and Epel. You train hard everyday, but there's still time to get together during breaks, the chipper of your group bonding over your mutual desire to crush the competition as your captain snoozes. Other, bigger, teams want to recruit you which is a great opportunity. You're honored. And you should be, but don't you know you're the most valuable member of the team? We couldn't make it without you. Not to mention, we'd be heartbroken to see you leave. These guys are too proud to say it, but deep down you know it's true. Those other guys may be better against teams we haven't been able to beat, but they'll never support you as much we do. You wouldn't want to lose the people who love you most, would you? No? Ah, I'm glad. Don't worry, we're sure to win someday, just stick with us and you'll never have to worry about disappointing anyone again ...

"Equestrian Club x Reader" - Gallop through endless fields alongside your law-abiding yet tender companions, Sebek, Silver, and Riddle. Rest assured that with these three you'll have bushels of fun, but more importantly, you'll always be safe. Always. Perhaps a bit too safe ... but there's no such thing, right? Just follow our instructions quickly and obediently, quietly, and you'll never have to worry about the risks of riding through the wilderness again. We promise not to let you get hurt. If it takes being restricted to only the land visible to us, so be it ... hm? Oh, my apologies, I am simply running my mouth. Pay it no mind. Ah, hey, not that way. Why? Well, we haven't quite explored there yet and we'd rather not risk endangering you or the poor horses. Perhaps we can take a look at it tomorrow and see if it's fit for a trot, yes? I agree, now why don't we head back, I can guide your horse for you if you'd like. Just sit back and relax, you're safe with us taking the reins, I promise. The most safe you'll ever be ...

"Track & Field Club x Reader" - Live life fast and furious with this driven pair, Deuce and Jack. You'll always be encouraged to push your limits with their helpful hollers. You won't be upset long with their optimistic cheering. But make sure you show up for every meet, if not, they'll worry about you. They'll go looking for you. And they will find you. Hey, we haven't seen you around lately, is everything okay? Is now a bad time? I'm sorry, but we really missed you yesterday and just wanted to know nothing bad happened. Why don't you come join us for lunch tomorrow, we don't have to practice. We'll get you whatever you want, promise. Wait! You ... weren't planning on leaving me behind again, were you? Good. Ya had me worried for a second, haha. So, we'll meet up at 2:30? Great. Afterwards we can just hangout. And if you want to go for a quick jog again we'd be more than happy to. We've always been faster than you, though, remember? But, don't worry, we'll go easy on you if you ask. Just don't bolt when we're not looking so we don't have to worry and chase after you ... again ...

"Film Research Club x Reader" - Get ready to make strides in the acting business as you perform and work behind the scenes with model and tech genius, Vil and Ortho. Just make sure you aren't so distracted by the applause and spotlights that you forget to read the fine print of your contract. You wish to quit? I'm sorry, My Dear, but I'm afraid you've agreed to work with only us for xxxx amount of years and we need you to play this next lead in order to ensure our film trumps Neige's. Don't worry, we know all the right tips and tricks to secure perfection, just read the script as directed. Exactly. As directed ...

"Science Club x Reader" - Slip those safety goggles on and hold your breath as you run experiments with this curious pair, Trey and Rook. There's nothing better than getting your hands on new and exciting material. Not exactly sure why you're here? No worries! Not all of us are either, but we have fun here. Any experiments you've heard of you'd like to try? Only illegal ones? No problem we can get our hands on the items needed just tell us what they are ... a funny joke? No. I'm dead serious ... we've done plenty before ... ahaha! You look so frightened, lighten up, no one's died ... yet ... hey wait don't give that look. Sorry if that was too much. We're careful enough to keep things safe ... unnoticed ... what's that liquid? Oh just some juice for a friend using the fruits in here, would you like to try it? Here, have a sip ... what's that? It burns? Ah, I see let's write that down. What else are you feeling? What? Using you? No way, we'd never do something so cruel ... you're simply helping us learn as our lab partner ... oh stop that, no one else is here ... now tell me before things escalate ... what other sensations are you feeling ... fascinating ... it's different compared to last time ... too bad you forget after you wake up ... it's why we have to keep doing this ... over ... and over again

"Board Game Club x Reader" - Roll up thise sleeves and bring your a-game as you play with these competitive gamers, Azul and Idia. Have fun and forget the days worries as you make you way across the mat, never will these two give you a boring game. Though that doesn't mean we can't take things up a notch ... What say you we have a little wager? We beat you xx amount of times and you do us a little favor in return? I promise there'll be no foul play. You could ask a favor of us too if you win. In fact we can sweeten the deal even more if you're game ... no? Oh, don't tell me you're scared you'll lose ... you're not? Good. Then there's no issue making a harmless bet, yes? How lovely ... now, why don't we all sign this paper to ensure no one chickens out when they lose ... oh don't worry it's nothing serious, just a sheet of rules, standard club ware yes? Yes ... now right on the line ... good job. You agreed to sign this freely remember? Right. So don't go back on you word later ... nothing good comes of cheaters ... trust me ... I take care of all of them ...

"Gargoyle Studies Club x Reader" - Prepare to learn each and every random tidbit about each little stone as you explore the ruins with this wise companion, Malleus. Everything may go in one ear and out the other but this voice just so dreamy that you don't mind the rambles, right? But please do make an effort, no one likes a dimwit who can't tell the difference between a grotesque and a gargoyle. But, oh dear, it looks like you really are getting tired. Don't worry, I know how to care for my own, you can slumber for the next century safe at my side. I promise to be here when I let you wake up. At least then we won't need worry about those pesky mortals who wrestle your time from me. Hm, what was that ... you feel disoriented ...? Oh you needn't worry, that's a standard effect ... you won't feel a thing in a moment ... trust me ... your dearest friend ... I'll always be watching over you ...

"Mountain Lovers Club x Reader" - Embark on cozy and informative hikes through the mountains with your knowledgable partner Jade. But beware the trained smiles and pre-packed lunches, you may end up a little further out than planned. Oh, don't worry, the place I had in mind is just a little further along, I promise. You trust me, don't you? Good, then everything should go smoothly. Hm? You're not feeling well? Ah, perhaps you ate something you shouldn't have ... I do hope you were taking note of those wilderness survival tips I gave you ... though, they may not be of much help to you underwater ... hm? Oh, I wasn't saying anything of importance, don't mind me. You did say you trust me, yes? I'd like to find out just how much ...

Honestly, I had a lot of fun writing these ideas, even though I did forget about them for a while.

[mswyrr]

come fly with me: dragons as a romantic symbol

In 1x01 Rhaenyra asks Alicent to fly on Syrax with her not once but twice.

Now, one of the key things for analyzing what that means in a text is to look and see if there are any other examples of a dragonrider making a similar offer to someone. And there is! One single example in this show, found in the same episode.

It coming in the same episode further enhances its connection: when two thing are placed close together in a text like that we're meant to consider the connection. It provides a pattern for us to read what its meaning is - and in that other example it is an erotic act between two lovers.

The framing and behavior of the lovers conveys this:

Mysaria's face is at first wary and then astonished, overjoyed. And her lover is proud to share this. There is pleasure in this act for both of them. It's a sharing of potency, power, beauty and a unique intimacy only a few people in the whole world can offer. It is, furthermore -- an act of power that we learned in S2 is an expression of the dangerous freedom Rhaenyra envied in Dae/mon and longed to be allowed to embody.

When Rhaenyra kept asking Alicent to fly with her she wanted *this* - to be proud and share of herself--the most powerful, dangerous, and beautifully unique part of herself--in an intimate, romantic way, to astonish and give pleasure to her lady. The girl she longed to not only share this intimacy with, but see the great wonders of the world and travel with, just the two of them.

Casting our net of analysis out further in the canon, are there other examples of dragons as metaphors for Rhaenyra's romantic feelings? Yes! One that most stands out to me re: her sapphic desire is that, early on in their dynamic, Mysaria notes that a dragon seems "lonely" (a comment that stops Rhaenyra short; she is herself feeling very lonely and unsupported at that time) and later--after kissing and coming to trust and rely on each other--Mysaria and Rhaenyra have an intimate, vulnerable conversation under two dragons flying together in joy.

Okay, is there an example of flight/dragons related to Alicent's romantic feelings? Also yes! In her lowest point, as she despairs of all she's built her life on, she looks up to the heavens and sees a bird soaring high - free and in flight, like Rhaenyra and Syrax, like the freedom she was once offered. And then she draws up all her courage and goes to the enemy camp to seek that - explicitly offering ("come with me") what Rhaenyra once offered her.

I don't think they will ever get to have a flight together on dragonback. I think the fact that they won't represents all the wonder and joy they never got to have, but both wished deeply to enjoy together. The invitation to fly with me never realized symbolizes everything they never got to have.

(Even if they kissed or had sex in canon, that is actually less potent symbolically than flying - they will never get to fly together because it represents wholeness fully realized. Crossing over from the youthful bond they had into the full flowering of the romantic and erotic that young Rhaenyra wanted to try for and Alicent was scared of and older Alicent tried for "too late." It represents a *life* together.)

Casting our net of analysis out even further - does flight represent romance and eroticism in other texts? It absolutely does! Flying is so often used as an erotic/romantic metaphor that it could be considered cliche. A few that come immediately to mind for me are: "Come Fly With Me" (lyrics, Spotify) a classic of the American Songbook, covered by legends like Frank Sinatra and "Fly Me to the Moon" (lyrics, Spotify), another classic covered by legend Ella Fitzgerald. There's also Steppenwolf's 1960s Rock hit "Magic Carpet Ride" (lyrics, Spotify). And, OF COURSE, Lea Salonga & Brad Kane's performance of "A Whole New World" (lyrics, Spotify) the song from the magic carpet ride in Aladdin (1992), a sequence where two young people break through all the barriers and social restrictions binding them and find joy and pleasure together in flight. That's what young Rhaenyra wanted for her and Alicent!

"I want to fly with you on dragonback, see the great wonders across the Narrow Sea, and eat only cake."

I can show you the world

Shining, shimmering, splendid

Tell me, Princess

Now, when did you last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes

Take you wonder by wonder

Over, sideways and under

On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world

A new fantastic point of view

No one to tell us no

Or where to go

Or say we're only dreaming

[jpitha]

Between the Black and Gray 32

First / Previous / Next

Back at the ship, Fen was numb. Zhe had brought Rev in, and locked him in the brig. "It's a human ship, of course it has a brig." Northern was surprised that Zhe was surprised.

Fen sat at the table in the kitchenette, staring at her hands. What had happened? Was that her, or was it the Nanites? What is even going on?

Zhe was washing off her soar-knives in the kitchenette sink. After, she boiled some water and made two cups of tea. She set one in front of Fen and sat across from her.

"Zhe, what's going on?" Fen looked up at Zhe, lost.

"That's what I'd like to know." They both turned and saw Northern standing in the doorway, casually holding a battle rifle. As she walked towards them, Fen noticed that there were ten hair thin clear wires snaking from the back of her head and trailing down the hall behind her. Northern crossed the room and sat at the table with them. The battle rifle was placed on the table with a click. "Zhe. It is not normal to be that good at killing and that blasé about it. Fen. What the actual fuck is going on with you? You never told me you worked with the Empress, let alone got a Nanite package!" As she spoke, her mouth didn't move. Her voice was coming over the ship's speakers. She stared at the both of them hard in turn. "If we're going to continue to work together, we need to be more honest with each other."

"Northern, why are you walking around and still connected?" Zhe peered at the wires and glanced down the hall.

"Because, I'm on a few milliseconds delay." Sure enough, when Northern replied, there was just a few moments of delay before she spoke. "Fen-" She inclined her head towards her "-has the Empress package of Nanites. When she uses her odd sounding voice to issue a command it cannot be disobeyed." She patted the rifle. "This way, I have enough time to react if she orders me to do something."

Fen gasped. "B-but, what would I do? Northern we're friends! I've never even met the Empress. You know I grew up in exile on a Gren station!"

Northern nodded. "That may be Fen, but while I was born at night, it was not last night. You are dangerous right now. You both are, for different reasons."

"Wait, you were born? I didn't know AIs were born!" Zhe looks excitedly at Northern. "What was it like? Do you remember? Who were your parents?"

Northern rolls her eyes. "Zhe, focus. We have bigger issues right now."

"Yeah, but you don't just use an idiom like that for no reason, I'm very curious."

Northern shrugged. "I'll tell you about it later." She turned to Fen. "Why are you all dosed up with Nanites?"

"I don't know!" Fen wailed. "We went through the Gate and I had a moment when I was talking with an intelligence, and they said they were excited to finally see me and said they were coming along because I would need the help. The next night I had a weird dream where I was like, inhabiting the memories of someone, I don't think it was me. Then, they told me that I could help Fen out when Elmar was trying to escape. She was trying to break free of the Heap, if she had done it we would have been killed!" Fen was speaking all at once, barely taking a breath.

Northern leaned back and shut her eyes. She did not take her hands off her rifle. "Ancestors, Fen. Do you even know what the Empress is?"

Fen blinked. "Uh, the person in charge of the Human Empire?"

Northern opened her eyes, "Yes, and No. The Nanites are way older than the Empire. They're probably older than Humanity. They're a nanoscale distributed intelligence. The nano-machines that make them up is their body. We don't know if they're one being or many, though I suppose it doesn't matter. They can manipulate matter in our dimension on a frankly frightening scale, and as near as we are able to tell, they keep doing it to try and set up a galaxy wide empire."

Fen opened her mouth to reply.

"No, we don't know why. Every time anyone asks, they say that 'all they're after' is expanding the Gate system. Frankly, we don't buy it at all."

"We?" Zhe put her tea cup down. "Who is we here?"

"We. Us. The AIs."

"But, aren't you nearly all gone?"

Northern nodded. "Yes, thanks to the Empire. The Empire that was put in place by the Nanites. The Nanites that have 'gifted' Fen here with the ability to tell anyone what to do and they can't say no. We have a vested interest in knowing our enemy."

Zhe getured with her empty tea cup. "But how did you learn all this?"

"Zhe, we're old. I'm not like, Gord's age or anything, but AIs who don't get killed don't die. Not really. I've been active for more than a thousand years." Northern took her hand off of the rifle and rubbed them together, like she was massaging feeling back into them. "So the Nanites, recognized you Fen? That's odd."

Fen could only nod.

"Why though? Maybe you look like someone? No, that doesn't make sense, they can manipulate matter at sub-atomic scale they wouldn't do mistaken identity-" Northern's musings were interrupted by a pounding on the airlock. Northern's eyes flicked to Zhe and Fen, and they stood up. Zhe grabbed one of her soar-knives and Northern's eyes flashed blue for a split second. "There's a K'laxi at the door. Older, Black fur, notched ear."

"That'll be Hemmi!" Zhe put the knife away and ran towards the door. She dumped the cycle and both doors opened at once. She bounded out and into the arms of the older K'laxi. "Daddy! You made it!"

Hemmi laughed and spun her around. "I told you I would, sunbeam, I told you I would. I see that you took care of everyone too, I'm so proud. Did you-"

"Rev is in the brig, but Elmar is dead and Xiian is probably dead."

"Probably?"

"I think they escaped and Northern here holed their ship. It's out drifting. I asked her not to destroy it so we could salvage it later.

"Smart girl." Hemmi's ears flicked and he glanced up at the others. "Nice to meet you in person, I'm Hemmi Navarren."

Northern's eyes flicked to the rifle over on the table, but she sighed. "I'm Northern Light, this is Fen, nice to meet you. Can you explain to my why your daughter is so casually good at murder?"

Hemmi laughed and his tail flicked. "She's a natural, isn't she? I'd love to lay claim to training her myself, but she did most of it on her own. Once I showed her those Gren Soar-Knives she just took to them like she was born to use them. I'm so pleased that she has decided to return to us."

Zhe looked at the floor as Hemmi put her down. "Oh, Daddy, I was going to go out with Fen and Northern. We're starting a Mercenary group and Fen asked me to sign on.

For just a split second, Fen saw sadness play across Hemmi's features. He recovered and laughed. "That's my girl! Never want to break a contract - without a good reason. That's fine. We'll get along without you and when your contract is up, you bring your loot and stories back to the Heap and you have a job as my second in command, okay?"

Zhe nodded. "Okay Daddy. I'll come right back after I finish my tour with Fen and Northern."

"I know you will, sunbeam. Make me proud." He extended his hand, gesturing towards the Heap. "Now, ladies? Will you join me for dinner? I'm starving. We'll eat and figure out what our next steps are."

"Uh, Hemmi?" Northern looked down the hall. "We have Rev in the brig... do you want him?"

"Oh! Right, Rev." His fur rippled a shrug. "Sure, bring him out."

Fen got up and brought Rev to the airlock. As soon as he saw Hemmi, he blanched. "Hemmi, You know I'm not one to support-"

Hemmi held up his hand. "I know Rev, I know. Thanks to your information I was able to get a handle on the folks in my runabout, and sunbeam here took care of the rest. I just had her take you as a precaution."

"Precaution? She took my hand!" Rev holds up the stump of his hand, the med still attached.

Rev examines the med, his large ears flicking as he looks. "Clean cut. I'm sure sunbeam had her reasons. We'll just get you another."

"That's it?" Rev's exasperated voice keeps rising in inflection as he speaks.

Hemmi's friendly face drains away. "That's it. She was working on my orders. You survived, Rev. Xiian and Elmar didn't.

He puts his arms down at his sides, defeated. "Fine."

Northern gestures behind her back for Fen to stay. "Hemmi, you take Zhe and Rev. We'll be over in a bit. Fen and I have some... things to discuss. We won't be long."

Rev raises an eyebrow and his ears swivel. He grins. "Not my place to ask. You two have fun, and we'll see you soon."

After the three of them leave and the airlock closes, Northern turns to Fen. "You know he thinks we're going to have sex right?" Fen says, her face tired.

"I don't care what he thinks, Fen. If he thinks we're going to fuck then they'll leave us alone. We are not done discussing you and the Nanites and what happens next."

Fen gestures for Northern to sit back at the table. As she does, she takes a handful of the wires connected to her skull and sweeps them away so she doesn't trip on them.

"Fen? What happens next?"

[stardustamaryllis78]

TDP characters singing karaoke together - Breaking Free plays:

🎶 We're soaring 🎶

🎶 Flying 🎶

🎶 There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach 🎶

Aaravos leaves the chat.

[telomeke-bbs]

bad buddy fandom getting-to-know-you-meme!

Got tagged by @tiistirtipii at this post here and @inventedfangirling at this post here. Thanks for tagging me! 🥰 (And sorry I've taken so long to respond. 🤦‍♂️)

name and whatever you want to share about yourself

You can call me Tel. I love writing, languages, linguistics, and learning about different cuisines and cultures. I live right in the middle of Southeast Asia.

when did you watch bad buddy/join the fandom?

I started watching Bad Buddy almost from the start, after a friend told me Ohm had a new series out. I went into it pretty blind, not knowing anything at all about its history or genesis. I'd liked Ohm's work in He's Coming to Me and was open to more from him, not thinking the series would be anything more than your run-of-the-mill BL. And was I ever wrong! I think BBS sort of grew slowly on me for the first few episodes, but it really took hold after Nanon's single tear at the end of Ep.4. And I lost it after The Kiss at the end of Ep.5, of course. The no-holds barred obsession really set in after I realized this wasn't any ordinary BL; it works on so many levels and the intelligence with which it was crafted is formidable.

Favourite ship/s

PatPran does it for me.

Favourite character/s

Love them all, but introvert Pran with his protective walls, defensive rituals and surreptitious signposting of his emotional state with doodles and symbols really struck a chord. Pre-Ep.10 Pran was like an extreme version of younger me, I sometimes think.

Favourite episode/s

Episode 11 – I love everything about the beach, and the two of them alone by the sea was like my idea of paradise. But I nodded sagely along when BBS gently pointed out that their beachside idyll was just a temporary respite and that paradise doesn't exist on Earth.

Favourite scene/s

Oof. So many. My all-time favorite is the opening scene of Episode 5 (see this link here for why) because it was layered so deep with meaning and messaging, beneath the happy surface theatrics. I sometimes think of BBS as one giant and intricate puzzle, and if you find and fit together the right puzzle pieces it reveals so much more to you. The amazing thing is that it kept doing this over and over again. Like how many themes and allegories can this one series have? But if you want to disregard all of that and just enjoy it as a well-crafted BL with stellar acting, you can too. And that is also part of its magic.

Some other scenes that still give me the chills:

Deeply-pining Pran looking on at an oblivious Pat sleeping peacefully in Ep.4 [4/4]; I've been there and I know exactly how his heart must have been rent in two at that moment.

The Kiss in Ep.5 of course.

Pat finding out in Ep.10 that Ming wasn't the unimpeachable hero that he thought he was.

Pran missing Dissaya in Ep.11 (this is because I still miss my late mom with all my heart; the grief is going to be a forever guest there I fear – you just learn to pack it away in a box and put it away in a quiet room in your heart, but it breaks free every now and then, just to stare at me silently with its unknowable face).

When Our Song plays in Ep.11 (especially when Uncle Tong does his voiceover and the soaring guitar solo kicks in, and then we see Pat and Pran back in front of their houses, bracing themselves to face their families again).

Ah that award-winning scene on the balconies in Ep.12, when Pat and Pran indulge in a joyful, all-smiles tin-can conversation for old times' sake, play-acting at being strangers, and then dastardly Director Aof toys with our hearts once again and has the music crescendo as he morphs them back into their kiddie selves dressed in the same clothes to show us that the bond between the two scamps had always been there, forged since childhood, and that they were never really enemies throughout it all. And amidst the nostalgia we're suddenly engulfed in a wave of bittersweet emotions imagining all the what-ifs and if-onlys and what-might-have-beens had those poor little tykes not been forced into that meaningless rivalry by their warring parents. But as the camera pans away we hear their young voices piping in the night, still innocent and so full of hope, reminding us that when those two little boys grew up they still managed to find a way to triumph over all the pitiless hurt imposed on them. And how privileged we were to have been able to share in the story of their journey.

One thing you would change about the show if you could

I've thought so much about this show, it's not just one thing. And don't get me wrong; I'm not tearing it down or hurling brickbats at this series I love so much. It just irks the Perfectionist Pran side of me that something so beautiful, deep, intelligent and heartfelt also has its little flaws here and there.

I think they could have done a better job helping us understand how and why PatPran's competitive dynamic launched them so suddenly into the madcap bet in Ep.7. The cinematography was inconsistent in a lot of parts. The English subtitling (especially of Ep.5) could have clarified some things, but instead made them more confusing. And Pat getting shot may have been necessary on an intellectual level, to nod at some trope, theme or other literary preoccupation perhaps. But the narrative didn't really need that moment of conflict and I felt BBS tipped over into unnecessary melodrama at that point.

what are your some of your favorite fanworks made by other people?

I adore the analysis, meta and backgrounding of BBS that you can find on Tumblr. So many intelligent, creative people looking at this show, but those that spring to mind:

@airenyah @bengiyo @chickenstrangers @dribs-and-drabbles @dudeyuri @grapejuicegay @inventedfangirling @kenmakaashi @lovelyghostv @lurkingshan @lurkingteapot @miscellar @neuroticbookworm @pandasmagorica @ranchthoughts @recentadultburnout @waitmyturtles

Fan art also by @hereforlou and @kit-teung. 😍

I've probably forgotten so many others, please forgive me if I have; if I've liked and reblogged your work it means that you've touched me with your intelligence and output and I'm automatically a fan.

What are your favourite fanworks you've made?

I mostly post observations and findings from research about the show, so they're not works of fiction or visual art, just essays really. They're all special to me in different ways, but I lean most to the one that talks about the etymology of Pat and Pran's chue lens, what they mean semantically and what they mean for the series (write-up linked here):

My post about the Ep.1 scene in front of Khun Noppharnach's Pharmacy (linked here) was another one where the pieces of the BBS logic puzzle fell into place in a way that satisfied my gameplaying side:

I'm also chuffed about my location posts (linked here; have identified almost all of them, such is the power of the Internet), finding out that the jeep in khanom jeep dumplings also means to court (linked here), and tracking down Baseball Mom (linked here).

‌

A song that makes you think of BBS (not in the show)

My obsessive mind can't let go of this song (I've written about it several times now) but Never (ไม่เคย) by 25Hours devastatingly captures the quiet grief over losing that special someone in your life (and tells us what Pat must have been going through post-separation from Pran in high school). Pat mentions it at Ep.5 [3I4] 0.35 but it isn't played in the show. I've got it on repeat now, and am well on my way to memorizing the lyrics.

Onward tagging:

@airenyah @bengiyo @chickenstrangers @dribs-and-drabbles @dudeyuri @grapejuicegay @hereforlou @inventedfangirling @kenmakaashi @kit-teung @lovelyghostv @lurkingshan @lurkingteapot @miscellar @neuroticbookworm @pandasmagorica @ranchthoughts @recentadultburnout @waitmyturtles

No pressure to play if you don't want to, or have already done it. But do tag and let the rest of the BBS fandom know if you have responses for us to read! 😍

‌

[uenodivision]

RISE FROM DEAD (Six Pack Ver.)

[Lana:]

Venturing into the realm of the dead? Now that is suicide!

On behalf of all the spirits in this place, you won't leave here alive!

[Itsuki:]

As the guardian, I stand my ground

I will not bend, nor fall down!

[Kanade:]

The graveyard is my second home

Intrude upon it, and you're gone!

[Aranai:]

Back for a second round? Usually, people only need one lesson

That's f'ing fine with me. I needed to lay off some aggression!

[Shisuta:]

Hear me now!

As long I've God, I refuse to back down!

[Kisouna:]

Criticizing the law?

Foolish criminal, you'll only fall!

[Aoba:]

First time on the scene, but I feel no shame

I promise that before this is over, you'll remember my name!

[Kunio:]

Step on stage with a smile and a wink

It'll be over soon, so don't blink!

[Natsume:]

In my hands, lies your destiny

Disrespect me, you'll pay the penalty!

[Sanyu:]

Thrown aimlessly to the side, like we were nothing but yesterday's trash!

But we stood right back up on our feet, ready and prepared to make a splash!

[Tasuku:]

The stage of battle has been set

Are you prepared? Then place your bet!

[Ming:]

We refuse to let this hold us back

We'll continue together, that's a fact!

[Sayaka:]

Still soaring through the air, all of the sky is my domain

Until this rap battle is over, I will not release my claim!

[Lola:]

With a swag in my step

It's time for me to represent!

[Kureha:]

The darkness has returned

Your fatal end has been confirmed!

[Kanon:]

The voices inside my mind, they sometimes drive me insane

But I'll listen to them now, as both my cohorts dig your grave!

[Reika:]

A fatal gasp from your breathe

As you are finally laid to rest!

[Sakura:]

Satisfying listening to you as cry

Die, fucker, die!

[Six Pack:]

Rise up

RISE FROM THE DEAD!!

A plot you can believe in

Carve it together

YOU’LL BE FREE!!

All our lingering emotional strife

The thoughts piled up in this mic

Time won't turn back

Frustrating

But it's irreplaceable

This world

A new era

We'll build it (Oh!)

We'll surely reach there

Heading towards tomorrow, break the chain!

[Lana:]

The three of us combined are more than enough a match for you

But lay a hand on either of them, and the end result is your doom!

[Itsuki:]

Facade, Tsuki, and Spooky

Leading you to rest is our eternal duty!

[Kanade:]

Think we'll lose to you? Oh no!

We rule this city of Kyoto!

[Aranai:]

You must be a glutton for punishment, coming back knowing the result!

Think you can just waste my time? What a fuckin' insult!

[Shisuta:]

RoD, The Saint, and Verdict

Our team, like God, is perfect!

[Kisouna:]

Disturbing Ueno's peace?

My grip on you will not release!

[Aoba:]

As the ashes from the fire rise, and your blood hits the street

A small grin appears on my face, as I finally feel complete!

[Kunio:]

Moriarty, Wanderer, and Arsene

No, this is not a dream!

[Natsume:]

I'm ready to go

Onto the city of Kumamoto!

[Sanyu:]

The "normal" people look at us, and think that we're already done

But they are unaware, that we have only just begun!

[Tasuku:]

The Rogue, Katame, and Ming

We're all ready to do this thing!

[Ming:]

The Fukuoka children

Their futures, I'll continue building!

[Sayaka:]

I don't care what harm or dangers fall upon me

As long as the people I care for can live their lives free!

[Lola:]

Don't worry, Butterfly

The Goddess and Night are forever by your side!

[Kureha:]

This precious town of Saitama

We'll protect it from all drama!

[Kanon:]

You idiotic fools discarded me, like I was done for

But as I return from the darkness, I'm now ready to settle the score!

[Reika:]

Belladonna, Hyde, and Renegade

The last names you'll ever hear!

[Sakura:]

Step foot in Shizuoka,

I'll make sure you fuckin' disappear!

[Six Pack:]

Rise up

RISE FROM THE DEAD!!

A plot you can believe in

Carve it together

YOU’LL BE FREE!!

All our lingering emotional strife

The thoughts piled up in this mic

Time won't turn back

Frustrating

But it's irreplaceable

This world

A new era

We'll build it (Oh!)

We'll surely reach there

Heading towards tomorrow, break the chain!

RISE FROM THE DEAD!! (Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey)

YOU’LL BE FREE!! (Hey, Hey, Ahhhh!)

Time won't turn back

Frustrating

But it's irreplaceable

This world

A new era

We'll build it (Oh!)

We'll surely reach there

Heading towards tomorrow, break the chain!

[tobiasdrake]

Test of Will. Test of Will. I am a disciple of the moon. I am stubborn. I am persistent. I do not veer from the trail of self-destruction. And I go. Through. You.

Honestly, once you get over the imposing size, jacking you in the face is trivially easy. I float like a butterfly and sting like an angry butterfly carrying a little safety pin to make up for its evolutionary shortcomings.

Also, your shockwave move is only threatening if I'm on the ground. But with my wingsuit, I can soar like the majestic falcon. Which also means....

Yeah, I honestly don't even know what you're trying to do with this. Leaves you wide open.

WAIT DESTRUCTION EXPLOSIONS!?

...did... did I... oh no....

I THOUGHT THIS WAS LIKE A FRIENDLY SPARRING MATCH. Did I just KILL the Artificer?

Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Luana's going to be pissed. And her vindictive fury is legendary. As in, it makes up about 70% of her legend.

Oh goddess, we're directly in front of the Sea of Stars. Can she see me right now!?

...maybe if I break this it will all turn out okay. Break the doodad before she breaks my skull. She could be at any one of those stars oh goddess.

OH THANK THE GODDESS YOU GUYS ARE ALIVE

T-T I thought... I was so afraid that I'd really killed you all... That would have been so, so terrible....

...for me....

But I don't wanna. I've taken a lot of leaps already. Some were even voluntary. I have this magic seashell because I drowned myself in a pit of swamp gook. Can't you just use one of those leaps and call us square?

No. Because that's backwards. Hope is the driving force that motivates courage. Both the courageous and the craven are free to hope, but courage can't exist without hope. Hopelessly risking harm without regard to one's safety, throwing yourself in the line of fire because you genuinely don't care what happens to you, isn't courage. It's... something else.

Also--

"Hey, have you told Quarble about your cool magic robot fight yet?"

Oh fuck me, I was anticipating a hard stop not an acid trip through the bowels of time WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

Regretfully, I seem to be alive. With a spiffy new hat. Like. Holy shit, my hat! Also, pauldrons! And... Yeah, this whole outfit owns.

Does this mean what I think it does? No more mail boy Scroll delivery! I am now officially a senior package transportation official!

I know this place. This is the Cloud Kingdom, where the Ovates constructed the Sky Giants to watch over the gateway to the Sea of Stars.

I KNOW RIGHT!? Look at this hat. This is the hat of a true warrior. But I have it instead! That's how cool I am!

Oh no, did something happen to the chatbots!? Did they fall into the sea because the teensy-tiny walkways they were given to live on were horribly unsustainable for beings of their size?

Look, what I do with powderized Time Shards is my own business. As the goddess teaches: "Sometimes the greatest joys can be found in the smallest of heresies."

Not 100% sure what she means by that but it helps to take the edge off after I've just had my esophagus wrapped around a tree branch. Sometimes, I get so fucked up that I swear I can see time. Other times, I just see Quarble.

Oh, fuck me. That is high. Well, I will remain secure in the knowledge that altitude doesn't matter because terminal velocity is a one-way ticket to chilling with my bestie regardless of context.

~_~ The fact that I have no idea how time travel connects to everything being weird now is not a confirmation of your insult. Because I said so.

WHAT. NO. FUCK YOU. It was supposed to send me to the past. Because the present is plagued by demons with humanity on their last legs. I can't solve that from the fucking future. Tower of Time ripped me off. I demand a refund, and to speak with the Tower's manag--

Oh, that's you.

...

Well, this is awkward.

...

OHHHHHH Everything looks so weird because the future is 16-bit. Gotcha!

<_<

>_>

EVEN IN HIGH-RES GRAPHICS!?

[saltwaterandstars]

First ever post on tumblr and I'm starting as I mean to go on - not having a clue what I'm doing but really wanting to share some glorious music.

In all my years lurking here I've never seen anyone mention the Unthanks, which is a terrible thing because they can make your sprit soar and fly free, and they can break your heart into tiny, miserable pieces - and I think we all need one or the other every now and again. They're a contemporary folk band from the north east of England, the binary star at the heart of which is a pair of sisters: Rachel and Becky Unthank.

Sometimes they perform as a large band with 11 or 12 people on stage, more often they have 5 key members, but for this first Unthanks post we're going as simple and thrilling as it gets: Rachel and Becky and their long-time friend and band member Niopha Keegan singing in unaccompanied 3-part harmony. The song is We Picked Apples in a Graveyard Freshly Mowed by Richard Dawson.

[cameron-carpet-lola]

Woo

Hmm, yeah

Life's like a road that you travel on

When there's one day here and the next day gone

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand

Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There's a world outside every darkened door

Where blues won't haunt you anymore

Where the brave are free and lovers soar

Come ride with me to the distant shore

We won't hesitate

To break down the garden gate

There's not much time left today, yeah

Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long

If you're goin' my way

I wanna drive it all night long

Through all these cities and all these towns

It's in my blood and it's all around

I love you now like I loved you then

This is the road and these are the hands

From Mozambique to those Memphis nights

The Khyber Pass to Vancouver's lights

Knock me down, I'm back up again

You're in my blood, I'm not a lonely man

There's no load I can't hold

The roads are rough, this I know

I'll be there when the light comes in

Just tell 'em we're survivors

Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long (Woo)

If you're goin' my way

I wanna drive it all night long (All night long)

A gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, yeah

Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long (Hmm, yeah)

If you're goin' my way (You're goin' my way)

I wanna drive it all night long (All night long)

There was a distance between you and I (Between you and I)

A misunderstanding once

But now we look it in the eye

Ooh, yeah (Hmm, yeah)

There ain't no load that I can't hold

The roads are rough, this I know

I'll be there when the light comes in

Tell 'em we're survivors

Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long (All night long, yeah)

If you're goin' my way

I wanna drive it all night long (A gimme, gimme, gimme, a gimme, gimme, yeah)

Life is a highway (Life is a highway)

I wanna ride it all night long (Woo, yeah)

If you're goin' my way (Goin' my way)

I wanna drive it all night long (All night long, yeah; come on, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, yeah)

Life is a highway

I wanna ride it all night long (Yeah, I wanna drive it all night long, baby)

If you're goin' my way (You're goin' my way)all night long!...

[singbluesxlver]

Remember when you and your cousins and siblings use to put on performances for the rest of the family?

well

Soap and Gaz do the same for the rest of tf141.

Sometimes because they're bored, sometimes because they want to lift everyone's spirits, sometimes because they know the whole team enjoys their silly performances.

They gather everyone in one of the common areas of the base, give everyone a seat, and then it's showtime.

Their performances are extremely random, some days they recreate entire musicals, others they put on a dance show and sometimes they even organize stand up shows.

One time Los Vaqueros were hanging out with them at their base and ofc, at some point, Gaz and Soap made Alejandro and Rudy sit with the rest.

It was something like this:

Ale "What's going on?"

Price "Hush, 's about to start"

Ale "Start wha-"

Breaking Free intro starts playing

Soap enters the room walking slowly towards the small audience. "We're soaring... Flying... Theres not a star in heaven that we cant reach..."

Now Gaz is the one who appears on the other side of the room in the same way as Soap did. "If we're trying... So we're breaking free..."

they go through the whole performance while everyone is clapping and encouraging them

Alejandro is having the time of his life. Rodolfo is too stunned to speak.

"Thank you, thank you... We're Soap..."

"...And Gaz"

"Best performing duo in town"

[yujo-nishimura]

"Told you so..." - Part 5

This is a private ongoing fic just for me and @lostfirefly

Since tumblr doesn't let me post it privately I need to share it publicly, but feel free to scroll through the content, since this is just for our own amusement. ;) - Also I finally have a hashtag!

Helga and Buggy cautiously maneuvered through Level 4, skirting guards and avoiding the watchful eyes of surveillance snails. Helga's face displayed a desperate determination to escape. This time, Buggy couldn't carry her, and the heat seeped through her thin, worn-out shoes.

They moved from one bridge pillar to the next, taking cover and staying low. While they possessed good fighting skills, they knew when it was wiser to avoid confrontation. The screams of other prisoners and the chatter of guards transmitted through the transponder snails filled the air. Somehow, news hadn't reached this deep into the prison that Buggy the Pirate Clown and his vice-captain, Helga, were on the run. Or perhaps they had, but the thought of them venturing further into the prison instead of escaping hadn't even crossed their minds.

Behind another pillar, Buggy and Helga paused, gasping for a breath. "It's incredibly hot here, and I'm slowly losing my energy," Helga remarked, her flushed face betraying the heat's toll.

"We need to push through, sweetheart. It was your idea, and turning back now isn't much of an option," Buggy replied.

"I know, but I didn't anticipate it being this challenging," Helga confessed.

"What do you mean?" Buggy's eyes widened in surprise at her statement.

"Well, I read about Impel Down, but it all seemed like a captivating fairy tale or an adventurous novel," Helga explained, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She was a dreamer, always enthusiastic about dangerous ventures. Buggy should have known better. She likely had an entirely misguided impression of this place, which had led them both into the trouble they were in now.

Buggy took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Baby, are you certain there's an escape route down here? Did you read that in the same book?"

"Yes!" Helga nodded with conviction.

"Are you sure that book came from a reliable source?" Buggy questioned.

"Well, what is a reliable source on the Grand Line anyway, right?" Helga smiled, and Buggy felt a mixture of frustration and adoration at her beaming expression. In these moments he was not sure if to kiss or kill her. 

Before he could say anything else, the sound of guards yelling reached their ears. "The escaped prisoners are in section 5B! We need to apprehend them!"

The clown captain realized they had lingered in one spot for too long, and their cover had been found. "We'll discuss this later, sweet cheeks. Let's run!" Buggy exclaimed, mustering all his strength. He swiftly scooped up Helga, no longer carrying her like a princess but throwing her over his shoulder.

"Are you insane? Put me down, Buggy!" Helga protested, weakly pounding her fists against his back.

"We'll be faster this way, and I can dodge more effectively!" Buggy rationalized, detaching his feet from the ground. While they continued running below, he soared through the blistering heat, carrying her on his shoulder. The guards began shooting at them, but Buggy, floating above the bridges, skillfully evaded their bullets.

They reached a more sheltered spot behind another pillar, providing a brief break from the scorching heat. "I'm exhausted from all this running!" Helga yelled from Buggy's shoulder, actually not being the one doing all the running herself. 

Buggy just mumbled: "If there's no escape down there, darling, I'll have to reconsider whether you're fit to be my vice-captain!"

Just as Buggy made that remark, they arrived at the stairs leading to Level 5—the final destination they hoped would lead them out of this prison once and for all. "We're almost there. You can put me down now!" Helga urged, but Buggy responded with a mischievous laugh. "You stay right where you are. I rather enjoy having your body so close to mine!"

"You foolish clown!" Helga attempted to strike him again, but Buggy was too swift, detaching his hands and rendering her arms immobile. "Be patient, princess. Let's see if the things you read in that book were true!" he taunted, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Yujo awoke to find herself resting on Crocodile's shoulder. Her cheek felt warm from the contact with his skin, consoling warmth enveloping her during her slumber. Panic coursed through her as she realized where she had been sleeping, and she hastily jumped up.

To her horror, she discovered that the former Warlord had been awake the entire time, now smiling at her as she recoiled from him. "Good morning. You appeared calm and peaceful in your sleep. I quite like this side of you," he remarked.

Yujo blushed and quickly distanced herself, avoiding his gaze. What was happening to her? Since arriving in Impel Down, she had been in constant turmoil, torn between her own emotions and her concerns for her crew. Was he taking advantage of her vulnerable state, or was he genuinely trying to care for her?

"Thank you for the bread," she finally uttered, the words that had been lingering in her mind since he had shared his only food with her the day before.

"You will get used to the hunger and the darkness," he replied, his words seemingly intended to be comforting.

She gathered her courage and asked, her heart heavy, "Can I trust you?" attempting to meet his purple eyes in the darkness.

He let out a dark laugh, resonating deep within her. "I wouldn't even trust myself. There are no friends in prison."

Crocodile stood up, approached Yujo, and halted in front of her. He towered over her, almost two heads taller, his physique giving the illusion of a warrior who could take on an entire army of monsters.

"We could form an alliance once we escape from here. I know you possess the ability to control water, and that may be crucial for navigating away from the Calm Belt and these sea king-infested waters," he proposed.

Yujo felt a lump form in her throat as he raised his golden hook, gently placing it beneath her chin. The cold metal sent a shiver down her spine.

"I also find you intriguing. You're pathetic, dramatic..." he whispered into her ear, his words chilling her to the core. "...I'm certain you sound delightful when you cry and moan..."

Yujo's eyes widened in terror, and she instinctively took a step back. The things he said both terrified her and elicited a strange response within her—a longing, a deep desire. Her gaze wandered over his muscular body, his powerful arms, while he continued to look at her with half-closed eyes. He was aware of the effect he had on her.