#How long has it been since he's had a serious direction and purpose. One on his own.

[wwerasliin-sideblog]

Probably on my own with this one —

Idk what direction they'll go now, with Kevin and Cody — On their own or potentially with war games? Honestly in a way I'd rather them not get involved. Personally I don't see why.

Besides, pretty sure Cody wants to avenge his man Randy.

Cody already had his match, teaming with Roman against Solo and Jacob. They won. He beat Solo, he proved his point, end of story. There's no need to drag it on any further.

On the other hand, as some people have pointed out, Kevin has history with them. But then again (playing devil's advocate) he finished with the Bloodline when they won the tag belts - he said he was completely done with them, numerous times. Wanting nothing to do with them. Even when Sami kept trying to get involved with Jey. Kevin constantly said he didn't want anything to do with it, that he was done. That he has moved on. So. Based on that. I don't see why he should get dragged back into it again. Everyone is saying he's got a long 4 year history. Exactly. So give the man a break. It doesn't need to be year 5.

—[Unless they are really going to lean into this "psycho", lunatic, unhinged, deranged version of Kevin, they are all so desperately trying to make us see and believe. So that golden boy Cody doesn't loose his spot as the babyface favorite. Making him out to be the squeaky clean hero and Kevin the dirty villain. And therefore choosing to team up with Solo - which I mean, honestly doesn't make sense to me.

Because, let me tell you Kevin sure as hell is starting to get the backing he deserves. And the only way to stop it, is to turn the tables on him, make him seem like the crazy vicious psychopath that they want us to believe. Kevin isn't wrong, but they've turned him into something he's not - an obsessive, deluded; of the rails maniac. Who's just taking down everyone in his path for "No apparent reason".]

[pearl-nouveau]

A Woman's Purpose - Cregan Stark x Reader [chapter two]

summary: After your grandsire's death, you fly to Winterfell with Jacaerys and find yourself nervous to treat with Cregan years after your heated moment together.

warnings: none i think

a/n: short chapter, just felt like a good stopping point. anyone want part three,,,?🤗

The actions of Alicent and her eldest son did not shock me, but they deeply wounded a sense of hope that I hadn't realized was still deep within my soul. I would always remember Cregan praising my kind heart, but sometimes it felt like a curse. I had believed at my core that our family could find it within themselves to forgive, to come together, to support my grandsire's wishes and put a woman on the Iron Throne... I had believed that Alicent had a spine, that Aemond had humility, that Aegon had a heart. And Heleana, my poor, dear aunt whom I considered a close friend - it pained me to think of her caught in the center of such a mess. I longed to see her and I longed to see my mother on her throne. 

I thought back to the dinner we had before leaving for Dragonstone again. We had been merry, since Jaecerys and Lucerys were newly engaged. I was happy for Jace especially since we had talked so often of hoping for happy marriages, and Baela was a wonderful girl who he already adored. It pleased me that there was a possibility for love between the two of them. 

Aegon had drunkenly wandered to my seat and leaned towards my ear. 

"Poor niece... Your only purpose to be married off and still yet to be engaged. You'll be running out of options soon." 

His amusement sickened me and I continued to pick at my food, trying to ignore him, but he continued. 

"If you don't pick you'll end up with some elderly lord with a thumb for a pecker. Best swallow your pride and pick someone to claim you. Can't be your own woman forever, girl." His breath reeked of alcohol. 

Jacaerys had noticed his advances and stood to intervene, only for Aegon to direct his attention towards Baela, which began a whole other mess leading to the night quickly unraveling. 

It had made you think about marriage, not only as a duty, but as a tool. It had always been an important fixture in politics, but after everything that has happened with the throne, I knew that it would be even more urgent for me to take a husband. I lay in my bed at Dragonstone, resting my eyes, considering the current predicament of betrothal.

When it came down to it, there was no one I wanted to imagine myself marrying except for the Northern man who had captured my heart so many years ago. I feared, however, that it was too late. I had already refused him, in a way, one time. In addition, I had humiliated myself with his advances and then fled. He very well may hate me; find me to be a tease, a whore. I shuddered to think about it. 

At that moment, Jacaerys barged into my room. 

"Sister," breathlessly he addressed me, "mother has requested us to go to Winterfell and treat with Cregan Stark." 

There was a hint of a smile on his face, although we both knew the task was serious. I had no immediate response to him, so he elaborated.

"I suggested that you come. I believe you should see him. Besides, it is the perfect excuse to go."

I turned away, suddenly emotional. I wiped at my face. "Perhaps he has already taken a new wife," I shook my head. "We only need one representative of the crown."

"You're coming," He said finally. I realized it was no longer a request, but an order.

"Does mother know?"

He shook his head. "This is for you to figure out. No interferences." I raised an eyebrow at him. "Except for mine, right now. I would hope that if we are to enter the Hell of war we can find at least some happiness within the chaos."

His words made me want to weep, realizing how much he has grown and how much more he will have to in the coming years. How much all my siblings would grow. I feared for the lives of my loved ones. Instinctively, I reached for my brother and pulled him to me. He hugged me back tightly. 

"It'll all be okay, little dragon," his old nickname for me made me chuckle into his shoulder, "tomorrow, we ride for Winterfell."

That night, I dreamt of Cregan. Brief, hazy glimpses of moments we shared in the past. Moments that made me fall in love with him. 

I saw him poised in front of Vermithor, no fear in those stormy eyes, his hand outstretched to stroke my beautiful dragon's scaled face. He had respected the authority of my beast, and Vemithor in turn had leaned into the Lord's touch. That moment had brought heat to my stomach and tugged at my insides. The Bronze Fury was not easy to befriend. 

I saw him across the altar in the sept where I took him on a tour, his head bent in prayer, dark hair framing his face. He had caught my eye and held it, unblinking, keeping it until I looked away.

I saw in the golden hour in the training yard, his gaze finding me between every attack. He moved like ice against his sparring partners: cold, calculated, hardened. No one bested him. When we walked to dinner together afterward, he walked behind me, and I had suddenly felt a tug at my hair. He gently pulled the ribbon holding my braid together - a braid commanded by my mother - letting my hair fall down my back. I like it down like this, he told me, wild and free, like you. 

Morning was unwelcome because it ripped me from the warmth of my dreams with him, but the realization that I was soon to be headed for Winterfell thrilled me. I quickly dressed and packed with my handmaidens before finding Jacaerys in the hallway. He said nothing, grasping my hand and nodding solemnly. We moved to the dragon pit together and prepared Vermax and Vermithor. When we exited the cave, I saw my mother and younger siblings watching on from above. 

"We should say our goodbyes," I told Jacaerys, "the Gods only know when the next time we will all be together is."

Jace nodded, and we joined with the rest of our family. I kissed each of the little ones on the forehead, pinched their cheeks, sniffed their baby skin, making every attempt to remember them as they were in case I was struck from the back of my dragon. Lucerys stood tall when I came to him, like the proud little fighter he was, and I gave him a tight hug and a squeeze of luck for his own journey. I worried for him dearly, but Lucerys was perhaps the most smart and capable of us Valeryen children, even at his young age.

"Good luck, raqiarzy," I spoke into his hair. He was nearly as tall as me at that point. "I shall see you soon."

My mother gazed at me with that look she always wore as I moved to stand in front of her. So diplomatic, so very regal. Sometimes I wished she would soften and just be my mother for a moment. But now, finally involved in diplomacy, who was I to her? Still her daughter, or some cancerous growth jeopardizing her claim?

I felt her arms around me. "Be safe," she whispered into my ear, "I love you, my daughter."

Tears filled my eyes and I hugged her back. I thought about all of our fights about my marriage. Who was I truly fighting? We were both shackled by tradition, still, I realized. Her claim had been an abstract future and now it had all come crashing down. She was still fighting the same battles against men that she believed to have won as a girl my own age. None of our past disagreements mattered now. Happiness and freedom were no longer mine to take for myself; they may be ripped from us all at any moment. 

My mother and I separated and she placed a kiss to my brow. Her stoic demeanor had faded and I could see wetness in her eyes. Jace offered me his arm and I reluctantly took it, turning away from my family and trying not to think about our uncertain future. 

The journey to Winterfell was long and cold, as many journeys on dragonback are, but I was comforted by the presence of Vermax and Jacaerys gliding back and forth below me. Our dragons, very different in size, flew quite differently. Vermax was nimble and slight, disappearing between clouds and darting in and out of sight easily. A formidable stealth opponent. Vermithor, on the other hand, was enormous and flew with simple, powerful strokes of his golden wings. He was fearsome, and I found him to be the most beautiful creature in the world. As terrifying as he was, our bond was strong. He never raised a tone at me; he grumbled and purred in my presence only, and awaited orders with undying loyalty. He had been my dragon since the time I was ten and four, and our relationship only strengthened by the day. 

The sky greyed as we flew further North and the air began to chill. I shivered not only from the cold but the impending reunion I was to have with Cregan. I had no idea what to expect. I had considered opening his letter but it was still too frightening to me. It left me even more unprepared for a conversation with him. 

When we reached Winterfell, Jacaerys and I circled Vermax and Vermithor a few times to signal our landing. We made no sudden moves towards the castle and its surrounding fortress, and landed in an isolated field. The wind whipped my long hair out from the veil I had tied around my head. It floated around my head like a halo as I squinted in the heatless sunlight. 

"Someone rides this way," Jacaerys called from the back of Vermax. He began to disembark and I glanced over to where he looked. A rider on a black horse, eighteen hands tall, came galloping towards our dragons. Vermithor let out a roar of distaste. He didn't like people coming near him - or me. I calmed him with coos in High Valerian and began to slide down his wing. The rider had stopped next to Jace and gotten off the horse.

As I crept closer, I knew it was Cregan. His stature was unmistakable. Tall and dominating against the bleak horizon in his furs. Gods, I had never seen him in his heavy Northern furs. It made me want to crawl within them, to feel the heat of his body around me. Coming closer, I saw him clap Jace on the shoulder with familiarity, and then turn his gaze to me. With no hesitation, he came towards me. I saw behind him Jace getting onto his horse, the ghost of a brotherly smirk on his face, and kicking the horse forward towards Winterfell. 

"What-" I began to question as Cregan came within arm's length of me, unable to finish as he pulled me to his chest in a tight hug. The furs were just as warm as they looked, and I melted into his arms. It had been so long since I smelled him. Like sap and smoke and ale and somehow roses. My arms snaked under the cloak and I could feel the hardened muscle of his body through his shirt. And then I realized - he was hugging me, as if he missed me, as if...

"I've missed you, my princess." He spoke into my hair. 

"You aren't angry with me?" I breathed into his cloak. He pulled back and took my chin in his calloused fingers, his face laced with confusion.

"How could I ever, my girl? You didn't read my letter?"

I flushed. "I was embarrassed. I thought you would have wanted me to keep quiet after I... lost control like that." He barked out a laugh, which would have made her feel ashamed had he not paired it with a gentle kiss to her cheekbone.

"I'll show you what losing control really is, someday," he kissed her cheek again and hummed. "Darling, I wrote you that letter and apologized for leaving so quickly... had it been up to me I would have stayed until you chose to see me again and asked for your hand right there. I had to get home to my son and my duties here but you have never left my head." Now it was his turn to flush as he recounted the contents of his letter. "I... I had begged you to someday consider me to be your husband if you ever found that marriage was something you wanted. None of my advisors could convince me to take another wife until I knew that there was no chance. I have held out hope for years, I have taken no other lover, and I beg you to end my agony and provide an answer," he dropped to his knee as if his body were giving out on him. "Is there a chance? Someday, that you would allow me to love you as I already do?"

It all became clear to me that my world was soon to fall apart, and standing in front of me was a man who was promising to stand by my side in the worst of times. As my family is torn apart and our power in the realm shattered. A smile crossed my face.

"You mean to tell me that the most eligible Northern Lord has been withholding his services from the ladies of the North, all because a faraway dragon rider was stuck in his dreams?" 

My teasing lilt was enough for him to look up at me and grin, standing to his full height towering over me. He grasped at my waist with one hand and cupped my face with the other. 

"They've been left wanting, I suppose." My Lord Stark said contemplatively. 

"As have ladies in the South." I told him, surprised by my own boldness and pleased by the delivery. 

He wasted no more time in capturing my lips, kissing me as if he were starved. He kept taking breaths to stare at me before continuing. His lips moved lovingly across my neck, my jaw, my throat, hungry to taste every inch of skin. After a while, I pressed against his chest and examined his face. It was even more beautiful up close than I remembered. His face an oval with hardened edges. Strong brows and thick pink lips that I was free to kiss. His hair pulled back haphazardly to keep from blowing in the wind. He kissed me one more time, this one softer than baby's breath, and held my head in one of his strong hands before nodding towards Winterfell in the distance.

"I let Jacaerys take my steed so we might walk together." He gestured back to the dragons. "Whatever they eat I will have brought to them."

"They'll eat anything. Even you," I poked his chest. 

"You just tell me if Vermithor ever starts feeling jealous. I shall begin to steer clear." 

We walked together, slowly, catching up after the last couple of years. I asked of his son and he told me that Rickon was nearly three years old. He stopped me for a moment. "I've already an heir. If we wed, I shall not force you to bear my children. You will never be just the mother of my children. You will be my wife." 

I smiled at that, saying nothing. Children hadn't crossed my mind. I supposed I was not ready to think about it. The way he spoke so definitely about our marriage gave me pause. 

"Cregan, I-" my words faltered, but I persisted. "I think you ought to know that I didn't come here just to see you." 

He chuckled. "I figured as such when you brought your brother and two dragons."

I blushed. "We need you and your army to stand by my mother. My uncle has taken her throne. My grandsire's crown was scarcely off his head before Aegon took it. My mother raises an army to stand against him. I am not a bargaining tool, I will not marry you for an army-"

"-I would never presume to trade you like an animal. The North will see your mother, the rightful queen, on her throne, you have my word. I want to marry you because I fell in love with you in King's Landing those years ago, and I wish for you to be free as you want to be. If marrying me is not how you will find your freedom, I will accept your answer." The concept seemed to pain him. 

Would marriage truly shackle me? Being with Cregan felt like being on dragonback for the first time. It felt like gliding over a lake of glass water, your arms outstretched. I had fought and fought for so many years to be free, but free from what? I now saw in front of me a new kind of freedom, away from the clawing hands that surrounded the crown always. I saw a man who chose me and respected my happiness. I looked around at the rolling hills and distant mountains. The cool wind on my face. Bustling people entering and exiting the gates of Winterfell. Perhaps I imagined it, but I heard laughter. Children. I closed my eyes for a moment and felt peace.

I opened them again to see the hopeful face of Cregan Stark awaiting my words. If what he said was true, would he remain here in front of me for the rest of my life, always waiting to grant my next wish?

I smiled. Reached out to him. Snaked my hands around his neck, brought his face close to mine. 

"I choose me," I told him quietly. "So, I choose you."

We sealed the betrothal with a kiss. 

[sabbathbloodysabbeth]

Never Say Die [2]

| Part one | you are here | part 3 | part 4

Everyone seemed to want a part two… so here’s another part! (Also name title comes from a Black Sabbath song lol)

Steve took a few steps in the house. His hands shook as he barely could see through the shirt that was over his face. Concealing his identity from the neighbors. He knows that Hopper and Joyce’s intentions were positive, but his mind was playing tricks on him. For a split second he was back in Russia, blind fold over his eyes as he’s being dragged from a van. Still in his sailer suit. Blood all over his face, the ashes of star-court still lingering on him. Not even given the chance to wash them off on the flight here.

Though When the blindfold is pulled off he’s in the doorway of a very nice home, not in the middle of a Russian cell. He can feel his body shaking a bit from the memory. Before he takes a shaky breath, closing his eyes. All of this seemed a little to easy. What if he was making it all up in his head? What if he was currently in a cell right now losing his mind. He wouldn’t put it past himself. He has had dreams so real about returning home before, to only wake up and get the shit beat out of him.

Hoppers quick to stand in front of him. Protecting him. Steve’s eyes snap open quickly, tears slowly forming in his eyes when he realizes what the older man is doing. It’s been a while since someone’s protected him, and not the other way around. Sure, once upon a time in the prison someone did protect him. But that barely lasted a couple of days before the guy disappeared in the middle of the night. Now Steve knew he fought a demogorgan and lost.

“Mom, what’s going on?” It’s Will’s turn to voice his concern. Steve can’t see him through Hoppers back but he knows how his face is pinched up. Joyce, who was currently standing next to Steve smiles shakily. Tears in her eyes, light footsteps moving fast across the wooden floor start to come in their direction.

“Will, everything’s fine. It’s just.. a surprise guest dropped in. A good surprise. “ Joyce explains putting her hand up. Gesturing for the other to stop. Which is what immediately happens. “Why don’t you go back and tell everyone to go gather in the living room. Let them know we’ll be out in a second.” Joyce instructs. Moving forward out of Steve’s sight. Who can already picture her smoothing the boys hair, wrapping her arms around Will in a comforting manner. Something he’s seen thousands of times and has always envied.

“And tell them, if any of them even think about stepping out of that living room I’ll make sure no one’s allowed to play that Dogs and Donuts game.” Hoppers voice is stern. Steve was standing behind him and it was bringing the fear of god into him. Though he has to hold back laughter because he knows the guy was purposely getting the name wrong.

A few footsteps and seconds past and he can hear Will in the living room. Voices starting to echo through the walls as both of the adults. Who were very concerned, pull Steve into the kitchen. Joyce is already pulling food out for him. Setting a plate on the table within seconds. He hesitates, before he’s moving and awkwardly sitting down. Eyes skimming the room. A habit of his that he’s picked up. Within seconds he already knows where he can exit quickly if it was needed.

“How are you alive?” Hopper asks first, getting straight to the point. Moving and leaning on the table as he looks at Steve with that serious expression again. The same one he held in interrogation rooms.

Steve chuckles shakily, “Russian Prison.” He answers simply before he’s wolfing down his food. He’s sure he was going to throw it up in a little bit anyway. It’s been a long time since he’s had home cooked food. His stomach was already shifting uncomfortably from how much he was eating. “I didn’t die during the explosion thingy, I hopped down and well. Here I am. Woke up in a van in the middle of Russia later on and found my way back home. In quick summary.” Steve explains quickly. Body tense at even the mention of the prison. Thankful for the fact Hopper knew when to back down from something like this. Eyes filled with concern.

“How do you want to do this?” He asks changing the subject.

“We can pull them one at a time in here and have them see you?” Joyce tosses the idea out there.

“No. Just want to rip it off like a bandaid. Get it all done and over with. I cant-” Steve says shakily. Dropping the fork on the plate as he stares down at the table. “I can’t choose who I want to see first. I want to see them all at once or none at all.” He admits. Moving his eyes up to challenge Hopper. Unsure whether or not they were going to allow him to see them. There shouldn’t be doubt in his mind, but there was just a smidge. Hard to trust anyone anymore. He barely knew the two adults in front of him. Only a few awkward conversations in the past.

“Alright… you ready?” Hopper asks. Moving to stand properly. Not even bothering to battle whatever imaginary war that was in Steve’s head. Steve was not ready, he never would be. He moves standing up. Left arm holding his side as he nods his head. Moving to follow the other. Hearing the hushed panicked voices in the living room. A couple curse words following along with them.

Before Steve can get a step in Joyce is stopping him. “Hold on, let me give them a warning.” She smiles softly before turning and moving into the living room. That was still mostly bare from the move in. Steve shakily crosses his arms over his chest as he tries to focus on breathing. He didn’t want to freak out to much while everyone was. He had to be the emotional rock. He looks down at the floor, not wanting to look up at Hopper. Faintly listening to Joyce begin to ramble right behind him.

“So… this wasn’t planned at all. It’s news to me.” She sounded like she was crying already. “But- this person. You aren’t expecting him and I know some of you are going to be excited to see him but he has some injuries. So maybe try not to jump him or overwhelm him.” Joyce warns. Everyone’s already starting to ask questions all at once. “I’m serious guys. He came from god knows where, doing god knows what.” She says finally hushing the crowd down.

Steve finally gets his signal from Hopper. His hands were shaking as he moves. Carefully limping a bit to the doorway. One hand on his side as he leans on it. Eyes landing on everyone in the room. Searching for Dustin and Robin. “Where’s Henderson?” Is his first question. Eyes squinting trying to see, his vision wasn’t nearly as good as what it used to be. Along with the fact he could barely hear out of his right ear. But thanks to the amazing government he was able to get a hearing aid fitted.

He knew that everyone was going to be shocked, but the way everyone’s faces go white makes a shiver go up his spine. All color leaving the room with the acceptation of Eddie and the boy with long silky hair. Both who didn’t know him. Steve’s looking around the group, to many faces and reactions overwhelming him before he sees Dustin throwing himself at him. Moving away from Eddie, who was stunned by how fast the kid could move.

Before he could tackle Steve, Hoppers catching him as says something. Dustin’s already in tears as he moves more carefully as he still hugs him. Steve’s hands shakily wrapping themselves around him, only taking a second before he’s tightly hugging the boy. Squeezing his eyes shut as he feels like one of the numerous missing pieces was just placed in his heart. He didn’t realize how much he missed the little shit until now.

“I watched you die.” Dustin sobs, body shaking in Steve’s arms. Steve feels like a leaf, he’s close to falling from the effort to keep them both up. He’s in tears himself, when he catches the green of his letterman jacket walking in from the other side of the room. Coming from the bathroom most likely.

“What’s happening?” Robins voice is loud and clear as she looks at everyone. Not given a chance to process Steve standing in the walkway.

“Didn’t figure you to be a basketball jock there buck.” Steve laughs softly. Watching as it all hits her as well. And she’s already sprinting, squirming out of Hoppers reach as she nearly tackles Steve and Dustin.

“Ow ow ow, I think you guys just turned my lungs to dust.” He gasps in pain. Both of them stepping back from him as he nearly falls. Holding his side, as he try’s to steady his breathing.

“Here let’s get you sitting.”

Steve nods his head as he moves to Joyce, who’s concern was only peaking. Leaning on her a bit as she helps him to the empty spot on the couch. Which was right next to Eddie. He’s coughing a little, lungs burning from the pain in his side. A shaky inhale of air as he looks at the other curiously. Before his eyes move to land over on the boy with silky hair who was watching him confused.

“Hey.” He chuckles awkwardly lifting his hand up as the boy smiles waving back at him.

“This- this is Argyle.” Jonathan pops in. Looking anxious at the sight of him. Nancy looked like she was a goldfish.

“Hey wheeler.” Steve chuckles, not caring about her what’s so ever. Who he cared about the most were both standing in front of him now. Nearly hyperventilating. He opens his arms out a bit, “come on you dorks. Be careful of the stitches though. I am not redoing them again.” He laughs as they both move carefully. Robin in his lap curling in on his chest. He moves getting comfortable, the exhaustion getting the best of him as he offers a arm for Dustin who was also seeking some comfort. His eyes and nose were burning from the effort of holding back tears.

“No offense but you look like shit, and I can barely see.” Max tosses in. Standing up now to get a better look at him.

Steve snorts, “I can barely see or hear and you sound and look like shit kid.” He says amused. Earning a snort. “What happened to you?” He asks curiously.

“Vecna.”

He freezes. Everybody was looking at him as he glances around, “wait the big cone head looking dude with the ET fingers?” Steve asks. He hadn’t realized that he had made it to Hawkins within the time he was away. He’s gotten hints, even seen him once. Drawings of what he looked like up on the Russian walls. From his understanding he created a portal, to trade demogorgans for the life of the prisoners. Which was apparently how he got so strong to be able to finally reach his way to Hawkins and use his powers without needing the person physically in the upside down.

“You know who Vecna is?” Eddie asks, speaking for the first time. His voice is wavering a bit as he does.

“Well that’s not what me and the prisoners called him. But yeah. We were wondering why he stopped… well snapping our bones like twigs for.” He admits.

“Prisoners?” Is the question everybody all say at once. He winces as he tries to stay relaxed. He was starting to get overwhelmed. As much as it was a relief to see all of them it was getting a little to much.

“Yeah, Russians don’t take to kindly to someone ruining one of their bases.” He chuckles dryly. “Can we- um change the subject.” He winces as he moves a hand up to his head. Feeling a migraine forming. His head hasn’t been the same since he was near that radiation shit in the mall. He blinks as he feels a random nose bleed starting to hit him. Feeling dizzy Robin and Dustin hop off from him when he starts to shake more while underneath them. El moving and offering him a tissue with a knowing look. His hands shakily take the paper, confused as to why she would be looking at him like that. It was just a random nose bleed, he wouldn’t be shocked if he got radiation poison or something.

He moves back into the couch after a second of wiping his nose, completely worn out. Blinking at the effort it was taking him just to stay here mentally. His eyes meet Joyce’s who was already getting Hopper on it. “You look exhausted hon, why don’t you go get some rest in our room.” She smiles as he nods. Moving, his legs begin to shake as he holds the bloody tissue to his nose. Walking the way Hopper wanted him to.

Unaware but fully aware at the same time of the amount of eyes that were on him.

So… I only had a few scenes that I really wanted to write for this. This was one of them. The next part I also really wanted, and I don’t know how I’m separating each part. I’m used to writing 10k word chapters so this is kind of like fresh air lmao. So I’m just writing to relief some stress as I graduate in less then a week 🥳 I just didn’t expect so many people to also want to read this.

Though, I would like to say if you like the idea of Steve disappearing and coming back out of nowhere I do have another fic called Bark at the moon! (Sorry self plug) it’s on a pined post on my account and the link leads you to ao3! (It’s werewolf steve fic and he does disapear😉) ok self plug over. Thank you guys for showing so much interest! It means the world to me!

Tag list; I tagged everyone who seemed interested! Let me know If you want to be added :)

@totallynotagoraphobic @flustratedcas @shunna @spookednsaucy @steddie-as-they-go @estrellami-1 @xxbottlecapx @gregre369 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thing-a-ling @radioactiveartz @bestwifehaver @idkwwhatimmdoiing @goodolefashionedloverboi @bringmethelow @thescribblerdragon @starman-jpg @lilaclilyroses @resident-gay-bitch @wolfscreations @adhdsummer @victor-thee-corvid @happymediummm @decadentworld @sidebarre @foundintheshallows @jamieweasley13 @yellowdevilkitten @catlovesfandoms @gryffindorsareidiots @thephantomhood

[preciouslittle-bhaalbabe]

Not one to beg.

Soft, sweet and fluffy mostly plotless smut brainrot because these two have made a small hole in my brain and they won't stop kissing ;w;

(this is the first time i've ever legit written any kind of smut so be gentle, if you can)

Ft: Astarion x my durge Tomie

It had been a few weeks since the party. Since the night Astarion and Tomie spent together. Astarion thought it would be just the same as any other seduction. But it wasn't.

Her touch, her skin, her voice, her blood. He craved it like a drug. Not only that, but she made him feel truly wanted. Not just his body, but his company. His time. Every time he insisted they give her neck a break and go hunting, she was right there with him. Tail swishing back and forth excitedly. She could never hide how much she enjoys being around him. He hated it, but he knows he shares the same feelings. She feels like home in a way he hasn't felt in centuries.

When she did let him feed, the rush of desire that floods into him is nearly impossible to bear. He has to stifle moans and keep his body from needily pressing against hers. She must have felt it. There's no way she couldn't. But she never said anything. She hasn't tried to instigate intimacy once since that night. Despite the near constant flirting, small cheek kisses and innuendo exchanged between them. Astarion is shocked. Some nights he had to settle for his own hand just to alleviate the yearning. She was driving him insane and she had no idea. Or maybe she did, and this was all on purpose.

That sly little minx.

One night, Tomie delcared she will be going off to bathe in the nearby lake.

"Alright! Don't take too long, dinner is almost ready" Gale says.

Tomie nods and begins to walk towards the lakes direction with a small towel and some soap. Her tail swishes and she casts the quickest sly glance at Astarion. A hint of a smile on her pretty lips. He watches as she disappears into the treeline. That was the final straw.

"I'm going for a walk" Astarion says. Not waiting for a response from the others. Walking in the opposite direction of Tomie to not rise suspicion. He will double back once he's far enough away from the camp. A few moments of aimless wandering and racing thoughts. Should he do this? Was she avoiding it for a reason? But if that's the case, why would she be teasing him so much? Gods, it's like he can smell her from here. Warm, spicy, indulgent. But wait, how? Did she get hurt?His pace quickened from a casual stroll to a sprint. Now rushing towards the direction of the water he hears small curses and gasps of breath. Not wanting to scare her, he hides behind a tree and peeks at the scene ahead.

She was in her undergarments, washing her day clothes in the lake. She had accidentally sliced her hand a little with a rock. Nothing too serious. She cast heal wounds on it within moments and looked around, making sure the blood didn't draw any predators. Once content, she went back to washing her clothes in the water then wading in herself. Still in her underclothes. She closed her eyes and floated there for a while. Looking truly at peace.

It's now or never. Astarion emerges from a tree, just the same as he did the first time.

"There you are" He says.

"Oh! Hi Astarion! Come to do some washing?" Tomie asks. A sweet seemingly innocent smile on her face. But a small glint in her eye indicated to him that she knew EXACTLY what she was doing.

"Something like that. I was drawn to the scent of your blood, I wanted to make sure you were alright" He tries to add as much velvet to his voice as possible. He's done this thousands of times before. Why would this be any different?

"Such a worrywart, don't tell me you've started to care have you?" Tomie says. Her voice soft as silk, putting his seduction attempt almost to shame. Tomie effortlessly swims to the lakeshore and emerges from the water, dripping, her undergarments clinging to every curve. Her ivory hair wet and slicked back, effortlessly cascading down her shoulders. She was a vision. She gently shakes herself off a little then meets her eyes with his. Her bright red eyes and cat-like pupils shine in the moonlight. He had never noticed that her eyes glow like that before. She approaches him and he finds himself leaning his back against the very tree he was hiding behind. He felt almost dizzy.

"Now, why don't you tell me why you're really here?" Tomie purrs. Her hands behind her back, leaning forward slightly. Her tail slowly waving side to side.

"Well" Astarion scoffs. "Isn't it obvious??" He's supposed to be the seductive one. Making people swoon with just a few words. How is it that this woman flusters him so?

"Not to me. See, I prefer when someone is direct. I want to know exactly what you need from me" Tomie brushes her fingertips against his arm, sending tingles all the way through his body.

"Darling, I'm not one to beg but-"

"No no, I don't want you to beg. I just want you to tell me".

Tomie's torso is flush with his now. Her tail twitches with anticipation as she continues tracing her fingertips against his arm. Looking up at him sweetly. He takes a deep breath and sighs once he realises he hasn't been breathing since she came out of the lake.

He takes her hand and starts kissing each fingertip, Slightly cold from the water. He drops the sensual facade. Neither of them want this to be a performance. In between kisses he admits to himself and to her:

"I need to taste you again, to feel you, to indulge myself in you". He says. His voice earnest and wanting.

"I want the same" she says. There's a hint of relief in her tone as she wraps her arms around his neck. They both rest their foreheads against each other. With a deep sigh he places both his hands around her waist, running them up and down her curves.

"Then why didn't you say anything? I've been losing my mind these past weeks" Astarion says, his voice gentle and low, barely above a whisper.

"I...I never want you to do anything you don't want to do" She cups his face in her hands and rubs her thumbs along his cheekbones. He melts into the sensation. She moves her head back to look directly into his eyes. Her expression so sincere, so gentle.

"I noticed how distant your eyes looked last time, and I know your experiences with sex haven't been exactly...Pleasant. I wanted to wait until you were ready."

"You sweet, generous thing" He places a small pecks on her cheek and forehead while she giggles. In one swift motion, he ducks to the side and spins her around so now she's the one against the tree.

"Ha,déjà vu" Tomie giggles.

He's tired of waiting. He grabs the back of her head and presses his lips against hers. She wraps her arms back around his neck and gently runs her fingers through his hair. He presses his thigh between her legs, causing a soft, sweet moan to come out of her. He slowly removes his shirt in between deep kisses, and unbuttons her damp undershirt with swiftness and skill. He will never get used to that feeling of skin to skin. She is so warm, so soft. Several weeks of pent up desire flood through him as he explores every inch and curve of her body with his fingers. Low moans and growls come from deep within his chest. Finally, he releases her so she can catch her breath. Her lips are pink and puffy from the kisses, her cheeks and ears flush with blood and desire. She moves her hand from behind his neck to his face as he play bites at her fingers. Giving her one last deep kiss then trailing smaller kisses down to her neck, brushing some of her hair out of the way.

"May I, darling?" Astarion purrs.

"Of course, Astarion. Always."

"Gods, my name sounds so sweet coming from you".

Holding the back of her head steady, he licks and kisses the small puncture scars on her neck made from previous encounters. He gently bites down and starts drinking her life essence.

"Hmmph" He groans in pleasure with every swallow. He holds her closely against himself. Craving to touch as much of his skin to hers as he can. He feels the warmth of her blood spreading between both of their bodies. Her blood alone is enough to drive him to madness. He starts to feel the slight buzz he gets when full. He unlatches himself from her neck before he drinks too much, gently licking the beading blood from the wound and his lips.

*sigh* "You are delectable, you know that?"

"You've mentioned it once or twice" Tomie coos.

"You're alright?" Astarion says. "Not lightheaded or faint?" He holds her face in his hands and kisses her nose.

"I'm perfectly fine" Tomie smiles.

"Good. Now where were we?"

He resumes kissing her. The sweet copper taste from her blood still on his lips. They clumsily find a soft patch of grass and lie down, Astarion on top. He presses himself against her skin as if he can't get close enough. They start rolling against each other in a slow, melodic tempo. He doesn't want to rush. He stops kissing her and sits up for a moment. Taking her in. Her chest rising and falling with every breath. Lidded eyes full of love and desire. Her mouth slightly open and lips parted.

"I think I need to taste you again, my dear"

"Oh? I'm not sure I have enough blood for tha- ah!"

He kisses his way down to between her legs. Gently massaging her flesh, and kissing and biting her inner thighs. He slowly removes her underwear, damp with water and arousal, and moves his kisses closer to her aching sex. He looks up at her again from between her legs.

"May I, darling?" Astarion says with a smirk.

"Gods yes." Tomie says, breathless.

"Ah ah, yes what?" Astarion says coyly.

"Yes, Astarion".

A low moan comes from deep within him as he wraps his lips around her slit. His tongue slowly parting her lips to expose her clit. Her sweet juices covering his mouth within moments. He kisses and licks her clit slowly and gently, then with more force. Tomie starts to squirm and shake from the sensation. When he is sure she is about to go over the edge, he stops.

A dissapointed sigh comes from her.

"Don't worry darling, I'm not going to leave you hanging".

He removes his pants and exposes is throbbing length, sopping wet from arousal. He comes back up to meet her lips and presses deep kisses against her. He brings his elbows up to prop himself up while cradling her head. He hooks his leg under hers and brings it upwards. Then slowly slides the head of his cock between her slit tentatively. Rocking back and forth. A frusterated moan comes from her between kisses and with a laugh, he decides they've both had enough teasing. He finally slides himself in. A small whimper threatens to escape from his lips.

"Gods, never make me wait that long again, my dear" Astarion says breathless.

"Never again" Tomie moans.

They rock together in smooth motions, slowly at first then increasing in speed and desperation. Tomie pushes against him and they roll over so that Astarion is now lying on his back.

"You don't have to do all the work you know. Let me spoil you for once" Tomie purrs.

She slides herself back onto his length and begins to thrust her hips in rhythmic motion. Astarion places his hands on her hips to keep them steady. She looks stunning riding on top of him like this. Taking him in completely. She leans forward and they continue to rock and kiss against each other. Small whimpers come from Astarion as he grips her tighter. Thrusting more vigorously. She can't hold herself back anymore and rides into her orgasm. Legs shaking slightly and her pussy pulsing against his throbbing cock. He's not far behind, they both moan into each others mouths between kisses as they pass over the edge of bliss. Tomie collapses onto Astarions chest as they both giggle. Astarion wraps his arms around her and strokes her back. They both stay silent for a few moments. Cuddling into each other and slowing their breaths down.

"So, what do you think Gale made for dinner?" Tomie asks, looking up at him. Astarion lets out a hearty laugh.

"I don't know, but I'm sure it's nothing compared to the meal I just had."

Tomie giggles, then relaxes back onto his chest. He doesn't quite know what they are, or what he's feeling. But he does know that this? This is nice.

[sadnightforus]

[2:20 PM] It’s 5:32 pm, or at least, the time that you last checked to be. You both are standing by the riverside, listening to music as you’re sharing an AirPod on each side of the ear. 

 If you’re asking yourself why you find yourself at this exact moment, it’s because you and him are the best of friends. But everybody and their families seem to be completely convinced that you and Hong Seunghan have something going on. 

 They’re not wrong for speculating about it. You are convinced that you both feel something for each other, but however, neither you or him are able to bring up the secret feelings for each other without ruining the good friendship you both shared. Worse, what if he doesn’t like you back and everything he has done for you was just coming from a place of genuine kindness that views you in nothing but in a friend way? 

“This song’s good.” He comments. You nod along because it’s your first time hearing it and the drums already catch your attention. 

 Truthfully, you’d argue that the song is better than just being good, no, it’s a masterpiece. The Melodies evoke a steady emotion, the one that makes you explode with happiness when you’re thinking about him. 

“Is it your first time hearing this song too?” He questions, seeing how quiet you are when you’re trying to observe something. 

“Yes. I like it.” You say, trying to avoid direct eye contact with him because you know that you’ll lose yourself to him if you dare losing yourself into the gigantic world that shines so brightly in his gaze. 

 You observe his beautiful face and you think about how odd it is that if you tell your younger self that you’ll grow up to like your male best friend, you’d laugh at yourself while also coaching on why falling for your best friend is not an ideal situation and would most likely cause heartbreak. But you’ve never been good with following the rules, all that you know is that you like to follow your heart. 

 Then you turn to look at the river, then at the bridge where lines of cars keep driving past the both of you. The soft rhythm of the wind blows discoordinate his hair just a bit and you almost lose your breathe at how magical he looks at this very moment as you both share an AirPod. 

“The static and the noise, 

You got my attention

You make me wanna….

Live like it’s the last moon rising

Scream just like no one’s there

Lose all of my defenses 

Hold you, touch you, love you like it’s 

A very last moment in time.” 

 You’re stunned. 

 What was that?

 You turn to look at him, eyes wide in confusion as his face mirrors yours, but his expression was more panicked and anxious if anything else. 

“Did you pick that song on purpose?” You question, find yourself troubled when confronted with such a situation. 

 Although you wish that it’s not just a pure coincidence that the song includes such lyrics, you still think it’s almost impossible that he’d reciprocate your affection and it’s not just a one sided longing coming from you. 

“Would it be a lie if I said no?” He speaks slowly, his eyes now hold so much hope and love behind it. 

 It clears all of your doubts from earlier, as how serious he needs your love, just as much as you need his. You proceed with the next question, not daring to speak as loud as you once were. 

“Do you mean what you said?” 

“Yes, I do.” He answers more clearly, remaining in eye contact. Which almost makes you more self conscious and you wonder how blind you had been to sweep off his sweet actions as just things that friends do. 

“For how long have you been feeling like that?” 

“It’s been 6 years now, I think.” 

 He likes you for that long?

 It’s unbelievable that he takes an interest in you as a person, romantically for a long time. You only stopped denying your feelings for him just 2 years ago and you spent years denying and self-rejecting from the growing feelings for him for how long, ever since you both became friends 8 years ago. But all those times that you were trying to stop yourself from looking at him in more than just a friendly way, he was pining after you?  

 Your head spins and you feel like you’re suddenly so dizzy. You’re about to cry and you want to ground yourself the high you’ve experienced. 

“You like me too, right? Please tell me that I’m not reading the signs wrong.” He whispers out so quietly, you almost didn’t catch it if not for the closeness you both share. 

“You’re not.” You shake your head in disagreement. He takes a big breath, you can sense he’s anxious as the next word escapes his lips.

“I love you, Y/N.” And you look up as you’re smiling, letting the tears fall from happiness as you copy his words.

“I love you too, Seunghan.”

You let your tears slip as you bury your face into his chest. The music is long forgotten even though it’s still playing in your ear. 

 As the sun begins to set, the music still hums in both of you guys’ ears without both of you wanting to pause it. The beautiful scenery is there to cheer you onto the next step you’re taking with him.

 And in that moment, there is nothing that reflects his eyes or yours brighter than the love and affection that each of you burn yourself with for each other.

COPYRIGHTED BY SADNIGHTFORUS, 2023

A/N: A very last moment in time by lindsay lohan inspired this. and omg it’s 954, I’m losing it fr

reblogs, comments and likes are appreciated!

[tinycheesecakedetective]

Potential Swap AU? + Ramblings pt. 1(OLD)

So with Mystic Flour cookie just coming into my life yesterday, I have finally found reprieve from the art and writing block that has beat my ass since the end of finals. Now with this newfound freedom I have found the inspiration to continue here. And fittingly enough, I have another ancient swap idea. Call it cliche, I know.

However, instead of just trading traits, like making Dark Cacao the Beast of Apathy and vice versa, I'd like to take their existing vices and virtues and use that as a springboard. This also means I have to get creative with some of the beasts' personalities, so if anything ends up being inaccurate, I wash my hands clean of it. This is all speculation, after all. I also want to split this into parts so I don't end up overwhelmed with too many paragraphs. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's begin the swappening!

White Lily Cookie: Beast of Discord and Silent Salt Cookie: Ancient Hero of Harmony

Yes I'm going out of order, what of it? They were easy. Too much freedom leads to chaos and anarchy the same way too much order leads to oppression and, well, silence. White Lily has always been free spirited, and was the odd one out of the ancients from the jump. Heck, before the first Beast Yeast update she didn't even have a kingdom(still don't think she should have one.) She's reserved, curious to a fault, and has crippling self worth issues. So what happens if she becomes corrupted? You get Dark Enchantress Cookie.

...No, I'm serious. This is why these two were easy; one of them is kind of canon already.

Dark Enchantress Cookie is essentially the other example of what happens when Solidarity goes too far. White Lily went to find out the secrets of creation for the sake of cookie kind, and when she found out the truth she was reborn and swore to unite all of Earthbread by any means necessary. It didn't matter if she would cause destruction and chaos in her wake, she was going to make it happen. You could argue that DE could also represent Silence, but her preferred method of taking control is destabilization and recruitment, whereas I'm assuming(heavy on the assuming here) Silent Salt's way of control was more complete annihilation and forced subjugation. So if you wanted to make WL a beast, just take her and DE and put them in a blender.

The way I see it, Lily would have no kingdom; rather she'd be a forest guardian, with other cookies acting as rulers instead of her. Leaving her plenty of time to visit other areas as the Virtue of Solidarity, and when becoming a Beast she'd curse the lands she once protected. The forest would become a wasteland of madness, nigh uninhabitable and overrun with all sorts of terrible creatures. Stepping into the area would immediately separate you from whatever group you came with, and staying there too long would drive you to insanity.

Silent Salt, in contrast, would resemble the Cacao Kingdom the most, just having Arthurian Knights as inspiration rather than the Korean influence Dark Cacao had. Fitting considering how many people thought they and DC were connected. I can't say much on their personality, but I would assume that they would be firm and the most organized out of the sin squad. The tactician, if you will. Speaking of chocolate, though.

Dark Cacao Cookie: Beast of Obstinance and Mystic Flour Cookie: Ancient Hero of Prudence

Well, well, well. If it isn't these two again. I'm still buzzing off of the trailer, so let's not hesitate any longer. Obstinate means to stubbornly stick to an opinion, purpose, or direction in spite of reason or persuasion. It's an unmovable object, incapable of change because it believes its way is the only way. We've already seen the negative effects of Dark Cacao's resolution through characters like Dark Choco and Affogato, who have been driven away by him or went to extremes for their goals, as well as the positives with Caramel Arrow and her determination. The first time we saw him he was essentially like this, which rippled outwards and affected everyone. I am not surprised he's the first one to succumb to his respective beast, albeit temporarily.

In this AU, I don't feel that his kingdom would change that much. I feel like his kingdom would just become a full on military fortress, with no one coming in and no one getting out. His army would need to be completely loyal or face punishment, and the outside villages would be in total servitude as slaves. If you can even enter, the atmosphere would be downright oppressive, making it hard for anyone to stand, much less move forward. There are numerous levels to his fortress, each testing your fortitude in various ways, Spire of Order style.

For Mystic Flour, I will be using she/her and they/them interchangeably because they have not yet been confirmed as female(but it is heavily suspected.) According to the wiki, Mystic Flour is heavily inspired by Buddhism, more specifically a deity named Guanyin, who was an all seeing, benevolent being that could alleviate the Earth's sorrows with infinite mercy. Knowing this, I have a few ideas of how they might act in game. Perhaps before they became the cookie personification of the plague, she also had future vision of some kind and was able to see events and disasters before they happened, and knowing this she tried to intervene when they could. Maybe whenever she tried to intervene it didn't help, and that's how she stayed. Like DC, they were definitely the first to turn and resorted to killing everyone to help guide them to eternal peace.

In order for her to be Prudence, I would imagine instead of them simply not caring or killing everyone, she would take a different approach and instead intervene as necessary. Their "kingdom" would be similar to a temple, acting more as a monastery then an actual kingdom. If there was a kingdom it would be somewhat separate, with people making pilgrimages to her area rather than them ruling directly. From there cookies could make requests or advice, and depending on the situation she would intervene as necessary, being careful as to not overstep. Because of her cautiousness I imagine that they would be somewhat resented by some of the commonfolk for not stepping in more and being passive, but those closest to them would revere her for their wisdom and sense of control.

And that's all for now! I've been staring at this post for too long and these two are the ones I was able to present at the moment. If you have any suggestions or just want to say something funny, the ask box is open for anyone. I will be trying to take questions and figure out how the asks work.

[bolognamayhem117]

Title: "Looking at Something?"

Length: 2500 words

Pairing: Astarion/M!Tav, elf/elf, paladin/rogue

POV: Tav(Rorik)

Themes: Aggressive flirting, praise kink (if you turn your head and squint), safe for work, mild angst, retconned Canon Dialog.

Warnings: trauma, manipulation, anger, neck wounds, alludes to distant past and recent abuse.

Author's Notes: First and foremost a disclaimer, I created this character on my first playthrough after Robert and I bought the game a year ago. I picked up the controller with zero knowledge of the game's contents after being told you could play as a vampire. I said "That's bold of the developer, fuck it, I'll make Rorik's dumb ass and smeagol my way through the forgotten realms or whatever..." Turns out the person who told me that was referencing the Astarion Origin playthrough. I said "Screw It I'm Doing It Anyway! With the power of IMAGINATION." To my delight and surprise it really wasn't all that hard to use paladin spells, items, scroll hoarding, and armor to very closely model the homebrew build of Rorik the Degenerate Dhampir Sun Worshipping Paladin. He has his own issues which this ficlet hints at. He's cringe, be gentle.

Fic Summary: Astarion is looking for reassurance or praise or... Something, and then the writer remembered they used the intelligence as a dump stat to boost their Tav's charisma and rolled with it. Mentions a friend's character. I only barely proofread so consider this your warning.

Tagged at request: @ghostkingart

“Looking at something?” Astarion addressed Rorik when the paladin passed behind him and paused.

Rorik was tired, he'd stopped on his way back from a piss because something wasn't right. He’d been too beaten by the beasts of the underdark to process the scene before him for its absurdity. The vampire spawn was holding a hand mirror, scowling into it as if scorn might make his reflection appear in its smooth glitter.

The high elf angled the mirror in such a way that Rorik could see himself. Did he always look so serious? Yet disinterested? Rorik seldom sought his reflection, it wasn't a countenance he wanted to face.

“Just looking. What are you doing?”

“I'm looking too, but not seeing very much” Astarion told Rorik almost softly, sadly. “Another quirk of my affliction.” he spat the last word as if it tasted rancid, eyes dark and lips cutting a sour pout.

Rorik had heard these sorrow-songs many times in his homeland and beyond. He was no stranger to this agony, but it never got easier to hear it, even from a spawn he hardly knew, harboring a strain of the cursed malady he was not so familiar with. It seemedthat no matter the variant, it affects one's reflection in glass treated with a paper thin veneer of silver.

Rorik played the fool, wrong as it felt to pretend he needed to ask questions in order to guess how Astarion might feel about not having seen himself in centuries.

“Do you miss it? Seeing your own face?”

“Preening in the looking glass? Petty vanity?!” He bordered on sounding offended, but his expression shifted with the same flippancy as his whims. Sometimes Rorik wondered if Astarion was making himself hard to read on purpose. Now, with a short but heavy pause, he went on with a longing about the droop of his shoulders and the way he looked at the other man, perhaps with jealousy. “Of course I do…”

He continued.

“I've never even seen this face. Not since it grew fangs and its eyes turned red.” And then, those scarlet eyes plunged back into darkness with his last syllables. His seething glare burned as hot as the Sun's love burned his vampiric skin in the day, before the illithid worm at least.

Rorik tried a question he'd heard many times before, sometimes even directed at himself. It might keep him talking. “What color were they before?”

“I... I don't know. I can't remember.” His glare softened with something that half revealed him, but the outraged anguish returned to him, as it tends to do. “My face is just some dark shape in my past. Another thing I've lost.”

Astarion threw down the mirror as he finished, it cracked as it struck the packed earth beneath them. If they were standing in a proper room of wooden or brick floor then the mirror would have shattered in a spectacular fashion.

Spiteing the fact that Astarion needn't air to live, he drew pants of heavy breath as he bared his teeth in his anger. He had every right to be angered, all spawn do.

Patience, Rorik reminded himself. As much as it went against his instincts to stick around within range of teeth while their owner bobbed between drowning in their own righteous fury and the oblivion of sorrow, there was always something about Astarion which lured him in. Rorik could still look at himself in a mirror, most of the time, and he thought maybe the reason he hadn't yet walked away from Astarion while he tantrumed about his past, present or Casador might just be because: he could see his reflection in Astarian, too. His pain felt all too familiar.

“What?” Astarian broke him from his thoughts.

Rorik corrected quickly, unsure what his own expression had revealed. He straightened a head that had tilted toward his left shoulder, fixed his eyes which he guessed had softened upon Astarian’s anger on base instinct. Too close. He'd almost fallen victim to his old habits, but Astarian was no flailing racer stallion who required the softness of a coddling stable pony to calm him. And Rorik was nobody's pony anymore.

“I'll be your mirror. What do you want to know?” It was a cheap distraction, yes, but he found in it genuine empathy. Astarian couldn't see himself, hadn't seen himself in two-hundred years, he deserved the next best thing.

“I want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. What you see.” Astarian replied with another reflection, this time of Rorik’s own sincerity.

The deferring tipping of Astarian's head told it all. A wound had been bared for Rorik to examine, one he could grind salt into and Astarian knew that. It was the scattered moments of vulnerability that helped Rorik stay, too.

He feigned a smile just in time, before his silence convinced Astarion that something was wrong. The others' brows were already creased as he braced to be hurt.

“Well, the shmutz of bullette viscera smeared on your left cheek has my attention right now.” Rorik jabbed casually.

Astarion scrubbed his wrist over his face with an irritable grimace, following Rorik's gesture to find the supposed smear of gore, only to find nothing because Rorik was having a little fun at his expense. Astarion was fastidious in his grooming. He’d missed nothing when he'd washed.

Rorik was rewarded with a glare, so he laughed, “If I didn't like you, I wouldn't jest… I'm not a poet, I'm not romantic by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't do flattery. So brace yourself.”

“Oh.. Kay…?” Astarion murmured.

Rorik straightened his posture to look Astarion from the toe of each tidy elvish crafted loafer up to the top most curl of his head of white silver. Consciously taking him in only topically.

“If I were unbiased and this were my first impression: Your face is long but not overly narrow. Your nose is very straight, cutting a tidy profile. I imagine you've never had it broken. The fairness of your skin hints at a noble upbringing; a childhood spent indoors rather than under the gaze of the noon sun. Your hands are clean and unmarred, so for certain you're not a laborer. You are clearly particular about how your hair is done every morning… Your jaw is angled sharply toward your chin but is neither too strong nor too weak. It suits you well. Your lips are full which reinforces an air of youth about you, and your upper lip is just a bit thicker than the lower without being distracting… About five foot and eleven inches, shoulders broad enough to mandate care toward them when having garments tailored… In all, The world sees a young elf.”

Rorik bit the end of his tongue as he finished, holding back the last and decidedly biased thought: that he saw all these things too but accompanied by eyes which looked as tired as he often felt himself.

Astarion's expression was empty yet soft, gaze drifting into the middle distance until the very end when his brows furrowed and his mouth twisted as if something had curdled in it.

“Eugh! Must you always make everything sound so clinical!? You told Edmund this morning the cactus where your heart should be has beautiful flowers and that was backhanded!” Astarion mocked Rorik's northerner accent, badly, “I know you can do better than that. Ugh, for shits’ sake, why do you find me attractive? Why does anyone find me attractive, Rorik?”

That took Rorik off guard. This wasn't just about forgetting one's own appearance, was it? It was about Astarion understanding how the world was affected by his body being in it. Rorik shifted in discomfort, now put on the spot to summarize the things he personally found alluring. He felt almost dirty saying it.

“I- suppose people can't help themselves but to admire? You're striking. Perfectly styled snow hair, you're well formed… Em, lovely skin? like opal? White opal. Were you true symmetrical I would've drawn my sword, having mistook you for a stone wit-”

“I- I'm not symmetric?? Where is my face uneven!? Tell me this instant!” The high elf squawked, hands smoothing up the planes and dips of his visage in search.

Rorik snorted. Astarion seemed like the type to become offended at the mention of a slightly uneven cupid’s bow. Best not add to his self image anxieties too much. A true lie would have to do.

“You have a freckle or two, perhaps from your recent love affair with the sun.”

“Freckles?!”

“Oh, relax. Not near as many as me.” Rorik reassured.

“Hmph. That was… Better-ish, I suppose. You're onto something, keep going.”

Rorik's expression pinched with realization. “Is that all you're after? Shallow praise?”

“Hardly! I'm also after gold, sex, revenge. Quite the list, really, and failing any of those I will always settle for: shallow praise.”

“Fuck that noise. I can do better than patting your ass with a couple cheap compliments.”

“Care to expand on that? I can't tell if I'm being derided or offered an upgrade from your awkward small talk.” Astarion harrumphed and began picking under his fingernails, apparently checking out of the conversation in a display of boredom.

Rorik stepped closer to recapture his attention, spurred forward by a volatile cocktail of embarrassment, ego, and vindictiveness that had spilled in close proximity to the competitive streak within him.

“I used to be good at this. I swear. You'll just have to be patient while I call it back to me.” Rorik leveled in a low rumble, and it was no bluff. Idle worship of a bloated ego had saved his skin in his youth more times than he could count. This bordered too close to an exhumation of the corpse of his past, but if the occasion calls for it in the name of harmless fun: then let old habits lumber about like a fucking zombie.

Astarion's eyes lit themselves with dark amusement, leaning in too with a smug sneer, “Call louder. I think it ran straight past you.”

Rorik wasted no breath on the others' taunting. He delivered. “Your eyes are extraordinary, they burn through people like a branding iron. I'd rather face a devil I’d sleighted.”

Astarion let loose the bark and giggle of laughter which used to grate on Rorik's nerves, “Oh, not bad… and you said you don't do flattery! Do go on.”

That's one point to Rorik. He wanted more than that. He wanted to win whatever this was. “They have their moments of immeasurably inviting softness, too. Eyes like yours tend to get their way with me, if I'm being honest… And don't let that go to your head.”

“Ha! Hard not to. That's a dangerous admission.” Astarion swayed his shoulders and hummed with an odd, rich texture in his voice. His expression was guarded, however.

“Awareness of one's weaknesses is healthy, I'm told..” Rorik commented rather pointlessly. Choosing pretty analogies for the features of a face he found attractive felt more risky than it should. Rorik's jaw and throat felt hot for no particular reason. “Moving on. Your smile is deadly. Like a bear trap lined with sweet meats and candied fruit. A pout, a grin, a laugh, they all draw me closer…”

Closer. Astarion must've taken the utterance of the word as an invitation. He brandished that smile like a blade now and brought them near nose to nose. “Yes, yes. You're right. But we know better, don't we, Rorik?”

Not fair. Rorik’s naked skull felt like it was on fire, and the feeling was not limited to neck and up.

“We do. You can't lure bats with candy in pretty wrappers.” he tilted his head with his words, ever so minutely, exposing the angry punctures in his throat.

“If it isn't the sweet taste that draws you in, then what is it? Tell me Acolyte.”

Rorik shook his head. “You know I'm a masochist. You know the answer to that.”

“Aw, Little Treat longs to be trapped? How delightfully demented.”

“Mm,” Rorik offered a solemn nod. It was another admission of those dirty weaknesses. “Last thing for now-”

“For now?” Astarion crooned, grinning wickedly as he underlined Rorik's implication that he may have more to say on this particular topic at a later date.

“For now,” Rorik confirmed but teased… Teasing? He'd never teased like this, in this context, before. Best end on a note of humor, “Speaking of teeth, you've the most polite little feedin’ fangs.”

“...What?” Astarion straightened then and leaned away.

Rorik must've thrown him off his rhythm with that one. Right. Astarion was from a small coven, and apparently not one which enjoyed the bleak humors of the condition.

Rorik leaned minutely closer and bared his razors in a grimace with a finger directing attention to them. “I'm saying, your teeth look almost normal. At least compared to these lawn shears I was saddled with. Your smile is still sharp, but passable. Many with the condition aren't so lucky.”

“Good to know I'm not a complete freak.” Astarion harrumphed.

“Maybe I crossed the line. I forget, not everyone reconciles it all so easily.” Rorik admitted, but refused to backpedal that last opinion.

“I suppose I can give you a pass on it, given that you were born with… All of that.” Astarion gave a waving finger gesturing to all of Rorik as he half-accepted the half-apology.

Rorik couldn't help but chuckle and look away, the imagery brought to mind was too heinous and ridiculous all at once. “Well, I was indistinguishable from the living until I consumed blood at fifteen-ish but, sure. I wasn't bottle fed monk blood as a tot. Couldn't imagine that horror.”

"Normal children are horrible enough… Now, why don't you just tell me I'm beautiful and we'll call it an evening.” Astarion shifted the topic smartly, but looked away for a moment too.

The dance was strange. Rorik wasn't sure what they were doing, but he sort of liked it.

“You're alright, Gale is more my type.” Rorik lied, blatantly.

“How dare you!” Astarion's tone was playful, rather than offended, although it's always hard to tell with Astarion, “I thought we had something special… Still, you're nice too. I’d better get some beauty sleep. It seems I need it if I'm to catch up with the competition.”

Rorik could only shake his head. Everyone has a type. Astarion's was apparently fractured faces and a malignant glare. Rainar's glare. Rorik quickly tossed aside the errant thought and the accompanying cruel memory. He dipped his head before deciding to attend his own sleep.

“Sure sure, but do tread with caution. The pursuit of perfection is perilous, and you're already knocking on the door.” Rorik offered with a smirk. This game was… fun.

“Hhmf! Says he's not romantic,” Astarion mocked talking to himself, shooting a dark glance and that dangerous smile over his shoulder as Rorik retreated to his bedroll by the fire.

[pumpkincarriage3]

The Fairy Godmother Has a Sadistic Streak | Sebek Zigvolt X Reader (Valentine's Special)

Prompt: (Character) must profess their true feelings by midnight or risk losing it all

Synopsis: Sebek was annoyed and with plenty good reason. There was absolutely no reason for his Dormmate to curse him over something as trivial as being lectured. And it wasn't as if Sebek was the one in the wrong! But now he must confront his feelings or risk losing all he's worked for.

Extra: The Reader is gender-neutral in this. The Reader is also implied to be Yuu. Set around Halloween.

A curse. Sebek of all people had been cursed. Over something as simple as a lecture that had been rightfully gained at that! Sebek, with a bitterness, remembers what had happened keenly. Everyone in Diasomnia had been watching Ramshackle Dormitory diligently, or at least, they were all supposed to be watching the dormitory with a pair of sharp eyes. Lord Malleus had given the order himself!

"Watch over the Ramshackle diligently." Lord Malleus had ordered. "I hadn't expected for the humans to bombard the building as they have been. They've caused a disturbance to the residences that have so generously offered their home for Halloween. No one that hasn't been invited in is to make their way into Ramshackle Dormitory, do I make myself clear?"

"Of course, Lord Malleus!" Sebek had called in confirmation. Been long since through with the people that kept hovering around the dormitory. They had no respect for anything! And while Sebek knows that their Long based decorations are splendid, as they were chosen by Lord Malleus himself, there was no reason for people to act as if they had lost any sanity over it.

Sebek knows he wasn't the only one with such thoughts. With such anger directed at the people that kept invading their exhibit as if they owned the land and everything that encompassed it. He knows he wasn't the only one with such feelings. For the others had cried out in anger at the supposed 'Malleus Draconia Challenge', that the others were upset Halloween was being trampled on with no respect.

It may not be the Halloween Sebek was used to. Not at all similar to how it was held in Briar Valley. But it was still Halloween and needed to be treated with the respect that it deserved.

Sebek remembers what had led him to standing outside Ramshackle Dormitory. His hand hovering hesitantly over the Dormitory door. He didn't want to knock. Didn't want to say anything. This way wasn't proper at all. If Lilia knew what he was doing, he'd probably be ashamed, seeing as Sebek was going about this in all the wrong ways. Not sending a missive first, like Lilia had once taught him.

But curses were serious things. Curses by fairies even more so. Sebek knows this. He'd grown up in Briar Valley after all. And something to know about fairies, something fairies are aware of themselves, is how they react to petty slights.

Even if Sebek was to get the curse lifted, the fae that had placed the curse on him would probably just find something much worse. And he wasn't going to rely on Lilia, Silver, or Seven forbid Lord Malleus. Sebek would simply have to get this over with and deal with the miscreant himself.

Someone had broken into Ramshackle Dormitory again. Sebek remembers Grimm hissing and spitting up a storm in rage. Not that Sebek could truly blame them. For they had all promised the Monster and the Prefect that they wouldn't let anyone else get close. They had set up night shifts for this very purpose, because people kept breaking in even after Night Raven College's Gates had closed.

Lilia had found the pair, outside Diasomnia dormitory. Bruises were all over the Prefect. Some fresh, newly formed. And some had already formed throughout the week from the various different break ins. Sebek was aware of this. He had been very aware of the fact that bruises kept showing up on the Prefect through class all week.

It was with this knowledge that had sent him in a rage. Where he had grabbed his baton and had set out, not saying anything to the Prefect or Grimm. He didn't have anything to say to them, for he and everyone else had failed them. But Sebek was going to fix it. Starting by tracking down the student that had failed to stay at their post.

And when Sebek finally did find them? The sight he came across only served to infuriate him more. For there was a Diasomnia student, cuddled up to a young lady that was most certainly not a student of Night Raven College. Now, Sebek wouldn't assume that she had been one of the ones that had broken into the Ramshackle building, but he at least knew she wasn't supposed to be here.

"And what is it that you think you're doing?! Abandoning your post! There is no greater dishonor!" Sebek shouted, causing the pair to jump apart.

The girl looking mildly embarrassed at having been caught. Sebek's fellow dorm student on the other hand? He looked nearly as annoyed as Sebek felt. Not that he could possibly be as enraged as Sebek was. Not with how he was acting. Not with what his actions caused.

"I was just meeting up with my girlfriend. I don't get the chance to see her that often with how Night Raven wor--" The fae began, explaining as if it would make his misdeeds go away.

"It doesn't matter if the last time you saw her was last week or last year, you were given a duty to guard Ramshackle Dormitory! And while you have been here canoodling with your significant other, Ramshackle Dormitory was broken into! Again!" Sebek snapped. The fae before him floundering for an explanation that could get him out of this. An explanation he would never find.

"I only stepped away for a few moments! How could I have possibly known it would have been broken into in that time!" The fae snapped. And while Sebek was sure the student only saw it as a few moments, for fae couldn't lie, the fae had a very different sense of time. Something everyone was well aware of! Not to mention the fact of stepping away from guard duty at all, for any reason, was out of the question!

"You shouldn't have stepped away at all!! You had a sworn duty to protect and look after the building and its inhabitants! A duty given to us all by Lord Malleus! There is no excuse for your actions!" Sebek snapped. The only thing keeping him from hitting the fae over the head with his baton was the fact that his girlfriend was present, and she already appeared on edge.

Sebek wasn't happy with her either, she had broken on to school grounds, but there was no way of knowing if she had any idea what her significant other was supposed to be doing. Attacking the fae just may lead her into the altercation, for Sebek didn't know how she would respond. Honestly, this entire situation could have been avoided if Sebek's fellow dorm student had just done his job!

"You're just saying that because you have feelings for the Ramshackle Prefect!" The student had argued.

"That isn't it at all! You were given an order by Lord Malleus to--!" Sebek attempted to correct, but was so rudely cut off.

"Oh please, get over yourself. Lord Malleus may care about this rickety old building, but its not like the inhabitants are that important anyway--!" Sebek wasn't proud of his next actions, seeing as he did end up attacking the student with his baton even though he told himself he wouldn't moments before.

Which is exactly what led to him being cursed. Something along the lines of 'If he didn't confess his true feelings for the Ramshackle Prefect by tomorrow before Midnight, everyone would lose their memories of him. It would be as if he never existed.' 

It was the entire reason Sebek was outside of Ramshackle Dormitory.  The reason he wasn't doing things the proper way. Resolving himself, he knocked on the door and waited.

He waited and waited. And when the door was finally answered, it wasn't the Prefect who responded.

"Ho ho ho, what do we have here?" One of the ghosts laughed. All three crowding the door. It was typically the Prefect who answered, but with the Magicam Monsters, the probably felt as if they couldn't do so. That since the Diasomnia students clearly weren't doing an upstanding job, the ghosts would be the ones to answer.

The thought hurt more than Sebek cared to admit.

"May I speak with the Ramshackle Prefect? It is a matter of utmost importance." Sebek insisted. The ghosts looked amongst themselves, contemplating.

"I don't know. Should we boys?" One of the ghosts asked.

"They haven't been doing the best protecting our dormitory. Why should we trust them with our dear Prefect?" Another ghost answered.

"You're right. He and the rest of his dormitory don't have any right to talk with the Prefect until they get their act together." The final ghost decided. Then all three turned to Sebek, as if communicating telepathically with one another and gave a firm--

"No." And then abruptly slammed the door closed in his face. Sebek blinked. He couldn't blame them, but what he needed to say was important. But he also couldn't start banging on the door, that wasn't any proper way to confess to someone.

Luckily, Sebek didn't have to decide his next course of action, for the front door was opened once more. And Sebek was met with the sight of the Prefect shooing away the ghosts with a broom. The ghosts themselves laughing as they seemed to float away.

"Don't just turn away guests before I've even spoken to them! He was asking for me anyway!" (Y/n) yelled as the ghosts chuckled to themselves. (Y/n) turned to Sebek, bags underneath their eyes, their complexion not nearly as healthy as normal. The sight pained Sebek. Had they been seeing the nurse? Would going to the nurse even help considering the event wasn't even over? "What is it you need Sebek? Did something else happen?"

There was an edge to their voice, clearly worn out. Regretfully, Sebek couldn't blame them. Then there was also the fact that they were wearing long sleeves. Covering up. Hiding the bruises that had already long since formed.

"Human, have you been to the infirmary? Your health is a matter of most importance and shouldn't be neglected!" Instead of confessing and saying what he should have, Sebek vomited out those words instead. Not that he didn't mean them. If not for his curse, he would argue those words were more important. Actually, even with his curse he would argue those words are much more important.

He still has plenty of time after all.

"Yes Sebek. I've been to the infirmary." (Y/n) confirmed, sighing a little when they did so. "Was there anything else?" They pushed. This wasn't their typical behavior, but they also weren't typically harassed by strangers day in and day out.

"I'm aware that my next words will be inappropriate and let it be known that I'm only saying this now because a particularly, grating, dormmate has placed a crude curse on me." Sebek began. (Y/n) stared at Sebek in confusion.

"Sebek, what--?" (Y/n) began, but Sebek cut them off. Wanting to get the words out as quickly as possible even though doing so goes against everything he was taught of doing things in a proper manner.

"Human I have feelings for you and wish to enter a courtship!" Sebek practically yelled, his words clear and concise. Leaving no room for doubt. (Y/n) was silent for a moment, seemingly hurt. Sebek failed to understand why. It was fine if they didn't return his feelings and while Sebek could see why that may leave them uncomfortable with the situation, he failed to see how that would hurt their feelings.

"So, someone placed a curse on you to fake having a crush on me? That's pretty low." (Y/n) chuckled, attempting to laugh off their false assumption. Not one to let such a misconception go, Sebek corrected them.

"You misunderstood me, human. I truly do have feelings for you. They placed a curse on me to reveal those feelings before midnight today." Sebek explained, (Y/n) looked utterly speechless. "This is far from the proper manner of doing this, and I would much rather have sent of missive, but the curse was vague enough I wasn't sure if that would count."

Sebek began stepping away from Ramshackle Dormitory, now that his duty here was done. He was going to hunt down that student from last night and string them up from their toes and force them to prostrate themselves before Lord Malleus for failing to follow an order.

"W-Wait Sebek!" (Y/n) called after him, causing Sebek to pause in his tracks. "You really have feelings for me?" They asked.

"Yes. I believe I've made that quite clear." Sebek confirmed, failing to see how his words could be misconstrued. At the very least, the Prefect no longer seemed upset. Seeing as they were smiling widely. A smile that sent Sebek's heart ablaze.

"I really like you too!" The cheered. Sebek nodded, still turning to leave. He really needed to track down that miscreant.

"Then I will make sure to send you a missive within a day. Now if you would excuse me, there is someone that I must track down so they may prostrate themselves before Lord Malleus!" Sebek excused himself. And for some reason, Sebek's words made (Y/n) laugh loud and clear.

He failed to see what was so amusing. But he was happy that he could make them laugh and smile with glee considering what the past few days have been like. Perhaps he can request to take up the night shifts protecting Ramshackle Dormitory. At least then he knows the job would get done right.

[miizuzu]

Fated Encounter

well here is the jjk fic i couldnt get out of my head, it will be some what of a slow burn so bare with me :)

Part 1

“Promise me you will marry and take care of my sister.” Suguru said to Satoru, Satoru promised as Suguru fell unconscious. He had just taken a heavy blow on the head while defending Satoru. 

Both the Geto family and Gojo family had been close, Satoru and Suguru were so close they were technically brothers. Being in the Yakuza household means there are usually constant targets on their back. Their enemy's are always lurking waiting for a time to strike, Suguru’s mother was targeted and killed in front of his sister, he has been very protective of her since. 

Satoru was in a gang fight when it happened. The enemy used some dirty tricks to distract him enough to deal a heavy blow right as Suguru arrived. The tugs were fought off by Suguru's men but he ended up being severely injured.

Suguru was rushed into the hospital and had to be in the operation room for hours before the doctor told Satoru that he is now in a coma and not sure when he will wake up. 

Fast forward 2 years… Satoru had intended to keep his promise to marry Suguru's sister until he saw you. Everything about you had him head over heels for you and he was sure you were his soulmate. He couldn't chase after you until he takes care of his promised engagement with Suguru's sister, whom he has never met or seen, only knows she has taken over for Suguru while he is away. 

Satoru would never approach you, always watching you from a distance. He first saw you when you walked out of his favorite sweets shop, making him forget his whole purpose of going there was to pick up his favorite treats. He ends up following you, watching you care for strangers who happened to need help. It was always easy for him to find you, you always hung out around the same area, playing with little kids or helping the elderly. Satoru thought you must be an Angel, even with your long wavy black hair, your smile was angelic and he would love nothing more if he could get you to smile for him. 

He had finally made up his mind. He was going to Geto’s household to call off the engagement. He wasn't going to marry Suguru's sister if he knew he would not be able to love her like he should. 

Sitting in the waiting area, Satoru nervously waited, not sure how he should bring up the termination of the engagement until someone comes into the room. A tall blonde man, with a serious look on his face, walks in and shuts the door. “I would like to speak with Lady Geto.” Satoru requested. “The Lady is busy, she sent me to tell you she wants to end your current engagement.” The blonde man told Satoru. He was shocked, but he was glad he didn't have to worry about that problem anymore. “I see… Help me let the Lady know, if she needs anything, the Gojo house would not hesitate to help.” Satoru said as he stood up from his seat. “I will relay the message.” the blonde man confirms.

It felt like a boulder had been lifted off Satoru’s chest, he was free from the binding of the engagement and is now free to pursue you. He orders his men to drop him off at the usual spot where you hang out. He finds you right away and decides that today would be the day he asks for your name. 

He was walking in your direction when your attention was robbed from him as you see an elderly woman getting harassed by some tugs. You ran towards the elderly woman and tried to defend her, one of the tugs saw how pretty you look and was trying to get you to follow them. You start struggling as you try to pull your hand back but to no avail. Satoru comes in and rescues you from the tugs like a knight in shining armor. You quickly thanked him and went back to attend to the elderly woman, she left once she confirmed she was fine. 

Satoru waited patiently as you walked back towards his direction. “T-thank you again for helping me, how can I repay your kindness?” You looked into his beautiful blue eyes as your face became hot, you are not used to talking to people, especially the opposite sex. Satoru watches you and couldn't help but gently smile at you, “I'm Satoru Gojo, could you tell me your name?” He tilts his head playfully as he awaits your answer. “My name is Y/N, not sure what would've happened if you didn't come along.” You politely answered. “You have a beautiful name, it matches you perfectly.” Satoru says flirtatiously, making you turn bright red.

“I better get going. It's getting late.” You were nervous and didn't know how you should deal with him, so using the time as your excuse, you tried to leave. “Wait, can I have your number?” Satoru looks at you with saddened eyes, almost looking like an abandoned puppy. “I'm not used to giving my number to someone I just met. We will see if I ever see you again.” You quickly walked off, heading home.

Satoru thought to himself, he had struck gold. You were the first one to reject him, well second, since Suguru's sister also rejected him earlier today. He was glad that you were not like the other girls who would just submit to him right away, he could really get whoever he wants with his look and statues. His interest in you had grown immensely, he thought to himself that he must have you and he will never let you go. He is already planning for your next meeting, since he would always know where you would be, there's no way for you to escape him. 

When you finally got home, you let out a sigh of relief. You are in your comfort zone, you like being by yourself. You closed yourself in after an incident which happened 7 years ago, you were left with no memories except for your name and a large amount of money that was said to be from your parents, whom you cannot remember. You have a very boring life and you wouldn't ask for anything else. You finally decided you want to open up to people again but you were not used to  interactions anymore but kids and elderly people seem to be okay.

You sleep quite early, you would normally be in bed by 9:30 pm and wake up around 7:00 am, not that you have to work but you like enjoying the fresh air outside. 

Tonight your mind was preoccupied by your knight in shining armor - Satoru Gojo. He was the most beautiful person you've ever seen. His white hair paired with his mesmerizing sky-blue eyes, he was like a prince straight out of a fairytale. A part of you wishes you could see him again and get to know him, but the other part was scared, what if he had other intentions? 

You made a simple dinner before getting yourself washed up and readied for bed, reading a chapter from your favorite book before sleeping. 

You are not sure why, but sometimes you would wake up feeling extra tired, like you pulled an all-nighter, even though you were sleeping soundly in bed. 

You decided you want to just hang out in the park and finish reading your book before lunch. You found your favorite bench and walked towards it and sat down, you began reading your book when you were interpreted.

“Hi Y/N, we meet again! This must be fate.” Satoru Gojo appeared out of nowhere and sat down right beside you. “Oh, h-hi there, Mr. Gojo.” You sheepishly said. “Please, call me Satoru. No need to be so formal.” Satoru chuckles. “Oh… ok … Sa-toru.” You were blushing so hard, you have never called anyone by their name and Satoru loved your voice calling out his name. “So, you said you would give me your number if we met again.” Satoru reminds you. “I think I said I would think about it.” You confirmed. Satoru pouts and you giggled, thinking he looked adorable. 

Still feeling uneasy around him, you asked, “What brought you here? I usually only see the same people around the neighborhood, and you don't seem like you live around here?” You could hardly hold eye contact while talking to him. “I just moved here a few days ago.” Satoru lies, trying to have you lower your guard. “I see…” you tried ignoring him, hoping he would go away. “Since I just moved here, you mind showing me around? I'm still not familiar with the area here.” Satoru asks as he reaches his hand out for you. 

You hesitate, he doesn't seem like he would give up easily, being bad at confrontation, you finally agreed to show him around. You spend your morning walking around with Satoru, showing him the restaurants and grocery stores which you thought had the best deals and you actually had a good time. 

Satoru could be a bit pushy at times but he means well. You were able to open up more towards him slowly, finally giving him your phone number. Satoru bought you lunch as thanks for showing him around and told you he had somewhere he had to be so the both of you went your separate ways. 

You went to the grocery store and bought some ingredients to make food at home. You were walking home when you bumped into your neighborhood, Kento Nanami. He had been very nice to you, everytime you needed help, he was there to offer his assistance. He is not always home and he works some ridiculous hours, sometimes you do feel sorry for him but he says he loves his job. 

You got home and started cooking when your phone started ringing. ‘Incoming call from an unknown number’ you picked it up wondering who was calling you. “Hey Y/N! It's me, Satoru. Sorry I had to leave earlier, hope you got home safely.” Satoru apologizes, “Don't worry about it, I bought some stuff from the grocery store and went home to make dinner.” You told him. “That sounds great, I haven't had a home cooked meal for a long time.” Satoru sighs, making you giggle. “If you miss home cooked meals so much, you could come have some?” you gasp, thinking you had just invited Satoru to dinner, and worst, your home. 

Panic kicked in and you shouted “Actually!!! Never mind! I just burnt it. Maybe I can get you to try some other time.” You tried to take back your invite. “I bet it would still be delicious even if it's burnt. Send me your location. I will be there shortly.” Satoru excitedly said before hanging up, not giving you a chance to talk yourself out of it. 

You sigh, wondering if you should actually let him come, he was the first real friend you made after so long and you don't want to lose that. You finally texted him your address and he arrived within 10 minutes. 

“How did you get here so fast?” You asked Satoru, “I actually moved into this building.” Satoru smirks. Little did you know, he has made his lie a reality in the short few hours being apart from you, he knew where you lived and bought out the unit above yours. “You should come over for a housewarming party soon.” He pats your head and thinks to himself how someone could have such silky smooth hair. Satoru is trying his best to keep his hands to himself but finds it increasingly hard every time he sees you. 

The two of you ate dinner and chatted a bit longer, you were getting tired and was starting to doze off. Satoru took it as a hint to take his leave, you walked him to the front door and he stopped. “If you don't mind, could we hang out like this again? I would really love to get to know you more.” Satoru scratches the back of his head while nervously looking at you with puppy eyes. “I'd like that, I haven't had a meal with someone else for a long time. It felt really nice.” You nodded and smiled at him. 

Satoru's smile was beaming, he leaned in and gave you a quick Peck on your cheeks, catching you off guard. “So…, see you tomorrow?” He's playfully tilting his head again. With your hand brushing the spot Satoru just kissed, you stared at him and sheepishly nodded before closing the door. You decided to take a quick shower to cool off before heading to bed. 

Satoru was still outside your door, his mind playing back the kiss on your cheeks over and over again, your skin was so soft and smooth, he couldn't help but think how soft your lips would be compared to your cheeks. He was leaving the building, trying to plan about moving into his newly acquired apartment. He went back to the Gojo house to sort out some things so he could focus more time on you.

Arriving at his main house, he got called by one of the elders, asking why the engagement was called off. He felt annoyed, he didn't want the engagement to begin with and he had only promised because he hadn't met you and was trying to fulfill the wish of his best friend. But now that you are in his life, he intends to make you his no matter the cost. 

Satoru was heading to his room when one of his men stopped him. “Hey boss, we received a call from the Geto house, they requested a meeting with you.” “When is the meeting taking place?” Satoru was about to head to the shower and relax a while before sleeping. “They are hoping to meet you in an hour.” “This late?... Fine, it's not like I can sleep yet anyways, let's go.” Satoru turned around and headed out.

Satoru was greeted by the blonde hair man again when he got to the Geto residence, he led Satoru to the meeting room and waited there. Satoru was wondering why he was suddenly summoned, since the engagement was called off. 

“Thank you Kento.” A female voice said as she entered the room. Satoru watched as she walked in and sat down on the couch in front of him. ‘This must be Suguru's sister.’ Satoru thought to himself. She had long straight hair pulled back into a single ponytail, raven black, same as Suguru, she was wearing a mask covering half her face, her sharp red eyes, piercing through him. 

“Satoru Gojo, the reason I called you here is because I finally found the culprit who injured Suguru, and I need your help to lure them out.” She was not asking, but demanding Satoru to cooperate. “I don't mind, but couldn't you have asked a bit nicer?” Satoru jokingly said. Her brows furrowed, “Don't forget my brother is in a coma because of your carelessness.” She snaps at Satoru. 

Satoru doesn't need a reminder, he knows he owes the Geto house for Suguru's injury, there isn't a day he wished that it was him laying in the hospital bed instead of his best friend. “Fine, I get it. Tell me what you need me to do.” Satoru sighs and shrugs at her. She starts explaining who it was that was targeting him, and what they will do to avenge her brother, she wants an eye for an eye.

After the meeting, Satoru quickly took his leave. “Kento, I need you to keep an close eye on him. I will not allow him to live a happy life while my brother suffers.” Lady Geto said coldly as she watched Satoru leave. 

Satoru finally got home and he felt exhausted. He was really glad the engagement was canceled because he couldn't stand Lady Geto. She could be pretty under the mask but her personality is horrible. Satoru just thought about the time he spent with you and was finally able to relax again. He plans to move to your building as soon as possible so he can spend more time with you. 

You woke up in the morning from some stomping footsteps from your neighbor above you. You weren't going to confront them though even when they abruptly woke you up. You went to the kitchen and prepared a cup of tea to wake yourself up when you heard the doorbell ring. You opened the door to find the beautiful white haired man staring straight at you. “Good morning Y/N, what do you have planned for today?” Satoru energetically asks. “I was hoping to sleep in a bit but upstairs is being quite loud…” you whispered thinking you don't want your neighbors to know you were talking about them. “Oh. Sorry to wake you, darling. I had people come over and help me with organizing my place.” Satoru tried to hold in his laughter and he watched your face turn bright red, finding out that he was the noisy neighbor.

"Well, since you're up, why don't we go grab a bite to eat? My treat for waking you.” Satoru flaunts his award winning smile at you. “Ok, let me go get ready. Do you want to wait inside?” You open the door wider for him to come in. Satoru walks in and sits down on the couch as you head back to your room to get changed. You came out wearing a white blouse and a long dark blue skirt, you didn't have any makeup on but Satoru thought you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It got him daydreaming about your futures together, it took him a while to get up from the couch since he had a hard on, just looking at you.

You were leaving your unit when Nanami came up the stairs, Satoru saw him and wondered what he was doing here. Nanami’s face was stern when he saw Satoru, but he quickly relaxed after seeing you. “Good morning, Y/N. Who do you have with you?” Nanami asks you with a soft smile on his face. “He's our new Neighbor, Satoru Gojo. He lives upstairs.” You shyly reply, trying to avoid Nanami's eyes. “Nice meeting you, Gojo.” Nanami had a fake smile on his face as he extended his hand out to shake Satoru's hand. “Yeah, same. You will be seeing me around a lot.” Satoru reached for Nanami's hand and shook it, gripping it hard, anyone else would be able to see the sparks flying as they glared down at each other but you were ignorant. “Hope you have a good day, Y/N. Let me know if you ever need help with anything.” Nanami said before walking past the 2 of you to get to his apartment, his eyes still on you as you walk downstairs and Satoru turned around and stuck his tongue out at him, making Nanami slightly snapped.

Finally arriving at the restaurant and sitting down, Satoru finally asks you about Nanami. “So… who is he to you? Are you 2 close?” He was pouting a bit, but tried to be as calm as possible, not wanting to let you know he was jealous. “Mr. Nanami is very nice. He helps me out a lot, he was the first friend I have after moving here.” You honestly reply, smiling to yourself. “Do you like him?” Satoru's pout is more obvious now. “I wish I had a brother like him. He's really good at taking care of people.” You told Satoru. “Then what do you think about me?” He grabs your hand and looks at you while he slightly tilts his head. You started blushing and tried pulling your hand away but Satoru wouldn't let your hands go. “You're my friend.” you shyly reply. “What if I want to be something more? Will that be alright with you?” Satoru is now looking very serious, desperately hoping for the answer he wants. 

You felt your face burning, you had never felt this way with anyone, you've only met him for a short time at that. You know you were starting to develop feelings for Satoru but you were too shy to admit to it. “Do you like me?” You shyly peeked at Satoru. “I fell madly in love with you when I first saw you.” Satoru being straight forward as ever, “Could you please please please PLEASE go out with me?” Satoru was hoping to ask you out at a more romantic place and time. But after seeing your reaction with Nanami he felt jealous and couldn't hold in his feelings anymore. 

You were quiet, trying to process everything. Satoru was holding his breath, he was dying for an answer. He was sure you felt something for him too. He watches you intensely with his shining ocean blue eyes. 

You finally nodded. Your movement was so subtle he almost missed it. “So that's a yes??” Satoru tries to confirm. “...Yes Satoru, but this is my first time feeling this way for anyone, so please… take care of me?” You shyly looked into his beaming eyes. “Oh baby, I would give you the world if you asked.” He was excited, moving to the seat beside you, holding you into his embrace. 

You felt embarrassed from everyone staring, Satoru was so happy he didn't realize how he had already pulled you sitting onto his lap. “Um… Satoru? Could we… take things slow… I'm not used to all this…” you tried to bury your face in your palms, wanting to avoid the envious eyes from the others in the restaurant. 

“Sorry babe, I'm just too happy right now.” He has the biggest smile, “Do you mind if we go somewhere else?” You quietly ask. He quickly stood up and took your hand and walked out. Satoru took you to the grocery store instead and bought ingredients to bring back to cook instead, his hand fingers still intertwined with yours, not wanting to let go. 

Arriving home, you were about to head towards your place but Satoru kept walking and led you to his place. You felt a little nervous, you just started your first ever relationship and now you're going to his place. Your heart was beating out of your chest, you were not sure what would happen once you stepped into his home.

Satoru was watching you with the corner of his eyes, he could tell how uneasy you looked, “Relax babe, just cause I made you my girlfriend doesn't mean I will eat you up right away.” ‘even though I want to’ Satoru thought to himself. “Let's just enjoy our time together, yeah?” Satoru led you into the living room, finally letting go of your hand and heading to the kitchen.

You wandered around the living room, you saw a lot of picture frames with Satoru and a guy with long black hair. You picked up one of the picture frames and examined the picture more. Satoru looks so playful in the photos. “That's my best friend Suguru.” Satoru said while peeking at you from the kitchen. You put the frame back down and walked towards the kitchen, standing close by the kitchen island while watching Satoru prepare the food. 

“To be honest, I never thought you could cook.” You giggled as Satoru made a shocked face and pretended to be hurt by your statement. “Ouch. What makes you think that?” Satoru questions. “Not sure, you just look like you had people who would do all that for you.” You shyly looked away. “Well, you're not wrong. But I do know how to make simple meals.” Satoru continues cooking. 

After finishing up with your meal, you and Satoru cleaned up the dishes and he showed you around his whole unit, you shyly peeked your head into his bedroom, which was very organized, there were more photos with his best friend Suguru, which made you think they must be really close to have that many photos together. “You and Suguru must be very close, I would love to meet him one day.” You suggested. Satoru's smile jurked, which you failed to see. “Yea, I would introduce you one day.” Satoru wasn't sure what Suguru would think about you, Satoru was supposed to marry and take care of his sister like he promised before meeting you. 

You continued exploring his home and finally got back to the living room as Satoru's phone started to ring. It was his underlings calling him, he didn't want you to know he was in the Yakuza yet. He finally got you and didn't want to scare you away. “Um, sorry Y/N. Something came up, I have to go out for a while. I'll see you later?” Satoru said apologetically. “Don't worry about me, take care of what needs to be done. I'll just head home.” You smile at him as you head towards the door. 

“Hey, wait.” Satoru quickly walks after you. “Can I get a kiss? You know, since you're my girlfriend now.” Satoru knows you wanted to take things slow but he was testing his luck. You turned bright red and avoided his eyes, he knew he was asking too much. “Sorry, don't worry about it. I will wait till you are ready.” He opened the door for you to get out. 

You quickly turned towards him and gave him a kiss on his cheeks. That was all you were brave enough to do. You ran off right after, Satoru just stood there, frozen in his spot, processing what just happened. ‘Was I dreaming?’ he asked himself as he finally moved his hand to where you kissed him. His skin cheeks felt hot and he couldn't stop grinning.

[artsywriter25]

Let’s talk about Kung Fu Panda 4

Okay, so we finally got some updates on KFP4, the plot, the director and what to expect to see in the film. My reaction to this is….mix.

On one hand, I’m so happy we got something! But on the other hand, I’m just really nervous and I don’t like this deflated feeling. So I’m writing this out to share my thoughts and wanting to hear what the fandom thinks. I’ll try not to make this too long or sound like a rant, I’m going straight to the point and talk about the good and bad about KFP4.

=

So first let’s talk about the director: Mike Mitchell

……Oh boy.

Ok I’m not gonna give the guy any crap, I’m willing enough to give him a chance. Yes I know he directed Trolls, but he also directed Shrek Forever After. I looked back at that movie after The Last Wish and it’s not really that bad. It was actually sweet and serious in some parts. And that’s what I hope this director will do, have the 4th film at least serious in some parts and don’t make it too goofy or jokey where it feels awkward.    

Now on to the story and this is the best way I can summarize this from a few articles I’ve read:

“ Po is getting promoted to be the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, but he has to choose someone to take his place as the new Dragon Warrior. He catches a theft fox who he could see potential in their skills but they don’t get along. But Then a Chinese sorcerer known as ‘The Chameleon’, has summon Po’s past villains from the dead. Now Po and his (student?) must journey together and stop this new villain. ”  

So judging by the information that we got, it sounds like many years have passed since the third movie. Po becoming leader actually worries me because it’s probably hinting that Master Shifu may pass away and now Po has to take his responsibilities (This is just a guess so sorry Shifu fans!).  

There is also this fox character they have mention in the articles which they can’t seem to get the name right and they keep flipping their gender. First it was misspelled as Shen, then it was Chen and Zhen so I’m just gonna call them Fox for now on.

I wonder what kind of story arc will they give Fox. What’s their backstory? What kind of lessons they must learn? Does Po see himself in them or are they both different with different views? These are some questions I hope they answer. Giving Po a student to teach was a direction I theorized DreamWorks will go down and I’m glad they did. The trilogy had Po as a student, now taking the role of masterful teacher, it make sense to passed down those experiences to someone. I can really image the funny shenanigans they can get in to, along with the Furious Five. I think it would have been awesome if they each had a student too and they all come together fighting the villains with the skills they were taught. If there’s one thing I’m really worried about is the Five getting pushed aside for this new character or Fox ending up being a perfect character. Have Fox be flawed, have them be a kid we can relate and root for and something that the kids will like too.

Now let’s talk about my most favorite thing of all: THE VILLAINS!!!

OH MY GOD MY FANGIRL IS TRYING TO TAKE OVER! TAI LUNG, SHEN AND KAI ARE COMING BACK!! AND I DON’T KNOW IF THIS IS A GOOD OR BAD THING!!??

I am shock, like I never expected they go down this route. Story wise, I understand why the three shouldn’t come back as they served their purpose as villains, but no, they are bringing them all back. A actual animation studio is listening and giving the fans what they wanted??

DreamWorks must be watching their fandoms, that’s the only explanation I can think of. They must have saw all of our fanarts and fanfics and went like “Oh damn, they really love are villains…you know what, let’s bring them back.”

So how will this affect the story? I honestly don’t know, maybe Fox has to learn all body, mind, and spirit in order to help Po and the Five.

Now what I’m really surprised is they choose a chameleon to be the forth villain. I did some research this morning, and there’s not that many species that look intimidating. But if they could make a peacock threatening, I’m sure they can make a chameleon threatening too. I even looked up about sorcerers in China and I think they meant shamans. Chinese shamans are known to be wizards or spirit mediums, this could mean the Chameleon may have some connection to the spirit realm, which I hope they explored more on. I read some of this under Wikipedia, its very interesting.

=

And that’s all I have to say for Kung Fu Panda 4. I am a little worry for this film but I’m not gonna get worked up about it, I’m gonna stay positive that it will work and I’m sure it will. The only thing that could save this film is the animation. I think KFP is perfect for that hybrid spiderverse animation.  

But what do you guys think and are you still excited for the sequel?? If you wanna discuss anything about this I’m all ears. 

[traffic-was-a-b1tch]

anthem of the heart

(jake kiszka x reader) 18+

summary: you and your best friend move into a new apartment after college, wanting a fresh start in nashville. however, you come to find that your neighbors are musicians. very loud musicians who like to keep you up at night. especially one, who likes to bother you on purpose. you would hate him… if he wasn’t so hot.

warnings for overall series: eventual SMUT!!!, angst, mentions of past abuse (not jake), abuse (not jake), mentions of past sexual assault (not jake), sexual assault (not jake), enemies to lovers, cursing, let me know if I missed any. (i’m still making this series up as I go along so it might change)

warnings for this chapter: SMUT!!!, unprotected sex (WRAP IT UP!), oral (f rec), spanking (slightly), overstim, lingerie, cursing, sappyyyy jake, romanceeeeeeee!

author’s note: hello everyone! I know it has literally been a month since I last posted but I have reasons lol. I was a camp counselor during june and got incredibly busy with that. I also think that it’s worth mentioning that I didn’t realize how much time, work, and energy goes into writing a series like this! I just want to say i’ve come to appreciate every author on here and I appreciate all of you who have missed this series! with that being said: it is FINISHED! I will be posting all the parts right after each other! enjoy!

• • •

Chapter Ten:

“what the hell?” jake was obviously very startled.

“uh- um- I-“, danny stuttered, freaking out a bit.

jake started to talk rapidly and you followed, trying to piece this together in your mind.

“everyone calm down. come with me, I have to talk to you about this.” kaylee pulled you and your wide eyes over to a corner of the bar.

“what just happened, kaylee?!”, you were whisper-screaming.

“listen, danny and I just talked for a while. we talked about music and school, it was normal-“

“how can you say that when I just caught you with your tongue down his throat?”, you interrupted.

“because, ok? things escalated and we got close…one thing led to another.” she looked nervous, which made your face soften a bit. you did know a thing or two about things escalating randomly.

“you like each other? like for real?” you wanted to make sure this wasn’t a one night situation.

“yes. i’m being serious, trust me. i’m completely sober! all I had was a coke, I swear.” she took a deep breath, “I really like him.”

her tone made you drop your questioning scowl and accept that what she was saying was the truth.

“kaylee, this is crazy-“

“I know, I know! what are the chances, right?!”

“well, you know I love you. and I will support you in everything you do…even if it’s my boyfriend’s best friend.”

she stopped and her jaw dropped, “boyfriend?!”

you hadn’t even realized what you said until she pointed it out. in the busy past days, you hadn’t even had time to wonder what you and jake were. now, it finally occurred to you; as of now, you were just another girl.

fuck, that hurt more than you thought it would.

you tried to push the thought out of your mind, taking her arm, “let’s just go get another drink. we came here to celebrate!”

you both laughed and skipped back to the bar.

danny and jake were talking close to each other, clearly discussing what you had just witnessed. jake took a quick glance in your direction and caught you walking back over. jake let himself stare, forgetting whatever he was just saying and becoming lost in your body. danny followed jake’s gaze to you both, becoming silent and enthralled in kaylee. they gawked and you saw jake’s eyes become filled with a dark cloud once again.

“hey”, danny started when you reached them, “look, about me and kaylee-“

“it’s ok. I understand that things can change in a short amount of time”, you glanced at jake, “so i’m fine with this. as long as you behave yourself.”

everyone started to giggle, and jake shook his head. “baby, you must not know anything about danny. he’s by far the most well behaved one in the band.”

“what??? you mean it’s not mister hard rock guitarist who clearly hates buttons?” you shot him a fake shocked look and he smiled.

“oh come on, that’s my charm.”

you laughed, “yeah, right.”

he leant down to your ear, “what’s that? you trying to tell me it hasn’t worked?” he moved his hand to your hip and squeezed, “because that’s not what your soaking wet pussy tells me.”

your cheeks burn and you grab his hand tight, pleading with him.

the rest of the night flew by. there’s was tons of laughter and bonding, and after a few more drinks, kaylee decided it was time for you to go. she dragged you back to the apartment and you found yourself gushing over jake.

“kaylee i’m telling you, he’s so amazing. he’s charming, talented-“

“obviously great in bed”, kaylee mocked.

“oh shush”, you urged.

“come on, babe, you were in the bathroom for like 30 minutes at the bar.”

you blushed at the thought of what happened in the bathroom, but brought yourself back to the conversation.

“anywayyy, i’m being serious. I really like him.”

kaylee looked at you earnestly, studying you. “you really do, huh?”

you nodded. you knew deep down that nobody had made you feel like jake had made you feel, and you were holding on to him tight.

“well, go for it”, she said after a moment, “ask him about commitment.”

you recoiled, unsure of what jake would say. would it drive him away? would he never speak to you again? fuck, this was hard.

“I can try. but i’m terrified about what he’ll say.”

kaylee hugged your shoulders and tucked you into bed, “don’t worry about it now. sleep it off and think about it in the morning.”

you smiled at her, “I love you, kay.”

“I love you more.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

the next day came quickly, and you felt like you had only gotten five minutes of sleep.

your phone pinged and you groggily eased yourself up. grabbing your phone, you see jake texted you. suddenly, your heart fills with butterflies and you’re nervous to see what he said.

jake: hey what are you doing today?

you rub the sleep from your eyes slowly and text back.

you: nothing much. have a few errands to run and some shopping to do. what about you?

you were trying to take it easy today, but there was a few things that couldn’t wait. although, you wished you could’ve said, “absolutely nothing, jake! pound me over the kitchen sink! xxx”.

his typing bubbles popped up and shortly after you saw his next text.

jake: I can keep you company on your errands, if you want me to. josh is trying out this new vocal technique and it’s making my ears bleed.

you smiled and your heart fluttered.

you: sure! you drive?

jake: be ready in ten.

you threw your phone down and squealed like a little girl, your limbs flailing in your bed. you quickly pull on an outfit: white summer top with pink stripes, no bra (because you just didn’t feel like it), ripped jean shorts, and pink sandals. it was very hot out and you definitely didn’t want to sweat too much in front of jake. after brushing your teeth and hair, putting on light makeup, and grabbing your keys, you were out the door.

jake was waiting by his door, arms crossed. he was dressed in a simple brown t shirt, light jeans, boots, and his signature long necklaces. he looked up at you, smiling softly and walking over.

“hey cutie”, he called, wrapping his arms around your waist, “you look good.”

you roll your eyes, push him off, and start walking the other way, “oh, please.”

he giggles and you become entranced in the sound, immediately wishing to hear it again and again.

he follows you down to the parking garage and then leads you to his car.

“what a gentleman”, you comment as he opens the passenger door for you.

“oh, come on, baby. i’ve always been a gentleman.”

you scoff at him, “yeah, sure. that’s why I had to come over to your apartment multiple times to have you quiet down.”

he smirked, “maybe that was just to get you to come over…”

before his words truly hit you, he shut your door and walked to the other side to get in. you decided to say nothing, scared you misinterpreted what he said and all along he was just trying to aggravate you.

jake put on an old blues radio station and put the car in drive. as red house by jimi hendrix filled the car, he carefully rested his hand on your knee. his thumb slowly traced circles there and you got goosebumps. you smiled at the feeling, getting happy quickly and trying to look anywhere but at jake. you couldn’t risk that, because then you might cheese too hard and scare him away. god, you were so scared to lose him. he was wrapping his skilled guitar fingers tighter around your heart every minute, and you had no intention of stopping him.

the ride to the mall was full of comfortable chatter and silence, and before you knew it you had arrived. you put your hand on the handle, opening it and moving to get out of the car.

“wait!”, jake suddenly said.

you stopped and closed the door again, a bit confused. he fast-walked around the car, opening the door for you and extending his hand.

“milady”, he said in a medieval accent.

you giggled and took his hand, “good sir.”

you headed inside the mall, internally mapping your steps to find a makeup store.

“so jake, I have to go get some more concealer because I’m running low. are you sure you want to go with me?” you laughed a little while envisioning jake in a makeup store, nervous and unsure, looking at every product and recoiling at the prices.

“actually, I wanted to look at some other things here, if that’s ok. i’ll meet you at the food court?”

“sounds good!” you gave him a kiss on the cheek and squeezed his arm before heading off. you didn’t need to look back at him to know he was smiling.

you found the store you were looking for, picked out your concealer (and a lip balm), and paid in a record time of one hour. you left and made your way to the food court, hoping jake wasn’t waiting on you for too long. you found him sitting in the corner of the large dining room and as you got closer, you saw he had panda express in front of him. your mouth watered.

“I hope it’s ok, I got you some too”, he pushed your plate towards you.

“oh my gosh, thank you so much. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now.” you instantly sat down and picked up your fork. he laughed at your urgency and began to eat as well.

you realized mid-bite that there was a jewelry bag on the table beside him. you chewed and swallowed before pointing at it, “what’s that?”

he turned it around to reveal the words “I love you” on the bag, followed by a heart and his name. “birthday present for my mom”, he waved it off.

you nodded and smiled, “awww, who knew you were such a momma’s boy, jakey?”

he snorted, “don’t push it. i’m being nice.”

“a new look for you, huh?”

his eyebrow cocked at you and a smirk crept onto his face, “do you want me to be mean?”

a beat passed as you sucked in a breath, hesitating on your answer. you chose silence and continued eating, not wanting to reveal that this was turning you on. he laughed darkly and started eating again.

when you had both finished, you took a walk down the mall and looked at all the stores. a victoria’s secret came into view and jake’s grip on your arm tightened. he shot you a mischievous look and started leading the way there.

inside was a plethora of bras and underwear on the walls and on shelves. you had never been in here with a man before, and you felt yourself stiffen just a little.

jake leant his face down to your ear and whispered, “I want you to go sit over there on the bench while I pick out a set for me to rip off of you at home.”

you hesitated, looking up at him to see if he was joking. his eyes were dark and his lips parted. not joking.

he met your ear again, “come on, baby. be a good girl and go sit. you know i’ll take care of you.”

your legs felt like jelly as you nodded and crossed the room to go sit at the bench in front of the store. you sat and saw him look at you, nodding in approval before walking to the lingerie.

you sat for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only twenty minutes, and finally watched him exit the store with a bag in his hand.

“what took you so longgg?”, you pestered as you stood up.

he shrugged and said, “it’s hard to pick one thing when you know everything would look amazing on you.”

you rolled your eyes, denying his compliment, and started to walk. he stopped you dead in your tracks and turned you to face him. then he grabbed your jaw, in front of the whole mall, and scolded you.

“don’t roll your eyes at me, pet. rude little girls don’t get rewards, they get punishments.”

you were taken aback by his boldness, your mouth open slightly, but everything he was saying was making you wetter and wetter.

he continued, “you think i’m lying about the lingerie, baby?” he got closer and whispered, “there’s nothing you could wear that I wouldn’t want to fuck you in. your body is so perfect I don’t even have words for it. I fucking worship you.”

you were at a loss for words. nobody had ever been so caring yet dominant to you, and you were eating it up. you looked up at him in amazement and all you could do was blink and breathe.

he chuckled and let go of your jaw, putting his arm over your shoulder and leading the way back to the parking garage. “I feel like getting some ice cream, don’t you?”

you stuttered but finally found your words, “yeah, ice cream sounds great.”

just a short drive from the mall was a cute ice cream shop with a balcony overlooking a little pond. you instantly knew you wanted to sit on the balcony. you thought that sounded like heaven: jake, ice cream, a beautiful view. who could want more?

after ordering and getting your ice cream, a cup of strawberry for him and a cone of vanilla for you, you made your way to the balcony. sitting across from jake on the cold metal chair, you took a second to lean back and breathe in the fresh air, feeling the cool summer breeze. after a minute of eating your ice cream in peace, jake spoke up.

“hey, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

you sat up and put all your focus on him, “ok.”

he looked nervous as he took a breath and started, “I know we’ve only known each other for a short time, but I feel like you were meant for me. i’m not trying to come on too strong or push you away with commitment but… I really like you. you’re strong, smart, sexy, successful, and so beautiful. i’ve never wanted someone so bad in my life.” his eyes shone with earnestness as he finished his sweet speach, “will you be my girlfriend?”

your heart felt like it was going to burst. your eyes started welling up with tears as you nodded.

“of course, jake. there’s nothing I want more in the world.”

he smiled bigger than you’ve ever seen and laughed in relief, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

as he spoke, he pulled out a box from his pocket and opened it. inside was a necklace. it was a patterned silver chain that dropped down to a single diamond pendant. you were speechless. it was so beautiful.

“oh my god, jake. when did you get this?!” you let your fingers graze the chain, feeling the bumps of the metal pattern.

“today”, he laughed. “my mom’s birthday isn’t for another six months.”

“it’s incredible. I love it.”

his eyes lit up and you could tell he appreciated your reaction.

the love that radiated between you was unmatched. it was unlike anything you’d ever felt with anyone ever before. you and him were on another wavelength. in another dimension. just you two and the love that was left unspoken.

he broke the trance and offered to put it on you. you never agreed so fast. you stood with your back to him and waited for him to take it out of the box and drape it over your head to lay it on your neck. you felt his breath behind you and his fingers brush your back. just thinking about it, you got goosebumps. when it was latched, he pulled your hair over it and turned you around. it laid beautifully and you were instantly obsessed with it.

“it’s perfect”, you gushed.

“you’re perfect”, he countered.

a blush attacked your cheeks and you realized your ice cream had been melting as cold liquid dripped over your fingers. you quickly licked at the cone, cleaning up the mess with your tongue, unaware that jake was watching. the sight of the white sweetness on your tongue and lips caused his breath to quicken.

“let’s go”, he warned, “before I lose it and take you right here on this balcony.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

the ride back to the apartment was quick, jake speeding through traffic haphazardly. we practically ran up the stairs to our floor and he insisted we go to his apartment.

he handed you the victoria’s secret bag and sent you to his bathroom to change while he waited in the bedroom.

the set he had chose for you made your eyes go wide.

it was a black satin bra and panties with straps connecting around your waist and stomach. you pulled it on, careful to not ruin it, and stood in the mirror. it was sexy and powerful, making you feel like a bad bitch. he really did know what he was doing. but the cherry on top was the diamond necklace that laid just north of your breasts. it matched the energy of your ensemble perfectly and you couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

you stepped out of his bathroom hesitantly and met him, clad in just his boxers, in his bedroom. you leant against the doorframe and released a sultry sigh. his eyes flicked to you, and his jaw dropped instantly. his eyes dragged up and down your body, clearly more than pleased, and as he locked in on the necklace, he smirked happily. he had been holding his breath as he took in your appearance, and let it shakily out as he stood and walked over to you. you met him halfway and ran your fingertips along his toned arms. he almost growled as he turned your back to him with a tight grip so that you faced the bed. he nestled his head in the crook of your neck and kissed, climbing up it further until he kissed the shell of your ear.

“you look fucking divine.”

jake moved you forward and onto the mattress on your knees. he pushed your head down and you caught yourself with your hands on the comforter. he pushed more, “that’s it baby, more. all the way, there we go.” almost your whole torso was now on the bed, your back arching so that your ass stayed high in the air.

he took that as an invitation and groped it for a minute, forcefully kneading it. without a second thought, he lifted his hand and smacked it hard. you yelped in surprise and he chuckled.

“so good for me, baby.”

you felt him kneel behind you and prepared yourself for what was to come. jake was a god at oral. he trailed kisses up the back of your thighs, causing you to shiver in excitement, and reached where you needed him. he planted a kiss on your covered pussy and you couldn’t help but moan.

“this set looks so much better on you than on the mannequin, baby. I wanna keep it on, see you make a mess of it.”

he pulled the fabric to the side, sighing and whispering “gorgeous”, and licked once from the bottom to the top. you breathed heavily, “please, jake. I need more.”

he soothed you with a soft touch on your ass and you could hear the smirk in his voice, “oh don’t worry, sweetheart. i’ll give you more.”

he dove in, sucking your clit so hard you nearly screamed. you were so turned on that you were getting close already. he started flicking his tongue over your clit, going inhumanly fast. you moaned his name so loud that you would’ve been scared for the neighbors to hear, if you were in your normal mindset.

you, of all people, knew how thin the walls were.

but with his tongue pulling you to the edge, it was impossible to think about anything else but him. just him. you started to plead with him, “jake please, please, please. too fast, I can’t.”

he pulled away, making you squirm. “isn’t this what you wanted, baby? sit still and take it.”

he went right back to you, this time inserting in tongue inside you. you gasped and gripped the sheets, holding your breath in ecstasy. he moved it in and out and his thumb found your clit to rub fast circles on it. you were now shaking, panting, and trying to fight your high as he was ripping it from you.

“jake, oh fuck.” you screamed in pleasure as your orgasm kicked you in the stomach.

he didn’t stop, though. he kept it up, letting you ride out your high and then some. you were now shaking in overstimulation and moving to get his mouth off of you.

“jake, please, no more”, you practically sobbed.

he planted one more kiss to your clit, making you jump at the sensation, before using his arm to pull you up and turn you over so you were laying on your back.

his face was covered in your mess and he was smiling. it was honestly the hottest thing you’d ever seen in your life.

he wiped his face with the back of his hand and came down to kiss you ravenously. your hands found the back of his neck and pulled him impossibly closer, needing more of him. your tongues danced in each others mouths and you whimpered at the feeling.

he disconnected, almost like he was restraining himself, and held close eye contact, “I wanna watch you fall apart as I ruin you.”

with that, he released himself from his boxers and pushed into you. he was careful not to lose eye contact and he watched your eyes almost roll back at the stretch. you two were breathing heavily as you stared at each other. he took a moment, not moving, just to look at you. his deep brown eyes were richer than you thought, speckled with lighter shades of brown and hazel. you wanted to stay there with his eyes, wrapped up in them, forever. you caught the glimpse of a genuine smile tugging at his lips before he slowly pulled out and pushed back in, your mouths dropping open. he grasped your breast, taking it out from underneath the satin, and brushed your nipple softly with his thumb. he pulled back out and in again, all while stroking your nipple, and you fought the overwhelming urge to close your eyes. you knew you couldn’t, though.

this was personal. romantic. a new step.

he kept going, slowly building speed, but never losing your eyes. he watched your face contort as he nudged your special spot. you groaned and he went a little faster, fueled by your reaction. “so pretty, baby.”

this was all about you, it seemed. he was getting off on your sounds and your expressions; it was deeply loving.

before long, you could feel your orgasm building. your moans grew louder and he groaned in satisfaction. your hands fell from his shoulders and hit the bed as you gave your whole body to him. he reached and grabbed one of your hands, engulfing it with his own and intertwining your fingers. it was perfect, so perfect. after only a few more thrusts, the band snapped and your high washed over you. you let your eyes roll back and close, making him rub your hand with his thumb to bring you back to him. he wasn’t far behind you. three more thrusts and he shuddered as he came in you. you watched him slow down, his eyelids drooping.

you stayed there a minute, letting the bliss linger for just a moment longer. it made you realize: the relaxation after you cum was a feeling you wanted to feel with him. only him. that was a scary thought.

he pulled out and grabbed a towel from his nightstand that he had probably put there in preparation while you were changing. he helped you clean him off of you and put it back on the counter, snuggling back up with you.

this peace was perfect. just him and you. it felt as if it would last forever.

and you hoped to god that it would.

• • •

it’s sooooo sweet… but will it last?

taglist: @gvfpal @hollyco @piratejakesgf @sunandthemoontwinflames @kiszkas-canvas-deactivated20240 @jjwasneverhere @anythingforjtk

[chirp-a-chirp]

Court of Darkness: The Battle of Facial Hair*

*I wrote this story while hopped up on cold meds. So take this crack-fic with a grain of salt. Enjoy the horribly edited photo.

Description: A rumor spreads (from Vane knows where) throughout Saligia that a royal’s future prospects and strength can be determined by the amount of facial hair he possesses. How does this impact the princes?

Tags: Humor; crack; fluff; (brief mc mention using they/them pronouns)

Word Count: ~1250

…

GUY and TOA

Jasper receives a letter from the Avari royal court. He reads the contents to Guy.

Jasper: King Roc has grown a magnificent beard since you last saw him. The ladies of the court find his Majesty even more attractive than usual.

Guy: …

Guy: He has never lacked for female company.

Jasper: His Highness suggests you grow a beard as a sign of Avari strength.

Guy: *Scoffs* Suggests?

Jasper: Perhaps suggests is an inaccurate word. Here is the royal decree—you will begin growing your beard now.

Guy: Bah.

Jasper: Please tell me how a beard feels. I might endeavor to use one on my upcoming missions.

Guy: You’re enjoying my misery far too much.

Jasper: Impossible sir. *Smirks*

Two weeks later, Guy sports a very thick, luxurious black beard. It is neatly trimmed, complete with sideburns and mustache. As Avari fangirls oooh and aaaah over Guy’s facial locks in a hallway, Toa walks by.

Toa: How like Avari to be swept up by a rumor. Qelsum would never succumb to such a pathetic attempt at a power display.

Knight: Toa! Toa! An express letter has come from Qelsum!

Toa: *Reads letter, eyes widening ever so slightly. His eyes flicker to Guy and then back at the letter*

Toa: …the royal court cannot be serious.

Guy: What was that about pathetic power displays mongrel? Heh Heh Heh. *Walks away*

Within the next few weeks, Toa has a long, thin, deep blue goatee. The Qelsum royal court feared the consequences of Guy displaying a full beard without a Qelsan counterpoint—and as this display did not involve a direct magical competition against Avari, the Qelsan court insisted Toa grow out his own facial hair.

As much as Toa does not want to admit it, the goatee does have advantages. His chin and upper lip were much warmer with a layer of hair covering it; dignitaries were in such awe at the power conveyed that numerous agreements advantageous to Qelsum were given; and teaching had become easier as his goatee conveyed an air of authority that made even the most unruly students obedient.

The fangirls for Toa and Guy are louder than usual, all insisting THEIR prince had the more magnificent facial hair. Clearly, the fullness and thickness of Guy’s beard conveyed his superiority—no, no, the Toa-sters insisted, Toa’s long beautiful goatee showcased Qelsum’s might better. Guy and Toa grumble at the comments and at one another frequently, both embarrassed at the farcical turn the situation had taken. But until their kingdoms release them from their hairy obligation, the facial hair remains.

MC: What IS it with people’s obsession over size?

Fenn: It’s not the size that counts Treasure. It’s how you use it.

Speaking of how you use it…

FENN and ROY

Fenn: I say Roy, you’re not participating in this facial hair competition?

Roy: Why, no. I prefer the clean-cut look. It suits my purposes.

Fenn: *Smirks* You can’t grow a full-beard, can you?

Roy: *Smiles bigger* I did not say that, Master Fenn.

Fenn: You didn’t have to Roy.

Roy: And is there a reason why you’re only growing a mustache?

Fenn: It suits my purposes equally well. Or so I’ve been told. *Wink*

Fenn grows a long twirling lavender mustache. The mustache, while not particularly full, has the remarkable ability to grow and shrink several feet at Fenn’s discretion, like magical retractable hairy vines. It becomes an extension of Fenn himself—for better and worse.

Female student one: My date with Prince Fenn was absolutely divine!

Female student two: So was mine. A night with Prince Fenn is like being caressed with two sets of arms!

Fenn: Are you two comparing notes? May I join you? *His mustache elongates and tickles the ear of each student*

Students: Oooooh!

Roy is incapable of growing a full beard. He CAN, however, maintain a 5 o’clock shadow on his face. This beard stubble is very light in color—so light, it can only be seen if one were mere inches from his face. Roy uses this fact to his advantage.

Roy: Did I miss a spot while shaving Heartspell? *Nuzzles his face against MC’s cheek and neck*

MC: Roy! I’ve told you that tickles!

Roy: Yes, your point being…? *Continues to nuzzle their increasingly red neck*

MC: I didn’t want to resort to this, but these are MY leg hairs…

Roy: Oh you are quite the devious little…*starts laughing as MC lifts the fabric up from Roy’s pants and rubs their leg against Roy’s exposed shin*

Grayson walks up to Roy’s door. Upon hearing dual voices laughing from within, he turns to the diplomat next to him. “My apologies, it appears Prince Roy is indisposed.” Grayson barely withholds the word AGAIN.

RIO and LYNT

Rio, Lynt, Sherry, and MC eat in the dining hall. Sherry asks if Rio and Lynt intend to grow out their facial hair.

Lynt: *Shrugs* It’s too much a bother. I am a Prince whether there is or is not hair on my face.

Rio: Nope. The only hair that grows on me and my dad is on our heads. Not that it makes a difference—dad’s the best king there is!

Sherry: You two are the only ones that show any common sense.

Rio: Roy’s an S:Rank and he doesn’t appear to be taking this rumor seriously.

MC: *Rubs their neck, muttering* Yeah, APPEARS.

Knight ambles over with a tray of food. Suddenly, he jumps in the air.

Knight: OI! Keep your hands off me you—! *Rubs his backside*

Fenn: *Smiles cheekily while retracting his mustache* My hands didn’t touch you, did they, dear Knight?

LOU and the PRINCES

Lou summons the princes to his office. Guy and Toa glare at one another miserably while scratching their faces. Fenn twirls one side of his mustache while lightly massaging Lynt’s hair with his other mustache half.

Lou: I suppose you all would like to know who has won my facial hair competition.

Guy: *Eyes widen* …

Toa: YOU started this ridiculous rumor?! *Lou’s familiars, Phinny and Nix, resignedly nod their feathered heads*

Lou: I have written to each of your fathers to announce the winner—

Rio: Wait, where’s Lance?

Toa: He hasn’t shown up to class for days.

Lou: The winner of this contest is—*at this precise moment, Lance casually enters the office* Master Ira!

The princes stare in bewilderment as Lance opens the door. He hasn’t been seen in four days, but in that short time he has gone from clean shaven to a full dark purple lumberjack-style beard. Lance has spent the past few days with the child Christoph. He’s just arrived from reading Christoph a series of Saligian fairytales—including a reenactment of the brave woodsman (complete with full beard—grown to amuse the boy). Lance reveals none of this as he glares at Lou.

Lance: What utter rot. *Leaves and closes the door*

Lou: Oh well, I’ll give him his prize later. *Turns to the other princes* As the contest has ended, I’ve informed the kings you no longer need to participate if that is your desire.

Guy immediately removes his beard with magic, muttering “Ridiculous.” Toa sighs deeply and leaves without another word. As the other princes leave, Lou calls out.

Lou: Master Invidia! MC has been sporting high collared shirts as of late. Have they caught a chill? The visiting diplomat was quite worried on their behalf.

Roy: *Smiles* Rest assured, I will take care of them.

[jiayuechen]

Viper, please scold me again.

【Chamber X Viper】 Valorant fanfic ongoing.

Chapter 1

Seeing Doubles

*I’m not a native speaker so I’m looking forward to your suggestions on my vocabulary and grammar.

“Viper, you must let me take you out some time. ”

“Viper, I know the perfect place for dinner, dancing.”

“Viper, don't pretend you're not happy to see me. ”

“Sabine...”

"Shut up!" Viper finally couldn't bear it anymore and yelled at Chamber, "I've told you not to use my real name during missions."

Chamber remained silent, then let out a few awkward laughs.

The same drama played out every time Chamber and Viper teamed up for a mission.

Out of respect for Viper, most agents quietly stood by and watched the entire drama, privately exchanging comments.

But there were also younger agents like Phoenix and Yoru who didn't care, expressing their views publicly.

"This isn't the first time, is it?" Yoru said gleefully.

"Sorry, I've silenced Viper again," Chamber apologized with remorse.

Thus, Viper faced the second painful moment in her life — embarrassment.

No one ever considered why such an awkward drama continued to went on between Viper and Chamber.

One, a French agent known for elegance and finesse.

The other, an American scientist turned to the dark side for revenge.

Logically speaking, with Chamber's emotional intelligence, if he truly wanted to pursue Viper, there would surely be better tactics.

And conversely, knowing Viper's character, if she truly wanted to reject Chamber, she would have more decisive methods.

Furthermore, with their respective charm and abilities, they could undoubtedly find better partners.

So why continue this same drama?

No one knows, and no one has really thought about it.

After all, those who come to Valorant each have their own purposes — whether to find long-lost family, reclaim lost memories, or see departed loved ones reborn.

As long as there’s no conflict with oneself, no one delves into the true motives of others.

Just like how Chamber and Viper treat each other at this moment.

"Chamber, I think we need to have a serious talk."

After the mission, Viper pulled Chamber aside.

"Well, I've been wanting to have a chat with you. Let's find a coffee shop..." Chamber seemed genuinely unaware of what Viper was talking about and pulled out his phone.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Viper looked visibly impatient. "I want to discuss about how you flirt with me in front of other agents."

"Well..." Chamber stopped joking around.

He knew Viper is not an idiot. Also, he knew very well that the real issue between them was the trust issue almost every Valorant agent had with Chamber. Viper was particularly sensitive to this, never truly trusting Chamber since he joined, and always ready to eliminate him.

As the false flattery slowly faded from Chamber's handsome face, an image of a shrewd arms dealer reappeared behind the mask. Viper's lips twitched slightly behind her mask. She paused and said, "I like things direct. First, less flirting during missions, more focus. Second, don't use my real name when other agents are present."

"Is that all?"

Chamber seemed to relax a little.

"That's all," Viper replied. Her tone was gentle and enticing, revealing no hint of fear or suspicion.

"If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes," Viper continued.

"No problem!" The usual pleasing smile returned to Chamber's face. "Um... just to confirm, so it's okay to call you Sabine in private or in letters, right?"

"Whatever suits you," Viper replied casually. "You're charming, Chamber, but not as clever as you think."

"So, let's get this straight, what are you really conflicted about?" Reyna took a deep sip from her coffee cup and asked.

"I don't know why I said that." Viper poured coffee from the siphon into her cup as she spoke.

"You mean saying he's charming?"

"Yes. I just wanted to say he should focus more on the mission, and I didn't want to delve into anything else. But I don't know why I said that."”

"Firstly, Viper," Reyna set down her coffee cup, "are you sure I'm a good emotional counselor?"

"I wouldn't talk to that woman who does revive stuff or those brats," Viper replied.

"What about Killjoy?"

"We don't discuss matters beyond the experiment."

"Ah," Reyna sighed heavily, "I never thought I'd see today."

"Let me ask you, Reyna. With my temper and age, would a man as young and rich as Chamber pursue me purely out of affection?"

"Correct." Reyna replied frankly.

"Then why would he pursue me?" Viper asked.

"Chamber is slightly more astute than other businessmen, in that you can never see through his true intentions," Reyna replied. "Just as I didn't understand why he would spend so much money supporting my shelter."

"If we don't know his purpose, but Cypher and Fade haven't intervened, it at least proves that this purpose won't conflict with the objectives of Valorant for the time being,"

"That makes sense." Reyna replied.

"So, here's the question. Considering Chamber pursues me for his own reasons, would you fall in love with a man flirting with you like that?" Viper asked.

"No, I'd just give him a headshot." Reyna replied bluntly.

"Exactly, so his actions wouldn't achieve his purpose. Do you think Chamber, with his abilities, would not realize this?" Viper pressed.

"Well..." Reyna hesitated, "maybe French men are just more confident? They think they know everything about women."

"If it's just a pursuit out of genuine affection, that makes sense. But if there are other motives, he seems to be overly confident," Viper concluded.

Reyna nodded, taking a large gulp of coffee to digest all this information.

"But..." Viper looked out the window thoughtfully.

"But what?" Reyna looked at her, puzzled.

"I'm thinking, if his goals don't conflict with Valorant and he needs my help to achieve them, why can't he just tell me directly?" Viper replied.

"What?" Reyna was so surprised she almost sprayed coffee everywhere. "What are you planning, Viper?"

"I don't actually dislike him," Viper answered. "The real reason I hesitate to get close to him is because of that sense of mistrust. He's keeping too many secrets from us."

"So you don't actually like him, right?" Reyna seemed almost unwilling to accept these words from herself.

"I said I don't dislike him," Viper reiterated. "It's just that I think he's not very clever. He hides himself so well that it makes everyone wary."

"But that's just who he is!" Reyna was struggling to organize her thoughts. "I mean, if he were to reveal his intentions and you disagreed, what would he do next? After all, he's a businessman."

"But right now, There’s not even a possibility of me helping him. He should take a chance at least," Viper replied.

"So we just have to wait for him to come around, is that it?" Reyna seemed more confused with each passing moment.

"I don't think he will come around," Viper said.

"Then let him be."

"But is it a good thing to have someone in Valorant who can't be trusted by others?"

Reyna chugged coffee like a relentless coffee pouring machine, trying to keep her brain awake with caffeine.

Despite the fruitless conversation with Reyna, Viper engaged in some introspection and began to understand the source of her inner turmoil.

Perhaps Reyna had a point. Chamber wasn't sure if he cared about his true purpose, and he feared that revealing it would lead to Viper rejecting him completely.

If that was the case, why not give him a chance to speak up?

Viper casually picked up one of Chamber's love letters, dipped it in the specially crafted green ink he had given her, and started writing on parchment. The writing process wasn't easy; despite having a template to follow, Viper wasn't adept at writing such sentimental things. Considering that anyone else seeing the contents of the letter would lead Viper to poison herself, she decided to personally deliver the letter to Chamber.

"Sova, where's Chamber?" Viper asked.”

"He's in the VIP lounge at Breeze," Sova replied, focused on adjusting his bolt without looking up.

"Thank you." Saying that, Viper left Sova's room.

It took him a moment to realize.

"Wait, who was she looking for just now?!"

Realizing something was wrong, Sova hurriedly ran towards the rooms of Cypher and Fade.

The bar at Breeze was as lively as ever.

Up on the third-floor VIP section, a regular patron awaited in his trademark white shirt and blue waistcoat—a Frenchman known as Chamber.

"Sir, your guest has arrived," the waiter whispered in French.

Chamber discreetly placed a rendezvous anchor under the table corner, then went down the stairs.

Rendezvous, also known as French Displacement, was a secret technique allowing for a swift retreat to base when combat turned unfavorable. By placing an anchor at a safe location, one could quickly escape the battlefield within a certain radius.

Leaving an anchor was a habit Chamber developed over years as an arms dealer.

After all, in this line of work, you never knew what tomorrow might bring.

The term "French Displacement" might sound like mocking cowardice for thinking of escape during negotiations, but for an arms dealer, adaptability was a necessary quality in this less-than-glamorous business.

On the other side, Viper also arrived at the VIP section of the Breeze bar, holding what was referred to as a "love letter."

She glimpsed Chamber coming down from upstairs, appearing to wait for someone.

Despite its concealed location, based on their familiarity with each other's habits during missions, Viper discovered the rendezvous anchor under the table corner.

Viper knew Chamber wouldn't place an anchor here without reason. She had also heard rumors that Chamber had encountered the Chamber from Omega and they had even collaborated. Surely, this anchor was meant to guard against a certain collaborator.

Putting on a gas mask and holding a vial of snake bite venom, Viper found a narrow corner on the VIP balcony where she could hide her figure. From there, she observed every move along the seaside through the railing.

About two minutes later, a man approached Chamber.

He wasn't wearing overalls or formal attire, just casual clothes, but his build and mannerisms were strikingly similar to someone Viper had in her mind. Viper vaguely felt she had seen this man somewhere before, but couldn't recall why.

"Could it be him?" Viper widened her eyes. She couldn't believe this person would still appear here.

Viper scrutinized the man in front of her against her memories, finally confirming him to be the same person—the senior engineer from Kingdom Corporation whom Viper had encountered during the lab attack years ago.

She watched as Chamber exchanged a few words with the man and then handed him a note. In return, the man handed over a document.

Unconsciously, Viper tightened her grip on the snake bite venom in her hand. Scenes from the uncontrollable memories of the lab attack flooded Viper's mind.

—flames soaring, devastation everywhere, and the people she cared about forever left behind.

She saw Chamber shaking hands with the mastermind behind all this pain, seemingly enjoying their cooperation.

Just like years ago, anger once again filled her chest, accompanied by myriad pains and despair rushing over her.

Viper struggled to contain her emotions, but her grip on the venom had become uncontrollable.

Click

The snake bite venom slipped from Viper's hand and fell to the ground.

The vial of this poison was not sturdy, designed to shatter upon impact, increasing the damage from the glass shards and allowing the poison to seep into the skin.

"What's happening?" Security and patrons from the Breeze bar rushed over upon hearing the noise.

Viper didn't have time to explain. She knew that soon, fully armed police would arrive here. To avoid raising suspicion, she deployed a smoke screen to obscure the view and swiftly left the bar.

Five minutes ago, on the beach of Breeze.

Chamber watched as his former colleague, dressed in cheap casual clothes, walked towards the beach. He reached out his hand and waved to the man, seemingly nostalgic for their past working together.

"Mr. Fabron," the tall man also extended his hand, friendly gesturing towards Chamber.

"You guys are down to selling action briefs for money now?" Chamber joked lightly.

"Mr. Fabron, you're generous with money. That’s why we're willing," the man replied unabashedly.

"According to the agreed price, here's the check," Chamber said, handing the check to the man.

"And here's the brief you requested," the man handed over the documents promptly.

"Pleasure doing business," Chamber extended his right hand, ready to shake hands with the man.

"Sorry, I just have to ask," the man double-checked the check, seeming a bit incredulous, "This is just an action brief from many years ago. Why is Mr. Fabron willing to pay such a large amount to buy it? Is there something of interest to you?"

"It's none of my concern," Chamber replied, "but it's important to a friend of mine."

"A friend?" The man seemed to doubt his own ears.

"Yes, a friend..." Chamber's gaze dimmed momentarily, but then returned to his usual ambiguous smile, "Actually, I'm not sure either. Just thought I'd buy it first and show her, might be useful."

"Well then, best of luck to you," the man extended his right hand and shook Chamber's hand firmly.

Click. The snake bite venom shattered on the ground, making a piercing sound.

Chamber turned towards the noise, spotting a familiar figure with a gas mask slipping into the toxic fog she had created.

"Oh no," Chamber muttered to himself, without saying goodbye to the man, he hurriedly chased after Viper in the direction she had left.

Viper returned to her room.

The mishap left her shaken to the core.

That anger... that heart-wrenching pain...

After all these years, she had never realized the strength of that force could be so overpowering.

The attack years ago had turned both her and Omen into dreaded monsters.

Omen's terror stemmed from his appearance, while Viper's horror perhaps came from within.

"Instead of shaking hands with that man, I might as well drink my own poison," Viper muttered calmly to herself.

Indeed, just seeing Chamber shake hands with that man caused her to accidentally drop and shatter the snake bite venom.

Did she have the capability to handle Chamber's darker, deeper secrets?

"If his goals are related to that experiment, would I really be able to stop myself from killing him?" Viper murmured to herself again.

She tossed the love letter into the poison, and used a bottle of chilled champagne to calm herself once more.

On the other side, Brimstone's office door was heavily knocked.

"Come in."

"Brimstone, we can't ignore the issue with Chamber any longer." Fade entered, throwing a stack of letters onto Brimstone's desk.

"Is it because of those threatening letters, or do you think Chamber is connected to the people who kidnapped your loved one?"

"Not the threats. It's Viper."

"What's wrong with Viper?"

Fade took a deep breath and said, "I swear on my life that Frenchman is in love with her. Viper went to Breeze's bar to see him today."

Brimstone paused for a moment, then slowly responded, "Since Killjoy and Raze got together, we no longer prohibit romantic relationships between agents."

"That's not the point!" Fade was almost incoherent. "He's a dangerous man who made a deal with his Omega World self. If his intentions don't conflict with the protocol, I might turn a blind eye. But Viper is different. Do you know why the Scions of Hourglass is still hunting her? Do you know why Omen tried to kill her during the lab tragedy years ago? We haven't figured any of this out, and you're okay with Viper being sweet-talked and bombarded with sugar-coated bullets by Chamber every day?"

Brimstone fell silent.

Fade quieted down too, looking pained and occasionally groaning.

After a moment of contemplation, Brimstone finally responded to Fade's concerns with a question of his own.

"Fade, do you think Viper is smart?"”

"Very smart. She's one of the smartest women I've ever met. That's why I came to you. I can't stand seeing such a smart woman being deceived so easily."

"If you think she's smart too, maybe you should trust her like I do."

“What do you mean by trust her?”

"If neither of us knows Chamber's true intentions, what's the best way to figure out?"

Fade pondered for a moment and retrieved the letters from the desk.

"But I must say, this approach carries great risks. If it fails, we'll both be held accountable."

Brimstone remained silent, nodded, and watched Fade leave.

[cosmicjoke]

Amazing finale to “Vinland Saga”, keeping with the stellar, incredible quality of this entire series.  I especially loved the ending sequence, with Thorfinn seeing his younger self asking where to go if you want to run away from here, and Thors appearing and telling him he already knows the answer.  Once again, I feel the anime improves on the manga in small, but key ways, adding just enough extra weight and drama to certain scenes to really drive this story to greatness.  I hope to continue to see this as the series goes on, which I assume it will, to see them sort of cut out some of the more glaring and out of place elements from the manga and retain that more serious tone that was established early on in it.  The final, quiet interaction we see between Thorfinn and his sister  was really moving too, after the more comical interactions between them earlier in the episode,  And that’s alright to have comic relief, (Helga after all is a comedic character and has been since the beginning) as long as it doesn’t undercut the drama, which is a minor criticism I have of the manga at times (not to rag on the manga at all, it’s absolutely stellar in its own right, and of course, the art is second to none).  But they made sure to pull the comedy back here to a touching and poignant moment between brother and sister, also eliminating the continuing comedy with her cutting Thorfinm’s hair and giving him a bowl cut.  I always felt like those moments in the manga detracted from the overall tone and weight of the story, and it feels like the creators working on the anime agree.  Although they kept some of the comedy for this last episode, it wasn’t overwhelming or distracting like I felt it was in the manga.  And of course, the reunion between Thorfinn and his mother was beautiful and heartbreaking.  The manga has gotten more serious again in its most recent arcs, and that makes me happy.  I’ll be interested to see how they handle certain things going forward, like with Halfdan, and his relationship with Thorfinn and his role in funding their expedition to Vinland.  The manga’s, I guess the word is forgiveness, of Halfdan always struck me as a bit jarring, given the earlier characterization of him as a brutal and uncompromising slave owner.  I have a feeling there isn’t really a work around for that, though, unless they simply cut Halfdan from the story entirely, or change the nature of his relationship with Thorfinn, which I also don’t really see a work around for, given his and his son’s heavy involvement in the plot moving forward.  Either way, I’m sure they’ll handle it with the same grace and care and seriousness that they’ve handled everything else in this anime with.  What’s really struck me about this adaptation has been the creator’s understanding of where the story needs improvement, where it needs to be toned down and taken more seriously, deviating at times from the manga in order to achieve that, but still obviously respecting the source material.  It really is one of the best anime’s I’ve ever had the true pleasure of experiencing.  Thorfinn’s journey, and watching it unfold the way it has here, with the magnificent direction, animation, voice acting, music, etc... has been nothing short of deeply moving and extraordinary, and I’m sure it will retain that quality moving forward.  MAPPA is absolutely destroying it with their output these last, few years.  Between Attack on Titan, this and JJK, there isn’t another studio I can think of which has put out such incredible work so consistently and continuously.  So thank you MAPPA for bringing this, and the other deserving stories to such astonishing life.  Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for season 3.  I want to continue watching Thorfinn grow and journey to fulfill his purpose and dream.  For anyone who hasn’t read the manga yet, there are some truly incredible arcs coming up which absolutely have to be animated.  This is, after all, called “Vinland Saga”, and it won’t be complete until Thorfinn arrives there.

[hearts4farryn]

July 19, 2023

TW! ed, sa, addiction, basically dead dove don’t eat

After years of an ed, I finally find myself on Tumblr; the HOLY GRAIL of disordered people. You’d think after 3 years of therapy, several hospital trips, and multiple attempts i’d learn my lesson. At this point I think I just like wallowing in my mental illnesses. Once quarantine started, I just went spiraling down a path in the wrong direction. But this year has been the most wild point of my life. It’s funny, a couple weeks ago my step-dad asked me if I had hit rock bottom. His question didn’t sprout from just a few of my life’s mishaps though. My biological dad who lives across the United States sent my and in-depth suicide note through his Gmail; causing me to stress over him for weeks. A few months earlier I had been raped by a man in his 20’s, but he got shot 2 weeks after. Karma’s a bitch when it needs to be. And finally, the cherry on top, my parents and relatives found out my therapist was grooming me. I knew that his sexual advances towards me weren’t necessarily normal, but he has told me countless times I was “one of a kind” and he “thought about me often.” The worst part of him grooming me was people finding out. I could handle that my middle aged therapist (who was actually very cute!) found me attractive and had other plans than me just being a client to him. I didn’t mind it. Being victimized and the stress of taking legal action was a completely different topic. Thank God, my parents decided to stray away from the police. I’ve already had enough encounters with them anyway. Back to my step-dad saying I hit rock bottom, I already knew I hadn’t. Not even a week after he asked, I overdosed on my bedroom floor with Euphoria playing in the background. No fucking joke. This was also not on purpose (surprisingly) and I had been using for a long time before this. My blue leds were on too. My mom found me in my bed; grey-faced, convulsing, while my friend held back tears as she watched death almost swallow me whole. My mom dragged me to the floor, called 911, and started CPR. Mind you I was in a thong and bra during all of this. EMTS eventually arrived at my house and I woke up to lights flashing in my eyes and realizing everyone there has seen me half naked. I cried in the ambulance and apologized to the officer beside me countless times. To be honest, he was probably getting pissed and how much i was whining and the amount of “I’m so sorrys” i was throwing out there. If anyone out there has experienced addiction and thought, “oh! there’s no way that’ll happen to me! i know what i’m doing.” There is always a way. ALWAYS. Especially with hard shit. I’ve been sober since then and hope to continue, but i still haven’t processed it fully. Instead of realizing it was a very serious situation, I just giggle at the thought of it and move on. Anyways, all this crazy shit has sprouted into my life after my first heartbreak. I had been cheated on after I poured everything into a relationship. At the same time, what did I expect out of a teenage boy? I won’t go too in depth about that, it’s always the same story for everyone. Now Im about 2000 miles from home, with my childhood best friends. It’s a nice and quiet break from everything. I just kind of relive the same day and don’t have to worry about being around my triggers. These 3 weeks have been the easiest weeks to get clean. I just hope i stay clean, i honestly never know. Without a therapist, I’m just going to have to figure shit out on my own and hope I’m doing life right. This year I’ll be going into my sophomore year of high school, and I kind of can’t wait for summer to be over. But first I need to be skinny!! I want to be sickly. That’s just kind of what I’m relying on to cope right now. If anyone needs to rant in my dms they are always welcome, I am here for this community! I get it. This is my first update here, I’m not sure if anyone will read it but hi if u do! Thank you for listening!

xoxo

farryn

[qulrikkek]

Season 3 of the Mandalorian could have been the BEST... (PART 1)

The potential was there. (But I have a feeling Disney meddled with the story...)

I have seen many fans bashing this season on valid reasons. For example the biggest issue is that the main character of the show, Din has been sidelined along with Grogu.

Don't get me wrong, choosing to make Bo Katan a main character was a good move.

BUT she should have REMAINED A main character and not become THE main character. Yes, her background makes her a very interesting person to play around with, BUT it would have been SO EASY to still maintain Din and Grogu's status as main characters while adding Bo's to the equation.

So it is the least to say that I'm frustrated. Especially, since I'm a writer, and I see where and how Din and Grogu should have been given more screen time!

No, I wouldn't rewrite the whole season, because now that almost all episodes are out, I can see what Jon and Dave were meaning to do with the story. And the direction is a good one. The message that together we are stronger was better choice than making Bo an antagonist.

BUT THE WAY they got to their desired direction...

I would rather do an IMPROVEMENT on the screenplay.

The issues that would need to be tackled are the following;

Let's start with minor details;

1. Characters repeat themselves unnecessary.

(Especially prominent in Episode 2 and 6)

2. Unaddressed tensions are never explained or confronted.

(Why has Bo never mentioned the mythosaur to Din? Why has she never revealed why she wouldn't duel with him for the Darksaber? Why would the Armorer let Bo take off her helmet, when she had an issue with Din taking it off? What does the Armorer mean by walking both worlds? ((I understand what Jon and Dave meant here but to the general audience this could still be confusing)) Why was Bo accepted into the Covert so easily? Why has no one tried to confront her about her past mistakes? Why has no one brought it up that she was in Death Watch and is responsible for Mandalore to fall into the hands of a Sith? Why has no one mentioned Duchess Satine? What was the purpose of Grogu's flashback? Why was Persing's storyline abandoned for so long? Why does Gideon only show up in Episode 7? How did Captain Carson Teva know that Din had a astrometh droid which he served with in the Rebellion? )

3. Using the same device to create action/tension.

Episode 1 Monster from the water tries to eat a child.

Episode 2 Monster robot captures Din.

(Mythosaur appearance, which is another monster figure, but at least it doesn't attack.)

Episode 4 Monster that can fly captures the same kid which was almost eaten in Episode 1.

Episode 7 Monster has no purpose other than smashing the ship they were traveling with which scares the Mandalorians into going underground.

4. Wholesome moments between Din and Grogu have become rare. Too rare.

We can see that Grogu gets closer and closer to Bo physically, but WHY? They only talked in Episode 2 and 4, but none after that. So it's feels unjustified when he eventually ends up sitting in her lap.

5. Grogu rarely does anything that drives the narrative (for most of the season) Only in Episode 1 and 2 has more prominent role, and then in 4, then in 7.)

6. Din's character seems clumsy. (Which he shouldn't be since previous seasons established him as a badass bounty hunter!)

He has to be rescued over and over again.

7. Where are the rest of the characters?

Greef Karga has a very minor role compared to previous seasons.

No Cara, no Fennec, no Boba, no Mayfield... etc.

8. Episode 6.

Yes, the whole episode is... Huh... A mess to say the least.

Why is Din just accompanying Bo to her mission to recruit her former fleet? How did he take the whole 'she can take her helmet off', but apparently not him?

The mood is all over the place. It begins with a happy tone then by the time Bo and Din go to the Mandalorian fleet, it becomes serious again, while the setting is still in broad harsh daylight, which was applied throughout the whole episode so it gives off happy vibes, while Bo and Axe duel!!!

There are too many guest stars, which take the audience out of the star wars experience.

The detective story doesn't make sense, because if the Duchess and her Captain had known for a while now that they were having problems with their droids... Had it not occured to no one to check the fluids that the droids drink to update themselves???

Why did Commissioner Heilgait folded so quickly after being confronted by the Duchess? Why would he be sorry? He had just said a few minutes ago that he would not give up not the corrupt Republic not to the Empire... This action makes him appear to be a weak antagonist...

Why had Axe not denied Bo and challenged Din instead?

Why doesn't Axe confront Bo why is she refusing to duel with Din???

Why hadn't Din gave the Darksaber back to Bo earlier if he had known that she won it from him?

9. In Episode 5 and 7 during the attacks against the Mandalorians, they should have used their jetpacks much more. They stay on the ground for far too long as if they had forgotten they have them on their backs.

10. No one else has dialogue in the Mandalorian Covert other than Paz, the Armorer, Din, and Bo. It's hard to care about the rest of them and their fate and culture if they are not given agency.

11. DIN AND BO RARELY TALK WITH EACH OTHER. They rather TALK TO EACH OTHER.

Therefore their interactions remain surface level. So when it comes to their implied romantic attraction to each other it's nowhere near as strong as it could have been had the writers made them have meaningful conversations (like in Episode 7).

Also, since the romantic attraction between them were hinted in a so subtile manner... A lot of people might have missed those clues and so Din's pledge to Bo may seem to be coming out of the blue...

The audience would have needed the cameras to linger a lot longer on them when they exchange looks etc...

12. DIN DOESN'T DRIVE THE NARRATIVE AND HIS DIALOGUE IS TOO FEW.

He seems to have lost his meaning... Other than to be at Bo's side, supporting her.

PART 2 is coming soon, where I'll try to improve these things.