#Chess Rush guides

[vaginalvr]

fast - learning boy, nsfw

Summary: You teach Spencer how to give head...

content warning: Descriptive sexual tension, heavy making out, explicit consent discussion, one partner teaching the other about oral sex

a/n: the first in the inexperienced!spencer series!, enjoy :)

word count ~ 1.2k

Spencer was fidgeting so much at dinner that you’d given up trying to keep the conversation casual.

He was brilliant at everything else. Casework. Chess. Quoting obscure research. Remembering the names of every victim and unsub you’d ever tracked together. But personal things? He got shy. And sex? He’d grown bolder with you, sure—but there were still frontiers he hadn’t crossed.

Tonight you watched him shift in his chair, push his food around his plate, and bite his lip so hard it went white.

You finally set down your fork.

“Spencer,” you said softly. “Talk to me.”

He blinked. “I am talking.”

“You’re brooding. There’s a difference.”

He swallowed. His voice dropped. “It’s…personal.”

“Everything about us is personal,” you reminded him, covering his hand with yours. “Try me.”

He went even redder, then whispered so low you barely heard:

“I don’t know how to…do that. You know. On you. I’ve read about it. I know what it is—I’m not an idiot. But I don’t want to mess it up.”

You blinked. Then smiled so big your face hurt.

He winced. “Don’t laugh at me.”

“I’m not! Spencer.” You squeezed his fingers. “I’m delighted. You want to learn?”

He looked down. “I want to be good for you. You deserve that.”

Your heart melted.

You shifted forward so your knees brushed under the table. “I can teach you.”

His eyes darted up, wide and almost fearful. “You’d…be okay with that?”

“Spencer,” you murmured, leaning closer. “Nothing would make me happier.”

He looked like he might pass out.

By the time you got home, his nerves had returned with a vengeance.

He hovered by your bedroom door, twisting his fingers. “You sure?” he asked for the fifth time.

You stepped up, pressing your palms to his chest. He was so warm, heart thudding like a trapped rabbit.

“Positive,” you whispered, tipping your head up for a kiss.

He responded shyly, mouth tentative, until you sighed into him and he relaxed, pulling you closer.

You nudged him gently to sit on the bed. He obeyed, palms braced on his thighs, looking up at you like you were a puzzle he was desperate to solve.

“First lesson,” you said, brushing your fingers through his hair, “is don’t overthink.”

He gave a strangled laugh. “Literally impossible.”

“Then listen to me.” You pushed your fingers into his hair more firmly, tilting his head back. His breath caught.

“Second lesson,” you continued, voice husky, “is pay attention. To me. Not the textbooks in your head.”

He nodded dumbly.

You smiled and kissed him again, slower this time. He relaxed further, his hands settling on your waist. When you nipped his lower lip, he gasped.

“You like that?” you teased.

He blushed. “I…yes.”

“Good. Because you’re going to watch me, listen to me, learn me. Understand?”

“Y-yeah.” His voice cracked.

You took his hand and guided it between your thighs over your clothes. His fingers trembled.

“Warm,” he murmured. “You’re warm.”

“Good. Feel my heartbeat?”

He nodded, wide-eyed.

“That’s for you,” you whispered. “Because I want this.”

He swallowed hard, lashes fluttering. “I want it too. I want you.”

You smiled and kissed him fiercely, pushing him back slightly on the bed. When you pulled away, you let his hand drift higher along your body.

“Touch me like that. Gentle. Curious. Don’t rush.”

He obeyed, fascinated. You could see the profiler in him analyzing your reactions—where you gasped, where your breath caught.

“Good,” you praised, voice thick. “Just like that.”

He shivered. “God. Your voice.”

You smiled, breathless. “My voice?”

“It—it’s helping,” he admitted. “You telling me what you want.”

“Want me to keep going?”

He nodded so hard you laughed.

When you finally unbuttoned your jeans and guided his hand beneath, he made a tiny sound in the back of his throat.

“Oh,” he whispered. “You’re…”

“Wet,” you supplied, nipping at his ear. “Because of you.”

He groaned.

You pressed his fingers more firmly, coaching him with gentle words. He was clumsy at first, but so attentive it made your chest ache.

“Slower,” you whispered.

“Like this?”

“Mm. Better. More pressure. Don’t be afraid.”

You felt him swallow hard. “I’m…nervous.”

“I know. I love that about you,” you confessed.

He let out a broken laugh, exhaling against your throat. “You’re evil.”

You smiled wickedly. “And you like it.”

He kissed you then, more sure, until you had to break away for air.

Finally you shifted back, pushing him gently down so he was kneeling on the floor between your legs, looking up.

You cupped his face. “Ready for the advanced class?”

He groaned. “God. Yes.”

Your heart was pounding like a drum.

You held his hair gently. “Watch me. Listen to me. Don’t stop unless I say.”

“Okay,” he rasped, breath coming fast.

You could see how hard he was breathing, how eager he was to learn.

You told him exactly what you wanted, voice shaking with heat. His eyes stayed locked on yours the whole time, wide and worshipful. He asked questions, his voice wrecked with nerves and want, and you answered in low, shaking whispers.

You praised him every time he did something right. Your fingers twisted in his hair. At one point he mumbled something against you that made you laugh breathlessly and tug him closer.

“Spencer. God. Just like that.”

He made a desperate, ruined noise at how you said his name.

And when your voice finally broke, when you gasped his name in a wrecked whisper, he shuddered like he was the one coming apart.

You tugged him up to kiss you, messy and hot and grateful.

“Did I…do okay?” he asked, voice hoarse, eyes shining.

You let out a broken laugh. “You did perfect. Best student I’ve ever had.”

He buried his face in your neck, still breathing hard.

You held him close, fingers stroking through his hair, your whole body thrumming with warmth and promise.

The rest of the night lay open before you, full of lessons you were both eager to learn.

[ethelshound]

CHECKMATE. • S.REID

─── IN WHICH Spencer has always been a strategist, whether in the field or over a game of chess. But when the game takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself flustered by an entirely different kind of move.

Spencer Reid 𝓍 𝑔𝓃!reader 1.6K ⋆ fluff ⋆ established relationship ⋆ awkward Spencer ⋆ soft moments ⋆ innocent make out

Spencer Reid doesn’t usually let himself lose at chess.

He’s too used to calculating every move, to knowing the exact number of steps it will take to win. But when you walk into his apartment, bright-eyed and smiling, holding a pizza box in one hand and a soda in the other, his mind suddenly feels... a little too cluttered for strategy.

You're the kind of presence that doesn't need to be analyzed. He can feel the pull of your energy before you even say a word, a gravitational force that brings him a quiet kind of peace. It makes the chessboard between you seem small, insignificant in comparison.

“You ready to lose?” you tease as you sit down across from him at the small coffee table, the board between you both. The game has barely begun, but you’re already looking at him with that playful smile that’s just too good for his sanity.

Spencer, of course, doesn’t answer the challenge outright. Instead, he adjusts his glasses and squints at the board, his mind quickly picking apart the different combinations. But as his fingers hover over the pieces, he realizes he hasn’t moved in what feels like ages, his focus drifting to the way the sunlight hits your hair, the soft laugh that escapes you when you take a casual sip of soda.

You, however, notice.

“You’re stalling,” you observe with a knowing smile, leaning forward just a little, catching his eye. You know exactly how he works.

He’s blushing before he can help it, but he shrugs it off, moving his queen to the center of the board with an exaggerated gesture. “Just contemplating my options,” he says, his voice a little too steady for the warmth spreading through his chest.

A few more moves pass, but the tension between the pieces only grows. It's not that Spencer minds—no, he’s lost in the rhythm of the game, but also in the rhythm of you.

And then, with a gentle, teasing smile, you make your move, carefully nudging your bishop forward, putting his king in check. The game isn’t over, not yet, but his mind seems to stop entirely. The move is so simple, so easy, and yet Spencer can’t help but notice the softness in the way you move—your fingers delicate, the way your eyes soften when you glance up at him.

Before he can even think about his next move, you’re standing up, slipping around the edge of the table, and without a word, you gently push him back onto the couch, your hand on his chest.

He lets out a soft laugh, startled by the sudden movement. "What are you doing?" he asks, his voice quiet, but amused, unsure whether this is part of the game or something else entirely.

But you only smile, your touch warm against his shirt as you guide him back into the pillows. “Just giving you a break,” you say, your voice soft, and for a moment, everything else disappears.

You climb onto the couch beside him, close enough that Spencer can feel the heat of your skin near his, but not close enough to make any real move. You don’t rush him. You never do. Instead, you lean against the couch and watch him, your gaze steady, filled with something warm and trusting.

Spencer finds his breath catching in his throat. It’s like time slows down around you, the moment lingering, sweet and soft. His mind isn’t thinking about the chessboard anymore, or the game he’s losing. He’s thinking about you—how your hand rests lightly on his knee, how you haven’t pulled away, how his pulse seems to beat in time with yours.

And then, without thinking, his hand moves to the back of your neck, gently guiding you closer. It’s slow, deliberate, a question. And when your lips brush against his, it’s everything. Soft. Languid. No rush.

The kiss is sweet at first, a quiet touch of warmth and tenderness. Spencer feels his pulse race, his mind slipping into the moment entirely. His glasses fog up instantly from the proximity, and he smiles against your lips, the warmth of your kiss too much for his senses to process all at once.

You pull away slightly, just enough to catch your breath, and Spencer laughs softly, his voice low and a little embarrassed. “I... I can’t see you,” he admits, his glasses so fogged up he can’t make out your features.

You chuckle, brushing his hair back with your fingers. “I guess that’s one way to win the game.”

Spencer grins, his heart fluttering at the way your fingers feel in his hair. "I’m not sure I’m winning anything right now."

But then you kiss him again, slower this time, your lips gentle and languid against his, and Spencer’s world narrows down to the warmth of you, the softness of your touch, the quiet hum of contentment between you both.

His hands move instinctively, resting lightly on your waist, pulling you just a little closer, but still with no rush. He’s content, lost in the peacefulness of the moment—no moves to calculate, no moves to make, just this.

The kiss lingers. The world outside Spencer’s apartment fades into nothing. You’re here, in his arms, and nothing else matters. Not the game, not the strategies, not even the foggy glasses that sit crookedly on his face.

“You’re distracting me,” he murmurs when you finally pull away, his voice thick with a contented smile.

You smile, that same mischievous look in your eyes, but there’s a softness to it now—something warmer. “I’m not sorry,” you say, your fingers brushing the side of his glasses, gently moving them back up his nose.

And Spencer, without thinking, pulls you back into him, his lips finding yours once more. This time, the kiss is lazy, a slow, tender thing that speaks of nothing but the quiet affection that’s settled between you both.

The game doesn’t matter anymore. Not when this is what he wants. Not when you’re right here, with him.

And as you finally pull away for good, both of you a little breathless, Spencer laughs softly, a deep, content sound that fills the space. “I think we both lost.”

You grin, your eyes sparkling. “We can always start a new game later.”

Spencer smiles, leaning back into the pillows, his hand still resting lightly on yours. “Yeah. Later sounds good.”

And for once, the game doesn’t matter.

All that matters is the way you fit perfectly next to him, the way your touch makes everything in the world feel a little more at ease. The way you’ve already won, without even trying.

[nightsmarish]

Summary: after talking to Regulus, you both decide to take the offer to stay with the Potters, and barty gets thrown across the slytherin table by Evan

Pt1

A/n: very focused on Reg for some reason, not 100% sure why, but it's lovely, also we love bestie barty. ALSO ALSO, reader is aggressively, very aggressively, hinted to be slytherin

Poly!moonwater x reader (Remus lupin x regulus black x reader) | 1.4k words

Tw: toxic family, running away? Family disappointment, ect. Barty jinxing Gryffindors for sport and an owl flying into a chess game

Asked to be tagged: @misacc08

★⋆｡°⋆𖦹✮₊★⋆｡°⋆𖦹✮₊★⋆｡°⋆𖦹✮₊

It's finally two weeks until the end of this year at Hogwarts. Class times have been filled with going over study guides and reviewing for the final exams only a few days away. 

Neither you nor Regulus have said yes to staying at Potter Manor this summer. Despite James being very adamant about it.

“I’ll just mention you blokes might be joining us.” James told you when you visited Gryffindor table one morning, as he wrote his parents. 

“James-” 

“No, no, let ‘im. No harm in it? Is there?” Sirius cuts you off, feet extended to rest on the bench across the table from him. 

“But Mrs. Potter shouldn’t prepare an extra room if neither of us will be joining.” Your points are acknowledged when James hums to confirm he heard you, but his quill never stops moving.

Remus has been looking at you the whole time. Not in a creepy way, you're both pretty sure not in a creepy way at least. Just in an undivided attention way. Practically ignoring the other two boys to admire you, other than when he occasionally slaps away Sirius’ hand on his fifth attempt to grab Remus’ food. 

You look down to where Remus sits as well. Honestly, he's not that much shorter than you sitting down, but wherever. Your hand that's not holding the strap of your bag gently scratched the hair at the base of his head before kissing his cheek, mumbling a small promise to see him during your study time later. 

ᯓ★

It's not like you don’t want to go to stay with everyone else. It’d be amazing; it really would. But the idea of going when Regulus stays at the Black House feels wrong. You know being with your parents won’t help him, nor will being at James’ house, but it feels wrong. 

Remembering how destroyed he was when Sirius left. When he came back to school, you two hadn’t known the Marauders like you do now. The anger he knew was misplaced, but he couldn’t help but feel abandoned by Sirius. You remember it—the crying, the way he couldn’t focus until a month into school. And you remember Sirius being disowned.

And maybe that's part of it too. The idea of being disowned. Even if you know they are horrible people, people you don’t wish to be related to. The idea still makes you sick. Their horrible and evil, but dear Salazar, parent approval is so addicting and you hate how much you still want it. 

So which is worse, feeling like you betrayed one of your boyfriends, or your parents disapproval? 

“Regulus?” You keep your voice low in the library. The aforementioned boy looks up from his textbook sitting across from you. Remus, next to you, pauses, moving his quill to focus on you two as well.

“Yes?” His voice matches yours, despite being a little more stiff. 

“I wanna talk about it again. About James’ house.” You rush the words out. Probably because you know Regulus will want to shoot it down immediately.

“Love, you know I’m not going.” He sighs, sitting up straight in his seat. 

“Why? Why not go?” 

"Dove-" Remus tries to interject, not sure how well direct confrontation will go after Regulus has already denied it far too many times.

“What would I do?”

Both you and Remus pause, looking right at Regulus. Who stares right back at you.

“What do you mean?’ Remus says what you think.

“I leave, I get disowned, I lose the family fortune.” There are unspoken words there; everyone knows. He loses the Black name, he loses the reputation, and he loses everything he ever knew. Sirius had always wanted to leave; he had dreamed about it long before the possibility ever even crossed Regulus’ mind. The older Black had an idea of what would happen long before he left. Regulus hasn't gotten that right. 

“We can figure it out when we get there, love.” Remus rests his quill in the small ink pot, reaching both his hands to cup Regulus’ hands between his own. 

All three of you stay silent for a second, Regulus looking down at Remus’ hand covering his own, you staring at Regulus, and Remus looking between the two of you, trying to figure out what to do. 

"If..." you sigh, shifting in your seat, “if... you go... I’ll go, and we can figure it out together.” 

Gray eyes shoot up to yours. “Are you serious?” His voice is unsure, like you're going to take your offer back for no apparent reason. 

“Yeah. I’m scared too, but I don't think I can bring myself to go back, not this time. But at the same time, I won’t be okay with going if you don’t go.”

Remus takes a deep breath, one hand still holding the younger boy's hand, other moving so his arm wraps around your shoulder, gently rubbing your upper arm. “So, it's settled. I can tell James.” 

“Thank you,” You whisper, and Regulus takes one of his hands from the lycan to intertwine your fingers. 

ᯓ★

The letter felt wrong to write. Less than a week before you're off to Potter Manor is when you get a response.

You're sitting at the Slytherin table in the morning when the letter holding their response arrives. Your owl landing smoothly, unlike the poor Hufflepuff owl you see sly head first into a game of Wizard Chess.

The seal of the letter belongs to your family, and it's painfully obvious. Regulus had gotten his response within a few days. Hurtful and harsh, despite never reading it yourself.

Looking around, Regulus is watching Barty, who is sitting on the long table rather than at it, cast small, mostly-hopefully harmless jinxs on a few older Gryffindors who haven't seemed to notice who's doing it. While Evan is whispering more and more jinxs for Barty to use.

Deciding that you might as well get it over with, you break the wax seal. The letter was nothing but vile, as you expected, the threats, the anger, the disappointment. Yet, you are honestly relieved. Like a huge, bolder is off your back. Sisyphus would envy you.

"And what do you have? A secret admirer? Are you planning on finally leaving the wild beasts you call boyfriends?"

Barty turns his attention to you as you finish reading, snatching the letter to inspect it.

"Ew, is that from your parents?" Evans nose scrunches up, noticing the names signed at the bottom of the parchment when he leans over Bartys shoulder.

"Yeah, I wrote them last week that I'd be staying with the Potters this summer, and they finally got back to me." Your voice remains surprisingly even, despite feeling somewhere between calm and like you're going to vomit, cry, and punch a wall.

Evan and Barty continue to scrutinize the letter, the phrasing, and how your mother writes the letter S weird. While Regulus leans closer to you.

"Everything okay?" His quite, a stark contrast two the boys sitting acorsd from you as Barty pushes his boyfriend off the seat for something or another and Evan kicks a little too close to Bartys dick.

"Yeah, it'll be okay." You hum, scooting closer to the pale boy, "would you and Remus want to come stay at my dorm tonight? At least for a little? Serenella and Iris are both going to be out all night."

"Of course, love. I'll grab Remus after charms and we can meet you there before dinner?" A soft kiss is placed on the top of your head when he finishes his sentence.

"That sounds good."

The peace of the situation is cut off by Barty falling off the table towards you, taking you down to the floor with him.

"God damnit Barty!" A smile far to big for the situation paints your face face.

"Evan threw me, gem! He tried to kill me! I'm wounded." Barty sits half on hus knees, half laid out on the gross Hogwarts in such a pathetic manor Regulus chuckles under his breath.

"And I'll do it again idiot!" Evan sits back on his spot at the long table. Huffing while smoothing out his hair and uniform.

"Oh God, gem, I won't make it." Barty throws himself onto you, your back to the ground as you laugh. "If I die will you leave your loser boyfriends to join me and Evan?"

"Okay, junior, that's enough." Remus appears in your vision, slightly nudging Bartys side, like touching him too long will make whatever is sodding wrong with the boy rub off on him.

"Hello, big boy." Barty stands up and takes you with him, dusting off his and your clothes. "You know, both of you could leave Regulus and-"

"Okay Barty!" Regulus pushes Barty to sit back down, shutting him up as he begins to bicker with Regulus next.

[mizgnomer]

Behind the Scenes of The Giggle - Part Six Excerpt from Benjamin Cook's DWM #597 Interview with Catherine Tate (with guest appearance by David Tennant)

"Do you know, we went to an escape room with Neil? He loves them. It was his birthday while we were here…” [ Neil Patrick Harris ] celebrated his 49th while filming Doctor Who in Bristol last month. By day, he donned the Toymaker’s tux and shimmied gleefully on the streets. By night, he took David and Catherine out to dinner, then on to Worlds Collide, Bristol’s best – and only – Doctor Who-themed escape room. Players are given 60 minutes to work out how to close a tear in the fabric of spacetime, before the Cybermen break through (the Toymaker has fought the Cybermen!!). “He’d booked it out,” says Catherine. “He’d shut down the whole place [for the night] and they let us in.” “Proper Hollywood,” says David. “Innit, though! That’s old money, that is,” she laughs. “And Jodie [Whittaker’s Doctor] turns up,” says David. “She was on a PA. As if –” “– as if she’s calling you. And there was a scarf. And a sonic screwdriver.” “And a Cyberman.” “A Cyberman head, yeah.” Aren’t Catherine and David… you know, overqualified for a Doctor Who escape room? “I was quite hopeful,” he says. “I thought, these are puzzles I’m going to be able to solve. But then–” “There were chess pieces,” says Catherine, in much the same tone of voice in which Donna once informed the Doctor that Santa’s a robot. “I mean, oh my God! Sorry, but how the hell –?” Neil was brilliant at it, though. “He was annoyingly good.” The Toymaker and his games are quite notorious. “Yes, because then he went, ‘Let’s do another one! We’re gonna do the World War Two room.’ That’s when I came to life.” “It’s true,” says David. “I loved that one. It was great. We were spies and we’d infiltrated a Nazi bunker.” “It involved a bit more role play, didn’t it? Very Toymaker. And zome outrageous ack-sents!” “But after the Doctor Who one,” says Catherine, “it was clear that Neil and David were better at it. There was a clear division between the coulds and the could-nots. So Neil and David went into one room, and me, [executive producer] Phil Collinson, and Charlie [De Melo], who plays… is it Charles Banerjee? [glimpsed in last year’s Christmas Day trailer, rushing through the rain towards Mr Emporium’s toyshop] – went in another room. I’d said to Phil and Charlie, ‘Let’s cut the deadwood and go into a room on our own.’ You do it against each other, and see who gets out first. “So me, Charlie and Phil had a right old laugh,” recalls Catherine, cracking up, “while David and Neil went off and… got out much quicker. Midway through ours, they’d already finished and were watching us scrabble around trying to get out of our German bunker.” She chuckles at the memory. “Then suddenly through the PA comes: ‘DONNAAA!!!’” David says nothing, but he looks very pleased with himself.

Also, from Charlie De Melo's Instagram:

I'm struggling to think of a stranger evening than one, last June, doing a @bbcdoctorwho themed escape room, with The Doctor, Donna and the Toymaker. David and Neil, it turns out, are *very* good at escape rooms. The rest of us, less so. They rushed around the room, picking up clues and turning switches and all manner of other things, whilst the rest of us looked on, utterly bemused (& a little tooty in my case). So on they powered. Leaving us scratching our heads in a room full of disembodied Cybermen ones. Before confusion could give way to frustration, the tannoy crackled. It was David. They'd somehow managed to finish the entire thing whilst we all had stood still where we'd been left. Although he'd lost his lilting, melodic, Scottish brogue. He was now The Doctor. And in the Doctor's voice he began barking orders at us, talking us through the puzzles and guiding us out of whatever wibbly wobbly mess we were in and back to the safety of Bristol. "Donna! Quick! You have to get them out of there, the Cybermen are coming!"

For other posts in this set, please see the #whoBtsGiggle tag. The full episode list is [ here ]

[sunnycanvas]

Hello there 💕

May I kindly request a story in which Baldwin IV teaches his son to play chess and the reader is admiring them? ( If possible )

Thank you so much💗 I really love the way you write the stories, they really bring out Baldwin’s behaviour

Queen (Y/N) has been tirelessly wandering around the castle searching for her son. She would have ask nearby gaurds same question. "Have you seen the prince?". The gaurds would shook their head making the queen more anxious. Finally she reached another part of castle where she asked the gaurd again who said "Your Grace, I saw the young prince entering the king's chamber. The queen in relief decided to rush to her husband. When she thought of knocking the door but decided otherwise when she heard the sound of giggles. Curious the queen slightly open's the door and witnesses heart warming scene. The young prince's hand is held by his father who is guiding him about chess piece. The young prince who holds chess piece of queen asks his father curious"What about the queen, papa?". "Why does she get so much power". "Aren't woman inferior?" The king smiled gently at his son and said "That's not true". "Take your mother for example". "She is the strongest woman I have ever known". "The queen here protects the king". "Just like your mother protects your father". The king foundly stared at the chess piece. He gently stroked the chess piece of the queen and then kissed it before putting it next to king piece."You really love mommy, isn't it daddy"? The king smiled and said"Yes, I love her" "I love her very much". The king proceeds to explain next chess pieces with their son listening carefully.

"Daddy, what happens if queen dies?" "Does the game end".

"No" replied the king. "The game must go on". "The game ends if king dies" Confused the prince asks "What will happen to mommy if you aren't here anymore?" "I heard my friends saying you won't live long". The king sighed sadly knowing this topic was bound to come.

"Will you promise me something, will you protect mommy for me if I am no longer here?"

The prince angrily replied "I don't want to be king if it means losing you". The king replied "I won't die for a very long time". "I don't want to leave your mother behind". "Now let's get back to next piece" Queen (Y/N) with tears in her eyes leaves the room wondering how she got so lucky

[gerec]

Do you have any canon movie fics to recommend? (could be canon divergence too)

the best ones of course

Hi Anon,

It's impossible to define 'best ones' when it comes to fic as everyone has their own set of preferences but I'm happy to share some of my personal favourites. :D And this list barely scratches the surface of all the incredible fic we've been blessed with in this fandom so def. do your own search on ao3 and filter for your preferred tropes! Also, feel free to check out some of my previous fic recs posts on my blog for more options! Happy reading!

XMFC

never too late to be who you might have been by acetamide Erik wakes suddenly and takes a deep breath, and realises that there is nothing.

Replay by SlightWeasel (series) After Magneto of an X2-ish future succeeds in the unthinkable, Charles sends his consciousness back to 1962 to guide Erik away from the path that will lead to the genocide of the human race forty years hence.Charles knows that Erik has always loved him, and intends to use this knowledge + sex to seduce Erik away from his ideals in his youth.There’s no way this well-thought-out, sensible, debugged and 100% bulletproof plan can possibly go wrong.

When We Two Parted by nekosmuse At the end of X3, a still depowered Erik travels back in time to meet 1962 Charles. Cue angst, desperate kissing and happy endings for all. Written for the x-men kink meme.

Lucid Dreaming by listerinezero Magneto finds himself in 1962, on the morning they go to Cuba, in the bed of the young Charles who’d spent months letting him think they were in love before breaking his heart. But he is not the same man he was forty years earlier, and as he gets to know young Charles again, he discovers that things might not have been exactly the way he remembered them after all.

Time to Grow by zarah5 In which you'll find chess dates which aren't dates (or maybe Charles is wrong about that). -- Based on First Class, this turns (slightly) AU during the beach scene.

Not Half As Blinding by keire-ke Cuban beach AU. Charles discovers that death does, in fact, solve everything.

Blood and Steel and Miles Between by dreamlittleyo (Post-movie AU.) On a beach in Cuba, Charles manages to talk Erik down from the edge. But even after the missiles have been diverted, compromise is impossible. There are two different futures to build, and Erik and Charles will always be separated by their principles. But when Charles is kidnapped and the X-Men can't find him, Erik will get him back no matter the consequences.

Homecoming by nekosmuse Five years after they part ways on a beach in Cuba, Charles sends a telepathic message: We are under attack.. Erik drops everything to rush to Charles' side. In which battles are fought, war is avoided, a middle ground is found, and happily ever afters do exist.

how near to fairyland by ikeracity Since childhood, Charles has kept all the things he can't let go of in a beautiful room in his head. Cuba brings his precarious balancing act crashing down.

The Line in the Sand by ikeracity The CIA agents on the base are bullying the children, mocking them for their mutations. Charles will not tolerate it.

DOFP

Hope by daymarket  A near-decade of hatred can't be wiped out with a single summer, no matter how eventful that summer might be. When Erik shows up uninvited at the mansion, Charles is just barely civil enough to not throw him out, but that doesn't mean he'll let him stay.

Mile High by cygnaut There’s only so much time you can spend sublimating your emotions into chess.

Spark Me Up by blarfkey “This is Erik raw. This is Erik lost. This is Erik looking at Charles like he is the only piece of wreckage in a vast ocean. The only star in the sky.

And such a look does things to Charles.”

After ten years, they are both starving for each other.

XMA

third time's the charm by Gerec XMA ficlets and missing scenes

Regrets by SlightWeasel After Apocalypse, Charles and Erik sleep together—but it’s way too soon for Erik.

as it arcs towards the sun by pearl_o

night by night by pearl_o

things worth fearing by pearl_o

Dark Phoenix

After the End of the World (One Bad Day) by kianspo Set during and immediately after the events of X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Everyone deals with the aftermath of Jean's transformation and everything that comes with it in their own way. Could there be found a measure of peace and happiness after everything they've lost?

Never a Place by kianspo It takes some getting used to. Charles hasn’t seen Erik cheerful, actually cheerful without a homicidal intent of some sort in a very long time—perhaps never. Or. Charles takes Erik up on his offer while trying to process everything. Erik is remarkably patient until he isn't.

rue de la paix by Ireliss Post Dark Phoenix. Charles, Erik, and the winding road towards peace.

The First Move by TurtleTotem Charles and Erik live together now, in Genosha. They get up together, spend the day together. And then... go to sleep in their separate beds.

Charles is going quietly crazy.

[fandom-lover2]

Deep In The Woods, Something Lingers In The Trees

Chapter Thirteen - Where'd You Find A Key

Chapter Twelve - Time To Wake Up

Chapter Thirteen - Family Isn't Only Blood

I hummed as I headed to the break room, unhooking my coat and preparing to shrug it on when Rodney came bursting into the room and began rifling through draws.

He’d been jumpy today, refusing to make eye contact with me or Dodge.

That wasn’t usual, but it was worse today.

And Dodge kept glaring at me. Guess yesterday was still fresh in everyone’s minds.

Only, he kept skirting Caesar’s cage each time he passed it, slipping his taser from his belt and charging it as he took the risk of walker closer to Rocket’s cage.

And Caesar was continuing to ignore me. But now Rocket was also watching me strange. His ‘I hate you and want to sink my fangs into you’ was now a ‘you are a weird human’ look. Not to mention Buck was in a better mood, not even flinching when I approached this afternoon with a small watermelon.

This place would never stop being one big mystery.

“Everything ok?” I asked, pausing with my coat halfway up my arms.

The vet jumped at my words, turning and fidgeting. “I thought I had more food.” he mumbled so softly I barely heard him.

I frowned slightly.

I knew he slept here, turning the sofa in his clinic into a pull-out bed, Dodge and John leaving at the end of each day. I’d never thought about food.

“Can’t you just go get some more?” I asked. “Or order take out?”

He shook his head, turning and rummaging through a drawer again, pulling out an oat bar. I knew the brand, and they had changed their wrapping almost two years ago. That one still had the old wrapping on. “I can’t leave the apes unsupervised. And I don’t have the cash for take-out. My mom was sick this month and needed to go to the doctor.”

My heart broke for this man.

Mistreated by Dodge, broken down by the world, unappreciated and overworked. If he wasn’t so skittish, I would have given him a hug.

“I can stay with them if you wanna go out and restock?” I proposed, taking off my coat and tossing it towards the counters.

He looked up to me, finally meeting my eyes. He was hopeful, but apprehensive. But then he changed his mind with a shake of his head. “It’s ok. I’ll be-”

“Either you go, or I go and buy a bunch of stuff and come back. Then you’ll have to unlock the front gate and door again, and it’ll be a whole lotta work on your end. Just go. They’re all locked away and most are asleep already.”

He frowned, thinking it over. Eventually, he agreed with a quick nod. “I won’t be long. Maybe 45 minutes?”

I smiled, following him and he went back to his clinic to grab his car keys and coat. “Don’t rush. I have nowhere else to be.”

Locking the lobby door behind him, and pressing the front gate closed after his car, I went back to the break room and sat down.

That lasted less than a minute before I was bored and standing up again.

This would be the perfect time to walk around and see if there was another way out. A way to open the cages without the keys, a back entrance I hadn’t found yet. Anything that could give a clue on how to start getting them out.

With it being so quiet, I’d hear the gate bell ring when Rodney returned, so I wouldn’t have to stay waiting by the door.

Slipping into the main floor as quietly as I could, I began to tiptoe down the ramp and across the floor.

I eyed everything as best I could in this low light, only the flashing black and white from the TVs above and the full moon through the dusty sky lights my guides.

I tried, I really did, but I didn’t have his brain. I didn’t play chess for fun, I didn’t do problem solving board games for entertainment, I did puzzles when there was really nothing else to do. That was it.

He could look at this and have a solution in five minutes, I’d be here all night still trying to figure out what each lever did.

I needed his help. If he wasn’t being such a stubborn ass-

I turned, intending on heading back to Caesar’s cage and try once again to get him to look at me, when I was met with a tall, dark figure at the end of the passage.

I gasped, taking a step back.

Fuck! Fucking, fucking, fuck!

An ape had gotten out, and here I was alone with nothing but maybe a shoe to throw at them.

Of course, this was how I was going to die. My worst fear come to life just to end it.

The ape took a step forward, on his hind legs so he stood taller than me and bigger than me.

He took another step, and I took a step back, swallowing.

My mouth was dry, my heart pounded so hard I could feel it banging against my ribs as it pounded in my ears as my limbs locked up, releasing only briefly to tremble before tensing again.

The ape took a third step forward, washing himself in the glow of the TV high above, and my entire body heaved a sigh of relief.

“Caesar! God, you are such a jerk!”

I raised a hand to my still fluttering chest, taking a couple breaths in and readjusting my stance so I didn’t fall over on now shaky legs.

Was this much adrenaline in such a short amount of weeks good for a person? Because if not I was gonna be dying pretty soon. Not after I hugged my best friend though.

Wait, hugged?

I looked up, back across the space to him.

Holy shit! Caesar was out!

I could run over and hug him, and hit him for scaring me, then hug him again and…

A scream filled my ears, Caesar’s teeth bared as he slammed his fists down over and over again, grabbing ahold of his hand and biting his finger clean off.

This was the first time I was with him since then that a cage didn’t separate us.

My body tightened again, that fear once again taking hold.

But I looked at him, and he was just as unsure.

He looked about as scared as I did, head down and eyes raised uncertainly as he watched me, waiting to see what I would do.

Neither of us knew what to do, what to say, how to react.

I was scared, of him, of what he could do, what he did do. But I also understood. Hell, I’d run over there and shoved the guy first and only after he rounded and prepared to do whatever to me and Charles did Caesar come in to defend his family.

Did he go over the top, yes. But he was still a wild animal. ALZ 112 or not, he was a chimpanzee. No amount of training and rearing would change that. He did what instinct told him to.

But he was also more. He was Caesar, my friend, my brother.

He would never, ever, hurt me.

In hindsight, I should have warned him, but in that moment I had my Caes back and nothing would keep me from him.

I charged, slamming into him and wrapping my arms around his neck. With his lack of balance in this stance, we toppled over, landing heavy on the cold cement floor.

But it didn’t matter. His arms were around me already too, face buried in my neck as he began to chitter softly.

Tears burned my eyes, but I didn’t pull away to wipe them. Laying on his chest, my arms around him, I soaked in the feel of home.

His fur, coarse and warm, the leathery skin of his hands, the hard muscles hidden beneath the fur.

He was here. My Caesar was right here, and I could hold him again and feel at ease.

“I’ve missed you so much.” I whispered, holding onto him with all I had.

He squeezed back, his hold on me tightening for just a moment, before he released and began to sit up, me still in his hold.

So here we were, an ape and a girl sitting on the dirty floor of a shithole sanctuary. What an odd sight we’d make.

“How the hell did you even get out?” I questioned, pulling away from him.

He raised his arms and signed, “Later.” Before standing and beginning to pull me up.

I followed him, my hand in his own and he moved to switch on the main lights before pulling me to the storeroom.

“Get the stuff to clean.” he signed, before walking out the room.

Cleaning supplies? How would cleaning supplies help us? How would cleaning supplies get him out?

But, he was a genius and had somehow managed to free himself from locked cage while I still couldn’t figure it out with the key so I listened, grabbing a bucket, mop and broom, and a pair of gloves.

He stood waiting for me at the door to the free space, and walked into the room with confidence, so I trusted him and followed.

I then proceeded to drop the supplies and almost pee my pants when I made it halfway into the room and found Buck standing in the center of the room.

The noise of dropping the stuff aggravated the massive gorilla, causing him to grunt and back up.

Oh god, I really was going to die.

Caesar stepped between us, hands raised and palms down in a placating manner, looking between the two of us calmly.

Instantly, I remembered the rules of dealing with apes and I dropped my eyes and turned my shoulders inwards as I ducked sideways. A clear sign of submission, a plea for him to understand I wasn’t a threat.

“Caesar! The hell?” I whisper-yelled, waiting for death.

The chimp grunted, turning his back to the gorilla to look at me fully. “It’s ok.”

If I wasn’t so scared of pissing off the male gorilla, I would have shot a glare at the chimp.

“Ok? This is…”

Hang on a second.

Buck wasn’t attacking. He wasn’t even moving. And he also wasn’t in his cage. The cage that was beyond dirty and I conveniently had cleaning supplies scattered at my feet.

I looked up to throw Caesar my best pissed off scowl. “You really are mean. You could have just explained it.”

He shrugged and then smirked at me.

I debated hitting him upside the head with the broom, but we didn’t have much time.

I let my eyes slip from his for just a moment, catching Buck’s brown eyes briefly before I dropped the gaze. “Hi Buck.” I whispered. “Let’s get you a nice clean cage, hmm?”

He was watching me wearily, keeping a good amount of space between us.

As much as I was terrified of him, he probably had just as much uncertainty about me.

All he knew from humans was anger and fear and that cage and bad food and mistreatment.

It was a long shot and would take a hell of a lot longer than one night, but I hoped that I could show him not everyone wanted him hurting. Or at least I didn’t.

Moving slowly, no sudden moves, I headed over to the birdcage like enclosure and tried not to breathe.

It took a lot of scrubbing, but I was one determined motherfucker, and in about 40 minutes it went from shit stained to spotless.

Adding some extra straw, because I could, I left the cage and stepped into the free space again.

Buck was busy with what I could only describe as zoomies, running around and scaling the fake trees before jumping down and pushing the tire swing around before darting off again.

Stretching out and getting his energy out before he was forced back into that tiny cage, no doubt.

It was both adorable and heart breaking, watching him enjoy what was probably his first taste of freedom in so long he’d forgotten.

Caesar sat nearby, watching his new friend. He’d made sure to keep himself between us the whole time, though I was beginning to see that was just to help keep me calm.

For all his rage and hate he put behind that cage, Buck didn’t seem at all interested in hurting me or even getting close.

But time was up and Rodney would be back soon.

Caesar knew this, leaping from his perch on the rocks and landing beside me, calling out to Buck.

With one final wistful look around, Buck followed Caesar’s prompts and began to head towards us, towards his prison.

I moved aside, keeping my head down and body open.

Only, he didn’t pass us. He stopped in front of me.

And I thought standing beside Caesar was intimidating…

With Caesar, when he stood on his hind legs, you could sense there was power behind that posture. The primal side of you knew he had more strength, more smarts.

With Buck, his presence demanded you to know he could squash you like a bug. I was eye level to him and he was on all fours, his size alone commanding my body to freeze in place.

The space around him buzzed, and it seemed as though the air knew to part around him, leaving me with a tight chest and feeling suffocated.

Caesar reached over, taking my hand in his own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Slowly, I lifted from eyes from Buck’s hands to his face.

We looked at one another for a few moments, time having no meaning as I allowed myself to be exposed to this beautiful creature, my soul laid out for him to pick apart.

He didn’t sign, didn’t nod, didn’t smile or do anything, but I heard his words. ‘Thank you.’

“You’re welcome.” I whispered, I think. I honestly don’t think I even spoke at all, but he heard me.

He slipped back into his cage, and Caesar reluctantly locked him back inside, using a pocketknife tied to some sticks.

“Where did you get that?” I questioned, gathering the cleaning supplies and heading back to the storeroom.

Of course, I didn’t get an answer. Which was honestly answer enough.

“Is that why Dodge was being weird today?”

He shrugged.

“Oh my god, Caesar.” I rolled my eyes at him, but then another thought barged in. “Wait, did you steal Rodney’s food so he’d leave and I could do this?”

I spun to face him, and for all his great talents, hiding his guilt was not one of them.

“You will return that food to it’s rightful place right now, do you understand me?” I threatened, throwing in a pointed finger for good measure.

Of course. Leave it to Caesar to do something like that.

But, he hadn’t been selfish in his actions. What he did got me the chance to clean out Buck’s cage and, apparently, make a friend in the process.

“How’d you know I wanted to do that?” I put the bucket and mop away, closing the door behind me as we headed to Caesar’s cage.

“Your eyes.” he signed back. “You always looked so sad when you left him.”

I huffed, a sad smile tugging my lips. Yeah he’d notice. That’s what he did.

From the break room, the bell for the gate sounded. Rodney was back.

I sighed, opening my arms and wrapping them around Caesar’s middle when he pulled me into him. “I’m gonna get you all out. I just need a little more time.”

He pulled back just enough to sign to me with one hand. “The food is in the cupboard in Dodge’s desk.”

I started laughing, letting him go when he pulled away and locked himself back in his own cage. “You are such a troublemaker.”

He shrugged, which was right. Honestly, it was hard to think on a day when he wasn’t pulling some prank.

“Goodnight, Caesar.” I called over my shoulder, hitting the main lights and making my way back to the office.

[movingthisblogcelestialtarot11]

PAC~ What exciting things are coming in your future?

Hi everyone! Here’s a new PAC reading for you all. Just close your eyes and choose what you feel called to. Today we’re featuring the lovely spirit quartz, opalite and labradorite!

Piles~

Pile 1~ 🌃✨

Hi there lovely pile 1’s! I see you made it over here. For exciting things in your future, I am picking up deep healing. A deep rejuvenation that you have control over, and this is such an empowering experience. If you are on this journey already, it must be tiring and overwhelming. Your feelings are valid and real. This part of your journey is helping you to empower yourself through the choices you make, and in doing so, you attract abundance and balance. In all areas of your life, you will find stability, peace, and joy within yourself. This tough part is almost over! Releasing the past is making room for the new. If you have been manifesting, you will be receiving them soon! For those who have not begun this part of their journey, you have all the resources you need to work through this. This is an important time for you to awaken to the deeper parts of your self that need healing, and love. Take care pile 1’s!

Pile 2~ 🤎✨

Similar to pile 1, there’s a lot of rest and nurturing energy surrounding you or will be surrounding you soon. I see you going on vacation, or traveling to your favorite spot to feel happy. I see a time of friends coming together, and maybe romantic partners for some of you. This is a sweet reunion time, and a time for reconnection within yourself, and others. If you have been resting and slowing down, good job. The cards are highlighting what amazing progress you’ve made. Walking away from what does not serve you has done you well, now you can celebrate how far you’ve come. Writing down what it is you want in your future is important. Manifest all you desire, its time to listen to your heart space. What’s coming for you, is all your dreams you’ve ever wanted. They are all here for you to experience. It is not a dream anymore, or a desire. It’s now reality. Time to receive it all. You are blessed, guided, and supported. I saw 222 when typing this, so that may be a significant number for you all. It has to do with reunions, soulmates, divine counterpart energy and balance. See you again pile 2’s!

Pile 3’s ✈️✨

Hi there lovely pile 3’s! What’s coming for your future is a time for rest. A time to slow down, and breathe. This is very much needed since in the cards, I see you are overwhelmed. Scared even. It’s all going to be okay. If there is a decision you’ve been pondering about, or felt scared to make the choice, it’s okay to slow it down. You don’t have to rush this, or make it right away. Take the time you need for yourself to breathe. Factor in what benefits you, and how you’ll feel about this choice in the long run. If things have been chaotic, they will slow down and even itself out. Taking a walk may benefit you a lot, you may even find answers. Your intuition is strong in nature I’m hearing. Spirit/god/universe, or whatever you believe in, is creating an opportunity for you to rest and slow down! Take care pile 3’s! Stay hydrated and remember to take your time.

🌸Cards featured: 🌸

Queer Tarot by Ash and Chess

Work Your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell

Thank you all for reading, if it resonates feel free to comment, like and reblog! I am still taking personal paid readings as well. Thank you for the support.

[iwantedtoforgetyou]

A VARIETY OF HARRY POTTER BOY IMAGINES

Love Confessions (silent, angry, etc)

Harry James Potter

It was a quarter past six, and the sun timidly emerged on the horizon.

You and Harry had quietly snuck out early, donning scarves around your necks and stolen hot chocolate from the great room.

Visible puffs of breath hung in the air as the two of you strolled through the courtyard.

"My glasses are fogging up," Harry half-laughed, a lopsided grin gracing his face—the kind of look you could never tire of.

"Here," you handed him your mug, deftly removing his glasses and wiping them with the sleeve of your sweater.

His gaze softened as he observed you, his chest aching for reasons beyond the cold.

A soft smile played on your lips as you returned the cleared glasses to his face.

"Perfect," you said, grinning.

Ronald Bilius Weasley

The fireplace crackled, releasing a puff of smoke into the room.

Having returned from a chilly afternoon in Hogsmeade, you and Ron opted to cozy up in front of the fireplace.

A chess board occupied the space between you, accompanied by the treats acquired in Hogsmeade casually strewn to the side.

"Checkmate," Ron declared, a smirk playing on his lips as he unwrapped a chocolate candy.

You playfully rolled your eyes, grabbing the candy from his hands. "I let you win."

He laughed. "Sure you did."

You shrugged, popping the candy into your mouth. Without a second thought, Ron reached across the chessboard, wiping the corner of your mouth.

"You're a mess," he half-laughed, and you looked away, cheeks aching from smiling.

Draco Lucius Malfoy

The air hung heavy and still, as if the slightest sound could shatter the silence.

Draco sat on the staircase, his head buried in his hands, a level of distress you'd never witnessed in him before.

"Why is this so hard?" you questioned, running your hands through your hair before letting them rest at the base of your neck.

"Because," he began, drawing out the word, his voice low and uncertain. Abruptly, he lifted his head and stood up.

"What are you—"

"Shut up," he interrupted, stepping closer, his hands grasping either side of your face.

Your mouths collided, breaths melding into a heated mess.

He pulled away for a moment, smirking against your lips. "Because of this."

Cedric Diggory

The field resounded with noise.

Cheers erupted, the stands quivered, and your heart thudded against your ribcage.

The Hufflepuff had secured their first Quidditch victory, and yet, your thoughts centered on a particular brunette seeker.

You joined the rush onto the field, and amidst the celebration, it didn't take long to spot Cedric in the midst of the crowd, holding a towering golden trophy.

Eagerly, you sprinted toward him, and as you approached, he handed off the prize and enveloped you in a tight embrace.

Cedric spun you around, laughter resonating through his chest.

"Oh god, you were everything!" you exclaimed over the roaring crowd, and he responded by squeezing you even tighter.

Fred Weasley

Each step guided your chest to rise, Fred's palms covering your eyes as he led you.

Exiting the Great Hall after dinner, Fred whisked you outdoors, draping a scarf around you in his mischievous manner. Chuckling to himself, he brought you to a halt in front of a railing.

"Ready?" he asked, the hint of a smile evident in his voice.

You nodded, and he removed his hands. A brief silence enveloped the scene, darkness prevailing until a burst of light filled the air—a firework exploding.

They continued, one after the other, each eruption illuminating your eyes with a vibrant array of colors.

"This is amazing," you exclaimed, stealing a glance at Fred, who was already focused on you.

He grinned, encircling you with an arm and pulling you closer to his chest.

"You're amazing," he murmured, planting a kiss on the top of your head.

George Weasley

The library sat vacant, save for a handful of students scattered at tables.

You and George occupied seats across from each other, a spread of books lying between.

With the owls exam looming, George had volunteered to keep you company during the late-night study session.

Although he proved to be more of a distraction, the company was welcomed.

"Take a look at this one," he suggested, handing you an open book. Placing it down, you began to read, only to flip a page and discover a hidden note.

In messy cursive, it read, "Can I borrow a kiss? I promise I'll give it back."

You bit the inside of your cheek to stifle a laugh, but George was already ahead.

"You're cute," you remarked in a mocking tone.

He shrugged, still smiling.

[eroselless]

4: the experiment

[charles leclerc x reader] | masterlist

warnings: emotional distress, description of violence, allusions to sex

series summary: in a world turned to ice, warmth is a risk. love is a weapon. and survival comes at the cost of everything human. [2.5]

Every hallway you walk through feels softer today. The lights are low, tinted gold. The same way a sunrise would feel like.  The air smells faintly of coconuts and some synthetic musk that clings to your clothes the longer you move through it.

Someone tells you at breakfast—in a tone that’s way too cheerful—that today is Connection Day.

There’s a schedule written on a wall panel near the dining area entrance, looping in gentle cursive:

❧ 10:00 AM – Partner Massage Practice (Trust & Release) ❧ 11:30 AM – Group Yoga (Heart Center Opening) ❧ 1:00 PM – Guided Emotional Mapping (Paired) ❧ 2:30 PM – Free Exploration Time (Suggested: “The Chill Lounge”) ❧ 4:00 PM – “Speak Freely”: Deep Listening Circles

Nothing seems too out of the ordinary. Soft. Calming. But it almost feels like someone is trying very hard to make you feel that way.

You haven't seen Charles since last night. He hadn’t said goodbye—not exactly, anyway. Just a quiet glance at your door, followed by the smallest of nods and a brief pause. Like he wanted to say more. Then he disappeared down the hallway without another sound.

Now, as you pass rooms in the halls, they’re filled with people stretching, hugging, breathing in sync with strangers. You walk by a common room where two girls are lying on a floor mat, fingers intertwined, whispering what sound like affirmations to each other. A smiling staff member takes notes from a corner.

Everywhere you turn, people are being observed. Not obviously—always in subtle, quiet ways—but always there. Hidden tablets, a nod between staff members when someone laughs a little too hard or looks like they’re about to cry.

You keep walking.

When you open the door labeled THE CHILL LOUNGE, the temperature drops immediately. Cold air rushes past your cheeks and seeps through your thin clothes, making your skin prickle as you wander in quietly.

The walls are pale, almost steel blue, with glass windows—faintly frosted, making it look like the inside of a freezer. A light blinks overhead, coating the room in a bluish hue. The room is quiet except for the occasional click of a chess piece.

Pairs of people sit at glass tables with chess boards glowing between them. The couple sitting closest to you aren’t speaking. Just staring at each other between moves, long, deliberate pauses. The young man is sweating, drops beading at his hairline despite the cool room. The woman is calm, her fingers lingering a little too long on each piece. Her lips are slightly parted, watching.

The game doesn’t feel like a game. It feels like a twisted kind of foreplay. The way she runs her finger along the top of the pawn before making her move. The way he swallows hard, flicking his gaze to her exposed neckline before looking back at the board. The tension between them is palpable—not just psychological. It's physical, performative. Sensual.

Yet, there’s something that feels deeply wrong. Behind the frosted glass, you notice a panel—dark and almost invisible unless you’re looking for it. Someone’s watching from the other side. Recording reactions. Expressions. Timing.

You blink, a flutter of unease igniting in your stomach. You step back to leave—your body telling you that you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be.

“Don’t,” a voice says behind you. “They’ll think you’re not participating.”

You turn. Charles is standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, eyes flickered around the room. His expression is unreadable.

“How long have you been standing there?” He shrugs. “Long enough.” Your eyes flick back to the players.

“They’re watching all of them.” “They’re watching all of us.”

You pause, machinery whirring in the back of your mind. 

“The more I think about it, it’s starting to feel like they didn’t just rescue us.”

Charles’s lips are pressed into a thin line. He doesn’t blink.

“It feels like we're rats in their experiments.” The words hang in the cold air like a breath.

Your eyes wander over his frame. He looks tired, the bags under his eyes dark as if he hasn’t been sleeping. His stubble is darker, and his voice has a roughness that wasn’t there yesterday. He squirms under your gaze, his own falling to the floor in front of him, eyes empty.

“I lost someone here,” he adds, almost under his breath. You want to ask. But you don’t. You can already see it—in the look on his face, a slight shine in his eyes. Not just grief, but guilt.

Behind you, a soft tone chimes. A voice echoes through the room from the intercom above: “Sector C participants, please proceed to your matched activity stations. You will find your name on the wall panel. Touch to confirm.”

You and Charles glance back into the hallway. Your names glow orange on a digital panel. Next to yours: Hydrotherapy Room 2A – Partner Sensory Mapping. A lump grows in your throat. You look over at Charles, who’s already dismissing the location where he’s supposed to be.

“What does that mean?”

He doesn’t answer, just looks blankly at you for a second. But something in his expression hardens.

“Just be careful,” he mutters before turning away.

Blinking, you walk away.

Eventually, you make your way to Hydrotherapy Room 2A. Before you can enter, a staff member—expressionless and serene—greets you.

She leads you into a small chamber, bathrobes and swimsuits folded on a bench in front of you. It’s dimly lit, clean, and warm. A single bathing suit sits on the bench—black, sleek, minimal.

“Change into this and you can proceed into the pool room. No underlayers permitted. You can leave your clothing in the locker. Your partner is waiting for you,” she says, her voice monotonous.

She leaves, closing the door behind her.

You’re left standing alone, the hum echoing quietly around you. The bathing suit feels too odd in your hands. Too personal, too intimate almost. You hesitate, putting it back down. You touch the hem of your shirt, feeling the fabric between your fingers. Then slowly, you pull it off—layer by layer.

Your skin prickles as you slip into the suit. Not from the cold. Not from being unprepared. But from the thought that they might be watching you, even now. You leave your clothes folded neatly in a locker, shove your shoes in too, and make your way in.

The room is blanketed in a soft orange and yellow light, like a sunset. The room is coated in a thin veil of mist, a gentle cool fog seemingly draping over every inch of it. You see your name on the wall, glowing again, next to another one and POD 07.

You make your way over and see him. He’s about your age, a year or two older. His bathing suit matches yours—black, sleek, and fitted around his hips. He’s already standing in the pool of warm water, droplets clinging to his tanned skin. His curls are slightly damp, eyes already on you. He smiles a nervous smile when he meets your eyes, taking a sharp breath. There’s something about the way he smiles—slow, coaxing—that makes your stomach twist.

He nods toward the spot beside him. He whispers his name to you as you slide in, the water rising to just above your navel. Lando.

The floor is warm and textured beneath your feet. Though the water is just right, you can't help the shiver that runs up your spine as you move in front of Lando. You smile at him nervously, suddenly flustered at what awaits you.

“Partners, please take your place,” a voice purrs through the speaker above—low, velvety, and indulgent. “This is a sacred hour of mirrored energy. You are here to witness. To touch. To awaken.”

Lando watches you the entire time, his eyes not knowing where to land. He examines your every move. The rise and fall of your chest. The hesitance in your steps, the tremble in your fingers. He watches it all. 

There’s an electric vibration that feels like it's being fed into the water, urging you to reach out to each other.

You don’t stop your eyes from wandering, taking in the way droplets trace down the expanse of his smooth chest. How his blue-green eyes seem to glow in the dim light, drawing you in. His skin glistens, water rippling as he shifts in place. A scar on his shoulder that almost looks like  it's perfectly placed. You blink quickly, forcing your gaze away from the water that continues to cascade down his arms, tracing a path you almost want to follow.

“Align your breathing,” the instructor’s voice purrs. “Let your bodies become mirrors. Stand close enough to feel the warmth from each other. Hands at your sides. Let the tension be acknowledged.”

You both shift closer, Lando’s chest almost brushing yours. You can feel the heat of his skin even through the humid air. Your hands stay at your sides, wading in the water.

“Are you ok?” he asks, his voice threaded with curiosity. You nod. “Yeah. Just… different.”

He nods too, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. You notice the hint of confusion in his eyes. “Yeah. Different.”

“Now, close your eyes, reach forward. Let your hands find their place on your partner’s body. Where they land naturally. Do not overthink it. Let instinct guide you.”

You swallow hard as your shaky hands lift almost on their own. One lands on his shoulder, the other at his ribcage. His hands mirror yours, palms pressed gently against your bare skin. His touch is firm but not rough—gentle yet purposeful.

His thumb brushes over your rib, sliding just beneath the swell of your breast, just once. You shiver.

“Bring your foreheads together. Let breath meet breath. Keep your eyes open. See your partner. Acknowledge the vulnerability. Hold each other. Do not resist the impulse to lean in.”

You raise your hands, and he does the same, finding purchase at your hips. Your hand ghosts over his chest as he guides you closer.

The intimacy of the touch is overwhelming. You can feel the tension pulled taut between you, your breaths beginning to mingle. Your skin feels sticky as he presses his forehead against yours.

His hands glide up your sides, leaving trails of warmth. 

From the corner of his eye, Lando watches as the strap of your swimsuit slips down one shoulder. 

He pulls his face from yours, his lips parting as his fingers brush over the now-exposed skin. They trace over the muscle, tempted to pinch it. Water drips from his digits over your chest, forcing a sharp breath from you. There’s a look in his eyes, something you couldn’t quite identify. 

“Is this okay?” he murmurs. You swallow, nodding. “Yeah.”

It’s not okay.

If what Charles said yesterday is true, even the slightest touch could trigger what happened in the hallway. It could happen to anyone.

And yet, for some reason… you don’t want it to stop.

It's something in the air, something in the water. Something growing in the pit of your stomach that sends signals down between your legs. 

His grip tightens, fingers moving to the back of your neck, thumb moving under your jaw and gently angling your face a bit higher. You can feel his chest rising and falling as it now presses against yours. His breath is hot against your cheek as he presses his nose against yours. His lips are so close you can feel the heat radiating from them, your own breath shallow and uneven.

And just as his mouth ghosts over yours— The alarm tears through the hydrotherapy room, shrill and jarring.You both flinch apart, hands falling away. Your pulse pounds in your ears.

The water feels colder, the warmth from just moments ago now missing. A red light flashes beneath the mirrored wall. An automated voice hums:

“EMERGENCY SYSTEMS CHECK. All participants report to Recovery Wing C.”

Your hand shakes as you pull the strap back up, avoiding Lando’s eyes.

But when you glance toward the mirrored glass, you see him.

Charles.

Still. Watching. Unmoving.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ

For a moment, Charles tries to convince himself that what he’s seeing isn’t real. That Lando isn’t actually there—alive and right in front of him. The sight almost knocks the air from his lungs as he watches his friend pull you in close. 

He remembers the moment it happened—the very first time he witnessed the virus up close. Carlos had invited the both of them, along with Alexandra to his summer home on the coast of Spain. It had been over winter break, just after the season had ended. They’d been having dinner together, reminiscing about their time as teammates, catching up.

It had been a quiet evening. All of them around the table, when Reyes had walked in, a gush of cold air rushed through the open doorway. Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Carlos lunged across the kitchen, a crazed look in his eyes as he sank his teeth into his former teammate’s shoulder. Charles stood up on instinct, an arm stretched out in front of his Alex.  She and Rebecca shrieked, the latter rushing at her boyfriend, trying to yank him off of the smaller man. He tried to shuffle his way out the door, arms shielding Alex as much as he could. He hadn’t seen Carlos Sr appearing, the same wild look in his eye as he ripped Alex away. 

It was months ago, back when the sickness had only been whispered about in the smallest towns of Europe.

Charles had been frozen in place, helpless as Alexandra wailed in pain, trying to pry herself away from Carlos’s grip before eventually going still. Rebecca was gone, lying on the ground next to a bleeding out Lando, his eyes glazed over. The change happened in just a few seconds—the same vacant, rabid look overtaking Lando’s eyes. He’d taken a single look at Charles, before the older man ran out, the neighbourhood descending into chaos. He somehow managed to escape and get help, grief gnawing at his gut. He lost many people that day. 

Now, as Charles watches Lando move closer to you, he can’t help the feelings brewing in his chest. It’s confusing, disorienting—he can’t make sense of it. The shock of seeing his friend alive collides with the unsettling memory of his transformation, and he doesn’t know whether to feel relief, anger, or something else entirely.

And just when the tension between them thickens—just when Lando’s mouth is about to meet yours—the alarm blares.

Charles doesn’t move. His heart races, but he stays rooted in place, eyes still on the two of you. He watches as you jerk apart, their bodies tense, chest heaving, as if a spell was shattered. He can’t help but feel the bitter irony of it. Just when he thought he had finally accepted everything that happened—Lando, Alexandra, Carlos, Rebecca, the chaos that followed—here he is, standing in the same room, like he never left.

[hresvelged]

— sapphire princess, ivory tower

word count: 607 // grandmaster drabble

The moon is her guide. The stars, her solace. The breeze, her companion. A single candle sits at the corner of her desk. She stares into its flame. The lonesome, strong sight is the sole source of vision to guide her near the map of Fódlan. Yet, she can view every mountain terrain and river as if it is burned into her memory. Their shadow scorches into the fiery depths of lilacs. The corners of the large piece crinkles; her eyes move to follow.

She draws pathways with her fingers, outlining sketches— A line from Gronder Field to Fort Merceus; a retrace back to the Great Bridge of Myrddin. A distinctive, invisible circle around Garreg Mach; a line atop Fhirdiad. Edelgard's thumb presses into the maps centerfold as she brings herself to fall back into the wooden chair.

There is a thrumming in her mind; a voice that speaks of hypotheticals. It is loud. It is clear. 'Plan for every scenario. For instance, what would you do if you found yourself surrounded at Aillel?'

A thought, readied with words she utters quietly. The Valley of Torment scorches those who trekk nearest. One must understand this. "Aillel stands near both Faerghus and Leicester territories. Treading there must not be done until at least one is in my favor..—" She has come to not end the sentence there. ".. With alliances at my side, we will prevail."

'Oh? Pray tell, what does that mean?'

"It is precisely how it sounds," she states. The tone is soft for only her to hear with a gaze unwavering from what sits in front of her. "Any forces under my command will utilize each person's strength to the fullest. For instance.. keeping our mages and archers in the back with myself and select others in the front. If that fails, we will gather to regroup. That is what makes a sound formation."

'I see. You know well how to use others' strengths. You have even learned when to retreat. Best of luck, █████████.'

Her other palm pushes itself atop Hresvelg and obscures it from view. In its place are the obscured silhouettes of others— Muffled words of eagerness and mere readiness to continue the journey forward. Between fearsome magical prowess and strong skills of physical weaponry, she observes might in a fight as much as she does in the way of their words. Having a large group of people flanked at one's vicinity means nothing if its head does not know how to utilize it to the fullest.

The sound of her breath is as loud as the creaking of the chair. As she pushes it out to stand up, it feels as if the entire world is watching the miniscule action. It echoes in the room. She ignores it and continues with grace. So long as there is a world where people believe in her and her vision, she will do all in her power to protect them. This, she swears. This, she works endlessly to strategize towards. For the sake of Fódlan and all that inhabit it, every chess piece she moves must be done with thought and precision. For the sake of Edelgard, she plays a role unlike any emperor before her. If the stars continue to dance alongside the moon, icy thorns will melt at one's feet.

'Remember well, █████████. Any poor actions you make will have consequences for both you and your supposed friends.'

Her hands pound themselves on the table. She squints, rushing a hand to fold away the map as the princess stuffs it back into her desk drawer.

The flame dissipates with a strong blow.

[ladybellissima]

Finding Love Katakuri x Reader Part 40 End

"(Y/N) my dear… Wake up. We are here…", Katakuri's voice let her eyes slowly open and with a short yawn she stretched her arms. Realizing what he had said and looking into his smirking face, she gasped surprised and hugged him tightly of pure joy. Chuckling of her sweet act, he placed a kiss onto her forehead and took her bridal style to walk back to the cockpit. Sitting down in his seat, he placed his wife in his lap and guided the ship to the port of whole cake. It was really happening. Finally they were back home.

(Y/N) 's eyes widened of the sight before her. She totally forgot how literally sweet everything looked and how much she had missed it. The beautiful colors, extraordinary designed houses made out of chocolate and candy.

Absolutely stunning.

On top of that it was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly down and let the sweets glister. Coming closer, they could see chess soldiers gathering together and looking quite surprised and most of all irritated. The news spreaded quickly, like a crossfire, after the pink bonbon stopped before sweet city. Oven was eating dinner, the moment a bunch of soldiers rushed through the doors like maniacs. Annoyed he scolded them to be more sensitive and most of all not so damn loud, but their message let his whole world spin like a ferry wheel. Mouth agape he first had to collect his thoughts. Shocked and uneasy of what to believe, he jumped to his feet to stumble out of the room quickly. On his way he was met with Brulee, Daifuku, Flambe…the list went on. More and more siblings followed his trail stunned and excited to see what was going on outside.

"Can you believe it?", Brulee breathed out stressed of what to think either about the news.

"Out of nowhere… I don't know Brulee. I hope she is in there.. I hope she is okay.", he spoke, while he was fighting with his inner self of what to feel. For happiness it was too soon. Who knows what was going on. Getting down to sweet city they were met with hundreds of chess soldiers, who were guarding the bonbon ship nervously. The familiar mass of pink gave the Charlotte siblings goosebumps. It sure looked like it was traveling through a battlefield and it sure meant a disaster for the one who caused this damage. Getting to the front, the sibling's look fell onto the entry of the submerge ship, which slowly started to move. Nervously they watched how the door opened. Gulping stressed Oven could hear silent footsteps, which came closer and closer.

Was (Y/N) really coming out there?

After all the despair they had been through, would she be back? Save and sound?

Gasping, shocked shouts of "Look there", were called after a familiar silhouette stepped out of the vehicle. Bright and beautiful shining eyes which had tears of joy in them, looked up to them and let the charlottes sob bitterly.

There she was.

After days, weeks and months of horrors, she was finally back at whole cake.

"I am back…", (Y/N) spoke, while tears rolled down her cheeks. Everyone was relieved and happy, nevertheless the moment felt also bittersweet for them.

"Come on. Don't be so slow…", (Y/N) called out into the ship and let everyone raise their brows in confusion, but then it hit them like a ton of bricks.

"This…. This isn't real..", Oven gasped and fell to his knees, while Brulee shut her mouth with one hand to control her outburst of emotions.

With one big step the sweet general of the big mom pirates stepped out of the ship carefully and faced his siblings with an uneasy look on his face. Still wearing the red scarf, he got from (Y/N), and only dressed in black pants, he felt kind of vulnerable without his usual look. But at that moment nobody really cared at all.

"Brother Katakuri….", everyone was crying out and comprehending what really happened now, while their brother watched their distress sadly.

"I didn't mean to worry you so much.",his deep usual strong voice let them cry even more. Even in this unusual outfit, even in this heartbreaking moment, he looked intimidating, tall and confident like the pirate he always was.

"You idiot…. What are you saying. We thought we will lose you. You and (Y/N).", Brulee cried out and his next words let her eyes widen. It let everyone's eyes widen.

"I am sorry. I missed you too."

Opening his arms she could see the soft smile by the look of his eyes and without to hesitate she jumped into his arms and clinged onto him desperately. Not only Brulee. Everyone came to his side and clinged onto his leg, arm, chest with a dead grip, while crying and shouting how much they missed him. (Y/N) smiled happily and was about to step back to gave them more space, but Pudding grabbed her hand and pulled her into a tight embrace with other siblings close by.

"(Y/N).. We were so worried. But you made it. You really made it and brought him back home."

It took them awhile to calm down and Katakuri had to pull his wife up to his chest and step further away to not fall into the water of their outbursts of emotions. All eyes were on the sweet general and his beautiful wife and Katakuri knew all too well what they were thinking right now.

What the hell happened? And how could they get back to whole cake together?

After minutes of silence, Katakuri sighed deeply. Honestly he wasn't in the mood to explain anything now. He just wanted to rest, have a shower, have his clothes and his old self back. Plus, spend long needed time with his wife, but they deserved information after everything they had been through.

"Is Mama still at Wano Land?", Katakuri asked seriously and Brulee gave him a short nod as a yes. Relieved to hear that, he placed (Y/N) down and turned to the submerge ship. Oven clapped his shoulder in a friendly way and scratched his head uneasy at the sight before him.

" Mama's ship needs some repairs.", Katakuri spoke and got a chuckle of his brother.

"You mean a complete makeover. This ship is a disaster. Thank god Mama isn't here..", Oven spoke and ordered to get the ship into the Underground entry. (Y/N) watched her husband discussing things and realized how she missed seeing this intimating and strong sight of him. It was only a short time since he had arrived, nevertheless everyone was listening to him eagerly to fulfill his orders. Smiling slightly, she leaned against a close by tree and enjoyed the fresh air, mixed with the sweet scent of the island. After such a long time she was able to really relax. To calm down and feel save. No running away, no hiding and suffering. Just stay and enjoy the moment. A shadow at the sky got her attention and the next moment she was met with a news coo.

"Ah the daily news. Always a pleasure.", Brulee spoke in a mocking tone and came to her side to pay for the newspaper. Like always she delivered the news to Oven and didn't notice that a piece of paper landed on the ground. (Y/N) was about to call out to her, but stopped midtracks after giving it a closer look. It wasn't just an ordinary paper, like an add or part of some news.

That would have been way better than that.

Mouth agape she grabbed the wanted poster and read through the text with an horrified expression. In the corner of his eyes, Katakuri could see that something was off and stopped his talk with his brother to get to her side.

"What's wrong?…", he started and the next moment grabbed the paper roughly from her hands to read the text with widened eyes.

" Wanted

(Y/N) Charlotte

Alive

1 Billion berries

"

Above the text was a picture of a breathtaking young woman, dressed in a marine dress and smiling one of her beautiful smiles. It seemed like a dark cloud hovered over Katakuri's head, while his hands were shaking of anger. His eyes were piercing the text, mostly the word alive, because he knew all too well who was the one who caused this.

"Katakuri…?", (Y/N) asked worried and stopped after she noticed his more than pissed look. Seeing her in the enemies clothes, still looking beautiful, but also it let the words of captain Coby pop up in his mind.

"She has to move to his private chambers."

"Like hell this will ever happen.", he growled pissed and let (Y/N) look at him confused.

"This damn bastard…. I swear if he tries to attack us…dares to come closer to you, I will not only kill him.", he growled and got frightened looks from his siblings. Oven and Daifuku were able to snatch the paper out of their brother's hand and read through the news stunned.

" (Y/N)? Is that you? In a marine outfit? ", Daifuku asked shocked and again she was confronted with her picture.

"You see… How should I start..", (Y/N) stuttered nervously and thought about it, if she really should talk about that, because Katakuri was already on the verge of exploding.

"She entered marineford undercover and became a marine to safe me.", Katakuri cut in and let the others gasp of surprise.

"But she got the attention of this fleet Admiral bastard Akainu and now he is after her..", he added with a growl which let not only (Y/N) shiver.

"Sure. This man would never accept such a failure that you were able to get him out of prison.", Oven started, but was roughly grabbed by his collar and pulled close to Katakuri's face.

"You think that's it? This damn bastard wants (Y/N), because he likes her. He is after my wife, because he wants her in his bed.", Katakuri hissed and let his brother's eyes widen like saucers.

"He.. What?", everyone shouted, while looking at (Y/N) who was fighting for words.

"Crazy right?..", she spoke uneasy and gave her husband a sad look.

"What now?", she asked, while Daifuku balled his fist and let the paper scrunch up to a ball of the build up hatred against the marines.

"We will make sure to guard every outpost, every corner of whole cake with enough soldiers. Plus Flour island. I don't expect that they would come to whole cake for you. Never would they dare to attack Mama directly, but who knows. I will make sure to keep you safe here.", Katakuri spoke pissed, while (Y/N) hugged his arm to calm him down.

" I can't believe it. Our (Y/N) is official a pirate. ", Brulee spoke with a smile.

" Now the world nows who you are and where you belong. ", Daifuku added with a smile.

" and I am sure Mama will be happy too. She always loves to see a new wanted poster with her last name on it. ", Oven spoke amused and gave Katakuri a proud smile. He knew what they were up to. They wanted to make the best out of this situation. In a way they were right. His mother loved such news. It sure would be a great help with all the other problems they still had to deal with. But most of all they were safe now. That was more important than anything else.

"I need some rest…For now we will stay at whole cake.", he spoke exhausted and took (Y/N)'s hand in his to signal her to go. Nodding happily, she let herself guide to the path of whole cake chateau. At the back they could hear everyone cheer to have their brother back. With big smiles on their faces, they watched their brother holding his wife's hand, a gesture they never thought to see ever.

"Katakuri.", (Y/N) spoke and let him look down to her sweet expression.

" I am really sorry… I never thought that this man would… ", she stopped mid way to avoid making her husband angry again. "Is it that bad to be on that list?", she asked seriously and let him stop for a moment. Sighing he thought for a moment of what to say. Sure she didn't know exactly. This wasn't something she had to deal with ever in her life.

"What do you think? To be wanted means you will never be able to go out there freely ever again. There will always be a shadow haunting you down… Forever. Not to mention what this lava shithead will do… ", he spoke strained and got irritated of her smile. Giving his hand a short kiss, she smiled even wider into his stunned face.

"But you will be with me. Right?", her words let his heart flutter and suddenly this problem didn't feel difficult anymore. Nothing seemed difficult anymore.

Smiling under his scarf, he got down to her level and slowly reached for his scarf. Stunned she watched his actions mouth agape. Was he showing his face here? Outside? With still his siblings at the back, who got eyes like saucers after noticing his actions? Looking back to the others, (Y/N) got kind of nervous. These intimated moments were only held in private. To be seen like that with others, made her cheeks flush furiously.

A soft fabric landed around her neck.

A familiar scent, which she adored so much.

Noticing the red scarf around her head, she was met with the face of her smirking husband, who placed the accessorie around her too, to have her close. Hidden behind the fabric nobody was able to see what she could see. A smiling sweet general, who pressed his lips against hers. The time stopped, nevertheless they still could hear the cheering at the back of having such a sweet moment in front of them.

"always my sweet wife….", he whispered against her gasping lips of his passionate kiss.

"I will stay by your side forever…. "

Xxx

End - one special left 🥰

Such a sweet Sweet General…. Thank you so much for reading. And feel free to leave a comment. I always love to read feedback and support from you. Any idea is welcome!

Have a nice day! 😊

[lovingsoul111]

What would BEN do if he enters Danganronpa world? I was curious.

If BEN entered the world of Danganronpa, he wouldn’t need a motive. The game would already be his. BEN is a remorseless, detached psycho.

He wouldn’t bother announcing himself, not at first. No flashy executions or black-and-white mascots. Just glitches in the monitors. Static that lingers too long. Faces in the hallway mirrors that aren’t theirs. At first, they’d think they’re just stressed. But it spreads headaches that never go away, dreams they can’t wake up from, violent thoughts they don’t recognize as their own.

BEN doesn’t touch them. He doesn’t have to. He’s a parasite in the code, in the mind. He whispers just enough: ‘You’re worthless.’ ‘They’re lying to you.’ ‘You know who’s next, don’t you?’ Until someone snaps.

They start suspecting each other more than usual. Paranoia becomes worship. Some fall into a psychotic spiral, carving messages into the walls. Others just… disappear, grinning, blood trailing behind like static.

The class trials become meaningless. No one knows what’s real. One girl thinks she’s already dead. A boy gouges out his own eyes to stop ‘the watchers.’ They all think they’re being watched and they are.

BEN is everywhere. In the cameras. In the intercom. In the nightmares. He doesn’t kill anyone. He just makes sure they do it for him. Slowly. Beautifully. The ultimate despair isn’t a mastermind, it’s a god with a child’s smile and no eyes.

BEN never leaves, not without leaving an irreversible scar.

BEN is a master manipulator, he doesn’t need to lift a finger to get what he wants. He studies people like puzzles, prying apart their weak points with surgical precision. One soft word here. One distorted dream there. He feeds them lies that feel like truth, twisting their emotions until they can’t tell the difference between fear and loyalty. He doesn’t force them to do anything, he guides them. Gently. Like a hand nudging a chess piece off the board.

He’s not just cruel he’s intelligent. Dangerously so. Every move he makes is calculated. Every hallucination, every horrific dream, every whisper has purpose. BEN watches them unravel like threads in his fingers, knowing exactly when to pull. He adapts faster than they can comprehend, always one step ahead, always watching, always smiling. His cruelty is never chaotic it’s a game. He builds psychological cages and leaves the door open, just to watch them stay inside.

And it’s all for his entertainment.

He doesn’t need a reason. He doesn’t need to prove anything. Watching them spiral, lose themselves, turn on each other, that’s all the reward he needs. They’re nothing but a passing curiosity, a new maze to get lost in. And if he gets bored? He doesn’t kill them. He doesn’t care enough to finish it. He just leaves. Quietly. The last few survivors left crawling in circles, broken beyond repair, tearing each other apart just to feel something real again. To him, they’re like useless mice in a cracked glass maze, scrambling for meaning in a world where none exists.

They were never players. Just toys.

BEN plays the long game. He doesn’t rush. He’s subtle almost gentle at first. A flicker in the corner of their eye. A voice they hear in their dreams but forget by morning. Just enough to make them uneasy, but not enough to understand. That’s how he likes it. He lets them rot from the inside out. The fear grows, and so does his presence. A headache becomes a migraine. A whisper becomes a scream. The shadows start to move. The air gets heavier. Every day becomes a little more wrong. And by the time they realize something is truly wrong, they’re too far gone to stop it.

BEN escalates slowly. Each step more cruel, more violent, more invasive. He pushes until reality buckles. Their sense of safety? Stripped. Their trust in each other? Shattered. Their sanity? Eroded, inch by inch. And he does it all with a quiet, eerie patience, because suffering tastes better when it’s aged.

BEN would thoroughly enjoy being in the Danganronpa universe, but only for a while.

It’s a world already soaked in paranoia, distrust, and psychological decay, which makes it a perfect playground for someone like BEN. The students are isolated, mentally fragile, desperate to survive, and most importantly, easily corrupted. Watching them fall apart under pressure would amuse him, especially knowing all it takes is a little nudge from him to turn their fear into blood.

But for BEN, it’s not just about death, it’s about the process. The slow collapse of identity. The way hope twists into horror. He’d savor the chaos, dragging it out, testing how far he can push before they break. Watching despair consume them would be a kind of art form to him.

Still, BEN gets bored easily. Once he’s broken enough of them, once they stop being interesting he’d lose interest. He doesn’t care about victory or justice or “truth.” If they’re no longer useful to torment, he leaves. The wreckage he leaves behind isn’t even a memory to him. Just another glitch in the system.

So yes, BEN would enjoy Danganronpa. But only while they’re still worth playing with. Overall BEN would have so much fun with all of them, seeing them try so hard to find hope, just to rip it from them in the most gruesome way.. 😨

I HOPE THIS ANSWERED IT!! :D

[bluewavesofchange]

Another leaf on the branch

I don't own Yugioh or it's characters

Warning for violence and mild gore

Not again

Masami wasn’t sure what to do when Seto rushed into Lillian’s room, concerned for how she would react considering how terrified the girl had been when the nurse had tried to interact with her. She rushed over and peered into the room…stopping in her tracks when she sees her son embracing his friend…the poor girl clinging to him for dear life…Masami was honestly surprised. But then again she had been a stranger to Lillian and Seto was someone she had been close to once. It would make sense that she would find comfort in a familiar face.

 

She watched in silence as Seto moved Lillian back to the bed, sitting her down but kept her close as she refused to let go of him, her grip on his clothes so tight that she would possibly rip the material. He held her close, whispering softly to her that she was safe now, that he wasn’t going to let her go, that he wasn’t going to let her get hurt again…though Masami wasn’t sure how true that was going to be…

 

Her boy was still a teenager and Lillian was a high profile patient. Her father had been the CEO of a massive company that produced weapons and ammunition, selling it to the highest bidders, causing nothing but death and destruction. There was a chance this place would be filled with press, lawyers, law enforcers and whoever was going to be the girls care taker as she wasn’t of age yet…

 

Maybe the Muto’s could help her…take her in till she came of age…she needed a safe quiet space to heal and recover, not only physically but emotionally and mentally too. There was clear signs of long term abuse…and evidence of sexual assault. She would have to put in a request for a rape kit to be done but the nurse had her suspicion who was responsible. But she could do nothing until she got permission from Lillian’s guardian or the girl herself…though it wouldn’t do much help since the bastard was dead…

 

She leans against the wall and watches as her son guided Lillian to lie down, lying beside her as he kept his arms wrapped around her, rubbing his back soft, Lillian keeping her head resting against his chest. Masami slowly stepped back and closed the door, giving them some privacy. Seto had a handle on the situation and she didn’t want to interfere with their reunion even if it was a rather tragic one. She would come back and check on them when visiting hours were over…right now she had paperwork to do.

 

Seto runs his fingers through Lillian’s hair, he had so many questions, so many things he wanted to ask, things he wanted to tell her. Now wasn’t the time. He knew she had been through hell, that her life under Gozuburo must’ve been much worse than the life they had in the orphanage. He looks down at her, running his fingers over her cheek as she he noticed that her eyes had closed and she was breathing steadily indicating that she had fallen asleep. She looked so calm and at peace despite where they were…

 

He run his fingers ever so gently over her cheek, not wanting to disturb her as she needed sleep (the dark circles under her eyes were a clear indication that she hasn’t slept much for who knew how long.) This hadn’t been the reunion he wanted…he thought he would someday get a letter back from her, telling him to meet her somewhere like a restaurant or café…or they would bump into each other if he ever got an intern job at Kaiba Corp…he never thought he would find her in a hospital bed looking the way she did now. And yet here they were and don’t get him wrong, he was overjoyed to have her back but the guilt that was lingering in the back of his mind was making its way back to the surface…

 

He wondered what would’ve happened if he had won that chess game…if he had grown up as a Kaiba…he would’ve had to endure whatever she must’ve gone through…but he would’ve taken it better he guessed because Mokuba would’ve been with him and he wouldn’t want to show his little brother his pain and suffering…and yet deep down…the selfish part in his heart he was glad he did what he did. He and Mokuba grew up in a warm loving home, they had parents again that cared about them and made sure that they were happy…something he would always be grateful for…he just wished his best friend didn’t have to suffer for his happiness…vowing to make it up to her till the end of his days…

 

He didn’t notice that she had started to stir, a soft whimpering leaving her lips as her brows became furrowed, her eyelids twitching as her body shivered with slight tremors…probably having nightmares. Seto rested his hand on her upper arm but that was a mistake as her eyes flew open and she jerked back, Seto preventing her from falling off the bed. She was looking around frantically as the brunet tried to calm her down, “Hey hey, it’s ok…it’s ok…” she looked up at him, breathing heavily. Seto gently rested his hand on her cheek, “It’s me Lil…You’re safe.”

 

The two teens stared deeply into each other’s eyes as Lillian caught her breath, relaxing back into the bed and leaning into Seto’s chest, seeking comfort from him. He put his arm around her, gently rubbing her back as he rested his cheek against the top of her head, giving her the security she needed at this moment.

 

Lillian was fiddling with Seto’s shirt when he eventually pulled his head back, looking at her, a soft sigh leaving his lips, “Lil…” the raven head slowly peered up at him, not a word leaving her lips. This was a bit of a concern; the only thing she had said since they saw is each other was his name…

 

He gently took her hand, carefully running his thumb over her knuckles, “What happened…how are…” this was the second time in the last hour that he couldn’t speak properly. What was he supposed to say? What was he supposed to even ask? She tilted her head a little as she slowly sat up, Seto following her into a sitting position. She had a strange look in her eyes as she reached up and rested the tips of her fingers on his cheeks, tracing his features, going over his cheek bones and jawline.

 

She hadn’t seen him in 7 years…hadn’t heard anything from him either…the nurse, his mother had mentioned he had been searching for her for a long time…she had thought she was alone, that she had been forgotten but she was wrong. He had changed so much, grown up and yet he still held the same gaze, the same piercing blue eyes and soft expression. She had missed his face…his smile…the kindness and companionship they had back at the orphanage…and even though she thought he had forgotten her…she never forgot about him…

 

Seto leaned into her touch ever so slightly, her fingers felt so cold against his heated skin and yet he found comfort in it, it proved that this wasn’t a dream. He took a deep breath, calming his nerves and finally finds his words, “Are you…ok?” her fingers stopped moving before she pulled them away and rested them on her lap, fiddling with her fingers as she stared at them.

 

Seto reached over and held her hands in his, though she didn’t look up at him this time. He felt his heart sink for a moment as he moved his hand, hooking her fingers under her chin and gently guided her to look back up at him, her eyes bleak and faded. How they managed to changed so drastically was strange to him. He sighed as he leaned forehead and rested his forehead against hers, “I can’t even begin to understand what you must’ve gone through the past few years. And believe me I tried…I damn tried everything to reach you…”

 

There had been days where he wanted to give up, where he thought it was hopeless and pointless. A part of him wanting to just move on, that he was holding onto a dream, a hope that would never be attained but some part of him still held on…he pulled back and reached into his pocket, slowly pulling out the necklace he had held onto for all these years.

 

Lillian watches him, her eyes widening slightly as Seto took her hand and gently places the blue gem in her palm, “And even through there were days when…when I thought it was pointless…I found the strength to not give up.” he carefully curls her fingers over the jewel, “And I refuse to give up on you now…anything you need…any support you need…anything at all…I will be there for you…I promise.” A small smile forms on his lips as he squeezes her hang gently, “So I ask again…are you ok?”

 

Lillian wanted to believe him, to trust him…he sounded so sincere and he probably meant it too…he had saved her once and maybe he could save her again but…

 

The two were interrupted when another nurse came in holding a tray of food. She stops in the door way when she sees Seto sitting there in bed with Lillian who was a patient in the hospital. The nurse frowns as she sets the tray down, the brunet quickly getting up, “Mrs. Ling I…I’m sorry. I just--”

 

“This isn’t appropriate behaviour Mr. Muto. She is a patient here! You can’t just do as you please just because your mother works here!” she says with a low yet angry voice. Seto knew he was in the wrong as he tried to explain himself again but the nurse stopped him, “I am calling security!” she storms out of the room, the teens eyes widening as he chases after her to try and stop her…leaving Lillian alone…the girl looking down at her hand, slowly uncurling her fingers, her eyes falling on the blue jewel…

 

A limo stops outside the hospital, a short bold man dressed in a fine suit and a pair of glasses on his chubby face climbs out…4 muscular men dressed in black suites and glasses step out as…the short man leading them into the hospital…

 

Masami heard a commotion in the hall, she looked up from the papers she was filling in and frowned when she saw her son busy talking to nurse Ling, or rather desperately trying to talk to her while the elder woman was shouting at him. Masami sighed as she walked over, “What’s going on here?” she asks as she rests her hands on her hips.

 

Seto opens his mouth to explain but nurse Ling beats him to it, “Your son was behaving indecently towards a patient! Sitting in bed with the poor girl and acting far too friendly! This is a place of healing not a whore house!” Masami frowned as she crossed her arms before sighing, “Could you keep your voice down? The whole hospital doesn’t have to hear you.” She said firmly, a glare in her eyes which was rare for the normally calm Muto woman.

 

Nurse Ling took a step back, “But Masami--”

 

“That girl is Seto’s friend…and she has been through a traumatic event and was in need of comfort.”

 

“But--”

 

“She doesn’t trust anyone here. She was even frightened when I tried to get close to her but she is calm around my son.” She glanced at the brunet out of the corner of her eye, what she was saying was true. Lillian needed to be around someone she was familiar with…someone she trusted…and someone that loved her…

 

She sighs as she rubs her forehead, “I understand we have rules here but I thought it would be best for our patient. If you want to angry at someone or report someone, report me. I just believed it would be in that girls best interest to have someone that cared about her be there for her.” her words seemed to calm Ling down as the woman nodded, “Alright I understand but I believe he shouldn’t be in bed with the girl. There are perfectly good chairs to sit in. I won’t report this but I won’t be so lenient next time.”

 

The elderly nursed turned and left, Seto sighing in relief as he turned to his mother, “Have I ever told you that you’re the best?” Masami shook her head and patted him on the back, “Don’t think you’ll get off so lucky next time.” She said in a gentle yet stern voice as Seto nodded, “I know…” he sighs as he runs his fingers through his hair as he leans against the wall, “I just…I can’t believe this…I never thought…” he looks at his mother, “How bad is it?” the woman didn’t know what to say, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat.

 

Seto frowned as he stood up straight, “Mom…how bad is it?”

 

Before she could even think of an answer a commotion is heard coming from the hall where Lillian’s room was, both Muto’s running in that direction…

 

In front of Lillian’s room were two men in suits were standing by the door, one holding a nurse hostage as she was struggling, screaming at them that they weren’t allowed to just barge in and take their patients. Seto and Masami’s eyes widen as they rush in, one of the men stopping Mrs. Muto giving Seto the chance to slip into the room, two more men were inside trying to restrain Lillian who was struggling violently, screaming and kicking as they had their hands wrapped tightly around her arms, a short chubby man was standing off to the side, a nasty smirk on his face, “Now now there’s no need for that Ms. Kaiba. We are simply here to take you home. Doctor Damian will gladly look you over…” he snickered.

 

Seto didn’t even think, his body just moved as he grabbed hold one of the suited men and pulled him away from Lillian, the man’s hands letting go of her arm, giving her a chance to hit and kick at the remaining guy that had his grip on her.

 

However the man that Seto had pulled off turned his attention to the brunet, grunting as he tried to punch the teen but Seto was quick, ducking out of the way, throwing his own punch, hitting the guy square in the stomach, knocking his wind out. The man keels over, his arms wrapped around is midsection (how could such a slim kid hit so hard?) The guard that had his hands on Lillian let her go and moved over to take care of the brat that had taken out his comrade but Seto was prepared, dodging every fist that tried to strike him, his years of getting into scuffles coming in handy. He managed to get in a few hits as well, punching the guy through the face and sending him crashing to the ground…unlike the last time he had a run in with the Kaiba guard’s years ago, he had more skills now and he wasn’t a little kid anymore.

 

He didn’t however notice that the first guy he had taken out had managed to stand up and snuck up behind the teen, grabbing him and pinning his arms behind his back. Seto struggled but gets punched in the face by the man he had been fighting, wincing as his jaw hurt but that didn’t last long as he was hit again, this time tasting blood in his mouth. The next blow was too his stomach, grunting and coughing as his body tries to lean over due to the impact. He can hear his mother scream and begging them to stop from the doorway, yelling for security to come help them.

 

He looks up and sees the suited men smirking at him as they continued to punch and even kick him till he is tossed to the floor, one of the men grabbing him by his hair and lifting him up that he was on his knees while the other pulled out a gun and pointed at Seto. He grips the wrist of the man that was holding him in place, blood streaming from his nose and a few drops slipping past his lips. He keeps struggling; the only thing on his mind was getting free and saving Lillian and his mother.

 

He hears his moms screams growing louder, begging them to let go of her boy…but the man sets his finger on the trigger and is about to pull when another voice is heard…

 

“Stop!”

 

Everyone freezes and they’re gaze goes to Lillian, the girl had tears running down her cheeks as she was looking at her friend, terror in her eyes as she was shaking, fear filling her whole body. The chubby man slowly approached the girl, “You want us to stop Ms. Kaiba? Will you come home quietly? And be the good little girl your father taught you to be?” his smirk grew nastier as Lillian trembled even more. She looks at Seto, the teen still struggling as the guard presses the barrel of the gun against his head. The brunet snarled at the men before turning his gaze to Lillian, seeing how terrified she was as fear was filling his heart and soul, he couldn’t even imagine what would happen to her once she was taken away.

 

The creepy short man placed his hand on Lillian’s arm, the girl jerking away as she looked at him, her breath quickening as he snickers, “It’s you…or him…he attacked the guards and they have every right to kill him…a matter of self-defence…”

 

The man tightened his grip in Seto’s hair making him wince loudly, Lillian reaching towards him before pulling her hand back and hugging it to her chest as she looks at the chubby man, shaking her head. He grins as he lowers his glasses, “So you will come quietly?” She nods as Seto grunts in pain, “Lil no!”

 

She looks at him and their eyes meet…the raven head mouthing the words ‘I’ll be ok’…she gives a small sad smile as she slowly gets off the bed, her legs shaking as she pulls out her IV before gripping her arm where blood started to seep from the small hole left in her skin…the guard with the gun steps back before raising his arm and striking Seto in the head with his weapon, sending him falling to the floor as the other man let him go.

 

The other guards released the nurses, Masami rushing to her sons side, her hands shaking as she checks if his ok, helping him to sit while the suited men take hold of Lillian’s arms and drags her out of the room…the chubby men looking back at the mother and son, smirking before he leaves…

 

Seto groaned as he held his head, feeling a cut on his scalp that had started to bleed. His vision was blurry for a second and his body ached as he felt his mother trying to help him stand, the woman talking frantically, asking if his alright but his focus wasn’t on her…but rather the empty bed in front of him…the only thing in the sheets was Lillian’s necklace…

 

He feels a weight drop in his soul as the world around him becomes muffled, feeling the beating of his heart in ears…he grabs the necklace and dashes out of the door, ignoring the pain he was feeling and dizziness he was feeling…he stumbles down several flights of stairs and through the entry way…running out of the doors…stepping outside just in time to see the limo drive away…leaving him in the same situation he was in 7 years ago…watching his best friend being taken away from him…

 

He wanted to scream, to shout, to chase after them but the world started to spin as his legs seemed to fall out from under him, collapsing to the ground…hearing his mother calling out to him just as he started to black out…his fingers curling around Lillian’s necklace…

 

 

Seto ground as his eyes slowly opened, an all too familiar sound beeping in his ear, finding himself lying in a hospital bed, a bandage wrapped around his head and his body aching in pain…just like the last time he was here as a kid…only this time he didn’t have a broken arm. The windows light up for a moment as a bolt of lightning flashes through the sky, grabbing his attention…the teen noticing that it was dark outside…rain cascading down the glass…

 

His eyes widened as he tried to get out of bed, but a wave of dizziness takes over when he tried to move to quickly, his head throbbing like crazy…he slumps back onto the bed, a sense of defeat taking over him…the memories of what had happened floods his thoughts…looking over at the nightstand and sees Lillian’s necklace…

 

He reaches over to pick it up but he hesitates…he had failed her…he had failed to protect her…he broke his promise…she had been in his arms, he had held her close and promised that she was safe but he couldn’t even do that. She was gone again…and once again it was his fault…he curls his fingers into a fist, slamming it onto the table…his sadness replaced with rage…a hiss leaving his lips as his blue irises flashed for a split second…his pupils turning into black slits before returning to normal…the teen curling up on the bed…thinking about how this was had started off like a great birthday but ended so horribly…

 

­­ ----

 

Lillian was forced into her room once they arrived at the manner, the Kaiba house doctor arriving and treated her for her injuries before going to talk to Hobson (the short chubby man that had gone to the hospital to retrieve the girl and bring her home). He had been the man servant of the house for many years, a loyal worker to Gozuburo, obeying the man’s orders and cleaning up any messes and taking care of business…

 

The business now being Lillian…

 

The doctor, Gozuburo and Hobson as well as a few of KaibaCorp board members had put plans in place in case something happened to the CEO before he retired. Sure he had trained and taught Lillian to take over his company…or rather pretended to since the man had no wish for her to become the head of KaibaCorp. He would rather marry her off to someone who he controlled or make her simply disappear…

 

The plan was to send Lillian to a mental institute or get her arrested if something happened to Gozuburo, and they were preparing to roll out that plan…the board members would run the company till one of them would be voted as the new CEO…a van from the Domino Institute for the mental ill would arrive by night to take the girl away…

 

However a storm rolled in out of nowhere, thunder drumming through the air as lightning brightened the sky, heavy rain and hail falling over the city preventing anyone from reaching the Kaiba manor…

 

But Hobson wasn’t worried, the plan was simply delayed and the girl would be gone soon…

 

The man decided to go check on her since she had been quite since being confined to her room…however when he reached her bedroom the door was open…raising a brow he peaked inside…finding it empty…

 

Did she escape?

 

He searched the manor…discovering that the guards were missing too…the servants were gone too…it was eerily quiet…not a sound except for the rain falling outside…a bolt of lightning flashes past the windows and the lights go out and making Hobson jump…

 

He started to walk faster through the halls, calling out for the security, the doctor…for anyone really…but he got no answer. He started to panic, his hands trembling as he finds himself alone in this dark manor…

 

He finds a candle stick on a dresser and lights it using the matches he kept with him, the hallway he had been standing in illuminates slightly…calming his nerves a bit…

 

‘Hobsoooooooon.’

 

He freezes hearing his name, looking around for the source of the voice…

 

 ‘Hobsoooooooon.’

 

He gasps in fear, the hall lighting up when there is another bolt of lightning. He starts running, trying to get away from the voice…

 

‘Hobsoooooooon.’

 

He reaches the front doors but finds them locked…ice starting to creep along the wood…he steps back as his eyes widen…the temperature dropping as he can see the mist of his panting breath leaving his lips…

 

‘Hobsoooooooon.’

 

He yells in fear as he searches for a way out, trying to head up the stairs again but they become covered in ice, causing him to slip and tumble down, landing hard on the bottom floor, his spine cracking on impact, the servant screaming in pain…the candle stick he had been holding falls beside him but the flame goes out before it has a chance to set anything on fire…

 

He tries to move, trembling in pain and fear, seeing something standing at the top of the stairs…a tall figure hidden in shadows until the room is lit again by a brief flash of light…thunder boom over the manor as Hobson’s eyes widen even more…

 

A set of glowing blue eyes is glaring at him from above the stairs, a nasty feral smirk on its face…the figure was dressed in a long blue silk robe…the sleeves coming up to the elbows, the bottom trailed on the floor behind her…

 

Another flash and the short man sees the bandages on her wrists, ankles and neck…her fingers dripping with blood as she walks down the stairs with ease…the man tries to back away but it’s no use…

 

His choked blood curdling screams echo through the halls…halls that were filled with dead guards and servants, each of them impaled but large spikes made of ice, their blood seeping into the floor…their faces frozen in horrified expressions, their mouths hanging open as though to scream silently…

 

The rain keeps pouring outside as Lillian stands in front of a large window…a look of calm on her face, her lips curled into a small sinister smile…she was free…she was free to take back the life that was stolen from her…too make those that dared to lay a finger on her pay for her pain and suffering…she pressed her hand against the window pain, frost forming on the glass around her fingers…the cold crystal traveling along the smooth surface, forming shapes and patterns till an image came into view…

 

She steps back, looking at her work…the face of her friend decorated the window…now that she was free, she would see him again…

[20elements]

I’ll be discussing some of my favorite perspectives on each of Night Raven College’s seven dorms and/or their chapters. If I sound like I’m using “fighting words”, it’s not my purpose to roast or insult any characters (I just like reading my own words). A lot of these may also tie into the deadly sin their Overblotters embody. Be forewarned that there will be Chapter 7 spoilers and more in this entry.

Heartslabyul - Rush the Roses Red

For why Heartslabyul marks our first chapter, I’ll get the obvious explanations out of the way first: We know both the game’s title and which dorm’s based on Wonderland itself. Not surprisingly, we get Ace and Deuce as joint tritagonists even before Chapter 1 starts. Additionally, the Queen of Hearts’ role in Alice was relatively short, so it’s easy to see why Heartslabyul would get the shortest hence first chapter in the game. But what I really want to go into is Riddle Rosehearts.

We now know that Chapter 1 is earlier than the writers had planned to explain Blot, but they still use so many puddle scenes to keep us in anticipation. And who better to use than Riddle, the irritable teapot despot? If I’m not mistaken, there were more Blot sightings in Chapter 1 than any other, not to mention how soon we would fight his Overblot. As Chapter 6 would confirm, Riddle easily produces Blot because of both his temperament and his exhaustive use of magic. In short, because Riddle's so quick to anger, he's also quick to OB, which is why he's up first.

Savanaclaw - Pawn Promotion

“If you intend to stay in this dorm, there is but one rule you have to follow. Obey me.” —Leona Kingscholar

What makes Leona so effortlessly charismatic is not only his strength and skills, but more importantly, how he strategically instructs his underlings just like a game of chess (in good faith to Scar’s campaign). As long as his leadership guides his team where needed, Leona can always get away with slacking himself; even the Spelldrive Club attests to this. But the clearest example is in Chapter 2, go figure.

For starters, Leona doesn’t have a high opinion of Ruggie’s UM, yet he invests a great deal into the hyena. Leona turns Ruggie into a serial “assassin” who successfully injures so many potential competitors, including even some vice housewardens. He even gets Ruggie a UM buff to carry a stadium’s worth of people. (When I first saw Chapter 2, I even wondered if Ruggie would be the one to OB instead, tbh.) 

As efficient as Leona’s tactics usually are, however, the king himself barely moves a square. When cornered, Leona just drops the ball on his plans, yet Overblots when pressed further. Still, as lazy as Leona is, stepping too close to the king is dangerous for both parties, but on this occasion, he doesn’t bring home a “checkmate”.

Octavinelle - Inciting the Impoverished

In order to make my point about Octavinelle, or at least Azul, I’ll also have to make this about “us”, or the MC. In Chapter 3, we are both Azul’s foil and a testament to his avarice. It’s harrowing enough for the MC that we’re isekai’d into TW with zero superpowers, but now our closest friends are “un-maged” and we lose our only shelter for trying to save them. In the end, we’re left with… Jack—whoescortsintolion’sdenandfindsushelp!! 

(…Ahem.) So for once the villain’s challenging the MC, our stakes are direct, and we have to explore options ourselves to protect our livelihood. In fact, this is the only chapter so far where the MC proactively contributes to the story. And although we still need help from reluctant allies, we ultimately come up with a solution that foils Azul’s plans completely.

So why is this significant to Tako Bell? Because the MC embodies everything that Azul’s afraid of becoming: a “nothing”. Azul attributes his own self worth to his possessions, but after his greed reaches the MC and pushes us into survival mode, Azul gets outwitted by someone so empty-handed. In contrast to the MC, none of Azul’s many gifts could prevent Leona from destroying his prized contracts. When Azul is reduced to desperation, even his most trusted Leech Bros. turn on him; at that point, not even Azul’s OB would save him from defeat. Justice couldn’t be more poetic in this chapter.

“Sorry, Azul. You’re just not as dastardly a villain as ___ is.” —Leona

Scarabia - Veiled Venom

At this point, Jamil is notorious for “acting mid” to hide his charts, no small thanks to social hierarchy. But TW does even more to hide our dragons; remember the housewarden greetings? Unlike other dorms, if you’re sorted into Scarabia, Kalim gives you a nice warm welcome describing only the perks of your medicine; no indication of side effects whatsoever. He’s not here to lie, but Kalim’s hospitality masks Scarabia’s fangs as effectively as Jamil’s cookings lure prey. 

And then there’s the timing of Chapter 4; as if to keep most of the student body in the dark from Jamil’s potential, Scarabia’s story takes place in the middle of winter break (go figure, the usual tritagonists are off-campus too). As a result, only a relative few are around to witness the first vice warden OB this year.

“Mediocre, nothing. He's easily one of the top magicians in the entire school, to say nothing of Scarabia!” —Azul

But while Jamil is sold as a dark horse and established as Scarabia’s true face, we owe Kalim another look. As carefree as he is, Kalim’s potential is also a crouching tiger. He was able to surprise the Octavinelle guests twice, with a heart strong enough to deflect Jade’s truth serum and an abundantly resourceful UM for the sea creatures to use (ntm Azul’s potential cash cow). Yet, Jamil belittles Kalim the same way he himself dreads and it becomes his undoing in Chapter 4.

"You clearly don't appreciate Kalim's power for what it is, then." --Azul

Pomefiore - Mirror Mirror Magnified

“As I often remind you, I spend more time looking at you than you do looking at yourself in the mirror.” —Rook Hunt

Chapter 5 is no exception to reflecting its mascot in some way, but it’s because of Vil’s pride that the story does a few things new. As a deadly sin, pride is often considered the “mother of all sins” and yet a reasonable amount can also be a virtue. Until Vil crossed the line, the story even justifies the confidence he exudes. Hence my gist: Vil's "magic mirror" is not merely on his wall (nor pocket), but the very world around him.

All of the previous Overblotters qualify as antagonists throughout their chapters, but Vil, despite a few quarrels, has mostly remained on our side. His motives may be self serving, but he puts an earnest effort into training his team. While his critiques may be harsh, Vil explains in painstaking detail why he finds them necessary, if not agreeable. Whatever his faults, I’d argue that Vil’s the most leaderlike out of all the housewardens bar none. And when Vil deserves to be proud, the story smiles on him…

Just as Pomefiore boasts being NRC’s oldest dorm, Vil is representing the whole campus rather than just his dorm (ntm it’s Chapter 5 that recalls “Piece of My World”). Vil's pride continues to be mirrored, now using the coliseum he's performing on. Thus, when his ego does drive him out of line, we fight Vil’s OB in this very location, where the weather now sucks, “repairmen” fill his audience, and the stage is wrecked. (To add insult, the masses were off-stadium to watch Vil's brainwashed rival instead.) Chapter 5's whole mirror theme comes full circle when "Spudling 2" literally reflects Vil's own power against him two-fold, finishing his OB off. This battle even compromises his team’s ability to perform at their best afterwards. 

“The skies were clear and sunny before, yet now a tempest rages... Truly, it is like a reflection of Vil's own heart.” —Rook

So we see just how much Vil’s ego can hurt himself, but the story does still give him a lot to be proud of. Even if his OB wrecks the place, Vil’s the first boss we fight outside of his dorm and it’s on NRC’s grand stage. While drawing the line between a healthy pride and its sinful counterpart, Chapter 5 uses everything to reflect Vil in both cases.

Ignihyde - Buried Blazes Burn Blue

“Maybe to Idia and Ortho, this nightmarish situation is the reality and their life at school was more like a dream. One they’ll forget as soon as they wake up.” —Riddle

Sounds about right, we don’t even get a tour of the blue dorm in their own chapter! Instead we get STYX, which is a glorified prison as far as Idia’s concerned and that sums up his mentality. Idia rarely has the heart to explore opportunities outside, but will sing like a canary inside his own fort. But more deeply than the STYX as a whole, the most powerful metaphor for Idia’s heart is Tartarus.

Idia has a dangerous UM buried several stories underground in a fixed location and reaching it is more tedious than its stair count. If a mage’s UM reflects their heart, this tells us just how trapped Idia feels. All his talent and passion are forced under a tight lid until it bubbles up and bursts. Case in point, when we do dig deep enough, literally all hell breaks loose: Idia’s Overblot battle outscales any of the previous...

…and may take a while to break down. It’s inferred that Idia’s curse burned enough Blot from creating his own Phantom. And although he still experienced a “rush”, Idia is still level enough to talk to Ortho pragmatically and be self-aware of his own OB (a first). Speaking of, Idia’s not the only trapped heat now venting; we also have Ortho who’s been below Tartarus’ gate for nearly a decade but has consumed enough Phantoms to cause this whole incident and become the giant “Hades” we see.

In addition to the Blot burner, if I assume that Phantom Ortho is backing OB Idia without draining him like the usual, Idia gets the perks of OB free of price! All the more reasonable then that our battle against the Super Shroud Bros. would take three whole phases alongside other housewardens, Rook, Epel, and three Thunder Spears to best! Meanwhile, Idia heals at every turn, inflicts burn debuffs, and uses his “triple threat” more freely than previous OB bosses. This is the monster we find at the bottom of Tartarus—the Idia we unravel.

Also notable are Idia’s flame colors. He confirms that touching his hair wouldn’t burn us normally, but as long as blue’s hotter than orange, that tells me it’s trapped heat. But when he’s extremely pissed, Idia lets his sparks fly orange and while cooler than blue, it’s widespread enough to become his ultimate during his final OB phase. Just as his flames reflect his emotions, trapped or freed, the Tartarus towers that symbolize his depressors are the opposite element—a deep freezer for the Phantoms. 

Diasomnia - The Truest Tall Tales Told

Silver: “This isn’t a game. This is our reality.”

Idia: “W-wow! Man, that was totally protagonist dialogue! I wish I could say cool stuff like that…”

Even by TW’s standards, the Diasomnia tribe looks straight out of a fairy tale in body and soul (go figure, they even have real Fae). They’re not trying to be fictitious, but members of other dorms may still find them “chuuni”. Conversely, Diasomnia can make the rest of TW look “realistic” by comparison. And I honestly find this amusing—just picture a more “normal” sports team losing to fantasy warriors; the Spelldrive results would be even less surprising but in the most comical way possible.

On the flipside, it’s not unreasonable for Diasomnia’s characters to have a peculiar view of others as well. Take Sebek, who patronizes mankind and barely wants anything to do with us. His background might have something to do with that—Sebek grew up with very lofty figures like Malleus and Lilia to look up to, long enough to skew his own standards. But his case is a much smaller example of my point compared to the most mythical housewarden in the game, Malleus Draconia…

“Even if I had great power, I couldn’t get anything. I keep losing them. Everyone will get up from their seats and leave me. …There is no one to invite me anymore…” —Malleus

A deity among mages, Malleus embodies many “unrealistic expectations” and probably feels that the real world has no place for someone like him. His own common sense sounds alien to everyone else’s (including his own dorm members’ at times) and vice versa. Yet here he is in this reality being feared for his strength and isolated by his own lifestyle. To add to his grievances, two of the few people Malleus could get along with have plans to leave. Overall, this is not a reality Malleus is happy with and his solution couldn’t be more on point: Trap everyone in an Infinite Tsukuyomi.

“If you surrender to sleep, 1000 years will pass in a blink. You will all become the main characters of a fairy tale.” —Malleus

Sounds a lot like Silver, who’s already a shining knight in all but armor. His UM is literally NiGHTS Into Dreams and helps us traverse literal fantasies. But ironically, the most fantastical dream we visit is Lilia’s true story (aside from the added guests) and it takes us along a mapped RPG quest. Back to my point, what’s real for Diasomnia is a fairy tale for everyone else. Only way my perspective can come full circle is if Malleus’ OB fight takes place in a dream world as well, but Chapter 7 is still a ways from done as I’m typing this.

[hellomisssada]

OC Estelle Chevalier's sister

Name: Estelle

Role: Princess, younger sister of Chevalier, princess of Rhodolite.

Personality:

1. Calm and Composed: Estelle is known for her cool-headed nature. She rarely lets her emotions dictate her actions, making her appear detached or indifferent to others. Her calm demeanor makes her a steady and reliable presence during tense moments. She’s unflappable in crises, able to think clearly under pressure, and is often the one others turn to for reason and stability.

2. Strategic Mind: Estelle is a brilliant tactician. She’s constantly analyzing situations, looking for the best possible outcomes and understanding the long-term consequences of every decision. She excels at chess-like strategy in both political and military scenarios. Her insight into human nature allows her to predict the moves of her opponents, both on the battlefield and in court.

3. Brilliant Researcher: Estelle spends hours in the royal library or her private chambers researching new technologies, policies, or historical precedents to further the kingdom’s interests. Her knowledge spans a variety of subjects from science to military history, making her indispensable in any council or meeting where decisions need to be made. She’s innovative, always looking for new approaches to old problems.

4. Emotionally Intelligent: Despite her aloofness, Estelle is highly aware of the emotions of those around her. She knows when someone is lying, stressed, or even hiding their true intentions. While she doesn’t often express her own emotions, her empathy allows her to manipulate situations delicately, making her a master of diplomacy. People may underestimate her emotional insight, thinking her too logical to care, but that is her hidden strength.

5. Protective and Possessive of Chevalier: Estelle’s bond with her older brother, Chevalier, runs deep. While she may seem distant to others, her relationship with him is where her protective nature truly shines. She often prioritizes his well-being above her own, and can be subtly (or sometimes overtly) possessive, not wanting others to get too close to him or endanger his life. It’s a soft spot in her otherwise stoic personality. While she trusts Chevalier’s strength, she feels responsible for his safety, often guiding him with her sharp insight.

6. Indifferent to Others’ Opinions: Estelle is largely unconcerned with what others think of her. She isn’t driven by a need to be liked or accepted, and this makes her a bit mysterious. People often wonder what goes on in her mind because she rarely opens up to anyone besides Chevalier. This makes her presence feel formidable, as she operates purely on logic and strategy rather than seeking approval or admiration.

7. Loyal but Rational: Estelle is fiercely loyal to her family and kingdom, but her loyalty is always tempered by logic. She’s not one to rush into emotional decisions. If something benefits the kingdom or her brother, she will do whatever is necessary—even if it seems cold-hearted. Her loyalty is rooted in practicality, which often makes her one of the most trusted advisors in the kingdom.

8. Reserved with a Hidden Warmth: Though she comes across as distant, there are small moments where her true emotions break through, usually around Chevalier. A small smile or a thoughtful gesture can reveal her deep care and love for those closest to her. Her affection is not obvious, but it's there for those who know where to look.

Visual and Behavioral Cues:

- Appearance: Estelle likely carries herself with an air of regal confidence, her posture straight, her movements deliberate and graceful. Her gaze is often steady, analyzing the room or situation carefully.

- Tone of Voice: Her speech is precise and deliberate, rarely wasting words. She might speak softly, but with a firmness that commands attention.

- Body Language: Rarely fidgeting, Estelle’s body language reflects her control. She might fold her hands in front of her or keep them at her sides, rarely showing signs of nervousness or stress

Might need some edits later