#✦ | mercenary work. ( ic. )

[meownotgood]

guys im totally serious when I say. once I'm done with this viktor fic I might brush up on my comics so I can write a fic for bucky, no idea what yet, but just. I need to. every time I play marvel rivals and he starts yelling again again again in my ear I start shaking like a fucking leaf in a storm!!!!!!

[afraidofchange]

@unfogged || LIKED for a Paladin's kiss.

A little too often, Rama has never sought the services of a healer, preferring to rely on her divine ability to heal her own wounds to a sufficient capacity until being able to rest. Yet, she finds herself too haggard and bloodied to muster it when her weaker companion needed it more than herself. Stumbling into the nearest town led the paladin to find aid, coming to rest at the hands of a healer for hire.

Strange, but not entirely in a place to complain nor question, Rama comes to rest for a few days at the home of this woman by name of Mary - a savior in her own right that kept her through healing stitches and a feverish infection. Grateful to the gods for once despite her occupation and sworn oath, she is thankful to have found someone like her.

In the days that have passed, recuperating to mostly full strength, Rama finds herself preparing to leave, repacking her replenished supplies, strapping herself into part of her armor when the now familiar sounds of Mary's feet come down the stairs into the guest room. With eyes on her, Rama turns and sets the pack down, for now.

"I am afraid I must return to my companions... we must continue our journey," She says in her low, rasp-ridden voice, though the smallest of smiles graces her scarred features as the distance between them closes, step by step. "I owe you my life... thank you."

As a parting gesture, Rama bows her head, but before she steps away, she accepts Mary's gentle embrace, careful of her healing wounds, pressing a kiss to the other woman's cheek.

[yzzart]

⋆˚࿔ WHO COULD RESIST A DEMON HUNTER GIRLFRIEND? ── HEADCANONS

୭˚. ᵎᵎ content warnings: F!+demon hunter!reader, parallel of this scenario, mention of Enzo, term "jackpoit" and DARKCOM, light content.

⭑.ᐟ By habit, and some intentionally unexpected encounters, of living with and witnessing certain works with Dante, you got used to his classic “jackpot”; it’s not your fault, come on.

⤷ He would say those words in almost anything, when he shoots and kills demons or mercenaries, when he throws a paper ball from the basket and hits it, when he hits a step in the DDR; practically, everything. — And you, his poor girlfriend, were a victim.

⤷ The first time you said this in Dante's presence was during one of the jobs Enzo had sent you, and that the white-haired boy decided to join out of sheer boldness, and while stabbing the demon to his death.

“I can’t believe i’m hearing this from you.” — On the one hand, you didn’t know if Dante was showing off, flattering or celebrating; maybe he was doing all three at the same time. — Readjusting some ammunition in your pistol, you found the situation funny, but you knew he would spend hours or days talking about it. — "I get so emotional, my eyes are burning."

“It’s your fault.” — You defended yourself, standing face to face with your boyfriend; including a defiant look, wanting to show certainty or trying to. — “Nobody told you to say that every single time.”

⭑.ᐟ Everything for you, in a fun and witty way, becomes a competition; from who could finish the job in the shortest time to who got the most points in the DDR. — Of course, in the dance competition, the victory was yours; since Dante tried to reproduce the character's dance rather than, in fact, the steps presented.

⤷ However, he was the one who finished the job the fastest. — That was no competition.

⭑.ᐟ Since you had Enzo, that cheeky and charismatic little guy, as a common client, it wasn't hard for you and Dante to perform duties together; that scoundrel knew about your relationship and wanted the "lovebirds" to enjoy these moments together. — Don't take it the wrong way, he thought you were really cute.

⤷ It's no wonder that Enzo declared himself to be your and Dante's "cupid." — He showed off to whoever was listening, or enduring, the day he made you two meet; obviously, he exaggerated his words too much.

⭑.ᐟ Dante flirted with you, cheekily, 24 hours a day, that was more than a fact. — That man never tired, even after conquering you, of teasing you or flirting with you; you could be at work, far from each other and communicating through messages, he never got tired of you. — It was harder than he imagined, trying to concentrate on something, even if it could cost him his death.

⤷ How many times, while they were contacting you to receive a job that could be valued at a lot of money, and that damn guy was behind you, pressing himself against your skin and making you shiver? — It was so ridiculous. — Just like in other situations, which were not few.

“There was a rumor going around that,” — Sitting at the wooden table, curling your lips as you cleaned one of your filthy weapons, you told the boy. — “you know that explosion on that street near the ice cream shop?” — Dante murmured in confirmation, he was on the other side of the room, taking off his shirt. — “so, possibly, DARKCOM had a hand in it, i don’t know.”

“Bae,” — Moving from where he was, Dante’s necklace swayed as he walked towards you; of course, your eyes went from your gun to that amulet. — “I love your voice, even if you’re talking about those little shits.” — Your boyfriend shamelessly stood between your thighs, taking the gun from your hand and doing the same job you were doing before. — “This one is really dirty, isn’t it? Have mercy.” — He laughed, receiving a murmur from your mouth, and gave you a quick kiss on the lips. — “You can continue, love.”

[eupheme]

Your best friend Wade who always jokingly flirts with you the way he flirts with everyone - and you hate it because you have a real genuine crush on him and the flirting doesn’t mean anything… does it? It has to take a mutual friend to be like “oh my god he’s in love with you and doesn’t know how to tell you, so that’s why he’s always joking about boners” (please and thank u ilu 😌)

omg avo this kicked my ass, the amount of pining for Wade as he (jokingly, you think) flirts with you would be off the charts 🥲💖 I wrote a little drabble with how that might go, I love you and your ideas - thanks so much for sending this to me!!!

— cause every time we touch (i get this feeling)

best friend!wade wilson x mutant!reader

<1k | flirting, dirty jokes, heaps of pining

Blow job. Leg Spreader. Slippery Nipple. Liquid Viagra. Sex on the Pool Table. Pink Silk Panties.

Each time Wade comes into Sister Margaret’s - which is four or five times a week - he asks for dirtier and more obscure drinks.

"Wishful thinking", he tells you, each time.

Even with the roll of your eyes, you have to admit that it keeps you on your toes. That you look forward to seeing your best friend so often - tamping down the jolt in your belly, night after night.

Reminding yourself that yes, he got you this job, but he's not here to see you.

That this always was his spot.

It had been an easy sell. Used to working overnight shifts - security, back then. After the disaster with Weasel, they had been desperate for a replacement. Wade had come to you immediately, dropping to his knees as you opened the door.

Winning you over with a "you could literally get paid to hang out with me. How is this not a win-win-win? How is this not your dream job?"

And here, you didn't have to hide what or who you were. Reading feelings and intent were a bonus, when a handshake could tell you everything you needed to know. Their feelings spilled as easily as they were written, when you were negotiating contracts.

It also helped in-house. A human lie detector. Able to break up fights, settle arguments. A party trick, when things got slow. The regulars trying to get things past you - tales based in truth spun tall, seeing when you'd catch them.

Wade never plays, but you think that's because you know him so well.

And what seems like a sell, quickly evolves into more. Warping, as days pass. Spending more time with a crush sounds tempting, on paper.

The reality is something else.

Yes, there is a seat saved for him at the bar. Literally saved - his name scrawled across the vinyl, and you still haven't been able to scrub it out. Stopping by at all hours to chit chat.

Teasing you - how he's "so glad he doesn't have to stalk you at your old job anymore". An over-the-top sigh about being relieved that you're safe now - in your new job, surrounded by mercs.

Begging for the best job. Puppy-dog eyes. Fake coupons for favors that would make a sinner blush. Crossing his heart that you could have anything, and he means anything you wanted, if he could only get "that thing involving the murder clowns".

It's enough to make you hope.

Later, at home - in the early hours as you're pulled under. Replaying his comments. The filthy jokes and the shameless flirting - wondering if that's all they were.

Wondering if he'd be waiting for you tomorrow, perched on his stool.

But there's the downfall.

You see him - but you also see him with everyone else.

The charming smiles. Head thrown back in a laugh as he works the room. A friend to all, and as you watch him - perched on the knee of a goddess of mercenary as he yaps away, you can't help the swift current of jealousy.

Of foolishness.

It's enough that you're almost regretting agreeing.

Your mood is sullen, as you wipe down glasses. Trying to ignore the ache when you see him flirt. That realization that the something special you thought he had with you, might just be a part of his personality.

And when Dopinder shuffles from the back with more ice for the chiller behind the bar, it only takes one look at you before he's sighing.

"Not again. Please, I am begging you. I cannot take more of your yearning.”

Your lips quirk. Hadn't realized you'd become that obvious. He'd become your go-to, in the long hours you spend together behind the bar. Pinkie-promising not to say a word - but you always thought you'd had a decent handle on your expressions.

"We don't have to talk about it." Your hands raise, placating, "Just let me yearn in peace. I'll get over it."

"You know that almost half of what DP makes a month is funneled back in here, right?" He gives you a long look, "Before you, I saw him once a week. I had to beg him to come get his paycheck."

Doubt still lingers.

"Doesn't mean anything," You shrug - eyes dropping, as you help him restock.

"You do not think Mr. Pool worships the ground you walk on?"

The intensity of his question has you side-eying him, "I mean... I don't think he sees me that way. He acts the same with me as he does with everyone."

“Sure.” He huffs, leaning against the bartop, just as Wade plunks down in the seat in front of you.

“God, I haven’t been over here in like-,” Wade checks a fake watch, “Fifteen minutes? Feels like longer. Felt like a fucking hour.”

Pivoting back and forth on the stool as he adds, “Is it possible for people to get separation anxiety? Or is that just dogs? Is this how Dogpool feels when I’m gone?”

You just manage to catch the last bit, as Dopinder slips away.

“Exactly the same.”

Tonight, Wade is the first person that sits down in front of you for the game.

A frown, as you peel off your gloves - your barrier, to the outside world.

His own already bare - sliding back-and-forth over his suit-clad thighs. You'd mistake it for nerves, if you weren't so sure Wade had never been nervous in his life.

"What's your story, Wilson?" You ask, "Hope you brought something good."

"Oh, it's a whopper. A real fucking doozy. Apparently, you're not gonna believe it. " His laugh is a little too loud, and your eyes narrow, "But let's give it a whirl, okay?"

There's a flicker, behind the bar. A sideways look towards the bar, where Dopinder's hands cover his face. You don't need to touch him to read the guilt written across his features - the way he almost flinches, under your glare.

You're going to fucking kill him.

The sound of your name brings you back.

“Ready to play?”

Wade's hands rest face-up on the table - an offering. For once in his life he almost looks serious, and it’s enough to bring you back.

A breath - before you align your own. Letting them drop down, skin mapping against skin for the first time.

It floods through you.

The lick of heat that almost feels like a caress. A deep yearn that causes your own heart to twinge, layering with the feeling of need. Desire. Want.

It's familiar. It mirrors something deep inside, something that’s become as much a part of you as flesh and bone.

Oh.

A laugh slips from you, breaking the beat of silence. Relief tinged with disbelief - your smile stretching wide.

“Yeah?” You breathe, softening.

“Yeah.” He laughs, “Thought I was being obvious. But you are pound-cake dense, apparently.”

Hands flipping over, to entwine between yours. Letting that feeling inside him linger, settling warm and comforting over your bare skin.

“But I like that about you.” Another huff of a laugh, “Like all of you, really. Always have.”

It makes your heart ache. In a way that finally feels full, feels right - instead of the near-agony you’ve been bearing for weeks.

Only you could be such an idiot.

thanks for reading! 💖

[ladymrf]

I should make a long fanfic out of this idea….

...

clark didn't think much about young just us, when he did it was accompanied by a huge headache from the time the team was active and with every word he heard from Kon about them his life shortened ten years.

when Kon moved to their apartment in Metropolis to finish his last year of high school and later college, Clark didn't think that this meant that his entire team would be stuck in his house often.

it starts a week after Kon moved in, Clark's oldest son (because they were father and son, there was no point in running away from that and they understood that, although it seemed like the rest of the world didn't understand their relationship like they did.) was being a sweetheart in helping to take care of Jon, because Clark and Lois worked irregular hours and yes they could drop Jon off at school in the morning, but who the hell would pick the kid up in the afternoon and watch him until they got home for dinner? Take him to the dentist? The library? To the park to play with his friends? To school events? Well, Kon was doing that and damn Clark loved him so much.

So Kon asks: Hey can I invite a friend over tomorrow?

And of course he could, because it was Saturday, Jon would be home all day, Clark and Lois would be home at noon and Kon needed a break from being an 11 year old boy.

It starts with Tim, Clark arrives to find the third Robin on the couch playing video games with his kids, he doesn't even get scared, half the words Kon says in a day are Tim's name.

So the next week, Jon mentions spending the afternoon with Kon and Cassie Sandsmark at the park one day, having ice cream with Bart Allen the next and that on Friday they all got together at the skate park so Tim could teach him how to skate.

And Clark is fine, they are good kids, good heroes who are being babysat for free just to spend time with Kon and damn what good friends they are.

The following month he finds seven young people and his son making bracelets in his living room on Saturday night, the teenagers spend the night and Lois is simply in love with all of them and Clark too, because damn, they are good kids and excellent company.

Then before he knows it, Bart Allen has dinner with them once a week, Cissie King Jones gives celebrity gossip to the Planet, Tim Drake is at his house so many times a week that he starts helping Lois with journalistic cases (it's scary to see your wife and a malnourished teenager dismantling a corrupt company), Cassie Sandsmark starts talking to Clark about the Titans as if they were bar buddies and Clark complains about the League coming back, Greta Hayes sends them so many good handmade products that Lois drinks a different tea every day during the week without repeating the flavor and Anitta is very good with fashion, they all get exclusive pieces from her future brand.

("Tim will finance it," she told them when she explained why they were all using Clark's living room as a studio in the middle of the week. "But first, I need to get started, so everyone is working." and Clark sat down and helped, because his mother taught him many things and sewing was one of them, he taught Jon that afternoon.)

(He comments to Ma about the children and the woman just shrugs, saying that Kon's friends live on the farm too, she must have forgotten to tell Clark that they run in packs.)

("Except in Gotham, they don't come near Gotham," Ma tells him with a certain serious tone. "They hate that place and everything there that isn't Tim.")

One fine day, Clark is in the Tower on duty and then everything explodes because the Lantern Corps calls to warn that a ship identified from Earth is chasing a troop of mercenaries through space and when the image opens to show Impulse's ship flying by, Clark's first thought is "Damn, they're going to miss the premiere of the Cissie's new movie" and not a loud "What the fuck?" (Wally was kind enough to exclaim for everyone)

He just sighs and tells them to leave the kids alone, because they know what they're doing, the entire League starts screaming.

(Red Tornado looks at him knowingly, he says to Clark: Oh, they got you too.)

(Yes, they did.)

[socialjusticeinamerica]

Europe is rearming and they have rebuffed Trump, Vance, Rubio, and Musk. Since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine Europe has undergone its largest re-armament and modernization program in History. Every country in Western Europe, not just the NATO states, has massively increased their military budgets and some by more than 5 times their pre-invasion spending. Poland has also constructed massive military fortifications along their border with Belarus and Russia that would make a Russian ground invasion collapse or at least grind to a halt indefinitely.

Putin’s military is shattered and has nearly run out of arms, ammunition, and supplies. They have lost nearly a million dead and wounded. The Russian army has proved to be disastrously incompetent and ill equipped. They are relying on conscripts, convicts, and mercenaries. They’ve been supplemented by North Koreans that are even less trained and motivated and are arriving without equipment and riddled with diseases.

Russia has proven it does not have the ability to defeat Ukraine or even a single NATO state, let alone the whole alliance. NATO states have a nuke sharing agreement and even if the US pulls out France and the UK each have enough to destroy Russia many times over. The Germans are furious with the way the Trump administration has been treating them and meddling in their domestic politics. Some months back French president Macron threatened to send his own troops into Ukraine after Putin interfered in the French elections. All the members of the European Union have individually stated they are prepared to go it alone without the US. They are likely meeting now to formalize that. The European Union does not need the US as their joint economy and militaries make them nearly are equal and likely soon to be our superior.

They are not going to be brow beaten into submission like so many states were by Hitler prior to the commencement of a shooting war. Canada has long had not so secret military discussions with both France and the UK regarding military aid should a rogue US administration try to invade them or engage in economic hostilities. It’s commonly known among educated Canadians and there have even been Canadians novels loosely based on this.

Now it may seem like our allies are well prepared and planning for the worst but there are flies in the ointment. The greatest variable is that Putin is a nut job who can only hold power by launching military operations to rally the base around him. He’s done this before every election but with his losses he’s on thinner ice than ever with his own people. He also has a stated policy of “nuclear de-escalation” which NATO officials have written about at length. What it means is he invades a territory then places tactical nukes there and then “de-escalates” by threatening to nuke anyone who tries to dislodge him. Russia hasn’t done this yet as it is a plan reserved for NATO states not his lesser neighbors.

The simple fact is that no matter how much of his power, and his nation’s power crumbles around him, he just doesn’t give a flying f—k. He knows he is a dead man the moment he loses offices so he is prepared to take the world down with him, because that’s what lunatics do.

The other variable is that Trump is an ignorant, drug-addled, madman with delusions of grandeur and dreams of being remembered as one of history’s greatest tyrants alongside Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Stalin, etc. Trump is currently attempting to blackmail Ukraine into giving him all of that country’s rare earth minerals that are desperately needed to produce computers, cell tech, and other advanced tech. Now since Trump is an aging idiot he was most likely informed of the need for them by Muskrat and the other tech bros. He’s also going to meet with Putin and MBS in Saudi Arabia to work on a settlement for the Ukraine war. Could you find three bigger villains? The only one missing is Xi of China who is making final preparations to invade Taiwan and seize 99% of the world’s semiconductor production. Xi knows he has Musk and Trump in his pocket and that the US will no longer defend that strategic island.

Likely Trump and Putin are planning to divide up Europe and the Americas like Hitler and Stalin divided Poland while China is given free rein in Asia like the Axis empower Japan to do in World War II. Many Americans, especially some older types, former veterans, and white supremacists have a fascination with Hitler and WWII. They saw Germany as an underdog and wondered (even wished to have seen) what would have happened had Germany won.

Something big is brewing and the European Union leaders know the time has come. Many of them are telling their press as we speak that Europe has relied on the U.S. for too long and that they wish they had increased their military budgets sooner and began their own war preparations without the U.S. as an ally or even a possible foe. The world’s biggest democracy and biggest non-aligned nation, India, also knows something is brewing and has cancelled their military contracts with Russia while placing arms orders with European countries. They are also planning to invest in creating a homegrown defense industry so they will no longer be reliant on others and better able to stand up to the endless border wars China keeps launching against them.

What we’re seeing now is extremely similar to what transpired immediately before both world wars.

In a past life I was a historian and defense analyst before a series of family tragedies forced me to step back and take a local position as an educator and part-time internet know it all. I’ve spent decades researching these things and how they are driven by politics. Nothing is carved in stone, especially when the primary bad actors are as unstable as sh-t house rats.

All the people who still do this for a living are certain that the next several months will see us devolve into a fascist dictatorship unless something dramatic happens. Dear leader passing away, losing his nerve and backing down, or grow tired of Musk upstaging him and removing the South African bastard. There’s also a slim chance he’ll be impeached if the Dems take back both houses of Congress in the mid-terms and even slimmer chance that he will be deposed by a popular uprising. He’s very erratic and not sleeping enough and switching back and forth between coke and Adderall doesn’t help, nor does his obvious cognitive decline.

Putin is more worrisome at this point as he’s slowly but steadily losing control. Xi like all his predecessors is extremely patient but he’d be blind not to see this will likely be his best chance to snatch Taiwan, albeit at a high cost when he would prefer to take it without the expense of a war. Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia remain total wildcards sitting in close proximity to a large part of the world’s oil. All are using proxies or are themselves client states. Israel has nukes. Iran secretly has or will shortly have them. Saudi Arabia is believed to have purchased the technology from Trump with that infamous $2 billion dollar gift to Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Empty folders of nuclear secrets at Mar-a-Lago point to this.

In summation few of the outcomes facing us are good. The world is again on the cusp of large regional wars, if not a world war. International lawlessness has already commenced and will certainly escalate. Fascism is imminent at home. The death of America as a super power and the world’s policeman is at hand. Trump’s insane tariffs, dismantling of government agencies, and removal of social safety nets will at the least cause a very large and long lasting recession if not a depression. If a depression takes root it will likely spread worldwide. A worldwide depression could lead to large scale wars as it did with WWII.

Putting lunatics in charge is going to end much worse than Trump’s first reign of terror. And remember a million Americans died that time from his incompetence. This time his people are prepared and are already wreaking havoc at an unprecedented level.

[salaimoi]

��𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 — 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉

[˚୨୧⋆. 𝒔𝒚𝒑𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒔] after his wife’s death, you became toji fushiguro’s only reliant shoulder. however, unbeknownst to you, your deceased friend’s ex-husband had ulterior motives in mind when he began to pursue you.

[˚୨୧⋆. 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆] angst

[˚୨୧⋆. 𝒘𝒄] 2.k

[˚୨୧⋆. 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔] yellow is reader’s pov, blue is toji’s pov. it might sound repetitive and rushed bc i just wanted to get this out of my drafts. i know billie’s song came out like ages ago so it wouldn’t make sense to release this any later than it already is

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Things fall apart, and time breaks your heart. I wasn't there, but I know.

toji always reassured you a million times; he wasn’t heartbroken over his split with his ex-wife, not in the slightest. he rarely opened up about his past, let alone his previous relationships. and yet, deep down, you knew he hadn’t properly processed their rupture.

the most he ever disclosed to you was the fact that there was nothing left to salvage in his old relationship — so he moved on, and so did she. 

but was that the entire truth? 

you noticed the prolonged glances he would take when opening his wallet. the empty look behind his eyes when he stared down at his naked ring finger. even the faint sniffling at night that he tried convincing you were nothing more than allergies. but you knew he was silently mourning her. 

her – the real love of his life.

She was my girl. I showed her the world, but fell out of love and we both let go. ⋆࿐

i made it my life goal to tend to her happiness. the only reason for my very existence was to see that she had everything she could ever want. hell, that’s the only thing i’ve ever been good at.

i never kept anything from her — except my line of work. i couldn’t bring myself to tell her the man she fell in love with was a deadbeat mercenary who bathed in the blood of others for a living. as much as i tried to protect her from that side of my life, she eventually went digging her nose where it wasn’t needed. 

the aftermath of her discovering the truth about my hidden agenda came at the price of our relationship. 

she couldn’t withstand the constant pain of being by my side any longer, to turn in bed only to see a bastard by her side. she wholeheartedly believed that the man that now stood before her was no longer the one she fell in love with. 

somehow i didn’t blame her.

She was cryin’ on my shoulder. All I could do was hold her.

i still remember it so vividly — how her body trembled against mine like a leaf. tears coursed down her cheeks as she clung to me like a lifeline, seeking comfort in the midst of her anguish. as selfish as it may sound, the weight of her sorrow became almost too much to bear. 

i couldn't offer excuses or apologies; these were empty gestures that wouldn't alleviate the agony she felt at that moment. instead, i stood there, silently holding her, offering my presence as the only comfort.

the guilt washed over me in waves as i cradled her, feeling her heart shatter a little more with each sob. i knew i was the cause of her pain, yet i couldn’t tell her the whole truth. all i could do was hold her, wishing i could undo the past.

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Only made us closer until July.

the moment he began pursuing you when enough time had gone by, it immediately felt wrong. he was your friend’s ex-husband, after all. toji had never looked at you twice before, and now, he suddenly had lustful eyes for you? 

you eventually conceded because you wanted to be there for him, giving him the benefit of the doubt that he had no ulterior motives. but one way or another, every conversation at dinner circled back to her. 

“oh she loved mashed potatoes.” 

“fun fact, she had a strawberry allergy.” 

“did you know this brand of vanilla ice cream was her favorite?”

and as much as it pained you, you became a reliant ear for him — someone who would listen to all the little details he swore he had forgotten the day she divorced him. even if every bone in your body wanted to run in the opposite direction, far, far away from him, you stayed. 

maybe all he needs is time, you told yourself.

right?

Now I know that you love me. You don't need to remind me. I should put it all behind me, shouldn't I? ⋆࿐

your affection always remained a constant in my turbulent world, like a gentle rain that falls softly even amidst the storm. but the longer the internal storm went on, the more ravenous the regret and guilt raged on. i found myself unable to fully comprehend the depth of your love for me, but deep down, i knew that your love was unwavering. 

i knew that in order to truly move on, i had to let go of the past and embrace the present; you represented that fresh start i so urgently needed. but the thought of her still lingered, a constant reminder of what once was but should no longer be. it was as if i was being consumed by my own memories, unable to break free. as if a part of me still longed for the past. 

the weight of my conflicting emotions burdened my every waking moment, leading me to push you away with no explanation. feelings for the both of you coexisted, and i couldn't fully commit to one without betraying the other. every time i looked at you, guilt would wash over me for putting you through this hell.

 likewise, every time i looked at her picture, i felt like a traitor for ever moving on as soon as i did.

But I see her in the back of my mind all the time. Just like a fever, like I’m burning alive, like a sign. ⋆࿐

beneath the mask of indifference, i was plagued by shame. it was hard to accept that the girl who once consumed my thoughts was no longer part of my life, and looking at you, i realized that your love knew no bounds; that wasn’t enough for me. 

i hadn’t stopped loving her. 

it felt like a fever that never broke. an unrelenting heat that burned deep inside me, reminding me of the girl who dwelled in the back of my mind all those years ago.

every word about my past, every little detail about my ex, felt like a confession at church – a church where my sins would be revealed to the world. 

talking about my past wouldn’t magically absolve me of my past, now would it? redemption was never an option for me, and i wasn’t asking for it. instead of trying to cleanse myself of my history, i decided to leave it all behind like a forgotten box in an attic. 

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Well, good things don't last, and life moves so fast. I'd never ask who was better 'cause she couldn't be more different from me.

he told you to let it go — to let it die like she did that fateful day. it was no use keeping her memory alive, he said, but if that was the case, why did he take her last name months later? 

not to mention they spent years together — even conceived a child together; a child he named after her, but that detail never seemed to make its way to you. 

everyone told you to stop comparing yourself, but how could you not? she was everything you weren’t even after death: soft spoken, graceful, gentle, patient, loving. 

you didn’t dare ask such a redundant question so you didn’t voice it, but your continuous comparison to her was eating you alive; toji noticed it. you hadn’t slept with him in almost a month, internally afraid he’ll blurt out her name instead of yours.

𓂃 ོ𓂃 And I know that you love me. you don't need to remind me.

he went out of his way to send more ‘i love u’ messages than before; they seemed forced, just like your relationship. 

she had previously informed you of things that found their way to the most profound recesses of your mind. you didn’t flinch at the time, because you were mesmerized that he did such things for her, but it affected you later on. 

you learned bitter truths that made you doubt his love for you. and when you finally realized he didn’t do any of the things she spoke of, it dawned on you; toji didn’t love you. 

not like he loved her. 

𓂃 ོ𓂃 You say no one knows you so well but every time you touch me, I just wonder how she felt.

you’d stay up late at night countless times wondering what toji’s affectionate touch actually felt like. it was something only she ever knew, and you’d do anything to get a semblance of that feeling. 

but it was obvious no one knows the real him — not like she did.

despite everything, you decided to give this relationship one last try by booking a hotel for the both of you. everything inside you screamed that it was a horrible idea, but you did it anyway.

𓂃 ོ𓂃 Valentine's Day, cryin’ in the hotel. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, so I kept it to myself.

and he finally did it. he mistakenly blurted out her name on the most romantic day of the year. 

“i-i’m sorry.” toji rushed to apologize, grabbing a hold of your arm so you wouldn’t walk out the door.

“I wonder, do you see HER in the back of your mind, in my eyes!?” was the only thing you could force yourself to reply in that moment, breaking away from his grip in the process.  

“i do,” toji dejectedly admits with a hint of sorrow behind his voice. or was it indignity?

he pauses, absentmindedly digging his nails into the tender flesh of his balled up fist as he grapples with his conscience. all along, he knew the day to finally hold himself accountable would come, but he didn’t think it would’ve been like this. 

his mind involuntarily wandered, and in the depths of your gaze, he saw glimpses of his deceased wife — a ghost that lingered in the back of his subconscious even after all this time.  

memories of her flood his mind, and for a brief moment, the both of you merge into one — his past and present colliding into one. the familiar shade of your irises, the identical shine behind them, the bright glimmer of light behind them when you smiled — all of it brought a pang of bittersweet nostalgia to him. 

silence overtook the room like a storm, and with it, your heart. so he does see a reflection of his dead wife when he stares into your eyes — the eyes he promised captivated him to no bounds. 

“was all of it a lie, then?” 

“no.” 

“how was it not a lie, toji?”

“it wasn’t a lie, doll-“ 

“don’t call me that.” you interrupt him with words almost sharp enough to cut him, a slight tremble behind your voice. 

tears immediately welled up in the delicate corners of your eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. his expression softened at the sight; however, his reluctance to approach you remained. he knew he was the reason behind your hurt, just like he was the cause of hers all that time ago. history does indeed repeat itself, doesn’t it? 

he wished he could find the words that would help ease your pain — the exhaustion and heartache you felt. to take it all away with a mere sentence, that would be quite incredible. but that’s not how life works.

“okay.” he finally whispered, inhaling a deep breath in a mix of defeat and remorse before continuing. “i promise none of it was a lie; i meant every word. i really meant it when i said i adored your eyes…” 

he dry swallows a couple of times, as if doing so would suppress the sorrow lodged in his throat. his eyes darted around the room, as to not meet your own out of the unbearable guilt that simply refused to be consumed. 

the hesitation behind his subtle actions was a telltale that there was a ‘but’ hidden underneath the surface-level flattery. and with an equal amount of incertitude and delay behind your own words, alongside with a hoarse voice, you brace yourself for the moment he finally admits this so-called love of yours was nothing but an illusion.

“but?” 

“…but they’re not her eyes.” 

part 2 here.

[sparkly-sediment]

tf2 merc sick day headcanons?

TF2 mercs vs common cold headcanons

thank you for the ask!! always feel free to send them in 🥰🥰

Scout

Pitiful victorian child withering away, pleading mama to please carry him to the garden to witness one last merciful sunset

Sniffling and shivering. His nose is raw from blowing it and he sounds so congested Medic lowkey thinks he’s playing it up

Coughs with tongue out like a small cat

Scouts spent most of his life trying not to be the little bitch of the family. But he’s the youngest brother, mommy’s favorite, and emotionally sensitive

Predisposed puss boy 😔 acts like he has malaria when really brother is experiencing flu season

He stops getting flu shots when he becomes a mercenary because he Doesn’t trust Medic and notices it helps!

When Miss Pauling visits the base and he’s sick as fuck it’s the most she’s ever been attracted to him

Which is minimal due to her lesbianism

Soldier

He purposely infects the others

Mf is the reason there is a sick day 😭 He’ll cough and hack all over your personal space and get mad about it

Like how dogs get aggressive when they’re injured

Okay look I love Soldier but he is an ASSHOLE when he’s sick

He pushes through any and all physical aliments to keep working (Medic ties him down. He escapes) and drags sick coworkers along with him

Scout looks like he’s about to fucking die and Soldier is trying to yell at him to quit being a pansy but he can’t even yell without hacking up a lung

Literally hacks up a lung at dinner and collapses with blood spilling out of his mouth. Chaos ensues

RUINS pasta night. But it follows his cycle

Become sick, ignore, fight, crash out, sleep for 72 hours, and lock in

Would be an anti masker 😭

Engineer

Fairly reasonable. He feels like shit, gets his job done, and retires to his quarters 🐴 🤠

He has to take the rest of the day in bed after passing out (thick overalls +fever do NOT work)

Weary and acts much older than he is… starts getting progressively sentimental the longer he’s sick and talking about his memories as a boy

Will walk with a hand on his lower back when he has a cold as if his body is shutting down

Curls up into a little ball and only drinks chicken noodle soup which Soldier makes for him

there are piece of metal in it but he spits them out. Iron is good for you anyway

Texans so drinks whisky mixed with his cough syrup

vomits profusely on the side durning matches which leaves both teams concerned+repulsed

Medic

Shockingly, he really doesn’t get sick

Over worked and sleep deprived usually make a ho more susceptible to illness, especially when he’s around bodies that are opened the varying degrees

And you know that mf is not sanitary okay

Medic said fuck PPE we ballin

Eventually Medic falls gravely ill

He’s in bed with an ice pack on his head and mercy thermometer like a cartoon child

Wears a nightcap. I know this for a fact

Since he’s the team’s Medic when he gets sick, everything spirals. It’s like mom left to visit family and dad is not involved in his children’s lives because 😭 the descent is swift

Engineer picks up what paperwork he can but Medic is the team’s daddy and without hum they are lost!! And fighting!! And Scout is getting blood everywhere!!

Medic hibernates in his bedroom hidden behind the medbay. Heavy checks up one him, brings food and water, and will sit and read from his favorite books

Medic doesn’t speak Russian and has a raging headache but he loves it so complies

Definitely some sort of “I’m Doctor now” dialogue and they giggle but when Heavy leaves the birds attack him for food

The birds flock to him and guard his bed. They only let Heavy through. The doves bring Medic small gifts and trinkets, usually tongue depressors and coins. They’ve sworn allegiance long ago

Heavy

He’s a throw up kind of guy. It’s giving emesis red (vomiting blood 😰)

Heavy still lives in the mindset that sickness=death. It’s gotten better over the years but after his time in the Gulag watching disease spread like wildfire and death extinguish it, he absolutely loathes being sick and does all he can to avoid it

Obsessive handwashing, won’t sit directly next to someone while eating if they sniffle

He likely gets sick from taking care of Medic and views it as a betrayal

Should’ve left him to the birds

Heavy is very defensive and avoidant if he’s sick. He does his best to keep it a secret and ups his macho acts for reasons previously mentioned

At first Medic is like “wtf” since he didn’t anticipate his bae being so on edge but when he learns why they hold each other and murmurs sweet things

Heavy recovers very quickly though and bounces WAY back. A day in bed with electrolytes and emotional healing and he is rocking his shit again!

Wakes up one morning with a small silver coin and a single white feather on his nightstand

The council thanks him

Sniper

The common cold ravages this man

Chris Trager from Parks n Rec. One grain of sand comprises his delicate microchip

Sniper is mentally tough but his body is delicate tbh. He’ll feel fine but then he has a fever of 104 and the walls are taking

He disappears into his camper van and after a few days the others start to worry

Scout and Engineer do a wellness check and find Sniper passed out, face down on the camper floor, with jars of radioactive piss on the counter

Sick Jarate ends lives immediately upon contact

Severe dehydration and he probably has wicked diarrhea. Medic has to give him an IV and nurse him back to health like an injured dove

Doves fw Sniper and by their blessing he heals

Sniper gets primal when he’s sick and builds a nest and stops grooming. Sweaty, messy hair, dirty tank top. When Scout sees him the runner nearly combusts

Sniper hocks snot into empty cans

Spy

Very fussy when sick. Refuses to be put down for a nap

Spy’s voice gets super nasally and ragged when sick and occasionally he’ll lose it all together

Nasal drip means this man is hacking and gasping for breath 😍

He carries a handkerchief like an old ass man and keeps it meticulously folded in his suit pocket

Groans a lot when he moves. He’ll still smoke though, just a bit more slowly, and it really genuinely does make things worse

Spy goes to the medbay for cold medicine and Medic is appalled to see him light up a cigarette. Spy gets an ass chewing for that one 😔

Because of being a chronic heavy smoker his lungs are bot doing great. His breathing is ragged, he’s wheezing and constantly out of breath. When he gets into a coughing fit, he struggles to regain himself and it scares him

Probably the one who infects Sniper. Goes to back stab, spit droplets transfer, contamination occurs

Spy retires to his smoking room and passes out on the chair. He wakes up drenched in sweat and disoriented

Stumbles back to his room and drinks a bottle of something brown

Next morning back on the grind (not

He stays sick but pretends he isn’t since it doesn’t feel suave enough for him

Demoman

He doesn’t realize he’s sick!! The pounding headache, tummy ache, exhaustion, and chills pass off as a terrible hangover

When his symptoms aren’t alleviated by drinking, he starts to take note

Medic offers him some strong cold medicine but says Demo can’t drink on it

So obviously a no-go. Tavish is rawdogging the cold and is loudly whining about it

Not whining like Scout, but like an overstimulated neurodivergent child crying as their mother rushes them out of walmart and apologizes profusely for bringing them after school (ifykyk)

Weeps from the weight of it all and it is actually sad 😭 the others unite to take care of him

Accidentally blows open half the base because sickness and explosives don’t go well together

Eventually our sniveling Scotsman caves and takes the medication. Within two hours he downing a bottle of scrumpy and then he is fucking gone

He isn’t on Earth anymore. His body might be, but Demo has ascended

He projectile vomits in a bathroom stall and does not clean it

Crawls outside because he thinks he’s dying and when Sniper makes his morning walk from his van to the base, he finds Demo face down in the dirt

Sniper considers leaving him there but feels too guilty

Second most pitiful of the mercs

Pyro

It’s the only time they’ll willingly enter the medbay

On the outside, Pyro sick isn’t too different from Pyro healthy. It’s hard to tell if someone has a cold when they live in a rubber suit

Cries out in the middle of breakfast and lays their head on the table in defeat. The room clears expect for Engineer, who eventually pries out that Pyro isn’t feeling her best

I feel like Pyro snorts coke to get through the work day and then they collapse in bed

Most pitiful of all the mercs and makes you wanna nurture them back to health like a small animal or perhaps bird

When Pyro gets the chills they have one solution. It is not a good solution.

Find them sitting in the middle of a roaring blaze because she cold

[venuswarmlight]

I was hoping to request a jealous Mizu x reader, like maybe she sees reader joking around with Tenzin and she gets really jealous. Idk maybe something along those lines ig. Tbh you can do whatever really, I just want some jealous Mizu x reader stuff. Sorry if this sounds too vague😓, Anyway thank you 🩷🖤

I hope I didn’t read this too late! A lot of things happened but what matters now is that I can keep writing. Hope you enjoyed it, i did it femreader bc I assumed you wanted it that way(I ALSO DIDNT FIND A GIF FOR THIS IM SO SORRY itS BEEN MONTHS I DONT USE TUMBLR)

Warnings: nsfw at the end. Not very proofread. Taigen acting like a man in the 1600’s. BAD ENGLISH.

Notes: Reader is an archer. Idk I’ll be adding more

Jealous!Mizu x Fem!Reader.

Having a mercenary girlfriend was the best thing that happened to you, from the first time you two met until now your only work was following her like a puppy through the villages and kicking asses to the ground like the badass you were, and of course the cozy nights were you both trained your fighting skills next to a lake just to end it by making out until her hands were already in your chest, desperate for blowing off some steam. Your life next to Mizu was great, yeah, but thanks to an unfortunate serious of events you weren’t the only ones in a campfire nearby that forest lake. At least for now.

“I’ll see if there’s another rabbit out there.” Mizu got up from the snowy ground, and looked at you. “Scream if Taigen gets too nosy.” She said as she dead-stared at the man sitting next to you.

“I’ll be fine, but thank you.” You smiled at her and went back to polishing your arrows, while Taigen was doing literally anything but looking at you with curiosity.

After a few minutes you finally broke the ice between you and him, your voice as soft as a feather while you spoke “You’re staring, you know that?”

He immediately realized and turned his head to the campfire smoke, loosing himself in the front view. “I’m sorry, I’m just.. Surprised.” He answered later, hesitant.

“Of what?” Your eyebrows furrowed, and you lifted your gaze to look at him, concerned.

“Well, women like you are not usually seen in these conditions.. Much less with a man like him.” His words intrigued you, what did he meant by this? You inhaled deeply as you kept doing your work, finally storing the arrows in their respective case.

“I find myself very comfortable where I am right now, I don’t know what you m-”You were interrupted by Taigen, he turned himself getting in front of you.

“You’re too pretty to be an archer instead of living in an estate with a rich man.”

Oh. So this is what he meant. Your eyes widened and you started laughing, covering your mouth of embarrassment, honestly it was uncomfortable and out of place but you decided to take it as a compliment AND as a dare. Purposely changed the subject to avoid personal questions and scolded him, pushing him playfully. “Hey! My appearance has nothing to do with my abilities.”

Taigen chuckled, not pushing you back but being more confident with his approaching attitude. “I’m just saying the truth, you should-”

“Oh, yeah, that’s enough!” You jumped onto him, making him fall into the snow and taking him by surprise, his head bounced a bit on the ground, disoriented.

“What is wrong with you!?”

“Can’t fight a woman back? You must be shitting your pants right now, what a shame.” You spilled, sarcastically, but that dominance fell when he grabbed your hands placed in his chest and used it as a support to push you to the right, shifting positions, now his body was topping you, his hands immobilizing yours by pressing hard on your upper torso.

“Not bad.. But still not as good as me.” He proudly said, suddenly you kicked his butt with your knee from the back, making him loose his strength in your wrists, you repeated his last movement, ending again in how you started that silly fight, your giggles and laughters filled the forest’s natural sounds, and suddenly you totally forgot that Mizu could come back anytime and find you two in this compromising position.

You and Taigen struggled there for a few minutes, what he thought that would be a stupid kid’s fight turned into a challenge, even if it didn’t look like it, he started recognizing how.. Incredible you were, your smooth but hard blows, the little screams you made when you felt like you were gonna loose, now he understood.

How lucky Mizu was for having a girl like you.

You finished the fight by enlazing your fingers with an iron grip around his neck, and your other hand threatening his face with your fist, but you forgot that Taigen’s hands were still free. He grabbed your waist and managed to make you fall on your back as he stood up from the ground and made you loose your grip on his neck, his legs immobilizing yours and his hands putting your wrists above your head, his uncontrolled breathing crashing against your nose as he laughed. “Defeated.”

Before you could answer, you saw a third person kick Taigen’s body from the side, just in the ribs, making him fall to the ground, almost burning his whole body next to the campfire, you sat up quick and looked at him first, then looked up at your side, a tall figure with a dead bunny grabbed by the ears in front of you, those blue unsettling eyes staring at you with the coldest countenance. You knew right there and then she was mad as hell.

“Training without me?” Mizu got on her knees to the campfire to roast the rabbit, not caring about Taigen’s prolly broken rib (not really). You stood up to clean your clothes and sit next to her, nervous. You weren’t doing anything wrong, but still.

“We were just playing.” You excused yourself, trying to make her look at you, but no. She was ignoring you.

Instead of answering, her gaze turned out to Taigen, who was struggling to recover from that fucking kick that hurt as hell. “You’re getting too comfortable here, aren’t you?” Her tone was noticeably passive-aggressive, her grip on the roasting stick was tightening.

“That wasn’t fucking necessary! Fuck, it hurts..” He yelled, finally sitting a bit far from you two, you could feel the tension building heavier and thicker in the ambiance.

It was so uncomfortable you felt like you had to go. “I’m gonna wash my hands before eating, I won’t be long.” You got up to escape the funeral situation you were just in, but a hand grabbed yours, making you stop, you looked back with concern, Mizu was behind you with that angry gaze, sending shivers down your spine.

“It’s too dark to go alone.” She said, then looked at Taigen “Take care of the dinner, don’t screw it up.” He was about to talk but instantly shut his mouth like he knew if he talked he could end up dead.

You tried to forget her toxic behavior as you two disappeared yourselves into the woods, the moonlight making the path for both, the silence feeding your ‘I’m fucked’ thoughts and increasing more when you felt her grip on your hand tightening, she ended up dragging you to a not so far place, finally letting out your hand. The only thing you could look was her back and her little black bun.

“What was that?” She spat, aggressively turning herself and hoovering over you.

“I told you we were just playing.“You stepped back, but unconventionally bumped with a tree behind you, before you could realize, Mizu had you cornered, your chest rising and falling against hers as she looked down at you.

“It didn’t look like it.” And the jigsaw puzzles connected in your head. She was jealous.

“Are you doing this because you’re-”

”Maybe. Seeing my dove pinned down by a bald monkey it’s not funny.” Her words were sharp, you didn’t even know how to answer.

Your hand gently caressed her cheek, making her gaze softened as she looked at you. “You’re the only one in my heart.” You whispered, dragging her closer to your face, her hands traveling down your curves and grabbing your hips tightly, your heat already increasing its temperature as it mets her knee, rubbing your core tentatively.

“I still want to fuck that pretty smile outta’ you.” Her lips attacked you like an animal, making you whimper and moan against her watery mouth, her knee making you hump on it desperately and your inner thoughts begging for mercy cause’ this night was going to hit you hard and long.

[onceonafullmoon]

Ikepri Yandere chart (least to most dangerous)

(These are just my interpretations on the 8 princes ofc, and I’ll def do another hc collection for the other suitors if y’all want!! The princes in the color lists below aren't in any particular order, so you can rearrange them in your head) Warnings: implied kidnapping, violence (towards reader and other people), murder, noncon elements and manipulation

Green- not a threat Orange- you’re on thin ice Red- pretty dangerous Pink- you’re screwed

Yves

The most sane prince of the bunch arguably, so he’s also the least likely to become a yandere and the least dangerous one.

He’s too soft and sensitive to manipulate, and he doesn’t have too many connections in Rhodolite due to his Obsidian heritage. The only thing he really has going for him is talent with the sword… which isn’t all that great.

But while Yves doesn’t have that many talents, he’s a hard worker and he’ll definitely do his best to keep you by his side, no matter what.

Honestly, it’s more like dealing with a really annoying pushy guy who can’t take no for an answer than anything really scary, but there’s always the underlying fear that he might snap on you whenever you’re alone.

Nokto

Nokto is pretty unstable and sensitive despite the front he puts up, but that doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous.

Nokto has plenty of connections, so not only are you at risk of being hunted down by a rich benefactor’s mercenaries, any attempt of escape to another country be thwarted by his foreign allies

But don’t let his sly nature fool you, Nokto is deep down just a brat who wants to be held. And despite his manipulative nature, he’s hesitant to use those tactics on you because he truly does want you to love him back.

He’ll definitely try to come onto you a few times, but the likelihood of him forcing himself on you is practically non-existent, and he’s too squeamish to hurt you.

That’s being said, you’re still trapped with him for a lifetime, and you might just end up giving in.

Jin

With his aversion to love and the fear of becoming like his father, Jin becoming a yandere isn’t too likely… but sometimes fixation on not being something leads to being like it.

Jin’s a pretty physically tough guy and he’s well enough like by the people, so he’s got a few connections, but the most terrifying thing about him is the way he can get you to let down your guard.

He always uses whatever you’ve confided to him in secret against you by gently nudging you to go along with his ideas… after all, you trust him, don’t you? And if that doesn’t work, blackmail is definitely on the table.

Jin isn’t too scary, but he’s a bit… much at times, just a bit forceful when manhandling you. But he’ll never force you himself on you, swearing to himself that he’s at least better than his father in that sense.

Clavis

Oh sweet Clavis… despite his mischievous demeanor he really is just a pure hearted guy… that being said his desperate need to be loved can twist him.

Clavis has skills with the sword, shady business partners, and most terrifying of all, a very inventive and brilliant mind though he often underestimates himself.

I mean, (spoilers) he literally keeps an entire colony of people a secret from all the other princes (save Chevalier), how hard can it be to hide away one more person?

Not to mention, while he’ll never hurt you or force you to do anything you don’t want to do, he’s not above doing anything to put you in a more… vulnerable state.

You’re just going to have to pray he doesn’t figure out how to concoct a love “potion” for your own sake.

Leon

You might be surprised by his ranking here, but Leon despite the fact that he might not be very likely to be a yandere, is *very* dangerous.

Not only is he a talented swordsman, he has something that most of the other princes don’t have, a social life.

Okay, jokes aside, Leon is so likable and well respected that even if you do escape, hardly anyone will believe you, or if they do, they won’t even bother to care.

Leon isn’t completely deranged though, he’ll still allow you to push back and fight against him, but he has his limits too you know? Just don’t push too far, he’s not above roughing you up just a bit.

Chevalier

Yeah, you probably expected that he’d be pretty high up, huh? Well while he’s unlikely to fall in love, when he falls, he falls hard.

Chevalier might not have connections, but who needs connections when everyone is afraid of your sharp mind and skill with the sword? Not that escape from him is very likely anyway with his smarts.

The thing about Chevalier though, is despite his demeanor, he’s against unnecessary violence, so any worry about him attacking you in anyway is entirely unnecessary.

That being said, you’re not sure if the about the people you care about are in the same boat, and he knows that, so he uses that fear to keep you in check.

But he’s a genius after all, he’s sure he can make you fall for him eventually, it’s only a matter of time.

Licht

I bet you didn’t expect the babiest of baby boys to be so high up, but make no mistake, a man with nothing to live for has nothing to lose… except you, and he’ll do anything to keep you with him.

Licht is rumored to be one of the top swordsmen along with Leon and Chevalier, and while he doesn’t have any connections himself, Nokto is pretty willing to go along with whatever his twin brother wants.

But the thing that makes him so scary is the fact that he’s completely obsessed with you, he worships you, don’t you know?

Unlike the other princes before on this list, he has no qualms killing people if it’ll keep you with him. And he’s so obsessed he might force himself onto you if he thinks it’ll keep you around.

Be gentle with him. Not for him, but for you.

Luke

I mean, isn’t he basically already a yandere from what we’ve seen on his route? Platonically or romantically, if you catch this man’s attention, he’s going batshit insane for you.

It’s true that he’s the prince with the least resources having only known of his royalty for a few months, but he’s also the prince most willing to risk everything because of it.

After all, what care does he have for this kingdom? He only needs you, and he’ll do whatever he needs to keep you with him.

It also doesn’t help you that he has (spoilers) connections with the literal prince of Obsidian. If he needs to he can just grab you and cross the border.

And he’s honestly not above breaking a few of your bones if it means keeping you with him, though he might not force himself on you… hopefully. Just try not to set him off, he’s like a firework ready to explode at any minute.

[cursedpiratestash]

Talon x Reader

Cuddle/sleep headcanons

Doomfist

He doesn’t have time for it very often but when it gets down to it he melts into you in a gentle hold

He prefers a casual position where you head rests on his chest while he rubs circles in your back

He would never admit it to anybody but big spooning him puts him right to sleep

But if you’re a natural heater it doesn’t matter the position after a long day

He’s constantly preparing and orchestrating missions so he isn’t usually with you when you wake up but always kisses you on the temple while you sleep on his way out

Reaper

He isn’t entirely fond of it but does it anyways especially if it helps you sleep

Spooning is easier for him but he doesn’t mind you resting your head on his arm while facing him

He gets to have a good look at you as you usually wind up falling asleep first

His skin is pretty chilled so he counts on your body heat and a few extra blankets for warmth

He isn’t always in bed by the time you wake up but when he is he’s already caressing your cheek and dreading the headache his team will bring him

Moira

She’s almost always late to bed and occasionally isn’t there at all

You consider yourself lucky some nights when you can actually drag her to bed with you

She has terrible circulation and is pretty cold so after some complaining she makes sure the bed has extra blankets

However if you run hot at night then it’s a match made in heaven as she gets to watch you pass out while you practically drape yourself over her

She prefers you rest your head on her chest as it gives her a free hand to look at reports while the other hand runs itself through your hair

She always wakes up before you and like clockwork she returns to her experiments but not without a forehead kiss on her way out

Sombra

I imagine she’s terrible at getting to bed at a reasonable time but you’ve changed that when you start dating

Now it’s something she can look forward to as she even takes an occasional nap with you whenever her schedule can allow it

There are nights she doesn’t show up but when she does she loves to be big spoon since she runs a little hot in her sleep

She finds it so rewarding even on nights you both hardly get enough sleep from staying up talking and laughing over every little thing

It always surprises her to think about how much you’ve helped her relax as it manages to show in her work as well

She’s probably the only Talon member what wakes up in unison with you and shares your morning routine

Mauga

As a mercenary he only occasionally isn’t in bed whenever he has a mission run late

On nights that he’s home he makes sure to drag you to bed with him no matter what you’re doing

He’s earned his little snuggle session so “five more minutes” be damned

He enjoys any cuddling position but he loves to wrap himself around you and engulf you in his arms

He loves when you stay up late and talk with him as you trace whatever scars he’s collected from past missions

He does wake up before you but refuses to let you out of bed unless you promise him something like breakfast or helping him wash his hair

Widowmaker

She doesn’t seem to need much sleep these days and she isn’t quite fond of cuddling as much as she used to be but she is fond of you

As an assassin the only time she isn’t in bed with you is when a mission runs late

Whenever it’s up to her she prefers spooning regardless of her position as long as she feels the warmth of your skin

Compared to you her skin is ice cold and hardly makes for a good cuddle session unless you run hot at night

If you don’t she always sees to it that the bed has extra thick blankets and expensive furs prepared on your side of the bed

You’ll sometimes catch her watching over you if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night

In the morning she’s always up and offering you tea or coffee before some breakfast

Sigma

Like Moira his research never allows for him to have a normal sleep schedule

You usually have to coax him to bed with gentle hands and promises to let him continue his work early in the morning

It tends to work some of the time if he isn’t suddenly too cold and stonewalls you

Once he’s actually in bed it takes a little more effort to get him to ease his mind and get some sleep

A frequent tradition is to spend some time with his head on your lap while you message his forehead

You have your deepest conversations with him when he’s resting on you like this

When it’s time to sleep he envelops you in his arms and is finally soothed by the smell of your hair

He isn’t much colder than Moira but enjoys a few extra blankets on his side regardless of your heat

Mornings aren’t always the same but he does his best to share a routine with you

[arsonwithextrasteps]

A/N: this is the first fanfic I'm sharing out into the world so I hope you all like it! It's more general vibes then a real x Reader but it's still fun nonetheless :)

TF2 x (gn) Reader

Daily Diner Routine

You were a citizen of Teufort. Nothing special about you, you had a normal job working at a diner, you had a small house, nothing fancy, but it was home and you enjoyed the consistency of this rinse and repeat life. 

That was until things got…weird. Not just weird, just insane. These men - well most of them were men, there was this one in a gas mask who looked like an omen of something and a woman who constantly looked stressed about something. Anyways , this group of people…. Well the town hated them for one reason or another. You didn't see the big issue at the start, then they started to visit the diner after, what you assumed, was a day's work. 

You soon learned what that work was after having served them a few times and seeing their bruised bodies or the bits of blood splattered on their outfits. You'd often find yourself cleaning tables and booths around them slower, keeping an ear out as the loud Bostonian boasted about their skills or ragged on another coworker about their performance. They were mercenaries, known killers throughout the city , dangerous people who…

Well, you were confused. They all talked, laughed, joked like any other visitor to the diner, they had their own preferences to the food, what drinks they liked - you supposed this is what made them so dangerous,  they could fool anyone…or maybe that as the paranoia as you watched the Bostonian (which you've come to learn has the title of ‘scout’ thanks to how much the team said his name,) knock over his milkshake not only onto him, but the fancy looking man next to him dressed in a suit that could most definitely pay your rent for months.  

“ merde-! Scout, you idiot - do you have any idea how much this suit costs?! More than you'll ever seen in your-” 

“Hey! I brought you some paper towers and a cloth to clean up - the drink will be replaced too, since you just got it” your voice cut in before the older French man could cut into the nervous looking American any more then he had already. 

You helped clean up the table as the suited man grumbled to himself, taking off his blazer and giving it such a careful wipe down as Scout quickly got up to get a refill of his milkshake. Like a coward. 

You gathered up the empty plates and cups before looking around the table, giving a friendly smile. “ Anything else you'd like whilst I'm here?” you asked the table, notebook in hand. A few gave each other looks, a little mumble here and there for a moment before the bright eyed German doctor spoke up with an even brighter smile. 

“Ja , could we have a top up on coffee, a strawberry milkshake and two plates of pancakes with uh… Herr Sniper what did you want again- “ he muttered, staring at the man who was sitting inside with sunglasses on. The aussie gave a short, quiet reply back as the medic nodded. 

“Ja, okay - can we get the waffles with ice cream on?” 

You nodded along, writing down the order before giving a firmer nod. “Can do, is that everything?” the table all nodded. "Perfect! That'll be with you shortly” you flashed another simple smile before turning on your heels back towards the kitchen.

Yes, these were killers, strange people who were doing god knows what during the day, but right now?  They were just your weird regulars who sometimes showed up with a little too much dirt and grime on them, but they tipped well, treated you decently and well, that's all you could ask for. 

Mercs or not, you enjoyed their little routine of coming to the diner , it gave the place a little more life in your normal life, with your normal job. 

[vatiiagames]

DEMO || FORUM || CONTENT WARNING

Vessel of Harkahn is an upcoming 18+ fantasy interactive novel that takes inspiration from the Dragon Age series, TTRPGs, A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as several other pieces of media.

⚡️ The Short Demo is complete! (As of 08/08/24)

⚡️ The Forum and Content Warning pages are a WIP! (As of 06/29/24)

When the Grand Duke of Le Versare is assassinated, his surviving children are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

With hardly any time to mourn their father, the Aurelios twins are approached by a mage who has suspicion to believe the assassination is tied to several events across the continent.

The mage also believes demonic influence in involved.

Many months after the assassination, Carlise Aurelios and Varre Delatore have discovered the resurgence of the demon Harkahn. The demon feasts on hatred and chaos but is much weaker than his first appearance centuries ago.

Harkahn now requires a vessel to survive in the mortal plane. He has yet to become strong enough to shed his vessel and exist in his demonic form.

You are his chosen vessel. Or, at least, you were.

After exorcising the demon from you, Carlise and Varre recruit you into the Band of Althor to aid their cause of defeating Harkahn. Seeing as you were his vessel, you have priceless intel on the demon's mind. You may have insight to his plans or possible weaknesses.

The only issue? You can't remember anything from your time possessed and even memories from before are foggy and shrouded. Trying to remember these lost memories causes you immense physical pain.

For now, you must find another way to help Carlise and Varre's cause.

⚡️ Create and customize your MC "The Vessel".

⚡️ Play as male, female or nonbinary.

⚡️ Play as an Elf, Half-Elf or Human.

⚡️ Choose from three classes to play from; Warrior, Rogue or Mage. Each class has its own unique Mentor.

⚡️ Shape your skills as you play.

⚡️ Six romance options to choose from alongside secret routes to discover as the story progresses. (All romance options are romanceable regardless of gender.)

⚡️ Help recruit others throughout Caadvir to join the Band of Althor. There is strength in numbers.

⚡️ Discover more about your lost memories and the significance of your Mentor.

Asan Aurelios || The Heir || Human

As the older one of the twins, Asan is the hereditary Grand Duke. He has big shoes to fill after his father's long and peaceful reign. Despite the weight on his shoulders, Asan keeps a bright smile on his face and pushes forward. He is more than supportive of Carlise's efforts to dispose of Harkahn, he just has other political matters to attend to.

Asan hails from the province Le Versare.

Carlise Aurelios || The Leader || Human || RO

As the younger one of the twins, Carlise doesn't hold as much weight to her shoulders. The line of succession has passed to her brother, which allows her to focus entirely on disposing of the demon Harkahn. She is calculating and, at times, cold. Carlise is the founder and leader of the Band of Althor and is greatly respected.

Carlise hails from the province Le Versare.

Varre Delatore || The Mage || Elf || RO

Varre is an extremely talented and powerful mage. He has spent many years studying and mastering magic at the White Tower of Castavel. His knowledge and experience is what drove him to discover Harkahn's resurgence and its influence throughout Caadvir. Varre approached Carlise and Asan about their father's assassination and its relation to Harkahn and has been by their side ever since. He aided Carlise in founding the Band of Althor.

Varre hails from the province Castavel.

Ewan Geraunt || The Viper || Human || RO

Ewan is part of the mercenary group called the Vipers of Venoss. They are regarded as the best mercenary group throughout Caadvir and some of their numbers have been worked all across the world. Ewan is a higher ranking member of the Vipers, but left the group shortly after experiencing an odd dream. After learning his birthplace suffered an attack from Harkahn, he immediately turned to the Band of Althor to serve their cause.

Ewan hails from the province Venoss.

Dea || The Halfblood || Half-Elf || RO

Dea had no place in Ordaire. As a place still ruled by their distaste for humans, half-elfs are heavily frowned upon and outcast by society. She spent many years in and out of street and bar fights alike. Like Ewan she found herself in a mercenary band, but unlike him it didn't last too long. She jumped from band to band, job to job, until she landed on the Band of Althor. She works for Carlise now but who knows how long that will last?

Dea hails from the province Ordaire.

Kizan Fremont || The Knight || Human || RO

The Fremont family have long been allies of the Aurelios family. Kizan's father before him served the Grand Duke of Le Versare as his protector. The mantle was passed to Kizan a few years prior to the assassination. He is the Knight Commander of Le Versare's Order of Cor. While his duties keep him busy most of the time, Kizan will always find time for himself and make the most of it.

Kizan hails from the province Le Versare.

Amysa Briarfel || The Apprentice || Human || RO

Amysa has spent much time studying magic at the White Tower of Castavel. She plans to become a Mentor at the tower, which has earned her the title of Apprentice. Part of Amysa's apprenticeship is traveling throughout Caadvir and assisting different noble houses. When she finally landed upon House Aurelios, she willingly chose to put her apprenticeship on hold to stay and help the Band of Althor.

Amysa hails from the province Xinthe.

Préaux || Warrior Mentor || Human

Préaux is a well-known and respected knight from Itresse. They served the Grand Duke of Itresse for many years before retiring and disappearing entirely. Préaux earned many nicknames throughout their life like 'The Saint of Silver' and 'The Silver Serpent'.

Préaux hails from the province Itresse.

Jaq the Grin || Rogue Mentor || Half-Elf

Jaq the Grin is an infamous thief who terrorizes Caadvir. They have never been caught or really seen. Those who claim to have witnessed Jaq state that the only thing they could remember from the encounter was Jaq's impossibly huge grin, which earned them their nickname.

Jaq the Grin hails from the province Ordaire.

Erina || Mage Mentor || Elf

Erina is a Mentor at the White Tower of Castavel. Having served many years as a Mentor, Erina is highly respected and not a force to be trifled with. Many students of Erina have gone forth to achieve greatness in their lives, such as serving a Grand Duke or King or Queen.

Erina hails from the province Venoss.

[piplupfluffwritingstuff2]

Hi, could you maybe write something about a police officer ( or hero 🤷🏻) who is stressed out of their mind because of a vilain with mind power they fail to catch every time, but little do they know their lover IS that vilain and use their power to help them relax when work is too much ? Thanks!^^.

Also don't worry about the sendbox, we know how it can sometimes. Here's a chicken for your stress 🐔

Hi Chicken Anon! Can I call you Chicken Anon? I know it took a while to get to this, but I needed a whole army of chickens to help with my stress. Fortunately, after hiring some rooster mercenaries, I am feeling a bit better, and I can now write this for you! Here you go!

Things To Keep In Mind

Hero threw the door to their home open and marched right toward the couch, not bothering to even take off their boots. They faceplanted into the cushions and screamed into the nearest pillow. They didn’t look up when the front door gently closed and their lover made their way over to them.

“I thought I felt a chill,” Lover said.

“Hmph.”

“The room always gets colder when you’re stressed,” they went on.

“Hmph.”

Lover sat down on the edge of the couch and started petting Hero’s hair.

“Long day?” they asked.

“Hmph.”

“Love, you know I can’t speak grunt.”

Hero looked up from the pillow, frustrated tears brimming in their eyes.

“Villain is going to be the death of me,” they whispered.

Lover looked at them sympathetically, still carding a hand through their hair.

“Talk to me,” they said.

“I had them, Lover,” Hero said, “I had them right where I wanted them, and the cops were backing me up and then- then! They all had their tasers pointed at me! Villain’s getting stronger, they were able to control an entire police squad! Villain of course got away, and I was halfway to the station before everyone snapped out of it!”

“Did they hurt you at all?” Lover asked.

“Officer zapped me at the scene, and then someone else cuffed me…”

“I hope they all apologized when they came out of it.” Lover said sharply.

“Yeah, yeah, they did… Commissioner wanted me to get checked out by the paramedics… said it was procedure or something, but I was so done with everything by then and I didn’t want to get hospitalized or something.”

“I’m sure they weren’t going to hospitalize you,” Lover said.

“Well, even so…”

Hero yawned. As they had been speaking, they were starting to grow sleepy for some reason.

“I think you need an ice bath and some sleep,” Lover whispered.

“Hmm…”

“It’s going to be all right, my love. You’re carrying so much worry with you, let me take it away.”

“I love you,” Hero mumbled drowsily.

“I love you, too,” Lover said.

Lover picked their Hero up in a bridal carry and started toward the bathroom. They got them out of their dirty suit and gently set them down in the water. Hero started making little patches of ice in the bubbles while Lover worked shampoo into their hair. Hero sighed in relief as the stress inexplicably melted away.

…

Lover held Hero close under the covers, planting a small kiss on their forehead. Hero mumbled something incoherent to them and snuggled closer.

“Shhh,” Lover said, “sleep now, Hero.”

Hero drifted off a moment later, their breathing deep and even. Lover made sure their dreams would be pleasant for them. They sent another wave of sleep through Hero’s mind as they gingerly climbed out of bed.

Lover went the basement and pressed on a seemingly random cinderblock in the wall. The hidden door opened with a whoosh. They approached the suit they had left on the table. The monitors in their lair gave them a full view of the city, and, more importantly, their Hero’s usual patrol areas. Villain slid their mask on and scanned the monitor showing the police station. When they had ordered the imbeciles to let them escape, they didn’t mean to hurt their beloved!

“Now which of you idiots was responsible for the tasing?” they muttered, rewinding old footage of the fight.

The camera zoomed in on the officer apprehending Hero. Villain pulled up their database and took note of their ID.

“Let’s see how you enjoy being the henchman for my next heist,” Villain smirked.

They left their lair, the hidden door sliding back into place. Villain made their way to the police station for Officer’s punishment, while Hero slept peacefully at home. Hero had enough stress in their life, and if Villain could help take any of it away, they would. They couldn’t stop their plans, of course, but they could help in other areas.

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Tags: @mythixmagic @infinityshadows @fishtale88 @thelazywitchphotographer @the-beasts-have-arrived @princessofonwardsworld @surplus-of-sarcasm@memepsychowhowantsuperpower-blog @electrons2006 @just-a-space-rabbit @telltaletoad @bacillusinfection @noseyowes @whump-till-ya-jump @writinglittlepains @m4iloblu3

[valentine-cafe]

˖⁺. meet me there, I'll give you your roses .𖹭 ݁

﹙ characters. ﹚ ─── our selection of decadent desserts ” 

. . . darling specials !! 🍰 : we highly advise that you read our wiki to understand some character lore 

꒰  toppings : pinterest ˖ character playlists ꒱

꒰  verse 781  ꒱

tiramisu . . . . . . alessio arias

the unkillable mercenary ˖ male ˖  a punk goth immortal mercenary with a bad boy esque. flirty, charming and a cocky, chaotic bastard with a love for music and dance. an antihero taking down an evil anti-inhuman organisation with his reckless nature. 

strawberry shortcake . . . . . . rishen herrera

the hybrid hero ˖ genderfluid amab ˖ a mantis-moth-spider hybrid and stem genius university student. a nerd with a heart of gold a determination to protect the city. switches between red smart and preppy aesthetic.

mango pudding . . . . . . zhào talisen

the poetic naga reaper ˖ male ˖ a dark academia poet. a grim reaper and naga who is quiet and aloof in nature. a hero in alias and an english literature student with a love for threatre. a beautifully macabre soul with a tongue of poetries.

black forest cake . . . . . . rishima singhania

the head scientist ˖ female ˖ a genius in all fields of science and a woman of stoicism. her cold heart gives way to surprisingly motherly tendancies. monochromatic 1960's aesthetic. the leader of a hero organisation across the multiverse and a renowned sceintist in her city.

affogato . . . . . . vespasiano agresta caliari

the charming vampire lieutenant ˖ male ˖ a vampire dilf - in reality simply a special opps sniper juggling between family and work. a man of charm, telepathy and shadow enthrall. suffering from the wounds of the heart and married to his job. serene, playful and tired to top it all off.

panna cotta. . . . . . pasquale agresta moretti

the adrenaline addicted poet ˖ male ˖ what contrasts the stillness of a poet? a wide open road speeding with cars backlit by red and blue lights. meet pasquale agresta moretti, intelligence agent by day and living on the line by night. . .

cannoli. . . . . . vinicio agresta moretti

the obscure shadow monster artist ˖ male ˖ the etching of paper drowns out deep, dark pools of silence. half-hung eyes to the sketch with a dozen open wide behind him, watching like a dark void. a haunted artist, vinicio agresta caliari, otherwise known as the boogieman. . .

  ꒰  verse 209  ꒱

croissant . . . . . . jìngyí herrera

the snake monster mad doctor ˖ male ˖ a yandere mad doctor who experiments on non-humans. all prim and proper, ever charming and serene on the outside - but is in fact a calculating and manipulative man. a poet tongue that knows how to deceive and twist the narrative.

red velvet cheesecake . . . . . . rishen herrera

the hybrid mad scientist ˖ genderfluid amab ˖ a yandere ceo of a science and research company. effortless and charismatic. a man of cunning intelligence. classy red aesthetic and an indulgent individual that masks evil ethics and sadistic non-human experiments with deceptive charm. 

lemon meringue cheesecake . . . . . . zhào hǎitāo

the demon reaper mercenary ˖ trans male ˖ a cold and calculated member of the resistance against the . a grim reaper with a demon symbiotically bonded to him. intelligent and ruthless. he feeds off vengeance and vows to bring justice to this foresaken world. dark male aesthetic. 

  ꒰  verse 1311  ꒱

​​​​​​egg tarts. . . . . . . jìngyí agresta

the naga mechanist.˖ male ˖ a cunning and ice cold mechanic. a naga and grim reaper who performs as an electric guitarist. deadly silent like a predator with a knack for torturing those that cross him in his workshop. if people see him as a villain for fighting back against discriminating humans then so be it. 

vada. . . . . . . . . . . rishen herrera

the femme fatale admiral ˖ genderfluid amab ˖ the leader of a special agent originisation. and assassin and spy. a man of great intelligence and seductive charm. effortless and femme fatale esque with a sharp tongue. a master strategist with a sense of justice. sassy, sarcastic and a natural leader. scary never wore a smile before him. 

churros. . . . . . . . . alessio agresta arias

the rockstar rebel leader ˖ male ˖ an arsonist and rebellion leader. a callous man with a sick sense of humour with the destructive power of kinetic energy manipulation. a punk rockstar when he is not causing explosions and stirring fear. flirty, humorous yet ready to do whatever it takes to avenge all fallen inhumans. 

ba bao fan . . . . . . . . . zhào hàoyú

the demon casino owner ˖ male ˖ a grim reaper possessed by a demon that feeds on lies. always ready for a good gamble at his casino. villainous yet charismatic. quite the possessive man who enjoys taking sadistic measures. dark male aesthetic with twisted grins and manipulation. 

 

꒰  verse 164  ꒱

key lime pie . . . . . emerald mania ( alessio agresta )

the master of magic ˖ male ˖ the first sorcerer who is considered a corrupt magic god. charming yet sadistic, he takes on the appearance of a demon and dwells in twisted forest. catching poor wanderers and experimenting on their souls. all magic originates from him and he intends to make people remember that. the gods fear his name and the very earth quakes in his presence.

rhubarb and strawberry crumble . . . copper resentment ( zhào talisen )

the snake deity of deceit ˖ male ˖ a siren-like monster that dwells in a large, cursed lake. considered a corrupt god with the power to destroy and reshape universes. a poettic tongue that spills lies and stirs chaos despite his divine and proper appearance. often said to lure beings into the water and challenge the gods. the gods fear his name and the very earth quakes in his presence.

  ꒰  verse 9948e  ꒱

milk tarts . . . . . . alessio agresta arias

the malefic sorcerer ˖ male ˖ a vintage goth sorcerer with a destructive amount of power. dry, sarcastic and chronically tired. a former rockstar who grieves the loss of his lover. now known as a cold-hearted spellcaster on a mission to bring the dead to life. 

lemon coconut tart . . . . . . zhào jìngyí

the wandering guarding reaper ˖ male ˖ joyously whimsy, a grim reaper who roams the afterlife after his early passing. always cracking a joke, poet in his own way and soft in nature - yet able to switch instantly on those that underestimate him. he ventures through the realms to aid in missions of the gods. soft aesthetic. 

tres leches cake . . . . . . rishen aryielus

the devil in angel's robes˖ genderfluid amab ˖ a charming and attractive angel of pure divinity. raised by the gods with seemingly a heart of gold. but a frightening presence and terror amount of sword skill despite his benevolent appearance. making most believe that he might indeed be a demon. 

passionfruit custard tart . . . . . . zhào hàoyŭ

the rebel reaper˖ male ˖ a dramatic and charismatic grim reaper with a knack for art. ever as flirty and adorned in a punk goth aesthetic with vintage twists. ever as flirtatious and sometimes chaotic. the heart of a rebel who fights to change the system of his world and the divine while he's at it. a vexer of the gods. 

almon jelly . . . . . . zhao yìzé

the mercenary reaper ˖ male ˖ an aloof grim reaper who delves into mercenary. taking out his anger in weaponry and kills. a caring soul who would rather remain cold as to not wear his heart on his sleeve more than he already has. cyberpunk aesthetic with a rebellious flair. 

mango pancakes . . . . . . zhào hǎitāo

the instigator reaper ˖ trans male ˖ an mortician who also delves into the black market as an informant. calm and collected yet ample times cunning. ready to strike down those that deserve. an instigator in nature. soft boy blue aesthetic.

red bean bun . . . . . . yuè mèng yáo

the grim reaper mother ˖ female ˖ a woman of great serenity and traditional in her culture's ways. known for her wisdom and peace - yet also the frightening presence that she brings in her wake. the leader of a grim reaper sanctuary and a mother protective of her kids.

bungeoppang . . . . . . . kyung seong-jin

the diurnal reaper detective ˖ male ˖ a supernatural detective with no filter. a grim reaper who is cold in nature. the heir of a renowned reaper family with a dark male aesthetic. often considered rude - yet dutiful. he has no restraint in his blunt tongue - yet has a warm heart for those he holds dear. 

sakura pudding. . . . . . . shimada takara

the killer kitsune ˖ genderfluid ˖ a kitsune masking their nogitsune nature. chaotic and wild with a bite for thrill and danger. constantly seeking a way to keep themselves from boredom. he finds himself in rasui's mercenary syndicate to manage his violent tendencies. a mix of traditional and cyberpunk aesthetic. 

revani . . . . . . . rasui

the fire elemental mercenary leader ˖ male ˖ a mercenary leader who is ever as regal and serene. cold on the exterior and strict in nature. a sometimes domineering fire elemental who tries to remain as callm and collected as possible. proper and formal in aesthetic. 

mango sticky rice . . . . . . . lisse

the fatale nature elemental merc leader ˖ female ˖ a charming nature elemental and the leader of the thorn mercenary syndicate. a woman of sweet smiles and sultry, batting lashes who prefers to lure her victims in, play around, before going for the kill. beauty is a weapon and her act of sweetness paired with seductive allure certainly does the trick. a sadistic woman who loves her flowers and tea.

kheer . . . . . . . shalika vaishya

the divine-scorned cultivator writer ˖ female ˖ a cultivator turned "gods' lapdog" as they call her. constantly running around and solving their bidding while uncovering the mess of magic within her city. a reporter trying to juggle her life as a cultivator scorned by the divine — and a dark voice whispering vengeance in her mind. instead she'll write it out.

peach & almond crostata . . . . . . nadia armetta stenskjold

the villain harpy sculptor ˖ female ˖ either dwelling in her famous sculpting store or wreaking havoc within elritea, the harpy villain. harbouring a blood lust not many understand, specifically for the renowned zhào family and it's lady. her fury deeper than the holes she drills into the rock of her newest work.

 

꒰  verse 9819  ꒱

caramel cheesecake . . . . . . . . alessio agresta arias 

the serial killer magician ˖ male ˖ the effortlessly charming leader of a crime specialist syndicate. a sort of robin hood and outlaw with a dark male aesthetic. serial killer of several politicians. cunning, witty and justice seeking. evading capture and playing games with the government council like the illuionist he is 

choc-raspberry pudding cake . . . . . . . . rishen herrera

the mastermind investigator grim reaper ˖ genderfluid ˖ an intelligent and cunning world renowned investigator with a thrill for danger. constantly searching for a possibility of him being wrong. old money aesthetic, brimming with charm and charisma. a confident, witty being trying to ignore his lineage as a grim reaper. he'd much rather solve crimes than reap souls.

éclair . . . . . . . . zhào jìngyí

the charming inventor reaper ˖ male ˖ an influential artificers and clock tower workers. a grim reaper and investigator. a brilliant man of many crafts and skills, with a mission to solve the most recent murders around the city. a sharp minded and wise man with a poetic tongue to riddle his suspects mad. charm and charisma yet manipulation and cunning tactics hide behind this alluring smile. a poet, an artist

strawberry cupcake . . . . . . . . denara agyros

the darling sorceress heir ˖ female ˖ a lunar sorceress and heir to a renowned magic family. gothic in aesthetic and a lover of horror. yet soft and optimistic. a tender soul with a dark side. a kind nurse fighting off her jealous nature. burying into her love for thriller writing. 

red velvet cookies . . . . . . . . zhào xīyáng

the grim reaper mercenary boss ˖ male ˖ a collected and deadly quiet mercenary boss grim reaper. frightening with a taste for danger. a mix of oriental and refined white aesthetic. cold in nature and has ever the blunt tongue mixed with dry humour. he shakes hands with the devil to protect his city. 

  ꒰  verse 9948v  ꒱

kulfi. . . . . . . . rishen herrera

the mad cultist composer ˖ genderfluid amab ˖ a blank cultist with the ability to manipulate blood itself. a composer who writes with the very crimson he sheds. monotone with a dark sense of humour. cursed to glitch into phantom versions of his doppelgangers across the multiverse. a nercomancer with red esque.

mooncakes. . . . . . . . zhào hàoyŭ

the vengeful phantom ˖ male ˖ a phantom that haunts his world. sadistic and psychotic. careless with the souls he pulls from the afterlife to aid in his brutal massacres. possessive, obsessive and yandere in every way. with a morbid sense of humour and a smile etched on his face at all times. 

  ꒰  verse-less  ꒱

berry crumble . . . . . . . . jìngyí verseless

the demon alchemist ˖ male ˖ a demon with a frightful reputation. silent, sadistic and intelligent. best known for his alchemist shop in the dephs of hell. a dark oriental aesthetic with hints of modern. ever as graceful and beautifully macabre. loves to tempt his anger and remind others why he rose through hell's ranks.

kourabiethes . . . . . . . . valerius ariti

the hex demon lord ˖ male ˖ a serene demon lord who casts hexes through the multiverse. indifferent and ever ready to accept a deal so that he might play around with a mortal. regal and strewn in gold. divine to the point some consider him a god. refined and charming despite his brutal nature and vanity. 

cherry custard tart . . . . . . . . orion

the abyssal angel general ˖ male ˖ a silent and poetic angel who ranks as a general. known for his watchful eye over the abyss. cold in exterior and a strategic warrior. yet beyond caring with those he holds dear. a wise soul who can be a bit of a trickster at times.

[artbyblastweave]

So in the original 1977 run of What if...?, issue 44 covered the topic of "what if Captain America wasn't discovered in the ice until the 1980s." And the answer is that in the interim, a fascist, segregationist junta comes to power in the USA using the assistance and iconography of William Burnside- the white-supremacist reactionary successor to Captain America who was created by Marvel editorial to retroactively explain Cap's handful of abortive appearances as a red-scare communist hunter in the 1950s, when he was supposed to be in the ice. Most of the superheroes get neutralized, assassinated or co-opted, the real Cap is rescued by the crew of a Navy Sub that's on the verge of defection, and the comic ends on the verge of the second American Civil War. The issue oscillates rapidly between competent, prescient commentary and the exact cornball pablum you'd expect from a bronze-age one-shot trying to suss out the "real meaning of America", but either way I've always been interested in this branch of the Marvel universe getting more than just the one issue of table-time. Superpowered urban civil war in 1980s America is a compelling concept!

One of the reasons I like this comic is that it's one of several works from the late 70s/early 80s - mainline Captain America itself among them- that hit upon the idea that it would be comically easy to sell the American populace on strongman authoritarianism if it came wrapped in a cape and domino mask. This scene is an example of that; "Captain America" at a rally parading his team of all-American jackboots. Two of the members are, to the best of my knowledge, new characters: Golden Girl (later called out as an untrained actress kept on the lineup to illicit a very specific strain of nostalgia for Bettie-Page styled cheesecake) and embodied-specter of racist violence The Hangman (who... might be black, based on this coloring job? Potentially either very smart or very stupid depending on the level of thought put into it). But rounding out the lineup you've got... Hawkeye, which is the beat from this comic that I really like and the reason I decided to write this post.

Because Hawkeye, Clint Barton, has developed over time into the default scrappy underdog hero that gets to be one of the holdouts in dystopian alternate-universe situations like these- Old Man Logan, House of M, Next Avengers, Age of Ultron, What If...? S1ep8, Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, Age of Apocalypse, Marvel Universe Vs. The Avengers, these are just off the top of my head. It's a fun contrast, the dynamic of the "shit, man, this superhero war is fucked" hardscrabble carnie being the last man on the wall against something that would give Superman pause. So they do it a lot. Not here, though! And there's a level of honesty to that that I really appreciate. We're dealing with a guy who became a superhero in the first place because he was annoyed that Iron Man upstaged his carnival act, he almost immediately pivoted and agreed to try and kill Iron Man because an attractive woman asked him to, he tries to steal the armor to sell it, and even when he initially went straight there was an undercurrent of celebrity pursuit and showboating to his decision to join The Avengers. Absent the character development that was a direct result of falling in with the real Steve Rogers, all the assumptions about the character that have formed downstream of that, is it that insane that a guy with his early mercenary characterization would throw in with a fascist regime that paid him well and let him peacock? I don't think so!