#At some point I think I'll leave the desert maybe

[soonysy]

Day 98 — You were the SUN and I was just the MOON

Shall I leave the desert?

[blluespirit]

i wish that there was more time between the day of black sun and sozin's comet bc zuko's official desertion from the fire nation would have the most insane ripple effects (and it would be nice to see the gaang interacting a bit more than we got but hey i'll take what i can get)

zuko's desertion would have been essentially impossible for the fire nation to bury since it was such a big deal that he returned at all. so i imagine the smear campaign against zuko would have been craaazy. i think it would have been interesting for the gaang to try and deal with that when navigating the FN. zuko would be very recognisable i think at this point, and it would have made staying hidden much harder. would they still have chosen ember island? maybe the kids didn't recognise zuko and azula during The Beach , but with the prince of the fire nation committing treason would there be more wanted posters? would there be more talk around the island? would zuko have to remain hidden while the rest go out and get food?

i wonder if zuko deserting and very meaningly committing his loyalty to the avatar influenced other soldiers in the FN to also desert? or would it have had the opposite effect and made people feel more patriotic since zuko was banished, returned under the guise of having killed the avatar, and then left when aang announced his survival to world during the failed invasion?

SPEAKING OF THAT!! the rumours around this would be INSANE. we know what really happened, but the public don't. did zuko and the avatar plan this so that there would be an inside man during the invasion and then zuko used that chaos to escape? what really happened in ba sing se if zuko didn't kill aang, but azula thought that he did? (again: we, the audience know the truth, but the general public don't). if zuko and the avatar where working together... for how long? was iroh involved somehow since he also disappeared the same time that zuko did? did iroh get captured on purpose to be close to zuko to possibly help him if needed? did zuko break iroh out of jail or did one of the guards or was iroh alone? you could spiral on this as just an average person in the avatar world for years like. if youtube existed in atla imagine the video essays breaking down all the conspiracies

its a kids show so obviously Nothing Bad Happened BUT in the Boiling Rock, zuko getting found out as not only an imposter (already, a very bad situation), a traitor (extremely bad), AND the traitorous (ex) prince of the fire nation (devastatingly terrible) would have been... incredibly dangerous for zuko. in zuko and iroh's original wanted poster, the official translation says “Permission is granted to kill them on sight” and this was before zuko has gone right ahead and committed Treason On Purpose. the warden is not going to be nice. when the warden visits zuko in his cell he literally tells him "If these criminals found out who you are, the traitor prince who let his nation down, why they'd tear you to shreds." the boiling rock would be hell trying to survive. it also puts a lot more weight on zuko refusing to leave sokka in their first escape attempt. also ozai obviously knew that he has his son was in prison bc he... broke in to the prison bc azula was there but then zuko manages to escape with sokka (another imposter) and suki and hakoda (POWs) and chit sang (a prisoner) and two of azula's trusted friends end up in prison for treason as well i just. that is literally insane for the average person to hear about. again, THE CONSPIRACIES!!

when zuko eventually does take the throne there's a lot of conjecture around what zuko did while he was banished and moreso, what he did the second time he left, this time voluntarily. i think zuko's loyalty would be questioned a lot; by other world leaders who are understandably wary about the fire nation and its motivations, but also by its own people - some who believe that zuko is a traitor to his country and is trying to sabotage it since he helped end the war.

idk these are all just me rambling but it would been so interesting to explore the implications of zuko leaving the fire nation and how that would have impacted the gaang and how they interacted with others in their travels. there are so many fic where zuko joins the gaang early, but neither myself with the aus that I have written, nor many that ive read have explored this very much or at all.

[dragonridernoobie]

Hello! I don't know if you're still staring intensely at your inbox bored... but! I can give you something to do for a little while if you'd like . It's my first asking, so I'll try to be simple.

How about a one-shot of Ganondorf x reader, where they both used to know each other well romantically before ganondorf became the god of power. (When he was still the king of gerudo), the reader could've been a simple traveler who traveled through the desert (they could be injured due to battles against monsters on the way there) and found themselves in the gerudo town or something where they met him in the market in disguise cause he try sometime to find peace away from all the responsibilities once in a while and they bond over thing they both like.

Some time passes, and their feelings to each other grow more and more until the reader has to leave because of an emergency at their hometown (idk a family member is sick and they need special treatment that is very hard to get) so they leave while promising to ganondorf to come back once the situation is over. But they never do.

Heartbroken and angry ganondorf becomes the god of power, and after some times the reader goes back only to find out by the new ruler of gerudo that he became the man that brought hyrule to ruins.

Idk maybe something with a little bit of hope at the end? The reader could meet link and help him get to the palace. Like they see the man they fall in love with still inside the corrupted being in front of them. And tries to bring him back?

It's a long ask, and it's totally fine if you don't want to write it or have the time to do it (I know it's a lot energy to write) But if it gave you ideas for a new story or inspired you little than that's all that matter 😉. Anyways! Have a wonderful day or night.

A ask is never too long, I'm sorry if this took so long. I was trying to think of a way to make this a good way of writing it. Since I write in so many ways. So, I decided to make it seem like a story. I hope you like it or love it, I'm fine with either. Thank you for being Paitent!!!! (Also, i changed the story a bit since I've never seen or played BOTW2, and I rather not spoile it for my self.)

The story of the human and the Gerudo King

Long ago, when life was still new and people were still new to the land. Lived 6 different races that rule these lands.

The first hylians came to the land from the goddess Hylia. They created the Hylians as the first race of Hyrule.

And from that race, came all 5 other races.

Rito, hyilans who became one with the sky. Zoras, hyains who became one with the water. Gorons, hyians who became one with the ground. Gerudos, hyians who have split off and became one of their own.

They are a unique species since they only live in the desert. Where they first became is unknown hut they are known for being made of woman and woman only.

But every 100 years, a male is born from a Gerudo, and it becomes the new king of the Gerudo.

The six species are unknown. No one rarely sees them, no one knows about them, but we only know one thing.

They are wise. They have ways to cure the most evil sickness. They know how to survive in places that shouldn't be possible, and they are hard to kill.

Sadly, at one point in time, a king who was ruler of Hyrule found where these humans were and declared war on them. He slaughtered all of them. Their species were lost in time, and no one them about them.

And this is where our legend begins

Before calamity himself became, to be, there used to be a simple king of his lands of the Gerudo. His name was Ganondorf.

His people lived in the desert. They struggled but were happy. Ganondorf traded with people across the land. People always wanted to trade with the Gerudos.

So this is where ganondorf met his love.

He was on his way to a city when the bridge he rode on collapsed. He fell great distance and fell in the river below.

Ganondorf disappeared for weeks and his kingdom feared the worst. Intel Ganondorf arrived and even more unexpectedly that he had a few people with him.

Word spread around in the city that the king was alive and the city was happy.

The humans showed the Gerudos their ways, showed them how to get food in unique ways, showed them how to fight aginst sickness and even showed them how to plant foods in the desert.

While the humans showed them their ways, a human named (Y/N) and ganondorf grown feelings for each other. They were happy, and for years, the humans lived with the Gerudos. Even the human males.

Sadly, (Y/N) had to leave. They had to cross the land to reach another human settlement that are in need of help. They told ganondorf they will return and set corse.

Weeks past and ganondorf waited, and waited, and waited, he waited for days, weeks, and months. After so long, ganondorf became angry and hurt. Angry since (Y/N) has left and that the hyilans have caused trouble.

Hurt because he believes (Y/N) abandoned him. So he decided to declare war on the hyilans and kick out the humans.

This is where calamity came to be. When (Y/N) found out what has happened, they were stuck with grief and hurt.

When link awakened and they met (Y/N), they both agreed to defeat calamity. When link was able to defeat calamity (The first BOTW) (Y/N), talked to him before he was slayed by the light bow.

"I promise to keep fighting for you love. Please do the same...."

Once he was slayed, they fled away. Zelda and Link never saw them again. Though, they wernt gone forever. They where just praying and helping their remaining village survive.

Though (Y/N) hopes to have her love once more.

[fuckyeahisawthat]

dune part two timeline (a guess)

One of the things I had to do for Maybe I'll Show You the Way was figure out roughly how much time was passing between different events in the film. Fortunately, we have a convenient calendar, which is Jessica's pregnancy. We can only get so precise, because we often don't know how much time passes between one scene and the next, but we can set some outer bounds for a timeline. (We are also forgoing the complications of measuring time in a multiplanetary society and assuming something approximating Earth-length days and years here. Which is not very interesting from a worldbuilding point of view but vastly simplifies things.)

In Part One, when Paul tells Jessica he knows that she's pregnant, she says, "It's only been a few weeks." How many is "a few," given that Bene Gesserit have preternatural awareness of and control over their own fertility? Four weeks? Six weeks? Up to you, but seemingly not long enough for Jessica to expect anyone else, including Leto, to be aware of it.

The Harkonnen attack on Arrakeen seems to take place that very night, and the remainder of Part One takes place over only a couple of days. So let's say Jessica is six weeks pregnant at most when they arrive at Sietch Tabr and she undergoes the Water of Life ceremony.

We then have some indeterminate period of time when Paul is learning the ways of the desert and getting to know Chani, before he starts actively fighting with the fedaykin. Chapter 1 of MISYTW starts in this time period and continues through the morning after the harvester attack.

The next time we see Jessica after the day of the Water of Life ceremony is when she is talking to Alia in the sietch hallway. She says Paul is "training" with the Fremen and will be back at the sietch soon. She is this much pregnant:

Just barely showing, so maybe three months? Maybe a little more?

The next scene after this one is the harvester attack, but we don't know how much time passes in between them. We also don't know for sure that the harvester attack is Paul's first battle with the fedaykin, but that seems likely based on the reactions afterward--he seems to have proven himself, gets "sworn in" as a fedaykin and gets his Fremen names.

So there's some wiggle room, but it seems like a solid guess that the period from Paul and Jessica arriving at Sietch Tabr to the harvester attack is somewhere in the neighborhood of two months.

After the harvester attack and the next morning, when Paul and Chani have their first kiss, we have this approximately one-minute montage of Paul fighting with the fedaykin and Paul and Chani falling more in love.

Those 58 seconds actually cover several months--long enough for Paul's eyes to turn blue.

I perpetually forget that this montage is a mere one minute long because it manages to pack in a lot of subtle detail in just a handful of shots. Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 of MISYTW all take place in the span of this 58-second montage. The three-sietch joint operation that Chani describes at the beginning of Chapter 4 is this one:

Let's just say I have watched this 58 seconds of the movie a lot.

After that montage, we have a very short scene between Rabban and the Baron, and then the next sequence after that is the worm ride. Once again, we don't really know how much time passes between, say, the shot above and the worm ride. But we know that we next see Jessica on the day of the worm ride, and she's now this much pregnant:

Six or seven months, maybe? In any case, significantly further along than when we last saw her. I think it's safe to assume at least three months pass between the harvester attack and the worm ride.

Jessica leaves for the south shortly after this, and by the end of the movie she has not yet given birth, although I am assuming she is more or less full term by that point. So there are at least a couple (two...ish?) months when she is in the south before Paul arrives. This is the time span in which the spice depot attack, Paul's reunion with Gurney, and the attack on Sietch Tabr all occur. (Chapter 6 of MISYTW takes place some time after Jessica leaves for the south, and the entirety of Chapter 7 takes place on the day of the attack on Sietch Tabr.)

This means that the entire arc of Paul and Chani's relationship, from them meeting each other to the end of Part Two, takes place over the course of about...seven months at the absolute max. And in plenty of normal circumstances I would find that an implausibly fast burn, even for two young people who are clearly experiencing their first Big Love. But they are not in normal circumstances--they're in some of the most intense circumstances of both their lives. They're risking their lives in combat together, they're engaged in a high-stakes, all-consuming political project together, and they are living together 24/7 on the Known Universe's most dangerous Outward Bound trip. Those are all things that will bond people together hard and fast. So their comrades-to-lovers speedrun actually makes TOTAL sense to me, and imo feels a lot more plausible than their relationship in the book.

But fucking hell, man, it really heightens the tragedy to shorten the timeline this way. Because Paul has this window of time in his life when he's not the future of House Atreides or the Voice from the Outer World or the Kwisatz Haderach; he's one among equals fighting for a better world and he has friends who are his peers for the first time in his life and he has the love of his life by his side as an equal partner in the struggle. And that window of time is measured in months.

[justsigma-bsd]

A Blank Page, Torn From A Book Without Name

Well, I ended up trying to put the word salad in my head into actual, coherent words after all.

First of all, everything here is just my take on things. The theories and thoughts I've had on certain things. I don't think any of it is official, but if anything of it is, in fact, confirmed to be true or false, feel free to tell me!

Some of the panels were taken from a YouTube video, which I'll link at the bottom!

TW for: Human trafficking, dehumanization

Ok, so first things first, some of this stuff I've already written down a while back for writing reasons. I found some of my old notes, and noticed that, after rereading the panels, they make more sense than I previously thought.

Let's start here: what stands out the most to me isn't that he's in the desert, not even the ticket. No, it's the simple »[...] or even who I was«

Because who, indeed, is Sigma? Sigma does not have an identity. He has no history, no nothing. Just the clothes on his back, a ticket that seems to be useless and earrings, for some reason.

Without a name, you don't have an identity and without identity you don't have a name.

Then there is this, too:

»I gave myself a name. Sigma. A man of the casino«

I don't believe he had a name upon being created. I don't think he had one for a long time, because in the same panel that he mentions giving himself a name, he also mentions the casino- which came much, much later. Sigma existed for three years by the time the series started. However, the timeline is wonky as heck.

Because how long did he stay with the traffickers? How long was he on his own after escaping? How long ago did Fyodor find him? Questions upon questions, but since I've already mentioned the lack of a name and the traffickers, let's get to my thoughts on that, specifically:

»They captured and enslaved me« along with »And once they knew that I had a skill [...]« makes me wonder: how long did it take for them to find out?

I haven't researched anything about human trafficking, but it's basically slavery, from what I've gathered through the previous things I've heard and read. And he does say so himself, too.

Sigma, three days alive, spent his early life a slave. It's confirmed that he was shackled, seeing that he is wearing them in the panels.

(As a side note, I do believe that he has scars from the shackles around his wrist. He wears a tight, wrist-long turtleneck beneath his coat, and I think it's to hide the scars. Both from others and himself.)

His first human interaction was plain horrible. Did he know and understand that? Did he understand that this wasn't normal? I don't think he knew how wrong this was at first. I don't believe that he understood it immediately. If he didn't know who he was, why would he know that being treated like this is wrong?

I believe that he realized it at some point, but not as soon as it started. I think he lived like that for a while, thinking it was normal, before getting some sort of wake-up call. Perhaps through his ability, or a fellow prisoner. Maybe both, or neither.

He must've gotten whiplash, once people genuinely looked up to him when he was the manager at Sky Casino.

I also think that he, probably, does tend to forget that being treated like that is, in fact, not normal or okay. Our upbringing leaves some sort of mark on all of us, experiences define us, give us habits and a feeling of what's normal and what isn't.

Which means that his "normal" is skewed and he expects being used rather than kindness, probably even after learning that some people are genuinely kind. I'm guessing that his mindset is, due to that, a simple "If I'm alive I'm alright".

I don't think he'd complain about being treated wrong and or left behind, or admit when he's injured. Or at the very least attempt to keep it a secret as long as possible- especially from those he sees as authority figures.

However, I also think that he was isolated, as per this panel:

Not only the text, but also the background paint a picture that causes me to believe that.

I almost skimmed past this panel while making my analysis, before pausing and taking a closer look. I thought this was in Sky Casino at first, until I looked closer and realized three things:

1, the background does not match Sky Casino in the slightest

2, he isn't wearing shoes or his current outfit, but the old clothes he had when wandering the desert

3, the shadows aren't from the light of a window, they're bars from a cell

While I did believe before that the traffickers kept him isolated from others (due to wanting to keep him unaware of the wrongness of his situation as well as to make sure he doesn't learn things he should/other prisoners finding out things that Sigma got to know by accident), this sort of put the final nail in the coffin for me.

But, at some point, he did realize that it was wrong. Perhaps he'd had a bad feeling from the start. Maybe he hated being treated like this. Who knows? Point is, he escaped. This brings us back to this page:

»No matter how kind someone seemed, they used me and then tried to kill me for knowing too much«

Sigma, after escaping the traffickers, after escaping the life of a slave, probably still didn't know much about living.

And I firmly believe that Sigma is smarter than even he himself thinks. There's just one issue: Sigma is naive (at least in my eyes), and it's not even his own fault. He simply tried his best to survive, and what was the reason the traffickers kept him around? His ability, most likely.

Problem is that his ability truly is something people would love to exploit, and it seems as if they did. Which makes me believe that he has a talent for running into murderers thinking they're nice people, only to get a not-so-nice surprise.

»The last one to use me [...]«, this specific line is the reason why I believe Sigma to have been used a lot. We don't know how often, exactly, his ability was taken advantage of. But we know the latest person who did.

Fyodor was the last one to use him, which means that, at that point, he was probably used to it. Used to being treated like a pawn, and used to people trying to kill for knowing too much. And I believe that he was, quite plainly, exhausted.

Imagine, your entire life consists of being forced to aid others with crimes, with being shackled. You don't know the difference between working for someone and being used by someone.

If you were offered what you wanted most, wouldn't you accept, too? Even if you know that you're once again being used? I mean... this time around, you gain something for it. Doesn't that make it worth the risk?

It's a gamble Sigma took... and lost.

This page involves two quotes that give me pause:

»Don't you wish for a home?«

We don't know why or how he knows what a home and a family is, but he does. And he wants it. He says it was never within his reach. But it is perfectly clear to us, while reading the Sky Casino Arc, that he wants it. He wants a home and a family.

He'd rather sacrifice his own life than see Sky Casino fall. »Home« and »Family« are, to him, more important than staying alive. Because it's something he never had, and something he clings to. Simply because he doesn't have anything else.

»I, who was originally 'nothing'[...]«

Is the second line that makes me pause. Because like previously mentioned, Sigma was a slave with no name or identity of his own. We don't know when he found out about being created by the book (and I firmly believe that he found out one way or another), but I believe he didn't see himself as a human before, and this "confirmed" it for him.

Think about it, would traffickers care about their victims? Would they treat them as human beings? Call them by their name? What about a person who has no name to begin with?

He wasn't treated like a human being in the beginning, and thus considered himself nothing. Considered his home and "family" to be worth more than hid own life.

He was literally created from nothing. His story doesn't have a beginning. He has no memories prior to being created, he had no name nor identity. How his story will end is unknown. We don't know what's written on his page.

I believe this, combined with being with the traffickers, makes him doubt his humanity. Not only because he was created through the book, but also because for the first (months? Year?) of his life, he wasn't treated like a human.

His sense of self-worth is probably down in the dumps.

»In the end I never did understand what I was born for...«

I don't think he knows the details of his existence. The content of his page, the words that brought him into existence. He doesn't know why he was born/created. He doesn't know what things were predetermined.

He doesn't know what's real and what's just writing on a page.

Sigma, in three years of being alive, went through hell. He was enslaved, his ability was taken advantage of over and over, he was used by multiple people who all ended up trying to kill him and when he thought that he finally found a home? A family? It was taken away from him.

Genuinely, he needs a plate of cookies, a hug and a ton of therapy.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my little analysis and theories? I never did something like this before, so criticism is welcome!

Here's also the link to the video from which I got the screenshots: https://youtu.be/KwsSvFYAKjA?si=R_IvH-S8GYut_hrG

[x-bee-x]

What's this? A fic from me in the DSMP category because there was canon lore? In 2024?

I was watching or getting ready to watch someone else, I had my follower list open at least, and saw Jack was live and there was something about logging onto the server later in his title and wait what. I knew as soon as I updated some friends about said happenings, I muted the Discord channel I sent it in in case people wanted to talk more about it and maybe sent spoilers later, and I was on here very little because I knew even though I'm not 100% in the fandom anymore and certainly not a fan of all the members, I would like to see it for myself. So I watched the vod the next morning and oh my god.

I did not expect to get literal chills the moment he logged on and the first thing we saw was the bench. And I almost cried when we saw Las Nevadas. And I did cry a bit when we saw Tech's house. Regardless of how much I care about the streamers who were part of that as of late, I did at one point, very much so. This was something I did not expect, it was so nostalgic and emotional and actually warmed my heart a bit seeing so many fans come together during and after it happened. This was a really unexpected and lovely way to tie things up, I thought they kind of were already in all areas for me at least, but I think that this was a good way to finally properly say goodbye.

Epilogue

No warnings

1,438 words

Tommy was. Somewhere.

He wakes up he thinks, he opened his eyes at least, running a hand through his blonde curls.

And.

He didn't think he was alone this time. Or well, he wasn't always, Tubbo was there sometimes, but this was a different sort of person feeling.

"H-hello?"

He typed into his communicator for the heck of it.

"Hey."

Jack?

"Wh-where have you fucking been?"

"Casino.

Been here for years mate.

Made loads."

He was.

He was in Las Nevadas?

This whole time. This whole time?

Tommy stood at the top of the hill at the entrance of the faux desert and sure enough.

Someone with one blue and one red eye, a head of buzzed hair with a headset on top, a blue short sleeved hoodie, and camouflage pants stood at the bottom.

"Let me bless you, my boy, it's been too long."

He threw a couple of diamonds at the feet of younger, who probably looked just as puzzled as he felt.

"Jack. Seriously.

What happened?"

"What do you mean? I've just been here. Playing roulette."

This whole time? This whole time.

"Wanna know where I've been?

Come with me."

"Hold on, can't leave on a loss, gotta get that big win."

Jack came out eventually, and they walked out of Las Nevadas and along the Prime Path together, he has somewhere to show him.

"It's good to see you."

"You too, man."

"I've been here."

"Here? Under the bridge?"

"Out in the distance. That way.

I've got a house. It's nice."

"I haven't seen anyone for a loooooong time.

Well, maybe Tubbo, every now and again."

Tommy and Jack walked, or well, Tommy walked, and all the sudden Jack's voice became quieter and quieter somewhere behind rather than beside him.

"Me either, casino's been empty.

Honestly, I just steal money from the safe's to gamble with. I could take it all if I wanted, but the thrill keeps me in there.

Gambler's addiction, they call it. One day I'll win big. 99% of people quit before then.

But not me. I'll make it. It's been years, but, it's coming."

He turned his head to the boy with heterochromia behind him, blonde waves bouncing lightly.

"You're not very good at catching up, are you?"

"Just telling my story, man."

Jack said while he jogged to be once again beside him.

"Never thought I'd be around these parts again. I moved far from here to get away from it.

It brings back too much. Joy, fun, sadness, pain. Too much of all of it.

But it's nice to see a familiar face."

The path they took to get to their destination was familiar, and this time he knew it was safe as well as convenient, no one with a mask he had to worry about being on the other side, or worse yet, chase him.

A bridge of cobblestone among the dark red brick and close to unbearable heat, from one swirling purple transparent gateway surrounded by obsidian to another, and they were spot out onto a soft cold white blanket.

"I don't live around here."

"Oh. I thought that's where we were going?"

"No, god no. Do you know how long it took for me to get back here?

I come here a lot though"

A house, a cabin to be exact, sat the same as them in the nearby distance.

It was cream colored with chestnut colored accents, a matching wooden roof and front door, and a chimney that stood tall and sat bare, no plumes of smoke emitted which once came from it.

"Cool. It's quaint. I like it.

Maybe I'll bye it when I win big!"

Tommy looked to the older boy with two colored eyes beside him, opened his mouth but decided against saying anything, then opened it again to say something after all.

"This is Technoblade's house."

"Oh. Maybe I won't do that then."

"How long do you usually sit here like this?"

"As long as I need to.

Sometimes minutes. Sometimes hours."

There were areas of fences close by on the surrounding property, the occasional bray or bah or grunt echoed through the air, and sat in the otherwise quiet.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. Hit me."

Tommy fidgeted with the fingers on one hand in his lap as he found the right words and considered them being actually spoken.

"Do you ever.

Like, despite all the war, and the fighting, and all the- well, all the mess- how much it sent me a fucking mess.

Do you ever miss it? Those days? The people? Or, well, the way they were. The way it all was."

Jack looked at him, something like softness in his features.

"Sure. It was all a bit much at times, and I'm not sure I'd wanna do it all again.

But I miss it sometimes. It was fun, really."

"Yeah, I don't think I'd do it all again either. But. I don't know, I've tried to move on. My little cottage far away, my humble paradise. But that trails a lot into my mind."

"I think it trails onto all of our minds sometimes, wherever we all are.

But we all have to move on, find our own destiny sometime."

"Okay. Phew. I'm glad it's not just me."

"Chasing the win keeps me happy.

I like who I am now, probably more than I was. But that doesn't mean he was bad."

"You like being a gambler? Over an incompetent fight loser?"

Jack laughed, soft and genuine, and Tommy fidgeted a bit harder.

"I guess they're not great options are they."

"Sorry, that was a bit harsh, I don't see many people."

"One of them means I might win someday, I was never gonna win back then."

His face held that expression again, soft, almost sad maybe.

"I've still got my one life. One canon life.

And I intend to use it the best way I can."

"What do you mean? How do you wanna use it?."

"You know. I've not got a clue.

But I'll figure that out later.

For now, I've got my cottage, and my new pet! Oh she's adorable. Mareep, she's a little sheep I caught.

But you know, things are okay for me.

Tubbo and his fucking bees I see also every now and then. He's doing pretty well for himself. Selling fucking honey."

"Oh, that's good. I thought he exploded when I blew up everything.

I can't actually die I don't think, so I never know whether these things are bad for everyone else or not."

"I guess being the president of L'Manberg teaches you a few logistical things, aye?

Not that either of us would know anything about that."

"Well."

"Well."

"I haven't seen anyone else besides Tubbo."

"Yeah, you two are hard to separate."

"Tell me about it."

"I think I like it that way for now though.

The quiet life."

"Quiet is nice. This is nice."

"It's good to see an old face though. I know I said it before, but it really is."

Tommy pushed himself up and off the snow beneath them, a couple joints popped, Jack did the same, they stayed standing with the cabin behind them.

"Well, I can't stay for long, I've gotta do things like feed Mareep."

"Yeah, I got some places to see, now that I'm out.

Haven't left there in a while, probably should go check on some things."

"Is there anything else you wanna ask me? I have no questions for you."

Jack looked like he might have something to say, but was going through the roster of words in his mind, carefully considering them.

"Are you happy?

I guess that's really all I'd care to know."

Tommy opened his mouth to respond, closed it, gave a whisper of a smile, ran one of his hands along his pant leg in a partial fidget and a partial way to rid himself of the cold, then opened it again.

"Getting there."

They both nodded gently.

"I'm glad."

"It's good to see you, Jack."

"It's good to see you too, Tommy."

"I hope you get that big win someday.

Oh, and hey. Don't let anyone bye this house."

"I won't."

"I might not see you again. But I hope to lhear about it if you win big."

That's okay. You will. I can deal with just knowing that you're happy."

Tommy held out a hand.

"So long J Money."

Jack shook it.

"Bye Big T."

They both looked to the cabin once more, gave a two finger salute, and went their separate ways along the snowy path.

[141trash]

AN: so I know its not exactly simon x reader its all platonic, but I wasn't sure how else to tag this. Actually if you squint it could be Ghost x Soap I'll let you decide :) Sometimes my brain says things should exist so I write them. Loosely borrows the Master of Death concept from the HP series because yes. She's my OC if you want to know more just let me know I mostly just wanted to practice writing Simon idk and wanted him to be comforted :(

"Let's say I believed you," the exhausted lieutenant's voice broke the quiet hiss of sand shifting in the warm breeze. He laid staring up at the cloudless blue sky, knife held limply in one hand. His balaclava was torn off and cast aside, leaving his face exposed to the unrelenting sun.

"Mhm?" Came the sweet voice, acknowledging his words and probing gently for him to continue.

"If I believe you're the master of death or whatever," he croaked out, throat parched, "Why me? Why save me? There're billions of people who deserve to be saved over me."

Her head cocked to the side, observing him for a moment.

"Why do you believe you're not worth saving?" she asked instead of answering. Simon let out a harsh laugh interrupted by a bout of coughing and a resigned grunt of pain.

"y'just need to look at me to know that love. My mask. I'm a killer. Got my family killed. My mum, my brother." he swallowed, voice cracking as he continued, "His beautiful wife, and their little boy."

He gulped feeling the hot sting of tears and used some of his waning strength to swipe them angrily away. When she didn't say anything he turned his head in her direction. It was hard to believe that he wasn't hallucinating. Sitting next to him in the middle of the desert was a six year old in a pink tutu and a burnt tiara of some sort, perched in her golden curls. Small hands drew shapes and patterns in the scorching sand as if the temperature didn't affect her. Big innocent green eyes bore into him in a way that very much felt like she was staring into his soul.

"The skull mask was an interesting choice," She agreed dryly, "I won't disagree that you're a killer either, given your chosen profession. But you didn't get your family killed. The actions of others are not yours to take the blame for."

"Y'r surprisingly wise for a kid."

The master of death rolled her eyes and smiled, revealing a set of pearly white teeth, "Today I'm a kid."

"Sure. like tomorrow you're not goin' to be."

She gave a shrug of her shoulders, "Maybe, maybe not. It's not exactly my choice."

"Y'didn't answer my question." he coughed again, "If you're the master of death. Why me?"

"I don't make those decisions. I think death would be rather cross with me if that was the case. Everything dies at some point. It's part of the cycle. But death says I'm still ruled by my human emotions. If I had the choice, I don't think I would let people die. And then there really would be no point to life."

He laughed again and then groaned, the side where he'd been shot throbbed horribly.

"You sure you ain't just here to kill me?" Simon wheezed out, hands tightening into fists, "Because it sure feels like it."

Tenderly she reached out and smoothed one of his hands, grasping at it with her much smaller one.

"Of course not Simon." she clucked her tongue as if to scold him, "Pain means you're alive. Keep living. Find your reason to keep living. It's important. You're important."

His vision was darkening with each passing second and her voice was growing murky, like he was hearing it underwater. Gasping in panic he forced his eyes open.

"It hurts," it came out as a whimper. She smiled sadly at him, bright green eyes wet with sympathy.

"I know sweetheart, but it won't be forever."

Then she was gone. The small, but reassuring grip she'd had on his hand disappeared and the panic fully settled in. He tried to call out to her. He didn't want to be alone again. Anything, but having to face the world alone again. He wanted to beg and plead for her to return, but his mouth refused to listen.

Rough hands grabbed hold of him, jerking him back to consciousness. When he managed to get his eyes open again he saw a familiar tanned, if a little blurry, face staring back at him with worry in his eyes. Johnny. Johnny was there.

He saw the sergeant's mouth moving, but he couldn't hear. All of his senses were on fire, everything was too loud, to rough, too painful. No part of him didn't hurt.

He was alive and Johnny was here. Weakly he lifted a hand to grasp the shoulder of the Scottish man's vest.

"You're here." was all he managed to gasp weakly attempting to smile before his mind gave out and he fell into darkness. This time he gave in willingly. He wasn't alone anymore.

[pinkorchidsinspring]

EVELYN is that you?! For the Straights, and gays who have never had the soul crushing pleasure of reading (and those who have ;) “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, Allow me to elaborate ⬇️

To be clear: Evelyn Hugo Marry’s seven separate men in order to cultivate her Hollywood image, at the expense of her true love interest and sexuality. Aka lavender marriages, aka bearding. She was bi however we barely have one actual male love interest for her..

let’s meander some of the lovely connections our blonde woman-who-is-attending-an-award-show-with-a-woman-on-her-arm-to-✨dispell✨-the-gay-rumors has with the ever amazing Evelyn Hugo 😍

Green is quotes from the book, anything else is Taylor’s lyrics 💗

"It shouldn't be wrong, to love you. How can it be wrong?"

They say I did something bad / Then why's it feel so good?

I love you ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?

Is Evelyn Hugo going to tell me just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat but never enough to truly reveal anything?

What a Mastermind wouldn’t you say?

I did it because I want to climb the ladder as high as I possibly can. I did it because I want my name, the name my father gave me, in big, bold letters one day. This is my chance.

He wanted a bride, I was making my own name

People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth.

I want to wear his initial / On a chain 'round my neck, chain 'round my neck / Not because he owns me / But 'cause he really knows me / Which is more than they can say

Celia was starting to get goose bumps, so I suggested we go back into the living room, where it was warmer. The desert winds had swooped in and turned this June night into a chilly one. When I started to get cold, too, I asked her if she knew how to make a fire.

He built a fire just to keep me warm

Wine went all over her white shirt.

The burgundy on my T-shirt when you splashed your wine into me

I was in emerald green again.

“Evelyn, who was your great love? You can tell me." "Celia St. James.”

I just had to put this in here- no need whatsoever but 😍

Don was off somewhere else, leaving me before I could leave him. Instead, right on my doorstep, was Celia St. James.

Stand there like a ghost / Shaking come the rain, rain / She'll open up the door / And say, are you insane, -ane?

🤭And that's how it works / That's how you get the girl🤷‍♀️

She literally told you-I anyway

You wonder what it must be like to be a man, to be so confident that the final say is yours.

A little side note: The way in which she naturally uses those two fingers is very audacious to me.. but that’s a topic for another time…

I’d risen from ashes more than once by that point. But I didn't want to have to do it again.

And I know I make the same mistakes every time

I'm getting tired even for a phoenix / Always risin' from the ashes / Mendin' all her gashes / You might just have dealt the final blow

"Everyone's a pawn.”

Checkmate, I couldn't lose

One day I'll watch as you're leaving / 'Cause you got tired of my scheming

The black beaded dress I wore that night. Two slits on either side of the skirt went up to my mid-thigh. I loved that dress. (For the nomination for a film called Cornelia Sunset, might I add…)

And what I wanted was to move to the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Where were the original Polaroids for 1989 shot? Oh in manhattan…

Where does Taylor live? In New York… maybe not manhattan… but you get the point..

Welcome to New York, Taylor wrote this song specifically about moving there, and the very diverse people there…

In the pursuit of a great cause, I think people can be of service in a number of different ways. I always felt that my way was to make a lot of money and then channel it to the groups that needed it. It's a bit self-serving, that logic. I know that. But because of who I was, because of the sacrifices I made to hide parts of myself, I was able to give more money than most people ever see in their entire lifetime. I am proud of that.

"Evelyn, you are not capable of giving it up. And you never will be. And it will be the tragedy of my life that I cannot love you enough to make you mine. That you cannot be loved enough to be anyone's.”

"Do something, babe, say something" (say something) / "Lose something, babe, risk something" (you're losin' me) / "Choose something, babe, I got nothing (got nothing) / To believe / Unless you're choosin' me"

Which is about the cruelest thing you can do to someone you love, give them just enough good to make them stick through a hell of a lot of bad.

You know there's many different ways that you can kill the one you love / The slowest way is never loving them enough

And let me just say bring a woman who promised to be Taylor’s “invisible bride any day”, to an award show after that homophobic piece of 🔥🗑️ NYT article calling her only straight…

Not to mention her name starts with a K..

Look how happy tree is, because this Evelyn Hugo won’t be hidden forever 💚🤍

[rosesradio]

I've been having so many thoughts about Lukethan recently omg.... I don't even know who else to send this ask to because I've never seen anyone else really post about the ship, so I'll send it to you. xD Sorry if it's kinda spam mail.

Anyway, nonsensical headcanon time!

So, Ethan was in the Hermes Cabin for a while, right? Annabeth says at some point that she recognizes him as one of the unclaimed kids there.

I was thinking- because both Luke and Ethan clearly wanted to leave camp- they were probably scheming for a while against the gods before either of them had a concrete plan. I can imagine them sneaking upstairs while most of the other kids in the cabin are asleep and just venting to each other, talking about their issues with camp and with the higher ups and saying that they wished they could do something about it.

Perhaps they even start to become a team of sorts, helping the kids in the Hermes cabin together. Luke as the cabin leader and Ethan as a sort of intermediary whenever there are arguments or disagreements... because he knows what is fair and what is balanced. The kids love them- it feels good to have some sort of structure (even if it is annoying if one is trying to steal one's brother's socks. *ahem* Stoll brothers. *ahem*).

Maybe over time the two get closer and closer from just being two people who don't like the gods, and they start imagining something bigger. Something with substance. Something that would actually accomplish their wishes so they could be free at last. (Because as long as you're a half-blood you're only a plaything of the gods.)

But as the idea forms, Luke starts to get more and more radical. He starts talking about Kronos and getting contact with the titans, and then eventually about the plan for Kronos to take his body. This whole time, though, Ethan has been gradually falling for him. While Luke was imagining destroying the gods once and for all, Ethan was imagining the life after that. The life of peace where they could be together. But if Luke is taken by Kronos, they can't have that.

Still, what is he to do?

Ethan probably helped Luke sneak in the pit scorpion and the other monsters- probably helped along the way to try to confuse Percy and the others on the quest. The whole while, something inside him is saying that this is wrong (something about it is off-balance, but he isn't sure what). Still, Luke's dove head first in so Ethan has no choice to follow him.

When Luke's betrayal is revealed and he has to flee, Ethan finds out too late to follow. He knows where Luke is going next, though, at least in general. He knows about Kronos and about the plan for Luke to sacrifice his body.

He has to follow, too, because he has to protect Luke even if he knows the end goal isn't pretty. And then, in the middle of the night, he slips away. He's the first demigod other than Luke to desert in the Titan War, but no one pays any mind to it. He's just an unclaimed kid, a monster probably got him or something. It doesn't matter.

The Hermes Cabin remembers Luke and Ethan's closeness, though, and they can almost sense the war on the horizon.

Anyway yeah, something like that. Idk. Sorry for the long ask ToT

ughhh i love this so much, you're so eloquent in describing this concept & i'm just sitting here like 🧍 but i love this so much

i see an alternative in that ethan definitely crushed on luke during their camp days, though luke didn't really register ethan as a person (not to get into Age Gap Disk Horse, though i believe ethan's five years younger than luke? richard wouldn't know lol). just for my comfort level, i think luke would only start to see ethan as like a love interest potential once they're older in the TA, which goes along with what you're saying. he's so jaded, he only wants to bring down the gods, nothing more.

but ethan is always balanced. there's the Before, with the gods & their injustice & all the unclaimed kids. then there's the Middle, the war, justice being served. and then there's the After. & thought of the After is the only thing keeping ethan going sometimes, though he can't help but feel drained from luke's lack of interest. when asked, luke would say something along the lines of "let's worry about getting through the war first". he has no time to even envision the world of equality he's striving so hard to create.

i had this idea of ethan being just like every other unclaimed kid in the hermes cabin. he's like 14, no one glances towards him, no one cares that he's there. he's taking up space. and goddamnit, he just wants attention.

he's not sure if that's balanced. he's not sure if he deserves attention.

ethan would sneak out of the overcrowded cabin one night, making his way to the lake. he heard the new kid, percy, only had a talent for rowing a canoe on the lake. that probably meant he was going to take up space in the hermes cabin as Unclaimed Numero Uno Million, though ethan was too jaded to care at this point. he just wanted some space and open air to think.

when the cleaning harpies would inevitably find him, ethan wouldn't care. he would ponder the balance of them killing him for sneaking out. he would ponder the balance of his death in relation to the new kid staying.

then luke would approach, telling the harpies to stand down. luke is the only camper they actually take a moment to listen to. he tells them he's going to take a moment with ethan before getting him back to the cabin (ethan didn't think luke knew his name). he tells them that if they try to attack, luke will send them back to tartarus in moments.

the harpies, surprisingly, listen, though not without their fair share of squaking. they tell them luke has a few minutes, no more.

luke comes to sit down next to ethan. he slides off his sandals and dips his feet in the lake, just the same as ethan.

and he asks ethan what's going on, voice gentle as if he knows ethan. but he doesn't. he knows nothing besides ethan's name. he's just another body in head count before dinner. another duck to keep in line.

shattering the balance of composure, of dignity, ethan breaks down. he becomes putty in luke's hands, a child in need of comfort, forcing luke into that role if he wants it or not.

but luke takes it well. he wrapps his arms around ethan, running his fingers through ethan's hair as he sobs into luke's chest.

ethan's shaking. he wants to explode. he doesn't want to exist anymore. his whole life throws things off the balance for the things he wants.

he tells luke this, all of this and so much more. the things he's saying are treason, though he doesn't care. he rambles on as if decending into madness, grasping luke's arms to an almost painful extent, as if that would get him to understand.

but he does. thank the gods—thank something more honest—he does. he tells ethan that he knows, and he feels the same. but he has to stay in line for everyone. he loves them too much to do anything about it. he loves them so much, he has to let them suffer instead of risk them being killed.

he tells them that they have to keep their views a secret. it was the only way to keep them both safe.

ethan's sense of balance is skewed as the tears dry on his cheeks. everything is in tangled knots, and nothing makes sense. but still, in the name of order, he nods. he thanks luke for comforting him. he wants him to stay and care for him more. the moment is too fleeting before luke comes to a stand. he offers ethan his hand, and the two head back to the hermes cabin.

ethan tries to approach luke again, though nothing comes of it. he's always busy, which may or may not be true. he seems to make time for each and every other individual in his cabin and others.

he's avoiding him.

ethan's pissed about it, of course. the one time he's shown someone gives a shit about him, and they avoid him. perhaps he was too much, flying too close to the sun, to the epiphany.

still, he can't help but think of luke's low, comforting voice. the way his touch felt. he smelled nice, too, and when he looked at him...his gaze was gentle. caring.

ethan wants to punch him for giving him the cold shoulder. he wants to be allowed to expand upon his ideas, because gods-literally-forbid he think his own thoughts.

he wants to kiss luke. he wants to form the future alongside him.

as soon as ethan can even notice this pattern within luke, he's gone.

he left a note in ethan's sleeping bag. ethan didn't know luke even registered where he slept.

come with me if you really want to make a change. tell no one, unless you trust they will be useful to the cause.

he left a few drachmas with the note for iris-messaging. that's probably the eqivalent of a boy giving you his phone number, right?

of course, ethan goes after him, with a little time to enjoy the freedom of the mortal world first (as he doesn't officially join up until botl). he wouldn't want luke to think he was too desperate for his affections, of course.

[deeptrashwitch]

Promise of a vengeance

This one-shot happens during Severed Ties and Ghost Killer. And this is an inflexion point for J.J as a person and as part of the Ghosts.

Taglist (just to show :3): @alypink @stuffireadandenjoy @snootlestheangel @islandtarochips @spookyrares

@cynicvice @midnight193 @mutantthedark @justasmolbard @welldonekhushi

@tapioca-milktea1978 @imagoddamnonionmason @stargazing-sapphire2 @milkteaarttime @blacktacmopsi

@maymaylyn @thatonesillyducko @seraphiixiao @me-is-confused @gunnrblze

"How are you feeling, kid?" Keegan asked her when he noticed her looking at the landscape.

"Sad, tired...angry." J.J murmured with a sigh.

"I can guess, but hey, Merrick is guiding the Walker brothers. They'll be fine, and by the end of this, Rorke will die finally."

J.J laughed tiredly. "I hope you're right, Keegan. What will you do when Rorke and the Federation fall?"

"Who knows? Maybe find a place to settle down, a reconstructed city."

"You? Sounds nice."

"And you, kiddo?"

"Go back home, or stay, I'm not sure yet."

Before Keegan could answer, their radios cracked to life and put them both alert. They shared a look and got near the path they had at their right, staring at the desert while they awaited for orders. Soon, Merrick's voice became present.

"J.J, go to the nearest explosion site. Hesh and Logan are alive, I need you to find them and give them first aids while extraction team arrives to their positions." Merrick ordered with a discrete sigh.

J.J nodded towards Keegan, then went to steal a vehicle while she opened the coordinates on her watch. "Copy that, on my way to them."

It was some minutes before J.J saw the explosion site and as soon as she hopped down, she noticed Hesh's unconscious form. As she ran towards him, she also noticed the drag marks as well as the trail of blood. She attended Hesh's wound first, worried by his panicked expression even in that state.

"What the hell happened to you? David? David! Wake up!" She muttered, worried. "C'mon! Please wake up!"

She tried to wake him up while she attended his wounds. Without a doubt, she turned his location so Merrick could send the medical team, or at least someone to rescue Hesh.

As soon as she finished, something called her attention. Logan's gun was on the sand, charged, and near it there was a well known knife. A shiver went down her spine at that.

"Merrick, here J.J, you copy?" She said through radio, making sure David was okay one last time.

"Send traffick, J.J, I hear you."

J.J started to run and turned on her location for them to find. "Hesh was wrong, Rorke isn't dead."

"Excuse you? Repeat that."

"Rorke is alive and he has Logan." She informed as she ran up to the mountain. "I'm following a trail of blood that seem to be his or Logan's, my location is on."

"Don't you even try-"

"We need Logan back, one way or another." She said before cutting the comms and turning off her radio.

J.J kept running for a while until she noticed a figure that was dragging another one. Her blood run cold when she noticed how Logan was already unconscious, then a rage took over when she saw Rorke. Without really thinking, she shoot and the bullet passed near Rorke's head and made him look back.

"Leave him, Rorke!" She shouted with a frown.

"Look at that, the little bird finally opens her wings." He mocked her, raising a gun. "What a shame that you aren't a hunter yet."

Then he shot, and it was so precise that it passed through and through in J.J's leg. She fell to the floor with a scream, and even then, she grabbed her rifle and tried to shoot again. To her surprise, even after the shot he seemed to have, Rorke was quick to leave Logan and get near her.

He kicked her wrist to make her loose the rifle, then grabbed her face to force her to look at him. To his amusement, her eyes were now frozen as she stared at him.

"Now you're just like Mario." He said with a smile, taking her knife form its stash. "What a shame you don't have his experience."

"Mark my words, Rorke. I'll kill you, even if it's the last thing I'll ever do." J.J promised, staring at him with a frown.

"You aren't even a Ghost yet, what can you do to me?" He asked, putting the knife point a bit higher than her eyebrow. "And what makes you think you'll even reach me when I finish with your friend over there?"

J.J's eyes darted to Logan's unconscious form, then back at Rorke, shining of fury. "Don't touch him, you-"

"Keep this as a reminder, I won't kill you and you won't even get near me. That boy will find you first, just like I did with your father."

And right before J.J could even glare at the man, Rorke slashed down her eye. She let out a bloodfreezing scream as her other eye filled with terror and rage, all while the blood ran down her face. Then Rorke leaned to turn on the radio, and immediatly Merrick's voice started to ask for her status.

"Come find her soon, Merrick, before she bleeds out." Rorke said, while he smiled coldly at J.J

"What did you do, Rorke?!" Merrick shouted furious.

Then, with a movement, J.J took out a hidden knife and tried to stab Rorke's face without success. With an angered scowl, he let go of her face, kicked her wrist again and then took his gun, pointing at her.

"Let's make this quicker for me."

"NO-!" Merrick shouted, just before a shot echoed through comms.

J.J screamed in pain as the bullet passed through her shoulder, then Rorke smiled a last time and walked away. All she could see was Rorke grabbing Logan's leg and start dragging him again, all while she tried to crawl to stop them. While her head spinned due to the blood loss, she managed to hear Merrick telling her that Keegan was on his way and that Hesh was evacuated.

She extended a hand towards the distant figure of Rorke and Logan, then the weakness and cold took over her. With a thud, her head fell on the ground and as she panted in pain.

Then, she fell unconscious.

[missin-you-already]

Resident Evil Fic Masterlist

I've been meaning to get around to this. Gonna start posting new fics on here for the hell of it, but also gonna put drafts + the Ao3 links since that's the main place I post at.

[Rain x Alice] – Pre-Extinction (2k) – With the Desert Heat – Since the start of the end, things have not been going Alice's way. It's not that she thinks anybody else who survived has it much better. Or that there isn't a part of her that thinks she deserves it.

[J.D. & Rain + Rain x Alice] – Post-Resident Evil (2k) – Turning, Turning – Is getting a peaceful night of shuteye seriously too much to ask for?

[Bad Rain x Bad Alice] – Pre-Retribution (<1k) – I've Leave With You (Someday Soon) – Rain often finds herself thinking about the world outside the walls of Umbrella Prime.

[J.D. & Rain] – Resident Evil (>1k) – Right Between the Eyes; Over the Shoulder – All she can hear is his agonizing screams, the pleading repetition of her name as his hand slipped out of hers.

[Rain x Alice] – Retribution (3k) – Where've You Been? – It seems a lot of time has passed since that nightmarish night in the Hive, which feels like only yesterday to Rain. What the hell is going on?

[Alice & Kaplan & Rain & Matt] – Afterlife (3k) – Unexpected Reunion – After one hundred and twenty-seven days with no signs of life, Alice finally came across something of interest.

[Rain x Alice] – Post-Resident Evil (<1k) – Glad You're Here – Sleep is never something that Alice looks forward to.

[Bad Rain x Alice] – Post-The Final Chapter (>5k) – You and Her (Me?) – Rain doesn't understand Alice. She doesn't understand any of this shit.

[Rain x Alice + J.D. & Rain] – Pre-Resident Evil (>2k) – Remember Us – Rain already knew Alice's name before the whole shitshow began. Alice knew hers. Both of them were quite familiar with each other, actually. Well. More than familiar. They were close. They had something. Not that anyone would know.

[Rain x Alice] – The Final Chapter (<1k) – Before I Go – It's been nearly a decade, and Alice still finds herself thinking of Rain. Maybe in another life, fate was kinder to them. Maybe things didn't start and end here for both of them.

[Good Rain x Suburban Alice + Good Rain x Alice + Good Rain & Becky & Suburban Alice + Alice & Becky] – Retribution (>5k) – For You, Anything – Rain feared that her wife and daughter had died in the midst of all this chaos. Thankfully, that's not the case. They're perfectly fine ...In fact, it seems Alice has even had the time to change her hair and clothes, find three burly guys with weapons, and grab some guns...

[Rain x Alice] – Resident Evil (1k) – Still a Chance – There is still a chance. The Red Queen wouldn't say it. She "didn't deal in chance", after all. But that didn't mean there wasn't one. Kaplan fried her, they seem to have lost the monster that killed Alice's asshole ex-boyfriend, and now they just need to get to the train and get the antivirus in time. Whether or not the antivirus would work at this point is up to debate, but overall, chances aren't looking too bad. That's what Alice keeps saying. Rain wishes she could believe her.

[Rain x Alice] – Extinction (>1k) – At the End of the World, I'll Stick By Your Side – Alice has been on her own for years now. She felt it was a necessity. That doesn't mean she isn't a little sick of it, though. More than a little.

[Rain x Alice + Good Rain x Alice + Bad Rain x Alice] – Retribution (2k) – It's Like You Never Left Me – Alice is no stranger to danger. At this point, she comes close to dying on an almost daily basis. Some brushes are closer than others; occasionally, it's less of a "close brush" because she does die. She's used to it, though. That's not the hard part anymore. "Just when I think there's no more shit left to hit the fan... you always find your way back here." It's coming back. "It's not so bad. I get to see you again."

[Bad Rain x Alice + Good Rain x Alice] – Post-Retribution (<500) – Content in the Downpour – It feels like a dream. Pure bliss up in the clouds. Being in Rain's arms. Having Rain in her arms. She can almost ignore how they hate each other.

In Progress...

[Rain x Alice] – Retribution (4k+) – Day In and Day Out – It was long ago that Rain lost hope. Spending day in and day out being forced to work for the same scumbags that started the whole mess with the virus, having to constantly look at the faces of people you've lost in the form of clones, having zero control over your body but a clear view of what you're doing... It's hell.

[Gen + Rain x Alice + Past J.D. & Rain + Past Spence x Alice] – Resident Evil, Apocalypse, post-Apocalypse (48k+) – Burning Up – Something wasn't right. If Rain had finally turned, if she was dead, then why was she still aware? Why could she see herself trying to dig her teeth into Matt's neck, desperate to tear open the flesh?

Pending drafts...

This is partially for me to get poked about finishing shit, and partially for me to actually keep track of my fic ideas because my past attempts haven't worked :^)

[Claire x Alice] – Afterlife – When those crows pop out of the plane and scare Alice before Feral!Claire jumps her, instead of that happening, Alice finds Claire mutated into an avian monstrosity that tries to attack her.

[Jill x Rain] – Retribution – Bad Rain is just OG Rain controlled by a Scarab like Jill. They both break free of the Red Queen's control and escape Umbrella Prime together (in a gay way).

[Gen] – Apocalypse – Matt and Rain and Kaplan mutate into mysterious monsters that stalk Alice in RC.

[Claire x Alice x Rain] – Extinction – Rain already joined the convoy and started dating Claire before Alice shows up. She's still into Alice, though, and Claire quickly catches on, which eventually leads to her also catching feelings for Alice.

[Rain x Alice] – Resident Evil – Time travel bullshit. So like, at the end of Apocalypse where Alice straight up dies? She wakes back up during the first film when that tank explodes, knocking her and Matt to the floor. She remembers the destruction of RC, remembers everybody dying or turning and has a chance to try and change how things end.

[Rain x Alice] – Extinction – Rain's DNA ends up being what creates the Super Undead. When Alice goes down to find Isaacs, she finds Rain imprisoned in a glass cage in a semi-zombified state.

[Bad Rain x Alice] – Retribution (kinda) – Alice gets captured by Umbrella. Rain is in charge of transporting her and they end up bonding during the long journey, resulting in Rain refusing to hand Alice over like she's meant to.

[Party Dress Rain x Alice] – Retribution – "Party Dress Rain" is the third Rain clone that didn't end up in the final cut. When she runs up on Alice and Ada, she's not a zombie, she's still alive... but infected.

[Good Rain x Alice + Good Rain & Becky] – Post-Retribution – Alice's attempt to save Becky and Rain takes a little too long. They end up separated from the strike team and miss the choppers, leaving them to get out of Kamchatka on their own.

[Rain(?) & Alice & Becky] – Retribution – Y'know that room full of racks of clones? When the Uber Licker shows up again, one of the Rain clones unknowingly gets knocked down. Without any of the memory imprints or programming Umbrella would typically give a clone, the Rain just kinda starts following them around and Alice... doesn't know what to do.

[Alice & Rain & Kaplan & Matt] – Resident Evil – EXTRA bad ending where the case with the virus/antivirus falls through the doors with the burning licker, and none of them make it to the doors before they seal.

[Rain x Alice] – AU – They're all motorcycle street racers and Alice is the mysterious, talented new chick who starts getting Rain all worked up and extra competitive. That's it.

[Kaplan & Rain] – Resident Evil – Kaplan encounters zombified Rain.

[butterflydm]

wheel of time s2 trailer

First: Aaah!

Okay, spoilers below -- casting spoilers and what we know about S2 and spoilers through The Dragon Reborn in the books.

First impression is that everything looks amazing and I am so excited! But before I watch anyone else's reactions, I want to break my thoughts down for myself on what all the moments that we saw might mean:

okay, first: I love this song (Control) and this edit of it is very haunting and good. Nice choice, really works.

We open with Moiraine in Foregate (looking for Rand, I assume). In her severe and fancy Cairhiein duds. "Everyone has a choice."

So it looks like Moiraine and Rand are going to make a stop at Tar Valon/the White Tower? Because there's this shot here of a blue dress in the White Tower. We see later in the trailer that Rand is in his fancy clothes when he's here, so it would be later in the season -- would it be after the girls have already left/been tricked to leave or are we going to get a Rand-Egwene-Nynaeve reunion (Randlayne meeting? Cauthor reunion?).

Moiraine being Sad in the bath -- heartbreaking but we already saw part of this in the teaser, so I'll move on. "And every choice has a consequence."

Rand in a desert-y area in his Fancy Clothes, so this is maybe their approach to Falme?

"We didn't defeat the Dark One; we set him free." Heartbreaking! I mean, I already knew that, but poor Moiraine. We have her hiding from a Fade. I think this might have been in the trailer too.

Ishy looks good. And he disappears real fast. In TAR or was he using something spoilery there that only he at this point has access to?

We have Egwene in an underground chamber doing some weaves. Is she being watched by Liandrin or is that a deceptive cut to Liandrin there?

Brief look at the Darkfriend social. "No one should have that much power."

Nynaeve looking at Alanna, I think. This was in the teaser photos that were released yesterday. Working in the kitchens. Since Alanna maybe doesn't know anything about Rand at this point (maybe...) then she might be being nosy about Nynaeve specifically.

Ishy doing some channeling (air?). And we get a more full introduction to probably-Lanfear coming out of her blood pool vibes.

Seanchan attacking a poor village via the damane. Might be when Perrin & co encounter them?

13. A door being opened up. A vault/secured door of some kind? Ah, it looks like it's the entrance to the Testing chamber and this is probably when Nynaeve is doing her Accepted testing.

14. Perrin riding down a mountain -- this was in the teaser trailer. But he looks good!

15. "Together we face the impossible. But now we're in our separate corners of the world." Rand protectively cuddles Lanfear, likely going by the name Selene. Looks like he's still in more rough traveling clothes at this point and not in his fancy clothes yet. VERY INTRIGUED by Selene wearing blue and not white. Deliberately linking her to Moiraine?

16. Rand walks down a hallway.

17. Lightning lights up a city and Lan rides on a horse in the dark. "Protecting Rand, guiding him, that is the only thing that matters!" Moiraine says to Lan, and we cut to Siuan in her fancy clothes saying, "You can't control him." Talking to Moiraine?

18. Rand wakes up maybe? Already using the Power (fire?). Is this the same scene where he pushes Moiraine up against a wall? Guessing it's after he's separated from 'Selene'.

19. Perrin looking a wolf. "You know you have something inside you." Sounds like they might do some paralleling with Perrin-wolfbrother and Rand-channeler.

20. Rand (air helping him?) pushes Moiraine up against a wall, looking kinda angry.

21. Egwene captured. You can see what a fight she put up. Her cheek is very bloody and her eyes are bloodshot too.

22. Nynaeve is in her shift, covered in blood. Part of the Accepted test?

23. Mat is staring at the dagger. Dagger is on a fancy table, Mat is still in his Two Rivers clothes. He feels the temptation. Is this part of what happens in his plotline with Liandrin? "Something that calls for blood." Yeah, they're connecting all the Emond's Field mains with this idea in the trailer.

24. "I want to know how to control it," Rand says, and we see the Power swirling around him (I don't see the taint -- is Lanfear channeling here?) as Lanfear stands behind him. He's just in a simple shirt, so I think it's earlier in the season.

25. Rand is talking to Logain here, which another sign that Rand is going to be in the White Tower, since that's where Logain is being kept prisoner. Both of them are wearing blue.

26. "The Last Battle's coming," Moiraine says, as we look at the Seanchan dominating a village and forcing them down. We can see Suroth up on a huge platform (mobile throne) and then we get a close-up to see that she's hanging with Ishy and her Voice. The Seanchan design that the show came up with is AMAZING. I've said it before and I'm sure that I'll say it again.

27. Turak opens the box holding the Horn of Valere (though we don't see the Horn yet) and says, "The whole world will be ours". Interestingly, he's not wearing the face mask but he definitely has the nails.

28. The Seanchan attack Egwene & Elayne via damane. I can't tell here if Egwene has been captured and that's what her look of defiance is about or if she's still fighting back at this point. It looks like a burst of power comes from here, so this could be her fighting back.

29. There's an explosion but it looks like this is a Nynaeve scene -- she's back to wearing Two Rivers clothes so I'm guessing this is part of her Testing. Yeah, the style of the building looks like it matches the Two Rivers.

30. Whitecloaks riding horses fades to Liandrin (in the White Tower) looks at... is that the place they melt old & reforge new Aes Sedai rings?

31. Perrin plays with a little girl. Maybe a cute moment before the Seanchan arrive?

32. Siuaraine kiss! Both of them wearing blue. Reunion in the White Tower (when she brings Rand?) or a flashback? Siuan looks very casual here.

33. Egwene hugs Nynaeve. It looks like Egwene is already dressed in her novice whites while Nynaeve is still wearing Two Rivers clothes.

34. More of Nynaeve's Accepted Testing.

35. "If our friends are in trouble why would I ever stay here." Egwene is talking to Elayne, who looks a bit dusty and thoughtful.

36. Moiraine strides out of a doorway. We get the "no conception of the power they wield", which was in the teaser. Brief shot of Lan on his horse, then we hear him say, "You can't do this by yourself."

27. Aviendha veiling up and fighting some Whitecloaks! Perrin is there. Guessing this is when he/we first meet her.

28. "There are many paths to walk through the night," Moiraine says. I think that's a shot of Liandrin (maybe going to meet Fain?).

29. "It's not always the most powerful who write history," we hear over a shot of shirtless Rand.

30. Nynaeve comes back through the Testing Doorway, covered in blood.

31. Perrin killing a Whitecloak with white hair.

32. Egwene screaming in the damane collar.

33. Rand bound to the wheel in the desert (almost certainly TAR).

34. "It's the ones who survive". And we see here that this is Liandrin speaking.

35. Rand in a plaza in Falme! Fancy clothes partially hidden under a cloak, sword on his back. Looks like this is his confrontation with Turak. We hear him say, "I'm tried of being a spoke in the wheel."

36. We get a pull-out shot of him in the desert on the wheel and it looks like he has an audience, someone in front of him. Maybe Ishy? It pulls away much too fast for me to see.

37. Rand runs someone through with a sword of fire, it looks like? Mat stabs someone (still in his Two Rivers clothes). Is that a regular spear that he's using? There's an explosion -- in Falme? Or in Cairhien?

38. "You're not a spoke, boy," Siuan says to Rand (!). Are they in Tar Valon or did Siuan come to Cairhien? I am not certain from the trailer. There are certain things that indicate they go to Tar Valon but nothing definitive, I think? So it could be that Siuan comes to Cairhien. Because that earlier Siuaraine scene could be when she's dropping off Egwene & Nynaeve or it could be a flashback. "You are the water that turns the Wheel itself."

Wow that was a lot! Okay, I'm going to see what other people think now.

[alhaithams-big-naturals]

Cyno was used to blood.

He dealt with runaway criminals who wanted to fight rather than come willingly after all.

He's had he fair share of bandages wrapped around most of his body parts at this point.

But, still, he stood motionless in the doorway watching Alhaitham.

Cyno couldn't get the image of him slumped over his desk, bleeding all over it, out of his head.

He clenched his fist and turned to leave, but paused. Just the thought, the idea of Alhaitham being hurt turned his stomach.

He didn't understand why.

Finally he departed, after all it was just a dream.

~

He had another nightmare after coming back from a mission.

It was a stressful one, but there were no casualties. So he made up his mind to go talk to.... anyone except Alhaitham himself.

~

Tighnari greeted him with slight surprise. He supposed he did look a bit unkempt, but he had a hard time sleeping.

After explaining why he was there, Tighnari got to making tea.

Once they were both sat, Cyno started, "This is the second dream I've had of one of our close friends dying"

He nodded, "Is it Kaveh? I also get worried because of how reckless he can be.... and he is on a work trip right now..."

"No. It's Alhaitham." Cyno sighed, "The last one he just was dead, I walked into his office and he was dead."

Tighnari nodded for him to continue.

"This one... I felt like I wasn't even there despite standing in the same room. Alhaitham opened his front door and a knife was stabbed into his chest."

His ears folded as he grimaced.

But Cyno continued, "He died slowly, bleeding out. There was so much blood, Tighnari."

Tighnari sighed, "Have you talked to him at all?"

Cyno shook his head.

"Listen. I think you should talk this out with him... and maybe just in case bring some bandages. I'll prepare some medicine and those for you if it'll ease your mind..?"

He nodded, "Thank you, Tighnari."

~

Alhaitham should have been home already. It didn't make sense for his house to be this dark.

The front door creaked open with just a push and stalked forward into the house.

Alhaitham laid on one of the sofas and Cyno sighed in relief, he was just asleep. Too focused on his relief, he didn't see the shadow raising something up from behind him.

~

Kaveh apologized profusely as Alhaitham turned on the kitchen light. He held a bag of ice to where he hit Cyno over the head with Mehrek.

"I'm so sorry, Cyno. I thought you were an intruder."

Cyno sighed, "I thought you were on a work trip?"

"I just got back to see the house dark and a figure looming in our living room!" Kaveh defended.

"I was napping." Alhaitham finally spoke up then sighed, "Is everything alright, Cyno?"

After a moment, Cyno shook his head, "Just been having... weird dreams."

Alhaitham nodded for a moment and was about to say something when Kaveh interrupted.

"It's getting late, so why don't you stay the night?"

~

That's how Cyno found himself laying on Alhaitham’s bed. The scribe was already asleep snd Cyno found his own eyes closing.

He was so tired.

Just before he fell asleep, he heard the bedroom door creak open.

~

Cyno gasped awake. He was no longer in Alhaitham’s bedroom, but in the desert...

Right. He was on his way home from his recent mission.

His face felt wet and as he touched it, his hand came away with some blood.

Cyno quickly looked into the oasis water and washed it off.

He wasn't injured.

Dread settled into his stomach.

This was not a good sign.

[kolour-me-kourt]

Chapter Two💋:Cumming with reckless thoughts

It had only been a week since he left her alone. He dropped her without turning back. When he walked out of her condo that was the last time she saw him in person. She had thought about reaching out or maybe even pulling up to a game just to see if he was really gonna leave her alone.

The worst part about nobody knowing anything is she couldn't talk to her friends about it. She was currently at a restaurant eating lunch by herself and catching up with work. She had a meeting soon and wanted to be prepared for anything they can throw at her. When a text scrolled by on her phone

Don't be mad at me but I got you a date tonight

Trinity texted her she instantly laughed And called her

Heyyy girl I thought you were at work and You wouldn't see it until later

Nahhh I'm on lunch you got caught now who you set me up with?

Nobody bad it doesn't even have to go anywhere but my man has a friend in town from work anddddd I think you should see him like you might really like him

What he look like?

I haven't seen him Fr but from what I've heard he's right up your alley

Okay just for you Trin what time we meeting

We're gonna go to Cheesecake Factory at seven is that enough time for you?

Yeah that's enough time how we dressing like should I dress for a date?

I mean you can dress for dinner just something cute doesn't have to be over the top

You know I don't know what that mean cause my basic still be extra for you

Yeah you right you can do a dress though

Okay boo I gotta go I'll see you later

Byeeeee

This might be exactly what she needed a distraction who knows this could be her husband or the worst person she ever meets who knows. All she knew for certain was she wouldn't be thinking about Melo who was clearly not thinking about her.     Finally it was a little after seven and she had just pulled up to the restaurant

She drove around the parking lot looking for a good spot and looking for Trinity or her mans car after two minutes she gave up walking towards the restaurant.

I'm on my way inside... y'all here? Yeah I'm coming up to get you

It only took three seconds and trinity was at the door "you look good we're back here in a booth" "you look good too trin.... So what's he like?" "Still seems decent I think you'll like him." Finally they got to the booth and YN was amazed he was tall around 6'1 or 6'2 brown skin pretty smile. "Hiiiii everyone" YN says approaching the table "you can sit beside me" she smirked "I don't think we've met my name is YN" "hi YN I'm Lorenzo" "mmmm Lorenzo" she finally sits "why you say it like that?" He smiled "Lorenzo is a nice name I like that name" "a lot of people call me Zo" "so I can call you Lorenz" "you like to be different?" "always" she looked up at her friend who was smiling brightly clearly glad that she got it right.

The night went on and just as the deserts came out YN had a smell go across her noise that felt familiar. Causing her to look around and there she was .... Melos girlfriend. She knew that scent because it was always on his clothes when he came over. She waved at YN so YN put her hand up waving too turning back to the table.

"Who's that?" Trin asked "remember the birthday dinner I went to last week? She was there." "She looks familiar" "might've been in some of the photos" "nah that's Lamelo balls girlfriend" Lorenzo said looking back again and then he catches himself staring YN laughs "yeah that's her" "damn you most have some clout you just have dinner with Lamelo balls girl" YN shrugs "if you only refer to her as somebody else's something does she have clout?" "Good question" trins boyfriend said "points were made" trin said laughing "but yeah anyway" YN says smiling "so you never met Melo?" Lorenzo asks looking YN deep in her eyes "he came with her to the birthday dinner" "you ain't get no picture that's wilddddd" "nah I think he was there to support his girl so nah I didn't ask for a picture" "I was shocked too cause I know you love that man" trin says YN playfully rolled her eyes "boundaries though I can't be looking at that man in real life especially when his girl right there" "so you watch basketball? Or you just watch him?" Lorenzo says YN eyes got wide "I watch a lot of teams thank you sir" "oh just checking" the waitress came over asking if anyone needed anything else .

Trins boyfriend asked for the check and Lorenzo quickly joined in and said it's split two ways. YN glanced at him "you paying for my meal?" "I mean you were technically my date tonight and I did enjoy you so yeah I'll pay for your meal" "mmmm thank you Lorenz" trin rolled her eyes at her friend being extra.

Soon the check came and they paid everyone left a tip and then started to get up walking to the door. YN had to walk right pass her to get to the door. So she did so with a smile. "You look so beautiful YN I guess once you see somebody once you start seeing them everywhere" "you guys can wait for me outside" YN said to her group turning back to her. "Yeah. I have heard that.... you look nice too I hope you have a good night" YN says trying to walk off "who where you with?" "Oh a long term friend her man and his friend" "oooou so a double date?" why is this girl fishing for information "Yeah something like that" her phone started to ring and of course it was Melo "well I'll let you get back to dinner" "wait Melos calling I'm sure he wants to say hey" now why on earth would she say that.

Soon she answered the phone and the man looked like he had truly been sculpted by God himself each sweaty ab above the phone sent shivers down her spine immediately. "Look who I ran into bae" YN squatted with her knees together "hey Lamelo" his eyes got wide for a second "hey.... YN right?" "Boy you remember her name" his girlfriend said slightly aggressively that had YN thinking he had been talking about her  "I had you confused with your friends ... the names it was a lot that night but yeah hey YN" "hey and byeee you guys I really gotta head out" "okay see you around" "see you around" as YN walked off she felt her eyes on her ass could it be possible that she also wanted to fuck her? Lamelo and his girl had the same taste now that's wild she smirked if she didn't get a text tonight he was really done.

"My bad guys I'm here" "where did you park?" Lorenzo said "ummm over there toward the middle" "alright let me walk you" "okay well bye guys thanks for inviting me out I needed that" she gave trin a hug and YN and Lorenzo walked towards her car "So trin must've told you I don't go out much even though I been out like crazy lately" "she said you enjoy time in your home more than a club" "yesss but I'm always down for dinner.... This me right here"

"Okay not what I was expecting" he said "you expecting something a little more girly right?" "Yeah I definitely did" "this jeep spoke to me when I saw it on the delearship lot I had to get her." He opens her door "ummm well can I get your number? And we can do a date  Fr next time?" "Yeah I would love to hand me your phone" she types her number in handing it to him and he texts her immediately and that's when she saw trin and Melo had been texting her

Text when you get home ... I think he likes you a lot you should go out again

You were out with somebody. You had a Nigga and ain't tell me

YN looked into Lorenzo eyes "I got it" "oh well okay I'll see you later" she hops in her car "yes you definitely will byeee" "bye YN" "drive safe" she says to him before closing her door "you too!" he walks away she sighed turning her car on she locked the doors and texted trin back Yeah he asked me out again and I'll definitely go out with him he seemed cool

Okay bet let me tell bae 😂😂

I'll text again once I get in the house boo

Trin liked the message

YN choose her playlist and then headed towards her house. Once she got home she saw the slime colored  Lamborghini that just look too familiar.

She shook her head getting out of her car and locking the doors going straight to the car that was on she pulled on the passenger door glancing in first and then getting in the car.

"What" she said sternly "you had a Nigga this whole time and didn't tell me I had to hear that from my girl? You think that make sense? If I say that's my pussy then it's mine it don't go to no other nigga" "don't you gotta bitch? Worry about her pussy not mine" "why you ain't tell me?" He slightly raises his voice  "Cause I'm fuckin single Lamelo don't assume shit when you don't know" Yn found it funny how they could sit there and have a full conversation about her as if his girlfriend knew her. Melo isn't entitled to know anything about YN if it isn't sexual and that's just how she feels. If she had a man why tf would he care he had a whole bitch.

"my girl said you was cuddled up with the Nigga" "damn did she come to the restaurant to stalk me wtf" "who was he if he ain't your Nigga" "what's the different between me having a man and you having a girl" "you know about my girl I ain't know about your Nigga" "I just told you I was single cut it out"  "if you went to a restaurant with a nigga and you was all under him you at least dating weather that's your man or not"

"I thought you was done.... Don't ask me nothing else unless you coming up to fuck me" he smiled "who else touch it?" "Nobody I swear" she almost whined she upset herself that he had her like that. But she hadn't found anybody ever that had hit the spots that Melo had or anybody who could make her cum like clockwork of course she missed that dick it's the only way she gets to cum "you missed me?" She rolled her eyes "you asking questions again ... so that mean you coming up right?" He sighed "alright I'm gone leave me alone" she takes that sigh as her answer getting  out of the car he tried to reach for her but she moved too fast shutting the door walking to her condo.

He never moved but started to blow up her phone. "What do you want?" "You want me to come up then I'll come up" "you know I do I shouldn't have to ask you multiple times" she heard the car turn off. "Yeah ... I need you to stop talking to me like you crazy big ass cry baby " "I couldn't talk to you crazy if your dick was in my mouth" he hangs up and five minutes later he was at her door she smiled pulling him in quickly.

"We shouldn't be going back and forth when this is a fuck buddy situation if you wanna argue talk to your bitch" "anything else you need to say?" "Is this the last time you're fuckin me?" "Yeah" "well we will just see about that come here" she pulled him towards her aggressively. He licked his lips walking up to her. "Don't play me like you did last week" she started to take his clothes off and then her own. "How I play you" "left me in the floor wanting more... that fucked with me a little bit" "you knew I was coming back" he lifts her up causing her to moan

"how was I supposed to know" he lays her down on the bed kissing down her body. "After five months I wouldn't leave you like that but you needed to learn a lesson" she felt his fingers go inside of her as he lips got closer to her center but he was skipping it intentionally. "And what lesson is that?" "Don't argue with me that's supposed to be the last thing that we doing .... Spread your legs" she listened to him immediately "but I wasn't arguing I should be able to set boundaries" he kissed her clit and it was at that very moment she knew she wouldn't be having this conversation for much longer.

"Your pussy in my face what boundaries you need?" He kissed her clit and started to lick her slowly making out with her as she moaned he paused for a second "answer me...." He glanced at her "no public stuff I don't wanna get caught that's all I was saying" "you ain't say it like that though" she brought her leg closer to her face so he could really hit the spot she needed him to hit. She was dripping down his chin "fuckkkkkkk" his fingers started to actually move making her feel even better he grabbed her hips pulling her closer ... yeah this conversation was over. His phone started to ring she whined.

"I'm not gon get it you can calm down ....it's all about you right now" she smiled well that just made her feel hella special "thank you" she said breathlessly his mouth created a suction on her pussy causing her to completely lose it "ahhhhhhh" her hand came down to push his head so he held her hand. "Ohhhh I'm gonna cum .... Fuckkk 😭😭😭😭" he groaned as she started to lose herself on his tongue when she calmed down he kissed up her body "you taste so damn good" he kisses her hard sliding inside of her making her gasp and tap his shoulders. "Oh my ... ughhhh fuckkkkk" "hmmmm you feel so good on this dick ... you missed me huh?" "Ahhhh yessss I missed this dick" she smiled he laughed a little as his hand grabbed her throat.

As time went on his strokes became more powerful. "Better not have nobody else in my shit ... you hear me?" "Yesssss" her body started shaking again "you gon cum on this dick ain't you" his phone starts ringing again "if I answer you gon stay quiet?" "Yesss just don't stop pleaseeeee" he reached on her night stand picking his phone never stoping his strokes she put the pillow over her face just in case she got loud. She was glad she did when she felt his thumb on her clit cause she almost lost it.

"I'm out with jj looking at some shit........yeah I thought I would beat you home too my bad...... I don't know We might go to the gym after so it could be 3 hours ..... ight yeah I'll let you know .... Love you too bye" he makes sure he hangs up the phone putting it back on the nightstand. "You so fuckin creamy I know you just came" YN moves the pillow "we're so bad we're terrible" she moaned he rolled his eyes

"want me to stop?" "Noooo" "thought so .... Shut that shit up" he kisses her as her legs started to shake again. She couldn't continue to engage in the kiss "I'm cumminggggg" "mmmm this my pussy?" "Yessssss all yours" "you sure?" "Yesss" "you promise" she moans biting his shoulder as she releases his hand wrapped around her neck "answer me" she gasped "yesss I promiseeee" he kisses her again deeply as his hips begin to get sluggish and he releases she finally exhaled when he pulled out getting up immediately to throw his condom away. She bit her lip watching him swing.

"What you looking at?" "You" he smirked "why?" "Cause I can" she laughed he came over her hitting her thigh "if you want more just say that" " I want more" "give me ten minutes" she laughed "you really going to the gym after?" "Nah but let me text jj and let him know I'm with him" YN laughed he picked up the phone texting and then siting it back down

"Okay so we good now" she licked her lips standing up "so you told her three hours... do I get all three?" "You get as much time as you need" "good .... Cause I want to take my time" she gets on her knees licking him slowly "mmm You always taste so good" his head involuntarily fell backwards when he felt her mouth. "You still sensitive?"She asks genuinely "don't talk to me like I'm no bitch" she laughed grabbing his dick "sorry" she licks the bottom of his dick slowly going to the tip sucking softly he grabs her hair moving his hips causing her to gag. The more she got into it the more it got sloppy. "Fuckkk" "Damn you look good" she removes her mouth stroking still "Fuck I'm so wet" she moans "don't stop" he moves her mouth back on him hitting the back of her throat.

"Stay right there" His voice elevated as he continued to groan She squeezed her legs tightly he pulled his dick out of her mouth hitting her in the face with it multiple times as she moaned "you so fuckin nastyyyyyy" he groaned she smiled  "nasty only for you" he helps her up before they walk to the bed he pulls her back by her hair so her back is up against him. He sticks his fingers in her slowly as his arm goes across her neck locking her in place.

"Mmmmm cum for me like this... think you can?" She nodded her head "look at me and use your words when I'm talking to you .... You understand me?" "Yes Lamelo"she moaned he smiled her eyes rolled in the back of her head his fingers continued to rub her clit "you not looking at me I might have to stop" "nooooo" her eyes opened slowly hooded with pleasure "no what?" "I don't—— ooou pleaseeeeee don't stop" "mmmmm you close?" "Yessss so freakin.... Mmmmm" and just as she almost lost it he stop all his movements.

"Lamelo no .... I'm so... ughhhh no" she said sternly "you mad at me?" He started walking her towards the bed "why would you do that!!!" He pushes her on the bed "put your ass in the air for me" she listens "I shouldn't have when you just ahhhhhh" he grabs her hair "stop playing with me little girl" he slides in her deeply "I'm not playing" he kept a good grip on her as she threw it back matching his strokes "I thought I told you watch your mouth when you talking to me" his other hand came around rubbing her clit again making her melt into the mattress "I'm soooo sorry sir" he had control again and he loved it he spanks her ass

"You sure?" He pulls her closer "oh gosh I'm so close" she says softly as her voice breaks. "Nah I don't think I'm gonna make you cum again " "nooo Melo please" "you never listen and your mouth is reckless why should you get to cum" she tried to find the energy to say something but she was just too close "please" is the only word she could say he stopped his movements making her gasp "oh my goshhhhhh" she whined he pulls out flipping her over again as her legs shook he stared in her eyes teasing her more. She reaches down stroking his dick as they kept eye contact "Melo please it's not fair" "hmmm but what about what I said?" "I'll watch my mouth" she didn't even believe herself but she would say anything right now just to get him to make her cum. His tip slides in and he stops she bits her lip

"What else you gon do?" "What else do you want Lamelo .... Please" he slides deeply inside causing her eyes to close he can feel her gripping him more than usual she had to be super close it made him smile. "From you? I want you to look me in my eyes" her fluttered open and he smirked using this time to start moving his hips slowly. He kept a good hold on her hips ensuring she wasn't going anywhere her hand came in between them pushing on his thigh. "How you beg for me ..... and you whine and now you can't take me? That don't sound right.... Does it?" "I can..." "stand on that" she moved her hand up to her face sucking on her fingers he felt her get even tighter waiting to see if she was gonna do the right thing and ask....

"Can I cum?" She pleaded her voice was completely gone but sounded so sexy to him "yes cum for me" "yes yes yes yesssssss" all she could do is moan yes as she finally releases he stares in her eyes and for the very time he felt something more for her not love no.... Possession if any other man made her feel this way he wouldn't know how to feel.

"I made you cum what you say?" "Thank you Lamelo thank youuuu" he pins her arms down "I still gotta cum" "yesss please" "please what? You want me to cum?" "Yessss" "mmmm where you want me to cum?" "On my stomach" "mmmm okay that's interesting" sooner than later he pulls out taking off the condom and stroking on her stomach and finally he let go. She smiled taking a finger to scoop some up putting it in her mouth.

"Can you get me a baby wipe out that drawer?" She says point with her foot "nah wipe it in use it as some lotion" he joked grabbing a wipe and then wiping it for her when he was done she sat up. He looked exhausted she smirked "I know you don't wanna go again?" He sounded nervous She laughed "no I'm good I just have a couple of questions" "yeah?" "What made you stop me from cuming so many times" "I knew you would like it .... What else" "well after all that... you still think this is the last time? If somebody could see us fuck we both would be mvp" he started to get dressed

"you right and nah it's not the last time cause you gon work on your mouth right?" "Yes Sir...." "Good cause that reckless talking not gon get you far fuckin with me you understand me?" "Yes daddy" "ight I gotta go" "okay" "I'll text you when I need you again" "okay sounds good let yourself out" "oh yeah....and ole boy from the restaurant get rid of him" "but Melo that's not fair" "life not fair don't be dating that pussy mine and when people date they fuck" "okay fine..." She rolled her eyes "don't let me hear nothing crazy" "bye Lamelo" she says aggressively"what I say about reckless talking?" "sorry .... I'll get it done " "ight bet I'll see you later" "byeeee" she says in a sing songy tone once her door was shut she mumbled "asshole"

    *the following week*

Since the 3 hour rendezvous his girlfriend had been on him like white on rice. She was at every game home and away she went to the gym with him they ate their meals together. It had YN a little jealous. Not because they were spending so much time together but because she had no one to spend that time with it. She had told Lorenzo that she was at a difficult place in life and really shouldn't be dating which he completely understood and respectfully he left her alone.

It wasn't a lie being a nba players sidekick was a difficult spot that she hadn't seen herself in before and he had completely taking ownership of her pussy. When Lamelo came up at dinner she could tell Lorenzo like him to some degree. She couldn't imagine fucking Lamelo while being Lorenzo's girlfriend and everytime Melo had a game Lorenzo would be somewhere watching her other man.... It all seemed a little too ridiculous.

However YN conversations with Lorenzo   left Trin confused at the situation cause she could tell they really like each other so she knew something was going on with her friend that she wasn't talking about.  YN debated texted Lorenzo just out of pure curiosity like what if he was her next long term relationship and she's leaving him alone for a fuck buddy.... Who's in a relationship it's twisted and she didn't like that her mind was making sound decisions but Melos dick made her act different.

        I'll be in Chicago on Friday .... Alone I already booked your ticket check your email

And just like that nothing else mattered anymore. She was gonna see him and that's all that matters.

  Okay just make sure you're really alone cause I'm coming to Chicago regardless

That mouth gon get you In trouble

Chill on me I haven't seen you

Oh okay you get a pass and my bad I know you was going through a dry spell over there

Yeah like... you're my only supplier and then it's long breaks in between .... I don't like that..... but I'm the only one going through a dry spell? Not you too?

Well we can talk about all that in Chicago see you Friday

Ttyl💕💕

She didn't wanna press him but if he's fucking his girl why couldn't she also be having sex like 🧐 that isn't sitting right with her.

But also he was being flexible. She  wonders did he tell her no bitch you can't come with me or if he said something  about needing his own time she even wondered if his girl knew cause why did she become that clingy seemingly out of the blue. She was in every picture at every location.

But whatever? Chicago would be strictly about the game and YN so she was gonna live it up. She had contemplated living him high and dry because she made herself too available anytime he called she was there. However tonight .... Was a night strictly for work.

*Chicago time*

She got to Chicago a little after three o clock immediately checking into her hotel room. By three thirty he was asking where she was. She didn't respond because she was working out and by the time she got up to the room it has slipped her mind until he called her. "Hello?" "Um yeah did you get my message?" "No what did it say?" He rolled his eyes "where you at?" "Just left the gym going to the room now" "hmmmm okay" he hangs up "well damn then" she unlocks the door and then suddenly it all made since he was in the room smiling ear to ear.

"I was trying to see if you was gon lie" "about not being in the room?" "Yeah gotta keep you on your toes" she playfully rolled her eyes. "You out did yourself with this one it's nice and Nobu is right in the hotel you know we can order it up to the room .... Like we don't have to sit down there" "you telling me you wanna eat with me?" "I was just complimenting you .... It's a good hotel" he smiled "okay" "you mind if I shower .... And everything before?"

"You can shower I'll still be here it don't seem like you wanna have sex today so we won't" "that's allowed? I mean—" she knew what she was trying to say she just didn't know how to say it "even though you traveled and I paid if you don't wanna have sex then we don't sex it's simple.... Now you shower I'll be here" she smiled "yes sir" that made her wanna fuck him but she went into the shower taking her time to wash.

When she was done she came out in a towel and he was sleep soundly. She smiled he trusted her now and she knew this because he was sleep in her room fully at her disposal. She decided to order some food up to the room so she put on something quick after lotioning her body and when it came she woke him up.

"I'm sure you need to eat I ordered some stuff" she could tell he was still trying to wake up. "How long I was sleep?" "A little over a hour" "my phone ring?" "If it did I didn't hear it." He picks his phone up. "I guess nobody missed me" they went to the table as she put the food out and got him something to drink

"Yo are you good?" She asked cause his energy seemed off HE seemed off. "Why you asking?" "You just seem different like something is wrong with you" "I don't know if that's a conversation you wanna have" "I'm down to try you seem really bothered and it's throwing us off" he contemplated in his head before hesitating again and then finally he said "it's about my girl" "okay I know she exists you can talk about her" "you sure?" "Positive" "she starting to get a little annoying like I had to do so much to get some alone time like she been on me" "ohhhh I figured since we haven't seen eachother or spoken fr" "yeah like idk I be needing space" "so can I ask you a question" "yeah"

"why invite me?" "Wym?" "Why invite me if you needed alone time" "cause I needed to see you too" "but we haven't had sex" "it's not the end of the night and we got tomorrow after the game but if we don't oh well next city" she smiled "I like that energy I don't feel like a prostitute" "I hope you never felt like that Fr" "no I was just playing" "yeah but don't ever feel forced to have sex with me it's not supposed to be a job .... I got you something too btw" "oooou where is it?" He gets up going to hoodie that he had carelessly thrown on the bed reaching in the pocket pulling out a three boxes. Her eyes got wide.

"I'm still trying to figure out what you like so you tell me." He placed the boxes out in front of her. She opened them one by one completely shocked.

"The first one is Cartier the other two are Cuban links ... I figured you would like the two tone" "I love all of them" "what you like the most?" "The two tone you were right" "good cause I got you this too" he reaches in his pants pocket.

"Lamelo!!!!" She hugged him "I guess that means you really like them" "yess how much you spend?" He laughed "it don't matter" she bit her lip a question pops in her head that could ruin the mood but she really wanted a answer "I saw that face what's up?" "These are really nice gifts that's all thank you" he kissed her forehead "we should talk" her heart dropped this is what she was dreading "yeah we should" "you have something to say?" "No but I feel like you do so I wanna listen" he smiled. "I really fucked you good didn't I?" She swallowed hard "you always do" "but now you know how to talk to me" she nodded her head the sexual tension was building he rested his tongue between his teeth smirking

"alright let me focus ....You matter to me ...you're not just somebody to fuck so I want you to know we can chill without fuckin" she nodded her head "so I'm special?" "Yeah you are special very" "good I like that" she sits on his lap. " you can keep all of them if you want...." He kissed her cheeks "well I definitely want too you out did yourself" he sighed  "I gotta figure out how to balance this" "balance what" "it's two relationships basically" she stands up "why you get up" he asked quickly "so I can think properly... so like  you said we can talk about the sex in your message" "I was hoping you forgot about that" that explains his gifts she thought "well I didn't" "yeah I still have sex with her that's me being honest with you" "but I'm not allowed another sexual partner?" "that's too much going on im protecting  everybody" she rolled her eyes she didn't have any desire to fuck anybody else but it's not fair it's quiet for too long so he speaks up

"so what..... now" "it's just not fair it makes sense buts it not fair" She got his point in protecting them because if she started having sex with somebody else too and he was having sex with multiple people and then those multiple people were having sex with multiple people.... Well you see how that can turn nasty and unsafe real quick.

"do you wanna fuck somebody else what's his name" He got very serious it turned her on "I didn't say I did" "its clearly somebody in your head" "nah it's not" "then we can cross that bridge later don't argue with me about fake shit" she walked back over to him "put my jewelry on please" he smiled she sticks her wrist out and he puts on the two Cuban links and then she moved her hair out of the way and he puts on the necklace. "How it look?" "Real good on you" she smiled "thank you Melo"

"so this is a one piece?" He asked messing with her straps she laughed "yeah" "oh okay cause I see something red too" "wanna pull it down and see what's underneath?" He was obsessed with how she said the nastiest shit with the most innocent face. "Yeah .... I wanna see"

"Well take it off I'm not doing all the work for you" he laughed pulling her straps down slowly. Kissing her neck. "You supposed to be my gift" "other people unwrap your gifts?" "Nah" "exactly" she laughed sliding her ensemble on the floor

"You full of surprises tonight" he takes his shirt off licking his lips she grabs his hand walking them over to the bed. "I really did miss you" she sits on the corner of the bed unbuckling his pants. "I might have to keep you waiting if I get all this" she laughed "boy don't play with me" since she was moving so slow he backed away "I'm not playing with you you be playing with me" finally he was naked she stared him up and down she could never get tired of this sight

"you just gon look?" He asked smiling "what you want me to do?" "Take those panties off" she lays down lifting her hips and sliding her panties off she balls them up and throws them at him which made him smile and rush to her pulling her back at the edge the bed. "I just know you wet for me" he slides in a finger and he of course was right. "You know what I wanna do tomorrow" she moaned as his fingers dove deeper. "What you wanna do?" He stared in her eyes ready for her answer "fuck in that bath tub over there.....it's in the room for a reason" she smiled he takes his fingers out of her placing them in her mouth. "I'm too long for that tub.... You can put on a show for me though" he slides my his fingers out of her mouth. Taking her bra off. " mmmm like what" he throws it across the room. "Surprise me" he slides in deeply making her gasp.

"Fuckkkkkk" he groaned "you didn't wear a condom Lamelo" she said quickly not that she cared but like .... "Want me to put one on?" He stops his movements this could be a test but how does she go back to condom dick when he feels so damn good inside of her. "If you don't care I don't care... don't stop" He smiled sliding out and then pushing back in with force. Routing his hips while spreading her legs.

"Your pussy so pretty" she smiled he watched her intensely as she moaned and squeezed herself. He cared about her feeling good he always wanted a good report. He presses down on her stomach and his thumb reaches down to rub her clit she gasps. "Ohhhh you gon make me cum" "yeah? You sure?" "Ughhhhhh" her back arched as she grabs the sheet her legs begin to shake and she releases all over his dick "that's water" he said deeply he let her finish up before he pulled out

"come finish me with your mouth" she listens getting up from her position she gets on her knees in front of him. Just with her juices alone she had enough wetness to stroke his dick comfortably she sucks on his tip gently while using her hand as much as possible. She dribbles spit at the tip and down his shaft making him smile her hair kept getting in the way so he gathered it up in a fake ponytail and let her keep  control as  she moved her slowly as her hand moved quickly she looked up at him and she knew he was close that's probably the only reason he pulled out she moves her hand letting her mouth do all the work.

"Fuckkkkkkkk" he groaned when she deep throats she pulls off slowly when she gagged. "Come on make me cum" she moaned putting her mouth on him and moving her head back and forth keeping her mouth as wet as possible. "I'm bout to—" he says only to give her some warning "mmmmmmm" she starts to stroke him while her tongue focuses on his tip and finally he explodes in her mouth. She spits it out and lets it dribbled down her face and it was only then he noticed she had been fingering herself this whole time so he roughly picks her up throwing her back on the bed and then he lowered himself so his mouth could make contact with her clit.

She uses her hand wiping her face and then rubbing it on the comforter "Melo you didn't have too" she moans his fingers pushed in her as he sucked her clit "ooooouuuu don't stop don't stop right there pleaseeee" he groaned as he ate her out it caused shivers down her spine and then she came but he didn't stop "Melo Melo!!!!!l" her eyes closed he was gonna take all of her she sat up a little bit so she could really study him "fuckkk I'm cumming ooouu daddy" she bit her finger his hand came up to her throat squeezing tightly.

"Ooooohhhhh" he stared at her with so much hunger "I'm cuming" she said softly and she released he let her finish up and then he moved his hand from around her throat and took his fingers out of her kissing her as she shook he put his fingers in her mouth she sucked softly. "You see how good you fuckin taste and you be wanting me to stop after one nut? Never had nobody taste like you" his fingers gaged her on purpose and then he pulls them out. She laid on the bed completely tired.

"Nobody taste like me?" She says siting up to stare at him he smirks while putting his clothes on "nah nobody I mean that" "mine the best pussy you ever had..." he kissed her "yeah" "and you was trying to leave me alone smh" she laughed he rolled his eyes "you know I gotta go soon and get right for tomorrow" "mhmmm" "so I'll see you after the game tomorrow"  "I can't come?" She bit her lip

"it's not like it use to be if my girl notice you at the game I don't wanna have to answer too many questions .... You remember how you were feeling without me? It'll be longer breaks and then when I get you it'll be quick .... Is that worth seeing a game?" She smiled "nah not at all" "I'll transfer you some money go have fun in the city ... eat some pizza" she laughed "okay bye be safe" "you too I'll text you when I'm on my way tomorrow" "okay" he walks out shutting the door

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*the next day*

She went to a bar to watch the game and get some work done it had been hella close the whole time but Chicago ended up getting the win due to a foul and making their three pointers. Zo did his court side interview he was completely happy but gave his brother props too.  YN felt like this meant the sex would be sad or he might not even come she closed her tab paying for her drinks and tipping the bartender she walked out getting into her Uber heading back to the hotel. It was a older black man who looked completely sweet. She wonders who even told him about Uber. After being in the car for two minutes he begins to speak to her.

"Did you see the bulls game while you were at the bar?" "Yupp they won 101 to 100" "damnnn I bet it was a good game" "it was hella close" "Zo played against the younger brother right" "Yupp" "uh li-li-uhhh liangelo ball that's his name" he snaps his fingers when he felt like he got it right  YN couldn't help but laugh hard "nah that's the middle one he played Lamelo which is the youngest" "oh Lamelo I always forget he talented too" "yeah they all are" " I don't know why they daddy came up with them names but he raised them boys so you can't talk to much shit" "yeah you right" "you visiting here?" "Yeah I'm actually leaving tomorrow morning"

"I hope you enjoyed your time I can tell you wasn't from here" YN laughed "how? my accent?" "And you too pretty to be from here" "it's beautiful women here wym" "yeah it's rare though my wife was one of the last ones" he laughed she shook her head "so what brought you here" "business— excuse me for a second " her phone started to ring it was Melo she smiled putting in her airpod "hello?" "That's not the hotel room" "yeah it's not captain obvious I'm on my way back now" he laughed

"where was you at" "at the bar watching the game and doing some work" "oh so you saw it was a good game for me I'm a little mad we ain't take the w" "yeah it was good game though" "well I'm letting you know I'll be there in a hour or less" "okay in gotta surprise for you" "oh word?" "Yeah so use your key I'll see you later bye" "byeeee"

"My bad sir" "no you're fine" he turned on the street where the hotel was stoping right in front of it "thank you have a nice day I tipped in the app" "thank you too" she shuts the door going to the hotel room she takes a shower first and then she pulls the curtains so nobody can see in she lights a few candles and runs water in the tub making it pretty she added a vegan bath bomb that was healthy for 🐱. Then she waited for his text before she got in the water

She made sure to only fill the tub up a little bit so that the water can be running when he came in he texted he was getting on the elevator so she turned the water on. Spreading her legs making sure the water was hitting her clit...... what? If her masterbating right in front of him didn't ensure her some good dick what would when she heard the key click. She moaned

"mmmm well hello to you too" he stood above her watching with so much excitement "I wanted to cheer you up" she moved herself up so that she wasn't right under the water anymore "you couldn't wait on me?" She smiled "figured this was more eye catching" "you right about that .... Don't stop cause I came in" she moved back to her original position and he watched her while not saying anything when the water got high enough she tired off the facet "use your fingers" he said deeply she lifted her hand up inviting him to suck her fingers which he did and then slowly entered her fingers inside of herself

"oooooou I'm so wet" her other hand started to rub him through his pants. "Mmmm I bet you are.... I want you to make yourself cum" she continued to rub him and then she got on her knees still fingering herself "I wanna taste you daddy" she licked her lips he striped bringing his dick to her lips where she kissed him softly. "Only use your mouth .... Don't stop fingering that pussy" her mouth dribbled spit from the base to the tip and she licked him up and down slowly. The look in his eyes was intense.

"Suck it stop playing" she smiled sucking his tip her hand comes out of the tub to stroke his dick he hits her hand "what I say earlier?" She licked her lips placing her hand on her clit rubbing slowly and putting her mouth back on his dick he pulls out of her mouth "tell me what I said" "No hands...." "You understand?" He asked she just stares into his eyes he so damn sexy "yes I understand" she kisses his dick again taking him in her mouth slowly concentrating on taking all of him . Her hand usually does all the work for her. She gags when he goes deep in her throat.

"Mmm do that again" she backs away and then does it again when her phone started to ring. It happened to be right beside the tub on her bathrobe something was telling Lamelo to look down so he did and that's when he saw Lorenzo's name.

"Yo wtf!!!" He raised his voice she shook completely confused and shocked "what?" "I thought you dropped that nigga?" "I did!" She glanced at her phone why was he calling she thought "answer it and prove it" "are you serious you don't trust me?" "Nah not right now" "you know what fuck you" "YN stop trying to change the conversation answer the phone or I'm leaving" "ughhhhhh" she picks up the phone putting it on speaker

"hey what a surprise" YN says "yeah my bad for calling randomly but I wanna know what went wrong we had a good night you even said we can have another good night and then you basically was just like nah.... All this came to my mind cause I just rode by the Cheesecake Factory that place always gon make me think of you now" she couldn't focus because Melos dick was still very much in her face. "It's not you I promise I'm just in a complicated situation right now and I don't wanna involve anybody else in it" "how complicated? Like you dealing with somebody? Or you trying to find yourself you not ready for a relationship what is it"

"I'm kinda in something the lines are very blurry but I'm still very much committed to that man and so I can't in good Conscience pursue anything with you it's wrong to you and it's wrong to him" "okay I get that sorry for bothering you" "it's no problem have a good day" "you too beautiful" she hangs up staring up at Melo "care to apologize?" She smirked at Melo he smiled "why you gotta be so damn irresistible? That nigga on you like that over some dinner" She stands up draining the tub and using him to step out he sits down on the bench

"apologize Melo" "I'm sorry YN I'll trust you from now on ... you gotta understand why something like that would fuck with my head" she sits on the bed right behind him wrapping her legs around his torso. "You're forgiven but don't yell at me like that again" "my bad .... I got hot" "Mhm I know .... All my hard work went down the drain with my bath water" he stands up and turns around pushing her down on the bed "it doesn't have to...."

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"Chicago don't owe me a thinggg"

Okayyyy so feedback time are y'all enjoying? What do you wanna see happen? Lmk please 💕

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Chapter 5 (His POV)

These translations are not intended as a replacement for the game. Please support cybird by buying their stories. SPOILERS under the cut. Expect mistakes.

(She's sleeping soundly.)

I glanced quietly at Mai, who was sleeping soundly on the futon.

(She must have been exhausted. Well, not surprising after what happened.)

(But I should wake her up soon.)

Kichou: "It's already morning. Wake up."

Mai: "Nn. I'm awake."

Kichou: "If your words were true, I wouldn't have to call on you like this."

Kichou: "Wake up, Mai."

I called her name a little louder this time.

Mai: "----!"

Kichou: "You're finally awake."

Mai: "Kichou? Where the hell am I?"

Kichou: "Are you still dreaming? We're in a room at the inn."

Mai: "Oh, right."

She jerked up and blinked a few times, still dazed.

(Looks like she's awake now.)

(I guess it won't be a problem if I leave her alone like this.)

Already dressed, I put my hand on the door to leave the room first.

Kichou: “I’m gonna go check on the horses. When you’re ready, come outside.”

Mai: “Okay.”

As I walked out of the inn, the bustle of the town enveloped me as the morning came, and the breeze blew, causing the curtains hanging at the inn's entrance to flutter.

(It looks like it's not raining anymore.)

(By the looks of it, it'll be sunny all day today.)

Maybe it was because the sky was clear, but the expressions on the people's faces were somewhat cheerful.

After noticing it, I turned my attention to the horse.

Mai: “Let’s see, I think it’s this way.”

Kichou: “............”

Mai: “Oh, wait. I think it's the other way around.”

Kichou: “Wait, Mai.”

I stopped Mai with a sigh and shook my head.

Mai: “Did I read it wrong again?”

Kichou: “No, you’re making a more serious mistake than that. It’s upside down.”

Mai: “What? Ah!”

(How did you not notice that?)

Kichou: “You insisted on learning to read a map, so I taught you, but I guess I let you practice too soon.”

Mai: “Sorry. I was just too excited.”

Mai: “I think it’s better if I follow you for now.”

While returning the map to me, she pointed to something.

Mai: "By the way, what are these circles?"

Kichou: "Caves. We should avoid them."

Mai: "Huh? But it looks like a shortcut."

Kichou: “………….”

Kichou: “It’s dark in there, and the footing is bad anyway. There’s also a chance that some bandits are using it as a hideout.”

Kichou: "Just to be on the safe side, we should avoid it."

(This reason is no lie either.)

I didn't tell her the other reason and kept my expression unchanged as she nodded in agreement.

Mai: "I see. You're right."

(We better hurry.)

(We can't afford to stay here for a little detour.)

I reeled in the reins of my horse and continued onward.

After a while一

Mai: "Is this our stop?"

Kichou: "Yeah."

After passing through the deep mountains, we arrived at a quiet, deserted beach.

(Good. They're here as promised.)

The boats floating across the beach were from the main ship, anchored a distance away.

(No matter how many times I see it, it's still a magnificent ship.)

(If that thing gets into Sakai, it will immediately cause unnecessary rumors by other witnesses.)

(I made the right call building it in this place.)

There are no large towns around, and only a few small villages settled on the opposite side of the mountain.

It was an ideal place to use as a port, although it was somewhat far from Sakai.

As I walked up to the small boat with Mai, who was looking around, I saw a man sitting.

When he saw us, he raised his hand, smiling.

Foreign man: “Kichou!”

Kichou: “Thank you for your time today.”

I took his hand, and we shook hands lightly.

(Hm?)

I saw Mai's expression light up briefly as she stood next to me.

(It looks like she understands a few words.)

(Come to think of it, she had a lot of opportunities to learn this in the future.)

(I see. I'll keep an eye on her to see how well she understands it.)

We boarded a small boat and went to a large galleon docked in the port.

As soon as we arrived, we exchanged greetings with our business partner and were taken straight to a cabin for our meeting.

(This guy talks a lot of nonsense.)

(I'd like to get right down to business, but if I keep him in a good mood, it’ll be easier to do what I want later.)

While continuing the conversation with light jokes, I glanced sideways to see how Mai was doing.

(She's having a hard time.)

She pursed her lips tightly but kept smiling as she listened to our conversation, comparing our faces.

(I can't blame her. This guy is annoyingly chatty, and he talks too fast.)

(Oh well, I'll check back on her later.)

(I have some questions I want to ask after bringing her here.)

Mai: “Thank you for your hard work. It looks like the business meeting went well.”

Kichou: “Yeah.”

(Good thing he was in a good mood.)

(The deal went smoothly.)

(8,000 to 10,000. This 2,000 will surely help.)

After returning from the boat, we walked along the beach, remembering the business meeting.

(The numbers on the documents have already been rewritten. The negotiations are officially closed.)

Mai: “What on earth are you planning to buy in such a large quantity?”

Kichou: "You looked like you knew what I was talking about earlier, but was that an act?"

Mai: "Yes, I tried to act like your secretary."

Kichou: "I see. No wonder you didn't react at all."

Mai: "What?"

Kichou: "The business meeting we just had was about purchasing weapons."

Mai: "-----!"

Kichou: "Considering the number of ships allowed into Sakai, we still haven't reached the amount needed for our plan."

Kichou: "This port was built for that purpose."

Mai: “----!”

The blood quickly drained from her face, and her steps became shaky.

Mai: "Are you sure you want to tell me something so important?"

Kichou: "If you're my secretary, you should know about it."

Kichou: "Or are you trying to get in my way?"

Mai: "No, that's一"

I looked straight at Mai as I asked the question.

(Well, how are you gonna answer?)

Kichou: "You once tried to stop me from getting the weapons."

Mai: "You're right. That happened before."

------------Flashback------------

Mai: “I think conflicts will happen if more people get their hands on weapons.”

Kichou: “That is my goal.”

Kichou: “I’ll incite the forces of various regions and disturb Japan. This trading post is for that purpose.”

Mai: “A lot of people are going to die.”

Kichou: “………..”

---------Flashback Ends---------

(Back then, she backed off.)

Kichou: "What do you think now? Do you want to stop me and call off the deal we just had?"

Mai: "I..."

She shot me a probing look, trying to figure out the question I asked her.

(I just want to hear your own true feelings.)

(How do my actions look through the values you held in the future?)

After a few moments of silence, she began to speak softly.

Mai: "I still don't think it's right to create conflict or to instigate one."

Mai: "I think this will never change, no matter what, but..."

Kichou: "But?"

Mai: "I want to talk to you properly without outright denying your thoughts."

Mai: "And since we're here together like this..."

(You want to talk about it?)

Kichou: "Why?"

Mai: "Because I don't know what's right and wrong, and it's not something I can decide by my own standards."

Kichou: "You already have your answer. You said earlier that my idea wasn’t right."

Mai: "Yes. Still, the feeling of not knowing comes first."

Mai: "And the more I think about it, the more I think about you."

Kichou: "............"

(Are you still willing to face the question even though you already have the answer?)

Mai: "That’s why I want to know."

Mai: “I don’t understand why you’re doing this, and I may not be able to empathize, but I want to understand.”

Kichou: “Can that be done by just talking to each other?”

Mai: “I don’t know, but don’t you think wanting to know is the first step?”

Kichou: “Who knows? Knowing could lead to disillusionment and even rifts in the relationship.”

(More often than not, that's what happens.)

Mai: “It’s the same without knowing.”

Mai: “I made all these assumptions that you were a horrible person, but you weren't maliciously trying to create conflict.”

Mai: “Every time I got to know you a little better, I got confused even more.”

(Why?)

(From your point of view, I'm the so-called enemy that you've found out you can't reach out to.)

(It doesn't matter if there's malice or not. If what we're focusing on is different, we should cut it off.)

Mai's face contorted in bitterness, but her eyes showed no signs of hostility and disgust.

They were simply staring at me, a human being.

(Nothing will change even if we speak to each other. Nothing will ever change.)

(I know this, but why is it stirring my heart?)

Mai: “Please tell me. I don’t want to deny something without knowing the answer first.”

Kichou: "That's vague."

Mai: "Well, you asked me what I think."

Kichou: "It's fine. I got the answer I wanted."

Kichou: "As I thought, you'll get in my way, but I will remember where your heart is."

Mai: "Okay!"

(I'll simply remember it. I'll remember your belief that something will change if you face me and talk to me.)

(I'm going to show you that sincerity.)

I didn't want her to see my face right now for some reason, so I turned my back and quickly walked away.

A few days later.

(There you are.)

Having finished my business meeting, I spotted the person I was looking for, relying on the voice of Fuku.

As I approached, I tried to call out to her, but Mai, unaware of my presence, stared into space and spilled her heart out.

Mai: “If only I could have at least one chance to get out of town.”

(Town, huh? Perfect timing.)

Kichou: “You’ll get a chance.”

Mai: “Kichou!? Are you finished seeing off your business partner?”

Kichou: “No. I told him I had an errand to run later and left him to my men.”

Mai: “---?”

Mai tilted her head after hearing the word errand as it wasn't in our shared schedule.

I opened my mouth to ask something, but...

Fuku: “Kichou!”

Mai: “Ah!”

Before I could do so, Fuku happily jumped on my shoulder and started shaking her head again.

Kichou: “Sorry for leaving Fuku to you.”

Mai: “No, it’s okay. She’s been a good girl.”

Kichou: “I don’t think you can call her a good girl if she snuck out of the birdcage without permission and barged into the guest room during a business meeting.”

Kichou: “Also, the door was open at that time. If she had escaped, it would've been difficult to find her.”

Mai: “Hehe, you’re right.”

(Should I have laughed at that?)

Still wondering, Mai suddenly spoke.

Mai: “By the way, what are you doing after this?”

Kichou: “I’m thinking about going into town. It’s not for work, but I have something to do there.”

Fuku: “Kichou.”

Kichou: “You stay here. Mai, put Fuku back in the cage, and we’ll go.”

Mai: “Okay.”

(After all, she seems to be interested in this stuff.)

As we continued down the busy street, I glanced at her as she looked around.

(She occasionally goes out for work, but most of the time, she only uses a certain street to get to the port.)

(It's probably been a while since she's been to a place lined with stores like this.)

Kichou: “Mai.”

Mai: “Um, I haven’t done anything yet.”

Kichou: “I can see that, although there were probably a couple of stores you’d be interested in. Let’s go there.”

Mai: “What?”

Kichou: “I said you could decide where you want to go. That’s what we came here for.”

Mai: “Really? I thought you had something to do here.”

Kichou: “It’s my business too. I want to give you a gift as a reward for accompanying me the other day.”

Mai: “You don’t have to. That was part of my work.”

Kichou: “Yes. That’s why I’m paying you for it.”

Kichou: “By the way, you’ve been getting paid since you came here as a maid.”

Kichou: “I decided on the amount with the mediator, but now that you’ve changed jobs, we’ll need to sign a new contract.”

Mai: “*sigh* I’ve never heard all of this before.”

Kichou: “I see. How could you think of working so diligently without knowing your salary?”

Kichou: “I mean, even before, shouldn’t you know that?”

Mai: “When I came here to the Sengoku period, I thought that the common sense in me wouldn’t work, so I was somewhat paralyzed in that area as well.”

Kichou: “I see.”

(I have to teach this one to her.)

(Anyone who unknowingly disrespects herself will soon be preyed upon.)

Little by little, the protective desire grew inside of me.

Chapter 5 Mai's Pov╎Chapter 5 Part 2

[etruatcaelum]

Oscar.

...Oscar!

"Mnfgh." Dark. Pain. Oscar wraps his arms around his head and moans into the pillow, "Oz, 's late. Sleep."

His mind fills with apologetic silence, and the too-familiar acid etchings of Ozma's anxiety. There's a duller throb mixed in with the splitting headache that began when Oz started to rip at their seams. Squinting blearily at the clock, Oscar groans, "It's two in the morning–"

Something is wrong, Oz says fretfully, and then, Sorry.

Not sorry enough to let me go back to sleep?

Well. Oz squirms, somewhere to the left of his mind. Well, no.

Fine.

He writhes out of bed, grumpy, and staggers to his feet. "Care to inform me what's wrong?"

I... don't know.

"Really!?"

Please–

Oscar grits his teeth. If this turns out to just be your paranoia talking again, I'll...

...not do anything, because what can he do? Clobber himself to get Oz to leave him alone? Sulk? Silent treatment? Yeah, right. He settles for mutinous, if not very coherent, grumbling while he kicks into his combat gear, then swipes the Long Memory off the shelf by his bed and mutters tiredly, "Alright, where to?"

Outside, I think, Oz replies. The Meeting Grounds would offer the best vantage point.

Up and out, Oscar snipes, just awake enough to register it's not much of a comeback. And to imagine, vividly, Oz rolling their eyes. He tip-toes out of the room, clutching the Long Memory, and sneaks toward the stairs.

———

It's still a shock, how cold the desert gets after sundown. Oscar shivers as he emerges onto the rooftop garden, bare arms nipped by the brisk wind. Moonlight, chopped up by the lush foliage, cuts weird patterns across the terracotta, and he squints warily into the deeper pools of darkness.

...You're right, he thinks, his skin crawling, something doesn't feel–

She's here.

Oscar whips sideways, instinctively snapping into a low guard as the Long Memory springs open—and Salem is right there, stark white under the moon. Just an inch closer, and his wild first swing would've struck her across the face, but she doesn't blink. Doesn't move.

Doesn't speak.

Silence.

The wind tosses her hair. Oscar stands stock-still, frantically trying to whisk together some battle plan that won't end in Salem laying waste to Vacuo; Oz has plastered themself to the dividing line, where they strain to hold back the vicious riptide of their curse. Salem—stares, and stares, in unnerving silence—and then at last, with slow deliberation, she lowers her hands to her sides, palms reversed, and takes one careful step back.

"Oscar," she says, with implacable certainty he is disgruntled to find reassuring. Even his friends have begun to hesitate before–

Oscar. Focus.

–right.

"...Salem," he says, levelly.

More silence. Salem is waging a brutal war against her own expression and, Oscar thinks, losing. Her face is a rigid mask of tension, her nostrils flared—he can hear her breathing, percussive—and she still hasn't blinked.

"I..." he says at length, and changes his mind about joking he still doesn't know what the Beacon relic even is and could she tell him that maybe, what is wrong with him; Ozma hastily shoves a hodgepodge of other choices like what do you want? or Oz can't come to the scroll right now, can I take a message? at him, and somehow what comes out of his mouth is none of them but instead, "...are... you okay?"

The look on her face undergoes a series of microscopic shifts, managing to communicate are you out of your mind, boy? with startling eloquence.

He arranges his face in turn to retort that she is the one making this weird, not him, and would she kindly explain what she is doing here, or perhaps do him a favor and go–

—a muscle spasms in her cheek. Salem wrenches her head to the side as the slightest tremor wracks her shoulders; her whole body's corded with brittle tension.

"I am," she says faintly, "...leaving."

She sounds exhausted—sounds so defeated that Oscar lowers the Long Memory an inch or so, frowning. "What do you mean?"

Twitching, her hands knot together again, pressed into the hollow of her ribs; a flash of unbidden memory—Salem, glassy-eyed, still human, both hands plunging a knife into her gut—and Jinn's melodic voice, her fruitless attempts to reunite with Ozma–

"There is a way," Salem says, so quiet it's almost lost to the wind, "for me to forget—change—remove myself from this world."

...what? Ozma whispers, while Oscar stares and Salem lets out a bleak gasp of air that isn't quite laughter.

"–a loophole," she says bitterly. "I can't die, but– I will be... gone." She sags, as if the effort of making this confession was the last thing keeping her standing. "I thought... you should know."

Salem– no—

Panic sears Oscar's mind then, white-hot, and the curse rips open his head. Somebody shouts. Viridescent light; pain. Biting jags of– salt-white hair spilling over an alabaster shoulder, midnight silks, soft red embers of lazy contentment aglow in her eyes—an arch little smile, rare and precious—tell me a story?—deft ashen fingers spinning inky thread as thin and fine as gossamer—wherever you'd like—

Salem–

—only find pain–what is Ozpin hiding from—it wasn't supposed to be like this- I didn't mean to– I'M SORRY

please...

Cold tiles.

Dizzy.

His head hurts. He's– no, Ozma is terrified, and their fear beats knife-edged wings inside their head. Taste of blood. Bit his tongue.

Oscar opens his eyes.

The first thing he sees is the Long Memory. The second is Salem, motionless and gazing down at him with no expression on her face at all. Oz wails in silent, pleading anguish, and Oscar licks the blood from his lips. "Nn–h."

"...What," Salem says, "was that?"

"It–" hurts. Nausea tosses his stomach as Oscar pushes himself half-upright and Oz babbles pleas to keep her talking and—everything hurts. His body feels wrong and distant and not real. "...don't... know," he says hoarsely. "It– ngh."

Something warm drips down his face; blood?, he thinks hazily, but his fingers come away clean and he blinks and more—tears.

Oh.

He's crying.

"I– I-I—" His lungs heave. "My head hurts."

Oscar clutches his head in his hands, and Ozma is tangles of razor-wire cutting up his thoughts and he thinks is this how I die? and he can't stop crying and–

—and Salem, kneeling beside him, murmurs, "Shh, sh."

Her hands clasp in her lap, not touching, but the feverish heat pouring off her soothes away the cold. Gulping wetly, Oscar pulls his knees up to his chest and just—huddles there for a minute, miserable and exhausted, while the crying ebbs to a slow drip.

Salem doesn't say anything else, nor does she move. He should maybe feel more afraid than he is: the burns she gave him last time aren't even yet healed, she's the enemy, she's– even at her best, Salem is unpredictable, wild, dangerous—grimm—and yet.

"I'm scared," he says, voice cracking. "I–"

I always knew that I wanted to be more than a farmhand, but this? Who would ask for this?

—and Ruby, pale, her voice tight and small and fighting just as hard not to be scared: We all went to Beacon because we wanted to help people, but you're right. None of us asked for this, either. We just have to press on–

Until we can't anymore, he thinks now, dully.

"Oz had this– idea." He ignores Ozma's flinch and Salem tensing beside him and his own flurry of misgiving, and rasps: "That if we keep pulling apart, then maybe—the curse—we might be able to fight it, but it– i-it hurts, all the time, and my friends can't even—I'm not– I'm not ready to..."

die.

Digging his fingers into his scalp as his voice frays and fails him, he chokes out, pleading, "How did you know it was me?"

Salem, of course, does not answer.

He struggles for what feels like eternity to get his breathing under control again, while Salem says nothing at all and Oz coils up tighter and tighter inside his head. The silence is dark, prickling, oppressive.

Then: "Fight... it."

Oscar–

"Oz's curse," he says, shudders it out, and lifts his head.

She's staring blankly across the Grounds, but the moment he looks at her, Salem turns her head with granite slowness to meet his gaze. Haunted cannot describe the abyss he sees behind her eyes; neither is it exactly despair, though it has something of the charred desolation left by wildfire.

He is on the point of asking are you okay again when she says slowly, "Both of you."

"...Yeah?"

Her lips part with an exhalation like the last dying breath of autumn. "Oh," she says softly, and then, "May... I–?"

One hand unfolds toward him, palm upturned and flat; even Ozma doesn't seem to understand what she means, and Oscar holds her unblinking stare in a haze of tired confusion, wondering for a moment if he really has lost his mind, before he takes a deep breath and says, "Sure. Why not."

You're not even going to question?

If she were going to hurt us, she wouldn't ask first!

But you don't– oh.

Salem palms his jaw, and Oz breaks off with an inarticulate gibber, falling into rapt, mortifying silence as she crooks her thumb around his chin to tip his head up. Before Oscar can unscramble himself enough to jerk away or ask what she's doing, or even just hiss at Ozma to get a grip, her eyes narrow. The world seems to tilt sideways, and a redness rushes out–

and he falls.

———

Rain.

Heartbeat throb of thunder, gilded with a lightning sizzle, and Oscar's feet are sinking in muck and his hair is plastered to his skull and muddy water swirls around his knees. Irregular gusts slap cold spray into his face. His teeth are chattering.

What's happening?

Nothing. He can't even feel–

...Oz?

Bewildered, he wades—upriver?—shielding his face from the downpour as best he can. It's dark and freezing and he can't see anything but indistinct, hulking shadows in the distance.

"Hello?" he shouts.

I see, Salem hisses like a blade drawn across his thoughts.

Oscar shrieks, clapping his hands over his ears as if that will help; he feels a horrid writhing in the back of his mind, and the waters part ahead of him and—Salem boils out, except— except–

He gawks at her. She flares her wings to block the rain and inspects him, carefully, in return.

"What–" his voice snaps like a waterlogged twig. He sloshes forward one staggering step. "What is this? Why do you look like that!?"

Burning red eyes flick down, indifferently. She is all bone and oily black feathers: a macilent siren with the wings of a nevermore erupting from her back. "We are in your mind, boy. You tell me."

"My—what?"

Salem sighs. "It is like a dream," she says, gentler. "I think–" that haunted, blasted look again. "...I am beginning to understand."

"Well, I'm not!"

Firelight glints in her eyes. The faint shadow of a grim smile.

"You want to live?" she says.

The wind screams; thunder roars. Rain lashes his face. Oscar clenches his fists and answers, "Of course I do."

She's holding something in her hands, he realizes only as she steps forward to fold it into his palm: a cabochon of amber, glowing bright as a candle's flame. "Don't let it go," she says quietly, and, "You are going to have to swim."

———

Oscar– Oscar!!

Thrash, blinded. Sobbing. Cold. Pressure. Blood taste. Pain. Mouth full of dirt. Crushed. Buried. Roots digging in, gouging—taking—hurts—where's Oscar–

-where am I—

—who am–

"Ozma," she murmurs against their hair, and they quiet beneath her. Soft hands, warm hands, a caress.

Salem. Salem, love–

"I'm here. I have you, Oz."

Don't go– please—stay—don't leave me-

"I won't."

It's you.

Tears soak into the earth smothering their face, and the bedrock is unforgiving and cold beneath them, but Salem noses into their neck, whispering, "It's me. I–"

It hurts. Salem–

"I know."

I'm afraid. Please– please don't go.

"Never." Her breath warms, and Ozma sobs in airless silence while her fingers trace cautiously around the burrowing roots. "Oh, Ozma, what has he done to you?"

I didn't know– I didn't—I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, I–

She rests her head against theirs, trembling. "I know," she says softly. "I forgive you."

I– my love. When they close their eyes, the darkness seems less, and the flood of their sorrow scours them clean. Is—is Oscar alright?

"Well. He's not drowned, yet."

Ozma swallows, tasting silt. They can't move at all, can't breathe, but they strain to somehow be closer. Do you think– if... if you kill me—here—in him. Will it end, do you think?

Lips behind their ear, light as a moth's wing. Deeper than fear, deeper than doubt, subterranean fire smolders in their heart; a forlorn kind of horror, to be buried here with her. Salem strokes their shoulder, and breathes, "Do you want to die?"

No. I... no. I want to live.

And, plaintively, I want you.

They feel her shifting like the earth itself, above and around them. Her power, percolating up through the bedrock. Saltwater on their lips. That inebriating reek of atrum: strange mingling of camphor and ozone and rotten brine that it is.

Salem threads her fingers gently through their hair.

Then she whispers, "I'm so sorry, Oz. It's going to hurt."

It's the only warning she gives before bringing her power down like a hammer upon the anvil of their soul, and Ozma screams.

———

Destruction, Salem thinks, to begin anew–

The God of Light never understood that, did he?

She weeps. Ozma screams and screams in mindless agony long after a living person would have died, but she does not stop, and the unbreakable golden chains that had bound them rip free.

When nothing remains of them but gory pulp and shattered bone, when she tears the final hook of the Light's cruelty out of them, then their howling ceases, and Salem cradles them close and slams herself down one last time. The foundations of the boy's mind rupture; she dives through the fissure, drawing the floodwaters after her—somewhere far above, an echo of a ragged cry from Oscar, washed ashore—and beneath the stone: her roiling abyssal sky.

Her monstrous form and the ruin of theirs peel away as she streaks downward. Salem falls to her knees on the wet grey beach of her most desolate hopes, herself again, nothing in her hands but a shattered tangle of bird-bones and broken feathers.

Their aura sweeps into the endless sea, dirty green water rushing past while she holds them against her heart.

For a time, all is quiet and still. She watches while the impurities burn away, a slow dawning of the sublime quartz-green color of their soul; Ozma trembles in her hands, keening softly.

Salem...?

"...Oz." There's so much she wants to say; a thousand apologies and pleas and I love you and why didn't you tell me and how dare he do this to you, to us, and as she smooths their glaucous feathers, the only thing that will fit in her mouth is, "Stay. Please."

The tiny heap of feathers and splinters snuggles into her palms. Third time's the charm?

Humor scratches her throat—or else, maybe, it is a choking sob—and Salem lowers her hands, and lets the waves carry them away.

"I'll be here," she breathes, and there she waits.

———

You. What are you?

"Only a man," they say without thinking, "and not even a very good one. Nor much of a woman, for that matter. Where am I?"

That which is in all things that are; presiding at the choosings, the turnings, and the changing. Nowhere. Everywhere.

"...It's dark," they observe, politely.

So it is.

"May I ask to whom I am speaking?"

You may.

There is a pause.

Ozma feels at the ground, fingertips mapping the joints between pillars of sun-warmed basalt. Something soft and powdery whispers over their hands: ashes, they think.

Exasperated, they ask, "To whom am I speaking?"

The Crown Conflagrant; the Abscission Enkindling. The Dawning of Dream and the Dreaming of Dawn. I am the King-in-Red, and I have been waiting for you.

"Oh," says Ozma. "...Not a terribly elucidating introduction."

Nevertheless.

That is, they suppose, fair. Rising slowly, on legs shaky as a newborn fawn's, they ask, "Where is Salem? She–" a quavering, piteous uncertainty: "She promised not to leave me."

She waits for you at the threshold. What are you?

"I– I don't know." In the distance, a red glimmer; firelight dancing on the horizon. Ozma hesitates toward it. Every inch of them aches with the aftershocks of their shattering, but—they remember her hands, warm, safe. Her voice. "I... I'm a– a liar, and a coward—and a failure. I've made so many mistakes–"

Their voice crumples.

"I just– I wanted to be good."

You carry your legends with you.

"I was never any kind of hero," they insist, bleak. "I couldn't even save her. I..."

The fire seems so very far. Shivering, Ozma tucks their arms around themself; their skin is in tatters, too shredded to cover their bones, slippery with blood.

"I didn't want this," they whisper. "I never meant to hurt– she means—so much—and it– it wasn't supposed to—to end like... this–"

But it's so cold.

Ozma shudders, and their voice cracks: "Am I dead?"

You've been dead a long time, now.

"I—well." They hunch into themself, discouraged. "Everything does have to die, I suppose, in the end. I just... if there's a way–"

Nothing ever ends. We shed our leaves to nourish our soil; thus life returns to life. Death is only a kind of dreaming, and the dreamer wakes from sleep as the living awaken from death.

"...I'm not sure I understand," they admit.

The King-in-Red gives no answer, and for a while Ozma stumbles wearily along the basalt expanse. There doesn't seem to be anything else to do. On the horizon, the flames bloom like a sunset.

Then:

What are you looking for?

"My–"

They hesitate. My love, they think. My life. My hope. Peace.

"...a door," they say, "a way—through."

What is stopping you?

"I—am. I keep– I keep lying. I keep—blinding myself. It's all I do."

What are you going to do about it?

"Stop. I suppose."

Silence.

Ozma wets their lips, tasting salt, tasting copper. "I want to wake up."

So what are you?

"Is this a riddle?"

Of a kind.

Their shambling footsteps cease; thumbing their eyes, Ozma mutters tiredly, "I'm lost. I– please. Just send me home."

The King-in-Red laughs like the crash of thunder, and cinnabar lighting unseams the sky, and everything in the world is aflame.

———

The sea rears up; and its foam is emerald fire, and Salem reaches for them and Ozma tumbles out from behind the wave and—and she'll never know, afterward, how long it is that they lie there clinging to each other in the gleaming surf.

"It's you," she whimpers, at length.

"I want us to live," they say tightly; and then, with a broken sob, "Please. I just want us to—live."

"We will–"

"—together–"

"—yes," as she hugs them closer, "yes. I've missed you– let me—let me look at you-"

Their hands flow down her sides as they roll away, obliging. Salem moves with them, settles into their lap, and Ozma breathes out a little laugh; apprehension shines in those night-dark eyes. Like they could possibly disappoint her. "How do I look?"

Lean shoulders. The graceful curve of their neck. Enraptured, she takes their face in her hands, touches the slight dips of pox scars pitting their jaw. Little marks of Ozpin linger, in the sharp corners of their mouth and their deep-set eyes. Slicing through their left brow is the thin white scar they'd had the first time they ever came back. The subtle constellation of freckles under their eyes is new to her; the warm brown of their complexion, achingly familiar.

"Perfect," she croons, brushing her lips against their cheek and her hand through their hair: dark again, dark as rich soil, flecked with grey. "Just like you."

Ozma finds the lacing at the back of her dress, and her eyes close, and their fingertips trickle down. "There's quite a lot we ought to speak of," they say innocently, "first."

"...Oz."

Impish: "Don't you agree?"

"It has been—I- I don't–"

"Four thousand, one hundred forty-four years," they supply.

"–that long," Salem growls against their jaw, and Oz snickers warmly as they unwind the knot holding everything in place. She cups one hand behind their neck, kisses them, kisses them. "We'll talk– later—"

"I missed you," Ozma says happily, and nothing more after that.

———

Later, curling together in the mossy hollow of an almost-dream, Salem traces the livid scars those golden chains branded into their flesh and mumbles, "Ozma."

"Hm?"

"It wasn't your fault."

They flinch, and say very softly, "If I hadn't—just given up, I..."

"Maybe." She bends to press her lips to the healed wound behind their shoulder, "but—this, Ozma. You are not to blame for what he did to you. How he hurt you."

"Neither are you," they say, and when Salem doesn't answer, they reach up to clasp her hand, and draw her closer, and kiss her palm. "Thank you. For saving me."

"Well," she sighs, caressing their hair; and she thinks of the despair that had driven her back to them at last, and the wounds in her mind, and the terror of returning, and—this. How distant it all feels now, how small. "You saved me tonight, too."

[ — an interlude from this thread with @jocundcompany ]