#And I'm quickly figuring out that a lot of it comes from letting God lead me

[sandandpaperpaths]

‘DCOM ending scene voice’ So in the end, I may have been the Christian witch, but really? God was the one working magic in me.

[writteninkat]

Visions | Diluc x Reader

synopsis: You love how much of a gentleman your fiance is. You swear on Barbatos. Yet, there are moments when you long for him to be more assertive, to take instead of asking, to lead instead of following, to claim instead of requesting. This desire consumes your thoughts so intensely that it even starts to invade your dreams.

a/n: so. :) heyyyaaa i'm baaack,, anyways ending was finished in a hurry cause im tired and i wanted to post this asap rocky k bye

wc: idk but it's pretty lengthy i think i yapped tew much

warnings: bondage, mentions of cheating(no one actually cheated ok?), smut, Diluc has a god complex

navigation

Today has been extremely draining for you; you took on four commissions, four bounties, traveled to Liyue, took on more jobs there—all you wanna do is get in bed with Diluc and sleep until you're forty.

As you make your way past the grapevine, you can't help the ominous feeling that you're being watched. No, followed.

You turn around scanning the area behind you with narrowed eyes. Before you let out a nervous breath, you catch a dark figure in the corner of your eye, causing you to choke up in surprise.

What the hell?

You narrow your eyes once more, slowly reaching for your sword strapped on your back. Just as you unsheathe the blade, the figure runs towards the woods, eliciting you to sprint towards them.

If they think you're someone easy to scare, then they've got you all wrong. Spooked, yes. Uneasy, for sure. But scared? Ha! You fought the Electro Archon. It'll take a lot for something to scare you.

You pass by multiple trees, jumping over bushes and frightened squirrels, leaping on branches and swinging yourself from tree to tree before dropping back on the ground.

Shit!

You feel sweat trickling down your spine as you heave for air, looking around you. You lost them. Maybe today's been more tiring for you than you thought.

You let out a sigh, squeezing the handle of your sword before clicking your tongue, disappointment seeping throught your body.

You turn around, about to take a step until you hear the swoosh of the air behind you, quickly followed by the swift sound of a blade hitting the bark of a tree. You jump, about to turn around but unable to. Confusion decorates your brows in a furrow as you look around, your eye catching the glint of the throwing knife. The blade is pierced deeply on the wood and as you continue to study it, you notice a piece of your clothing is stick with it.

Fuck.

As you busy yourself with trying to undo the knife, another knife is stabbed on the bark, this time, a hand is gripping the handle. You feel your heart sink as your eyes trail from the gloved hand, down to the covered forearm—this person must consistently work out as you eye the jacket struggling to keep itself from ripping when your gaze reaches their biceps. You flick your gaze up to their face, swallowing harshly at the sight of their white and gold mask that covers their eyes.

"Oh what the hell." You growl, trying to push your fiance off of you. "Diluc what the fuck are you doing? You gave me a fright!"

As you continue pressing your hands against his chest, your assurance slowly breaks apart. What's he doing?

"Move." You spit harshly, too tired to play his games.

Frustration begins to claw at you when your fiance doesn't move. At all. You let out a huff, about to give him an earful, but something catches your eye.

In the corner window of dawn winery in the upper floor, you see a shadow moving about. You can distinctly make out the ponytail, the body structure, and the posture.

Your eyes return to the person holding you against the tree, the feeling of fright comes back to you tenfold, engulfing in a tsunami of cold sweat and weakened limbs.

The person infront of you isn't your fiance.

As you mentally shake yourself, you carefully lift your leg, ready to kick him in the nuts but the stranger reads your actions, pressing his entire body against yours. You open your mouth, ready to scream but he covers it with his gloved hand, muffling your attempts.

He slowly moves his mouth near your ear, his rough breathing hot and harsh. "I love it when someone so strong trembles for me." He mutters, the feeling of his warm, wet tounge gliding over the shell of your ear causing you to shudder. He chuckles deeply at your reaction, softly nipping at the tip of your ear.

This is so wrong. This is so so wrong. Your fiance's right there and you're here shaking against another man pressed to you. Diluc is right inside your home and you—

"What's this?" The man's voice snaps you back into reality. Your worries caused you to ignore his other hand letting go of his knife and slowly make its way down your stomach, bunching your dress right above your legs.

"Such a whore." He whispers, forcing you to look down. Your breath shakes as you take note of the wetness on his fingers.

Pale. He has pale hands, so his skin colour must be on the paler side.

Everyone and their vision knows you're simply deluding yourself by making these observations. You're making grounds on why you're allowing this to happen. You're trying to reason with no one.

"You like this? You wanna be taken?" His fingers return to the drenched place between your legs and you try, you try so hard, to muffle your pathetic whimpers, but they all pour out as if they have a mind of their own.

His fingers move in tight circles on your clit. Your breathing turns harsher and harsher. Before you know it, your hips are rocking on their own and you've fisted the stranger's suit in front of you.

"Look at you using my hand to get off like a pathetic village whore." Your moans spill from your lips, your hips moving faster and faster as you try to seize your high. "Such a fucking slut, letting a complete stranger fuck you with his fingers when your fiance's right there."

That snaps you out of your lustful haze.

No.

You can't do this to Diluc.

You push the masked stranger's hand away, reattempting to shove him off of you again but he simply clicks his tongue, grabbing your wrists and pushing them on the space above you.

"Tsk tsk tsk." He shakes his head. "You get to have your fun but I don't? Seems a bit unfair to me." He frowns as you sneer at him.

"Let go of me and fuck off. Once I tell my fiance about this—"

"Diluc, will not be able to do anything after I've used you."

Oh great Barbatos above, forgive me for ruining my knickers at what this fucker had just said.

"He'll kill you." You spit, the glare you're wearing amusing the sicko even further. He grins widely, canines showing.

"And I still would have killed this pussy."

Oh, hardy har har. This idiot's got jokes.

"I'll join him and enjoy watching the life bleed out of you very, very slowly." You taunt, grinding your molars.

"And I'll enjoy watching my cum drip from this pretty pussy," You hear the clanking of a belt buckle and the familiar sound of a zipper being undone. "Very, very slowly." he whispers.

He uses his leg to part your thighs.

"What are you—" He cuts you off with the feeling of his bulbous head pressing against your folds. You stare into his crimson orbs before he pushes himself inside you, stretching you completely.

"Ah, fuck!" You cry out, euphoria slowly slithering itself through your vains, making their way up your head as the stranger slowly pumps himself inside you.

"This pussy's such a good girl, taking me, making room for me." He hooks your leg around his waist as he abandons any ounce of consideration he had for you and quickens his pace, his ungloved hand pressing and massaging and prodding—

"Oh Archon!" You hear your voice echo throughout the land and you scream a silent prayer for your fiance.

Diluc, my love, please forgive me. I tried to stop him, I swear I did! But he just feels—

"So good!" You yell out in euphoria, nearing the edge.

Just as you jump off of it, the stranger lifts off his mask. You're face to face with the same man you mentally apologized to, but your confusion is drowned in your pleasure.

"Cum with me my love. You can do it." He whispers as you press your lips on his, your moans and whimpers muffled against him.

Your back arches as electricity runs down your spine. Your walls clamp down on your fiance's dick as your head lightens. Your legs buckle, your body tembling against Diluc.

"Love... My love." He whispers.

"What?"

"Love, wake up. I think you have a fever."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Love, please."

Your eyes snap open as your breathing slowly calms. You're face to face with the familiar bedroom ceiling you know all too well. You turn your head to the side, seeing your fiance wearing an extremely worried expression.

"Love? Are you finally up?" He asks, helping you sit up. Once you're situated, he hands you a tall glass of water. "I think you have a fever my love. You've been huffing all night. Your drenched with your sweat and your face is as pink as it gets."

Oh, bless your fiance's poor soul. He thinks you have a terrible fever when in fact, you've been—

You stamp down on those thoughts, gulping down the glass of water. As you shift to put the empty glass on the table beside you, your face warms at the slick, wet feeling between your legs.

"Love?" Diluc rushes to cup your burning cheeks, his brows furrowed in worry. "I think you should take a break from commissions for a few days. It's stressing you too much." He takes the empty glass from your grasp and places it on the table for you.

"Let me wash the sweat off of you so you can sleep comfortably." He stands, holding out a hand for you.

You take it, letting him half-carry you to your shared bathroom.

Now, you know you don't actually have a fever. And you can walk by yourself perfectly fine. But your fiance's given you a perfect alibi to hold on to until you've thought of a way to tell him what actually happened—why you look like you're fighting for your life.

"I've asked the help to warm up the water for you. Let me help you wash up-"

As soon as he begins to slide your nightgown off of your shoulders, you catch his wrists.

Once this nightgown's off of you, he'll see everything. And you'll have some explaining to do. And you're not ready for any of that yet.

Diluc raises a soft brow questioningly.

"Can you-" You nibble on your bottom lip, feeling your cheeks warm up once again.

One order of well-done cheeks please!

"Can you please turn around? I'll get in the tub on my own." Your tone is as gentle as you can turn it.

Diluc looks confused, mildly hurt, but he hides his expression quickly as he turns around. "Grab onto me if you feel like you're about to fall." He mutters, pushing his hand out from behind him.

You smile at your adorable fiance, quickly taking your nightgown off.

Even if you can do everything yourself, his hand is reached out for you to hold on to. And it'll be very rude to turn down someone extending a helping hand. Literally. So you softly hold onto his hand as you lower yourself into the tub, letting out a relaxed sigh at the feeling of the warm water almost immediately washing away your stress.

"May I turn around?" Diluc asks. "Mmhmm." You hum, watching him slowly turn around.

His eyes don't drop to the water to try seeing what's underneath all the soap bubbles, he simply grabs the small seat beside the tub, a towel, and silently asks for your arm.

You feel like the world's most loved queen as your fiance softly scrubs the dirty and sweat off of your skin, slowly traveling from one arm to the other, massaging your shoulders and back as he goes.

"Lift your leg for me, love." He asks softly. You bite your lip at his request, remembering how dream Diluc lifted your leg to his hips.

Now, in no way were you a virgin. You've done it multiple times with your fiance. And it felt amazing everytime. And he was so nice, so sweet. He kisses you everwhere. Asks how you feel. Asks what you want, what you don't want. Prioritizes your pleasure before his.

There shouldn't be a 'but'.

But there is!

You wish your fiance was sometimes rough with you. You wish he was more assertive with you—like he is with the people under him. It's one of the reasons you love watching him work.

You just wish he'd force you. Even just once.

You wish he'd leave marks where people can see.

You wish he'd fuck you like you're nothing but a hole to him.

You widh he'd—"Claim me..."

Diluc freezes mid wipe, his gaze stuck on a spot on your forearm. "What did you..."

Your eyes widen at the realization at what you just said out loud. Your cheeks burn once again, but this time your nape, shoulders and ears warm as well. You press your lips together and drag your gaze down at the bubbles, not wanting to meet his gaze.

"Love."

You feel your heart beat at the back of your throat. You wish for the bath to swallow you whole. For time to stop. For the world to implode.

With fingers on your jaw, Diluc turns your head at angle where you'll have to look at him. "What did you just say?"

Your mouth opens and closes, you feel like a total idiot! You have so much to say in your head, yet when the opportunity presents itself, you've got nothing!

"Tell me." Diluc demands, your pussy tingling at his tone.

"I just- well actually, last night- here's the thing though-"

"Spit it out y/n."

Your eyes widen.

He's annoyed.

Diluc never calls you by your name unless he's categorically pissed. His gaze stays on yours, unwavering. You know he's getting an answer out of you one way or another.

Silently, you move towards him, wrapping your arms around his waist. You're soaking him with the soapy water, yet you don't have it in you to care. You press your cheek on his side, letting out a sigh.

Looking up at him, you pout. "It's just that... I had this dream..."

Diluc nods as he resumes with wiping your shoulder.

"And- and in this dream, I was walking back home, here, after a long day of work. So much commissions, so much bounties, I had to travel-"

"Your point, y/n." Diluc commands, his tone making you slightly jump.

"Well, before I could enter the winery, I felt as if someone was following me. And someone was!" You look at him and his eyes are still on your shoulder.

He's upset you're keeping something from him.

"And- and he... He pinned me to the tree and..."

Diluc freezes once more, his gaze finally settling back into yours. His red orbs burn with possessiveness and fury.

"You dreamt of another man?" He roars.

You think—he's already mad, let's just pour everything out.

"And- and he touched me, and one thing led to another, and he took me. He just took me and didn't ask, he didn't let go when I told him to, he just-" Your words stop at the sight of him extremely livid.

At who? At you? At the man in your dreams?

"I liked it..." You whisper.

Diluc grabs you by your arm and hoists you against him, forcing you to stand up. The water is swashing around you, his suit is wet, the room is colder with your wet body, your fiance's grip on your arms were tight. It didn't hurt, but you're also unable to pull away from him.

"Who?" It's such a simple question, and the answer isn't a problem at all. And yet, why does your future with this red headed man depend on it?

"You..." Your voice is small and soft.

Diluc looks as though he's about to pass out from relief. His grip on you loosens and you instantly miss it. You whimper against him, gripping on his suit.

"Don't let go. Do it again." You beg, receiving an inquiring look from your fiance.

"Hold my arms that tight again. Please. I-"

"Love, no. I feel like I was too rough with you. I'm sorry I-"

"You kept me on the tree with a knife. You pressed against me and you just took and took and took. You fingered me, with asking, you fucked me when I told you no, and I loved it, Diluc." You sound pathetic and foolish and daft, but you can't help it. You're begging this man to fuck you like how he did in your dream. You want that shit turning into reality. You're desperate for it.

"Love-"

"Master Diluc?" A muffled voice calls out before you hear two knocks. "The traveler is here to see you. She says she needs to speak with you about the Fatui."

You curse Barbatos and whoever maid was standing outside your door for making this opportunity slip past your fingers.

"Tell her I'll be right down." Diluc yells, his eyes never leaving you. "So you don't have a fever?" He asks, completely dismissing how you had just bared your darkest desires to him. It stings.

You shake your head, at a loss for words.

"Finish washing up. If you want, you can come to my office if you want to say hi to the traveler. I think she misses you." He says, pressing a sweet kiss on your forehead before stepping away.

You listen silently to his footsteps slowly drifting away, and with a click of the door, you're left alone with your thoughts. Your regretful, embarassing thoughts. You sit back down on the tub, bringing your legs to your chest.

What does Diluc think of you now? Is he upset with you? Is he grossed out? Maybe he regrets proposing...

You wallow in shame for a few more minutes, keeping the tears from falling as you finish scrubbing your body. You hate this feeling. You hate that you like being roughed up. You hate the fact that you don't stick to the norm.

"Fuck." You sigh, drained and defeated.

You drop the one last bunch of grapes onto your basket. Your fingers are stained purple and they feel sticky, but it's all worth it. These are the best grapes in Monstadt.

You pick up your basket, taking in a deep breath of the night air. The moon is big and bright tonight, so you didn't need to hassle yourself with bringing a lamp along with you. It's a Friday night, and as always, Diluc has dismissed the staff for the weekend. After meeting you, he believes his people should have the opportunity to spend an ample amount of time with their families.

After his talk with the traveler, he decided to go with her and check out the area where she mentioned a lot of Fatui activities were going on. You didn't ask any more details, you were still too embarassed. Now, however, you're regretting it. You're all alone in the house and you're unsure of when your fiance is coming back.

You enter the winery and quickly shut the front door behind you making sure to lock it. Placing the basket on the long dining table, you double check all the windows and back doors. After which, you move over to the office, letting out a relieved sigh to see all the windows are locked.

Storing the grapes in cryo-induced compartment, you blow out all the candles and turn off all the light before making your way upstairs, ready to wash up before calling it a day.

As you turn to the hallway, the sound of a glass shattering roots you in place. You turn to the side, looking down at the empty foyer.

Fuck. You don't have time to grab a weapon. Your gaze hands on a book. That'll have to do.

Slowly and quietly, you make your way down the stairs, keeping your sense sharp as you look around. The sound came from the kitchen. You bring your book up, ready to hit or throw it at anyone or anything that comes your way.

You arrive at the scene, taking note of the broken wine glass on the floor. You huff, bringing the book down before turning in your heels.

You'll clean that up tomorrow.

"Fucking mice." You mutter, climbing back up the stairs, quickly making a beeline to your bedroom. You quickly shut the door and drop the book on the nightstand, hurrying to the bathroom.

You feel fresh and clean and ready to go to bed. You wrap the towel around your body, hating how you have to leave the warmth of the bathroom and enter the cold stagnant air in your bedroom just for some clothes.

You make a mental note to ask Diluc to renovate your bathroom into a walk-in-closet/bathroom type. That'll make your life much easier.

Padding towards your closet, you begin to dig through your night wear, looking for something warm and comfortable. Just as you've picked out a sweater, cool air brushes on your back. You jump, turning around to see no one and nothing.

Nothing but your open bedroom door.

I closed that, didn't I?

Furrowing your brows, you make your way towards the door. Your defenses are brought up again. Just as you reach the doorway and are about to close the door, you notice the book you were supposed to use as a weapon.

It's open.

You take a step towards it, you notice a small circle on the page. Black ink aurrounds the word 'I'm' in the middle. Two red roses stick out, acting like bookmarks. You turn to the page of the top-most rose, seeing another word encircled. 'Watching'. And the second- 'You.'

Goosebumps erupt all over your body and a loud crash causes you to scream. Your head snaps towards the unlit hallway outside. You question yourself if it's even worth it to go down there anymore.

"What am I thinking?" You mutter to yourself.

I've taken down ruin guards and abyss mages and hundreds of hilichurls. A little burglar doesn't scare me. In fact, it should be scared of me.

With a huff, now feeling annoyed that your peaceful night is ruined, you grab the hand knife Diluc likes to keep hidden in your drawer. Clutching the towel against your body, you quickly but silently make your way down the stairs, looking around for anything amiss.

As you reach the foyer, you notice the office door's ajar. You look around before scurrying over to it, pressing yourself against the wall as you clutch the knife to your chest, the blade pointing away from you. With a deep breath, you kick the door open, your body ready to fight whoever broke into your fiance's office.

Once again, you're greeted with nothing.

Confused, you turn to search the rest of the house when another crash echoes throught the foyer.

Kitchen.

As you run towards the kitchen, you freeze at the sound of footsteps padding quickly on the second floor.

How the fuck...?

You switch your pursuit of the kitchen and start running towards the stairs. Halfway up, you notice something wrong. You turn your head slightly around, just to check, before something grabs you by your ankle, causing you to fall.

The corners of each step dig into your body painfully, but you ignore them as you twirl the knife in your hand, you swing the knife against whatever was behind you, turning your body along with it.

You come face to face with a cloaked stranger, who managed to dodge your strike. You lift your leg up to kick them off of you but they read your movements, gripping on your ankle and angling it to the side.

The stranger uses their free hand to grab onto your hand that held your knife, pressing it onto the step above your head as they press their body against yours.

"Get off of me you fuck!" You yell, your weak attempts at loosening your hand from their grip is overpowered by their strength.

The stranger chuckles—they chuckle darkly as they let go of your ankle and grab onto your other hand. A man. With one hand holding both your wrists, the other grabs onto your towel, forcing it down, exposing your breasts.

"What the fuck are you-" You're cut off by the feeling of their belt pressing against your naked cunt. Heat blossoms on your stomach.

Your hands are pinned above you, your legs are open with a stranger in between them, your body is barely covered by the flimsy towel, and said stranger is grinding on your cunt. Your now wet, hot cunt.

"Slutty fucking body's just begging to be fucked." The stranger growls, the timber of his voice deep. He continues to pull on your towel until it slips from underneath you.

"Let go of me! Do you know who's house you're in right now?!" You yell, your weak attempts at freeing your wrists pitiful, to say the least.

The stranger simply chuckles, and before you know it, the towel is restraining you instead of his hands. "Take this off of me!" You demand, sneering at the man.

"You're in no position to be in control now, slut." He spits, his free hand trailing down your breasts. He squeezes and fondles them before lowering his head, taking your nipple in his warm mouth.

Your teeth dig into your lower lip, you don't want this fucker to hear you feeling good about this.

His tongue swirls around your nipple, sucking on the puckered point before softly sinking his teeth on them. "Fuck!" You cry out, the sudden pain bringing heat down your cunt.

Not now, kitty! You can't do this to me right now!

The stranger chuckles, moving to your other tit, his movement similar, but this time, he bites roughly, making you yell out in pain. Tears sting the corners of your eyes as you look down to see him licking the red mark around your nipple.

"You sick fuck-" You're cut off once again at the feeling of his fingers against your sex. Your wet, hot, needy sex.

When the fuck did his hand get there?!

Your try wriggling your body from his, but he doesn't budge. His finger presses on your sensitive bundle of nerves, causing your lips to part.

Holy shit.

He draws circles on it, pressing the pads of his fingers harshly, intensifying the pleasure charging all over your body. Without warning, he presses two fingers inside, forcing your walls to stretch immediately.

"No! Fuck!" You cry out, begging your body to listen to you.

Diluc. Diluc! Where is he?!

The stranger continues to pumps his fingers inside you. The house echoes with your whimpers, your ragged breaths, and the squelching sound his hand and your cunt makes together.

Everything sounds so lewd.

And you fucking love it.

No! No I fucking don't!

"Diluc!" You cry out.

"No need to yell for me." The stranger pushes his hood off and you've never felt such immense veneration to see the familiar red hair and red eyes you've come to love so much.

That feeling is quickly replaced by a sudden burst of euphoria as Diluc pinches your clit, forcing an electrifying orgasm out of you. You throw your head back, your back arching as waves upon waves of pleasure roll out of you.

"Don't mind if I do." Diluc mutters, feasting on your tits as your orgasm rolls on.

You're left panting and light headed by the time the feeling ceased. "Love." You breathe out, "What are you doing?"

"This is what you wanted, isn't it?" He asks, flipping you over to your stomach. He grabs your waist, pulling it up so your ass is in the air.

"Fuck, love. When you told me about your dream, I almost creamed my pants." He grunts as you listen to his belt buckle clanking. A great sense of deja vu washes over you.

"I've been holding back for so long." He lines his cock to your folds, pressing against them. "You have no idea how many times I fucked you and thought, how would my future wife look covered with my cum?"

Without warning, he shoves his cock deep inside you, all nine inches making it hard for you to breathe. He doesn't give you time to adjust as he withdraws and snaps his hips back.

"And of course, I held back." His thrusts are brutal. " What kind of fiance would I be if I treated my woman like a cocksleeve?" That's exactly how he's treating you right now.

"Fucking you for the sake of my own pleasure?" He chuckles, his fingers digging into your hips. "That'd be very selfish of me." His thrusts have become sloppy, as if he's now chasing after his high. The thought of him using you for his personal gain has your pussy fluttering around him.

"Oh you fucking love that, don't you? You love listening to me talk about making you my bitch." He spits, no, like actually spits on your back.

His fingers weave their way through your hair, gripping on them as he pulls your head back. "Arch the fucking back." He commands, your body following his words immediately. "Fuck yeah, baby. You feel so good right now." He mutters in your ear, his thrusts erratic and unsteady.

"Oh Archons! Let me cum, Diluc! Please let me cum!" You yell out, feeling yourself reach the edge.

"I'm your Archon now." He whispers, his other hand traveling down your cunt. "Cum for me, my little follower." He pinches your clit, an orgasm even more powerful than before shakes your body. Your moans are loud as they travel all over the winery.

"Holy fuck this body is made for sin!" He yells, bottoming out as you feel warm liquid being spilled inside you.

Diluc falls on your back, his ragged breath hot on the side of your neck. A few moments pass before he pulls out, taking you in his arms as he walks up the rest of the steps.

You mentally sigh at the thought of having to wash up again, but your heart is ecstatic right now. You eye the bathroom door, furrowing your brows when you pass by it.

"Where are we going?" You ask, taking note of how your hands are still bound together.

"We're not done." Diluc declares.

"We're not?"

He takes you out the balcony, setting uou down and undoing the towel and dropping it on the ground. "I wanted to watch the moon." He says, taking a seat. "You," he points at you, before point down. "On your knees."

You suck in a breath, slowly kneeling down.

"Take out my cock." He orders, taking off his gloves.

You follow his instructions, feeling your insides turn to jelly at how demanding your fiance is tonight.

If he keeps this up, I'm marrying him tomorrow.

You take out his cock, pumping it softly and slowly at first, unsure of what uou're supposed to do.

Diluc's the first and only guy you've ever been with. And given his track record, he's never ask you to give him head. Sure, you've heard your friends telling you about their experiences, but Diluc always prioritized your pleasure before his. He never found it necessary to ask you for a blow job, and so, you never learned how to.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" He raises a brow, "Use your mouth like the good girl you are."

He places a hand on the top of your head, softly pushing you down until your lips connected with his tip.

"You don't wanna disappoint your Archon now, do you?"

Oh, fuck.

You part your lips, the tip of your tongue softly flicking on his swollen head as your eyes flick up to meet his. Diluc grinds his molars, closing his eyes as his hand pushes your head even lower.

His cock pushes against your tongue, to the back of your throat. The reflex to gag hits you instantly and you begin to pull away, but your fiance's hand keeps you in place.

"Tap my thigh if you feel like it's too much."

Huh?

Without warning, he stands up and grips your hair, pulling you towards him as he snaps his hips forward. Your eyes widen as tears begin to form in the corners. Immediately, you think to tap on his thigh, just as he said. Right before you do, you look up at him, and you're struck.

The expression on him right now—so desperate, so needy. As if he wants nothing more than to fuck your mouth. As if uour mouth is his only salvation from a life of sin. His eyes are hungry and wanting, his hips fast and harsh, his grip on your hair tight and rigid.

"Shit, baby. This mouth is made for fucking." He grits out, his thrusts unyielding.

Your hands move up his thighs, running up and down before you dig your fingers into his skin.

"I said to tap, not to draw blood, love." He breathes out, mistaking your actions for a tap out. You quickly correct him by hallowing your cheeks, independently moving your head in and out.

"Oh fuck!" His moans are loud and desperate as he throws his head back, his chest rising and falling as he chases his second high of the night.

"So close baby, I'm so fucking close!" He yells out and you moan around his dick, making his hips stutter before he pushes his whole length inside, your throat muscles convulsing around him as you begin to push away, but he keeps you in place.

With one last loud roar, he spills inside you, slowly withdrawing his cock. Out of breath, he presses his thumb on your bottom lip. "Open." He commands.

You open your mouth, revealing his spilled seed inside.

"Swallow."

You swallow.

"On your knees, teary eyed, and looking up at me like I'm God." Diluc chuckles, softly pulling you up to stand. He captures your lips in a searing kiss, his tongue dancing against yours. You are completely and utterly in the man's command.

"I love you, baby." He whispers against your lips.

"I love you more, thank you." You close your eyes, smiling.

"I ahould be thanking you." Diluc chuckles, "How did it feel?" He asks, walking you to the bathroom.

"Mmmm..." You ponder, "I'd like to do it again."

"Really?" He raises both brows in disbelief.

You giggle, pressing a kiss on his cheek. "Mmhmm. I enjoyed it too much. Can't get enough of you." You mutter against his lips before turning to get into the tub.

Diluc fucks you roughly in the tub. He scolds you for being a tease. And again on your bed, for saying you can't get enough of him. And once more until you pass out, your body shaking, covered in marks and sweat and cum.

[disneyprincemuke]

the kind of book you can't put down

alternatively: do you want me or not? (prev)

in which the thought of settling down and being with her scares him more than anything in the world, but he can’t seem to steer away from the thought of ‘them’

(series masterlist)

so maybe logan fucked up. did he mess this all up for him and the potential love of his life? he's sitting across the dinner table, head down to feign his attention on his phone screen but his eyes are on her and the random guy that joined them for dinner.

he kissed her, for god's sake. and what kind of a reaction was that from him afterwards? a smile and then to hurl in front of the biggest crush you've ever had in your life is hardly appropriate. it's even worse now that he's avoided her all day and openly flirted with someone else while they were on the yacht for a couple of drinks earlier.

logan swore to himself a couple of weeks ago that she didn't deserve to play his games. if there was anything about starting to like your best friend, it was the sudden realisation that they don't deserve to be treated like the other girls you'd been with before.

he knows she deserves better than what he's doing right now. but admittedly, he got scared of the potential fallout with her. he's really found the bestest friend in her through the years they grew up together. he had to sit himself down this morning to figure out if it was worth risking their friendship for something more.

he watches her cover her mouth to giggle. he contemplates for a couple of seconds: does he want to watch this or should he just gouge his eyes out with the spoon on his plate?

he did want to approach her this morning at breakfast. when she was at the long table buffet waiting for some scrambled eggs - she looked very pretty in the maxi dress she'd bought specifically for this vacation, and it scared him.

he's always been more of a touch-and-go kind of person. thinking about laying with her innocently while they engaged in pillow talk terrified him.

"murder on your mind?" xyriel snorts, leaning towards him with a sly grin. "i've noticed how you've been looking at her for a couple of minutes now."

"i wasn't looking," logan quickly denies, sending his friend a weird look. "it's just weird having a stranger eating dinner with us. i'm not paying for his dinner."

"we know," xyriel grins, following his gaze. she presses her lips together. "but you used to bring girls with us to dinner. what makes hers any different?"

"nothing," logan lies with an innocent shrug. "i just think he is weird."

xyriel stifles a giggle, instead pursing her lips to not let out that everyone knows more than they actually do. "dude, you've got something for her or what?"

"what?" logan scoffs, turning to her with disbelief on his face. "the hell did you get that from? she's my best friend."

"you're just being a little odd," xyriel points out. "and, i've never seen you jealous before."

"i'm not jealous."

"really? you're going to lie to me? you're literally my biggest partner in crime when it comes to picking up girls at bars, and you're going to tell me that i don't know when you like somebody?"

"i don't like her. and i'm not jealous."

xyriel presses her lips together and throws her arms up into the air to surrender. "okay, fine. whatever you say. you don't like her, whatever. get back to me when you're done being indenial."

"xyriel!"

"what?" xyriel laughs, rolling her eyes. "you want to choose this hill to die on tonight, so i'll leave you alone until you're ready to face the facts."

he glances at them one more time. with another roll of his eyes, he shifts in his seat to sit up and start eating his dinner once more. but all he can think about is her lips on his.

she sighs, kicking at the gravel from the cobblestone pathway that leads to their villa. she excused herself from the restaurant early; all the half hearted flirting with some random guy she'd met on the yacht earlier proving to be a lot more draining than she thought.

while she liked the attention and the compliments that were spewing from his mouth, even she knew that it was all just a ruse to get into her pants and she's just not interested in him like that. she had let him down easy when he insisted to walk her back here.

he easily understood and kind of snorted, pointing out that it's obvious that she's got a thing for logan.

the area surrounding their villa is quiet - she'd specifically requested for one that provides them a bit more privacy.

she walks back and forth the pathway leading to their front door, swaying as she plays with the maxi skirt she's decided to put on for dinner. she hops over every other tile then twirling slightly before repeating the same actions up and down the stones. if someone were to see her, they might think that she's crazy.

all she can think of is the way logan had kissed her last night and the way his lips tasted against her.

but every time she starts to swoon at the possibility of falling in love with one of the people who know her best, the image of him pressed up against another girl in her bikini flashes through her mind. it's been bringing her to the edge of tears just imagining what they'd done when they disappeared into the far back of the yacht alone.

she's only ever been with one guy; someone she barely even dated for six months when she was sixteen. it could hardly even be considered a relationship with the way that it had gone.

logan's been with many girls, be it relationships or just simply hooking up with them. maybe she should just accept the fact that she will eventually just turn into one of logan's girls.

but how do you move past that after being friends for ages?

"oh, i thought you'd be asleep by now." she plants her feet into the cobblestone she's just jumped on, slumping her shoulders as her eyes drift to the reflection of the intrusion on the sliding glass door that leads into the villa. "i didn't expect you'd still be awake."

she sucks in a shakey breath when she realises that logan is not alone while approaching the villa. she turns around and forces a smile to her face, her hair landing on one shoulder. "i was just doing some thinking. the villa is yours - don't let me intrude on your alone time."

she carefully eyes the unnamed girl clinging onto logan's arm, body pressed up behind him with a grin on her face. it's a different girl from earlier. seems that her predictions are absolutely right: he might not have even remember the kiss in the first place.

all of these are just in her head.

"actually, i think i'll just join them for some drinks. they're still at the bar, right?" she smiles, pointing in the direction that they'd just approached from.

"no, it's fine," logan smiles with a shakey breath. he turns around to say something to the girl he's with. she can hear her protesting softly and then logan uses a firm voice to answer her. eventually, the girl gives up and simply turns on her heel and walks away.

"what, you lost your hardon when you realised you couldn't shag her in peace or something?" she scoffs, watching the girl walk away and logan turns to face her. "my bad for staying awake past my bedtime. i hope i didn't cost you the love of your life."

logan furrows his eyebrows, hands on his hips. he doesn't necessarily appreciate her words but he knows that he deserves her mean streak. "shut up. you know i'm not like that."

"yeah, now more than ever," she laughs dryly, muttering under her breath as she turns away. "can't believe i kissed you back."

logan tilts his head. "sorry, what was that?"

"i said i can't believe that i kissed you back, you big dumb fucking idiot," she scolds, turning back to him. "i can't believe that i even thought you genuinely liked me back! well, now i know."

"know what?" yes, he is playing dumb. but it seems like the better option to go with rather than having to look her in the eye and crumble at the thought of them being together.

"that i'm just one of your girls," she sighs, throwing her arms into the air slightly. she shakes her head with a small smile on her face. "you think you know someone."

hearing her say that made logan feel guiltier. he genuinely does like her. days leading up to this trip, he couldn't get her out of his mind. all he could think of was holding her hand and doing everything he swore he wouldn't be caught doing with somebody until he was much older.

he would find himself lying awake at 2am thinking of her and all the places that he wants to bring her to. she makes him want to settle down and that thought scares him.

"for the record, i never want to talk to you again after this trip," she scoffs, stepping up towards the villa. she grabs her phone from the patio table and aggressively slides the glass door open. "i don't know who you think you are kissing me and then pretending like it didn't happen. i'm not going to allow myself to be one of the girls you fuck around with, logan. i'm not playing your games."

"oh, so you really messed up big time."

it's 5am. everybody but her is gathered at the dining table of their villa, wide awake from the coffee they decided to consume at midnight at the resort cafe.

oscar and lily arrived first, finding logan sitting on the front porch steps with his head in his hands in damn near tears. lily stepped up and asked him if something bad had happened and he tried his best to recount their interaction to the couple.

twenty minutes later, xyriel and leia joined them in hushed whispers and chips on the table. they've been here ever since.

"i know," logan rolls his eyes. "ugh, why did i kiss her? i never should have kissed her!"

"actually," xyriel perks up. "why did you kiss her?"

"have you looked into her eyes? i swear they're hypnotising!" logan tries to contain his yell, afraid that he might be the one to wake her from her slumber. "she was practically asking me to kiss her!"

"i hope you realise how fucking stupid you sound right now." logan follows the sound of the voice, seeing lily sipping on her water with her chin tucked in and eyes shot up to glare at him. "are you telling me that you're blaming her for all of this when you're the one that's been avoiding her?"

"no," logan whines, throwing his head back. he rubs his face roughly then drops his elbows against the wooden material. "god, she's just so pretty. i couldn't hold myself back from kissing her."

oscar raises an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with xyriel that's already giggling audibly. "you? have no self control?" he gasps. "no way."

"have you kissed her?" logan scolds, lifting his head to furrow his eyebrows at oscar. "exactly! you don't know what it's like! when i kissed her, i thought 'oh, god, i'm kissing my best friend'. and then she kissed me back! and i swear to you, our entire future played in my mind! like i knew i wanted to spend the rest of my life with her!"

"you're in love with her?" leia's eyes widen. "are you kidding?"

"i'm not in love with her!"

"i'm pretty sure you are," xyriel points out knowingly, slamming her palm on the table. "nobody thinks of the future with somebody if they're not in love with them!"

"is that why you hurled right after you kissed her?" lily frowns, disgust washing over her face. "you got scared at the thought of settling down with a girl?"

"not just any girl, come on!" logan cries, slamming the table softly. he pushes himself up, the seat dragging against the ground as he stands. "my best friend!" he turns to oscar. "our best friend! we literally had her period cycle memorised at some point!"

"gross." leia turns to oscar with a questioning stare.

"hey, we lived in her house. it was impossible to not know," oscar defends himself, rolling his eyes. "you're telling me you can't tell when she's got her period?"

"i guess you have a point."

"focus!" logan cries, throwing his head back in frustration. "guys, we're in the same sport too! what if that gets in the way? we both have our hopes and dreams - i can't risk that getting in the way of what we have."

"i hardly think that would be an issue," xyriel shrugs simply. "you're both adults. you should be able to put that aside and not let it affect a relationship."

"it could be worse," oscar agrees. "she could be an actress."

"what's that got to do with anything?" lily raises her eyebrow in confusion.

"i'm just saying it could be worse if she had to be paired up with men she'd have to be in love with," oscar shrugs with a small frown. "but i guess it's not that relevant to what we're talking about."

"that would be tougher, i suppose," xyriel whispers. she points at logan pacing back and forth, mumbling something about how this is all too much for someone like him. "i've never seen this guy jealous."

"i wasn't jealous!" logan says, turning to them. "guys, what do i do?"

"mate," oscar laughs, pointing at him and gestures at his state. "you're twenty years old. you should know what to do."

"thanks, that literally doesn't help me. at all."

"racing heartthrob doesn't know what to do with his feelings? that's interesting," leia grins, turning to xyriel with a nod. "but if (y/n) swore you off the way she did, there's not much we can do to help you. only you can say something to her to make this all better."

"you should know what to do. you guys fought a year ago, right?" logan frowns, tilting his head at leia. "what did you do?"

"i apologised," leia grins, pressing her lips together. "dude, our situations are completely different. you blew her off knowing she likes you. we fought over a school project and participation points. we are not the same."

"she expects a relationship out of me," logan says. "probably."

"actually, i suspect she wants to kill you more than get into a relationship with you right now," oscar points out with a teasing smirk. "but do carry on."

"i just don't know if i can give her that! i'm not one to settle down."

"what was that joke about guys getting their heart broken once then making it everyone's problem for the rest of their lives?" lily mutters, turning to xyriel with a smile.

"story of logan's life."

"if i knew you guys were going to be this unhelpful, i would have just called liam and asked him for advice."

"mate, he doesn't... he's not good at the advice either."

"exactly!"

"okay, dude," xyriel holds her hands out to halt all conversation. "it's easy. figure yourself out before you talk to her. when you do, tell her what's on your mind. explain it to her, and then apologise."

"what if she still doesn't want to remain friends? i don't want to lose her. she’s my best friend.”

“a little hurt,” oscar frowns with a hand to his heart.

lily shrugs. "consequences of your own actions."

“good morning,” she greets, the hem of her pyjamas dragging along the floor as she walks into the kitchen and dining area. “you’re making breakfast?”

“it’s noon, so technically lunch. i’m making eggs and bacon,” oscar mutters, craning his neck to look at her walk in. “scrambled or sunny side up for you?”

“i’m not hungry, thank you,” she smiles, walking over to him. she tiptoes with a hand to his back, cheeks touching as a greeting before she circles around him. “have they got a kettle? i want some tea.”

“bottom door next to the fridge,” lily speaks up, walking into the kitchen. “good morning everyone. have you guys seen xyriel anywhere? her door was left open.”

“she left to have breakfast at the restaurant with that one girl she met last night at the cafe,” oscar scoffs, leaning down to give a chaste kiss to his girlfriend that approaches him. “good nap?”

“cafe? you guys drank coffee last night?” the small girl scoffs, eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she fills the kette with water. “what time did you turn in?”

“seven thirty,” oscar admits. “anyway, got anything planned today?” he exchanges a glance with lily, who pats his back as she passes him to navigate the kitchen for the fridge. “we’re going to the driving range to golf right after this.”

oscar finally scans her face, frowning when he notices her slightly puffy eyes and hoarse voice. had she cried before coming down for lunch?

“i’ll pass, thank you,” she grins politely. “i think i’m just going to stay in today. i’m not feeling like i wanna sweat.”

“oh, i think logan mentioned he didn’t feel like doing anything today either,” oscar lies. logan is actually joining them for golf. “doing anything together, perhaps? everything resolved?”

“no,” she frowns. “why, did he tell you anything?”

“no,” lily answers immediately. “joining us for golf then, i assume?”

she nods tiredly. “okay. could you make scrambled egg, then? i’ll go get my stuff ready.”

“oh, i thought you were staying in the villa this afternoon. i didn’t know you’d be here,” she mutters, arriving at the rendezvous oscar had told her to head to. “where are oscar and lily?”

“what? i was told you were staying in the villa today,” logan mutters, scrambling to sit up. he watches her carefully navigate the couch from the other end, opting to sit in the single seater couch far from him.

he scans her outfit, tilting his head. “made plans today?”

“oscar and lily asked me to join them at the driving range earlier,” she says, nodding with her lips pressed together. “have you seen them around? they asked me to meet at two — i’m five minutes late.”

“i don’t think i’ve seen them around,” logan shakes his head, pretending to look for the couple.

actually, she’d been avoiding him all morning. logan knocked on her door after he spent the better part of two hours thinking of what to say to her. she never answered the door.

after oscar made her lunch and he walked in to get some food for himself, she quickly excused herself to go back to her room, hanging her head low to avoid his longing gaze. which is exactly what they predicted would happen.

so oscar and lily started scheming once more.

true, the couple had planned to go to the driving range. but they decided to push it back a couple of hours to scheme for them.

“oh, then can you just let them know i’ll meet them at the driving range?” she smiles, standing up and dusting off her shorts. “if they happen to come by, of course. see you at dinner, logan.”

“okay, wait,” logan sighs, chasing after her. “can we talk? i really need to talk to you, i need to tell you why i kissed you.”

she smiles tiredly, tucking her chin in slightly. “let’s just forget it ever happened, okay? we’re on vacation; let’s not make it dramatic.”

“no, i don’t want to lose you,” logan frowns, taking her wrist into his hand. “please, let’s talk. there’s a couple of things i need to get off my chest. you’re my best friend.”

she rolls her eyes, smile still stuck on her face as she wiggles her wrist free from his grasp. “i just need some space, logan. you’re my best friend too — i didn’t mean what i said about never speaking to you again. but just give me some time.”

“just let me explain what went through my mind.” logan gently guides her back to sit on the couch, taking her hands into his. “i do have feelings for you. but-“

“but,” she emphasises, voice shaking as tears flood her eyes. “that’s exactly what i didn’t want to hear.”

“but if we get into a relationship, it’s going to complicate everything,” logan explains, shaking his head. “first off, we’ve practically lived together for 4 years. and then we’re in the same motorsport every time — i don’t want any of that to get in the way.”

“then why did you kiss me?” she swipes her hands from him and places it on her lap. she inches away from him slightly. “if you knew us getting involved with one another would get complicated, then why would you kiss me?”

“because i really do like you. but i don’t want to make things harder for us. we’re already in a cutthroat sport, moreso for yourself,” logan frowns, looking down to play around with his thumbs.

“and i wasn’t supposed to act on whatever feelings i’ve developed for you. but i looked into your eyes that night and,” he pauses to sigh and looks up to mert her eyes, “i just couldn’t help myself. i’ve been wanting to kiss you since we went to barcelona.”

“then why would you parade around with other girls after we kissed?” she asks, eyes trailing down to his nervous hands. “you made me feel so small, logan.”

“i got scared. you know me — i’m not typically a commitment type of guy,” he explains softly, reaching out hesitantly for her hand. “but you kissed me back and i felt something brewing in my stomach. something i’d never felt before about anyone. i’m terrified of whatever this is.”

she shakes her head. “i don’t understand,” she breathes. “are you saying that i’m not worth settling down for? is that how you see me, logan? after all these years; you don’t think i’m not the type of girl anyone should want to be better for?”

“no, i’m telling you i’m cowering away from how intense my feelings are for you. and i’m scared of ever hurting you,” he cooes. “i don’t ever want to hurt you. i don’t want to be the cause of your pain because of my ways. you know me — i’m not the best at relationships. i spent half of my life with oscar making sure you only receive the best.”

“so are you telling me you don’t want to be better for me?” a tear falls on her cheek, prompting logan to drop his head in shame. “that i’m not worth the trouble?”

“i didn’t mean it that way. i’m just explaining to you why i did what i did. please, just let me finish.”

“actually, i think i’ve heard enough,” she lets a sob pass her lips, a hand flying up to cover her mouth as more tears start rolling down her cheeks. she shakes her head as she starts to stand up. “honestly, logan, we would have been fine if you just let this fade away. but after hearing what you just said, i don’t want anything to do with you anymore. please just leave me alone.”

“okay, it’s because i think i’m in love with you,” logan spurts just as she turns around. she balls her fists by her side, freezing completely where she stands. “i know that i like you, but it’s scary because i think it’s more than just liking you.”

she turns around, furrowing her eyebrows. “you can’t just say that and think it will make all of this better.”

“i know it doesn’t. but whatever i feel, it’s bigger than me. i know the type of guy i want to be when i’m with you. nothing has ever been so clear to me,” logan rambles, taking a step forward.

she notes his step, mirroring it with a step backwards to maintain their distance. “you just said something else completely different to that.”

“give me a chance to show you, and i swear to you that i’ll love you proper,” logan breathes out. “no more games, no more push and pull, no more girls. just you and me.”

“and i’m supposed to believe you?”

“if you don’t, then it’s my fault. i never should have toyed around with your feelings in the first place,” logan shakes his head. “but if you give me a chance, i won’t ever fuck this up. i’ll be all yours. you will get the best parts of me and nothing less.”

she raises an eyebrow. “and oscar told you this was the way to go about this situation?”

“he gave me some advice.”

“it’s good advice,” she says softly with a small smile playing with her lips. she bites on the inside of her cheek. “no more girls? no more games? you promise?”

“i swear to you with my life,” logan smiles, taking a step forward. he puts his hands on her shoulders with a soft squeeze. “i will be the best boyfriend. i am only yours.”

“calm down. you’re not my boyfriend yet,” she mutters jokingly. “with the stunt you just pulled, you’ll be apologising to me for years to come.”

“i’ll apologise every single day,” logan smiles, shoving his hands into his pockets. “can i take you out on a date when we get back to the uk?”

she purses her lips together, biting back the growing smile on her face. she toys with the hem of her tshirt and swiftly turns away. “i’ll think about it. see you at dinner, logan.”

“see you at dinner, babe.”

“stop that!”

— bonus

“i thought you said you weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend yet,” xyriel scowls, peeking through the small gap on the door that leads into logan’s room in the villa. “did you guys fuck?”

logan, his bare shoulder peeking through the blanket that covers the rest of his body, lifts his head. “no. go away.”

“i know you’re naked,” xyriel whispers, pointing at him accusingly.

“we didn’t fuck, go away,” logan whispers at her, wrapping his arms around the smaller girl to pull her into his body. “we just slept. you know, as normal wholesome couples do.”

“we’re not a couple,” the small girl says, eyes closed as she pulls logan’s arm around her tighter. “he asked me to sleep in his room last night and he brushed my hair until i fell asleep.”

“aw, logan, you big softie,” xyriel teases. “okay, whatever. i’ll leave you to it. we need to check out by noon — be ready by then.”

they bid their goodbyes to the older girl, leaving the room in silence. logan lifts his head, rubbing her bare shoulder. “good morning.”

she turns around, eyes barely open as she faces him. “good morning,” she grins. “kiss me again; i miss your lips.”

@myxticmoon @what-is-happening-helpp @angsthology @lfm98

[scturnsuna]

You find it funny. Hilarious even, how reality has it's way of knocking the breath right out of your chest.

'It's you' you hear Iwaizumi crack out. He's clutching his right hand, brushing over his cracked skin. The tingle and readness starts to disperse accross his knuckles.

You reach over cradling the injured hand.

'Me?' you look up reluctantly, trying to meet eyes. All you come accross is furrowed eyebrows and a turned cheek.

'You asked what's been keeping me up, why i'm out of myself these days.' There's a wince as you start to brush over the front of his hand. 'The way you stay constantly on my mind. You're consuming me.'

You breath out heavily. You knew when Iwaizumi had something on his mind, he went straight to what he knew best. Training kept his mind busy, focusing on the pain or the work to keep his thoughts from lingering into more strings that are out of his grasp.

He's been lucky to work in a field he loves, and while it is his passion, it can also be his weakness.

Catching eye of a first aid kit in the corner of the room. you quickly rush over grabbing some bandage wrap and alcohol pads to clean up the bleeding.

'Look, I know I haven't been available a lot, maybe I haven't been a great friend to you -' you start to say. ' Works been busy, I know you’ve been training also. Please don't take that out on the boxing bag though.' As much as you try to lighten up the mood, Iwaizumi keeps quiet with the same stern look on his face. You rip open the alcohol prep 'quick sting okay?'

The hiss that comes from of his mouth is strained as Iwaizumi clenches his jaw. The cool sensation and smell of rubbing alcohol is just as obvious as the tension in the room.

'Can you stop with that?’

‘Haji I just have to clean it-‘

‘No y/n. the friends label. God i’m tired of it. You can’t just keep running away from something thats obvious going on between us. Something has to be done here, I can’t just keep sitting here waiting on your response for days on end.’

It’s your turn to look away sheepishly as you realize how much you’ve actually been avoiding this very situation. Sure it must have been difficult on his end too, since you hang out with the same group of people. anytime you lock eyes you’re the first one to walk away or find some reason to leave the situation. Though you realize now that this might not be one you can escape now.

‘You’re right. You deserve an answer, an explanation at least’ Wrapping a final bandage around his hand, you tape the side up and let go.

Slowly you breathe out. ‘I’m terrified. It’s cheesy but we’ve been good together already…and if something happens between us I can’t let myself risk losing you.’

‘So instead,’ Iwaizumi starts out ‘you would rather have this thick wall of awkwardness between us and keep me on a leash away from you, as if that wouldn’t make matters worse than just saying you like me too.’ he gets up from the ground, lowering his hand to bring you up, which you gratefully took.

‘Maybe?’

‘You know that’s a little messed up right? And to think that you believe I would even put you into a position where you would lose me’ Iwaizumi sighs and grabs your hand again, pulling you closer than the 4ft you made between his tall figure.

‘Trust in me y/n. I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me, and i never will in the future. Give me a chance to show you that.’

You find yourself nodding slowly, melting into the feeling of Iwa’s hand against your own now.

‘I know you’re hesitant, I can read you still’ he begins again. ‘but you can lead how things go, i’m all yours.’

[npcemi]

Here's that little quick piece I promised in my last post. Here is the chronological start of my planned multiverse. Though it all really started when My KP fic and how a part of that started event in cigarettes and valentine's.(my life is strange and Dr who crossover) now it's all got away from me and I digress. big thanks to the danny phantom and DC fandoms for giving me a great anchor point. Anyway like I said when I get out of the hospital I'll work on getting everything else updated. Here's the fic:

The long road of how starting a fight with superman over clone parenting eventually lead to Danny Phantom become God:

Danielle “Dani with an I” Phantom, the clone of Amity Park’s local ghost vigilante Danny Phantom, decided to start a clone support group. Dani had experienced firsthand the struggles and challenges that came with being a clone, and she wanted to create a safe space where clones from various backgrounds could come together and share their experiences.

Word spread quickly, and soon, they gathered at one of Danny’s safe houses he loaned to Danielle. She also had help so each member only had to go to a specific room at a nearby community center. Her father’s ghost abilities and Mama Sam’s Magic would take care of the rest to turn the doors into temporary portals that would bring each member to the safe house. Among the members who arrived were Linda Danvers, a clone of Supergirl, Conner Kent, a clone of Superman, and Jarro, a Starro clone.

Danielle welcomed everyone with a warm smile. "Thank you all for being here today. I created this little group so we can share our stories, support each other and just be there for each other. Being a clone can be difficult. I know that as well as anyone. Let's start by introducing ourselves, I'll go first.”

“I’m Danielle Phantom but you can call me Dani, that’s Dani with an I, and I am a clone of Danny Phantom. I was created because some fruit loop wanted Danny as a son and when he couldn’t get that he made me and then tried to get me to kill my original and his parents. Obviously that didn’t work out and now Danny and I are on really good terms!”

Jarro floated gently in the air before psychically speaking "I'm Jarro, a clone of Starro. Being a clone means constantly battling stereotypes and misconceptions. People assume I'm evil because of my origin, but I strive to prove them wrong every day."

Linda Danvers raised her hand and spoke next. "I'm Linda, a clone of Supergirl. Being her clone makes me feel as if I’m constantly living in the shadow of my original. People expect me to live up to her legacy, but I'm still figuring out who I am as an individual." Linda received many nods as they could truly empathize with her on living in the shadow of their original.

Linda Danvers took a deep breath, her eyes softened to reflect her vulnerability. "Being a clone of Supergirl has been a constant struggle for me,"

She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "The truth is…I'm still trying to figure out who I am. I have my own dreams, desires, and flaws. It's hard to escape the comparisons and the feeling that I'm somehow a mere shadow of my original"

Linda glanced around the room, meeting the compassionate gazes of her fellow clones. "I often find myself wondering if I'm destined to live in her shadow forever. But being here with all of you, hearing your stories and struggles, gives me hope."

She continued, "I don't want to be defined solely by being a clone. I want to be Linda Danvers.."

Conner Kent could definitely understand how Linda felt. Conner’s stomach turned as Linda’s words hammered in the truth of his own relationship with the man of steel.

Danielle reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Linda's shoulder. "Linda, you're not alone. It can be a lot to remind ourselves and the world that our worth isn't determined by the circumstances of our creation. But that’s why we’re here, so we can support each other.”

“Thanks,” Linda smiled at Danielle’s reassurances.

Conner took a deep breath, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and anger. "I... I'm Conner Kent, a clone of Superman," he began, his gaze fixed on the ground. "But my relationship with Superman has been anything but what I expected. Instead of acceptance and guidance, I've faced rejection."

He looked up, meeting the eyes of his fellow clones. "Superman has never treated me as an equal. He sees me as a flawed imitation, a violation against his bodily autonomy. He constantly compares me to himself, highlighting how I will never be him. I’m not him, I’m me. My own person. I just wish he could understand that, it’s not like I asked to be created.” Conner’s voice rose with rage until he slumped back down, his voice damping in his own personal defeat.

A surge of anger coursed through the room. Danielle Phantom's expression hardened. "No one deserves to be treated that way," she said firmly.

"Conner, you are more than just a replica. You have your own strengths, your own worth. You don't need Superman's validation to prove that."

Linda Danvers spoke up "Conner, your value isn't determined by Superman's actions or opinions. Honestly it sounds like he is being a dick about the whole thing,"

Jarro joined in. "No one has the right to treat you as less than who you are. Conner, you should be treated with respect and dignity as any person would expect"

Conner’s eyes glistened with gratitude. "Thank you all. Your words and support mean more to me than you can imagine," he said, Danielle looked at Conner, "if you want me to do something about it, I can try to talk to my dad," she offered.

Conner looked at Danielle, confusion in his eyes. "You can do something? Like what?" he asked,

Danielle smiled mischievously, knowing exactly what she meant but choosing her words carefully. "Let's just say my dad has his ways of dealing with situations," she replied,

Linda, sensing the unspoken desire, arched an eyebrow and leaned closer. "Danielle, what are you thinking?" she whispered.

Danielle chuckled softly before responding, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let me talk to my dad, he might have a unique perspective on this situation."

Jarro floated closer, his curiosity piqued. "What are you saying…," he started, only to be interrupted by Danielle's raised hand “I have a feeling that my dad might be able to provide some guidance or at least offer a... different perspective."

“After all my dad, Danny Phantom has experience being the one cloned and he doesn’t like it when clones are treated badly, no not at all.” Dani shook her head silently laughing at what her father’s ‘talk’ with Superman would most likely entail.

As Danielle revealed her secret, a collective gasp filled the room, followed by a mix of surprise and awe on the faces of Linda, Conner, and Jarro. Linda was the first to find her voice. "Wait, you mean to say that Danny Phantom actually adopted you as his daughter?" Danielle nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Yes, he did. After finding out about me, he took me in and treated me as his own. Danny has been an amazing dad to me. He provides love, and support, just like any other parent.”

Conner's eyes widened with astonishment. "That's incredible."

Danielle's smile turned somewhat sheepish. "It honestly is incredible. Sometimes, though, he can be a little overprotective.”

Jarro floated closer, intrigued by this newfound information. "A protective father, huh? I guess I know how that feels. My adoptive father is like that as well."

Conner gave a soft smile. "Your bond with your dad is inspiring. It gives me hope that not all clones have to face rejection and mistreatment.” The “like me” at the end of Conner's sentence, went unspoken.

“Exactly, and I’m sure my dad can talk some sense into Superman.” Dani grinned.

[morrithal]

AITA for using my daughter's girlfriend to achieve immortality?

This may sound bad but hear me out. I (350sM) am a successful religious and military leader within a new alternative faith system. Many years ago I lost my wife while my daughter (now 30sF) was very young, so naturally I have been very protective of her. We lived in a tight-knit community where the majority practiced a religion I was involved in but am no longer a part of. My daughter was very involved with this community and was a talented follower of this goddess.

My daughter also had a girlfriend at the time. I just want to say upfront that I am NOT homophobic. Two of my closest coworkers are LGBT and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. But let's just say that when my daughter died of unpreventable causes, I didn't treat her girlfriend extremely well. It's not something I'm proud of, but it happened. Seeing that there was pretty much nothing keeping me tied to this religion, I found a new goddess that suited my life and goals better and used this to trap my daughter's girlfriend in another plane. Because of her parentage (my original goddess) she's effectively immortal, and I was able to siphon off some of that for myself.

Let me be clear, this was all for my daughter and my community. I knew that by living longer and becoming unkillable, I would have more time to devise a way to bring my daughter back. Plus, this new goddess was much stronger IMO, so my community would be safer as well. There were some people who didn't love the change, but I really did have their best interests at heart. I was even able to preserve some of my family members through this transition and gave them VERY prestigious positions in our new society (toll collector, head doctor at our local hospital, etc.).

And yes, I figured the girlfriend would be lonely in her new extra-planar living space, which is why I sent members of my new religion to visit her and fulfill their joining rites in one fell swoop. It's not my fault she wasn't appreciative of this, since I went through a lot of trouble to build a temple leading up to her portal with a very involved trials just to get there. Everyone who visited her was highly qualified and earned their place. Plus, I'll say again that she is immortal, so whenever she dies she comes back--I've been killed many times due to all of this, and it isn't even that bad.

But anyway, now my daughter is returned from the dead and won't even speak to me. I assume she's mad because of her whole girlfriend thing and also possibly my new religion (dropped the second goddess for a much stronger god, with great benefits and a structured tier system I very quickly rose to the top of, if it matters). She even helped to murder one of my associates I sent to collect her. I think she's planning an attack against the tower I currently reside in, which if you ask me is a little ungrateful.

[jadeacereigen]

Claw Reigen? 👀

oh GOD I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WITH THIS

TIME TO LOOK AT MY OLD NOTES ABOUT HIM TO REFRESH MY MEMORY 😭

So Claw Reigen was this AU I came up with based on that moment in S1 where they make it seem like he's the Claw Boss. I never believed it for a second, but in my head I was kinda going "huh it would be an interesting au if it WAS true". Then I had my friend Parker watch the show and they genuinely fell for it and got super upset, so this made me come back to the random idea in my head and develop it more.

He's not the actual boss in my AU though, I made him a Scar instead because I thought that fit him better. Although he's a member of Claw's 5th division, no one has ever seen him use his powers and he still only describes them as "spiritual" when asked. Despite this, he is the 5th division's second-in-command and the leader Sakakibara obviously favors him despite him seemingly not contributing much to the group. This leads to rumors about Reigen being an incredibly weak esper or maybe even someone who isn't actually a Scar. (Because how could the Boss have respected his weak powers enough to spare his life after challenging him?)

None of these rumors are true, however...

(more details below sorry this got really long)

Reigen is certainly hiding many things from everyone in his life, including his fellow colleagues at Claw. But perhaps he's hiding the most from his disciple, Mob, who he is training to become a strong esper. He wears makeup to hide most of his scar when he's not interacting with Claw members, so Mob doesn't see his scar until... Season 1 events. Mob believes that Claw is a group of superheros whose mission is to make the world a better place. If he proves his worth, they'll allow him to join his ranks and become a fellow hero. However, as of now he is just an apprentice and is not allowed to meet any other members.

Claw is actually unaware of Mob's existence, and Reigen very much intends to keep it that way. In truth, he's not actually loyal to Claw, but he knows what he must do to survive. He's fully aware that his scar is not a badge of honor but is in fact a marker of his own unworthiness to Suzuki. Once Suzuki completes his world domination, Reigen knows that he and the other Scars will be disposed of, and he is determined to not let that happen. Somehow, Mob is a very important part of this plan...

In terms of personality, Reigen is similar to his canon lighthearted counterpart when he's with Mob. However, he can have a bit of a cruel streak—when he saves Mob from the S1 art gallery scammers, he intentionally sends an evil spirit to haunt them. He's also not the best role model and still smokes around Mob sometimes, though he'll awkwardly snuff it out and make a lot of excuses if Mob stares at him for too long or points out that it's bad for his health.

This is in stark contrast to how he is when Mob isn't around. The makeup he wears to hide his scar also hides his dark eyebags and stress lines on his face. He generally has a bored, heavy look to his face and doesn't smile. When he's with Claw, he sneers a lot and talks very condescendingly to make sure he doesn't look weak. (Also he just hates everyone there tbh-) People don't take him seriously, but the few who actually manage to piss Reigen off know that his sneer disappearing is a very bad thing.

(Another random but important fact that I'm not sure how to fit in here is that he never takes off his gloves.)

In summary, Scar Reigen is still very much a man of lies and self-serving deceit, just... in a far more twisted way than canon. He thinks he's long past redemption or changing his ways, but is that really true?

Anyway uh wow I talked a lot I'm not even sure if any of this makes any sense 😭 I was pretty into the idea of writing this au out as a fanfic last year but I quickly got stuck because I just couldn't figure out where to begin with it and what the structure of the story would even be like. I don't exactly see myself coming back to it but who knows. Idk

[m-for-musings]

WIP WATHEVER

(got my Wednesday all tangled up at work so I'm posting on Thursday fuck it)

Things are getting wild for the Baldur's Gate Kindred. Astarion, Wyll, Gale and Shadowheart just staked Minthara at her haven's parking lot after dealing with her Ghouls. But now, what to do with a staked Lasombra?

(Yes, I'm still working on a Baldur's Gate x Vampire The Masquerade crossover lol — excerpt below cut)

Minthara lay on the cold concrete floor, her body motionless, eyes wide open in frozen fury. The wooden stake protruding from her chest was grotesque, and Astarion couldn’t help but smirk as he nudged it with his foot. "Well, this escalated quickly," he said with mock innocence, glancing at the others.

Gale, however, was not taking it so lightly. His hands were shaking as he paced back and forth, running them through his already disheveled hair. "Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods," he muttered, wide-eyed and on the verge of a meltdown. "We just staked a Primogen. Not just any Primogen — a Lasombra Primogen! Do you understand the gravity of this? Allow me to paint you a vivid picture of exactly how this could lead to our demise. No, scratch that—our final demise. The kind where there’s no coming back. We’re as good as dead. Final death, do you hear me? This is how it ends for us. All of us. Gone. Staked, burned, left to see the dawn, dust in the wind! It’s over!"

"Calm down, Gale," Wyll said, trying and failing to sound confident. His posture was stiff, and he kept glancing at the elevator door as if expecting Mizora to burst out of it at any moment — even though she wouldn't quite have a reason to be there. "Panicking won't help us now."

"Won’t help? Won’t help? Wyll, if the other Primogen— if your sire finds out, she is going to murder us in our sleep!" Gale gestured frantically at Minthara’s paralyzed body. "We invaded a Primogen's have and staked her! How are you so calm right now?!"

"I’m not calm," Wyll shot back, his jaw tight. "I’m terrified. But we need to think this through before we make it worse."

Astarion let out a short, amused laugh. "Worse? I think we've already passed ‘worse,’ darling. We’re in ‘catastrophic’ territory." He crouched down next to Minthara and poked her cheek, delighting in her helplessness. "Still... I must admit, it’s nice to see her without all that arrogance for once. I could get used to this."

Shadowheart, leaning casually against the wall, rolled her eyes. "Alright, fun’s over. We need to figure out what to do with her before someone stumbles in."

"What if someone finds her?" Gale asked, pure panic etched on his face. It was unclear if the question was meant to the others or to himself.

Shadowheart shrugged, unfazed. "Better for us that she be found staked than dead. If they find her dead, then we’d have real problems."

Astarion raised an eyebrow. "I’m with Shadowheart on this. The work is done, can't we just leave her here? Let the Gangrel handle her."

Wyll shot him a look. "Too risky. We can’t just leave her here. What do you think will happen if someone finds her first and she’s un-staked?"

Astarion’s smirk widened. "Oh, that’s obvious. She’ll come for us, rip our hearts out one by one, and feast on them while we scream for mercy." He gave Wyll a playful nudge. "You first, naturally."

Gale paled, as if he hadn't put up the Blush of Life at all. "Oh gods."

"Focus," Wyll snapped, his frustration finally showing. "We need to move her somewhere. Somewhere discreet."

"I know a place," Shadowheart chimed in. Her voice was cool, almost detached. "It's off-limits, secluded, and nothing ties us to it. No one goes there. We can hide her until we figure out what to do."

[...]

Astarion tilted his head. "And if she’s found there?"

Shadowheart shrugged again. "So she’s found staked. Big deal. It’s not like we’re leaving a pile of ash or a corpse to rot. As I said, nothing ties us to that place."

"She ties us to that place!" Gale practically shouted, his voice rising in pitch. "Don’t you get it? The moment she’s free, she’s going to tell everyone! It’ll be the talk of the entire city. And then we’ll have a Blood Hunt on our heads! Do you know what that means? Every Kindred in this city will be after us, clawing for our throats! There’ll be nowhere to hide, no safe haven! We’ll be hunted like animals!"

"She’s probably too proud to admit four neonates bested a Primogen in her own haven." Shadowheart said, though there was the slightest hint of doubt in her voice. "Even if she does talk, the Lasombra may be part of the Camarilla now, but they’re still persona non grata. Her clan may hold a seat among the Primogen, but the title is mere nominal, just like the Banu Haqim. She’ll be left to handle it on her own, just like she was left now. But if we leave a body? Then we’re looking at a full-blown investigation. The Camarilla will be all over us for breaking their precious Traditions." She pointed at the stake in Minthara’s chest. "This? This buys us time. And if it comes to it, we can always blame the Gangrel."

A moment of tense silence followed as everyone considered the options. Gale looked like he was going to pass out, but he managed to nod. "I-I guess that makes sense. But... how do we even move her there without raising suspicion?"

[...]

"Right." Wyll sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's get this done already. Shadowheart, get the car in here. We’ll drag her. Astarion, grab her feet. I'll take her arms. Gale... just try not to hyperventilate."

Astarion shot Wyll a sly grin. "Oh, look at you, taking charge. How very heroic. Almost makes me want to listen."

Shadowheart groaned, turning to run upstairs. "Just shut up and grab her, Astarion."

Astarion let out a dramatic sigh but did as instructed. "You know, Wyll, I can’t help but feel this is all your fault. If you hadn’t insisted on—"

"My fault?!" Wyll shot him a sharp glare. "How exactly is this my fault? If I recall, you were the one who snuck up behind her and shoved the stake through her heart!"

Astarion’s grin returned. "Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you’re the one who started this whole mess by offering to help that bunch of savages—"

"Guys," Gale interrupted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I think I’m going to be sick."

Astarion just laughed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, Gale. Welcome to the real world of Kindred politics. Isn’t it fun?"

[viscerism]

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT MECHANICAL PENCILS AND MECHANICAL PENCIL LEAD :3333 i know so much about pens but so little about pencils its a shame really ..

HELLO I WILL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT MECHANICAL PENCILS MY FRIEND

(i'm going to start off with pentel brand mechanical pencils because they are my favorite brand and i'll continue with others in the reblogs)

i'll start off with my best friend, the pentel graphgear 1000 mechanical pencil

i use this one the most out of all of my pencils, she's so versatile. pentel is one of the few brands i can find that makes mechanical pencils capable of handling superfine leads, like .3 mm, the finest lead width of the graphgear 1000 series. let me tell you, the first time you use a .3 mm is life-changing i'm not joking. it completely changes your view of the world, my guy. it's made of steel and is very durable. it's weighted near the end, allowing for great precision and stability. it has a built-in indicator on the side that shows which lead is currently in the pencil—helpful whenever you switch between different leads all the time like i do. i would recommend carrying around an extra eraser with this pencil since, like most pentel mechanical pencils, the erasers are quite small, and they are used up pretty quickly. they're easily the best mechanical pencils you can get for the price, and they will last you a long time.

if you're looking for something cheaper, the pentel graphgear 500 is a decent alternative

these come in the same sizes as the graphgear 1000s, and they were my introduction to the beautiful world that is superfine mechanical pencil leads. these are a bit cheaper, but also not as high quality. they're made more from plastic, and break easier. they jam up frequently and every single one i've used loses the metal clip at the end within a week or two. it doesn't have the handy lead hardness indicator on the side, so it can be a pain to try and figure out what kind of lead you're using if you like to switch between types a lot. nice weight, not bad to hold and work with. i'd still say that they graphgear 1000 is worth the couple extra buck or two.

let me introduce you to my beloved, the love of my life, my everything, the pentel orenz nero mechanical pencil

if .3 mm isn't fine enough for you, this pencil works with .2 mm lead, the finest i have been able to find anywhere. and it works astoundingly well. i was worried that i wouldn't be able to use this pencil for it's thin lead because i tend to press too hard while writing, but this motherfucker proved me wrong. it features a sliding shaft mechanism that protects the lead from the breakage common in superfine leads like these. the weight is similar to that of a graphgear, and though the grip is not made of a soft material, it is very comfortable to hold. i have not had to use the lead-jam clearing tool more than twice despite having used it for god knows how long now, but i wouldn't recommend using any lead softer than hb because those do tend to jam up .2 mm pencils very frequently. this pencil is pretty damn expensive (around $23 i believe) but i love it so much.

[notinthislife50]

Chapter 48

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Back at the motel, everyone attempted to figure out what was going on.

"Perhaps a Tulpa or an angel?" suggested someone.

Dean quickly dismissed the suggestions, explaining how it couldn't be either.

"I'll head back and grill some people," Sam confirmed.

"Alone? You think you're up for that?" you teased.

"Yes," Sam retorted.

"No one's going to talk," Dean said doubtfully.

"Let me question them; you two watch for suspicious behavior," Sam suggested.

"Sounds better than nothing," you agreed.

Sam went to speak to the manager as you and Dean sat at a table in Plucky's. You whispered to Dean you would be right back and headed for the bathroom. As you walked away he shouted after you “Yea cause a guy in his thirties sitting here alone isn't purvey at all."

Returning to the table, Dean had disappeared. Amidst the chaos, you intervened when a smaller kid was arguing with his mom and asked him about his drawing of a scary robot.

“Robots are really scary, they have laser eyes you know,” he explained.

“I agree," you smiled at him.

Spotting Dean, you walked over and interrupted his texting seeing dean you walked over to him “What are you doing ?”

“Texting Sam about whoever comes out of the room," Dean started but was interrupted by a lion trying to take off.

"Get him!" Sam shouted.

The pursuit led to Dean making an impressive dive, taking down the kid.

"If this is about the meth lab, it wasn't me.” the kid explained nervously.

“You know that was really hot," you smiled.

“The meth lab?” the guy asked as the three of them looked at you confused.

“No the dive Dean did," and you then poorly tried to recreate it. You stopped then shrugged, and smiled “Hot.”

"Oh yeah," Dean stated, smiling up at you.

“Could you two keep it in your pants." Sam, sighed, rolling his eyes

"Why is this place so strange?" Dean asked, leading to the guy telling you about a spooky sub-basement.

The three of you returned to Plucky's, You saw Tyler and his mum arguing. As they passed you you heard him explain to his mum that someone had stolen his drawing.

"You ran to the table and searched through all the paintings. You quickly turned to Dean and Sam, "Tyler was annoyed at his mum and now his drawing is gone, she might be next," you warned.

"Okay, I'll go after them. You and Dean check the boiler room," Sam directed, swiftly leaving.

While investigating the boiler room, a man entered pointing a gun.

"This is some intense voodoo you're involved in," Dean remarked, attempting to distract the man.

“There is power in fear, and when a child draws what he is afraid of, a little of that mojo ends on the page. I'm just doing what I need to do."

“Oh I get ya," Dean nodded his head but threw a plank of wood at Howard. With Howard distracted for a second, it gives you and Dean enough time to grab as many paintings as possible and destroy them.

When Howard had regained his wits, his gun was back on Dean.

“You gonna shoot me, Howard?" Dean shouted

“Dean," you spat.

“Trust me I got this,” he said to try and ease your nervousness.

“Shut up,” Howard screamed, raced toward Dean.

“No,” you yelled, trying to step in front of Dean, but he forced you behind him.

“I have lots of ways to take care of bullies," Howard announced “Like your FBI friend, he made it really clear he has a thing for clowns."

You looked around for some kind of weapons and your gaze landed on some figures. As you picked one up you asked Howard “These yours, they really are something, and I bet you painted them all yourself." you glared at him as you tossed the figure around in your hand “Is this meant to be plucky, god I am so sick of plucky.” you voice now raised.

“Plucky helps people," Howard explained, "Just like me.”

“Oh, my hero," you pouted sarcastically.

Dean then spoke “Wait is that your brother?” he pointed to a picture beside a painting, did he drown?” Dean grabbed the painting off the wall snapped the clown from your hand and threw them in the fire.

As Howard started shooting, you both tried to find cover. When you looked back up, you saw a young boy walking towards Howard and watched as Howard seemed to drown on the spot.

Come on sweetheart " Dean grabbed you to his side and you walked outside to ring Sam.

Once reunited, relief turned into laughter as the tension eased and you noticed Sam covered in glitter.

"Let's get out of here," Sam urged.

Walking towards the Impala, Sam stopped Dean and handed him the giant slinky, You smiled at the smile that spread across the oldest brother's face. Your smile was turned to laughter as Dean handed Sam a clown figure, who immediately threw it away.

"Come on, I need a shower," Sam smiled, as the three of you drove away from Plucky's and hopefully never having to set foot in it again.

@deansgirl79 @suckitands33 @deans-baby-momma @dragony937 @linzerrr @deans-spinster-witch @foxyjwls007 @djs8891 @my-obsession-spn @mikaylalala13 @jackles010378 @spnbaby-67

[mcflymemes]

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the 2007 film

maybe one day i'll wear this to a party i'm actually invited to.

this is the right place.

did no one read my book?

let me guess! it's the wrong time! it's the wrong place! i'm wrong again!

it could contain something dangerous!

we're in england.

you fell in love with me on a treasure hunt.

then fine! if that's what you want, then let's have it out right now!

i flew all the way to london to offer my help, and you don't need it?

if you were trying to convince me, you'd have less evidence and i'd already believe you by now.

concealed in those pages is the key to something much, much bigger.

that was not love! that was excitement! adrenaline! tequila!

you're the one making a scene right now.

i was going to have the movers bring them to you next week.

you know what that means.

you have his number on speed dial?

take it from the best. you're a natural.

that's very nice, but it's kind of a bad time right now.

you're so good at puzzles, i'm sure you'll figure it out.

i want you to do something for me.

death and despair. mostly death.

you guys are so great together.

i get lucky a lot.

all of you will get credit for this discovery.

it's a little golden man.

you're wrong to assume i'd like the chair.

your dad called me.

just promise you'll come back for me.

did you get a chance to look at page 47?

you're wearing the perfume i got you.

the fire alarm's gone off.

this doesn't involve another treasure hunt, does it?

well, would you look at that.

my first felony.

just because you may know what my answer is going to be, doesn't mean you don't have to ask me.

what is going on with the education in america?

the past is filled with incredible mysteries.

everyone listen to this.

what's the final clue?

even if something like that really did exist, why do you think i would actually just give it to you?

i was going to say you could keep them.

we gotta be on the other side of that door!

so when did you realize it was a fake argument?

you did that in twenty five seconds.

they want to believe it.

two hundred people know you held me against my will.

i'm gonna kidnap him.

you've got to find where that leads before they do.

you always seem to know what's best.

we won't leave you behind.

get out of there. i had to move the car.

just because i answer a question quickly doesn't make it wrong.

all i need is a few minutes with the president.

are you talking about the book?

god save the queen.

sorry. couldn't resist.

i need to see that book.

just have a look at that.

where's the phone?

that's what couples do.

my girlfriend kicked me out.

this could be a horrible trap.

oh, now look what you've done.

wait, is there more than one?

been drinking, have we?

nobody leaves unless i say so.

dismount the bannister!

you can do that?

what did you find now? atlantis?

when i assume i'm right, and it turns out my assumption is correct, how is that wrong?

one of us is going to have to stay behind.

we have thirty seconds to disable the alarm.

oh look. my tax dollars at work, coming to arrest me.

people don't believe in that stuff anymore.

there are three, actually.

so i guess my opinion doesn't matter.

that door's not gonna stay open by itself.

i can't find anything in this mess.

when you make a decision without asking me, and you happen to be right... you got lucky.

no, i'm just kidding.

is that for us?

the last time i checked, we make our living off crazy.

wouldn't it just have been easier to make an appointment?

i think it smells kind of pretty.

well, you never know.

we both know what has to happen here.

it's only temporary until i can find a new place.

the following conversation never took place.

when did you realize that i was actually arguing during the fake argument?

what book?

i'll drive.

one of us stays behind.

what's new with you?

that's not true.

someone else is after the treasure.

maybe you could come and move back in with me?

you think we don't know about it?

i've been doing the math here.

when you say "so" it means you're angry.

do you know the origin of the expression?

it's sort of like a puzzle.

history can remember you forever.

why would i overreact to that?

how'd they find us so quick?

[rayshippouuchiha]

I've finally hit the point where I have to write the first fic for a fandom. I'm crying. There's nothing on Ao3 and I didn't bother checking FFN since I don't know how they tag CNs. Heroic Death System is so good, though. Maybe that's the problem. Its so good that no one ever wanted to add on. Or CNs just aren't popular. T-T All I wanted to do was read about Shang Ke BSing a reason for the change in behavior. But there's nothing at all. So now I'm going to have to write all the fics for it. I'll start with Arc 2 Redux since that Arc eats at me the most.

BTW, Heroic Death System is a Quick Transmigration story where Shang Ke has to have a Heroic Death as ordered by the System to fix the plotline that went badly thanks to the OG body. (Quick Transmigration refers to the Host being tasked with a mission and once its completed, taken to another world to continue on. Sometimes its to fix the plotholes, sometimes to "keep the plot on track". Usually in the case of the later, the Host accidentally gets the MC or target character to fall in love which derails the plot entirely. Whether or not there's penalties or workarounds depends on the System. Most of the QT novels I've read, in the case of romance, have the partner reincarnating across the worlds as well, so its still one partner. Usually it means there are Past Life Shenanigans in the background.) SK has a great internal thought process, its always funny. In the earlier Arcs he's a bit oblivious but he catches on partway through Arc 2. Also, it's a bit spicy in the later Arcs. SK ends up eagerly welcoming his lover's advances in the later lives even if he has to hold off for a while to stay in character. Each Arc is a great mini-story in its own right, if you like tragedy, with all but 2 Arcs having a repeat where SK can return and live a happy life with his partner. If SK gets a good score on his life, he can earn Rebirth cards that let him live with his lover's different incarnations. Also, there's Past Life Drama that comes up and makes it so there's suddenly Plot! in the later Arcs. It was pretty interesting. Good Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Time Travel (in some characters PoV), MPreg (in some lives), some Torture not explicitly described, Illnesses/Disabilities, Shapeshifters, Beastpeople, Sentinel&Guide, Fantasy, Cultivation, AlphaxAlpha, God AU and Ghost AU are the main things SK lives through. Also, his partner is very ... forceful isn't quite right. He loses SK every life in traumatic circumstances so his subconscious wants him to make the most of every moment, which leads to quick romance and ... OK, honestly, he's kinda yandere in some lives from past life trauma. He's very much the domineering CEO type in this, blended with yandere moments. SK is ok with this since he can get back together with his partner quickly in the new life and because his partner chills out in his redos since he stays with him. I'm trying not to give out spoilers for anyone who wants to read this later. Each Arc, not counting his redos, are about 10 or so chapters each, so they're good for bitesized reading. There's 275 chapters altogether, fully translated on snowycodex . com.

Anyways, I love the redo lives and I just keep imagining how SK explains his differences/BSing a reason for the change from OG body's actions. My Heart Beats For You (CW: brain tumors, heart diseases, car accident, kinda suicidal behavior(which occurs throughout the novel, i.e. the title)) has me in a death grip that randomly visits me a lot so I have high hopes I can write something good for it. I'm planning on having SK be "drunk" and whitewash his past to his lover and his friends. I have so much of the story he'd tell plotted out by now but I'm just going to have to figure out how to space it out and add in interruptions from the other characters.

(*/▽＼*) I want to share it with you if I can finish it. I'm a huge fan. I'd love to see what you think.

Fuck yes babe this sounds fantastic. Link me when you get it done and I'll check it out!

[fuckin-sick-bih]

any chance of seeing a TLOU fic (no game spoilers)

that has Tess catching a pretty rough cold after her and Joel get Ellie out of the QZ?

I have this feeling I'm gonna end up a Last of Us snz author and y'know what I'm cool with that bc I... enjoyed writing Tess a lot??? I don't think I've ever posted fem snz writing before so uhh go easy on me lol hope you enjoy! Fandom: The Last of Us Summary: Finding shelter in the salon just after finding out Ellie is infected, Tess isn't feeling so hot but the three need rest. Joel takes the first watch... and watches over Tess. CW: Joel/Tess... sorta? It's a bit like the show where they are but they don't talk about it. Word Count: 1.2k MINORS DNI

Between the rain, the rush of adrenaline, and the screams and clicks of the infected there hadn’t been much time to self asses. So what if it felt like her lungs were burning, her throat felt like she’d choked on some overbaked hard tack, her limbs were like lead, and there was definitely congestion building in her sinuses. Panting and trembling, Tess rested one hand against the wall of the abandoned salon while Joel moved the hefty bookcase in front of the door.

All at once, she spotted Joel suddenly raise his uninjured hand and clench it into a fist meaning to go silent, so she quickly looked to Ellie and pressed a finger to her lips. She’d all but gotten her breath back thankfully, but stayed frozen half bent over in her recovering position as the infected ran past their hiding spot.

Then there it was. A tickle. Something so small that could spell disaster and possibly the end of their lives if Tess didn’t get a grip. She swallowed hard against her aching throat, determined to stay utterly silent until the shuffling straggling made his gruesome way past, but the tickle was turning into a burning itch.

It traveled up from the tip of her nose deeper into her sinuses and started to make her eyes water, slightly pink nostrils flaring while she clenched her jaw. Fuck now was so not the time for this! Her breathing was starting to shake a little and her eyes squint, one hand coming up to press her wrist under her nose. The same hand that held her gun, safety on and finger off the trigger.

Joel’s gaze was traveling to her, his eyes widening as he seemed to realize the struggle she was having and he ever so slightly shook his head. “Don’t.” He mouthed to her, not making a sound.

With a slight roll of her eyes, Tess wondered what the fuck he wanted her to do about the predicament she was in but her breath was starting to hitch. “Hi’ihh…” There were no sounds from outside. She gestured with her free hand for Joel to check where the infected had gotten to while she rubbed carefully at her nose with her wrist.

After a few moments, Joel spoke up. “We’re clear.”

And without hesitation, Tess let go. “Hiit’shhiew! Isshiew! Ikshiew! Oh my god…” She breathed out and sniffed, leaning against the wall like the sneezes had taken the last of her energy.

“Jesus Christ, were you holding those in the whole time?” Ellie exclaimed in shock to which Tess still had just enough in her to look over at her in annoyance. “Jeez, alright, I’ll just go… sleep over here then.” And without another word, Ellie went to go curl up on a patch of grass.

As Tess recovered for a few moments, putting away her gun and checking her bag, Joel was busy getting them a dry spot to sleep as well as setting up a chair for someone to keep watch. “Figure we’ll take shifts. Unless you’re not feelin’ well. Then you sleep, and I’ll keep watch.” He said, tone not leaving much room for argument.

Not that Tess was going to let him go unchallenged regardless of whatever tone he took with her. “I’m fine. Just the- hii’tshhiew! Ugh, rain.” She insisted, sniffling again as she went to set her bag down. “I’ll take first watch if you-”

A warm, calloused hand brushed over her forehead and Tess slapped it away without even thinking about it. The look in her eyes wild for a few seconds as she stared at Joel before she softened. “Sorry…”

The look he gave her spelled out that there was no need for apologies. Unspoken traumas plagued them both. There was no surviving this long without it. “S’alright… Just checking for a fever.” And his hand reached back out again. Rough. Warm. Tess let herself lean into it.

Those feelings they’d never quite addressed came crashing to the forefront and suddenly she wanted nothing more than to lay down. “I know…” She started quietly. “I’m usually the big spoon, but- just this once…?”

“You even have to ask?” There was a softness to his voice that Tess had never heard before. Something she wondered if it had always been there before the Outbreak. It made her yearn to have known him before. “Lay down before you fall down, princess.”

Tess scoffed at the nickname. “I’m anything but and you know it, smartass.” She eased down onto the makeshift bed and curled herself up under her jacket. Within moments, Joel was curling up behind her. His jacket was being laid half over her and half over himself as his arm snaked around her. The additional warmth had her snuggling back into him against her better judgement, but god she was freezing and exhausted and he just felt so good…

There was a quiet sigh from behind her, his breath tickling the back of her neck. “Known you for how many damn years and, of course, now is when you decide to get the sniffles…” He teased her quietly. “Not back in the QZ where I can actually take care of you.”

“Shut the fuck up…” She replied quietly, somewhere between amused and annoyed but there was still a slight curve to her lips. The tickle was starting to return with a vengeance, making Tess scrunch her nose and rub at it with her fingers. “You’d take ca-hhih! care of me?” There was genuine surprise in her tone, not having expected him to be so… soft about this. Reprimand her maybe, but not this.

There was a half beat of silence, almost like Joel was offended for a split second before he replied. “ ‘course I would.” He mumbled quietly, shifting a little so he could lay in a position to keep one eye on the kid at all times. Fair enough, she thought as the tickle grew worse making her eyes start to water again as it builds for another fit.

“Tuck you into my bed, see if I couldn’t scrounge up some soup from the ration line, make you comfortable under a blanket…” Joel rattles off and Tess aches for that. For even a sliver of it. She never let’s herself be cared for by anyone but Joel because Joel gets it.

Joel knows what she’s lost.

“Well, aren’t you just the sweeeht’sheiew! Eisheiew! Ih…ishhKIEW! Fuck, sorry.” Tess had scrambled to pull her coat over her face as she sneezed, trying to both muffle the sound and cover.

Slowly, Joel’s hand pulls back and Tess feels her heart ache spreading like poison through her veins down her arms because of course she’s disgusted him, chased him off, made him not want her anymore…

“Get some rest, darlin’.” Joel murmurs quietly, some of that southern drawl slipping out more as he lets himself relax just a little. Instead of pulling away his hand slides up underneath the back of her shirt to rub slow and gentle circles against the skin of her back. “I’ll keep watch tonight.”

Tess can only tiredly nod, giving a soft cough as the exhaustion pulls at her. “Thank you…” She whispers and lets her eyes close as she drifts off to sleep with the help of his comforts in the unforgiving world.

[xander-morrison]

I'm getting back into Tekken 8 and I'm really enjoying it. Finally got a feel for every character and who I like. Highlights from the past couple of days:

Lili is way more fun than I thought she would be! Very slippery and evasive.

Lars is actually kinda cool? He feels kinda hard to control, but where most Tekken characters can feel pretty stiff and slow if you don't know what you're doing, Lars is the opposite. It's super easy to actually move around TOO much with him and get carried away and end up in a bad spot. I do feel like mastering him would be like mastering lightning, it makes me appreciate him a lot more. Always thought he looked kinda boring.

King still does not click for me. I think he's a cool character, but I would need to sit down and watch a dedicated guide to really make him work I think. And since there's only so much tekken knowledge my brain can handle per day, I'd rather focus that energy on a character I know I'll stick with.

Devil Jin is my favorite Mishima by a mile. He's got a lot of moves that let him close or create distance from the opponent very quickly. Honestly a solid contender for a main, although I don't particularly want to practice electrics over and over for my first main. Might keep him in mind if my current main doesn't live up to the hype.

Yoshimitsu is stupid fun and I love him. The sword pogo reigns supreme. Might pick him up as a pocket character. But I think I've figured out who my main is:

Eddy is so fuckin fun. I'm glad he's not as braindead as in T3 (the only other game in the series I've played), because it gives me more incentive to think a bit about my strategy. And Eddy's game plan seems really simple: dodge around, wait for an opening, get a (relatively low-risk) 50/50 setup off a quick move, and then win the 50/50. Or use back 4 (I call it THE BOOT) to force your way in. Oh and also he builds up a resource that gives him stronger handstand moves while he does all of that. Which lead to more low-risk, high reward situations. He's so cool and I am going to commit to him for now.

(Realizing now as I'm typing this, I haven't actually played Jun. Oops.)

And now that I've got a feel for these characters, I've actually started the story mode (I'm recording it for youtube as well, might link once it's done if anybody is interested) and it's very fun. Major T8 story spoilers below:

Kinda glad Zafina and Claudio died? I didn't want to play much of them. I mean I think they're neat characters and it's sad to see them go, but it's interesting to see Tekken go from this series where nobody stays dead to a series that can actually embrace the consequences of its own plot. Like, Heihachi didn't come back for T8, so I wouldn't be surprised if those two didn't come back for T9. I've only just gotten past the first True Devil Kazuya fight (that Azazel fight was NASTY btw, I had to retry that several times), so maybe there's more character deaths incoming. It's so wild to see this game take on the dynamic of a show like Walking Dead or Game of Thrones, no character feels truly safe. Hell, Kazuya could die at the end of this game for all I know. He definitely has it coming, if that is the case. It is absolutely wild to me that he beats Azazel though??? Like, that's the source of his power. That'd be like a paladin being able to 1v1 the god they get spells from.

Anyways now that I'm back on my tekken bullshit, I'm excited to play more. :D

[atestofloyalty]

“If that changes please let me know in advance,” I say softly, “you can go now, if you want. It flies well.”

"I will," he promises, "I dunno... what Mustafar weather is like so I may get grounded sometimes I dunno. But I'll figure it out and- and I can call you every hour or something if you want."

He gives you one final, tight hug, then climbs into the ship, smiling a little to himself as he starts the engine and hears its deep purr. Oh yeah. With some modifications and other upgrades, this will be a total catch.

Ruhn looks out the window to give you a wave, then takes off from the surface, leaving the atmosphere less than a minute later.

It's... daunting, entering Mustafar's atmosphere and being confronted with all that lava, and the heat in the air that literally ripples around his ship. Why does his dad like it here so much?! Surely he enjoys his palace on Coruscant more, right...?

Maybe he will get answers to his questions the more they hang out.

Fighting off his nerves, Ruhn lands on the outdoor landing pad, slowly climbing out of his ship. He takes a deep breath and approaches the Inquisitor, suddenly very aware that he is... the only Jedi on this entire fortress. Outnumbered vastly. But he can handle himself.

"I'm here to see my father?" He tries, studying the angular design of this woman's helmet. Second Sister. He's memorized who is in what position. This one is cunning. Fast. Rebellious. All it would take is one swipe of her saber to kill him before Vader could even stop it.

The woman nods and turns on her heel, leading him inside the fortress. He can breathe better, once he's inside. The air is far crisper, cleaner. No wonder Vader wears his helmet if he's out and about a lot. Having to enter this atmosphere would choke up the lungs of even the most avid smoker, he thinks to himself.

A short walk and several hallways later, Ruhn is led into a conference room, where thankfully only his father resides.

"My Lord." Trilla gets his attention, gesturing to Ruhn. "The boy. Here to see you."

Ruhn suddenly remembers your rule of no talking to Inquisitors. But... he really didn't have a choice, since she came out to greet the mysterious visitor that he, at the time, was to them.

Vader looks up and quickly gets to his feet, shutting off his datapad. "Ruhn," he breathes.

"Hi," Ruhn says quietly, only when Trilla's presence has left completely. "I uhm- I came to see you."

"Does your mother know?" Vader's next question strikes fast as an asp. "If she doesn't, you need to leave. Now. I- I want you here but I don't-"

"She knows," Ruhn nods a little. "She... bought me a ship, for my birthday. So that I could come see you." He tears up. "So I could come see my dad..."

Vader blinks his own tears back and hurries around the table, pulling Ruhn in for a tight hug. "Thank you for coming," he whispers, giving him a squeeze, "Thank you. I- I don't even- know how to tell you how much this means t'me. I just got done with a meeting," he pulls away, "I can- how about we go back to my quarters and order some lunch? Maybe sit and eat together?"

Gods, the notion sounds so foreign and yet so exciting. Ruhn nods, starting to walk out and down the hall with him, "I... should probably stay in your quarters, whenever I'm here. I'm not supposed to talk to Inquisitors or clones."

"I understand," Vader nods. "You can stay there as long as you'd like. I uh- I have a dog," he looks down at his son, "Are you allergic to fur or anything?"

"No, I'm okay."

"Cool." He nods again, "His name is Anubis. And he's- well he's my therapy dog. He's my best friend, too. Gets along with everyone he encounters."

"Anubis," Ruhn echoes. "I like that name."

Vader grins, "If... you could do me a favor and text your mom that you made it safe? I don't want her to worry about you."

"Oh- yeah," Ruhn pulls out his comm and sends you a text as he walks into Vader's quarters. Made it safe, mom. Thank you. I love you.

He puts his comm away and looks around Vader's quarters, blinking. "Oh... these are very fancy," he murmurs, "I think- our whole house could fit in just your living room..."

Vader's smile softens, "You're welcome here any time. And- so is your mother or your siblings. But I know that probably won't happen. I should have cleaned- I didn't expect company." He starts to adjust the picture frames and dust off the top of a cabinet.

"I've probably got sand all over my room," Ruhn shrugs, "I don't mind, dad."

"Okay," Vader nods. "Uh... are you- what are you hungry for? Would you like fast food? Or the kitchen staff can make something?"

"Can.... you get McDonald's here?" he asks bashfully.

Vader laughs quietly, "Yes I can. Here." He pulls up the menu on his comm and hands it over, watching his son's eyes light up at the simple prospect of a cheeseburger. "Are you eating your mother out of house and home yet? You're growing, and tall like me."

"I try not to," Ruhn admits, "I don't wanna waste all her money. But yeah I eat really good. I'm well nourished."

"Good." Vader puts his order in once he gets his comm back, "It'll be here in about an hour. I could.... show you around? Until then?"

Ruhn nods, "I'd like that." He slides his hands into his pockets as Vader hurries back the hall to the first room.

"This is my bedroom, I uh- I don't spend terrible amounts of time here so it's kind of bland. I don't sleep well," Vader admits. "But the bed is comfy." He opens the next three rooms with the Force, all of them empty. "These... these are spare rooms. I had four, but-" he opens that fourth room to reveal a personal home library. "Well I made this room into an at-home library and uhm... there's a reading nook over there and... I dunno I thought- maybe your mom would like it," he says quietly. "There's a larger library, too, in case she couldn't find a specific book in here."

He pauses at the subtle overwhelmed look on Ruhn's face. "Am I going too fast? I'm sorry."

"No, I just- I haven't- talked to you this much... ever," he breathes. "And it's really nice. I- I missed your voice."

Vader's smile softens, "I miss you and your mom every second of every day. I'm really glad you're here." He studies Ruhn a moment longer before leading him through the rest of the quarters, pausing to spend quality meal time with Ruhn once the food comes.

They eat on the couches so they can be comfortable, and Anubis sleeps curled up on the couch next to Ruhn, enjoying his new friend's presence and warm body.

When they're done eating, he takes Ruhn around the entire fortress, showing him every single room before they settle in at home for a holo.

And then, when it gets closer to dinner, they share one last tight hug before Ruhn gets back in his ship and takes off for home. He never wants to miss dinner with his family- and flying out of Mustafar in total darkness doesn't sound appealing, either. So, evening it is.

Leia looks up from her book at the sound of his ship returning and landing outside, then shifts her gaze back to the page as Kata thankfully beats her to announcing, "Ru's home, mama!"

Leia doesn't want to speak to him. He's the reason there's quite a bit of turmoil in literally everyone within the family now. Even you and Luca. She doesn't appreciate the complexity of this situation one bit.

[royac]

reassemble

"I toss, turn beneath the waves A silent victim of the depths Cast aside I'm scrambling to catch my... I can't find my way out as I'm descending My path remains unclear as the water overtakes me"

When something hit the back of his head, he looked back with a smile, a ball of snow hidden inside of his cloak.

"William... you're gonna have to better than that, my love." Their smile grew sinister as they quickly spun around and threw a ball of their own toward the hiding spot he knew his husband had been hiding. When he heard the man laughing, he knew he'd got him.

"Char, come on, you didn't even -" his voice was cut off as a large pile of snow fell on top of him, causing him to grunt as he fell. Charles hadn't been aiming for Will - he was hoping to knock the snow above their house down. He laughed as he walked over, grinning from ear to ear. As William dug himself out of the snow, a pair of green eyes met Charles'. While they were laughing, William was not.

"Oh, my love, don't pout," he kneeled down and put his hands against William's face, gaze softening, and said, "You're getting better each time."

"Yeah, but you always beat me. Can't you let me win for once? As your husband I think I deserve to win one time!" William spoke in a monotone, eyebrows furrowed, but his frustrated expression gave way to laugher as Charles helped him stand.

"If I let you win, then it won't be as satisfactory when you actually win. Come on," they brushed the snow out of his hair, "you can't trick a changeling. Especially not me. I know you too well."

"You do always keep me on my toes... don't worry, I'll figure something out..." William brushed the rest of the snow off of himself and looked up at the sky, squinting, "Well, that's a plan yet to be made. We should head home. It's supposed to be a full moon tonight..." Charles joined the man in looking at the sky.

"You certainly are correct. Come, let's get you home before someone gets hurt." He turned and smiled once more, grasping William's hand and leading him forward. Though... as he walked, he realized how quiet it was. Was that right? It was winter, yes, but surely they would have still heard the birds that chose to weather the snow.

Hmm.

In that moment, Charles' life changed forever.

Bells rang through the air and Charles felt the blood drain from their face. He and William spared a brief moment to look at each other before they both started running.

"Char, we have to get back to the house. We have to fight. Dammit, why haven't I still figured out how to pick when I'm a fucking wolf? That'd be a lot more useful now than -" Charles felt his arm get yanked back as William stopped running. The change in momentum caused him to lose his footing and fall into the snow. They quickly spun around to see what caused William to stop running and his breath hitched in his throat.

William looked down at Charles for just a moment before his hands moved toward his chest, a dark puddle of blood seeping from underneath his shirt... mixed with something else. Looking back at Charles, William opened his mouth, only for a thick black liquid to fall out. He dropped to his knees. Charles scrambled to his feet and ran back to William.

"WILLIAM!" The scream that left their mouth was otherworldly as the changeling ran to their husband. What happened? What just happened? When he got to William, the man had fallen over in the snow, gasping and wheezing.

"Oh my Gods, no, no, no, no," Shaking hands pulled William up as Charles looked side to side, searching for the attacker as explosions and screams could be heard in the distance. Their eyes frantically searched as they pulled William behind a stone fence, but there was nothing in front of them that they could see. It was as if something had struck William from a great distance.

Once they were behind the stone fence, Charles ripped William's cloak away, tearing through the layers of winter clothing before he could see his chest. As the final layer of fabric was shed, Charles gasped weakly when he saw William's chest. He had never seen anything like it. Black and blue veins darted out from the wound as that same thick, black liquid fell out of it. What is this? Was this werewolf blood? In the last 5 years, Charles had never seen William bleed - it didn't occur to him that it could possibly be an affect of Khamus' magic.

"C...Ch," William attempted to speak, but moaned in pain before he could finish. Charles wrapped the other man in his arms, heart racing. He took his own cloak off, a dark green robe with gold stitching, and attempted to apply pressure to the wound to stop it from... bleeding?

The liquid didn't stop.

"Char... oh no," William muttered, eyes fluttering, "It hurts," he moaned.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry, oh Gods, I don't know what to do," they peeked around the stone wall to see if they could see any of the fortress guards - surely a cleric could help? A paladin? Charles began trembling as he realized how helpless he was. Neither him nor William had health potions. Why would they? They never left the fortress. They never fought anyone.

"Please, please, please, no, please, you can't leave me, I need you," Charles' face crumbled as their hot tears stung their cold cheeks. William lifted a hand to Charles' cheek.

"I..." he coughed again, gurling on the black liquid, as Charles held him. "lo...ve..." His hand suddenly dropped as his body fell limp.

"...William? Will?" Charles looked into William's vivid green eyes, which had already started to dull. The liquid slowed, but continued pouring out of his mouth and the wound on his chest.

The changeling screamed.

They weren't sure how long they had stayed there, cradling William, but they realized that voices were getting closer. Blinking away the tears, they looked over the stone fence again as a group of citizens ran past them, screaming.

"It's Frankesh! He's back! Run!"

...Frankesh?

Moving away from the wall, back to William's body, Charles buried his face into his chest and sobbed. And screamed. They felt so powerless. Despair melted into vicious anger the longer they sat there. Looking toward the sky, Charles began to pray. To what, he wasn't sure of, but he knew that he couldn't just sit here and die. William wouldn't want that - he'd never forgive him.

"Please, I will do whatever task you command of me. I beg of you, I can't stay this weak. I can't stay powerless. I can't die. I have to kill them." His fingers grasped William's cloak and he leaned forward, placing his head against William's chest.

"I need - I will have retribution. Please."

"Sana termara en' templa amin mela lle ama handasse Ascarerea."

The shock caused him to recoil from William, gasping. Where had that come from? Was that William? They turned to look at William's face, but it lay motionless as ash from the surrounding fires settled onto his lifeless frame.

"Yala onna tira ten' rashwe! amin nauva auta yeste'."

There it was again. Charles' felt their heart racing as they looked around, trying to pinpoint where the noise had come from before they realized... it was in their head. Something was speaking to them. They looked up.

"I will do whatever task you command of me. Grant me the power to avenge him." His voice was but a whisper as he spoke, a sick, twisted feeling rising in his stomach.

"Atost en' entula orme malia ten' yulna elea i'dolen cormamin lindua ele lle."

Charles had never heard this language before. He wasn't sure what the being was saying, but he felt compelled to answer.

"Yes."