#AND MYSELF FOR PERSISTING DESPITE HOW MUCH OF AN AH HE IS FOR MAKING ME WAIT SO LONG 😭😭😭😭

[kavehayati]

I CANT BELEIEVE IT OH MY GOD DJSIAOAKAKAK

[narutoandanimearemyheart]

GOOD WITH WORDS: PLATONIC KAKASHI X FEM STUDENT! READER

Despite being seemingly aloof, Kakashi Hatake was a very observant man. Especially when it came to his students. He instantly knew when something was wrong with any of them, even if they tried to pretend as if they were okay.

That’s how he instantly noticed that you weren’t okay. Your downtrodden expression always said everything. It was written all over your face. Now Kakashi wasn’t the best at dealing with emotions, but if he cared about someone enough, he would try his best, and you were one of his students so of course he would comfort you.

He had found you in the woods all by yourself throwing a kunai at a target on the tree angrily, you looked so frustrated. He had expected you to feel that way, you had embarrassed yourself during training, and you were the last of your teammates to understand a new jutsu technique.

He came up to you and you jumped as you saw him, “Oh! Kakashi-Sensei, I didn’t notice you..” you said in a startled tone. He gave you a closed eyed smile behind his mask and you could see that was smiling due to the way his mask shifted and how his eyes still crinkled. You personally didn’t understand why he didn’t just take off his mask. What on earth was he hiding behind that mask?? That’s what you, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto were all trying to figure out, but had been rather unsuccessful.

“You seem to be rather down in the dumps after this mornings training session.” You frowned, of course he noticed. You hated feeling like you were the last one to understand things on the team, and you hated failing. You were a bit of a perfectionist and always wanted to get things right, you hated failing and you always pushed yourself to extreme levels. That’s why when you couldn’t master this one chakra control technique you were beating yourself up over it, and resorted to throwing kunais at a target until you felt better.

“Because I failed.. I was the only one who didn’t understand the technique. Even Naruto understood it before me.” Kakashi chuckled and spoke “Ah that’s rather odd isn’t it, but you have to give it to Naruto, he’s very persistent and hardworking, which you also are, but your downfall is that your belief in yourself is low. You can’t become a full fledged Shinobi if you don’t believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is the key, because even hard work and determination can only get you so far.” You sighed, you knew that you had low belief in yourself, and that a pessimistic and negative mindset would never get you anywhere as a Shinobi, however you couldn’t help, you just had a pretty bad self esteem. Kakashi spoke softly “You know, I used to have a teammate just like you.. well not similar in personality, similar struggles. He always struggled with the Shinobi arts, however he got better, you know why? Because he always believed in hard work. He proved himself at the most crucial moment, and so can you. All he did was just believe in himself and have some guts. At the end of the day that’s really what you need in the end.”

You slowly nodded, belief.. no wonder all of your teammates were improving so quickly, because they believed in themselves. You really had to get your act together if you wanted to achieve your goals. Belief was so important, all of the great shinobis of the leaf would have never gotten to where they are today if they hadn’t believed in themselves, even Naruto himself wouldn’t be improving so much without the unshakeable faith he had in himself.

While you were still uncertain you took your sensei’s words to heart and nodded. “Thank you Sensei.. I’ll try to believe in myself more.. I can’t make any promises but I will try and do my best.” You spoke confidently. “You’re a strong kunoichi Y/N and you have a lot of potential, don’t let your insecurities get the better of you, you wouldn’t want all that talent and hard work to go to waste.” Even though Kakashi wasn’t the best at dealing with emotions, when he tried to be, he was a rather good comforter.

Kakashi had to admit, you teminded him of his former teammate Obito. Obito in the sense that you were determined and hard on yourself when you didn’t live up to your expectations, and be insecure about your strength and falling behind your teammates. You however just needed to have belief in yourself, and you’d shine, just like how Obito did in his last few moments.

“Thank you Sensei. I promise I won’t let you down.” He glanced over at you. “I know you won’t..” He then walked away humming softly to a tune you didn’t quite understand, but you felt a new sense of determination within you. You could master this technique, and you would. While you were still uncertain you knew you had to take a chance. As Naruto always said hard work meant nothing if you didn’t believe in yourself.

Who knew that your seemingly aloof and nonchalant Sensei could be so good with words. That man was truly full of surprises. With the wind in your hair, you felt more confident than ever before.

[nahoney22]

Hello, Sunshine! Congrats on the 4000!! I'm honoured to count myself between those 🙌🏼

I would like to make a request, so I can join in the festivities. I've been thinking hard to give you something nice, and suddenly an idea struck me, so I humbly offer it to you:

Female reader/Tech (no surprise here, right?), pre-relationship, for some accidental reason (up to you) Tech touches her hair/skin gloveless, and he becomes fascinated by how soft it is (he is a soldier, but I'm sure he appreciates fine things), and I'm picturing him here with a slightly addictive personality, so he starts touching and petting her, kind of absent-mindedly while he is working, or she goes next to him (or at that same moment, tho, whatever fits you better). Reader starts getting flustered because those fingers, am I right. I can see a NSFW ending, but if it doesn't come to you, it's fine.

I would just love to see this idea played out in your style!

Thank you so much! And more than anything, have fun!

Just A Little More***

Tech X F!Reader

word count: 3k

Tech had never struck you as the touchy-feely type so why is it when he asks you to do repairs for him that he just can’t keep his hands to himself and how can you get his hands to move elsewhere?

warnings: NSFW 18+ only. Explicit sexual content and language, non established relationship, accidental caressing, slightly touchy-feely Tech but SFW, first kiss, skin kisses, Intercrural sex (thigh sex/thigh job), handjob, minor nipple play, friends to lovers. Not proofread.

authors note: Thank you for the request my beautiful @doublesunsets and apologies for the huge wait! Hope this is okay🤍

You're feeling perplexed.

Though, It's not necessarily an unusual sensation since joining The Bad Batch and adapting to their peculiar ways of living and combat. However, your current confusion reached a peak a few days back.

Tech had summoned you beneath the ship for repair assistance and out of nowhere, he began tracing his fingers along your forearm. You looked at him, then your arm, and then back at him as he remained absorbed in his task, and for some reason, you refrained from questioning his actions. You gathered that perhaps he was so engrossed in his task that he didn't realise he was touching you, and so you dismissed it as an accident.

Yet, it persisted. He continued seeking your help, tasks usually assigned to Echo, and despite assigning you a task, his hand consistently found its way to your arm, fingers casually brushing against your skin. It was peculiar but not entirely unwelcome.

This routine persisted for a week until the last occurrence compelled you to finally seek an explanation.

One evening in the confined space of your bunk, your face bathed in the dim glow of your datapad's screen when a message notification from Tech pops down. The request for assistance in the cockpit sparks a strange sensation in your chest – a mix of nerves and intrigue, perhaps. Without letting him wait for a response, you place the datapad down and traverse through the ship.

Upon entering the cockpit, the soft hum of the machinery surrounds you. But there in the pilot's seat is Tech, immersed in his own datapad, donned in his underarmour wear. The steady rhythm of his fingers tapping on the screen adds to the ship's ambient sounds and your footsteps echo softly as you approach.

Hearing your approach, Tech glances up, pushing his goggles up his nose with a subtle yet distinct motion. "Ah, there you are.”

"Here I am," you respond with your hands on your hips, a hint of awkwardness in your voice as a sudden wave of shyness washes over you. But non-surprisingly, Tech doesn't seem to notice.

He goes ahead and explains the task at hand—helping with wiring under the control panel. Following the usual protocol, you swiftly retrieve the necessary tools and gloves. As you slide on your gloves, you notice Tech doing the opposite, peeling his off, a recurring behaviour over the last few days.

With your curiosity getting the better of you after the last few days, you inquire, "What are you doing?" His confusion is evident as he looks at you, brows furrowed. When you gesture to his now bare hands, your gloved ones drawing attention, he seems momentarily flustered.

"Oh... I am not too sure," he mumbles, hastily putting the gear back on before moving toward the control panel, ready to slide underneath.

His genuine confusion hints that it might be learned behavior—perhaps he grew accustomed to the contact, and the lack of questions made it a norm. So, setting aside these thoughts, you join him under the control panel, observing his nimble fingers at work with the wires. Although his explanations might be slipping past your ears, you find enjoyment in watching him in his element. As you assist with holding the wires and passing over tools, a subtle but palpable shift in the air suggests that something feels different.

A subtle warmth builds beneath your clothes, and you attribute it to the close proximity to Tech, though the unfamiliar mix of nerves and intrigue from before confuses you even more.

The absence of his gentle touches leaves you feeling somewhat adrift, and a part of you yearns for that contact once again. It's a peculiar sensation, considering he seemed unaware of it all.

Caught in your internal questioning, Tech, too, is in a trance of his own. His nimble fingers have paused in their task, and instead, he's captivated by the scent and touch of your hair brushing against his cheek. With your head tilted to the side, loose strands cascade down, lightly grazing over his cheek.

He knows the smell.

It’s the hair care product you had begged him to add to the list of resources once in a supply run because as you once said ‘if I’m gonna kick arse, I want my hair soft, shiny and smelling good in the process’. And for some reason, he said yes. Maybe he was soft on you or maybe it was because you constantly asked and he was getting a headache.

He wasn’t sure but what he did know was that it was soft.

And shiny.

And smelt beautiful.

The moment holds a certain intimacy, yet neither of you seemed to notice eachothers reactions; both of you lost in your own thoughts.

Tech swiftly resumes his task, jolting into action after a subtle shift from you beside him, and a focused silence envelops the cockpit. You exhale softly, attempting to steady your breathing and cool the warmth beneath your clothes. Blinking, you glance away from his hands, awkwardly holding the small screwdriver he had asked you to handle a few moments ago.

As he finishes, both of you slide out from under the control panel. Surprisingly, you find Tech standing there with his now ungloved hand outstretched towards you.

Pausing for a moment, you look at his hand and then to him, a curious desire to test his reaction arising. Deciding to slip your gloves off first, the motion seems to momentarily freeze him. His throat bobs as he swallows hard, and you seize the opportunity to slip your bare hand into his outstretched one.

His hand is warm, perhaps a bit sweaty, but the touch feels natural, fitting. With a gentle tug, he helps you onto your feet, but instead of releasing your hand, he continues to hold it. His gaze fixates on your intertwined hands, and his thumb lightly brushes over your skin, sending a subtle thrill through you.

As your heart quickens and the warmth intensifies, your eyes remain fixed on his face, searching for clues.

Unable to wonder any longer, you break the silence with a whispered yet firm question, "What's going on, Tech?" His trance is broken, and he shifts his gaze from your hand to your eyes. With a clearing of his throat, he attempts to conjure an excuse to leave the cockpit, but as he moves past you, you grab his arm, pulling him to a halt.

"I don't think so. Tell me what this is about.” The air is charged with anticipation as you await his response.

"Well, alright," he starts, turning back to face you but struggling to meet your gaze. "Would you believe me if I said I did not know?"

You blink at him but offer a small smile, "Tech, I'd believe you if you said this whole planet was made out of cheese."

Seeing him relax, you notice a slight smile as he moves to lean against the control panel, folding his arms over his chest. "I suppose my only reasoning behind it is that I am not used to such contact. Nor am I used to touching something… soft."

You raise a brow, slightly amused, but a small flutter stirs in your chest at his words. "You think my hands are soft?"

"Yes," he admits, a subtle raspiness in his tone, "immensely."

The heat of the blush intensifies as Tech's sweet compliments linger in the air, leaving you somewhat flustered. Your attraction to him, always present, takes on a new depth as you watch him work up close and feel his touch.

His words almost make you crumble, and you find yourself at a loss for a proper response, opting instead for a playful comment about the soap bar you use.

"Ah yes, I have seen it in the refresher," he notes, his hands now behind him, gripping the edge of the control panel. His fingers strum somewhat nervously, creating a subtle melody in the air.

Nervously chewing on your lip, the action doesn't escape Tech's notice as his skin grows warm as you both stand in an awkward silence, unsure of the next move. It's you who takes the initiative, closing the distance with a step closer.

"You know, you can carry on touching me if it makes you feel better," you suggest, and Tech's eyes slightly widen.

"It is not an action that makes me feel 'better,' so to speak," he explains, visibly relaxing, "but it is just a sensation that I have been enjoying. If it made you feel uncomfortable in any way, you should tell me."

A soft giggle escapes you, and this time, you come to a stop directly in front of him. Gently reaching for his hand, you bring it into your own. "If I had a problem with it, I would've said. I also wouldn't be doing this."

The touch carries a subtle yet intentional message, one that surprisingly resonates with Tech. Not known for his overt emotional responses, he acknowledges the unspoken connection between you two. "I suppose not," he nods, standing tall. His fingers trace over yours, a silent exploration mapping every scar and freckle.

“They are so soft.” He mumbles more to himself than he does to you, seemingly in a complete trance.

You watch him, like you had done for the last few days and you can’t help but feel like you’ve read the situation between you both correctly. So, summoning your courage just above a whisper you say, “I’m pretty soft in other places too.”

He halts for a moment, meeting your gaze with wonder. “I can not lie and say that that did not sound arousing… and inviting.”

You raise a brow, a cocky yet enticing smirk on your lips. “Maybe it was an invitation?”

Tech has no words, he doesn’t know what else to say but instead watches as you take a step back from him and start to pull your shirt away from your body.

You stand in front of him, shirtless.

He didn't need Hunter's senses for this; he could smell you, almost taste you. Your skin had a glow amidst the dim lights of the ship, and his nostrils filled with the faint mist of your soap.

The subtle aroma encapsulated the moment, heightening the sensory experience as his eyes continued to explore the intricate details of your body. The air in the cockpit seemed charged with a connection that was too intense to deny.

“You are beautiful.”

Your eyes shine at his words and you naturally move back towards him, his hands instinctively moving to your waist where you inhale a sharp gasp, your skin tingling at his touch alone. “Do you want me, Tech?”

His fingers trail along your skin and you see him dab his lips idly with his tongue. “More than I have ever wanted anything before.”

Grinning, you nod for him as a go ahead as you lean yourself against the console as his hold on you tightens, dexterous fingers dancing against your skin until they land at the buckle of your pants, a teasing tug suggesting he wanted to see all of you.

“Go ahead,” you rasp, mouth salivating as Tech hums in approval and helps you slide your pants down to your ankles.

Cool air hits your skin followed by the warmth of his hand moving down to the curve of your arse, muttering something quietly to himself which has you giggling under his touch.

“Something amusing?” He quips, hands moving from your arse to your breasts, fondling them gently.

“This is the quietest I’ve seen you is all.”

Chuckling he says, “When I am in deep thought, experiencing my desires, I tend to fall quiet.”

“Desire, hm?” You purr. Tech slowly begins circling you, letting his trained hands, so often equipped with his datapad, tools, blasters now caress every single inch of your nude skin. With a grasp at your hips, your back is dragged to his chest, his hands on the soft skin of your stomach.

“Desire…fascination…lust…” he grins as you gasp, his hands cupping both of your breasts, your head lolling back into his shoulder.

“Tech,” you whine, legs trembling as his fingers brush over your stiffening nipples, pinching them between his fingers.

“Yes, dear? Do you like this sensation?” He breathes down your ear, lips brushing against your lobe before they move to your shoulder, a sweet kiss planted.

“Mm, yeah- s’good.” You wriggle against him, your arse pressed to his solid cock.

He sighs against you in pleasure, playing with your tits as you move your hands behind you, cupping him between his legs, heart racing as you gather how big and ready he was for you.

“I can help with that.” He grunts as he moves one hand away from you, tugging himself out of his pants so you can get a firm hold and as your hand grips his heated length he lets out a beautiful whine of his own.

“Fuck,” Tech ruts agaisnt your soft hand, everything he had been wanting to feel around his cock becoming reality. He finally spins you to face him, nearly knocking you off your feet as his lips crash to yours, desperate and full of passion.

“You’re wonderful.” His groan is guttural, lips moving from yours down your neck, over your collar bones until they latch to one of your nipples, sucking and ever so gently biting at the peaks before he laves his tongue flat against your flesh.

You curse, his pace slow and tantalising as his hand strokes your other breast, feeling its weight in his hand and thumbing your plump nipple.

Clit throbbing with an unmet need for attention, you cry out his name and he removes his mouth with a small pop, he places a tender kiss to your lips.

“Can I try something?” You are flushed against him, cock pressing to your stomach and you nod eagerly.

“Of course.”

He grinds his hips against you softly for a moment, there was no set rhythm and was based entirely on instinct and desperation alone. His hands bite your hips as he kisses your neck and shoulder, earning quiet, content hums in response.

His hands dug between his and your stomach. “Just let me—“ he takes a hold of his cock, wet and leaking, before pressing it between your thighs.

“Ah, fuck, so soft.” He choked, pushing his goggles up his nose which had fallen slightly down.

His hips start to thrust, dragging his dick against your thighs and more noticeably against your folds. “Tech…” you whimper in satisfaction, heart pounding against your chest.

“Just a little more, darling.” The whines, pants and groans that leave his throat are pure filth to the ears, his movement so erratic that you had to hold onto his shoulders to keep you standing as your thighs swallow his throbbing tip entirely. His grip on your waist tightens at every increasing pace.. “J-Just… a little more.”

He fucks your thighs beautifully, tip prodding agaisnt your clit with every movement. You’re pent up. He is definitely pent up as you both dive into another kiss and you quietly beg him for more.

“You can fuck me, Tech… you can have all of me.” You bite against his lower lip, earning a low growl and a harsh thrust in return.

“I’ll fuck you properly, I promise.” His words held, like he said, a promise but you knew he just had to fuck your thighs just a little bit more, you knew he had to feel the softness of your skin he had been admiring for however many days now. “I’ll fuck you so good I just… I just need to cum all over your thighs. Just this once.”

Your sex burns in desire and although you knew you won’t get what you crave, you had to give in to Tech. You had to let him slap his cock on your soft skin, sliding in and out of your squeezed together legs until he was panting and swearing.

Lewd sounds fell from your lips, a sharp gasp as Tech repositioned your legs just a tad so his cock nuzzled against the right spot.

Your eyes fell closed, threatening to roll back into your skull. One hand frees your waist but makes it way into your hair, fingers entwined with the soft tassels and fingernails massaging your scalp. “Such a pretty girl.”

You bury your face in the crook of his neck, your orgasm building with every pressure added to your pussy and judging by Tech’s staggered movements, the shift of his weight on his feet you knew he was close too. “Ah- fuck, I’m going to-.”

His words fall flat as you feel a sudden warmth grow between your legs. A lewd squelching noise followed by his soft whines. “That’s it darling,” his words are slurred as he paints your legs with his seed but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he holds you close and cradles you in his arms as he feels your body twitch and whispers for you to let it go.

Your hands fly to between your legs, your fingers coating in his cum as you begin to strum your clit with vigour until you were shouting his name aloud, letting it bounce off the walls of the ship as you tremble on his softening cock.

You stumble back, but Tech catches you swiftly, cooing soft words of assurance as stars briefly blur your vision. "I have you, do not fret. You will not fall."

You laugh lazily, a drunk-like smile gracing your lips. "I trust you, don't worry."

His warm smile reassures you, and he announces his intention to return with a flannel to help clean you up—a pleasant surprise. Once cleaned up, he pulls you into his lap as he sits down.

His lips trail down your spine, fingers delicately dragging across the canvas of your back. It's a blank slate, a myriad of possibilities for designs he could plan, but for now, he simply savors the feeling of your beautiful, warm skin. The quiet intimacy envelops the two of you and you look over your shoulder at him to gauge his reaction to what just happened.

"So, that was something," you laugh softly, cuddling into the warmth of his chest. "I never thought I'd see that side of you."

"And I never would have thought you would ever experience that side of me. It's different from how I usually conduct myself, but around you, I felt as though I could be open. Honest."

It's a rare glimpse of Tech being open with his feelings, and you're grateful that even after a moment of intimacy, he doesn't shut you out. There's something unspoken between you both, a desire to explore this newfound feeling for another.

For now, you say nothing, letting him hold you, allowing his mind to drift away from battle plans, ship repairs, and survival. It’s the least you could do.

Taglist Form - if you want to be added or removed (please note I’ll remove you if you’re not interacting with my work 🤍)

More Tech Works

Masterlist

My Ko-Fi

Tags: @andyoufollowyourheart @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex @jesseeka @ashotofspotchka @theroguesully @ladykatakuri @jambolska-grozdova @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon n @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 @ezras-left-thumb @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @seriowan @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @raevulsix @mssbridgerton @cw80831 @imalovernotahater @whore4rex @imperialclaw801 @temple-elder @mysticalgalaxysalad @photogirl894

[redleavesinthewind]

elliot's 2023 fic wrap up

2022 version

alright friends it is once again time for me to review the (many) fics i read in the previous year and try to write a more or less concise rec list of my absolute faves (i wish i didn't have to chose but heh i'm not gonna subject anyone to 332 fics in 1 post - also wait only 332 fics? that's like. over 100 less than last year, what the fuck. anyway)

okay now first the part that interests no one but me (yes you may skip this) and that's the numbers part! i'm not making a whole elaborate spreadsheet to then not throw around cool numbers. anyway.

i've read around 4,932k words in 332 fics across 18 fandoms. that is much less than last year, and yeah, i've been generally less productive in 2023 but we don't have to talk about it. at least i have more variety of fandoms this time (let's ignore that it's only 2 more and also that from fandom 13 on there's only 1 fic per fandom)

i started out the year strong with 847k words across 72 fic in february (followed by 753k across 42 fics in january, and 621k words across 63 fics in march). it goes downhill for the rest of the year. eh it wasn't my year so what! 2024 is gonna be more filled with fic reading again!!!

my top 3 fandoms are so entirely unsurprising to me i am almost disappointed in myself. when did i become so predictable. top fandom is young royals with 166 fics! congratulations young royals, you are a very persistent hyperfixation, you didn't peter out after 2 months like i expected. Spot number 2 is taken by avatar the last airbender with 41 fics! giant leap there, but it's also funny because i fell into an atla rabbit hole late 2023 (as i do every few years) and it still got up to 41 fics despite uni not allowing me to read last semester (uni is evil). Same as last year, spn takes third place with 38 fics. speaking of persistent hyperfixations.......... *big sigh*

and that is it the boring part is over let's go to the fun section LET'S REC SOME FIIIIIICCCCSSSSSSS (under the cut)

JANUARY

bet you you'll ... (noraverse) (series) by @gh0sthugs | young royals, wilmon | teen&up | 52k words

a kid fic!! and such a sweet one too! i'm kinda weak for kid fics ngl, and nora is so sweet and wonderful, and the relationship that slowly forms between wille and simon is beautiful and comfortable. this whole series is just such a good time

spreadsheet notes: ah to fall in love with the dilf next door who also happens to be the ex crown prince of the country

A Royal Intervention by AnxiousAnaconda | young royals, wilmon | teen&up | 18k words

erik is being such a dumbass in this one. like, he means well, but he's kinda messing up and pissing people off (understandably). it's nice to get a view on erik that's not portraying him as this perfect guy though, and the fic is actually so much fun to read. and hey, the prime minister of luxembourg gets mentioned, which i was kinda waiting for in yr fic ngl

spreadsheet notes: big sigh... erik you fucking idiot. stop listening to august. also shoutout to xavier bettel apparently (edit: this aged poorly, fuck xavier bettel)

and each slow dusk by @if-fortunate | young royals, wilmon | mature | 49k words

okay. ooookay how do i even begin with this one. ohhh boy. okay. so. world war three. wille gets stuck in bjärstad with simon, many many things happen, it's about finding hope in a horrible situation and trying to live life despite everything falling apart around you. it's incredibly well written and something about it just has me in awe

spreadsheet notes: i don't know what it says about me that this is without a shadow of a doubt the best fic i have ever read in my life

Put Me Back Together and Take My Heart by @notalotgoingonatthisinstant | young royals, wilmon | mature | 50k words

i once again don't know what to say, this one is sooo good. simon is suffering and both wille and i hate it, but... but wille is there for him and ugh, they just... they just can't be apart. a story of reconciliation and healing from both physical and invisible wounds, and of making the right decisions for yourself

spreadsheet notes: ugh. UGH. my guys. MY GUYS. yeah let's go blackmail the queen

Department Six by @thisdiscontentedwinter | teen wolf | gen | 4k words

a fun short one about stiles and danny working for the fbi and being delightfully weird and mysterious

spreadsheet notes: HILARIOUS i'm in love with outsider pov always

FEBRUARY

There Are No Wolves in California by @thisdiscontentedwinter | teen wolf, sterek | gen | 5k words

you know, sometimes you see a fic you know is going to hurt you, and you've never clicked on anything faster. this is definitely one of those fics

spreadsheet notes: let's be wolves today yeah well derek what if i just break down and cry instead

you got my body, i got your body by @prince-simon | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 9k words

this one's technically part of a bigger series (which, definitely read that one too), but i'm highlighting this one cause... damn... this made me feel things... like, gender things... which is really weird cause wille's gender in this is very much different from mine BUT STILL

spreadsheet notes: how almost 9k of pwp gave me so many gender feelings i will never understand

Changing Channels: Queer Premiere by @emeraldcas, @fellshish | spn, deancas | gen | 27k words

this might actually be one of the funniest fics i've ever read. dean and cas are so stupid (affectionately) and all the crossovers are delightful (bonus that i knew all the other shows). everyone go read this it's gonna be the best time

spreadsheet notes: mel and fells have genuinely outdone themselves this is the most hilarious shit i've ever read

Catalyst by @stretchoutfics | young royals | teen&up | 3k words

a backstory for boris! this fic is within a series of other side character ficlets, but this one has a soft spot in my heart

spreadsheet notes: AAAAHHHH HE KNEW ABOUT THE RECKLESS DRIVING BUT DIDN'T BRING IT UP but also... him being a gay man trying to help the queer crown prince navigate his sexuality that's kinda nice actually, like boris understands at least a bit

The most beautiful boy by lovelysarcastic | young royals, wilmon | teen&up | 88k words

there's something incredibly grounding about this fic. the way it develops, the way wille rationalises his thought processes, the way the relationship between wille and simon develops... this fic just kinda sucked me in and spit me out again feeling... content and calm and... it's just... this fic is so beautiful

spreadsheet notes: dude i love this so much??? they're both so stupid??? i love them???

MARCH

All's Fair in Love and Hunting by @badjoices | spn, deancas | mature | 20k words

they're playing gay chicken but also are being incredibly competitive and stupid about it, and i'm just sorry about the shit sam has to witness. so many shenanigans in this fic

spreadsheet notes: they are both so stupid omg

["mi cotufita" started sharing their screen] by @omar-rudeberg | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 60k

so... this is a follow up to one of my favourite fics and it is a delight. very horny but also very sweet? and also for some reason there's porn. fun times! oh, and this fic made me cry. it really has the range

spreadsheet notes: how are they so horny it's so funnyyyyyy, but also if i were wille i could never look linda in the eyes again

A Light To Guide You In The Dark (Warmed By The Fire's Glow) by 80shairmetal | stranger things, harringrove | teen&up | 19k words

this is just... people taking care of each other out of the kindness of their hearts. finding comfort in strangers who become family. growing and helping each other. there's such a beauty to this one

spreadsheet notes: this is just..... comfort

did you see the love in my eyes, oh were you gazing through this disguise? by @tooindecisivetopickaurl | young royals, wilmon | mature | 67k words

fake dating my beloved. they're so in love with each other but they're pretending not to be while pretending... to be? i'm obsessed with them. but they're so respectful with each other and cautious of boundaries and they really are best friends who also happen to be obliviously in love

spreadsheet notes: love a good fake dating au they're so stupid i love them

flash like a setting sun by @playedwright | 911, buddie | explicit | 22k words

because you only realise you're in love with your best friend when you're scared you're losing him. that's the fic. and it's beautiful

spreadsheet notes: oh this is sooooo beautifully written and ugh just <333

Other people's secrets by @sflow-er | young royals, walty & wilmon | mature | 239k words

yooooo hello? so first off this is an outsider pov on wilmon which i am always obsessed with anyways but the focus isn't just on them, this is henry's story. it's a beautiful story about how friendships form and warp and change, how feelings manifest in different ways, how decisions and actions have consequences. it's an incredibly mature take on post-s1, and it's probably my favourite of the year. also ace representation!!!!

spreadsheet notes: ace henry my beloved <33 also love seeing wilmon from an outside perspective! such a good, well thought out fic with lots of healthy comminication <33

APRIL

if i stare too long by @brawlite & @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger | stranger things, harringroveson | explicit | 191k words

i haven't seen st s4 (and probably won't watch it) but that definitely won't stop me from reading harringroveson fic. i mean, who wouldn't look at those three and immediately want to see them together. the way their dynamic is written in this fic is peak, i don't even know what more to say. i also very much trust these authors with billy, and again i wasn't disappointed. there's just something in his head that's intriguing.

spreadsheet notes: this whole fic is such a vibe it makes me feel of hot summer chillin

MAY

Rewrite the Stars (series) by @in-amor-veritas | young royals, wilmon | mature | 137k words

definitely one of the highlights of the year, simon's whole life in new york... those scenes, they just show such a wonderful life simon has built for himself, and his relationship with wille doesn't change it, but he manages to fit in (after, you know, fun rom-com drama shenanigans). also. this is a kid fic. kid fics are my weak spot. rasmus is my new favourite little guy. also shoutout to luis best side character ever

spreadsheet notes: YELLING i love this fic sooo much it is everything

Where The Wind Will Carry Me by @1-life-to-give | young royals, wilmon | teen&up | 49k words

AND THEY WERE ACTORS PLAYING LOVE INTERESTS. do i have to say more? the tension guys the TENSION. also erik's side-plot i'm in love

spreadsheet notes: hopping up and down like a hyperactive chihuahua EN I LOVE THIS

Your love is my turning page (the t4t wilmon as girldads au) (series) by @willesworld | young royals, wilmon | teen&up | 17k words

i know i know another kid fic BUT!!!! t4t wilmon. makes it automatically superior. i'm not even kidding, add trans characters and i will like your fic (that i probably already like a lot) aroun 300000000 times more. but also this series comes for your feelings. it hits

spreadsheet notes: i am weak for t4t wilmon AND them having a biological child there's something so beautiful about it like that could be meeee ; siiimon i need to hug him and i need to hug wille they're gonna get out of this i prommy ; recovery and one step forwards a hundred steps back, but they made it there in the end ; they were so happy :((((

JUNE

A trace of dew by nuncflore | elden ring, this is too complicated | gen | 13k words

very elden ring-esque writing style, wonderful representation of whatever the hell is going on in the lore. hehehehehhe fucked up family ehhehehehe DIVORCE. my friends are so talented :))

spreadsheet notes: CAP I AM EATING YOU

Hanging from the Ceiling by @spicymiilk | spiderverse | teen&up | 6k words

for like. a week after i saw the new spiderverse movie i made miles 42 my entire life. that also meant reading this fic. and damn did this fic hit. i am still thinking about it

spreadsheet notes: i need more miles 42 content he is my favourite guy ever

The Darkest Little Paradise by @yourdemiurge | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 79k words

*holding you at gunpoint* read this fic. read it now, in this moment. you are not gonna regret it. believe me when i say you NEED this fic, you really do. doesn't even matter if you've seen yr or not. you're gonna thank me later

spreadsheet notes: THIS IS INSANE I CAN'T BREATHE MADY WHAT THE FUUUUUCK

JULY

Protected (series) by bastuba | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 69k words

hey do you ever read a fic and you just feel. so incredibly grounded because something about the characters feels grounded? like, they aren't grounded, but they still give off that vibe? idk how to explain this properly but that's this fic. also wille and simon cook together (i haven't read all parts of the series yet btw)

spreadsheet notes: incredibly grounded very mature how is wille like this ; i'd be like wille, always complaining about the heat ; they're soooooo. idiots. getting tattoos for each other ; i too would come out on a podcast about food ; SAFE SEX

AUGUST

The Season of Rebirth by @notalotgoingonatthisinstant | young royals, wilmon | mature | 30k words

part of a series, but i'm picking out this one specifically because it's soooo sweet!!! the title fits the fic so well, like yes it is the season of rebirth, but simon and wille's relationship is also rehashed in a very cool way, this fic is like one giant easter egg, i love it so much!

spreadsheet notes: wille taking the season of rebirth to recreate their early relationship, i am obsessed with him he's such a dumbass romantic

The Upgrade by @groenendaelfic | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 13k words

it's about the moment simon realises who wille is. that's why this fic is here. i mean of course also because it is very good, but mainly because of that moment

spreadsheet notes: the moment simon realised who wille is i am wheezing

Right Where You Left Me by @armandgender | spn, deancas | explicit | 94k words

if you're wondering why this fic is on my 2023 list instead of the 2022 list.... well that's because it took me almost a year to read the last chapter, and in terms of how my spreadsheet works, that makes it a fic i read in 2023. anyway. if you haven't read this fic yet, what are you even still doing here. click on that link right now. you want complex emotional situations? intricacies of ill-advised marriages? you wanna pick through abusive behaviour and encourage infidelity? well you're at the right place! also this has one of my favourite jack characterisations ever. it also made me go on multiple rants

spreadsheet notes: I FINALLY FINISHED IT AAAAHHHH I LOVE THIS FIC THE CABIN THE CATS JACK!!!!!

Alejito y Marimar (series) by th0ughts | red, white, and royal blue | teen&up | 18k words

OBSESSED WITH THIS DYNAMIC YOOOOOO. seriously the friendship between alex and martha is an expansion of the rwrb universe that is much needed, trust me

spreadsheet notes: the friendship i didn't know i needed in my life <333 ; they're just chillin!!!

SEPTEMBER

Change of Address (series) by hearmerory | avatar: the last airbender, zukka | mature | 134k words

okay. oooookay. strap in for this one, it is a lot. emotionally. like yes zuko is autistic, yes yes yeeees, i agree, also azula is treated like an actual person with actual mental issues, she deserves to be treated with care and this author definitely does that! this is the kind of series that makes me want to disappear in it, but it's also the kind of story i need breaks from, because it is so heavy (definitely check the tags for this one). zuko's relationship with sokka is written so thoughtfully and iroh is characterised incredibly and the author even included ursa in a way that didn't undermine everything that happened in the series before she appeared again. i can only recommend this one!

spreadsheet notes (there's lots of parts to the series, so this one is long): hhhh if i were ms jamieson i would have snapped after two days probably ; be nice katara!!!!! he's nervous ; i need to murder ozai ; and i need to murder zhao as well ; iroooohhhhh he should have just. taken the kids with him that first time he noticed something off ; yeah i think there was a reason why iroh never took zuko to the movies ; ozai needs to suffer ; i need to destroy ozai. violently and painfully ; iroh is the best uncle ever, zuko deserves all his kindness ; azula...... you don't have to fight for affection, it's not a competition..... they love you ; iroh should have taken her with him the first time around, she was like. 10, he could have just picked her up or sth ; ..... hakoda you idiot ; IROH BACKSTORY IROH BACKSTORY ; sokka and the plan that changed his life <3333 ; they are so soft with each other ; they all deserve all the therapy and support and yes sokka obviously you have adhd get with the program ; URSA??????? also i am living for sokka and azula's dynamic they are everything ; i don't. i don't understand her. i don't fucking understand her how could she not want her own children. how can she talk about them like that. like she knows them she doesn't know them she LEFT

Every night my teeth are falling out by @sulkybender | avatar: the last airbender, zukka | mature | 9k words

i was in need of some good zuko angst and oooohhh boy was i lucky to find this author. PEAK zuko angst. this fic in particular is very dear to me because it explores how mental illnesses would be handled in a world where there's practically no resources to help. i think we need that more

spreadsheet notes: yes well. how DO you deal with a schizophrenic fire lord in a fantasy world? (you stay with him and support him that is how)

OCTOBER

for years or for hours by @ghostinthelibrarywrites | the witcher, geralt/eskel/jaskier | explicit | 52k words

listennn i love myself some good polyamory fics, and this is the first fic i read for this ship and now i am OBSESSED with them. but this fic in particular.... the concept alone, like. what do you do when you thought the man you love was dead for 800 years, and then when he comes back you have another man you love. the answer is simple. polyamory. the two men you love also love each other. perfect coincidence.

spreadsheet notes: YO the concepts of witchers in modern times alone is sooo cool but adding in everything else? hello yes?

this is a love story by @achillestiel | supernatural, deancas | mature | 3k words

listen, i've never seen fleabag, but that's not the point. this is intriguing and funny, that's the point

spreadsheet notes: fucked up families and you want to fuck the priest hell yeah

The road not taken looks real good now by @stretchoutfics | young royals, wilmon | explicit | 90k words

it's not even the wilmon part i love about this fic (i very much enjoy it of course don't get me wrong) but wille and his kids. like, i don't want to spoil anything but like. wille's interactions with his kids are so important in this fic, and they're written so well. like, emilia is my favourite character in this, i kinda wish there was more with the kids honestly. this fic is definitely a highlight of the year, and to get back to wilmon, i do love how they're portrayed in this fic, how their dynamic plays out, and specifically how certain decisions do not depend on simon

spreadsheet notes: no but. the care put into this story. i can't--

NOVEMBER

Averno (series) by @sulkybender | avatar: the last airbender, zukka | mature | 12k words

a fascinating take on a fire lord zuko that was never part of the gaang

spreadsheet notes: HE JUST DESERVES KINDNESS but also he's a little fucked up WELL NO WONDER GIVE HIM KINDNESS ; i mean.... what makes a monster really ; well then let's get him out of his cell shall we (also hiiiii suki hello <3333)

Half Awake in Our Fake Empire by @hmslusitania | 9-1-1, buddie | teen&up | 34k words

another kid fic!!! but in a different fandom this time!!! seriously, giving buck a child fills so many of my life's needs it's ridiculous

spreadsheet notes: THEY'RE A FAMILY (thank you for giving that man a child)

a soldier (who carries a mighty sword) by @ghostinthelibrarywrites | the witcher, geralt/eskel/jaskier | explicit | 92k words

everything about this fic is wonderful!! the world(kaer morhen!!)building, the developing dynamic between geralt, jask, and eskel, ciri and yenn, the conflict, jask as a teacher!!!! aaahhhhh!

spreadsheet notes: they're my new favourite guyssss this whole fic is so cool, what they've done with kaer morhen <3333

Will We Last the Night by CSHfic & VSfic | avatar: the last airbender, zukka | teen&up | 143k words

this fic asks what if sokka had been stuck with zuko since the end of s1 and delivers a delightful answer. this is the adventures of zuko and sokka (and sometimes iroh) travelling through the earth kingdom. shenanigans ensue

spreadsheet notes: i am obsessed with this i'm just. i know it was only shortly but their life in ba sing se. obsessed

DECEMBER

Grudge Match by @catcas22 | elden ring | gen | 17k words

i'm not entirely sure how to explain this. it sure is an elden ring fic

spreadsheet notes: i don't even know what to say. this is ridiculous and brilliant and stupid and genius all at the same time. hell yeah suburban demigods

Lonely Digging by @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger | stranger things, harringrove | teen&up | 3k words

this is hilarious. go read it to unlock intense life-threatening flirting

spreadsheet notes: best way to flirt billy's doing everything right

***

(quick note: i’ve tried to find everyone’s tumblr handle, but i’m aware that not all the authors have tumblr/have it on their ao3, however if i somehow missed someone, i can go back and rectify that!)

if you’ve made it all the way down here i am giving you a kiss <3

[nesiacha]

Letter of Madame Chalabre to Robespierre

I found something interesting on the excellent site amis-robespierre.org. It was mentioned in posts I saw on Tumblr about Madame Chalabre, a great admirer of Robespierre, who was supposedly arrested after his execution. According to Vandeplas, Bernard on the same site, some accused her of being an informant for Robespierre. Joke aside, I wonder if Stanisława Przybyszewska might be the reincarnation of Madame Chalabre.

But when you read the letter she sent to Robespierre, it’s much more than admiration; it shows a political spirit. When I see this, I think once again that some French revolutionaries, including Robespierre, missed the boat by refusing to make women equal to men.

Here is Robespierre’s speech from January 2, 1792:   "... War is good for military officers, for the ambitious, for speculators who trade in such events; it is good for the court, it is good for the executive power whose authority, popularity, and influence it increases; it is good for the coalition of nobles, intriguers, and moderates who govern France..." He continues: "... The most extravagant idea that can be born in the head of a politician is to believe that it suffices for a people to invade a foreign people to make them adopt its laws and constitution. No one loves armed missionaries..." "... Our victories by our generals would be more disastrous than our defeats..."

Here is Madame Chalabre’s response, which shows a good reasoning spirit: "No, I cannot find words to express to the admirable Robespierre the surprise and emotion caused by reading his interesting and useful speech in the latest Revolution of Paris. The patriots were right to include it, because this journal is widely read and goes everywhere. We cannot hurry enough to warn true Frenchmen against the execrable trap of war. But alas! I fear it is a foregone conclusion in the National Assembly, for the deputy Ramond (de Carbonnières) announces to us a long and beautiful report from the diplomatic committee whose conclusions will undoubtedly be for war. Just heavens! What betrayals! Unfortunate homeland. False guides still divert you from the right path with new ruses finer than those of the moderates. They do not have such a marked character of falsehood and are therefore more dangerous. Patriots are said to be misguided if they do not want war. Ah! Let us continue to be thus misguided to stifle it and save the homeland. Another speech at the Jacobins Monday played by the cruel war partisans who persist like ravens on their prey. If so, let us despair of the homeland’s salvation. Victorious even with the enemy’s power is to be defeated. That is the solution to the whole question but as you say, they always want to be beside the point. How with even a little judgment can one fall into such a trap? It seems incredible to me; instead of following nature, they prefer to reason against it. Shame, shame on eloquence in this case. Weak humans who boast of your enlightenment, the instinct of animals is far superior to your fine minds, for it never deceives them.

{} I cannot resist the feeling of gratitude inspired by the virtuous conduct and wise writings of the faithful Robespierre, despite his own advice to us not to give in too much to these transports. His touching modesty will produce the opposite effect judging by myself but it will not be dangerous for freedom, the noblest emulation will be the fruit. Greetings, friendship, Chalabre."

Thus, beyond admiration, Madame Chalabre shows great lucidity on the issue of war. I would love to know more about this character.

This makes me all the more furious about the films of the French Revolution that portray women as passive, too gentle, and groupies according to macho standards (yes, I have my eye on Heffron's films, the horrible movie "The Passion of Camille and Lucile Desmoulins," and even very good films like "La Terreur et la Vertu" by Stellio Lorenzi).

PS: I looked for Tumblr posts about this letter specifically and an analysis but did not find one. If it is already there, I sincerely apologize to the author. The goal is not to plagiarize.

[mystermoose]

The country of cunning victors...is an anxious mess? 4

Part 1:

https://www.tumblr.com/mystermoose/735465215641124864/the-country-of-cunning-victorsis-an-anxious?source=share

Carmedenon: you sex: female age: 20s

Today, was really not your day.

You were suppose to be meeting with the rest of the world and finally come out of your shell. But instead, here you were. Running away from the people whom you still couldn't believe are your fellow country humans. One look of them in that room was enough for you to know that you can't do this. No way! These people are definitely way too much for your poor little anxious heart to handle.

They can't even get along in this supposed peaceful era!

The thought added dread in your heart 'Would I even be able to get along with them? I've been isolated for so long, I have no idea what I'm dealing with...I'm such an idiot! Why did I let myself come here blind!' you thought to yourself as you ran away from the men.

"Hey where you going?! Didn't you hear me? I said you were in the right room!" said the American who was now chasing after you.

"Stop screaming at her, you idiot! Now look what you've done? You scared her enough to run away from you"

"Me? Pretty sure she's running away because she saw the both of you! Running while strangling each other, If anyone scared her it's you guys!"

All three of them started arguing as they ran after you, and this just prompted you to run even faster and hoping that you could lose them in some way. But as if the world hates you, extra voices were heard behind all of you.

"Ah! There she is! Hey there! I've heard so much about you from your brother! It's so nice to finally meet you. Oh! You resemble him quite a bit aru"

"That's her? She's not what I imagined her to be, she's quite adorable da~"

Seeing as all of you were getting a little too far away, they also joined in the chase.

'Oh no! Now there's 5 of them! Ok, ok calm down you've been chased down before. All I have to do is lose them!'

Unfortunately for you, despite having done this multiple times before, thinking while running for your life was something you were never good at. That being said, those said multiple times were also the same multiple times you almost lost. And while you were running, a dawning realization has filled your heart with dread.

'I have no idea where I'm going. I don't even know how this fancy building's floor plan looks like. Shit, I'm lost...'

As if the universe hasn't picked up on how you're scared and panicking right now, 3 more has joined the quest of chasing after you.

"Vhat do you think you're doing!? Stop running!" you heard the large man who was being accompanied by two smaller men yell with a thundering voice.

You felt like you were just yelled at and that made you panicked more, this felt exactly like what you older brother warned you about the generation of countries you were going to be part of.

It's going to be full of persistent men, no matter how scared they make you, they won't stop. So you must be stronger for yourself.

And right he was, as he here you were being chased by persistent men. All who are seemingly unaware of how uncomfortable they're making you right now, like dang, you are really regretting leaving your house right now. With the chaos going on around you, your mind has solidified your resolve.

You're getting out of here. Now

Screw what punishment queen Elinor might have for you for going back on your word and ditching meeting the rest of your kind. They may be your people but they're not your kind of people. And then an idea formed in your brilliant mind.

'It's not one of my best ideas but it can still buy me enough time to find a way out of here'

Settling with your idea, you quickened your pace until you were out of their sight and luckily you found a good temporary hiding spot so you settled there and waited for them to pass by you. Just after a few seconds you heard their steps, but then they stopped right infront of where you were hiding and then you heard one of them talk.

"Oh great, we lost her! Way to go guys! Right when I was about to introduce myself and bring her back to the meeting room to" said the bespectacled blond man, to who you have observed to be the loudest of them all.

"Who do you think you are to blame anyone here? She was already running when she already saw you, if anything this is your bloody fault! Going after her even when we told you not to!" the one in green said in a scolding way. Now taking a good look at him, his eyebrows are really thick....not that there's anything wrong with that!

"What!? How could this be just my fault? If you hadn't come rushing at our direction while fighting with France she would've been less scared. Not to mention the sudden appearances of China and Russia back there, everyone made her feel like she was getting ganged up on! So you can't pin this on just me" the man clapped back.

Upon being mentioned and dragged the way he did, an argument ensues where they start blaming each other and defending themselves. Finally the more composed blond man shut them up with his booming voice.

"Enough! You really can't be together in a minute without arguing, can you? It's almost embarassing to think that we lost to the likes of you! Look, she can't be that far and out this building yet. So let's split up and look for her, and try not to get into arguments while you're looking!" he said in the same commanding voice you had heard him use. And it worked as they all grew silent and finally split up to go look for you. Not knowing in the slighest that you were there, and that you heard everything.

"So they're always like that?...My plan might actually work" you said to yourself and finally scurried off to put your plan into action.

================================

Hey guys, sorry for not being back on the day that I said that I would be. It's just that life got me busy and i really couldn't find the time for this. But when I finally got a break, I decided to give you this chapter. And since I ended it on a cliffhanger, hopefully I could pressure myself into releasing the next one as fast as possible.

Also thanks for the people who are loyally liking all the chapters, you guys are really encouraging me to continue this story. Especially since most of you are closet Hetalians, glad to be one of your guilty pleasures lol.

Previous part:

https://www.tumblr.com/mystermoose/735852921789579264/the-country-of-cunning-victorsis-an-anxious

[rajak]

drowning in uncharted waters

(Link to AO3)

Pairing: Togame Jo/Endo Yamato Summary: Endo had always believed that it didn’t matter who became the focus of his fleeting obsessions, after all, they’re mere fragments of the real thing. But something about the Shishitoren’s deputy leader tickled his curiosity. His color is not at all similar to Takiishi’s or Sakura’s, not a speck on his body even shared the similar hue. However, when he looks at him, it felt like staring back at a reflection of himself. He couldn’t wait to look further.

“Well, if it isn’t a familiar face.”

Togame looks up at the familiar voice and finds himself staring eye to eye with the guy who initiated the attack on Furin last time. Though he did remember how strong he was when it comes to fighting, Togame never really bothered to know his name. With a brief nod, he acknowledges his presence and says nothing more.

He’s been waiting for Choji for around half an hour now outside of Furin’s gates. Apparently, Umemiya called for an afternoon snack between the leaders of the groups around Makochi. Knowing Umemiya, he’s probably forging some peace pact and teambuilding activities between all the groups to ensure that Furin and the town can enjoy peace much longer. Strictly for leaders, he apparently said, so he had no choice but to stay outside.

Ah. Is that why this guy is here?  Togame did hear these troublemakers came as a pair, and there was an unfamiliar guy earlier with bright red hair.

Endo, for his part, feels a bit slighted. The last thing he expected was to be ignored. Wasn’t this guy flattered he still remembered him despite that mediocre performance in their last encounter?

“So, your group is friendly now with Bofurin, huh? Didn’t you come to help Sakura last time?” Endo continues, letting pass the fact that he was ignored. It’s not the first time someone he addressed didn’t give him the time of the day. And well, all those cases now acknowledge him, don’t they? This shouldn’t be any different. “Shishitoren’s deputy, Togame Jo. Isn’t it?”

Togame scratches the tip of his nose, feeling a bit uneasy from the attention. If not to fight, Togame doesn’t really care about interacting with strangers. This guy is practically one. And a persistent one, at that.

“You know it really surprised me that Shishitoren showed up that night.” Even being ignored does not faze Endo one bit. “It got me thinking, how come such a group who devotes themselves to power end up being support for another? Then the answer came to me that very same night. It’s because of Sakura, isn’t it. That guy’s a natural charmer. You’re the same as me, aren’t you? Drawn to him? So much so that you’d drag the whole of Shishitoren to impress the guy.”

Endo smiles in satisfaction as he finally sees Togame’s expression falter a bit.

“Sakura’s my friend. I helped him because that’s what friends do. Not everything is about impressing somebody.”

“It is, actually. I know how people’s minds work. Hey, I’ve got a great idea. You’re bored out here, right? Why don’t we finish what we started that time? Same stage and everything.”

Togame doesn’t really care. He came to Furin that night to back up Sakura. It was his first time working with Hiiragi then, so naturally, they didn’t quite get each other’s tempo yet, resulting to Endo being able to push them back. He finds no reason to prove that he can win over him, it’ll just be a waste of his time.

“No, thank you,” he answers curtly.

It just so happens that Endo is not the type to give up after one rejection.

“Aww, no way you were satisfied with that performance of yours?” Endo sits next to him uninvited and hooks an arm around Togame’s shoulder. “I heard you’re a monster. That was barely anything, if I say so myself.”

Togame regards him coldly, staring daggers at his unwelcome arm. Up this close, he could smell the whiff of some perfume on his body. It makes Togame’s nose itch.

“Kame-chan!”

Perfect timing. Togame swiftly extricates himself from Endo, waving at Choji’s direction. He’s followed behind by Umemiya, Nakamura, and the other guy that must be Endo’s accomplice.

“Yo, Togame. Endo.” Umemiya raises a hand to greet them. “Sorry for making you wait. Though, it seems you two are getting friendly already.”

“You can say that.” Endo says with a knowing smile, taking his spot next to Takiishi. “But our time was cut short. There’s still so much to know about each other, right, Togame?”

“Really? Then why don’t we exchange numbers? We can keep contact that way, yeah?” Choji excitedly suggests, not even giving Togame a chance to answer. Togame doesn’t miss the victorious smile Endo throws his way.

Togame tries hard to mask his irritation as the exchange of numbers ensue. Endo’s sudden interest in him has quite gotten on his nerves. But in fact, Togame has an inkling of what really bothered him about this whole exchange – Endo suggesting that they were the same. Sure, he did have a period when he mercilessly kicked out the weaker members of Shishitoren, but at the time, it was for Shishitoren’s sake. From the little he knows of this Endo, it seems that everything he does is for his entertainment alone. It's quite pathetic.

“I’ll get in touch.” Endo tells Togame before they part ways.

“You really don’t have to take the trouble.” Togame responds with a thin smile. He couldn’t outwardly reject Endo after all, since it was Choji’s idea to keep in contact and everything.

“Then we’ll go ahead now! Bye!” Choji bids farewell for the two of them as Togame walks ahead, wanting to create distance between him and Endo as soon as possible.

Endo’s eyes follow Togame with interest until his figure disappears at the end of the street. He had always believed that it didn’t matter who became the focus of his fleeting obsessions, after all, they’re mere fragments of the real thing. But something about the Shishitoren’s deputy leader tickled his curiosity. His color is not at all similar to Takiishi’s or Sakura’s, not a speck on his body even shared the similar hue.

However, when he looks at him, it felt like staring back at a reflection of himself. He couldn’t wait to look further.

No thanks to Choji, Endo bombarded Togame’s phone with messages for three days before he finally gave in and accepted his challenge for a rematch. Ori would have been the perfect stage for it, but he didn’t want Shishitoren to get involved in any way, so he let Endo decide where to fight. Finally, he sends him a location: Shenkan shipyard. Fri. 4 pm.

Togame recognizes the area: a notorious gang used to base there until they got all pummeled down by Bofurin. Considering that Endo has access to that place, he must have had a hand as well on that incident. Just how devilish this guy can be? Despite the de facto peace treaty between them and their group, Togame would hate to concern Shishitoren with his antics. It’ll be good to settle the matter between who’s stronger between the two of them sooner than later.

He arrives at the designated place and time and finds Endo already waiting, sitting leisurely on the raised platform.

“I could have seen you a mile away! You really love that jacket of yours, don’t you?” Endo laughs as he greets Togame. He has always thought these gang uniforms are so silly.

“I take pride of being a part of Shishitoren. I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Well, duh. I don’t wanna understand either. I’m fine enough hanging around wherever Takiishi goes.” Endo sticks his tongue out and makes a fart sound. “I don’t do group sentimentalities and other gross shit like that.”

 Togame only glares at him.

“Not much of a talker are ya.” Endo takes his time stepping down from the platform, his steps reverberating through the steel steps, down the cold concrete, until he is mere meters away from Togame.

Togame widens his stance, crouching in preparation. He usually prefers taking things slow, but something tells him prolonging his contact with this guy won’t do him any good. “Why don’t we just get this over with?”

“Fine by me.” Endo cracks his knuckles, a crazed smile lining his lips. Endo let Sakura win last time so that he may not lose the flames he witnessed in those pair of unique eyes. But because of that, a part of him naturally felt unsatiated. He’s been dying to fight to his heart’s desire without restraints. If he destroys this man right now in front of him to the point of ruin, there’s nothing to lose. Endo can go all out as much as he wanted. He plans to do as such.

For a moment, there is only silence as the two sides sized up one another.

Then Togame makes the first move, going for a hard tackle. Endo is caught in surprise; he didn’t expect Togame could move this fast. It seems his initial judgment of him is correct – he still has a lot of strength to show. Endo is pushed a step back, but he manages to hold  himself upright.

Seeing that Endo didn’t fall, Togame swiftly changes gears and goes for an exchange of blows. Endo parries with him, their exchange forceful yet precise. Togame goes for another tackle. This time, Endo is prepared, countering with a knee. Togame, however, blocks it easily, as if he already knew it was coming, and simultaneously sneaks in a quick hook from the right, hitting Endo squarely on his face.

Endo staggers this time, blood staining the side of his mouth.

“Heh, I see now,” Endo wipes the blood away with the back of his hand as soon as he regains his balance, “If it’s you, I must go all out right from the start.”

“You should have done so from the beginning.”

“Then I won’t hold back anymore.”

With fighters of their caliber and strength, their exchange of fists and kicks dragged on almost without end. It became a test of endurance, in which neither of them was lacking either. Blood and sweat rained on the ground that they fought on, yet they remain on the battlefield, equally responding to each other’s hits.

At one point, Endo decides to give Togame a taste of his own medicine, crouching low and tackling him hard. It came unexpectedly as Togame is focused on blocking Endo’s punches. Togame loses his balance, falling to the ground hard with Endo on top of him. Togame’s breath gets knocked out of him. He was half-expecting for Endo to take advantage of this, but instead, the other guy remains crouched on top of him, his eyes wide with a peculiar expression as they stare at each other.

It takes a moment for Togame to recognize that look – it was thirst.

Endo licks his lips. With one hand, he pushes Togame’s left shoulder down, while the other snakes is way under Togame's shirt and up along his torso, his calloused palm leaving a trail of heat across his skin.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” Endo cranes his neck, his mouth curving up to a grin.  “Such a shame you’re hiding this body underneath loose clothes, Togame. I would have noticed you sooner.”

Togame’s reaction is a mix of shock and reluctant acceptance. He remains still under Endo’s touch, unsure if it’s fatigue or something else making him compliant.

Endo seems to have sensed his thoughts as he echoes, “You can easily push me off if you don’t want this.”

Togame doesn’t speak, only defiantly stares back.

At that point, Endo realizes his instincts were right – Togame has a different type of flame in his eyes, and it’s not unlikeable either. It’s something only visible to those who look hard enough. And by gods, was he not lucky to have taken the chance?

It feels like another match has started, with both sides waiting for the perfect timing to attack.

In this instance, Togame makes the first move yet again.

He grabs the back of Endo’s neck and yanks him down with force, their mouths meeting in a frenzied kiss – in fact, he didn’t know if it couldn’t be said to be a kiss, it was a ravenous clash of pent-up frustrations and desire, like waves crashing into each other in a stormy sea. Gone are the concept of boundaries and space – there was only lips and mouth and teeth and tongue. They devoured each other until Togame was tasting blood, and even that did not stop Endo. It just made him hungrier, sucking Togame’s mouth harder, drinking him all in.

Togame didn’t have much experience in these kinds of things, he drives himself by instinct,  but Endo makes up for all of that he lacks. His mouth and tongue moved in a way Togame didn’t know could be done, and it lights a fire from the pit of his stomach until it becomes a low growl within his throat. He grips harder at the back of Endo’s head, his fingers weaving into Endo’s hair, pulling him down as if to drown together with, until both of their jaws start aching.

Just as crashing waves cease until they only lap along the shore, Togame’s and Endo’s turbulent kisses slow into languid nibbles, their energy spent but desire still lingering.

Finally, Endo pulls himself away from Togame’s mouth and rests his head against the nook of his neck, catching his breath with a giddy smile on his face, inhaling the light scent of laundry soap emanating from Togame’s sweat-soaked clothes. Fuck, who knew this man would taste so good? “Damn, I’d really like to take you home right now.”

“Don’t press your luck.” Togame finally finds it in him to push Endo off. He still doesn't know what quite to feel. The matter of fact is that he reciprocated Endo's advances, initiated their kiss even. Maybe it's just a case of the body responding to its needs. There's no need to think too deeply about it.

To his surprise, Endo removes himself without complaint, laying down on the ground.

Endo props himself up so that he’s facing him, his raw knuckles supporting his bruising cheek. “There will be a rematch, of course.”

“Why do I have a feeling you will not take no for an answer?”

“I’m happy you already understand me at such a short time,” Endo grins, “Seems like we did have a fruitful conversation here.”

In the end, Endo couldn’t follow through with his plan. There wasn’t a clear winner or loser  between their fight, what with Endo letting his instincts take over his mind. But that was fine, too. He found himself something fascinating yet again, and this time, the object of his fixation seems to be responding in kind.

If Togame’s hard to break, then there’s reason to keep coming back.

[aajjks]

mommy issues!JK

you’re still in your dress from last night. your hair is messy, and you’ve yet to freshen up. you had a lot of fun with chaeyoung young last night and despite her pressuring advice, you’re still unsure of where you stand with jungkook. just thinking about it gives you a headache and speaking of the devil:

*knock*

*knock*

*knock*

you let out a groan, wondering if chaeyoung might be at your front door, instead, it’s jungkook with a bouquet of sunflowers and a box of chocolates. you rub your sleepy eyes; are you hallucinating? you knew jungkook was persistent but this is a whole new level of persistence and it’s all in favor of winning your heart.

while you’re looking hideous, jungkook’s looking handsome in his black and white striped shirt, ripped jeans, and platform shoes. you’re assuming he must have plans to take you out or maybe he’s meeting up with nara later on.

“Yn.., what happened last night..” jungkook pauses. his eyes lower to the pretty sunflowers before meeting yours again. “it wasn’t true. The articles are false because I’m not dating her and I did not know that you were going to be there. She did this on purpose and I don’t think that I should be the one taking the fall for this.”

before you say anything, jungkook opens his mouth and follows his earlier plea by saying “I think I deserve a chance to explain myself so please just wait for my explanation and give me a chance to explain.”

you’re hesitant to take the bouquet and chocolates from jungkook’s hands because what you’re going to say will break his heart.

“wow..uh…this is really nice, jungkook. thanks. listen, you don’t have to explain anything to me, okay? i accept your apology but i have to politely decline. you’re a sweet guy and all but i really just want to have a professional relationship with you. i just don’t see us working out. i apologize for jumping to conclusions about yours and nara’s relationship but from this day forth, i just want it to be professional between us…all three of us”

you…jungkook…and seol.

it’s a hard pill to swallow. basically a knife to the heart but it must be done.

~🫧

Your words don’t hurt him as much as he expected them to but your cold tone does make him flinch a little.

Professional… huh.

Jungkook shakes his head-feeling his anger bubbling up, but it’s not your fault. It’s Nara’s fault. “I’m glad that you let the things from your heart out but now I will talk and you will listen.”

He crosses his arms on his chest and with a cold smile on his face that doesn’t really reach his eyes like always, but you have decided to piss him off and now you are going to pay the price for it

“I don’t think that out of all people you should be the one who talks about professionalism.” He begins, his tone hard and he did, but he keeps his voice in control.

“don’t you think I know about your little affair with the bitch..what’s her name again? Ah yes chaeyoung.” He smirks- anger, bubbling up it’s driving him insane.

“oh please don’t look at me like that. It’s not my fault that how She keeps on boosting about your little flame and how you like girls more than boys.” He glares at you.

“She’s a teacher at the same school where you teach.”

“I mean it’s kind of ironic that you’re telling me to be professional with you when you’re literally fucking the teacher.” He is so angry at you right now because how dare you tell him to be professional with you when you blur the lines with everyone but except him.

“I didn’t expect you to love me, but I also didn’t expect this behavior from you. Haha you’re not I thought you were.

“You’re a coldhearted selfish hypocritical person. That’s all.” He scoffs. “how do you tell me to be professional with you? I like you so much and this is what I get in return? That you make assumptions and I have to pay the price? My feelings are a joke to you. My son is a joke to you.”

“You come from an abusive relationship as well- I thought you’d understand- the way she kept on digging her fuckin nails in my bicep that I got marks. Haha wow you’re so damn stupid!”

[mugunghwc]

unprompted ask / always accepting

@causalitylinked​​ said: Honestly, even with Koji gone, it truly shouldn't be any of his concern whether or not a man that wasn't Kobato happened to be harassing Hana... but upon not being able to ignore how this menace clearly couldn't take 'no' for an answer, Ryuto would soon saunter forward with a dazzling smile normally not found on his impassive features.

 "Ah, there you are, nee-san!" Sure enough, he then proceeds to gently tug Hana by the arm. "You have my apologies for arriving at our meeting spot much earlier than usual! I was just so excited you had agreed to tutor me, I couldn't help myself from rushing over to see you as soon as possible," Ryuto then beams, and from how fondly he seemingly regards her, one would think she was an older sister he happened to adore rather than a woman he truly detested.

Regardless, it doesn't take long for the man to soon grow visibly uncomfortable upon being confronted with such a pure, angelic looking boy who appeared to be blissfully unaware of the fact he had accosted Hana mere moments earlier... and upon giving her one last subtle look that said, 'You better play along', he'll soon turn his attention towards him. "Oh, hello, sir! Are you friends with my sister by any chance?" Ryuto then questions, causing the nervous looking man to immediately shake his head.

"N-No... I only, uh... asked her for directions. Isn't that right, Hana-chan?" he then glances back towards Hana, as if pleading for her to somehow agree.

     dealing with creeps was nothing new to her. especially after starting modelling, when she soon realized that some of them could be found behind the cameras, or working as managers. there was a reason why koji was assigned to looking after her upon her return to japan, but hana being hana didn’t like to make things easy for the guy, or anyone around her, really. she didn’t like feeling as if she depended on him or her father as a whole—wanting to prove herself through her own merits. in her attempts of doing so, however, she was bound to make mistakes. one of them being venturing into shinjuku by herself, unsupervised. despite tasting her independence while staying for a little while being in the states, hana was still very much sheltered from the life within her home country.

     it wasn’t naivety as much as ignorance & some stupidity from her part when she found for ways to get rid of koji & roam the streets on her own. her appearance drew quite some stares, but despite being described as ‘ cute ‘, her tongue was sharp & her attitude wasn’t the best either. one bad look at someone, & she could be in danger, but alas, hana acted as if she didn’t care—mostly because she didn’t know any better.

     the moment that she was approached by the stranger who claimed to be a fan of hers, she shot the man a look of disgust. a rather childish reaction, perhaps—resorting to calling him names when he persisted on being ‘ helped ‘ , despite hana already stating that she had no clue what he was talking about. her annoyance soon turned into fear when he seriously dared to grab onto her wrist to stop her from leaving, which she pulled away immediately. her shoulders were tense, & all she wanted was to flee, but her feet were glued to the ground. it almost didn’t register when a familiar voice called her name. too taken aback by the stranger to notice ryuto approaching until she was pulled to the side. all she could do was blink repeatedly in her confusion, before finally snapping out of her trance. who could’ve thought that his presence would bring her some relief? hana stammered in her sentences, unsure at first.

    “ah... it’s fine...i wasn’t waiting for long.” she managed to force a smile upon her lips. although, it remained strained. her eyes darting towards the stranger once ryuto decided to acknowledge him. “sorry but i cannot help you.” a hand was waved off dismissively. her other hand, reaching out for ryuto’s to hold & squeeze it hard, letting him know that she was anything but relieved. “gotta go. can’t keep him waiting, you know?” faux laughter came from her lips, which was more-so out of nervousness than anything else. she’d end up tugging at ryuto, using him as her shield. it should tell him just how distressed she was, if she was willing to play along & be nice to him.

[cruelfeline]

Ugh, that post about Susurrus vs First Athian Tanta. I could see there being at least some canonical evidence that both of the lonely wars he's waged have affected him, if only in how needy he can be when it comes to attention and how he persists in friendly behaviour with Frey post-game, despite them ostensibly being enemies— he's finally gotten the closest thing he's ever had to an ally, someone who talks with him, engages with him, who kept him around and bound them together instead of discarding him, and I'm not sure if he's capable of truly giving that up now that he has it (which probably also makes him angry and resentful, as it's just another tether [but one that he thrives under]).

(Something maybe fun, but before the dlc dropped, I had been nursing a concept for a fic where Susurrus didn't actually realise at first that he was waging a *second* attack against Athia after being put back together, due to not knowing how much time had passed, with him also thinking that the first Tanta was still out there and a threat to him [until he was confronted by the 'new' Tantas we know and love and worked out what was up]. Doesn't really work now that we know the demon-weapon resuscitation process, but it was a fun ball of angst to play with haha)

Oh, I can certainly see the validity of that interpretation. Susurrus seems, despite all the negativity surrounding them, very much unable to treat Frey solely as an enemy. He seems unable to just... stop talking to her. As if having mundane conversations is something that he either needs or enjoys or both. So yeah: chances are, he feels legitimate loneliness and just doesn't want to be by himself. And if the only conversation partner is his student/bestie/mortal enemy, the so be it.

Y'know, that's something I constantly have to remind myself of, when thinking of Cuff. My instinct to his situation is "sir, just fuck off into the mountains and live your life; just leave and be done with it." Every time I think that, I realize that it's very possible that living life as a hermit, without anyone else, may just not be a thing that Susurrus is able to do. It's something I would be all too happy to do - and something I very much do when I'm off work - but that sort of solitude doesn't work for the majority of people. And I forget that a lot.

It's easier for me to remember when I think of him as birds.

Ah, goodness, what a harrowing concept! Just waking back up and not realizing so much time had passed. As you say, it doesn't really work with the DLC, but it's so compelling. Maybe in an AU? Oof, it's just so angsty!

[tarot-winds]

I'm exhausted of saying and thinking the same thing... How can I explain? Do you know what it's like to carry this much baggage? This much fear! After the roughest first week of class. I was paralyzed with information that compounded in my brain. Mostly because I'm struggling with several subjects - especially math. The caseload is triple as we are required to learn core math as well as magic mathematics. Numerology is being introduced in Professor Purple's. I was excelling only in astrology...obviously math is not my forte. But I gotta learn to survive!

This isn't the only class I'm struggling with. That first day lingered in my mind as I thought religiously of the brief rundown of the history of witches. In class, we've delved into what makes a witch a witch and it takes more than magic. Especially during the era of the witch trials. Not the ones in Salem. The ones across Europe. Approximately 40,000 to 60,000 souls were executed and charged with crimes of witchcraft! It's insane to think about. All those bodies left to the hands of evil. I cringe at the thought of the suffering. The plucking of bones. The veins lost. I mean the magical veins. That's what Frost calls them anyway.

This information goes along with the book for history class, that we are touching on quite frequently this month, The Malleus Maleficarum. A text written by Heinrich Kramer, a German clergyman and inquisitor against innocents. A noted and known psychopath with a deep hatred. This is where the burning and hanging and drowning of innocents came from. From the mind of this genocidal freak. Although he was a grand demonologist and a witch hunter. Despite him having slaughtered many innocents, he caught real witches too. Many Jewish ones to name a few things about him. Practitioners of Kabbalah.

How did he catch us? Mainly because people turned against neighbors and friends. A frenzy of fear caught them back then. By Using torture techniques to extrapolate the truth from those innocents. The techniques used were violent and inhumane. Mainly because witches were seen as such.

My stomach churns at the idea of reading any of the book any longer. Although I must persist as I learn of the dead among the ink of those pages. In Frosts I've been taught to remember the dead. To acknowledge them. Enough about my classes, what about homework. I was sitting amongst a stack of it due. Much of it I was completing however I needed a break. A deck of cards called my name. Maybe I can check the spirit realm for grades? Heh. I'm just kidding. Let's see...

Tower.

Death.

Well, those two are self-explanatory. Death has been chasing me since I arrived. I ignored that card and focused on the tower. What could be destroying my life? Well that can be a few things. Drugs did that before. But now I'd like to think it's my past looming through my nightmares. I'm still detoxing so much of the strange dreams can be attributed to that.

Let's see the others cards.

2 of pents- I am juggling, class right now and trying to fit in. It's been difficult to manage life as a student.

5 of wands. Yes, Im in conflict with myself...

3 of pents. Learning from scholars. Of course.

Hermit. Ah. Spiritual enlightenment. I shall wonder if this has to do with the tower? As for the conflict. I happen to know what that's about. I am but a ghost in these walls. Ever since my outing with Sebastian and Luna. Well. They have decided that I'm too much of a danger to have around. So they have cut me out. Mostly they were intrigued by my status as a necromancee, however since understanding that I one day I quite literally might play with the dead. They avoid me out of fear. Since Sebastian is the eldest here. This holds much sway with the social circle.

The superstitions of death witches have strangled the students. The idea that we are simply too, dead, comes from our innate ability to spoil in the mind. The craft is messy which leads to insanity. Which tends to get us caught by humans and whatnot. This along with what we are learning is most important to why my anxiety is wracked.

Despite this, Luna is still kind in passing. Frost warned me of fighting back against the tide. So rather than that, I spend my time with her. We have a standing chess match that allows her to gauge how much I am learning in her class. Frost is just as quaint as you'd think; our interactions are brief.

Ugh. What am I doing?! I can't think anymore! It's a Saturday evening. I swung my legs over the bed to stretch and collect my wits. I decided it was time I left the confines of Blackbriar. I hadn't left since that night with Sebastian and Luna. Frankly, I didn't have the time. Now however being trapped here is making me stir crazy. So... I chose to visit the bar we attended. Marquee.

The bar itself is updated on the outside but sort of outdated at the same time. I stood outside a medium sized building with dark painted bricks, the door looked aged and stained a blue color unreadable in the night. A large blue sign up top. Before walking in I spied the customers from the slightly tinted windows. They looked merry. Which turned me off from entry. I stood a while longer to smoke.

Just contemplating the week. While deep in thought ashes formed. The smoke drifting. Most of the cars on the lot held military plates. I've heard this place is located just outside of a Navy base. Although it is owned and run by a marine. Ain't that funny? I don't know much about that but I've heard they are brothers in arms, more like brothers and sisters. But... did they know about Mason? That man still occupies my thoughts. He's the first creature... monster? I'm not sure what to categorize him as. I mean a vampire?! Especially with the context of my nightmares. What the fucking hell am I doing here?!

My thunderous thoughts ran silent. There he was, carefully walking out of the bar, a garbage bag in tote. He wore a dirty apron that covered up a black crew, Levi's, dusty boots. He strolled back inside after handling the trash. Just as the door shut behind him. I could have sworn I heard the wind whisper my name. Beckoning me inside. So I decided to obey the call. The men and the few women inside were indeed cheerful with boasts of a game on. The stench of beer and liquor was heavy. Good warm meals are abundant. Mostly sloppy burgers and sauced-up wings. The bar called to me.

I tried to order but was asked for my card... which was strange as he didn't care about me last time. So instead I put in an order for a milkshake. A burger is on the house. Before I walked away he asked if I wanted to place a bet. All I had left was a twenty. When the food arrived, I noticed the milkshake had a shot of Bailey's. At the end of the night, I made about a buck fifty. Which wasn't too bad. I stayed until everyone was rowdily leaving. Designated drivers exiting the lot. The place was a mess. E. Mason immediately began cleaning up the place. "If you're staying. Grab a rag. Start with your table and work your way around." That was an order.

I wasn't unfamiliar with wiping down a table. The work was mind-numbing but good. Especially for my anxiety.

"What brings you on this side of da quarter?" He eventually spoke gruffly. His accent heavy. I almost ignored him. Not wanting to chat but to work instead.

"Huh?"

"Don't 'huh' me, what are you doin here?"

"Sorry, I guess, I just wanted to get out for the night. Didn't know I was causing a problem. Sounds like I'm unwanted?"

"I do apologize for the tone. I don't need your kind here all the time. Especially on gun nights." I nodded my head slowly. I hadn't meant to intrude. I repeated that.

"I do understand, however, I just needed a place to be for a minute that didn't have magic involved. I guess I found myself here. it's a nice place you've got. Real vibrant. "

"Yea. I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Technically you aren't meant to be around these parts. It's fang territory. Where are your friends? They were told the same. To not return."

Damn, E. Mason, said friends. Those two are not my friends. Although I got the feeling I needed to question why that was. For a vampire. He was quite accommodating. He explained that the bar was coming under new management soon. As well as the witches coming down this way was too dangerous. The management comes in the form of family. They don't take to witches. I shuddered at the idea of being bled by a vampire. He pretty much eluded to such things. That his family wasn't like him. They fed on the blood of humans. I kept my head down.

It was too dark out by the time we finished. He decided to drive me where I needed to be as cabs don't drive out this way. Inside the beat-up truck. My head leaned against the glass as a slight trickle of music played. Rain pelting on the metal roof. At first, the silence was nice. Then I began to question tonight.

"You said..., well, you said I'm on the wrong side of the tracks. I'm curious because humans come and go. What's the difference? Where do they fit in under the new management. If they feast on them?"

"In all reality that's none of your business. "

"I'm just chatting."

"No, you're being nosy."

"Well, I'm in a truck with a strange man. I'm entitled to be a bit nosy." I angrily muttered.

"Alright." He said and quietly explained." My sister is coming to town. She's a co-owner. Our mother passed and she and I are stuck with the debt. As for my bar. It is open to the public. She knows not to eat where we lay our heads. As for my patrons. Gun nights are the best. Although it's more navy than I'd like. " a devilish smirk grew.

Then he asked about my family... which I obliged.

"I have no family to speak of. Although I do understand debts. I have a few emotional ones that hold me back. Mostly things of the past that choke me up occasionally. I'm an orphan actually... despite being alone, I had a foster family at one point but now. Im homeless here and navigating college and life. As well as my past relationships. Like I said. No family to speak of. Just a bunch of pain. " I knew why I was angry but I hadn't expected a tear to stroke my cheek against my will.

"Damn."

"You can say that again."

"At least you made a few friends along your journey?"

"About that, those two aren't friends."

"Oh really, I'm surprised. You looked friendly before. Had a falling out?" His tone of voice betrayed a sense of agitation. Over something those said 'friends' did really has him uppity.

"I'm sure they never liked me. Just curious about my life as a...well a me being sideshow attraction."

" What are you talking about?" He asked without thought.

Shit. Maybe I had said too much. Although he was intrigued. So I explained how I came upon his bar. Detailing the night Sebastian found out I was a necromancer. The truck suddenly came to a halt. We were pulled over on the side of the road. We were about halfway to Blackbriar when he said to get out. So I did. There was a burn of embarrassment and hurt. However, I should know better by now than to speak on my status as a death witch. Although you'd think with a vampire it might be different! As I walked the side street, he was still waiting where I had left him. I was only a few feet away before he quickly ordered me back inside the truck. A temper swelling between us both. I huffed but I genuinely needed that ride.

It was already past curfew and chilly and raining and honestly. I'm just sad now. He requested me to explain my situation as he drove slower than before. As if to allow more time for words to drift between.

I explained my death and resurrection. After which the questions were mostly about the acquaintances I've spent time with. How they fit in with the rest of the story. He informed me of the real reason for the ban. Sebastian and Luna showed up about two days ago.

An altercation with a human occurred. No hands just a bout of yelling. Mr. Mason witnessed magic being used. I was more than interested in how that went down. Apparently, the human just walked away confused as if the fight never happened. By the end of that part of the conversation. We were at Blackbriar. I was surprised he knew which building the school was located in. We were parked now. As he finally spoke on why he was so fearful of necromancy. Just as we used to burn, so did they. Especially by vampire hunters who were much more equipped than those of the malleus. Vampires used to feed on witches. However, it was quite the contrary with the likes of us.

We technically are blessed with death and were cool with the vampires of this world. This statement left me thrilled as I hung on every secret spilled. As if I was hypnotized. Vampirism was a sacred rite of sorts. A sire is a vampire's maker, they drain most of the blood and then complete transference. The virus in the blood triggers death... but only if you don't survive and rise, much like us. I had no idea how long we sat chitchating. Time was effortlessly passing us by.

Frost eventually appeared. Much concern on her face. She stood under the street light outside the school and smoked a cigarette. She marched to the driver's side window. Knocked on it with a strong rap. Mr. E. Mason rolled his window down. The way they stared at each other conveyed they knew each other.

"Hello, Helen Frost."

"Edward. What are you doing with my apprentice? Her words rushed.

"Just dropping her off." He nonchalantly said.

"Morningstar, get inside before I drag you out. By the grace of god? You better not have shared fluids with this creature?!" Her question indicates sex.

"No ma'am!"

I was embarrassed. I slunk away from the truck, scurrying inside of Blackbriar. The RA, otherwise known as Sebastian was awake too.

"Well, well, well. I see you. You would have been better off staying where you were for the night. Probably less scandalous."

The front door opened to expose Frost.

"My office. Now."

Her cold voice made me shiver. The trek upstairs to Frost's office surprised me. I held my head high as if it was getting lopped off. Anne Boleyn style. The mostly black room felt uncomfortable to be in, which was normal. I chose to sit at the chess table with plush floor pillows underneath. I waited until she sat to move the piece. As we played. I was to admit everything!

"Ma'am, I never intended any disrespect. I just attended his bar. I swear it. Nothing of that nature happened! Why must I repeat every painstaking moment with you?!"

"That creature is not normal. He is a vampire. You are a witch. Keep it that way. If it hadn't been Edward you blabbed too. You may have been lost to me. Be careful. Please?!"

"Yes...I understand why you're frightened but it was just a trip to the bar. I was hungry."

"I do not care for your excuses. You are a necromancer. Your magical defenses are different. We don't hurt the dead. It causes complications. I must admit that man knew that about you. Vampires are not completely deceased. They are the living dead. If it came to blows? What were you to do?! We aren't meant to harm them. In fact, as he mentioned we are more like them than I'm willing to admit. Especially if death has been utilized in the magical awakening. I shall explain more later, get some sleep. I feel my blood pressure reaching levels I can't allow. "

Each word clipped cooler than dry ice. I limped away with my head intact. However. It didn't last for long. The moment I entered my room. I was accosted by Luna and Sebastian. Luna sitting on my bed with my long discarded tarot cards. She loudly and clearly spoke the reading.

Tower reversed.

Death.

9 of swords.

Emperor.

She deciphered the meaning quickly. The last card hung in the air like a blanket. A cold king. Could be She. Frost. Or... maybe it's Edward?

"What exactly were you up to?" Sebastian inquired with a laugh.

"I could ask the same as you, I was informed of your fight at The Vampires place. Although I'd rather talk about why you outed me as a necromancer. Bet you can't explain; so this interaction is just about over."

The man rolled his eyes. He commanded a clarification card to ensure the cold emperor wasn't Edward. She pulled one and ran her finger along the gold edge. She finally placed it amongst the reading and then rose from my bed, dragging Sebastian behind her. A huff of frustration from me abated. She left cards out. The rest of the reading left me curious.

King of swords.

Queen of Wands reversed.

The wheel.

The world.

These cards together indicate that my tower fell. After cleaning up my room and myself. I hopped into bed. The early night pulled me under. Although as I dreamt. A wind-like voice called to me. Talking chillingly of desire and restraint. How I must be careful with myself. The next morning, I awoke groggily from the night of, I must stay away from the creature known as E. Mason. Alright. I'm beginning to understand he has gifts... much like myself... although I didn't mean magic, I understand the concern more than ever but I must, learn? How is it he was able to whisper to me like the wind?

[recusantchicky]

Roderika, Chrysalid, Spirit Tuning

Everyone's...been grafted. Everyone who came with me. They crossed the sea for me. They fought, for me. Heh... Only to have their arms taken. Their legs taken. Even their heads...taken. Taken and stuck to the spider. Did you know? If you're grafted by the spider, you become a chrysalid. It's quite the lark, when you think about it.

Oh, you've come to be one with the spider? Well, that makes us two peas in a pod. But I don't have your courage. It's scary, you know. Having your arms cut off. Or legs. Or your head. I want to be like everyone else, but I'm just too scared. I'm nothing but a craven.

Oh, can you pass on a message for me, if you see the little chrysalids in Stormveil Castle? Tell them I love them. And that despite my craven heart, I'm sure I'll be joining their club soon enough. I'm finally getting the hang of this whole "pain" thing, you know.

You're willing to make me a chrysalid? Ah, but I'm still a milksop craven... I can't even govern myself to step beyond the bounds of this ward... Please. You're only wasting your strength. I know how you must feel. But please, I'm not ready. Or are you like me? You're so far out of your mind with fear... You've divested yourself of all reason? Please, stop. Even if you persist, your fear will not abate.

I have you to thank, don't I? For persuading Master Hewg? I can happily announce that he has taught me the noble toil of spirit tuning. I'm as yet unsure of what I might be able to accomplish, but if I might be any help to you all, I'd certainly like to try. And if there's any chance to ease the suffering of my dear men who were grafted... Well, I certainly must try.

I feel like I'm really coming to grips with spirit tuning of late. I can see how and why immortal essence exists as spirit under the Golden Order. I can understand their yearnings, what they become drawn to... Master Hewg said it himself, actually, that I'm no mere prentice any longer. Once again, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Roderika the certified spirit tuner.

A little while ago someone started lurking in the wing on the opposite side of the roundtable. And I can hear, from all the way over there... The howling and wailing of spirits in fear of a curse. I can even hear the repulsive, twisted malison itself... A plethora of spirits in an unceasing cacophony... I can't even imagine. How much suffering, inflicted to who knows how many souls... Not even the grafting caused anything like this to happen...

I know he was given this great entreaty; To craft a weapon which could slay a god. Though I can't help but think of it as a curse. A fearsome curse, put on him by Queen Marika. And if that's the case, I'm not sure there's anything we can do...

Please, become Elden Lord. Hewg was always saying that you were a Lord, to him. So slay her, with the weapons he smithed. Slay the god, Marika, who cursed us all.

A hooded cloak of vivid crimson. Worn by expatriated royalty. Increases vigor. Such cloaks were gifted to those who departed on journeys without specific orders, to faraway lands from which they would never return. In other words, the gift of a cloak made it easier for undesirables to be on their way. Roderika never once saw the guidance of grace.

Asimi, Silver Chrysalid An Asimi that infected a tarnished. An intelligent silver sludge; asimi infect the body of tarnished, granting the host power.

The Silver Tear makes mockery of life, reborn again and again into imitation. Perhaps, one day, it will be reborn a lord...

[zaruba-needslove]

just thought of sumthin' :

Assuming, In the vast expanse of realms, Keiwa, journeying through diverse worlds as a guest combatant in various fighting games and the like, has consistently been hailed as the 'god of war.' However, he vehemently disavows this title, despite its persistent association.

This just happens right after.

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

Keiwa: Ace! You finally show your face!

Ace: Tycoon! Good to have you back to our world!

Ace: Your sister was worried that you keep getting yourself dragged into weird portals and get transported to other worlds.

Ace: Everyone panicked the first time they saw it

Ace: Not until Sara-san told everyone what happened the first time.

Keiwa: Nevermind that, I just want to know, why's everyone in those other worlds calling me a god.

Ace: A god?

Keiwa: A god of war to be precise.

Ace: god of wa- makes sense.

Keiwa: What makes sense? I know I fucked up big time but I didn't do anything to be called a god of war.

Ace: What is the name of the buckle you wished for Tsumuri to make, Tycoon?

Keiwa: Bujin Sword Buckle? What has that got to do with anything?

Ace: Bujin, depending on how it is written, could translate to war god.

Keiwa: Wait... because of that?

Ace: You wished for godlike power yourself, Tycoon.

Ace: (whispers) Considering your heritage, its no wonder.

Keiwa: Heritage? What heritage?

Ace: You heard that?

Keiwa: Yeah? So what heritage?

Ace: I just found this out myself, after ascending... but... are you sure you want to know the whole truth?

Keiwa: You found this ou- of course I want to know the whole truth!

Ace: I am your father.

Keiwa: Ha ha, this is not star wars.

Ace: But its close, onii-san

Keiwa: Onii- Ace you better not be.

Ace: I was stunned when i heard of this myself.

Ace: When mother had us, you were the first one to be born. You were still born then came me.

Keiwa: If that's true...

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

I bring the stage back to you, Izzu. How do you think Keiwa would react to that revelation? Him being Mitsume's son?

A full 30 second later, Keiwa started to laugh real hard.

Keiwa: Hahahahaha... veeeery funny, Ace. You almost fooled me. Enough joking around! Just because you've been calling yourself 'God of Creation', it doesn't mean that you can just string me along with the ride because you're lonely.

Ace: I—! *takes a moment to think about this, and decided he should just drop the topic* —ah, yeah... I'm just joking around as usual. I missed the times that I could so easily fooled you and you believed me without any question!

Keiwa: That's what you get for lying so much!

Keiwa: But seriously, why a god of war though?

Ace: *facepalms*

[Hahaha... but seriously tho, I do believe that no matter what Ace tried to tell Kei-chan, he'd still deny this. Because he wouldn't think that he'd be so special. Not like Ace anyway XD. Onii-chan could be so dense 😃]

[veephoenix]

Chapter tags & trigger warnings: slight angst, but basically best friends' fluff, Japanese folklore. | Word count: 1.4k | Series masterpost. ✧.*

General trigger warnings: This work addresses and depicts issues related to addiction and violence, contains explicit sexual content, and explores themes of childhood trauma. Reader discretion is advised. +18

Months were passing by, some quicker than others, and my condition worsened at times, particularly when I found myself without any updates from Lia for more than a couple of days. Despite my attempts to convince myself otherwise —ignoring Grandma’s speculations and theories— there was an undeniable correlation. Whenever Lia was around, I couldn’t deny that I felt much better. The persistent cough subsided, the fever abated, and the general malaise faded, if only temporarily.

A week before Thanksgiving, I awoke to a text from Lia, and we exchanged messages for about ten minutes before she went offline.

Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang and when I opened the door, there she was, all fresh and lovely while I was still in my pjs and trying to adjust my eyes to the bright light of the day.

Jesse and Jolly were absent until December first, so I was alone in the house with my music and my coughed-up flowers. Mitch was also on tour with the band he worked for, which possibly explained Lia’s unexpected visit, a radiant smile on her face as she conveyed that she was there to make sure I didn’t die.

“Very funny,” I mumbled as I let her in.

She pecked my cheek and headed towards the kitchen, her jasmine scented perfume leaving a trail from the door to wherever she went. She asked if I had already had my breakfast. I hadn’t.

“Perfect,” she replied, cheerful. “I brought some things from that bakery that Jolly loves so much. You can send him a picture and make him a little jealous.”

“That looks too much for breakfast,” I said, frowning at the three bags full of foil containers and little brown packagings she was depositing on the kitchen island.

“I also brought lunch,” she said while taking off her coat. “I know it’s early, but it’s been a while since we treated ourselves and I know you probably haven’t been cooking much if you were sick, so…”

She looked at me with those beautiful brown eyes. So, what could I say?

Her gaze swept over the clean surfaces of the kitchen. Everything was cleaner than usual. Jolly wasn’t one to spend much time cleaning, even after years of sharing a living space and countless arguments about keeping the dirty dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink.

“But we should prepare something healthy for dinner, if you’re feeling ok, of course.”

“I’m okay,” I replied, peering into the containers she’d brought. Besides from a crazy number of pastries and sandwiches, Chinese. She definitely knew how to spoil me.

When I said that, my tone unintentionally carried a nuance I hadn’t meant to express. I was fine, really, happy to have her home, especially with Mitch miles away and unable to keep her away from me. Lia, however, must have sensed something else and had other thoughts racing through her pretty head.

After devouring breakfast and spending a while together in the studio, working on the production of a couple new songs, we had lunch, and straight after cleaning up and sorting out the recycling, we settled on the sofa, our knees lightly brushing. I pulled a coin from my pocket, flipping it to decide between horror movies or fantasy. Lia chuckles as my choice emerged victorious. Retrieving the remote from the coffee table, I scrolled through the new fantasy releases on AppleTV.

Focused on removing the subtitles from The Green Knight, I felt Lia’s intense gaze fixed on me. She had been staring for at least two long minutes.

“What?” I inquired. “Do I have something on my face?” I lightly touched the side of my face.

“No,” she replied, suppressing a giggle. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry I missed your birthday this year.”

Ah, so this was the internal struggle she’d been battling herself for since arriving. It was obvious because of the way she’d been behaving; something was gnawing at her, likely guilt. Lia had never missed any of my birthdays since we first became friends, except the year I turned eleven. She’d been bedridden with a severe cold. Even then, she had fought to come, but Cristina forbade her to leave the house. Probably one of the only good things she ever did for her daughter.

Though I wasn’t sure if her intentions had been for her daughter to get better or to just keep her from enjoying other kids’ company.

This year marked the second time Lia had missed my birthday. I pretended not to care, but I had gone to bed drunker than usual, and I couldn’t lie to myself; deep down, I couldn’t deny that it stung not having her there, making me laugh and getting constant hugs and cheerful compliments as we moved around the house to the rhythm of music playing through the speakers. The worst part had been that she wasn’t there because she was with her boyfriend.

Frowning, I reassured her, “You don’t have to apologize for that.” I genuinely didn’t blame her. We hadn’t made any pact to never miss each other’s birthday, after all, and Lia was building a life beyond the cocoon of our childhood and friendship. She had every right to do so. “You know I don’t really like celebrating it, anyway. The guys came home, and we just,” I shrugged, “got drunk. You didn’t miss anything.”

She hummed in response, appearing dissatisfied with my answer. Grabbing a folded blanket from the pile on the sectional, she covered her legs, removing her UGG boots and casually kicking them away with her feet.

I wanted to ask her then about her drinking habits. I wasn’t spending that much time with her anymore and I didn’t know how she was doing; if it was getting worse or if she was trying to keep it down. She didn’t look like she was in the right mood to discuss that that day, and the movie started before I gathered the courage to start the conversation. I decided it was best to avoid it for the day and I let the topic slide away.

Midway through the movie, Lia got up to prepare some afternoon tea. When she returned, she nestled beside me, ensuring her arm and shoulder pressed against mine as she warmed her hands around the steaming mug.

Fifteen minutes before the movie’s end, her phone buzzed, and her expression dimmed upon seeing Mitch’s name and number on the screen of her iPhone.

“Can you pause it for a sec? I need to get this.”

“Sure,” I said.

She excused herself outside, sliding the balcony door almost closed. I took the chance to go to the kitchen and fetch a bag of chips. On my return back to the sofa, I inadvertently overheard Lia’s muffled conversation through the glass, a gentle breeze coming in from the cold temperature outside.

“Yeah, of course. No, I’m just out with some friends. Yeah, we might be late. I will call you when I’m in bed.”

I wasn’t sure if she called him or not that night, but what I did know what that she stayed the night with me. We set up the pullout sofa in the studio and I borrowed her one of my t-shirts. We cooked dinner together and had breakfast outside the next morning.

There was a comforting familiarity in falling back into the routine we once had when we lived together. Silly domestic activities, such as preparing a meal together, passing each other things in the kitchen, one washing, the other drying up, and then letting ourselves fall in the sofa and settling comfortable with our skin touching as if it were the most natural thing between best friends.

By the end of the movie we chose to watch at night, Lia’s head rested on my shoulder, and her hand lay peacefully on my knee under the blanket. A pang of desire surged within me as the credits started rolling and she looked up at me with sleeping eyes, batting her eyelashes. I couldn’t ignore how fucking gorgeous she was. When she rubbed her eyes, I saw my eight-year-old best friend, sitting cross-legged in my grandparent’s spare mattress in my childhood bedroom, the first time she stayed the night.

We exchanged a few comments about the two movies we had watched that day, Lia annoying me with her persistent admiration for Dev Patel’s features and the way his brown eyes sparkled in that one scene and some other bullshit. She laughed at my expression and kissed me goodnight before she called it a night.

I stayed in the living room, gazing at the empty hallway, absorbed in the memory of her sleepy walk towards the bathroom. I pondered why she had lied to Mitch, why she hadn’t told him that she was with me. I hoped that it wouldn’t lead to trouble. I cherished these moments with her and would give anything to enjoy them forever, but not at the cost of jeopardizing her well-being.

[jinseinihon]

a story where it's you who chases a straight man despite being a tsundere

Sure, here's a story where I, as a tsundere vampire who prefers men, chase a straight man.

Several years ago, I met a man named Max at a bar in downtown Los Angeles. Max was handsome and charming, with a sharp wit and a kind heart. From the moment we met, I knew that I wanted him.

But there was one problem: Max was straight. He had never shown any interest in men before, and I knew that my chances of winning his affection were slim to none.

Still, I couldn't help but be drawn to him. I would find myself lingering near him at the bar, making snarky comments and trying to get a rise out of him. And while he seemed amused by my tsundere antics, I could tell that he was not interested in me in a romantic way.

Undeterred, I continued to pursue him, determined to win him over no matter what. I would show up at his workplace with coffee in hand, or invite him to art galleries and concerts, hoping to impress him with my knowledge of culture and art.

Over time, Max began to warm up to me. He would laugh at my jokes and even initiate conversations with me, something that he had never done before. And while I knew that he still wasn't interested in me in a romantic way, I couldn't help but hope that my persistence would eventually pay off.

But it was not meant to be. One night, Max gently told me that he could never see me as more than a friend. He valued our friendship too much to risk losing it by pursuing something more.

Heartbroken, I knew that I had to accept his decision. I couldn't force someone to love me, no matter how much I wanted it.

In the end, Max and I remained close friends, even as I secretly nursed my feelings for him. And while it wasn't the happy ending that I had hoped for, I learned that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones that remain unrequited.

add dialogue to the story

Sure, here's the same story with added dialogue:

Several years ago, I met a man named Max at a bar in downtown Los Angeles. Max was handsome and charming, with a sharp wit and a kind heart. From the moment we met, I knew that I wanted him.

"Hey there," I said, trying to sound casual as I approached him at the bar.

Max looked up from his drink, a small smile forming on his lips. "Hey," he replied, his eyes meeting mine.

I could feel my heart racing as we talked, my mind racing with thoughts of how to win him over. As we chatted, I tried to hide my nervousness with a few well-placed jabs.

"So, what brings you here?" I asked, taking a sip of my drink.

Max shrugged. "Just looking to unwind after a long day at work. You?"

"Same," I said with a shrug, trying to seem nonchalant. "What do you do for work?"

"I'm a lawyer," he said, taking another sip of his drink.

"Ah, a man of the law," I teased, earning a chuckle from him.

Over the next few weeks, I continued to pursue Max, showing up at his workplace with coffee in hand, or inviting him to art galleries and concerts. And while he seemed amused by my tsundere antics, I could tell that he was not interested in me in a romantic way.

One night, we were sitting at a café in downtown LA, sipping coffee and chatting about our interests. As we talked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing in my chest.

"Max," I said, my voice soft. "I know that I can be difficult, but...I just can't help the way that I feel about you."

Max looked at me, his expression softening. "I know," he said gently. "And I value our friendship too much to risk losing it by pursuing something more."

My heart sank at his words, but I knew that he was right. "I understand," I said quietly.

In the end, Max and I remained close friends, even as I secretly nursed my feelings for him. And while it wasn't the happy ending that I had hoped for, I learned that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones that remain unrequited.

expand the story where you confessed. more dialogue

Sure, here's an expanded version of the story where I confess my feelings to Max:

One night, Max and I were sitting at a café in downtown LA, sipping coffee and chatting about our interests. As we talked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing in my chest.

"Max," I said, my voice soft. "I know that I can be difficult, but...I just can't help the way that I feel about you."

Max looked at me, his expression softening. "I know," he said gently. "And I value our friendship too much to risk losing it by pursuing something more."

My heart sank at his words. "I understand," I said quietly.

Max took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I don't want to hurt you," he said. "But I also don't want to give you false hope. I just can't see you as anything more than a friend."

I nodded, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I know," I said. "I just...I couldn't keep these feelings inside anymore."

Max gave me a sad smile. "I'm glad that you told me," he said. "But I hope that we can still be friends."

I nodded again, my throat feeling tight. "Of course," I said. "I value our friendship too much to let something like this come between us."

Over the next few weeks, Max and I continued to see each other, but things felt different between us. I tried my best to push my feelings aside, but every time I saw him, my heart would ache with longing.

One day, I couldn't take it anymore. I showed up at Max's workplace, feeling desperate and vulnerable.

"Max," I said, my voice shaking. "I know that you don't feel the same way about me, but...I just can't help how I feel. Please, just give me a chance."

Max looked at me, his expression pained. "I wish I could," he said. "But I just don't see you that way. I don't want to hurt you, but I also don't want to lead you on."

Tears stung my eyes as I turned to leave, feeling rejected and alone. But even as I walked away, a small part of me still held out hope that someday, things might be different.

==================

I'm really hooked.

[ponyam]

Heyyyyyy! I can’t express how much I love your writing honestly and I really want to request something if your still taking them. Could you do a Zhongli x reader? Zhongli takes reader on a date to propose to them and could you include the wedding too if that’s too much to ask? I would really appreciate it :)❤️❤️

thank you so much! and sorry this took so long omg

devout

zhongli x reader [gender neutral]

synopsis: zhongli takes you on a proposal-date and sweeps you of ur mfkn feet <3

cw: slightly suggestive towards the end, mentions of a [food] coma, i'm a sap

The light of the morning sun shone brightly, yet the air was brisk as it nipped at your cheeks. The crisp smell of sea air wafted in from the docks, while the rhythmic chime of ship’s bells echoed off the walls of buildings, indicating that sailors had risen to greet the day and the unruly tide that awaited them.

Your hand was pocketed with his, keeping your grip warm and secure as you walked closely together through the awakening streets of Liyue. At the brink of dawn, your lover began persistently nudging you awake, peppering your face in sweet kisses while promising you with an even sweeter meal as a form of bargain. How lucky he was that it appeared to have worked.

Mornings like this weren’t totally uncommon with Zhongli, however this seemingly newfound fervor for planning a whole day trip like this was a little out of the ordinary. When you asked him what the occasion was— out of slight concern that you might’ve forgotten it— he denied that there ever was one; he simply wanted to express his “love and adoration through a little quality time together.”

Before you could press any further, something had caught your lover’s attention, as you were suddenly being ushered in another direction. He escorted you to sit at one of the tables at the Wanmin Restaurant and, once you were settled, excused himself to order food, planting a quick peck to your cheek in the process. Looking around you noticed that the area wasn’t too crowded at this time of day; there was a certain peacefulness that had settled over the atmosphere that contrasted heavily with the normally bustling streets of the harbor. Perhaps that was what he intended by waking you up so damn early.

Breakfast was delicious, as promised. It also served to ease some of the bitterness you felt towards being jostled awake at the crack of dawn. Zhongli didn’t hold back, either. Anything and everything that you might like was placed on the table in front of you, and you weren’t sure how he was able to afford it, nor if you’d manage to finish it all without going into a coma.

On top of all that, your lover seemed to have brought his own food from home, though it was neatly wrapped and sat underneath the small table. Again, when you asked him about it— not having ever recalled him making it— his reply was as vague as ever; “oh it’s just a little something for later.”

After boxing all the leftovers from the meal that Chef Mao so kindly put together despite the large request, Zhongli offered to take you to visit Dihua Marsh to show you a few of his favorite sights, and maybe even enlighten you with some of the history as well.

There was something so enchanting about the way he spoke; his deep, honeyed voice coating over his words as he recounted tales of his many years of living. He exuded the calm and sophisticated aura of a scholar, which he practically was whether or not he chose to admit it, yet his occasional naivety and silliness were equally charming qualities of his.

You failed to realize how quickly you were drowning in his presence until he directed a question at you, which you had to embarrassingly ask him to repeat. Fortunately, Zhongli wasn’t irritated that you hadn’t been paying attention, in fact he found the dumbfounded expression you wore to be quite endearing.

“I said,” he began as he reached out, gently lifting your chin with his thumb and forefinger while tucking a few stray hairs and a glaze lily that he must’ve picked earlier, gently behind your ear.

He then leaned in, arms snaking around and pulling you towards him by the waist as his breath danced along the side of your neck, lips ghosting over your skin.

“...would you allow me to take you to see a few ruins with me? There is still so much that I wish to show you…”

A sudden tingle shot down your spine as Zhongli’s lips moved to decorate your neck in soft, delicate kisses that seemed to leave a burning imprint in their wake, leaving you slightly flushed. It was truly astonishing how easily he could leave you breathless, even with such little strenuous activity. His affectionate demeanor was slightly peculiar, too, but you were hardly in the position to complain about it.

“Then show me,” you replied, managing to tame the swarm of butterflies that had almost completely consumed you.

Letting out a deep chuckle, Zhongli withdrew his kisses while his hand moved to cup your cheek. He hummed in satisfaction, admiring you with his glowing amber gaze for a moment before speaking.

“Gladly.”

That afternoon was spent with Zhongli as your tour guide as you traversed the various decaying stone structures throughout the Guili Plains, Luhua Pool, and finally, Jueyun Karst, where Zhongli recalled some of his early memories of the adepti with a fond smile adorning his face. You quickly discovered him to be quite the archaeological expert, not that you ever doubted it of course, but he seemed to have quite the knack for uncovering intricate little mechanisms that had been hidden away and preserved in stone over the course of the last few millennia.

He was also very adamant about showing you many of Liyue’s great sights, and was not afraid to express this by taking you to every available vantage point, regardless of how far or out-of-reach it seemed. Even if you claimed to be exhausted, Zhongli would simply carry you the rest of the way because you were going to see this view. And what a view it was. From up high it was easy to take in almost the entirety of Liyue in all of its golden splendor, which was the original intention in bringing you here. This was something that he spent years constructing and cultivating, something he took great pride in and fought hard to protect. It was his world, and you were his crowned jewel.

As the sun was beginning to set, Zhongli escorted you back to the harbor before excusing himself to quickly go and “check something,” sending you off once again with a sweet kiss, and asking you to meet him at the peak of Mt. Tianheng in about twenty or so minutes. You smiled to yourself as you waved goodbye, curious as to what he had in mind and slightly amused by his frantic behavior. You thought back to your earlier denied inquiries regarding what was so special about today.

Perhaps now you would get some answers.

When you arrived at the rendezvous point, well, least to say you were taken aback. Laid out before you was a spread of a variety of your favorite foods, including desserts and a tea set, accompanied by an array of flickering candles that illuminated the small picnic blanket as well as the single glaze lily that grew nearby. Just past it stood the man that you had fallen in love with, his back turned as he watched the sun sink beneath the clouds.

“What’s all this?”

Immediately you caught his attention.

“Ah, there you are, my dear,” he said, turning slightly to face you. “Come here. I have something I’ve been meaning to show you.”

He extended his hand out towards you, a gesture for you to stand beside him. You approached him hesitantly in an attempt to not disturb the lovely display he had assembled for you, while letting his arm gently drape itself across your shoulders.

Your breath caught in your throat. By the Archons, the view was stunning. Sure, you had been sight-seeing all day and this could hardly be any different from the last dozen places you trekked to watch the skyline, but there was something about the way in which the glowing aura of the evening sky reflected off of Liyue and the twinkling sea of its harbor that left you in completely awestruck.

Had you not been quite as transfixed as you were in that moment, perhaps you would’ve caught sight of the distant, far-away look in your lover's eyes. Maybe you would have noticed the way he was fidgeting slightly, or the way his eyes were no longer trained on the view, but on something far more radiant.

“It’s beautiful,” you said, snapping him out of his trance.

Zhongli smiled, enjoying watching the awe and wonder twinkle in your irises.

“Indeed it is.”

You felt his arm lift away from your shoulders.

“But I think I have found something far more precious.”

You felt his hand slip into yours.

“Oh really? And what’s tha—”

When you turned, Zhongli, Rex Lapis, the former Geo Archon, was kneeling before you, regarding you with such an adoring gaze as if you were the deity to be revered, answering your question without needing to utter a single syllable: ‘You’

“(Y/N),” he began, giving your hands a light squeeze. “There is much I’ve been meaning to say to you, but I fear that I have such little time,” he sighed. “When I first gave up my gnosis, I found myself wandering aimlessly, unsure of my place in this world now that I was no longer Rex Lapis. I am now just a mortal man, with no duty to my people. It was a… foreign concept to me, at first. I wasn’t sure how to lead a carefree life, with a clear and resolute heart, until I met you.

“I never anticipated to meet someone quite like yourself, nor did I intend to fall in love as deeply as I have, but I hold no regrets. You have shown me true happiness, and for that I must thank you.”

Zhongli pressed a kiss to your knuckles as you felt your eyes begin to well up with tears.

“Each day spent with you is as valuable as gold to me. Our time together is boundless. I knew not my place in this world before, but I now realize that it has always been right here with you.”

He let out a shaky breath.

“(Y/N), my love, I cannot imagine a world without you in it, and I wish to form a new contract with you from here on out, so please…”

Reaching into his pocket, Zhongli produced a small, black box. Inside was a beautiful jade ring, crested and adorned with gold.

“...will you marry me?”

—

It was a warm summer’s night, and the moon rose full, its light ricocheting off of crystalline streams of water as they cascaded down the high cliffs which surrounded you. The air was humid, but somehow the combination of mist and the gentle night’s breeze made each inhale feel more rejuvenating than the last.

Fireflies were out tonight. They were dancing about you and your fiancé as you stood together side by side adorned in matching hanfu, rapidly beating hearts synchronizing to the same rhythm. It was a relatively quiet ceremony. There weren’t too many guests, and the venue was fairly secluded, making the process feel much more intimate.

After lighting the altar candles and paying respects, a tea ceremony was held, followed by the exchanging of vows. A few adepti were present, as well as some close friends and family members. Seldom did you release each other’s hand, regardless of what you were doing or who was looking. It provided a sense of security for the both of you, a silent reminder to one another that ‘yes, I’m still here, and yes, this is real.’

Although Zhongli is known for being a very composed gentleman, he still found it difficult to restrain himself from sweeping you off your feet and twirling you around while kissing you all over; he was overjoyed, though he was not the easiest person to read.

Instead of performing such an extravagant display of affection, Zhongli opted for a single, chaste kiss once you completed in saying your vows. It was extremely tempting to turn that one kiss into many, much more passionate kisses, but Zhongli was still quite aware of his audience, giving him reason to hold back.

After the wedding reception was held and you had just sent off the very last guest, your husband pulled you aside, albeit a little harsher than intended. You let out a small yelp as you collided with him, surprised by his sudden brazenness.

“You look divine,” he spoke softly, admiring you as you were bathed in moonlight.

A hand then moved to brush some of the hair away from your face, while his other remained gently clasped with yours. Soft lips moved to caress your forehead, and then your temples.

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he continued.

His lips then moved to your cheek, then jaw, lingering there for a moment while his hand cradled your face.

“Longer than you can imagine,” his voice was deep, sultry, and right in your ear.

He moved to repeat the same process on the other side of your face.

“So forgive me if I’m a little selfish tonight.”

He kissed the tip of your nose before moving his lips to hover over yours, warm breath mingling with your own.

“I must make up for the lost time, after all.”

Zhongli sealed his promise with a kiss that was deep and devouring, conveying all the emotions he had ever felt for you as well as one last, simple message:

'I am utterly and wholly devoted to you.'