#❝♔ mirror ❠

[lcstwcrlds]

woah! was that TIMOTHY DRAKE walking down main street? i heard they’re not actually from ivy cove but come from DC COMICS. they’re 23 and live in GLEN OAK HEIGHTS but watch out because they can be SECRETIVE + STUBBORN but are actually RESOURCEFUL + OBSERVANT. despite them HAVING memories, you’ll always think of LEAPING OVER ROOFTOPS, FOUND FAMILY, MASKS BOTH IN AND OUT OF COSTUME when imagining them. / chen feiyu, he/they.

you know those people who are really smart but also really stupid at the same time? yeah.

since he has his memories, tim is currently struggling to find a way back home. this isn't his first rodeo with a different world, but it's the first time it's of this magnitude.

at the moment, tim is working as a detective, mainly as a way to pass the time (and perhaps because fighting on the side of justice to some degree is all he knows how to do anymore.) if you have a case that no one else will believe, he's your person.

you may know tim, you might even be friends with him, but you'll find that you don't know much about him. he tends to keep all information about himself to himself. it's on a need to know basis.

tim is stubborn, sometimes to the point where he doesn't look after himself properly. he gets results, but sometimes at a cost.

it's unlikely that he'll admit it, but he really misses his family.

[viburni]

tag drop. characters & dynamics

( ╰ ♔ ❝ you cut me loose and said it was creation. › lina., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ my god is shining lights and hands that won't stop giving. › shyrein., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ trapped a handful of stars in my clenched fist. › amethyst., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ magic bends down to you as if in a dance. › viserra., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ take a crowbar and pry out the broken pieces of god out of me. › charrus., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ in the sharp blade of the mirror i lose you again and again. › radu., ( ╰ ♔ ❝ și n-ai rămas nimic decât o pată de sânge ce vorbește. › viorica.,

( ╰ ♡ ❝ și pe sub glii ți-am auzit a inimei bătaie zgomotoasă. › ship inspo., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ i feed my flesh to my god and she makes me drink ichor. › & shyrein., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ you shouldn’t have left girls ravenous for blood alone amidst the roses. › & viserra., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ where are you? howls the wind. the wolf doesn't answer. › & radu., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ a deluge of hope my love and we swept by currents. › & viorica., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ for i am death's child and death'll save me from his own clock. › nakriss., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ 'cause we're made out of all the little bones of our fathers. › codrin., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ i am my mother's daughter; a sword that won't stop cutting. › rahela., ( ╰ ♡ ❝ this is a story about heroes dying. this is a story. › the hands of the gods.

[madamechrissy]

Silent Serenades

♔ An arranged Marriage with Duke Gojo ♔

♔ Pairings: Satoru Gojo x you - in this chap it's Satoru Gojo x random girl, Nanami x you It's messy and will get messier.

♔ Warnings: Sex, infidelity, mentions of disordered eating of the reader, descriptions of reader physically (just ties in with the story here) cheating on both ends, cruelty from Duke Gojo, cunnilingus, fingering, first time blow jobs, toxic attraction. OOC. ANGST. SO MUCH TENSION. More Mr. Nanami. Gojo is TERRIBLE still, you're warned

♔ Word count this chap: 10k

♔ Summary: you are the diamond of the season, he is the charming Duke, it’s the marriage of the decade. Prominent families joining, and it so happens that Duke Gojo is gorgeous. But, he doesn't want you, and now you're trapped in a loveless arranged marriage. Royal AU, dark bridgerton vibes, Cruel Gojo x reader. OOC Set in 1800s England. Gojo is awful at first, HEAVY angst Basically- Gojo is a royal dick and doesn't wanna marry you

A/N: Half Gojo's POV, Half yours. LONG ONE

Part Four - Masterlist - Playlist

Part Five: The Masquerade

Your POV

 It’s the night of the Gojo manor masquerade, it’s so odd to think this is where you’d met Mr. Nanami years ago, in this cold man’s manor, long before you two were betrothed. Sometimes you wish you had just ran off with Mr. Nanami that night, but it was a foolish little idea, wasn’t it? How could you have happiness like that, when this is where you live.

After that night you’ve completely avoided the Duke, he has not just disgusted you, you’ve disgusted yourself with your reaction. You’d laid there for hours that night, and at some point Gojo had come into your room, you had acted asleep, of course so as not to face him.

It was late in the night, long past those disgusting noises you had to hear of Gojo and his Mistress, so you assumed they were asleep. You were just able to breathe finally, just able to exist a bit without feeling that tightness in your chest. Then he was there, you struggle to stay still as you hear your door open, hear it creaking gently in the night.

You could hear his footsteps in the night, bare feet padding along the old floors of the room, then he’d just stood there, like some creep, well he was, wasn’t he? A confusing, evil, cruel ass of a man. A man that had ripped your dress to shreds, and the worst part is you had been thrilled, you’d never felt more alive then when he’d consumed you.

You felt horrible, thinking of Nanami, someone you could see some future with, some happiness, his tired eyes and smirk on those lips. The way you felt so fucking safe in his arms. Not stupid Gojo, not the damned Duke who absolutely ruined your life, that wrecked your psyche. As confident and strong as you act, the Duke had single handedly destroyed so much.

Now he back tracks his words, shouldn’t have said this, shouldn’t have said that, but it’s poor, sad excuses. You cannot allow yourself to fall victim to him again.

He is leaning over you now, and your eyelashes flutter just a bit when he pulls your blanket up over your body, up on your shoulders, before you hear him sigh just a bit, brushing the backs of his fingers on your cheek. You want to smack him, you want to jump up, but then he’d know you were pretending, so you just lay there, exhaling and trying to keep still.

After a moment he’s gone, just like he was never there, leaving your cheek burning from the odd touch, and your mind more confused at this man. What even was his problem, why would he come here after fucking his whore, why would he watch you as you sleep!? The man who hates you so.

You shake off that weird night, and you had not said a word to him all day, even going so far as to eat breakfast in complete silence. He had just looked at you every so often, and you’d peeked back, raising a brow, expecting some nasty remark or comment, but he’d not said a single word. You’re not sure it’s much better than his cruelty, this weird silence.

You stand before the mirror in your room, your heart racing as your maid and Nan dress you in the gown of a glittery silver, the fabric shimmering like stars. It’s so very beautiful. Mei and Utahime absolutely did impeccably. It fits you so perfectly, cinched in with beautiful jewels along the bodice, it’s surely the finest thing you have ever worn or even seen.

“My, you’re a vision, your grace!” The maid says, and you smile at her, feeling yourself flush under the praise.

“Indeed, you’ll be the belle of the ball. Like a Princess.” Nan says then, and you twirl a bit, watching the light catching the flouncing skirts.

“You two are most kind. I do feel most lovely in this.” You admit, as you look at your reflection in the gilded mirror. Your hair is piled high on your head, adorned with a diamond tiara that sparkles brightly. You look like a princess, like a vision from a fairytale that’s come to life, and for a moment, you let yourself believe in the illusion.

Your mask is a thing of beauty as Nan ties it around your face, a delicate little creation of lace and velvet that covers the top half of your face, leaving only your eyes and lips exposed. You feel so mysterious with it, as if you could be anyone you want, and who would you want to be?

It feels as if you lose yourself more and more here.

You glide down the grand staircase now, the silk of your gown whispering against the marble as you descend into the masquerade ball, the violinists and cellists making the most beautiful melodies, mingling with the cacophony of laughter and conversation. As you step down further, the room is full of ladies in white, and gentlemen in black, dancing and mingling in pretty patterns.

Your heart is beating out of your chest as you step down, curious if Mr. Nanami may make an appearance, curious if your ‘husband’ would pretend to be kind or not. His mother is here, along with your parents. As you enter the ballroom at the last step, your lace gloved hand on the bannister, heads turn and eyes follow your every movement, until they’re all looking at you.

Well everyone but one person, Satoru Gojo, he’s laughing with those bright white teeth, in his white suit, different from every other man in black, along with a dark blue cape and dark blue  mask, covering half his face. You can feel the air change, as they’re looking at you, and everything quiets. There are whispers then, as you nervously stand there, alone and in the center of attention.

‘The Duchess!’

‘She looks like a Princess!’

‘Beautiful!’

‘Breathtaking, look at that gown…’

You smile at them, as they look to you in awe, the many masked women and men, amongst a sea of butlers, waitresses and performers, no one moves a muscle. You see the familiar figure of Lord Geto and Lady Shoko, waving at you, and you look further, until you see his strong figure, in a suit that’s fit to him like a glove, those hazel lazy eyes twinkling.

You smile shyly as you see his lips part in shock, and you then watch everyone stare at Duke Gojo, someone tapping his shoulder then, and he looks to where you’re standing now, amongst the whispers. You expect the same coldness in his gaze as usual, but when his eyes land on you, something in them flickers.

For a moment, he’s stunned, his hand frozen mid-gesture, as they fall slowly, and he slowly walks toward you, as you now nervously fiddle with your own gloves, in front of your lap. You know he’ll try to ruin your confidence, even in this moment where hundreds of people are staring at your gown, your tiara, your beauty, but you know the damage the Duke can do.

He’ll show them what they need, he’ll pretend to hold your hand and smile as if you’re both great, but the coldness he emits will freeze you. He steps up one step now, holding his hand out now, eyes glimmering a shocking blue as he looks every inch of you over, making you nervous. Is he looking for some lack of perfection? Is he looking for something to mock?

“Duchess.” He says hoarsely, clearing his throat, and you hesitantly put your hand in his, gasping a bit when he pulls you towards him, your glittering heels stepping onto the floor below.

“Duke.” You respond, curtseying then, and Duke Gojo bows at the waist, then his lips part, then close. You watch his Adam’s apple bob as he leads you to the dance floor now, and the people gush over the two of you.

If only they knew, the real man, that looks so charming and fun, that’s so elegantly holding you at your waist with one hand, the other up, and you put your little one in his, which swallows yours. You suck in a breath as Gojo just stares at you then, as the music starts once more, and everyone’s gaze is on you both.

He begins to lead you into a waltz, elegant in his steps, your heels and his dress shoes clicking and echoing on the floor, as the music softly crescendos, and you’re spinning, in a dance with your fake husband. You keep your eyes affixed to his elegantly tied cravat as your body gets dizzy, as you brace for the blow.

He says your name, and you tense, looking up then. “I hope I am adequate looking tonight, Duke.” You murmur, and he turns you, before pulling you against him, dipping you over his arm, then slowly back up.

“You know what you look like, you had everyone in the room with their mouths open, what do you need a compliment from me?” He says then, through his terse lips, and you scoff, rolling your eyes behind your mask.

“I do not expect one, I expected you to say passable or the like.” You retort, and he laughs, his grip on your waist tightening and making you wince a bit, as his gaze burns you.

“You look… you look…” He sighs then, spinning you once more, and now your back is against him, his hand on your tummy, as one of his hands slides down your cheek, your neck, before spinning you back, your leg over his now. He grips your leg over your skirts, bending you low again, and your breaths come in quick pants.

“Not passable? Oh dear. I’m so sorry, husband.” You whisper, right against his lips, then you smirk at his glare. “I’m sure someone here will call me beautiful.”

Satoru’s grip gets tighter, as everyone starts dancing around you now, and the room is lively again. You see your parents by the buffet with Satoru’s mother and stepdad, watching you all curiously, then when you’re facing Satoru again, his eyes are lidded, snowy white lashes lowered over them. His hand is trembling slightly as it holds onto you.

“Is your lover here?” He demands, and you smile softly.

“How many of your lovers are here?” You counter, earning a scoff.

“Tch, insolent brat.” You scowl.

“Man whore.” He grits his teeth.

“You’re just a whore, then.” Your own eyes narrow as you spin once more, away from him, and he watches you with his fists clenched, as your gown glitters from the chandeliers above, bouncing light all over. You bow down, as does he, then your hands join once more.

“Can’t wait for this dance to end.” You say, and he’s sighing, a hand slipping up your back and making you tremble. “I know you also wish it was done.”

“You think you know me at all?” His voice is softer now, and your eyes lock, as you feel it, something just different now.

“You hate me, so I imagine having me in your arms is quite the task.” He brings you up then, off the ground spinning you, and you hate how you actually enjoy it. “Careful, don’t hurt-”

“You weigh nothing, stupid fucking girl. Less than nothing as you continue to ignore your meals in front of me.” His hiss is dark, and you sigh, looking away.

You realize you’re dragging out that comment, and for once you decide perhaps you should stop, Gojo has not said anything else about it since and you’re making it an ongoing issue, one that’s affecting you severely now. You let your anger consume you.  “Very well, I will stop such comments, I am being…”

“You’re fucking beautiful, the most beautiful thing here.” You step back, nearly falling as your mouth opens wide in shock.

“You can’t just say that, it’s not what you think! You’re such a manipulative, confusing ass of a man.” You stomp on his foot then, and he snarls at you, hopping on a leg.

“You stomp my foot for a bloody compliment? Stupid fucking brat.”

“Yes well it’s false, I like you better when you’re honest.”

“Honest!?”

“Indeed, when you tell me how much I disgust you.” His grip is so brutal you feel it through your layers, as it digs in. “What’s wrong Duke?”

“You know how beautiful you are.” He whispers those words, and they feel foreign from his cold lips, and now the song is changing, but he’s just standing there, holding you for a moment. “Do not play stupid.”

“You ever think you’ve knocked down my thoughts of myself!?” You hiss out the words then, and he looks down, backing away and dropping his hands as if you are a fire that burns him.

“As if you’ll take a compliment from me.”

“Because it’s a lie.”

“It’s not!”

“Hello, love birds.” Comes Satoru’s mother then, elegant in her gown, with her stark white hair flowing down in waves, smiling at you both now. “You’re the prettiest lady I’ve seen, why you rival Her Majesty’s style.”

“Oh thank you, Mama.” You say then, kissing her cheeks, and Satoru is still fuming, fucking glaring at you.

“Satoru. How have you been treating your wife?” She asks then, and Satoru scoffs, opening his mouth, but you cut him off.

“He’s been so kind, Mama, truly.” You say, and Duke Gojo scowls at you now, earning his mother’s confusion. People all around are going to get refreshments, talking and mingling. Satoru’s mother has a confused purse to her lips.

“I’ve heard things, from servants and friends alike. That you two share no room together. That Satoru has live in Mistresses? Plural. This isn’t true, is it?” She demands, and Satoru says nothing, he’s still looking at you with disbelief in his eyes, forcing you to clear your throat, smiling brightly.

“You cannot trust gossip, Mama. Oh, hello Mother, Father!” Your parents come over then, and you hug them both politely, you and your parents had a decent relationship, but not too close. They were very about appearances, and trained you to be as well, it’s partly why you hide emotions so well.

There are no warm smiles, but polite ones, they had never been cruel, just they had not spent much time with you growing up. You were raised by governess, Nannies, and the like. You suppose it’s the way of nobility, but you know if you ever had children it would be very, very different.

“I was just asking how the marriage was, you said it’s going well, Duchess?” Satoru’s Mom asks again, and you nod, grabbing Satoru’s hand, and it’s stiff and unyielding, even when you give him a look behind your mask, he’s still staring at you, not saying a goddamn thing.

“It’s going well, isn’t it dear husband?” You ask, earning his lips parting, then closing, as he sighs. Then his hand enwraps yours, and for a moment you enjoy it, huge, enwrapping your little hand, entwining his fingers with yours. You suck in a breath at how good it feels, and how much you hate it.

Duke Gojo’s POV 

Satoru is holding your delicate little hand in his, and it feels so good he can’t stand it, he can’t take it, how good you smell, how good your skin feels, how breathtaking you are. You’re a vision in this silver, glittery gown, you stand out in this sea of people, a diamond doesn’t even begin to describe you. As he danced he’d seen every set of eyes on you.

Even his mother loves you, everyone does, don’t they? And how can they not, when you smile brightly, those tempting lips hiding your true feelings. You look up at him then, with that lacy mask on your perfect face, only making you sexier, making him fill with want he has to shove down. Your glittery eyes, filled with tears just the other day, look right into his fucking soul.

He squeezes your hand back, watching your breasts heave in your dress, pressed up and delectable in that corset, fuck your body was so beautiful, Satoru couldn’t help but picture you when he fucks his mistress now. Now that he’s tasted you!? He wishes he could every day, fuck he wants to worship you on his goddamn knees.

But he can’t, can he?

Why are you lying for him, after what he’s done, what he’s said!? Saying you’re a pig, when you’re the complete opposite, making you not even eat in front of him. It breaks him, his cruelty and its effects, watching you slimmer and slimmer because he was evil and lied. Even if you’ve forgiven him, how will he forgive himself?

How can he forgive himself for your panic attack when he said the cruelest things, or the wedding night when he smacked your precious face, leaving a huge red hand print? You should hate him, fuck you should hate him more. That was his goal, for you to hate him, and he succeeded. To protect himself, because you look so much like her, so much…

So much like the love of his life that destroyed him. Fuck if you two weren’t related, she was all he could see when he first saw you, at that masquerade years ago, you were young. That night she had destroyed him, that night she had slept right with Satoru’s own father, and fuck if Satoru wasn’t glad that man was dead. She’d had no shame either.

As soon as Satoru became Duke, he sent her far away, and then who’s there but you and you’re the spitting image damn near. You were softer, prettier, not nearly as practiced and seductive, but seeing you had made him sick. Then your confidence and poise made you even more similar to her, she had Satoru ready to destroy the world for her.

He’d spent his entire money on her, he’d given her everything, only to have found her one day with his father, because his father had more money. Satoru had never forgiven him, even on his fucking death bed, and he let his dad know then that he will never give him an heir. That disgusting man had died in horror, and Satoru had just fucking grinned.

But fuck if you’re not more beautiful, and she was a gorgeous girl, but your energy, everything about you makes it worse. Now he knows you have some lover, and it brings it all back, he imagines you riding someone, he imagines you as the one who did that to him, that made him cold. Because of her Satoru closed himself off, drowned himself in alcohol, gambling and whores.

And he was living that life just fine until you.

Now, however, as he sees the dulling of your brightness, he knows what he’s done is so fucking wrong, but he’s too far gone in this, and now you’re rightfully gone. You moved on so quickly, to someone who surely worships you, and Satoru thinks maybe that’s for the best, no chance of you two ever being together, in any way, shape or form.

But when he’d kissed you?

Satoru had never felt anything like it, not when he kissed who he thought he ‘loved’ and Satoru had never tasted anything like your honeyed arousal on his tongue. As a man who gets sucked, who fucks rough, all he can think is having you gush down his mouth, down his tongue, he things of it as he strokes himself after his Mistress failed to make him cum.

He’d snuck in your room and watched you, with tears irritating his blue eyes, as you looked so tiny, so fragile, shivering in the cold. Having to listen to him, having to see him, he’s cruel, he’s terrible. You did nothing to deserve it. And you’re so fucking strong, so composed, so determined, you thrive even as he tried to shoot you down. He can’t even understand you.

It’s too late, isn’t it… and even if not, could Satoru not hate you, when you remind him so much of everything he hates? Could he ever even express an emotion, could he even compliment you, no you think they’re fake, and he understands. Even on your wedding night, looking so beautiful it made him ache, he’d lied, and you’d so easily believed that lie.

Why would you lie for him?

Take the opportunity, let his mother reprimand him, let him be made a fool of, he deserves the worst. Perhaps the worst is just beginning for him, now that he knows you have someone that makes you so happy. Your marks on those lush breasts, your slick wet cunt he knows someone licked, touched before him, it makes him furious, so furious, but he can do nothing.

“Indeed, we are doing well.” Satoru says softly, and you both talk to your family about a dinner coming, before you smile prettily up at Satoru.

“Could we get refreshments? My throat is parched, husband.” You say, and he just nods, leading you to the table where there was punch, and he did not ever wanna let your hand go. But you pull it away, leaving him empty. “I’m sorry, I just needed to get away, you don’t have to get me a drink.”

“Why?” He demands then, fists clenching on either side of him. You blink a bit, before pouring your own drink, Satoru would never even afford you a kindness like that, fuck he treats you like shit, he loathes himself more every moment.

“No need to cause a scene. I figure it best we handle an annulment after some time, especially if you wish to keep my dowry. I know you’re rich, but we technically are even richer.” You sip some lemonade, sighing, and he watches a little droplet fall down, right to your chin. He delicately swipes it off, and watches your intake of breath, your eyes darting to his.

“Why do you care if I have your dowry?”

“I figure it’s why you want to stay married. This gives us both what we want, me my freedom, you the dowry, and you never have to look at me again.” Your words are like a punch to the gut, how cold and detached you sound.

“Freedom to marry?” Satoru asks softly, pouring his own drink with trembling hands, usually so sure, but you have this stupid effect.

“Possibly, one day.” You get a soft, dreamy smile, as the chandeliers reflect off your glowing, soft skin, your gorgeous gown. You look like a Princess, perhaps more beautiful than one, not that he’d say it. Not that you’d want it from his cruel lips. But he knows someone else here will say it, and will whisper it in your delicate little ear.

Fuck he hates himself.

He hates you.

“Married to some baker?” He says, and you giggle then, fuck you’re so bratty, how you’d bragged about your breasts, about cumming, you confused the living fuck out of him. Intrigued him. Filled him with need.

Fuck.

“Maybe, Duke.” You would never call him his name, would you? Well unless you were cooing to your stupid puppy. “I think we’ve made our presence known, we should be free to spend the evening apart.”

He blinks rapidly, as you smile a bit into the crowd, and go to leave, but he stops you with a hand on your little waist, stiff and jeweled in that corset, making you pause, looking up curiously. “You are off to see your lover, like a whore?”

You smile then, that mean little smile that is full of hatred. “I will absolutely see him tonight. When he compliments me, it’s sincere, you know. Not for show.”

“You’re stupid. You’re fucking stupid.” He whispers, earning your glare now, your hand shoving his chest, burning through his dress shirt, starch and stiff. He imagines actually touching you, making love to you, doing the things you would do without him, watching that pretty face cumming? Fuck.…

“Duke Gojo, go have fun yourself, be discreet for appearances please. It’s not like I care. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” You peel his hand off, and it drops, as he turns and watches you glide through the damn crowd, a sea of ladies and gentlemen, and all that stands out is you.

Your skirts swish as your perfect silhouette disappears, and everyone greets you, everyone signs your goddamn dance card, including Suguru, who he knows has it bad for you. Fuck Suguru would have been good for you, but you’re stuck with a man you don’t want, aren’t you?

You don’t want Satoru at all. You’re the only woman who hasn’t. But he pushed you there, and now he has to watch everyone fawn over his wife, a woman he’ll never have, who he didn’t want. A woman he hates, because not just how she looks, how she acts, but what she’s doing, making him feel things he swore he never would, and then when he sees you light up…

That smile brightens the giant ballroom, as you’re in a man’s arms during the next set, a tall blond man with broad shoulders, and he’s grinning along with you, his hand on the small of your back, as the other caresses your cheek for a second. Just a second but he saw it. He sees your blush even far away, how you giggle, how your head tilts to the side.

That’s him, isn’t it?

You will never look at Satoru like that, why would you anyway? What’s he done to make you smile, laugh, or have any joy, all he does and continues to do is treat you like dirt, worse than dirt, kick you down. And you blossom in this man’s arms, and Satoru’s picturing you with him, under him, and it makes him sick.

One of the lady’s he’d fucked a long time ago comes to him now, asking him to sign her dance card, and Satoru decides to throw himself into the dance, to flirt with her, to smirk. To whisper in the shell of her ear, making her shiver as his fingers brush her upper back. Women were games to him, soft and easy, aside from you.

He hates himself.

He hates how you confuse him.

He hates you.

Your POV

Shaking off the very odd interaction with the Duke, you are now dancing in Nanami Kento’s arms, and he has a surprising grace - well was it surprising? - the man exudes elegance. But as a businessman unaccustomed to such events, he is a perfect dancer, and you can’t help but giggle every time he looks at you, earning his soft chuckle as you both turn about the ballroom.

“Imagine seeing you here?” He says then, and you giggle once more.

“Imagine, Mr. Nanami. Meeting here.” You tease back.

“I missed you and it was only a day, sweet girl.” His voice is husky now, and your heart is thudding in your chest, as you melt into the dance, almost tripping over your normally sure feet. Your gloved hand in his clutches tightly, your other hand on his chest, where he wore the most handsome black suit.

“You surely make me a blushing mess.” You say softly, earning a glint in those hazel depths, his big hand tightening just a bit on your waist.

“I’m honored to have such an effect on the most beautiful lady I’ve seen.” You look down a bit, nearly tripping, and he catches you with ease, chuckling a bit. “You surely know you’re a vision tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. Nanami. You also look quite dashing, you know Sir.” You say now, as he spins you gently, pulling your back against his chest, and then your eyes catch him.

The Duke.

His blue eyes are boring into you across the room, staring straight at you, to the point you can feel that gaze like a brand. He’s dancing with a lovely lady in a white dress and a white mask, and you watch his fingers slip up her back then, as he bends down to whisper in her ear. You blink a bit, taking a breath and then looking away, up at Nanami behind you.

“You are an even more skilled dancer than last time, Sir. Do you have a secret hobby, amongst the rest?” You ask then, teasingly, and Nanami scoffs a bit, spinning you back around, pulling you close for a moment before you both step back. He bows and you curtsey as the song ends.

“No hobby, darling. You give me too much credit.” He goes to touch your hand, then pulls back, realizing he can’t, and you watch his jaw tense, that Adam’s apple bob a bit. You frown.

“I’m sorry you cannot take my hand, Kento.” You whisper, looking away and clutching your layered gown tightly. “It’s selfish you see?”

“Darling, I’ll be fine. You’re not a bit selfish.” You look back to him, as you see his hands open and close at the sides, before they land in his trouser pockets, and your heart aches, your mind swirling in confusion.

As the music starts to die down later that night, and you’ve made several rounds with everyone, currently finishing a set with Lord Geto, you notice the Duke’s eyes on you again as he’s just laughing and leaning against a wall, and the girl is blatantly against him.

“He’s still being terrible, isn’t he? Fuck, any better at all?” You sigh, looking up at Lord Geto, who had danced twice with Lady Shoko, which put quite a smile on your face, but they seemed just friends for now. She had headed home and you two had danced a beautiful quadrille, dancing with Suguru was always so fun.

“He’s slightly better. I suppose. I told him we would annul the marriage in time, and he seemed… angry? It’s hard to understand him.”

“Mmm. I suppose. He’s never really acted this way, aside from a long time ago, he did have someone break his heart. I never met her though.”

“Duke Gojo had a heart?” Geto grins at that, and you both laugh a bit, as he leads you to get a drink, pouring one for you.

“I suppose he did. Here, love.” You take it thankfully, sighing as the cool condensation of the glass hits your lips.

“You’re a gem, Lord Geto.” You say, brushing his shoulder with your hand and smiling brightly.

“And you’re a diamond. Clearly, look at you, glittering everywhere.” You giggle softly, shaking your head.

“That’s sweat, probably, my Lord.” Geto rolls his chocolate eyes with a smirk, and then you pay attention, as the entire masquerade shifts.

People are kissing everywhere, as the music gets heavier, and much of the older ladies and gentlemen leave. This was around the time you had to leave as a young lady, but now you were in full view, as they now brought out several ladies, scandalously dressed and dancing. As the ballroom clears out slowly and others are sneaking into little alcoves.

“Oh… Is this…”  You trail off nervously.

“This is how these tend to go. Horny ton members.” He teases, and then studies your features. “What do you think of such things, Duchess?”

“I’m not quite sure.” You see the dancers saunter by, one comes to you, brushing her pretty nails along your cheek, smiling at you, and making you flush. She then comes to Geto, a hand on his chest, dragging him by his tie. He looks at you, and you wave him off.

“I should stay with you.” He says, and you shake your head with laughter as the dancer pouts.

“You have fun, Lord Geto. Not too much though.” He snorts, finishing his drink and then kissing your hand.

“Find me if you need me, Duchess. Holy… you bend that way!?”

You turn away in a fit of laughter, as alcoholic drinks are now being served, and you can feel the tension in the air as you sip on bubbly champagne. The whispers of scandal and passion whirl in your ears as the music builds to a crescendo, the dancers in the middle of the ballroom now, for all to see, as people in their masks are hiding their identities, kissing in dark shadowy corners.

You see Nanami again, and you walk back over that way, passing Satoru kissing now in his own corner, and you watch his long fingers dance along her waist, and for just a moment you feel them like they’re touching you. His eyes are shut, his pretty face concentrated as her head lolls over to the side, and he’s kissing her neck, before they open, and catch you watching.

You pause, breaths coming in little pants as he pauses his kisses, his hands sliding down her slowly, as he watches you so intently, his eyes going down your body, drinking you inch by inch. You are just frozen, and why? Why do you care, he’s not yours, you don’t want him.

You don’t care.

You don’t.

When he’s grabbing at her ass blatantly, you do look away, walking by quickly, past more and more couples kissing, caressing, sighing. Is this what you missed as a young, unmarried lady, you wonder? Where there were hundreds and hundreds of people, there were about fifty left, and all quite busy.

You hear the rustle of silk and satin mixing with the low murmur of sultry whispers and cries, as you’re right in the middle of it, your heart racing with the thrill of it all, shocked by what you see. But Satoru’s image is burned in your brain, and you fucking hate it. You don’t want him. You don’t care.

He’s disgusting and cruel.

You shake off such an odd feeling, as the night reaches its peak, the music changes, the tempo slowing to a seductive crawl, and it almost gets hard to breath, as you walk over to Nanami now, and he smiles over a glass of neat whiskey, sitting down in one of the arm chairs. He pats his leg, and you look around nervously, slipping off your gloves and clutching them.

“I believe you can feel a bit more free tonight, Darling.” He says, and you nervously sit on one of his thighs, squealing as he pulls you against him, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“I fear I’ll still be under scrutiny.” You whisper, looking around, but you realize several people aren’t with their partners, some are with multiple partners even, two men kissing on one woman’s neck, two women on one man's lap. “I’m the only one wearing silver, Nanami.”

“Indeed you are.” He chuckles warmly, pulling you down softly, kissing your lips, and you exhale against them, how good it feels. “These events tend to be secret, as they do not wish their secrets shared.”

“You are rather familiar with these, Sir!”

“Mmm, I’ve been to some events with my business.”

“And what is it that you do?” You ask, leaning against him, your fingers brushing up and down his chest. You sip your champagne, and he takes the glass, setting it on the table along with his whiskey, pulling you closer, so close you feel how hot he is, how hard that body is.

“I tend to do a little of everything, up to and including baking cookies with a Duchess. I’m rather important.” You grin then, as your heart swells, as his hands touch you over your layers of gossamer and satin. One hand reaches down and runs up your calf, over your white stockings, and you sigh in pleasure.

“You are important to have such a baking partner, Sir.” His face is more serious now, though, behind that mask that you want to rip off, to see his handsome face, as his hand rests on your thigh, and you feel your core tense, heat building as he’s so, so close to where you’re currently getting wetter and wetter.

“Should I have such an angel on my lap?” He whispers, sliding even further, until he’s right where your lace pantalets sit, and he’s slipping his thumb down into that waistband, watching your every expression. You nervously cling to him, rolling your hips just  a bit, and he exhales. “You’re so wet, darling, is this all for me?”

You hear it then, Nanami clearly wants you for himself, and you know that’s foolish for now, but you want to have that dream, of you and a man that wants you, that is so obsessed with you, and it makes your mind fuzzy as the champagne. You whimper when he finds your clit, rubbing in little circles, between damp folds, and you can barely form a word, clutching onto his shirt tightly.

“It is, Mr. Nanami…”

“Kento.”

“Kento. Mnh! Kento…” You whine out, as he’s rubbing you now with two fingers, flicking back and forth as he plays your cunt in public, right under your pretty ball gown, with your damn husband somewhere. It feels so wanton, so naughty, but so fucking good you’re dripping, craving more and more, gasping as he watches you, hungry eyes glinting in the dark.

“Mmm, so beautiful darling, that face when you feel so good? And it’s me making you feel that way?” He moans softly, the sound does things to you, and you find your lips against him now, pressing so deeply, wanting more, more, more of him, of his sure touch, of his sexy voice.

You gasp when he sinks a finger inside of you, right in this ballroom, and your walls are fluttering around it. “It is, Kento… it is.”

Duke Gojo’s POV

Satoru walks by, as he intends on being alone to rekindle the passionate encounters he and Lady Elaine used to have. She’s married to a rather old man who cannot take care of her needs, who is he not to assist? He’s grabbing a bottle of the finest wine, as he passes by to head up the stairs, then he stops in his tracks.

His heart drops to his stomach, his head pounding with the blood pressure that rises when he sees you, in your gorgeous fucking gown, on that man’s lap. Your slender arms are wrapped around his neck, one hand in his blond locks, and it’s like a stab in the chest, he stops right in his tracks, fuck he wants to grab you by your perfect little neck and yank you off him.

Satoru wants to bend you over something, beat your ass (fuck what does that look like!?) until you sob, pretty tears, then fuck you so good your tiara clatters to the goddamn floor. He wants to fuck you so good you can’t speak, can’t run that mouth, can’t do anything but drool. He wants to kill this man who dares to fucking touch you, wants to kill him right in front of you.

He feels the anger roll through him in waves, hot fury and something else… he’s hard under his trousers, straining against the stiff fabric as he watches your hips roll under those flouncy layers, as he watches your head fall back, and that man kiss your throat. Duke Gojo wants to do that, he wants to kiss you, touch you, so badly precum leaks against his pants.

But he can never have you.

You’re so out of reach, and he caused it all.

The man’s hand, bruised and cut and in no way a gentleman, grabs you so familiarly, the other mysteriously missing, but he watches your skirt rise and fall, then he knows. He’s fingering you wantonly, like you’re some whore, not a whole fucking Duchess, not his wife. He has no care of who sees you like it, and you clearly are enjoying, fuck he can damn near sense your desire.

He remembers it, how hot you got, how wet, only for a moment, glistening out of your perfect pussy, and he craves it so badly he can’t think, how good would it feel inside of you, to break you, to cum inside you? Something Satoru hadn’t done since her, along with licking a woman’s cunt, it’s not that he didn’t love it, it’s that it was too much to bear.

That overwhelming need to have cum spraying on his face again, and with you, who looks just fucking like her. Was he cursed, to not just repeat this vicious memory over and again, but worse, because he needs you more than her even. And he at least had her, for that time, constantly begging her, pleading with her, for affection, for her touches, for her looks.

Satoru was pathetic with her.

Now he’s more pathetic for you.

“Is everything all right, your grace?” Lady Elaine asks softly, and he notices her then, eager and ready to fuck clearly. But all he can think of is tasting you between your thighs, but you have another man’s hand there.

Fuck you, fuck this, fuck his thoughts.

“Nothing is wrong, let’s go, love.” He says softly, yes he calls her love, but he calls you Duchess, or bitch or something cold. Just as you call him Duke, or something colder.

He stomps by, passing you, and you pull your lips off the man long enough to look to him, fuck he’d been fondling Elaine right in front of you, shameless as you looked, with something in your gaze he couldn’t place. Not hurt truly, not even curiosity, what was that look you gave him, burned into his goddamn brain, as he takes her to his room.

Satoru has her naked in quick haste, she has a beautiful body, but for some goddamn reason he thinks of you, he can’t stop thinking of you, wishing he was the one fingering your eager cunt under your skirts. Why, why, why!? Why do you do this to him, you don’t want him, do you? How could you? How could you want him? If you did, it was physical, it was nothing else.

He’s not even good enough for you.

Is anyone good enough to look upon your pretty face, to taste your sweetness, to caress your soft skin? He imagines your eyes looking at him with desire, not with goddamn hatred, as he kisses Lady Elaine, as he slides his fingers into her cunt, which is soaking wet. He wishes it was tighter, like yours, he wishes he could feel it. Would he ever even get to touch you again?

Satoru flips Lady Elaine around, not being able to stand her face, pretty as it was, instead fingering her as she’s face forward against his wall. He’s listening to her moans, they should be sexy, shouldn’t they? Then why does he have to stroke himself, from the base to the tip of his huge cock, as he shuts his eyes and imagines rubbing that tip between your plump lips.

Why does that get him hard, not Lady Elaines’ rather lucious ass pressing out, her head thrown back, as Satoru’s mask brushes against the back of her neck. Why do you torture him existing? He told you, he wishes you didn’t exist, he remembers as he slides into her entrance, and she sucks him in greedily, and Satoru’s hands are on either side of her body as he fucks into her, braced on the cold door of his room.

Do you know you’re all he thinks of as he fucks her pussy?

Would you care?

Why should you?

Will you get fucked tonight, will you lose your innocence to him, to that man that you light up for? Does Satoru have any say in that, when he pushed you there? But the thought crushes him, as he rests his head down on her bare shoulder, as he fucks her against her cervix, and she’s screaming out, cumming all over him. All he thinks of is you.

All he thinks of is how he’s ruined everything.

All he thinks is how he’s a fucking idiot, for fucking this girl he cares nothing for, when he wants you, fuck he wants you. And it just gets worse every moment he breathes, and as he struggles to focus, rubbing her clit in circles, all he can do is imagine your pussy pulsing around him, your wetness down the ridges and veins of his cock, but you’re going to be that way with him that damn man.

Satoru ignores the tears pricking his blue eyes, fucking her harder and harder, chasing a feeling of anything other than you, other than you sitting on that goddamn man’s lap in your beautiful dress.

Your POV

You hate how you feel when you watch Satoru walk by, when you’d seen pain in his goddamn gaze, and for what!? It’s not as if he doesn’t have another woman he’s with, what’s this four in the short time you’ve had the unfortunate circumstance of being his ‘wife’. What did it matter you finally had some pleasure, with a man who cherishes you, who plays you so well.

You turn back to Nanami, eyes fluttering shut as he crooks his fingers up, and you’re so close you hold back, gasping, thighs tightening around his hand. “Mr. Nanami… somewhere private?”

“Of course, Darling. I got carried away.” He says softly, inhaling, pulling his hands out of you and helping you stand up. “It’s your home, Duchess. Where to?”

“My chambers, if you’re comfortable? Is it too… mad?” You ask softly, and he cups your face, bending down, his mask brushing right against yours as you both stand in the ballroom.

“Of course not, darling. You lead the way.” You take his hand, biting your lower lip nervously as you lead him through the corridors, up the winding staircases to where you must pass Satoru’s chambers to get to you own, hearing loud moans of a woman. You ignore whatever you feel, continuing to pull Nanami into your room, alone, shutting the door behind you.

You both stand there, breathless now, and your lips brush back against each other, the kiss is soft at first, tentative, then it deepens, growing more passionate and desperate with each passing second. His arms wrap around you, pulling you closer, and you can feel the thump of his heart against your chest, echoing the rhythm of yours, his hands roaming your body.

Nanami Kento pulls back, sucking in a breath, and taking off your mask carefully, licking his glossy lips and exhaling. “You’re so beautiful, darling. I feel I’m having another dream, in my Duchess chambers.”

“Oh, Kento…” You take his mask off gently, heart racing as you feel heat washing through you, along with the alcohol spreading heat in your body.

“What does my darling want? I’m at your command.” Nanami’s handsome face looks down at you, and you take a shaky breath, sliding your hands up his strong shoulders.

“Your darling would like to see you. Please.” He steps back, and you’re eagerly helping him undress, taking off his suit jacket, then his vest and shirt, until he’s bare chested, and he’s gorgeous. You feel your tummy tighten as you look at him, so built like a statue of a god, muscles thick and sinewy under golden skin. “Oh my, Kento you’re so beautiful.”

“Me, Duchess? You.” He huskily says, pulling you against him, bending low and kissing you, as you feel his hands unlacing your corset deftly. You soon are just in your skirts, which he gently takes off with great care, leaving you in pantalets and a chemise. “Darlin, look at you.”

“I see you, Kento, I see you.” He blinks a bit, gulping audibly, before pressing you against the door of your own room, you feel the cold wood press against your back as he slips down to his knees, and you gasp as he pulls your pantalets down.

“And I see you, darling. So wet, so ready. Do you want to cum on my mouth again?” He asks, and you whimper then, nodding eagerly, clinging your hands to bare, hot shoulders.

“I want to make love, Nanami.”

“Darling…”

“You’ll make me wait? Not at my command?” You feel his chuckle against your inner thigh.

“I’ll let you go further tonight, but not just yet. Let me enjoy my time?” You nod then, embarrassed you’re so eager, as you look at his handsome face and he’s pushing your chemise, silky up your thighs, and pulling a thigh over his shoulder. “Good girl.”

Good girl!?

You can’t take it, as soon as his tongue slides up your slit, you’re screaming out, moaning so loud it’s ridiculous, you’re so ready you can’t stand it. And Nanami is staring up at you, pulling back and grinning. “Darling, your husband is next door.”

“Shit.”

“You cuss like a man.” He kisses your clit, and you struggle not to scream out again, but you fail.

“He doesn’t care.”

“Mmm, let’s be a little quiet, wild girl.” You nod then, and he’s drinking you up now, your wetness pouring into his hot mouth, and your eyes roll back, toes curling in those glittery heels you still have on, rolling your hips for more. Nanami eagerly licks and sucks your little clit into his mouth, and you struggle not to scream, but fuck it feels so good.

Duke Gojo’s POV

Are you moaning in there!?

He hears you, wanton little whore that you are, he wants to be the one that makes you cum, fuck he’d make you cum so good you’d forget whatever he has done, you’d know nothing. You wouldn’t speak, if he had time with you, you wouldn’t even make those little moans, you’d be screaming.

Satoru is still pumping in and out of Lady Elaine, on her hands and knees in his bed, he’d been going at it for some time, but now he’s furious. How dare you be moaning with another man, what are you doing, and would he ever get a fucking chance to try?

How could he when he’s still inside a woman.

He’s no better than you, no he’s worse.

The tragedy of listening to you and picturing you just makes him fuck her harder, as her moans grow loud in the room, do you hear in your chambers he wonders, do you even care? Do you care about anything but surely dripping out cum down another man’s mouth, or worse?

Fuck he hates his thoughts, why are they always of you!?

Your POV

You hear Satoru’s moans as you’re pressed against the door, as Nanami is working on you, but you shove them out of your mind, what do you care, Satoru is no matter, not when you’re cumming so good. Not when you’re shattering over Nanami’s handsome face, knees so weak he has to catch you so you don’t fall as you scr4eam out your climax.

“Kento!” You cry out loudly, and Kento moans softly, pulling back, standing and kissing you deeply, and you flip him then, pressing him against the door.

“Darling?”

“My turn.” You unbuckle his leather belt, and he’s breathing heavy, thick muscled chest rising up and down as you work him, as you push down his trousers, your eyes locking on his.

“Darling…”

“I know you won’t make love to me yet, but will you let me pleasure you? Please?” You ask softly, and his cheeks are flushed and his eyes dark with lust, and he nods a bit, making you smile softly.

“Wanton girl, you’ll end me.” You giggle softly, as his pants fall away, revealing his cock, it’s huge and thick, with a reddened tip that’s leaking something white and pearly on the tip, and you bite your lip at the sight, your pussy clenching with anticipation.

“Kento… you’re so…”

“You don’t have to-”

“No, no. It’s so big.” You say, blushing yourself, stroking him hesitantly, watching him suck in a breath, clinging to you.

“Fuck, let’s have you sit, I don’t want your knees hurt?” You think of that then, of Satoru’s mistress sucking him on her knees, and it fills you with something you hate. You lead him to the bed, and sit on it, looking up at him now, hands clutching your red silk blankets.

"Show me what to do, please?"

Kento nods, his hand reaching out to guide your head. “Open your mouth, darling.” He orders softly, and you obey, earning a moan. “I’m dreaming. Okay darling, lick and suck what you can, if it’s too much, tap my thigh. Yes?”

You nod eagerly, tongue out and ready, and soon he’s guiding his tip in, and you’re taking his length in, feeling the heat and the velvet of his skin on your tongue. He groans, a sound that goes straight to your core, making you want to do more, making you want to make him feel as good as he’s made you feel.

“Fuck… darling don’t go too deep.” You pull back a bit, suction popping as you let go for a moment.

“You taste good, Kento.”

Nanami moans, bending down to kiss you for a moment, cupping your face, hands rough. “Darling you’re so perfect, fuck. We can stop here.”

“No, please. Please.” He nods then, opening your mouth with two fingers, shoving his thick cock back in you.

“Play with yourself, darling.” You look up, eyes wide, pulling back again.

“Um…”

“Oh fuck… rub it like I rub you?” You nervously slide up your chemise, finding your clit and whining out, so sensitive it twitches. “That’s it, that’s my girl.”

He shoves his cock back in, and you take more of him in, looking up at him, seeing the desire and pleasure on his handsome face, his cheeks hollowing as he’s stroking your hair now, his eyes on yours as he watches you suck him off. It’s oddly intimate, it feels so good to pleasure him you’re wet again.

Is this what that girl did to Satoru?

You hear him, Satoru is moaning again.

Your tummy clenches as you ignore it, as you focus on sucking Nanami, and your finger circling your clit, struggling to take more. “Breathe through your nose, darling.”

You follow his instruction, and your eyes water as you suck, but you keep going, because you want to please him, you want to feel him come apart in your mouth, like he’s done to you. You wrap your hand around the base of his cock, stroking as you suck, and he’s bucking into your mouth, his hips jerking, as he groans.

“Darling you’re so good at this, fuck. Fuck… darling, I’m close.”

You pull back, shaky. “Can I drink you, like you do me?”

“I’m dreaming, fuck maybe I’ve died.” You giggle then, a bit breathless, still rubbing your clit, as he pulls your hair, still clad with that tiara, heavy on your head, on your heart. “You can, but if you don’t enjoy it, please tell me.”

“I am sure I will.” He’s back in your mouth, and you’re rubbing faster, until you’re cumming from your own touch, and he’s groaning, fucking your mouth, but it’s different than you saw with Satoru, he’s gentle, he’s soft, he’s caring.

Satoru…

Fuck Satoru.

“I’m cumming, darling, ah- fuck…” Nanami groans then, pulling back a bit, then your mouth is filled with thick, salty liquid. You choke a bit at first, but suck it all down, feeling his tip quivering, and he’s groaning, his handsome face contorted in pleasure, stong hands shaking. “Darling… oh my god…”

“Was it good?” You ask after a moment, coughing a bit and swiping your lips, your answer is him on top of you, pressing you into the mattress, kissing you over and over, fingering you again, with two fingers. “Kento!”

“Good!? Good? No. Perfect.”

Perfect.

Hmm.

Why does this word hurt?

“Kento… Kento!” You’re whimpering and oversensitive, as he pumps his fingers, looking down into your eyes. “Please… inside me.”

“Not yet, but soon. I promise. I want you to be sure.” You sigh, shakily nodding, and he’s fingering you harder, scissoring in and out until you’re screaming out, as he’s kissing you, drinking your every cry, until you’ve soaked him. Soon he’s easing out, and his breaths are labored as he caresses your cheek. “Jesus, you’re too good for this Earth.”

“I’m not, I absolutely just sinned so many sins.” He laughs, his sexy little laugh, his handsome grin that fills you with warmth.

“Too angelic looking to be a real sinner.”

“Indeed, Sir!”

Soon you’re in your night shift, and Nanami is back dressed, and you’re seeing him out, kissing him over and over. “I’ll dream of you until we meet again.”

“As will I, Kento.” You say softly, and he is hugging you so tightly, as you walk out into the cold halls, and Kento bows to you, as he walks away, a distant shadowy figure. You take several breaths, tasting him still on your tongue, leaning your back against the hallway walls, struggling to come to.

You’re buzzed, you’d sucked a man, you’d wanted to go even further… what were you doing?

Was it the right thing?

You enjoyed it so much, but something gnaws at you, as the door to Satoru’s room opens, and he steps out, sweaty and shirtless. You stand there, still, as his eyes meet yours in the night. You both just stand there, staring at each other, and you expect him to call you a whore, to say his nasty fucking words. But he doesn’t, he walks to you, he presses you into that wall, leaning over you.

You just look up at him, eyes wide, and his blue eyes torturously analyze you, emotions making them glossy, as he then punches that wall next to you, chest shaking as he lets out a shaky breath. And you touch his bare chest, nails digging in, as you stare up at him, tears pricking your eyes, as you know what he’s done, and what you have done.

Both of you shouldn’t care.

What’s it matter?

Why can’t you breathe around him!?

“Did you have a good night, Duke?” You whisper, earning his broken laugh, as he leans down and cups your face, tears on his long white lashes.

“Did you, Duchess?” He asks, so soft it’s like it’s not his voice, and you just look away, unable to face those brilliant, insane blue eyes.

“Good night, Duke.” You say then, turning, and opening your door knob, for him to grab you by the waist, shoving you against him, and your head leans back, as you eagerly rock against him. You hate it, your reaction, as he’s sobbing against your ear, as you’re sobbing against the cold night air.

“Good night?” He whispers brokenly, and you just nod, shoulders shaking. “Good night… good night!?” He’s pulling your hair, as he’s pressing you so hard against him you can’t fucking breathe, you are so consumed by him, you’d bend over right here and have him fuck into you.

What’s wrong with you!?

You can never!

“Yes… um… is something…”

“Wrong? Everything’s fucking wrong. I can only imagine licking your perfect cunt as I’m fucking her. I can’t get you out of my goddamn head.” He curses, sliding your chemise up and you’re trembling, thighs shaking. “Please just let me taste you, please… just once. Please.”

At his begging, at his insane desire, you just nod then, spreading your thighs, this is insane, it’s insane… “Taste me, then.”

“Fuck.” He’s swirling his fingers along your clit, and you damn near cum from that, throbbing so hard it hurts, as Satoru Gojo’s fingers shove up into you, and all you can imagine is his cock, and you’re crying out, trembling, as he moans. “Fuck, fuck I hate you.”

“I h-hate you too. I do. Fuck!” You’re grinding your cunt on his hand, and he’s so hard against you back, as he’s pulling his fingers out then, and you bend over, gasping as you turn, watching him suck you off his fingers, closing his pretty eyes, white lashes fluttering.

“Goddammit. Goddammit.” He curses, shoving you against the wall now, and you look up at him in shock. “Fuck you, Duchess.”

“Fuck you! Fuck you, Satoru!” He pauses then.

“Satoru?”

“Duke. Duke Gojo. Fuck you.” You shove more and more, and he moans, resting his head on yours before he disappears into his room, and you’re left in shock, in confusion, in disgust.

What is this?

Who is he!?

Who are you.

Enjoy the shitshow, dear Masochistic readers.

Part 6 here

[gemiinus]

tag dump 1

[trashmouth-richie]

♔ 𝖑𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍: 𝖜𝖎𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉 𝖌𝖆𝖒𝖊

♔eddie x female reader (lilith au)

♔ tw: 18+ minors get fucked. as all of the lilith au—can be read as a stand alone fic, nicknames, voyeurism? nude in public, driving while receiving head, driving while fooling around sexually, mentions of hickies.

♔a hot summer day calls for a drive out of hawkins out of indiana, but when your boy toy looks as delicious as Eddie does, you can’t keep your hands (or mouth) to yourself

more lilith here

“What does she say in that movie?” 

  Examining your neck in the mirror of Eddie’s visor, your fingernails poke the purpling marks adorned with deep swelled red pocks from his teeth. Some faded, others fresh and still slicked with your lover’s spit. 

  A joint burning fresh extends across the center console to share with you from ringed hands, nudging your bare shoulder with knuckles that were scuffed and scabbed over. 

  “Shit, not sure princess,” Eddie mouths around a cloud of smoke, “that cheesy musical?” 

  Taking the joint you flip the visor up, cranking the window down a few more notches before putting your painted toes on the dash, one foot on the vent. 

  “Something about looking like a leper, anyway, these….” you say pointing to the string of hickies on your neck, “are the prettiest necklaces I’ve ever owned.” 

  Eddie smiles a wicked grin, barely able to contain control of the steering wheel at you admiring his handiwork. 

  He was covered in marks from you as well, pink scratches down his chest and back, a permanent swell on his bottom lip from the way you sucked and bit on it, teasing him whenever you could. 

  He winks and nearly growls, “it’s a collector’s item, one of a kind, baby.” 

  “count me rich then, how much further?”  

  “Border is coming up I think,” he reaches his arm towards you playing with the steel bar between your bare nipple, “I love seeing you like this, but you might wanna put some clothes on.”

  It was hot in the van, hotter yet after Eddie had enough of your teasing tongue on his earlobe and decided to pull over for a quickie on an abandoned road. Pounding you raw until tears split from your eyes. 

  You were sitting completely naked, pussy bare as you fiddled and finagled with the air conditioning levers. “It’s so hot, and I’m sweaty, clothes are staying off… or is it bothering you?” 

  Eddie was shirtless as well, his skin sparkling with a sheen of sweat, fresh claw drags across his torso. 

  He grabs for your leg making you swivel in your seat as he pulls it towards, ass cheeks sticking and rubbing on the itchy fabric, “nothing you do bothers me little vixen,” his eyes flutter to you and then his crotch, eyeing you again so you can see the bulge growing in his jeans already, “you know that.” 

  Your eyes hood as you look at him through your lashes, a smirk slithers to your lips, “good.” Shifting sideways in your seat your bare toes rest on his lap, dangerously close to his erection. 

  Cranking the window down the entire way you stretch your arms and head out into the lazy breeze. Your body is on full display for him to feast his eyes on. Resembling a Victorian styled painting. 

  He drank in the way your skin stretched over your ribs as you bent out of the window, chin pointed to the cerulean sky, fingers twirling in the wind. The sun sparked hot against your tits, glinting a hue of seafoam blue from the windshield visor. Neck prickled sweetly with his hickies. 

  Your black painted toes circle around his cock, working him gently with the arch in your foot, a silver ring on your second toe. 

  “Baby, baby, baby…” Eddie groans, shifting himself deeper into the driver's seat.

  The wind chilled your fingers enough to cool you down, they felt like ice on your burning skin as they slithered further down to the warmed wet heat between your legs. 

  “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” he groans as your feet stroke him again and again. 

  Middle finger deep inside of yourself you only smile, spreading your knees apart to show him, “don’t I always?” 

  “Fucking Chriiist,” his arm stretches out over your knee, reaching for any part of you he could without killing you both by going off the road, his lips press tight together when you whine out from your own pleasure. And you can feel his dick kick up, “goddamn sweetheart.” 

  Minutes pass of Eddie glancing between the open road and your fingers feverishly rubbing at your clit and slipping in and out of your slick folds— trying to focus on his task at hand. 

  A pretty little pout crosses your brows, frustration painted on your face, “your fingers are bigger than mine, it doesn’t feel the same.” 

  An idea crosses Eddie’s mind, filthy and genius. 

  “Want me to do it for you, angel?” he half mocks, pushing your feet back to you, “sit up straight.. normal.” 

  You do as your told, legs stretched open with a foot out of the window. His middle and ring finger curl towards your mouth and you open with no hesitation, sucking, tongue rubbing softly on the pads, his blood boils at the warmth from your mouth. 

  Popping his fingers out with a little pop, he works on your clit first. Teasing, rubbing, pinching. Your angelic moans fill the van, music to his ears. When his thick fingers push into you, your eyes roll at the pained pleasure, coloring your vision to a dim onyx, seeing spots. 

  “right there, huh?” Eddie grunts when you gasp and pant his name, “sucking me in deep princess holy shit.” 

  Your release hits fast, gushing over his fingers like a faucet, nipples tweezed between your pinched grip. Eddie encourages you through it, his hot breath steaming up the window, sweat on his brow.

  Opening your eyes, the sun seems like a hot iron poker to your retinas, the blissful high coming down as your body heaves deep breaths, lips pursed. 

  Eddie’s fingers pull out and you groans at the way you’ve coated his fingers, “look at you, making a mess.” 

  “Let me fix it,” you purr before grabbing his hand and wrapping your tongue around his fingers, sucking your taste from them, licking them clean. 

  “Fuck,” Eddie pleads inaudibly, and you only bat your eyelashes and smirk. All hope is lost when your cheeks hollow and you look at him with innocent eyes. 

  “That mouth of yours.. I need it on me, now.” 

  You oblige all to giddily, planting your knees on your seat and leaning over to unthread his belt, licking at the claw marks on his skin as his cock flops out from his boxers in all its veiny glory.  

  A dribble of spit falls from your tongue like honey, trickling on the head of his cock, “should we pull over?” 

  Eddie’s eyes are nearly shut as he holds your chin, “nah, I got it, just need you… please.” His hand rubs down the bare of your back, cupping the fat of your ass, breaching your pussy lips open with his middle finger and you let out a satisfying moan. 

  “You good, baby?” he asks, “so fucking dirty for me.” 

  Pumping him slow with your hand, you lower your mouth to the soft velvet of his cock, sliding him in and out of your mouth, nodding along to his question, and popping off to mutter a gasped, “mm only for you, Eddie.” 

  He cants his hips up to your open mouth, nearly cumming when you gag and slurp him up, bruising your throat. He works his fingers the way you like, stretching you open and going deeper than your own could reach. Your vibrating moans around his length have him squirming in the drivers seat, swerving over the yellow lines and back into the lane again. 

  You cup his balls, rubbing a thumb between them in circular motions, and Eddie yells out. 

  “fuuuuck, take it baby,” his hand falls from the wheel and holds your head down as he cums hard. Coating your throat in his second orgasm in less than an hour, aching sensitivity pulsing through his throbbing cock. 

  Your name falls from his lips like a chanted prayer in a backwoods church, soft and quick. His warm cum stays in your mouth as you suck the soul from him— hungry for more.

  When you pop off of him and tuck him back into place, he looks wrecked, fringe of his bangs frizzy, dripping from sweat,  navel pooling with perspiration. 

  Opening your mouth to show off his spend on your tongue, he about comes undone. It took him a while to get used to this but now he knows you’d never spit, not his girl. 

  Swallowing, and brandishing off your empty mouth, you lick lips like a cat after a meal, “you taste so fucking good, Eddie. How the hell did your previous girlfriends never do that?” 

  “Fuck princess,” Eddie groans, pulling your lip down and watching as the plump flesh thumps back into splace, sending a shiver down your spine, “I dunno, still trying to wrap my head around how I got lucky enough to find someone who loves doing it… fuckin’ won the lottery with you, my little sex addict.” 

  Relighting the joint from earlier, you press your lips to his, shotgunning smoke from your lungs into his mouth, letting his heady taste go from your tongue to his. 

  He inhales and you sit back on the sticky mess you had made earlier, ashing the joint out the window lazily, “only thing I'm addicted to is you.” 

[thenickgirl]

Dom!Nick HeadCanons

nick x male!reader

requested by @nicksmainbitch ✩

disclaimer: this is all fictional and based off of my own conclusions.

warnings: not proofread. nsfw. mentions of choking, slapping, spitting, overstimulation, and degradation.

NSFW

♔ he doesn’t take on the dominant role a lot, but when does, he goes all in

♔ as a dom, he enjoys mixing pleasure and pain, the line becomes very blurred when it comes to sex with him

♔ he establishes a safe word with you right away, probably something like ‘pineapple’ (idk he loves pineapple okay lmao)

♔ he’s extremely cocky (figuratively and literally)

♔ his dirty talk is on a whole other level and it’s laced with degrading words

♔ his favorite positions are doggy and missionary

♔ he has so many little kinks that turn him on when doms

♔ he’s such a tease, slowing his pace until you’re pathetically whining for him. he loves to hear you begging him for what you want.

“n-nick i-…please”

“aww is someone too fucked out to speak? good boys ask for what they want”

♔ he loves to choke you, and you love it as well, sometimes asking for it if he doesn’t do it himself

“you just love having my hand around your throat, don’t you? getting choked out like the little slut you are”

♔ he loves to pull your hair as much as he loves having his pulled

♔ when he’s sucking you off, he loves the way you tug at his strands when your cock hits the back of his throat, making him groan.

♔ when he’s fucking you from behind he loves the way your back arches for him. he’ll pull on your hair making that arch even more perfect, slapping your ass loving the way the sound echoes around the room. if there’s mirror he’ll fuck you in front of it, hooking his strong tatted arm round your neck, pulling you to his chest, whispering in your ear saying how you good you feel around him and making you watch how he fucks you numb, daring you to look away.

♔ he’s obviously more rough when he doms, thrusting into you hard and deep, and don’t even think about pushing him away or holding him back. he’ll slap your hand away, and go even harder.

“you can take it, i know you can. be a good boy for me”

♔ if it ever becomes too much though, and you have to use the safe word, he’ll stop immediately. assuring that you’re okay and that he didn’t hurt you. he’ll praise you while cleaning you up if you need it, and cuddle up next to you, giving you soft and sweet kisses.

♔ when you ride him, don’t get it twisted, he’s still very much in charge. he’s guiding your hips back and forth, slapping you or your thighs if you dare slow down. he’s holding your hips tightly in place as he fucks into you relentlessly. he’s stroking your hard cock at a steady pace, dragging his thumb across the tip, watching you unravel above him but making you ask for permission to cum for him.

“you’re shaking, baby, are you about to cum for me?”

“y-yes nick please”

“ask or i’ll stop”

“can i cum, p-please? i’m so c-close”

“good boy, make a mess for me”

♔ he loves kissing you, rough and passionate, biting on your bottom lip as he pulls away. he loves to suck and nip at your skin, leaving marks all over you.

♔ when in missionary he likes to have your legs over his shoulder giving him access to the deepest part of you, making you look him in the eyes. when he’s not pinning your hands down above your head, he’ll wrap a hand around your throat, squeezing lightly and may even spit in your mouth.

“what a dirty little slut you are, letting me spit in your mouth. are you really that much of a whore for my cock?”

♔ he is very big on praise, mainly praises for him. he gets off on hearing how good he’s making you feel, wanting to hear every little gasp, moan, and whimper.

“nngh fuck nick, you feel so good”

“so big baby, can feel you so deep mm”

“OHH FUCK NICK! mmm right there”

“mm that’s it, baby, let everyone know how good this dick is”

♔ overstimulation is his favorite thing, he loves taking you over the edge. pulling orgasms from you one after another, making you shake with pleasure, not stopping when you say you can’t take anymore.

“i know you can give me one more. look at you, so pretty and desperate to cum for me again, let me have it, baby”

♔ if you have toys, he’ll use them on you while he fucks. placing the vibrator right on your leaking tip, as he’s hitting that sweet spot inside of you over and over. letting you come so close to cumming before stopping and turning it off, smirking at the way you whine.

“mm so close. don’t worry, i’m not done with you just yet, pretty”

♔ it’s undeniable that he’s freaky, and is willing to try and give in to any fantasies you have.

♔ your pleasure is most important to him, even as a dom, loving your feedback after the night ends.

AFTERCARE

♔ he’ll carry you to the bathroom and set you on the sink while he runs a warm bath for you two

♔ while you’re waiting he’ll kiss the marks he made on you, asking if you’re hurt anywhere. you’ll reassure him that you weren’t and that he made you feel so good and you loved every second of it.

♔ he’ll get you both into the bath and clean you up while offering praises

“i’m so proud of you”

“you were so good for me, baby”

“you’re so perfect, i love you”

♔ after the bath he’ll carry you back to the bed, laying by your side as you cuddle around him with your head on his chest, he’ll pull the covers over you both, holding you close and whispering sweet nothings until you fall asleep.

🏷️: @mattslolita @muwapsturniolo @guccifrog @luverboychris @freshloveforthefit @orangelala @imsosillygoofylol @moonk1ss3d @matty-bear @mybelovednick @sturniolossss @sturnphilia

[lcstwcrlds]

woah! was that FISCHL walking down main street? i heard they’re not actually from ivy cove but come from GENSHIN IMPACT. they’re 22 and live in CORDOVA GROVE but watch out because they can be DRAMATIC + INSECURE but are actually DILIGENT + KIND-HEARTED. despite them NOT HAVING memories, you’ll always think of THE POWER OF LIGHTNING, A RAVEN’S WINGS, A WELL WORN NOVEL when imagining them. / elle fanning, she/they.

the best way to describe fischl is a larper who never turns it off. fischl isn't even her real name - it's amy. but to everyone else, she is the prinzessin der verurteilung, fischl, who has come here from another world.

while she doesn't remember the details (not the real ones, ahving no memories of her real home), she knows the character of fischl came from a book. as someone who wasn't entirely happy with herself, of who amy was supposed to be, fischl seemed much more appealing.

while dramatic and even obnoxious with her flowery language at times, it's easy to see that fischl has a kind and helpful nature. she enjoys spending time in nature as well, either in solitude or with friends.

she can often be found at her job at cordova wood campsite where she helps run the camp activities, mainly archery, as it's something she's very skilled in.

you can also often find her with a book. she loves to read and immersing herself in fictional worlds. even in real life, for better or worse.

don't call her by her real name. amy? who's that? she'll pretend she never heard you.

[rodolfoparras]

RODOLFOPARRAS MASTERLIST

MDNI 18+

♚ Top Male reader ♔ Bottom Male Reader 🎲 Gender Neutral Reader ♞, verse male reader

🎲 ♚ GN but suitable for top male reader 🎲 ♔ GN but suitable for bottom male reader 🎲 ♞ GN but suitable for a verse male reader

HEADCANONS

Old Man! Price | i,ii,iii ♚

CONTENT TAGS: ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, MASTURBATION, AUTHORITY KINK, CORRUPTION KINK, SEX TOYS, EXHIBITIONISM, ROLEPLAY, JEALOUSY, RIDING, BLOWJOBS, HUMILATION, MIRROR SEX, OVERSTIMULATION, POSSESSIVENESS, ANGRY SEX, RIMMING

Price in relationships and friendships | x 🎲

DRABBLES

In which Price cheats on his wife i, ii, iii, iii

In which Price really wants to kiss you under the mistletoe x

In which you have a handful of piercings and Price likes it x 🎲

In which you and Price get handsy during a meeting x ♔ ♚

In which Price has a handful of piercings and you like it x ♚ ♔

In which you attempt to baby trap Price x ♚

In which Price tells you about his type x ♚

In which Price is a bit of a pervert i,ii,iii ♚

In which Price teaches you how to dance x

In which Price is known for being the captain that pick up strays and you’re one of them x

In which Price has a crush on you x ♚

In which you get to spoon w/ Price x ♚

In which Price only ever refers to you by your real name x

In which Price apologizes after a fight x ♚

In which Price has one or few faded tattoos x ♚ ♔

SPITBALLS

What it would be like.. to care for Price x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: DOM!MALE READER, SUB!PRICE

What it would be like…riding Price x | ♔

CONTENT TAGS: DOM!PRICE, SUB!MALE READER, RIDING

What it would be like… to have a Mentor/ Mentee relationship w/ Price x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: AGE GAP, POWER DYNAMICS, MENTIONS OF ANAL SEX

What it would be like… if Price were to have a possessiveness kink x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: POSSESSIVENESS KINK, ANAL SEX, GAGS

What it would be like.. to have Price on leave x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: CHUBBY!PRICE, ANAL SEX

What it would be like…Price w/ a piss kink…x | ♚ ♔

CONTENT TAGS: WATERSPORTS

What it would be like.. Price is your first love but you aren’t his..x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: ANGST WITH A HAPPY ENDING, PINING, UNREQUITED REQUITED LOVE, PREVIOUS NIKOLAI X PRICE

What it would be like…Price making you jealous x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: POSSESSIVENESS, ROUGH SEX

What it would be like… breeding kink w/ Price…x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: BREEDING KINK

What it would be like… Price w/ a mommy kink…x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: MOMMY KINK

What it would be like… being in a zombie apocalypse w/ Price…x

CONTENT TAGS: MAJOR CHARACTER 💀

What it would be like… Price referring to you as his wife…x

CONTENT TAGS: FLUFF

What it would be like…Price who likes to dress more feminine…x

CONTENT TAGS: FLUFF

What it would be like… when Price is jealous…x

CONTENT TAGS: JEALOUSY

What it would be like…Price crushing on another captain…x

CONTENT TAGS: FLUFF

What it would be like… bear shifter!Price… x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: SUGGESTIVE

What it would be like…dragon!Price..i,ii

CONTENT TAGS: SUGGESTIVE, DOM!PRICE

What it would be like…sugar baby!Price…x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: SUGGESTIVE, AGE GAP, POWER DYNAMICS

What it would be like… Price w/ a tramp stamp…x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: DRY HUMPING, SUB!PRICE

What it would be like…barrack bunny!Price…x | ♚ ♔

CONTENT TAGS: THREESOME, SUB!PRICE

What it would be like…comforting Price after a tough mission…x

CONTENT TAGS: FLUFF

What it would be like….sub top!Price…x| ♔

CONTENT TAGS: OVERSTIMULATION, EDGING, TOYS, RIDING, COCKWARMING

What it would be like… Price who’s never bottomed before…i,ii | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: PERVERT! PRICE

What it would be like…Price riding your face for the first time x

CONTENT TAGS: DRUNK SEX, CONSENSUAL SEX, ORAL SEX

What it would be like…mutual pining w/ Price..x

CONTENT TAGS: FLUFF

What it would be like… retired!Price…x | ♚

CONTENT TAGS: MASTURBATION, SUB!PRICE

What it would be like…Price w/ feisty reader… x ♔ ♚

CONTENT TAGS: STRANGERS TO FRIENDS TO LOVERS, MUTUAL PINING, SUGGESTIVE

What it would be like…sex w/ chubby!Price…x

CONTENT TAGS: CHUBBY!PRICE, ORAL SEX

What it would be like… dombot!Price..x, y , z| ♚

CONTENT TAGS: DOM!PRICE, TOYS, CUCKHOLDING

What it would be like… chubby!Price w/ a small cock feeling a bit insecure…x | ♔ ♚

CONTENT TAGS: SUGGESTIVE, BODY IMAGE ISSUES

What it would be like…playing with Price’s pecs x | ♔ ♚

CONTENT TAGS: FONDLING

SERIES

Thinking about…

Thinking about Price on deployment x | ♔ ♚

Thinking about Price being a big fan of terms of endearment x | ♔

Thinking about porn star Price x | ♚

Thinking about Price having a rather hefty ring collection x | ♔ 🎲

Thinking about having mundane conversations w/ Price while in rather compromising positions w/ him x | ♔, 🎲

Thinking about Price who likes to keep his private life and professional life separated x | ♞, 🎲

Thinking about Price giving up control in the bedroom x, xx | ♞, 🎲

Thinking about Price finding pleasure in pain x| ♞, 🎲

Thinking about Price and the kinks he likes to indulge in i, ii | ♚

Thinking about Price and all the ways you can comfort him i,ii | ♚

Thinking about Price and all the ways you can be intimate x | 🎲

Thinking about different types of kisses with Price x | ♚

ONE SHOTS

Smoke sprite x

In which Price teaches you how to smoke cigars among other things | ♔

Captain’s boy x

Price doesn’t play favorites at least that’s what he says. However there’s no denying that he got a soft spot for you and everyone knows it | ♔

Good Ol’ Days x

In which you find out that Price used to be a barrack bunny | ♚

[pastorfutureletthembe]

Checkmate ♚

Apparently a temporary AR (Otome) game is coming soon and the artwork for it is just breathtaking! It is also full of details I want to explore OF COURSE. My brain is doing tetris things again, oops.

Looking for a senseless meta about chess pieces? You're in the right place, come on in~

>> Chess Theme

White vs Black

The first topic is obviously the chess theme. Of course, this part is to be taken with a grain of salt since the pieces aren't correctly disposed on the board. However, the characters themselves are walking on their respective squares except for Vein (because he's all powerful and he's above your stupid rules. Probably). Notably, Liu Xiao himself seems to be leaving a white square. And if there is any meaning to it, I'd like to believe it makes a gray character out of him.

Now, what can we say about the chess pieces themselves?

White: rook, pawn, knight

Black: rook, mystery piece, king

Each character is paired with a chess piece.

The most reassuring clue to me is that a white piece has been given to Xia Fei. Which, there is a fat chance this makes an ally out of him. He might be only a Pawn ♙ for now. For those who are not familiar with chess, a Pawn can only move ahead, never back, one square at a time. It has some cool moves too but it depends on the game you want to play. If the path is open, a Pawn can reach the other side of the board, turning it into a Queen ♕. If a Pawn can only move ahead in small range, a Queen literally rules over the whole board. She's quick, vicious and dangerous once she has enough space to move as she pleases. Of course, he can also be a mere Pawn, a tool to manipulate Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi.

[Edit: since I always turn mine into Queens because I like to inspire fear and admiration from my brother, a Pawn can also turn into a Rook, a Bishop, or a Knight. I like to think of Xia Fei as a Queen but it's very interesting that he could turn into either Vein/CXS, Liu Xiao or Lu Guang by the end of Yingdu Chapter. ]

Cheng Xiaoshi and Vein both getting paired with a ♖ Rook ♜ could mean they use the same kind of power or are equivalent in some ways. Rooks have a large range, can move horizontally and vertically, ahead or back. They are better used when paired with other pieces, though, cause a lonely Rook ♖ is an easy pray. I think the main focus here is the similarity more than the piece itself. Lu Guang seems to be the one being punished and haunted, but Vein probably offered his power to Cheng Xiaoshi (or Lu Guang, according to the last Yingdu Chapter PV). My personal theory is that Vein mirrors or shadows Cheng Xiaoshi's shape because he is the source of his power. Vein's position, if there is any relevance to it, keeps Lu Guang's Knight ♘ from moving at the center, his natural and most efficient position.

Toppled King

Liu Xiao has two pieces by his side, a King ♔ and a mystery piece. The merch revealed the later to be a Bishop ♝.

Note that only amateurs tend to topple the King. It is regarded as some kind of pop culture-only approach to chess. Because of this, let's take a look a what an actual checkmate is (where we don't get to step on the vainquished).

Checkmate is any game position in chess in which a player's king is threatened with capture and there is no possible escape. In chess, the king is never actually captured. Checkmating the opponent wins the game. The player loses as soon as their king is checkmated. In formal games, it is usually considered good etiquette to resign an inevitably lost game before being checkmated. (cf. wikipedia)

If Vein, the current character we might recognize as the ultimate villain of the season, is only a Rook ♜, equivalent to Cheng Xiaoshi, who does the King ♔ represent? My personal opinion is Time, Fate itself. The song "Mastermind" supports this theory, and Lu Guang himself really is defying the natural order to save Cheng Xiaoshi, after all. It would make perfect sense. Stopping the clocks at a tournament is the sign of surrender. So basically, the game is over when one gives up and stops when the King has nowhere to go.

The character of Liu Xiao is given a lot of care in this specific artwork. He actually always stood out, since his very first appearance in the season 2 artworks, walking past Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi's portray, looking away from us. Here, again, he's not interested in the audience, focuses on the photograph of what fans reckon as Lu Guang from "Dive Back in Time".

The truth is, he's playing the long game, he has no time to spare, and he regards people as puppets. There has been theories about him having a hidden agenda, independently of Vein, using/working with Li Tianchen and Li Tianxi for his plan. His intervention in "Trial Train" speaks volume of his strategic mind, "they wanted to escape but didn't realize I blocked the exit a long time ago". Also, one hundred years wouldn't be enough to escape.

This merciless sharpness makes the Bishop perfect for Liu Xiao. Funny story, the Bishop ♝ is not actually a priest, but it represents a war elephant. Historically, the war elephant's main use was to charge the enemy, break their ranks, and instill terror and fear. That's fitting.

Another possibility regarding the toppled King could be that it refers to Liu Xiao's background. The fallen piece could be a resolved situation but the motivation behind Liu Xiao's intent to manipulate the timelines. Perhaps he played this game before and lost. Does Lu Guang know him or is Liu Xiao a mere stalker? Did they play this same game together or against each other?

There's a lot that can be speculated but it is hard to say what these pieces represent for now. As I said before, this read is based on popular imagery of what chess is, not on the actual strategy on the board itself. Secondly, these three new characters we have yet to meet, they don't have a defined role in the canon, not until Yingdu Chapter finally aires.

>> Tokens

Each character is giving a object. I guess it might be relevant to the type of gameplay the AR game will offer but for the sake of this meta, we're still gonna try to understand why those in particular.

Cheng Xiaoshi has a camera. I don't think it deserve further analysis, his powers exist through the lens after all.

Xia Fei has a clock. Guess the time? 10:10. For those unaware, it is a very recurrent time. Put the promotional poster aside, I recommend you pay attention to the time on the clock in the Studio, above Lu Guang's head, right before the gang gets a ominous call from Xu Shanshan's phone at the end of 1x09. If it should mean anything about Xia Fei himself: I won't say it enough but, really: DO NOT TRUST HIM. Or, you know, perhaps he's doomed: it is worth mentioning that except for Xia Fei's Pawn ♙, each character is affiliated to a piece which can move forward and backward on the board.

Liu Xiao has a gear. I find this one intriguing because, so far, this object has belonged to Cheng Xiaoshi's imagery (cf. "BREAK!"). For someone on an ambitious project such as controlling timelines, he is giving a small tool that cannot be used on its own, is part of a machine. Could be relevant to the way he does things, never getting his own hands dirty, working through others. Or it could be that he's himself just another player, played by Fate. Or perhaps, he has the missing piece that Lu Guang needs to save Cheng Xiaoshi, who knows?

Vein is already using his own item: the pipe. He's the only one owning his object and aware of it.

>> The Case Study of Lu Guang

Because of course, our favorite character is actually the shadiest of all, I will dedicate a whole section about him specifically. Why do I insist on calling Lu Guang shady? We know and we see his chess piece is white. But you have to take a closer look to make out the White Knight ♘. The value of a Knight ♘ is equivalent to the Bishop's ♝. But ultimately, its worth less than Cheng Xiaoshi's Rook ♖.

L shaped path

Moving only in an 'L' shaped path, Knights ♘ are the most effective from the center of the board. This is because they get a broader reach in all directions from the central part.

Now, this is very important. Why should it be a mystery that Lu Guang's piece is a knight? What is a Knight ♘? The answer resides in the mechanism of his maneuver.

Part of the idea of the knight maneuver is to flank. And since the Knight is not a horse but a man on a horse, the odd maneuver reflects the knight's ability to guide the horse he's riding (to an extent). In other words, since the Knight comprises two entities (the man riding the horse), the move should sensibly consist of two parts as well, to reflect the added agility of the athletic horse. Conversely, the Knight has access to a maximum of 8 squares (as opposed to the "equal" Bishop's maximum of 13) because the horse is still an animal with a mind of its own.

Note that if you place a Knight ♘ somewhere on the margins, its efficacy will diminish exponentially. Additionally, if he only moved two squares, straight or diagonally, the Knight ♘ would always be restricted to the color squares that he started the game on.

Lu Guang being the Knight ♘ doesn't only means that he moves unconventionally. It is reflective of his duality. Perhaps, the fact he's using his power and Cheng Xiaoshi's. There is another aspect of him we could address here:

Burning Palace

For one thing, "BURNING PALACE" brings back the theme of strategy board game with the checkers this time (you see black pieces falling). It also introduce the Four Heads from playing cards. The fact they bothered to mention it implies a Fourth character.

Xia Fei: ♠

Liu Xiao: ♣

Vein: ♦

The fourth color ♥ is missing and I'm secretly convinced that it's Lu Guang's color.

Enygmatic Tokens

The portray behind Lu Guang is Lu Guang himself, from "Overthink". This image appears in the first bridge, when the lyrics goes "how did my sight got stolen once more?", superposing Lu Guang's face with mysterious shapes, erasing his eyes/power. This particular line comes to confirm what we already know: Yingdu Chapter isn't a resolution, let alone a happy ending, but a repeat of a tragic event in an unchangeable node. The end is the same, once again. Lu Guang's hope and happy ending has been stolen once more. And STOLEN also implies that there is an intent behind this failure.

A portray is still a photograph though, and it can be used to dive back in time.

What is the most curious to me is the familiar eagle on Lu Guang's chest. Eagles belongs to Cheng Xiaoshi's imagery so why does Lu Guang is wearing them here?

An interesting take would be that Yingdu Chapter isn't actually from Lu Guang's perspective, but from Cheng Xiaoshi's, diving in a picture taken by Lu Guang. This would be some kind of plot twist and would definetely makes the big reveal easier but not less painful.

I'll probably make a whole meta about this symbol at some point but in the meantime, I'll let you know the eagle is associated with strength, power, wisdom, and freedom. The eagle's ability to soar high in the sky was believed to be a symbol of divine protection and spiritual guidance. Additionally, eagles are tied to the sun. Some people see them as signs of a bright future on the horizon. As a symbol of light, they embody both the intensity and heat of the sun as a fearsome force of nature and the warmth and benevolence of the heavens.

This positive symbolisms are deeply rooted in Cheng Xiaoshi's nature, but if Yingdu Chapter actually brings us back to one earlier repeat, we can assume that Lu Guang had initially a brighter outlook on his mission.

The glasses are back and I'll say it again: once is weird, twice is a coincidence and thrice it's a pattern. The portray shows Lu Guang without eyes but his item is a pair of glasses. Might be a subtile hint of denial there. As far as glasses go, pink is a peculiar color. It helps to 'voir la vie en rose', as the french says: "look at the world through rose-coloured glasses." Meaning, being delusional.

Might it be the eagle or the glasses, I'd say they're both representative of Lu Guang's state of mind at the time: hopeful.

~

[Edit: I recommend you take a look to these threads regarding this very same artwork: | X | X | X | I don't agree with everything but it's always cool to have other perspectives.]

[cyten0]

A Symphony in Crimson

Act 1: A Movement in Black

Chapter 19

Ah!

You… can move?

You can… see?

The king. And.

Everyone?

◉ “Okay, unfroze Siffrin! Or, at least, the main part?”

✸ “Yes, that’s good enough!”

▲ “Good job Mira!”

You feel your human body. Break off from the monstrous part you made. As you fall to the floor.

✿ “Frin! You okay?!”

◆ “Eyes on the enemy, Boniface! Siffrin will be fine!”

◉ “Loop caught us up, Siffrin! We can take the king from here!”

You…. Why… why would they….

✦ “why…. why did you... come here?”

▲ “We weren’t just gonna leave you to this alone!”

◉ “I still have a billion questions, but right now, we have a king’s butt to kick!”

They… They came for…. You?….

♔ “Stand aside…................ whatever your thoughts on me….............. That THING must die!”

The king. Brings down the fist of the arm he still has, and swings.

▲ “Oh no you DON’T!!!!”

Isabeau counters the kings blow with one of his own. Holding back the king's might with his bare hands. You smell… some sugar? From him?

▲ “YOU!!!! WILL NOT!!!! HURT THEM!!!!”

The king keeps pressing, as Isa’s feet slowly give way.

BANG

The king stumbles back, struck in the eye.

✿ “Now Dile!”

Odile throws a craft at the king, and despite no damage, he seems to crumple.

◆ “Feeling a little weak? Calming crafts aren’t normally good in battle, but it does slow ones heart-rate! Thanks for that tip, Loop.”

✸ “Of course! And with that opening~”

A portal appears above the king, dropping the boulder from the first floor trap. The king dives out of the way, but their leg is crushed.

♔ “No.............…. NO!!!! I will NOT let you all.......................…. Ruin this chance!!!!!”

The king fills their hand with craft, and prepares to launch it at you at you all! This will wipe them out, but you're too weak still!!!

Wait… You feel something…. Familiar?

◉ “I WON’T LET YOU!!!! You won’t end us that easily!!! TAKE THIS!!!!!”

Mira crafts something.

And. A sound. Like metal rebounding. Like a mirror breaking.

A single. Perfect note. The reverberates even in the sounds of stars.

♔ “What?…................My attack…..........…. No…..... I’m…... being….. frozen?............ But….... I can’t……. Not now!!!….......… I still…..........… can’t.... remember……….”

You watch the curse slowly progress across their body… as it starts to fade from around you…

You hear. Loop sing? No. Not Loop. Something that…. Sounds like them….

♔ “…...................... Ah!…............. Of course…............. now of all times…......… do I get to remember……................ The lightless sands….. the streets….............… the people...........…… the mountains….......… I….... R e m e m b e r”

… The king. Is frozen.

◉ “….. Did we… do it?”

▲ “...We did it!”

✿ “CRAB YEAH!!!!!!”

▲ “But you!”

Ah.

◉ “What were you thinking, charging in like that?!? You could have gotten yourself killed!”

They… are worrying…. About that?

◆ “Regardless of all this business with… Well, a lot of things, still processing it all... Regardless, you shouldn’t have gone in without us!”

Couldn’t….. Risk it…

✦ “keep… you.. safe…”

you fall.

✸ “Stars!”

▲ “Crab, we can talk later, you need help!”

Isa. Picks you up. Comfy.

▲ “They're burning up!”

✿ “Is Frin sick!?”

✸ “They havn’t eaten anything for a while. They were pushing themselves badly.”

◆ “Alright, let’s address the fever first.”

◉ “The head housemaiden should be up ahead! She should have something, lets go!”

Isa. Holds you up. And starts. Walking you over. You-

Oh. Right, High up. Odile-

◆ “Oh! Uh. T-Thank you, Loop.”

✸ “Of course.”

oh…. thank stars…. Loop did it for you...

You keep moving.

Your music…. Still rings…. The sadnesses..... You’d better….. Quiet them.....

You… sing….

And cough up blood.

✿ “FRIN?!?”

✦ “stopped….. sadness….”

▲ “That’s good, but please don’t push yourself, you need help!”

It’s….. fine….. As long as…. No one is hurt…..

oh. Bonnie. Grabbed your hand…. You hold it tight.

… it’s nice. Having them here….

✦ “...sorry”

▲ “It’s okay Sif. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.”

...you…. want him to…. never let you go…..

...you don't want... any of them to...

….

You see. Euphrasie.

◉ “EUPHRASIE!!!!!”

◎ “Mirabelle! There you are! I… Something feels. Off.”

◉ “We can worry about that in a bit! Our friend needs help! They're really sick!”

◎ “Right, we can-!”

They… look at you strange.

◎ “I-I know you?! We… We met. Here? Did we? You-”

Reality stutters around them.

◎ “I-I-I would like to thAAAAAnk you you you you for accompanying Mirabelle! -belle! -belle!”

◎̵͔̔ “What’s happening, why am I-”

◎ “Something’s broken, rottttting! It’s too late to-”

Her eyes start to glow red.

▲ “What’s happening to her?”

◆ “That shade… Step back, everyone.”

Something dark creeps into her eye. Your fragment.

◎̵͔̔ “I can’t think! It hu̴r̴ts!!!”

◎ “Wonderful! Wonderful!Wonderful!Wonderful!Wonderful!”

◉ “Euphrasie! Snap out of it!”

She stutters more, andd rapidly. Her body and posture varying wildly. Some normal. Some repeating the old lines. Some… Some where the infection is much worse.

◉ “Change!!!"

Why. Why why why it’s all still wrong, and she’s suffering worse, and it’s all going to go away!!!!

◎ “… Soon, everything will be back to normal. Soon, You’ll all be able to go home!”

….

go?

They’ll go?

They’ll GO?!?!!!!

You can't lose them no you can't lose them not again never again you can't afford to lose anyone you can't lose them you can't lose them YOU CAN'T LOSE THEM!!!!!

✦̵ ̵̘̒̉“̷͉͖͋N̶̨̬͐́O!̸͔̊!!!̶̢̯͍̿́”̶̘̳̏

▲ “Huh?”

✿ “Frin?”

◆ “Siffrin?”

You bring your parts together. The house trembles. You can’t lose them. You won’t lose them!!!!

◉ “Change! Siffrin!!!”

▲ “Sif!!”

◆ “Careful everyone!”

▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲

You watch as the growths throughout the house start to flow into Siffrin like living water. As they grow bigger and bigger. Towering over you as a mass of dark flesh, hands, eyes and tendrils. Their face stretched thin over their hulking body as it blots out the morning sun.

✦̵ “Ĩ̶̡ ẁ̴̦oņ̴̚’t ̶̺͘lo̴̼͘se ̵̡̾y̶̯̍ou.̶̛̼...̸̢͠”

Sif!

▲ “What’s happening?!”

✸ “Stars, they're losing it! They aren't thinking clearly, They’ll break the whole house as this rate!…. Stars- Blind it all, here goes nothing!!!”

Loop claps their hands, and the sky darkens. The house and… WORLD seem to vanish away, leaving a realm filled with darkness and lights of that strange shade.

Loop calls out, audibly strained.

✸ “I’ve displaced us in my realm, but I’ll need to focus! Stardust is on you!”

You nod. You watch as Siffrin starts to rip themselves apart!!!

◉ “Siffrin!!! We just want to help!!! Please!!!!!”

Mirabelle heals Siffrin back up. Okay, that’s good, can't let Sif get hurt. Need to calm them somehow!

̸̲̩͔̘͉̑͛̀̓̈́̿̕̚͜✦̵̛̹͖̑͌́̓̕ “No, you’ll leave, they all leave, everything I love goes away!!!! You'll get hurt unless I keep you safe, I can make it safe, I have to make sure you're safe or I'll never see you all again!!!!”

✿ “Stop being a DUMMY!!!!”

▲ “We aren’t going anywhere!!”

̷͔͂̆✦̴͓̖̏̀ “You Don’t get it, I have to keep you safe, I have to keep you safe or I'll lose you again, I have to keep you safe, I have to keep you safe, I-”

◆ “We already know! About the timeloop, about the island, so just!”

̷͈̐͐✦̶̭̓ “You know? YOU KNOW?!? You know what I- Nononononono!!!!!”

You feel the space around you shift-

◆ “OH NO YOU DON’T!!!!”

Odile let’s out a potent craft, that surrounds Sif. The thing shifting their air lets go, and the painful energy subsides. You feel nauseous.

◆ “You aren’t going anywhere until we’re done talking!!!”

◉ “Ugh, was that timecraft?”

✿ “Felt BAD!!!”

▲ “Agreed. Think I have a headache.”

Yep, Okay. Good catch on Odile.

Siffrin let's lose a roar and starts to flail about, you knock a bladed limb from hitting the others. You have got to do something!

Alright, screw it, time to be smart Isa a little.

▲ “Sif, You’ve been stuck here because of a wish, right?”

✦̵ “No please don't talk about it, I won't talk about it, It doesn’t matter, it will never come true!!!!”

They claw themselves apart even more! Mira struggles to keep them healed.

◆ “We’ll be the judges of that! Tell us!”

̸̞̞͝✦̶͈͇̪͚͍̔̾͌͘͠͠ “Nonononononono!!!! I don’t want to think about it I don’t want to hope!!! If I hope, If I say it, something will take you all away again! I can't lose anyone again!!!!!”

✿ “Stop being a crab already!!! Let us Help!!!”

̷̻͛✦̷͙̆ “No No you can’t make me tell you, I can’t say it, I can’t let it get taken from me!! EVERYTHING gets taken from me!!!!! I lost my home, the ones who loved me, I can't lose you too I can't-”

Another limb flies at you, and you block the blow before it can hit Odile. It then goes right back to clawing at themselves.

You have to get him to open about this….

▲ “I-… I Wished to Save you, Sif!!!”

◉ “H-huh?”

Siffrin trembles hearing that. Tears of blood start to pour down their body. You wished for it, with all your heart. And You WILL make it come true.

▲ “That’s what I wished for!!! I wished that we would be able to save you!”

◉ “I.. I wished for Vaugarde to be saved.”

✿ “I wished for my sister to be saved!”

◆ “I wished to win a stupid coin flip!”

▲ “So tell us!!! What did you wish for?!”

̵͍͑̒✦̴̩͇̙́̀͝ “STOP!!! I CAN’T!!!!”

You have to press him!! You WILL save them!!!!

▲ “Please! Tell us!!”

◉ “Tell us!”

✿ “Tell us!!!!”

◆ “Just tell us!”

They're trying to ignore you! No! Enough of this! You grab the bits of floor you're standing on, and use craft to launch it into the sky, up towards him. As soon as you get close, you Leap!

▲✿◉◆ “TELL US WHAT YOU WISHED FOR!!!!!”

…. The titanic body dissolves, leaving just. Siffrin. Their eyes are still odd, there’s a little horn poking out their head but… They look at you. On the edge of tears.

You hold him close as you all start to drift downwards, craft- filled mist slowing your descent…

✦̵ “I… I’m scared.”

✿ “Scared? Of what?”

✦̵ “That… If I tell you… something bad will happen….”

▲ “We’re right here. It’s okay.”

◆ “I’m half tempted to fight you to get you to say it”

◉ “We are not doing that. But it is REALLY tempting.”

Sif lets out a little chuckle.

✦̵ "... You... You promise, it'll be okay? I... I'm still scared."

You nod. You won't let anything happen to them.

✦̵ “I um…. I wished to wear clothes Isa made.”

Oh! That. That makes you feel really happy.

▲ “Oh Sif! I’d love to-!”

✦̵ “...But… there was more to it….”

Huh?

✦̵ “I… I…."

They struggle to say it. You hold their hand tighter….

✦̵ “I.. I wished I could just stay with you all!!!”

◆ “What…?”

▲ “Sif…”

He cared so much….

✦̵ “It’s just… I didn’t know if I could be a person after. After all this… I wouldn’t look the same and… I couldn’t show myself again."

✦̵ “Not… not as me… If I did, then you’d find out what I was…. And It'd be scary, and you might... might find out what I did, what I could do and.…"

✦̵ “T-that means…. This had to be the end, right? Everyone goes their separate ways, and… I couldn't risk showing myself.... I’d never get to see you all again….”

They… But...

◉ “Siffrin….”

✦̵ “I’m sorry!!! I know it’s not fair!!! I don’t want to hurt you, and I know you have lives to go off and do!!!"

✦̵ “And it’s not fair to play human when I’m not, and you’d all have been better off if I just wasn’t here but I just!!!"

✦̵ “I didn’t want to be alone again!!! I’m so sorry!!!! I didn’t mean to trap everyone here and-”

◉ “SIFFRIN!!!”

✦̵ “Ah!”

◉ “Don’t talk about yourself like that! Whatever happened before, I don’t care, because You’re one of us! I don’t want to lose you! Change, I don’t want to lose anyone here! Honestly, I’d keep traveling with you all, if that was on the table!”

✿ “Wait can we? I wanna see Nille soon but… I don’t wanna leave you all! Travelin’s fun! Plus I need to get Belle to finish reading me that story, Prank Za more, and Dile teach me more recipes! And I wanna see what kinda cool monster stuff you can do! Plus I need to make you those fritters!”

◆ “Hah! I’m a little curious myself about the monster stuff, but maybe later. Still… I did already sort of have this mindset. I was hoping to see if I could convince some of you after, to keep traveling around. It’d be nice, traveling without the king around, wouldn’t it? Just didn’t have the courage to ask!”

▲ “I get that! But, yeah, I want to stay with all of you! Even if it’s just for a bit, traveling sounds fun! And Even after, I want to at least stay in contact! I want to learn more about all of you, who you become and.. And that goes extra for you Sif!”

You’ve just seen a new side of them. Even if it seems scary, you want to know all about it. You’ve always wanted to know more about them!

◉ “We want to stay with you too.”

✿ “So don’t be dumb and beat yourself up over stuff that don’t matter!”

◆ “Even after we’re done traveling, we won’t be done with each other. And it goes without saying at this point that We aren’t deterred by the new developments.”

▲ “None of us are leaving any of us any time soon! We care about you!”

You watch as Siffrin stares at you all, stunned. As you start to land back on solid ground. Their eyes start to tear up.

You give them a hug. Sif’s needed one for a while. The others join in, even Odile for once. And Sif. Starts to cry.

You hold them tighter. Because what else would you do?

[rockcandymines707]

Blue Period Love Confessions 2: Yotasuke Takahashi

Word count: 933

Synopsis: Like the title says, this will be a series of moments centered around how the cast of Blue Period would confess their feelings to you. Except Yotasuke is the last person in the world to confess first, so you have to step in.

I sincerely hope you will enjoy this story.

╔══════════════════ °• ♔•° ══════════════════╗

You became friends with Yotasuke by complete coincidence. 

After an especially brutal critique session, you shambled out of your classroom tired and dying for a break. You sat down at a table, hand already digging through your bag to pull out your Switch. A quick gaming session always made you feel better. You didn’t even realize he was sitting across from you, until you happened to glance up and meet his gaze. He was in the middle of grabbing his own Switch, his posture an exact mirror to yours. He took in the growing smile on your face, then blinked in surprise when you started chuckling.

“Wanna play together?” You offered.

 Caught off guard, he felt his face burn with an emotion that was a fusion of bashfulness and excitement. The only knowledge of you he had was the sound of your voice during evaluations. He would have never guessed you enjoyed playing games. He was used to unwinding alone, but all of a sudden he was curious about your skills.

After that day, game breaks became more common. He never declined when you sat across from him and offered a challenge. In fact, he caught himself waiting for you more often as the days went by. Sometimes your battles were fierce with no room for pleasantries, but other times they were more casual and relaxed. These moments gave you the chance to learn more about the reserved Yotasuke.

 Yotasuke had only just learned about the true nature of human relationships, so he still had his doubts, but he was fairly certain that a friendship was forming between you two. When requested, he gave you practical advice on your art, helping you take a step back and analyze details you would have otherwise missed. He didn’t really care about your proficiency in art or how you compared to him- it was more about thanking you for your company in a way he was most familiar with. You tried to give advice of the same caliber in return, but quickly realized he looked much happier when you showed interest in his personal sketches, instead. Soon, your connection grew beyond art and portable game consoles.

It didn’t take long for you to realize you held feelings for him. The softness in his eyes when he saw you, and only you, sent your heart racing. He was often antisocial, but he had a habit of making an exception just for you.

You invited him out to lunch to confess. Body stiff with nerves, you rehearsed what you were going to say in your head before he arrived. You knew he hated awkward interactions, so you couldn’t afford any long pauses or slips of the tongue. To avoid too many onlookers, you picked a booth in the far corner of the restaurant and dressed casually. 

Maybe you didn’t have to plan these little details, but your friendship was on the line. You wanted everything to be perfect.

You had a mini heart attack when you saw him finally walk into the cafe. He spotted you in no time, and as he walked over, all of your built-up stress hit you at once. Silently panicking, you pretended to be occupied with your phone as an excuse to not look at him. Maybe it wasn’t too late to call this off and go wallow at  home. No, that’s stupid. I have to confess!

But it was so hard to say anything. Words piled up in your throat, then died on your dry tongue when you heard him shuffle into the booth across from you. You still haven’t gathered the courage to look up at him.

“Are… Are you okay?”

His voice brought you back to the current moment. Hesitant, you looked up at him. Your eyes widen when you realize how familiar this view is. Him sitting across from you was all it took to trigger your past memories with him. You remembered how relaxed he was with you, how easy his voice sounded when he spoke with you. Few things held his attention like you did, and you could see that in the way his navy-blue eyes shined gently, just for you. 

Your nerves dissipated in that moment, leaving you light with the feeling of affection. You saw his concern for you and yearned to put him at ease.

“I like you. Will you go out with me?”

You hoped your sincerity came across in your steady words. Was it a good sign that he immediately went red and stared at you as if you were an alien? It took a while for the shock to wear off, but then came his hesitant response.

“....Can I think about it?”

That wasn’t the answer you were expecting, but at the same time it was. A smile crosses your face, and you nod in understanding. “Of course.”

He nods in return, clearly grateful and clearly still processing what just happened. You hated to see such pretty eyes downcast, but his pale skin all flushed really was a sight. The moment of awkwardness you dreaded was here, but surprisingly fleeting when you noticed him reach for his bag. Your eyes sparkled with surprise when he pulled out his Switch in the middle of the cafe, looking at you with such curiosity. “Wanna play?” 

Maybe he wanted to pretend the last few minutes never happened. Or, maybe he wasn’t pretending, and the last few minutes simply didn’t change the underlying bond he felt with you, his player two.

Your smile turns to a grin, and you grab your own trusty console. “Sure!”

[lunariamv]

million dollar man ♔ adachi tohru x fem reader (part 2?) that hunger arcana confronting adachi scene but more drama 🍵🍵

This… isn’t true, is it?

Those words, along with similar phrases repeated endlessly in your head like a mantra, as soon as the truth came to light. The disbelief was a defense mechanism, triggered by your brain. A shield, to protect your heart from shattering on the spot.

You couldn’t believe it, no… you refused to believe it.

However, the glaring truth was that it wasn’t an impossibility. It crossed your mind briefly. You had held mild suspicions about the true identity of the killer for a while. After learning about the other world beyond the television on your own, and trying to piece it with the case in the real world, you had come to your own conclusion… and it was that the suspects didn’t line up. Namatame didn’t seem to fit the bill as the killer.

It wasn’t until Dojima’s nephew and his friends made the reveal. The confrontation served as the key to unlock the chains, and unearth the possibility that you had so desperately tried to deny. The truth you submerged to the depths of the ocean because of your undying trust.

The very man you had come to fall for… was the culprit all along.

It all started making sense once that missing piece was linked. His scatter-brained mannerisms leading to mishandlings in the case, his easy access to all the evidence, and the hastiness in the end to draw it to a close. Cleverly done under the façade of a friendly, maladroit, detective. You once thought of his actions as endearing mannerisms, ones you brushed aside due to your admiration, turned out you were terribly mistaken. For all of it was done purposefully, with the newfound malicious context.

How could you have been so blinded by love?

When the high schoolers went to chase after him, it crossed your mind to join them. And in retrospect, perhaps you should’ve gone, as the only other adult in the situation.

Alas, cowardice took a firm hold on you then. Like weighted chains or a constricting venomous snake, it wrapped you up with no room to breathe, and forced you under. Adachi’s betrayal was such a shock, it brought you to a standstill. You could do nothing but stand there, struggling to register all of your frenzied emotions at once. Your heart was in peril. Adachi had been the killer all along, and you had foolishly given him the benefit of the doubt. Placing your belief in him, you defended him like the naïve fool you were. He crushed not only your heart, but your spirit. You felt like such an idiot. 

Stuck in a haunted despairing expression, you couldn’t bring yourself to go after him. No amount of will could force you to press on. Besides, someone had to stay with Dojima. The poor man nearly fell trying to chase after the kids. Thankfully you caught him before the floor did. To think, all of your lives had been torn apart because of that man.

And now, here you were, standing in front of the large flat screen tv in your apartment. Never in a million years did you think you’d be using it for something like this. For the past few months though, you have grown accustomed to the odd phenomena. It’s become a useful tool.

Minutes passed by as you stared at the black glass mirror, not making a sound. The kids had settled on going after him tomorrow. If you stepped into that foggy realm, you’d be completely alone on your endeavor. Were you really going to take the risk?

Unfortunately, your rational thought didn’t have much of a say on the matter. For there was a war raging in your heart. And even though it was suffering grave turmoil, it was taking charge. Above all else, it sought the truth, and you’d do whatever it took to get it. Before you knew it, you found yourself drawing closer to the tv, the dark surface just inches before you. Pressing your hand against it first, the surface rippled upon your graceful touch like water. Though you had done this before, your movements were gradual, hesitant. Your heart was racing in your chest.

Take your fears, and push them to the end of the earth. Don’t be a coward this time.

What awaited you on the other side… you’d have to be brave and accept it.

When you finally entered through, you came to the center stage area you were all too familiar with. Even with your glasses, you could only faintly see through the misty fog. It blanketed the amber tinted area, obscuring most of your vision. The other feeling you couldn’t ignore was the air. It felt even more strained than before. Judging from the familiar haze on the other side, a terrifying realization came to you. This eerie world was seeping into your reality, and soon, they’d collide.

Suddenly, you turned with a hitch of your breath. This awful feeling of dread wouldn’t go away. For some reason, you could sense something. A presence, off in the distance. A shadow, perhaps? Following your gut, you subconsciously began trailing the presence you detected. 

Before long, you found yourself back in the unsettling apartment room you discovered before. A chill ran down your spine as you eyed the posters, defaced with paint splatters. This place had served as Yamano’s hell, moments before she met an untimely fate.

There’s no one here, but…

“Well, look who it is.”

There was a faint click, like a cocking sound. Quickly, you registered it as a gun. You didn’t move an inch.

“Adachi.” With a part of your lips, you uttered his name, and he chuckled.

“You’re awfully late to the party, (Y/N).” He recalled calmly. Back when he confessed to his crimes to everyone else, you were noticeably absent. It was a little disheartening, as he had been dying to see your reaction.

“Someone had to look after Dojima.” You quipped sharply to the man a few feet behind you. Head still unmoving, your eyes flickered to the side. It was an attempt to get at him, to twist the knife further.

Sad to say that he didn’t seem to care for your little remark. In fact, he appeared amused by it. “Oh don’t worry, I see how it is. Wanted to wait until the kids were asleep, so we could talk like adults, huh?”

There’s a momentary yet purposeful silence, to set in the eerie atmosphere, and the suffocating tension in the air. It was awfully brave of you to come here alone like this. As far as you were both concerned, you had willingly stumbled into the lion's den. Didn’t you realize how foolish that was?

“It’s okay.” Adachi dropped his volume to a lurid, dulcet whisper. Truthfully, he wanted this moment as bad as you did. “I wanted to see you too.” He crooned. His voice was dripping with longing.

Normally, something like that coming from him would’ve made your heart flutter. A sweet, loving phrase from your darling partner. Now, it only felt like poison, served to make the growing pit in your stomach churn in disgust. It was a bile that left a bad taste in your mouth.

With narrow eyes of contempt, you decided to be brave and spun around to meet him. Only to find nobody behind you when you turned. He disappeared.

“Woah, what’s with that look? Aren’t you happy to see your boyfriend?” Adachi’s voice asked with a playful tone. For a moment, it returned to that boyish, innocent cadence that was borderline disarming. 

Although it was never his intention for you to discover his identity, it seemed to work out in his favor. As it turned out, you were pretty cute when you were furiously angry. The spiteful glare you held just for him only complimented your beautiful features. Call him sinful or depraved, but the notion of you becoming his foil was tantalizing, and he was going to savor every chance to see you this way.

No doubt this was a different dynamic that your relationship shifted to. And while he did enjoy your sweet moments together, there was something exciting about this development as well. In his eyes, you becoming his enemy only made you appear more inciting. If this was how it had to be, then so be it. This cat and mouse between you two was another game he wanted to win.

Choosing not to gratify him with a response to his taunts, you turned around again, and he was now sitting in a chair. It was clear he was growing more cocky, as his gun was weakly held in his grip. His legs were spread in an open, seemingly inviting position.

In contrast, you remained austerely composed. Tight-lipped and serious, you crossed your arms with a piercing glare. “…Why.” Your tone was razor sharp, demanding an answer from him. “For all of the missing persons, Namatame did most of your dirty work… but you killed Yamano and Konishi.”

“Why?” Though your voice was acute and cold, there was sincerity to them, albeit very faint. In the end, you couldn’t let every single one of your feelings go at the drop of a hat. 

Even if he had betrayed your trust, it was hard to give up on a person you loved. To do so would be surrendering months and months of emotional investment. Killing an already bloomed flower that you put time and effort into nurturing as a seed. Letting him go would be admitting all that time was spent for nothing. Would your pride allow for that?

The man seated before you, first he started off as an acquaintance. He quickly became your fellow colleague, partner, friend… and then eventually your lover. Working on the case brought you closer together, and you willingly trusted him enough to open your heart up to him. When those walls came down, you thought you knew him, only to turn out you were dreadfully wrong.

He was the killer, and he had been under your nose the whole time.

Does that mean… it was all an act? Was your love a lie from the moment you met? Did he exploit your kindness in order to protect his twisted identity?

“Why?” Adachi echoed, seemingly taunting you again.

He threw out his hands. “It was a simple mistake, (Y/N)! That bitch Yamano wouldn’t hear me out, and I didn’t have a choice. One thing led to another, and she fell in with a simple push. That other girl was just a loose end that needed some trimming.” 

As he feverishly described the crime, his speed and volume were rising. By the end, he was rambling on like a schizophrenic madman. Not to mention that the gun was still in his hands, and he was waving it around, none of which eased you in the slightest. Just like him, you felt like you were losing your mind. Madness must be contagious.

“It was an accident.” He insisted, repeating himself. Though it only seemed like a comfort only to himself, as you didn’t believe it for a second.

Ceasing his raving, it’s only a split-second for him to recover the composure he temporarily lost. Adachi’s predatory gaze returned to you, his eyes ardently glossing over your figure. A devious, lopsided grin grew on his face as he did so. “If I had known the perfect woman would finally come around, I’m sure this wouldn’t have had to happen.”

“But even then, you could argue it was supposed to.” He chuckled darkly. If it weren’t for the case, the two of you would’ve never met, and gotten so close. “Perhaps the Gods really heard my prayers and brought us together.”

While he didn’t believe in fate or any of that sentimental garbage, in this case it was an amusing idea to entertain.

After that, he decided to continue the case for the thrill of it, and with you by his side, he had yet another self-indulgent reason to pursue the mystery expertly crafted by him.

Needless to say, you were disgusted by his confession. It was twisted. He killed two women without remorse, a woman and a young girl, and he was completely shameless when coming onto you. Unsettling to think that Mayumi wasn’t much older than you as well. Adachi harping on the two of you meeting and falling in love, after the murders of innocent people, and putting more in harm's way was so disgusting you could hardly put it into words. 

Nanako Dojima, an innocent child, was on the brink of death due to his selfish actions, and here he was celebrating because the two of you got together as a result. To even suggest it was an act of the divine was complete lunacy. His depraved vindication was such a foolish idea you couldn’t help but audibly scoff.

Justifying these murders with your romance was just the bittersweet icing on the spoiled cake of betrayal.

And yet… as disturbing as it was, he had a slimmer of a point. Maybe if you did meet him just a bit earlier, perhaps you could’ve prevented Adachi’s ‘crime of passion’ kill. He could’ve gotten over his bitter rejection and swept you up sooner. Yamano and Konishi could have lived… and the people who had been hurt, would never have been touched.

Though, that was nothing but a hypothetical, you reminded yourself. The damage had been enacted. He had already done the unforgivable. Focusing on a possibility that was rooted in the past, and out of your hands would be putting blame on yourself. It wasn’t your responsibility to fix a broken man.

Another moment of silence. Though that would’ve been enough of a confession, you still had one last question on your mind.

“Tell me. When it was just us… were you acting?” This would serve as your final inquiry. Even though learning the truth could potentially shatter your heart further, you’d never get closure if you failed to hear it. 

While it was only debilitated, there were lingering remnants of sorrow trapped in your being. Despite your harsh front, the remorse was in your eyes, and in your speech. “Was this your sick way of getting my trust, so I’d defend you?”

Adachi rose from the chair. He approached you slowly, but you were careful to maintain your distance as you watched him move. Any sudden actions he made, you’d put up a strong fight. The intense stare down between the two of you incited a grin from him.

He shrugged with nonchalance. “Well, I might’ve put on a show for Dojima and the others. There’s a lot of things about me that I played up as a façade.”

For a moment, his eyes softened. The smugness vanished, and he was back to the personality you had fallen for. 

“But my feelings for you weren’t an act. I’m still in love with you, (Y/N).” Surprisingly, his tone was sincere, and it made your eyes widen.

Though you were still filled with contempt and disgust for him, you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t a dim flutter in your chest by his words. The unexpected declaration made your heart leap, as disturbing as it was to admit given the circumstances.

“You were different from these dull women I’ve come across, and it was pretty nice.”

“Genuine, sweet, smart and hard-working… you’re like the complete package.” He chuckled, and you could’ve sworn you’ve heard him say this before. It clicked instantly.

‘You could’ve had any guy you wanted, and yet, you chose to be with him.’ Those were his exact words.

So he meant it…

He was standing before you. Only a few feet separated the two of you.

“You’re the only person I cared about. You understood me, and made me feel like a lucky guy. For the first time in a while, my life was a bit less dreary.”

You paused, muscles tensing up. In your chest, your heart was betraying you. It was beating fast, spurred on by his profound desire. As if it were Deja Vu, his words were stirring up your feelings yet again.

“We don’t have to be enemies, you know.” He spoke in a soft tone, his eyes fondly scanning your visage. The velveteen cadence nearly had you second-guessing.

Is he saying…

Adachi held out his upturned hand to you. “Join me, (Y/N). Stay here with me.”

“The world is boring and cruel. You know that firsthand, don’t you? This nowhere town is a sinking ship. Be with me, and I’ll take your worries away. We’ll crush those kids, and then run away together.”

Wait…

“How about it?”

His offer had rendered you speechless. In an instant, your heart nearly stopped. The sudden development had thrown you for a loop. He wants you... to join him? While there was always the possibility that he was tricking you, the sincerity in his voice strangely went against that notion. Though the degree of which varied, you could decipher that he was being serious.

While you didn’t know much about this side of Adachi, the part of him that you fell for was still there.

The realization gave way to a moment of hesitation, the feeling of which was rare for you. Before you knew it, you were stepping closer to him, and then gently slipped your hand into his. It fit his grip like a perfect mold. It’s been so long since you’ve done that. Part of you missed this warmth. Eyes softening, a soft smile graced your lips.

Your sudden yet ardent affections had Adachi taken aback for a second, but he quickly returned to his confident demeanor. He was delighted to see he had ultimately won you over. Before he could speak, or better yet draw close to kiss you, you opened your mouth. 

“I can’t wait to throw you behind bars.” You said with a smile.

Suddenly, you pulled him forward with the junction of your hands. In a careful yet swift motion, your free one ripped the gun from his unsuspecting grip. He went to grab it back, but you shoved him backwards with all the strength you could muster.

Once you aimed straight at him, he stepped back. With the barrel of the gun focused on him, his movements came to a grinding halt. You pulled out your own pistol from your holster and pointed it.

“Isolde!” You called out your persona. Raising your gun, you shot the blue card that appeared out of thin air. It shattered upon impact, and your other self, an elegant spectral projection faded into view.

Strike first, to catch him off guard. “Maragidyne!” You ordered, and your persona sent out a fiery blast.

The fire consumed the area, but once it burned away, there was nothing that remained. There was an eerie quietness, leaving you in suspense.

Did you hit him?

“So that’s how it’s going to be, huh?” Adachi’s voice echoed in your mind.

Guess not.

His sudden disappearance was uncanny, but you figured it out soon enough. Your attack didn’t miss, but he didn’t sound like he was harmed. The Adachi you had been talking to must’ve been an illusion. The real one was somewhere else. How cowardly.

“Very well then, (Y/N). If you want to try your luck at defeating me… then come and get me!”

A portal appeared to the left of you. The red and black striped entrance seemingly beckoning you to step through.

“I’ll be waiting for you.”

And with that, the room returned to its disturbing silence. Remaining in the solace, you lowered your guns.

There was so much for you to take in, and you scarcely had time to register it all. A myriad of thoughts were running through your head, each competing for your attention to mull over.

In the end, you weren’t able to stop him. Though, you learned the truth. Whether you liked it or not. In another heartfelt scenario you would’ve cried, but this wasn’t worth shedding tears over.

Adachi…

It was disheartening that this was how the two of you had to end up. A sweet, loving couple torn apart and divided by power, fated to be enemies from the start. It sounded like a god awful cliché.

Something inside of you changed as well. It felt like your relationship had changed significantly. It was no longer something sweet, or an innocent yet jovial love. For Adachi, it had become a sinful craving. A hunger, as it were. His desire now was to dominate you, and for the oncoming destruction of the world. How laughable it all was.

Sparing one last glance to the portal, you spun on your heel, and began walking back to the entrance. You’d be back, and you’d return with the others to put a stop to him. He won’t get away with this.

Mark your words, your ex is going down.

HAHAHAHAHA 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

i remember seeing the hunger arcana scene and just foaming at the mouth

cuz like,, ok yu can be friends with adachi but i dont think their connection was strong enough to make the scene as crazy as it couldve been lol NOW RECONTEXTUALIZE IT LIKE THIS AND THAT IS SOME 🍵🍵🍵🍵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

divider: cafekitsune

consider following if you like my works :D

♡ quotev ♡ wattpad ♡ archive ♡ caard ♡

[peachdues]

MIRROR ♤ MIRROR

THE PLAYLIST

SANEMI X KANAE ♤ SNOW WHITE ♔ ROYALTY AU

[equallyshaw]

something borrowed - nathan mackinnon (feat. erik johnson and ryan graves)

- based off the movie of the same name + my own plot changes

- Warnings: swearing. angst. ej is annoying in this, i apologize. just a character. also lili is a bimbo blonde in this, kinda like in the movie. no hate against any blondes, just mirroring the movie. there is a not so friendly joke, so please be advised. itll be in bold so you can skip over. ALSO, this movie is so chaotic and all over the place...this is all over the place and chaotic lol

- shoutout to @pucksalotguys for supporting this and giving me feedback :)

Word Count: 5.7k+ this is a long one, so much to upack.

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tessa burns grew up around some of the greats in nova scotia, canada. aka, sid the kid, brad marchand, andrew cogliano and ryan graves to name a few. her older brothers played hockey ofcourse and so she was always around the rink at all hours. always had a chirp or two to throw out as she left the arena with them. despite growing up in nova scotia, she never met nathan mackinnon until they both went to shattuck st marys for highschool and hockey. they instantly connected, over hockey, nova scotia, bad breakups and the undying need to be the best. though, he was more hard core than she ever was; in her defense.

tessa was never alone growing up, despite have four brothers before her. she had her best friend ryan graves, grew up right down the block. always had a bad joke, always had a smart and witty comment to make. one that would rock you to your core. she also had her best friend liliana who was a blonde goddess. a 5'8 blonde, taller goddess. one that all the guys went after. one that swore she gave up toronto university just so they could both go to univeristy of british columbia. one that guilt tripped her left and right, but she was liliana. ofcourse, she couldn't 'drop' her. that was her girl, and there was no way she could do that to her closest confidant besides ryan. ryan saw how shitty liliana treated her, how liliana made sure she was the center of the attention. always. ryan always knew about tessa having the huge crush and ever lasting love for nathan, though he was lilianas. she had been for the past three years. so ryan watched as tessa looked on from the bench, what else could she do? so she wallowed in her own guilt, pity and anger of not saying anything before to nate. though it was too late, they were to bed wed in the middle of august before they would flee to california for a week then back to denver.

°• ♔ •°

tessa walked into the restaurant and her eyes went wide, taking in the 'surprise' 28th birthday part; liliana had thrown for her. it was june 24th right after the seaosn had ended, but on without a cup. not this year. tessa smiled fakely as lili cheered and wrapped her arms around her best friend, sister even. "honeybug happy birthday!" she screamed, using an old childhood nickname that should have never see the light of day; even when she was 6. "thanks lili." she responded cooly, hugging her friend back. some of her closest friends were here, well lili's too. wherever tessa went, lili did too and vice versa. she smiled at her brothers who came up, wrapping her in a family hug. "hi guys.." she smiled, one that didn't reach her eyes. "hey tess, mom and dad say sorry for not being here." the oldest, billy explained and she nodded. british columbia was more importnant it seemed.

"AYYYYY KIDDO!!" she heard the ever popular and familiar voice of brad marchand. she turned and grinned at the brother like man and hugged him. then she hugged his wife charlotte, "thankyou guys for coming!" she beamed, holding onto her left arm. "ofcourse! we wouldn't miss it for the world hun." his wife smiled and tessa nodded. "hey bobby orr!" she heard the captains voice from behind her, and tessa turned. she smiled widely for sidney, and hugged him. "hi sid." she mused, pulling away. "got you your fav." he mused, and handed her a cherry vodka. she smiled, thanking him. "where the hell is nate?" she heard him mutter under his breathe. she felt her heart rate pick up, covering it up with a small smile. "do you know where ryan is?" she questioned and speak of the devil, he walked up behind sid. he clasped a hand on sid's shoulder and they did a bro hug before sid sauntered off to find his best friend.

"nice surprise face." he smirked leaning in and she rolled her eyes. "dont tell her please!" she begged her best friend, brother even. he nodded smiling, "ofcourse not. that would ruin her, i think." he trailed off as they caught her making a scene. she saw nate behind her, smiling up at her as she said a joke and laughed loudly. oh, the ever enigma stealing the spotlight once again. "i don't think she's capable of NOT having the attention on her..even if it's your birthday. by the way, happy birthday sis." he smirked and she gave him a wink. "oh thankyou, thought you wouldn't say it for a sec." she grinned and he stuck out his tongue. "uh huh." he sighed, sipping his whiskey and looking back at lili. she rubbed her temple, before looking around. "love how its mainly her frineds." she muttered, feeling angry at herself. again, another birthday and she had no new friends. and everyyear, lili had more and more.

"hey, stop. dont feel bad for yourself. she's a lot to deal with." he mused, almost as if it was an insult. but tessa, knew exactly what he meant. "honeybug!" she heard the very immature nickname and rolled her eyes which ryan caught; as she turned around with a fake smile. "what?" she asked, with a fake giggle as lili rushed up to her with a tall guy. "i want you to meet somebody!" she grinned, pulling her towards the guy. "ej this is tessa. tessa this is erik johnson or ej as we call him." she smiled, as if she was cupid herself. "birthday gal!" he said loudly, causing lili to laugh loudly once again as he pulled tessa in for a bear hug. "ah hi." she said, unsure of what to do. she stood there, frozen. felt like she had been violted in a way, but it wasn't that deep she reminded herself. "you guys are so cute together!" was all lili said before waltzing off to give nate a kiss.

tessa sighed, looking around, trying to not ficate on ej himself. the very tall, and muscular man in front her of. with 3 front teeth missing, like a little kid. "how'd you lose your teeth?" she asked randomly and he laughed a hearty laugh. he explained in a unnceccesary 10 minute story before they were interrupted by nathan. she gave him a thankful smile that he could decode, and nodded. "i think cale is in the back over there." nate said through gritted teeth. ej nodded, giving the birthday gal a kiss on her cheek to which she instantly wiped off. ej left, and left a chuckling nate in his path. "you have a great poker face burnsy." he mused, sipping his beer. she looked at him, acting as if she didn't. he met her eye, before she could spit out words. he gave her a charming smile and laughed. "i would never tell lili." he joked, and tessa sighed looking down at her almost empty drink. "tess-" nate said but she cut him off. "its all good. im gonna go find ryan." she said without looking at him as she walked past him, and away.

minutes later, lili yelled over on the microphone to get her cute butt up there. "honeybug, baby, get your cute butt up here!" she joked, causing everybody to laugh. nate searched for her, and she appeared after ryan pushed her to the front. "dont keep cruelle waiting." he muttered for only her to hear. she sighed as lili smiled at her, dotingly. "honeybug. happy birthday. so thankful for you every day." she smiled, an erupture of 'aws' filled the room. tessa blushed, "tessa gosh, where do i begin?" she said, almost acting. she looked up at the ceiling, pretending to wipe away any tears. "phew, my botox is really holding up.." she trailed off joking causing some uncomfortable and comfortable laughter to erupt. ryan from next to her, hit her shoulder and she laughed.

"tessa, tess, burnsy honeybug, my platonic soulmate..gosh we've been through it all! from kindergarton when i pushed ryan down the slide for cutting us off on the playground.." she began as the photos began on the slideshow, showing the two and then the trio of chaos. "god, we were the trio of chaos. tessa, ryan and i. i don't know how ryan put up with us, to be honest. or how he still does." she joked. "she was with me through my first breakup in 6th grade..i was a mess! let me tell you. we watched the holiday and the he's just not that into you SO many times with lots of popcorn, oreos and icecream." she explained, showing some photos of their teenage years. "heres us at prom. ryan said 'fuck it' im taking you to prom honeybug. awe SO cute!" she said doing a little hop. "then miss burnsy went off to shattuck, fucking shattuck oh my god. if i have to hear about one more hockey player that to shattucks im gonna pull my hair out. o.m.g." she said laughing along with everybody else. "then fucking gravy went off to shattucks and so i was left alone." she began, something she never got over. something she held over them, and still guilt tripped them about. "i was not a hockey player, thankgod! i was all about makeup and clothes and cheerleading. and they weren't there to witness me win state but i witnessed them play for team canada. what assholes." lili had the audience in the palm of her hands. they were eating this up. though ryan, sid, her brothers and nate all cringed throughout.

"but anywho, after i notably declined ivy league university of toronto to go to university of BC with my honeybug..ryan went to some place called denver." she added the last part with everybody hollering now. though it wasn't a joke really, she was purely an idiot. “then we graduated, and then it was really real that we were gonna be seperated for real this time. miss barnsy got into john marshall law school in chicago, and i was incredibly sad when i started working in toronto. but only 512 miles away from one another." she paused, waving a small wave. "and after a year into living into chicago, you introduced me to the absolute love of my life." she pasued, blowing a kiss to nate. he smiled shyly, and looked down embarrassed a tad bit. "thanks for hiding him for so long hun." she dazzled the crowd. "and now were getting married, thanks to you!" she smiled widely. "bubba as much as i love you, tessa girl has been my one constant my whole life."

she turned towards tessa now, ""you're the the sister i've never had, you're sometimes the mother i often need, the reason why i can stumble so fearlessly into adventure is because she's always there. she's always there. i love you tessa. my forever honeybug." she beamed, and the crowd clapped. "bubba!" she said, out of the microphone and made her way towards nate. she wrapped his arms around the girl and kissed her head. tessa watched from afar, and ryan nudged her to look away. "lets get you another drink..after that." sid mused, pulling her towards the bar.

later on in the evening, it was now ryan, nate, lili and tessa left. ryan was holding lili as they all waited outside the restaurant now on the almost desolate street. "oh fuck- i forgot my bag!" lili said slurrely. nate and tessas head perked up and both went to say something, "take her to the hotel. we will be there soon." nate said before tessa could say for him to go back with her. the duo nodded and the other two made there way back inside. "was it the vintage chanel?" nate questioned and tessa laughed, a true and real hearty laugh. "nathan...aren't you the one who got it for her?" she said cocking an eyebrow as she held it up. nate sighed a relief, snatchingit from her. they looked at one another, and nate saw something twinkle. "lets get one more drink." he mused, pulling her down the street to the bar next door.

one drink turned into four more, and somehow someway; though they knew how it happened. they ended up in her small apartment there in toronto. for the first time in their entire relationships, they had acted on that part of their feelings. though, they thought it was more the alcohol than anything.

°• ♔ •°

ryan, sid, ej, their other friend maria, liliana and tessa found themselves in st john on the coast of newfoundland. the five of them walked into the lake house, that they were staying at for the next week. nate and lili walked hand in hand, lili doting on him that made ryan want to vomit. "bubba...please?" she asked with puppy eyes, begging him to take her shopping on the mainland. he sighed, instantly giving into her. lili clapped her hands together, and ej high fived her for some odd reason. "you go girl!" he hummed, sitting down in the living room sofa and propping his feet on the table. tessa stopped unable to move anymore, because of ej's hockey bag and suitcase that was in the way. she gave him a scowl, nobody noticing but ryan ofcourse. "ej..bags please." ryan spoke up and ej hopped up, muttering an apology. "its ok." she smiled, and simply stated. tessa made her way up the stairs, as ryan went towards the first floor room. she got to the second floor, and nate instantly grabbed her bags. "oh thanks." she hummed, following him to the bedroom next to theirs. "thanks." she smiled, and he nodded. very unsure of what to do. things were kinda awkward after they slept together, but she made him forget about it. made him, and he promised her. "yeah. no prob." he responded, as she sat down on the bed. his eyes flicked to her's from the doorway before lili came up and smiled.

"shopping?" she grinned, and then motioned towards nate with her eyes. tessa shook her head no, "im gonna take a nap." she said cooly and the two nodded. lili pulled nate away before he could say bye. tessa sighed, laying down on her back. "hey barnsy, wanna come swimming?" she heard the voice of ej and she perched herself onto her elbows. he took in her stance, and angle she saw him check her out. she shivered and sat up all the way. "im okay. thanks though." she responded and he nodded, giving her a toothy smile before he ran off. she shut her door, silently cursing herself. this was going to be a long trip.

°• ♔ •°

the following day, the group decided they were going to play volleyball. just unsure when. before they made there way to the beach, ryan pulled tessa into her bedroom. "spill." he demanded crossing his arms as she sat on the bed. she shrugged, "tell you what?" she asked. he gave her a blank stare, "i know what youre hiding honeybug." he stated and she gritted her teeth. "nothing im hiding nothing." she spat, standing up and walked over towards the double window french doors to the balcony. she instantly found nate's broad shoulders, strong back and dirty blonde hair of his. she stared at him, as lili spoke to him from the pool with ej. ej and her were splashing one another now, and she could tell that nate wanted to be anywhere but there. "that. you are hiding that, tessa." ryan said from behind her, freaking her out. she must of timed out, watching him. she shook her head, looking out towards the beach now. "no its true. i could tell at breakfast. im not an idiot." he said, checking his hip with hers. "well i could say the same about you and maria..." she mused coyly, before giggling as she walked out of the room. "oh god no, if i ever have to be at the same table especially at their wedding, im killing them before they leave for cali." ryan mused making tessa laugh even more. "you two totally slept together!" he whispered yelled and she whipped around to face him. "oh thats gold." he said chuckling. she shook her head as he nodded hers.

"im not an idiot, i know you did. now it makes sense." he said as a wave of realization washed over him. as he placed his hands behind his head, laying down on her bed he asked, "you totally did..more than once?" he asked like a child, he couldn't contain his excitement. she combed back her hair, trying to calm herself down. "oh my god, twice?" he asked, getting excited more. she looked at him through the bedroom mirror and he started to laugh. "oh my god." he said abruptly stopping, "lili, oh my god, she's gonna flip." he said seriously before laughing. "its not funny!" she said pulling a pillow towards her from the bed and hitting him. "this is rich barnsy!!!! you have to say something to nate, i see it eating you two up." he exclaimed and she shook her head, a wave of guilt and sadness washed over her pale face. "no, its already been decided that we aren't to speak of it ever again." she stated before walking out.

breakfast.

tessa sat down next to nate by accident, as she sat their reading the newspaper. he met her eyes, over the newspaper, when she looked at him. she whisked her eyesight away and focused on transporting the fruit to her plate. "listen..tess. we need to talk-" she cut him off with a glare. "no, we do not. we already have. we can't hurt lili more than we already have." she hurriedly said. he swallowed back what he was going to say, and nodded. "never. again." she said through gritted teeth before meeting his eyes. god, those blue eyes that transported her back to shattucks. god, how she loved them.. ej bolted outside with coffee, and threw down a iced coffee for the brunette. a black coffee for nate. "oh yay coffee's here!" lili said walking out with pancakes. ej sat across next to lili who sat across from tessa. tessa swallowed, as she could feel the intense stare ej was giving her. nate coughed, breaking ej's concentration and ej looked away. maria sat down next to ej and he smiled at her. "morning." he smirked and maria gave him a polite smile, before noticebly scooting her chair a few inches away. ryan finally walked out and sat down next to tessa. "gravy finally arrives, nice. we can begin." lili said in her fake polite voice, clearly annoyed with ryan. per usual. "sorry princess, forgot the world and time revolved around you. what a keeper nate." raya huffed, and lili squinted at him while nate rubbed his eyes.

“okay gravy, atleast i have some sort of schedule going. arent you a hockey player? it looks like you haven't done anything to combat your croissants and poutine eating." she spat, (trigger warning) softly grabbing her stomach. he flipped her off, causing ej to laugh loudly. nate looked at him with a intense stare, one tessa hadn't seen for a few years. it was almost, like his old self had flared for a hot second. before it cooled. "atleast i dont spend somebody else's hard earned money." ryan muttered, and lili picked that up. "well, atleast he has somebody to spend it on. dont ya honey?" she smiled a dazziling smile, placing a arm over nate's shoulder and kissing him. ryan pointed a finger in his mouth and faked gagged causing tessa to stifle a laugh. "besides, i always tell nate to help out tessa but she always says no." lili added, sipping her coffee. tessa set down her fork, "how many times do i have to tell you that i dont want or need his money." she explained once again. "i am comfortable, i dont need a lot. besides-" lili cut her off, "youre due for a promotion anyways!" she clasped her hands together and tessa shook her head.

"no, not what i was gonna say but thats true. i like the life i live, and i love the work i do lili. i dont need anybody's money, especially not his." she defended and they all sat up with the 'not his' part. ryan took in the quick look nate and tessa shared, one without words but words. "what i mean is that, he's my friend, that just feels weird." she added and they nodded. "besides, more for me!" lili hummed, kissing nate again. tessa picked up her fork and took a strong bite of her strawberry.

After.

the group were outside on the beach, hitting the volleyball to warm up. it was ej and tessa, lili and nate. while ryan and maria sat out. "ouuu! we should play a game!" lili beamed with mimosa in her hand. "yes!" ej said loudly, pointing at her. "how about everytime we get a point, one of us on the winning point tells a secret!" lili said with a grin, causing ej to grin wickledly and laugh. "no i dont-" "lets not -" nate and tessa said at the same time. "oh come on! itll be fun!" lili said pouting. "yeah, itll be fun!" ryan added, and tessa glared at him. "ej im in, youre out." ryan said and ej nodded, as they switched positions. "ryan!" she whispered yelled at him, and he smirked. "it has to come out eventually babe." he smiled and placed a quick kiss on her head. nate looked over, and saw what was going on. he knew ryan knew, even without ryan confirming.

“ry!" she said before lili hit the ball to him, him to nate and back to ryan. that happend over and over. ryan won the never ending sequence and chuckled, "oh dont i have a secret!!" he huffed, "tell it tell it!" ej said like a 5 year old. "dont i have a secret." he laughed, and tessa begged him with a pleading look. "no its fine, we don't need to play." nate said trying to get him to not say anyhting. "no this has to be said." ryan exclaimed and lili looked on with excitment, "yes please tell!" she beamed sipping more of her mimosa. "tessa- tessa and-" but he was cut off, as she made he way towards ej - as a distraction - and kissed him. she kissd him hard, pulling him in by his thin shirt. nate and ryan looked on with confusion while lili shrieked with excitemnt. "AHHHH! im cupid!!" she cheered as tessa pulled apart, and walked off. ryan and nate looked at tessa as she stomped away.

tessa continued walking down the beach for 20 minutes more, trying desperately to stop crying. nothing was working. she sniffled, as she sat down and wrapped her arms around her knees. what the fuck did she just do, she thought. ryan made his way over, after the rest of the group went back to the house. "youre an ass." she said boldly, standing up and walking past him. without allowing him to get a word in. "tes-" she cut him off. "how dare you jeoporadize my whole relationship with them? huh?! how you made me kiss ej!" she screamed at him. "i made you kiss him? that was all your doing hun. not mine. youre too scared to admit your true feelings for nate, im not an idiot. you love him. everything makes fucking sense. ever since i first met him when i visited you in minnesota, i saw the way you looked at him and how he looked at you. you fucking fool. you let her snatch him away. you let her win." he screamed.

"she wins everything! she has won everything that has come her way! she gets the guy she gets the house, the unending bank account, her fucking parents are god sends, she got into utoronto with a lower gpa then me!!!! liliana wins everything, that is just how it goes. she wins everything." she whispered the last part, as she fell apart. ryan walked up to her, but she pushed him away. "no." she sniffled as she paused, "dont. just dont. youve done enough." she sighed and walked back up to the house. already packed and ready to go.

°• ♔ •°

the following evening the group was down at a local pub, taking in the drinks and food. tessa sipped her cocktail as maria came up. "ryan will never like me, right?" she stated and tessa did a double take at her. maria already knew, "im sorry maria. he doesn't like you that way and probably wont ever." she said softly. maria nodded, " its fine." maria responded before walking off. that was how it will be with nate, tessa thought. she looked in the distance and saw nate and lili bickering about something, before she walked off to dance with ej. nate rolled his eyes and turned around to the bar and met tessa's stare. she swallowed, grabbing her bag and walking out. she walked outside to the rain, and she felt her arm being grabbed. "tessa dont go!" nate pleaded. she shook her head, as she was being drenched.

“then leave her. leave her, and be-" he cut her off. "be with you? i cant, tess. i just cant." he stated and she nodded. "becasue it wouldnt look good, huh? im not exactly a trophy wife and im fine with that. but....but atleast ill be happy. at some point." she mused, and turned around. "im sorry tess. i really am." he stated and she stopped middway. she turned around and hurried towards him. "i should of gone back for you." she began, "i should if let you walk me home that night in denver. i should have let you done a lot of things but i was scared. i was nervous. i was scared into thinking that you could possibly like me." she exclaimed. "i should have never told you to stay with her, then maybe we wouldn't be in this situation now." she stated, finishing her tangent. he shook his head, "you were always enough tess. always, there wasn't a moment where i thought otherwise." he began and she felt a beacon of hope flicker through her. "but im with her now." he stated and she felt her heart break even more. she sighed, he took in all her tears. she shook her head, "youre a coward, nathan. a coward." she stated promptly. "but ill be happy, ill be incredibly happy without you." she stated, before walking off. nate watched as she did, the rain coming down even harder which coincided with her mood. nate really watched as the love of his life walked away for him, for good.

°• ♔ •°

there was a knock at her apartment door around 2pm. she closed her book and walked towards it, opening it to nathan. she tried to close it, but he quickly stopped it. "what nate?" she demanded, placing a hand on her hip. she shook her head when he said nothing, "we broke up. i - i thought about what you said and it's true. i won't be happy with her, how i'd be happy with you." he began and she shook her head sniffiling. "no." she said very warily, her voice cracking. she saw the pleading on her face, and opened her door further to let him in. "i should have never let you walk home that night you introduced us tess. i know that, ive known that but i was too scared to break it off and see what people that follow me would say. you were right, i am a coward. ok? and im sorry that it took me over 10 years to figure it out. im sorry tess, there isn't anybody i'd ever want to be with but you. and then we, and then we slept together and i knew i was doomed. i knew her's and i's relationship was doomed." he finished and she looked at the ground. she wiped her tears, looking back up at him. "i want you, always and forever." he stated, with much emotion. "i - im sorry." she started, "i just dont know. she's my bestfriend." she exclaimed. "i see the way she treats you t." he stated, using a barely used nickname from him. one that dated back to a drunken state moment in highschool.

“i want to, trust me." she sighed and was about to say something else but somebody knocked at her door. "tessa honeybug!!!" they both heard from her door, and she pushed him to go hide. "go go!" she whispered and he disapeared. she opened the door and lili instantly walked in. "i broke up with him!" she stated, and tessa acted surprise. "really?" she questioned and lili nodded sitting down. "i uh, i knew he wasn't the one. after.." she trailed off, unsure how to tell her best friend that she'd been sneaking off with somebody.

"what changed?" tessa asked, nervously. "i met somebody!" she squeled, not bothering to contain her excitement. "i mean, more then met." she added, "well i knew this person, for awhile." she stated. "who?" tessa whispered. "ej." she mouthed. "ej!" she said excitedly. the fuck? "the toothless big foot?" tessa quipped. lili rolled her eyes, "yes him. and i know!" she said. "thats nathan's teammate! lil!" tessa said getting defensive of him. "i know i know but nothing happened until we went to st johns. thats it. nothing before." lili defended. tessa began to pace, "and im in love with him, and i want to be with him." lili stated standing up and beginning to walk out. "i know it'll take you a bit to come around, but please don't tell nate yet. we want to do it together."she said before pausing at the door. tessa's mouth was still open in shock, "oh and dont feel guilty about the kiss. it was humerous." she smirked before walking out. as soon as she did, tessa went to look for nate. somebody knocked on the door again and she opened it to lili. "is that nate's jacket?" she asked, smirking. "wait what? oh- he left it in my car when we got back into toronto." she lied but lili didn't buy it. "no, no. thats not true." she stated, before pushing the door open. "nate! i know youre in here, nate!" she yelled, as tessa shut the door. nate walked out into the living room.

"you asshole!" "my teammate?!" they yelled at one another, "my best friend!!!!" lili threw back at him. "my. teammate." he slithered back. "how could you?" lili, turned towards tessa. "no- no dont go after tess. go after me. she didn't initiate it." lili held her hand up, "stop, dont speak for her." lili spat. lili shook her head at nate, "you know, i hope youre both happy together. i really do." was all lili said before walking out.

"nate-" tessa said but nate shook his head, grabbed his coat and walked out.

°• ♔ •°

tessa mouthed "im sorry" to ryan and he flipped over his card that had her name on it, "me too." and she hugged him. tessa had just flown from toronto to newark to visit ryan. she hadn't seen or talked to him since june and it was now middle of october, hockey season. they drove back to his condo, and the two put her stuff in the guest room. a little while later she walked out into the kitchen and sat down at the counter, as he cooked dinner. "whats for dinner?" she questioned in french. he smiled a toothy smile, "fettuince alfredo." he mused back in french. tessa nodded, grabbing the water bottle he set down on the counter. "what are you doing here?" he asked leaning against it, trying to read her expression. she sighed, "well you know about lili and ej. well nathan was there and lili heard and then he heard her and then when i tried to talk to him, he walked out." she said placing her face in her hands. he saw the stress, anxiety and never faultering love with nate. "have you talked since then?" he asked and she shook her head, "nor lili?" and she shook her head. "im alone." she said before sobbing. he instantly came over and pulled her in for a hug. "shh." he whispered over and over again, trying to comfort her. "youve got me." he said kissing her head. she sniffled, and pulled away. "youve always had me, no matter what." he explained some more, trying to get her to understand.

she looked at him, "always will. and-" he paused laughing nervously. "this is shitty timing but i dont care. ive always been there watching you from the bench, watching lili have something that you didn't. and that hurt me, because i was there the whole time but-" she cut him off, "i never noticed because i wanted him." she finished and he nodded. "im in love with you, and i have been since we were kids." he added and she felt a whiplash of memories hit her. she went through the big and little moments with him, putting the pieces together. he always chose her over lili, and that's why he got so upset with her in st john. "ry-" he cut her off, putting his hands up in innocence. "i know, i know." he said biting the inside of his cheek. "i know ill never be nate. ill never be nate the great. even before, i knew i was never good enough." was all he said before moving back to the stove. tessa sat there and shut her eyes, feeling her emotions consumer her. but they didn't. ryan's phone started to blast, and he looked a the id and saw nate. he rolled his eyes, picking it up.

“hey nate." he stated, and tessa perked up. ryan looked at tessa, "yeah she's actually here. she came to visit." ryan stated with not emotion on his face. "for you, tessa girl." he said locking his phone. "look's like it's time for you to fly to denver...in two hours."

1 year skip.

tessa walked with nate's dry cleaning in her hand as she walked through downtown denver. it was now october, one of the last warm days, and tessa was spending it in the city; working. after everything went down, lili and ej got together as well as nate and tessa. tessa moved in as lili moved out and in with ej. tessa was walking down the street going towards where nate said he'd be for them to drive home together, after she spent the day in the city. she walked down mainstreet and saw a familiar blonde walk past. the both of them paused instantly, turning around to face one another. lili sized tessa up and tessa just smiled. "you look good." tessa said, ever the people pleaser. ever the lili pleaser. lili pushed some hair behind her shoulder and smiled. despite them being in denver, and having their boyfriends be teammates, they stayed away from one another. they didnt talk, and tessa honestly had more friends outside of the wags group. she was only friends with tracy, cales gf and andrew coglianos wife. she was fine with that. nate and ej moved on, but still kept a distance. lili smiled, tilting her head just a bit. "oh." was all she said, before realizing that tessa saw it. "i hope you two are happy." was all lili stated, nodding towards tessa's engagment ring. the two got engaged over the summer right before they came out to denver. tessa smiled with a somewhat of a glow radiating from her, "we are. i am." was all she said. lili nodded, "are you two?" tessa questioned. lili nodded, "yes. we uh, we eloped this summer." she smiled referencing her small and simple ring. so unlike lili, tessa thought. "i know what youre thinking. but i love it. ej seems like a lot and he is in a way, but he's truly simple. i wish; i hope that someday you and nate can see that and hopefully come around. or atleast nate." lili responded and tessa nodded. "me too." tessa smiled, before turning around and continued to walk down main street to the square, where nate was waiting.

nate saw tessa's midlength wavy hair before he saw the rest of her. she was in her usual workday outfit, he pixie black pants clinging to her curves and her white boyfriend shirt untucked. she beamed as soon as she saw him, and he mirrored her. "hi." he mused, wrapping an arm around her back and pecking her. "hi." she said back, as he took the dry cleaning from her along with her work bag, and took her hand in the other. "ready for dinner?" he questioned and she nodded, heels clipping the sidewalk as they went to meet sid who was in the city for a game. where they'd also be asking him if he wanted to be Nate’s best man.

tessa saw her life with nate, she always had despite lili. despite the years spent on the bench, she'd never change it because now she had him. and he had her. she regularly thinks about their first meeting as they plan their wedding, both remembering clearly the outfit she had on. a blue dress. something borrowed from the very beginning.

────────────

wasnt sure how to end but i hope you guys like it!!! despite it's being hella long, i hope you liked the drama :)

@fallinallincurls @erikjohnsons @hockeylvr59 @hockeyboysarehot @cale8makar @makarhughes @starshine-hockey-girl @slafgoalskybaby

[chyertsar]

♔. synopsis : koschei is part of a pantheon of primordial beings who currently reside in a supernatural realm mirroring old rus' and modern russia ( known as the chyerti realm ) primarily set during world war ii, there's a much older war reaching its pinnacle ; one between two brothers : koschei, the tsar of life and viy, the tsar of death. based on the deathless book universe. leaning heavily on slavic folklore and the allegorical concepts of a paradise lost and war as a hell on earth. . . . affiliated with godwitch & rosetem

♔. koschei will do just about anything to turn the odds of the war in his favor, so plenty of room for kidnappings or crossovers into other worlds & pantheons here.

♔. as an in between realm of sorts, the chyerti realm is very easy to stumble upon by accident -- especially during life/death situations

♔. his hoard is full of stolen relics, magical weapons, tomes, and artifacts from all corners of the world, which might be necessary to obtain for your muses' own goals

♔. the man knows how to throw a buffet, but much like the fae, it's not wise to eat or drink in his country as he has various means of inducing forgetfulness to those who do. many members of his retinue were transplants from other realms who over time do not remember living anywhere else, nor a time before the war.

♔. note the default is for threads to take place either during or before wwii. koschei (in his current incarnation) does not survive past that point in human history

in the beginning, there were seven tsars and tsaritsas each responsible for the respective domains of water, salt, night, the length of an hour, birds, life and death. as the tsar of life, koschei inherited the divine knowledge of the alatyr stone and through it he was able to learn and wield life sustaining magic which he used to create all the plants, trees, crops, animals, and daemon creatures ( known as the chyerti ) that resided in his domain ( buyan, the country of life ).

working in tandem with the other tsars and tsaritsas, he also used the power of the stone to give life to other beings they molded for their own countries, such as the birds, the fish, and the first people of rus'. their tsardoms knew balance and peace for a great time, but the brothers viy and koschei, though inseparable as children, had been fated to duties and domains so contrary to one another that it was only a matter of time before tensions boiled over.

the tsar of death had eternal claim to koschei's creations and came to collect them as was necessary to curb excess and maintain nature's order. watching his crops wither in the frost and the beasts he nurtured grow sickly and lame was a terrible thing, but koschei could live with the loss. it was just as necessary to see the grass and the fruits consumed by the animals so that they could grow strong; and the animals had to be consumed by the chyerti and people in turn. death seemed sensible and unavoidable then.

but soon some animals became too dear to koschei; some chyerti became like children in the ways they regarded him; some people became his neighbors, his friends, his lovers -- each holding a unique place that could not be filled again. death now seemed cruel and intolerable. to have so short a time with his countrymen while viy could enjoy the rest of eternity with them in his ghostly realm was an insult to injury, but truthfully viy didn't care for the company.

he was a kind and receptive host, but the only guests viy really desired to receive were the other tsars and tsaritsas, his brother most of all. for them viy was willing to wait, content in the knowledge that the day would inevitably come. knowing this, koschei sought not only a means to end his grief, but to bring it unto the one he blamed it on. he took the one thing viy coveted the most -- his death -- and hid it somewhere he could never find.

the war was officially waged viy marched out of his country with his limitless supply of undead soldiers to force koschei to correct this violation. koschei refused to relent and used every advantage in his arsenal to keep viy's army just shy of victory, even if it meant leveraging the help of the other tsars and tsaritsas to do so. he also took all manner of chyerti and strangers into his druzhina ( his court and military retinue ) and trained them in the art of war and sorcery.

however, out of the natural order, most of koschei's magical creations became horrors and over the lives of his own countrymen, he grew to favor the things death normally didn't care to touch -- gold and precious stones, soft furs, books that could offer him more knowledge of the arcane arts and legendary instruments of power. above all these, the tsar of life hoarded his death, vowing to sooner see the world drown in blood than to ever set foot in his brother's country. by wwii, viy became happy to oblige him.

♔. in this verse, koschei is a primordial god modeled after both dazhbog and yarilo from slavic mythos. initially, the tsar of life was regarded as a benevolent deity in both the chyerti and mortal realms, whose borders were originally less defined.

♔. there used to be a village called yaichka in the outskirts of buyan, and although the tsar had a palace by the sea, yaichka was the place he preferred to call home. he lived happily as a farmer there, in a humble house neighboring other mortals and chyerti. they called him ivan or "the giver" back then.

♔. the village mysteriously ceased to exist after his falling out with viy. the tsar returned to his palace, which eventually became a black kremlin made of tissue and bone called the chernosvyat.

♔. the start of the war happened around the 11th century, when koschei's tales and contact with societies outside of buyan became rampant. he'd often pillage the realms to stockpile their magical weaponry and collect just about anything that caught his interest.

♔. in this time he became referred to as koschei the deathless, "the eater", or "the devil" by the mortals, while the chyerti who still followed him were considered his demons. both were thus wholly unwelcome in the mortal realm, forcing them to operate unseen or keep to the chyerti realm exclusively. by the 20th century, koschei himself has no interest in the mortal realm ; most of its magic is gone and his battles against viy are all focused within buyan.

♔. while many have tried and failed to locate koschei's death and kill him, you can assume marya morevna of rus' was the only person who managed to at least keep him imprisoned for a time until someone else accidentally let him loose. however, unless i'm writing with a marya, assume her incarnation is not currently in the picture. i want to leave room for other dynamics to get a go at being his foil too <33

[writer-ann-artist]

5 Years to Grieve, 5 Years to Love

»»————-　♔　————-««

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Summary: 5 years, 5 years is how long we've lived without my brother and father. Now my brother is home and I couldn't be happier, after all we're twins. But he has secrets, things he won't tell us. I want to make his transition into home life better so I give him his space, and hopefully I can keep my secret safe.

»»————-　♔　————-««

"No don't go, stay." I roll over away from the sunlight and face the man I have fallen for.

"I wish I could, but I've been gone all day and night. I'm sure Ollie is missing me, Thea, too." I draw unseen images upon his bare chest.

"Fine leave me all alone." I'm dramatically pushed as my lover rolls away from my touch. I giggle at his theatrics. Worming my way back to his front I nuzzle into his neck.

"Oh, Malcolm. What will I do with you." He moves his head away from mine, but before I can pout he gives my nose a light kiss.

"Love me."

"Unconditionally." Is my response.

»»————-　♔　————-««

I made it home before anyone else, well except Walter. He decided to visit our home before Mom came. Only for me to see his gift for her behind his back. I wink at him in understanding so he knows I won't tell Mom. Prepping my face and body for the day, I find the perfect clothes and make my way downstairs. I find Tommy and the whole family in the foyer.

"Sweetie you made it home. How was your night?" Mom asked as she gave me a hug and forehead kiss.

"I'm sorry, I got busy." I told her honestly, my original plan was a short visit to see my 'friend'. Tommy hits Ollie's shoulder announcing he was going to talk.

"Oh yes busy, who you were so invested in conversation."

"At least I have friends outside of family." He fakes pain and holds his chest.

"Ow, dang. You don't have to go so hard." I couldn't help my giggle at seeing his theatrics.

"You're such a dork."

»»————-　♔　————-««

Tommy made plans for Oliver and says I absolutely, have to go. At least my inability to socialize will be something that hasn't changed for Oliver. Before we could leave mom tells me that my flowers were delivered.

"Oh, yes! Thank you! Would it be a problem to have someone put them in my room for me?"

"Of course, sweetie. They are already on the way." I quickly ran up and kissed her on her cheek. Then made my way out the door to meet Oliver in Tommy's car. As soon as I was in the car Tommy waved to our mom and drove straight to town. As he drove he explained to Oliver all that he missed. I had the impression that Oliver wasn't too interested in what Tommy was talking about. So I gave him my hand over his right shoulder so Tommy wouldn't see. But then he noticed the silence.

"Are you two doing your twin telephone thing? Cause I'm feeling left out."

"It's telepathy, Tommy." He made a mocking face at me through his rear mirror.

"It's annoying. Come on talk! You've been gone for five years be curious, be excited, something please." There was only a short pause before Oliver spoke again.

"So who is this mystery man of yours?"

"Ah, you see Ollie. That is the million-dollar question. No one knows and she won't answer." Tommy spoke for me making the situation sound worse than it was.

"Is that so?" Oliver squeezed my hand making me look at the side of his face.

"I'm not being selfish, trust me, Ollie. It's better if no one knows." I had to stop myself from mumbling.

"It's ok, tell me when you're ready." My twin rubbed my hand soothing my worry about him thinking the worst.

"See Tommy, that's how you're supposed to react."

"Now that's not fair he can read your mind." Oliver asked Tommy to stop at our father's old factory.

"I don't know why you want to be here Ollie, it's depressing." I felt the same way as Tommy, but not for the same reason. The last time I was here my father was alive.

"I wanted to see something familiar." Before I could comfort Oliver a van pulled up and a stinging sensation shot through my neck. My surroundings quickly turned to black, and my hearing dulled into silence.

»»————-　♔　————-««

I woke up to me and someone laying down beside me. There were deep voices saying words I couldn't make out. Along with the voices popping and grunting could be heard. My vision cleared enough to see Oliver's blonde hair. He was away from me sitting up. Dark figures surrounded him, hurting him in some way as his head would move in quick motions. I can't get anything out of it as my vision fails me. I fall back into the darkness only to wake up in my living room. Mom cradling my head, Thea holding my legs, and Ollie sitting in front of me.

"My everything hurts, what happened." I groaned hearing how raspy my voice became. Ollie held a glass of water for me. I smiled at the bendy straw.

"You were kidnapped sweetie, and the tranquilizer they used had Detomidine." Mom answered me as I sipped from my bendy straw.

"Ew" I heard Tommy's voice from behind my Mom and Thea.

"Tommy, your still here?" I tried to move but instead, my brain did some flips. Mom helped me lay my head back on her lap.

"Had to make sure my best friend was ok."

"Ha beat that Oliver." I tried to wave him off but instead, Oliver caught my water I almost dropped. Once he had removed the water my head stopped spinning. This allowed me to sit up on my own.

"Are you okay?" Mom asked full of worry. I held her hand in mine as I addressed her.

"Yeah I'm fine, I just want to sleep." Thea helped walk me to my room and Oliver followed close behind. Thea layed me down when Ollie spoke.

"Wow! You are really special to someone." I can only laugh into my pillow as I was still very tired. Thea combs my hair out of my face and speaks.

"She is really in love with him, Ollie, I only wish to meet him."

"So no one has met him yet?" I roll on my back and try to look up, but just shut my eyes again.

"It's difficult to explain, but like I said it's for the best." The only reason Mom and Thea know I'm even dating is that he insists on sending me gifts.

"Just sleep, sister please." So I did.

»»————-　♔　————-««

I was grateful, really, for Oliver's insistence on having a party. After he and Dad went missing I haven't had much to look forward to. Not that Thea or Mom did either. But they were able to cope better than I had. I decided to wear a silver floor-length dress. The high slit in the dress made it easy to show off my white pearl strap wedges.

»»————-　♔　————-««

After a family picture for Ollie, I spot Malcolm through the crowd. Calmly and swiftly I turn to my family and dismiss myself.

"I'll be back, I see a few faces I haven't greeted yet." I head in Malcolm's direction but keep my distance. Through our eyes we speak, he leads and I follow. He leads me to an unoccupied hallway in the house. Malcolm turns around letting me walk close to him. Once close enough he opens his arms allowing me to fall into his arms.

"I'm sorry about what happened, angel." He speaks into the crown of my head. His lips pressed into my skin making me hum.

"I'm fine, unfortunately, Ollie had it worse." Before I could pout about Oliver, Malcolm pulls me out of the hug to hold my face in his hands.

"Yes, but I care about you more. You look beautiful, my love." He stares into my eyes, saying so much more than his words. At least I think he is.

"And you are looking dashing tonight, Merlyn. Now is that for me or the family." He chuckles and wraps his empty arms around me. The gift bag on his occupied wrist taps my body as it sways from his movements.

"Oh my love, ever so eager. Yes, it is for you and your family's gift is with the others." I blush as he stares into my eyes.

"You shouldn't have." Though I'm in heels I still need to lean up on my toes to kiss this man.

"Please wait to open it later tonight. It's special." He spoke against my lips. Oh, how weak he makes me. Only for him though, no one else can make me feel the things he can.

"Oh my gosh, Malcolm! Next week.."

"Is our fourth anniversary." He sways with me as all I can do is stare lovingly at him. His hand reaches my face and he speaks in a whisper.

"I hate keeping you hidden in my life." I lean into his hand. I hate it just as much.

"I know, would it be so bad now? After so long?" I know my lip is pouting out. I can't help it as I look up to Malcolm.

"I don't know, but your brother being back may make it difficult. Not to mention the recent attack on you both." I hum sadly into his shoulder as we sway. I slowly pull away and look at the man.

"I should put my gift in its proper place." As I walk backward pulling his hands with me as he stays put. Once both our arms are outstretched I make a move to hold his hands. At the last second, I snag my gift off his wrist.

"Always so formal. I'll see you later." My lover chuckled at my actions as I moved further away from him.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Later that night in my bedroom. I almost run into my room when I was finally able to retire to bed. Behind closed doors, I kick off my shoes and beeline to Malcolm's gift. I take the card out of the bag and begin to read his handwritten sentiment.

'To my love, my light, the best thing in my life. I wish you everything the world I can give. For now, I give you this, I think you will like it. From your glorious lover, Malcolm.'

"Oh my gosh, Malcolm. What did you do now?" I open the paper bag to find many prices of tissue and black rose petals. Finally, a black velvet box falls out.

"You would think I have enough jewelry."

"I think you will make an exception this time." I nearly jumped out of my skin and on my ankle. It did hurt a bit, but nothing I wasn't used to.

"Oh my god! You can't do that! I almost died." He only laughed and stepped closer to me. He is really good at hiding in plain sight. Once close to me, he grabbed hold of my hand.

"My sweetness." He moved his hands to hold mine and the box.

"You need to be aware of your surroundings,.."

"I know, I know. I live a high-profile life and being kidnapped twice just proves that I need eyes in the back of my head." I hold in my scoff as he neals down and holds the box up.

"Malcolm."

"Please my love, let me talk before you panic. I never thought I could love again. Especially after Rebecca,.."

"Malcolm,.."

"My beloved, again. I have learned to love you. You as you, not you you showed the world or your family. The true unfiltered, you. I know at first we were just looking for something physical, but I fell for you. And I fell hard, and I know you feel the same. So my light, my love. Please say you'll be my wife." I lean into Malcolm and sit on his knee. I remove one hand of mine and hold his neck. I lean forward and right before I kiss him I give home my answer.

"Yes, Malcolm." When our lips touch he slides the ring onto my finger. We pull apart and I breathe out my words.

"I love you."

"I love you, my light."