#2nd piece is because i was like. man there needs to be SOME showing of climbing chrash on this blog

[midnightdemonhunter]

Ties that bind!

[zabchan]

Big Moana 2 Spoilers ahead. Beyond the cut is the Samoan to english translation of maui's 2nd song for moana. (And the context it appears in)

ladies and gents of the moana fandom, thanks to the effort of samoan speaker @yuki685 on youtube, and my buddy @rykierykerman for hooking me up with the text and screenshots

what i'd like to discuss with yall today is not only sharing the translation for this song, but some of the character implication this has for maui, especially when you look at how his OG legends depict him.

LYRICS:

(Maui singing in Samoan):

Aue, aue, le faigata / Aue, aue, how difficult it is

Ua pa'ū fa'anoanoa / Falling into sadness

Aue, aue, fa'ataga ola / Aue, aue, please allow this life to continue

Lenā La'u talosaga / This is my prayer

---

(E manu malo) / May there be blessings

(Opataia Foa'i and Te Vaka singing in Tokelauan)

Tele tele mana e o te vavau (Vavau) / Great, great power of mana

Tau ke tu ke Manumalo / Fight, stand tall and be victorious

Ke Manumalo / Be victorious

---

(Grandma Tala)

Aue, aue, mana e o te vavau / Aue, aue, the power of mana

Tau ke tu ke Manumalo / Fight, stand tall and be victorious

Ke Manumalo / Be victorious

Ke Manumalo / Be victorious

Ke Manumalo / Be victorious

_____

The piece that made me flip my shit when I read it was the confirmation that this song is a PRAYER

when I first heard this song before the movie I assumed it was a funeral rite. a dirge, followed by a choral revival. during the film, when maui and then the ancestors sang it over moana's lifeless body and I had no subtitles to go on, I thought perhaps it was a spell, or maybe a lullaby from Maui's far distant past, then taken up by the ancestors as a comfort to the grieving Maui- then back to the spell theory as Moana awoke to the powerful music and emotion channeled by tala and her crew.

even my first google translate search of the lyrics missed the word prayer, which goes to show that AI translation is no match for native human insight.

Maui's song being a prayer is a friggin big deal.

Maui's stories span the width & breadth of the pacific islands, and each culture arising from those island tells variations on that legend. some emphasize his rebellious side, others his inventiveness, still others his drive, his humor, his ingenuity, his pride. But a common theme in most is that this man, this demigod- he does NOT get along with the majority of his ancestors or the gods. Even when he's not outright malevolent to them, he's tricking them or undermining their effort. He's usually stubbornly self-sufficient, if he gets help from someone divine, its usually because he tricked them into doing it. Maui does not beg, he does not plead. (at least, not with any lasting sincerity). he's a charmer, a schemer.

But here he is, his tattoos stripped away, his hook gone, his beloved Moana growing colder and colder- he's out of tricks. he's out of time, out of power. he's as helpless as the day he was thrown into the ocean to save her. rock bottom, figuratively and literally.

he does the absolute last thing he can, born of pure desperation. pure grief, pure need. He prays.

he prays not expecting an answer. he prays, knowing that the gods and all his family would relish the chance to tell him to fuck all the way off. he prays, even if to no one but moana's lifeless body.

i often joke that maui is bad at feelings. but really what i mean is that maui is bad at regulating his feelings. he represses them as hard as he can, denies them, wraps them in humor and when that fails he straight up tries to out run them. its a maladaptive coping skill he's had to pick up over his immortal 3000 year lifespan because otherwise, he'd be wallowing in endless grief as friend after friend either dies or lives long enough to become his antagonist. boy has some serious trauma built up and no good examples of how to handle it in a healthy way.

until moana.

moana provided an example of how to be vulnerable without being weak. a safe space where he could share his heart and be met with understanding and validation. we see him mature, even fractionally, and in the sequel he's not nearly so closed off. he worries openly about moana, admits his concerns about the mission, even returns moana's favor from the first film and gives her a sincere, supportive pep talk.

but all his progress in processing his emotions seems to backfire in this moment. the first time he'd opened his heart to a fragile mortal friend and here he is, exactly as he feared, devastated at her passing. He had invested real time and care and attachment into this human and he's utterly shattered that its all coming to an end so fast. that he'll never experience her voice or her smile or her wit ever again.

she's precious to him. he cant bear to lose her. his sadness in more crushing than the ocean he's surrounded by, denser than the rock he kneels upon. even if he got his powers back, even if he pulled up a million islands, if Moana isn't there to land on them...there's no point.

less than 10 minutes ago he was ready to die for her.

3 minutes ago in movie time, maui faced his own mortality. powers stripped bare, down to his last ounce of strength, frying in impossible lightning heat, he kept struggling. the first look he gives moana is fear, raw and unfamiliar on that handsome face. but in this penultimate moment, his eyes meet moana's. his grimace gentles, eyebrows lift, gaze softens into a regretful, heart melting smile. he finds small comfort in seeing moana for one last time, seeing her unhurt, hearing her call his name. the rope slips from his grip, and somewhere in the milliseconds between lightning flashes, he relaxes, relief skitters across his features. perhaps he thinks "ahh, at least she's ok." "at least she'll outlive me". perhaps he has a moment of acceptance for his fate, knowing she's proud of him, knowing he did his very best. maybe he thinks ,"this way ill be sure to meet her again, in the afterlife. its for the best."

or maybe, just maybe, he thinks

"see you out there, moana."

but now, 3 minutes later, its once again the worst case scenario. any relief he had in that last smile at her is obliterated in the wake of his grief. its once again the worst case scenario. he's not thinking now of the curse being broken or his hook or his tattoos. a world that she's not in, whether he be human or demigod, is not a world he can stand to exist in. he cant do this without her. he needs her.

so he digs deep inside himself, through the pain or losing her, through his own family trauma and antagonism towards authority, and pride, to beg, on his knees for help from a higher power. its unclear to us if he's intending to pray to the gods or to his own ancestors or both or neither. to anyone who can help. to anyone who will listen.

and its neither of those sources who answer, at least, not as directly as matai vasa or tala do. its moana's kin, her loved ones, (eventually including the ocean), who answer from the great beyond. he looks them in the eyes and they weep with him. they sing power over moana and the impossible happens.

(salacious handholding occurs)

the stars are put back in maui's eyes, the sun back into his sky.

does this mean...

yes.

his tattoos are still cooler than hers.

even when theyre mad at him. (same, little guy, same.)

bruh.

now kiss

[annievrse]

[college] basketball!eren

—ᡣ𐭩 headcanons a/n: guys i’m back in the waiting room (& it’s fkn hot today)……… let’s write some headcanons!!

a few points i've made in my bf!eren headcanons:

in basketball games against certain colleges, bf!eren gets so fired up and aggressive and lippy. he talks so much shit on the court (he's known for it), and isn't afraid to take shit either (which pisses off the other team, and the whole cycle starts again). but, it's a bonus for you when he gets off the court because he's looking extra hot..... and he knows it...... asshole

you wear bf!eren's spare jersey to his basketball games

bf!eren with a chain under his basketball jersey, his hair tied back and a thin headband, tape on his dodgy shoulder......... oh lordy

bf!eren's post-game meal is 3 big macs and 2 mcchickens AND a kids nugget meal (he wants to give you the toy that comes with it because he’s cute) but don’t forget dessert!! he sips his *diet* coke as a palate cleanser and then inhales an apple pie

bf!eren gets a job coaching a kids' basketball team, and that is a canon event

now i will elaborate....

basketball!eren wears nba jerseys in everyday life with sweat shorts & dunks/vans/birkenstocks (with socks) he is an effortlessly stylish college athlete ok he can pull off anything

basketball!eren has a piece of sports tape around his wrist with your name written in marker <3 (points to it whenever he scores if you aren’t there (e.g. games on the other side of the country), otherwise his finger is on you in the crowd)

whenever his favourite team is playing (call him basic, call him a bandwagon, but my man is in love with steph curry, so you know he supports golden state) & he can’t watch at home on the tv, basketball!eren sits and watches it on his phone (warning: he will speak to the phone like the team can hear him so keep an eye on him in public, especially at the library because he will yell)

basketball!eren got mvp in sophomore year (jean was like 2 points behind him) and he holds it over jean’s head because he is cheeky and a dick

basketball!eren wears a suit to and from his games (specifically a navy one with a white shirt, no tie, and its just so rahhhhhh) with his headphones on and a large cup of black coffee

now, i don't want to expose basketball!eren here, but in his headphones, only on game days, he plays taylor swift & rihanna

basketball!eren texts you nonstop when he's on the bus/plane to games (because connie is his seatmate (he loves him to death) but connie knocks the fuck out on these trips so eren gets very bored)

basketball!eren wears his hair in 2 styles when he plays: completely tied back with a thin headband or fully out with a thin headband (frothing over here sorry don't look at me: heavy emphasis on the 2nd style though)

basketball!eren has like a couple hundred thousand followers on instagram because he's a college basketball player and he's good and hot as fuck

basketball!eren posts photo dumps once a fortnight as a wrap-up for that time period because his life is so crazy hectic that he always has content for a new dump (i wish he was real guys)

basketball!eren loves loves showing you off (private but not secret on social media) & buying you gifts (instagram stories of your wrist with the new bracelet he gifted you for your birthday)

basketball!eren gets drafted in his senior year of college :') (chooses to graduate first and then go to the nba - he wasn't studying biomedical science for nothing!!! (not that he needs it anymore.......))

basketball!eren gets rookie of the year in his first season (crying)

[the-quiet-youve-been-longing-for]

Okay time for another small (I hope) analysis on IWTV, mainly the way it's written and its place on current television. I'll try my best to format this so it's not ramblings all over, I promise.

IWTV and plot points

I watched a good amount of television in my time, and one thing I noticed here is the fact that it doesn't hold your hand. It doesn't tell you "hey, this thing x is important, now we will tell again why x is important, now here see x being used, the important thing we talked about so far, did you remember, audience?".

Let's take as an example the "don't drink the blood of the living" thing. It's said to a young Louis (telling also to the audience in the 2nd episode how vampirism in this setting works) and then every time it's brought up it's indirectly (Lestat spitting out the sick man's blood, we see Claudia buying Laudanum and we know what it will be used for, but they don't tell us "Hey, Claudia is planning to poison someone so that Lestat drinks it, because remember audience, dead blood kills them"). Sometimes not only it doesn't hold your hand, but shoves you in a different direction, especially in S2. It contradicts himself, backtracks and then it's up to you to spot it.

For example, attentive viewers may have noticed that Sam was in 2 places at once in the trial, one episode before the actual reveal. It isn't a gotcha they came up with in the finale to give more gravitas to the revelation. When they tell us Lestat mass manipulated the audience, it makes sense for the storyline too because we already saw him do that with the soldiers, we have a previous example to refer to, Armand never used that particular power.

In a time where we see so many social media adopt the "short videos" gimmick, like reels and shorts etc, having a piece of media that references back in this way is super refreshing.

2. Character complexity

Complex characters are the backbone of this show. It's easy to place a character in a box and leave them there. You see it with the stereotype of the villain, the best friend, the hero. Some tv shows may have the character shift into a different box, but it's almost never permanent (think of the times where a hero gets corrupted by the Evil Power, but then reverts back to their hero status after Defeating the Evil Power because they remembered the Power of Friendship).

We have Louis, well meaning vampire who is capable of horrible deeds when pushed to the brink. Lestat, who feels so much to the point it hurts the people around him. Armand, whose trauma and fear bring out the need to control, but at the same time he needs to do that without actually controlling. They are all these things at the same time, and it's impossible to see them in a black and white perspective.

3. Details

A line almost always has its parallels to another line in the show, gazes always mean something, props are detailed and shown (I made a post looking at Daniel's notes in 2x05, which were shown for a second only, but you can also think about Claudia's diaries, all handwritten, or the astonishing amount of folders that were in Daniels computer from the Talamasca. That is all prop work done to be shown for a few seconds at most).

4. Analysis

This is more of a fandom thing than the show itself, but I was suprised by the amount of deep analysis that people here on Tumblr did (but also on other social media). Long essays on the meaning of a scene, or on the many many topics the show brings to light (the fallacy of memory, the impact of trauma, the meaning of free will and agency).

Similarly lots of people said that the show brought them back the urge to start creating, whether it's gifs, video essays, edits, fanart, fics, what have you. I started going back to Tumblr after years (last time I was here was during S4 of Sherlock).

And I feel like this is only possible if you give your audience something to work with, something to talk about and to dissect, rather than simple "entertainment".

5. Final thoughts

Of course, this isn't to say IWTV is error free, all perfect, without flaws. Nor is it the only one that has had this amount of labor and impact. But it's still miles ahead from most media we have available at the moment in my opinion, and I really hope its success brings other showrunners or directors to want to try and dare, to trust in their audience, to avoid shortcuts and to pour love in their creation.

If you got this far, I just want to thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings again! Have a cute Louis as a reward, and see you next time :)

[mackeydoodledoo]

She Wears Short Skirts, I Wear T-shirts: Chapter 5

Pairing: Bridget (Cheerleader AU) x (Fem!)Reader

Chapter Summary: You return to your final 2nd semester of high school, ever. Hopeful. You decided to tell Bridget how you felt about that kiss during winterbreak and tell her how you feel about her overall... However... Someone might have beaten you to it...

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, Semi-Angst

Chapter Key: Italics = Thoughts, +*+ = Time Skip, F/n = Friend's name, B/n = Band Name, Bold/Italic = Flashback, M/n = Manager's name

Chapter Theme: Distracted (Reimagined) - Honey Revenge

A/n: Have fun :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Y/n's POV* You walk into school after spending the final day of freedom at another gig. You shot Bridget an invite but you didn't see her in the crowd. You guessed she was busy.

More shows to come...

Your mind never left the kiss you had with her. You wanted to talk about it with her. But, each time you did talk to her before she hadn't texted in a few days, but it was difficult for you to bring up. You didn't want her to make it seem like she was a bad kisser....

In fact... It was the best kiss you've ever had.

Albeit it was the first one.

"Yo Y/n, I need you for a second," F/n says, immediately dragging you into the band hall

"What?" You ask, "I'm trying to look for Bridget, I have to talk to her."

"Yeah, don't," F/n says

"What?!" You ask, nearly raising your voice, "Why not?!"

"Why all of a sudden you want to talk to Bridget?.... Unless... Did..." She gasps, "Did you two kiss?!"

"SHHHHHHH!" You push them into the nearest practice room, "So what if we did?"

"You caught feelings? Didn't you," She makes playful eyes at you

"So?!" You ask, shoving them, "She hasn't texted me since she left for that trip with her family."

"Yeah, but you said she hasn't texted you after she got back right?" She asks

"Yeah, but I'm sure she has her reasons," You say, "I simply guessed she was busy."

"Yeah... So..." F/n attempts to piece words together

"What? F/n just tell me!" you sigh in frustration

The both of you hear the warning bell...

"Come on or we'll both be late!" You growl

"Okay! Okay!" She yelps, "But, don't have a go at me..."

She hold her phone up to you... Your internal organs drop....

It was Bridget.... And the Football team's star... James Hook...

I saw this on my fyp here... For some reason... Might want to drop it to Y/n.... So she won't fall for the wrong girl....

That was from your guitarist...

"Wh....What?...." Your breath leaves your body

"I'm sorry Y/n.... I really am..." F/n sighs

It was... All... Fake?....

"Come on," She says pulling you along, "Let's get to class..."

+*+

Throughout the entire school day, you've been attempting to keep yourself focused on the class lessons. However, your mind always goes back to the picture your friend showed you...

"Yo Y/n, are you okay?" Another band friend asks, "You look live you've seen a ghost... Oh wait, is it because of?...."

They want to say her name, but they don't. You nod, knowing who they're talking about.

"Sorry man," They tell you, patting you on the shoulder

I have no clue if they actually feel bad for me or pity me...

You turn to walk to the band room. Bridget hadn't sought you out all day... The realization only made your heart ache more. You just wanted to be anywhere she wasn't... Even if the ache was lifted for a short moment... It'd be a better feeling...

"Y/n, pull your head outta your ass," F/n whispers sharply

Shit...

You forgot you were in band class... Playing an expert from a piece for the upcoming winter concert...

"Y/n, play that again, since your head was off elsewhere," The band director says, sighing

"Dude, that's the third time you missed the entrance," F/n whispers

Oh my god what?....

You play the excerpt exquisitely.

"Everything alright Y/n?" Band director asks, "It isn't you to be off in the clouds."

"No, I'm fine, Sorry Mr. [Band director name], won't happen again," You say

You lock up your equipment in your locker and begin walking tot he exit.

"Heard your little girlfriend left you for a man," A bully steps in front of you

"Yeah, and?" You ask, trying to move to get to the exit quicker, "It's fine."

"Clearly it's bothering you," They continue to taunt, "The fact you couldn't bag the cheer captain is really bothering you."

"It really isn't," You lie, "Now move."

"Not until you admit it!" They smirk

"Hey!" F/n comes up behind you

"Shit..." The bully and their goons run off

"Come on Y/n," She grabs your hand, leading you to the exit

"Thanks buddy," You say

"You owe me food later," They say

+*+

When you get home from school, your parents greet you happily however, their expression changes when they see your blank stare.

"Honey what's the matter?" Your mom hugs you

"That... That girl that came over for Christmas...." You say, "She... She never liked me back...."

"Oh honey...." Your mom hugs you again, "Do you want me to make you your favorite meal?"

"N-no," You say, "I have work soon..."

"Here, I'll make you your favorite snack before you go then," She dashes off into the kitchen

+*+

Work was okay, to say the least, there was a rush of people right as you got in, but died down after an hour or so.

You were about to go to the back when you hear the bell hit the door.

"Welcome in-...." Your voice, chipper then trailing off

Bridget... And Hunter....

"Oh! Y/n...." Her eyes divert away from you, but still holding Hunter's hand

"Oh look, the loser is working in some dingy record store," Hunter attempts to make fun of you, "How very... low of you."

You say nothing more as they begin to browse the sections of music. You walk into the back.

"Hey M/n, there's two people out there," You say, "Would you be willing to help them out?"

"Can't you?" They ask

You shake your head without trying to break out into tears. But, they saw through you easily. He sighs as he stands from his seat.

"Alright Y/n, you go take your break," He tells you

As you sit in the chair in your manager's office, you try to clear your head.

"Hey, is Y/n back there?" Bridget's voice asks, muffled through the door

"She is, however, she is currently on a break and wishes to not be bothered," Your manager says

"Oh... Okay," She says, "This is all I'm purchasing today."

Perks of working since you were sixteen, your manager enjoys your company enough to help you when you're extremely distressed. You wait until your manager comes back.

"Care to explain Y/n?" He asks, sitting back on his seat

"Sure..." You sigh

+*+

You explain to him the entire situation: Seeing her at your gig, Homecoming, Christmas break, and even your first kiss.

"Wow...." They sigh, "Should have known she was a cheerleader. I'm honestly not surprised that she pulled something like this...."

"She didn't seem like the person to do that," You say

"Well, I guess you don't truly know a person," He says, "It's such a shame really... I've seen her a lot in the local newspaper. Seemed like such a nice person."

"She was my only distraction from the hell of this town," You say, "But it's oh well..."

"Why don't you take the rest of the night off," He says, "We're slow and you need some rest before you head off to indoor percussion this weekend."

You nod. You honestly needed the hours, but he was right. You needed to get your mind out of the gutter, the deep, deep parts of a gutter before the weekend.

"I'll tell you all about it like always when I come back," You say, "Goodnight, M/n."

"Night, Y/n," They see you out

+*+

When you get home, your parents were watching TV in the living room.

"Oh, Y/n, you're home early," Your dad says

"Boss sent me home early," You sigh

As you lay in your bed, trying to sleep, your phone dings.

I can explain. Well then, what is there to explain? I can see whatever the fuck you did with my own two eyes. Was whatever the hell we had not real enough for you?

You didn't see a reply after then....

Figures...

You out your phone onto your nightstand, and put in some ASMR to help lull you sleep....

+*+

You pack your duffle into the passenger side of your car and begin making your way to the carpool parking lot where your friends had been meeting for the last few weekends for indoor percussion season.

Please... Let me explain. Clearly you can't explain Bridget. I'm going to indoor percussion this weekend. Don't bother me....

Your friend that's in your band with you didn't do indoor percussion like you did. But, that was fine with you. You needed a fresh new surrounding and new faces to look at for a little while.

+*+

"Yo! Y/n... Whoa... You look like shit, what happened?" Your indoor friend asks

"Let's just say the person I liked did not reciprocate feelings, and I lost sleep over it," You say, putting your duffle bag into their trunk, "If you're going to ask me if I'm fine before rehearsal tonight, I'm going to be fine."

"Okay," They say, "But, if you want to talk about it.... We're here for you. You don't have to take over driving this weekend. Just contribute to gas like always. Plus, maybe nap on the way down. Maybe that'll help."

"I 'preciate it," You smile, "Come on, another weekend with indoor is upon us!"

"At least We can look forward to our usual hang outs after every rehearsal!" they say

You nod.

You hop into the backseat of your friend's car.

As your indoor friend begins driving down to the next state south, you plug in your music... Attempting to shut out the world. At least you know when you're at indoor percussion, you are able to push your emotions away until you go back at the end of the weekend.

Chapter 6

[kyleoreillylover]

Show, Don’t Tell 📸

Sami Zayn x Fem!Black!Reader x Jey Uso

Summary: You finally snap and betray the very man you helped build up-Roman Reigns, and Sami and Jey want to help you pick up the pieces. But it's easier said than done, and with the rich history between the two of you, you understandably don't want to listen to a word they have to say. But Jey and Sami decide that to fully get through to you, they have to show you-rather than tell you-how much they love you.

warnings: smut!! threesome, angst to smut to fluff. word count: 15,895 tag list: @southerngirl41 @venusesworld @jeysbae @reci1996 @tbonesteakwithasideofmashngrav @hope4more @selena-tyler-564 @saintaquarius

a/n: I finally gave in and wrote a samijey fanfic because they are just so cute and hot and cute and pretty and ughh!! I'm a sucker for both of them, especially for sami, just look at him 🥹 Hope ya'll enjoy this!

incoming text from unknown number: i saw what happened. just want you to know i’m here for you. me and jey are here for you. hope ur okay.

outgoing text to unknown number: leave me alone.

incoming text from unknown number: okay, icing me out, using your typical defense mechanisms. clearly you’re not okay. and i'm gonna make sure you are, whether you like it or not. 

outgoing text to unknown number: seriously, fuck off.

incoming text from unknown number: i didn’t give up on jey, you really think i’m gonna give up on you? i’m saving you from yourself, because i care for you. see you later. <3

You let out a huff as you shut off your phone for good and pocketed it, the city skylines passing by as your uber drove through the bustling streets. The moon shined down on the city, casting shadows that danced along the buildings. You leaned back in your seat, trying to push away the memories of the night as your mind raced with conflicting emotions. Hurt. Pain. Suffocation.

All those feelings swirled within you, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

You scratched at your skin, feeling the restlessness creeping in, the pain grounding you in a way. The Uber pulled up to your hotel, and you stepped out, feeling the cool night air against your face.

You finally did it. You betrayed the man who you helped build up, who helped you both get to the top of the industry, your own best friend.

And you couldn't feel more sick.

The weight of your actions bore down on your shoulders, the guilt twisting in your gut as you entered the hotel lobby. The receptionist offered a polite smile, but you barely acknowledged it as you headed straight for the elevator.

Acknowledge. You scoffed, feeling like the last thing you wanted to do was acknowledge anything or anyone at the moment. Everything was like a reminder of him. A reminder of how you had let him use you, and it felt like a knife twisting in your heart.

As the elevator doors slid open, you stepped inside and pressed the button for the 2nd floor. The soft hum of the elevator did little to soothe the turmoil inside you. Each passing second felt like an eternity as you ascended, thoughts racing, memories flashing before your eyes.

The doors pinged open, and you walked down the hallway, the click of your shoes on the polished floor echoing in the silence. You walked across the hall and opened the door to the bar, ready to find some solace in a drink or to avoid your problems- and the one person who you knew was trying to find you. The low hum of conversations and clinking glasses drowned out your emotions momentarily.

You slid onto a barstool, the cool wood offering a brief distraction from the whirlwind in your mind. The bartender approached, a friendly smile on their face.

"What can I get for you tonight?" they asked, wiping down the counter.

You hesitated, your mind still reeling. "Something strong, god knows I need it." you murmured, your voice barely audible over the ambient noise.

The bartender nodded knowingly and began to prepare a drink. You didn't offer a smile when she set down the glass in front of you, the amber liquid reflecting the dim lights of the bar. Taking a deep breath, you wrapped your fingers around the glass, the coldness seeping into your skin.

Just like the chill in your heart.

Everything felt cold. The air. Your skin. Your soul. Your mind.

You took a sip of the strong drink, the burning sensation down your throat momentarily distracting you from the chaos in your mind. But it was a fleeting respite. The bitter taste lingered, mirroring the bitterness that consumed your thoughts. You brushed a strand of your curly hair from your face, trying to focus on anything but the mess that your life had become, the mess you had become.

You weren't supposed to be like this. You were supposed to be untouchable, strong, always in control. successful, strong, and in control. But now, sitting at that bar, you felt none of those things. Even though you finally took control, you felt like everything was spiraling out of your grasp. Every sip of the drink brought a mix of numbness and a sharp sting of reality.

You didn't know how long you were sitting there, but you know you eventually got bored of sitting alone in the bar, drowning in your thoughts and the bitter taste of the drink that did little to ease your pain. You knew you had to eventually get up, relish in the fact that you have some kind of control left in your life, and that started by facing the man who you wanted nothing more from then for him to finally leave you alone.

Your keycard dinged as you approached your room door, the soft sound echoing in the hallway. With a heavy sigh, you slid the keycard into the lock and pushed open the door.

"You finally stopped avoiding me?" A familiar voice called out from the room, interrupting your thoughts.

"Fuck off." You replied coldly, slipping off your jacket and settling it over a chair.

"I told you, being mad won't make me leave you alone," You turned to the voice, and locked eyes with the chocolate-brown eyes you loved to hate. Or tried to hate.

Sami sat on the edge of the bed, a concerned look etched onto his face you'd grown used to. His usually wild hair was tamer than usual, and the dim lights of the room illuminated the weariness in his expression. He looked tired, but his eyes held a determination you couldn't ignore.

"How did you get in here?" You ignored his words, your voice laced with frustration.

Sami sighed, standing up and taking a step closer. "Bianca gave me your keycard. She was worried about you too."

You clenched your jaw, feeling the anger simmering beneath your skin. "You two need to learn how to mind your own business."

"You can yell at her after you're done yelling at me," Sami's words made you pause, and he continued, his tone softer, more earnest. "I know you're angry, and you have every right to be. But you're also hurting, and I want to help."

You scoffed, the bitterness in your voice unmistakable. "I don't need your help. What I need is for you to leave me alone and get the hell out of my room, and get the hell out of my life."

Sami took a step closer, ignoring your cold tone. "Maybe you don't need it, but you deserve it."

You glared at Sami, frustration bubbling within you at his persistence. Why wouldn't he just leave you alone? "I deserve to have a moment alone to myself, not have you out of all people suffocating me! Let's make this short and sweet. I don't care what you have to say, so leave me alone!"

Sami didn't listen to you- in fact he came closer to you, his gaze softening as he closed the distance between you. "You might not care for what I have to say, but you'll care for what he has to say."

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, before your eyes widened in realization and anger. "Sami…You didn't-"

"He did."

Your head whipped around at the sound of the new voice, freezing as you saw Jey standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a conflicted expression on his face. His presence in that moment was both a comfort and a stab in the heart that still held him dear to you.

"What are you doing here?" you snapped, feeling a surge of emotions you couldn't quite place. Confusion, anger, hurt, and something else you didn't want to acknowledge.

Jey pushed himself off the door frame, his eyes locking onto yours. "I needed to talk to you. Sami let me in."

"Well, I don't want to talk to you," you shot back, your voice sharper than you intended.

Jey winced at your words, taking a step into the room. "Then just listen to me."

"You really think I wanna listen to anything you have to say?" Your eyes were red with emotion as you tried to keep your composure. Sami's heart beaten with guilt as he looked at your fallen face, but he knew if he wanted to get through to you he was gonna have to bring the big guns- and that was Jey.

"I saw what happened tonight." Jey started, trying to settle the atmosphere with his calm, honey sweet voice, but you weren't having any of it.

"Good," you retorted, bitterness lacing your tone. "The same thing I did to Roman might happen to you if you don't leave me alone."

Jey winced at the the mention of Roman, his expression pained, He took another step forward, his eyes pleading. "

"I know how you're feeling."

You laughed bitterly, and the sound faded into the air like a haunting melody. "You have no idea how I'm feeling."

"I know you feel like you are sick to stomach, like you've betrayed someone you cared about." Jey spoke softly, his eyes holding a depth of understanding. "I know because I've been there too. I know what it's like to be torn between loyalty and doing what's right."

Your fists clenched at your sides, your emotions churning inside you. "Of course you know that! All you do is feel sorry for yourself and play the victim card, and I'm sick of it! I've been sick of it since you left The Bloodline, and you clearly haven't changed a bit since then."

You moved to the counter, putting some distance between yourself and Jey, trying to shield yourself from the flood of emotions his presence evoked. You needed to get them both the hell outta here before tings got messier than they already were.

Jey flinched at your words, hurt flashing across his features. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "I'm not asking for your forgiveness. I'm asking for a chance to explain."

"There's nothing to explain!" Your voice rose in frustration, the whirlwind of emotions spinning out of control. "You chose your path. You walked away from everything we had built together. And now you have the audacity to show up here and act like you have any right to speak to me?"

Jey's expression shifted from hurt to anger, and he walked over to you, his eyes glaring at you with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine. "And what was I supposed to do? Stay and let Roman control me? Control us? I made my choice, and it's the same choice you made tonight, so don't act like you're any different than me."

Your breath caught in your throat, his words striking a nerve. You glared back, trying to mask the vulnerability that threatened to spill over. "I didn't ask for your opinion."

Jey chuckled at you, the sound hollow and bitter. "There you go again, deflecting shit when things get too real. You shut people out instead of facing the truth." He paused, his gaze never leaving yours. "I'm not here to make excuses. I'm here to make things right."

You stared at him, his words echoing in your mind. You couldn't deal with this right now. You couldn't deal with your emotions threatening to pour out right now. Sami- you could hold him off for a moment, but Jey's presence alone cracked through your defenses. You felt the walls you had built around yourself crumbling, and it terrified you.

"I don't want your apologies," you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper. "I just want you both to leave."

Sami stepped forward, his expression softer but still determined. "Please, just listen to him."

You shook your head, feeling overwhelmed. The alcohol had dulled the edges of your emotions, but facing both Sami and Jey in that moment was a stark reminder of everything you were trying to suppress. "No. I'm going to bed, and I expect both of you to leave as soon as I go to my room."

You made a move to push past them, but Jey's hand shot out and grabbed your wrist gently, stopping you in your tracks. His touch was unexpected, sending a shiver down your spine. You looked at his hand, then slowly raised your gaze to meet his intense, conflicted eyes.

"I ain't letting you leave." Jey's voice was harsh yet pleading, and his eyes were the same as he stared at you, almost begging for your understanding. "I know I hurt you, but I couldn't let Roman's control consume me. And I can't let it consume you either."

You tried to pull your hand away, your voice filled with frustration. "Let go of me, Jey. I'm not doing this."

Sami stepped closer, a hand on your shoulder, squeezing it gently in a comforting gesture, as if trying to squeeze out the tension between the three of you. "Please, just hear us out. You can even slam the door on our faces after. You don't even have to talk, you just have to listen."

You glared at Sami, his touch only adding to your frustration. "I said I'm fine. I don't need either of you here."

Jey's grip on your wrist tightened slightly, not in a forceful way, but enough to make you stop and look at him. His eyes were searching yours, the intensity in them reflecting his inner turmoil. "Then why haven't you kicked us already? If you really wanted us gone, you woulda been called security on us."

You hesitated at his words. They were right. You could've easily made a scene and had them removed from your room, but something stopped you. A part of you wanted them to stay, to hear them out, even though you were fighting against it with every fiber of your being. But you were fighting it with all your might, trying to maintain control over a situation that was slipping further away.

"I don't owe you an explanation." Your voice was cold, but your face was betraying the facade you were desperately trying to uphold between the two men who knew you better than you knew yourself.

Jey released your wrist, but the weight of his touch lingered. "You don't owe us anything. But maybe, just maybe, you owe it to yourself."

His words echoed in your mind, the emotions within you intensifying. You turned away from both of them, gripping the edge of the counter as you tried to steady yourself.

Sami's hand left your shoulder, and you heard him move closer. "Tonight, you finally took a stand for yourself. You stood up against something that was suffocating you, just like Jey did. I know it feels like the world's crashing down on you right now, but you did what you thought was right."

You scoffed, feeling the turmoil within you reaching a breaking point. "You have no idea how I feel! You have no idea what it's like to feel like everything you 've built is crumbling around you!" You pushed Sami's chest away, turning to face them both with a cold stare. "You had a choice, Sami. You walked away, with no consequences. But I have to face these emotions myself. I have to face the man I created myself. Unlike you, I am not weak!"

You turned to Jey and pointed a finger at him accusingly as you continued. "And you. You're right."

Jey gazed at you, and it was as if you could see the hurt that ran rampant in his eyes, his lips twisted into a frown. And he knew you were feeling the same thing, no matter how hard you were trying to hide it. "You had to do what you had to do with Roman. Be your own man. But guess what, it was too late! Cause where was that man when I needed him the most?" You gestured wildly at your surroundings. "You were gone! Roman asks you once and you answer to him, no questions asked. And I had to pick myself off the ground while you acted like everything was okay when you chose him over me!"

Yeah, you and Jey were in a relationship , you had feelings for each other, known each other for years and had been close friends, the romantic and sexual tension that existed between the both of you was undeniable. And when you both finally made that leap and got into a relationship behind Roman's back and Roman found out, he told the both of you that relationships would distract you both in the factions, and then told Jey he was just looking out for you and that you wouldn't make the right choice-but he would, and that's to just be friends or else.

Jey heeded his warning and ended things between the two of you-saying he didn't want Roman to hurt the both of you- but you were already hurt by him, and hurt by Jey the most. Jey didn't even realize he was actually playing into Roman's control, but when he finally saw the light, it was too late, you had started building yourself back up without him. If he wanted to be friends, then he would get what he wanted, but it wouldn't be the same. But you would never let yourself be hurt like that again.

And then, when he left the Bloodline, you cut off all contact. You didn't get the chance to voice your feelings because everything fell apart in the blink of an eye, so you wouldn't let him know your true feelings unless it was forced on you.

But Jey had never gotten the message. He kept coming back, and coming back, and so did Sami, and you were sick of it. You were sick of their constant appearances, sick of their stupid faces always trying to comfort you, and most of all you were sick of yourself for letting them affect you this way. So you thought being mean would be enough, you thought keeping everyone at arms length would keep you safe, keep you sane… It never worked. Every time they showed up, and they were supposed to leave you alone, they'd somehow find their way back, making you question what was truly important to you…

And now, staring into their eyes, after you finally snapped on the man who you called your best friend after months of verbal manipulation and abuse, you felt the walls crumbling all around you. You felt the tension you had been holding onto all these months finally crackling into a raging fire inside you, a fire which you hoped Jey and Sami could finally quench. But instead they seemed to have ignited even more.

"I didn't chose him over you." Jey spoke softly, and his eyes were even softer as he gazed at you. You felt that fire inside you again, burning brighter now, hotter and stronger than before. "I chose to protect you. And now, you have to choose the same thing for yourself."

You closed your eyes briefly as you fought the feelings and tension you always felt when you were around them. The heat that rose inside you threatened to burn you from the inside out. But you refused to give in. There was too much pain running through your veins to allow you to fall to pieces right in front of them.

The silence that filled the room was deafening, until it was finally broken by Sami. "Look, you can be as snarky as you want, you can insult us as much as you want, but that won't change the fact that when I look into your eyes, I see someone who needs my help." Sami hesitantly came closer to you- his brown eyes boring into yours. “Someone who's lost everything, and has nothing but hope left. That's not you. And if you continue to run away from this-"

You scoffed, cutting him off, not wanting to listen anymore to whatever he was going to say. You couldn't give in to them.

"Just stop! Just fucking stop! Stop acting like you care about me, or about me, or about us. Just… just stop!" Tears welled in your eyes, and it made you want to scream. The tension grew so strong, you thought your head was going to explode. You felt the walls collapsing, the flames starting to lick at your skin.

Jey shook his head, taking a step forward towards you. "Are you tryna convince us or yourself? Cause all your doing is deflecting, deflecting, deflecting, acting like we ain't know every inch of you and what makes you tick, what drives you crazy."

His voice was loud, commanding, hot, and demanding, causing the temperature in the entire room to skyrocket. "Acting like we ain't know you're just tryna make us mad so we'll just leave, well get this through your fucking skull-we ain't gonna go anywhere, we are staying here whether you like it or not. Cause we fucking care about you! Because we 're here for you! We're gonna help you and show you that you fucking deserve everything good in this world, you deserve the best, you deserve us!”

His eyes were filled with a fire that matched yours that made your body heat up even more his voice low yet so demanding, his words harsh yet so caring. “Now, you gon' sit there, and tell us that you don't need help, you don't wanna accept our help because you think its weakness or somethin'? Well, that's just bullshit, baby. And we ain't gonna stand by and watch as you try to pretend like everything's fine when its not!"

Your eyes were blown wide, watching Jey take another step forward, anger blazing bright in his eyes. The heat radiating off of him, making your body heat up even further. You swallowed roughly, unable to speak, unable to process what you were hearing. A tear escaped your eye, rolling down your cheek.

You didn't bother wiping it away.

But Sami did.

His gentle touch wiped away the falling tear, bringing your attention towards his concerned expression. His beautiful brown eyes stared deeply into your eyes, looking straight past the facade you were putting up. Sami wasn't fooled, and neither was Jey.

"Please, sweetheart. Stop lying to yourself." His deep voice whispered soothingly, his face inches away from yours. "Stop lying to us. Let yourself be free." His lips were inches away from yours, and the walls you had built so tightly were slowly fading into dust.

You looked up into his soft eyes, and you knew exactly what they were saying. You knew exactly what he was thinking. "Let yourself be happy."

You didn't know what it was about those words, but they broke something inside of you, shattered the tug and war you were doing with your mind and heart, and you finally listened to your heart and pulled Sami down into a kiss.

He immediately responded and wrapped his arms around your waist pulling you closer to him. It was soft. It was sweet. It was everything you craved from him, and all you've ever wished he would do for you. It ended as fast as it started, and you pulled away, only just barely managing to hold in a whimper. Your heart pounded in your chest, and you knew that you were shaking. Sami soothingly rubbed your trembling back, trying his best to calm you down, but it just caused you to shiver.

"It's okay. You're okay." He whispered soothingly into your ear. He brought his hand up, caressing your face gently. "We got you babe, I promise." He said to reassure you.

You looked up, and your eyes flickered to Jey, who stood by the door watching you intently. His intense gaze made your skin heat up with yearning and lust. Your heart caught in your throat when he moved from the door and approached you. His presence seemed to fill your entire being, and you couldn't pull your gaze away from him.

He stopped just in front of you, and you could feel the tension and tension between the three of you growing thicker by the second. He slowly raised his hand, his thumb gently trailing along your jaw. You couldn't breathe, couldn't move. All you could do was watch as he leaned down, his lips so so close to yours.

"I will always love you, and this time, I'ma choose you for good." He breathed. And with that, his lips met yours.

The warmth and love pouring into you so strong, you were afraid you would melt. You loved him. And you knew he loved you, and the moment you felt it, you felt it with all your might despite your anger, and it made the walls inside you crumble once again.

Your fingers found their way into his hair, tangling themselves into the strands, and you kissed him back, desperate for more. You needed more. You needed him.

You missed how he smiled against your mouth. And you missed how his hands found their way to your lower back, pushing you flush against him, his fingertips grazing the skin under your shirt. And you missed how you weren't able to break apart long enough to breathe.

It felt like hours until Jey finally broke this kiss, panting slightly. His breath brushed against the side of your neck, sending tingles throughout your body.

His hands slid down the small of your back, grabbing each of your hips, holding you firmly against him. His warm breath tickled your skin, and you couldn't help but gasp lightly when his teeth grazed your collarbone. "Since you don't wanna listen to us talk about how we love you, we gon' show you how much we love you instead."

He nipped your collarbone again, letting out a pleased groan at your reaction. One of his hands slid up to cradle the side of your face, pressing a lingering kiss to the corner of your mouth.

Your eyes fluttered shut, savouring the feeling of his lips on yours. You missed being held. You wanted to be held. You wanted to be loved.

But you also knew that you couldn't let yourself be selfish. Not now. Not after everything you had done. So you pushed him away, forcing yourself to look him in the eyes. "No." You whispered, your voice hoarse. "I can't."

"Shh.." Sami interrupted you gently with a finger to your lips. "Don't push us away again. Not yet."

His lips met yours as Jey's sucked on your neck, making you arch your back and moan softly, the sound echoing around the quiet room. You felt Sami's hand creep up your shirt, stroking your thigh, and you whimpered, feeling his tongue slip into your mouth, kissing you with fervor that made you melt . Your hands trailed over his muscular chest, and you sighed as his hands slid around to your ass, squeezing it slightly before pulling away, looking deep into your eyes.

"You are worth so much more than anyone thinks." A whisper. And your knees almost gave in to his soft tone.

You yelped when Jey pulled you up with his muscular arm around your waist, picking you up bridal style as you squealed in excitement, wrapping your legs around his waist and clinging onto him for dear life. Sami smirked, wrapping one arm around Jey's shoulder as Jey picked you up bridal style, carrying you out of the room and towards your bedroom.

"You didn't have to carry me." You whined lightly into his ear, biting back another smile as he laughed softly, setting you down on the bed and leaning down to place a soft kiss to your neck again.

"And have you run away from us? I ain't letting that happen." He sucked on your sweet spot right underneath your ear, eliciting an immediate moan of pleasure that made you bite on your bottom lip, trying to hold it in. Jey chuckled and nipped at your neck once again, sucking on the tender flesh.

The bed dipped, and you turned around quickly, watching as Sami pulled his top off and crawled over to you and Jey. He climbed onto the bed, his eyes never leaving you and Jey, his lips curving up into a grin.

His grin widened when you pushed Jey off of you gently and sat up, taking off your shirt as well. Sami watched, his eyes trailing every inch of your body as your muscles tensed as you removed your bra, exposing your breasts, and your nipples hardened instantly in the cool air. He licked his lips and Jey had a wicked smile on his face as his panting intensified at the sight, and you smirked at him through a seductive grin, running your fingers through your hair and turning around to look back up at them, giving them a sexy wink.

"You said you were gonna show me how much you loved me. Was that just talk or are you gonna back it up?" You asked teasingly, uncrossing your legs and taking off your pants in one go.

They both grinned back, standing from the bed and taking off their clothes before moving to climb on top of you, hovering over you, their large and powerful bodies covering most of yours. The height difference was evident, but you didn't complain.

"We're gonna show you, alright." Sami murmured lowly in your ear, nibbling on it, causing a sharp inhale and his name to pass your lips, and he couldn't help but smile. He loved it when you moaned his name.

Jey lowered himself onto your lips. His lips were soft, and he tasted salty as you ran your tongue across them, tasting him, enjoying the taste as you moaned quietly into his mouth. His lips moved against yours passionately, and you couldn't help but moan loudly into his mouth and wrap your arms around his neck to deepen the kiss. You bit his bottom lip playfully, drawing a grunt from him, and you felt how he tightened his grip around your thighs.

He lifted you up, his grip still firm, and he walked backwards, dragging you with him, till you fell back onto the bed. He followed suit, sitting inbetween your legs and cupping your face with one of his hands. The other tangled into your hair, pulling your head forward so that he could capture your mouth again.

Your hands roamed over his body eagerly, exploring every inch of his skin you could reach, loving the goosebumps forming wherever you touched. Sami shuffled behind you, and you gasped into Jey's mouth when you felt his erection pressed into your back, his body leaning behind yours against the bed. Jey took advantage of your gasp and began nibbling on your lips, pulling away just as quickly as he had started. But not before licking at your bottom lip and grinning devilishly down at you.

"Mmh..you taste so fucking delicious babygirl." He mumbled huskily against your lips as you tried to catch your breath.

"Fuck yeah she does." Sami mumbled in agreement, his hands rubbing your naked skin, making you shiver with desire. "I'll get to her real soon." Sami muttered against your mouth before attacking your neck, his fingers dancing down to cup your bare breasts possessively.

Jey's hand found it's way to your legs, and he rubbed your thighs roughly, eliciting a moan from you, making you writhe against his lap, making him chuckle as his lips continued to explore your body. You arched your back, your hands reaching up to tug lightly at Sami's hair, wanting him to continue where he left off.

Sami growled into your neck, kissing up and down your skin as Jey hands teased your thighs, his finger gently rubbing against your swollen, wet folds, making you gasp loudly and shudder, your fingers digging into Jey's shoulders. Sami leaned forwards and caught the tip of your nipple between his teeth before biting sharply, earning a choked scream from you.

"Oh god." You panted as Jey's thumb began massaging your clit, his finger brushing back and forth, teasing the sensitive bundle of nerves inside your pussy and making you groan and lean your head back against Sami's chest.

"Relax, you deserve this" Sami breathed, his hands tightening around your hipbones, his thumbs rubbing circles on your hips.

"No, I don't." You grumbled back, but Jey's fingers moving faster made you choke on a moan, his fingers crooking into that spot that made you moan out uncontrollably, teasing it with each stroke, your eyes rolling back in your skull and your jaw clenching tightly. Jey kissed his way up your chest and rested his forehead against yours, his breath hot against your cheeks.

"Don't say shit like that. You deserve this." He said firmly, his dark brown eyes boring into yours. He circled the spot once again, making you cry out, his fingers dipping further inside your pussy. "You deserve everything, okay babygirl?"

You didn't think you did though. You thought you didn't deserve anything ever again. All the things you'd done to people. All the pain and hurt they had experienced. They had suffered because of you. Because you chose to do what you did. You chose to not stop the monster you made until he inevitably hurt you as well. You let your pride override your emotions. You let your love for giving your best friend everything in the world cloud your morals until you could no longer see the good side of anything. It was always about the future. Always about plotting away the future you instead of saving yourself right now.

"Stop thinking about it." Sami said softly, as if he was reading your mind. He tweaked your nipple, making you forget about everything instantly and whine loudly and arch your back, making you feel Sami's cock pressing against your butt, sending tingly shocks straight to your center.

"Shit..Sami..oh my God.." You panted, closing your eyes and tilting your head back to try and breathe better, but Jey's fingers were still working your pussy, stroking at your clit as Sami held your hips firmly, keeping you still as he moved his fingers inside your pussy, making you moan louder. "Please..fuck.." You panted out desperately, begging Jey to hurry up. Jey smiled and looked down at you, shaking his head slightly as he leaned down and placed a feather light kiss to your lips.

"Say you deserve it." He whispered, his voice low and deep and so full of lust and passion. You opened your eyes and looked down, unable to find the words to respond. You shook your head, and closed your eyes again. You didn't deserve i-

"No..say it." Sami ordered softly, harshly squeezing your boob hard, causing you to cry out and arch your back again. His gaze softened and he pulled away from you to kiss your cheek before leaning down and taking your right nipple into his mouth. You bit your lip, fighting off the urge to moan at how amazing it felt, and you heard Sami suck harder on your left nipple, causing you to whimper louder. You squirmed underneath the warm weight that was laying on you, your leg tangling with Jey's and his arm still holding you close, your hips shifting beneath his.

"You deserve to be loved. You deserve to feel loved, baby. So tell us, say it again." Sami growled against your shoulder before sucking on your earlobe. You gasped deeply, your body tensing as you gripped the bed sheets underneath you. Your heart pounded heavily in your chest as Jey slowed down his pace slightly and stared down at you while his hand fingered you slowly, your walls clenching tight around his finger making you shake from pleasure. Your breathing was heavy and uneven, as you were lost in ecstasy.

"All that shit Roman told you, get that outcha head. You know damn well he was wrong." Jey whispered in your ear as your moans turned into loud gasps. "You hear me? Get that shit outtcha head, cause you deserve nothing less than all the happiness the world has to offer." Jey kissed the hop of your head sweetly, in contrast to his thumb was rubbing your clit as he spoke and his fingers worked furiously against your opening, his thumb circling you slowly and teasing you, making you bite on your own lip and arch your back, moaning loudly in the process.

"Say you deserve that shit!"

"I deserve it!" You finally said out loud with a moan, your voice sounding hoarse from crying and panting through your cries. Jey grinned triumphantly and moved his thumb to brush your nub gently, making you moan again, this time louder. A sudden wave of heat washed over you, and you could practically feel yourself building up again.

"Good girl." He said happily before trailing kisses up your jawline to your ear and then whispering in your ear seductively. "We ain't gon' hurt you like him baby, we're gonna show you just how much we love you."

The warmth spread from your toes up to your groin, making you arch your back off the bed as he pistoled your pussy and sped up with the force of his hand thrusts. As he went faster, you squeezed your eyes shut and cried out. You were close, so so close, but you didn't even have to tell Jey or Sami. They already knew. They always knew.

'Let go for us, baby. We're here for ya. Let it all go.' Jey purred into your ear in a gentle tone while stroking your clit, watching you on the brink of an orgasm. Sami's free hand cupped your other breast, stroking your nipple lightly, as he sucked on your other breast as well.

"We're not gonna leave you, baby. We got you." Sami's soft voice cooed in your ears softly while his lips sucked on your breasts harshly as if he couldn't get enough of the salty taste.

Your moans grew louder and louder, and you felt Jey's hand gripping yours tightly enough to leave bruises.

'Come on baby, come for us.' Jey commanded and suddenly you couldn't hold back any longer. You didn't know what set you off; the way they were guiding you, their soft voices and even softer touches, but all you know is that you let go and let out the loudest scream you've ever screamed, your muscles tensing in agony and pleasure all at the same time as you came undone.

White spots danced in your vision as your mind went blank. The only thing you could focus on was the intense feeling coursing throughout your body. The feeling of being with two men who loved you and wanted you. Who cherished you. The feeling of being worshipped and desired. The feeling of someone wanting you more than they've ever wanted anyone else.

Sami's hand on your face and Jey shaking your shoulder brought you back to reality, your eyes blown out with pleasure and dazed, blinking repeatedly to clear the hazy haze in your vision. You opened your eyes to see Jey and Sami stared down at you lovingly, their faces flushed and their eyes glowing.

"We wore you out, babygirl?"Jey asked softly, smiling down at you while tracing random patterns on your naked thighs, his thumb gliding along the crease where your thighs meet. Sami hummed in agreement as he followed suit and softly traced the same patterns on your leg.

You scoffed at the thought, smirking up at them. "No chance in hell you guys are wearing me out." They mirrored your smirk and chuckled lowly, and your smirk turned into a gulp at the look in their eye when they slowly moved their bodies closer to you.

"Oh really?" Jey asked, licking his lips slowly, his eyes never leaving yours. "You wanna bet on that?" Sami added, his hand sliding over yours, his fingers curling around your own until you intertwined your fingers with his, both of you staring at each other intently. Their eyes locked together as they waited for your answer silently.

"Yeah. You wanna bet?" you breathed, your stomach fluttering wildly as you saw the hunger in their eyes.

"Well I can't exactly make the lady pay me back right?" Sami murmured, moving his head lower till his lips were brushing the edge of your collarbone, his breath tickling the skin. He began to trail kisses along the curve of your breast. "Like we said, we're here to take care of you…" Sami mumbled as his fingers trailed down the edge of your shirt to stroke your bare stomach.

"Take care of her." Jey whispered quietly, caressing your thigh with his hand, his gaze fixed intently on your face, his eyes darkening at the sight. Sami stopped moving his lips and instead brushed his tongue against the corner of your navel before kissing it, and licking it again as his fingers stroked your inner thigh slowly, his fingers gliding over your folds and rubbing gently in circles.

You squirmed under their hands, your breath catching in your throat. You tried to speak but no words would come out of your mouth. All you managed to do was shake your head from side to side as you closed your eyes and clenched your jaw tightly, trying to stop yourself from whining from all the pleasure rushing through your body.

"You ready for some love now, babe?" Jey whispered huskily, Sami's fingers slipping out of you with a whine that turned into a yelp when he pulled you up and laid you down on your back.

You gasped loudly as they climbed onto you, sitting on the bed as Jey leaned forward and rested his forehead on top of yours, gazing into your eyes with lusty brown hues. He reached up and cupped your face softly with one hand, pulling himself up so that he could lean over and kiss you softly, his tongue dancing inside your mouth in harmony with yours, it has been so long but it felt so familiar and it felt right and you missed it so much.

Sami started moving his hips in sync with yours, rubbing against you while Jey continued to kiss you and touch you as if he needed to commit every part of your beautiful body to memory. And oh god did he do just that, making your body feel loved yet also made you ache in the best way possible.

You were preoccupied with the dizzying taste of Jey's addicting mouth on yours, but you felt Sami let you go and shuffle around the room, before returning, feeling his weight shift the bed as you and Jey were kissing each other like your life depended on it, melting into each others touch and kisses.

"God, you taste good." Sami groaned, licking the side of your neck, causing you to break away from Jey's mouth to look up at Sami. His cute little dimples showing as he smirked down at you and gave you a quick peck on the lips.

You rolled your eyes fondly and bit back a smile at his cuteness. This man did not know what he did to you, how he made your heart beat for him even when you tried to fight it back. How every time he touched you, you could feel your knees giving way under you, because the feeling of your body being consumed by him was too strong, too intoxicating to resist.

How he made you was the first person in a long time to make you feel at peace with his infectious presence; his sweet smiles, soft giggles, playful jabs and jokes. How his eyes shined deep like the stars you used to dream of looking at, sparkling and warm with emotion. How everything he does makes you fall in love with him a tiny bit more.

Jey grabbed Samis hair and pulled him closer, his lips fiery hot as his lips devoured Samis', their tongues colliding fiercely and passionately, making your pussy heat up at the sight- especially when Sami let out a guttural moan and kissed Jey back just as hungrily, his hand cradling Jey's chin and forcing Jey to open his mouth wide to swallow more of his lover's lips.

You couldn't help but bite your lip at seeing the heated passion in their eyes, their tongues tangled, biting and kissing deeply, making you wetter and hotter, your legs trembling, and your clit throbbing, the intensity and want building.

Both men groaned into each other mouths at the feel of their dicks being palmed, and Sami bit down on Jey's bottom lip hard, licking it to soothe the bite before breaking away from Jey's lips and leaning back, panting heavily and holding Jey's cheeks in his palms, looking down at your grinning form , his brown eyes blazing in desire and need as they searched yours, drinking up every detail of your face greedily.

"Baby, as much as we appreciate that, this is about taking care of our girl." Sami said hoarsely, his breathing ragged as he watched you pout, your eyes pleading with him to just let you please them. "I'm not a doll that'll break any second, I don't need to be taken care o-

You yelped when you were pushed back, the air leaving your body when Jey's lips crashed harshly against yours, his teeth scraping your bottom lip roughly, your mind immediately filled with nothing but the taste of Jey and his minty breath as he devoured you like he was starving for you, and you for him.

Jey's large calloused hands held tightly on your waist, his fingers digging painfully into you as he ground against you, your breasts bouncing wildly on his chest. Your moans echoed throughout the room as you clutched at Jey's shoulders, your nails grazing the skin there.

When he finally pulled away, his honey brown eyes were glistening with passion as he looked you over, running his tongue across his full bottom lip slowly. Fire was all you saw in his eyes, the fire you've craved every since you first met, the fire you've been craving the past couple months ever since he left the Bloodline and you iced him out. You wanted more, wanted to see those eyes turn black as sin as you begged him to fuck you, wanted to see the flames dance in them and unleash from his soul.

And as he licked his lips and you stared into those dark pools of fire, you knew you were gonna get what you wanted.

"You so fucking stubborn, you know that?" Jey growled and gripped your hips firmly as he pressed a few kisses to the corner of your lips, your cheek, your temple, and stopping at your neck, clashing his teeth lightly over your pulse point.

"You.Are.Our. Girl." he growled in between the kiss as his grip tightened on your hips. You arched your back slightly as he took advantage of your sudden change in position, his cock slightly brushing against your entrance making you shudder as he sucked in a sharp breath against your neck and kissed his way back up, his rough beard scratching the sensitive spot where your neck and shoulder meet.

"And that means you let us take care of you, okay baby?" He said softly into your ear before nipping your earlobe playfully, his hands traveling underneath you to push you up slightly. You were so deep into his words and seduction you didn't realize Sami was behind you until you felt his breath on your neck and his hands on your waist, the feel of his bulging cock on your ass bringing a moan from your lips as your whole body tingled with anticipation.

"Whatever shit he who must not be named put into your head-" You giggled at Sami's way of mentioning Roman, and his eyes lit up at the sound.

"-You are amazing, you deserve to be loved and cared for, by someone who loves you, someone who will treat you right. And I can't promise that we'll be perfect, I can't promise we can give you the same influence that Roman has given you. but…we can promise you we'll take care of you and love you better than he ever will, like you deserve, because you are so fucking precious, I don't think you even know how amazing you truly are…."

The tears stung your eyes as his warm words and gentle loving voice penetrated through your thick layer of emotional pain.

Power.

It had been the one thing that'd been consuming you for the past 3 years, the main thing that you thought would make you happy- the thing that brought out the dark and twisted sides of you that you didnt bother hiding in the first place, but came out even more because anyone standing in the Bloodline's way would get crushed in an instant, just like you did. And Jey was the only one to break through your armour and shatter it like glass. Then Sami broke it into pieces and shattered them completely, and then healed them again, and again, and again. Every piece Roman destroyed, he repaired, and every piece you fell apart, Jey fixed alongside with him.

And right now, looking into his pretty face, looking into his big brown eyes shining bright with love for you, and Jey with his handsome face smiling and eyes full of adoration as he looked at you, you didn't want to just feel fixed. You wanted to become whole again; to be complete.

You wanted to feel complete. You wanted to feel loved despite the darkness within you, because they brought out the light inside of you that you've buried so deep inside your bones that you forgot the feeling existed. But they brought it back.

And it was the most beautiful feeling in the world.

You let out a watery chuckle as a sadly beautiful smile appeared on your lips as tears pooled in your eyes. "I think loving me comes with its own set of challenges, and I have so many of them…" You chuckled dryly as you cupped Sami's cheeks, your eyes burning and your emotions bubbling beneath you. "I don't want to hurt you. I'm just like him. And I want you guys to realize that now instead of later when you get hurt by me."

Sami exchanged a look with Jey before he lifted your chin, his hands cupping your jaw lovingly while he stared at you so intensely that you almost thought your skin would melt off your body just by his gaze alone. "You are no monster," He said softly, his touch on your skin even softer. "You're our angel. And the only thing that would make us leave you is if you left us right now."

You closed your eyes at the statement, your eyelashes fluttering lightly against your cheeks as you let out a small giggle, which turned into a sob as the last remaining remnants of anger melted away from your heart as your eyes flashed open to reveal the tears spilling freely on your cheeks.

"I-I'm so sorry, Oh my god, I didn't mean to make you sad and cry-" Sami panicked , his hands moving from your jaw, wiping his thumbs over your cheeks tenderly, his thumb gently tracing over a tear track. "I'm sorry!" He repeated in a whisper as his thumbs brushed across your cheeks again, his thumb still moving gently around your cheek.

"Sami, sami, chill out, those are happy tears!" Jeys stopped Sami from panicking, placing a hand on Samis' chest and keeping a firm hold on him, preventing him from continuing his ministrations and making him stop and look back at you and see the sad smile on your face and the glint in your beautiful eyes. You couldn't help the smile you gave Sami as you wiped the last traces of tears away from your eyes and smiled sweetly as you placed a soft, chaste peck on his lips.

"You're fine, baby. Jey's right, I'm fine." You smiled, your tone reassuring as you squeezed Samis' shirt and leaned into Jey who was currently hovering over you protectively. Jey knew you too well. "I just...never had someone say that to me before, y'know? Say all this sweet stuff and really mean it." You murmured and Jey sighed quietly, his lips forming a tight line as he gazed at you with the most gentle yet heated expression in his eyes, causing butterflies to erupt in your stomach as he ran his thumb over your lips.

"You deserve to be treated right." His husky voice sent shivers down your spine and made your knees go weak. He moved closer to you, your faces inches apart as his hands caressed your thighs as the heat emanating from his touch sent shivers down your spine.

You swallowed nervously, watching Jey move even closer to you, his face mere centimeters from yours, his eyes burning into your soul, burning holes right through your body. He stared at you like he knew exactly what you were thinking -he was always able to tell what you were feeling -as the tips of his fingers traced your hipbones, your thighs, your chest, your collarbone…his fingers trailing down your arm as if he couldn't bare not touching you anymore and just wanted nothing more than to pull you closer, to touch every inch of your body, to devour every inch of your soul, to show you how much you meant to him.

"And I'ma make sure you know it." He whispered into your soul before capturing your lips in a passionate kiss, one that left you melting into him, your arms encircling his neck tightly, pulling him impossibly closer to you, his warm hands holding your cheeks as he deepened the kiss. He slowly backed you against the bed, kissing you passionately while his lips continued their torture against yours.

"Lean against Sami, baby. We gon' be laying down awhile." He whispered hotly against your lips, and you could feel Sami's hands on your thighs as he held you steady so that you wouldn't fall as his body was pressing up against yours, your back arching and your breasts jiggling with each movement as he pressed you against him.

You listened and turned around and was met with a kiss from Jey, his tongue hot and probing against yours. You moaned into his mouth as he took control of the kiss, and he was doing so perfectly. Teeth clashed against each other, tongues flicking one each others mouths, the heat pooling in between your legs at the feel of his cold chain on your warm skin contrasting the warmth radiating off Jey's skin where his body was pressed against yours.

Every breath you stole from each other was like a re-introduction to each other written in fire, burned and blistered by your lips. Every kiss was an apology to each other in the form of tongue and teeth, as every time one of you breathed out another sigh, the other groaned in pleasure. Every pounding of your hearts and gentle touches to your skins was like new love letters that you wrote while you missed each other that you were going to keep reading every night.

And every time you felt something else brush against you as you lay there in Jey and Sami's embrace, everything in your head went silent, as if there wasn't anything to distract your mind. You knew they were safe. They protected you. No matter how many times you told yourself they didn't, deep down you knew you were lying to yourself.

And you weren't gonna let you lie to yourself any longer.

"You ready, baby?" Jey whispered against your lips after kissing the tip of your nose before pressing his forehead against yours, his hand finding your waist, gently pulling you closer to him.

"Yes." You replied honestly, your eyes sparkling with realization and hope. "With you both, I'm always ready."

Jey's lips turned up into a sweet smile that matched the stars that seemed to be in his eye's that made your heart swell, and Sami's grip on you hips softened even more as he smiled too. Your lips connected once again, this time with more passion and emotion. You wanted to memorize how this moment felt for eternity. And you hoped forever would come sooner rather than later.

Once you pulled away panting, Sami kissed alongside your neck before slipping something to Jey, and when Jey caught it with ease you realized it was a condom.

You groaned internally when Jey brought it to his mouth and ripped it open with his teeth, never breaking eye contact with you, the heat radiating off of Jey's eyes as he stared intensely at you, licking his lips, making you shiver in anticipation. You heard ripping coming from behind you and knew that Sami was doing the same thing.

"Are you trying to kill me?" You faux glared at Jey as your heart hammered violently against your ribcage.

"Not yet, sweetheart." Jey smirked as he slipped the latex on and started kissing along your jaw, Sami kissing along your collarbone and shoulder until Jey reached the end of your neck, leaving you gasping as Sami sucked your pulse point gently, sending shocks through your entire being as his kisses trailed down your side and stopped at your hipbones before sliding down again, pausing briefly to suckle on the flesh.

Sami removed his lips from your hipbones and pressed a soft kiss against your exposed shoulder, your skin tingling as it warmed instantly from his presence. You inhaled sharply when you felt Sami's cock nudge against your ass as his hand slid down your thigh, gripping onto your ass, squeezing hard, causing you to let out an involuntary gasp as a mixture of pain and pleasure rushed through your whole body.

"I swear to god if you don't move in the next five seconds you're gonna die-" You were the one cutting yourself off with a moan when Jey slid his cock into you without warning, stretching you out inch by inch with no mercy, his eyes burning into your soul as your mind shut down, only conscious of his thrusts, his tongue lapping at your throat.

Only able to feel the coldness of his chain on your skin, only able to hear the uncontrollable moans you were letting out as Sami continued sucking and nibbling at your earlobe as Jey slid deeper and deeper inside of you, and it felt like your insides were being devoured alive.

You could barely think or get a word out, let alone breathe properly because everything felt unreal, everything felt so real, so surreal. It felt like you were floating in space, floating in clouds of clouds that looked so fluffy but felt so heavy as you tried to hold yourself together.

Then Sami pushed you a bit farther back and pushed his cock into your core, and you lost it.

"Fuck! I can't -oh my God!" You were moaning and squirming uncontrollably, the feel of him filling you up alongside Jey and every thrust he made was like heaven itself was entering your body, and the angels were singing praises as your toes curled. And when Jey thrusted in time with the music, a beautiful melody filled your ears as if the angels had joined in on the heavenly choir of praise, the sounds of your moans mixing beautifully with the sounds of their grunts and Jey's harsh breathing.

Jey chuckled against your skin at your blissed out state, making you shudder and shake. "Oh yeah, baby. Feel good now?" His hot breath tickled your ear, his fingers digging into your flesh while his lips continued kissing you senselessly, his lips caressing your skin and his cock moving in rhythm with each thrusts of Sami's.

You nodded, but any words you wanted to say were wiped away and your head fell back on Sami's shoulder in bliss when he hit a particular spot inside you, making any and all doubts in your head go away.

"So beautiful," Sami growled against your neck, your jaw going slack at his sexy tone and even sexier words. "Being such a good girl for us, trusting us to take care of you and look after you right?" He pulled out just slightly before sliding back in smoothly, your eyes closing and body shaking as you moaned loudly, "Let us do those things for you, baby." He pleaded against your skin, and his tone made you weak in the knees. Another timed thrust and you became even weaker.

"That feel good, right baby?" Jey cupped your jaw and forced you to look directly at him. His handsome face was contorted in pure ecstasy and glistening beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but the look in his eye was intense, fiery, lustful, as if all the galaxies were in his irises and you were just the fuel that was burning them to life.

"Yes…baby" You gasped softly and gripped his shoulders, your nails digging into his back.

Jey smiled at your response, and your back arched instinctively as his lips found its way towards your neck, biting your collarbone gently, causing another wave of pleasure to surge through you.

"Shhh…." Sami mumbled against your skin as his hands traveled to your breasts, pinching lightly at your nipple, making you squirm and moan in arousal. "Relax. Relax." He urged you, making you relax your muscles as he kept massaging your breasts in time to the pace of his thrusts and Jey's thrusts.

How could he think you could relax when your nerves felt like they'd been electrocuted? You couldn't stop your hips bucking up underneath Sami who held them still, but you could feel how close you were becoming to losing control, to falling apart completely. The only thing you could do was bite your bottom lip to keep yourself from crying out from sheer pleasure.

"Don't hold back, baby." Jey encouraged gently, giving you little chaste pecks against your neck as his hips pounded against yours faster, almost frantic as you moaned loudly, unable to control your voice anymore, and your cries drowned in the sound of Sami's deep, raspy breathing against your neck.

You wanted to feel like this forever. Live in this moment forever. With Jey. With Sami. In the arms of the two men whose love was so unconditional and strong that you would probably die from the pure bliss it produced within you.

Even though you wanted nothing more than to stay in that exact moment forever, you could feel the heat building up in your belly, spreading throughout your body and your thighs were starting to tremble under the pressure of their thrusts, the warmth inside of your legs spreading further down your legs, which made you arch your back with an audible moan.

"Please..faster." You whimpered out between pants and whimpers as you made both men grunt at you clenching around them so tight it almost hurt.

Both men grunted harshly, pushing deeper as they slammed themselves into you relentlessly, their moans louder and their thrusts harder, and it was the best high you've ever felt. You couldn't believe that you were already getting addicted to it, addicted to the sensations coursing through your veins, the overwhelming feelings of complete ecstasy and euphoria flowing through your veins.

Sami's hand slid down to your pussy squeezed your clit roughly, rubbing it as their thrusts increased, hitting you harder and harder, until you were shaking and gasping and crying out and panting, trying but unable to hold back, unable to hold yourself back.

Jey noticed and leaned over to whisper something in your ear, "Go ahead." He spoke softly, as if he wasn't making your whole body shake underneath him. "Take all you need." He added. He puncuated that with a hard thrust inside you, causing you to cry out loudly and make your eyes roll to the back of your head.

"Move her." Sami ordered softly, his thrusts and hand rubbing at your clit making all thoughts leave your body. Jey complied and understood what Sami meant instantly, grabbing your legs and putting them on his shoulders, and you squealed as he pounded his cock even deeper with the new angle he took.

"Jey! Fu-" You cried out in surprise as Jey moved your legs in a different direction, his thrusts stronger, deeper and faster, his strokes rougher and deeper than before.

"I know, baby." Jey hummed, pulling his dick out and slamming it back in, making you arch up once again, making you gasp for air. "Good girl. Keep going. Give it all you got, baby. You can take it." He praised, and you were close, so so close, teetering on the edge of heaven and earth and beyond, and you weren't sure where you belonged, but you hoped wherever you ended up wasn't without Jey and Sami.

"I-I'm close…. You panted, feeling Sami's hand grip your hip and guide you closer, Jey's hand gripping your ankle. At your words both men's hips jerked forward simultaneously, causing you to scream and cry out again even louder and scream their names.

"Let go for me baby…Let go.." Jey begged, his thrusts hitting you harder, faster, and harder, and you could feel it all bubbling inside of you, waiting to come to the surface.

Sami pounded himself softer and slower and then faster, and you could feel your body trembling as you were about to fall off the precipice. You felt like the waves were crashing against you, drowning you, taking you away to another world, somewhere unknown but safe, and you wanted to be swept up in it's shores.

"Sami.. Jey.." You moaned as the waves crashed against you, the waves swallowing you whole. "I'm gonna.. I'm gonna…."

"Come for us baby… Come now." Sami ordered, his thumb stroking the wetness inside of your pussy slowly while he and Jey thrusted in unison and your entire body shuddered at the sensation.

"Look at me, sweetheart." Jey's gruff voice broke through the haze clouding your mind and the wave that was threatening to swallow you vanished.

You opened your eyes, and met Jey's golden ones. They stared back into your soul, their lust and desire and possessiveness and affection shining brightly in his eyes. They were dark brown with hints of gold in them, and you could literally see every thought and emotion hidden behind them and it scared you how much he loved you.

"Let go for me, baby. I love you, we love you. Do it for me." He purred and your heart clenched at his words, and you didn't know what it was about them, but they made your knees give in and your body finally succumb to the waves that were trying to sweep you away and drown you.

Heaven and hell had disappeared for you for a while; there was only darkness and fire and Jey's piercing gaze and and Samis' fierce touches that burned you alive as you rode out those waves, and Sami's warm hand on your face bringing you back to reality after they rode out their own waves as well.

"Are you okay, babe? You did so well for us.” Your eyes fluttered open at Sami's hand on your cheek tenderly, looking straight into his eyes lovingly. Jey was right beside you and his chest was heaving as he caught his breath. He kissed your forehead tenderly.

You gave them both a bright smile that melted their hearts as they gazed back at you lovingly, their expressions softening as their eyes filled with adoration.

"That... was the best sex I had in my entire life...." You admitted truthfully and they chuckled.

"I think that was the sweetest thing you've ever said to us after everything that happened." Sami teased as he brushed a curl of hair that had fallen across your face.

"Shut up, it was not." You giggled, swatting his hand away playfully.

"So you telling us to fuck off and leave you alone doesn't count?" Jey sarcastically challenged as he grinned smugly back at you, sitting up on the headboard right next to you, resting his arm around you.

“Okay, could you blame me when I thought you guys hated me after I basically iced you two out after all the shit that happened? I mean, I understand it. Honestly, I do.." You sighed heavily, turning slightly away from him.

"Hey." Jey pulled your chin round so you faced him again, and cupped your cheeks gently in his hands, forcing you to look at him. "Don't put all the blame on yourself. It wasn't just you either. I fucked up by letting you go when I should have never let you go in the first place, expecting you to forgive me and move on like nothin' ever happened."

His thumb grazed your bottom lip gently as he looked deeply into your eyes that were filled with a mixture of guilt and regret, making his stomach flip at the sight. "It's the same thing I did with Sami when I tried to push him aside. It's all my fault."

"Hey, hey hey, it's no ones fault okay?" Sami interrupted your guilt ridden self pity party, moving in between you and Jey and wrapping his arms around you both tightly, leaning back against the headboard. "We are all human, and that means mistakes. But that doesn't mean we can't move on ." His tone turned serious, his eyes holding a firm glint in them. "The past is done. All that matters now is the future and right now, I want our future to include each other."

Sami turned to you and looked deep into your eyes, his words leaving you in awe of his honesty, at how sweet his smile was, how gentle his touch always was, and how raw his voice was. "I want you with me for as long as you will let me. I want to be the one you go to when you're lonely or when you're hurt, I want you to come to me when you feel like you're going crazy, I want you to trust me enough to not shut me out when something is bothering you, and I want to wake up to you and Jey in my bed every morning because that would be heaven." Sami's grip tightened on you and Jey as he continued speaking, and a lump in your throat formed at hearing his words, and you didn't have to look at Jey to know he was teary eyed as well.

"Sami…" You whispered softly.

"Let me finish please." Sami smiled softly, his thumbs caressing your cheeks and wiping away some stray tears which were falling down your face silently. "My point being: I love you, I want to spend the rest of eternity with you, and I need you in my life more than anything. And I'll gladly spend however long you want me to, if I can." Sami's eyes twinkled with such sincerity and care, so much care and passion, that it made your heart melt all over again.

Your heart was stuck in your throat as he finished his speech, feeling the tears stinging your eyes again but you blinked them away and held Sami's love striken gaze as best as you possibly could without bursting into loud sobs and throwing your arms around him. His honestly raw honesty made you fall in love all over again, and you didn't realize before how badly you needed that kind of honesty in your life, and you know you owed it to him to give him exactly that.

"Sami, I love you too you absolute fool." Your comment made both men laugh despite the emotions running through all three of you, and you wiped at your eyes, your vision blurring with tears of happiness and relief and joy. "And you're a dumbass if you think that I'm just gonna walk away from this, walk away from you both. You've made me feel like nothing else in the entire fucking universe ever has, and I'd be an idiot if I didn't let myself fall for someone who loves and adores me as much as you do."

You sniffled as your lips trembled uncontrollably, Jey's arm rubbing soothing circles on your shoulder making you turn to him as well. "I love you guys. I promise that."

Sami's eyes shone brighter, the emotions swirling within them making them shine brighter than any star ever had before, and you couldn't believe you were the one making the stars shine with pure love and light, as if they had been created solely for your sake. You were staring at them as if the moon was rising on the horizon and the clouds had suddenly parted, Sami smiled like the sun itself, and Jey's eyes were shimmering like diamonds as if you had just bestowed upon them the most beautiful jewels imaginable.

"God you don't know how long I've waited to hear you say that." Sami's voice cracked a little and in one second planted his lips firmly on yours, silencing you. The kiss was slow, loving, and sweet, everything you ever wanted and needed. When you eventually pulled away, Sami's hand rested on the side of your neck, caressing your skin tenderly. Jey cupped your jaw and tilted your face until you were looking directly into his eyes, his smile wide and full of warmth and love.

“I love you, and I'm never letting you go like I did once before, not now, not ever, and definetly not ever again. This time, I mean it, baby girl."

His words were like a warm blanket wrapped around you, calming you down and easing all of your worries, your stress, your fear, and your sorrow, and it left you with the biggest smile on your face ever since you saw it. The warmth emanating from Jey's eyes as he stared into you was almost intoxicating, but even more so when Jey leaned in closer and pressed his soft, warm lips to yours.

Unlike the kisses you shared with him earlier, this kiss was slow, gentle, passionate, and meaningful; it was a way for him to make up for lost time and remind you he would always be there for you, he would always be here. He said that with every movement of his lips against yours, and with every caress of his fingertips on your skin sending tingles throughout your whole body.

You pulled away from him breathless, and rested your foreheads together as you smiled lovingly at him and traced your finger down his perfect facial structure slowly and carefully.

"I hope you'd love me considering all that's happened tonight." You laughed lightly, your brown skin glowing softly in the low light of the room.

"Anddd you just ruined the moment." Jey complained, shaking his head jokingly. You smirked and leaned forward, pecking his nose affectionately.

"Oh poor baby, can't handle my charms." You teased, laughing when Jey pouted at you and shifted over to Sami's lap, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I'm going to someone who actually appreciates me and won't make fun of me."

"Then you went to the wrong person, cause teasing you is my favorite pastime." Jeys groan of annoyance made you laugh harder, causing Sami to chuckle as well while kissing Jey's hair.

You smiled at the sight, squishing yourself in between them and resting your head on Jey's chest and your legs on Sami's lap, snuggling into the warmth of their bodies.

"Guess this means I'm officially your girl now, huh?" You inhaled Jey's scent deeply, trying to wade off the slight nerves at your question. Jey noticed and stroked your skin comfortingly, smiling lovingly when you cuddled even closer to him. He missed this part of you, the moments when you felt safe and comfortable enough to show how vulnerable you really were and to relax completely, to just be yourself.

"Baby, just like Sami said, we ain't letting you go, even if I gotta handcuff you to my bed, but you prolly would like that." Jey answered, laughing at your indignant squeak and dodging your playful swats to his shoulder. He intertwined your fingers before you could swat him again and squeezed your hands gently, earning him a soft smile in return.

"But forreal, I can't handle not having you by my side again. I want us to start fresh and be happy, and I wanna call you my girl, our girl."

You smiled even wider at his words, knowing it wasn't a question but a fact. And it was a fact you wanted to be true, you wanted to have this forever, and you knew you couldn't let them slip by your fingers because of your fears or your doubts anymore.

So you turned slightly to face him, and cupped his face in your hands with your thumbs tracing the curve of his cheeks lovingly. "I'd want nothing more." You said sincerely, causing Sami to squeeze your hand in excitement and Jey to smile widely, his eyes lighting up with happiness. Sami leaned back in to place a soft kiss on your cheek and then your lips, the gesture so intimate and loving and sweet that it nearly broke your heart. Jey leaned forward and planted another chaste kiss on your lips after Sami gave you a peck and smiled brightly.

"Well I guess congratulations are in order." You giggled at Sami's remark and looked at Jey with a smug smirk on your face.

"You're right, Sami. And my first act as your girlfriend is going to the bathroom, and you both are very much welcome to join." With a wink, you got up before they could catch you and walked towards the bathroom, your butt swaying seductively as you strutted away.

Jey and Sami's eyes landed on your bare ass as it swayed seductively, making their hearts beat faster, their breaths shorten, and their mouths water for more. Their eyes followed your figure as it disappeared out of view, before turning to each other and exchanging knowing looks.

"First one to get to the bathroom get's to join me in the shower!" Your voice called out through the door teasingly, your giggles reaching their ears despite the distance between the two of you.

Jey and Sami looked at each other again, seemingly communicating silently with each other, before Jey smirked at him and pushed past him (albeit gently) to run to you , his steps echoing loudly in the room. "Man, move ya slow ass!"

Sami chuckled to himself as he watched Jey chase after you, feeling incredibly accomplished and proud that he had gotten everything he wanted. The man of his dreams, the woman of his dreams, and it couldn't be more perfect. And as he made his way to the bathroom, and the three of you participated in more rendezvous activities in the shower, he made his way to the bathroom, and the three of you participated in more rendezvous activities in the shower, he knew this utter perfection is what he wanted to live for. To fight for, to love, to cherish, and to give.

And he and Jey wouldn't let it go without a fight - not if you were willing, anyway.

Unbeknownst to the three of you, your phone was ringing incessantly, but it was on do not disturb. But maybe you'd regret that decision sooner or later.

incoming text message from roman🖤: You think I don't know what you're doing? I've known you for years,you really think I wouldn't know that u ran off to sami and jey after you made the biggest mistake of your life? You think I'm gonna let what you did slide?

incoming text message from roman🖤: Everything I'm about to do to the people you care for, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself if you don't rectify what you did.

incoming text message from roman 🖤: Don't say I didn't warn you.

[ewzzy]

Ready to learn about one of Peter Parkers rarest seen girlfriends? She's got 5 total appearances and that up there is how we first see her. It's Marvel Team-Up #80 and we meet her after she and Pete have gone to Shakespeare in the park...

...THEN SHE GET'S ATTACKED BY A WEREWOLF!

And that werewolf is Dr Strange! Doc almost killed her so she's in the hospital. Pete gives her a kiss before leaving while she's barely conscious! It's a weird thing to do!

But hey next time we see Cissy they're fully making out so no harm no foul. She says "Roseanne Eposito said I was a fool to date you, Peter" which is fun because Roseanne has had 0 other mentions in any Marvel comic.

Then they get attacked by evil Russians! It's the Crimson Dynamo! Also, Darkstar and Vanguard have kidnapped her father?!

Pete has to act like he's been defeated to hide his secret identity. Pretty rough thing to do instead of saving two people.

Apparently her dad is a super scientist and they need him to build an anti-matter bomb. The Hulk shows up (this is Marvel Team-Up after all) and Cissy's dad gets shot. Sorry Cissy!

Next time we see Cissy it's the Empire State University Technology fair! The Beast is there getting all the ladies.

Even Cissy wants a piece of Hank McCoy!

Killer Shrike and Modular Man (in his 2nd and final appearance) attack the fair!

They get away with some gizmo but that's not important. Here's Cissy's final on panel appearance. She scored part of Beast's torn shirt, says she had a lot of fun, but crucially doesn't invite Pete in for more make-outs. Sorry Pete! At least she didn't get killed!

So that's the last time we see Cissy, but 36 years later @ryannorth wrote her as Pete's inevitably cancelled Valentine's date.

Thanks Ryan!

[haee-elia]

spence-tober: day 6 - 1st grade teacher

pairing: 1st grade teacher!spencer reid x fem!reader

summary: in which spencer discovers a woman in his classroom

word count: 1058

warnings: fluffiness, meet cute, matchmaking

spence-tober masterlist

When Spencer saw you, standing alone in his bright, colorful, classroom rifling through a few baskets containing some books, he was confused to say the least.

Who were you and what were you doing?

For a moment, Spencer wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t very good at social interaction with people his own age, that’s why he taught 1st graders. They were much easier to interact with in Spencer’s opinion. 

You didn’t look dangerous, dressed in simple light denim jeans with a t-shirt with a cute cartoon dinosaur tucked into the waist. Your hair was pulled back into a high messy bun. 

But then again, Spencer knew it was to be better safe than sorry regarding anyone, especially a stranger, in a school classroom. 

He didn’t need to make a decision on what to do or say, because before he could confront you, you turned around.

“Oh!” You said, turning around and finally noticing the man in the doorway. Spencer, even from across the room, clocked the approved visitors sticky badge on the front of your shirt. Your name was on it too.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were standing there.” You said to him, with a small smile on your face. You stopped flipping through the books standing in the baskets on the storage dresser they were placed on. Spencer still stood there awkwardly.

“Are you Mr. Reid?” You ask.

Spencer nods, “Yes,” He finally manages to say, “I am.”

You give him your name, “Ms. JJ sent me over here.” You explain, “I’m a guest reader today and she said you must have checked out the book last. She had to take the class to lunch, but told me to check in here for the book.”

Spencer gains the courage to walk over to where you are in the room, “Oh, that explains it.” He chuckles a bit, hoping it comes across genuine. “Um, what book are you looking for?”

“If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” You answer. 

Spencer takes over your own search for the book and opens a few storage bins that are tucked off underneath a table, “Good choice in book.” He gives you a smile.

You brush a piece of your loose hair behind your ear, “Thanks. It was one of my favorite books growing up. I’m not really good at reading out loud, so I hoped with a familiar book it would be easier.”

“Ah, ha!” Spencer exclaims as he spots the familiar cover at the bottom of a book pile. He carefully grabs the book and shifts it off the bottom and then hands it to you. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” You respond, a smile still on your face.

“So,” Spencer clears his throat a tiny bit, “How’d you come to be a guest reader if you don’t like reading out loud?” He asks curiously.

You pull out your phone and show him your lock screen. It’s you, another woman, and a little boy at a playground. “My godson.”

“My best friend and her son recently moved here and he was nervous about starting at a new school and I offered to come read to his class and help him acclimate.”

Spencer grins, “That’s really nice of you to do. I’m sure he’s really excited to have you in his class today.”

“Would not shut up about it.” You confirm jokingly. You both laugh a little.

“He has Ms. JJ?” Spencer asks.

You nod your head.

“He’ll be just fine in his new class. She’s a great teacher and a friend of mine. He’s in great hands.” Spencer assures you.

“That’s great to hear,” You admit, “His mom’s pretty worried about him making new friends here. He’s a bit of a shy kid for a 2nd grader.”

“JJ’s really good at pairing up kids. She has a knack for it. I guarantee you by the end of the week, he’ll be telling you about his new best friend.” Spencer tells you.

“Well,” You say, looking at the fun clock on the wall, “I kinda need to get going before the kids get back from lunch.”

“Right,” Spencer says, also checking the time. It was almost time for him to collect his own class from recess. “I’ll walk you to her room.” He offers. The room was just two doors down the hall, but it seemed like the right thing to say. 

When you both arrived at your destination in just a short walk, you faced Spencer. 

“Thank you, Mr. Reid. For the book and the assurance.” You affirm.

Spencer offers his hand out for a shake, you take it. “Please, call me Spencer.”

A little while later, Spencer is sitting in his chair at his desk. His students are on their respective pillows and blankets on the floor for nap time and he scans the room to make sure all of the kids are sleeping or at least staying quiet. 

Then something at the door catches his eye, it was you, once again. 

Spencer quietly stands up from his chair and ventures out, carefully closing the door behind him and meeting you in the hallway.

“Hey,” You greet, “Sorry, I didn’t want to knock because I saw your class it asleep. I just wanted to return the book.” You offer the book out in hand.

Spencer takes it, “Thanks for returning it. I could have just gotten it from JJ later. How’d your guest read go?” He asks.

You grin widely, “I actually enjoyed it a lot. And you were right. Before I left, my godson came up to me and told me he made a new friend already. It seems he doesn’t need my help anymore.” 

“Well, if you ever wanted to come read again to a class, my door’s always open.” Spencer offers.

You blush a little bit, “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the book, Spencer. I’ll let you get back to your class.”

Spencer waves you bye as you walk down the hallway towards the front entrance of the school and blushes himself when you turn to see if he’s still there. 

As he turns back to his own door, he sees JJ peeking her head out of her classroom. When she notices that she was caught spying, she ducks back into the room.

Spencer smiles to himself. 

Maybe JJ is a matchmaker.

a/n: i'm not very happy with this one. i like the concept and the idea, but my writing is extremely stiff...

[thisbuildinghasfeelings]

hi Anne! for nice ask week, if you were in a room with the lone star writers and could ask them one question, what would it be??

Ok, my first thought is to demand that they explain the timeline 😂 But the only purpose behind that would be my own satisfaction when they were unable to do it. I don't think I should waste my one question on petty spite.

Next, I considered asking "What is everything that happens to Tarlos in season 5?" But do I really want to know that ahead of time?? As much as I can barely stand waiting another 5 months to find out what happens in the next season, I don't really want the whole thing spoiled for me. Watching it play out and speculating about what will happen next is a big part of the enjoyment.

Then, I also considered "Tell me everything about TK's past" because I want to know so much more about his childhood, his addiction, his relationship with Enzo and with Owen's 2nd wife, etc. But actually, I kind of doubt that the writers have that developed in detail. I think on shows like this they probably only plan out what they need to. If they want to include some aspect of TK's past in a future episode, they will come up with it at the time. So I don't know if I would really get an answer to this from the writers that's more satisfying than the one I can create for myself from my own imagination, fic, and the pieces we already know from the show.

I have ultimately settled on "Can you tell me everything that you were going to include in season 4 but didn't?" because there's a lot I want to know. Originally, there were different titles for the final two episodes: "Off the Rails" and "Two Weddings and a Train Wreck." Were these just working titles as they were breaking the episodes? Did they actually have episodes written that fit these titles only to completely change them? Or were the titles just some kind of decoy?

And Rafa talked a bit in post-finale interviews about how events in the last few episodes were moved around. It looks like the Gabriel storyline was supposed to begin in 4x16, which is clear when you look at the fact that Carlos is wearing the same outfit in the scene where Owen calls them about his Huntington's test results in 4x16 and the scene where Carlos asks Gabriel to be his best man in 4x17:

I think it's clear these scenes were supposed to be the same episode.

We see the same kind of thing in the way that TK and Carlos are wearing the same outfits in this scene that was later replaced by the soulmates scene:

and the scene where Gabriel comes to the loft in 4x17:

Obviously, the Gabriel stuff and the Huntington's stuff was happening simultaneously, probably in 4x16. But then what was happening in 4x17 and 4x18?? Was there more wedding? (Probably not) More Carlos spiraling after his father's death? Were they going to just have the Wyatt stuff happen in 4x17? But that doesn't really seem like it gives enough time for that story to play out by the end of the season. There's just so much I want to know!! That would be the question I would ask because I think it would give me the most interesting answer.

[drywalleater57]

You're an angel, I'm a dog

Title from Your Man by Mitski

Divider from @cafekitsune

Word Count: 2.0k

Pairing: OC x OC

Summary: “Percival Moore?” Alren said, perhaps sharper than he’d intended. Darien turned to look at him. He looked… striking against the walls of dark paneled wood and ornate green wallpaper. The fire seemed to catch in his curly hair, and highlighted his smooth brown skin. He looked young, and beautiful, and for a moment Alren felt so in love it made his chest hurt.

TW: Implied/referenced child abuse, depicted unhealthy attitudes towards relationships, mentions of bullying

Read on AO3!

Alren hated Percival Moore. From his stupidly ornate clothes to the way he practically fell over fawning over Darien whenever they were so much as in the same room, Alren hated him. 

Darien seemed to be under the impression that Alren was jealous- which would be almost laughable if it weren’t vaguely insulting. Alren was more than confident in his standing as Darien’s… whatever they were. The line between best friends and boyfriends had been blurring more and more lately, but still, Alren was not worried about Darien leaving him for stupid simpering Percival Moore. It was just something about Percival… a sharpness in his eyes that hit a little too close to home for Alren. A hunger in a way that he talked that made it clear that he was desperate for someone, not even Darien, just… anyone at all. It was a feeling Alren well recognized because it had been him before he met Darien. But that didn’t matter now, because Darien was his, and he wouldn’t be taken away by some stuck-up snot-nosed 6th year.

Okay, maybe Alren was a little bit jealous, but that didn't mean he was wrong! Something was off about the kid. And he was mean. Not to Darien, or anyone in their grade really, but to other kids his age (Darien would scoff at him calling students a year younger than them ‘kids’, but then Darien would scoff at this entire train of thought, so he wasn’t allowed an opinion) Percival was downright vicious. Not exactly the kind of person Alren wanted hanging around his… best friend/boyfriend/whatever. 

“Al!” Alren jumped at Darien’s voice, shaking him out of his start-of-lunch-contemplation. “Why are you sitting in the corner? I nearly couldn’t find you.”

“Usual table was taken.” Alren said, gesturing his head to where a gaggle of 3rd year students had crowded around him and Darien’s usual spot near the center of the cafeteria. 

“Tsk. Damn 3rd years. Someone needs to teach those kids a lesson.” Darien said, half smiling at whatever joke he was clearly leading into.

“And I suppose that’s going to be you?”

“Yup. I’ll show them a piece of my mind. You know me, I’m vicious and territorial. I’ll tell those kids whose boss.” Darien joked, grinning as Alren collapsed into laughter despite himself. “Just gonna go over there and start punting-”

“Did I… miss something?” Mab asked, appearing from seemingly out of nowhere and setting her plate down across from them. 

“Nah, I’m just plotting against the 3rd years again.” Darien said. Alren snickered.

“Right.” Mab said, clearly skeptical. “Well, if you two are done with that, then I-”

She was cut off by a student with fluffy blonde hair, who looked like a 2nd year at the most, tripping rather dramatically behind her, sending their bowl of soup flying directly into the back of her head. Mab froze. Darien and Alren winced, both at Mab’s misfortune and at the fate of the poor kid who had spilt on her. Mab stood up rather abruptly, steam practically rising off of her from the force of her rage. For a moment, her halo of unruly red hair looked more like a mane. 

“Hey kid,” Mab drawled in her most over the top and threatening voice. The kid visibly paled. 

“Mab, Mab, hey, give them a break. Kid just tripped, it was an honest mistake. And I can fix your hair” Alren interrupted, unable to keep some of the smile out of his voice. It was always fun to be reminded just how much Mab was a force to be reckoned with. Mab raised an eyebrow. 

“Do you promise to be more careful in the future?” She asked the 2nd year. They nodded vigorously. 

“Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.” They said. Mab feigned considering their apology for a moment.

“Alright, run along then.” She said, grinning as he did exactly that, with some expedience. 

“Mab, you need to stop torturing the children.” Darien said, though his voice was undeniably fond. 

“He had it coming, running around with a bowl of soup like that. Al- you said you could fix my hair?”

“Oh, yeah, here.” Alren responded, pulling out his wand. “I just learned a spell for this sorta thing today, actually.” 

He waved his wand in a lazy circle and muttered an incantation under his breath. In a flash of silver, Mab’s hair was once again clean, if unbrushed. 

“Nice one.” Darien said, looking suitably impressed. A warm feeling settled in Alren’s chest. Any chance to prove his usefulness to Darien was good, even in small ways like this.

“Ugh, wand users.” Was all Mab uttered in response, brushing her fingers through her hair. 

“And your focus is…?” Darien questioned, continuing him and Alren’s years-long inquisition to try and figure out what the hell Mab’s sorcerer’s focus was, to no success. Mab grinned. 

“A lady never kisses and tells.”

“Do you kiss your sorcerer’s focus? Because if so- that’s disturbing.” Darien said  playfully.

“You are not a lady.” Alren said at the same time. 

Mab scoffed. 

“Darien- …I’m not even responding to that.” She started, smiling as Darien laughed. “And Alren, my mother would have to disagree with that I’m afraid.”

“Oh your mother. Famously held in very high regard with relation to her opinions on you.”

“‘With relation to her opinions’? You sound like you were raised by pretentious assholes, first off-”

“I was.”

“And secondly… I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” Mab said, making a mock-prim and proper sort of pose, which lasted for about five seconds before all three of them collapsed into laughter. 

“She’s still convinced you’re going to become a respectable noble woman, then?” Darien asked once their helpless giggles had mostly subsided. 

“So she claims. It’s fine, I’ve been scheming on how to destroy her resolve bit by bit.” Mab said, her giggling becoming decidedly more devilish.

“God, I would pay to see how that pays out.” Alren said wistfully. “Oh, Mab, what were you going to tell us before you were… interrupted.”

“By interrupted do you mean rudely tripped upon? I did have something interesting, though. You guys know that 6th year kid, Percy Moore?” Mab asked. Alren’s grin flipped into a scowl, and Darien laughed.

“Yeah, Al hates him. Why?”

“Well, apparently,” Mab began, which was always the start to a good piece of gossip from her. Alren relaxed slightly. If it was gossip important enough that Mab was telling them about it, it definitely wouldn’t be anything positive about Percival. “He’s gifted in two schools at once. School of the Lifeless and School of the Head. He, like, accidentally hypnotized a bunch of people in maths today. It was, like, a whole thing.”

Alren glanced over to where Percival was sitting at a table near the wall of the room. He did look a little grimmer than usual (though that wasn’t saying much), and his usual group of lackeys was nowhere to be seen.

“Jeez, poor kid. People around here are never nice when someone discovers… a gift like that.” Darien said, casting a decidedly pitying look to where Percival was eating alone. 

“You’re telling me.” Mab said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if his reputation never really recovers. A popular kid with that sorta gift… it always raises some questions.”

“Yeah…” Darien replied, and then he and Mab were both looking at Percival Moore like he was a lost puppy as opposed to a (possibly evil) fellow student.

“Well, maybe they’re questions that need to be asked.” Alren said. Darien and Mab both turned back to face him.

“Damn, Al. Cold.” Darien remarked, though the statement lacked any real bite. Alren just shrugged in response. 

“Well, either way,” Mab said, “Things are gonna change for that kid.”

“Oh, I’m sure they are.” Alren replied.

***

Hours later, Darien and Alren were studying together in the House of the Blood and Bone common area. It was… nice. There was a fire crackling in the hearth, and every other student had gone to bed because of the late hour. It was just Alren and Darien, a blessed gift at their overcrowded and oft-cramp school. 

Darien sighed heavily- the first thing in a while to draw Alren out of his rather dense book on illusion magic.

“Is everything alright?” Alren asked. Darien dramatically sighing wasn’t out of the ordinary, per se, but it didn’t exactly bode well either.

Darien sighed again. In his shadow on the wall next to them, cast by the fire, his silhouette looked strong, almost imposing. But sat on the plush couch next to Alren, he just looked like a tired boy. 

“Just… thinking, I guess.” Darien said finally, staring pensively off into the fire. That was a non-answer if Alren had ever heard one.

“...About?” Alren asked. Darien shrugged.

“I… Life. Schools of magic. Percival Moore.”

“Percival Moore?” Alren said, perhaps sharper than he’d intended. Darien turned to look at him. He looked… striking against the walls of dark paneled wood and ornate green wallpaper. The fire seemed to catch in his curly hair, and highlighted his smooth brown skin. He looked young, and beautiful, and for a moment Alren felt so in love it made his chest hurt.

“Oh, not like that.” Darien said. 

“I didn’t say anything.” Alren said, raising his hands in innocence.

“But you thought something.”

“I will neither confirm nor deny. Seriously, thought, what’s on your mind?”

Darien sighed for a third time.

“I just… feel bad for him, I guess? I remember what it was like when my… talent surfaced, for the short time I could use it, anyways, and it sucked. Classmates all looking at me differently, even kids I thought were my friends. Like they didn’t trust me anymore, like they were scared of me. I guess I just… wish there was something I could do for him.”

“I mean, you could always talk to him.” Alren said, somewhat despite himself. It was fine, it was fine. Darien was his and Darien wouldn’t leave and Alren was secure enough in their relationship to know that. He had been good for Darien, very good. Darien wouldn’t suddenly stop caring for him after two conversations with a random 6th year.

“Hmmm… Not a bad idea, actually. Thanks, Al. I probably should have thought of that myself.”

“Anytime.” 

“I guess I’ll do that tomorrow, then…” Darien said, trailing off into thought. 

Despite everything, Alren felt an irrational stab of fear go through him at the thought of Darien talking to Percival. It was… probably fine. But what if it wasn’t. What if. 

It was… hard with Darien, sometimes. And Mab even, but to a lesser extent. They were both so different from anyone he’d known growing up. Not like his mother, who had given love in exchange for Alren’s silence (though always just noticeable enough to impress guests), and clinginess, nor like his father, who had given it in exchange for Alren’s obedience, and labor. Darien and Mab didn’t seem to want any of those things, or at least their love wasn’t a response to them, not entirely. (Darien did like the quiet sometimes.) 

It only took a few small mental calculations to determine that Darien was… probably more like his mother than his father, at least in this regard. Alren put down his book as gently as he could, and moved over to Darien on the couch. Taking care to be as unobtrusive as possible, Alren laid down, putting his head in Darien’s lap. He could be quiet. He could be obedient. He could be good. 

Darien looked down at him, confused for a moment before he gave Alren a small smile.

“Cuddly tonight, are we?” Darien said, his voice unmistakably fond. Alren resisted the urge to smile. He had chosen right. 

Alren knew well enough to not respond, and instead just cuddled further into Darien. Darien chuckled.

“Well, I’m certainly not complaining.” He said, bringing a hand down to card it gently through Alren’s hair. 

It wasn’t something Alren’s mother had ever done for him, even when he had curled up with her in much the same way, and he found that he quite enjoyed it. For a moment, all was well. Darien was his. Darien would stay. Alren laid, his head comfortably in Darien’s lap, the fire flickering away, and thought to himself everything he wished he could say to Darien.

I can be good, I promise. As long as you don’t leave. I can be good

[andthebubbles]

okay at least this ep doesn't have anthony in it so hopefully i'm not taking like 3h to watch it

3x08

mmm delicious. i love a desperate, alone cressida making bad decisions. what if there's an AU where she's a serial killer? WHAT IF SHE HAD TO RUN AWAY IN S1 AND SHE MET ANTHONY WHO HAD ALSO RUN AWAY BECAUSE MAYBE HE KILLED (OR THOUGHT HE KILLED) SIMON

LMAO I FELT THIS SO HARD

SKFJGNFDKGNJKG

what the fuck?

ehe this is somewhat similar to the speech anthony gave to daphne in 1x04 "it is more than just your honour at stake, it is your sisters' too; the entire family name. it has been decided" (eeee i went and double checked it and i only missed a lil bit; also anthony is so pretty there halp)

HAHAHAA

why the FUCK is colin making this all about himself? no one replied to him while he was travelling? wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll didn't he choose to travel?

shut up colin, you have no idea what cressida is going through

SAME, GIRL

cress why don't you just explain your situation and ask for money....... or maybe she wouldn't do that haha... aahfdkjgdkjg fuck

colin. shut the FUCK up

cress kinda needs an advisor in this lol i feel like she's showing her hand too much. but then, she's like, idk, 20?

uh, isn't colin also without a title?

CUNT

heyyy they playing the duel music :3

so... does eloise not remember that cressida's father is a bitch..... ohhh well i guess she doesn't know the details about sending cress off to wales..................

why did it sound like the drink's already hit violet skjfngfkgjgk

CACKLE

but violet was like. a kid then. lmfao

JKDNGKFGJ AND THE BIT AFTER SKJFGKG dying

heh benedict's having a good time

that bit of colin sitting up on the settee is the best he's looked all season (25:15:ish)

why did this man wink at portia

SKDFJNKFGJN why is this so funny

ohhh to be an actor like polly walker.....

🥺

i love this convo actually

oh yeah you two are REALLY alike, i've been calling this since like s1

A Thousand Cuts has a really good anthony and penelope chapter. and ... was it also that fic that had a really good anthony and fran chapter, or is that another fic...? "but franny, it is so far." maybe it was.

yeah it's really OOC that anthony skipped fran's wedding. hmm. but like, i get actor schedules get in the way... idk.

violet's speech to fran is....................................... is it not a bit out of nowhere? or is she just being like this bc she's in the honeymoon stage with marcus lmao

HAHAHAHAHAA JFC THE PRIEST FUCKING KNOWS HALP

so... is fran's look after the kiss like... ....... oh whatever

ehehe (also the moment before with b&e but that's already been giffed so i've already seen it)

benedict~

lmao

hey, the piece fran and violet are playing on the piano, isn't that mozart, one of the sonatas, 2nd mvt, but it's a little bit off, and ALSO in the wrong key... aah ... it's in F major... and in the show it's in E major........... anyway i'm not sure if it is that piece because the notes are off a bit. maybe they did that deliberately. idk

now to try find which sonata it is lmao, classical music is so hard to google

oh okay. k330. in the end i just googled the numbers i had played before lmfao. but yeah, in the show it's not exactly that. if anything it feels inspired by that.

it could be another piece entirely though, just that it has similarities to k330 2nd mvt. anyway

MAYBE THAT HE DOESN'T FEEL GOOD ENOUGH. HMMM SEEMS TO RUN IN THE FAMILY

IS THIS WHERE HE RUNS AWAY

yeah he but-ed XD

HE WANTS TO MEET MORE MEN

what if they genderswap sophie skjfng????

awww

haha skjfngkjdfng he went straight from the bed to the swings!

awww this season really made me like portia

lmfao finch's sneeze

okay so i guess pen prepared that speech lmao and forewarned some people. interesting lighting they put on her btw. and yeah i do think she got off a bit lightly, but honestly if they were to do it ... probably closer to honestly, it might've been quite harsh. but who knows. anyway

gosh i love portia

:3

awwww

awwww colin finally got off his high horse. yay. your wife is awesome. you should be pleased, nitwit :3

lmaoooo eloise inviting herself to scotland KSJDNKJFGNK

SKJFNGKJGN

okay, can benedict, eloise and francesca all be queer

i want them to genderswap sophie!!!! but i guess they won't. i guess.

eloise and michaela are holding hands!!

okay so it was only towards the end of ep 8 when it finally felt like bridgerton again. minus the costumes. the first half of ep 8 felt like... wildly off the pace.

imo they didn't need to do cressida THAT dirty.

anyway i'll save this stuff for a ep 5-8 round-up post

[starlene]

Analysing every song on the Änglagård original cast recording

I understand this is extremely niche content, there are probably four or five people besides me who have seen and/or are interested in this musical on Tumblr... so of course I'm going to post it.

The new (and super successful!) Swedish musical Änglagård has bothered me ever since I saw it for the first time – because in my opinion, at the same time, it's very badly written but also very enjoyable.

Under the cut is my futile attempt of getting to the bottom of this enigma of a show.

Before I start, please note that I haven't seen the movie the musical is based on. However, I think the number one mark of a successful musical adaptation is that you don't need knowledge of the source material to understand and enjoy it, and that's the point of view I approach this show and cast recording from.

Now, let's go. Änglagård the musical. Music and lyrics by Fredrik Kempe. Book by Edward af Sillén and Daniel Réhn. Cast recording produced and orchestrated by Fredrik Kempe, Dan Sundquist and David Kreuger. Analysis by me.

1. Prolog

A very standard musical theatre overture/prologue: it introduces a couple of reoccurring motives and the general musical tone of the piece. Some of the string parts (the orchestration is mostly strings) remind me of Kristina från Duvemåla. Nothing special in my opinion, but no complaints either.

[Edited to add: okay, one complaint. The whole thing kicks off with the "Änglagård Burning" motif that we'll come back to later, which I think is not a good choice because nothing much ever comes of that whole plot thread. But yeah. Put a pin in that, we'll come back to it.]

2. Upp

An extremely bog-standard musical theatre cabaret song about having a good time and being able to be who you are.

That said, I give the song a lot of bonus points for the tacky orchestration (on the album at least, I can't remember how it's done live). It has a very obvious synthesized sound, you can just imagine a three-person band in the back corner of some dingy early 90s nightclub playing this on their keyboards. The beginning especially is so deliberately bad it makes me laugh.

So actually, this song sneakily does a very good job setting up the world Fanny and Zac inhabit, and acts as a great musical contrasts to...

3. Farfars händer

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful song of the whole musical. Just... very beautiful, very powerful. Lovely lush full orchestra sound, amazing vocals by Fredrik Lycke. Some of the lyrics are a bit clunky ("och att få göra det för oss var meningsfullt" is, uh, not great) – but in general, I'm a sucker for this exact type of musical song, where some melancholy middle-aged man sings his heart out and the music just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

That being said, dramaturgically, this song is SO confusing.

In many musicals (and Disney princess movies), this spot near the beginning is reserved for the protagonist's big "I Want Song", and this certainly sounds like one: Axel wants to continue the work his grandfather started, and for that, he needs to buy the Änglagård estate for himself. So he's one of the protagonists, right, and the show is going to be about his efforts to do just that? Not at all. His struggles are a C plot at best, he has no character arc, and he doesn't get to sing again until the end of the 2nd act.

In short: dramaturgically, a song of this calibre shoud absolutely not be given to this character. Interestingly – and maybe this proves my point – they've used it a lot in their marketing (which makes sense both because it's gorgeous and because it's practically the title song), but the first version they released didn't feature Lycke at all.

All that said, musically, this does a great job setting up the world of Änglagård/Yxared and contrasting it with the German cabaret world of the previous song. Fanny and Zac come from a completely different world than this guy.

4. Minnet av dig

Helen Sjöholm's first big solo. What can I even say, apart from that this slaps. I love these types of songs that let an outwardly very withdrawn characters express all the anger and resentment they're hiding... and Rut has been hiding a lot of anger for a very long time.

9/10. My only criticism is that I think doing the "going full volume, dropping to a calm/quiet part, then going full volume again" thing twice during one song is a bit much. The latter instance almost feels like the remains of a cut dialogue break, but what do I know.

5. Barnet som försvann

An I-Want-ish song for our real protagonist Fanny – it's mostly about what she wanted but didn't have as a child, but we can infer that even as an adult, she wants to find a place to call home and everything that entails. It's pretty nice, with great vocals by Tuva B. Larsen, but not especially memorable.

6. En enkel gubbe

Comic relief funny men song #1. Succeeds in its most important task right away: the ending of the first stanza ("du är min lillebror / och du vet jag älskar dig / men varför i helvete / sa du inte nej") makes me laugh out loud.

It's a simple ditty and has a somewhat traditional/old-fashioned sound (especially at the beginning when the orchestration is just a couple of instruments; I think it grows too bombastic near the end, tbh), which of course fits the characters of Ivar and Gottfrid. Besides being fun to listen to, it sneakily sheds some light on the brothers' dynamic and their developing relationship with Fanny... if you're able to pay attention to any of that with the male ensemble doing a silly knee-slapping dance to this while the audience goes ecstatic. 10/10.

7. Sticka, sticka

The ladies of this sewing group really give the Mormon missionaries in Uganda a run for their money when it comes to repressing one's emotions! It sheds a light on why Rut is the way she is, surrounded by all these other women who have very unhealthy ways of coping with their troubles and insecurities.

That said, I think it's a little bit weird to place two comic songs right after each other, even if this one is a very dark sort of comedy. But then we have...

8. Åh herregud

Comic relief funny men song #2!

Everything I know about musicals says this song shouldn't be here. The comic relief duo's second song belongs in the second act, and it definitely doesn't belong right after two other comic songs... but I guess the plot demands they put it either here or nowhere, and they couldn't resist giving the old men another duet.

It's pretty fun, though, so I'm not protesting too hard. Tommy Körberg's little riff near the end makes me laugh.

9. Leva min dröm

This is... heaven's sake, this song is atrocious. This character does not need a solo. This song does not need to exist within this musical. This song doesn't need to exist within any musical.

I mean, this is the most clichéd musical theatre song I've ever heard! It feels like a parody, really. The lyrics are vague drivel about being able to dream, and musically, it just sounds like you put ABBA and Wicked in a cocktail shaker.

And of course I absolutely love it and have already listened to it many times.

What can I even say? Martin Stokke Mathiesen gives such a sincere and heartfelt performance here, I can't help enjoying it. And even though I stand my ground that this character does not need a solo, I have to admit a clichéd Broadway banger with ABBA-esque vibes is exactly the kind of song a character that wants to become the next Benny Ulvaeus (but is really not quite there yet) would sing.

Simultaneously, 0/10 and 10/10.

10. Jag är jag

Tensions are starting to build and we get Fanny's mission statement: you can't smoke me out or change me, I'll stay here exactly as I am and you'll have to learn to accept it.

It's a good song, and somehow, I think it has a very similar stubborn/angry energy as Rut's songs. Maybe that's intentional and we're meant to pick up on the two of them not being so very different in many ways?

11. Min plats i solen

This song is rather different on the album than it is in context. On the album, it sounds like a straightforward song about becoming a better person – but really, it's about how Rut almost psychs herself up to do the right thing... and then slips right back into her old toxic ways when she sees the Germans having an orgy at Änglagård, which is just too much for her repressed sensibilities. It's a bit of a silly moment onstage tbh, though I get where Rut is coming from. In any case, it's a powerful song.

The strings (especially during the instrumental break near the end) sound extremely Kristina från Duvemåla-esque. Maybe that's intentional, a little nod to Helen Sjöholm's big breakthrough? There's a little throwback to the phrase "jag är jag" in the lyrics, which confirms my thought about the music intentionally highlighting Rut and Fanny's similarities.

12. Kött och blod

I think this has too much dialogue to be a very enjoyable cast recording song... but Helen and Tuva are both so good, so it's nice to have an angry duet like this with them, even though it's interspersed with a lot of talking.

I like how the lyrics subtly shed light on what Rut's real problem with the Germans is: "och först i kön är gubbarna / som tagit av sin vigselring" – her anger is really insecurity, and it's all stemming from the trauma she went through when her husband cheated on her with her best friend, a trauma that she hasn't processed at all. Gah. The more I listen to this album, the more I feel for Rut and the more interesting I find her!

The "Änglagård Burning" theme at the end is very powerful, but... yeah, we'll come back to this later.

13. Poor Little Rich Girl

This song is also bogged down by too many spoken parts. I enjoy how Lindy Larsson performed this live, but it doesn't have a similar impact on the recording, I'm afraid.

Anyway, I like the orchestration with its slightly haunting melancholy sound, and "vi var lek vi var kitch / sedan blev du en perfect bitch" is a super catchy lyric, I'll give it that!

14. Ljusa minnen

As far as I can tell, dramaturgy-wise, this song has no reason to exist. It's framed as a moment for Fanny to learn some life lessons, but it's not really, because the stuff in this song is so far removed from her situation – actually, if anyone needs to hear this, I think it Rut, not Fanny.

In short, to me, this song feels like Molokov's sad solo at the end of Chess på svenska. We do not need to hear about this old man's trauma.

But of course, this show is a Tommy Körberg vehicle, so they needed to give him a proper solo. And it's pretty and it made me cry when I heard it live for the second time. So, uh. I guess just cut this one if you're ever doing a production without someone as beloved as Körberg in the role.

15. Utan Änglagård

Here's where the "Änglagård Burning" theme comes back big time. This is such a good song about a character having a complete mental breakdown. It's like you rolled Fleur-de-Lys and Frollo into one, it's super creepy and gives me the chills.

The problem here? It's in the wrong musical. As a part of this story and this particular character's arc, it's absurd. While I love a good musical mental breakdown, I think this doesn't fit with the realistic tone of the rest of the musical. Instead, it feels like someone has inserted Hellfire into Next to Normal, sung by Henry.

I mean, Eva, girl... I get you're upset because your boyfriend is leaving you, and has probably never seen you as anything more than a friend-with-benefits anyway. In a situation like that, you cry a lot, maybe go slash his tires at most. Literally trying to burn down his new crush's house is the overreaction of a century (and also makes me very worried about your mental health, which the musical doesn't address at all.)

And what really makes this song/scene weird is how little impact it has on the rest of the story. The fire is immediately put out and the whole incident is quickly waved off and never mentioned again. Why was this included at all?

But, again, the song is very good. Sofia Pekkari gives a suitably creepy performance, I especially enjoy the understated ending. The staging is very good, too, with just the right amount of fire projections to make an impact. Man, in some other musical, this would be the highlight of the evening, but here, it's just very confusing.

16. Skuldkänslor och skam

It's really just an intro to the next song, so I don't have an awful lot to say about it – but I'm glad they included it, especially seeing how the other reprises weren't included.

It's a short reprise of Minnet av dig with a tiny little bit of Farfars händer thrown in during Axel's part, which might hint at Axel already thinking of Fanny as family, seeing how Farfars händer is all about family connections. A great little musical detail, if you ask me.

17. Moln av vita lögner

Music-wise, I don't have much to say about this one. It's a beautiful duet and I enjoy it a lot.

Dramaturgy-wise, though... a while ago, I wrote a little post about people subconsciously looking for catharsis in musicals. That's something you're definitely not getting with this song and these two characters.

Here, Rut and Axel get to the point where they can admit their relationship is built on lies – but even so, I'm worried they'll just go on as they always have. The song is a sort of a half-apology. With Rut's reaction to Fanny telling them who her father is, I get the feeling Rut and Axel are never going to open that can of worms again... but it's going to keep bothering them. It's realistic, and it's also a frustrating ending to Rut's character arc. I'm not sure she's coming out of all this much happier or more content than she was at the beginning of the story.

In short, I think this is a weirdly melancholy song to have at this point of the show, but I guess I see where they're coming from with it.

18. En del av något större

The finale and the answer to Fanny's I-Want-ish song from the first act: she has found her place in the world.

I feel emotionally manipulated by this song/scene. I don't think it's a very good or memorable finale, tbh, I feel like I've heard circa seventy other musical songs with this same exact vibe and message... but live, it still made me cry. Of course onstage, they give the very last word to the funny old men, and it's just. Ugh. It's so clichéd, but it hits, and then you're crying and clapping.

I guess that summarises a lot about this musical, really.

So that's it for my analysis! I could also write about how in some ways, I think this musical is uncomfortably close to Så som i himmelen... but I guess that is a post for another time.

And in the end, no matter its faults, I really enjoy listening to Änglagård. It may be a bit of a mess at times, but it's the sort of mess I tend to like, and I'm really glad I've gotten the chance to experience it. May Fredrik Kempe write a dozen more musicals for us to enjoy! <3

[tiredassmage]

SHOW US YOUR OUTFIT DESIGNER SLOTS TYR

send a swtor oc + I'll reveal some bits about their outfitter slots!

kfdlnaldsfnl see the problem with tyr is wHICH OF THE LIKE THREE RUNS OF HIM WOULD YOU LIKE??? lmaooo, he has. a slightly different set for each one. send help!!!

So uhh, in short, his most recent run (2nd... replay, 3rd run of his agent story overall) only has about 7 currently in-use, but he's barely started Chapter Two, so I promise this will change.

Because my main run for him (1st replay, 2nd overall run) on Satele Shan he has... >.> [sweats] I think he's at like 20 or something? I'm scared to count again.

But replay Tyr does have one of my favorite outfits for him atm, I think. I might need to add this into his slots on SS. My only possible alteration to this one is I don't have a rifle currently stamped to it, but I think it's because I am... genuinely equipped with one I wanted to stick with for a while.

So this is both a more casual set of gear for him and something that's meant to blend a little bit more with the SIS team. It's less uniform and sharp edges than his typical gear for Imperial Intelligence, which means it's both a good fit for the team and something he's more likely to wear when he and his own crew are just off the Phantom for the few unscheduled days they do get away from Intel.

And I apparently do not have any of this color unified, but the top is dyed.

E-313 Heavy Repeating Disruptor (Rifle, available from the specialty vendor on Tatooine, iirc?)

Corellian Pilot's Jacket (Primary Black Dye Module)

Corellian Pilot's Pants + Boots (This set is my new work horse; not quite a complete replacer for the way I overutilize the everloving fuck out of the Frontline Slicer's set for him but anyway)

Secret Agent's Gloves (bc I'm. abnormal about this man in fingerless gloves)

Intelligence Agent's Belt

and Theron Shan's bracers

I get a giggle out of using a few agent pieces from a few different sets because he is one and he ends up romancing Theron, lol, but Tyr can enjoy something that feels comfortable and isn't restrictive or over the top enough to stop him from working in it. It's functional, it's comfortable, I think he looks good in black, and dare I allow Tyr to also think he looks good in black.

Tyr's uhm. runaway fashion on his like. 20 outfitter slots IS available, and I have it split into two posts, lmao, kinda based around era. His SS playthru ~vanilla 1-50 collection can be found here (woe, my affection for Frontline Slicer's Boots be upon ye!), and his updates for what I've made him in the expacs can be found here. I don't... think he's spontaneously generated more since that post... but now I have to check because I'm already here.

OKAY, HE HAS NOT. THAT DOES NOT MEAN I'M SAFE. So long as this man has open outfitter slots, I'm so not safe. Please pray for me. Maybe stop praying for Tyr. He might be too powerful at this point.

His og run on Star Forge still exists but his inventory and his outfitter is kind of all over the place and most of his truly good and important 'fits made it into the SS playthru with what I'd call only positive updates.

And yes. He has expensive taste. Maybe pray for my wallet, while we're at it.

[elephant-in-the-pride-parade]

Thank you for your thorough reply. I mostly sent that message since I personally can see how people would be quick to call the premise of that fic problematic with regards to race. Making an Indigenous man biologically driven to be submissive towards a white woman has negative associations with “taming the savage” type tropes (1/2)

Thanks for reaching out again and meeting me where I am at on this. D/s and race do need to be tackled sensitively, I agree.

In this case from reading the fic I thought that this treatment of the men in submissive position by this particular writer was done as well as one could. The sub-assignment was equally distributed among almost all the main men on the cast (first point) so did not appear linked to race in particular. Chakotays submissiveness was also not tied to his race in text in any way (second point). The fic also gave him agency over whether to pursue a sexually submissive relationship (third point). Regarding Belanna, the fic put all the main women, not just B, in the Dom position (fourth point).

In terms of advice I've followed as a white writer and a beta on how to handle race in fics, especially in smut fics, I always hear two pieces of advice as best practices - (1) wherever possible include characters performing the kink that are white and nonwhite and give them equal treatment, and (2) avoid sexualizing/exotifying/fetishizing racial characteristics. From the three chapters that did get posted, the author was following that advice in terms of writing her D/s world. I cant judge the actual smut scenes of course, these werent ever posted, but in terms of establishing how this fictional sexual mechanic works the author seemed to be doing the best they could to portray this equally in white and non-white characters, and was not fetishizing race (again at least that I noticed).

The tags on this fic were extremely comprehensive in terms of what kinks would be tackled. this is usually a good indicator for me that this is going to be handled sensitively on the kink front. There are not enough kink fics written by people who actually do their research so I was looking forward to seeing if that would pan out in the writing itself.

Belanna is tricky because as you pointed out in your 2nd message, the angry latina point is very valid. Her klingon temper is also referenced a lot in canon and is used as a clumsy method of showing her grappling with her dual-identities and her dealing with anti-klingon sentiments. And so I think it is a struggle for writers to figure out how to write her in character in that regard without being insensitive as canon is bad at it to start. It is a valid criticism to raise but its also helpful to be able to point to some fic or other resource that either does handle the temper well or explains how not to handle it.

Given that Belanna didnt actually appear in person in the three chapters posted, I really dont have a basis for how the author would have handled her character. And I wont get to find out if she would have been sensitive about it now.

All that to say what I took issue with in terms of the negative comments the author described receiving wasnt that she had been accused of racism. it is that she'd been harassed in multiple ways, on multiple fics, even told to kys over a made up sexual mechanic and that this had hurt her enough to just... stop. To stop writing and sharing her kink. to stop writing these characters. And thats... awful. Blocking and Muting or clicking the back button were all choices this anon had. Sharing specific instances where the D/s was racially insensitive was also a choice they had. Instead it sounds like they went on anon, made extremely general accusations about racism, homophobia, and not understanding the characters, and then sent these to a writer they dont know, who doesnt know them, and told that writer the most awful hurtful think you could say. For what purpose? It just reeks of bad actor behavior.

[shizuokadivision]

Sakura's Thoughts on 2nd Members

Jiro Yamada 

“Hmm…So this is the infamous Guard Dog of Ikebukuro?” Sakura strummed her fingers on the table. “I have no issue with him. He mainly sticks around his division's underworld, which I’m surprised his older brother lets him do considering how protective he can be. Though I guess he knows what he's doing if he’s running around the criminal underground. He better be careful though because people won't care that he’s young. In fact, it gives them more of a reason to eat him alive” 

Jyuto Iruma 

“Let it be known that the Kito-gumi does not deal with drugs. I will agree on that with Iruma on that end. However, if Iruma thinks he can boss me around like he does Aohitsugi then he has another thing coming. I do not take kindly to cops coming onto my territory and trying to order me around. Not even the Shizuoka Police Department is as brazen as him.” The red-haired woman snarls. “If he tries it again well then I won't be responsible for any accidents that might befall him.”

Gentaro Yumeno 

“Reika has lent me some of his books to read and I’ll agree with her that they're good and his novels show Yumeno’s expertise with words.” Sakura glares. “However that is about all the good I have to say about him. If there's one thing I hate it's liars. Oh sure, everyone lies but it seems like every time Yumeno opens his mouth only falsehoods seem to come out of it. How he hasn't had someone close that smart mouth of his I’ll never know. I swear to you right now that if even attempts to lie to me I'll personally sow his lips shut.” 

Hifumi Izanami 

“Izanami. I'm not sure if I want to laugh at or pity the man. He has such an intense fear of women that he begs them to please not hurt him.” Sakura snorts. “It's so amusingly pathetic. Why on earth did he decide to become a host of all things? It seems counterproductive to me.” Sakura sighs. “I will give him one piece of advice though. He needs to find the fucking bitch that dealt him his trauma and put a bullet in between their eyes. Maybe then he’ll start to heal. Take it from me harming the people who harmed you brings a sense of relief that hopefully Izanami will understand one day.”

Rosho Tsutsujimori 

“So this is the guy Nurude used to be comedy partners with. There’s something about him...wait a minute.” Sakura takes a closer look at the photo of the teacher. Her face became one of pure amusement. “Hahaha! Oh god, he looks like Aohitsugi did several years ago! Is this why Nurude became Aohitsugi’s partner? He missed Tsutsujimori so much that he went and partnered up with the first guy who physically looks like him. Hahaha! I can't! You can’t write this shit! Please tell me Aohitsugi knows that he was nothing more than a clown’s rebound?”

Jyushi Aimono

“Oh, it's this kid. His band had a show in Shizuoka a while back and he ran into me. He apologized and in his attempt to run away from me accidentally left behind his stuffed pig. Normally I wouldn't give a fuck about shit and god knows what possessed me to do this but I chased him down and gave him his doll back.” Sakura groans. “Kid started sobbing on me the moment he got his doll back. My shirt was soaked that's how much he was crying. As thanks he even gave tickets to his show that night. I'm not normally a fan of visual kei so I was surprised to actually find myself liking his music but man he has got to stop crying so much.”

[ic3t3a]

Karma

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The past week had been great. A little too great even, the 3 of you had hung out in and out of Yunjin's house. However, there was this feeling.

The kind of feeling you get when a storm is on the horizon. Or better, the feeling that a clock is ticking down the minutes till something takes a turn for the worst.

The 3 of you were walking down the streets of Seoul. There was no reason why, you guys had just wanted to get out of the house for a little bit.

"Man its hot." Yunjin said fanning herself. "I know, ugh I feel like an ice cube thats been left out in the sun." You said joining Yunjin in her complaints.

"Y'know what we should do?" Soobin chimes, " We should go to an arcade. I mean I've heard Seoul has some pretty awesome arcades."

You knew this Soobin had been wanting to go to an Arcade for the longest time. He had always showed Beomgyu & you all the arcades he'd saved on Yelp. Sometimes he reminded you of your mom, he reminded you of her personality, that is.

"Yea, I haven't played a claw machine in so long!" You said trying to convince Yunjin. "As long as I get an icee I'll be good to go." She smiled taking your hand and leading you to an arcade. Soobin following feeling a tinge of jealousy.

Yunjin laughed at your misfortune. You had been on ur last few tokens and stupidly used them on the worst claw machine in the arcade.

"I told you it was a waste." Soobin said, "Which one werre you aiming for?" He asks, digging in his pocket for tokens.

"The Squirtle plush..." You say sighing as you step to the side. He puts the tokens in and the machine starts back up. With ease he gets you the squirtle plush.

"YOU SAID IT WAS THE WORST MACHINE IN THE ARCADE!?" You exclaimed. "It is, thats why a noob such as yourself would have never neen able to get even the easiest of toys." He smirked.

Not long after that the 3 of you left the aracade and realized how much time had actually passed.

Your phone buzzed.

You sighed.

"Yunjin how much do you have on you?" You ask going for your wallet . "Why?" Yunjin asks. "Seo-Jun needs me to bail him out." You say.

"What are you serious!?" Yunjin says. "Yes." You sigh. "And your actually gonna do what he says?" Yunjin asks.

"No. Heh, I'm done with his bullshit. So I'm gonna do something else. Just give me your money. This isn't to bail him out." Yunjin hand you 50 and you count the money.

"Is Y/N this scary when she's out for someone?" Soobin whispers to Yunjin. "Oh hell yeah. Are you kidding? She's the queen of revenge. Seo-Jun's her toxic ex and for the past 3 years she's done nothing about it. Guess she's finally had enough." Yunjin folded her arms and the 3 of you head to the police station.

You swing the door open. You've done nothing to defend yourself from Seo-Jun, mainly because a piece of you still laid with him. But now, now was a whole different story.

"Hi, I'm here to bail Kim Seo-Jun out." You say. "Alright we'll being him out and then you can pay his bail. We won't release him from his cuffs tilll you pay his bail." The polic officer at the desk says.

A 2nd Officer brings Seo-Jun out. "I knew you'd do the right thing Y/N." He chuckles. You pay his bail. They release him from his cuffs.

"I'd like to report someone." You say. "Oh? And who are you reporting today?" The officer at the desk says readying his notpad.

"Kim Seo-Jun for Underage Drinking, Sexual Assult, and Theft." You finish, looking Seo-Jun in the eyes all the while. "These are some pretty serious charges ma'am. Do you at all have evidence to back up these claims?" He asks noticing the growing tension in the room.

"Why yes I do. I can hand you a list of numbers to question, email you a whole photo album of him consuming UNGODLY amounts of alchol, as well as contact his MOTHER to bring the footage she's had to cover up forever because, her son is an ASSWIPE who can't seem to know when to stop asking mommy to cover up his mistakes and take ownership LIKE AN ADULT." You finish with a smirk.

"Jesus Christ Y/N! I ask you to do one thing and ya can't even do that without fucking it up!" Seo-Jun yells as he gets in your face.

Soobin, with all his being, wants to push Seo-Jun back make sure he keeps his distance. But he wants you around him, and you staying around means him learning to let go of the need to shelter you.

"Are you done?" You say coldly. Seo-Jun opens his mouth to say something but you interupt him. "Good, because I honestly don't have the patience to deal with your narcissism. So let's get him back in those cuffs and put him that cold cell where he belongs." You say with a smile.

The officers are a little stunned but they ask you to provide them with evidence. You gladly doing so. In no time they have him back in his cell and call his mom.

For the first time you meet Seo-Jun's mom when she walks kn the door. Her hair silky black and her face is timeless.

"Who's Y/N?" She asks. You stand up expecting her to attempt to rip you apart like Seo-Jun might. "Thank you." She says blatantly, putting her hand out for you to shake.

"What? Why?" You say stunned by her words. "My son is entitled, selfish, and worst of all he's an excellent manipulator. I'm sorry for any trouble he's caused you and all charges will be taken serioisly. What exactly is your connection to my son?" She asks.

"I'm one of his ex's." You say bashfully. Her eyes widen and she frantically apologizes for her son and for the fact that they were never properly introduced.

She thanks you again and insists to pay for the taxi home.

On the ride back home, its silent. Yunjin's fast asleep on your shoulder. "You were relly cool back there." Soobin softly says. "Really? I just kinda had a loaded gun I finally was able to use." You reply.

"Well he got what he deserved." Soobin says. "Thanks for letting me handle it on my own. I saw you wanting to step in. I appreciate that you didn't." You smile.

A moment of silence followed by both of you looking out your windows while holding one another's hand. This boy would be the death of you.

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