#✶ — ┊❛ and i don’t need the glory i don’t need the fame ❜┊❮ open starter ❯

[tonycries]

Government Hooker - T.F.

Synopsis. With the fame and glory of being an international popstar comes the inevitable threat of an overzealous stalker. You just didn’t think that it would also come with a very sexy, buff bodyguard behind your every move.

Pairing. Toji Fushiguro x Reader

Content. MDNI, fem! reader, popstar! reader, bodyguard! Toji, unprotected, brat-taming, spanking, choking, rough oral (male + female receiving), slight enemies-to-lovers, jealousy (Toji’s side), daddy kink, semi-public sex, manager! Nanami, creampie, power dynamics, dirty talk, stalking threats, TW. knife (brief), swearing.

Word count. 10.8k

A/N.  WHEWWWWWWWWW need some buff bodyguard Toji in my life. Slightly inspired by The Bodyguard. Set in the Brooklyn Babyverse.

It’s in New York that you meet Toji Fushiguro.

Pop Princess’ World Tour in Jeopardy After Stalking Threats

Dark Times for Pop Royalty: Will She Return for This Year’s Grammy Performance?

Is It Over For The International Sensation?

“Nanami, for the millionth time, do I look like I need a babysitter?” you squint at the headlines flashing across your phone screen, resisting the urge to fling it at the nearest wall. 

Sitting right in the middle of your whirlwind dressing room, you breathe in the heady air, thick with hairspray and anticipation for the upcoming shoot. Normally, you’d preen at the stylists swarming around you - but right now, their fussing only makes it all the more difficult to drive your manager dangerously close to an aneurysm.

As expected, Nanami drones out the same rehearsed response you’ve memorized word-for-word at this point. “My apologies, but with the severity of these threats, we can’t-”

“Afford to take any chances, I know I know.” Still, heart sinking, you scoff, “I understand, but 24/7 surveillance is insane. Can’t I have any-”

Bang!

To your chagrin - and perhaps Nanami’s mercy - the door flies open with a force that rattles its hinges. 

As the bustling activity in the dressing room freezes, your eyes immediately snap to the hulking figure at the door. Expression steely and vigilant, he strides in with a presence that demands attention. You can’t help but raise a brow at his audacity - and the unreal rippling of his muscles beneath that skin-tight t-shirt. 

“Sorry to interrupt, but that blue-haired freak Mojito at the front desk told me to come here.” a low rumble sweeps the room. 

Ah, this must be the one. Gesturing your stylists away, you square your shoulders - ready for a fight. “And who might you be”

“Name’s Fushiguro Toji, your new ‘babysitter’, princess.” he declares, voice gruff and unwavering over Nanami’s tired hum of “Bodyguard, he means bodyguard”. 

You narrow your eyes, studying the pure disinterest on his face. Great, just what you needed - you didn’t claw your way to the top to be scared and controlled by some loser stalker. Tilting your head defiantly, “Hmm, you don’t look like much of a bodyguard.”

Toji’s lips twitch into a sardonic smirk, gaze meeting yours with a hint of challenge, “Mhm, and you don’t act like much of a princess.”

You could almost hear the record screech to a halt. Everyone holding their breath, eyes locked on you as an agonizing beat of silence passes, half the room on the verge of fainting.

One. Two.

A startled laugh bursts from your lips. Shattering the tension in that dressing room as swiftly as the mirror in your stylist’s hand would’ve had you remained quiet a second longer. 

The audacity of this man. No one’s ever spoken to you like that before. 

Toji’s grin widens at your unexpected reaction, that sinful little scar on his lips stretching in amusement. Some small, strange part of him satisfied at passing your invisible test.

“Well, look at that, didn’t expect ya to have a sense of humor.” he comments, tone positively dripping with sarcasm, as if toying with you.

Plastering on that painfully saccharine sweet smile usually saved for nosy interviewers, you mockingly bat your lashes. “And I didn’t expect to have a babysitter breathing down my neck.” 

“Oh don’t expect me to babysit, princess. I don’t get paid nearly enough for that. According to that hardass manager of yours, my job is to keep you safe. Whether you like it or not.” 

With a dismissive wave of your hand, you turn back to your make-up artist, clearly done with this tedious conversation. “We’ll see how long that lasts. I have a knack for losing unwanted company.”

And if there’s one thing you’ve come to learn with Toji Fushiguro, it’s that you do not have a knack for losing unwanted company. Especially not him. 

Wherever you went, Toji was there first - it didn’t matter how fast you escaped, or how many hats and masks you put on. He was everywhere.

He was there when you slipped away to swap sunglasses with a passing stranger, convinced you’d outsmarted your looming bodyguard. But your triumphant laugh caught in your throat as you heard that familiar chuckle behind you - whirling around to find him sporting your ill-fitting shades with an amused glint in his eyes.

He was there during a chaotic fashion show, where you blended seamlessly amongst the flurry backstage, hoping to escape Toji’s watchful gaze. Heart pounding, making it all the way to the elevator. You’d barely let out a breath of relief before large hands intercept the closing doors. Towering figure stepping inside with a knowing grin, “Going somewhere, princess?”

Hell, he was even there when you hatched a plan to ditch him on the tarmac of the bustling airport. Making a dash for your private plane, and settling into your plush seat with smug satisfaction. Ah, at least you’ll have a few hours of peace until Tokyo without-

“Damn, first class is nice. Must be nice to be pretty and rich.” a low whistle causes you to groan inwardly (and outwardly).

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” you mutter under your breath, at the man seated right beside you. At this point, you half expected him to be keeping guard outside as you shower.

Toji was always there. Steadfast as ever, firm chest always blocking whatever escape plan you’ve concocted. In all your years in the spotlight, you’ve never felt so frustrated. The dawning realization that there was no escape matching your slowly slipping sanity as you kick off the first stop of your world tour - Tokyo.

It’s in New York that you meet Toji Fushiguro.

It’s in Tokyo that everything changes. 

Electricity crackling in the air, deafening roars of your name in your ears - you stand center stage. This was where you belonged - where you felt alive. 

Pouring your soul into your words, stage lights dance across your skin, as frantic as the adrenaline in your veins. The crowd before you was a living, breathing entity, swept away with energy and excitement.

The music swells to a crescendo as your voice carries across the arena, limelight following you spellbound.

In the intoxicating performance, you don’t notice a pair of widened green eyes doing the same, goosebumps rising along his skin. Gaze fixed on you with an intensity that rivaled the spotlight itself. A silent reverie. 

As the final notes of your song echoed through the arena you felt a rush of euphoria wash over you. Lights dimming, you draw a long breath, savoring the crackling energy onstage. A high that left you craving for more.

With a grateful smile, you bow deeply, screams and applause reverberating in your ears like thunder. 

The cheers continue to ring in your ears as you’re whisked away, backstage buzzing with excitement and anticipation over the special guests for the VIP event. Enveloped by your team, you navigate through the labyrinthine corridors of the arena.  

You catch Toji’s eye from where he flanked your right, your brow raising ever-so-slightly as if silently asking, “C’mon, didn’t I kill it out there?” 

But before you can decipher the fleeting expression on his face, the moment is shattered by a sudden commotion up front. 

“Hey, over here! Is it true there's a stalker after you? Is it to boost album sales?”

“Can you confirm the rumors that you're cozying up with Satoru from Tokyo Special Grades? The fans want answers!”

“Hey! How do you respond to critics who call you a has-been? Come on, speak up!”

You’re barely given a second to breathe before the paparazzi descend upon you like vultures. Bodies jostling urgently as rapidfire questions and incessant flashes make you see stars behind your eyes. 

Trying to block out the swarm of questions, you close your eyes amidst the dizzying chaos, trying to find some semblance of stability.

And stability finds its way in the strong arm that wraps protectively around you, pressing you close against a sculpted chest.

Toji.

“Don’ worry, princess, I’ll get you outta here.” hot breath brushing against your ear, sending shivers creeping down your spine. 

Pulled impossible close to his muscled frame, his steady heartbeat grounds you - while yours stutters as Toji’s voice cuts through the clamor like a knife. “Back off, vultures. Show some respect or I’ll make sure ya regret it.” 

Steely gaze almost provoking - as if anyone would dare challenge the imposing, almost frightening presence in the middle of the room. The paparazzi, momentarily stunned, falter in their pursuit, allowing Toji to carve a path through the chaos.

Hands still tight around you, as you’re hastily escorted away from the chaos, you steal a glance at Toji’s profile, illuminated by the harsh flashes of the cameras. Finding some intrusive little part of you that thrills at the raw intensity, cheeks flaring in response.

He’s so warm. 

You could almost cry as those gaudy VIP doors swing open, swiftly ushering you to safety. They slam shut, sealing off the cacophony outside. In the soft lounge music wafting through the air, you’re left with the nagging awareness of Toji’s body heated against yours.

Embarrassment floods through you like a tidal wave as you register the way you’re still clinging on to him. Abruptly pushing away, you take a larger step back than was probably appropriate. 

In the dimly lit room, you couldn’t make out exactly what was twinkling in Toji’s eyes as they flicker to you. But what you could see was that amused grin curling his lips as you uncharacteristically stumble over your words, “Thank you- Uh, for the way I-”

“Princess~!” Words choke in your throat as a flash of white and blue barrels into you, sending you reeling backward. Playful laughter ringing through the air. 

“S-Satoru?” you stammer, caught off guard. Before you’ve fully recovered, he’s pulling you into a bruising hug, nearly knocking you off your feet. 

“Hey there, gorgeous,” Satoru purrs, voice velvety as he leans in. “You absolutely killed it out there tonight.”

“Oh my gosh, Satoru! I haven’t seen you in forever.” A laugh escapes your lips, though the lingering warmth from Toji’s proximity still prickles at the edges of your consciousness. “What are you even doing here?”

Satoru chuckles, gaze lingering on you, “Couldn’t miss the biggest concert in Tokyo since ours, duh.” His energy was infectious, and you find yourself smiling along. “Thank you Satoru.” 

As Satoru continues to chatter animatedly about the concert, you distinctly realize that Toji has slipped into the background. Where was he? You find your eyes darting around the room in search of his familiar presence, slowly noticing the lack of Satoru’s bandmates in the process.

Your curiosity piqued, you couldn’t resist teasing him. “So, where are the rest of Tokyo Special Grades? I thought you guys were inseparable”

He shrugs it off casually, leaning down to whisper conspiratorially “Rehearsal. Don’t let ‘em know I’m here.”

As you titter at his antics, he gives you a playful nudge, eyes twinkling with mischief. “So…since the band’s away, how about you and me grab a drink together?.”

Something heavy pools in your stomach as those familiar words ring in your ears, hanging in the air - you knew all too well what he meant. 

Skin still tingling with the lingering heat of Toji’s touch, your eyes sweep the room for him one last time. Some strange part of your heart pangs when you find that those piercing green eyes, always studying you so intently, are nowhere to be found.

“Lead the way, Satoru.”

---

The world was rocking, as were Satoru’s fingers on you. Softly tracing along your collarbone, touch searing as he pushes you against the wall of your hotel room. 

Shivers run down your spine, all the way to your heated core. Breaths mingling, a desperate hunger ignites in the air as your fingers just barely graze against the buttons of his overpriced button-up. 

Tension reaching its peak, fingers hazily fumbling with those tedious buttons-

Bang!

You both startle as the door swings open, breaking the heady atmosphere inside. Dazed, you whirl your head towards the intruder standing at the door - Toji. Seems he had a penchant for dramatic entrances. 

Toji stands in the doorway, his gaze dark and unreadable. Without a word, he strides into the room, narrowed eyes flickering between you and Satoru.

“What the hell is going on here?” Toji’s voice is low and dangerous, cutting through the tense silence hanging in the air.

Satoru tries to play it cool, though you catch his easy smirk faltering slightly, “Oh? The bodyguard, right? What brings you here, my man?”

Ignoring the question - and Satoru altogether - Toji turns to you, eyes never leaving yours. “24/7 means 24/7. As your bodyguard, I can’t permit some stranger to get too close.” he asserts.

Mind still burning with lust, you feel red-hot irritation simmering beneath your skin. Fists clenching at the tone that leaves no room for argument. 

“I don’t recall signing up for a warden.” you snap, sharp and defiant. 

Toji’s expression remains impassive, but there’s a glint of determination in his eyes. “I’m not here to argue, princess. My job here is just to keep you safe, princess.” 

You scoff, shaking your head in disbelief - this was ridiculous. “Uh, newsflash, Toji. I can take care of myself just fine.”

“You little brat-”

Before the argument can escalate further, Satoru cuts in, his voice uncharacteristically calm and conciliatory. “Hey, it's okay, man. I’ll just leave,” he says, stepping away from you and raising his hands in surrender.

You shoot Satoru a look of frustration, torn between the desire for independence and for someone to fucking make you cum, and the unsettling feeling of vulnerability that Toji’s presence somehow seems to evoke. As the door slams shut - not before a playful hum of “Call me, princess~!” - a deafening silence envelopes the room. 

The room that now feels too small. Too hot. Thighs still quivering in anticipation.

Shit. 

Mind racing, you don’t catch the way Toji’s gaze softens slightly, a hint of regret flickering in his eyes. “I’m sorry, princess. But I can’t take any chances, I’m here to protect you.” 

“Enough with this ‘princess’ crap.” Running a hand through your hair, you let out an exasperated sigh, trying desperately to quell the storm of emotions swirling uncomfortably inside you. “And protect me from what? A harmless hookup?”

“From whoever is sending those threats,” Toji growls. “Until we catch them, you’re not allowed to be alone with anyone.”

Frustration reaching a boiling point, you storm up to him. “Fine, then you can stay here and watch me 25/8 for all I care. But, what are you going to do about that?” each word punctuated by a hard poke to his sculpted chest, laced with defiance - but also something raw and primal.

Green eyes darkening with intensity, you watch his jaw clench in restraint. He takes a step impossibly close, the air crackling with something you couldn’t name.

“You don’t get to play games with me, princess,” he warns, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down your spine.

But - as always - you refuse to back down. Heart racing, mind hazy, you stand close enough that you’re toe to toe with him. A hand reaching out to grasp his large ones, manicured nails digging into the heated skin. In one, fluid motion, you place his hand in between your skirt, heated core soaking through your thin panties. 

“I’m not playing games, Toji.”

Before you can react, your back hits the wall. Surface cool on your heated skin. A brick-hard body is against yours, you could almost sink into him at how close he was pressed. 

Heat rushing to your cheeks, slick gushing to your cunt, your eyes lock with Toji’s darkened ones. He murmurs, words low and making your pussy jump in anticipation, “Didn’t expect you to be so filthy, princess.”

You lean in, lips mere inches away from his, whispering seductively. “Oh you have no idea.”

You didn’t expect those to be the words that make him snap - then again, you didn’t expect him to snap so easily either.

Toji’s eyes widen slightly, his jaw dropping open as he processes your words. He stares at you darkly for a moment, gaze traveling over your flushed cheeks, your devilish grin, and finally settling on your heaving chest.

Toji pins your wrists above your head with one hand, the other roughly tearing your skirt off your waist. Flimsy cloth hitting the carpeted floor. 

“Hey! Those are Dolce and-”

You don’t get to finish your sentence before his lips capture yours. Words catching in your throat as his tongue plunges unforgivingly into your mouth. 

Hands groping and teasing every inch of skin they could find. Kneading your breasts through your shirt, biting down hard on your bottom lip.

A desperate whine that you definitely would’ve been embarrassed about had you been in the right state of mind leaves your lips as something achingly hard grazes your core. Shit, you had an inkling but he was going to split you apart. Mindlessly wondering whether you’ll have to cancel the photoshoot tomorrow. Hips bucking for more more more-

“Patience, princess.” he murmurs, hotly against your lips. Thick fingers slipping beneath your panties - ripping them off. You gasp as the cold air hits your cunt, thighs quivering at the neat fingernail grazing your swollen folds. “You need to be taught a lesson first.”

You’re not in the mood for patience. But whatever retort gets stuck on the tip of your tongue as a long finger circles your throbbing clit. Tight, urgent little circles that inch you closer and closer to insanity. “F-faster-”

“You’ll take what I give, my lil’ slut.”

“I don’t have to listen to you.”

Ah, but alas - thank god for Toji Fushiguro being a merciful man. At least for the moment.

Pressing a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses down your body, dropping to his knees with urgency of a madman. Gaze fiery fiery with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine - you were in for it. 

Licking his lips, tongue catching on that small scar by the corner, he dives nose-deep into your needy pussy. Bed mere meters away, Toji takes you right against the wall. 

His hungry gaze devours you just as greedily as the mouth on your cunt. “Ah! Hah- Oh, Toji!” you gasp, arching into his hurried yet expert tongue. Harsh, purposeful movements that send electric shocks straight to your core. 

“Not Toji, princess.” he murmurs, lips hot against your own. Urgently lapping at your juices, as if a man dying of thirst.

Something hot and sticky coils at your stomach - maybe at the way his tongue was crooking just right to tease your dripping entrance, bullying its way past your swollen folds. Or maybe at the way the realization has your slick beading out of your pulsing pussy.

“D-daddy?” you whimper, almost-experimentally. 

And apparently it was the right answer, as Toji lets out a guttural groan into your snug cunt. Nose catching against your abused clit, rubbing hurried little circles. Tongue stretching out your snug walls, pooling your juices, unforgivingly dipping in and out in and out in and-

Speeding up now, his tongue has you losing your mind in ways you didn’t even know were possible. “Hngh- faster. Fuck me like you want it, daddy.” you whine, hips grinding further into his mouth.. 

And he lets you. In your lust-addled mind you barely have time to think about this strange act of mercy - only thinking of how close you were. So close. So fucking close. Mere moments away from shattering completely. Mind filled with only Toji and his tongue and Toji-

“Didn’t think I’d be so nice to ya, did you, princess?”

Orgasm slipping through your fingers, your crash from euphoria matches that of your heart.

Ah, Toji could cream his pants at the way your face fell so adorably as he pulled away. Delicate strings of spit and slick still connecting him to your slutty pussy. 

“Toji?” you mewl, bruised lips falling into a pretty pout that made him want to throw caution to the find and stuff you full of his cock right now. But no, he had to teach his lil’ princess a thing or two about not getting everything she wants.

“Patience, princess.” With a grin, Toji warns, voice husky and sending shivers down your spine and making you grind your hips against his lips. Before you can whine in disappointment, a sharp smack! cuts through the heady air. The sound hits you before the realization that Toji hit you. 

A sharp slap against your ass, the impact shocking you briefly before arousal takes over. You yelp at the sting, eyes widening in surprise.

“Wha-”

“Count to ten, then I’ll let you cum. You need to learn a thing or two about listening, brat.”

You stare at him defiantly, your heart pounding in your chest. A silent staredown that only makes heat pool more and more desperately at your core. Deafening need, slick dripping down your legs pathetically.

“O-one.” you whisper, voice strained with frustration and barely audible.

He watches you like a predator stalking his prey, eyes never leaving your face. Smack!

His hand connects with your ass again, a low hum of appreciation at the mewl leaving your kiss-bitten lips at the pain and filthy pleasure. Your ass stinging as much as your dripping cunt.

“...two.”

Apparently approving of your obedience, he dives back in with a low growl. Burning his face between your thighs, because fuck oxygen - breathing couldn’t compare to how sweet you were on his tongue.

Lapping up your sensitive folds, scar rough against them, teasing. Edging your climax and your sanity like the merciless bastard he was. Smack! 

“Hah- ah! Two- Oh, jus’ like that-” Broken, raw moans escape your lips as he continues his torture. Ah, he loved this view. The people’s princess, so teary and falling apart because of him.

In the obscenity of it all, thick fingers stuff themselves in your cunt. The lack of preparation makes you squeeze around Toji’s tongue as they pump into your sloppy hole relentlessly. In and out in and out- 

Smack!

“Th-three- hngh-”

Purposefully missing that one spot Toji knew would have you seeing stars. You haven’t earned that yet.

Blood rushes straight to his cock as you throw your head back, letting out a strangled sob. “Daddy, let me cum. Wanna cum on your tongue. Ah-” Oh, you clever minx, knew exactly what made his leaking cock throb with need. For that you get two sharp smacks on each cheek. 

“F-four. Five.” you’re in tears at this point. Delicate little streaks down your cheeks to where Toji had his face buried in your cunt.

“Tha’s right, princess.” Toji praises, voice thick with desire and sending vibrations that make your walls clench. “Tell me how badly you need it.”

Body convulsing uncontrollably around his hot tongue, pushing you closer and closer to the edge - only to reel you back again. Denying you. Chipping away at your sanity bit by bit. A hand reaches to grab a fistful of his silky black locks, tugging needily - and you get punished accordingly. 

Smack! Smack! Smack!

“E-eight! Hngh- please.” 

“Please!” you moan, voice raw with need and desperation. Finally breaking for him - being pushed this far with anyone before. “Please, let me cum. Please please wanna cum-.” Close. You were so close that it hurt.

Ever the merciful man, he forgives this little transgression. Only continuing to cup your sore cheeks possessively, hands mapping the expanse of your heated skin.

“Please, Daddy.” you choke, a broken whisper. Now exhausted, knees weakening, it’s all you can do to not collapse on the floor, Toji’s strong hold on your hip to control you being the only thing holding you up.

Several things happen at once. You barely even feel the final two, sharp slaps - too far gone to register anything other than the rough thumb pressing on your sensitive clit. Hard. 

And then you’re cumming. 

Body convulsing and bowing into him, crying out raw moans of Toji’s name as you cream around his tongue. Your vision blurs at the edges, grip searing on Toji’s hair, tangling in the soft strands and pulling him impossibly closer to ride out your high on his pretty face. 

White-hot pleasure courses through your entire body, thighs quivering delicately around his face as you chase peak after peak. 

As the stars behind your eyes disappear into nothingness, you’re left limp and boneless, held up against the wall with a single, muscled hand.

Toji - ever the gentleman, supports you with a steady arm before you slip down the wall, valiant knees finally giving out. 

Blinking your vision back, you catch a glimpse of his achingly hard erection. Straining painfully against his trousers, a dark patch right where his thick head was. And despite your severely fucked out state, your mouth still waters.

Obviously catching your line of sight, he adjusts his uncomfortably tight pants. Steering your still-lustfully delirious self to the bed. “You were such a good girl f’me, princess. Let’s stay that way, hm?”

You blink up at him, confusion clouding your mind. Did he just compliment you? You must be mistaken. 

But as you look into his eyes, you see a genuine twinkle of fondness mixed in with the desire that makes your skin burn. A heady combination. One that makes your mind spin, even as you’re carefully placed on the soft bed. Even as he swiftly closes the door with a low whisper of “Rest now, you’ve got a busy day tomorrow.” leaving no room for argument.

Sinking into the soft mattress, a strange surge of euphoria rushes through you as you realize two things:

Nothing would ever be the same. 

It was going to be your personal challenge to make Toji Fushiguro crack. 

Heart racing, feet thumping tersely against the plush carpet, for perhaps the first time in years, Fushiguro Toji is taken aback. The heavenly sight of you falling apart underneath him searing into his brain. Something coiling uncomfortably in his stomach, rushing all the way to his throbbing dick. But, right now, the only thing he’s thinking of being to fucking find somewhere to fuck his fist to the memory.

---

Your third night in Tokyo was a whirlwind of lights and camera flashes. And yet, in the midst of it all you still escaped - this time with Toji - claiming “security talks”. Pulling him into an abandoned green room, your glossy lips capture his with searing passion. Pulling away teasingly, breathless, only once you were sure you’d kissed him silly and achingly hard. And promptly skipping away to bother your make-up artist.

Ah, yet the stubborn bastard still didn’t crack.

It’s in Melbourne where you learned that Toji was much more than just a bodyguard. Finally bothering him enough to join you out rather than shadow you for the first time. Dragging him to a tiny karaoke booth tucked away in a dimly lit corner of town, belting out your favorite tunes to him while he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. And if you caught a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, well, neither of you said anything. 

Your glittering heels were placed teasingly in his lap, chattering away as he drove you two back, your favorite pastime as of late. A silent dare, almost goading. His steely gaze trained on the bustling road and that one annoying blue car trying to swerve him. 

“So, Toji, in your military stint ever tried to sneak away incognito but wear a disguise so bad you end up on the front page?”

He chuckles, eyes flickering down at your feet resting comfortably on him. “Can’t say I have, but I once mistook a high-ranking officer for a recruit. Had him doing push-ups before I realized my mistake.”

You burst into laughter, sound echoing in the car. Feet brushing against him right there - just a little accident, right?

But it takes until Paris for you two to break.

In the chic confines of your favorite studio in Nanterre, the scent of freshly brewed coffee heavy in the air, you find yourself chattering away on call with Gojo Satoru. His voice crackling through the speaker amidst the glow of studio lights.

“That beat you sent is pure magic, Satoru. It’s perfect!” you hum, excitement bubbling in your voice as you bob your head to the soft music playing in the background. 

Satoru’s response is immediate, enthusiasm matching yours, “See, what did I tell ya. Can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with. You sure I get no sneak peaks for this secret lil’ project of yours?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Thought so, but anyway, how’s the City of Love been treating you, darling?” he teases.

You laugh, rolling your eyes playfully, “Please, Satoru. You know I’m too busy dodging Toji for any of that.”

Satoru chuckles knowingly on the other end of the line, “Ah yes. From what happened last time, I imagine he’s been a welcome distraction, huh? Hey, is his dick really as big as his BDE is?”

“Oh fuck off.” you scoff, heat rising to your cheeks. “And for that, I’m leaving.” 

Swiftly ending the call, you cut off Satoru’s protests. Slight embarrassment coursing through your veins at how apparently obvious you two had been. A strange pang of longing flickers in your chest as you realize you haven’t seen Toji all day - Nanami mentioned something about a security briefing for your closely upcoming Grammy performance.

You sigh at the irony of the situation - just when you thought you got that freedom you’d been yearning for so long, you find yourself wanting for that musclehead presence even more. 

Shaking your head, you turn back to your mixing console, ready to throw yourself into the music once more. Yet before you could, your phone buzzes with a new notification. A quick glance reveals that familiar contact name and a series of messages that have your cheeks flaring once more. 

Blind rat #4 🧿🧿:

You better not block me for this but is this secret project for that bodyguard? You whipped WHORE~~

LMAO JKJK IK you don’t write songs about other people.

Unless…

As that block button was tapped, it’s said that Satoru’s piercing shriek echoed across in all 23 wards of Tokyo - making the people fear an oncoming Godzilla attack.

“Damn Satoru.” you grumble, tossing your phone onto the leather sofa in the corner. “Always saying stupid thi-”

But as you turn around, your breath catches in your throat. There, standing in the doorway, is Toji. His presence filling the space, commanding attention with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine.

“Toji?” you breathe, surprise mingling with a rush of conflicting emotions. “I didn’t expect the briefing to end so soon-”

“What’s this about that brat Satoru, princess?” he murmurs, voice low and gravelly. 

He raises his head to meet your gaze, and a jolt of electricity runs through your body. Oh, those eyes. Your skin feels heated in the crackling air. “Nothing.” you reply - almost suspiciously quickly - the words tumbling out in a rush, “Just Satoru being...well, Satoru.”

Toji’s lips twitch in a semblance of a smile, a hint of amusement glinting in his eyes among that carnal look. “I see,” he murmurs, taking a step closer to you. You have half the mind to step back - but why would you ever.

“Y’know, I didn’t think you still talk with that white-haired clown.” his minty breath fans your face, darkened eyes searching yours. And you can see the question forming in them before he even asks. “You still plan on fuckin’ him when you go back to Tokyo?”

And usually you’d bristle. Usually, that hardened part of you that never takes shit would rear her head and give Toji an earful. Usually. But right now, a dangerous idea was taking root in your head. 

Heat rushing to your core at the look in his eyes that said he wanted to devour you alive, you simply tilt your head coyly. 

“So what?” A smirk playing on your lips, “Gonna do something about it, daddy? Or are you just gonna leave me all hot and bothered like you have-”

Your back hits the leather sofa before you even realize what is happening. 

Bouncing at the sheer force of his throw, you let out a yelp of surprise. Skirt riding up, legs splaying out so sinfully for him. 

The cushion dips as he looms closer, approaching you unhurriedly like a predatory closing in on its prey. A dangerous little smirk playing on your lips, you spread your legs wider, inviting him in. A carnal part of you relishing in the way his eyes can’t seem to decide between your soaked panties and the way you bite your lips so coyly.

“If you’re that desperate, then you’re gonna get it, my lil’ slut” 

He’s on top of you now, tongue hot against your neck, leaving heated, open-mouthed kisses down to your collarbone. You yelp as sharp teeth dig into the soft skin. Hands exploring every inch of you, desperate for more - and you’re no better.

Sharp nails digging into that sinfully tight t-shirt, all but tearing it to shreds. Your mouth waters as it hits the floor, Toji’s chiseled body on full display. Your eyes greedily take in every curve and dip, hands reaching out to grope the toned skin. Pulling. Teasing. Not enough time in the world to savor the Adonis that was Toji Fushiguro.

His hands were pulling up your shirt haphazardly. Bunching your panties with two fingers, pulling down down down till your cunt was bare and spread open so shamefully for him. “Shit, so wet n’ ready. This for me or that brat, huh?” he grunts cruelly, lowering himself beside you to murmur in your ear.

“Now, on your knees, princess. Be a good lil’ slut for me and don’t make me wait.”  breath hot against your ears, making you shudder so sinfully. It made him want to eat you alive.

You consider disobeying him, just to face his delicious punishment. But that predatory look in his eyes has you immediately dropping to the ground in front of him.

Your hungry gaze takes in the heavenly sight before you. Legs spread, eyes half-lidded, pants pulled down just enough so that his heavy, leaking cock bobbing enticingly in the air. 

Eyes widening, your cunt clenches in both fear and anticipation. Shit, maybe this was why he was holding back. 

He was big. Ridiculously big, and rock-hard. Furiously red with thick veins running down the side, glistening with precum.

“C’mon now, if you’re gonna act like such a slut then learn to take it like one, princess.” Saliva pools on your tongue, warm as it hits Toji’s thick tip, achingly hard. A carnal part of you relishes in the low hiss that leaves him. 

Your tongue snakes out, unable to hold yourself back any longer. Swiping at the droplets of precum pooling on his tip. The sinfully salty taste explodes on your tongue, sending shocks of pleasure right to your cunt.

You feel his intense gaze on you as your mouth wraps around his thick head, inching down slowly. Stretching your lips obscenely, filling you up in ways you never thought were possible. 

Your breath gets caught in your throat as he pulses in your throat. It was overwhelming and everything you wanted to be doing right now.

Ah, but you should’ve known by now. Should’ve realized as your teary eyes look up to meet the dangerous glint in his. 

With a feral groan, his hips thrust forward. You were too slow. 

Hardening impossibly at the way you choke and gag around him, tears springing to your eyes. Using you in a way that was so debauched. “Hah- Fuck. love it when you sing, princess, but you look better choking on my cock.”

Your nose was buried in his pubic hair now, wet with saliva and precum. His heady, masculine scent filling your senses. Toji’s thrusts were jerky, desperate. 

Grip searing on your scalp, Toji uses it as leverage as he fucks your face till his tip hits your poor, abused throat. Moving you up and down on his cock with mindless need, hips rutting with reckless abandon.

Yet, you wanted more. Needed more. More more more. You wanted to feel him deep inside you, splitting you open, making you come harder than you ever thought possible.

And you’re guessing it showed on your dazed eyes. Because a broken, dangerous laugh leaves him. His grip on your hair intensifies, pulling your head back roughly until your eyes water. “More? You want fucking more? Then prove it.” 

Toji’s thrusts increase in speed, his raspy grunts becoming louder and louder as he rams his cock deeper into your mouth, your pussy throbbing in response.

You moan around his erection, unable to form coherent sentences due to his length stretching your throat. 

Without hesitation, you reach up and grab his balls, massaging them firmly as you suck him deeper. Pressing right in between that one spot you knew would make him see stars. Pressing tight little circles. Over and over-

An appreciative groan leaving him, Toji’s thrusts become erratic. Movements growing frantic. “Fuck, Fuck, princess, you're going to be the death of me,” he curses, his voice strained.

You rub your thighs together desperately, relaxing your throat more, refusing to let go. Desperate to taste him, to experience the blissful agony of his seed painting your mouth. But when has Toji ever let you have your way? Never, that’s when.

Instead, he yanks your head back, pulling you off his cock with a rough, almost cruel motion. Your lips pop free, leaving his sensitive head exposed to the cool air. Gasping for breath, your chest heaves as you try to regain your composure.

Before you can even register what's happening, Toji pulls you into him, forcing you on your hands and knees. Large hands grasp your waist, holding you firmly in place. “Face down, ass up. You’re going to take it like a good little slut.”

Delicious goosebumps erupt down your spine. Licking a long, languid stripe down your back along them as you position yourself before him, Toji couldn’t help but huff out a dangerous laugh at your sinful gasp.

Mouth watering at your glistening cunt, clenching so pathetically around nothing, Toji pools your juices on two of his fingers. Promptly pushing them into his mouth with a lewd pop! groaning at his favorite taste. “Next time, I’m gonna eat out your pretty lil’ cunt while you suck on my cock, princess.”

“Please, daddy. Anything.”

Fingers circling your wet entrance, your words were music to Toji’s ears. Music that mingles with your needy, disappointed whine as he abruptly pulls away. But that doesn’t last too long - with low hiss, he buries his throbbing cock into your dripping cunt with almost no preparation.  

You keen at the stretch as he presses in - deliciously painful, boderling insane, and exactly what you wanted right now. Splitting you apart on his throbbing cock. 

Toji was hot and throbbing agonizingly inside you, each little bump bump bump sending white-hot pleasure down your spine.

“Ah- are- are you all the way in, daddy?” he hears you whimper, voice tinged with helpless desperation. Huffing out a laugh, Toji’s greedy gaze catches on the obscene sight of you sucking him up so sinfully below. “Not even close, princess.”

Pushing in shallow, determined little thrusts that have your hot cunt enveloping him deeper and deeper. Cock hardening impossibly at the soft ah! ah! ah! leaving your mouth each time he rams into you. If you wanted it so bad, you were going to get all of it. A hoarse groan leaves him as his heavy balls meet your twitching folds, fat tip kissing your cervix - finally bottoming out. 

Now, Toji knows he’s big - takes pride in it, in fact. But he’s never been more proud of the fact than right now, hungry gaze taking up the way your eyes widen in shock, snug walls clenching down with the struggle to accommodate him. 

“You alright, princess?” he taunts, voice thick with satisfaction as he watches your face twist with a mix of pleasure and pain. “Can’t your slutty lil’ pussy handle my cock?” Tell me, he as big as me? 

And, of course, you snap back - because you’re mouthy even when you’re whining around his thick cock. Ah, next time he’s gotta make you choke on it for longer. 

“Fuck you, daddy.” your response is a feral growl, hips desperately trying to fuck back into his. “If you’re not all talk then fuck me like you want to already.”

Smack! 

A sharp slap stinging your cheek, you groan in response as absolutely raw, carnal fucking need courses through Toji’s veins. Intoxicating him. Oh, he was going to ruin you. Grinning cruelly, he utters “Then take it. And don’t fucking complain.”

With that, he begins to move. Not easing in, ramming into you with animalistic efficiency. Your ass stinging as each thrust has his hips meeting yours brutally. Toji’s pretty sure his hips were out of control at this point, high off your teary cries of pain and pleasure. That cluttered studio heady with sex and pure, animalistic desperation.”S’good- ah! S’too much-”

Smack!

There’s no going back now. Toji fucks you in a way that makes you feel so deliciously filthy. Plunging into your heated cunt with no restraint. Thrusts positively savage. Every inch of him fills you, stretching you beyond your limits, and you love every painful second of it.

Vision blurring at the edges, you reach out a hand to grab the armrest for stability. Body jerking with each movement, his bruising grip on your hips the only thing keeping you from being fucked off the sofa.

“Who’s fucking ruining you like this?”

“You! Jus’  like that. Fucking ruin me, daddy.” Legs shaking uncontrollably, arching impossibly deeper onto his throbbing cock, you whine each time his length slides in and out of your swollen folds. “Harder…please, harder.” you plead, fucked out.

For perhaps the first time, he obliges, increasing his speed mindlessly. God, you were sure both of you were about to explode any second now. 

Fucked out of your mind, you barely register the muscled front pressing into you, abs rippling against your back. Large hands snake from your hips, leaving deep, purple marks for you to remember him by. 

Smack! 

Another handprint on your ass, as you frantically move your hips to meet Toji’s unforgiving cadence. Sensing your urgency, one of his hands finds itself on your throbbing clit, drawing methodical, harsh circles on it. Pressing just enough to have you seeing stars being your eyes. And the other - digging into your neck.

Your frantic moans choke in your throat, feeling fucking delirious off both the change in angle and the hand around your throat. Eyes flashing at the lack of air and the blood roaring in your ears - and Toji. 

“Open your mouth, princess.” he grows, voice dangerously close to your ears, cock still driving into yours with brutal precision. The intensity of the moment - electric. 

Mindlessly, you comply, tongue lolling out so lewdly. That’s when he does it - without warning, he spits into your open mouth. Once. Twice. Three times.

Steady stream of saliva slightly missing your face - on purpose, you absentmindedly realize - as it dribbles over your kiss-bitten lips and down the side of your face. A marking. 

“No one else gets to fuck you like this, princess.”

Hot on your tongue, sliding down to your throat. He tasted of such sin, it made your cunt clamp down hard.

“Now, what do good girls say?” he grits out, through clenched teeth. The absolute insanity in his voice matching the frenzy coiling inside of you.

“Thank you, daddy.”

You reach around to capture his lips with yours, nails digging into his neck hard enough to draw blood - a marking of your own. White-hot ropes of pleasure making you gasp into his lips - tender where his cock was unforgiving.

In the lewd haze of the moment you’re dimly aware of Toji’s body shuddering above you, throbbing cock twitching deeply in your pussy.

“Oh, fuck! M-hah- M’cumming, better take every drop like my good lil’ slut. Fuck.” 

You flinch as he groans ragged profanities into your mouth. Tight balls squeezing painfully as he cums with a loud groan of your name. Thick, hot ropes that paint your walls white. Two large arms wrap bruisingly tight around your waist, veins popping out as he crushes you impossibly close to him. Toji’s hips not giving up their torture on your abused, awaiting cunt, pumping his seed deeper and deeper. 

Full. You feel so full. And so, so complete. 

You can feel such an obscene mix of your slick and his cum mapping down your legs every time his hips slam into yours. Dripping onto the cushion, pooling at the sofa in a way so sloppy, you knew you’d have to scour online later for a replacement.

Stomach now feeling uncomfortably inflated and hot, vision blurry, you collapse onto the cushion. The last of your strength leaving you with the orgasm that you’re sure fried your brain. You mewl at both the sensitivity and the sudden emptiness as Toji pulls out with a wet pop!

A rush of cum gushes out of you, drenching both you and the cushion below. Limp and boneless beneath him,  you let out a sigh at the heat of his release seeping into your skin.

A soft silence fills the room like a lullaby. Everything feels so heavy. So dizzying and so warm. You barely register the strong hands lifting you gently towards the direction of the bathroom. The only thing on your mind being Toji and what a privilege it was to fall asleep in someone’s arms. You wouldn’t really mind this every night…

And in the dim lighting of that heady studio, fucked to sleep and covered in sweat and his cum, Toji thinks you’ve never looked so beautiful.

His heart lurches as he realizes - in all of Paris, the one sight he wants to look at is you. His pretty popstar.

---

“For the last time. I don’t do celebrities, especially not spoiled pretty popstars.”

Undeterred, the blond man leans forward in his chair, his expression indiscernible behind those glasses. “We’re told you’re the best of the best, even from ex-military. And if money’s the issue then I’ll double- no, triple whatever you’re making right now.”

Jaw tightening, skepticism dripped from his words. “All this for some celebrity drama?” 

“Fushiguro, we’re talking big people, and even bigger money. And a girl’s life in genuine danger on top of it all,” a hint of desperation creeping into words that cut through the tense air. 

“Genuine danger, huh?”

Toji runs a hand through his hair, questioning what the fuck he got himself into by opening the door for this human definition of a stick up one’s ass. Mind racing, eyes darting around the room, they catch yours - twinkling on the glossy cover of some magazine thrown haphazardly on the table. 

Traitorously, something prickly and uncomfortable settles in his stomach as the words ring in his ears. 

Genuine danger. 

Heaving out a sigh, he narrows his eyes at the man currently studying his reaction. 

“A year. That’s it. No more, no less. I don’t care if that prima donna princess of yours begs on her knees otherwise.”

But right now, your twinkling gaze set on him, lips curved into a blinding smile as you waltz through Los Angeles International Airport - as much as you could with your entourage - some small, raw part of him thinks he wouldn’t mind staying like this for a long, long time. 

LAX was probably one of your favorite airports. Not because of its size or architecture, but because of the thrumming energy of the opportunity to come. Namely, your Grammy performance.

Eyes slightly heavy, yeah, you were cutting it close - to Nanami’s ever-graying hair at the stress.  But hey - at least no paparazzi tipped off for your unexpected arrival.

You just couldn’t resist the temptation to push your departure off for a day. Taking the extra time to wander along the Seine with Toji, talking about everything from your new dance number for next month’s Madrid show to why Nanami was a masochist for staying in this industry, all the way to Toji’s military stories that even Hollywood couldn’t dream up. 

The setting sun casting a soft glow on both of your uncanny disguises - your choice of course. A newfound understanding crackling between you two.

And right now, his presence steadfast behind yours as you weave through the bustling terminal, you feel a rush of excitement at finally performing that little project you’d been working on. 

More specifically what Toji’s reaction to it would be. Would he love it? Would he hate it? Would he realize just what that inconspicuous voice memo you bothered him into was actually for? 

But then came the real test: would he realize just who it was for?

The thought made you smirk inwardly. Imagine Toji’s face when he puts two and two together. 

Turning around, you catch Toji’s eye, a mirthful glint dancing in yours. “So, Toji, ready to witness greatness at the Grammys?” you quip, tone playful as you bump shoulders with him. Of course, the man barely budges. 

He raises an eyebrow, smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “As long as I don't have to wear a tuxedo, princess.”

“Aww, and here I was thinking we could match.” you whine. Though a chuckle leaves your lips, “And that reminds me…” you trail off as your voice drops to a conspicuous whisper.

Delighting at the playful sigh that leaves his lips as Toji leans down, allowing you to whisper words meant for only him. “You better reward me after my performance, y’know. I remember someone saying something about ‘eating me out till I cry’” 

“You won’t be getting any reward if you continue acting like such a slut, princess.” warm breath tickling your ear as he murmurs. 

“If the shoe fits.” you bat your lashes, mockingly innocent. 

“If the shoe fits then please get into the car. The driver’s here and the team are on their way.” Nanami’s no-nonsense voice rings out. Already sounding dangerously close to an impending stroke. 

“Yes, mother.” you quip, stifling your laughter as you step outside. It’s a short walk to your destination, the cool morning breeze greeting you as you head for your waiting car, just stuck behind some slightly-oddly parked blue car. 

Ah, that’s LA for you, you chuckle inwardly, walking towards it - that strangely familiar blue car. The one you’ve seen a few too many times these past few weeks in the corner of your vision. 

Strange.

Steps slightly speeding up, a cold sweat trickles down your spine. Unease prickling at the back of your mind, something tells you you’re being watched. And not in the way of paparazzi snapping a stray picture.

Subconsciously, you take a half-glance inside the car - time freezes. Heart immediately lurching into your throat at the sight.

There. 

The door swings open. 

A flash of blue hair, one foot out of that dreaded blue car - is him. You don’t know how you knew it was him. You don’t know how you knew he was there. The only thing being your eyes locked on that glinting knife in his hand. Winking mockingly at you in the morning sun. 

Gray eyes locked on yours, whirling with chilling maniacal intensity. The cool morning breeze feels icy against your skin as a primal fear claws at your insides once you realize the imminent danger.

Toji’s trained instincts kick into high gear, eyes locked with his. Positioning himself between you and the assailant, his hand reaches for the weapon concealed beneath his suit jacket. Only for them to stutter in midair as he realizes they’re still safely stored in his checked luggage. Unreachable. 

Shit. Clever bastard.

Nanami moves with a swift grace, eyes scanning the surroundings for any nearby law enforcement. 

Mahito’s lips curl into a malevolent smirk as he realizes the vulnerability, grip tightening on his knife as he takes a menacing step forward. The air so tense you found it hard to breathe.

“You.” the words ring venomously, panic surging within you. “You think you’re so high and mighty, huh?”

“Step back before you do something you regret, you freak.” Toji’s voice is steady, body poised for action. Eyes locked on every minute tremor of the knife in his hands.

His eyes wide and bloodshot, staring right into Toji - almost as if trying to look at you through him. “Little princess~” he taunts in an eerie sing-song voice. “Why did you leave me here all alone, I was lonely, y’know~ And this gorilla never left you alone, ah what a pain to follow you around. But I did it- of course, I did it for my princess.” 

Another step forward.

No one engaged with Mahito’s delirious rambles. Nanami’s hand was firm on your shoulder, whispering in your ear to get away. Now. 

But your mind was stuck on the words that cut through you like a knife - the knife that he was now slicing through the air in jagged, deranged motions. “She can’t leave. She belongs here with me.”

Before anyone can react, Mahito throws himself forward with startling speed. Glinting blade deadly through the air. You stagger backward, the world spinning in a dizzying blur of fear and desperation.

Toji springs into action with lightning speed, body lunging expertly. Hands deflecting the blade with a swift motion. Knife flashing mere millimeters away from his skin.

Yet Mahito continues struggling relentlessly. Each movement calculated and cold. Hand slashing at Toji as he ducks and weaves away, attempting to divert the attack away from you. 

The grip on your shoulder tightens, “Let’s get away now. While he’s distracted.” 

You’re being pulled away before you know it. 

Movements sluggish in the air thick with tension and fear. Your body is frozen, ice running through your veins. Nanami’s urgent hold on your shoulder moving you away. 

But your eyes remain locked on Toji.

On the way he swiftly tries to find an opening amidst the blur of movement, knife slashing away as if it were a game. You were fighting to look back now, body twisting against the one moving you away. Struggling to follow Toji’s powerful kick to Mahito’s midsection. The impact knocking the wind out of him, knife faltering. Yet rage still surging.

Hand coming down down down. Merciless metal meeting skin. Red-hot crimson flashing behind your eyes and staining the ground below Toji as he’s slashed viciously. 

It’s in New York that you meet Toji Fushiguro.

It’s in Los Angeles that you think you might lose him.

The sickening sound of metal against flesh echoing amidst the blood-curdling scream you don’t realize you let out. 

The sound making Mahito falter for the briefest millisecond, a flicker of hesitation flitting across his twisted features.

And it’s all the opening Toji needs. 

Launching himself at the man, colliding with a bone-jarring impact that has both bodies crashing to the ground. 

A deadly struggle, and despite Mahito’s fierce grappling - fueled by pure madness - he’s no match for Toji’s punishing blows. Every strike clear and calculated, pinning his flailing hands to the ground.

The screech of metal against gravel and distant footsteps ring in your ears, as Toji wrestles the knife from his hands. Glinting metal skidding away.

 For a fleeting moment, the world seems to hold its breath.

“You’re supposed to be with me.” Mahito's voice pierces through the din, voice hoarse and desperate. “I’m the one who’s been there for you ever since you stepped foot in that godforsaken agency. Me. It’s me.” he snarls. Eyes cutting into yours.

Takedown tightening, Toji pins his body tighter against the ground. “You don’t have the right to talk to her, you blue-haired freak. Be grateful we’re in broad daylight and I can’t rip you limb from limb for her.”

You release a breath you didn’t know you were holding as Toji’s strained yet still steady voice rings in your ears - in tune with the voices you’re now realizing were surrounding you. As uniform-clad figures rush into your circle of vision, you distinctly realize with a jolt that it’s over. 

Knees weakening in relief, you feel them hit the gravel. It’s all over. You feel light-headed - absolutely delirious. Vision blurring with tears and all you can see is red red red. 

Blood roaring in your ears, you miss Mahito’s shrieks as he’s restrained and escorted away. The only thing registering in your mind being the warm hand under your arm, pulling you up gently as if you were something so utterly precious. 

Toji.

“Are you okay, princess? Need me to loosen another one of that bastard’s teeth?” he rumbles slowly, slightly breathless. As you cling onto the words like a lifeline, a fresh wave of tears prick your eyes at his uncharacteristically careful tone.

“Are you okay?” you repeat, words heavy with remorse as you blink at the sight of that stark red against his t-shirt. A deep gash running along his side that left Toji vulnerable in ways you knew he would never openly admit. 

Seeing your shaken state, he lets out a sigh. Pulling you flush against his chest, careful to avoid his injury. “I’ll be fine princess.” he murmurs, quiet words strained and meant for only you, amidst the chaos in the background. You lean into his touch, reveling in the feeling of him being solid and whole and here. With you.

You think you could stay like that forever. 

Ah, but one can’t get everything they want. 

Nanami’s voice cuts through the fragile peace with his usual calm authority, “I've spoken with the authorities,” you whirl around to meet his exhausted gaze. “They’ve assured me that Mahito will be taken into custody, and measures are being put in place to prevent any future incidents.”

Eyes flitting between you and Toji, he continues, voice taking on a much softer tone. “There’s no need for you to attend the Grammys after all that happened, I understand and will contact them if you wish to stay here.” And with that, Nanami walks away to a nearby police officer, presumably to give a statement - but you knew better, grateful for the moment of privacy he’d given you two.

Right. The Grammys.

Part of you is relieved at the prospect of not having to pretend that everything is fine in front of the flashing cameras and millions of scrutinizing eyes. And the other part, well, you glance up at Toji. 

Wide eyes meeting those green ones. Unspoken questions swirling between you two like a whirlwind. Is it really over? What does that mean for us? Will you stay?

Please stay.

“I don’t want to go,”  you confess quietly, voice barely above a whisper. “I want to stay here with you, make sure you’re okay.”

Toji’s gaze softens, a hint of warmth flickering in his usually steely eyes as he brushes a stray lock of hair from your face. “My princess worries about me, hm? I’ll be fine.” he reassures, yet words weak from the pain. “Go out there and kill it.”

And in the delicate tension of it all you find it in yourself to arch your eyebrow skeptically, “Fine? You’re bleeding out, Toji. That doesn’t exactly scream ‘fine’ to me.”

“I’ve had worse, I promise. Worst case scenario I track that freak down and break his arm.”

You let out a watery laugh as Toji leans down, hot breath fanning your face. His lips brush against yours in a tender kiss. A silent reassurance. But just as quickly as it began, he pulls back with a playful bite to your lower lip.

“Now go. Blow the overpriced silk pants off of all those overrated snobs. Trust me.”

You almost bristle at his words, but that twinkle of fondness in his eyes made all your inhibitions melt away - involuntarily, of course. Throat tight, you give an affirmative nod. 

Now, Toji always did delight in catching you off guard. But right now, ignoring the fussing EMTs, watching you be hastily ushered away by your team - the words tumble out before he can stop them. 

“Oi, princess.” he calls out, voice carrying over the chaos. “I love ya.”

And as he watched you trip over nothing but thin air, a lightheaded chuckle leaves him - maybe it was the bloodloss, probably it was that adorable look on your face. “Smooth, princess.” he laughs.

As you regain your composure and flip him off, promptly being whisked away by Nanami - who looks two steps into his grave already - Toji can’t help but feel a sense of pride swell within him. “Tha’s my girl,” he mutters to himself, a rare gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

---

“Ladies and gentlemen, music aficionados around the world. It is my pleasure to announce our next performance, a star who needs no introduction. Get ready to witness the talent, the charisma, and the sheer audacity of the one, the only-.”

Cameras flashing. Cheers roaring, The anticipation electric as your name echoes through the auditorium, the audience’s excitement reaching a fever pitch as you take to the stage.

“Buckle up, darlings, because this is ‘Government Hooker’!”

---

“They don’t call you pop royalty for nothing, huh? You're going to take over the charts with that one!”

“Girl, who was that sexyass voice in that song? Drop me his number if you aren’t already with him.”

“Stunning as usual, huh?”

The whirlwind of congratulations and praise envelop you back at the Grammys afterparty. Your hand throbs from being clutched so tightly, and you can’t help but smile at the adrenaline and euphoria thrumming through your veins, washing away most of what happened earlier today. Yeah, you killed it.

But as you navigate through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and posing for photos, a nagging part of your mind keeps returning to Toji. Red, red to match your gown. He should’ve been here with you tonight. 

Nodding and smiling along at the compliments, you find yourself drifting away from the bustling center of the party. Constantly checking your phone for any updates other than Nanami’s “He’s alive.” text from a few hours ago.

Ah, there it is.

Finally reaching the exit, goosebumps erupt along your skin as you step out into the chilly night air. You’re momentarily blinded by the barrage of camera flashes from the waiting paparazzi outside. Their shouts merging into an indistinguishable cacophony. 

Yet, you push forward, determined to reach your awaiting car.

Just as you approach the curb, a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulls up beside you, tinted windows shielding the figure inside. God, you gotta remember to give Nanami a raise.

Swiftly sliding in, “Nanami you wouldn’t believe-” 

“I’d hope I don’t look anything like that walking resignation letter.” 

Your eyes widen in disbelief as you turn towards the figure seated beside you, and there he is. Toji.

All signature smirk and twinkling eyes despite the bandages wrapped tightly around his torso.

A gasp leaves as your eyes catch on them, a million thoughts running through your head at once. “Wait, what are you even doing here- You’re hurt, are you even okay- Should we call the ambulance? Those look like-”

“Woah woah, slow down princess. I’m clearly alive, hm? Why, shouldn’t your muse be there to personally pick you up?” he chuckles. “Besides, you killed it out there. That shit was playing was all that every radio was playing for the last hour.”

You can’t help but laugh at his teasing tone, relief flooding through you at the sound of his voice. “Well, you are the exception.” Reaching over and gently cupping his cheek, that small scar was rough against your thumb.

Leaning in, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights, you take in the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles, the way his hand rests protectively on your thigh.

“Thank you.” you whisper, breath hot against his lips. And though you don’t specify for what - both of you know. Both of you understand. Your lips meet his in a lingering kiss, he tastes of mint and the anticipation of something new and freeing. 

Pulling away slightly, his gaze meets yours with a rare little vulnerability. “Always, princess.” A raw second of silence.

One. Two. Before a smug smirk curls his lips, hand squeezing your thigh. “Now, I remember someone wanting to be eaten out till she cried as a reward?”

You can’t help but roll your eyes, “Oh yeah? Right here, right now?”

“Think we’ll make the front page, princess?”

“I know so.” 

It’s in New York that you meet Toji Fushiguro.

It’s right now, giggling amidst the chaos of flashing cameras and forgotten afterparties, that you think you just might love him.

A/N. Actually frothing at the mouth I want him so bad y’all. Also, reader isn’t Lady Gaga, I just think the song fit.

Reblogs so, so appreciated.

Plagiarism not authorized.

[xwcxcanxbcxhcrosx]

general tag drop

✶ — ┊❛ it was one of those great stories ❜┊❮   drabbles   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ and i don't wanna wear this cape ❜┊❮   memes   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ we don't need another hero ❜┊❮   dash games   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ will our story shine like a light or end in the dark? ❜┊❮   resources   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ everybody needs a hero ❜┊❮   answered   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ yeah there goes my hero ❜┊❮   promo   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ well we can be heroes just for one day ❜┊❮   starter call   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ out of the ruins; out from the wreckage ❜┊❮   closed starter   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ and we kissed as though nothing could fall ❜┊❮   plot bunnies   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ we can be us just for one day ❜┊❮   wanted opposite   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ when i was a kid, i thought i'd save the world ❜┊❮   out of character   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ we could steal time just for one day ❜┊❮   self promo   ❯ ✶ — ┊❛ and i don’t need the glory i don’t need the fame ❜┊❮   open starter   ❯

[mircsy]

I feel like this may be opening a can of worms based on your page but uhh… who is Diomedes???

Was he a soldier in the Trojan War that Odysseus fought with that was gay for Ody? Lol

Ahahaha, no worries, I wasn’t aware of who he was either until I joined the EPIC Writing Server

So in short (as much as I know about him):

We need to go back until his father, Tydeus, actually. Tydeus was one of the Seven against Thebes, favored by Athena, and like many of that seven he lost his life in that war when Diomedes was (most popularly) 4 years old. Diomedes vowed revenge, and around the age of 14 he gathered the sons of the Seven against Thebes, they became the Epigoni (there is a lost epic about this story, why did it get lost…😭) and successfully conquered Thebes.

Before or after the Epigoni (don’t try to set up a timeline in Greek myth) he became the king of the city Argos. HOWEVER, he spent more time at wars then at home (with his wife Aegialia), or at least that’s thought.

Yes, he went to Troy to fight (whether because he was bound by the oath, or just because of fame and glory is unclear). He is said to be one of the youngest warriors but with the most experience, he was the third best among the Greeks, mostly because of Tydeus Athena favors Diomedes as well (she’s always so strict with him, like, c’mon Athena, he’s doing his best), which kinda connects him to Odysseus. If you read the Iliad, 95% of the time they are together. They go on a night mission together to steal horses, when the Trojans break through their defence and Diomedes gets shot in the foot, Odysseus covers him until he retreats, on another mission near the end of the war they steal the Palladium together and Odysseus betrays him and-

Ah… Too many stories for one blog… If anyone wants to share more, please feel free. (I’m looking at you @still-mourning-polites /lh 😂)

But here, this is one reason they are shipped like heck. I couldn’t decide, which translation to use, so here’s Robert Fagles’ (first pic) and Emily Wilson’s (second pic) of the Iliad, Book 10, when Diomedes has to choose who will accompany him on the mission

[klausinamarink]

Oop let's try this again; for the birthday fics: “Because you’re a jinx!” angsty Steddie established relationship, chasing fame Eddie and some guy Steve who gets discovered while Eddie's band keeps being passed over? Platonic hellcheer and platonic Stobin.

I couldn’t find a way to put in the platonic ships but it’s still Steddie. Enjoy the angsty flavour electric boogaloo.

It was supposed to be Eddie’s lucky day.

This was supposed to be his time. The moment when the rich suits would look at Eddie and immediately offer him the contract that finally pushed his music to fame.

But it was just another fucking mediocre performance. Only a few people out of the dozens in the crowd cheered, but that was worse than getting no response at all. Nobody even went up to them for an autograph, their numbers, Instagram handles, music samples, anything that would’ve made the night worth it.

Eddie stayed silent and seething for the whole drive home. The rest of the band left on their own respective vehicles, though Jeff had lingered longer to say something that Eddie mentally filtered out. Probably some shitty encouragement or a call to quit. 

His hands tightened around the wheel. Eddie felt the pulsing headache crawl to the back of his eyes. Goddamnit, he needed to sleep.

Maybe in Steve’s arms, but for once, Eddie just wanted to be alone for tonight. 

After he parked the car and trudged the stairs back to his apartment, Eddie bit his lip until he tasted the sting of copper. 

He was so tired. Not just physically, but in very foul shape that took its claws into him. It was the apathetic crowds and uninterested advisors. How the rest of the band delayed practice more and more. The bland methodical act of cutting up another piece of his shrinking soul as a muse for his lyrics. 

But still. He was close to that single star of recognition. Eddie had to taste it.

Unlocking the door, Eddie kept himself from collapsing until he dropped his guitar case and landed face-first on the couch. 

In the bedroom, he could catch some muffled conversation, the floor creaking as Steve paced back and forth inside. 

Eddie frowned and checked his phone for any missed messages. Steve hadn’t texted him since five,  soon after Eddie had left for the worst night of his life. It was almost eleven now. So why was his boyfriend still up and talking to someone?

Before Eddie could try and get up, the door opened and Steve came out, his phone in hand. Steve glanced up and stopped in his tracks when he saw Eddie. He gave a bright smile.

“Hey, babe! You okay?” 

Eddie groaned. If he had the energy, he could scream into the pillows.

The floor creaked as Steve approached and gently laid a hand on his back. “Was the band okay?”

Eddie groaned again, unable to hold himself back from pressing against Steve’s hand. He could really use a fucking massage. Or some quick, stress-relief sex. “It’s fucking awful. It’s always fucking awful.”

Steve made a sympathetic noise, “I’m sorry to hear that, Eds.”

Eddie lifted his head up and peered at Steve. Despite his words, there was an odd light in Steve’s eyes and his lips were fighting desperately not to smile.

“What is it?” He asked.

Steve had the nerve to look spooked, “Uh, well, I don’t want to ruin your mood-”

“What is it?”

Steve stared at him for a moment before he sighed like it was the start of a serious discussion.

“You know that audition I did back in Chicago two weeks ago?” Steve bit his lip. It only revealed the cracks of excitement on his face and Eddie already knew what he was about to say. “Well, my agent called and said that I’m officially casted. I’m gonna be in a HBO show!”

Record scratch.

Eddie only stared at Steve as the news hit him with the speed of a truck. When he saw Steve’s smile in full glory, he only saw blank faces who spat at him with rejection and disappointment and ‘try better’s. 

How the fuck does Steve get so many gigs when Eddie could barely find an open venue in advance? And now he’s going to work for fucking HBO, Jesus Christ-

Steve was frowning at him, “You- are you not happy?”

“Of course, I am!” Eddie said quickly. It felt hard to speak when there was something now stuck and burning in his throat. He got up from the couch and walked to the kitchen. He needed a drink. Maybe not alcohol, though tempting. But some actual water but he was too exhausted and sober for this shit. 

“I’m always here to support my wonderful and talented boyfriend who never misses an audition. Who always gets a spot in whatever he plays in, even if it’s a fucking diaper commercial or a glorified extra who gets five more cents than his less impressive boyfriend.” 

As he spoke, his words became more tinted with venom. Eddie took an empty glass and filled it under the tap. He almost choked from gulping it down in one go. It cooled his throat, but the burning simply expanded through his veins.

“Okay, you’re mad.” Steve said slowly, now behind him.

Eddie laughed bitterly, “Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. They taught you that in acting class or was it a trick from your last ex?”

“Jesus, okay, Eddie.” Steve put his hands on Eddie’s shoulders but Eddie shook him off with more force than necessary. “You’re obviously in a bad mood and my news isn’t making it better, but you did ask and-”

Eddie whirled around. He was seeing red at the corners of his vision. “And now it’s my fault?!”

Steve backed away, his hands up in a plea of surrender. His face pinched with concern and hurt. “Eddie, let’s, let’s just go to bed. Take a shower-”

“Stop treating me like I’m a child!” 

“Fuck, even a child would tell me what’s making them this upset!”

“You wanna know why I’m so upset? Huh?” Eddie smacked a hand against Steve’s chest, pushing his boyfriend away. “Take a guess with your ‘subtlety’ talents and maybe you can fucking figure it out.”

“No, I- Eds, baby-” Steve stopped to take a breath. He looked back at Eddie with more firmness, but he saw the way Steve’s ego was crumbling in his eyes. “Can you please just tell me why are you acting like this? Was it because I did something or-?”

Eddie’s anger flared. It touched the back of his mouth so he spat it all out like a dragon. “Oh, everything you do with your squeaky clean and easy career is the reason why I’m pissed at you. You get all of these stupid roles to play some stupid character Twitter would make discourse for while I have spent the last three years trying to find someone who’s willing to listen to my band play in a goddamn studio! But I keep missing these opportunities for some reason that I’m starting to think that we’re cursed or shit.”

“Eds, it can’t-”

“And don’t you say you know how it feels like because you never knew how to fucking fail, Stevie! Everything you do is just rich executives giving you silver platters. I bet they all want that Harrington blowjob.”

Steve gasped softly and shook his head. He now had his arms around himself like it would protect him. “That’s not true- Why are you even saying these things to me?!”

“Because you’re a jinx! Because you’re Steve Harrington and I hate your dumb luck!”

Eddie’s words echoed across the apartment as he breathed heavily. He wouldn’t be surprised if it went out the windows and into the streets. 

Steve held an unbelievably idiotic expression. Mouth half-open, a slack jaw, glossy eyes that just stared at Eddie without any more light shining in them.

Finally, he spoke so quietly that Eddie had to strain to hear, “Okay… I’m going to Robin’s.”

With that, Steve hurried out, having some decency to not slam the door.

And then it was just Eddie, alone in the kitchen with the nasty thoughts and words that would soon bite back at him.

[headfullof-ideas]

All right, I finished it much sooner than I expected, but I finished that drawing, and decided to post it as a separate post instead of yet another reblog to the original post, because I didn’t feel like it. So here I introduce and give a general description of the teenage cast of characters that originate from Berk, even if some of them no longer reside there. This may get a little long-ish

From left to right, we have Camicazi, Dogsbreath, Astrid, and Wartihog, the Berk residing teenagers. These kids are determined to find and bring their former peers back to Berk to face trial for what they’ve done, or something along those lines, they’re not sure what the ‘punishment’ beyond exile is for dragon riding. (Neither is anyone else) And the riders have already been exiled. But they keep messing with Berk, and the surrounding islands and tribes, bringing chaos and destruction practically everywhere they go, so they need to capture them to make them stop! They haven’t exactly told Chief Stoick yet though, he seems a bit indifferent or unsure how to handle the situation at hand.

Camicazi is a self-proclaimed thief, but her sticky finger tendencies aren’t as great as she boasts them to be. They really only come into some effect when she meets someone who doesn’t know her, which is unfortunately not a single person on Berk, who know to protect their belongings around her by now. She’s crazy, and wild, unruly with a thirst for injury and pain on others that can be slightly concerning at times. She’s a lot of bark, and not a lot of bite, except for when she does bite. She tends to be over dramatic about the wrong thing, and lies to save her own skin whenever she appears to be in the slightest amount of trouble. Camicazi can’t stand losing in anyway shape or form, and hates when someone is better at something then she is, even if she’s never done that thing once in her life.

Dogsbreath is Spitelout’s eldest son, Snotlouts older brother. With Stoicks wife, Valka, getting scooped up by a dragon before they ever had a child, and Stoick refusing to remarry, the title of Heir went to the next in line, his eldest nephew. Dogsbreath is the pinnacle of Vikingness to most of the other adults on Berk; big, beefy, a good fighter, ready to fight their enemies and the dragons with endless energy. Unfortunately, Dogsbreath isn’t the greatest with leadership. He’s arrogant, boarheaded, and the biggest bully to any of the kids who are even slightly not Vikingly in his eyes, which has most of the other teenagers standing on tiptoes around him so as not to get dragged in an alley and beaten. Dogsbreaths head is filled with reassurances that he will be Chief someday, throwing that weight around to anyone who tries to discipline him, with Stoick rapidly growing frustrated with Dogsbreath lack of care for the finer details of being Chief. Dogsbreath is only in it for the glory and fame, and none of the responsibility.

Astrid does not go with the riders in this story. With Hiccup non-existent, that relationship never comes to be, and neither does that eye-opening flight on a Night Fury’s back. Astrid is not fond of Ant, Hiccups stand-in, in this story, and is actually quite infuriated and annoyed by him. She’s not close to any of the other kids either, determined to be the best their is, and knock Dogsbreath off his high horse a little bit, especially since he keeps insisiting that they’re meant to be, as Heir to Berk, and Berks toughest Viking maiden. She hates him, but not as much as the traitorous riders, who she is determined to capture herself, bringing down their dragons as well. Astrid has the tiniest flicker of doubts here and there though, and eventually becomes the rider to a Deadly Nadder she names Stormfly, becoming a part of Berks first troupe of Dragon Riders. Don’t worry Astrid fans, Astrid gets there and gets Stormfly and becomes a dragon rider…eventually.

Wartihog is the village flirt and playboy, or as much of a playboy as a sixteen year old with no game can be, anyways. He’s a smooth-talking, yet easily distracted guy, who thinks he’s the coolest guy on Berk. Well, second to Dogsbreath anyways, who’d bash him if he thought Wartihog thought he was better. Wartihog assumes that all the ladies love him, and thinks he’s going to be some hotshot bachelor in the future, with rippling muscles and scars from all the dragons he’s brought down, further gaining the ladies affections. He’s incredibly vain, and loves looking at his own reflection, and refuses a helmet entirely so it doesn’t crush his ‘killer’ hair. Wartihog has a tendency of occasionally going after girls who are a few years younger than him, either because too many girls rejected him, their sister rejected him, or they have some defining trait he thinks is exotic, like hair or eye color. He’s a bit of a creep in that regards, but is pretty easily distracted by either food or another girl, or a girls pissed off parent.

Next up are the infamous exiled dragon riders. On the right are some pretty familiar characters, Snotlout, the twins, and Fishlegs, but on the left is Ant No-Name, and an OC named Kari. After Ant was exiled, Berk didn’t immediately send him away, too preoccupied scrambling to assemble the ships needed to go after the nest now that they knew how to. Which meant Ant was able to show the other, eager, teenagers the basics of dragon riding (hold on for dear life and don’t let go) before they went off to deal with the nest themselves. Ever since then, they’ve been in exile, trying to avoid the numerous enemies they’ve found themselves with.

Ant is called No-Name, because no one knows who his family is. No one’s even really sure how he got to the Archipelago to begin with, just how he got to Berk. His skin tone indicates his family is from far beyond the Archipelagos waters, and being the only person with dark skin in a predominantly white region of the world has caused some self-esteem issues to develop for Ant, which aren’t helped by most everyone else’s reactions to him either. He was the apprentice to Berks resident blacksmith, Gobber the Belch, for practically all twelve years of his life, until he bonded with a Night Fury he accidentally shot and tracked down in the woods, affectionately named Toothless. (Toothless is still named Toothless. I firmly believe that Ant imma name this bear Barry and this alligator Snappy Nekton would come to the same conclusion that Hiccup did when it comes to naming the dragon) Ant never wanted to be a dragon killer, firmly happy with being in the smithy and out of the spotlight, but inevitably was dragged into the spotlight when Toothless was revealed to the rest of the tribe, and he was exiled. Ant is a bit OOC at the beginning, because he’s lived a very different life. He’s quiet, a bit shy, extremely anxious, and sometimes goes mute when faced with something he’s afraid to mess up, or someone with a very thin trigger. His bangs aren’t up yet either, because he hasn’t had ‘character development’ yet (Toothless licked his face and his hair got stuck, lol(kidding)). He gets there though, with some friends and building of self-confidence.

Kari Hasselson (Harper typically, but that’s not a very Vikingy last name) is the second youngest of the initiates, about a year older than Ant himself. She’s got a bit of a temper, especially with Wartihog, and doesn’t have many friends either. Her relationship with her family isn’t…great, but she and Ant get to know each other better during Dragon Training, and she’s one of the first kids to reach out to learn about riding dragons. For all that she’s a spicy angry kitten as a child, Kari mellows out as she gets older, and I’m saying this now, she’s meant to eventually get with Ant. A LONG eventually. It takes years of friendship before they even get there, like, late RTTE age. They’re thirteen and twelve right now, no romantic shippy feels or anything like that happens right now, they’re two chaotic kids trying to become friends at the start of the story, when these drawings take place. They bond over being the youngest initiates through Gobbers crazy teaching methods, and then trying not to be mildly babied by the older riders when they’re in exile, planning tweenage revenge on the others as they go. Nothing happens at first. Kari is also not meant to be JUST Ant romantic interest, when I first made her, it was literally because I thought that boy needed some friends that weren’t fish, so I made him some. Kari just ended up also later filling the romantic role later as well, after I’d made sure she was a developed, rounded character with her own interests and life outside of being the love interest. She’s like an angry kitten.

As for the other, more familiar characters, each of the other riders had their own reasons for leaving. Fishlegs was stuck in the middle of a huge family, where he was swept under the rug, and didn’t want to kill dragons. The twins had an absent father, with a slightly overbearing mother, and an urge to go out and see the world, also leaping at the chance for chaos without an adult telling them no. Snotlout was sick of all his attempts at getting his dad’s attention being ignored in favor of his older brother, wanting to prove that he could do something Dogsbreath could never do. They’re a few years older than Ant and Kari, and with no Berk to fall back to, the kids are all scrambling to survive the Arhipelagos harsh weather and harsher inhabitants.

This is the drawing in its entirety. I’m thinking of maybe drawing the others characters, or at least the ones that are wildly different from their film counterparts. Maybe the Nektons and assorted characters from The Deep, to show what they’re like in this universe. I probably will

[auseryoumayknow]

im gonna do some rambling about the five winners being paralell to a song

Scar:

“The role of the king is a lonely one to play,

But cards in the ring have been dealt in the wrong way.

The role of the king is a lonely one to play,

no matter the lives of the people before me,

All that I seek is the path to glory, glory”

and the scene opens up to scar winning and at the “all that I seek is the path to glory” it fades off to grian like a memory or a flashback

Grian:

Chips in my pocket and blood stains on my hands,

I'm building my legacy right here in the sand. (The sand!!!!) (the sand!!!!!)

I’ll stay until the end and watch it go down in flames (the desert caught on fire!!!)

Yeah, maybe the path is gory,

Whatever it takes to get my glory, glory.

Scott:

LI was told I had to walk away,

Leave my enemies to rot in their own grave.

But scars don't heal, I've given blood a taste.

I'll fake the smile they've seen before,

They'll see I am so much more.”

I don’t feel like I need to explain that one

Pealrio: So, The rule of the land, it's so crucial to obey.

Believe in yourself, or you won't be appreciated. (Her road to self descovery all alone in her tower!)

Don't you overthink it, just do what I say. (Supreme leader we love her)

Lay the politics out before me, (she like spreads cards out on a table)

Whatever it takes to get my glory.

“You need all the power and the fame!”

Cuz that's the game… (THATS THE GAME! THATS THE GAME!!!)

You've been kicked into the sand.

I've built something better than (her tower 😌 she never left the tower)

What you could ever dream of on your own

Martyn:

The role of the king is a lonely one to play,

But cards in the ring have been dealt in the wrong way.

The role of the king is a lonely one to play, (big dawgs)

no matter the lives of the people before me, (watchers over his shoulders as he holds up a sword all dramatic like)

All that I seek is the path to glory.

My legacy,

My glory! (“I don’t care if you’re a clocker, a bad boy, a mean gil-”)

so how do we feel about this cuz if I had drawing skills I would animate to this song (“lonely king” by CG5)

[evita-shelby]

They didn't know we were seeds

Chapter 14

Cw: past trauma, some prejudice, dysfunctional family, i also aged up Gina in this fic

Heaven Lavey belongs to @call-sign-shark thanks for letting me include her!!

@emotionalcadaver @justrainandcoffee @peakyswritings @call-sign-shark

While it isn’t unheard of for a victor to have siblings, it was a shock for most to know the genetically perfect sons of District 2's first career victor had an elder sister.

Katerina, who preceded Jack and Laurie and was an entire foot shorter. She was an amateur writer who never came first in any of the academy’s training but always first in the academic competitions of school.

She was twenty years old when Jack had volunteered, she had hugged him tightly and cried fearing he’d never come back. Katie’s lack of confidence in him had caused a rift between the siblings and when Laurie died, she had blamed mother and Jack for his death causing Jack to cut off ties with her.

His mom still spoke to her, once things had calmed down and the shrink convinced her that what she needed was to mend fences with Katie and close that chapter of their lives. Jack had yet to work up the courage to even acknowledge her existence to anyone. Eva didn’t know how bad things were between them, in fact he only said Katie lived far away and they had never been close.

A lie and a truth.

He used to defend Katie from bullies at school, they used to do facemasks together and she’d pluck his eyebrows before reaping days. When Laurie was lauded for being the carbon copy of their super dead dad, Jack would sling back into the shadows with her while his younger twin brother hogged the spotlight.

Then he won and Laurie died, and he was all alone in the spotlight.

“Laurie would be proud of you.” His mother whispers as he falters at Katie’s doorstep.

He feels stupid, fearing rejection like he rejected Katie’s apologies before cutting her out of his life all together.

So he knocks and when the door opens, he is struck by how time has not changed his sister like it did with him.

Her hair is back to red, she used to hate having been born a blonde so much she used to dye it. Then when Jack tossed her out of his life he had seen she had stopped dying it to keep any association with them to a minimum.

She is wary of his visit but for their mother’s sake doesn’t shut the door in his face.

“Hi, Katie.”

“I’m sorry for what I said and did, K, we were grieving him, and I shouldn’t have kicked you out of the house.” He feels like shit, rightfully so, but still, it is an unpleasant feeling.

But Laurie gains an aunt and Jack regains his only living sibling.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t have. But like you said we were grieving; you were still one foot in the arena, and I suppose I could forgive you one day.” Katie has their mom’s good sense, always the levelheaded one he’d go for advice on things. Not that he always took her advice, when he told her of his plan to volunteer to get his record wiped clean, he still went ahead and did it for a chance at glory and fame.

“I don’t blame you for that.” Once upon a time he would’ve taken this badly and burned that bridge to ash, especially after the games fucked him up. Now even he was shocked at how great he took it.

“So, now that we got that out of the way. Do you want to tell me about your romance with the victor from 10.” His sister asks something he can explain and knows his mother has softened Katie towards Eva if she’s not calling her Laurie’s murderer.

In fact, by the time Gina was dropped off by Carrie, they had made amends and would try to see Eva as another victim of the Games and not a murderer.

By the time July comes, Katie has forgiven him. Surprised him when she became acquainted with Lyme and began to talk to Eva on the telephone in efforts to see things from their perspective.

“Are you afraid one day Laurie’s name will be called?” Katie asks as they talk at the steps of the Justice Hall.

“That day won’t come. Gina and Laurie won’t ever face what we did.” Jack assures her before he is herded to the stage by the frivolous escort, Helvia Anderson, who’s too ecstatic to be there.

Oh, how wrong he was.

Twelve-year-old Regina Nelson is the one heard by Helvia amongst the girls shouting the words Jack has come to hate, “I volunteer as tribute!”

“My, oh my! Regina Nelson, our female tribute for the 72nd Hunger Games!” Helvia’s grating voice will forever haunt his nightmares.

Gina doesn’t understand why no one aside from her mother is proud of her for volunteering. “Do you think my dad would’ve been proud of me, Uncle Jack?”

There is an unsettling feeling from the white haired with the antler crown.

She is a quiet girl, fooling everyone into thinking she is weak and fragile and yet there was a thing in her eyes that tells Eva this will be another Johanna.

The Capitol and those watching would be shocked senseless when the slaughter happens, but every victor here knows the girl will leave with a crown of gold instead of antlers when its over.

Their tributes won’t have a chance against Heaven Lavey, hers will be lucky to survive the bloodbath.

This time they were barely 14 and 13, one from the chocolate plantations in the southernmost village and the other from the main town. Chel could survive in hiding but Andrew had been raised as the District Clerk’s son, his father even had two maids to do the cooking and the cleaning for them.

As usual, Eva’s advice is to run and only take what is lying at the edges, be wary but to try and make allies they trust. Mathew had encouraged the children to train in what they needed to improve and avoid becoming too close to the other tributes.

They aren’t your friends when the bell rings.

She cannot imagine how Jack is dealing with all of this; she hates how little she sees of him as he worries over his niece almost to the point of neglecting the male tribute. Both were children he trained but only one was his blood.

“How are you?” she asks the man barely holding it together as he took out his rage on the punching bag in his floor’s personal gym.

“How do you think?”

He’s not been himself, Lyme had commented that he’s not been eating and waking up screaming from night terrors that terrify Gina and 17-year-old Marius alike. She’s not been able to see him until the second day of training, but she’s not surprised to find him frayed at the seams knowing fully well he’s leaving the games with his niece in a casket.

He had regained his only sister only to lose his niece.

“Its not your fault, you had no idea this would happen, Jack.” Eva waits for him to finish up to speak to him knowing the hell he’s living.

“Just ‘cause you say it doesn’t make it true. Jack is prone to rage, the bruises on her neck that night had been a testament to that. This time it is the punching bag that bears witness to it. “I should’ve taken her from Carrie the moment I had a chance, I should’ve known she’d encourage her to kill herself in the name of so-called glory. When she dies by that white freak’s hand next week it will be because I didn’t do shit to protect her from this!”

It is then that the dam bursts and the victor is brought to his knees by the futility of it all.

Eva holds him, as if they were at home where they could be themselves. He grieves for his niece in her last days while the girl is only partially aware she won’t live long.

“I should have taken her and you and Laurie and run.” He admits between sobs. “We could’ve done it; the kids would be safe, and we could be together like we want.”

Her earrings don’t ping from hidden microphones or cameras. The gym in 2’s floor was blessedly empty of those.

“Where would we go, mi amor?” She is careful not to speak 10’s language here, or anywhere. It was illegal to speak it just like it was to speak anything other than the old tongue of Panem: English.

But they are alone, and knows neither of them will come to harm, especially for what he says next.

“Thirteen, I have been smuggling men and weapons to them with Shelby’s blessing.”

[female-buckets]

What’s your ideal 5 year start for CC? Like, if she’s everything she’s hyped to be, then it feeds the white savior issue the media and some fans have for the WNBA. If she craps out too much, then we don’t get to see the development of a promising rookie, as well as potentially losing the fans who came for her, though I believe that fans who only came for her will either not last, or become fans of teams or other players.

So in your opinion, what’s the optimal way this pans out for the growth of the WNBA and the fan base?

Well, first of all, everyone who watched that Fever/Sun game should now be a Kelsey Mitchell and Temi Fagbenle fan.

If you love the NCAA scoring record book, then you should love Kelsey Mitchell. If you love Iowa, you should love Meg Gustafson teaming up with Temi to win the UK's first Euro championship.

And tonight, everyone got to see Kelsey Mitchell and Temi ball out so everyone gets to become their fans. I heard the Indiana crowd roaring in excitement for the crafty creative offensive plays these wiley veterans made.

Caitlin Clark's ideal 5 year goal should be to permanently reignite the Indiana Fever fandom. Indiana had one of the biggest WNBA fanbases during Tamika Catching's career. And it's Caitlin's job to restore the fanbase to its former glory. It's her job to turn millions of people who are fans of one player into fans of an entire team.

A lot of people want Caitlin to win a WNBA championship in her first 5 years. That's not impossible but it's not entirely up to her. The team needs to be perfectly managed over the next five years and the tanking needs to stop immediately. If Indiana decides to make a coaching change, it better be some hall of fame coach. If they can't find someone like that, stick with Christie.

I hope Caitlin is open to the idea of playing a season in Europe. She could use it as an opportunity to get more game reps playing off the ball.

The biggest moment for Clark fans tonight was her transition logo three. She hasn't had a true logo three all season. She finally got one. And when it happened, she was off the ball. Erica Wheeler initiated the play.

If Caitlin Clark plays off the ball more, she'll get logo threes.

[generic-whumperz]

First Intro Post!

(Okay I feel like I’ll do a couple of these intro posts since I’m kinda all over the place atm and very frazzled- just got back from a three-week vacation.💀 I’ll do a proper intro post later, but rn I just wanna talk about my new oc!)

So I just learned of Picrew a couple days ago and have been messing around on it since. I found this character editor by @elena-illustration this and am obsessed! This is the closest I have gotten to what I think my oc actually looks like. His vibe is sad Greek statue (downturned features, olive skin, curly dark brown hair, strong jawline, with a Grecian nose) with central heterochromia (green-to-gray) and sanpaku eyes).

Can I start a list/chain/share (whatever it’s called?) of your oc’s/Whumpee’s?! I’d love to see what other people’s whumpees look like!

Greek God glory

After a fight, under the ownership of Whumper 1 (Frederik Finnegan, Fred for short).

OC overview: SX-B2217 (Seventeen/Seven for short) is a mysterious human/alien hybrid genetic experiment sold off to a WRU-type facility for a heafty price tag. Seven’s batch was created in The Lab™️ and grown in artificial wombs, then transferred to maturation chambers which accelerated their natural grown rates. These subjects were used for top secret experimentation and were not intended to ever be seen (or used) by the public.

But, (there’s always a ‘but’ isn’t there?) one of The Lab™️ workers made a backdoor deal with a WRU-adjacent facility since The Lab™️ needed funding and the facility was willing to dish out a substantial amount of money for these experimentations called “drones” (may change this name later on?) Drones were created and altered to be quiet, tolerant, docile, and malleable- an accidental perfect pet, but an intentional ideal lab rat. Drones listen to higher authority figures and have little to no sense of bodily autonomy. They are considered to be property though-and-though because they were never a “person beforehand,” do not have friends or families, were created from raw material for specific purposes in a laboratory, and don’t even have names other than their identification codes.

Additional to being a drone, SX-B2217 possesses some strange, mostly invisible abilities that he keeps hidden from Lab™️ and facility workers. However, when shopping for his first pet, Whumper 1 (Fred) picks Seven out of a line-up of freshly shipped in drones because he can sense a great power within Seven that Fred believes he can use to his advantage. Seven is a spooky boi and often seems to be in some sort of trance and can sleep with his eyes open. He’s mute, but seems to be able to subtly communicate non-verbally and react to things before they happen. Over their years together, Fred notices many unusual things about Seven that he can’t quite explain but keeps to himself. Fred is both intrigued and scared of Seven, but they develop a mutual understanding.

Inspired by his family’s famed prize-winning race horses and his love for boxing, Fred buys Seven to use for fighting as he starts an underground pet-fighting ring where people place bets on fights for outrageous sums of money. After several months of training, Seven becomes the best fighter, is ultimately unbeatable, and quickly becomes Fred’s pride and joy and his #1 cash cow. Because of this, Fred does not treat Seven like a “normal pet” which causes issues with other owners/Whumpers. Fred and Seven have a very strange dynamic that will be explored in flashbacks as I begin writing this series because it actually takes place when Caretaker rescued Seven from Whumper 2!

*This was just a background snippet, I will be sharing more down the road, I just wanted to give a little backstory to Seven’s portrait!

P.S. I’m brand new to whump and sharing this was terrifying!

[lloydfrontera]

Do you think Javier wants to be hailed a hero? We know he wants to be a knight or considers him a knight which is why he saves people. But would he want to have the glory that comes with it? What if there was a monster attack or war on the different side of the kingdom and only he was requested by Alicia to help would he go?

Do you think Javier wants to be hailed a hero? We know he wants to be a knight or considers him a knight which is why he saves people. But would he want to have the glory that comes with it?

eeehh not really!

A knight who was always sided with the weak. A hero who pursued justice over immediate power. Lloyd suddenly recalled Javier's appearances throughout the original novel. Yes. Right. I forgot because he's with me all the time, but he was always like this. Javier preferred a conversation in front of a bonfire to a luxurious banquet. He preferred to use the money for a extravagant meal to buy dozens of bread loaves for people in need. He didn’t hesitate to act and didn’t come to regret his decisions. This aspect of his personality remained unchanged even when he became the grandmaster in the novel. If he really wanted, he could have attained all the power and wealth he wanted. If he really made an effort, he could easily have had his own kingdom. But Javier didn’t. He’s really quite the man.

javier doesn't care about power or glory. he easily could've gotten those if he wanted. heck, we outright see him reject the queen's offer to become commander of the royal guards and we're told the same thing happened in tkobai!

“She wanted to see me separately right after the investigation. Her voice was serious.” “What did she say?” “She told me that the position of the commander of the royal guards is open,” Javier explained. “Did she promise to offer you the position? The queen?” “Yes,” Javier nodded as he spoke. Then he added, “So I told her I don’t want it.” “And?” Lloyd stared at Javier intently. “She asked why.” “What was your answer?” “I told her that my only master is Baron Frontera, and no one else.” Javier’s voice grew more serious as if he felt assured by his own words. “Thankfully. Her Highness understood my heart. She smiled and said that she envied the baron. I am very relieved,” said Javier. “Yes, truly, it’s a relief,” Lloyd couldn’t help but smile, and he thought Javier’s reaction was very much like his. The same thing happened in the novel, I think. In the novel, Javier turned down the offer from the queen and the emperor to work for them. And the reason he gave them was pretty much the same as what he just gave. I think it was about how there was only one lord for him, and that was the late Baron Frontera. With such talent, Javier could’ve lived a life of fame and luxury, but he rejected all those good things for the sake of loyalty. Seriously, he’s an impressive guy.

at no point does javier ever express that he wishes to be known as a hero or that he wishes for the glory that would come from it. and his actions do not betray a secret desire for it either. he could've gotten any of that at any point he wanted but he doesn't really care for it. he just wants to keep the family he loves and his home safe.

What if there was a monster attack or war on the different side of the kingdom and only he was requested by Alicia to help would he go?

mmmhhh i'm,,, not sure. on one hand, i literally just put a quote of him outright rejecting alicia's offer to work fo her. but on the other,,, he does have a very strong desire to help people. to the point where he's willing to sacrifice his life and leave his charge behind (at a relatively safe distance) to do so.

i'm gonna go with,, a tentative no. not without having arcos and/or lloyd's blessing or orders. not if it isn't a direct threat to the frontera estate. i don't think he would abandon his duty to the fronteras even if asked by alicia.

but i say 'tentative' because i do believe that if the threat was high enough that alicia, a highly skilled swordmaster with thousands of soldiers at her disposal, requested for javier's assistance, then it would be a threat dangerous enough to put the entire kingdom at risk, including the frontera estate. so like. maybe javier would see it as part of his duty to defeat the threat so it doesn't have the chance to reach their territory. but even so, i just have a very hard time seeing him leaving without arcos or lloyd's permission.

especially after the ending! at that point javier's loyalties have shifted to make lloyd a priority above almost anything else. if lloyd refused to let him go then i don't see javier disobeying him or leaving him unprotected like that (nevermind that he has a bone dragon, four fantastical creatures, and a skelleton army but i digress).

so like. it would very much depend on whether the fronteras give him their permission or not. and if they don't, then it would have to be big enough threat that javier considered it a danger to the frontera estate if he doesn't go defeat it for him to disobey their orders.

also i just remembered @sunflowercider replied to an ask with a similar scenario and i agree with her! javier is loyal to one family only and if that family isn't in danger then he won't leave them behind queen's orders or not.

so. yeah aksjdlfd

[cybervesna]

Gush About Your OC

Thank you for tagging me @maimaiapologist  ❤️ It was cool to read more about Sal ❤️    

📚  Rules:

💛 Post 5 Facts about your

💛Open the latest section of #cyberpunk 2077 tag and reblog 5 posts of people you don’t follow, giving them nice tags.

💛 Tag 5 People to spread the game. Tagging: @arasakas-ronin @scuttlebuttin @scumpatrol @abysswaatchers @kohnnor​ 

Why not, I decided I will give some spotlight to my guilty pleasure baby - Himiko  💛

💛 First of all she technically doesn’t exist lol. Let me explain: Himiko started as an April Fool’s joke baby of my Vincent and Hanako at the old server I was in, 2 years ago. She’s not part of my “official headcanons” but she’s my guilty pleasure headcanon I run for comfort when I want to be mushy and cute and have happy vibes thinking that despite everything my otp got together for so long and they’re somehow happy. So technically, she’s in additional AU to my Blaze of Glory AU where Hanako never went nomad with Vincent cuz instead of leaving with Aldecaldos after the Devil Ending, he decided to do the gig from Mr. Blue-Eyes gaining worldwide fame as the most dangerous man alive. I hope that means sense.  💛 Himiko is lab-made baby! I can imagine that since Hanako is chromed she’s already infertile in 2077, but after all she is the Arasaka so I bet her eggs were stored for the sake of Arasakas future. So Himiko was made in-vitro, in womb like enviroment in the most top secret Arasaka Labs in Tokyo.  💛 Her existence is kept secret from the world, kind of. In 2081 a year after her “birth” Saburo informed the public that he was blessed with new member of Arasaka family - a child of his beloved daughter Hanako, and her husband Vincenzo Giovanna. However, it was everything the public knew for decades to come. Instead Himiko was given a secret surname as Himiko Ikeda (hehe in my nomad ff Hanako is undercover as Asami Ikeda), and had pretty much what would seem a normal kid experience growing up in Kyoto, going to school like any other kid. In reality it was really stresfull situation where she developed a fear towards other peers, being scared of befriending anyone, afraid they will realize who she is and her life would be ruined. However that did not stopped her from being the leader among others as she even was the Head of the Student’s Council in her High School.  💛 In her childhood, when her father’s cat who was her bestest friend - Nibbles - died due to old age, her grandfather used this as opportunity to play on little Himiko. Instead of “another stray cat” in the family, Saburo gifted Himiko a baby of the last living lions that she named Kumo (meaning: cloud). Of course her parents were outraged by this, as it was super dangerous, and they needed to keep Lion Trainers around. Years later due to Kumo being an offspring of already struggling animals, he turned out to have a lot of health problems that slowly became uncurable. When Kumo started getting his first cybernetic parts Himiko swore she herself will find a way to save his life, therefore she pursued her interest in cybernetics and ended up designing life-saving parts that she asked her mother to make the software for. At the end Himiko and Hanako saved Kumo, and he lived many more years with her. Thanks to behavioral chip that Hanako wrote, Kumo was unable to cause harm to Himiko or the family, so the trainers and precautions weren’t needed anymore.  💛 Those who knew of her existence had mixed opinions. She was either loved, or shamed for variety of reasons. The most prominient one was Saburo’s own way of thinking that Vincent’s genes disgrace purity of Arasaka bloodline.  P.S. I have to make future appearances for Hanako and Vincent just to take pics with her  😭

[akanesheep]

I wrote about my MC as she is to me, please don’t come for me for not writing them as gender neutral. 😥 feel free to interpret all pronouns as you wish.

My MC:

My MC is much like myself. Although she’s smaller… because I wish I were 5’2” for some reason. I’m only a few inches above that, but to me short = cute. She has fluffy soft curly hair that is a soft auburn color. She frequently dyes it all different colors though.

She’s soft spoken, and can be a bit timid with new people, but once she gets comfortable with someone, she opens up quite a bit. She’s very kindhearted, and easily gets her feelings hurt, but also very forgiving. She’s self-conscious and doesn’t see herself in the best light. This stems from the bullying and mistreatment she received in her childhood.

She’s clumsy. Like she can trip over air. She always has bruises from bumping into things, tripping on the carpets, etc. She usually has little dots of ink on her hands from writing, because she somehow manages to miss the pin cap, or bumps her hand against the end of them pen/marker somehow.

She holds little attachment to the human realm, she doesn’t care much for a place where she never felt welcome. There are a few people there she cares for, but not enough to want to be there all the time. Aside from those few individuals, if the human realm decided to end it’s existence, she wouldn’t care much.

She likes to make things, sewing, quilting, crochet, floral arranging, wreaths, painting, crafting, she loves them all… her room is always containing some work in progress, and the supplies are always neatly arranged in her closet, unless she’s currently using them.

She’s stubborn, insanely stubborn, and refuses to back down when she knows she’s right. She rushes in when her loved ones are in danger with no regard to the consequences. No matter how many times her husbands admonish her for doing so, she turns right around and does it again.

Along those lines, she defends those she loves vehemently. Don’t come to her with requests that put one of them at a disadvantage. Don’t coke to her and speak ill of those she loves, she will react poorly. This applies to her husbands also, they aren’t immune to her anger should they start trying to put themselves over the others, or just trash talk the others in general. She will hear our complaints and give her advice and if necessary, intervene, but this isn’t Jr. High, she doesn’t play games. All of those involved are adults and they knew what this was when they chose to be involved.

She listens, calm and patiently. Whether it’s Levi on a rant about a game or anime, Mammon about his schemes, Lucifer letting off steam, Satan on a tangent, Diavolo’s excited gushing about a plan… you get it. She only interrupts to ask a question, or to ward Mammon off a particularly bad idea. Otherwise, she lets them talk it out of their system. She loves talking with all of them, hearing their thoughts, wants, and dreams.

She believes in them wholeheartedly, she sees each and every one of their individual worth.

When she loves, she loves deeply. It takes a lot to shake her devotion. Because of this, her past is littered with failed relationships. Those who would fill their time with her and then be done with her. Those who would abuse her until she found the strength to leave. Those who would just abandon her when she needed them the most. Due to this she fears betrayal and abandonment, she’s anxious, and fears each argument will lead to her being left alone. She has trust issues, but is still more trusting than she should be.

She doesn’t fully believe in hearing ‘I love you’ so she needs to be shown. She doesn’t fully believe in acts of love so she needs to hear ‘I love you’. She knows this is a huge contradiction, but doesn’t know how to resolve it.

She desires a protector and defender. To be protected from and defended against the pain she has suffered and those that would bring more to her. She doesn’t seek fame, glory, and isn’t on a quest for power. She simply wishes for happiness for herself and those she loves. She can’t but to meddle and try to help those around her.

She is very self-sacrificing. She’ll give whatever it takes to make those around her happy, even if it means giving her life. Her final thoughts as Belphie took her life were ‘I guess if it brings him peace, I can die…’

That doesn’t mean she was ‘ok’ with what happened. She had to take time to be comfortable around him being in the same room, much less alone… but she knew that Belphie was someone who in his own twisted way, had opened up some to her, and was hurting in his own ways. She decided to try to believe in the love he had for his sister, and the faith his brothers put into him.

She’s self-depreciating at times… she knows being poly isn’t the ‘norm’ in the human world… and until she found herself in the Devildom, she wouldn’t have believed she was poly. In those early days of finding herself falling for the brothers, as well as Diavolo, Barbatos, Simeon, and Solomon, she cursed herself and cried regularly, memories of untrue accusations of being a ‘whore’ or ‘slut’ would ring in her mind… except now, wasn’t it true? Is that what she was? She struggled immensely with this, even as she continued to fall deeper into her depression. She broke one night while Asmo was doing her nails, as he happily chattered about his day, and their plans for a date the next day, how they’d have outfits that complemented each other perfectly, etc. she felt tears begin to slide down her cheeks.

‘MC?’ Asmo questioned, looking concerned, ‘Oh my lamb, what is it?’

‘Asmo… I’m horrible… I’m a terrible person’ her voice shook as the tears increased, poring now down her face.

He pulled her to his lap, words of gentle admonishment regarding her words, and comfort slipping from his lips and he held her. ‘Talk to me MC, tell me what this is all about. I need to know why you feel this way’

‘Asmo, I can’t… you’ll hate me’

He chuckled softly, only a whisper of it escaping his lips as he pressed soft kisses to the side of your face, then turning you to face him. ‘Nonsense, nothing in this world could ever make me hate you’

‘You will, because I’m disgusting’

‘Love, you’re sounding like Levi…’ he teased, lifting her chin gently. ‘Now enough of that, tell me what is going on, I can’t understand if you don’t tell me’

Sobbing, she looked at his honey eyes, his face worried, and whispered her darkest truth, ‘I love you, but not just you… I’m in love with your brothers too…’ she looked away, ashamed and waiting for the inevitable explosion of anger and words like blades.

Instead he laughed…a gentle chiming laugh that he only used when he hears something he already knew. ‘Little lamb… did you honestly think I didn’t know? Me?’ He turned you to face him again. ‘Lovely, I’ve known since the beginning. I’m the avatar of Lust. Emotions like lust, and love, are my domain.’

‘But Asmo, I’m wrong, something in me is broken’

‘Why is that?’

‘Because I love all of you… that means I’m a whore’

Asmo scoffed offended ‘Does that mean you see me as a whore?’

‘Of course not!’ Her eyes look panicked, fearing she’s said the wrong thing again.

His eyes remained soft and gentle as he cupped your face. ‘Then why would you be?’

‘B-because I’m not supposed to…’

‘Says who?’

‘Everyone’ she gestured around her, then her voice lowered to a whisper, ‘Even if you aren’t, they hate me for the thought’

Knowing her past, Asmo sighed softly. He cupped both of her cheeks and wiped her tears away. ‘I’m going to tell you something about the Devildom, as well as demons, that I thought you already knew. We’re a polygamous society. Monogamy isn’t encouraged or discouraged, and the same is true of polygamy. I’m sure you realized that most of the female demons here are succubi? Did you think that just changes when they settle down?’

She looked at him, quietly crying as she listened. She shook her head at his question. Of course they didn’t, they’re succubi.

‘See? And me? I’m the avatar of lust after all. While I’m not an incubus, I still feed on the lust of those around me, as well as the lust and love of those I’m intimate with.’

‘But what about other demons that aren’t succubi or incubi’

‘Well if most females are succubi, that would imply they have multiple partners, yes? So do incubi… but rarely are they in a relationship with each other… their lusts and passion would feed into the others drives and only make them more hungry. So they seek actual partners that aren’t either.’

‘Do you have other partners’ she asks blushing.

‘You and Solomon are my only ‘partners’’ he said firmly, ‘however, I have had casual relationships when you are both away, to keep myself from becoming too hungry. Think of it like Beel’s hunger. If he doesn’t ‘eat’ he goes on a rampage. While I wouldn’t destroy buildings or eat furniture, I could cause a lot of issues if I don’t stay in balance’

She nodded, understanding the demon in front of you in a new light.

‘But your brothers aren’t incubi’

‘No, they aren’t. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t able to understand and love just as much. I can assure you that any conversation you have with them won’t be a closed-minded one’

‘How do you know?’

Asmo laughs softly and pulls you to him, ‘Still afraid little Lamb? Let me as you this… do you think that even as large as this house is, that we don’t know when you’ve intimate with one of us? As shy as you are, the adorable sounds you make aren’t what one could consider quiet’

She blushes deep red. ‘N-no… that’s so embarrassing…’

‘Eh? Not at all.’ He teases, ‘Despite this, and how much we notice the marks on your neck, have any of us confronted you or said anything to you or each other?’

‘N-no?’

‘There you have it. We also know when you’ve been with any of the others outside the house as well’

‘What?? How?!’

‘Silly,’ he pets your hair as he teases you, ‘ Lee can smell it on you when you come home’

‘Oh God’ she cries, mortified, she covers her face.

‘Such language’ scolds Asmo, acting horrified, ‘to think my girlfriend would bring up Father’s name when I’m right in front of her’

The dramatic teasing pulls her back from her embarrassment.

‘Asmo, what do I do?’

‘Do? Love, whatever do you mean?’

‘I mean, now… what do I do knowing what I know, and knowing what you all know?’

‘Nothing. Live happily and let us care for you. Live in the knowledge that you are loved and will always be loved.’

She does just that. She does have conversations with all of them at some point, because her mind needs concrete proof that everyone is in agreement. She learns that Mammon and Levi go through jealous bouts, but don’t question her love for them, and want this to continue. Even Diavolo is fully on board. Which surprised her, with the royal bloodline and all. Turns out the complication wasn’t so complicated at all.

She feels unworthy of all the love she’s showered with, but she’s also happier than she’s ever been in her life. She doesn’t know what she’s done to deserve such joy, but she refuses to part with any of them. Perhaps it’s the influence of her lovers through the pacts she shares with them… but she takes pride in them, greedily wants to spend time with them, gets envious if they talk to others, gets angry on their behalf, loves and desires them always, revels in their love like Beel at a buffet, relishes in the time she can just be there with them comfortably.

She’s prideful, greedy, envious, wrathful, lustful (and loving), gluttonous, and lazy… with some chaos, diligence, patience, loyalty, and grace mixed together. She is my MC.

I hope you all enjoyed this. I’ve really been wanting to in some way show you all my MC, but my art abilities suck. So I gave you an imperfect narrative.

[angeltreasure]

How does you separate doing kind deeds without expecting anything in return? It was a lot more easier when I was younger but lately I feel too burned out that even though I still go through with it while accepting I wont get anything in return, part of me either feeling smug and self congratulatory for helping someone out (not outloud but in my head), and/or is mentally keeping score and feeling resentment when I dont get that gratitude returned. Not that I dont thank people when they do kind deeds but when its not mutual hurts me a lot more than I expected. And thinking its for God or heaven also feels like its a wrong track too. Its harder for me to act kind without a feeling a bitterness. This is more an open question for you and your followers, but prayers are also appreciated as Ive been struggling this a lot since lockdown.

I think a lot of it comes from we need to place ourself in the other person’s shoes and walk a few miles. I’ve been through some suffering and I know what my situation was like here and there and I would do anything I could to prevent someone else from suffering. I don’t desire fame or glory and I don’t care about likes or follower counts. It feels good to go the extra mile for anyone if possible because I love them and I try to see the face of Jesus during His Passion on their faces. Not everyone is going to be happy or say thank you or give you recognition in front of groups like at work, but it’s a way to practice peace and to love our neighbor, and sometimes acting anonymously as the Good Samaritan. While doing this, you have to create boundaries because humans can be lazy and will take advantage of you if you don’t set boundaries and limits of how much of yourself you want to give. In other words, don’t be a doormat. You also need to balance the act out by making sure you don’t neglect your prayer life and own health. Without regular prayer and taking care of yourself, you can easily become very stressed and it becomes hard to take care of others. You can also get very sick if you neglect your health.

What do I need to do if I feel ungrateful? I need to decrease my pride and take humility, in order for God to increase. Humility takes courage and it is something we can struggle with. You are able to change anything if you put the effort in. We need to take it day by day and have patience. A good place to bring peace is to start is our own home with our family.

[emsuemsu]

“Malfoy looked down his nose at Harry; he closed his arms ala Snape, utterly bat-like. His drawl was a near perfect imitation: “I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—but first, my rendition of Hoggy Warty Hogwarts on the ukulele.” Harry couldn’t help it—he laughed, hard. “I don’t remember you being this funny.”

I just started Brief Encounter by maraudersaffair after seeing your wonderful rec list (a much needed rec, imo) a few days ago and oh. my. god, how it throttles my lungs! Please tell me I am going to survive this one because after Liar by jad and Bound Skerry by Frayach I had to recuperate (screaming). PS. I always save/send your recs to my sideblog that i go back to from time to time to find good stuff to read. They’re simply brilliant, thank you so much !!

K, babe, you have NO idea how happy your ask made me!!! 🥹 Send me your sideblog I’m always on the look for new blogs to follow!!!👏👏

And what comes to brief encounter… I absolutely love that fic. It’s so hot (so so so hot) and so wrong and some a+++ drarry and hinny dynamics. You’re going to have a good fucking time reading it I promise, although I have to admit that my idea of a good time might not be what other people think of a good time lol. I don’t want to spoil it, but my doors are always open for some emotional support 😌😌 that last sex scene will haunt me to my grave. Un-fucking-believable. I’m in tears just thinking about it.

Also Bound Skerry is one of those fics that I read and just sat silently for a while after, I love Frayach’s stories so much, they have some real fucking bangers especially in the infidelity department. But everything they’ve written just slap so hard 🥵

[shammah8]

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

1 Timothy 6:10

MATERIALISM

Satan subtly promotes the attitude that says money, property, possessions, physical comforts, as well as worldly fame and honour are the most important things in life. While God created all things and is the source of all we have, He does not condone our allowing things and money to usurp His first place in our lives. The prosperity that He so freely gives us, and wants us to have, is indeed a blessing until it takes the place of God.

Materialism is thus the attitude that says money, property, possessions, physical comforts, as well as worldly fame and honour, are the most important things in life. Not to say, “There is no God,” but to say, “I don’t have any need for God!”

For Christians, materialism is much like the frog in a pan of water that is slowly being heated. He boils to death because he does not realise the danger quickly enough to jump out of the pot before it is too late.

A church leader from the country of Romania, which was once a communist-dominated land and is now free, commented, “In my experience, 95% of the believers who face the test of external persecution pass it, while 95% of those who face the test of prosperity fail it!”

Satan is ecstatic when he succeeds in luring us into this trap. This is the dark side to money and possessions that many Christians are either unaware of, or unwilling to face. As a result, the spiritual vitality of many has been sapped and the church as a whole has been weakened spiritually. Like fire, money is a good servant but a destructive master.

If the Church is to survive this challenge, there is an urgent need to be aware of the true nature of materialism. Unfortunately, it has become such a vital part of our culture that Christians are often unaware of its control.

By the standard of the people around Jesus, many of today’s so called poor are very rich as well as almost all those in free societies. In Jesus’ day, a rich person was one who had more food than needed for the day and who had more than one set of clothing.

Response

Today I will not be a frog in the boiling water. I will be alert to Satan’s attack on the materialism front.

Prayer

Thank You Lord for all the material blessings I have received from You. Help me to use them for Your glory and Your kingdom.

© 2013 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

[punkscowardschampions]

Java Pt.3

James: Please

Ava: There is no alternative, this lesson, this day, this school

Ava: all of it is out the window for now

James: I don’t dare to speculate on what, if anything, wouldn’t fade into utter insignificance in comparison

Ava: A dangerous game sounds about right

James: But order me to focus and I will

Ava: I do care, however hilariously and unbelievably hypocritical that sounds given

Ava: I don’t plan to distract you permanently, sadly

James: That is sad

Ava: But tell me I can and I will never leave you alone 

James: I plan to keep telling you

Ava: Talking to you is one of my new favourite things to do 

James: I’m glad to hear your present will be well received

Ava: I feel thoroughly spoiled, I think I’ll swing by when you have to go back to work, thwart the neighbours 

James: I’d appreciate that, I can’t vouch for them needing to be indulged as wholly as you deserve

Ava: As long as we’ve lived here, I should know more about them than what time they usually put their bins out and their takeaway habits, but I do not 

Ava: That’s [ze postcode], right?

James: What were your career aspirations when you moved in? I’ll have to stop picturing you reporting on said neighbours throughout childhood in light of those revelations

Ava: 🤭

Ava: I am sorry to have let you down though, I had too many flights of fancy to stick to any one career

Ava: What about you, were you always a budding author?

James: I’ve definitely let you down myself because I was determined to play rugby for years

Ava: What position did you favour?

James: [idk about that AT ALL sis but tell her because you 1000% played until you left school]

Ava: I am thankful your face has seen no permanent damage, that would also be very sad

Ava: You didn’t want to join the Uni team?

James: The adult compliments spurring me on to childhood glory had long since dried up

Ava: Ah, I see

James: And it would be unfair to pledge my time to something else knowing how many obligations are shoehorned into my days and nights as is

Ava: Totally

Ava: not to mention there really is a whole culture around it as a Uni commitment, a culture that’s not exactly suited to who you are now, in most ways

James: Yes, I was avoiding mentioning that facet for obvious reasons

Ava: Nance’s last, God, at least three boyfriends have ALL been the cliche rugby boys

Ava: I really can’t imagine you having to socialise with any of them sober, if they ever are

James: It isn’t who I am anymore 

Ava: Yes, I know

Ava: it’s their loss, my gain

James: Mine too, you’re a much better conversationalist than anyone I’ve ever met on a pitch

Ava: I will happily take that compliment

James: I take pleasure in giving them to you

Ava: I’m quite fond of returning the favour

James: I’d be enamoured by you even if you did so infrequently

Ava: I can tell you’re only used to one very specific type of compliment, yes

James: I haven’t always been famed for my conversational skill either

Ava: I get it, too

Ava: Skin deep is easier, that’s as far as some people want to take things

James: And it is true that sobriety makes opening up notoriously challenging, but as far as I was concerned, the alternative wasn’t straightforward, be it the setting, the substance, or my urge to combine both adversely, behind the added complications

Ava: If being inebriated started to feel like you couldn’t ever close the book, that’s a much worse feeling and predicament, I think that’s a given, should be

James: It should be, and yet

Ava: No need to expand, people don’t like the potential of having to examine their own relationship to any given substance, heaven forbid

James: By no means exclusive to this postcode, lest I forget, because the persistence of my social circles to remain ignorant and claim it bliss is especially emphatic

Ava: It is almost certainly an epidemic 

James: I’ll look out for your first piece about it

Ava: Really have my parents despairing over my choice in course

James: I’m no stranger to parental anguish should you require a shoulder to cry on

Ava: Thanks, appreciate it

Ava: My sister COULD get herself together in those two years and stop being the primary/only concern but it’s looking unlikely 

James: It would be extraordinarily hypocritical of me to pass comment on your sister

Ava: It’s cool, it must be weird, it is

Ava: that you’re Teddy’s brother

James: Yes

Ava: Not that weird though, unavoidable, really

James: It may be jarring to see you in your school uniform as well, it doesn’t mean I’d prefer to stay away from you during those hours

Ava: I’ll have to see if I can fit a change of clothes into my bag perhaps

James: I’m asking you to make bigger allowances for me

Ava: If I wanted easier, I could find it but I don’t

James: Ditto

Ava: I’m glad it’s you

James: I can’t wait to see you

Ava: If you want to take my clothes off really quickly, to avoid the conflicted feelings, I understand that too

James: I’m in no conflict about why I’d want that

Ava: I can’t wait either

James: Thank you for keeping me company, it’s lonely here

Ava: You must be decades younger than nearly everyone who works there

Ava: What’s it like?

James: I expected the beginning to be daunting, no-one informed me however that the feeling wouldn’t abate and I’d be increasingly out of my depth

Ava: Nepotism doesn’t also come with you gaining your father’s years of experience through osmosis or something

Ava: A better job is nice and all but I don’t know how you’d not feel that, because it’s true, how are you meant to catch up with a snap of his fingers?

James: I can’t ascertain whether or not the gauntlet he’s designed for me to run is supposed to be an exercise in humiliation, acting as an elaborate I told you so, or if he honestly believes every demoralising task will serve to break and rebuild me, and thus is an I told you so, in that, totally contradictory sense

Ava: I’m sure he thinks it will all serve you well, in the long run

Ava: If the ends justify the means will remain hotly debated

James: He’d proclaim the ends always justify the means, shunning any sort of debate

James: [compare him to an author how y’all have before, but in a v shady way lol]

Ava: I know a lot of people that sound just like him

Ava: Nothing is black and white though, as anyone who plans to make their money in print will let you know

James: Except the tasteful decor of this office, naturally

James: fantasy notwithstanding, I can’t imagine you here

Ava: I won’t insist, if for the myriad of perfectly valid reasons, you don’t ever want me there

James: Demand I’m where you are, I’d rather be

Ava: Would if I could

Ava: Your presence in [whatever class you’re in] would cause quite the stir, I selfishly want to keep that excitement for myself

James: It often did, but I’d sooner uphold my earlier statement about not existing before you and I found each other

Ava: Happily

Ava: it feels true, like my parents should be able to tell how different everything is since they left

James: I’m equally, selfishly, thrilled that secret is being kept for the moment

Ava: You don’t need to worry, my poker face is as strong as my feelings, they won’t have a clue, no one will

James: I’ve yet to witness your poker face, it’s mysteriously absent when you’re with me

Ava: I feel that subtle shade, boy

Ava: I’ll have to show you how ice cool I can be now

James: It isn’t an insult, far from it

James: coincidentally, like the way you’re going to be far from cold

Ava: You wanted me to expose myself, that’s what I want too, with you

James: No masks, it would be a real affront to your appearance

Ava: I want you to look at me more than I’ve ever wanted anyone else to

James: The flashbacks of every second I’ve been able to are the single reason I’m managing to get through the instances where it isn’t possible

Ava: You start to feel like a dream, a very beautiful one but a mirage nonetheless

James: Typically I’d say perhaps I am, because my life has been an imitation, but now you make me feel too undeniably substantial for that to be something I’d accept as true

Ava: You’re very real and very alive, I can attest heartily to both

Ava: My heart just demands I be dramatic about our forced separation, clearly

James: I’m happy to be alive, in any case

Ava: I’m glad you are too, and at the same time and place as I am

James: I’ll admit, it’s surreal everything has come together this perfectly

Ava: I feel so lucky

James: We are

Ava: And as no one knows, we can’t even be accused of being insufferable about it

James: You’re aware of my stance with regards to suffering you, Ava

Ava: I am 🥰

Ava: I’ve reread so many of the things you’ve written or said 

James: I’ve rewritten and rewritten, I don’t know if I’ll ever do justice to all you are in print

Ava: Your attempts are worth much more than a thousand words themselves

James: Tell me what time it is, please

Ava: [do, and thus how long you have, which is hopefully not long by this point]

Ava: I’ve not been shirking my responsibilities

James: Reread what a good girl you are

Ava: God, I love it when you call me that

James: I love how much your behaviour warrants it being said

Ava: You’re very easy to behave for, you might call it a privilege to

James: Mine to have you, yes, I would

Ava: No, mine

James: I’ll willingly fight with you whenever this is what they consist of

Ava: I can’t promise an entirely convincing performance if I have to pretend I don’t enjoy letting you win

James: No performances, we agreed

Ava: Right, and I can’t fake anything here, there’s no room for it

James: I’d find some room to dutifully sit or stand at the back if you’re doing a play or concert at school, but that’s the sole exception

Ava: Really

James: I care to support both you and the arts

Ava: You are so

Ava: I couldn’t possibly subject you to it but the fact you would

James: I insist you subject me to it

Ava: James

James: There are things I’d like to get to know about you which happen outside the confines of your bedroom, or lunch breaks spent in cars

Ava: You can get to know me any way you want, I would like that very much

James: Good

James: so you’ll audition for the end of summer term play?

Ava: Yes, I will

James: Has it been announced?

Ava: Not yet

Ava: Probably after half term, here’s hoping it’s not something terribly dreary 

James: I’d almost forgotten half term

Ava: You’ll be busy in a different way then, occupying a toddler must be a task and a half

James: I’m worried I’m raising a hater of the arts, she loathes her ballet lessons

Ava: Oh no

Ava: there are a lot of other classes and clubs for her to cycle through, there will be something that suits

James: She’s fond of football, I haven’t the slightest idea where the passion has come from, thankfully I wasn’t eager to show my face on the rugby pitch or I’d have saving of it to do with the entire team

Ava: That’s cute, and plenty of people would argue that football is art, so there’s still hope

James: Or you’re my last hope, which is fitting

Ava: Making me blush again

James: You need a spotlight on you, truly

Ava: I hope I get a part now

James: I’ll have to buy the film rights to my own book otherwise

Ava: I don’t want anyone but you to be you though

James: Nepotism coming to my rescue once more, because I absolutely wouldn’t be given the part without it

Ava: No one could do you justice, pale imitation springs to mind

James: I’ll be wearing an imitation blush if you don’t cease your flattery of me

Ava: I’m sorry, I simply feel very passionate about how uniquely wonderful you are

James: Oh Ava

Ava: [updated countdown moment]

James: You intoxicate me, I shouldn’t be working

Ava: I wish I could write you a sick note, with words more or less to that effect

James: I wish you would, I’d love to read it

Ava: Okay, hang on

Ava: [write him up a needlessly detailed sick note listing all the reasons he can’t possibly work in the sauciest manner obvs]

James: I’m inspired to call in sick, despite having no symptoms left to cite because I’ll be keeping all of those to myself

Ava: A sudden fever is a possibility

James: You’d tend to me, wouldn’t you?

Ava: Dutifully

James: Your capable hands are the best place for me

Ava: I am determined to do everything in my power to make you feel yourself again

James: No less than everything will do

Ava: Is that right?

James: Absolutely, I think what I’m afflicted by may be incurable

Ava: This won’t stop me from trying, everything, just as you said

James: You’re very driven, I know

Ava: Yes, and I can’t lose you

James: I’d fight to stay with you

Ava: I know it, you can be steadfast yourself when pursuing what you want, at least in my experience

James: And you’re all I want

Ava: I’m yours, whether we’re fortunate enough to be together or being kept apart, always

James: It will hold me together

James: it is

Ava: Because I need you

James: I’ve never had something this reciprocal, everything you need from me I need from you 

Ava: I haven’t either

Ava: Your appetite matches mine, exactly

James: More shared tastes than we’ve had a chance to even realise yet

Ava: But we’re going to discover everything

James: We must

Ava: This no longer feels in any way optional

Ava: the disservice to myself and to you by us not being together is unthinkable right now

James: I’m not sure it ever was

Ava: I’m giving my poker face a little too much credit there, true

James: I’m recalling how immediately drawn to you I was

Ava: You kissed me

James: The impulse was too strong to suppress 

Ava: How immediate never wanting you to stop was didn’t even shock me somehow

Ava: it felt too right

James: It didn’t occur to me that perhaps I shouldn’t return to your house

Ava: It was reckless of us, I think we can admit that now

James: I was overcome by the longing to

Ava: I know I would have said anything to bring you back, near enough did

Ava: Reckless doesn’t equate to regret, far from it

James: No, I’d be as indiscrete again under the same set of circumstances

Ava: We had to both risk what we did

Ava: to get here, to have this

James: Not doing it would have posed a bigger danger to me

Ava: Saying it wasn’t an option makes me sound a little dangerous myself

Ava: but you would have had to give me a much clearer no, and I could tell you needed it too

James: I shouldn’t say I don’t and haven’t needed a drink, because it’s pressure and manipulation, but it’s still a fact in addition to being both of those things

Ava: I’m proud of you, if that’s an appropriate thing to say? I’m not well-versed but you should be proud of yourself, if it isn’t 

James: My lines are blurred, but appropriate or not, it’s appreciated

Ava: I know how much you wanted to, when you came over

James: I was going to, but at the last minute I had the car turn around

Ava: I’m really glad you did

James: It wouldn’t be right to tell you why, I am mindful of that much, the existence of that line

Ava: You don’t have to

James: If we discuss it I’ll have to do something about it and I don’t know what there is to be done

Ava: If you knew what to do, drinking wouldn’t be the go-to solution, so, that makes sense

Ava: Even if it takes time, I don’t doubt you’ll work it out

James: I suppose it’s become dreamlike too, how bad things are

Ava: I’m sorry, James

James: But that doesn’t protect me, not really

Ava: Things can’t and don’t stay one way forever

Ava: it will change, I can guarantee that

James: So can I

Ava: Being at the point that’s comforting, not frightening is a good sign

James: Nevertheless, our countdown is the better one

Ava: [update]

Ava: You can kiss me again

James: Perhaps your watch will stop

Ava: Less dramatic than my heart, which feels more plausible at this point

James: Actresses are allowed to be dramatic

Ava: Will I be allowed to sit in your lap instead of my own seat?

James: I’ll protect you if the driver opts to make his own reckless decisions

Ava: I know it, you’re too capable it’s horrifically attractive 

James: You’re too dear to me to be risked

Ava: You do make me want to be a little reckless but

James: You have some freedom to, I’m sincere about keeping you safe from harm and the source wasn’t specified

Ava: I don’t think the driver would be that offended

Ava: I just can’t wait

James: I’m leaving in [however long]

Ava: Then you’ll be all mine

Ava: Until what time?

James: [tell her, I assume it’s an hour, maybe an hour and a half because you’re posh and your dad’s the boss]

Ava: Best to set an alarm, I won’t be counting those seconds

James: I’ll set you as my alarm sound telling me you’re proud of me again

Ava: I don’t even want to point out that that isn’t going to make you want to leave

James: It would be impossible to encourage that

Ava: You can only have a goodbye kiss if you leave, the most encouragement I have when I don’t want you to

James: Oh, I think that could work, perhaps

James: now I’m proud of you

Ava: That does feel good

James: Hence my suggestion, you will be of me for going back

Ava: Very, it’s going to be so hard

James: Torturous 

Ava: You’re going to have to encourage me to focus on my work or I don’t think I’ll be able to think of anything but you ever again

James: I’m looking forward to helping you with your homework, I’m being hyperbolic here, hopefully, but I swear I can’t recall handing a single piece of my own in

Ava: You’re planning to redeem your bad boy image via my own academic record, are you

James: In conjunction with helping you run lines until you’re off script, obviously

Ava: You would be an incredible teacher

James: I’d homeschool my daughter if not for the giant spanner that would throw into being available to drive around London with you

Ava: Socialising is important, is what I will say to avoid feeling any sort of guilt about commandeering your tutelage 

James: She’d counter that I should’ve got her a puppy for her birthday like she demanded, I don’t doubt

Ava: I only just got one for mine, she has some years to wait 

James: I’m waiting for a garden, personally, we’re lacking in any grass at all

Ava: It’s a lot if you’re the only one that will be looking after it

James: Unfortunately I have many years before she comprehends my reasoning, for the foreseeable future, I’m just being mean

Ava: A thankless task, I have heard

James: You’ll be grateful for my efforts, at least

Ava: And I happen to know you’re very nice, I won’t hesitate to remind you

James: I’ll try to resist setting you a ridiculous amount of extra reading assignments

Ava: Don’t

James: Okay, I’ll compromise by reading half of them to you

Ava: I would love that so much

James: I’m going to enjoy it too

James: [write her a little scene setting of that adorable one cos we know y’all would be so snuggled and cute while that’s occurring IRL and then there’s the reading it to her from a distance and making coffee for her as though she’s there etc from the OG and both are valid and thus being included, not soz]

Ava: Fuck

Ava: I want that every day of my life

James: A chapter every night without fail, it doesn’t matter how busy either of us are or where we’re spending said evening, I promise that as a minimum

Ava: Storytime over everything, it’s so important

James: I’ll start recording one for you straightaway, once I’ve finished it’ll be time to go

Ava: I shouldn’t have even doubted you’d have a book ready, I know exactly how prepared you are

James: I’m similarly convinced of your readiness for me, always

Ava: You know me inside out

James: Yes

James: [but shh and go read aloud sir so you can actually record another slay book rec for her]

Ava: [send him a photo of you impatiently waiting because dying about it]

James: [sending her a pic back of his broken watch dial but it’s when he’s clearly in the car on the way to her school so it’s an omw]

Ava: I cannot wait to run to you

James: [tell her where to meet you cos it was your school too so you know where it makes sense to pull up nearby so you’re not getting every kid there gawking at you]

Ava: I will be waiting there, however impatient you know it is

James: I’ll be there as soon as I can, however out of my control traffic is

Ava: I won’t leave class until [a point in his journey that makes sense]

James: Because you’re a good girl

Ava: I have never behaved so well, you are entirely to credit because I want your praise so desperately

James: I’m as stubborn when it comes to my resolve to give you everything you want

Ava: And that’s why I have to ensure I deserve it, I can’t let you reward me unduly, it wouldn’t be right

James: I’m so relieved at this opportunity to reward you relentlessly

Ava: No one wants to be the bad guy, I couldn’t do that to either of us

James: It’s the role our driver was born to play 

Ava: I trust him to be off book yet word perfect

Ava: I’ll only resent him a perfectly normal amount for stopping us, I promise 🙃

James: I have established trust in your conduct, no matter his, or indeed my own

Ava: I approve wholeheartedly of yours

James: Thank you

Ava: Thank you more, for everything you are

James: [me like however impractical it is because london traffic would cockblock y’all harder than this, I gotta have him turn up because he’ll say something too extra rn otherwise, soz but it’s the ily curse]

Ava: [run towards this car like you said you would because you’ve both made sure that you’re not being perceived as much as you can so you gotta]

James: [excuse us to this driver because he has every intention of letting this man take them somewhere he can leave them to be feral in the car and have the actual lunch break java aren’t but we all know James isn’t gonna have chill until they get to that destination, however near or far, thank god for the privacy partition honestly because yeah, he’ll immediately be taking off the blazer I imagine her wearing because picturing get even uniform vibes not even because of said uniform and any potential ick but purely because he’s gotta run his hands over her body as if he hasn’t touched her in a million years as he helps her into this car (and into a makeout sesh) and it’s in the way]

Ava: [I’m sure you have a blazer, is typically the vibe these days and it isn’t necessarily hot enough you’d be without it, help him take it off purely to put your hands over his because you need to SQUEEZE his hands right now because no amount of words could begin to convey how !! you are here today]

James: [obvs he’s gotta direct her hands to where his missing shirt button is that he’s been rocking all day in the office like a scruff alongside his broken watch lol because he’s likewise !! and what better way to express that than by poking her finger through said button hole to feel how his skin has been not at all casually peeping there, while also switching up his kisses so they’re on her neck and the lovebite he did where his shirt collar fell when she was wearing it because all the reminders are necessary]

Ava: [we love everything about this missing button moment, thinking about how it could have happened, picturing him in his office how he looks now, the tiniest exposed skin being somehow even hotter than anything more blatant, making a small noise about it all, burying your own face into his hair, not at all casually smelling his shampoo, nuzzling your face into him, as if it might be an attempt to keep quiet but you just want to as much as all that, not soz driver]

James: [catch this boy whispering in her ear about how earlier when they were being extra and he wasn’t touching himself in his office he was touching this shirt in all the ways to feel even closer to her, much like how she did when she was wearing it, encouraging her to again now ofc, but he can’t just be talking, oh no he’s gotta do the absolute most while he’s there so shamelessly all up on her ear, treating her earring like a nip with how he’s running his tongue over it etc, which is all the more ridiculously !! because she was at school so it isn’t a statement piece like the bday necklace was, it’s probably such a chill stud or something that he’s doing all these antics to]

Ava: [mirroring the things he is telling you unconsciously here, so sincerely replicating as if this is all brand new and just what you want to do because how he describes it makes you feel it, very gently and slowly undoing some of these other buttons, like you can’t possibly risk another coming off, guiding his hand to your thigh and his name because have to remind yourself that happened as much as you want to him, because obviously one of the many things you were doing whilst also trying not to touch yourself at that time]

James: [we do love some unconscious mirroring hence I can fully imagine him either untucking her shirt if she’s wearing it baggy to be tucked in or if it’s more fitted and thus not just going under it and thoroughly running his hands over her body the way he did when she was getting in but with her bare skin this time and as gently and slowly as she was undoing those other buttons, until his hand is guided to her thigh and then he’s GRIPPING said thigh almost hard enough to leave finger bruises next to his name because can’t forget that happened and we’re not over it, doing a GASP as he stops kissing her for a sec so he can properly STARE down at it]

Ava: [leaving his shirt on, just undone, because as blatant as you are being, you’re not trying to make this boy get fully naked in this car, you just had to, thus you’re touching his body too, like it has been a thousand years always, LOOKING up at him when he’s looking at his name because you have to read his face and know how he feels about it really because first showed him over messages]

James: [the lack of chill being displayed here but y’all managing to be subtly feral is too real, the driver is welcome that you’re not ruster levels of extra or tancy levels of rude and not giving a fuck, case in point though, he is still being very !! because we all know that while maintaining that EYE CONTACT his hand is going further with touching her thigh, first to feel how turned on she is rn and we all know she has been this entire time and convo, and then to fully take her underwear off because as an unspoken I need to keep these more than you to get through the rest of my day and everything she said about how much she loves to share, the LOOK this is being communicated via as he puts her underwear into his trouser pocket BYE]

Ava: [we’re being very reserved in comparison to how we want to be behaving because you’re so right, at the point of turned on where you feel beyond it because you have been all day and not been able to do anything about it, hence your bottom lip is literally trembling because you’re shaking about this thigh grab before he’s even got your underwear off, at which point you will be actually dying, crawling into his lap with the urgency of needing to like you’re gonna hit the deck if you don’t cling onto him the way you blatantly are]

James: [the girls are really holding back rn sir and that’s entirely for your benefit mr driver man, you don’t even know how lucky you are, he could be being so much more dramatic than the way he’s rubbing his cheek against her bottom lip like he simply can’t bear to look at it without being able to do more about it, or the way he’s BITING his own to shh himself when she’s crawling into his lap because he was visualising it for ages when he was at his desk and now she really is there and he’s dying about it, going from his lip to BITING the collar of her shirt once she’s there because need all that fabric to muffle the noise he does]

Ava: [like, are we still making out with the sauciest of energies back here? Absolutely, but you mind your business with any judgment when we wanna be being SO feral right about now; kissing his cheek with such fervour when it is against our lips, covering his whole face in this flurry of kisses that you can’t hold back ‘I missed you so, so much’ blurted out as unavoidably, your voice sounding almost hoarse from the restraint that all this has taken]

James: [‘I’m going to miss you’ meaning when he goes back to work but also we know after that because you can’t come home to her and you’ve also been reminded half term looms which you’ll be busy af during, hence kissing her like his life depends on it for a minute for the more he hasn’t said before he issues this driver with instructions of where to piss off basically which is blatantly somewhere closer than he originally told him because cannot wait that long soz you gotta go take a lunchbreak ASAP hun, his voice having such a similar energy, that’s a given]

Ava: [the verbal equivalent of 🥺 because obviously that’s the craic but you can’t think about it so you have to really make sure you both get lost in a makeout once this driver knows where y’all are going]

James: [hopefully where you’ve decided to send him is close by because this makeout is going to be getting more and more !! with every second, doing the most with it because it’s all you’re letting yourself do rn, including all the cliches like unhooking her bra and touching her up while her shirt stays on and taking her hair down from whatever updo she was rocking for this school day purely by how dramatically they are making out and his hands are in it]

Ava: [it’s gonna have to be because there’s no getting ‘round the lack of underwear we have on now, you’re both thinking about it in the most obsessive way and there’s only so long you can ignore this, hence you are moving in a way that really doesn’t allow him to, not fully]

James: [mhmm, it’s giving when they had that hookup against the door before he left that was essentially a dry hump but so much more than that rn, it’d be a hookup if not for the clothes he’s wearing, this driver has gotta bail for everybody’s sake because the second he does there will be no stopping them, he’s already ramping it up atm by touching her indecently under that skirt, first his name again, but then he’s going from again travelling up her thigh for another how turned on check to just shamelessly going for it and testing the poker face she mentioned]

Ava: [leave get out, driver, we need to hook up, you really shouldn’t have said about that poker face because you’re in no condition to show you weren’t bullshitting right now, doing such a grumpy face at him like BUT HOW DARE YOU]

James: [we’ve gotta be mean and say that she’s here having an orgasm before this driver leaves just because of how loud she’d wanna be and cannot and how much they’ll both be !! about this, so he’ll be here doing the most to make that happen like it’s his job unlike the 9-5 he’s done nothing for today haha, including giving her such a daddy LOOK about her grumping and shhing her in the hottest way as if she’s said something too in protest, vocally and with his finger on that pouty lip, 1000% a finger that has been inside of her because obvs]

Ava: [OBVIOUSLY, because you’re being SO well behaved, you can only tease sucking on his finger by licking up the length of it and kissing the tip as you LOOK back at him, leaning in like you’re going to kiss him again but you are getting up in his ear because if all you can do is heavy breathe through this then he has to hear it, even if this driver mustn’t]

James: [we love this for you, this driver is fully able to go about his business unbothered despite how dramatic y’all feel and are subtly acting, some characters could and would never, he will be kissing her again but only the most indecent cheek kisses of all time OFC, no notes, but then we’ll be nice and finally let y’all be alone and actually hook up in this car because you’ve earned it huns]

Ava: [the way you are gonna be ripping this boy’s clothes off the second you are alone is so feral, thank god you already unbuttoned his shirt because you don’t need to be wrecking all his clothes and it is entirely necessary to hook up the moment you can]

James: [so titanic coded of y’all again, immediately steam this car up because frantic is the word, I guarantee he has never located or put a condom on quicker in his life, speaking of, I would like everybody to know that because they used them all up he has replaced them with even fancier ones because they are the first he has bought specifically with her in mind and therefore they’ve gotta be the best in terms of giving her pleasure and feeling like he isn’t wearing one as possible, just an unspoken but very important gesture for how unlike other hookups from his POV this is and you’ll both feel the difference ASAP so I’m sure that combined with how restrained you’ve had to be up to now will mean this is the first official java feral quickie]

Ava: [my boo says I have an announcement and she is so real and right for that, such a small, adorable detail and that is exactly the sort of bear he is and that’s why we love him, me here like y’all are not gonna need a minute never mind an hour lmao, hence we have got to laugh when we’ve got enough recovery in us to be able to because the way we died SO hard and SO fast there is so real it’s like oh okay]

James: [me like oh but they will doing my own evil laugh because the sort of bear he is, once he’s joined in with her laugh and has taken a minute look around this car in disbelief at the carnage of their clothes strewn everywhere and how steamed up and titanic-esque it do be he’s gonna see her underwear hanging a lil way out of his pocket because of the way his clothes were pulled off and he brought his wallet out at the speed of light and that iconic visual is gonna make him turned on again and ready for round 2, so this time, wanting to take his time compared to that !! feralness, not instigating the 2nd hookup yet but lying her across the length of this seat (we all know he requested a boujee and bigger car for this precise reason unlike Teddy who uses cars like that always for the flex and because money is irrelevant) and really appreciating her nakedness in the way he couldn’t before, once again memorising every detail and kissing all over her body rn, no doubt also slowly and lovingly taking off an item or items of clothing he missed taking off her when they were going at it]

Ava: [ah the memories of the chaise and the bar just FLOODING back right now, hence we’re here with our hands ALL up in his hair, thank god a boy’s hair is an easier fix than a girl’s because it is getting messed up right now, doing the shakiest sigh ‘so, how has your morning been?’ like lol because have barely said a word in this car and y’all aren’t planning to say much, we all know it]

James: [mhmm, he is 100% this bitch always, it cannot be overstated how he’d now be spending what felt like 50 years to just softly kiss her on every piece of exposed skin her body has to offer him, stopping to look up at her to smile so genuinely though because she’s adorable for asking it and caring and also this has been one of his better mornings for all the reasons and they both know that ‘productive in the manner I wish all of them could be’ because he didn’t get any work done but he got to stay in touch with her]

Ava: [nodding and smiling back because hard same ‘what I don’t know by now, it’s too late to find out’ because you’re doing your exams at this point, your actual lessons are basically over and you’ll just be studying and coming in for exams as and when, just putting it out there how lowkey available you can be whenever he can]

James: [it’s true tea and in that sense we’ve timed this java reboot really well and y’all are welcome, pushing her hair out of her face how he do like he’s gotta see this smile even better but he’s here holding her face after so we see you sir ‘you haven’t had me to help you with your revision’ said like now he is he’d teach her everything she doesn’t know but it’s a flirty way not an actual thinking he could way, we all know he doesn’t have that ego]

Ava: [smiling at him even harder before you’re nuzzling your face into his hand and just gazing at him adoringly nbd ‘you did promise’ like I have not stopped thinking about all the things you said you want to be involved in, don’t you worry]

James: [a nod with heart eyes before he’s manoeuvring himself from where I imagine he was literally on the floor of this car basically in order to dramatically gaze at her lying on these seats when he wasn’t leaning to kiss her everywhere and be extra, to be with her, closer, lying with and more or less on top of her, thinking of a revision question and asking her it like a big nerd because we all know he’s gonna kiss her if she gets it right]

Ava: [lucky you’re clever because what an embarrassing cockblock if you kept getting them wrong lol, you won’t, we know it, it’s okay, just having such a marvellous time being horny lil nerds; tracing his lips almost as if you’re tracing where yours just were on them ‘how am I going to help you though, can’t exactly get an internship’ tapping now like you’re pondering because you’d love to be able to make his work less shit for real but you know you probably cannot]

James: [my boo says awkward if you flopped haha, but thankfully that’s not happening, far from it ‘That’s a trick question’ said like those aren’t allowed but he’s looking at her like omg girl you’ve already helped me more than I can ever express because true, so true in fact he’s blushing a lil about it but we can pretend he’s just flushed because of the makeout and the fact he’s gonna keep asking her questions that she’s gonna keep getting right for a sec until he can’t help but give her so many compliments about how intelligent she is so poetically, in her ear whispered again even though the driver is gone and they are alone now because need to go back over the lovebite on her neck and make it bigger and more seen when she’s wearing her school shirt instead of his, half term does clearly loom but we’re intent of making the most of however many school days she has left to show that off]

Ava: [saying ‘more’ without even meaning to say anything at all, hence you’re blushing now too but you’re not stopping him nor is it stopping you from pushing the same spot on his neck because you’re not allowed to but you certainly are THINKING about it]

James: [when she says that and it’s clearly involuntarily as is her blush, both of which we love to see and hear, this boy moving as involuntarily about it and that meaning by pure chance and positioning that his 🍆 brushes against her thigh where his name is written, doing a lil moan when he realises, but it spurs him on to a new fun game of being even more restrained than earlier because then he’s gotta start rubbing and grinding against her on purpose, doing everything he can without ending up inside her, loving the fact he can pant the way she did in his ear before openly against her skin as he does this cos the driver isn’t here now, not to mention holding her face and guiding it to his pulse point cos giving the gal her own challenge of how hard she can go without fully giving him a lovebite which btw me and Win think she accidentally should as not only is he blatantly egging her on with his antics and definitely at one point saying ‘it’s okay, darling’ and even ‘please’ we all also know he doesn’t care if she gets carried away when he’s made up his mind to never go near Chlo again and therefore thinks she’ll never see it or be bothered BUT obvs jemily and Win are aware of this evil timing of the family holiday and him potentially having to take Jay swimming or to the beach etc so we simply must let it happen soz not soz]

Ava: [we’ve let you live hardcore thus far, jemily and winola gay have simply gotta start causing drama effective immediately I’m afraid lol, Win said they should be going to a Soho House type vibe of place and maybe it was a whole fam jaunt ‘cos clearly Sunday lunch did not happen because James did not go home and everything was in shambles so it gives that Chlo is trying SO hard with everything… that way she gotta decide if she’s gonna freak at this lovebite or just pretend it was her when we all know it wasn’t lmao]

James: [agreed, it just fit too well with the timeline of things and how extra java have been from the off to not do, but now I’ve put that out there we can leave them and skip if you want because we know what the vibe is for the rest of this lunch break etc, they will just be hooking up until he has to go back to work and actually do some]

Ava: [sounds good baby, go us]