#Go easy on it guys I know that there’s a clear winner here but I love A Lot To Take In with my whole heart Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[ghostsbestepisodetournament]

As always, all pairings have been done by a random picker wheel, may the best episode win!! :)

[nhlclover]

𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐅𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 | 𝐆𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐋𝐓

— cozytober masterlist !

summary: homecoming takes an unexpected turn for gabe when he meets you and your infectious energy that takes his attention completely off the game.

warnings: brief mention of drinking, a lil kiss scene

word count: 1.65k

notes: fic number five of cozytober! based on 'had me by halftime' by morgan wallen. fall = homecoming = football games and school spirit (roll eagles)

Gabe adjusted his Boston College hat, the brim low to shield his eyes from the mid-afternoon sun as he stepped out of the Uber, scanning the sea of maroon and gold that sprawled before him. The crisp October air carried the unmistakable smell of charcoal grills and the distant hum of laughter and music. Fall was definitely here, but the warmth of the day still clung in the air, that perfect mix of cool breezes and lingering heat that made it hard to believe summer was really over.

Gabe weaved through groups of students and alumni, looking for Jacob. He had texted him earlier to meet up in the parking lot where the tailgate was going on, Gabe figuring he was already set up in the thick of it. Sure enough, he spotted Jacob, who was laughing alongside his girlfriend Olivia, and a small group of her friends.

“Hey man,” Jacob greeted Gabe, dapping him up when he approached.

Gabe returned the dap with a smile, already feeling the buzz of energy around him. "What’s up, bud?" he replied.

“You gonna get in on our pool? We’ve got a bet going about the over-under for total points.” Jacob explained.

“Don’t do it, Gabe, the buy-in is forty bucks,” Olivia warned, receiving an eye roll from Jacob that didn’t go unnoticed. “You blow money on stupid things and then lose them, Jacob, you need better spending habits.”

Gabe slightly tuned out the bickering couple, his eyes scanning the lively crowd around him when his wandering gaze fell on you. You stood just a few feet away, engaged in a heated game of cornhole with some guy, tossing playful trash talk his way. You wore a cropped Zay Flowers BC jersey slightly exposing your midriff and a sparkling stud on your bellybutton. Your hair fell in loose waves around your shoulders, and the bright smile that stretched across your face was infectious.

“You see something you like?” a voice teased from beside him. Gabe forced his eyes away from you as he realized Olivia had caught him staring. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “That’s y/n. She’s one of my friends from bio, I’m sitting next to her in the game. I should introduce you.”

“What?” Gabe tried to play it off cool, but he could feel the heat rising to his cheeks. “Nah, I was just—”

“Staring, yeah, I know,” Emily teased, giving him a playful nudge. “She’s great, by the way. She’s super smart, a little intense but in the best way, and she’s got this whole Georgia thing going on. You’ll hear it when she talks, trust me. You should totally go say hi.”

“Ah, I don’t know…” Gabe said, looking back at you. He watched as you threw your head back with laughter, the joyous sound rising to the noise of the crowd.

“Come on man, don’t be wimp.” Jacob urged, giving him a soft shove.

Gabe rolled his eyes but couldn’t deny the spark of interest flaring inside him. “Alright, fine. I’ll go talk to her.”

He stepped forward, weaving through the crowd, trying to figure out how to approach without coming off like a total idiot. Just as you were lining up your next shot, he cleared his throat. “Pretty sure you’re making this guy’s life miserable.”

You let out a laugh, the sound melodic. “Hey, it’s not my fault he’s terrible at this,” you teased, taking your shot and sinking the bag perfectly into the hole, winning your game.

“Wow, I’m impressed,” Gabe said. “Mind if I challenge the winner?”

“You want in on this?” you asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Alright, but just know I won’t go easy on you.”

Gabe chuckled, appreciating your boldness. “I wouldn’t want you to.”

The game started, and you made sure to keep the banter alive. As the two of you exchanged playful jabs, Gabe quickly learned a few things: you were from Georgia, which explained the slight twang in your voice and what Olivia said earlier, and you were majoring in biology. It was clear you had a contagious energy about you, something that made it easy for Gabe to be around you.

When the start time of the game neared, you shifted inside the stadium where you and Gabe ended up sitting next to each other, leaving Jacob and Olivia to their own little world. The stands were packed, the atmosphere electric as the Eagles took the field. Throughout the first quarter, Gabe tried to keep his focus on the field, but his mind kept drifting back to you—how animated you got with every play, the way you yelled at the refs, and how you’d nudge him whenever something exciting happened. Football was supposed to be the main event, but now? You were stealing the show.

Midway through the game, you pulled out a couple of airplane bottles from your purse, handing a tiny bottle of Fireball to Gabe. “Security didn’t catch these,” you whispered, winking. “Wanna share?”

He grinned, feeling a little rebellious as he took the bottle from you. “You come prepared.”

“Always,” you said, clinking your bottle against his.

And when the fight song started blaring through the speakers, you threw your arm around his shoulder, singing loudly and pulling him into it. “Come on, Gabe! You gotta show some school spirit!”

He laughed but joined in, letting you drag him into the moment, singing along with the rest of the crowd, even though he didn’t know the words as well as you did. There was something infectious about your energy, the way you were so unapologetically yourself, and Gabe found himself caught up in it.

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Eagles were trailing by 3, but you were still holding onto hope, your eyes glued to the field. When they scored with just 15 seconds left, you let out a scream of pure joy and launched yourself into Gabe’s arms. His arm instinctively wrapped around your waist as he picked you up, the two of you caught up in the moment as the crowd roared around you.

“They did it!” you yelled, beaming as you hugged him tightly.

Gabe couldn’t help but smile back, caught up in your joy. There was something about the way you were looking at him in that moment, so full of life and excitement, that made him realize something. He wasn’t just into you because of the game, or because of how you looked in the jersey, or even the way you made him laugh. He was into you because of you.

As the crowd started to thin out, you hooked your arm through his, still talking about the game, about how this was exactly what the Eagles needed to turn their season around. He listened, though his mind was elsewhere — on you, on the feeling of your arm around his, on how easy it was to be around you. As the crowd spilled out into the streets, Gabe offered to walk you back to your dorm, which you accepted gratefully. The sunset bathed the campus in a golden light, casting a warm glow that made you look radiant in his eyes. You chatted the whole way back, the conversation flowing easily, like you’d known each other for longer than just a few hours.

When you reached your dorm, the orange and pink hues of the sky made you look almost ethereal. The lingering warmth of the day clung to the air, Gabe feeling a sudden rush of nerves. The conversation had slowed to a comfortable lull, and you were smiling at him, your eyes glowing in the soft light of the setting sun. Gabe rubbed the back of his neck, taking a step closer to you, feeling like now or never.

“You know,” he began, his voice a little lower than usual, “I’ve had a really great time today. Didn’t think I’d get this lucky at a football game.”

You tilted your head, grinning, “Lucky, huh? I feel like I’m the one who should be saying that. You were a great seat partner.”

Gabe chuckled, but his smile faded slightly as he searched your eyes. His heart pounded in his chest as he leaned in just a bit, testing the waters. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” you replied, your voice softening in the quiet of the evening.

For a moment, Gabe hesitated, his fingers brushing lightly against your arm. “Can I kiss you?”

The question hung in the air between you for what felt like an eternity, but when you nodded, your lips curved into a small, inviting smile. Gabe didn’t waste another second. He closed the gap between you, gently cupping your face with one hand as he pressed his lips to yours.

The kiss was soft and tentative at first, the faint taste of Fireball still lingering on both of your lips. But as you leaned into him, wrapping your arms around his neck, the kiss deepened. It was sweet and full of excitement as Gabe’s hands moved down to your waist. Gabe’s heart raced as the warmth of your body melted into his, and for a few moments, the world outside your little bubble ceased to exist.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your faces inches apart. Gabe couldn’t help the goofy smile that spread across his face. “Wow,” he murmured.

You laughed softly, the sound sending a shiver down his spine. “Wow is right.”

You probably think that it was the kiss that did it for Gabe, that made him want to make you his. That maybe that was the moment when it all clicked for Gabe — the warmth of your lips, the way you smiled right after, or how the sunset framed you like something out of a movie.

But if you ask him, he’d tell you he knew by halftime.

[suhkusa]

EGOIST 22. FINAL.

PAIRING. Atsumu Miya x f!Reader

CW. timeskip, angst, fluff, little surprise at the end

A/N. this is it!!! thank you for those who have stuck around for the past year, i'm sorry it's taken me this long but i hope it was somewhat worth the wait!!! i enjoyed reading your comments and asks about the series sm. this series challenged me in many ways, but helped me get back into writing. i love u all sm and thank u again <3 ps if u have any questions or want me to answer some “whats if”s feel free to send an ask!!!

-> MASTERLIST.

3 YEARS LATER.

Atsumu is absolutely hyped. 

He’s finally here, the real big stage. The Olympics. 

Never in a million years would he have thought that he’d get here alongside many other amazing volleyball players. He’s snapped out of his thoughts when he hears his name being announced, leaving from under the stadium seats to run out to the main courts, allowing himself to flourish in the loud cheers. 

Atsumu was on his A-Game, he didn’t care who he’d have to go against, he was determined to win. 

The rest of his team came out shortly after Atsumu, the group of them huddled up near the coaches as the other team was loudly called out. The first match they had was against the U.S, and something about that sounded familiar, though he didn’t bother to think too much into it. He squinted as he listened to his coach yap about doing good out there and not let them get under their skins.

After the other team is lined up, the Japan team is lined up in front of them. There’s some commencement announcements that are being played on the speaker, allowing Atsumu some time to enter the zone. 

When the whistle blows, everyone takes their positions. Atsumu is ready. 

The match starts with the sound of a buzzer. And everyone is on the move. 

The U.S’ team was definitely a challenge for Japan’s, but after the rigorous training they’ve been put through, the win was more than easy to steal, the match ending at the 4th set with Japan named the winners.

Everyone cheered as they celebrated their victory in the main court. As Atsumu’s eyes scanned through the U.S’ team, his eye was caught on a woman who stood by the coaches.

His gaze went right past her at first until he backtracked and looked again, this time more intently. 

The adrenaline running through his body stopped almost entirely as he froze in place.

It couldn’t be, could it?

–––

It’s hard to celebrate along with the rest of the team when his heart and his mind caught on to you. 

After going to multiple therapy sessions, he’d finally found it in him to let you go. From his mind at least, not so much his heart. 

But it felt like all the progress he was so proud of himself for making just washed down the drain. Just at the mere sight of you. Did you see him? Were you proud of him even though you were on the opposite side of the court? Were you involved with any of those men on that team? How have you been? You cut your hair? Seeing you let the many thoughts that he thought he had locked away loose. Though, he wasn’t sure if he was so mad at the occurrence.

Perhaps it was fate’s cruel way of reminding him that his past never really goes away. But even so, he knows better than to go out of his way to find you. The last time he talked to you was a hard time in his life, and you made it more than clear that you wanted nothing to do with him.

“You coming, Miya?” his teammate, Sakusa Kiyoomi, called out to him. The two had been chosen from the MSBY team together, alongside Hinata and Bokuto. 

“What, where?” Atsumu replies, a confused look on his face as his eyes meet Sakusa’s.

“The guys wanted to go to the Olympic Conference party, it’s at the facility down the street,” Sakusa is applying hand sanitizer to his hands as he continues, “Participants in the Olympics are all invited, but you don’t have to if you’re tired,”

Atsumu gets up, stretching his limbs out before finally deciding on going. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind getting some fresh air,”

The two of them join the others as they make their way into the shuttle that’d take them to the Olympic Conference. 

The place is bigger than it looks on the outside. He sees people from the swimming events and even the ice-skating events. The amount of people nearly overwhelms him, which is surprising for Atsumu Miya since he usually enjoys parties. He wasn’t quite sure where to go so he opted to follow Sakusa around, joining him in getting a drink by the bar.

“Be sure not to drink too much,” Sakusa turns to the other man as they both down the drinks they were given. Atsumu gives him a funny look, “I’m serious, we still have matches to play,”

“Obviously, I’m not stupid,” Atsumu rolls his eyes, “Just needed something to take the edge off, y’know?”

Sakusa raises his eyebrows in turn before gesturing to Atsumu that he was gonna go. “Oh, I’ll follow,” Atsumu replies.

“You sure?” Sakusa looks back at him.

Atsumu confused, an eyebrow raising in response, “What? Yeah, I don’t have anywhere else to go, Shoyo and Kou already went their own ways,”

“Ookay, then,”

Atsumu is surprised as he follows Sakusa through the crowd. He wonders where they’re going as they leave the big crowd and make their way to the smaller party rooms. 

“Kiyoomi!” a voice calls, and it causes him to freeze in his steps.

The other man walks a bit further up, leaving Atsumu behind. Atsumu watches as a smaller figure embraces Sakusa in a hug. 

“It’s been a while, Y/N,” 

The sound of your name was almost foreign. Genuinely, it feels like he hasn’t heard that name in a millenia. He isn’t sure if he should go or keep standing there like an idiot, but fate chooses for him as you let go of the black-haired man and catch a glimpse of Atsumu behind him.

This is what Sakusa was talking about.

“Oh,” falls from your lips, “Atsumu? Is that you?”

He feels almost faint at the sound of his name coming from your mouth, your voice. His response comes out on his own.

“Y-Yeah, it’s been a while, huh?” He curses himself for the tenseness of his words. 

You give him a smile, saying something to Sakusa that he can’t quite interpret before you walk closer to him. Were you coming up to him or walking past him? His mind turns to goo as you’re a breath away. 

“Did you want to come outside with me? It’s a little hot,”

It wasn’t that hot, it was actually somewhat cold, but Atsumu nodded and followed your lead. He doesn’t want to say too much, he’s scared. He’s scared if he were to say the wrong thing, he’d wake up from this dream.

Atsumu’s getting deja vu as you lead him through the big crowd and through the double doors. 

The two of you stand beside each other, letting the cool air blow past. It’s silent aside from the cars that drive by, and the distant music coming from inside. 

Atsumu is getting anxious with every passing second, he can’t stop himself from speaking. 

“How have you been?” He's thankful the words that escape are normal and not created off the impulsive thoughts he had earlier. 

He hears you take a deep breath before you respond, “I’ve been good, like actually. It’s really nice in California,”

You sound genuine and it makes him a little less tense.

“At first it was hard, since I only understood a bit of English, but I guess Duolingo really helps you out,” you laugh, “But I’ve met so many people, a lot of celebrities especially since they come to the games sometimes,”

“That’s good, Y/N,” Atsumu gives. He’s not sure what else to say. 

There’s a hesitant look in your eyes, “How… how have you been?”

“I’ve been good, too. My brother recommended me to his therapist so I did that for a while,” your eyes widened in surprise at that. 

“That’s good, Atsumu,”

He nods, “Yeah. Other than that, it’s been the same old, just playing volleyball,”

The two of you sit in another round of silence.

He’s surprised when you’re the one who brings up the subject he’s been dying to know.

“Have you been seeing anyone else?” your eyes find a place in the opposite direction of him.

“No, not at all. Not since, well, you know,” he beats himself up mentally for the way he worded that. Was that necessary? “And you?”

“Nope, I’ve been too busy, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve been celibate while here,” you let out a breathy laugh. “Party culture is huge in California,”

Your words prick a little at Atsumu’s heart, but who was he to judge?

“That’s cool,” a faux laugh escapes his mouth.

“I’m sorry,” your words caught him off guard, “I can’t lie to you, I have your name blocked on everything, so I didn’t know you were on the Japan National Team, but I’m proud of you,”

“It was definitely a shock to see your face from across the court,” you continue. “I hate to bring up the past, but I’m sorry for how harsh I was that night,”

“It’s fine, it was my fault,” Atsumu smiles down at you.

“Time away allowed me to really get in tune with my emotions and thoughts, and I finally think I was able to really forgive you. I mean not that it matters, I just think seeing you made me feel nostalgic,”

He laughs, “No, I get it. I feel similar,”

“To be honest, I wasn’t planning on seeing or talking to you at all during my time here. I was hoping we just wouldn’t cross paths, but I’m glad we did talk. Genuinely,”

“Same, Y/N. I’ve been thinking about you since I saw you on the court, and it was really scary considering I haven’t thought about you that much since years ago. But talking to you really helped, and I think maybe I finally got the closure my therapist was talking about,”

You share a small smile, “That’s good,”

The wind blows a bit harsher, the passage of time didn’t really click with Atsumu until now.

“You want to head inside?” he holds an arm out, which you hook onto.

“Sure,”

The rest of the Japan team are huddled in their own little group when the two of you approach them. Shot glasses are shoved into your hands before you can rebuttal. 

“I really shouldn’t–” Atsumu pushes. 

“Just do it, Tsum-Tsum,” Bokuto smiles.

Cheers, echoes through the air as the lot of you raise your glasses and down the hard liquor.

“I’m gonna find a seat just in case I collapse,” you whisper into his ear. He chuckles to himself when he remembers how much of a lightweight you are.

“I’ll come with,”

He’s surprised how quick you are to start yapping. Laughing as you go on and on about your ventures in California. It’s interesting though. The states made you glow and have definitely changed your demeanor. 

“I miss home, though,” you whine, “But I’m glad I’m coming home soon,”

Your words cause a brow of his to rise, “Soon?”

“Did Omi not tell you?” you mumble, there’s a confused-worried look on your face, “I’m coming back to Japan after the Olympics,”

“What?”

Your eyes widen, “W-Why? Should I not?”

“NO- I mean no, that’s great news,”

He can see you visibly settle down at his words. The two of your bodies melt into the couch as the time passes. He’s looking around, watching the other party goers have their own fun. Your breath falls into harmony with his own. 

The news you just dropped on him was definitely a shocker. He wasn’t quite sure how to process it.

Would you be coming back to MSBY? Probably not, huh? Maybe a nearby team? Maybe he should stop getting ahead of himself. He looks down at you, your eyes are dozing off. 

“Atsumu,” your voice is small as it calls out for him.

“Yeah?”

“Do you still like me?”

FORGIVE OR FORGET

© all writings belongs to suhkusa 2024. do not repost or change.

[mochiimadness]

hello!!! i love your works so far :DD!!

can i request the rise boys with an s/o who’s a human but has experience fighting with mutants? like s/o uses a scythe and can easily fight with the turtles :)

The Rise! Turtles with a human scythe wielding s/o!

Neon Leon

He thinks you're so cool!

Listen, he knows humans can go up against yokai's and mutant's

I mean, his dad and April are living proof of that-

But he genuinely can't help but be amazed when he sees you using a scythe of all things to go up against yokai's literally four times your size

Especially since you seemingly appeared out of nowhere to join the battle-

Seriously, can you portal or something???

He stops are stares as you easily knock a rather angry lizard yokai off balance, before sending them running with a slice of your wicked scythe

Your movement were so fluid,

A literal blink and you'll miss it type of speed

"Woah S/O! I didn't know you could do that-"

He'll exclaim, before ducking as you swipe at another angry yokai right behind him

"Think you could teach me how to do some of that??"

"Sure- we should probably finish this fight first though."

Oh right the fight-

He loves to spar with you

You're able to keep up with him quite easily!

And Leo is fast- like really fast

But even when he uses his portals to try to get near you-

Your scythe easily keeps him at bay.

He's absolutely in awe of you

Your blades clash together and Leo gives you this bright smile

"How in the world did I end up with someone so cool!?"

Don Tron

Donnie's impressed!

Though, he tries not to show it

Wielding a weapon like a scythe or bow staff automatically gives you cool points in his book

And you're incredibly proficient with your scythe too???

Donnie definitely want's to challenge you

"Your scythe versus my magnificent Bo-staff, I think the winner is pretty clear here."

What he thought would be an easy fight ended up being a nearly 20 minute long battle

You both were neck and neck

You were quick to block his attacks and dish out some deadly looking slices of your own

Afterwards, Donnie offers to modify your scythe for you!

"Think about it- it's already incredibly sharp and in your hands?? Borderline deadly. Now, hear me out, imagine if it had a chainsaw?"

Donnie pls.

"Or what if it was purple!?"

Donnie no-

Whether or not you let him add some "flair" to your scythe

He genuinely thinks you're cool

He doesn't even flinch when he sees you, his wonderful human s/o, go up against a super powered yokai

"Me? Worried?? No need to, I already called a mystic doctor."

"You mean a human doctor, right?"

"No??? That yokai obviously needs a mystic doctor."

He never doubted you for a second~

(That yokai you beat definitely needed that doctor- yikes)

Mystic Mike

He thinks you're amazing!!!

You're out here with no powers

No magic

No mutations

Just your normal human self and scythe

Fighting angry mutants and yokai like nothing!!!

Mikey thinks you're one of the strongest people he's ever known!

Aside from his family ofc

He loves to watch you fight

Has and will bring snacks to watch

Ofc, if you're ever in a pinch, Mikey will gladly swoop in to help you

He absolutely loves teaming up with you

Between his nun-chucks and your scythe-

No villain stands a chance

He even uses the blades in his nun-chucks from time to time to "match with you" ^^

Loves asking you to let him wrap his chains around the staff portion of your scythe so you can launch him at people

"It'll look so cool! C'mon just once???"

To be fair-

It does look and feel pretty dang cool!

Mikey knows you can handle your own in battle

He's seen it more than once

But if things ever get too rough

He's always there to lend a hand!

Big Red

Oh Raph...

Poor guy nearly faints every time you go into battle

Yes he knows humans can fight too

But you're not even using a mystic powered weapon like April does!

You could get seriously injured or worse!!

He always starts worrying over you

Especially when you both were just starting to get to know each other-

He didn't want to loose one of the few friends and humans that he knew!

He often will go into battle and cover you,

Taking hits or tackling opponents away

But you end up having a serious talk with him about this

"I know you're worried, but I can do this. I know how to fight-"

"I know, I know, I just get worried ya know?"

While he's still nervous about it,

He eventually starts hanging back to let you fight your own fights

And he comes to realize you are pretty great at what you do!

Your scythe is practically an extension of your own body,

And you easily handle opponents larger than you-

Both mystic and mutated!

"You're amazing!!"

Raph really comes to respect your strength and proficiency with your scythe.

He knows you can handle yourself

That still doesn't stop him from jumping in to help or defend you

Even when you may not necessarily need help

He still cares and worries about you

Doesn't want you to get hurt

Especially if he can help it.

"Er- sorry, I just jumped in again without thinkin'..."

I hope you enjoyed! Sorry for such a long wait

[sarasade]

It's been pretty interesting to follow the

"Why Didn't Viren Get Redeemed vs Viren Got What Was Coming To Him"

discussion after The Dragon Prince's 6th season got released.

Hot Take

I think Viren got redeemed.

Because to me Viren humbling himself and acknowledging the hurt he has caused was redeeming. His conversation with Soren was the main event. His rather heroic death was only the cherry on top of the character development cake that has been baking since s4.

I think Viren dying wasn't as significant as what he did before that and how he tried to provide Soren with some kind of comfort and closure, you know, as a parent should, before going. Viren's redemption wasn't just him dying for Katolis but acknowledging his wrongdoings and trying to salvage what he could.

That was pretty redeeming for me at least. Viren did the right thing even when he knew there wouldn't be any reward for it. Even if he couldn't stop Aaravos from destroying Katolis or manipulating Claudia even after his death. Like, man, I kinda feel for the guy.

I think it has always pretty easy to feel sympathy for Viren. Viren wants to matter and wants to be important. However, his grandiosity, as psychologists would call it, keeps him from creating genuine connections with others. His friends, wife and children are only there to prop up his ego or get rejected if they fail to live up to his expectations. It's also pretty damn tragic that Viren opens up about his deep insecurities to Aaravos of all people. Someone who was the most likely person in the world to exploit these insecurities for his own gain.

Viren had to taste his own medicide but I don't think TDP says that's an objectively good thing per se or that we should enjoy this sort of revenge fantasy uncritically. Viren is still portrayed rather sympathetically and of course there is the part about his actions affecting others and the world in unpredictable ways. It's still a tragedy because Viren's actions and personal problems have caused so much collateral damage. The Why behind Aaravos exploiting Viren and Claudia is part of that tragedy, too. There are no winners here. In a way Viren is a victim of his own narcissistic tendencies, too.

This isn't just about the final episodes of Viren's arc. To me it's essential to ask What was Viren's biggest sin he should be redeemed or punished for? Depending on your answer you may have a relatively different reading of s6 story development compared to mine.

To me it's not a specific action he took but his whole worldview. Viren is a fictional character (duh!) so his story isn't exactly literal but metaphorical, a representation of certain values and morals real people and society holds. In s3 TDP draws a pretty straightforward, though brief, comparison between Viren and reactionary right-wing ideologues. It's not exactly subtle.

It's just one way TDP goes to show how toxic and abusive Viren's core values are. that gets reflected both in Viren's personal life aka how he treated Lissa, Soren and even Harrow and Claudia (last two more indirectly). Since he also had a ton of political power as a high mage and briefly as a king we see what he did with that power. It's a pretty clear take on people who dehumanise others, fetishise power and see all living things as something to exploit. TDP explores that both philosophically and psychologically through Viren. Dark magic encapsulates this philosophy well since using magical creatures like tools or objects is essential for it to work.

Also also- I don't really get why people see redemption or atonement as something black and white. It's not bad or anything but Redeeming Yourself For Your Sins is a very Christian concept and Christianity isn't the only way to understand villain story arcs. Like I wish there could be more discussion about WHY redemption is the main analytical framework we impose on villains when villainous characters have a ton of variety anyway.

I don't really have anything to complain about Viren's death itself and I'm not surprised that he ended up dying (for real this time). Aaravos seemed like someone who'd turn against Viren the moment he stopped being useful to him so Viren's life has been hanging by a thread since s4. Viren was the best part of TDP and every scene he's been in had been a delight, well expect the s5 dream sequence because it was too long-winded and obvious, anyway, I'm sorry to see him go and I look forward writing AU fix-it fics where he and Aaravos are married and run a hot brown morning potion shop with all their four totally not dead children. RIP Viren. You lived like a messy bitch and died like a messy bitch. Iconic.

[beth-purcell]

Finding Frankie Ficlet: First Impressions Made

A little fic where the Contestant gets to meet the IT Guy and impressions are definitely made

Swearing from the Cartoon, and technically set after the events of the game.

Enjoy!

“Oh! IT Guy!” The contestant turned to see, surprisingly, a human in the place’s work uniform, large coke bottle glasses obscuring most of their face, as they adjusted the stack of papers. “Why are you here?”

“Oh cool, all of you are here, makes it easy,” The contestant looked at the Frankies, curiosity not so obvious because of the stupid mask. “Marketing wants to touch base about how we’re doing next season. We ended up finding old archival footage and turns out that early days there was a thing…”

“A thing?” The Cartoon snarked.

“Yeah, apparently the mask thing was always a thing, but apparently the ones that completed the course and won….didn’t wear it the following season.”

“What?” Those in the real world looked up at the monitor that contained the cartoon rabbit. The rabbit frowned.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.” The IT person didn’t seem phased as the rabbit pulled up the data, and an old clip began to play on another monitor. “I was the one to bring up the mask idea-” The contestant looked and saw kids in rabbit masks get ready, the ‘Real’ Frankie in a visible booth about to start the race, though at the top of one of the hills there was another contestant, stretching and bouncing from leg to leg. There wasn’t audio, but it was clear that this was supposed to someone important as the camera panned to them and with a dramatic flourish, the contestant threw off their mask, the transition also showing off a variant of the costume that had more shiny elements. “What the absolute-” Cartoon Frankie started swearing up and down, beeps littering his audio as he cursed everything and anything.

“From what they were able to find,” The IT person explained, the real rabbit and the contestant turning to look. “The idea was that the previous season’s winner would act as both an obstacle and as a contestant as well; if the new contestants were able to beat the previous winner, they were able to gain a free pass.”

“Free pass?” The real rabbit asked slowly.

“Basically a get out of jail card; fail a challenge, and you could move on to the next section. Barring the last challenge of course; there you just reset,”

“Huh…that would be an interesting incentive…and it would make sense that didn’t last particularly long after the shake up,”

“Yeah, the details aren’t super clear outside ‘no mask’ and ‘if they catch the winner, free pass from a challenge’.” The IT person turned to the contestant. “Hence why Marketing wants to know how you wanna do this; you are the first winner in a long while and I need to make sure that regardless what the expectation is, the chat doesn’t get….weird.” There was a pause as they set the stack of papers on the desk by the control panel. “Weirder than usual.”

“How could they get weirder?” The cartoon snapped irritably. Without missing a beat, the IT person retorted.

“You want to see the smut I’ve had to pull?” The contestant barely managed to catch their horrified and slightly panicked laugh as the real rabbit nervously rubbed the back of his head. “The shipper sent a new one this morning.” Real Frankie’s eyes went wide.

“A new one!? Didn’t they get banned for last time?”

“Last…Time?” The contestant asked slowly, and the IT person turned to them with a small smirk.

“The Boss didn’t think we needed to vet the donations for the text to speech, and then we all got to hear about the various skill sets that apparently he and-”

“GET THE FUCK OUT!” Cartoon Frank snapped, blush marks on his face, pointing angrily towards the door. “We’ll figure it out later! Just go and make sure the shit works for when Lucky practices!” The IT guy raised their hands slightly, in mock surrender.

“Alright, alright, I’ll pass it along. I’m going,” They said, turning to leave, offering a playful wink towards the contestant. “You know where to find me, if you need me.” The person waltzed off, the cartoon rabbit giving some colorful choice in commentary. The contestant looked at the real rabbit, who understandably between a rock and a hard place.

“Uh, I’ll just give go and see if the deputy needs his tablet recharged,” The contestant offered, earning a grateful look from the real rabbit and a deadpan look from the cartoon.

“Sounds like a plan…we’ll catch up in a bit…”

[harlowsbby]

Arcade Love

It was a slow boring day there wasn’t really much to do so Jack decided to take you on a little arcade date.

He was a bit hesitant at first considering the last time you both went to a arcade you stopped talking to him for a week because you accused him of cheating at every single game.

“Are you sure coming here was a good idea? You remember what happened last time right?”

You joked as you both walked hand in hand into the Dave & Busters.

“Trust me I remember what happened baby my neck still hurts from sleeping on the couch.” He glared at you playfully while he went ahead and got a play card.

As Jack was paying for the card you ventured out to find a game that you wanted to play first. Your eyes immediately landed on the basketball hoops.

“Babe, what game do you wanna play firs-.” Jack stopped mid sentence when he saw you already waiting by the basketball hoops. “I guess we’re playing basketball first.” He mumbled and made his way over towards you.

“You sure about this babe? You know I do have experience with playing basketball.” He cockily stated. You rolled your eyes at him and took the play card and swiped it.

“Jack, you played basketball in a movie one time and now you think you’re so pro baller? Please we all know white men can’t jump in real life.” His mouth flew open in shock.

“Damn, so it’s like that? Alright let’s see what you got since you know everything. Winner doesn’t have clean for a week.” You scoffed.

“You don’t even clean now!” You defended.

“Whatever come on baby.” You both faced the baskets as the game started.

You made sure to concentrate and put all your energy into this silly little game, Jack glanced at you here and there and laughed as a bit of your tongue stuck out due to you concentrating but that’s when he quickly noticed the score difference.

You were three points ahead of him and before he knew it the buzzer buzzed which singled the game was now over.

“Looks like I was right, white men can’t jump after all.” He huffed.

“Whatever baby you know damn well I would’ve won if we were on the actual court, but what do you wanna do now?”

You glanced around the arcade trying to pick what you wanted to play next when a certain hello kitty plushie caught your eye.

“Jack, I want that.” You told him and his eyes followed your fingers to the hello kitty plushie you were talking about.

“You want that?” You pouted and nodded and looked at it with your eyes wide.

“You think you can win it for me?” You smiled sweetly at him.

In order to win the game he had to throw three baseball balls at a bunch of empty beer bottles, it seemed easy enough but when he actually started playing it he soon realized just how hard it was.

“You struggling buddy?” The tall blond haired man asked Jack with a playful smirk playing on his lips.

“No.” Jack huffed out. “It’s just the ball sucks is all.” The guy laughed.

“Sure blame it on the ball.”

Jack had to hit three red bottles but every time he’d throw the ball and was confident enough that’s he’d smash one of the bottles he would just end up hitting one of the regular clear bottles.

“You got it baby! I believe in you.” You cheered him on from the sidelines. Both of your hands formed a small little prayer as you bit your lip nervously.

Jack so badly wanted to get you the plushie whatever you wanted he made sure you got it no matter the price, but he knew he wasn’t going to win this game no time soon.

“Babe, can you do me a favor and get me some water please?” He kindly asked. “What? Right now? I think you’re about to win.” You urged him on.

“But I’m thirsty babe I just need a sip and I’m positive I’ll get it.”

You nodded and went ahead to go buy him a water, Jack made sure you were out of sight before pulling out his wallet.

“How much for the bear man?” The blonde haired man laughed. “Giving up already? What would your girl think.” Jack rolled his eyes.

“Just tell me how much it is before she comes back!” He spat.

“$50.” Jack’s eyes widened he knew the man was bluffing with the price but he didn’t have time to argue.

“Fine here.” He handed the man the money and the man handed him the hello kitty plushie, just in time because here you came with the water.

“I got your wat-.” You stopped talking when you noticed the hello kitty plushie in Jack’s arms.

“You won!! Oh thank you, thank you. I love you so much Jack.” You squealed as you took the bear from his arms and embraced her in your embrace.

“I can’t believe you won her! I love her so much.” You smiled wildly and walked towards another game. “Yeah he sure did win is alright.” The blonde haired man stated which caused Jack to glare at him.

“I sure did win it baby, you know I’d do anything for you my love.” He smiled.

Even though Jack knew he didn’t exactly win the right way, just seeing the smile and pure joy displayed all over your face was enough for him.

(Idk where I was going with this but enjoy! 💘)

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Lucky Rabbit Blow The Dice

Chapter One

High Roller!Orpheus x Reader

Rated Explicit

On Ao3

Chapter Two

High Roller, a person who gambles or spends large amounts of money, they usually are cocky and rarely cash in when the reward is grand. Shiny and seemingly obtainable.

Enough alcohol and praise going straight to the head lowers those inhibitions, and ambitions rise. Then the rat trap taps on their necks.

Lucky Guy and you are very good dealers. Picking targets and giving enough wins to the guests before draining them dryer than their glasses.

All of this was an easy game until he showed up.

High Roller, he calls himself– You thought him arrogant for his cocky behavior. You underestimated him…

When he practicality had the casino by the balls (somehow winning every fucking game from slots to roulettes), he said he will bet everything for one game.

A game, you to this day, do not know how he won!

Yet…The ultimate game, a game you could not imagine anyone but the one named High Roller could win.

Lucky Guy and you could only stand in shock as he called out his challenge to the one.

Here in the casino, in Her domain— Her temple— Luck roams from one player to the dealer to a newcomer whenever she pleases. None can claim to her, he is free and promiscuous, though can sometimes select those with her blessings, of sorts.

Lucky Guy and you are not here just as dealers but as those who keep risk and rewards flowing in balance.

This man somehow disrupted the natural order of luck by somehow winning every fucking game!

“For my prize:” Making his demands clear as he stood on top stage where the showgirls stayed behind him confused and looking at one another, “I want them!” Pointing at you and suddenly the spotlight is on you.

There are few you can claim to be a favorite, you are one of them. Lady Luck can have her moments when She fancies a mortal and for a night She indulges.

Lucky Guy was someone she snatched from a game, his soul bound to servitude.

You are a product of lust and She keeps you here close knowing how easily someone could use you. Just like Her, you are essentially a good luck charm. 

You took the challenge in her place, She is above mortal bullshit and you still believed you could turn the luck of the night around.

Then you lost. You swear the match was between yourself and the devil. The grin on his face furthers this belief.

The worst part: Your mother did not seem upset, no, She seemed pleased to have Her child taken by a master of cards like High Roller.

Though Lucky Guy swears she hides her pain.

Now you are at a different casino. Darker, enslaving the guests, it is like a prison. Risk Taker, a woman who does all this for her God, heads all of this.

At your mother's casino, at least the guests can go home with their souls intact (tainted but whole)… Here it is like watching each one lose not only their inhibitions but their sanity.

The winner takes all, the loser loses all life is thrilling; there is no balance. Just constant decadence and debauchery.

Watching every night, you see the hollowing out of these people. You… You wish you could do something or at least bring balance here. Risk, reward and loss, and caution seem imbalanced. But cannot, this is not Her temple but some other creature's temple. No longer are you allowed to be a dealer or even play; you are the High Roller's bunny, a lucky rabbit he calls you.

Bunny ears, the latex corset teddy style with the long tail tuxedo jacket (to keep you warm), a bunny tail pinned above your ass (he loves toying with it when you sit on his lap), the fishnet stockings, and heels (you hate these because your feet hurt after awhile which makes you sit, and guess what the only place you can sit on is the High Roller's lap).

You hate it, he doesn't care that you hate it. Or maybe he likes how he can flex his power over you.

By his side to blow the dice before he rolls. To kiss his deck before he shuffles. To sit on his lap as the roulette wheel spins. 

The High Roller's favorite game is anything that involves cards, a master of dealing, and beloved by Miss Fortune (the guests call Lady Luck that here).

All night you have been made, as usual, to be his eye candy on his arm (or on his lap) as he plays the games. Busy nights, though, mean he sometimes will have you fetching him drinks— For the guests. The drunker the guests get, the braver they get. The braver guests are, the more money they spend, and the more money spent the bigger bets and losses.

A cycle that keeps the casino going: Greed.

Currently, the night is dying down, and people cashing in their chips or heading out broke.

High Roller is dealing cards in the private room with you being a ‘player’. He only plays a simple game with you with stakes being articles of clothing. He has the advantage even though he claims you have luck over him.

Lady Luck versus Miss Fortune.

“You just want to see me naked.” What a joke. You frown as even as Her child, you still lost against him! A fucking mortal! You cross your arms as he places his deck of cards down the table while chuckling at the sight of his unhappy bunny.

“Let’s make this fair.” He removes his jacket, placing it behind the chair neatly before sitting down, “Ready?” As if he cares if you aren't ready.

He just wants to fuck you on the dealer's table.

“Yeah, whatever.”

The first time you had sex with him, he was surprisingly gentle. A gentleman who was more focused on your pleasures than his own. It was strange given how objectifies you in public. He pushes buttons plenty, teasing endlessly, and God, you find yourself stumbling helplessly.

However, you have an affect on him.

See, you do not play nice. You fight him for control rather than let him have it. After all, you still are bitter about losing to him and no amount of him going down on you is gonna change that. In fact, when serving you, you make sure he is a mess before you are.

High Roller does not know what pussy drunk means but you had him a number of times that close. So close to the state of promising anything just to be able to feel you around his cock.

Of course, he has gotten better in keeping himself sane but not by much given you know just where and how to stroke him.

The cards are dealt, the first match you win. He removes his gloves. 

Hours pass.

Pass closing time.

The cleaning shift has since long left.

Risk Taker told you both, before heading upstairs to the hotel portion of the building, to clean up any mess left between the game.

At the time, you still were covered.

Right now you only have stockings left and High Roller has his drawers on.

You tap your finger on the table for a card.

He gives you a card and he takes a card.

“Straight flush, you bastard!” Slamming the cards on the table, “Those come off!” Because you know he would take off his sock garters.

He eyes you with an eyebrow raised as he presents his royal fucking flush.

“What… You son of a bitch!” groaning in your hands as you bend over banging your head on the table in defeat.

“Oh, when will you learn little rabbit, you simply can't beat me.” leaning against his chair, “Now I believe you have an article of clothing to remove.”

You huff as you stand up straight ready to remove the last bit of clothing before you are completely naked… Only because in the damn bunny suit you cannot wear underwear (rather you are not allowed to wear any).

“Wait.” He says, “Hmm.” The idle mind is the Devil's playground but a wandering thought is the Devil himself.

“Double or nothing.”

You know he is going to win, he does not offer something without knowing he certainly will win. With a sigh, long and exasperated, “I’ll bite what are the terms?”

The grin spreads, and he leans forward, “You deal this time. If I get an ace of hearts: you touch yourself for me to watch.”

“You are so obsessed with me it makes you look stupid, babe.” As if you do not sometimes enjoy the attention of the older man.

“Say what you will,” Handing you the deck after he shuffles it, “However, tomorrow night when you are on my lap at this table,” Low and with that fucking cursed sexy low voice, “You will know what that stain on here is from.”

Fuck, fuck, holy fucking him! You hate how your cheeks burn or how that makes you cross your leg over the other as that goes straight to your crotch. “Tsk.” Clicking your tongue before snatching the cards out of his hand.

[thiswasinevitableid]

Cactus Gorge (Sternclay)

For the yeehawgust "chaps n spurs" prompt poll, the tied winner was "cactus blossom." This fill is NSWF and does reference violence.

Cactus Blossom Gorge is said to be the prettiest place west of the Rockies. In the spring, the cacti bloom in waves of pink and orange, leaving the air almost candied in its sweetness and the vistas like a watercolor. 

Barclay’s never had a reason to be in the canyon until now; it’s a day's ride from town, is steep and treacherous to descend, and is rumored to be home to a race of monsters. So, the fact that the blossoms can be boiled into syrups that make desserts taste amazing (and sell out faster than his flapjacks) has always taken second place to staying alive.

He wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for the fucking kidnapping. 

He’d been hired out as a day cook for a party of wealthy tourists from back east. He didn’t take those jobs often, but with summer on the horizon, visitors to Kepler Desert will get scarcer, so he took the generous fee and left Moira to run the kitchen. 

It should have been easy; pack a picnic and drinks, show off cooking on the campfire at dusk, then call it a day. But the group hired a guide they met at the station, rather than asking in town. 

Turns out the guide was a member of the Copperhead Gang, looking for a fat mouse to lead straight into a trap. 

So now he’s stuck here, five days later, arms tied except for when the bandits demand he cook something. They’ve left his legs undone, because his first escape attempt was also his last; he can afford the broken nose. If they get his fingers, like they promised they would, he’ll be fucked when he gets back home. 

If he gets back home. 

He’s laying on his side, in the shade of a boulder, wondering if anyone is looking for him. Mama, Aubrey, all his friends, they must be worried sick, must know what happened. The gang left the bodies there for the coyotes, after all. 

But what if the sheriff and his men assumed Barclay’s body had just been dragged off? Told everyone it was a shame, that they’d catch the varmits eventually (as they’ve been saying for the last four months, in spite of there now being bounty hunters prowling the desert, looking to catch what they clearly can’t).

Dirt crunches behind him. Before he can sit up, a kick catches his upper back. 

“Up. Buddy shot some quails.”

Barclay spends the sunset plucking the birds, cooking them over the fire. Sprinkles a seasoning blend over them; he intended to make these assholes eat the blandest food alive, but after they threatened to cut out his tongue since it was clear he wasn’t using it to taste, he’s been using his special mixture on sad stews and shot birds.

The leader, Bobby, snarls that he better not overcook it. Or he’ll end up like the last cook. 

Barclay tries not to think about the last cook. The guy must have had friends and family, must have sat by the fire with these same copperheads circling him, hoping someone would save him. 

(“Copperheads” he can hear his friend Duck’s voice in his head, “we ain’t even got those out here.”)

The meal is good enough to keep him alive, though he gets ash kicked on his shirt and nearly in his eyes for trying to snag a stray piece of skin. 

Then he’s tied up by the boulder once again, eyes stinging, stomach rumbling, and hope fading. 

It’s when empty plates are being scraped that one of the men says, “Where’d Mike go?”

“Powder room.” Bobby chuckles, still pleased with his idea to call the privacy granted by some stones twenty paces from camp. 

“No I know, but he’s not back. Ain’t been since the start of dinner.”

“Then eat his share and shut up.”

“I’m worried-”

“Then you go check on him.”

A set of footsteps disappears into the darkness. 

“Boss!” Buddy’s call is cut off, like someone knocked him out. 

“What in the hell-” Another of the men, the one closest to Barclay, stands. Barclay rolls over in time to see him disappear the moment he steps out of the shrinking ring of firelight. 

Guns are drawn now and Barclay curls further against the rock as bullets ricochet off stones and get stuck in cacti. A rock hit’s one of the remaining three men in the head, and when they all turn to shoot at the thrower, Barclay watches a huge, lithe figure dart past the fire, a tail kicking up sand to douse the flames. 

The darkness only makes the gang fire more panicked shots. One man turns to flee, only to scream a moment later, and then there’s a horrible, clicking sound as the remaining henchman is dragged from view by clawed hands. 

“Come out and fight me, fucker!” Bobby screams. 

The monster is back, leaping from the surrounding boulders directly onto the outlaw. There’s a struggle, a moment of panicked, sobbing screaming, and then nothing as the creature sinks its teeth into Bobby’s neck. 

Barclay is shaking, hands over his mouth, praying to anything that might listen that the thing hasn’t seen him. 

The narrow head raises, then snaps his direction. Eyes, glowing eerily, faintly blue, lock onto him, and the beast stands. 

Barclay closes his eyes. But the creature doesn’t move. 

Or he thinks it doesn’t. When he opens them, it’s nearly to him on silent, clawed feet. 

At this point he’s hiding his face in his arms, trying to do something, anything, rather than shake and whimper like a whipped dog. 

“It’s okay.” The monster’s tone is cool but not unkind, and Barclay does not feel any less like a hound when it says, “it’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”

He freezes as it grips his arms, but a moment later the ropes drop away. 

“Can you stand?”

He nods, lets the creature lift him until he has no choice but to take his weight or risk his feet leaving the dirt. Then the hands retreat, falling by dark-furred thighs. Barclay wills himself to look up; the monster is a head taller than him, face close to that of a wolf yet narrower, with a small mane of fur. It’s arms and legs are long, it’s tail like one of the lizards Duck is always trying to get to eat the ants who attack his garden. Short spines sit along it’s back from below it’s shoulders to it’s tailbone. 

It takes Barclay a moment to register that the spines are poking through a men's shirt. No, not poking, it looks like it’s been tailored to let them through. 

He looks down again; since when do monsters wear pants?

“Since I was able to get some made to fit. But I’m guessing you didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“S-sorry.” He looks away, “I, I don’t, I can’t…” he hugs himself, “what’s going on?”

“The short version is I don’t believe in letting murderers escape justice. The longer version is I’m a bounty hunter, they’re my quarry, and your friends back in Kepler will be so glad to see you.”

“How did-”

“You’re Barclay Cobb, right?” 

“Yeah. Yeah I am.” He feels like he’s speaking from far away. Like he’s about to wake up and discover he’s still tied by the boulder. He shivers; it gets so cold in the canyons at night, it isn’t fair. 

“I’m Joseph.” The monster extends his hand and Barclay shakes it, “Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable for the night, Mr. Cobb.” 

“You can call me Barclay. Basically everyone does.”

A smile, charming in spite of the sharp teeth, “I can manage that.”

He follows his rescuer out of the camp, doing his best to pick his way over small rocks and patches of plants without any moonlight for help. After his third, near-miss with a cactus, Joseph pauses. 

“Do you want to take my hand? Night vision has its perks.”

Barclay takes the offered hand, holding tighter than he really means to as Joseph winds them through the canyon and up onto a ledge the size of a homestead. Barclay can make out the shape of an abandoned Pony Express depot; they’d tried to place one here once upon a time, only to half complete it before the express stopped running. 

Joseph holds the door, allowing Barclay to pass inside. He stands awkwardly in the dark as there’s a rustling of a drawer, a thwick of a match, and a lantern springing to life. 

The inside of the building is shockingly tidy; there’s a small bookshelf, a bed that’s been made as neatly as if they were in a hotel, and small wardrobe that looks like it’s been fucking dusted. 

He glances down at himself and growls in frustrated disgust; his clothes are a mess of dust, sweat, spit, and blood both his own and not. 

“Let’s see, order of operations…” Joseph is moving through clearly familiar motions, lighting lamps and opening doors, checking cabinets and running his claws though the fur atop his head. 

“Please tell me there’s somewhere I can rinse off? Or change?”

“There’s a spring in the hillside. I have a towel somewhere, and I should be able to find you something of mine to wear.”

Barclay looks toward the back door where Joseph gestured. He can’t go out there. What if the gang isn’t all dead, what if one of them comes looking, what if Joseph isn’t the only one of his kind out here and the others aren’t nearly as friendly-

“Or” Joseph is studying his face, taking in his huddled posture, “I could fetch a few buckets of water and bring them in.”

“Please?”

“Make yourself comfortable.” Joseph picks up two wooden buckets and slips through the door. Barclay hears that same clicking, not as menacing, and the words, “here Nessa, brought you some blossoms.”

Barclay is still trying to figure out why someone like Joseph needs to ride a horse when his host returns, buckets sloshing slightly as Barclay holds the door for him. 

“Here we go.” Joseph pulls over a stool, then sorts through the wardrobe, pulling out a washcloth and a bar of ivory soap and presenting them to Barclay, “there’s not much privacy so I, um” his spines ripple a moment, “I promise I’ll keep my eyes elsewhere.”

“Don’t mind if you peek, not like I haven’t been naked around guys before. But if you want a show, I might charge you.” 

Fuck, where did that come from? 

“Sorry, I, that was weird.” 

Joseph lays a hand on his forearm, “You don’t need to apologize. You’ve been out here for close to a week, scared out of your mind and being mistreated. People say all kinds of things when they’re stressed. Or coming out of it.”

The hand retreats, the claws brushing his skin making him want to sigh and melt, to beg Joseph to trace them over him again. 

The water is cold, Barclay’s skin going goosebumped after only a few minutes of scrubbing himself, but just being able to get clean makes him want to cry with relief. 

When he’s done, he hangs the cloth on the little washline strung up on one of the windows, and picks up the towel Joseph left for him. He turns as he finishes tying it around his waist, and catches Joseph looking quickly back down at the newspaper he’s reading at the little table. 

“I found a shirt that should work” Joseph stands, handing him the white fabric, “but none of my pants will fit you. The ones I wear, you’ll be swimming in, and the ones I have for a human body won’t fit someone as big as you.” His eyes stay politely on Barclay’s face, but the spines ripple again, “this should at least let you make a very comfy skirt.”

“Thanks.” Barclay takes the clothes, pulls on the shirt and wraps the soft blanket around his waist in place of the towel as Joseph pours them water and sets out a handkerchief with some hard tack and cured, even harder sausage. 

He sips his water, finds it floral and bright, “Cactus blossoms?”

“It’s what I grew up putting in water jugs. If you don’t like it I can-”

“No, no I like it. Just surprised me. Kind of a delicacy up in town.” He takes another sip, “does that mean you, like, live down here?”

“Only sometimes; it’s often a better base camp if I’m hunting than town is. And since this stretch of canyon technically is my family territory, it does feel like home.” 

Something about the way he says ‘technically” suggests a sore spot, and so Barclay flicks his gaze to the folded newspaper, looking for a new topic. 

“You were solving the chess problem?”

A smile, “Yes! This was a quick one, at least for me. Do you want to give it a try?”

“Maybe after dinner. I try to solve those when it’s slow at the Lodge. I like the little mystery they’ve been running in the town paper lately, too.”

“Yes.” Joseph nods emphatically, “those are so tricky, I love the challenge.”

“Y’know they’re actually by the McElroy’s youngest? Kid’s got quite a mind for puzzles.” He snickers, “they’ve been coming to Lodge long enough I remember when his brother went through a phase where he’d only eat beans.”

“At the restaurant or…”

“Nope, period, poor Mrs. McElroy kept coming to me for recipes…”

They eat up the remainder of their dry, but pleasant, dinner discussing some of Barclay’s stranger customer requests, and Joseph’s memory of a fellow bounty hunter who seemed to survive on Parsons Cashews alone. 

Joseph insists Barclay take the bed for the evening, so he settles himself on top of the quilt with the chess puzzle as Joseph snuffs out all but the nearest lamp and goes to check on Nessa one final time. 

Barclay holds his breath the entire time his host is outside, afraid he’ll hear a thud and then a human face will peer through the door. 

Joseph returns unscathed, tipping the last of the water into Barclay’s cup before setting himself in a chair with a book of ghost stories. The wind in the canyon is picking up, carrying blossoms past the windows as it rattles them. 

Once he solves the puzzle, Barclay flips to a new page, reading the mystery for the day and solving it a bit faster than he’d hoped. Then he reads the news, then the want ads, then advertisements. 

He’s considering starting the paper all over again when Joseph yawns, “I think we ought to turn in for the night. We have a long ride back to town tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Good point.” Barclay sets the paper away and crawls beneath the blankets. Joseph murmurs a goodnight and Barclay responds with the same. 

Then he lays there. Wide awake. His brain plays the same song of “what if” over and over again; what if Joseph didn’t get them all? What if one escaped and brought back friends? What if Bobby was just playing dead and is waiting for them to sleep so he can sneak in and gut Barclay like a trout?

The window shakes again and he winces. 

“Everything okay?” Joseph’s eyes glow up at him from the floor. 

“Are you sure they’re all dead?”

Joseph sits up, “No. Because I didn’t kill them.”

“What?” 

“I paralyzed them. My bite can do that, and I have enough practice to know how hard and long a bite I need to give in order to keep them out and immobile until I can round them tomorrow and take them into town. I…prefer to at least let there be a trial before someone dies. If you hadn’t been here I might have just tossed them all into the cart I have waiting and started for town, but you needed rest. And care. Besides” his smile is a little bitter, and a little ashamed, “I also don’t feel too bad if someone who murders people in cold blood loses a toe to a coyote because my bite has them too paralyzed to run.”

Barclay nods, trying to take all that in at once. 

Joseph leans forward, resting a hand on his knee, “I’m good at what I do, Barclay. But even if somehow, someone slipped out of it and came here, I wouldn’t let them hurt you.”

“Thank you.” He takes Joseph’s hand, clinging to it, “fuck, I’m sorry, I know we need to sleep but I can’t, it’s awful, I keep jumping at every sound and when I close my eyes I see them leering over me or, or I see, see what they did, what I only survived because they’d seen me at the campfire.” He holds tighter, “I’m so tired. I could barely sleep because of how scared I was, or because they thought it was fucking funny to kick me awake.”

A low, rapid click, as Joseph’s tail twitches. Then he clears his throat, rubbing his thumb over Barclay’s knuckles, “Is there some way to help you relax.”

He starts to shake his head, then meets Joseph’s eyes, “What happens if you give someone a little bite?”

The spines straighten a moment, then relax, “It depends on how little. If it’s very small, it will produce a sense of relaxation and mild euphoria. You’ll still be lucid, but it might be easier to sleep if your body isn’t holding all that tension.” 

“Please bite me.” 

“You’re sure? I can try to think of something else, I don’t want it to backfire and leave you feeling helpless or like I’m hurting you-”

“Please” He says again, rolling onto his side, “I…I trust you.”

Joseph studies his face a moment, then lifts Barclay’s left hand. Carefully, he brings the tip of the thumb to his mouth, parting his lips. A hint of pressure, then a sting, and before Barclay even finishes gasping his monster is setting his hand gingerly back down on the mattress. 

“How long does…does..” he blinks, suddenly finding his legs and neck heavy, but not unpleasantly so.

Joseph chuckles, “It happens incredibly quickly. In humans it’s almost instantaneous, but even for my kind, a bite only takes thirty seconds at most to kick in.”

“You bite each other? Like when you’re fighting?” The image of Joseph attacking Bobby comes back to him, but this time his mind lingers on how graceful Joseph was, how swiftly and smoothly he rescued him. 

“Sometimes, but we love a debate more than a fistfight for settling arguments. Even if the debates take longer and can result in more bad blood in the end. But we do more biting with, um, with mates. Lovers. These mouths aren’t exactly as easy to kiss with as a human one is, so love biting takes its place.” The spines are rippling again, and Joseph is looking away from him. 

Barclay reaches down, pulling Joseph’s hand up to his mouth. Then he turns it, palm up, and bites down on the soft, short fur and the skin beneath. 

Joseph yips, surprised, but doesn’t pull away until Barclay lets him go. 

“It’s not nice to tease, big guy.” He murmurs, tracing a line along the edge of Barclay’s beard. 

“Not teasing. Was trying to kiss you. Besides, you just called me big guy.”

“It slipped out.” Joseph’s posture suggests he’s blushing, “Barclay, you’re incredibly handsome, and I’d fuck you in a heartbeat if I knew that’s what you wanted. But I don’t want you to do anything with me you might regret. Like sleeping with someone whose appearance scares the hell out of you.”

“I mean, it did.” Barclay tries to scoot closer but can’t without risking falling out of bed, “but it doesn’t now. Now I know you’re Joseph and not just something waiting in the dark to tear my throat out. And you’re, uh, It’s” he drags a hand over his face, “I almost never find guys who are bigger than me and it’s so fucking hot and it makes me feel so safe. Felt that way before you bit me, too.”

“In that case…” Joseph pulls the blanket off him, “you can bite me as many times as you like.”

Barclay undoes the knot on his makeshift skirt as quickly as his fingers allow, letting it fall open under Joseph’s appreciative gaze. A different noise bubbles from the monster’s throat, more a purr than a click, and he bends forward, tongue longer than humans lapping at Barclay’s cock as he cradles it in one palm. 

“Ohhhhfuck, fuck, Joseph it, that feels incredible.” He’s heard of people paying to have wax dripped on them during sex, and maybe that’s because it feels like this; warm without being painful, smooth as it covers his skin and leaves him tingling. 

“Better test it a few more times to be sure.” Joseph swirls his tongue over the head, licks lovingly up and down his shaft from every side. The claws of his free hand run with a comforting prickle along Barclay’s thigh and card through the hair on his stomach and chest with obvious pleasure. 

He’s weightless, he’s in heaven, he’s getting the best head of his life. 

And he’s not getting hard. 

“Fuck” he groans, frustrated. 

Joseph sits up, though his hand continues stroking and teasing Barclay’s cock, “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t, I think I’m too exhausted, or stressed or something, I can’t get it up, I’m sorry.”

“My sweet Barclay. That’s nothing to apologize for.” Joseph leans down, nuzzling his cheek, “All you have to do right now is let me take care of you, however feels good. Besides” the tongue drags up his throat, “who said anything about us needing your cock?”

“Fuck, yes” Barclay tries to spread his legs, but they feel as if they’re too heavy, or as if he’s too far away from them somehow.

“Oh, big guy, has it been too long?” He says it with genuine sympathy as he rolls Barclay onto his front.

“Uh huh, fuck, people get one look at my dick and they, they think I wanna be in charge, wanna be on top, fuck” he gasps, clutching for the pillows as Joseph’s tongue runs from his neck down to his ass. 

“Well, they can have their narrow ideas while you and I have a great time.” Joseph nuzzles the top of his head this time with a happy sigh, “now, be a good boy and hold still for me.”

“You’re not gonna prep me?” Fear reemerges, threatening to spread through his system in a wave. 

“It’s a little different with my, well, set-up,” 

Barclay glances back; Joseph’s cock is thinner than a humans but a good seven or eight inches long, absolutely dripping with something golden and sticky,  with short, knobbly spines scattered across it. 

“They won’t hurt. Here, feel.” He rubs the shaft along Barclays ass with a hungry growl as the spines bend, soft and flexible. 

“Okay.” Barclay takes a deep breath, spreading his knees wider, “okay.”

The tip of the cock presses into him with ease, whatever’s slicking its way seeming to open him as it does. Joseph wraps an arm around his middle, sets the other hand on top of Barclay’s own, “I’ve got you big guy.”

Joseph works his hips in short, deliberate thrusts, his cocking sliding deeper and deeper until he’s flush against Barclay’s ass and Barclay is nearly clawing the sheets from how good it feels. The spines rub against him, finding sensitive spots he’s not even sure he knew existed before now as Joseph’s breathing picks up. 

“You feel so good, big guy. I think I might just stay here all night. If you can’t sleep, I could just keep fucking you until you’re too tire to keep your eyes open.”

“Fuck, yeah” He moans, trying to push back to meet the thrusts but finding his limbs to relaxed to do anything but keep him how Joseph has arranged him. 

“Mmmm” Joseph laughs into his neck, then trills and clicks when Barclay turns to nip at his forearm, “maybe that’s my real reward for this bounty. Not the money, but the chance to demand that because I saved your life, I get to find you every night and fuck you until you’re dripping and so relaxed that all you can do lay there and let me be good to you.”

“Yes, fuck, yes, Josephohfuck” His toes curl as Joseph picks up the pace, his cock finally responding to being ground against the bed. 

“That’s it big guy, let go for me. You’re mine, I’ve got you, I’ll never let anyone hurt you ever again, I take care of you, I will, ohfuck, shit” he pulses into Barclay, working his hips frantically as Barclay rocks against the quilt, desperate to cum. Eventually Joseph gets his breath back, little clicks and purrs leaving him as he whispers, “I love feeling watching you fuck my cum back into that perfect ass.”

Barclay cums with a weak cry against the sheets, Joseph rubbing his sides and doing his best to kiss his shoulders as he shakes and twitches through it. 

There’s a mess on the quilt the instant he pulls out, but neither of them minds. Instead, Joseph curls around him, promising him he’s safe, telling him how wonderfully he did, and Barclay falls asleep petting soft, black fur. 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barclay steps into the morning light to find Joseph hitching Nessa to a wagon full of bleary-eyed, terrified outlaws who, upon seeing Barclay, begin begging him not to let the monster get them. 

“It’s funny, what heat and liquor can do a man.” Joseph produces a silver ring and slips it over his finger. Suddenly there’s no monster to be seen, just a tall, black-haired man with blue eyes and the most charming smile Barclay’s ever seen. 

“Agreed. Makes people see things that aren’t there.” Barclay steps beside Joseph, ignoring the ongoing shouts from the wagon to press a kiss to his cheek. 

Joseph passes him the reins to one of the outlaw’s horses, “We should hit Kepler before sunset. I need to take these men to the jail and collect my bounty.”

“Any idea what you’re gonna spend it on?” Barclay climbs into the saddle and Joseph does the same. 

The bounty hunter sets a black hat onto his head as blossoms begin dancing in the breeze, “How about taking you to dinner?”

[coaadra]

Oh yes, I'm here again and I have something to say.

To say that the finale of season 4 was not easy for me, it's nothing to say. I am so devastated and at the same time filled with different feelings that it is difficult to put it into words...

I think we'll talk about the good stuff first.

Episodes 20 and 21 are definitely good and the two moments that clearly won my heart were the farewell conversation between Killian and Emma before going to New York, and of course the kiss (episode 20) and their conversation near the water (episode 21).

Killian: You have parents, Henry… Emma: You. I have you. Killian: Yes, you have me. And I have you.

This dialogue made my feelings skyrocket. I just melt from their interactions and nothing will make me change my mind..

My love for Hook only grows with each passing season. I don’t remember that at any point in the series I was really DISAPPOINTED in him. And this says a lot...

I'll miss these moments in the next two episodes, but enough is enough.

episode 22-23 My nightmare began from the beginning of episode 22 and, unexpectedly, it was not hysterics from grief, it was a clear indicator of hysterical laughter. WHAT ABOUT SNOW WHITE? SHE blatantly DOESN'T LOOK LIKE REGINA. THE DARK QUEEN'S STYLE ABSOLUTELY DID NOT LIKE HER AND I WAS READY TO DIE ONLY FROM LAUGHTER, BUT NOT FROM FEAR. AND OH MY GOD WE CAN'T FORGET ABOUT RUMPELSTILTSKEN. ALSO A CHARACTER 100% FOR SIT AND LAUGH.. This couple clearly broke all my records regarding “the strangest and most unimaginable couples in the entire series”

Freaks of season 4 - they are the winners.

Well, now the time has come for real suffering. And not only mе, but also the characters in general.

How painful it was to watch Emma, ​​who literally got reacquainted with the person she loves so much, and he doesn’t even know her… And in general, my surprise knew no bounds when SUCH Killian was shown on the screen. Not at all brave, sober without his rum and so indecisive… Of course, I (naive, terminally stupid.) was waiting for an adequate continuation and development of their relationship in a new way, yes, I really love how Hook flirts with Emma, ​​BUT WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT EXPECTED ME

Which smart guy came up with this and why?... I admit honestly, I assured myself at the very beginning and said to myself: “This series will not make you cry, dear. No amount of love for a character will make you shed a tear.” BUT DAMMIT, who knew that there would be such a charming Killian, whom I love with all my heart..

I, of course, suspect that this is not his last death. (Thanks to spoilers on tiktok and here) And this only makes me feel worse. I'm afraid that the more I see him die, the more painful it will be for me every time. The only one the writers made fun of was Hook. How much he has already suffered in 4 seasons and how many more trials await him in the future.

And yet my tears did not end there, although it would have been very nice. The second wave of hysterics and sobs came when Emma came to Regina and mentioned Killian's death there. I, like her, couldn’t restrain myself and sat crying, hugging napkins..

And even now, while I’m writing this post, I want to cry (knowing that this raiding is alive)..My Emma... ​​she managed to feel so much during this time. Although, to be honest, I was really angry at her the next time she and Hook met.

I think that at that moment I, like any reasonable person, was waiting for the cherished words "I. LOVE. YOU" from Emma. "Sod's Law!" This didn't happen, of course. What else was I waiting for...

“But why not say this at such a dangerous moment?!” Emma thought, and then she said that she loved Hook, even though she ABSOLUTELY DIDN’T KNOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO HER. And everyone is fine. And nothing bothers anyone...

I think I'm done...

It’s difficult to sum it up. In some places, I’m clearly tired of this series, probably because there are so many events and I simply don’t have time to consume all the information.

I know for sure that I am not tired of the Killian and Emma couple. I also know that I want to see more of the Regina and Robin couple, and I am completely disappointed in Gold.

It seems that I forgot to mention another important character this season, especially in the last episodes. It's definitely Henry. Firstly, I like that he has matured; it makes him seem even cuter and smarter. Secondly, I really enjoyed the moments where he tried to explain to all the characters that they live in Storybrooke and that he is, in fact, Regina’s son.

The ending evokes many emotions, yet they are more positive than negative. I am going to watch season 5 with renewed strength and expectations. If Emma becomes a dark magician, I REALLY want to see it.

[everysongieverwrote]

Under the Bridge flying under the radar because Hulu just had Shogun is so unfortunate. Not that Shogun doesn’t deserve all the attention and appreciation it’s getting. (It’s literally is the best thing on TV since the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones). However a smaller show with smaller budget is so easy to get sidelined come award season. Especially considering how both of them are limited series and will be competing in the same categories.

But yeah hats off to the performance of every single actor. Even though at times I felt like Roy, Scott, Manjit, and Kelly come off like caricatures, they reign it back in pretty quick. My favorite performances so far have been the portrayals of Suman, Raj, and Warren. Their performances feel so grounded and seasoned. And such great work by the teens who did Jo, Dusty, and Reena too. It’s so refreshing to watch actual kids play kids.

And what can I say about Lily and Riley that hasn’t been said already. I genuinely believe they’re two of our finest actors in the show business right now. The way they light up the screen is so magical to watch. And it doesn’t even feel like the directors have to do anything special when they’re performing. They’re both just really good and steal every scene they’re in. So lucky that we get to witness their greatness together.

I'm gonna be honest here, I haven't watch Shogun yet (it's on my watchlist tho) but I've kept up with the Emmy talk and from what I've gathered, a lot of people have decided that when it comes to limited series, Shogun is the clear winner as best series and RDJ might win for best performance (and I get it the guy just won an Oscar). Many don't think that shows like Under The Bridge and We Were The Lucky Ones (Hulu's most recent limited series) are gonna get nominated, but that Lily Gladstone will get nominated for an Emmy. That's all just speculation, of course. But I can see where they're coming from. It's also kinda funny that the two Hulu shows that are being a little sidelined deal with kinda similar themes but who am I to judge?

Obviously, this is also a kind of "side-effect" from the strikes. The shows could've been released with more space between them (UTB seems like the perfect fall/winter show, doesn't it?) But many productions were stopped or delayed during the strikes and now everyone has a bunch of shows ready to go and an Emmy deadline getting nearer and nearer everyday. Maybe if Hulu wasn't trying to get all their Emmy qualifying shows out before May 31st, the show would have gotten a bigger chance to truly shine. But hey, both the show and Lily already got nominated for a Gotham Award, so there's hope for the Emmys, at least.

I know I've praised the show a lot (and it totally deserves it) but the show is, of course, not perfect. No show ever is. Take the latest episode for example, the character arcs and storyline were great, and the acting was absolutely amazing but there were too many cuts and some of them were kind of awkward and a little... brutal. Some of the acting is a little cringe at times, which might be intentional in the actor's case (it might be with Kelly, she has to come off a certain way, so I don't blame Izzy G for some of her acting choices) or it might be that some of the actors have difficulty saying the lines and acting the way is necessary for their characters. It might be the writing or the directing, while an actor can make or break a scene, so can the writing and directing choices. And some of the lines and angles are a little bit awkward, ngl. But all in all, the show is great and it truly deserves more attention but I know that this kind of show is not everyone's cup of tea and I'm glad it has so far only attracted the people who have a true interest in it.

Lily and Riley are absolutely amazing, both separate and together. I'm slowly turning into their fan, I truly want to see more of their work... but later, of course. Right now they're Cam and Becca for me and I like it that way. I realize that was a long rant and I'm sorry but I truly have a lot of things to say about this show.

[bnnywngs]

reached 500 posts today, so here's some treat for you guys 💙

←⁠(⁠>⁠▽⁠<⁠)⁠ﾉ

[LIFESTYLE] Lan Wangji announces engagement with influencer Wei Wuxian after leaked photos

by Su Minshan

On the last Thursday (12), an anonymous account on Weibo leaked photos of Lan Wangji and influencer Wei Wuxian on a high-end restaurant in Thailand, in what appeared to be a date.

Earlier this evening (20), the Lan Wangji's official Weibo account published a note announcing his engagement.

[picture of statement]

Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji's older brother and current CEO of Cloud Recesses conglomerate, has shared pictures with the couple in his personal account in a show of support. As well as the Jiang siblings, Jiang Wanyin and Jiang Yanli, together with the Jin heir and Jiang Yanli's fiancee, Jin Zixuan. Fashion Designer and heir of Nie Security, Nie Huaisang, had a different approach and shared a selfie with a caption saying he's, supposedly, the one who's going to design the couple's attire.

Wei Wuxian got his fame through social media, sharing pictures and videos of tourism and local cuisine, as well as vlogs of his life and tips to get discounts on expensive places. Getting more noticed when befriended Nie Huaisang, going to clubs and bars together in recent videos.

We tried to contact Lan Wangji's uncle and former Cloud Recesses' CEO, Lan Qiren, but haven't received an answer until the closing of this article.

Comments

[+1] a gold digger

[+7] definitely a gold digger

[+11] it's so obvious i had to laugh

[+31] if i had known it was so easy to fish a rich boy i would have done it since the beginning, sigh

[+40] i used to look up to him so much, but he's so dumb what the hell, and his brother supports this? even after his own scandal with that jin bastard??

-

"Ugh I hate it here." Wei Wuxian whined, slumping against the kitchen island and almost falling off the high stool.

"Are you reading comments on the internet, A-Ying?" his mother looked over her shoulder while cutting fruit beside the sink.

"...No..."

"Stop lying, you're bad at it."

"Ugh!"

Cangse Sanren chuckled and put the knife down "What are they saying?"

"I'm a gold digger, Lan Zhan's dumb, variations of that. They're even trying to drag Huan-ge's down again." Wei Wuxian pouted, waiting for his plate of bunny shaped apple slices.

"You? A gold digger?" Cangse Sanren laughed loudly, drying her hands "As if!"

"What are you laughing at, now?" another voice joined them.

"Baba! Mama is making fun of me!" Wei Wuxian whined loudly.

"Is she?" Wei Changze lifted an eyebrow in amusement.

"Our A-Ying is being called a gold digger by strangers on the internet." Cangse Sanren chuckled.

"Our son, a gold digger?" Wei Changze repeated in a flat voice "That's something I wanted to see."

"Hey! Stop making fun of me! I'm your son! You're supposed to love me unconditionally and protect me! You cruel, cruel, parents!"

The couple only laughed together.

"Should we leak information, then?" Wei Changze suggested, stealing a bunny apple from his son's plate.

-

[EXCLUSIVE] Wei Wuxian, the formerly anonymous heir of the Sanren fortune

by Luo Qingyang

Baoshan Sanren, as she is known publicly, is the most venerated politician of modern times. Winner of a Nobel prize of peace after helping those in need in various forms. Talked about in history books, as well as many authorized and unauthorized books written about her.

She is also has one of the biggest fortune in our country and in the world.

Since her rise in the political scene, Baoshan Sanren was and still is a very private person who shares little to nothing about her personal life. We know she married and then lost her husband in a earthquake, and that they had two children of unknown gender and age.

Until this week, when Baoshan Sanren's PR finally answered our emails.

Cangse Sanren, as she is to be known publicly, is the eldest daughter, married with a son. She is mainly known as "The clear sky after the rain", author of many popular books. Her husband is Jiang Corp. currently CEO, Jiang Fengmian's former right hand and rumored to be his half-brother, who left corporate life to get married.

Wei Wuxian is their son.

Although he is known as a social media influencer, few has the knowledge that he has a master's degree in engineer, and has patented various things throughout his life. Starting university when still a teenager and meeting his fiancee, a freshman at that time, in the music club later on as he was already a senior, close to graduate.

Wei Wuxian, following his grandmother steps, helps the less fortunate, giving free classes during summer, and paying the school fees of orphans.

Baoshan Sanren's youngest child wishes to remain unknown to the public, as they are still young.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's wedding is supposed to be a quiet and intimate affair, with only their loved ones present. We wish the couple a happy marriage.

Comments

[+10] oh my god

[+21] this is what they call a plot twist

[+26] wei wuxian is richer than lan wangji, holy shit

[+33] the guy was born legendary, we had no chance

[+54] i have no words, not only he's rich but he's also a good person?? how is this possible??

[keicordelle]

The Adventures of an Inconvenient Au Ra: Fall Guys

It looked like a kid's candy-coated dream had vomited in here. Bright pinks and blinding greens assaulted Keshet's senses. Colors from every part of the spectrum were splashed about in what appeared to be some semblance of order, if your standards for "order" aligned more or less with those of a pixie from the First. Where in Nhaama's name Godbert had found those round-bodied monstrosities, Keshet could not even begin to fathom, but judging by the number of people currently gathered in the color-vomit room, he had to assume they were a hit.

It was all a little bit too bizarre for his tastes. The Gold Saucer was always loud and obnoxious, but this really reached a whole new level. But he was here, and much as his scales crawled to so much as look at the weird pink nuggets scattered around the room, he might as well give the game a shot.

And so he found himself waiting patiently - or as patiently as he was ever capable of - behind the starting line with twenty-three other people, all of whom were far too focused on the imminent death match- er, obstacle course, to even realize who he was. (And thank Nhaama for that. The bright pink sweater they'd forced him into made him feel rather like he wore someone else's skin, all awkward and ungainly. He felt weird with his skin all covered up, and even if he had ever felt compelled to don something other than his tribal garb, which he most certainly had not, this would not have been his choice. So much the better if no one saw and recognized him in it.)

"START!"

Keshet took off along with everyone else at his sides, careful not to trip over the diminutive Lalafell to his left. He took advantage of his longer strides, pulling ahead early. First jump, easily cleared. This wasn't so hard after all, what had everyone even been complaining abou-

There was no ground beneath his feet. Keshet didn't even have the breath to scream as he free-fell, wind whistling in his ears. Then, just when he was very certain this was it for one unfortunate lizard, he found himself back at the starting line, so suddenly he nearly tripped over his own feet and fell on his ass. He blinked, his brain swimming to try to compute the sudden change.

Okay. That was... Unexpected. He had no idea how that worked or why, but what he did know was that the rest of the racers were now a fairly significant leg ahead of him, and if he didn't want to get left in their dust, he was going to have to get his tail moving. He gritted his teeth, charging down the path once more. I will not lose!

It was just a silly game. Not something to get so worked up over. No one's life relied on this battle - at least, not now that he knew falling to his death was not in the question. And yet that same fire that raged through him when he faced off against an insurmountable foe burned though his chest, backed by grim determination.

The exultation that he felt when he caught up and then pulled ahead was as fierce as any combat victory, searing through him like the adrenaline that surged through his veins. Yeaahhh!! Let's goooo!! Each setback was met with a lashing tail and virulent hatred, grumbled curses muttered under his breath (when he could find the breath to spare). It was not as easy as he'd expected, to pull ahead and take the lead. Those stupid soft hammers kept bashing him upside the head, and he was so dizzy from spinning that it was a wonder he didn't fall straight of the edge. But he was doing it, he could make it, he could win!

Until a voice sounded through the space, feminine and excited: "And the winner is Leodaire Ferdillaix! Congratulations, and best of luck next time to the rest of our contestants!"

What?

He- He lost. How had that happened? When had that stupid elezen made it around him? He hadn't even seen him! Damn it! If only he'd pushed himself harder, if only he hadn't fallen!

Next time, he promised himself, teeth gritted and tail lashing. Next time, he'd win. No one would beat Keshet of the Dotharl and get away with it! 

-

Read the rest of the series on Ao3!

Masterlist | Prev | Next

[switchbladenz]

The Winner of The Challenge.

Honestly, what else did you people expect?! I made my intentions in UnityVerse very clear once I came back. I was going to take over the entire place in the only way I knew how. I won everyone over just like that! 🫰 Ever since I've came back to UnityVerse, I've noticed how different things were compared to 2018-2020. No one automatically has things easy anymore around here, it's not always sunshine and rainbows! I've had to convince the leaders why I should come back, wear a tracking device, testify in court, guard people at parties, and so much more! Beyond all that, though... I was still able to accomplish what many people thought was impossible.

I'm not going to shy away from the fact that I've hurt people. The actors are a strong group of people, and I have all the respect for them in the world (especially when Brandon pinned me at War Games!). I'll always be sorry for participating in Justice Hunters and everything that happened after, truly. However, I'm not that guy anymore. I can rightfully say that when I look in the mirror every day, I can see and consider myself as a changed man. Because that's what it's been all about ever since I stepped into The Challenge House! For once in my life, I didn't want people to see me and think "Justice Hunter." Now, everyone will look at me and call me a New Era Winner. I busted my ass and got the whole fucking UnityVerse on my side! And I did it all by myself. No help, no shortcuts, no hurting anyone, no manipulation, nothing.

Like I said when I won, everything that comes out of the Switchblade's mouth becomes a reality. I speak anything and everything I want into existence. My goal was always to prove to everyone that I can be a flag bearer, a pillar of this entire place. I make the magic happen and turn it into something no one's ever seen before. You know how many people were shocked once I won this damn thing? That's what UnityVerse is all about. I think my 2020 self would shit himself if he saw how great I was doing now. I never gave up, quit, or doubted myself one bit. I always knew this was my fucking destiny and no one or nothing could get in the way of that.

I have to thank everyone first and foremost from the Executive Producers, to the Interviewers, the Announcer, and all the competitors for a beautiful fucking competition. People can say what they want about us, but we had it the hardest and the end result was still perfect! Any criticism that anyone has at this point is invalid. We didn't need bad things to happen around the House in order for people to talk about us. We brought brand new and original ideas to the table each and every fucking week! I have to give a special shoutout to @reddeathdg for being a great partner and a fellow finalist, the moment we met, we clicked instantly and we took over the entire damn competiton. I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. Being the winner of this competition is something I'll carry for the rest of my life with all the honor and pride in the world, because this is what I was made for.

To wrap up, I gotta thank everyone in UnityVerse for watching us each episode and for all the support. And especially to my girlfriend, @jmiehytr, for being the most supportive, hilarious, and caring person I know. I love you so much and you're the best champion ever. To all the citizens that are waiting for what's next, I deserve a thank you for giving you what you want! I turned this New Era into the Switchblade Era! Now you can enjoy your Year End Awards and PMW because of me. And make sure to watch me destroy Okada in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom! Thanks to all of you once again, and that's a wrap on the New Eras for 2022!

Breathe With The Switchblade. 🔪😘

[idontknownothin]

13 books tag game - tagged by @anyboli (thanks!)

1) Last book I read:

I've recently abandoned a couple books without finishing them, so the last book I actually read was Wool by Hugh Howey. It was good! I've heard not everyone loves the sequels so I'm in no hurry to continue the series, but I might someday.

2) A book I recommend:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. Such an amazing book, absolutely killer period-piece historical fantasy, it's got a masterless golem finding purpose, it's got immigrant metaphors and literal immigrants, it's got romance, it's got mysteries, it's got baking, it's everything and you should read it.

3) A book that I couldn’t put down:

In recent memory, what comes to mind is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Did you like The Martian? Would you like more of The Martian? Great news, friend. Scratches the same "how do I fix this problem with these limited resources" itch without feeling like a lazy retread of his first book.

4) A book I’ve read twice (or more)

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. Loosely connected sequel to Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, this book narrows its cast to focus in on two characters. I've heard some people say Small, Angry Planet was a little too cozy for them, in which case I would recommend they give A Closed and Common Orbit a shot.

5) A book on my TBR

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher. I picked it up on a whim at a bookstore and I'm excited to get to it - I really enjoyed What Moves the Dead.

6) A book I’ve put down

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehiman. Not a bad book, I enjoyed what I read of it, I just kind of lost interest in the back half.

7) A book on my wish list

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I don't think it's out in the U.S. yet, but I'll give anything by this guy a shot.

8) A favourite book from childhood

The Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones. Obsessed with this book as a kid, and it still holds up on more recent rereads. Check it out if you haven't already!

9) A book you would give a friend

Sabriel by Garth Nix. This book and its sequels are possibly the most underappreciated fantasy books I can think of. I cannot praise Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen enough. The fandoms for these books should be massive, there should've been a bad movie in the 2000's and a critically acclaimed big-budget streaming show in the 2020's, ComicCons should be brimming with bell bandoliers and glow-in-the-dark charter marks, I don't know why none of this is true but here we are.

10) The most books you own by a single author

That would be my boy Brando Sando. I don't own all his books by a longshot, but I think I have almost 20 of them which makes him the clear winner. Robert Jordan, Garth Nix and Becky Chambers are probably all tied for second place.

11) A nonfiction book you own

I will never, ever pass up an opportunity to talk about How to Invent Everything by Ryan North (the Dinosaur Comics / Squirrel Girl / Got Stuck in a Hole with his Dog guy). Ostensibly a book written in the future for time travelers to use in the event they are stranded in the past, this book walks you through the steps you need to rebuild civilization from the ground up, from farming to animal domestication to basic medicine to smelting, power generation, math, navigation, engineering, chemistry and literally even computer science.

The wildest part? This book is a riot. It is as entertaining as it is interesting. If you only read one non-fiction book for pleasure, make it this one.

12) what are you currently reading

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson. A near-future climate science geopolitical novel, it's not an easy read and I'm not sure I'll finish it. It is quite good though.

13) what are you planning on reading next?

As mentioned above, probably going to jump into What Feasts at Night when I'm done with Ministry for the Future. It'll be nice to have something short and spooky instead of long, dense and existential!

No pressure tags: @sherpawhale, @melavixen, @analysethisinkblot, @shadowsofselfdoubt and also just anyone who sees this, I would honestly be tickled pink if you did this and let me know!

[livslunaticdamiansdisciple18]

Battle Royal Babe! Aksana

Aksana x Luna

Warnings: Cuteness, pain (cause of the pregnancy and the c-section she had to have), anything else I missed!!

Word Count: 1,096

A/N: Hi everyone!! This was sent in by @bbygirlnessa18 on my main acc. Let's get into it.

Luna is your name.

@bbygirlnessa18 hope you like it babes.

Luna was so excited this was her first Battle Royal with her girlfriend Aksana. Luna was in the dressing changing into her ring gear when she heard Aksana’s voice. 

“Are you ready to do this babe?” Aksana asked Luna. “Yes I’m ready I’m just worried what if you get thrown out and I’m the last one standing. I don’t want that to cause drama between us.” Luna responded. 

Aksana walked up to her girlfriend and pulled her closer and said “Babe, it won’t cause drama between us because we know that what we have is real and I’m with you in all of your decisions.” Luna smiled and finished getting ready. 

Aksana waited for the arrival of her girlfriend in gorilla before the Battle Royal started. Luna walked out and the expression on her face made Aksana jump up to go calm her down.

Luna was next to be introduced for the Battle Royal when Aksana said “I have a surprise for you. You’ll get it later though. I love you and good luck. Show them why my girlfriend is a powerhouse. Go be my Battle Royal Babe.” 

With that confidence boost Luna got called to the ring and she walked out with the fans booing her since she was a heel. Luna also had a surprise for Aksana so she told the other divas who were battling with her to take it easy. Why would she want them to take it easy? Well she’s pregnant and Aksana doesn’t know.

Aksana was the last one to ring and once she got in the bell rang meaning the Battle Royal had started. 

Luna and Aksana were in the ring fighting when Brie threw out Aksana and Luna threw out Brie. Nikki tried to throw Luna out but Luna hit Nikki with a superkick and threw her out. 

Luna, Liv, Rhea, Naomi, Kairi, Iyo, Becky, Bianca, Dakota, Paige, Lana, and Nia Jax were the last ones in the ring so Luna grouped up with the other girls to throw Nia out. 

Once Nia was thrown out everyone else started fighting and Luna started to clear house throwing girls out left and right. Paige, Rhea, and Liv tried to throw out Luna since they were only the four left but Luna got a sudden urge of energy and threw Rhea, Liv, and Paige out being the Battle Royal winner. She got on the ropes and said “This is my house and people need to start paying rent.” 

Once she got down off of the ropes she hears a familiar theme song play which is Aksana’s and Aksana comes down to the ring and gets in and hugs her. 

Aksana grabs a microphone and says “Congratulations, Babe you’re the Battle Royal winner and I have a surprise for you.” Aksana gets down on one knee and says “I’ve never felt like this about my exes but you make me happy and you make me feel so alive. Every time I’m with you I feel like I’m on top of the world and we would always talk about having a family. Long story short, what I’m trying to say is I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?” 

Luna grabs the microphone and says “Yes I will marry you. I have a surprise for you as well. Some of you might have noticed that while we were fighting the other girls weren’t hitting me in my stomach and the reason is because I’m 14 weeks pregnant so from here on out I can’t wrestle until the little one is here. This is goodbye for now but I will see you guys soon.” 

Luna and Aksana kissed and walked out of the ring together and when they went to gorilla everyone was waiting for them to congratulate them and Stephanie said “If you need anything we’ll all be here to help you. Also I call dibs on helping Rhea and Liv with the gender reveal party and the wedding.” 

Luna laughed and said “Ok. Thanks guys, this means a lot to us. We shall be back so save our spots.” Everyone nodded and hugged them.

~9 months later~

It’s been 9 months and Aksana and Luna are still going strong. Luna gave birth to 10 kids (I used a # of kids generator and 10 came up). 6 girls and 4 boys. 

The 1st born is named Nevaeh, the 2nd born is named Caryse, the 3rd born is named Joyce, the 4th born is named Sophie, the 5th born is named Yasmine, the 6th born is named Amelie, the 7th born is named Samuel, the 8th born is named Sebastian, the 9th born is named Aaron, and the 10th born is named Leonardo. Luna was the powerhouse Aksana knew she was. 

Before the show started Luna decided to go to the arena with the babies. When she walked into the arena she saw Damian, and Dean having a conversation when Damian noticed her walking in with the stroller. Damian ran over to her and picked her up and said “You’re back. Finally it’s been quiet without you here.” Once Damian put her down she winced a little bit and said “Thank you it feels good to be back. I just can’t wrestle yet. When you picked me up you kind of hit my stitches.” Damian said “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just excited to see you.” She laughed and said “Don’t worry about it. You and Dean should meet the babies. I had 10 of them. I’ve felt worse pain.” Dean said “Damn 10. How do you deal with it so well?” She just laughed and shrugged her shoulders. Damian and Dean came over to the stroller and looked at the babies. 

Dean said “They are so adorable. What’s their names?” Luna told them the names and as she was telling them more of the superstars started to see her and she asked Damian if he could tell everyone to be careful when they hug her. He said sure and everyone was careful. 

Liv, Rhea, Paige, Becky, Aksana, Nia, Brie, Nikki, Naomi, Kairi, Iyo, Bianca, Dakota, Lana, and Stephanie all saw Luna and she said “I’ve missed my girls. Be careful when you hug me though I have stitches.” She lifted her shirt and she said “They had to do an emergency C-section so I’m in pain. Come meet the little ones.” 

Once everyone was done meeting the babies Aksana kissed her good luck and went out for her match and came back a champion and that’s their love story.

-I hope you guys enjoyed this! I had fun writing it. I love you guys so so so so so much. <33333