#Gang des Secrets

[asti-doodles]

MERRY CHRISTMAS @ninadove !!!!!

I'm your anarchist gang secret Santa!!!! It was a great honor to create for you!!!!! Hope you have a great time next to family and friends!!!!

[bananagreste]

[ID: A set of four gifs featuring Marinette Dupain-Cheng transformed as Ladybug and the kwamis; Wayzz the Turtle kwami, Trixx the Fox kwami and Barkk the Dog kwami. They are inside Marinette’s bedroom.

In the first gif, Ladybug is about to leave the room via the stairs leading to her bed, but she pauses, turns to the kwamis, and asks, “When a kwami uses their power without their holder, doesn’t it often set off some kind of catastrophe?”

In the second gif, Trixx explains to Ladybug about their power, “My power creates illusions, so the side effects will hopefully just be in their imaginations.” However, Wayzz and Barkk appear surprised at that explanation.

In the third gif, Ladybug understands, smiles and leaves. Immediately after, Wayzz and Barkk look at Trixx disapprovingly.

In the fourth gif, Trixx smugly looks at Barkk and Wayzz, but upon seeing their frowning faces, sighs, “Oh, come on! Her Miraculous Ladybug will make everything go all right anyway... I hope.”

/END ID]

[bedofthistles]

Daddy beach au

Don’t look at me

lol

Robin, David

Richard, Henry

References (the last one isn’t a reference more the vibes I was going for with Henry lol)

[rafesslxt]

𝐒𝐋𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒 | 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐋

sfw headcanon | Enzo, Theodore, Mattheo, Draco

「 ✦ Headcanon about how their girlfriends would smell, what they would use + their reaction to it. ✦ 」

words: 1,2k

aesthetic: 🛁🧴🧖🏼‍♀️🧺🫧

Enzo:

coconut ☁️🥥🧴🌴🐚

haircare; coconut milk shampoo & conditioner by ogx

bodycare; coco cabana body wash and body cream by sol de janeiro

perfume/bodyspray; coco cabana body spray by sol de janeiro and coconut passion by Victorias Secret

It all began when you and the Slytherin Gang would chill in your common room late at night. Your sister had send you a package with some new products from the muggle world form a brand you really liked. You let yourself fall back into the couch where your boyfriend Enzo pulled you between his legs, so your back was against his chest. Not even a minute after he smelled your hair and his eyes widened as if he just pulled a line of coke he asked, "Baby, what is it that your hair smells so good?" He starts sniffing your hair like a dog and you giggle, your cheeks blushing. "My sister sent this to me the other day. A few products from the muggle world that I wanted to try. It's the brand I told you about a few days ago." He tried to listen to you but was totally consumed by the new smell. "Here, smell this." you grin and hold your arm in front of his nose. "What is– oh god damn.." The smell of coconut made it's way through his nose right to his brain. "It's a new body lotion and two body spray's I mixed so–" But before you could finish your sentence he pulled you with him up from the couch and pushed you towards his dorm. "Uhu you can tell me all about it once I'm ready with you."

Theodore:

pistachio & salted caramel 🍂🌞🍯🌰🧸

bodycare: body lotion and wash nr. 62 by sol de janeiro

lips: salted caramel lip balm by rhode skin

perfume/bodyspray: bodyspray nr. 62 by sol de janeiro or Casablanca Swiss Arabian perfume

His obsession with your smell started when you came back from your summer holiday's with your parents in the muggle world. You showed him what you brought back there, doing a little haul in front of him and your friends. They knew how much you loved to show the your new things every time you got back so they sat there and listened to your happy voice. "Oh and I almost forgot! I got these new things from a brand called 'sol de Janeiro' it's supposed to smell like pistachio and salted caramel. It's smells delicious really." You handed the items around and your friends smelled on the lotions and sprays. They all told you how good and yummy it smelled, smiling at the scent. When they finally passed it to your boyfriend, he took a smell and his eyes widened immediately. "Oh Mia cara this smells— oh dio aiutami." He pulled you closer to him and sprayed the bodyspray on your skin, waiting a few seconds before it dry's and he pulls your arm in front of his nose. "Oh principessa, this smells even more devine on your skin." "I'm glad you like it, Teddy." you smile at him and giggle. He puts more on you, on your bare legs, your arms, your chest and neck. "Baby we need to go." he suddenly urges and try's to pull you away from your friends who look knowingly at your boyfriend. He leans down to your ear and whispers into it, "It turns me on so fucking much sweetheart. And If you don't come with me right now I'm gonna take you over this couch."

Mattheo:

vanilla 🍦☁️🧁🧸🍨

bodycare: vanilla shea butter body wash and body lotion by dove

lips: laneige vanilla sleeping mask

perfume/bodyspray: Vanilla 28 perfume by kayali and Vanilla bodyspray by Victorias Secret

Mattheo really tried his best to be a good shopping partner but after the hundreth shop you walked through, he barely could comprehend anything you said. "Oh look a drugstore! I need a few new things. I wanna change my scent." His eyebrows shot up. "New scent? In like, new perfume?" You nodded your head and walked inside, your eyes already on a few products. "Yes and also my showering routine has to change so the smell matched the perfume." he looked at you in confusion. What do you mean your shower routine has to change? Just shower, right? "Hmm I'm thinking since it's getting a bit colder I'm gonna go for something less fruity." You browse through the shelves of the store until you find something to fill your basket. "And?" he asked lazily, looking at the new items. "Vanilla." you proudly smile at him, taking one of the bottles and opening the cap. "Here, smell it." You hold it in front of his nose and he takes a little sniff, his face soon changing into utterly confusion. "Wait–" he mumbles when you're about to pull the bottle away. He takes it out of your hand and smells it again, then the rest in your basket. "Oh baby, If you're gonna smell like this I'm eating you up as soon as you leave the shower." he smirks at you. You roll your eyes but can't help the giggle that leaves your mouth. "What are you doing?" you question your boyfriend when he starts walking through the store on his own. "Finding more of this vanilla stuff!"

Draco:

fruity 🍊🍋🌞✨🍹

haircare: mehr shampoo and conditioner by rituals

bodycare: mehr body scrub, shower foam and dry oil by rituals

perfume/bodyspray: body mist mehr by rituals or orange soleia by guerlain

Draco couldn't understand what got you so obsessed with muggle things until you showed him your newest treasure. "So you've been in this dirty muggle world to buy what? Showergel?"he mocks you a bit when he sees all of your new stuff spread around you on the bed. You roll your eyes at him and scoff. "Oh don't be so grumpy Dray, this smells really good. You'll love it." He sighs and sits down at the edge of your bed, his eyes scanning all of the products. "Looks pretty.." he admits in a quiet mumble but you still heard it. "I know! It's on the more luxury side and like a whole new brand! It's supposed to smell like orange and sandalwood." "Sandalwood? You wanna smell like a forest?" "Dracooo stop mocking me, please. Try it and tell me how you like it, seriously." You pull off the cap of your new bodyspray and spritz it on your wrist, holding it in front of his nose. You studied his face to see a reaction, but nothing. "Draco? Don't you like it? I chose something fruity because I know you li–" but before you could finish your sentence, you were pulled up from your bed. "Dray, what are you doing?" "We're gonna take a shower, right now." "Oh so you like the stuff from 'the dirty muggle world', huh?" Now you were the one who mocked him and made him roll his eyes but in his opinion it was worth it. "Yeah yeah, we'll see who's gonna laugh when I am ready with you, darling." And just like that your smile dropped to your panties.

sooo this is something different let me know If you liked it ☁️✨

also got inspired by a post from @ahqkas and how Theodore would love your vanilla scent. 🍦

+ i swear the rituals of mehr is SO freaking good! I worked at a rituals shop and it‘s so worth it 🍊

taglist: @justarandomcanadiantransdude @helendeath @thatonepansexual2000 @imabee-oralizard @supernaturaldawning @brodiedoesthings @yourenogoodforme @sofa-couch26 @little-miss-naill @kolsangel @itsarajr @mixvchelle @hisparentsgallerryy @littlemadamred @ummmmmmm-username @jeannie-beannie @belle-blue @sagetakami @simp-for-fantasy @i-like-pandas5 @your-local-simp26 @romantasyreader28 @whiteboylover222 @batsching @themissingweasley26 [if you wanna be added or removed to my taglist, click here]

xoxo sarah <3

[damnelves]

FATHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN (STRANGERS UNDER THE SAME ROOF).

East, West by Salman Rushdie / Woodtangle by Mary Ruefle / Dearest Father, a letter by Franz Kafka / This Dusk In A Mouth Full Of Prayer by Michael Wasson / Succession / Interview With The Vampire / Gangs of New York (2002), dir. by Martin Scorsese / An Oresteia by Anne Carson / The Cruel Prince by Holly Black / 6 ways to draw a circle by tumblr user filmnoirsbian / Origin Story by Desireé Dallagiacomo / Come the Slumberless To the Land of Nod by Traci Brimhal / Abraham and Isaac before the Sacrifice by Jan Victors (oil on canvas) / The Sacrifice of Isaac by Philippe de Champaigne (oil on canvas) / Supernatural, Season 1 Epside 22 'Devil's Trap' / Ruby by Cynthia Bond / Erou by Maya Phillips / Interview With The Vampire / Cut by Catherine Lacey / Succession / Frankenstein by Mary Shelley / The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis / Mindhunter / tumblr tags by @buckybucananbarnes / Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya (mixed media mural) / Saturn Devouring His Son by Peter Paul Rubens (oil on canvas) / Mother - John Lennon / Succession / Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz / forgiving our fathers by dick lourie

[meadowscarlet]

SECRET’S OUT | HF39.

✩ — summary: you and hector are in a relationship that you both decided to keep private in order to protect yourself and him from fanatical fans and media scrutiny… that is until you are shipped with his teammate which sends him to do something impulsive: post you in public.

✩ — héctor fort x fem!reader

✩ — author’s note: not back i did this for funsies nd in honor for 24/25 sznnnn starting next month also i dont speak spanish i used google translate soz if there’s some mistakes 🫶🏼

liked by hctorforrt_, marcguiu9, pablogavi and 89,567 more

youruser italy was a dreaaaam 🇮🇹♥️🥲 !!!!!! will miss it here sm pero extra��o más mi hogar (but i miss my home more)

View all 4,678 comments

friend CHICA HERMOSA TE EXTRAÑO 😍 (beautiful girl i miss you)

youruser 🥹 gracias amiga (thank you friend)

marcguiu9 será mejor que me traigas algún recuerdo (you better bring me some souvenir)

lamineyamal yo también 😎 (me too)

youruser déjame en paz 🙄🙄🙄 (leave me alone)

pablogavi 😍❤️

* ♥ by author

random OMFGGGG THE BARCA BOYS?????

random she’s friends with marc and lamine?? who is this girl

random probably gavi’s gf? he commented a heart eyes emoji and she liked it

random GAVI NOOOOOOOO

random hector in her likes too stop

random i dont blame him she’s fine asf 😭😭😭

random im gonna kms

liked by hctorforrt_, pablogavi, daniwashington_ and 104,778 more

youruser 💐 volver a casa :) (back home)

View all 6,744 comments

random as if she couldn’t get hotter ofc she’s a culer im in love

random hala madrid

random fuck off

friend stunning!!!!!

random she’s so unreal

random waiting for gavi to reply 🤓

random hector and gavi in the likes this is insane

pablogavi ❤️

random BITCHH

random I SHIPPPPP they look so cute together

random you’re delusional go back to sleep 🤣

hctorforrt_ bienvenido de nuevo (welcome back)

youruser :)

random NAHHHHHHHH FUCK OFF

random HECTOR WHAT

random SHE REPLIED HOLD ON

random wait what about gavi????

liked by youruser, marcguiu9, lamineyamal and 234,897 more

hctorforrt_ contento (contented)

View all 10,211 comments

random THE SECOND SLIDE????? it’s so over

random the soft launch 😭 congrats 😭 whoever 😭 she 😭 is 😭

marcguiu9 vamos hermano ❤️❤️ (let’s gooo brother)

lamineyamal eres tan caliente 😫 (you are so hot)

random LMFAO LAMINE

marcbernal_ hermanoooo ❤️ (brother)

pablogavi vamonoooos 😍 (let’s goooooo)

random oh my god did anyone else noticed the similarities between y/n’s post and hector’s?

random YEAH i thought i was the only one 😭 the matching camera pose???

random but isn’t she gavi’s gf?

random nothing is confirmed

random i like her better with gavi

random girl boo

joaofelix79 hector con novia 😮 (hector with girlfriend)

lamineyamal él debería esconderse (he should hide)

joaofelix79 demasiado tarde 😂 (too late)

random SPILL IT WHAT THE HELL

liked by hctorforrt_, pablogavi, _ferminlopez and 113,767 more

youruser visca barca!!!!! 💙❤️ estoy muy orgulloso y feliz, el partido fue increíble! 🥹 (i am very proud and happy, the match was incredible)

View all 9,457 comments

friend bonita! 😘 (pretty)

youruser gracias linda! 🥲🥲🩷 (thank you pretty)

random i was sitting behind her 😭 can confirm she’s absolutely gorgeous and veryyyyyy kind

random who’s kit was she wearing???

random she was wearing hector’s kit! she cheered so loud when he got an assist w fermin’s goal it was amazing 🤩🤩🤩

random SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. WAR IS OVER.

random i saw her wave hello to gavi?????

random man im fucking confused now

random cant let the gang know i fw y/n gavi hector issue

_ferminlopez 🤩❤️

* ♥ by author

hctorforrt_ tuve suerte 😁 (i was lucky)

youruser me pregunto porque 🤔 (i wonder why)

random ok it’s so obvious alr im crying

liked by youruser, paucubarsi, _ferminlopez and 237,889 more

hctorforrt_ @/fcbarcelona 🔥💯

View all 10,458 comments

youruser chica orgullosa aquí 🙋🏻‍♀️ (proud girl here)

random she forgot the friend

hctorforrt_ hice lo mejor que pude para alguien especial 😉 (i did the best i could for someone special)

random rip gavi 🕊️

pablogavi ¿por qué estoy muerto? (why am i dead?)

random ICBBBBBBBB 😭😭😭😭😭

_ferminlopez 🍬🍬

marcguiu9 orgulloso de tí hermano 🥰 (proud of you brother)

random HOTTTTT

random VAMOS BARCA 💙❤️ (let’s go)

random finally had minutes and u delivered BLESS U HECTOR

liked by youruser, fcbarcelona, pablogavi, marcguiu9 and 457,899 more

hctorforrt_ mi amuleto de la suerte ❤️ @youruser (my lucky charm)

View all 26,677 comments

fcbarcelona 💯🔥❤️

youruser 🥲 mi chico favorito (my favorite boy)

hctorforrt_ te amo niña bonita (i love you pretty girl)

pablogavi FINALMENTE (finally)

hctorforrt_ finalmente 😌 (finally)

pablogavi jaja ustedes chicos 🤦🏻‍♂️❤️ (haha you guys)

lamineyamal MAMÁ Y PAPÁ (mom and dad)

youruser sólo somos un año mayores que tú 😒 (we are only a year older than you)

marcguiu9 😍😍😍 hermosa pareja (beautiful couple)

* ♥ by author

random this is so adorable 😭

random I KNEW IT

random such a hot couple im dying

random they’re perfect i shed tears

random oh my days

random she’s so beautiful 😭🫶🏼

* ♥ by author

alejandrobalde 🔥

random so i can still have gavi 😍

random brother eugh

[jollmaster]

trivia: Angel Dust as mortal

• real name: Antonio Costa [rib]

• period of life: mid XXth ct.

• region: Sicily

• spent childhood and youth in a village near Palermo, fooling around with beloved sister, going to parochial school and riding a hog instead of a horse

• when he was about fourteen, father decided that it was time to get younger son into the business (Angel still reads aloud and writes with a lot of mistakes)

• worked through brute force or delivery/transfer of contraband; had no problem with killings and murders

• the only murder Antonio regretted was the second one, — when he was nineteen, he fell in love for the first time with a guy (an ally, a port worker); that guy after Antonio's confession blackmailed that he would tell the consigliere everything, so Antonio stabbed him to death, thus keeping the secret

• honestly admits that he's not very smart: a smart man wouldn't get addicted to the phencyclidine

• very social, talkative, loud; depends on slightly perverted family ties and the authority of elders

• cause of death: overdose

main gang, actual designs: Vaggie, Charlie, Angel Dust, Niffty, sir Pentious, Cherri Bomb, Husk, Alastor

as mortals: Vaggie [María de la Vega], Cherri Bomb [Saoirse], sir Pentious [Spencer], Husk, Alastor

+ Charlie in full-human form

[hearts4werka]

No Nut November!

authors note: our no nut November has officially started! I might change this schedule later but as I’m writing this it’s 6 am so we’ll see how it changes. Idk how consistent I’ll be able to be with this and that’s the thing I worry most about this so I apologize in advance if I might not post on one day 😭 small disclaimer English is not my first language and now let’s roll

| 🥐 means ANGST - 🍪 means FLUFF |

Visit - > masterlist | guestlist

🥐 - November 1st! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Don’t Do This Again” is available now!

• a heated argument with your boyfriend Matt who’s the fuckboy of the town about him sleeping with another girl at a party you attended last night but are you going to give him another chance, or value your well being and break things off?

🍪 - November 2nd! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Gothically Yours” is available now!

• you’ve forced your boyfriend to let you do goth makeup on him and the experience turns out to be more fun than he could have expected, leaving both of you giggling while laying on the floor together…

🥐 - November 3rd! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Skin Deep Scars” is available now!

• you’ve been born into a rich controlling family, always having to stay on top and never cross the line. You tried to please your mother but never could be enough for your mother’s standards, your father was mostly at work and away at business trips so both of you hardly ever interacted with each other. That’s until you got into an argument about your new friend chris who was the polar opposite of you, what do you think will happen next?

🍪 - November 4th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Snow-Day Magic” is available now!

• december has finally arrived, snow has fallen and your daughter has never been more excited for your annual snow day with your husband Matthew matching her energy and enthusiast to which you fit right into, being the mother of both people.

🥐 - November 5th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Whispers Of Madness” is available now!

• ever since one unfortunate day, you havent felt the same mentally. The dark entity that now permanently stabled a special place in your mind, making you go more insane with eachasing minute. Whenever you try to reach out for help to the one person you trust, being yout best friend matthew he always argues that nothing is actually there and my brain is messing with me but I know more than ive lead onto. Are you going to finally shatter and possibly lead to murder, or maybe finally banish the evil living inside of you?

🍪 - November 6th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Birthday Tears” is available now!

• today was your birthday, the day you’ve never got to actually celebrate because of some family issues. Youve now always avoided your birthday and didn’t want to celebrate it, when you were coming home from the grocery store you were met with a sweet surprise when entering the house…

🥐 - November 7th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Underground Secrets“ is available now!

• your boss has set up a dangerous mission for you—to take down the intel of the notorious rival gang, The Vipers. Your boyfriend, a drug dealer of a rival organization, Chris is advising you not to go through with the plan because of how dangerous it is for someone like you, will you listen to your boyfriend or value your reputation over the risk of life and go through with the plan?

🍪 - November 8th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Adorable Chaos” is available now!

• one day you woke up to Matt becoming the best dad for two of your little fur babies, showing all of the affection you wanted to show them yourself but couldn’t and there was Matt fulfilling your little dream

🥐 - November 9th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Shattered Promises" is available now!

• a dangerous war was declared, the one thing you feared would happen in your life ever since your husband Matthew joined the military. The fear of him possibly dying out on the battlefield without a proper goodbye always managed to deliver you nightmares and now your worst fear came true, Matthew had to go off to fight for his country. Is he going to make it and come back home safely, or maybe you’ll forever hold the weight of him in your heart even without him among the living?

🍪 - November 10th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Newborn Miracle" is available now!

• the time has finally come, you and chris are going to become parents. Both of you are filled with joy and nervousness at the same time since this is a big step both of you have to make now and you’re ready more than ever for the adventures that lay ahead of you.

🍪&🥐- November 11th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Books, Breezes and Broken Limbs" is available now!

• one cool autumn afternoon, you’ve been reading your book in peace and minding your own business until your doorbell suddenly rings and you’re met with an unusual sigh, a zombie man holding his fallen arm. Will you help him out or freak out by the sight of the monster and slam the door in his face?

- November 12th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 13th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 14th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 15th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 16th

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 17th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 18th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 19th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 20th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 21st!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 22nd!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 23rd!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 24th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 25th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 26th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 27th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 28th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 29th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 30th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

& love and peace, V

[moon3verland]

Guarded Hearts L.HS

·˚ ◌༘₊· ͟͞꒰➳Lee Heeseung x Fem!Reader GENRE! Angst, Fluff and Romance ✎SYNOPSIS! When (Name) becomes the unexpected target of a rival gang, Lee Heeseung, a powerful mafia boss, reveals himself as her secret protector. As Heeseung pulls her into his dangerous world of wealth, power, and betrayal, they must confront their growing feelings for each other while facing threats from every side.〘WC:9.0k 〙 『 ↳✧･ﾟ Warnings ; Violence, gun use, mentions of blood, power dynamics, mafia themes, protective behaviour, mild swearing, and suggestive content. ↳˳;; ❝ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱʜᴇʟꜰᵕ̈೫

The dim lighting of the city street flickered as Lee Heeseung stepped out of his sleek, black car, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses that gave him a detached, unreadable expression. The midnight air was crisp, but it carried the unmistakable tension of a man who was used to command and control. Heeseung's world was one of power plays and calculated risks, and tonight, he had come to collect a debt. More Undercut

A debt he had never planned on cashing in.

Heeseung’s sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, assessing the familiar quiet suburban neighborhood. The house at the end of the cul-de-sac, with its modest charm and warm lights glowing from the inside, seemed like a sanctuary—untouched by the shadows that loomed in his life. But that was an illusion. He knew better.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out, reading the brief message from Jay, his trusted right-hand man: "She's still inside. No unusual movement."

Heeseung sighed, his jaw tightening. This was supposed to be just another routine check—a quiet night of ensuring that his secret obligation was intact. But tonight was different. Tonight, a rival gang was looking for leverage, and they'd chosen her—(Name).

Heeseung had known (Name) for years, though she had never known him. He had watched over her from a distance ever since her father, his mentor and protector, had died in a bloody skirmish that still haunted him. A promise made on that dying breath tied Heeseung to her, a promise he had never intended to break, no matter how much distance he tried to put between them.

He wasn’t supposed to get involved, but a recent threat from a rival family had changed everything. The head of the rival gang, Kim Soo-wan, had gotten word of (Name), seen her as an opportunity—a way to hurt Heeseung. He couldn't let that happen.

Tonight, he had no choice but to step out of the shadows.

Heeseung strode up the pathway, his expensive leather shoes silent against the cracked pavement. He could feel the tension simmering beneath his calm facade, his hand itching to reach for the concealed gun at his hip. As he reached the door, he took a deep breath and knocked, his heart thudding with an unusual rhythm.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and (Name) appeared, her eyes wide with confusion. She was beautiful, even in her casual clothes—a soft sweater hanging off one shoulder, her hair loose around her face. There was a warmth in her gaze that Heeseung had never seen in his world, a lightness that seemed to soften the hardened edges of his heart.

"Who are you?" she asked, a hint of curiosity and suspicion in her voice. "It’s late."

Heeseung’s expression remained calm as he slipped off his sunglasses, revealing the intensity of his dark eyes. "I’m someone who owes you a favor," he said simply, his voice low and steady.

(Name) frowned, glancing around nervously. “I don’t understand… How do you know me?”

Heeseung took a step closer, his face a mask of cool detachment. "Your father saved my life once. Now it’s my turn to return the favor."

(Name) stared at him, suspicion in her eyes. "What are you talking about? My father?"

His expression remained unreadable. "There’s no time to explain everything right now. You’re in danger, and you need to come with me." His tone was firm, offering no room for argument.

She hesitated, every instinct telling her to run, but something about the way he spoke—so calm, so controlled—gave her pause. “Why should I believe you?” she challenged, her voice wavering slightly despite her best efforts.

Heeseung’s gaze didn’t waver. His voice was low, almost emotionless. “You don’t have to. But I’m the only one between you and the people who want you dead. If you don’t trust me, you won’t make it through the night.”

Her breath hitched at the bluntness of his words, and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine. She searched his face for any sign of warmth or kindness, but found none—just a steady, calculating stare.

After a tense moment, she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Fine. But I’m not going anywhere without answers.”

Heeseung’s lips twitched in what could barely pass as a smile. "You’ll get them," he replied curtly. "But not here." He extended his hand toward her, his eyes cold. “Come with me.”

She hesitated but slowly placed her hand in his, surprised by the firm, almost possessive grip he had. He led her out into the night without another word, his pace brisk, his mind already planning the next move. There was no reassurance, no comforting words—just a silent promise of protection.

The car ride was tense, filled with an uncomfortable silence that weighed heavy in the air. (Name) kept glancing at Heeseung, trying to read him, but his expression was hard, focused, as if he was a thousand miles away.

When they finally arrived at the high-rise, she felt a sense of awe mixed with fear. The entrance was guarded by men who moved aside at Heeseung's mere nod. He walked straight ahead, not bothering to look back, knowing she would follow.

They stepped into the private elevator, and Heeseung pressed the button for the top floor, his face as unreadable as ever. As they ascended, she could feel the weight of his presence beside her, the tension in the air palpable.

When the doors opened to his penthouse, the sheer luxury of the place made her pause, but Heeseung barely spared it a glance. “Sit,” he ordered, his tone commanding. “We need to talk.”

She obeyed, settling onto the leather sofa as he poured a glass of water with practiced efficiency. He handed it to her without a word and took a seat across from her, his eyes never leaving her face.

“Your father was involved with some very dangerous people,” he began, his voice cold, factual. “He worked for my organization. When he died, he made me promise to keep you safe.”

(Name) blinked, trying to process the revelation. “So… my father… was part of the mafia?” she whispered, a tremor in her voice.

Heeseung nodded, his gaze never softening. “More than that. He was my mentor. And when he died, he left me with a debt to repay.”

She swallowed, her grip on the glass tightening. “And now I’m in danger because of him?”

His jaw clenched, his tone even colder. “Yes. There’s a rival gang—Kim Soo-wan’s men. They know about you. They think they can use you to get to me.”

(Name) felt fear creeping up her spine. “What do they want?”

“To hurt you. To break me,” he replied flatly. “But I won’t let that happen. As long as you’re with me, you’re untouchable.”

The room fell into a tense silence. Finally, she asked, her voice soft, “Why are you doing this?”

Heeseung’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, his expression was almost unreadable. “Because I made a promise,” he said, his voice as cold as ice. “And I never break my promises.”

She swallowed hard, sensing the finality in his words. “I… I don’t know if I can trust you.”

Heeseung leaned back, his gaze never wavering. “You don’t have to. But know this: I am the only chance you have to stay alive.”

She nodded slowly, still feeling fear prickling at her skin, but there was no denying the truth in his words. “Alright… I’ll stay with you. For now.”

Heeseung’s face remained impassive. “Good,” he replied, his tone giving nothing away. “Just remember—I’m not doing this out of kindness. I’m doing this because I have to.”

Heeseung's words hung in the air like a challenge, and (Name) felt a cold shiver slide down her spine. There was a sharpness in his tone, a blunt honesty that left no room for misunderstanding. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and Heeseung’s eyes flickered briefly to her before he stood up, turning toward the expansive window that overlooked the city below.

The lights of the city glittered like a thousand secrets waiting to be uncovered, but there was no softness in Heeseung’s gaze as he stared out at them. His profile was sharp against the glass, his expression hard and unyielding.

“Make yourself comfortable,” he said without looking at her. “You’re going to be here for a while.”

(Name) took a deep breath, glancing around the penthouse. Everything was immaculate, every piece of furniture expensive and carefully chosen. It was the opposite of her own cramped, cozy apartment. She felt out of place, like an intruder in a world she didn’t belong to. Her mind raced with questions, but she was too afraid to ask them, knowing Heeseung wouldn’t give her the answers she wanted.

Minutes passed in silence. She watched him, the way he held himself—rigid, tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap. Heeseung finally turned back to her, his expression unreadable.

“I need to make a few calls,” he said flatly. “Stay here. Don’t touch anything.”

His tone was authoritative, almost dismissive, and before she could reply, he walked toward a door at the far end of the room, disappearing inside. The door shut with a quiet click, leaving her alone in the vast space.

She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She felt trapped, caught in a web she couldn’t see but could definitely feel tightening around her. Her mind whirled with everything she had just learned. Her father, a mentor to a mafia boss? And now she was a pawn in some twisted game of power and revenge.

(Name) stood up, feeling the weight of the situation press down on her shoulders. She moved to the large window, her fingers lightly touching the cold glass as she stared out at the city. The neon lights and towering buildings seemed to stretch on forever, making her feel even smaller than she already did.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours, and when the door finally opened again, Heeseung stepped out, his face as cold and composed as before. He crossed the room in a few long strides and paused in front of her, his gaze sharp.

“We’re moving,” he announced. “Pack whatever you need. We won’t be staying here for long.”

(Name) blinked, caught off guard. “What? Why?”

Heeseung’s jaw clenched, his tone impatient. “Because it’s not safe. Kim Soo-wan’s men are closing in faster than I anticipated. We need to relocate to somewhere they can’t find us.”

She stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. “But… I thought this place was secure.”

Heeseung’s expression tightened, his eyes narrowing. “Nothing is ever truly secure in this world. Now do as I say, or you’ll find out just how unsafe it can get.”

She flinched at the harshness of his words, feeling the sting of his cold demeanor. But she nodded, turning away to gather her things. Heeseung’s presence was like a shadow behind her, unyielding and constant.

“Do you always talk to people like that?” she asked suddenly, her voice barely hiding the tremor of anger.

Heeseung’s lips curled into a small, humorless smile. “People don’t usually ask me questions, (Name). They know better.”

She bristled at his tone, biting back a retort. But she knew pushing him wasn’t wise, not now. She grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder, trying to keep her hands from trembling. Heeseung gave a single nod, turning toward the door.

“Follow me,” he said, already moving ahead. “And stay close. I won’t ask twice.”

The elevator ride down was silent, tense. She could feel his eyes on her, even when she didn’t look directly at him. Once they were in the car, Heeseung gave a brief, clipped order to the driver, and the vehicle pulled away from the building, speeding into the night.

Heeseung leaned back, his gaze now fixed out the window. His fingers drummed lightly on his knee, a rare show of impatience. (Name) watched him, her curiosity battling with her fear.

“Where are we going?” she finally dared to ask.

Heeseung turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers. “Somewhere you won’t be found. Somewhere I can control who comes and goes.”

She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. “And what happens after that?”

Heeseung’s expression hardened. “After that? We figure out what to do next. But right now, keeping you alive is my only priority.”

There was a finality in his voice that made her shiver. She leaned back, looking away from him, her thoughts racing. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into, but one thing was clear—Heeseung wasn’t someone who played by anyone else’s rules. And she was now caught in his game.

The car sped through the empty streets, a blur of lights and shadows passing by. (Name) felt every muscle in her body tense, her hands gripping the seat as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality. Beside her, Heeseung remained a cold, unreadable figure, his gaze flickering out the window, but always returning to her, watching her with an intensity that made her heart race.

The silence in the car was suffocating, filled with unspoken words and unanswered questions. She wanted to ask more, to understand why her life had suddenly spiraled into chaos, but the icy edge in Heeseung's voice and the hardened look in his eyes told her that now was not the time for curiosity.

Eventually, the car turned down a narrow, dimly lit road, away from the busy streets and into a quieter, more secluded part of the city. The buildings here were older, their facades cracked and worn. They pulled up in front of a tall, nondescript building, its windows dark and empty.

Heeseung got out first, motioning for her to follow. “Stay close,” he ordered again, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of distant sirens and traffic humming in the background. Heeseung led her toward a side entrance, nodding at another guard who stood by the door. The guard opened it without a word, and they slipped inside.

The interior was stark and dimly lit, the hallway narrow and bare. Heeseung moved with purpose, his steps quiet but deliberate. (Name) hurried to keep up, her eyes darting around, trying to take in her surroundings. The walls were lined with security cameras, and she could feel them tracking their every move.

They reached an elevator at the end of the hall, and Heeseung pressed a code into a keypad before the doors slid open. Once inside, he punched another code into a hidden panel, and the elevator began its ascent.

Heeseung remained silent, his jaw set, his hands resting loosely at his sides. (Name) watched him, trying to make sense of the man standing next to her. He seemed so composed, so controlled, but there was an underlying tension she couldn’t ignore—a storm just waiting to break loose.

When the elevator finally stopped, the doors opened to a spacious loft, dimly lit but clearly luxurious. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and a large wooden desk sat near a wall of windows overlooking the city. Unlike the penthouse, this place felt less like a home and more like a fortress—a place meant to hide, to strategize.

Heeseung stepped out and turned to her. “This is where you’ll stay for now. It’s secure. No one knows about it except me and a few of my most trusted men. You’ll be safe here.”

She nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety. “And you? Where will you be?”

Heeseung's expression remained unchanged. “Close by. I have business to handle, but I’ll make sure to check in. My men will guard the building, so don’t try to leave. It’s for your own safety.”

(Name) bit her lip, fighting the urge to argue. “And what if I want to leave? What if I don’t want to stay here?”

Heeseung’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them. “You don’t have a choice,” he replied, his voice cold and firm. “Until I know the threat is gone, you’re staying put. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

She flinched at the finality in his tone, the way his words seemed to cut through the air like a knife. She knew better than to push further. Instead, she turned away, feeling his gaze burn into her back.

“Fine,” she muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “But I expect answers. I deserve to know why my life is suddenly in danger.”

Heeseung’s eyes softened for a brief moment, a crack in his otherwise unyielding demeanor. “You’ll get them,” he said quietly. “But first, I need to make sure you survive long enough to hear them.”

Before she could respond, he turned and headed toward the door. “Get some rest. You’re going to need it,” he called over his shoulder before stepping out, the door closing behind him with a resounding click.

(Name) stood there, alone in the dimly lit loft, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She felt trapped in a world she didn’t understand, under the protection of a man who seemed as dangerous as the threats he was trying to shield her from. The silence in the room was oppressive, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

She walked over to the windows, looking out at the city below. Her life had been turned upside down in a matter of hours, and now she was caught in the middle of a conflict she never asked to be part of.

A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts, and she turned around to see a young woman standing there—a maid, by the looks of her, holding a tray with a cup of tea.

“Mr. Lee asked me to bring this to you,” the woman said, her voice polite but distant. “He thought it might help you relax.”

(Name) managed a small nod, taking the tea from her. “Thank you,” she replied softly, watching as the maid left as quickly as she came.

She sat down on the sofa, the cup warm in her hands. She took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through her, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside her. She didn’t know what to expect next, or if she could really trust Heeseung. But one thing was clear—her life was no longer her own. And there was no telling when or how this nightmare would end.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Heeseung leaned against the wall, his face a mask of cold determination. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, waiting as it rang. When a voice answered, he spoke in a low, controlled tone.

“Double the security around the building,” he ordered. “I don’t want any mistakes. If anyone even gets close, you know what to do.”

He hung up, sliding the phone back into his pocket. His gaze was hard, his mind racing with plans and contingencies. He couldn’t afford any slip-ups—not now. Not with everything on the line.

And as he stood there, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, he realized just how much he was willing to sacrifice to keep her safe—even if it meant becoming the cold, ruthless man everyone thought he already was.

Hours passed slowly in the dimly lit loft. (Name) could barely sleep, her mind swirling with thoughts of her father and the life she never knew he lived. She stared at the ceiling, her eyes tracing the shadows cast by the flickering streetlights outside. Every sound in the unfamiliar space felt amplified: the distant hum of the city, the creaking of the old building settling, and the faint rustle of guards outside the door.

She finally drifted off to a restless sleep, only to be woken by the sound of her phone vibrating on the side table. She reached for it groggily, her heart racing, only to see an unknown number flashing on the screen.

She hesitated, then answered, her voice shaky. “Hello?”

A deep, unfamiliar voice responded, low and menacing. “If you want to live, you need to leave now. They’re coming for you, and Heeseung can’t protect you forever.”

(Name) froze, fear gripping her. “Who… who is this?” she stammered, her heart thundering in her chest.

The voice chuckled darkly. “Someone who knows more than you think. You have no idea what you’re caught up in, girl. Leave now, while you still can.”

The call abruptly ended, and (Name) stared at the phone, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Panic clawed at her, and she glanced around the loft, feeling suddenly trapped. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but she knew leaving wouldn’t be that simple.

She paced the room, her thoughts racing. Should she trust the anonymous caller or Heeseung, the cold, enigmatic man who held her life in his hands? She glanced at the door, contemplating her next move. Before she could decide, the door swung open, and Heeseung stepped in, his expression unreadable.

His eyes immediately fell on her, taking in her wide eyes and trembling hands. “What happened?” he demanded, his tone colder than before, sensing her fear.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. “I… I got a call. Someone said they’re coming for me, that you can’t protect me forever.”

Heeseung’s jaw tightened, and he crossed the room in two swift strides, grabbing her phone. He checked the call log, his face darkening. “Did they say anything else?”

She shook her head, biting her lip. “Just… that I should leave. That I’m in danger.”

Heeseung cursed under his breath, his eyes flashing with anger. “Soo-wan’s men. They’re getting bold,” he muttered. He turned back to her, his expression hardening. “You listen to me, and listen carefully. Don’t ever answer an unknown call again. They’re trying to scare you, to make you doubt me. That’s their game.”

(Name) flinched at his harsh tone but nodded, sensing the urgency in his words. “I’m sorry… I just… I didn’t know.”

Heeseung’s face softened slightly, but only for a moment. “It’s not your fault,” he said, his voice quieter but still firm. “But you need to understand something: in my world, trust is earned, not given. You have to trust that I’m doing everything I can to keep you safe. Or this won’t work.”

She nodded slowly, feeling a lump in her throat. “I’m trying,” she whispered.

Heeseung’s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of something passing through his eyes—something almost like regret. He took a step back, his demeanor shifting back to the cold, unyielding leader he was. “Get dressed. We’re leaving. It’s not safe here anymore.”

(Name) blinked in surprise. “Leaving? Where are we going?”

“To a place they won’t find you,” he replied curtly, already moving toward the door. “Pack only what you need. We don’t have much time.”

She quickly grabbed a bag, stuffing it with a few essentials, her hands shaking. She glanced back at Heeseung, who stood by the door, his eyes scanning the hallway outside, always alert, always calculating.

As they made their way down to the car, (Name) couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. Her nerves were on edge, every shadow seeming to conceal a hidden threat. Heeseung noticed her anxiety and placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her firmly but gently. “Stay close,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Once inside the car, Heeseung took off, driving with a controlled urgency. The city lights blurred past them as they sped down empty streets. (Name) stole glances at him, trying to understand the man behind the cold exterior. There was a time when she might have been terrified to be alone with someone like him, but now, the fear was mixed with something else—something she couldn’t quite name.

Finally, Heeseung spoke, breaking the heavy silence. “I’ll take you to a safe house. It’s further out of the city, more secure. No one will know we’re there. You’ll be safe.”

(Name) nodded, though she couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she could live like this—constantly on the run, under his command. “And then what?” she asked softly. “How long do I have to stay hidden?”

Heeseung’s jaw clenched, and he glanced at her, his eyes unreadable. “Until they back off or until I’ve eliminated every last one of them,” he answered, his voice like steel.

Her breath caught in her throat. “Eliminate…? You mean—”

“I mean whatever it takes,” he cut her off, his voice firm, leaving no doubt about his intentions. “I’m not letting them get to you. Not now, not ever.”

A cold shiver ran down her spine, but she nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. She could see the ruthless determination in his eyes—the lengths he was willing to go to protect her. And despite the fear, there was a strange sense of safety in knowing he would stop at nothing to keep her safe.

They continued to drive into the night, the city fading into the distance, the road stretching out ahead of them like an uncertain future. (Name) sat back, trying to calm her racing heart, knowing that whatever lay ahead, she would have to trust him. She didn’t have much of a choice anymore.

But one question still burned in her mind—a question she was too afraid to ask. Why? Why was he willing to go to such lengths for her? What was it about her father’s promise that made him so determined to keep her alive?

And as the night stretched on, with only the sound of the road beneath them and the hum of the engine in the air, (Name) realized she might never truly understand the man sitting beside her—the man who was both her captor and her protector, her greatest fear, and her only hope.

The safe house was miles outside the city, nestled in the woods where the dense trees swallowed the moonlight, casting long, eerie shadows across the narrow path leading to it. Heeseung drove in silence, his face a mask of concentration. The tension in the car was thick, almost suffocating.

When they finally arrived, the building came into view—a small, nondescript cabin that looked abandoned from the outside, the perfect hiding place. Heeseung parked the car and turned off the engine, but he made no move to get out. He stayed still, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought.

(Name) watched him carefully, her heart still racing from the events of the night. She knew better than to ask questions right now, but her curiosity and anxiety were at war inside her. Finally, Heeseung seemed to snap back into the moment. He opened his door and stepped out, motioning for her to follow.

"Stay close," he repeated, his voice low but commanding.

She nodded, stepping out into the cool night air, the sound of crickets filling the silence. Heeseung led her to the cabin, pulling out a set of keys and unlocking the door. The interior was dimly lit, with only a single lamp casting a weak glow over the room. The place was sparse, but it was clean, with a few pieces of furniture and the bare essentials—a table, a couple of chairs, a sofa, and a small kitchen area.

Heeseung locked the door behind them and then turned to her, his expression still guarded. "You should get some rest," he said, his tone flat. "There’s a bedroom down the hall. It’s small, but it’ll do for now."

(Name) nodded, glancing around the unfamiliar space. “What about you?” she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.

Heeseung shrugged. “I’ll keep watch. Make sure no one followed us. I don’t sleep much anyway.”

His words were cold, almost indifferent, but she could sense the underlying concern—the way his eyes flickered to the windows, always checking, always on alert. She wondered how long he’d been living like this—constantly on edge, never fully at ease.

She hesitated, biting her lip. “Heeseung… I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know if I can trust you, but… thank you. For keeping me safe.”

Heeseung’s expression remained unchanged, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes, a brief crack in his cold exterior. “Don’t thank me yet,” he muttered. “We’re not out of this mess.”

He turned away from her, moving to check the windows, pulling the curtains tighter. She watched him for a moment longer before retreating down the hallway to the small bedroom. The room was sparse, just a bed and a dresser, but it felt like a sanctuary after the chaos of the day.

She closed the door behind her and sank onto the bed, her thoughts racing. Every part of her wanted to collapse, to give in to the exhaustion clawing at her, but sleep felt impossible. The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Heeseung paced back and forth, his mind spinning with calculations and contingency plans. He knew they’d made a bold move by bringing her out here. It would buy them time, but not much. Soo-wan's men were relentless, and he couldn’t afford to let his guard down for a second.

His phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was a message from Jay, one of his most trusted men.

Message from Jay: "Got word from the streets. Soo-wan’s looking for her, hard. He’s pissed, and he’s not giving up. What’s the next move?"

Heeseung stared at the message, his jaw clenching. He quickly typed back.

Message to Jay: "Stay low. I’ve got her out of the city. Keep an eye on the usual spots, and don’t engage unless necessary."

He put his phone away, his mind already formulating the next steps. He knew he needed to get ahead of Soo-wan, to find a way to end this once and for all. But the truth was, he didn’t have a clear plan yet. And that uncertainty gnawed at him like a festering wound.

Heeseung’s thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. He turned to see (Name) standing at the doorway, her expression uncertain.

“I… I couldn’t sleep,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Everything’s too quiet.”

Heeseung’s gaze softened for just a second, then he nodded. “It’s understandable. This isn’t a normal situation for you. But you’ll get used to it.”

She swallowed, stepping further into the room. “Do you ever get used to it?” she asked, her eyes searching his face.

Heeseung hesitated, then shook his head slightly. “No. You don’t. But you learn to survive. You learn to adapt.”

(Name) nodded, absorbing his words. She hesitated before speaking again. “Why do you do it? Why this life? You seem… different from the others.”

Heeseung’s expression hardened again, and he turned away, looking out the window into the darkness. “We don’t choose this life,” he said quietly. “It chooses us. Circumstances, decisions… they lead us down a path, and sometimes, there’s no turning back.”

She could hear the pain in his voice, the weight of whatever history he carried. She wanted to ask more, to understand, but she sensed that his walls were up again, impenetrable. So she nodded, accepting the answer he was willing to give.

Heeseung glanced back at her, his gaze sharp. “You should try to get some rest,” he said firmly. “We have a long day ahead tomorrow.”

She nodded, turning to leave, but paused at the doorway. “Heeseung… be careful.”

Heeseung gave a curt nod, his face unreadable. “Always am,” he replied, his voice low. And with that, she turned and walked back down the hallway, feeling a strange mixture of fear and something else—something she couldn’t quite place.

As she lay back down, her thoughts drifted to Heeseung, to his cold demeanor, and the fleeting glimpses of vulnerability she’d seen beneath it. She wondered what had brought him to this life, what had made him the man he was. And somewhere, deep down, she wondered if she’d ever find a way to break through those walls.

But for now, she was trapped in his world—a world of shadows and secrets, where trust was a rare and precious commodity, and survival was the only goal that mattered. And as the night wore on, with the silence stretching between them, she knew that this was only the beginning of a dangerous game—one where the stakes were life and death, and the rules were written in blood.

he night dragged on, the darkness outside the cabin feeling endless. Heeseung sat by the window, his posture tense, eyes flicking between the shadows beyond and his phone screen. Every little noise—a rustling leaf, a distant animal cry—set him on edge, and he tightened his grip on the gun resting on the table beside him.

He didn't know how long he sat there, but the faint light of dawn began to creep in through the cracks of the curtains, painting the room in muted shades of gray. Heeseung’s body was exhausted, but his mind refused to rest. He couldn’t afford to relax, not when Soo-wan’s men were out there, hunting for any sign of them.

A soft sound behind him made him turn his head. (Name) stood in the doorway, wearing an oversized sweatshirt she had found in the small closet. Her eyes were tired, but there was a quiet determination in her expression.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Heeseung asked, his voice low and gruff.

She shook her head. “Not really. I keep thinking… about my father, about you, about everything.”

Heeseung nodded, his face still unreadable. “It’s a lot to process. But you need to rest. Your body and mind are both running on fumes, and that’s not going to help us.”

She took a few hesitant steps closer. “What about you? Have you slept at all?”

Heeseung smirked, but there was no humor in it. “Sleep is a luxury I can’t afford right now.”

She bit her lip, sensing the tension radiating from him. She knew he was trying to protect her, but there was a coldness to him, an unyielding strength that kept her at a distance. And yet, she felt an inexplicable urge to get closer, to understand the man behind the icy exterior.

(Name) approached the window and leaned against the wall next to him, her eyes following his to the shadows outside. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” she said quietly. “I’m not completely helpless. I can handle myself if I need to.”

Heeseung shot her a glance, his lips tightening into a thin line. “You don’t know what you’re saying,” he muttered. “You’ve never had to survive in this world, to face what I’ve faced.”

Her brows furrowed, feeling a flare of defiance rise in her chest. “I know I’m not as experienced as you, but that doesn’t mean I’m useless. My father taught me how to take care of myself. I’m not just some sheltered girl.”

Heeseung’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through her. “And what did your father teach you, exactly? How to hide? How to run? That’s not enough. Not in this life. You have no idea what these people are capable of.”

(Name) met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. “Then show me,” she challenged. “Teach me what I need to know.”

Heeseung stared at her, caught off guard by her sudden boldness. For a moment, he said nothing, the silence thickening between them. Then, he let out a short, bitter laugh. “You think it’s that simple? That I can just teach you how to survive?”

She held her ground, her expression resolute. “I think if you’re going to drag me into this world, I deserve to know how to survive in it.”

Heeseung’s eyes softened, just for a second, before his cold mask slipped back into place. He nodded slowly. “Fine. You want to learn? I’ll teach you. But it won’t be easy. And you’re not going to like it.”

She squared her shoulders, determination blazing in her eyes. “I’m not looking for easy. I’m looking to survive.”

Heeseung watched her for another moment, then nodded again, more firmly this time. “Alright. Let’s start with the basics. Follow me.”

He led her outside to the small clearing behind the cabin. The air was crisp, the sun just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the dew-covered grass. Heeseung reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, compact handgun. He checked it over quickly before handing it to her.

(Name) took the gun, her hands steady despite the way her heart pounded in her chest. She had never held a real gun before—only seen them in movies or news reports. But as her fingers closed around the cold metal, a strange sense of calm settled over her.

Heeseung’s gaze was sharp, scrutinizing her every move. “First lesson: always know your weapon,” he began, his voice authoritative. “Feel the weight of it, know its parts, understand how it works. This isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of yourself in a fight.”

She nodded, taking his words to heart. Her fingers brushed over the barrel, the grip, feeling the contours of the weapon. Heeseung stepped closer, guiding her hands, showing her how to properly hold it.

“Always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot,” he instructed, his voice low and steady. “And when you aim, focus on your target. Clear your mind of everything else.”

He stepped back, watching her as she adjusted her stance. “Now, aim at that tree over there,” he instructed, pointing to a thick, sturdy oak a few yards away.

She raised the gun, her arms trembling slightly as she lined up her shot. Her breath was shallow, her mind racing. She could feel Heeseung’s eyes on her, cold and assessing.

“Breathe,” he murmured, his voice a soft command. “Steady your hands. Focus.”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She steadied her grip, adjusted her aim, and squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out, echoing through the woods, and the recoil jerked her arms back. The bullet missed the tree entirely, striking the ground a few feet away.

Heeseung didn’t react, his expression unreadable. “Again,” he said simply.

(Name) frowned, her frustration mounting, but she raised the gun again, aiming carefully. She took another deep breath and fired. This time, the shot hit closer, but still missed the target.

Heeseung nodded slightly, his tone still cold. “Better. But not good enough. You need to be precise. Every shot counts.”

(Name) gritted her teeth, determination flaring in her chest. She adjusted her stance again, her focus sharpening. She fired once more, and this time, the bullet hit the tree with a satisfying thunk.

Heeseung’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but he quickly masked it. “Good,” he said, his tone still firm. “Keep practicing. You’re going to need to be a lot faster if you want to survive.”

She nodded, feeling a strange mix of frustration and satisfaction. Heeseung’s cold demeanor hadn’t softened, but there was a hint of approval in his voice that she found herself oddly craving.

As the morning wore on, Heeseung continued to train her, pushing her harder with every exercise. He taught her how to fight, how to disarm an opponent, how to move silently through the woods. Each lesson was grueling, and he offered no encouragement, only cold, blunt criticism. But (Name) didn’t give up. She pushed herself, determined to prove that she could handle whatever this world threw at her.

By midday, she was exhausted, her body aching, but she felt a sense of accomplishment she hadn’t expected. Heeseung finally called for a break, and she sank down onto the grass, breathing heavily.

Heeseung watched her, his expression unreadable. “You did better than I expected,” he admitted, a faint hint of admiration in his voice.

She looked up at him, surprised by the rare compliment. “Thanks,” she managed to say between breaths.

Heeseung nodded, his face still serious. “But don’t get too comfortable. This is just the beginning. The real test is yet to come.”

(Name) nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. She knew she had a long way to go, but she was willing to do whatever it took to survive. And maybe, just maybe, she’d find a way to thaw the icy wall Heeseung had built around himself.

For now, she was ready to face whatever came next, even if it meant diving headfirst into a world of danger, betrayal, and secrets.

Heeseung kept up his relentless pace, guiding (Name) through a series of increasingly complex training exercises. They worked through the afternoon and well into the evening, with only brief breaks for water and food. By the time night fell, (Name) was physically and mentally drained, but she had improved markedly.

The penthouse’s luxurious setting felt like a distant memory as she collapsed onto the sofa, her muscles aching. Heeseung, as always, remained composed, his gaze sharp as he observed her. He poured a glass of water for her and handed it over without a word.

“Thanks,” she said, her voice hoarse. She took a long sip, savoring the coolness.

Heeseung finally allowed himself a moment of relaxation, though his expression remained impassive. “You did well today,” he said, his tone begrudgingly approving. “But don’t expect any more praise. We’re not here to coddle you.”

(Name) managed a tired smile, looking up at him. “I didn’t expect you to. But I appreciate it anyway.”

Heeseung’s gaze flickered with something—perhaps surprise, or even a trace of warmth—but he quickly masked it with his usual cold demeanor. “We’ll continue tomorrow. Get some rest. You’re going to need it.”

She nodded, rising from the sofa with a groan. The exhaustion was overwhelming, but she felt a strange sense of accomplishment. The world outside was still dangerous, and Heeseung’s cold, unyielding demeanor was a constant reminder of that. Yet, despite everything, she felt an unexpected bond forming between them—one forged in the fires of adversity.

As she made her way to the bedroom, she glanced back at Heeseung, who had returned to his position by the window, his silhouette stark against the city lights. There was something about him—an unspoken depth that intrigued her, even if he kept it carefully hidden behind layers of coldness and detachment.

The next few days followed a similar pattern. Heeseung continued to train (Name), pushing her to her limits and beyond. Each session was grueling, but (Name) refused to back down. She was determined to prove herself, not just to Heeseung but to herself. Every bruise, every ache, was a step toward becoming stronger.

Throughout it all, Heeseung remained distant, his interactions with her limited to instructions and corrections. He rarely spoke of personal matters, and his emotions remained well-guarded. But there were fleeting moments when his gaze softened ever so slightly, when he showed a hint of concern beneath his icy exterior.

One evening, after a particularly intense training session, Heeseung found (Name) sitting on the balcony, staring out at the city skyline. The city lights below flickered like a sea of stars, casting a soft glow over the scene.

Heeseung approached silently, taking a seat beside her. For once, he didn’t have a scathing comment or a harsh criticism. He simply sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

(Name) looked at him, her eyes tired but curious. “You ever think about what you’ll do once all this is over?” she asked quietly.

Heeseung’s gaze remained fixed on the city. “I don’t have time for that,” he replied. “There’s always another threat, another problem to deal with.”

She nodded, understanding the weight of his words. “I guess it’s hard to think about the future when you’re constantly dealing with the present.”

Heeseung glanced at her, a flicker of something—vulnerability, perhaps—in his eyes. “You’re getting better at this. Faster than I expected.”

She managed a small smile, though her fatigue was evident. “Thanks to you. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.”

Heeseung’s lips twitched slightly, though he quickly masked it with his usual stoic expression. “Just doing what needs to be done.”

The silence that followed was comfortable, a rare break from the constant tension. For a moment, it felt as though they were simply two people sharing a quiet moment, not bound by danger or duty.

But the reprieve was short-lived. The following day brought new challenges, and with them, renewed threats. Heeseung’s demeanor grew colder, more intense, as he focused on the impending danger. The rival gang’s attempts to track them down had intensified, and Heeseung’s focus was unwavering.

Heeseung’s attention to detail was meticulous, every action calculated and precise. He prepared for every possible scenario, ensuring that (Name) was always protected. His coldness was a shield, one that he used to keep his emotions at bay, even as he fought to keep her safe.

(Name) continued to train diligently, her skills improving with each passing day. The bond between her and Heeseung grew stronger, forged through shared trials and relentless training. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that transcended words.

One evening, as they prepared for another round of training, Heeseung pulled her aside. “We’re moving out of the penthouse,” he said abruptly. “The rival gang has narrowed down our location. We need to stay ahead of them.”

(Name)’s heart sank at the news, but she nodded, ready to follow his lead. “Where are we going?”

Heeseung’s expression was unreadable. “A secure location. We’ll be safer there.”

As they packed up their belongings, (Name) couldn’t shake the feeling of impending danger. The city outside was a constant reminder of the threat they faced, but she was determined to stay strong.

Heeseung’s focus was unwavering, his every action calculated and precise. He was a master at navigating the dangerous world he inhabited, and (Name) was learning to adapt to it, driven by her own resolve and determination.

The journey to their new location was tense, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. Heeseung remained vigilant, his gaze scanning the surroundings as they traveled. (Name) sat beside him, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

When they arrived at the secure location, a secluded estate surrounded by high walls and guarded by security personnel, (Name) felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The estate was luxurious, yet its isolation was a stark reminder of the danger they faced.

As they settled in, Heeseung’s demeanor remained as cold and calculated as ever. But (Name) could sense a subtle shift—an underlying protectiveness that he struggled to hide.

Despite the danger, there were moments of quiet between them, moments where Heeseung’s cold facade cracked just slightly. They would sit together in the evenings, sharing small, unguarded moments. Heeseung would speak more openly, revealing glimpses of the man behind the mafia boss. And (Name) found herself increasingly drawn to him, despite his guarded nature.

The days turned into weeks, and the danger continued to loom. But with Heeseung by her side, (Name) felt a strange sense of security. His presence, though cold and distant, was a constant reminder of his commitment to keeping her safe.

One evening, as they sat on the estate’s balcony overlooking the city, (Name) turned to Heeseung, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. “You’ve done so much for me. Why?”

Heeseung’s gaze was fixed on the city lights, his expression impassive. “Because I made a promise,” he said softly. “To your father. And because… I care about you.”

His admission hung in the air, a rare glimpse into the man behind the mafia boss. (Name) felt her heart swell at his words, and for a moment, the coldness that had defined their interactions seemed to melt away.

She reached out, placing a hand on his. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “For everything.”

Heeseung’s eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, there was a warmth in his gaze. He squeezed her hand gently, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they had formed.

As the sun set over the city, casting a warm glow over the estate, (Name) felt a sense of peace. Despite the danger and uncertainty, she had found a connection with Heeseung that transcended their circumstances.

In the heart of the storm, amidst the shadows and secrets, they had found something real. And as they faced the challenges ahead, they would do so together, united by their shared trials and their unspoken bond.

As the evening settled into a tranquil hush, Heeseung led (Name) through the sprawling gardens of the estate. The soft glow of the moonlight cast a gentle sheen over the meticulously maintained grounds, and the faint scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air. The peaceful ambiance was a stark contrast to the tension they had lived through, creating a serene backdrop for the conversation that was about to unfold.

They walked side by side, their footsteps barely making a sound on the gravel path. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that had grown between them over the past few weeks. Heeseung’s usual cold demeanor had thawed, revealing a side of him that was softer and more vulnerable.

As they reached a secluded spot beneath a large, ancient oak tree, Heeseung stopped and turned to face (Name). The tree’s sprawling branches provided a natural canopy, and the moonlight filtering through the leaves created a dappled effect on the ground.

Heeseung’s expression was serious, his eyes reflecting the moon’s pale light. He took a deep breath, his gaze locking with hers. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion.

(Name) met his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, her heart racing in her chest. “What is it, Heeseung?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Heeseung took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking until they were just a breath apart. His hand reached out, gently cupping her cheek. The touch was tender, his fingers warm against her skin. “These past few weeks have been… different. I’ve spent so much of my life hiding behind walls, pushing people away. But with you, it’s been different.”

Heeseung’s thumb brushed lightly over her cheekbone, his eyes searching hers for understanding. “You’ve seen a side of me that no one else has. You’ve seen the parts of me I’ve tried so hard to keep hidden. And despite everything, you’ve stood by me. You’ve shown me what it means to care about someone.”

He hesitated, his voice faltering for a moment. “I never thought I’d let anyone in, especially not someone as incredible as you. But the truth is, I’ve come to care about you in ways I didn’t expect. You’ve become so important to me, and I can’t ignore what I feel anymore.”

(Name)’s breath caught in her throat as she listened to his heartfelt confession. Her eyes glistened with emotion, the depth of his words touching her deeply. She reached up, placing her hand over his, her own fingers trembling slightly.

Heeseung’s gaze softened, his expression filled with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve. “I know our circumstances aren’t ideal. We’ve been through so much, and there’s still so much uncertainty. But I want you to know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect you and to make things right.”

He leaned in closer, his forehead resting gently against hers. The closeness of their bodies, the shared warmth, created an intimate moment that felt like it was suspended in time. “I’m not just protecting you because of a promise. I’m doing it because… I’ve fallen for you. I’ve fallen for you in ways I never thought possible.”

(Name) closed her eyes, savoring the closeness and the sincerity of his words. Her heart was pounding, a mixture of joy and relief flooding through her. When she opened her eyes again, she saw the sincerity in Heeseung’s gaze.

“I care about you too, Heeseung,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “I’ve come to see you for who you really are, and despite everything, I’m grateful for what we’ve shared. I want to be with you, not just because of the danger, but because I care about you deeply.”

Heeseung’s eyes softened even further, a rare and genuine smile gracing his lips. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, passionate kiss. The kiss was slow and deliberate, filled with the depth of the emotions they had both been holding back. It was a promise of more to come, a declaration of their newfound connection.

As they pulled away, Heeseung’s hand remained on her cheek, his thumb gently brushing against her skin. “Then let’s face whatever comes next together,” he said softly. “We’ve been through so much, and I want us to be more than just survivors of our circumstances. I want us to be something real, something lasting.”

(Name) nodded, her heart full and her spirit uplifted. “I want that too,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. “Let’s move forward together, and face whatever challenges come our way. We’ll do it side by side.”

The night continued to envelop them, the city lights shimmering below, as they stood together under the ancient oak tree. Their shared moment was one of profound connection, a testament to the strength of their bond and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

With the danger receding and their relationship solidified, Heeseung and (Name) embraced the future with renewed hope and purpose. They knew their journey had been arduous, but it had led them to a place of genuine connection and enduring love.

© ★ Moon , 2024— all rights reserved to me. Please do not copy or steal my work in any way. 

Taglist: @milanco @mitmit01 @llvrhee @altbonni @stormy1408

If you want to be added to my perm tag list, feel free to send in an ask or just fill out this form!!

[strangelittlestories]

Here in the end times, it feels like everyone got a little weird.

That'll happen, you know? In a city of bondage rooftop pirates, predatory psychic business suits, and tacticool kindness cults; in a world where the sun's gone all high contrast, low brightness; in a time where isolation is a synonym for safety ... let's just say the 'Overton Window of Normality' has shifted.

Yep, when the light broke, we all got a bit strange.

All except for Simon, that is.

Simon is perfectly normal. Simon is swell. Simon still stops by Nero's for a coffee in the mornings and the Coffee Mafia *serve him* (I think just out of confusion).

Simon goes into his co-working space three days a week. Sometimes he works on his screenplay. Other times he goes through long-dead databases and de-duplicates records. If you ask him why, he'll just say that he gets tired of working from home all the time and needs a change of scenery.

Simon keeps a spreadsheet to track the good places for salvage in London-in-Darkness. He has different tabs for foodstuffs, fuel, clothes, makeshift weaponry, and a dozen other useful categories. He sorts them according to quality, abundance, known predators, level of contrast corruption, and convenience for his commute. Ask him to show you his v-lookups sometime.

If you haunt the high buildings like I do, then you'll see him sometimes, scuttling about in his scruffy converse, jeans and hoodie. If he sees you see him, he'll wave.

It's not that the various predators, gangs and high-contrast memetic hazards avoid him, exactly. They continue their usual routes; their patterns of search, destroy and throw-a-wobbly. But somehow they just ... miss him. He'll be overlooked or have a miraculous lucky escape. Occasionally, he'll get captured for a few days and spend the time working on his yoga routine, before the next localised burst of spectrum distortion gives him a chance to scarper.

You might be tempted, if you run across him, to join Simon.

You might hear him say things like: "Why don't we pool our resources" or "Let's catch up sometime" or "I've set up a mini golf course in the Tate Modern, if you fancy it" or "Do you want to listen to some Bruno Mars? I think I have one of the last unscratched CDs."

I urge you: do not listen to him.

He means you no ill will. Simon is *normal* and *nice*.

But nice is not kind. Normal is not benevolent. And sometimes, people overlook that the world will hurt those less lucky than them without really thinking about it. And it is *normal* to protect yourself in that way. It is *nice* to gloss over difficult things.

Simon lives a live that is orthogonal to the rest of us. His plane of existence is ever so slightly out of sync.

Yours isn't.

He is a last unchanging remnant of a world that was.

You aren't.

If you meet him, you will want to follow him. His is a world of order and predictability, of self-care days and flexi-time, of secret film screenings and hidden menus in bougie coffee shops. You will be enchanted by the way he talks about getting plenty of natural light, the way he complains about his commute, and how he still tips twelve percent.

But I beg you: do not heed his Simon song. For it is the song of Bruno Mars and you will be dashed on the funk rocks.

Don't go with him, the world that keeps him safe does not exist anymore.

And when I see Simon scuttling through the streets with a new friend, I am sometimes glad that it is gone.

[thou-babbling-brook]

Maria Thorpe Character Analysis

Well, I simply can’t disappoint the people – aka, the five of you that will read this, lmfao. I’m so serious about this that I’m actually drafting this on a Google doc before I post this rather than just typing random thoughts on my phone. This is going to be a HUGE ramble that probably won’t make a ton of sense, but I hope it’s entertaining regardless. 

Maria Thorpe – a character that Ubisoft probably spent MAYBE thirty minutes thinking about, but that I have not stopped thinking about for like, five years. What a gal. So glad I was not in this fandom in 2012 to witness how HEINOUS people were about her for simply being a woman “in the way” of a M|M relationship. I hope by the end of this ramble, you, too, will see her for the baddie she truly is. 

In this essay, I will delve into Maria’s character to explore why she is so fascinating to me, the implications of her story, and why Ubisoft can actually catch these hands for dumbing her down in AC Revelations. (I'm putting a cut here because it's so fucking long I'm sorry gang)

First off, to understand Maria Thorpe as a character, you have to understand her background. I’m not going to copy and paste her Wiki or anything, but I am going to outline her life (stated and implied) before we meet her.

For those that don’t know, Maria was born an English noblewoman in 1161 – four years before Altaïr was born (okay cougar). Because she was a tomboy and defied many of the social norms for women in the 12th century, she was ostracized by both her parents and her peers. She mentions in The Secret Crusade that her parents tried to force her to conform, which culminated in her first marriage at the age of 18 to Lord Peter Hallaton. She mentions that he was a decent husband, but he didn’t exactly appreciate her more boisterous nature. After all, in 12th century England (especially among nobility), women were to be seen, not heard. She also failed his expectations as a chatelaine and a wife, as she bore him no children. The Bishop of Leicester granted them an annulment to avoid embarrassment to both Peter and Maria’s family. When she returned, she was “persona non grata” to her family and the whole of Leicestershire, especially when her father had already spent her dowry. With no other options, Maria ran away to join the Third Crusade, where she eventually met Robert de Salbé.

You may notice that we don’t actually know a lot about Maria and her life before AC1, which is probably intentional. To me, though, that’s what makes her backstory fascinating – the implications of her environment and what we can reasonably deduce she went through based on historical context. I think anyone who’s taken a seventh-grade social studies class could tell you women had, like, zero rights in 12th-century England – even more so, noblewomen. Maria was raised to be a glorified broodmare – say nothing, have children (two boys and a girl, as she jokes), and run her husband’s household. Clearly, she was the exact opposite of all of these things. Something interesting about Maria’s first marriage is the fact that while it was an annulment, she specifically mentions in The Secret Crusade it was an annulment to save her family further embarrassment – which implies that the marriage was consummated, but all parties wanted it done with. I don’t think I need to elaborate on how common and horrific an experience like that could be, but I think it fuels Maria’s relationship later on with motherhood, especially since she mentions that she was completely uninterested in childrearing and birth (this is a key point I’ll touch on later).

So what? Why does her background matter? It matters because of how historical and cultural context tie in to help form who she is by the time she leaves for the Third Crusade – a desperate, twenty-two-year-old woman, divorced, ostracized from the only family and society she has ever known, having no other choice than to ditch England and head for the Holy Land unless she wants to become a nun. For many men and women alike in the 12th century, this was their only opportunity to become something more than what they were born as, whether it be a serf, a blacksmith, or a noblewoman. Many who left for the Third Crusade left to “take back the Holy Land,” but also to escape or improve their current standings. To me, Maria falls in the second category, and it is this desperation to escape her life that forms her most notable (and later, tragic) characteristic: her undying loyalty.

As a side note, it is also interesting to me that Maria chose to be a soldier rather than a nurse. This is more so my characterization of her, but I think that’s because a) she’s too damn proud and loud to be a nurse, and b) because if she was a nurse, she would more than likely live and be treated the same way she was at home. Truly, if she wants to escape the patriarchy, the only way a woman like Maria could at the time was to join it by blending in. Girly get some therapy.

We’re now at AC1 in the timeline. Hooray! We don’t know when exactly Maria joined the Templars or when she first met Robert, but we can probably assume it was not long after she joined the crusade. As we know from AC1, AC Bloodlines, and The Secret Crusade, Maria disguised herself as a man (more than likely a young boy since she’s got a voice that would fit right into Alvin and the Chipmunks) and was able to keep up the rouse long enough to rise in the ranks and show promise to people like Robert. For Maria, when Robert finds out she is a woman and yet elevates her further, it is the first time in her life that someone has appreciated her for her masculine qualities. It is why she develops an intense loyalty for Robert to the point of being willing to be his decoy, despite the fact she fully anticipated dying. For Maria, it would be her ideal end – fighting to the death for a cause she truly believed in. Not even really a cause, as we figure out later, but more so for a man she truly believed in – Robert. It would not be through the pain and subjugation of childbirth like most women of her standing, but a brutal fight like any other man.

And yet – she doesn’t. When Altaïr meets her, he’s undergone a whole development arc, whereas Maria (at this point 30, which is SO funny to imagine her fistfighting this 26-year-old frat boy) is at the start of hers. And it starts with Altaïr sparing her – the worst possible fate that could become her at this point in her life. Think about it: the only person who has given her an OUNCE of respect has asked her to essentially die for him by acting as his decoy. As Maria mentions in AC Bloodlines, by this point, she is also a step away from becoming a knight – and at this point, she’s also known as a woman among the Templars. And yet, she believes they have become her family, and she is willing to die for their cause and for Robert. When Altaïr spares her and kills Robert, he’s sentencing her to the life she ran away from and feared – being nothing more than a woman who is looked down upon with condescending snarls and disgust for who she is.

This is why when we meet Maria in AC Bloodlines, she is rightfully PISSED. We literally see her realize that any ounce of respect and power she had is completely gone because Altaïr spared her. She is so pissed, in fact, that she tries to kill Altaïr again. This is even funnier when you remember how much of a BITCH it was to fight her in AC1, but I digress. Altaïr has destroyed everything she has built in her life for the last eight years. He has taken her home, her mentors, her family, and her honor. And bro doesn’t have a clue in the fucking world.

It’s at this point that I’ll also analyze more about Maria’s relationship with the Templars. At first glance, yes, she was a Templar and believed in their cause. Really, though, it goes far deeper than that. It’s not necessarily that Maria believes in their cause – otherwise, it would’ve taken a lot more for Altaïr to sway her to the Assassins – but that she believes in the people. Again, from Maria’s perspective, the Templars (especially Robert) were the ONLY people in her entire life to treat her with dignity, and she is willing to die for them. She is willing to throw her honor to the ground and beg for forgiveness in front of Bouchard because, without the Templars, she is nothing. She is back to square one as a silly little girl trying to run from a life that would only subjugate her. It’s that recurring characteristic of undying loyalty to those who have given her the life she has always wanted.

And for Maria, it is immediately spat back in her face.

When Bouchard takes over in AC Bloodlines, he is a strict Templar Grandmaster. No consorting with women, periodt. And he flaunts this over Maria, taunting her. He is tearing the last ounce of respect she’d ever received and throwing it away. Every sacrifice she made for the Templars for the last eight years meant nothing, and it is crushing to her. She continues to be pissed off at Altaïr, who mentions that she’s more pissed at the Templars than at him. Once again, she is nothing more than a woman – an imprisoned one at that.

This is where one of my favorite Maria scenes (not that there’s many) comes into play. When she and Altaïr are sitting on the ship to Cyprus or wherever it doesn’t matter, Altaïr does something that no person has done for her before: he treats her with unconditional respect. As funny as his autistic ramble about Empedocles and philosophy is, there are so many assumptions that go into Altaïr’s conversation that I think help sway Maria to his side. When he talks to Maria, he speaks to her as an equal. He talks to her about philosophy because of course she would know about philosophy in his mind – to him, she is a soldier and a person first, and a woman second (shut the fuck about The Secret Crusade and him thinking about her as a lioness shut up shut up I low key hate it even though it’s funny). He is the first person in her life to speak to her as an equal and with respect with no strings attached. In fact, when Maria taunts him for leaving her cuffed even as he talks about free will, he lets her go. She may not like him at this point, but after this scene, you can certainly see that she respects him in how she speaks to him. BONUS: she’s not trying to outright kill him anymore! Hooray!

You can see the impact Altaïr and his conversation had on Maria when she confronts Shahar in her courtesan fit. There’s so many layers to Maria willingly dressing in such an exposing, vulnerable, and feminine way (keep in mind this bitch is Catholic, I know her guilt was going crazy), but what I’m going to focus on is her conversation with Shahar. When he speaks to her, he is gross and all but catcalling her, calling her a “little fox” and using a sultry tone. Maria is having NONE of it, and one can only assume this is a tone she has dealt with a thousand times over. This is also where we see the gears turning in Maria’s head. I’ve seen people criticize Maria for how quickly she flip-flopped, but I think that’s overlooking the reason that she WAS a Templar – they were the only people who provided her a home when she had none. If you’re desperate for anyone to treat you with an iota of respect, you’d do whatever they ask. After she talks to Altaïr though, and especially after realizing Robert was simply manipulating her, she is questioning the Templars’ ideologies and realizing this is not what she wants. It low key is like Alicent in House of the Dragons right now – she’s shocked that fighting against women fucked herself over. Maria is similar in that sense – she thought that by being what the Templars wanted and fighting for what they believed, it wouldn’t come back to bite her in the ass. But it did. She’s a woman before she’s a Templar, and the ideology of the Templars would see her subjugated just as she was before. It isn’t until after Altaïr’s spiel about free will and the challenges it brings that she realizes she has other options.

And that’s ultimately what brings Maria to the side of the Assassins – realizing her errors in thinking and wanting a way to redeem herself. The Assassins are her second chance, which is ironic given how many stories after hers would follow this same format of second chances. But it isn’t just the ideology change, either. It’s Altaïr. No, she does not have undying loyalty by the end of AC Bloodlines, but he’s certainly earned her trust and respect. He’s treated her like any other person without ever holding power or loyalty over her head. He does not manipulate her or exploit her – he respects her, and he earnestly tells her of the creed’s ideologies not to lure her in, but because he genuinely believes in the idea of dispelling the illusions of the world and wants to share it with her, whether she becomes an Assassin or not. That is what turns Maria into an Assassin at the end of the day: his respect for her and his understanding of the creed. And despite their issues, Maria chooses to follow him to the ends of the earth.

Now we’re at a really funny part of Maria’s story: we know basically NOTHING about what happens in between AC Bloodlines and AC Reflections. We know that sometime after traveling to Masyaf, Maria and Altaïr became a couple. We know they married in 1195 and gave birth to Darim the same year. Two years later, they would traumatize Desmond Miles by fucking on top of a castle, which is so fucking funny and only supports my characterization of Maria as a gremlin, because who the fuck else would make their husband climb up a giant ass tower for sex? We know she officially became an Assassin and would beg Altaïr to stop looking into the Apple. We know she would join Altaïr and Darim to Mongolia to kill Genghis Khan. And that is all we know for an approximately 30-YEAR PERIOD.

While there’s a lot I could talk about in that gap, like Maria’s relationship with other Assassins, I’m going to focus on her relationship with motherhood. As we established earlier, Maria had ZERO interest in being a mother or giving birth. This is a personal headcanon but I do not care because it’s MY analysis and I can do as I please, but I feel like she would’ve dreaded childbirth, especially given how English nobility acted about it (e.g., how people treated it like a scandal or disease) and how it was the leading cause of death for women until the 20th century. Yet, despite this, she had not one, but TWO children. She was like one away from the goal, and even then Sef had two daughters so really she fulfilled it. But why? What changed that she would be willing to do the very thing she left England to avoid?

I think it goes back to the reason she was disinterested in it in the first place. Like Maria says in The Secret Crusade, she didn’t want to just be a mother or a wife. Her ideal husband would treat her like any other man, taking her hunting or whatever else bullshit medieval stuff they’d do instead of scrolling through TikTok. She never said she didn’t want to be a mother. I think her hesitance stems from the fact that she didn’t want to SOLELY be defined as a mother or a wife. With Altaïr, however, that fear is pretty much gone. Since the moment she met him, Altaïr has always treated her with respect and admired the things she was once shamed for. Her strength is valuable as an Assassin. Her bluntness keeps him in check. Her ideas are admired rather than ridiculed. To Altaïr, Maria is not just a woman or even just an Assassin. She’s a person with her own experiences and ideas and fears and strengths and dreams. He loves her for every aspect of herself that was once frowned upon.

I remember a while ago seeing a Tumblr post from ye olden days (like 2012) talking about how because menstrual cycles were extremely irregular back in the day due to medieval diets and exercise, Maria would have to purposefully chill out to regulate her cycle to become pregnant. What that implies is that she trusted Altaïr so much that she was willing to settle down and have children because she knew it would not influence how he treated or loved her. Personally, I think this is true of Darim, but that Sef was an accident because it’s funnier that way, but regardless, the point still stands. Maria getting pregnant and becoming a mother is the opposite of what she thought she would ever want, but because she loved and trusted Altaïr so much, she was willing to have a family with him because she knew it would not come to define her. I think that is unbelievably sweet.

We also don’t really see Maria interact with her children very often, which I think is a fucking shame. When she does interact with Darim (we never see her with Sef, though we do see her reaction to his death), Maria is always supportive and encouraging. Again, this is more my headcanon territory but I really don’t care because I can do what I fucking please, but Maria low key feels like a boy mom to me, but not in the weird Freud way, lmfao. Like we established earlier, Maria’s key trait is her loyalty. I think this loyalty would be extended to her children. We know she’s loyal to Altaïr (it ends up killing her), but I feel like it would go insane with her children. When she learns of Sef’s death in The Secret Crusade, this woman breaks down in tears instantly. WHERE THE FUCK WAS THE MOTHERLY RAGE WITH ABBAS, UBISOFT. WHERE WAS IT. Anyways.

Masyaf is a pretty cutthroat environment to raise a child, especially when you consider that Abbas is apparently lurking in the background scheming during Altaïr’s reign. Something I wish we learned more about (and something I just find fascinating in general) is the political environment of Masyaf. Altaïr implemented a lot of changes to the Brotherhood that faced backlash, one of the key ones being allowing women in the order again (ahem, Maria). I know Maria said she was uninterested in the politics of running a house, but I do think she’d kind of have to play her hand in politics in Masyaf, kind of how Altaïr realizes he’s not exempt from politics since he’s literally shaping them. If Maria wants her kids to be safe, especially as sons of the Master of the Assassins, she’s gotta play her cards well. This is why I think it does make sense for Maria to calm down after having children to be more similar to the Maria we see in AC Reflections and AC Revelations. She can’t just fight everyone like she did when she was relying solely on herself. Now, she has people relying on her, and I think it makes sense for her character to chill out more (though without losing her spunk) to ensure her family is safe.

For those that have ever watched Magnificent Century, basically think about how Hurrem went from fighting everyone to playing her cards wisely so her kids wouldn’t die or do stupid shit. That’s how I feel like Maria would be.

Something else that’s interesting about Maria to me is her relationship with Altaïr. Duh, you’re probably saying, but hear me out. We know that while she and Altaïr were inseparable during their marriage, there was one thing that strained it: the Apple. It makes sense why Maria would be so pissed off at it. She’s seen Altaïr control men’s minds with it. She’s seen how it takes him away for days at a time with its secrets, to the point she is begging him to throw it away. Back to the point about loyalty to her family, whereas Altaïr seeks knowledge, Maria just wants her family protected and safe because she loves them – including her dumbass husband. It’s ironic that the very thing she fought about with Altaïr is the thing that killed her.

So we’re finally at AC Revelations, and I am truly shocked that you’re still here. Kudos to you. At that final confrontation scene with Abbas, that loyalty for those she loves comes to a head. When Altaïr whips out the Apple, Maria begs and pleads him to stop, because she knows if he uses the Apple to control someone, he will only be proving Abbas’s point, which will only fuck them over. In The Secret Crusade, we also have Malik’s head on top of this scene to make it worse. Maria’s position is again one of desperation. Her son is dead, one of her best friends is now just a head, and her husband is about to go sicko mode. She is screwed and she knows it. What she doesn’t know is that she’s about to be stabbed by Swami (I’m going with the revelations version shut up) in a last ditch effort to stop Altaïr from using the Apple. Altaïr doesn’t listen to Maria, and it kills her. He kills her.

… SO I HAVE THOUGHTS.

I think Maria dying from the Apple makes sense, I do. That’s not my problem. My problem is how AC Revelations basically dumbed her down to this motherly, homely figure which is the like, ANTITHESIS of what Maria is. Where was the feminine rage??? You’re telling me this woman would not be about to SLAUGHTER someone after learning that Sef died?? You’re telling me she would just pull an AltaïR thiS iSn’T yOu???????? Are you so fucking for real right now??? It pisses me off because it nukes her character. While yes, it makes sense for her to be a much calmer woman and 67 compared to 30, this is still Maria. Don’t act like she and Altaïr don’t have fucking anger issues and be so fucking for real.

Here’s my ideal scenario for what should’ve gone down. I think once they pulled Malik’s head out, there should’ve been all-out chaos rather than this bullshit “We killed everyone loyal to Altaïr before he arrived.” Maria should’ve been right there with them with a sword out. Altaïr, in a desperate attempt to calm everyone down, would take out the Apple and try to control everyone. If you’ve seen the long ass discussion about how Revelations fucked up Altaïr’s character arc, this also helps remedy that because Altaïr is pulling out because of his arrogance in believing he can control the Apple. News flash: he can’t. Maria, while fighting for Altaïr, would somehow be killed either by the Apple or like similar to how Swami accidentally killed her. Something along those lines where it is Altaïr’s fault. That’s how she should’ve gone out, not some weird pick me bullshit.

Anyways. RIP Maria Thorpe you would’ve loved Crusader Kings 3.

I definitely missed some points about her character but this is already 7 pages long on Google docs so I am NOT writing anymore. God bless.

TLDR she's a baddie and I need her so so so bad

[theargopriestess]

@immergladsss

[crimson-veil-rpg]

C R I M S O N . V E I L forum rpg urban fantasy de type créatures et gangs avec concept de doubles identités secrètes (tw : violence, sang, chasse) ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. ☾ .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. ☾ .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨ Scarborough. Il y a quelque chose dans ce nom qui écorche la langue en y laissant sa marque, raclant la gargue pour s'extirper presque douloureusement des lèvres. Ici, les apparences sont trompeuses, se fardant d'un monticule de faux semblants au cœur de la station balnéaire britanique. Les jours d'été sont doucereux, idéaux pour flâner naïvement le temps d'un après-midi à sombrer dans l'oisiveté. Puis, il y a la sorgue qui tombe, ne laisse qu'un empire des lueurs artificielles devenues floues sous une brume dominante, sertie d'une âcre fragrance d'iode.

Alors les ombres sortent, sournoises chimères aux babines avides dégueulant de crocs affutés qui entament leur ballet nocturne. Les masques tombent jusqu'à l'aube naissante et plus rien ne paraît alors rassurant. Les bêtes grouillent, se dévoilent, se croisent à l’abri des mires aveugles d’êtres humains pour qui elles ne sont que des histoires fantaisistes que l'on conte aux bambins. Les griffes se ferment sur les chairs et les disparitions vont bon train. Enfin jusqu'à-ce que les projectiles filent, tentant de protéger les pauvres égaré.es de leurs funestes étreintes. Parce qu'il y a toujours eu les proies, toujours eu les traqueurs en un jeu sempiternel. Si bien qu'on ne sait plus vraiment qui sont les prédateurs et qui sont les proies.

Peut-être que dans tout ça votre charmante voisine vous offrant d'alléchantes pâtisseries n'est autre qu'une chasseuse de monstres aguerrie une fois le crépuscule tombé, que votre collègue de bureau se révèle être un bestiau assassin faisant bonne figure afin de mieux se fondre dans la masse, que cet aimable facteur fait partie d'un organisme secret mettant à mal l'humanité lorsqu'il ne livre pas le courrier.

Et vous, au fond, qui êtes-vous réellement ? ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. ☾ .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨ ¨:·. ☾ .·:¨ ¨:·. .·:¨

Encore un énième univers porté sur les bestioles et pourtant, Crimson Veil vous proposera quelque chose en plus pour pimenter le jeu. Le forum possèdera un concept d’identités secrètes, où seul le staff connaîtra la véritable espèce ou rôle au sein des organisations de chaque personnage. Le but sera évidemment de jouer le jeu, d’en dévoiler le moins possible, laisser des indices s’échapper de temps à autre et dissimuler les crasses sous quelques balises hide bien placées. Les membres d’une même organisation ou d’une même espèce, pourront se reconnaître entre eux bien entendu, à comploter paisiblement à l’abri des regards dans des zones secrètes. Bien sûr, le forum demande pas mal d’aménagements pratiques afin que les mystères soient viables au maximum, les réponses quant à l’organisation des choses arriveront en temps voulu.

Et ça ne risque pas de vriller city tout ça ? Et bien mon petit Philibert, le jeu sera agrémenté de plusieurs espèces non jouables sous forme de PNJ capables de semer le trouble et donner du rebondissement entre les diverses intrigues. Même les créatures les plus hostiles pourront se faire croquer par plus gros qu’elles.

Le nom de Scarborough, petite ville côtière du Yorkshire, en Angleterre, vous est peut-être familier. En effet, une partie de l’univers reprendra le lore et quelques petites choses à son forum grand frère, Noctivagus, ouvert en septembre 2020 et qui a fermé ses portes en 2023. De nombreuses choses seront cependant intégralement revues et adaptées (nombre et types de créatures, gangs, système de jeu, codage et design, etc.). Reprendre cette base et réhabiliter ce forum sous une toute nouvelle forme permettra également de gagner en temps et en énergie durant la construction (big brain mouve). À bientôt donc pour une toute nouvelle aventure.

[bedofthistles]

Bowler Hat Gang!

[diana-andraste]

Cover art for Ficciones (Fictions), Jorge Luis Borges, c. 1940s-50s

To a cat

Mirrors are not more wrapt in silences nor the arriving dawn more secretive; you, in the moonlight, are that panther figure which we can only spy at from a distance. By the mysterious functioning of some divine decree, we seek you out in vain; remoter than the Ganges or the sunset, yours is the solitude, yours is the secret. Your back allows the tentative caress my hand extends. And you have condescended since that forever, now oblivion, to take love from a flattering human hand. You live in other time, lord of your realm — a world as closed and separate as dream.

Jorge Luis Borges, trans Alastair Reid, 1977

A Un Gato

No son más silenciosos los espejos ni más furtiva el alba aventurera; eres, bajo la luna, esa pantera que nos es dado divisar de lejos. Por obra indescifrable de un decreto divino, te buscamos vanamente; más remoto que el Ganges y el poniente, tuya es la soledad, tuyo el secreto. Tu lomo condesciende a la morosa caricia de mi mano. Has admitido, desde esa eternidad que ya es olvido, el amor de la mano recelosa. En otro tiempo estás. Eres el dueño de un ámbito cerrado como un sueño.

Jorge Luis Borges