#. . .should I drag the other Victors along?

[targaryenluvs]

VICTORS SPOILS

pairings: dark!finnick odair x fem!capitol!reader

warnings: obsession, following/stalking, creepy behaviour, naive/younger reader, age gap, (reader is 19 and finnick's around 25), non-con touching and kissing, manipulation, bj mentions/insinuations, sex mentions, prostitution mentions, finnick lowkey preying on you - descriptions of brown reader (i was self indulgent since i’m indian 😁) condescending/nit picking mother and pushy parents!

summary: a victor should be celebrated! a victor should get what ever they wish, even if it’s a sweet capitol girl who misplaced her kindness in someone who was in desperate need of reprieve and distraction.

a/n: ITS MY BIRTHDAY!!! HERES A GIFT FROM ME TO YOU ❤️GUESS WHO MADE HER OWN LITTLE HEADER GAHH!! i tried my bestttt - ive been away for a littleeee!! sorry babes <33 it was like 3am and i cooked this up in my head before opening my brewing pot (notes app) and jotting it down - NOT PROOFREAD

the hall was so loud.

they always were at capitol parties. your mother and father always dragged you along, stating that a young lady should be getting out, meeting people, friends, becoming well versed and established in the capitol. and that they wouldn’t always be here. “you need to learn to be alone, fend for yourself and stand your ground. how are you gonna do that if you’re always trying to keep to yourself dear?” your mother sweetly smiled as she looked over you, “i think you still have time to change that dress, not the most flattering sweetie.”

you scoffed as she walked away ever so elegantly. you looked over yourself in the mirror, the green dress was gorgeous, to you at least. but the blue dress your mother had chosen was breath-taking, as much as you hated to agree with her opinion. so you bit your tongue and put the chosen dress on.

mother knows best right?

the sun was setting with an especially beautiful array of colours to which you figured no one would really notice you were gone if they were all focused on something else. there was probably a screen upstairs which you could watch something on. a few things to eat and drink then you’d head up there.

finnick was glancing over to you the whole night. you’d worn blue, and he’d taken it as an ode to him. you hadn’t looked over at him yet but your leaving of the party seemed like an invitation to him to finally introduce himself.

as you settled down on the plush couch you felt all your tensions melt away. but finnick wouldn’t leave you alone for long. “i’m sorry i didn’t know this was occupied.” finnick looked sad and you had no clue why, so being as nice as you are had you opening the room in invitation to him. “no, no! i just wanted to get away from the party. you’re welcome to sit with me finnick.” it felt odd to you for some reason, calling him by his name as if he was a friend. you’d only ever seen him through screens and from afar yet he looked as amazing as always.

“are you sure?” you nodded and smiled, moving down the couch to make room for him. he sat down, respectful of your space. he looked drained and you felt the same way. “tired of the party?” you asked as he smiled and nodded, “a lot of people asking a lot of questions.” you spoke, “everyone has something to say or ask. my dad told me he got three men asking for my hand. we haven’t even been here for two hours. it’s like being in a room with vultures. and if i do accept i’ll just be, nothing. someone stuck to the side of some ugly guy who just wants a pretty face.” you didn’t know what it was about him but you felt as if you could tell him anything.

and he sat, and listened. nodding his head and adding it where appropriate. it felt, nice. having someone actually listen to what you said rather than just asking what you were wearing. he was nothing like what you expected. you’d heard the whispers. that he was a playboy, he was with and had been with multiple women and men over the years. and that he liked it, the gifts, the people, the uhm, other aspects.

“but you, i’m sure you have people to meet, scope out.” you wanted to curl up and die as soon as the words left your mouth. “no! oh my god, i do not mean it like that. you- i- you should not feel ashamed of what you like. i am so sorry- i didn’t mean to imply-” god would you stop droning on? finnick pressed his lips into a thin line, “hey it’s okay. you’re fine. in all honestly, i know everyone has mis-conceptions of me.” you took his place in attentive listening as he explained the truth.

the threats, the people pawing at him, him being sold from fourteen.

you were crying. it all sounded unbelievable and unbearable for someone to go through at such a young age, his life was ruined all because he was pretty, desirable. no child should even have to think of such things let alone experience them. and rather than you comforting him, he was sitting with his arms around you. he was too good to be true.

“i- no i’m so sorry that happened to you finnick. i had no clue, no one does. you are such an amazing person, from the little time i’ve known you. you don’t deserve any of this. how could you get away from this? we could- we could expose snow we could-” finnick cut you off with teary eyes, “there’s nothing we can do. trust me, if there was i would have tried. but i think, if i got married perhaps. i’d have a reason to stay away from the captiol. we’d live in district four, in peace.”

the idea was pretty decent, you’d give him that. and you couldn’t help your heart running a little faster at the prospect of potentially marrying him. you were already fast friends, at least you’d marry a friend? even if he potentially loved someone else or you loved another.

“what if- if you married me?”

he’d hoped you’d say that.

“you’d do that for me? seriously?” finnick faked shock as you nodded, “we’re friends, i’d much rather marry you than anyone else here to be honest. we could be happy.” you smiled as he wiped away his last tear. “y/n, that’s an amazing idea.”

your wedding was marvellous.

your parents pushed out buck after buck, no expense spared for their little girl. as if they actually cared for you. your wedding dress was white and pristine, courtesy of snow. your brown hair in curls and your brown skin glistening. but you added blue accents for finnick, or you thought you did. it’s not like he pushed for you to wear the things he bought by incessantly reminding the makeup artists and helpers that you were marrying the finnick odair, his wife deserved nothing but the best.

you stood infront of a friend, smiling, happy to be marrying a kind soul.

he stood in front of the object of his affection, his desire and love.

in the first few weeks you were undeniably happy, finnick was as sweet as ever and respected you. it was your best outcome. but overtime you seemed to notice changes in his behaviour. when you’d want to go out into town for dinner he’d always have an excuse up his sleeve.

“there’s roadworks towards your favourite restaurant honey. maybe another time?”

“apparently they’re all booked out, maybe in a few weeks time?”

“wouldn’t you rather have a home-cooked meal? i made your favourite sweetheart.”

it began to annoy after the sixth time. “it can’t always be busy can it? we use to go all the time, and it’s not like they’d refuse you finnick. what’s going on?”

“i give you everything you could ever want. why the hell do you want to go out so much? am i not enough? are you- are you seeing someone?” finnick slumped in his seat.

your eyes widened as you rushed over to him, settling on your knees as your hands were placed on his thighs, “finnick how could you say such a thing? i would never do that to you. i swear there’s nothing going on, i just, i’m bored. i’d like to go out with you, explore your district with you, meet new people with you.” finnicks eyes burnt into yours. this is certainly not how he first wanted to see you on your knees, but at least you were whining.

“yeah? you like me? you promise there’s nothing going on?” you nodded dumbly, “yes yes! nothing i promise.” finnick looked down at your hands in his lap, “how do i know you’re not lying?” your hands were on his knees as you straightened your back, coming closer to his eye level, “i promise finnick. you are my husband, i’m with you. i’ll do anything to prove it to you.”

finnick was fighting off every muscle in his cheeks to not start grinning whilst the sad look on his face was breaking your heart, “yeah? anything?” oh this was going to be good. your cheeks were flushed as you heard the words come of out his mouth, “undo my belt sweetheart, show me how much you mean it.” wavering hands hovered over his belt buckle as finnick relaxed into his seat, it couldn’t get better than this right?

wrong.

every time you asked to go out, to meet a friend, to go to the capitol he’d always sulk. and the night would end with you on your knees, him on his to make you forget, or the two of you tangled in sheets.

finnick was finally happy, he had the girl of his dreams after such a long period of sadness, of exploitation and terror. fake smiles and lingering eyes.

he finally got something out of the games.

and his gift?

the victors spoils.

[imagines-to-quench-thirst]

Joker Masterlist

Disclaimer: stories are fictitious and should not be taken literally, the behavior is entirely imaginative and the content may be inappropriate

Updated & repaired: 16/07/2023 (if a story won't load or something else, please message me and let me know)

MAIN MASTERLIST

Fluff🌺  Angst 🌩️ Smut❤️‍🔥

MY HEADCANONS W/ OTHER CHARACTERS:

Speak In Flowers 🌺 Flowers speak their own words and show their actions. And your man loves to speak it out loud.

Visiting Your Hometown 🌺 how would your boy act when you drag him along to your hometown

Helping You To Accept Your Stretch Marks 🌺your boy helps you accept your beautiful stretch marks as they are...pure perfection

Explaining To Your Man Kdramas🌺I (V) wrote small drabbles that paired my favorite men and dramas that I absolutely love

Dating A Tattoo Artist 🌺 being a tattoo artist and your boyfriend being part of it

When Tough Times Occur 🌺Life itself can be a pain and with its obstacles, it can seem impossible to overcome it but that’s what makes us stronger as people.

Someone Rubs You The Wrong Way With... 🌺 how would your man protect you when someone doesn’t mind your business

Having A Shower ❤️‍🔥having a shower with your man sounds like heaven right?!

One Thing He Loves About You (Physically Or Mentally)🌺 the title spoils the ending a bit

No Nut November ❤️‍🔥in the glory of No Nut November, you make a bet with your liver saying if they fail you cuff them and use them to your liking but if you lose they get to fulfil one of their fantasies. And you are keen on it to make them lose, by any means.

ASKS

Taking Off Their S/O's Makeup 🌺(Could you do Duncan Vizla,the Joker and whoever else you’d like.)taking off their s/o makeup after they come from a nightout because they are too drunk to do it themselves 💛

Stress Test 🌺can i request Duncan Vizla, the Joker, Victor Creed and what would they do if they see their s/o down because they're stressed due exams?

DRABBLES FROM MY🧠

Leaving Legacy 🌩️the Joker is captured by Batman. Leaving Y/n, his girlfriend to hold up his legacy but what happens when a woman nudges herself between the criminal and the good girl turned mafia leader?

You Just Wrote Your Death Wish 🌺Y/n is taken by the Penguin and Joker is ready to collect

Lipstick Kisses🌺

Living On The Edge 🌺Dating the Joker had its ups and downs, some would say more downs...

Waves 🌩️ J doesn't like waves

Surrounded In Gold🌩️🌺

The Queen Of Gotham🌺

Purple Coat🌺

PICTURE IMAGINE

Joker stealing the world’s rarest and most expensive diamonds as a surprise for you🌺

Joker Looking At You🌺

[i-smoke-chapstick]

Hi! Can I please have Zsasz from Gotham with a reader who is like his partner in crime and kills with him and stuff? Thanks

‘IN BLOOM,

-GOTHAM!VICTOR ZSASZ X READER-

⋆ 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 ; you just might be his favorite girl.

⋆ tags/warnings. GOTHAM!victor x female reader. wrote hcs! readers a bad bitch. victor and reader being partners in crime. victor becoming obsessive after like, 5 seconds. Might write a part two to this ahh

♫ “And he likes to sing along / And he likes to shoot his gun” In Bloom by Nirvana

⋆ Oh, he didn't know it was possible to be so head-over-heels. Victor is self-aware to a fault, he knows when he's being a bit of a creep. And with you? It's as if all his deepest sadistic urges are brought to a front. And he gets drunk on it.

⋆ He has a cold heart, naturally. Not a fan of getting attached to people, especially those who may become a future target. And god knows he doesn't like competition, either. Which is why discovering you was a revelation; that he could for one even like someone so close in his ball game.

⋆ There had been plenty of whispers about you in the streets of gotham. He didn't care much. The only thing he should care about was who Falcone ordered him to kill next.

⋆ But, alas, when he heard the growing commotion about "Y/N, gothams most dangerous hitman," he got a bit...irked.

⋆ What the hell? Isn't he gothams most dangerous hitman?

⋆ Victor takes great pride in his work, and in his title. He knows he has exceptional talent and even greater work ethic. So why is this woman threatening him?!?

⋆ So, he decided to pay you a little visit.

⋆ For gothams newest most dangerous hitman, you certainly have a way of making things easy.

⋆ He found your apartment in no time, gladly making the place his own. It was surprisingly ordinary, pictures of you and friends littering the wall. It was your collection of guns that made him stop in his tracks. He analyzed the wall with great fascination, silently gazing at an assault rifle. His gloved hands danced over the barrel, making it his own. He let out a low wolf whistle as he peered down it's scope.

⋆ "It's an AR-70." A voice pulled him out of his thoughts. It was the first time someone had managed to sneak up on him, not the other way around.

⋆ It took every fiber of his body to remain stoic.

⋆ He turned to face you, the owner of the weapon. Victor glanced at the gun being referred to and nodded his head slowly, still looking at your face. His confidence returned to him easily.

⋆ "Hot-damn. Some top-notch stuff you got here." His voice was slow, and his gaze returned to the wall. He dragged his finger along some of the firearms hung up, before turning to you once more.

⋆ "Should really make yourself harder to find if you're going to be in the business. It's unprofessional, you know?" He cocked his head and gave you a fake grimace. You just smiled.

⋆ "And what does Victor Zsasz want with me? You on your bosses orders?

⋆ "Nah." He responds, casual. "I only wanted to meet you in person, just to know who you are. Check you out. Don't worry about it, you're not on my list," He clicked his tongue. "yet." He finishes, as he toys with the gun from the rack, checking its quality.

⋆ "You like the rifle?" You study him, head to toe. His trigger finger expertly dancing along the weapon.

⋆ Without turning his head, he answers you. "I do, but I prefer my handguns." You hear the click of him checking to see if the gun is loaded.

⋆ You hum. "To each there own. You want it?"

⋆ This takes him by surprise, and he finally tears his gaze away. You've piqued his interest even more now.

⋆ "...For real?" He narrows his eyes on you. "...You're just gonna, what, let me keep it?"

⋆ "Why not? I got plenty." You nod towards the wall, biting your lip. His eyes glance at your mouth.

⋆ You catch him off guard. He actually seems amused by you. Maybe it's your attitude that's rubbing off on him. A few moments pass then he shrugs. You can't read his expression but his body language speaks volumes.

⋆ "...Yeah, I'll take it."

⋆ "Ah ah ah..." You whisper, taking a step closer. He still clutches the gun in his hand while he feels your own rub over his leather-clad arms. He keeps eye contact with you, mouth slightly agape. "On one condition." You continue.

⋆ He perks up and looks at you curiously. His eyebrows raise, ready to hear you out.

⋆ "Invite me to your next hit. We can double team it, or something. I dunno," You pause, looking up at him. "Would be an honor to kill with you, Victor Zsasz." You whisper into his ear, only moving back when you're done.

⋆ Your proposal actually made him laugh. You see him crack a smile as he looks away from you for a second. Look at you, he thinks. Coming by, kissing the ring. He can admire the respect.

⋆ "Quite the character, aren't you?" He pauses, "I've got a job to do tomorrow, wanna tag-along? It's gonna be an easy one, I won't go too hard on you."

⋆ You both feel the corners of your mouth twitch at this, in anticipation. This is where the seeds of obsession first blossom for him. Oh, he likes you.

⋆ When he finally leaves, he feels like a kid in a candy store. New rifle in hand, and your phone number elegantly typed into his own. He forgets all about his previous misgivings with you.

⋆ You on the other hand are left smiling, for a sociopathic sadist, he is real fucking cute.

⋆ The closest way into a mans heart is with a gun. You chuckle.

[nightghoul381]

Ellis Twilight~ Main Route Chapter 2

Disclaimer for route warnings | Masterlist

Additional Content Warnings: None

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Part 1

Ellis: “Thank you for waiting, Jude.”

Jude: “…Ah?”

When Jude saw that Ellis had brought me with him, he looked stunned for a moment--,

Surprisingly, he didn’t say anything.

(--Or rather)

Kate: “I will be accompanying you as fairytale keeper, I look forward to working with you.”

Jude: “……Tsk”

It seemed like Jude understood ‘there’s no point in saying anything’ and clicked his tongue at Ellis, completely ignoring me.

Ellis: “Last night I delivered the offer to the procurement department to sail today.”

Jude: “Obviously. If it doesn’t arrive first thing in the morning, your pay’s getting cut.”

(They both work for Crown, but they also work for the company…. They’re both very busy.)

I follow along with Ellis behind Jude, silently observing so as not to disturb him.

After observing I found out--,

Jude runs Raven, a diversified trading company,

It was said that the company had branches overseas and was doing extensive business.

Having business meetings in the VIP room of one of London’s best department stores or with the inspection staff at London port…,

The time spent following the two men flies by in the blink of an eye.

And the way the two of them work together…. For example.

Jude: “There will be no transaction until you give me an advance notice.”

Jude: “Of course, since you acted unethically. If you don’t want to pay off your debts, you should just cough up your blood and make up for it.”

Jude, with his sharp tongue and sharp mind,

He was admired by his business partners, envied by his business rivals, and revered by his employees.

On the other hand--.

Ellis: “Okay, I’ll take care of the rest.”

Ellis: “It’s easy to make mistakes in this document. I’ll explain what you don’t understand and we’ll fix it together.”

Ellis, a soft-spoken and attentive person, was loved by everyone, both inside and outside the company, wherever he went.

(They’re complete opposites.)

Meanwhile, Big Ben’s hour hand had passed its peak.

Jude: “The head office is up next. I don’t know what they’ll say if I show up with extras.’

Ellis: “Mmhmm, got it.”

Kate: “Thank you for letting me accompany you.”

Jude: “…Ha. I can’t wait to see if you can say the same thing the next time we meet.”

(What does that mean…?)

I tilt my head, not understanding the meaning of his words.

Jude: “You brought her here, you wipe her ass. I ain’t doing it.”

Ellis: “Yeah… that’s the intention.”

(…It seems like Ellis understands what he means.)

When Jude leaves without even glancing at me, Ellis turns to me.

Ellis: “You must be tired. Sorry for dragging you around.”

Kate: “No not at all! I’m a physically fit person from my time as a postal worker.”

Ellis: “I see, that’s good…. Well then, by the way.”

Ellis: “Can you hang out with me just a little longer?”

Part 2

After asking me to hang out with him a little longer—

(Why are we here…!?)

It was the post office where I worked.

As I hesitated at the entrance, Ellis turned around.

Ellis: “Is something wrong?”

(That’s what I want to know…)

Kate: “Since it’s my workplace, I know a lot of people… but is it okay if I meet with them before the month is up?”

Ellis: “Victor said there were no restrictions other than going out alone, so I guess it’s okay.”

The answer came back a little more relaxed than I had expected, and I couldn’t help but blink.

(That’s not what the person being watched would say…is it okay??)

Ellis: “I have some mail I want to send. I’ll take care of it, so you do whatever you like.”

Kate: “Okay…”

Then, Ellis heads to the counter, leaving me there.

(What if I ask someone I know for help and confidential information is leaked…?)

I can’t hide my confusion at how relaxed my ‘surveillance’ is.

(At least with Ellis… I guess that means he trusts me not to do that.)

(Or--)

(If the information does get leaked, they can eliminate everyone who knows about it, including me…)

--“Shall I kill her?”

When I suddenly remembered that he had said something like that and shook my head in a panic…

Coworker with braids: “Kate!?”

Kate: “Ah.”

Coworker with braids: “I thought so, it is you! Hey everyone, Kate is here!”

At the sound of her voice, her coworkers noticed and suddenly gathered around.

Redhead Coworker: “Kaaate, why are you suddenly working at the palace?”

Black-eyed coworker: “Everyone was worried.”

(You were worried just because I suddenly stopped coming to work.)

(I can’t tell you guys, especially not the truth.)

(I don’t even know for certain if I’ll be able to come back safely in a month.)

(But…)

I don’t want to worry, so I swallow my anxiety down.

Kate: “I’m fine. Though, it’s still my first day and I don’t know what’s left and right.”

Kate: “I’m sure it will work out somehow.”

Coworker with braids: “Well, since you turned Kramer into a good customer, I’m sure you’ll be fine no matter where you go.”

Redhead Coworker: “When you suddenly disappeared, I thought you were in trouble. I was lonely.”

Kate: “That… I’m really sorry. It was something beyond my control.”

Coworker with braids: “Well, it’s not like you can refuse an order from the palace.”

Black-eyed coworker: “But I’m rooting for you, Kate.”

Redhead Coworker: “Hey, take this!”

Redhead Coworker: “We all bought things so we could give it to you if you stopped by. I’m glad we were able to give it to you--”

Kate: “Ehh… this much?”

Presents are piling up in my arms.

A blanket, cookies from my favorite store, and a letter from a coworker.

Kate: “Thank you…”

I hold my hands, full of happiness, but I feel like I might drop something if I move, so I can’t move at all…

Ellis: “I’ll hold it. Give it to me.”

The gifts were taken by the person beside me.

All of my colleagues’ eyes turned to Ellis.

Coworker with braids: “Wait…who!? Are you Kate’s boyfriend!?”

Redhead coworker: “Oh, I know this guy! He’s the one who protects that scary trader!”

The whole thing turned into a commotion that felt like someone had upset a beehive.

Coworker with braids: “Kate, please explain your relationship with this handsome man!”

Kate: “Oh, uhh… I know him through my work with the palace, we just met yesterday.”

Coworker with braids: “Hmmmm, you seem like you’re pretty close to me.”

Redhead Coworker: “Suspicious…!”

Kate: “Hey, everyone, calm down…”

While I was calming down my excited colleagues, Ellis took the remaining gifts from my arms.

Ellis: “Sorry… I didn’t mean to cause such a fuss. I’ll be waiting outside.”

Part 3

Ellis: “Sorry… I didn’t mean to cause such a fuss. I’ll be waiting outside.”

Kate: “Ah…. I’m so sorry! I’ll be out right away.”

Ellis: “It’s okay, take your time.”

I gave a small not to everyone and saw Ellis heading outside.

(I made you worry…)

Coworker with braids: “So, you’ll be getting married before returning…?”

Redhead coworker: “Congratulations.”

Kate: “Ah, that’s not true…!”

--In the end, the commotion suddenly died down with the director’s voice coming from the back and telling us to leave it at that.

When I went outside after exchanging goodbyes with my coworkers, I found Ellis holding my packages, leaning against a street light and waiting for me.

(Even from a distance, it looks like picture.)

With his supple body and long limbs, his appearance stands out when you see him around town.

Kate: “Sorry for making you wait.”

Ellis: “Not at all… You could have talked more.”

Kate: “It’s okay! Um, my colleagues said something really rude…”

Even though I only work with him, they may have made him feel uncomfortable by calling him my boyfriend.

(I wonder if there’s anything I can do to apologize… Ah that’s right!)

Kate: “There’s a delicious baguette shop near here. As an apology let me treat you there.”

Ellis: “…”

His light filled eyes stare intently at me, as if he’s discovered something.

Ellis: “I think I understand a little bit better why you’ve received so many presents.”

Kate: “Eh….?”

Ellis, holding a large bag full of presents from my coworkers, stepped toward me…

And brought his face close enough that our foreheads touched.

Ellis: “No. You don’t have to buy me anything, but I’d be interested in the restaurants you recommend.”

(… I  don’t really understand you, Ellis.)

However, his kindness definitely touched my heart.

As proof of that, the second time I shared a meal with Ellis, we talked much more lively than we had at breakfast--.

Kate: “Wow, it’s already this late…?”

Ellis: “…Let’s get back to the castle quickly.”

Ellis looked at the cityscape that was starting to get dark and muttered to himself.

This was the first time I’d heard a slightly urgent tone in his voice, and I was immediately aware of how worked up he was.

(We ended up hanging out for this long, but maybe he had something planned for tonight.)

Kate: “If we go down this alley, we can take a shortcut.”

Using the familiarity I had acquired during my postal delivery experience, I ventured into the narrow alley.

Ellis: “Ah…”

Ellis: “…Well, I guess it will be okay if we’re together.”

I walk quickly through the alleyway, which has become dark due to the lack of sunlight.

There was only a little time left before I could reach the bright street.

Man with Hunting Hat: “…”

Suddenly, a man appeared blocking the path, and I immediately tried to avoid him by moving to the other side of the road, but…

(Huh…?)

The man’s foot blocked my path.

Feeling something strange in the air, I turned around and saw two men appear from behind me.

Man with Hunting Hat: “You Jude Jazza’s girl?”

Part 4

Man with Hunting Hat: “You Jude Jazza’s girl?”

(Jude?)

Kate: “No, I’m not, but… who are you?”

Man with hunting hat: “I’ll check the facts later. Capture her.”

The three men suddenly took something out of their pockets and moved to attack me.

(Huh---What!?)

Ellis: “Kate, please hold this for just a little while.”

Kate: “Wha…!”

I was confused when I was given the bundle containing the presents from my co-workers,

The black-bladed knife that Ellis pulled out knocked the knife of the man in front away.

Ellis: “It might be a little scary, but it’ll be over soon.”

(…)

While I was at a loss for words, he kept knocking out the men one by one, and just as he said, it was ‘over soon’

Ellis: “…Good.”

He lined up the unconscious men closely along the side of the road.

As if to finish off, Ellis’ hand touched the top of their heads—

The wrists of the unconscious men snapped together as if they were in prayer.

--Choices—

1. Are you a wizard?

2. Did you use tools?

** 3. Amazing! +4 +4 **

--

Kate: “Amazing…! What did you do just now?”

Ellis: “If I touch the top of their head, I can restrain their wrists like this.”

(I remember…)

--‘Cursed’ people have abilities that normal humans can’t possess.

Roger’s voice echoes in my ears.

Kate: “Is that… your ability, Ellis?”

Ellis: “Yeah. That’s right. I don’t need a rope, so it makes times like this easy.”

Ellis came over smiling as if he had completed his work,

He suddenly snatched the baggage from my arms again.

Ellis: “Jude attracts grudges everywhere, so he gets attacked like this often.”

Ellis: “It was unusual for him to bring a woman around with him, so I think they misunderstood.”

(Grudge… I see.)

I understand that somehow, this is the result of observing their work during the day.

(It must be difficult for a trading company to be attacked like this on a daily basis.)

Ellis: “…I’m sorry.”

Kate: “Ellis, you don’t need to apologize! Thank you for protecting me.”

But Ellis slightly lowered his eyebrows and shook his head.

Ellis: “Actually, I could have predicted this. I knew this could have happened if I took you out.”

Ellis: “But… When you found out I was going to work today, you looked sad.”

Ellis: “I brought you here because of my selfishness… That’s why I’m sorry.”

Part 5

Ellis: “Actually, I could have predicted this. I knew this could have happened if I took you out.”

Ellis: “But… When you found out I was going to work today, you looked sad.”

Ellis: “I brought you here because of my selfishness… That’s why I’m sorry.”

(Ellis…)

You say you’re selfish, but I know that everything you did today was for me.

I already knew more than enough.

(He gave me breakfast, talked to me about everyone in Crown, let me accompany him to work…)

(Perhaps, that’s why he even took me to the post office.)

Kate: “Today was a happy day…so you don’t have anything to apologize for.”

I smiled at Ellis, wanting to tell him that I appreciated his kindness.

Ellis: “…Right. Good.”

A warm smile appeared on Ellis’ lips—like the last light of the sun…

Maybe it’s because the approaching dusk was making me nervous—strangely I felt a buzz in my chest.

When I returned to my room, I unwrapped the presents from my coworkers.

“We care about you, Kate.”

“Please contact us any time.”

The kind words written in the letters from my colleagues warmed my heart.

(I was able to receive this because of Ellis taking me to the post office.)

I feel so happy right now because Ellis tried to make me smile.

I stepped into a different world.

I can’t return to my normal daily life for a month—

Even though I was scared, I felt like he was telling me ‘it’s okay’.

(Since this morning, I feel more confident that I can make it through the month.)

(Even more so if Ellis is with me.)

--The next morning came with a renewed determination.

Victor: “I heard, Kate. You were attacked by one of Jude’s business rivals yesterday?”

Kate: “Ah, yes. But thanks to Ellis, nothing happened.”

Victor: “That’s great, but… I fear that your life will be in danger before the contract is over…”

Victor: “—That means that Crown’s confidential information is also at risk! Isn’t that so?”

Ellis: “Yeah.”

Jude: “…I’ve got a bad feeling.”

Hearing that grumpy voice, Victor smiled broadly…

Victor: “So, Jude, Ellis.”

Victor: “I want the two of you to take responsibility and act as Kate’s escorts!”

(What!?)

Jude: “Ah?”

Ellis: “…escort?”

Next Chapter

[notsve2]

DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?

Les Miserables US National Tour - September 13th

Les Miserables is based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel of the same name. It follows Jean Valjean’s life after he is released from prison, Inspector Javier’s chase for him, and the people and events he encounters until his eventual death. The climax of the show revolves around a failed attempt of revolution in the streets of Paris. The technicians, actors, and crew created a full and lively world, something that is hard to create on a stage. Every minute of this show could easily be a scene from a movie or TV show, where elaborate sets and extras are far more common due to cuts between scenes. It was really amazing how fast and smooth the production crew would transport the audience into an entirely different place and time.

As with most productions, the technical aspects of the show were something I paid much more attention to. Something that stood out to me especially with this show was the use of projections, and while projections aren’t uncommon in theater, oftentimes they have a hard time mixing with the onstage actors and set pieces which tends to draw me out of the world. In Les Mis however, they mixed amazingly with the color theme established with the show and at various times I forgot they were even projections. They were also used in unique ways such as in “One Day More” where the actors were ‘fake�� marching but the projections behind them made them appear to be moving. This effect was also used in the second act when Valjean was dragging Marius’ body through the sewers, and the projections moved along with the actor through the system. I found an article after seeing the show which interviewed set designer Matt Kinley in 2019 from which he stated that many of the projected images used Victor Hugo’s original drawings, which is such a neat detail to me. Also using projections, at the end of the ‘prologue’ the stage went dark and the title of the show was projected onto the stage, acting as a title card. This really stood out to me because that isn’t something often used in stage theater and something I had never seen before, but it worked really well as a transition to signify both a time skip, and the end of Valjean’s prior life. The various sets also utilized a lot of levels, which was necessary due to the large cast. Everything from the barricade, the Cafe Musain, the Thénardiers inn, and simple scenes that took place in the town, really helping to fill the stage and ‘void’ above them. Many of the actors also made really nice choices, my favorites were between Gavroche and Grantaire. Gavroche would often comfort Graintaire when he got angry especially in “Drink with Me”, and after Gavroche’s death Graintaire holds him for a long moment. This small choice was so special I forgot what happened at this point in the show because I was focused on them instead. It was one of the many decisions that made this production feel like a full world.

I happened to notice a lot of unique staging aspects. Especially during Fantine’s death in Act One, when Valjean was sitting on her deathbed. The entire song, despite him singing some parts, his back was faced to the audience. I noticed this because typically this should be avoided, but combined with Fantine’s light-colored costume in contrast to his, it drawed the audience’s focus to her. This was the first time I noticed it’s use in the show and where I believe they used it best, but it was also used in other moments throughout the show. The blocking for this show was also very unique, being able to transport between locations almost seamlessly. In the opening of Act One, it opens to the street of France, then quickly transforms into the factory where Fatine works. It was not very noticeable, but if you looked close enough, you could see the ensemble placing the set pieces behind the first row of actors, so that when they moved, it revealed an entirely new scene. This effect was a great choice, and a risky one if not timed right.

Photos taken from the LES MISERABLES US TOUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE

[miadearden]

Okay I’ve finally caught up on Act01 of Arcane S2 and I HAVE THOUGHTS (under the cut)

I noticed slight differences in the opening for each ep so of course now I’m gonna have to watch the intro closely on every ep whee

Speaking of the opening (and each episode general opening as well), really digging all the theatre homages and also the whole vibe of watching a play in this act. Like I saw people were annoyed with the opening musical numbers at the start of every episode but to me they came across very much like watching a play or musical on stage? Like when you come back from intermission and there’s a musical number to bring you back into the world of the play? Am I cooking with that thought there?

Anyway

Oh, Vi. My poor pookie. My sweet sad pathetic wet cat. I wish I could say things are going to get better for you but I don’t see that happening anytime soon 💔

(You look fucking great though)

Caitlyn. Very much digging her descent in this act as she follows her grief and pain down into becoming the person she didn’t want to be in season one. Very nice. That said - I have a question on those final moment in ep03 and I’m wonder other people’s thoughts on them.

You see, as Ambessa pitches Cait as the new commander and we see Cait struggling whether or not to accept it - that’s when we get the flashbacks that confirm that Ambessa was the one to set up the attack on the memorial to stir up this civil war. My question is - did anyone else read this moment as Cait putting the pieces together and realising that this was Ambessa plan all along? Or are we just all supposed to assume it was for the audiences sake? Because the fact that it was delivered to us specifically when we were focused on Cait deciding to take the role felt like to me Cait figured Ambessa out, and that makes me curious as to what the dynamic in the following act will me.

But maybe I’m off base with that - what do other people think?

ANYWAY continuing! Really dig Jinx and Sevika teaming up in Silco’s absence. I was worried that Sevika would just be written out and forgotten after season one but very cool to see that she wasn’t

Just seeing tweets and stuff I think I was like one of the only people that didn’t hate Jayce in season one? Like I wouldn’t say I was his biggest fan but I still found him compelling as an idealist who lost his way when dragged into the politics of it all. Anyway continuing to dig him here, LOVE pairing him up with Ekko I think that was a genius move and very interested to see what happens with him investigating whatever’s going on with the arcane

Ekko continues to be my favorite but there was not enough of him in this act for my liking please give me more Ekko.

Interested to see where this stuff with Ambessa and Mel and the Black Rose is going and how it will tie into the greater story (also Mel’s magic! She totally has magic, right?). Don’t have much to say about it because we don’t know much yet but am interested (and very much enjoy that Ambessa is terrified of whatever’s going on)

Oh yeah also Victor’s here I guess

I’m so sorry Victor fans but I continue to not understand why people go apeshit for this man I simply do not find him that interesting

I have a few criticisms - mainly, pacing wise? Like if feels like there’s a) not the best sense of how much time is passing between moments/episodes and b) some kinda important pieces that are missing/were probably cut out from the script

Like mainly - Shield Man. Who was drinking with Vi then helped during the memorial attack then became an enforcer with Vi then left when things went all authoritarian - why do I only know him as Shield Man. I don’t recall ever learning his name, and it seems like if we’re going to have this little impact moment of him walking out of the room at the end of the last ep I should at least know his name and a little bit of his deal? I just feel like there was some important stuff that we just needed a little bit more detail on but was probably cut for time.

Same case for Isha. Not as much, because I feel like Isha is more there as a symbol for both Jinx and Vi and this whole conflict, but still like - I only know her name because it was in the subtitles describing her gasp at some point.

And yeah just general pacing seems like there was some connective tissue missing between some scenes and all that’s basically it.

And yeah!

Having a watch party for Act2 tomorrow yay!

[villainessprefect]

title: when the victor sleeps

summary: You do your best to stay up to wish Lilia a happy birthday.

ship: Lilia x gn!reader

word count: 1,234

note: Im very late for this fic but got busy so uhhh happy belated birthday Lilia!!

Read on AO3!

Before you realize it, a yawn escapes past your lips. You cover your mouth as if to hide your crime. But it's already too late. You can feel those red eyes boring into you without having to glance to your side.

When you give into your curiosity, you find Lilia with his legs crossed, arm propped upon one and head resting in his hand. When your eyes meet, he says nothing. You both know by the look he gives you that he's been right all along. He just wants you to admit it.

"You really should get some sleep," he speaks in a soft tone as if he's trying not to wake you up already.

You shake your head. "Less than an hour to go, right? I can stay up a while longer."

Staying up to midnight is an easy task for you. Whether it be due to finishing homework or being dragged into some stupid plan your friends had in mind, it happened fairly often. Perhaps too often. Sometimes you find yourself staying awake longer than you'd like as you've gotten used to being up in the late hours.

Tonight your body fights against such nocturnal urges. Having been rudely awakened by Grim far too early followed by Ace and Deuce dropping by under the excuse of wanting to start the new year early had caused you to lose hours of sleep. For any other day, it wouldn't be a crime. But tonight is special.

"Falling asleep won't hurt you, my dear," he hums. "This comes around every year."

"But only once," you protest. "Once a year we get to celebrate you. And I don't want to miss out on it."

"Is it really still tradition to wish for a happy birthday at the stroke of midnight?" He shuts his eyes and tries to recall a time when this last happened to him. Celebrating birthdays only mattered to those he watched over and only recently himself. Old friends never did such a thing, but things were so different back then. And the young ones he raised never shrieked on following their sleep schedules.

"I dunno, but I want to do it," you answer with a small smile. "I get to wish the old man a happy birthday and new year at the same time, before anyone else!"

"If you are acknowledging my age, shouldn't you respect your elders and listen to this old bat's wish already?"

You huff as he makes a point. But you're already so close. You're not even that tired, or so you tell yourself. Of course, your body would say otherwise. Swinging your legs helps keep you active but the action is surprisingly draining. You doubt you can keep it up for long.

"I can go to sleep afterwards."

Your response gets a tsk-tsk from Lilia. That stubborn energy of yours can be so deadly sometimes. And if you won't listen to his pleas, then he has his own tricks up his sleeve to beat you at this little game of yours.

He leans back, setting his legs straight. A hand reaches out to slide around your shoulder. With a surprisingly gentle force, he tugs you down to have your head rest on his lap.

"Stubborn little humans should listen to their elders. Especially you," he says rather fondly. A hand rests upon your forehead to keep you in place. "As much as I adore your determination to stay awake, it pains me to see you suffer."

You want to say you're not suffering and if you are it's not that big of a deal. A little lack of sleep won't kill you. Yet you find yourself so comfortable lying down. It's what you've been avoiding this whole time. You knew your body would relax the moment you gave into this temptation. Although you never imagined using Lilia's lap as a pillow in this situation.

With a red glow cast upon your cheeks, you gaze up to the one who captured you. His red eyes hold so much yet you can only find a tender look thrown your way. That mischievous smile that usually dawns his face is replaced with a sweet, longing one.

"Pardon if I'm a tad rusty. It may have been years on your end, but for me it feels like months since I've last done a performance like this."

He clears his throat and you only raise a brow in response, waiting for him to continue.

The room is silent and all you can hear are the breaths he takes in. He shuts his eyes like before, straightens his back, and begins to gently run his fingers across your forehead.

Then, he begins to sing.

It's a foreign song to you. Your best guess is it's a lullaby from his homeland or who knows where. With his vast knowledge it really could be from anywhere in this world. While you may not know its origins, you enjoy the song. The sound of his voice is soothing to your weary ears. The lyrics cast a spell over you, making the sleep that you've been fighting off for so long begin to win.

"No fair..." You mumble, weakly. Your world is already disappearing before you. The longer he goes the harder it is to break free. And honestly? You doubt you could even if you weren't this tired. "Your voice is...lovely..."

And just like that, you lost the game.

Lilia knows when you've fallen asleep, yet he continues his lullaby. Your even breathing doesn't go unnoticed but like every good singer, he must finish this song for you even if you can't fully appreciate it. When he finishes, his eyes open to see your peaceful, sleeping figure.

He hates to pull his gaze away from yours but his old age doesn't allow him to know the exact time.

"You almost made it," he chuckles.

He can already hear you scolding him for cheating. But could you blame him? Humans need their sleep. The last thing he wants is you losing lack of sleep over him.

"Next year, I'll let you win. Maybe~" He hums and lowers himself to peck your forehead. "Your life is short and you should care for yourself before others. I can't have you falling so soon."

He knows you have plenty of years left. But for him it will be over in the blink of an eye. If he has to cheat a little in order for you to get a longer lifetime, he will. The action may seem so minuscule to others, but it means so much to him.

Lilia appreciates what you would do for him, to go this length and spend time with him. It's adorable with how hard you try. You don't have to do anything for this old bat, yet you do. You always do something for him.

The sound of booming echoes in the distance. It's officially another year. It's a shame neither of you are truly celebrating, but he doesn't mind it. He spent his last moments of the year with you and now the beginning. Despite your loss, he would consider it a win for you. You accomplished your goal without even realizing it and left a mark upon his heart.

"No matter how many years go on, I will always remember you. I'm looking forward to the future years and birthdays to come."

[rotting-ink]

Romance Options First Appearance

Written for if the player is bisexual. If the player chooses only female love interests, then all the RO's are all women. Same as for if the player chooses only male love interests. 

Luther looked over the hall filled with members of his pack milling around the hall, eyes narrowed on a piece of paper slipped to him earlier that morning. His people chattered amongst themselves, sitting along the low tables, sharing food and drink. Fireplaces were lit. Cubs were playing with each other in little groups or nestled into their mothers’ sides. Harmony. He made this.

He rubs his calloused thumb against the ink, long since dried. He leaned back in his chair, catching the attention of his sister, Emilia. She seemed to bristle at his very movement and Luther folded the piece of paper with a low sigh.

“Em-”

“What?” She snapped, tugging at a lock of her dark hair.

Luther dragged his tongue over his teeth, eyes narrowing. Even the hall quieted as her outburst. She was getting too unruly for her position. Any day now she was going to make a mistake that he wouldn’t be able to save her from.

“Your little friend.” Luther said after a moment. “Is dead.”

Emilia froze up, turning around to stare at him with her lips slightly parted. Luther settled back into a comfortable position in his chair, turning away from her to let the piece of paper flutter from his palm, into the fireplace by his legs, being eaten up within seconds by the flames.

“... Luther.” Emilia whispered. “What did you do?”

Sienna reclined on her sofa as her guests gushed about her wonderful party, the entertainment, the food, all so wonderful! She just watched them, running her perfectly manicured thumb over the rim of her wine glass, swirling the dark red liquid around.

God, she was fucking bored.

She’s done it all before. Again and again. The parties, the games, the drinking, the sex, the spending. She was starting to feel old. And there was nothing Sienna Della Rovere hated more than feeling fucking old.

She watched her guests dance and gossip and coo. She watched them eat her food and enjoy her singers and whisper about how one of these days their host simply must marry one of the eligible bachelors constantly hanging around her.

They too, were fucking boring. Every day was so… Fucking… Oh?

One of her little assistants was stumbling over themselves to get to where she was languidly lounging, their little face pale with shock.

“Baroness Della Rovere! Baroness!” The little thing tottered to a stop in front of her, panting.

“Yes?” Sienna replied mildly, a perfect eyebrow raised.

“I… The… The Clerk… He’s been found dead.”

Sienna’s mouth parted in a perfect shocked expression but the edge of her lip twitched.

Finally, some fun.

Victor got home late. The best time to get home. Silence. Nothing but the fireplace crackling with a flame that was lit specially for him. It was hard to remember a time when he wasn’t living such a life. Not that he couldn’t remember, it was that it was a time that felt like a glowing ember to try and touch without hurting yourself.

So he didn’t. So he lived the good life, with a crystal glass of brandy held in his palm, a book open on his knee. So, he enjoyed his new life.

Then he heard them. His spouse. A few thumps upstairs and muffled movement. Victor stilled and glanced towards the ceiling, as if it would let him see through the wood, watching as they trotted around and bumped into things as they tried to pull on their evening robe. His lips thinned but as he heard their footsteps make their way down the grand staircase, he schooled his expression into something warmer. By the time the door to the study swung over, he looked downright loving.

“Victor.”

“My dear.” He reached out for his beloved spouse to rest their leathery hand in his. “You needn’t come down to greet me. You should be resting.”

Their cold eyes bored into him before they slowly parted their lips.

“Victor… That boy is dead.”

He blinked at them a few times.

“Luke. Luke is dead.”

His stomach tightened, the whiskey curdling in his gut. The glass slipped from his fingers and smashed on the floor.

Zaniyah was cold. So fucking cold. She was always cold these days, but it didn’t mean that she ever got used to it. That she’ll ever want to get used to it.

Her black skirt drags on the ground as she walks, leaves and dirt staining the hem. Hard to remember a time that she’d ever cared about what the hem of her frock looked like. There was once upon a time that she’d gain stares and whispers about the state she was in. Now she glides through crowds and groups and no one takes notice of her. No one yells at her for bumping them, no one grumbles when she steps on their foot, no one yelps when her umbrella smacks their face.

Bliss. If only she wasn’t so cold.

She glides past the elderly lady at the desk, squinting through her clouded spectacles. She descends the stairs, pausing a bit as the doctor ascends the stairs, rubbing his eyes wearily. Zaniyah admires his profile, tilting her head. When he’s out of sight, she continues her way, perfectly buckled, muddied shoes making neither a sound or a stain on the tiled floor.

Then she arrives. And there he is.

The body lying on the white slab, a slender, greying pinkie poking out from under the tarp.

“Hello, Mister Buckley.” She murmurs and slips her notebook free from her jacket.

[goldenrat33]

till death do us part | chap 6 | victor pov

SCC backstory 2

I tugged Seriphona along as I made my way to the exit of the venue. We ran past patches of grass, getting as far away from the crowd as possible. Multiple citizens spectating the wedding stared at us as we left, giving each other confused looks and whispering amongst themselves. My hand stayed interlocked with Seriphona’s the whole time.

My heart beat faster than ever before, more anxious than ever before. What would Seriphona say? What if our parents find out about my scheme? Would this even work?

“Where are you taking me?” she asked, growing more concerned as we walked further and further away with seemingly no destination in mind.

“Somewhere we can talk,” I told her, continuing to drag her along with me.

After about fifteen minutes of walking, we made it to Patches’ farm. It was late at night, so he was deep into his sleep cycles by now. I wasn’t here for him, though. I was here for privacy. 

Once we made it past the fences and into the vast fields, I gave the girl my full attention. I turned so we’d face each other. When I did, I noticed she had begun to silently cry. Tears were rolling down her red face. She broke eye contact with me as I noticed, clearly shameful of her condition. I hated to see her upset, my heart breaking at the sight.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I--” She stopped herself from lying to me, not wishing to hide her true emotions any longer. She confessed, “I’m grateful you got me out of there. So, so grateful. What can I ever do to make it up to you?”

I stared at her face, at the beautiful way her tears caught up in her eyelashes. She continued, only crying harder, “And I’m so sorry.” Her breath was shaky, words failing to escape her in any other form than an incoherent mess.

I pulled her into a tight embrace and ran my fingers through her long hair, attempting to comfort her. “It's okay, love. It’s all okay now.” I didn’t let go of her, offering her a shoulder to cry on. I needed to convince her everything would work out. I needed to convince myself.

“No, it’s not okay,” she disagreed, voice still wavering. “I wouldn’t hear you out. And that’s my fault. I should have been more open-minded, you were only trying to help me. I’m so sorry, Victor. You deserved better from me. And I’m sorry I ignored you. I didn’t know what to say or do, I thought you hated me. I— and I’m sorry I reacted that way to you and Patches. I know you needed me, I should’ve been supportive. I guess I was just jealous I couldn’t find a man I loved… but that’s not an excuse to neglect you. I’m so sorry.”

The cloth resting on my shoulder was growing wet with her tears. Her voice cracked over every other word. “And you don’t ever have to forgive me. I was an awful friend to you, I wasn’t there when you needed me, and I neglected you when you tried being there for me.” She rubbed tears from her eyes, sobbing. She was just rambling now; I could tell she was overwhelmed with guilt. 

I shook my head and gave her a squeeze. “If I didn’t forgive you, I wouldn’t have come out here to save you.”

I let her out of the hug, only to hold her face so my words would truly go through her head. “I love you. Nothing you could say would make me hate you  forever.” I paused to laugh softly at the way she looked up at me with her glossy eyes. She looked more beautiful than ever before, holding on to each word I said.

“It was Patches’ idea,” I told her. I hadn’t had a chance to explain my plan to her yet. I wasn’t even sure if it would work… but the potential prize was worth gambling for. It hurt me to see Seriphona upset. I had been super worried about what might happen if anyone had discovered my relationship with Patches. “I figured… you want out of your marriage with Julian. And I don’t want to marry at all -- not to a woman, anyway. If we’d just pretend to be in love with each other…” I trailed off. She understood clearly, nodding at my words.

I smiled sweetly at the angel. “Marrying a girl to fit into society’s laws or hide my true relationship isn’t ideal… But it’s a blessing when it’s you I get to spend the rest of my life with. I’m more than happy to have you as my fake-wife.”

Seriphona laughed through her tears, beginning to calm herself. “I’m glad to have you as my fake-husband.” I wiped her tears away with my thumbs, still holding the sides of her face in my two hands. 

Seriphona took deep breaths and pulled me into another hug. I could tell she needed the comfort, the way she clung on to me, still trembling. Her head was buried into my chest.

“I love you, Seriphona.”

“I love you too, Victor. You will always be my dearest friend.”

[cledubs]

wrote a little something based off of @applepato ‘s cletho hunger games au!! i wanted to kind of explore a little bit what cleo would be like if they were the victor of their games with etho. it’s fairly short but oh well

The Victor’s Village is lonely.

There are other people who live there, sure, but Cleo is alone. Alone with her embroidered tapestries.

Every Victor has to pursue a talent after they win. To prove to the Capitol that they’re still alive. Still surviving. Still playing into their games. Cleo chose her embroidery.

It’s one of the only talents she had before the games. On the particularly bad nights, it is the one thing that connects her to the person she was before.

Before the reaping.

Before the games.

Before Etho ran.

He’d always said that to her, that he was a runner. Not a protector.

Cleo thinks he was a liar.

He ran, and the attacker followed. Cleo was already bleeding out on the rocks anyways. She couldn’t chase.

A cannon sounded.

And another.

And a hovercraft appeared above Cleo.

And there was an announcement that Cleo couldn’t hear through the blood in her ears.

The needle in her hand snaps. She stares down at her clenched hand, two broken metal halves digging into her skin.

She releases her grip and throws the remains of the needle on the dusty floor. Small beads of blood gather on her palm. She wipes it on her current project, adding more and more red stains.

Etho’s almost-done face stares back at her, covered in Cleo’s own blood. The Capitol won’t like this tapestry, she thinks grimly.

She finds that she doesn’t care.

Another needle is threaded and she continues to carefully puncture the white fabric. All that’s left to stitch is his eyes. His beautiful, mismatched eyes. The eyes are the window to the soul, she remembers someone saying. That couldn’t be more true for Etho. His eyes were often the only things she saw. The swirling pools of black and dark brown will forever be burned into her memory.

Cleo punches another hole with the needle. The games are happening again soon. The Capitol is setting up cameras next to District Nine’s Justice Building as she sits in her empty house, stitching her final act. Her end to the games that the Capitol wants to play with her.

A knife sits on the table next to her. A simple knife that she stole from Etho’s bedside drawer. It has leaves shoddily engraved on the handle. She slips it into her pocket, along with the finished, folded tapestry. Her pocket is big enough for this. No one will care if the silent, angry, new Victor has lumpy pockets. She hasn’t made a particularly clean reputation for herself.

The stage is the same as always. This year, instead of watching from the crowd, she gets to stare at the terrified faces of her fellow citizens.

The video of the war starts playing. She doesn’t pay attention. She thinks her heart should be pounding, but it’s calm. Almost as if it knows that it can’t do anything. Her hands are perfectly still and controlled.

Taking the tapestry out of her pocket, she started unfolding it. She drapes it across the bowl filled with male names. The Capitol representative hasn’t noticed yet. She quietly walks over to the bowl that once held her name.

The knife is warm in her hands. It’s almost comforting. Distantly, she thinks, maybe it’s Etho’s final act. Alongside hers.

The video ends, and the representative turns and gasps at her being out of place. The crowd is silent. Before the guards can take notice of what is happening, she grips the knife firmly, and plunges it into her chest.

She falls with a grin on her face. She takes the knife out and, within her dazed stupor, still manages to throw the knife at Etho’s fabricated face. The bowl shatters in a sharp noise that she barely hears. She is dragged off stage, but she doesn’t know it.

Cleo has won the games.

[imagines-to-quench-thirst]

Ducan "Donut" Vizla🍩

Disclaimer: stories are fictitious and should not be taken literally, the behavior is entirely imaginative and the content may be inappropriate

Updated & repaired: 16/07/2023 (if a story won't load or something else, please message me and let me know)

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Helping You To Accept Your Stretch Marks 🌺your boy helps you accept your beautiful stretch marks as they are...pure perfection

Explaining To Your Man Kdramas🌺I (V) wrote small drabbles that paired my favorite men and dramas that I absolutely love

Dating A Tattoo Artist 🌺 being a tattoo artist and your boyfriend being part of it

When Tough Times Occur 🌺Life itself can be a pain and with its obstacles, it can seem impossible to overcome it but that’s what makes us stronger as people.

Someone Rubs You The Wrong Way With... 🌺 how would your man protect you when someone doesn’t mind your business

Having A Shower ❤️‍🔥having a shower with your man sounds like heaven right?!

One Thing He Loves About You (Physically Or Mentally)🌺 the title spoils the ending a bit

No Nut November ❤️‍🔥in the glory of No Nut November, you make a bet with your liver saying if they fail you cuff them and use them to your liking but if you lose they get to fulfil one of their fantasies. And you are keen on it to make them lose, by any means.

ASKS

My Saviour 🌺protective! Duncan Vizla? Maybe they capture her and he’s ready to wreak havoc upon them? Hurt/comfort with a bit of makeup smut?

Taking Off Their S/O's Makeup 🌺 (Could you do Duncan vizla,the joker and whoever else you’d like.)taking off their s/o makeup after they come from a nightout because they are to drunk to do it themselves 💛

Stressed Student 🌺 can I request Duncan Vizla, the Joker, Victor Creed and what would they do if they see their s/o down because they're stressed due exams?

You Are My Protector 🌺 do you think he’d appreciate someone being gentle with him and spoiling him with compliments? I just imagine him getting a praise kink whenever his woman kisses his scars 😚💗

Worship Me 🌺 What about Duncan doing some exhausting teasing foreplay the whole day before having sex?😍😍

Kicking in the process... 🌺 Duncan Vizla x Pregnant Reader

October Drive ❤️‍🔥I think daddy Duncan deserves some smut, would you be an angel you are and write something, maybe some August heat car ride or smth!

Telling Him You Are A Virgin ❤️‍🔥 Ok here me out 😂 virgin X Duncan, she constantly flirts with him but doesn’t want a one night stand with him. It shocks him when she says she’s a virgin and only does long term

White Shorts VS. Duncan Vizla ❤️‍🔥Innocent girl + short shorts = very pent up Duncan = very rough sex

Period Sex ❤️‍🔥What do you think about Duncan smut while his girl is on period? I bet he's up to this shit👀👀

Duncan Pleaser ❤️‍🔥 Omg give us more swearing daddy Duncan pleasing his woman😍😍

Outdoor Quickie ❤️‍🔥hi there! I've come up with the idea for Duncan smut, IDK if you like it, but I give it a try🔞🔞how bout some outdoor quickie in winter? IDK if it's even possible in real life, but still! I very much appreciate all your imagines! you're doing great👍👍

Christmas Decorations 🌺 now here’s a little concept (you don’t have to write I just want to share lol) She is super excited for Christmas like REALLY excited she’s all over the house with decorations and at first when she asks him to help her he says no but I mean he can’t say no to her puppy eyes so he caves and they spend the whole afternoon decorating the house ✨💜✨💜✨

I Ain't No Snitch 🌺❤️‍🔥 can you imagine if one day she is kidnapped in order to get to Duncan so he has to find her and everything and when he finds her she’s all scared and crying so he gets all soft and protective 😭😭😭😭😭😭

No Bra ❤️‍🔥 some good old Duncan Vizla smut

Nightly Adventures ❤️‍🔥Lemme ask for some duncan vizla smut, daddy kink, dirty talk and pure filth? I feel like the character is underrated and has lots of potential!

Jingle My Balls ❤️‍🔥 How about some good ol' sexy time with Duncan Vizla! Ohhhhh maybe a holiday theme?? Like the reader wore idk a santa dress/elf dress and Duncan decides to jingle their bells??? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ya catchin my drift chief?? Im sorry this was cheesy

Daddy Kink Headcanon ❤️‍🔥 I was wondering if u could possibly do some Duncan Vizla with daddy kink (smut) headcaons plz it’s ok if u can’t tho 👌

Wedding Risks ❤️‍🔥 may i ask for more of it, maybe some inappropriate place/timing smut or public place or as you wish, cause it gives life :3

Brave 🌩️🌺 I have a request for Duncan! Maybe one of his old enemies gets ahold of his SO and uses her to lure him into a trap and all the angst but with a happy ending! I love your writing so much!! 💕💕💕

Departure ❤️‍🔥How bout some age gap angsty smutty fic w\Duncan Vizla? Like grey hair and wrinkles and stuff, cause kinks are kinks, you know🔥🔥🔥

First Timers ❤️‍🔥 May I request some Duncan smut, like first meeting him\first date stuff... like why wait for 2nd date when you're all head over heels :3

The Right Way To Wake Up ❤️‍🔥 How about some middle of the night/early morning wake up sex w/Mr Duncan Vizla💦💦

Road Trip ❤️‍🔥what about some road/car sex with Duncan?

Foreplay ❤️‍🔥May I request some NSFW Duncan headcanons like putting a condom on/undressing/arousing words, etc., stuff like that!

Mustache Ride I feel like Duncan's mustache gently massaging skin\clit while giving oral must be headcanon😍😍

Girl 🌺 What Would Duncan Vizla Think of having a chubby girlfriend?

Hand+Job ❤️‍🔥May I ask for Duncan receiving handjob or smth without penetration😍😍

Kisses Of Jealously ❤️‍🔥Thank you for all the Duncan fics, they are perfect😍 Let me request some steamy period smut with Duncan

Bathtub Mishaps ❤️‍🔥May I request some bathroom/bathtub Duncan Vizla smut? It should we very wet out there if you know what i mean💦💦

Leading Praise❤️‍🔥

Sinful Words What would you say about Duncan being daddy he is and talking dirty with his lover😈😈

Duncan Going To Town❤️‍🔥

NSFW Alphabet (VER 1)❤️‍🔥

NSFW Alphabet (VER2)❤️‍🔥

First Time Having Sex❤️‍🔥

Nightly Adventures ❤️‍🔥Lemme ask for some Duncan Vizla smut, daddy kink, dirty talk and pure filth? I feel like the character is underrated and has lots of potential!

Little Miss ❤️‍🔥

Fitting Punishment ❤️‍🔥

Comparisons ❤️‍🔥

Chubby!SO 🌺What Would Duncan Vizla Think of having a chubby girlfriend?

DRABBLES FROM MY🧠

Hands To Kiss🌺

Mother, Meet Duncan Vizla 🌺your mom meets your boyfriend

Jealousy Makes Him Silent 🌺

Duncan Saving You🌺

Duncan Learning Your Native Language🌺

Mornings With Duncan Vizla🌺

Making Out ❤️‍🔥

Dating Duncan Vizla🌺

First BJ❤️‍🔥

Tease ❤️‍🔥

Over The Edge ❤️‍🔥

Breathe 🌺Song fic- Breathe by Mako

DIFFERENT AUs

Professor Vizla (Professor!AU)❤️‍🔥Could you write a professor Duncan Vizla x reader smut... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) And there is an age gap between them... Something like that... 🙈🙈🙈

Sins Of Ours (Priest!AU)❤️‍🔥 For Anon who requested it: I hope you like it, I have seen the trailer you suggested but I just changed the name because I’m a lazy bitch and haven’t found the name of the character Mads played so I changed it to Duncan. I hope that’s okay. 

SHORT IMAGINE

Duncan Seeing You After A Long Time🌩️

Seeing Duncan’s Old Videos Of Him🌺

Waking Up Next To Duncan Vizla🌺

Duncan Coming To Your Home Needing Help🌺

[mane--attraction]

Playfighting headcanons addendum

A/N: I had meant to add Engineer Mark to the original list but completely forgot and ran out of energy for it. These are a slightly different style than the last ones cuz that's just how they ended up lol. Once again, MINORS DNI

~~~~~

Engineer Mark:

Is reluctant at first, because you're his captain! He could never fight you!

Ignoring of course the whole confrontation at the warp core

He's also secretly afraid this is a trap and you're going to turn this around on him and issue him demerits or worse

After reassuring him a few or twenty times, he agrees

He still throws the fight a couple of times, and you have to huff at him and insist he plays along or else you might actually give him demerits

(you wouldn't actually, but it gets him to listen)

After that, it becomes more interesting

Bit by bit, you find yourself losing ground to him as he starts pushing the boundaries of how much of his strength he's allowed to use

You thought the two of you were pretty evenly matched, with you in the slight upper hand, but it seems your dear engineer has done more manual labor than you expected

Some days, he's more determined than others to be the victor; if it is indeed one of those days, you find your strength waning as the wrestling drags out

Before long, you find yourself with your arms above your head and a knee pressed against your body between your legs

"So, Captain…to the winner go the spoils?"

If you don't push him a lot, it's a fifty-fifty shot as to whether or not you'll win, because as already established, he will let you win, even if you do manage to convince him to not hold back

Night

Appears to have zero interest

"Why should I have to engage in physical aggression?" and oh my outfit will become all disheveled and he can't have that

Such a drama queen

But agree he does, shucking his coat, and you realize partway through that you're a bit more over your head than you realize

Sure, he prefers not to be physically aggressive, but he can more than hold his own if you push him enough

And push him you do; it's so easy to get a rise out of him that you resort to your usual teasing, but now he's decided to make an example of what happens when you push him too far

He…may or may not have other supernatural abilities to give him the upperhand (i.e. tentacles)—when you notice that spiral light up on his face, you somehow know it doesn't bode well for you (in terms of winning)

He is stronger at night than during the day (shocker, I know). As such, you're more likely (and probably will) win against him during the day as opposed to at night

You may have had to teasingly insult him in order to get him to play fight, or suggest that maybe you'd go to another "god" who will take you up on the offer—and with his pride on the line, plus a slight bit of possessiveness at you being his little human, he decided he had to take you up on it

There's a ferocity that comes out in moments like this, usually hidden by his whining and dramatics

(You'd be lying if you said it didn't turn you on)

Your limbs are held down by shadows, tentacles made of pure night sky, and that spiral glows threateningly as he leans in, his grin much sharper than you're used to seeing (figuratively and literally)

"Little mortal…shall you atone for your misgivings?"

Again, your chances are pretty split on winning, depending on the time of day, how far you push him, and his overall mood that day. Maybe put him in his place for once lol

~~~~~~

As a recap: Murdock and Dark are the hardest to win against, followed by Actor and Night on certain days thanks to their supernatural abilities, and the other three I wrote about (Illinois, Damien, and Engineer) are tied as to whether or not you'll win, depending on the circumstances (although based on strength alone it would go Illinois, Engineer, then Damien).

[ironicsopsychotic]

First Line Ask Game! Rules: List the first lines of the last ten stories you published (or works in progress if you’re feeling brave lol). See if you or others notice any patterns!

ooh okay i've done this before (i think you might've been the one to send it to me lol) but only w wips, so i'll do this w my published fics/fic updates! thank you, babs <33

like some kind of vision (ch3/3)

The next few days solidified something in Nina’s mind.

the hard part (03. in series)

Two days. Two days after Amber gave the breakup news, two days of incredibly uncomfortable Sibuna meetings, two days of Eddie blatantly lying to himself that ending their whole tryst wasn’t a big deal. Two days of all of that, and then Nina sent him to the clearing in the woods for a solo mission but showed up five minutes after he did. Two days, and she told him that waiting for things to cool down wasn’t cutting it for her. He took in her words slowly, but he took them in, and he took in the meeting place, and then he took her in.

then somebody bends, unexpectedly. (ch6/7)

Her last first day of high school sits oddly in the pit of her stomach.

03:00.

22:49. “We need to move that chair. And that couch.”                 “No, don’t drag it!”                 “Shh!”                  “Alfieeee, you’re on my hair.”                 “If Victor wakes up we’re pretending to be asleep, alright Yacker?”                 “While we’re standing up? Good plan, Weasel Face.”                 Whoever had the brilliant idea for a couples’ movie marathon the night before summer break began should have been exiled from Anubis House, because while Sibuna and Co. got along for mysteries, apparently moving furniture was just too hard.

subtext

From the moment the words “big brother figure” leave Jamie’s lips, EJ is certain his heart slowly breaks over the rest of opening night.

it's called "therapy," and we all need it.

H of A | 5:16pm [eddie] wth is vic on his period or something the man’s even more unhinged than normal

yes, and?

By the time Gina’s Uber drops her off outside the Caswell-Porter(?) residence, it is well into the late afternoon and her head feels heavy with too many overdue realizations. 

tugging on my heartstrings

After Mr. Mazzara delivers the news of the cast getting benched for a week, Gina is more than ready to curl up on the couch and knit for a few hours. Ashlyn has Big Red upstairs for some Career Day-adjacent thing, and Gina has no plans to interrupt their coupley evening, so she settles with her legs crossed in a bathrobe, full pajamas, and warm socks and gets to knitting.

messy

Her last day in America shouldn’t be a memorable one.

what teenagers do (ch2/?)

Nina was seriously wondering why they even bothered sneaking up to the attic when Victor was home. She and Fabian could be geeking out over some ancient Egyptian artifact upstairs in Vera’s old bedroom, thrilled with their progress and excited to update their friends, and then it would all be ruined two seconds later by Victor showing up.

so things noticed: i haven't uploaded much in the past two years gkrlg. interesting to see the similar messy and tsbu ch6 openings, both of which were followed up w explanations afterward. the more humorous openings (03:00 and it's called "therapy") have more snapshot/dialogue intros, but everything else varies from one-liners to paragraphs. i didn't realize it split pretty evenly, but i am conscious of not beginning everything the exact same way. also kinda cool to see the hard part move up from the wips ask to the published ask

[aevyndzn]

Broken Shards of a Shattered Soul

Chapter 2: The Bitter Taste of the Truth

Word Count: 1172 Fandom: Villains Series - V. E. Schwab Characters: Eli Cardale/Eli Ever, Victor Vale Warning/content: Religious trauma, angst, hurt no comfort, graphic depictions of violence, internal homophobia Summary: A dive into the psychology of religious trauma and what that entails on somebody so utterly damaged, he simply turns to the pain in hopes the familiarity will save him. But does it ever?

A/N: Mhmm hope y'all enjoyed~ idk if I should continue this, but I'm thinking of some things for Victor :D

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥: 𝐄𝐥𝐢 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐎𝐍

“And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.” (Mark 14:45 King James Bible)

Eli dreamt of Victor. Again. 

That crazed obsession taking over both reality and his dream world. It was always set in his father's church, where its high stilted walls held up the stained plaster-cracked dome and pale stone columns supported the poorly made arches. He didn't know how to feel every time he was placed here, it had been a world full of pain, one of hope, and liberation. But he didn't want to reminisce on the past, he gave that up long ago. His steps echoed down the aisle, a ghostly choir rose to fill the eerie atmosphere with song. He placed his hand on the wooden pew closest to the altar, staring at that hanging cross from the ceiling, the broken body of the Son of God hung naked and bleeding. He supposed he had something in common with Jesus after all. 

Eli stood and waited. Patiently. 

Victor stepped from behind the shadows and into the light, lit by a stained window depicting the resurrection of Christ. It was fitting, how ironic. The routine always started with Victor appearing and Eli’s breath catching in his throat. It was like Jamais Vu, they were students all over again, Victor and Eli facing each other for the first time. He with his charming expression and his former friend’s scrutinizing gaze. This time it was Eli studying Victor, soaking in the sight of shadows cutting his face into sharp angles, the glow of red bouncing off the planes of his forehead and cheekbones. All Eli wanted to do was grab Victor’s face and smash it onto the floor until it was nothing more, he wanted to stab him, shoot him, push him down a flight of stairs. Anything to get rid of the problem. His problem. 

Eli tried to guess what Victor was going to say. 

Every time it was something different, every time he would be wrong. What was it going to be? He was brought back to past comments: ones where Victor appeared younger, that curious glint in his sharp blue eyes, and joked about mundane subjects, tried to rile him up with playful insults. He only wanted Victor to die even more. There were others of course where Victor was beyond furious, his expression fascinating a side of Eli and disgusted the rest and they had fought like rivals before they had their powers, arguing morals, trying to get the high ground, blaming each other for every little mistake. But the one he loved the most was when Victor looked defeated, all battered and bruised, a sight to behold. And Eli would take that fragile neck in his hands, wrap his fingers along the most vulnerable spots, ones he knew would drag the pain longer and give the satisfaction he lusted for. He would start slowly, pressing into ghost-white skin, putting pressure on the carotid artery little by little. He watched and relished as Victor clawed at his hands, struggling under his weight to no avail. Where his eyes burned with fury, lips curled back into a snarl, completely helpless with Eli on top. He grinned back, grim delight dancing on his face. His heart fluttered with joy as soon as Victor’s attempts to fight back weakened. Ice-blue eyes began to dull, his sworn enemy succumbing to death. True death. And he had felt Victorious. 

Eli was taken aback as soon as the words left Victor’s mouth. “Worship me.”

Disbelief flickered across his face, this wasn't part of the script. This wasn't part of anything at all. It struck a dissonant chord. Contempt twisted in his gut, writhing with rage. Victor held an arrogant look, that demand still ringing in Eli’s skull–a lover's request, a villain’s conquest. He hated it. Hated Victor. Despised how assured he looked, somehow completely confident. Eli’s blood chilled, leftover words dying on his tongue, tasting of ash. Those blasphemous words were poison to the soul, utterly repulsing, unholy, unnatural. Vicious. 

His traitorous body moved without his own accord, he found himself kneeling in front of Victor. Crimson light framed his body in a silhouette. If Victor was the standing sinner, he was the kneeling saint. Eli was close enough to reach up and grab his throat, but his body stayed glued to the floor. He grew increasingly irritated, his dream wasn't making sense, why was he subjected to this humiliation? He tried to open his mouth, tried to scream, shout, cry, anything. Nothing came out. He couldn't speak. He couldn’t move. He couldn't breathe-

Eli’s heart hammered against his ribs, hot red blood rushing past his ears, The constant drumming of his panicking pulse created a cacophony of arterial noise, drowning out everything else. He saw that triumphant look Victor held, hated how his body reacted by rising in temperature, hated how dirty he felt. He kept his chin tilted up, refusing to back down at the boy he once thought was like a brother, glaring at the closest friend he ever had, the only person he had really revealed himself to. Someone much more than that. He couldn't bring himself to think of it. 

Victor fucking Vale. Vain, Violent, Valiant, Vengeful.

All these years he had tried to purge those evil thoughts, had almost done away with every wicked urge. But looking at Victor now, his handsome face inches from his own, Eli wanted to melt under his gaze. He felt God’s judgment weighing on his shoulder, shame clawing its way up his body. He hated Victor. He loved Victor. He wanted to feel Victor die in his arms. He wanted to hold Victor for an eternity. 

Victor was enjoying the conflicting emotions in Eli’s mind, a smile tugged on his lips. “Oh how far the hero falls,” he drawled in a mocking tone. “Thou shalt not kill.” He smiled once more, sharper than a knife's edge. “To never dying.” His face then fell flat, back to that usual dismissive expression. “What a hypocrite." A broken glass materialized in his hand, there was no telling if it was blood or wine dripping from the shards. He held it high, tipped his head back, and poured it down his throat. Eli glanced desperately at his exposed neck, wanting ever the more to kiss it, to strangle it, to bite it. “A toast to being remembered...” Victor continued, a crooked grin spreading across his face as he wiped the remaining liquid from his chin.

Eli wanted to scream, or at least open his mouth when that unmistakable explosion of pain lanced through his body. Bright white stars burst in his mind, vision swimming in black, red, and white. He was sure God had left him now, leaving Victor in His place to punish him for all his faults. He had only ever wanted to make Him proud, to be loved.

Eli needed to be remembered.

“...Forever.”

[victorluvsalice]

Hello folks! I feel like I need to start moving to an "every OTHER week" schedule when it comes to posting the Chill Valicer Save updates, just because they always have a LOT of pictures, and it takes me a good long while to get them sorted with everything they need (even WITH the ability to now put like thirty pictures in a post if I so desire). So, this week, you instead get a look at one of my more recent builds -- the Community Conservatory! My first-ever Community Space lot! I actually built this for my potential "Valicer In The Dark" save file, as it's meant to represent the abandoned conservatory that Victor turns into a neighborhood garden during the course of that AU. I thought doing it as a community space and having the building noticeably improve as you took it through the Community Garden, Maker Space, and Marketplace lot subtypes would be a neat idea --

And it was indeed! :D It proved to be a pretty simple build -- I knew pretty much exactly what I wanted it to look like, meaning getting the initial shell down was really easy -- but it was a very fun one too. :) Let me take you through the various stages:

Community Space: The "default" space, this is just the shell of the building, with a little outhouse to the side and the voting board. It's completely empty inside, and I've done a little "moveobjects on" to put some cracks and such on some of the windows to make it look a little more rundown. This is the basic "abandoned conservatory" lot.

Community Garden: This is what it looks like after the Three Pillars have got it cleaned up, started making planters, and word has spread around their neighborhood, Six Towers, about this new free garden. I wanted it to look like the community had revitalized it, so all the various cracks and such are gone and there's a bunch of flowers outside. :) The entrance hall has a few hale bales to sit on and some gardening tools; the main octagon has floor planters, a bee box, and various garden-related decorations (lots of potted plants, a potting bench, and the like); the left wing is all about vertical gardens; and the right wing is all about insect farms! Oh, and the outhouse has been gussied up with a floor rug and a bit of art. :) I wanted it to be fun and inviting, and I think it came out well!

Maker Space: People have decided they want to do some crafting here, so some old beams and tin roof sheeting has been scavenged from an old factory and set up as extra cover around the back so people can set up communal crafting projects -- plus some stuff for their children! :) As I didn't want to mess with the main build (the whole point is that this space is CLEARLY the same building, just being built up more and more as you progress through the various spaces), I ended up having to put the "maker space" stuff outside -- and I wanted to make sure it was protected from the rain, so I did the old "floating roofs" trick and put some columns at each corner to make it look like the beams were holding them up. (I WAS going to do proper awnings/pergolas, but either they didn't look right or I couldn't get the stuff underneath them.) Included is the recycling machine, a fabricator, a woodworking bench, and a candle-making station under one roof, and a juice fizzer, three children's activity tables, and some toys appropriate for all ages under the other! So there should be something for just about everyone.

Marketplace: People have decided as long as they're MAKING stuff, they may as well SELL it too and have dragged some selling tables into the front yard...and if they're doing that, there's this old barrel someone turned into a grill, and these planks could be painted or carved and turned into picnic benches... :) The final upgrade to the space, we have the Jungle Adventures selling tables out front, along with some picnic tables and a grill. I was going to put one of the vendor stalls too, as that's a optional thing the game suggests, but none of them looked right, and this is a small lot with limited room, so I decided to forget it (I mean, the picnic area IS already really close to the outhouse, which is both good and bad XD). This is when the conservatory becomes a true community space for the residents, and I wanted it to look even more happy and colorful. I think I succeeded. :)

So yeah, that's the Community Conservatory build! Now, I haven't put this one up on the Gallery, but I would be open to doing it -- if I knew how putting these types of lot up on the Gallery worked. Since, you know, it's REALLY four lots...do you just upload one lot variant at a time, or do you get all four if you upload one? If it's just one lot variant at a time, that's okay -- I'm thinking I'd put up the base "Community Space" build as the only build of mine that does not require fifty million packs. XD Let me know what you think, and how uploading would work! More store shenanigans with the Chill Valicer trio next week!

[wreywrites]

Tiger Shark

Part 6: The Reef

Chapter 32

Alvan is talking about cows. I don’t know anything about cows except that they taste good. I remember having some sort of cow to eat at my Victory Banquet—what did Finnick say it was?

Finnick.

I let out a choked sob.

Alvan’s hand, which has been absently rubbing my back like my dad used to when I was sick, squeezes my shoulder. Sturdy, present.

Stay with me.

I can’t.

~~~                               ~~~                               ~~~

Alvan is still talking about cows. How long has it been?

He says something about how much he hates long horns.

“’N’ the meat ain’t even good. It’s too gamey, but maybe nobody but us in Ten knows any better. Y’know, Annie, I don’t even know if y’all eat beef in Four? Or’s it just fish? ’N’ octopus… es?”

He’ll taste like whatever I cook him in.

“I think—’n’ this’s a hill I’ll die on, metaphorically—that the best eatin’s a Hereford, but damn if they ain’t such nice cows it’s hard to butcher ’em, ’specially when we have to butcher our own if we want ’nythin’ other’n scraps.”

This is my lobster. I caught it. It’s mine.

“Had an old Hereford cow. Bought ’er with some’a my winnings, ’cause what else’ll I spend it all on? ’Course, I had to leave ’er home with my brother ’n’ his family, but I know they’ll take good care of ’er.” Alvan pauses. He talks about that cow the way I think I would talk about Jade and Coral if I was in his place and he in mine. He takes a slow breath. “Hope they’re alright. ’N’ I hope they know I’d trade the cow for them in a heartbeat.”

He falls silent.

I should say something. Let him know I’m awake and back. I don’t. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know anything anymore.

“Annie… I’m so sorry.”

“He was right there.” I drag my gaze from the far wall to Alvan. He’s blurry through the tears I don’t bother to blink away. “He was right there with us.”

Alvan hangs his head. “He went back for Johanna. They were too far away. The Capitol was ready. We almost didn’t make it out, Annie. ’N’- ’n’… he would’a wanted some’a us to get out rather’n all go back for him.”

“That’s Haymitch talking,” I snarl, though I know he’s right.

“Yeah, I know. Problem is it’s true. I don’t like it either.”

“What now?” I whisper. “We’re here, what do we do? We have to get him back. And Johanna, and…” I don’t know who else they have.

He sighs. “Finnick, Johanna, Cecelia, Cashmere… ’n’ Peeta. ’N’ who knows how many’a the other mentors besides Peeta are left.”

“Left?”

“They- Annie- You’ve been outta things for a couple’a days now, ’n’ yesterday mornin’ they lined up a dozen’a the other victors, ’n’… Annie…” A tear falls down his cheek. “Annie, they shot ’em. Right’n the street. Raela ’n’ Augustus ’n’-” He sniffles, dragging his sleeve across his nose.

“And who?” I don’t want to know the answer.

Alvan takes a shaky breath. “Beck.”

Beck.

~~~                               ~~~                               ~~~

For days, they say Katniss is even more out of it than I am.

By they, I mean the only people who come visit me. Alvan, who rarely leaves my room. Plutarch Heavensbee, who drops by twice, that I remember, to apologize. Gloss, who seems almost as lost and clueless as me.

One day, when he sends Alvan out to eat and get some sleep in a real bed, Gloss tells me he wasn’t in on the plan. Not even in the end. But he and Cashmere were intrigued by our alliance and how stable it looked, and they didn’t trust Brutus and Enobaria as far as they could throw them. So they watched and waited and listened and pieced it together that we were breaking out. In the end, they knew more than I did. They wanted out, and when Haymitch and Alvan saw our staged fight, they were willing to bring them along. Gloss made it out with us. Cashmere was farther into the trees, fighting Nine. Cashmere, like Johanna, like Cecelia, like Finnick, was too far away.

So Gloss is here, an unwitting accomplice in the rebellion, and now more than willing to join up and fight. Mostly to get Cashmere out, but also because, he admits, he likes being alive.

It is Gloss who eventually gets me up and out of the hospital room and cleared for a normal room.

Normal. As if anything can be normal here in Thirteen, who knows how far underground, living in uncaring conditions with uncaring hosts.

With Alvan’s help, and I suspect a little interference higher up from Plutarch, he and Gloss get me moved into Room 405 with them, instead of a room with three other girls. Three strangers. The people in charge aren’t happy about two men and a woman living together, but they seem even less happy that three of us are taking up a room meant for four. But we are the victors they got out. Katniss is living with her mother and sister. Haymitch is locked in a room somewhere while he is forced to finally completely sober up. Apparently he was running on adrenaline in the arena, and now that we’re out and in zero-alcohol-allowed District Thirteen, he’s pretty much dying. Beetee practically lives down in Weapons Development.

That leaves me, Alvan, and Gloss. The three they didn’t want. The three that, if all had gone according to plan, would have been on the second hovercraft out of the arena. Well, actually, in a perfect world, Gloss would have been dead. Alvan, Cecelia, and I would have been the afterthoughts.

But due to unforeseen circumstances, they got us, because we were all they could get. And no one else can live with us. Alvan says they did try to stick two other men in with him and Gloss, and that lasted exactly one night. Neither of them sleep well. None of us do. I’m something of an anomaly among victors because once I finally fall asleep, I tend to sleep through the night. But some poor barnacles from Thirteen got thrown in with Alvan and Gloss and didn’t know what they were getting into. The next day they got assigned to a different room.

And I can’t exactly live with strangers, what with my nice plastic bracelet that says “mentally disoriented” in big letters.

Almost like my subconscious needed to prove I needed the label, the bracelet sent my mind off on a lark. For seven hours. Which is a record, unless I’ve forgotten another long one, but I haven’t slipped for more than an hour straight since Finnick and I started living together, exclusive of the incident during the Seventy-Third Hunger Games. And my first days here, but I was in and out, and fairly drugged up. The circumstances were extenuating.

I think it should get a pass, but Alvan says they’ve already threatened to dope me up if it happens again. They don’t care that the last person who gave me a bracelet is now a prisoner in the Capitol, probably being tortured for all he’s worth in an attempt to get information that he probably doesn’t even have.

So I promise to do better, and Alvan promises that Finnick is too pretty for the Capitol to torture him much. They’re going to need that face. I’m not sure how that’s supposed to make me feel better, but it does. Self-delusion. Quality stuff.

And it does make me realize something. It doesn’t matter which side has us. They’re going to need our faces.

It hits me at lunch one day, right on schedule, eating the same food as yesterday in the same gray clothes. We are victors. Thirteen needs us. We can make demands.

And after about five days of absolute misery during which I can barely keep track of anything and I suspect I have spent more time fading in and out than actually aware of what’s going on around me. Five days of Alvan screaming himself awake multiple times a night. Five days of Gloss’s endless pacing before bed, tossing and turning all night. Five days of their best efforts to talk me to sleep but they just don’t have what Finnick does. I would kill for my little radio with its little holochips.

After five days of this, I am ready to make my demands.

I march down to the command center, throw the doors open, suck in a breath.

“Finnick,” I say. That is all.

A smile flashes across Plutarch’s face.

President Coin frowns. “I’m afraid I don’t understand-”

“Finnick, Johanna, Cashmere, Cecelia. And Peeta.” He’s almost an afterthought. But I’m not friends with Katniss and Peeta. The Capitol didn’t give us that chance. It’s horrible, but it’s easy to forget him when I think about the others.

Coin is still frowning.

“You have to get them out. You need us. We need them. So you need them.”

Coin presses her lips into a thin line. “You don’t get to make demands.”

As if we’d planned it, the door opens behind me and Gloss strides in. He’s such a dominating presence, I wonder for half a second if I should have brought him with me in the first place and we could have presented a unified front instead of barging in separately.

“None of you get to make demands,” Coin continues, before Gloss can get a word in edgewise. Her voice is measured and cold. We are not people to her, we are tools.

And we are not the tools she wanted.

****

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