#Ascending Falling Triangle

[definedge99]

"Identifying and Trading the Bullish AFT Pattern for Profitable Market Entries"

The Bullish AFT (Ascending Falling Triangle) Pattern is a technical chart pattern that signals potential upward price movement. It forms when the price makes lower highs but maintains a consistent support level, indicating a breakout above resistance, suggesting a bullish trend.

[forexeduline]

[harmoonix]

🌃⚡Stormy Astrology Notes⚡🌃

⚡ - Moon aspecting Mars can end up with anger issues, is because sometimes they know how to control their emotions and sometimes they don't

⚡ - Mercury in Sagittarius/Gemini might have a different way of expressing their words and the way they communicate might be also different than others

⚡ - Neptune aspecting Moon gives beautiful eyes and face features, definitely i think of angelic placements

⚡ - Natives with heavy Aquarius or 11th house placements are THE BIGGEST defenders of their friends, they won't let you to talk bad about their friends

⚡ - Heavy Taurus or Cancer placements can possess cooking talents or they just may like to cook and try different types of food

⚡ - Moon prominent in a chart makes the native sensbile, spiritual and magic, they have a mix of everything honestly because of their imense intuition and power

⚡ - Asteroid Devine (3561) in the 7th house can have a blessed relationship and the type of "I wish to have this type of relationship just like they have"

⚡ - Asteroid Pandora (55) aspecting Ascendant can be seen as someone who is always curious and looking for things to do, their curiosity might be too much sometimes

My reaction: 😍😍

⚡ - Mercury aspecting Moon or Venus are AMAZING artistically people, they are extremely talented in arts, acting, music painting etc..

⚡ - Lilith in Virgo/6H house is not an easy placements but is definitely not for the weak because Virgo who is the (Virgin) meets Lilith who is like the baddie who does naughty things and in this placement Lilith can embody both dark and light energy

⚡ - Lilith in Gemini/3rd house have kinks to love and hear their partners moaning or calling their names during breaking bed time, they love this

⚡ - Lilith in Cancer/4th house might be obsessed with their partners chest, or muscles they just habe this secret addiction to chest and muscles

⚡ - Aries Mars/Scorpio Mars and Sagittarius Mars are no joke when it comes to breaking bed time, they are REALLY into it without stopping...all day all night 🌃

⚡ - An UNDERATTED thing about Lilith - Sun aspects is that they love the dark aesthetic, dark movies, dark books, dark clothes everything basically who has this Darcie/Villain type of energy

⚡ - Asteroid Lilith (1181) aspecting Ascendant can't help it to make other people fall over them, they are always in someone's eyes and in someone's else heart

⚡ - Gemini in the 5th house/Gemini Venus may have multiple crushes or can end up as a love triangle between them..Yes I know this is not K-drama material but can feel like it

⚡ - You tell me you have Aquarius Venus or Aquarius Juno and your friends didn't fall for you?That's an rare event because people with these placements often end up with their friends falling for them or vice versa

⚡ - Hekate (100) - aspecting Ascendant is extremely spiritual gifted, and also embodying Hekate's energy, i love people with such placements..it always makes me think to Hekate putting them in the right path

⚡ - Hekate (100) aspecting Moon could have been a witch or having some business with sorcery in a past life because moon can repsent past life topics

⚡ - Having 11°, 23° degrees in your (Sun, Moon, Rising) can show gaming addiction, they might have a passion for gaming or playing games in general

⚡ - Having 4°, 16°, 28° degrees in your (Sun, Moon or Rising) can show an aesthetic related to sky/stars/celestials/ and even astrology they can love astronomy and study it

⚡ - Having 6°, 18° degrees in your (Sun, Moon or Rising) shows that you prioritize your health a lot, you like to keep yourself healthy and in good form and always trying to keep an balance

⚡ - Virgos and their obsession with cleaning is something else, if they find even a little crumb on the floor, they would clean it until their floor shines

⚡ - Libra/Taurus in Sun. Moon, Rising is the IT placement for being the "lover girl" kind of thing. Love is their thing since they are the being kids of Venus

⚡ - Nothing is as juicy as someone with Capricorn and Scorpio placements in their chart, they are the juiciest people you will ever met

⚡ - Psyche (16) - or Vesta (4) in water signs... How does it feel be a starchild?? Is honestly intense and beautiful, they were always giving this type of "I'm not from this world im just visiting"

⚡ - Neptune can repsent addiction aswell so people with a heavy Neptune in their chart may have different addictions to different things

⚡ - Pluto aspecting Mars placements are on the list of being the naughtiest people...Life can always get crazy if you have these aspects in your chart

⚡ - Air Placements really love the cloudy weather...well it kinda makes sense because they are represented by the air element but I mean the vibe this cloudy weather brings them

⚡ - Having 5°, 17°, or 29° degrees in your Sun, Moon or Rising gives that type of person who is always in the spotlight, they receive a good amount of attention and it can be anytime of it. Like people staring at you because they are curious or interested in you

⚡ - Not me discovering at 3 A.M that having Chiron in the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th houses just means you inherited pain 😭 like you have to carry some pain but that is coming from other people not you #staystrong

⚡ - Moon in Sagittarius/9th house can be really outgoing if you give them that chance, like you can see them dancing in the middle of the floor on some Nicki Minaj songs and you'd be still wondering if they are drunk on is just their personality (Applies if you have Moon in Sagittarius Degrees 9°. 21°)

⚡- Having 2°, 14°, 26° degrees in your Sun, Moon or Rising makes you so charming and lovely, this is truly someone who is beautiful inside and out and shares a good energy to people

⚡ - Girlie be having Pluto/Saturn in the 11th house and has either that type of friends who betray them either their friends become a lesson for them 😭

My reaction:

⚡ - Saturn in the 6th house/12th house natives be getting tried so fast, is like the energy goes out of them in the moment they wake up 😭😭

⚡ - People with the sister signs in their chart and either get along or hate eachother forever, for example: 2 Cancer Risings can like eachother and it can happen for 2 Virgo Risings to hate eachother

⚡ - Is very important for natives with Neptune in the 1st house or Neptune aspecting ascendant to be around good and positive people, because if they are around bad people these natives can get really easy influenced by others so please take care of your surroundings

⚡ - "I think I'll miss you forever" gives Pluto - Venus aspects and it's so true because those natives love the deepest

⚡ - Storms are magnificent and dangerous in the same time, especially seeing it at night, it's wonderful how mother nature wants to show the world how amazing she is ⚡

⚡- Hope you enjoyed the post, may your day be with a good vibe and light energy 🌃

H a r m ⚡ o o n i x

Harmoonix2023®

[within-your-eyes-if]

Within Your Eyes Intro Post

DEMO [Last Updated June 22nd, 2024]

You are a Warden, a monster hunter who has come to the Kingdom of Auris which has become the forefront runner in it’s acceptance of magic and supernatural alike within the West Highlands. But when strange happenstances occur, you are called upon not just because of skill, but also because of your condition. A condition you’ve lied about for last 12 years.

Unearth the secrets that magic holds as a new form is discovered.

Befriend or romance those who attempt to worm through the cracks of the mask you wear. Or will you fight to keep them at arms length?

Regardless of where your journey takes you, your feathered friend will be at your side. As he always has been.

This story will be 18+ for the following reasons:

Explicit and erotic intimate scenes

Death, including of a child

Violence, blood and gore

Thoughts of suicide

Mentions of suicide

Self harm

Explicit language

Mental trauma

Horror elements

Feelings of being watched

NOTE: Your character will be pretending to have a disability (blindness), not because of a disorder but out of self preservation.

This list may be updated.

You are running away from your past. As you take a this new job, you're forced to confront it. What vices do you use to cope? Will you learn to rely on others or will your raven be your only source of comfort? Will you feel guilty for your lies? Yours will be a journey of self-forgiveness, or maybe you'll only fall deeper into despair.

Play as a man, woman, or non-binary. Gay, straight, or bi.

Plenty of customization options from physical appearance to clothes.

Φ Admos de Le Wren ─ Male | Draconian | Second-Born

Admos, the Dragon Lord of Auris, ascended to the throne following a devastating conflict with his father, bypassing his older brother's claim. This decision deepened the rift among his siblings. As he enters his fifth year as sovereign, Admos grapples with guilt and uncertainty about his role in the family's discord. Will you help him find clarity or fuel his doubts?

Φ Lyth/Lyari de Le Wren ─ Gender Selectable | Draconian | Tenth-Born

Ly took on the role of Viceroy/Vicereine in Auris and became their brother Admos's Right Hand, playing a vital part in the kingdom's recovery after a conflict with their father. However, an incident they triggered over a year and a half ago almost led to another war, casting doubt on their suitability for their position and their aid to their brother. Will you help Ly grapple with their past actions and uncertainties about their role as Viceroy/Vicereine, or will their internal conflicts remain unresolved?

Φ Leese/Lea van Laere ─ Gender Selectable | Human | Vampire

Born into nobility, Lee's life as the child of prominent figures in Lenia took an unexpected turn when they were turned into a vampire. Forced to leave their home, Lee now wrestles with their new identity, desperately seeking meaning in their existence and if it's worth maintaining.

Is Lee a monster consumed by instinct, or can you help them reclaim their humanity?

Φ Xiang Xiaowen/Xiaodan ─ Gender Selectable | Human

Xiao, an ambassador dispatched to Auris to aid the Dragon Lord in Council matters, fought hard to secure their role. Serving as an unofficial advisor, they frequently share insights to assist Admos. Yet their unwavering dedication to obtaining this position hints at a deeper motivation. Perhaps they will reveal it to you.

Φ Gabriel Duarte ─ Gender Selectable | Human

Assigned to you as an assistant of sorts, the recently knighted guard is searching for their place within the Order. Perhaps their new mission will set them on a path for glory, or sink them beneath the turmoils it takes to obtain.

Φ Hestia ─ She/They | Elf? | Witch

Even the most kind have their secrets.

Φ ???

Poly Routes: Lyth/Lyari and Gabriel | Leese/Lea and Gabriel | Xiaowen/Xiaodan and Hestia

Love Triangle: Admos and ???

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FAQ

Romance Information Post

Ko-Fi

Tumblr Asks are disabled for the time being.

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WYE will always be free with chapters released once they are finished.

This is a planned trilogy.

Thank you for reading and for your support! ♥

[arminsumi]

OUR LAST SUMMER.

五夏 ⋅ reader

PART OF THE 2k SPECIAL: ur fave duos!!

NOTE: yuh this hurt to write 🥹 was solely inspired by that one abba song i'm ngl i listened to it one night and related it to satosugu and cried like a bitch

SUMMARY — You, Suguru and Satoru shared one summer of bliss before everything fell apart

WARNINGS — fluff to angst 👍, love triangle, i think it's gn reader but lmk if there's something not gn thank u!!

WORDCOUNT ≈ 1k

PLAY ME ♪ Our Last Summer

🍒 𝐉𝐚𝐲 ⋅ 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬/𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 !

It had been a blisteringly hot summer. Sweat beaded at Suguru’s forehead. The sun forced Satoru’s eyes into a perpetual squint. And you took shelter in the shade of a palm tree – the two boys met you there, when they too decided to take shelter in the shade. The chemistry between you three was explosive, truly chemical; that one of a kind, once in a lifetime kind of friendship that blooms instantly like a timelapse of a flower, that artists and poets try their hand at capturing but mostly fail.

Beach walks were impossible at midday – the sand was so hot that it burned the soles of your feet. If you were riskily treading barefoot, then the boys would take turns carrying you. Satoru carried you bridal style. Suguru carried you on his back. The prior liked to pretend that he was going to throw you into the ocean (and he did a few times…) and the latter liked to steal romantic glances at you.

Come night, you three crammed together in one hotel room. Conversations, debates, arguments, flirting… those all easily carried past the midnight hour. Satoru was the first to pass out, but Suguru being the insomniac of the group managed to stay awake even longer with you. Usually, you fell asleep in the middle of expressing a thought to Suguru, and then woke up the next morning to two bleary blue eyes blinking awake on your left and abyssal black eyes blinking awake on your right. Satoru rolled on top of you and refused to let you leave bed. Suguru smiled and told him to stop crushing you to death.

Breakfasts were met with late attendance – thanks to Satoru taking his sweet time in the bathroom getting ready. Plates piled and spilled with hotel buffet food; Satoru’s plate consisted solely of sweet pastries. The custard Danishes were his favourite. The three of you broke down laughing at your inside joke about him being the custard Danish robber; the three of you couldn’t catch your breaths from how hard you laughed at your own stupid jokes. “He’s at it again!” Suguru snorted, body falling into yours, eyes reduced to strips of pure joy.

Butterflies liked Suguru for some reason. It was awful for him – he was terrified of butterflies, they really creeped him out. During walks around Okinawa, you struggled to keep up with the two giants; Satoru never missed a beat when walking in sync with his best friend. And he also never missed the opportunity to pick on your slowness or size. Suguru would patch up your bruised ego with a well-timed compliment.

When your holiday in Okinawa was drawing to a close, you three decided to cram as much exploration as possible into those three last days. Pulling all-nighters, stargazing, joking around, sharing secrets, kissing as friends until those kisses became something more. The final day of your holiday was spent ascending a hill that overlooked the glittering beaches. Such a picturesque view. One you didn’t dare to capture in a photograph, because that felt disrespectful. It was a beautiful landscape that deserved to live only in the rich world of your memories.

On that grassy hill, in that briny wind, you three thought that the present moment would never end. You held hands. You kissed. Your hands felt warm. Your lips felt tingly. They both looked at you meaningfully.

“Come back to Jujutsu High with us.” You didn’t hesitate to agree, a sparkle in your eyes. No one in your life had ever accepted you as a sorcerer until they came along.

Summer ended…

And the school year began.

In the far future, when you and Satoru would reminisce together as old Jujutsu High teachers to your students, you two would summarize your high school days with very specific memories.

“Remember when we always got caught making out in the classroom, and Yaga chased us down the corridors?”

“ – and we’d loiter around the vending machines. You know, Yuji, Satoru had such a bad sweet tooth even back then. And! He! Stole! My! Lunches! He was a menace!! Don’t deny it, Satoru.”

“What I stole from you in food I repaid in saving your ass. Remember when you almost died? No joke, Megumi, Y/n almost died during that Alleyway Incident – you know that one we talked about? Yeah, that was Y/n. Suguru and I were stronger than Y/n so we always helped – heyyy! I’m just telling the truth!”

“Who was Suguru?”

The smiles dropped from yours and Satoru’s faces. The color drained out of them, too. Just one little name, six little letters, devastated the atmosphere. That’s when the reminiscing ceased abruptly, and Satoru stood up and excused himself to a quiet place. You and him never cried together, only separately – except for on that day.

That day was the first and only day you and Satoru broke down sobbing into each other. Snot dribbled out of your noses. Your eyes puffed up. Your faces felt tightened with the dried tears.

“Suguru, don’t leave. Come back with us to Jujutsu High, we can sort all of this out.”

But he turned and walked away from you and Satoru, disappearing into the crowd of people. You yelled so loudly that you hurt your lungs, “Did our last summer mean nothing to you! What about the memories we’ve made at school together?! Suguru, don’t you walk away from us! Don’t – leave us behind, S-Suguru did it all mean nothing to you?!”

Just like that, three reduced to two. Just you and Satoru. Sat on the steps in heavy, impenetrable silence. Faces planted into your palms. Back curved because you had no energy to sit up straight after such an exhausting cry. You never thought you’d look into Satoru’s eyes and see no light. Over the years, he lightened up – especially when he became a teacher. But you could tell he masked his true expression; a deadpan. The real emotions were forcefully forgotten.

[atinystraynstay]

Bittersweet - Jeon Wonwoo & Kim Mingyu

Synopsis: One let you go. You ended up going into the arm's of another, specifically his best friend.. Now, he was regretting every moment that you weren't by his side.

Inspiration: Bittersweet (feat. LeeHi) - Wonwoo & Mingyu

Pairing: Frat Boy!Jeon Wonwoo x fem reader x Frat President!Kim Mingyu

Angst - ex-lovers seeing each other for the first time in a long time, angst, jealous, friends to lovers, complicated love triangle

Word Count: 3.2k

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Mingyu was standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom. He was fixing his tie. He wasn't sure who he was dressing to impress tonight. Truth be told, he found a random date for tonight's winter formal from another brother. Something about how his date didn't want to be the only one in attendance? He asked some girl from the same sorority.

Looking at his reflection, he let out a puff of air. It all felt wrong. He was supposed to go with you. You were his girlfriend for the past year and half, dammit. How could he be so careless to let you slip through his fingers?

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You were walking across campus from your lecture. Every Wednesday night, you found yourself at the frat house. It has been routine for you since getting together with Mingyu. Thursday nights were reserved for chapter meetings, while Fridays and Saturdays were for parties, mixers, and other social obligations. Wednesdays were reserved for you before the chaos and the other days for recovery with you. Sometimes cleaning up larger messes.

The two of you met during orientation week. Not during your freshman year. The two of you were tabled next to each other, trying to entice the new students into joining your respective organizations.

Mingyu accidentally hip-checked your table. It caused the photo display to fall over and flyers to scatter throughout the quad. He quickly apologized before chasing around the papers getting blown in the wind for you. You thought he was the most adorable person you met.

A year and a half later, you guys have been going steady. Both of you lived very busy lives but always seemed to find time for one another. He always made you a priority. That was one of the reasons why Mingyu gave you a key to the fraternity house. All the brothers not only respected you but they loved having you around. They also were happy to see their president happy.

You unlocked the front door with the key. Once the door was unlocked, you pushed it open. You glanced towards the coat rack, seeing Mingyu's leather jacket hung up. You smiled now you got confirmation he was home. You noticed the array of shoes thrown around. A few you recognized, but there were a few you didn't. Maybe one of the guys has a girl over or something?

You decided to go see for your golden retriever boyfriend. You were sure wherever you and Mingyu were heading to, you would end up coming back here at the end of the night. Seeing that Mingyu wasn't anywhere in sight downstairs, he was either upstairs or down in the makeshift gym.

Quietly, you ascended upstairs towards Mingyu's room. On the way up, you passed by Wonwoo's room who had the door slightly open. You glanced by, seeing he had his headphones on and was playing a video game. He was always so quiet around you but so gentle. You were grateful for friends like him for Mingyu.

Standing outside of Mingyu's door at the end of the hall, you didn't hear much. Maybe he was taking a nap?

You knocked three times on the door. Something you always did to identify yourself behind a closed door. When you got no response, you figured he was actually asleep or maybe had headphones on as he studied. The fraternity house and its brothers could get rather rowdy.

When you didn't get an answer, you twisted the doorknob and pushed it open. The room was dark. The light from out in the hallway provided enough for you to see what was going on.

God, do you wish you never ventured upstairs.

The further you ventured into the room, the more you could see what was in front of you. A woman with long blonde hair was lying in bed. Her back was towards you, topless. Mingyu had his arms wrapped around her. Both of them were asleep.

Your heart shattered in two.

Instead of making a large scene, you decided to step out of the room completely. You closed the door gently, not wanting to disturb the two. All you wanted in that moment was to get out of this house as quickly as possible.

______________________________________________________________

Mingyu had no idea you even saw him. He knew what he did was wrong, he was ashamed of himself. Even disgusted. Later that afternoon, he woke up to texts from you.

You could have at least told me you wanted to see other people rather than me finding you in bed with another woman. We're done. Key is on the kitchen table.

He wanted to run after you that day, but he just couldn't. He hurt you. Mingyu had no right to come begging for forgiveness. All he could do was acknowledge the hurt he caused and move on with his life.

Little did he know, you had turned into the arms of his best friend, Jeon Wonwoo.

Now, Wonwoo didn't like to eavesdrop. It was never his intention. He always had his gaming headphones on standby the moment you entered the room next door. He heard the squeaking of the floor as you walked past, instantly recognizing your light footsteps compared to the stomps of his housemates.

Wonwoo's always had a little crush on you. The two of you met when Mingyu decided to introduce you to everyone. Unlike girls Mingyu has been with before, there was something different about you. You took the time to introduce yourself to each member, which Wonwoo was impressed by. Usually, most girls keep quiet and let Mingyu do the talking. He was brought in by your warm personality.

He also quickly learned why Mingyu had fallen for you. You were someone that always liked to lend a helping out, so your kindness was genuine. It was not just a way to charm people upon first interactions. You were always willing to lend a hand out around the fraternity house, something you were never obligated to do. Yet, you always wanted to make it known how grateful you were for the boys for hosting and wanting to return the favor.

You were also breathtaking. You could be so angelic yet the ideas that Wonwoo had in his mind were a bit darker. It didn't help that some nights he did in fact hear you over his headphones. He sometimes found himself eyeing your lips, wondering what it would be like to be against his, to feel them on him. Your smile made him smile, even on the days he wanted to crawl to his room and isolate himself. You were the sunshine of his life.

God, he envious of Mingyu.

He was anticipating to hear you move into the interior of Mingyu's room but for a while, it was silent. The hinges on Mingyu's bedroom door sounded but they didn't close. He didn't hear either your voice or his best friend's. Deciding to investigate, he saw you slowly close the door. One hand resting on the door itself while you pulled, as if you didn't want to disturb him. That's weird. Maybe Mingyu was sleeping, but why is she leaving? She always stayed.

Slowly, Wonwoo eased out of the room to evaluate what was going on. Maybe he could keep you company until Mingyu comes back from class?

Once you turned towards him, he was at full attention. You jumped, not expecting to see anyone in the house since it was the middle of the day. Let alone you weren't expecting to run into Mingyu's best friend. Wonwoo noticed the tears starting to fill your hypnotic eyes. His urge to protect, to take care of you taking over. "He's cheating on me, Wonwoo," you whispered. You were almost in disbelief yourself. Sure, you've had the occasion lover's spat, but didn't every couple? You always believed Mingyu was too good to be true. Looks like you were right.

Just hearing your statement caused Wonwoo's heart to break for you but his anger also to boil. How could Mingyu be so stupid? Any best friend might jump to the defense of their friend, but Wonwoo couldn't. Not when it looked like you were falling apart. His priority was you.

Without thinking about it, Wonwoo's arms opened up to you. You were a bit hesitant at first, not knowing if there would be ramifications for seeking comfort in the arms of your now-ex boyfriend's best friend, one of his fraternity brothers. Yet, Wonwoo has always been extremely kind to you. You instantly went into his arms, your face burying into his shoulder where you finally let your tears fall. You hated to cry in front of people, not wanting to be seen as weak.

"Come on, let's get you out of here."

That afternoon turned into a whole night with Wonwoo. He spent as much time as you wanted with him. To Wonwoo, he would spend all day every day with you if allowed. You guys went out for a drive first, sensing you just needed the space to breathe and feel your emotions. Staying in the fraternity house was not an option especially since you were trying to make your great escape.

Wonwoo drove you two around for about an hour. That was when you began to confide in Wonwoo what happened. Maybe you felt comforted by the fact Wonwoo had to stay focus on driving, so you could let more tears fall without him watching you. Maybe it was the fact it was Wonwoo, someone who was a great listener that allowed you to speak freely.

One thing for sure though, Wonwoo was grateful you two weren't at the fraternity house. Mingyu would definitely be in the hospital now for the distress he caused you.

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It's been now 3 months since Mingyu had see any sign of you.

"So, who are you even bringing for tonight? I know you're not the type to steal someone's date," Mingyu overheard Seungcheol ask Wonwoo.

Ever since you left his world, Mingyu has felt blue. And it was his own wrongdoing. What made matters worse is that he felt his friendship with Wonwoo, his friend since Day 1, start to dissolve. He couldn't put his finger on why.

"Oh trust me, I've only got eyes for one thing and that's making sure my date is having the best night."

All the guys gathered in the foyer of the house cheered and whistled at Wonwoo's response. Mingyu was stood at the top of the staircase, keeping his presence unknown for now. His eyebrows furrowed together as he let the commotion downstairs sink in. Wonwoo was interested in someone? Since when? He felt like he didn't even know his best friend anymore.

Everyone was waiting for their dates to appear as the party bus would be taking everyone to the formal. Seungcheol's date already arrived for the evening, as well as Vernon's. Mingyu's date said that she would be running late.

Ding dong.

Mingyu's head picked up towards the door. Maybe she was here already? Mingyu fixed the blazer he was wearing as he began to walk down the stairs but he froze when he saw movement from his peripheral. He noticed Wonwoo appear and head towards the door, opening it was ease. I mean, it could have been Wonwoo's date after all? He was intrigued to know who this mystery girl could be.

"You know, you still should have let me come pick you up," Wonwoo laughed. He sounded happy which made Mingyu feel good. But he couldn't quite make out who he was speaking to, both being unable to hear and see due to Wonwoo's structure. It was clear that his date was shorter.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, honey," Wonwoo said. Maybe his date was more than just a date? "Thank you, baby," the feminine voice said.

Yet, it sounded so familiar to Mingyu. Was it someone fro class? One of the sorority girls that often mixed with? Mingyu tried is best to know everyone he interacted with, always wanting to be polite. He was getting more impatient by the second that passed without a reveal.

Wonwoo's arm wrapped around you, leading you inside. Once Wonwoo turned around, Mingyu's world came crumbling down. The guys gathered gasp once Wonwoo led you inside and out of the cold.

Y/n. Y/n is Wonwoo's date?

Mingyu felt his blood run cold. How could this be happening? Since when were you talking to Wonwoo? Since when did Wonwoo ever have any interest in you? Was this the reason why Wonwoo was no longer speaking to him?

All the guys seemed overjoyed both see Wonwoo happy but also to see you. Often, whispers of how the guys missed seeing you around filled the halls of the house. It drove Mingyu furious knowing he was at fault for your disappearance. He couldn't blame you for no longer wanting to show face around the fraternity. But his brothers also missing you served as a reminder how badly he messed up. "Y/n, you're radiating!" "Wonwoo, how the fuck did you manage to get y/n?" "It's so good to see you again! Are you and Wonwoo official? Are you the girl he's been sneaking off to?"

You giggled as you glanced up at Wonwoo, a smile on your lips. Mingyu shattered as he saw you rest your hand on his chest, running it up and down. Just like you used to do for him. Wonwoo wore the widest grin before pushing his glasses up the bridge of his noise, making sure to keep his arm around you. You guys were so in love. God, I think I'm going to be sick.

Mingyu didn't dare want to hear the response Wonwoo was about to say. He tried moving back upstairs, but the squeak of the wooden staircase gave him away. Damn this old house! The conversation stopped and all eyes immediately went towards him, following the sound of the noise.

He slowly looked over from his position on the staircase. Mingyu wanted to be angry at Wonwoo for getting close to you, for filling in his space in your life. He saw the way you stuck to Wonwoo's side, almost hiding yourself from Mingyu.

Buzz buzz.

Mingyu's phone vibrated from his pants pocket. He couldn't even address everyone as he used his phone going off to distract him. At least he could think of the right things to say.

"Hey Gyu, I'm so sorry to do this last minute. I gotta cancel.. came down with the stomach bug. I'll make it up to you"

Fucking great.

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The whole ride to the formal was tortuous for Mingyu. He sat on one end of the party bus while you and Wonwoo occupied another section. Several bodies were in between the two of you, but Mingyu still had a good view of you.

Everyone was chatting, catching up and getting to know each other. Especially the girls in attendance, as for many this was the first time meeting. Most people were enjoying the drinks provided by the bus company. Music was playing which drowned out most of the conversations happening except for those immediately to your side.

Wonwoo was to your left side, your body leaning into his a bit. Not once during the whole ride, unless someone spoke directly to Wonwoo, did his eyes leave you. He looked at you like you were his whole world. And he gets it. To Mingyu, you are just as precious. He just never thought he'd witness this love tragedy of his best friend falling for his girl.

You wore wearing a dark blue dress that stopped short at your thighs. You crossed your legs, so your right thigh was resting on top of your left. It caused your dress to hike up, exposing more of your leg. Mingyu swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in his throat. Absolute torture.

Someone cleared the their throat beside Mingyu before a sharp jab to the ribs.

Mingyu let out a small groan before eyes went blazing to the person next to him. Seungcheol put his arms in defense. "Dude, I'm just looking out for you. You're staring."

With a raised eyebrow, Mingyu looked back over to you. But instead of your eyes, he was met with Wonwoo giving him a death stare. You had your head turned, speaking to Vernon's date while Wonwoo looked like he was ready to rip off Mingyu's head. Oh fuck.

Wonwoo's gaze eased up as he kissed your head lingeringly. He untangled his arm from your hold just so he could slip his jacket off of himself, placing it on your lap to cover your exposed legs. His head ducked down to whisper into your ear. Mingyu clenched his jaw, wondering what on Earth could be spewing out of his best friend's mouth. Whatever it was, it pleased you as you pecked his lips.

That seemed to snap Mingyu back into reality. Were you guys actually dating? Did he lose you forever? While he's been enjoying the view of you, it was quickly ripped away coming to realize that you might actually be Wonwoo's girl, not just the date for the evening.

I have to win her back.

The music died down as the party bus came to a stop. The doors slowly opened, showing that we arrived at our destination. People began to filter out. Wonwoo helped you ease up, taking his jacket from your lap to wrap it around your shoulders. His hands quickly made sure your dress covered your completely. His eyes glanced back at Mingyu. Wonwoo was seeing red. And Mingyu knew that.

Mingyu waited for everyone to leave the party bus before disembarking himself. Maybe he was waiting for his death sentence from Wonwoo, sensing that he was becoming public enemy #1 in the eyes of his former his best friend.

He couldn't help but wonder how you saw him. Did you believe you two could get back together? Did you also see him as the devil? Or did Mingyu have a chance at winning you back?

After getting enough courage, Mingyu began to make his way out of the party bus. He thanked the bus driver before slipping a tip to him. He jogged down the steps just to see Wonwoo with you. Your body was half hidden behind Wonwoo who was staring him down.

"I don't know what the fuck your deal is, Mingyu, but knock it off." "I'm not the one who got together with their best friend's girl." "And I'm not the one who cheated on her. It's not my fault you're just now coming to your senses after not trying to even apologize. Just stay away from us."

All Mingyu could do was nod. Or else he would have punched Wonwoo right in the face. And seeing that this was a fraternity event, he was not about to let his anger get the best of him.

Satisfied, Wonwoo turned back towards you. His hand rested on your lower back as he began leading you into the venue.

What took Mingyu by surprise was when you looked back at him. He couldn't quite read your expression. You were at least acknowledging him as you looked back over your shoulder at your ex lover, just as your new lover was escorting you away.

This was going to be an interesting evening.

[secret-smut-sideblog]

What Kind Of Man

Gale x F! Tav

(AA break up series part 6)

18+ masturbation (f!), voyeurism, depictions of trauma/abuse, jealousy, love triangle dynamics (kinda), telepathy, tenderness, breast worship (f!), fingering (f!), coming in pants (m!), p-in-v, Gale being the sweetest man alive

The Ascendant watching her every move, Tav is more than happy to see her favorite wizard. With crimson eyes following, he plans to show her an intimate day out, possibly more...

Masterlist, Prev Chapter

-

Her eyes were first drawn to the open window, then searched her neck with urgent fingers.

Only the healing bite.

A great swell of joy in her chest.

It had worked.

A stupid and risky test, she knew, but she had to be sure.

Well, the fact that she woke up in Jaheira's spare room and not the Crimson Castle was enough proof. But still.

Except that also meant...

She felt between her legs and was met with telltale wetness.

Her dream had been real too.

She wanted to be much more incensed than she was, heat crawling to her cheeks. But her body had been nothing but traitorous lately.

She could still smell him on the sheets, and shamefully brought them to her face, breathing in deeply.

This wasn't going to go away until she gave in to it, was it?

Her hand trailed down her front, meeting the slick he had already pulled from her.

She closed her eyes and fell into her mind, the heady scent of him wrapping around her.

Her memory took over, her hand pantomiming his movements. How he would thread the pleasure from her before, when he still loved her. Or did a convincing facade of it.

Since all that had passed in her years of captivity, she had come to cast doubts. Had it been one long trick? Surely not. Surely...

Suddenly aware of eyes on her she looked to the window. A raven was watching her far too intently.

Oh it was going to be like this then?

She stared back, hand still working. Her eyes a mix of defiance and desire.

She arched her back up, eyes closing again. Knowing he was watching making her need it more. Angling her leg up, the sheet falling away. Her brow furrowing in concentrated pleasure. Nearly there.

One more memory shot across the theater of her closed eyes. His lidded crimson eyes staring up from between her legs. Pale hands gripping her open thighs, the veins taut, knuckles white. The deep moan that he had pushed into her.

She crested over the edge, writhing under her own hand. Gasping out. The delicious ache in her pelvis clenching down into waves of pleasure that pulsed out into her whole body.

Her head fell back, panting. Looking over to the window again to see that the raven was now standing on the dresser. It's wide black eyes boring into her.

"Cute," She chided, sitting up. "You haven't seemed interested in my needs in a long time. Thought voyeurism would be below you, Lord Ancunin."

She stood and reached for the dress Jaheira had draped over the back of the side chair.

"If you're going to watch me fuck myself at least have the decency to show your face."

The raven bristled at that and glared at her with too human of anger. It took off out the window with a few hard flaps of its wings.

She felt a petty thrill in her chest. Went to the window and latched it shut and pulled the curtains decisively.

Fuck you too.

She descended down the stairs, smoothing her hands down the soft linen. She hadn't worn a dress in years, but this one did suit her. A deep royal blue, a sweetheart neckline held up by thin straps, one surprisingly high slit up the side. Falling to her ankles.

"Jaheira," She called as she turned the corner down to the next landing. "Where did you even get thi-"

A familiar back was at the foyer, laughing at Fig's antics. Soft waves of dark hair, wide shoulders hugged in a deep purple tunic.

"Gale?" She asked, pure shock striking her face.

"And there she is," He called, turning to her. A wide smile beaming across his face. "The woman of the hour."

Completely overcome she wrapped her arms hard around his neck, leaping up into him. Wrapping her legs around his waist.

"Oh, my!" He laughed, off balance for a second but catching them both. Supporting her under her thighs. "What a warm welcome!"

"He insisted on coming to check that his magic had worked." Jaheira mock teased, smiling warmly at them.

"Guilty as charged." He laughed, leaning into her. One hand coming up to wrap around her back.

Quietly so only she could hear. "Are you okay?"

She nodded in the crook of his neck.

I'm so glad the magic held. This magic works on both of us.

He was speaking to her inside her mind, a warm feeling that caressed along the back of her skull.

"Well, Jaheira. Since the spell has been a success, I think some celebration is in order."

He patted her thigh playfully. "What do you say? Up for a little day trip?"

She released and landed gracefully on her feet. "A what?"

"Ah, don't tell me you've already forgotten the simple joys of this world. I have such a day planned!"

"Go on, cub. You're safe in the walls, I swear it." Jaheira urged with a knowing smirk.

Tav gave into a cheeky smile, biting her lip.

"Okay, you win." She looped her arm in his.

"Excellent." He sighed, a radiant smile lighting his face.

I've missed you.

They walked around Lower City, stopping in shops and chatting happily with one another. Both aware of many sets of eyes, man and animal alike, tracking them as they walked.

Their spoken conversation was light and playful, but the words shared between their minds held more weight.

If I had known... if I had stayed. Gods, Tav, I'm so sorry.

She squeezed his arm, pointing out a shop up the road.

No, you deserve to live your own life, Gale. I'm so proud of you for carving your own path. You're here now, and I'm so grateful.

She felt a great thrum of elation course from him, sending a shiver down her back.

Would this have been what sharing his blood would have been like? Surely not. She could not see him sharing anything like this with her. It would still be her, alone in her mind. But with a psionic collar around her neck.

You're drifting again. The kindness in his tone washed over her.

I know, I'm sorry. All of this has consumed my thoughts for months now.

Of course it has. That was no accusation.

But he knew she already knew.

You deserve a break, I think we can try. If just for a while.

The tears forming in her eyes juxtaposed to the playful conversation they upheld on the outside. His hand coming up to subtly stabilize her on her lower back. Asking the shopkeep how much for another dress without missing a beat.

They stepped back out onto the street, a small paper bag on her curved arm.

Can you see all of my thoughts? She asked.

No, only what you want to show me.

Did she want to show him? She fidgeted with the edge of the bag. Decided, yes. She needed to share this.

Can I show you? The unspoken context reaching him in the grip of terror that held her belly.

He led them to under the canopy of a tree, pulling her gently to sit with him. Wrapping his arm loosely around her waist.

Show me.

She took a sharp breath in and opened her mind to him.

All the years, the longing, the grief, the fear. Flashes of pale hands, the bite of metal, his voice cutting and bellowing. The endless cold nights buckled on the floor, frigid water holding her knees. The days he would seem to 'forgive' her, taking her back into his embrace. That those nights hurt far worse than the punishment, the cold. Never lasting.

It all flowed from her in a great vicious stream. She cut it off as the pain soon got too overwhelming.

He gripped her back, his breath gasping. Eyes screwed shut. Face cringing in pain.

I'm sorry, that was too much. She reached out and softly stroked his cheek.

His eyes opened, staring into her in abject horror. Mouth held open in unspoken words.

"Tav, I had no idea. That it was that bad. I-"

She shook her head, wiping away a tear that escaped his warm brown eyes.

"Isn't it mad, that I considered staying?" She sighed, finally admitting it to herself.

I loved him too much.

Gale leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers. Holding her upper arms in both hands.

Not speaking by mouth or mind but enveloping her in his warmth, a deep consoling wave that encircled her entirely.

She was so lost in it that she didn't feel a shadow fall over them.

"Well, what a surprise."

Like a phantom pulled from her unleashed memory, his voice sent a shock of terror through her.

She felt a deep rage radiate from Gale, but his face remained impartial.

"Ah, the Lord Ancunin. How strange, seeing you slumming in the Lower City."

Astarion sneered, hand coming to rest on his hip. Draped in fineries far too extravagant for this meeting. Examining his fingernails like this was the most disinteresting thing in the world.

"Well, it would do no good to remain impartial to the affairs of those less fortunate." Each of his words a pointed bite. Veiled threats under each inflection.

Gale stood, his hand leading her up as well. Subtly standing in front of her.

"And what brings you to this street, so early in the morning? Surely not idle gossip." There was a veiled goading in his voice.

What are you doing?

He can't touch us. You're safe.

She could feel it then washing over her, he was trying to make him angry. Jealous.

This was a bad idea, but she couldn't deny the petty satisfaction that flitted through her.

Gale felt it too, a sly smile dancing along his lips.

"Well, I heard," Astarion's voice cutting more. "That my dear old friend Gale was back in town. And with my consort on his arm. Strange, isn't it?" His words still measured, but his eyes flaring with anger.

"Truly. Considering that Tav is her own person. Shoddy informants you've got there."

Astarion smiled like a knife, his eyes sliding over to her.

She stared back, standing tall. Unwavering.

"Unless you want something more Your Highness, Gale and I are going to be off."

A wave of pride from Gale washed over her. He placed his hand on the small of her back again, smiling down at her like she rose the sun.

She could practically feel a wave of heat coming off of Astarion when his hand touched her back. Breathing hard through his nose.

"Well, old friend. As my lovely companion has said, we simply must be off." Turning to fully face her, as if the rage shaken shadow glaring them down wasn't important. "Shall we?"

Come back with me to my tower?

She smiled back up at him, his brown eyes all she needed to see.

"Let's."

He pulled her close, bracing her. Turning to wave at Astarion, and with a snap of his fingers, they were gone.

When they rematerialized in front of a warm fireplace she laughed.

"Oh Gods, that was incredibly risky." She tried to chide, but only laughed harder.

"I know, I know. I'm a petty man." He smiled. "I just wanted to put him in his place, just one time."

He held her face so softly. "I'm so proud of you, that was a lot of courage you showed back there."

She leaned into his hand, closing her eyes.

Can we keep talking like this? She asked.

It felt more intimate, and she was craving that.

Of course. He smiled down at her.

I was so afraid for so long. It feels good to be brave.

Looking up into his eyes.

He smiled down at her. Bravery is not the absence of fear. It is feeling the fear and pushing past it. The fear is the strength.

His fingers tracing her cheek. You are the bravest person I know, Tav. It's an honor to know you, to share time with you.

She leaned up, overcome. Sliding her lips into his.

She felt his surprise, then a deep desire pulling over him.

He kissed back with restrained passion. Cupping her face, moaning softly.

She gripped the front of his tunic, pushing her need into him. She wanted to be lost. To feel held again.

He felt her desire and led her down onto the plush rug, his warm hands exploring her.

He kissed at her neck, his stubble scratching her in the best way. Fingers pulling on the strap of her dress in question.

She pushed her approval into him.

Please, more.

He groaned in the back of his throat, pulling the straps down. Her breasts springing free.

She opened her legs and urged him further between them.

He sucked and kissed at the tender skin of her throat. Sending deep pleasure through her, radiating down between her legs.

She opened her mind to him again, showing him the feelings he was sending through her.

He moaned, shivering against her.

She directed his head down, telling him where she needed him.

He nodded, breathing heavily. Kissing along her clavicle, the curve of the top of her breast.

When his mouth finally reached her peak, she choked out a moan. Head falling back.

Her hips thrusted up with the rhythm of his tongue. Whimpering in the back of her throat, his pulsing wet strokes playing her like a harp.

When he nibbled down on the hard mound, she twisted under him. A panting cry leaving her lips.

She directed his hand to the slit in her dress, urging.

He nearly growled, fingers pushing under the fabric. Finding her bare cunt with a deep groan.

Both of them were beyond words, but she could feel his strike of pleasure at her lack of underclothes.

He pushed into her clit with his fingers in small questioning circles. Searching for the rhythm she needed.

She showed his hand the way with her mind, the buttons that made her scream.

He took to it immediately, the fast circular strokes already committed to his movements. She cried out, the perfect agony making her hips rise.

His mouth still worshipping her breasts, suckling hard circles into her engorged peaks. Hand gripping her hip, keeping her squirming body in place.

His long fingers plunging into her, curling up. Thumb rubbing hard into her clit.

Gods he was good, a fast learner.

She was a writhing mess beneath him, panting and mewling. Gripping his upper arm, his back. Digging her nails in.

She was so close, her limbs tingling in warning.

Opening her mind to him again, so he could ride it out with her.

Her body arched up, a strangled scream in her throat. It crashed over her in suffocating waves. The most devine drowning, ripping up through her pelvis and pulling the whole world down from her. There was nothing but this, an endless crashing ecstasy. She gripped onto him like a lifeline. Her mouth open, the water rushing in.

She felt him be overcome by it, gasping and shaking over her. Felt his own release, the heat radiating up from his pelvis. A deep pull from behind his navel, the wrenching pleasure as he spilled inside his trousers. Moaning out her name.

They both collapsed, their limbs tangled into each other. Breathing in a heaving tandem.

He held onto her, lifting under her thighs. Lifting her against his chest and walking her to the bed.

"Oh, there was a bed there?" She smiled, embarrassed.

He laughed. "I didn't want to spoil the moment."

He layed her back gently. Pulling his soiled clothes off, leaving them in a pile on the floor.

"Can you do mine too?" She asked, breath caught at the sight of him. Turning so he could get to the zipper.

He pulled it down and lifted the dress off of her with sure hands.

He leaned forward and kissed at the curve of her neck, pulling her hair over her shoulder.

You are so beautiful. A goddess in the flesh.

She smiled, pulling his hands around her front. Leading them to cup her breasts.

He groaned in the back of his throat, straddled around her back. Kneading her gently in his large hands. His length hardening against the base of her spine.

I want you inside me. She whispered to him.

He had seen that she hadn't taken another man in her since him. The prospect always too painful.

He paused, could feel his deep desire mixed with concerned apprehension.

You're sure?

Yes. I trust you. Please take him out of me.

He held her to him, burying his face into her shoulder. All his warmth pouring into her like a breath she breathed with him.

She turned and pulled him over her, kissing him as he braced himself next to her head.

A blue light began to swirl around them in heady circles.

She looped her ankles around his lower back, pulling him down to her. Moaning into their kiss as his length rubbed against her clit.

He panted into the kiss, pulling back to look at her with heavy lidded eyes.

She nodded, arcing her fingernails through his hair. Feeling the trail of pleasure that it left along his head.

He aligned below her and with one last look of adoration, slowly pushed inside her.

She closed her eyes, head falling back. Her body already gripping him, pulling him further in.

He hissed through his teeth, bracing his hand next to her waist. A gentle tremor pulling through him. Pushing until they were flush with one another.

He paused, giving both of them time to adjust.

He opened his mind to her, showing her how her cunt felt around him. A tight velvet heat, the ridges of muscle. How her come from earlier had slipped him inside with welcome.

"Wow," She marveled quietly.

"Yeah," He laughed reverently.

She then felt the overwhelming gratefulness he sent to her. For allowing him this, for trusting him.

"Please fuck me, Gale." She whispered.

He slowly began to thrust into her, head falling onto her chest. Already overcome.

She felt so full, arching her hips up to meet him. His cock sliding against the spot that made her see white.

"Oh Gods," She whimpered, holding his face to hers. Kissing him in short desperate pulses.

The slow pace was perfect, her body warming up. Trying to stay here, in this moment.

A flash of a pale hand holding her throat.

She gasped, freezing.

Gale willed her eyes to his. Holding her chin gently.

You're here. You're safe. You're right here with me.

She forced her mind back, his deep brown eyes an anchor.

She kissed him again, a small whimper in the back of her throat.

He melded into the kiss, hand coming down to rub into her clit.

She moaned into him, the fullness, the stroke into her g-spot, the working of his hands. Sending her nearer and nearer.

His pleasure washed over her, from his body and from what he was doing for her. The pleasure for her being the more powerful of the two.

Her head falling back, she broke away from the kiss, her legs starting to shake. Her second undoing about to unfold inside her.

"Oh Gods," She cried, fisting the sheets as it struck. Clenching down hard, the pleasure taking her apart. Back arching up. He took her peak into his mouth as her chest came up, sending another wave through her. Nearly shrieking, gripping his back so hard, she was sure she was drawing blood.

He spilled inside her, her orgasm pulling him hard into his own end. He moaned low and fast as her contractions wrenched him for all he was worth. His face twisting up in deep pleasure.

He panted into her, both of them still joined. Slowing. She softly scratched up and down his back. He nearly purred, head resting on her chest.

"Please stay the night." He murmured, holding her to him.

"Of course." She whispered, carding through his hair, pulling it from his face.

He was asleep on her in minutes.

She woke with arms around her. An unfamiliar feeling. The night before feeling like the most beautiful dream.

She turned in his arms, looking deeply at him.

Hair all mussed, mouth slightly open. Those sweet brown eyes closed, long lashes.

She leaned up and kissed him softly. A deep adoration and gratitude holding her heart.

She gave him two more, for good luck, then maneuvered carefully out of his arms.

She slipped back into her dress, folding the one he had bought for her carefully over her arm. Regretted not trying it on for him.

She looked over at him one last time and felt a great longing.

Picking up a small lock of her hair she braided it and tied it with the ribbon from the gift wrap on the dress. Cutting it with a pair of scissors on his desk and leaving it next to him.

Thank you, Gale. I'll see you again, soon.

She saw him smile in his sleep, turning over onto his back.

She slipped her boots on as she retreated from his chambers. The little Tressym appraising her warmly from the banister.

"Hi Tara, can you send me back to the Selune Outpost? There's someone I need to see."

~

Part 7

[bloodlust-1]

The Consort ₊⁺જ⁀➴

NSWF | Explicit 18+ | Angst | Blood | Ascended Astarion | Spawn Tav | Dark | Smut | Trauma | Stockholm Syndrome | Violence

Ascended Astarion x fem Tav

Chapter: 5 | Worship me

Summary: In a tumultuous tale of love, power, and betrayal, Tav finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Astarion, a heartless vampire lord who will stop at nothing to maintain control over his newfound spawn. As Tav witnesses Astarion’s transformation and descent into darkness, their love is put to the ultimate test amidst love triangles, drama, and the pursuit of world domination. Redemption seems like an elusive goal while Tav grapples with the realization of who her lover has truly become.

UPDATED EVERY MONDAY.

Notes: Spicy chapter ahead! And new photo :] Ofc taken by @astarionposting, it’s so moody and I love it. That’s all. Enjoy the read :*

AO3 LINK | MASTER LIST

Lovely photo by @astarionposting

The night was young, and Astarion was relishing in the connections he was making with powerful individuals. He knew the importance of these relationships for his reputation.

However, his mood soured as several noblemen showed more interest in Tav. Multiple men were approaching her for dances, marriage proposals, and dates. Astarion’s jealousy grew at an all-time high with the attention Tav was attracting.

Rightfully so, Astarion knew Tav would easily capture people's hearts just as she did his.

Just then, a nobleman with a prim and prissy appearance sauntered over. His eyes gleamed with a lustful gaze as he took Tav’s hand, bringing it to his lips. “My dear, you are absolutely stunning,” he said, his words made Tav squirm uncomfortably, clutching onto the drink in her other hand.

She felt increasingly awkward and nervous while the nobleman continued to hold her hand, his touch unwelcome. Just then, Astarion came at her side, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close to him. He shot a deadly glare at the prissy man, his eyes filled with anger.

Unfazed by Astarion he chuckled, "Is this weasel being a brood on you? I can offer you a helping hand." He winked.

Tch.

How dare this rat-faced man blatantly disrespect her and Astarion like that? Without a thought more, Tav threw her drink at him, splashing it all over his face.

And he must've seen red just by the way his snaggle tooth snarled at her.

“Forgive me, I didn’t realize I was such a damsel in distress,” Tav muttered, rolling her eyes and ripping her hand away from this random man.

Astarion was quick to retaliate with a sharp remark, "Of course, another royal who has little to no brain. She's mine."

He wiped the drink off his face with his sleeve, and his eyes had gone red from the alcohol. The man took a step closer and challenged Astarion with glaring eyes and balled fists. "Are you trying to pick a fight with me, pretty boy?"

Astarion clicked his tongue with a small giggle escaping his lips. How amusing this was. Actually, Astarion knew about this particular nobleman and his sneaky hobbies.

"I'd hurry along and do whatever pathetic thing you were doing. The Amaru family wouldn’t take kindly to learning about their son’s dirty intrusions into their business deals to feed his brothel obsession."

The man fell quiet and blinked a few times. With a soured face, he huffed at Astarion before backing off, not a word more. Astarion then squeezed Tav's waist and smiled.

In a fit of anger, the man stumbled over his own feet, falling over with the loudest thud in the room.

Astarion’s lips cracked into a smirk, satisfied with the embarrassing look on the man’s face, "See, when you talk to the right people, you get the right blackmail."

Tav chuckled at his cockiness, wrapping her arms around his bicep. She squeezed Astarion’s arms and batted those crystal eyes at him. There was a deep sense of protection with Astarion.

To feel important and wanted.

He admired her pearl eyes with a loving stare. His gaze lingered before trailing down to the soft glow cast on her breasts. A sly smirk spread across Astarion's face, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Tav's ear, and leaned in close, whispering seductively, “Fancy a bit of excitement?”

Tav’s face flushed at his words, turning her head side to side to scope out any on-lookers. “Here?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Astarion nodded confidently, a stupid grin plastered on his face. “I’ll find us a private spot, shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Tav returned his smirk with a cheeky grin of her own. She was still achey from the other night when he left her untouched. This was exciting, daring, and...sexy.

She bit her bottom lip, her adrenaline pumping. “Well then, what are you waiting for?”

Tav reached out for his hand, clutching it tightly in her shaky hands. Her adrenaline was kicking in and Astarion was already leading her away from the party’s crowd.

A mischievous glint danced in Astarion’s eyes as he guided her through the hallways of the grand estate, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

They passed by several closed doors until Astarion stopped at one and began jiggling the handle. With a soft click, the door swung open. It seemed to be an office with a desk sitting in the corner, papers scattered across its surface.

Astarion flashed Tav a sly grin before swiftly pulling her into the room, their laughter mingling in the air.

In a swift motion, he lifted Tav up by her thighs, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as she giggled. Their eyes met in a silent understanding between them for a moment as they leaned in for a searing kiss.

The room was soon filled with the sound of their kisses and heavy breathing. Tav slipped her tongue with his in a sloppy dance of desperation.

Astarion leaned over the desk and sat Tav perfectly with her legs spread wide open for him. She threaded her fingers through his white locs with a tug.

Astarion’s piercing gaze met Tav’s, and he leaned in to capture her lips. It was rough and sloppy, their tongues danced and their fangs clashed with each other.

Tav wrapped her hand around the waistband of Astarion's pants, tugging his already-hardened bulge closer.

Astarion pulled away, a seductive glint in his red stare, "Can't help yourself...I'm not surprised."

Tav purred in a sultry voice, "Not with you...not ever."

Astarion pressed kisses down Tav’s neck, causing her to kick her head back as his canines nipped at her skin. He continued to press his lips down to her breasts while his hand trailed up her thigh.

With a swift movement, he moved Tav’s panties aside and dipped his fingers into her wet warmth. Tav arched her back as his touch perfectly rubbed around her clit.

Astarion brought his mouth to Tav's ear, biting her ear lobe in a breathy tone, "Spread your legs, darling, That's it - Wider."

Obeying, her legs widened with a shaky twitched of excitement.

Only Astarion could make me feel this way.

Moans flowed out her mouth in a perfect melody that had Astarion working his best at her clit, rubbing in gentle smooth circles. His lips kissed and bit at her jawline, dampening her skin with his heavy breaths.

Tav's ankles quivered in bliss with moans full of desperation. His fingers coated in her wet slick and it drove him mad.

He lifted her dress, leaning over between Tav's legs, and spitting on her clit. His fingers instantly coated her folds in his saliva before thrusting 2 fingers into her. Astarion caught Tav's gasp into a kiss, fucking his fingers in and out of her roughly.

A loud whimpered muffled between his lips while her hips crashed against his hand.

"Keep moaning, that's it."

His fingers pumped in and out of her and Tav clutched onto Astarion’s arm, her head hanging back with her lips parted. Cries sweetly slipped out of Tav's mouth, "I-I don't want to cum without you inside me."

A demand? Maybe.

But a plea? Certainly.

"Very well, pet. You deserve it." he purred.

Tav felt the warmth of his fingers pull out of her as Astarion unbuckled his pants, sliding down each layer until his length sprung up.

She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. She felt a sudden rush of excitement wash over her. She squirmed beneath him, her body betraying her impatience.

I need him.

I want him.

now.

With a sudden tug, Tav pulled Astarion closer to her, their bodies pressed tightly together. She could feel his warmth radiating off of him, and she reveled in the sensation.

Astarion chuckled at her eagerness, his breath hot against her skin. “Feel this?” His voice was low and hungry.

He grabbed her hand and overlapped it on his length, guiding her movements up and down his skin.

Tav nodded, "You’re already so hard for me?" She smirked, too caught up in the moment, too overwhelmed by the sensation of him against her.

“Always,” Astarion whispered while pressing his lips on the corners of her mouth.

With a hard swallow, her heart raced in her chest. She didn’t want it to stop. She wanted to feel him, to touch him, to be one with him.

Her hand jerked his length softly with his pre-cum before he became a groaning impatient mess. Astarion pressed his hips against Tav's entrance, placing himself perfectly on her wet core.

They gazed into each other's eyes in a knowing silence. His face fell into a seductive stare and it wasn't long until he curled over Tav's body, thrusting his hips into hers.

And inch by inch, feeding himself in the very place that begged for his every touch.

One arm wrapped around his body and the other fell around his neck. Her moans came in short gusts of air, the constant thrusts shook her body in mimic of the ocean's waves.

Tav kneaded her fingers between his white curls, tugging on them with each plunge into her. His scent burned into her lungs, leaving nothing but desire.

Astarion hung his head low and grunted against Tav's forehead, bucking his hips deeper into her. His hold on her was tight and everything around them melted into a sweet bliss.

No amount of power could make Astarion feel amazing the way he did with Tav when their bodies connected. The bitter-sweet truth of their love weakened Astarion of his hunger for power, and he knew this all too well.

She was able to crumble him more than he'd ever admit. Such an inconvenience it was when world domination was on his mind.

Astarion clutched desperately onto Tav's body, bucking his hips skillfully in her. The way she cried his name into his ear sent chills like electricity all through his body. It felt like she worshipped him.

That sweet, sweet, voice of hers.

Their skin like porcelain and licorice intertwined together in a knit embrace. their bodies gleamed in sweat as both their climaxes built up deep in their stomachs.

The force of their bodies clashing caused the papers littered on the desk to fall in all sorts of directions. Mixing with the sound of squeaky wood, crumpling paper, skin slapping, and moans.

Tav clutched onto Astarion with her arms and legs crying out in a whimper, "Mmph - S-stay right there...I-I'm almost there.."

Astarion nodded sloppily, connecting eyes with Tav in a hazy stare, "Yes, cum for me." His lips hung open and his words felt sincere and loving.

His hands gripped against the desk, his muscles starting to tense up in the process of this blissful high. Astarion could feel Tav's warm walls begin to twitch and squeeze around his cock.

Quickly, he stole a kiss from Tav, silencing her moans before they could escape. His gaze bore into hers, a mixture of hunger and love dancing in his eyes. But Tav’s breath caught in her throat, realizing just how loud she was being.

They were only doors away from the party after all.

Her eyes flickered between a hue of a yellow glow and white, her skin practically crawled with her wild shape twisting and bending beneath the surface of her skin.

Astarion wrapped his hand around her neck, and squeezed. He perfectly placed his thumb against the crook of her jaw, tightly forcing her face to meet his.

“Look at me.”

Tav choked against the force and gazed up at him with hazy glossy eyes.

A rush of wetness coated his cock as a yelp muffled between their kiss. Tav's body twitched and melted from the force of her undoing.

But Astarion's wasn’t done just yet.

He flipped her on her stomach, digging his nails into the plush of her hips, and ramming into her like a savage animal. Her eyes cried in the sensitivity and immense pleasure, crying out his name in a hoarse moan.

With one hand, he grabbed a hand full of Tav’s hair, dragging her head up and kissing her exposed neck. Her backside clashed against Astarion’s groin in a precise motion.

“Ahh…Clench.”

Tav purposely clenched her twitching walls around his length, whistle digging her hands onto the desk to keep stable.

His hips locked into Tav's, burying his length deep in her before pulling out, spilling his cum on her lower back, just below her back dimples. With a groan, Astarion slouched over Tav.

In a moment of weakness he whipsered to her, "When the time is right, I want to share something with you." It was something he wasn’t sure he’d regret saying out loud. But she was so…good to him.

Tav peeked at him, unknowingly squinting her eyes with a soft, "Hmm?"

“When the time is right.” Astarion pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, “I think we should get leaving, love. Tonight’s been — eventful.”

Tav chuckled and turned around, reaching over and grabbing the handkerchief from his jacket pocket, “Here.”

With a satisfied smile Astarion wiped the juices off of her back before cleaning the excess cum off his tip.

She makes me want to be nice.

How...Horrible.

Let's keep this in the bedroom.

Next part here

Any thoughts? Comment 👇🏼 I love to engage!

BOO 👻

A pop in.

Just wanted to say hi! And thanks to the people who’ve been reading/commenting on this series. I appreciate it so much! Tumblr is my safe space to just storytelling and imagine so I’m happy to share it and have it be enjoyed :’) ❤️

[stray-kaz]

Monkey in the Air : a Nikolai Lantsov x f!reader drabble

Summary: Nikolai’s children are just like him.

A/N: This came about due to a conversation @writingmysanity​ and I had last night. Sorry, we are suckers for babies. This was supposed to be a blurb.

You leaned against the side of the airship, another in the long and distinguished line of Volkvolny craft. Nikolai stood at the ship’s wheel, giving patient instructions to your eight year old son on how to command and steer a ship. Mikhail listened attentively, his curly head leaning against his father’s arm, his expression serious.

Your daughter, fiend that she was, danced and skipped around them, pulling faces. The second she gained her father’s attention, she dove into a forward somersault and came up on her feet, grinning. Nikolai shook his head at her, but he was grinning, too, and he reached out to ruffle her hair, flopping a blonde mess into her eyes, as blue as his were.

“Was that good? Was that good?” she chimed, hopping from foot to foot in front of him.

“Yes, Tania” he assured her warmly. “It was very good. Go show your mama.”

Tania sprinted across the ship to reach you, rocketing into your arms, face buried in your skirt.

“Mama, Mama, watch!” she squealed, and didn’t hesitate to launch into another forward roll, her head tucking below her shoulders in perfect form.

You clapped, smiling wryly.

“Beautiful, little sobachka” you told her. “Who taught you that?”

“Nobody! I teach myself!” she hollered over her shoulder as she raced back to her father and brother.

You shook your head and folded your arms over your chest, heart warming behind your ribs. A happy family was all you had ever wanted and it was right here, now, in front of your eyes.

Nikolai looked over at you, sun shining softly on your face, your chin tipped up towards it and eyes half closed. His chest loosened a little at the sight. Being king was never simple, but you stood with him always, your hand in his, and shouldered some of the burden for him.

And then he saw your eyes flash open and your mouth round on a shout.

“Nikolai!” you yelled at him, already moving. “Tania!”

He whirled around, eyes searching. What was that girl doing now? He felt a sharp tug on his sleeve and glanced down to see Mikhail pointing, his blue eyes wide. Nikolai followed his gaze to find the small form of his five year old daughter scampering about in the Volkvolny’s rigging.

“Saints” he muttered under his breath, already climbing.

He felt your burning gaze on his back as he ascended, a mother’s fear pouring off you in waves he could almost feel.

“Tania Marie Lantsov!” he called up to the little girl. “Just what in Saints’ name do you think you’re doing?”

She paused to peer down at him, her little elfin face a pale triangle so high up.

“Come here, you little monkey!”

He glimpsed her mouth widen into a grin and knew without a doubt he had said the wrong thing.

“Okay, Daddy!”

His heart sank to the pit of his stomach as she jumped, leaping out of the rigging and starting to fall. He heard your scream tear at the fabric of the sky and wished for the first time in years that he could still fly.

Nikolai watched his baby plummet, and timed himself to the last possible second, before he made his leap, reaching out to snag her from the air with one arm, the other wrenching slightly as he slammed back into the rigging, one giggling child grasped tightly against his chest.

His heart hammered fit to give out as he climbed slowly back down to the deck, Tania clinging around his neck and beaming. You rushed to take her, simultaneously scolding and kissing her face before she escaped and ran off to be with her brother.

You stood close to Nikolai, saw the still frantic rise and fall of his chest, his ocean eyes wild. You stretched up on tiptoes and hugged him hard, your lips brushing his ear as you whispered your thanks. He embraced you back and felt you relax into him, your chest and stomach pressing his. Suddenly, he pulled back and stared at you, eyes widening. You smiled shyly as he lowered a hand to your belly, tightening the material over it and following the smooth, easy curve. 

“My love, is there something you need to tell me?” he murmured.

“You’ve been away a while, husband” you replied. “There was no way to tell you.”

Nikolai sighed and pulled you in close again, propping his chin on top of your head. You smiled against his collarbone, closing your eyes in comfort.

Nikolai gazed up to the sky his daughter was just freefalling through.

“Again?”

[yellosnacc]

bigger Central religion post

Journey of the lost souls by an unknown pilgrim

A scene from the story of the "crystal Head".

With the help of a "harpy", the great sinner crosses the bridge to the new land as their sea-born crystal body cracks under the weight of a thousand souls.

If they were to fail, the sky may become richer, but the Uniima will end.

This is a bigger central Foru uniima religion post. All the information here is about the central religion's beliefs, not the world's biology or physics.

Now let's get the context for the painting.

To leave the Physical, one must die at a ripe age so that their wisdom can be put to the test. The glowing triangles are the souls of uniima. They resemble a larva/white and are parasite-like in behavior. After a soul is released out of a body by premature death (or created) it holds onto someone (soul-binds) until it's passed into a new body. Soul bonded can be anything with a soul but uniima souls are picky in what they cling onto and usually pick a parental figure, a friend, or pupil. When the soul senses an empty unii-body, it moves in. Twins/triplets are considered 'one-soul' with special powers.

The one depicted to carry this soul mass is the uniiman spiritual leader/s (their historical body and events), sometimes called the Heads, but there's definitely a better name in the native language (slomen and O.s use this name). The Head/s existed for most of the religion's history and is the one to name the 'uniima' (translates "own-one-mind". It's the name of the central people. Because of historical events, it caught on between aliens as the species name). Head/s is immortal because of a "curse" set on them for breaching into the spiritual world thousands of years ago. Since this event, they have been changing bodies and fixing their sins until today. Nowadays, they are considered the wisest, mentally strongest, and morally cleanest soul - an inspiration for everyone (which keeps them in power over Central Foru among other things).

More about the current Heads.

This art comes from an early chapter, only a few hundred years after the creation of people. After the Head dooms the uniima by peaking into the Spiritual, society starts falling faster than it did ever before, finally resulting in the 'death of creature people'. This society was one of constant sin and destruction since no holy parts were remaining (too complicated, let's leave that for another time), so this scene is something of a strange bitter-sweet moment. With both the land and the people gone (yes, land too), the Head is once more reincarnated - being put into a body of melted sand and rock. They collect all the wandering souls unable to ascend and travel to a new land with the help of a half-uniima-half-animal who feels sorry for the people it shares a soul with. This journey is the first major lesson and soul-cleaning of the Head. Now, what is the thing in their jaws?

This motive is common in images with the Head, but it's not very realistic for the time period. These "flesh lists" worn on the lower tongue-hand are a modern-ish invention. People wear these on special occasions. They show all the past lives on a uniima and can get very long in high mortality areas (soul moves until a body reaches the desired age to be final-judged). The significance and uses of these in status get very complicated, but I will keep it simple. A short scarf/list makes one seem strong, with potential, being naturally gifted, and wealthy. A long scarf shows weakness, and a tendency to sin, but also patience, and a wise mind (which in many cases is the most important feature of a person).

In religious art, "scarfs" help mark chapters, but in "Journey of the lost souls" it's to depict the scale of the tragedy.

Lastly, the Heads' stomach. It shows them moving a large "hole" out of their body. This is symbolism for shedding a sin. It's said a mind and body should be able to naturally "regurgitate" any "object" out of their stomach, clean of the evil within it.

Bad nature - sins, bad thoughts (even physical stuff such as poison and drugs), is stored in the stomach. The "hungrier" you are the more evil you have to shed and the more you are controlled by this "evil hunger". Being flagged as a "stomach-thinker" is not calling you a food enjoyer but rather an insane/deranged person. However, some regions consider the stomach the default thinking center (what's a brain?), so it's more like a scale of good to bad stomach.

If anything needs more explaining or isn't explained properly, please inform me in the replies or send me an ask for a dedicated post. Thank you for reading this far <3

[sweetsmellosuccess]

Review: Challengers

Dir. Luca Guadagnino

What if you have a love triangle in which each of the three points represents someone who’s pretty awful? Put it another way: How are you meant to root for anyone in a movie if they all seem equally  —  if in their own ways  — regrettable? 

The answer, as explored in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis-based love drama, seems to question the very idea of rooting for someone at all in such a situation. This is a confounding idea for a movie that is ostensibly about sports, and make no mistake, there are a great number of long scenes of the characters playing tennis, with a great variety of POV shots (some from the players; some, more jarringly, from the ball itself), and much discussion of said sport, and the strategies therein. 

Still, for all its concern with tennis  —  and the structure of the film follows along a championship match at a lesser ATP tournament between our two sparring lotharios  — Guadagnino, working from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, isn’t so much concerned with the sporting outcome of a given match, but the emotional stakes it represents. 

It makes for an intriguing, if at times ham-handed, approach to the standard sports genre model of the game being the thing. Here, the game is just the backdrop for the emotional stakes it becomes imbued with over time. 

The film’s skeletal structure follows a championship game at a lesser ATP event in New Rochelle, NY,  between two men. When we first lay eyes on Patrick (Josh O’Connor), he seems like the scrappy underdog to the far more fluid and accomplished Art (Mike Faist). As they play, both men seem preoccupied with one of the spectators, the stunning Tashi (Zendaya), sitting dead in the middle (symbolism alert!), watching both players with rapt attention. 

As the game progresses, we get a series of flashbacks, some from a couple of weeks back  —  Art, a perennial grand champion and megastar, having to come back from injury and general ennui, gets talked into playing this event by his coach/wife Tashi  —  some from as far as 13 years ago  — Art and Patrick, long best friends at the all-encompassing tennis academy they both attend, meet Tashi at a party in her honor, as one of the best young players in the world, and both fall madly in love with her. 

Eventually, through these series of flashbacks we get the gist of the stakes at this particular championship match: Tahsi started out dating flashy Patrick, who turned pro rather than attend Stanford, along with the other two; but their falling out, especially after Tashi suffers a career-ending knee injury, left her available for the more reserved, dependable Art, whom she eventually marries. 

The couple then cut Patrick entirely out of their lives. As Art ascends to the peak of tennis royalty, Patrick descends into playing for peanuts on qualifying tour gigs, hooking up with women in different cities more or less as a way of not having to sleep in his car. 

However, Patrick’s more brazen allure (as a successful doubles pairing, the boys were known as “Fire and Ice,” and while it’s never clearly specified who was who, it become increasingly clear as the film progresses) never quite stops for Tashi, who vacillates between cheating on Art with Patrick, and wanting absolutely nothing to do with him. 

If that weren’t betrayal enough, she also meets with Patrick, a player her husband has never beaten on the court, the night before the championship match, to convince him to throw the match so that Art can win and build up his confidence heading into majors season. The price, as you might expect, is once again sleeping with him, a cruel outcome for the unsuspecting Art. 

To the film’s credit, the characters are far more slippery than the standard sports tropes might expect: Patrick, for all his seeming down-on-his-luck underdog position, actually comes from an exceedingly wealthy family. As Tashi points out to him forcefully towards the film’s end, after Patrick has asked her to drop Art as a client and become his coach, all of his poor penniless affect is actually just an act. Tashi, for her part, comes across as supremely confident and assertive, but clearly has a lot of not fully explored contradiction to her. She might bark orders at her dutiful husband, but it’s also clear her sense of boundaries are blurred to the point of being unrecognizable. 

Art, meanwhile, as docile and reserved as he seems (in befitting a tour champion of his caliber at a less glamorous event such as this, doesn’t actually say a word for the first 15 or so minutes of the movie), has already decided he’s done playing professionally after this current year, and tells Tashi so  —  a move Patrick has already predicted to her. 

What Guadagnino is also after, more in keeping with the director of the exçellent Call Me By Your Name, is the not-so secret love affair between the pair of boys. In an early scene, after first meeting Tashi and convincing her, somehow, to come to their hotel room for an after-hours celebration, she begins kissing both of them before discreetly pulling back and allowing them to passionately kiss one another for several long seconds before they realize she’s no longer between them. Less subtly still, Guadagnino references phallic imagery between the boys  —  think bananas, and churros, they gleefully tear into in front of one another  —  as a way of advancing the idea of their unverbalized love. 

Their battle of one upmanship becomes more about unrealized adoration of one another, a fact Tashi (who already sees a tennis match as a “relationship” between the combatants) seems all too keenly aware of, throughout their lives interwoven together. It is an interesting way to display the character’s wants and desires  —  almost everyone wants something they don’t actually get: Tashi wants a dominating pro career; Patrick wants to be reconciled with his friends; Art wants Tashi’s love and devotion  — and to stack all of these unfettered desires on the scope of a minor ATP event yields some interesting bits. 

Still, it’s a tricky thing to have an audience invest in characters who are ostensibly either so selfishly minded, or egregiously unaware of their own desires, that they too often act like pariahs. In harmony with the film’s title, we as an audience are tasked with caring about these often loathsome characters without much of an emotional anchor. For all the film’s playfulness with time and structure, it really boils down to a threesome of people who probably would have been better off had they not met at all.

[rainbillcipher]

My Backstory

I wasn't born with power.

My existence started at the bottom of Flatland's caste system. Born the equilateral son of an isosceles triangle, I was given to a family of equilaterals.

If you've read Edward Abbott's Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, then you know of my country and my dimension.

I chafed under the injustices of my country. I ran away when I was barely an adult. That's when the sphere found me.

Everyone lived in ignorance of the concept of three dimensions. I was chosen to remedy that.

They thought that if they chose one of the lowest but most numerous class, then there would be revolution.

When I returned to Flatland, the circles tries to have me killed, but I was smart. I created a following.

but my rebellion only created more deaths. Because of their ignorance, I lost many friends. But I gained a new purpose to prove them wrong.

I ascended to the fourth dimension and beyond. A moment of perfect clarity and power hit me.

My consciousness expanded. My body became energy. I thought I was a god.

I learned later how wrong I was...

I dealt justice to those who doubted and oppressed me.

I razed my dimension with my newfound power, tore reality apart, so nothing could live there.

Some Flatlanders that weren't on my side survived...barely.

I was feared across the realms! But so called "higher beings" saw my actions as criminal. So again I was fighting against oppressive regimes.

My followers and I hid in the space between realities--a lawless realm with no rules that didn't even obey physics!

MY REALM!

However, getting in was easier than getting out. I couldn’t escape. But I could enter dreams.

Ironically I fell back on my role as a tradesman. I made deals. Trades.

Tried tricks and convinced many to build me a portal. No one could do it…

...until Stanford Pines.

I'm not exactly sure when I returned to consciousness, but when I did, I was drifting in the mindscape again.

It wasn't good.

I didn't know where I was or WHO I was. I just remember turbulent emotions...

Fear...

Loneliness...

Then I heard that calling again.

I didn't remember if I had heard it before, but it felt familiar.

Without my memories, I've had to piece myself together brick-by-brick, so to speak.

My recent memories at Gravity Falls came flooding back when I watched your world during the Cipher Hunt.

I had slipped between worlds but still resided in the realm of dreams. I hated it. I couldn't touch anyone here.

Except one.

That's when I found Bex.

[evilwickedme]

So like, the love triangle/extremely complicated shape timeline in the buffyverse is something like

1753: Angelus gets turned by Darla. They're together for the next 150 years or so

1860: Drusilla is sired

1880: William has feelings for Cecily, who turns him down. Spike is sired. They're together for the next 120 years or so

Sometime in the middle there: Spike and Angelus have sex "that one time"

Sometime in the middle there: Angelus and Drusilla have sex multiple times

1898: Angelus gets cursed to have a soul, although he doesn't fully leave the whirlwind until after Spike kills the boxer rebellion slayer in 1900

1980s-1990s: Xander and Willow become friends, they "date" in kindergarten, Willow develops a proper crush later in life

1997: Buffy moves to Sunnydale. Xander develops a crush on her. Buffy and Angel begin their doomed love affair. Angel kills Darla. Xander asks Buffy to the dance, and she turns him down; he tries to get Willow to go with him instead, and she turns him down also, for very different reasons.

1997-1998: Xander starts dating Cordelia. Willow starts dating Oz. Buffy sleeps with Angel, then kills Angelus.

1998-1999: Buffy dates Scott for a short while before he dumps her, has a weird situationships with Faith, and starts dating Angel again. Drusilla breaks up with Spike off screen. Xander and Willow cheat in their SOs with each other, leading to Cordy dumping Xander. Xander sleeps with faith. Faith kisses Angel, and then who she believes is Angelus. Cordelia and Wesley have sexual tension, then the worst televised kiss of all time. Xander and Anya go to prom together. Angel and Buffy break up.

1999-2000: Buffy sleeps with Parker. Anya and Xander start dating. Harmony and Spike date on and off. Oz leaves Willow because he cheated on her with werewolf girl. Willow starts dating Tara. Oz comes back into town, only to leave again, for good this time. I Will Remember You doesn't happen. Buffy starts dating Riley. Cordelia and Doyle kiss, only for Doyle to immediately die. Cordelia kisses Angel, Wesley, and a bunch of other guys, trying to get rid of the visions.

2000-2001: Spike realizes he's in love with Buffy. Riley is the worst for half a season, then leaves after he sluttily lets every vampire in town bite him. Darla comes back to life and Lindsey falls in love with her, rip. Darla and Angel sleep together, leading to Angel's wasted attempt to give her a second chance at life instead being turned into a pregnancy. Lindsey leaves town. Drusilla tries to get Spike to come back to LA with her, but Spike wants to kill her to impress Buffy, so that doesn't work out. Harmony also leaves him over this. Xander and Anya get engaged.

2001-2002: Cordelia and Angel develop feelings for each other. Upon finding out Buffy is alive, Angle and Buffy go out to "a place" and do something, for sure, we'll never know what - not sex though, since Angel still has his soul. Spike and Buffy start sleeping together. Wesley develops a crush on Fred. Fred and Gunn start dating. Darla kills herself so that Connor can be born (can we reverse that somehow?). Willow and Tara break up over Willow's abuse of magic. Cecily is Halfrek, Anya's best friend, and the two of them recognize each other, although they don't expand on it. Riley comes back into town with a wife nobody can seem to dislike, leading Buffy to break up with Spike. Xander leaves Anya at the altar, but still wants to date. Connor gets kidnapped into a demon dimension and returns the world's worst teenager. Anya comes back as a vengeance demon, but can't get anyone to curse Xander; instead she sleeps with Spike for comfort. Everyone finds out about Spuffy. Willow and Tara get back together, then Seeing Red happens. Spike leaves town and gets his soul. Cordelia and Angel agree to meet to finally talk about their feelings, only for her to get ascended to a higher plane and for him to get trapped in a box at the bottom of the ocean by the world's most ungrateful son (does anybody like Connor? Are there people for whom he's like, their fav?).

2002-2003: Spike comes back to Sunnydale ensouled and insane. Cordelia comes back from being in an upper plane of existence, but has total amnesia. Spike and Xander are jokingly implied to have slept together. Buffy goes on a date with Wood, Xander goes on a date with a demon lady who tries to sacrifice him to the seal in the school basement. Cordelia gets her memories back but is acting incredibly strange, including *sleeping with Connor and getting pregnant*. Xander and Anya have breakup sex. Fred and Gunn start having problems and eventually break up (I'm not actually up to this in my Angel rewatch and I usually skip season four so I don't remember this in detail). Willow starts dating Kennedy. Willow goes to LA to help give Angel back his soul and bring Faith over to season seven of Buffy in the only good arc in season four, and she and Fred have insane chemistry, leasing to Willow letting Fred down easy ("I have a girlfriend"). Angel finds out about Spike and is jealous. Spike and Buffy share one last night together, although it's left purposefully vague what they did in that basement. Spike dies. Connor gets erased from all Angel Investigations' memories, and Cordy is in a coma.

2003-2004: Spike comes back to unlife, and when he gets corporeal form again, he has enthusiastic sex with Harmony, who is Angel's secretary. Magic makes Angel and Eve sleep together, although it's revealed Eve is together with Lindsey (I don't remember how that plot is resolved). Buffy is rumored to be dating some guy both Spike and Angel hate called The Immortal (iirc), and they both decide not to chase after her, although not until Spike alludes to that one time he slept with Angelus. It's generally a very homoerotic relationship all throughout the season. Cordelia wakes from her coma, kisses Angel, then is revealed to have died in her hospital bed (You're Welcome is so good but less than she deserved). Fred and Wesley finally get together only for Fred to be killed and replaced with Ilyria the next episode or something like that. When Wesley dies, Ilyria puts Fred "on" like a mask to comfort him as he passes, and she's sad that he did.

I purposefully skipped Giles, since he's not actually involved with any of the other main cast members, and therefore not part of the love... Whatever this is

Comic canon (just a few highlights): Buffy didn't actually date The Immortal, that was a body double left to party through Europe to foil assassination plots or something. Buffy sleeps with a younger slayer and it's never brought up again by anyone except the fandom. Buffy and Angel have sex in the middle of the apocalypse or something? Season eight was confusing to me and I last read it almost a decade ago. Spuffy become the canon couple for the rest of the comics. Dawn's season five crush on Xander turns into a relationship, which I find gross for different reasons than TikTok fans do. Anya comes back from the dead as a ghost for a while? I didn't actually read past s9 so I don't know what happened in any of that.

Did I miss anything big?

[9800sblog]

horoscope tarot reading

energies of each zodiac sign this week (july 24 - 30)

you should read about your:

• ascendant/rising sign - for the events happening in your life and your patterns of behavior this week.

• moon sign - for your personal perspectives and introspection.

• sun sign - for how you might react to all of it.

ARIES

I think you'll be super annoyed with people this week, your love life may suffer a little and you should take some time to think and consider. don't listen to other's judgements, you know what's best for you, deep down, if only you can trust yourself, you'll see it clearly. you seem quite lazy too, unmotivated.

key words: neck pain, curve, bad posture, bad party, desperate for attention.

TAURUS

confidence and stability, you know your own knowledge, you're not asking for help (you probably should, to those you trust the most). motivation due to stability, your routine seems a bit more exciting.

key words: flowy, head, triangle, slump, yoga/pilates, water, bright, sun.

GEMINI

super bored and slightly judgemental, you're doing what you gotta do, which you technically enjoy, but this week is just specially tiring and unexciting. I think love, romance and sex would help you, even if it's just thinking about it.

key words: evasive, boredom, heart, wild animals, invasive, much food, house structure, wood, hygiene products.

CANCER

lots of annoying inevitable little things, it's like you're always on edge of falling/breaking down. living in fantasy world will actually help you, you're good at switching reality to what you like, changing your perspective or focus, and that's exactly what you need! you're doing great, keep going! ♡ someone with untraditional ways will help you despite all odds.

key words: chills, cheating, the moon, haircut, exercise, enjoying the sun, seeds, woods, allergy, stress, overwhelmed.

LEO

days of recovery, last week was heavy and probably lonely for you, you're a bit of a perfectionist so you'll stay a bit frustrated due to expecting things to move faster than what's natural, but there is sure and clear progress ahead. you already know all these messages, but there is your usual help, your best friend in spirit is right here for you, very closely this week, you'll feel way more comfortable. dealing more effectively with the people that hurt you, those superficial fuckers.

key words: deep conversations, beach, brown hair, thoughtful, nostalgia, cursive, school, pink, lamp, weird behavior, comfortable.

VIRGO

there is no competition because you already won, organizing a bunch of stuff you procrastinated and/or didn't pay attention to. you're thinking effectively how to change what didn't work out for you, how to be better for the future. you're very focused, determined, experienced and confident. there's a lot of empathy here too.

key words: effective, psychic abilities, patterns of behavior, anxiety, determination and focus, fixing mistakes.

LIBRA

not being deceived by what's on the surface, seeing the whole picture, there's a whole new wave coming in for you in whatever area your libra sign falls in. you're very focused on your relationships and making the be out of them, allowing only spiritually satisfying ones to influence you. a very cool and skilled person with yang focus will be around, your guide, your guardian angel, someone you know from a past life.

key words: familiarity, comfortable, 2, guiding star, punk hair, full cups, precise view.

SCORPIO

wow you really have the power to make your reality better, like 500x better and easier. everything that you wish for is coming for you, because you know what fits with you and you quickly let go of the rest. this week is about purging, things are looking really bright for you in the long term, keep doing just that!

key words: dirty jokes, enjoying the little things, love of your life, 😆, consistency.

SAGITTARIUS

you're experienced on your stuff, you're being called to not cling on to what doesn't sit right with you, just move on to the next thing, no worries. you don't have to force anything, but it's good if you make things happen.

key words: gold mining, traditional, details, moisturizer, small is good.

CAPRICORN

teamwork makes the dream work, moving on from the heavy, inevitable destruction of last weeks with someone(s) who see eye to eye with you, this week is healing for you.

key words: after the war, bench, tiptoe, lifeguard, vacation.

AQUARIUS

something that's usually difficult for you is pretty easy right now, probably because you have something to fall back on now, a network of family and friends giving you the help you needed. there's definitely a hurry and anxiety, still, that will make things a little difficult since they're not effective ways of dealing, romance and intimacy will help you feel calm.

key words: bed rest, headache, food on a stick, closest friend, insecurity.

PISCES

looking very closely into everything that surrounds you, how does everything work and how can you make it better? that's the way of dealing, stay away from magnetism and close to your passions, your confidence will help it all work out easily.

key words: yin, heart, pink, pointy, night, water, deep.

[daydreaming-in-letters]

Earth & Fire

Chapter I - The end of everything

04/10/2023

Pairing: Hades (Hozier) x Anthea (OFC)

Word Count: 3,943

Warnings: attempted rape, angst, violence, nudity

Summary: As the All-father, Zeus is used to getting whatever his heart—or loins—desire. But when his attention falls upon Hephaestus’ daughter, for the first time he is met with unexpected resistance.

A/N: I had a blast writing this. Enjoy!

Earth & Fire - Masterpost

Picture by Mark Olsen via Unsplash (cropped)

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

If you like my story, you are very welcome to like, comment or reblog. Please don’t copy, repost or share my work on other platforms.

Despite his elevated position in the pine tree, a pair of sharp eyes drew in every single detail about her naked form. From her tantalising curves and the petite mole that decorated her behind to the tiny hairs that stood erect all over her body as she entered the gentle waves. They were lapping at her skin, swallowing inch after inch and for once he found himself envying his brother, who, if he had felt the same torturing ache in his loins as he himself did now, could have easily taken the sweet diversion this woman promised before she would even know what came over her. Her consent wouldn’t matter. He wanted her, needed to have her, to move inside her, possess her in every way possible, and who was she to deny the king of the gods his satisfaction? A nobody, nothing but a mere mortal, she should be thankful that he had singled her out and even considered sating his hunger on someone as lowly her. 

True, her beauty and voluptuousness were rare. They had mislead him at first. If he didn’t know better, he would have guessed she was a goddess, a fertility goddess perhaps, or at least the descendant of one. But then he had found out who she was and felt foolish for thinking so highly of her. She truly was a nobody, an orphan, left at the doorstop of her foster father, unwanted and abandoned even by her own flesh and blood. Her only luck had been that the man had such a soft heart. He had taken her in without hesitation and loved her like his own, the sappy fool. Maybe she reminded him of his own fate or he saw her as his only chance of a happy family, one he had never had as a child. Whatever it was, this circumstance made it almost impossible to fulfil his burning aspiration.

Almost. 

Because even though the All-father was not known for his patience, he had planned this day meticulously. Not long now, before Hephaestus would leave his home, before she would be on her own, unprotected and ready for the plucking. He shuddered as another wave of desire rippled through him, and there was nothing he could have done to prevent his mighty wings from flapping excitedly as a shriek of pure anticipation pierced the silence of the morning.

Immediately she turned, her eyes finding his white head amidst the sea of green at first glance. He knew he should have taken off, it would have seemed only natural, but instead he stayed put, hypnotised by her sudden motion and the quiver of her full bosom it had caused, the two hardened buds urging him to close his mouth around them and suck until she would beg for his mercy. 

More and more of her form ascended from the water, glowing like liquid gold in the morning sun until finally a triangle of short curls was revealed. Another pulse of desire electrified his whole body. He felt dizzy, his want for her almost too much to bare, even for a god, and it cost him every last bit of self-restraint not to discard his careful plan and take her right here and now.

He didn’t even notice the low growl of thunder in the distance or the rustling of the pine cones around him, it was only when she had secured the white fabric above her shoulders and her nakedness was finally covered from his view that he snapped out of his trance. She was still starring up at him as she hurried to get away from the beach. 

He kept on watching, following her with his eyes until the thick underbrush had swallowed her and as soon as she was gone, he couldn’t help the unease from growing when he recalled the notion in her eyes the moment she had spotted him in the trees. What if she knew? What if all his patience and plotting had been in vain? Ruined by one moment of carelessness. A carelessness she was entirely to blame for. The things she did to him. He would make sure she would compensate him generously for all the agony she had caused. 

Not long now. Not long.

With a sigh he tightened the last leather strap around his leg. He already hated it. It wasn’t so much that the leg brace felt uncomfortable. It did. But the memories it awakened were far worse than any discomfort it could have caused. 

Luckily there was no need to wear it at home. He managed well enough around the house and at the workshop, and neither he nor Anthea minded the slight limb in his step when he didn’t wear his orthesis. But he didn’t intend on granting Zeus the satisfaction of seeing him like this. He would consider it a weakness, an affirmation for his decision to throw him off Mount Olympus as a child even though it had been that very act of brutality which had made him a cripple in the first place.

Zeus. That jealous oaf. A child in the body of a mighty god. How anyone could have ever agreed to make him the ruler of the cosmos would forever remain a mystery to him. 

But it was as it was and if the All-father called for him, Hephaestus would have to follow that call, however much he disliked it. If he didn’t, he would only risk Zeus showing up at his home and that was the one thing he disliked even more than being among the other Olympians. There was more than one reason he never went to Olympus even though he wasn’t technically banned from that place, and why he also didn’t care for any kind of relationship with the other immortals. It said a lot how little they had cared about the violence he had suffered from Zeus’ hands. Nobody had spoken up for him apart from his own mother. And even her protest had fallen silent rather quickly and she had taken to secret visits instead.

For a long time he had resented them all and wallowed in self-pity, thinking that staying away and denying them his company was their rightful punishment, but ever since Anthea had come into his life, he had been thankful for the distance he had built between the Olympians and himself instead of lamenting it. As far as he was concerned, Anthea was never to meet any of them. Aside from his mother. And even her visits made him uneasy sometimes. Sure, he had made his peace with her, had even named his daughter after her as an act of grace, but she was still an Olympian goddess and as such, lying and scheming was an inherent part of her nature. She couldn’t be trusted, and neither could Zeus and Poseidon or basically any god when it came to a beautiful young woman like Anthea. 

Hephaestus had made sure she knew that as well, had taught her about the insatiable appetite of the immortals and the methods of deception they used to silence their hunger for a while before it rekindled and the circle would begin again. There were plenty of examples to pick from and he would make sure his daughter would not become one of them some day.

He sighed again as he pushed those dark thoughts aside and shouldered the leather bag that contained a few of his tools. He had no idea why Zeus was summoning him, but he assumed the god was in need of yet another weapon or some sort of tool to keep the other gods or a few unruly mortals under control. Whatever it was, he didn’t intend on staying long. A day or two at most. Actually, he was hoping Zeus would simply place an order that could be forged here on Lemnos and delivered upon a later date. That way, he could be back and forth within a few hours and wouldn’t have to leave Anthea on her own for too long. For his sake more than hers because it made him uneasy to know she was unprotected. Not that she was helpless, far from it. She could very well manage on her own, inside the house and outside. She knew how to handle a sword and a bow, how to properly use a shield and spear. He had forged all those weapons himself, weapons fit to kill a god, and personally trained her. And still he loathed being apart from her. Especially without saying goodbye. It had almost ripped him apart when she had asked that of him, but he knew how much she hated goodbyes. And so he had pretended that nothing out of the ordinary was to happen today as he had seen her off to her morning swim. He had tried so hard not to hug her a little tighter, a little longer, to inhale her familiar scent a little deeper while he held her, but he had failed miserably. He had known when she had tried to wriggle out of his embrace with a grunt, just like he had known that she would forgive him his lapse as soon as a soft smile had started to curl her lips.

Gods, please let him be there. Please let him still be there.

But she knew the second she hurled the door to her home open that her father was gone already. And so she hurried to close it behind herself and push the wooden bar into place. Anthea felt her heart racing in her chest and even though she knew it was stupid to get this upset about a bird, she only felt her sudden panic subside a bit when she had crossed the kitchen and reached the wall that held the sharp carving knife. She didn’t need to look down to know her knuckles were immediately whitening from her tight grip. A grip so strong it didn’t even loosen the slightest bit when she was caught off guard by the mighty thunder that made the pots and pans rattle and forced her heart to stand still for a moment. She didn’t dare move in the treacherous silence that followed, didn’t even breathe until the cry of an eagle reached her ears and made her gasp. White noise flooded her ears, making it impossible to tell whether the flutter of wings that came from behind her back was real or a mere product of her imagination. But she turned anyway, knife ready to strike, just to be frozen in place once more by the sight that awaited her.

He was breathtaking. More handsome than any man she had ever seen. Golden hair fell around his shoulders, matched by a thick, equally golden beard that framed a winning smile which never fully reached his electric blue eyes. The same blue fading into a darker shade before turning into a rich purple coloured his chiton, a piece of clothing so minimalistic that Anthea doubted it deserved to be called that as it revealed more of his sun-kissed skin than it concealed. His strong chest and rippling stomach were on full display aside from one diagonal stripe along his front, shoulder and back. Everything about his appearance called to her. His muscular arms and legs, thick and veiny, surpassing every ideal by far. Even the V-line on his abdomen, put so conveniently on display to lead her gaze right to the very center of his masculinity. It was ridiculous how attractive this man was, only that he wasn’t a man, she guessed. And even if she had never seen any other gods than her father and grandmother, she recognised the hubris only divine power entailed in the way he carried himself. But while it gave her a sense of security around her father, being in the same room as this creature awakened her primal fears.

“Anthea, I believe?” he asked, his voice deep, rolling in his chest like the thunder she had heard mere seconds ago. All she could muster was a nod, her mouth dry, her tongue too heavy to speak. “I was hoping to find Hephaestus.”

He moved while he spoke, slowly, careful not to scare her, but as he drew nearer her survival instincts finally flickered to life and she found her voice again.

“I’m afraid he has been summoned to Olympus. He won’t return any time soon. So there will be no use in waiting for him.”

She delivered her statement with a steady voice. Maybe if she showed strength and made it clear that he wasn’t welcome to wait for her father’s return, he would leave. It was only when she watched the wolfish grin spread on his lips that she realised her mistake.

“What a shame. All this way for nothing.”

His smile grew even wider, contradicting the regret his words held, as he drew in closer and closer. The weight in her hand was her last hope, and so she steadied her stance, fastened her grip, ready to drive the blade as deep as she could. Her attack wouldn’t kill him, not if he really was a god, but maybe it would buy her enough time to make it to her room and fetch her sword.

It wouldn’t. In the blink of an eye a blazing light shot from his hand, hitting the knife in her hand. A sharp pain spread through her whole arm as she felt her fingers open and heard the sound of metal hitting the ground. 

Once again her instincts took over, telling her to back off. Stupidly so, as with the first step back Anthea could see a flicker of excitement in his eyes. The reaction of a predator, thrilled by the stirring of his prey. Her move had marked the beginning of the hunt, even though she had nowhere to run. All it took was one more step before her back hit the wall. He had her cornered, fixed in place to do as he pleased. He had won and he knew it. 

“Well,” he cooed as his fingertips ran along her arm, eager to occupy his newly gained territory, “maybe I didn’t come all this way for nothing after all.”

One hand raised to shield his eyes from the blinding sunlight, Hephaestus glanced up at the heap of clouds that covered the mountain top and veiled the home of the gods from the rest of the world. He could easily avoid the arduous climb, travel through the ether as he had done to get here and be at the summit in seconds, but he liked the challenge and the view was phenomenal. 

He hadn’t gotten far, trees were still lining his way, when a thought suddenly crossed his mind. From the moment Hermes had sought him out in his workshop at the foot of the Mosychlos a few days ago to let him know that Zeus wanted to see him, Hephaestus had not been able to shake the feeling that something was not quite right. He just hadn’t been able to figure out what exactly it was that upset him. But now it seemed so clear to him that he wondered why it had taken him so long to realise. It wasn’t one particular thing that was odd, but the whole endeavour.

Why had Zeus sent Hermes himself to summon him? Why not just send word what it was he wanted, have Hephaestus manufacture and then deliver it? Why make him travel all the way to Mount Olympus when Zeus clearly didn’t want him there just as much as Hephaestus didn’t care for being there if it wasn’t to—

Hephaestus didn’t manage to finish that thought, cut short as the earth began to move underneath his feet. It was only a light tremble in the beginning, hardly enough for him to notice, but it grew stronger by the second, until the trees started to shake dangerously and the first forest creatures fled their hideouts in terror. The god struggled to keep on his feet as another violent tremor shook the ground underneath his feet. 

The shadow of an eagle brushed across his face and darkened the sun for a moment as the mighty bird rose from its nest with a high-pitched cry. But even with the bird long gone, the sun didn’t touch his skin again. As he looked up into the sky, Hephaestus found his fear confirmed. An eclipse. 

This was more than a mere earthquake, he was sure of that now. Something was terribly wrong here. He needed to get home immediately, Olympus be damned. The All-father could wait, his daughter couldn’t. With a quick motion of his fingers he opened the ether, willing the destination of his journey to the center of his mind before he stepped through the opening.

The stranger was so close now. She could see the golden flecks dance in the blue of his eyes as he leaned in to grab her chin. The heavy scent of petrichor on his skin made her dizzy and washed away her last shred of doubt who the intruder was. She could feel him, everything of him, pressing heavily into her body while his mouth came inexorably closer to her own. Giving in would have been easy. If it was true and she was indeed locked against the cold wall by the king of the gods, he would have her anyway, regardless of her opposition. Resistance seemed pointless, but her father had not raised a coward. And so she turned her head just in time before he could close the last distance and hissed, “Let go of me.”

She also tried to push him off, but however much she tried, he didn’t even move one inch. 

“I said, let go of me, kyon,” she pressed out between gritted teeth and revelled for a tiny moment as he blinked upon the unexpected insult. She was trembling, shaking in his tight hold, heat flooding her body as she readied herself to spit her venom at him again. But before she could, a familiar voice boomed through the strained silence and the shaking stopped.

“You heard her, Zeus. Let go of my daughter.”

So it was true. It was him. They had never met before, but her father had told her all the stories. She had always thought he was merely exaggerating, being the protective father he was. But she could see now that he hadn’t told her all the gruesome tales of violation to keep her away from Olympus but to prepare her for the inevitable encounter with its inhabitants. 

But even with Hephaestus present and Zeus’ plan destroyed, Anthea felt that the All-father was reluctant to let go. His slowness was not only testing her own patience, but her father’s nerves were wearing thin as well. He was already taking a step forward, ready to pull her from the impertinent god’s grip with force if necessary, when Anthea took matters into her own hands and pushed the violator aside. She hurried past him until she reached her father. His eyes quickly ran up and down her quivering form and Anthea was sure that she had never seen an equal terror in them before. Not even on the day she had wandered off from his workshop into the cave labyrinth that lead deep into the Mosychlos on her own. 

“Go wait in your room,” he whispered, every fibre in his body tensed and even though she feared what might pass next between the two gods, she did as she was told, squeezing his hand in passing as she left.

“What are you doing here, Zeus?”

The blond sneered, raising his arms in an excuse as false as his smile.

“Does a father need a reason to visit his son?”

“You are many things, Vrontios, but not my father. You made that unmistakably clear when you hurled me from Mount Olympus.”

“A mere misunderstanding. I didn’t think you would still hold that against me after all these years.”

Hephaestus disagreed. He had every reason to still hold it against the All-father. Being thrown down the highest mountain out of spite because his wife had decided if her husband could have a child on his own, so could she, wasn’t exactly what he would call a misunderstanding. 

“You never saw the necessity to visit me before. Why now?”

Zeus grinned. “I admit, you got me there.”

“Then what is it you want that couldn’t wait until my arrival at Mount Olympus—to where you summoned me?”

“Well,” a deep chuckle made his bare chest quiver, his eyes briefly flitting into the direction in which Anthea had left seconds ago. Had Hephaestus blinked in the wrong moment, he would have missed it. But it had been there and it made his blood boil with fury.

“I feared as much. But I will not let you defile my daughter like all the others just to throw her away once you sated your hunger on her.”

“Defile is such a harsh word. I can make her feel good if she gives herself to me freely. And why wouldn’t she? Am I not the mighty Zeus, King of the Gods?”

“I’m afraid you are. Though I still fail to understand who put you in that position.”

Zeus’ blue eyes narrowed dangerously. “Careful, Hephaestus. Tell me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you here and now and simply take what I desire.”

“Because we both know that killing her son and raping her granddaughter might very well be the last drop to let my mother’s hatred for you finally overflow.”

They both knew Hera’s patience with her husband was held together by nothing but a frail thread after all his affairs and constant lies, and if it would snap, that might very well lead to the end of the reign of Zeus. The All-father was fuming as the realisation slowly sank in. Just this once, he wouldn’t get what he wanted, a sensation that was entirely new to him.

“Know this, Hephaestus. I will have her. And even though you think you can protect her, you will find that you two have nowhere to go. There is not a stone big enough in this world for you to crawl under that I will leave unturned. She will be mine, Hephaestus. Mine.”

In a flash Zeus was gone, leaving only smoke and a foul aftertaste in his mouth. But right now he didn’t care about the threats that still lingered in the air as he hurried out of the room. He wasn’t in the least surprised to find her rushing towards him halfway. She must have been frightened to death by this encounter. As was he after finding his worst fears, everything he had been so careful to avoid, had come true.

She threw herself into his arms, her head secured against his heaving chest by a huge palm.

“I’m sorry, my flower,” he mumbled into the softness of her hair. “So, so sorry.”

“What for, father? Nothing happened. I am unharmed.” 

Zeus may not have touched her, and Hephaestus was grateful he had been there in time to prevent the worst. Still his heart broke for his daughter with every beat because he knew that this was only the beginning. Zeus’ greed knew no bounds and in the end, his greed for her flesh would cost Anthea everything. It would mark the end of her life as she knew it. And there was nothing Hephaestus could do about it.

Chapter 2

Tag List:

@ashesofblackroses

[elizaditton]

Too Small To Be Afraid (Chapter 4)

Links:

Cover / Master Post / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

- - - - - - - - - -

I drag my pencil along my paper, trying my best to sketch out Captain Tristen's form. It feels good to be drawing again after all the work it took to move into the new apartment. There's nothing I'd rather be doing right now than drawing Stranded fan art.

A knock on my door catches my attention. I look up from my work to see Dad entering my room with a box tucked under his arm.

"What's that?" I ask, gesturing to the box.

"Just something you'll need for tomorrow," Dad says. "What's that?"

I race to cover my drawing of Captain Tristen with my hands, my face turning red. "Something that's not done yet," I say.

Dad chuckles, setting the box on my bed. 'Kaylin Finch' is scrawled across the side in permanent marker.

"But really," I protest. "What is that?"

"You'll just have to open it and find out," Dad says, giving the box a good pat. "I'll be in the other room if you need me." He heads for the door and exits before I get the chance to ask him anything else.

I put my sketchbook and my pencil aside to examine the box on my bed. Why would a box have my full name written on it? Could this be left over from the move? What could possibly be tomorrow that I'd need whatever is in this box for? And why was Dad so quick to leave me alone with this thing?

Peeking at the top of the box, I realize it isn't taped shut, and there are no mail markings. Where did Dad get this? I flip the top open and peer inside. A pair of loafers and a pair of tennis shoes sit atop two gray pieces of fabric. A smile creeps across my face and I let out a sigh of relief. Finally, I've got my uniform for the new school. I'd completely forgotten about orientation day happening tomorrow since we were so busy unpacking. I'm surprised Dad didn't forget, too.

I lift the shoes from their place in the box and examine one of the pieces of fabric underneath. Lifting it up and unfolding it, I find it's a pair of shorts. Must be for gym class. I set them aside and reach for the other piece of fabric in the box. I'm about to unfold what I'm certain is a skirt when the item underneath catches my eye.

Green?

I set the skirt aside. Ascend Human Academy's colors are blue and yellow. What could I possibly need that's green? Confused, I reach for the green fabric and lift it up. Unfolding it, I find it's a blazer.

A blazer?!

How could Dad have gotten the wrong color? Where'd this stuff come from, anyway?!

A golden patch to the right catches my eye. It's embroidered with a shiny, metallic thread. In the center of the patch is a blue circle, containing a set of three red triangles pointed downwards while a yellow circle floats atop each one. The symbol sort of resembles a flower. Or maybe people?

Below this icon is a single line of text embroidered over a faux folded ribbon.

'Pacific Deskmate High School.'

The blazer falls out of my shaking hands. A deskmate school?! There must be some kind of mistake!

I grab the blazer, jump off my bed, and race down the hall. I find Dad in the living room, sitting on the couch working with his laptop. He pushes up his glasses and looks up at me, smiling.

"So, did you open the box?" he asks.

"Dad," I say, holding up the blazer and pointing to the golden patch. "Why do I have a blazer for a deskmate school? I'm supposed to be going to Ascend, right?"

Dad frowns and turns away. He rests a hand on his chin and heaves a sigh.

"You see, Kaylin... there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

My insides do a somersault. This can't be happening!

Dad sets his laptop on the table and pats the spot on the couch next to him.

"Come on," he says. "Let's have a talk."

I stay in place for a moment before reluctantly moving towards the couch and plopping myself down in the spot next to Dad.

"I want you to know I've thought long and hard about this," Dad says, "and I ended up coming to the conclusion that stepping outside of your comfort zone and socializing with pertheans at school will be better for you than staying in an all-human school. The only reason I didn't want to pull you from your school before was because I knew that's where all your friends were going."

I cross my arms. All the friends I had at school either moved away from Maedri or transferred to other schools before stage four. I'm not gonna lie, making friends at a school like West Maedri Human Academy was pretty hard. At best, I made a few acquaintances, but most of the people there were snobs. Either way, up until this move, saying I have friends at school has been my one excuse to not be transferred to a public school where they start teaching humans and pertheans in the same classrooms in stage two. But a deskmate school? This is a thousand times worse!

Dad continues, "I regret not letting you have the opportunity to socialize with pertheans as often as you could have if you had just kept going to public school like you did in stage two. I believe I've actually done you a disservice, and for that, I'm sorry."

"A disservice?"

"Yes," Dad says, scooting a little closer. "Look at what not being around pertheans has done to you. You won't look at them, talk to them, or even stand anywhere near them."

"That's because—!"

"I know it's because you're afraid," Dad interrupts, "but your coping strategies are not helping, nor are they working for you. Don't you wish you could just get along with pertheans?"

I look to the floor. I suppose life would be easier if I could 'get along with pertheans,' but it would also be easier if everyone was the same size so we wouldn't have to worry about these things. Then everyone could live above ground together safely.

"I guess," I sigh. "But how is forcing myself to live in fear every day supposed to help me to get over it?"

"I know you're not going to 'get over it' that easily," Dad says. "But I do believe that with exposure and with time, things can get better. Don't you remember anything Mrs. Cherie taught you?"

"Mrs. Cherie?" I ask. Now that's a name I haven't heard in years.

"Mrs. Cherie! Your therapist after—"

"I remember Mrs. Cherie," I interrupt. "But I was too little to remember anything useful from those sessions. All I remember is playing board games."

"Well, then maybe you're due for another round of therapy." Dad puts an arm around my shoulder. "Kaylin, I wouldn't send you to this school if I didn't think it would be good for you. I'm sorry I lied to you about going to Ascend and transferring for work, but I really believe this is what's best for you and that it's going to help you."

I turn to Dad, eyes wide. "What do you mean you lied about transferring for work?"

Dad laughs nervously. "About that..."

"I thought your boss wanted you to transfer here because Chancelor is your hometown," I search his eyes for answers as the pieces start to come together in my mind.

Dad gazes out an artificial window we finally managed to get working this morning. He takes a deep breath, looks to the floor, and then looks back at me.

"I've wanted for you to go to a deskmate school for a long time now, but there weren't any nearby. So, as soon as the company started operating around Chancelor, I put in a request for a transfer."

"So that I could go to a deskmate school?" I ask, my brows twitching.

"Yeah," Dad says. "Although it's not just any deskmate school. This is the one I went to when I was your age," he smiles. "And my deskmate ended up becoming one of the co-principals."

Oh, great! Just what I need, an old friend of my dad's who might know about my fear as one of my new co-principals. What if word gets around that I have a fear? What will I do then?

"Kaylin," Dad says, "just trust me. You'll see this will be good for you. You're in good hands at Pacific."

"I don't want to be in anyone's hands," I protest.

"You know what I mean," Dad says, patting my shoulder.

My fists clench tightly. I stand up, clutching my new blazer, and walk back to my room, leaving Dad alone on the couch.