#I can't figure out how to turn the elevator power on

[no-thanks-bro]

Can someone please help me with re1 remake?? I'm so fucking lost 😭 I've cleared every room and tried every door and I can't figure out how to progress for the life of me

[dadsbongos]

5 times laios almost says he loves you + 1 time he does

2 k words / warnings - momentary lead up to smut (foreplay/roleplay), modern au w fantasy elements

summary - laios wants to tell you he loves you, but keeps getting interrupted.

~~~

When Laios was a kid, he'd imagined a tri-headed beast crossbred from reptiles, mammals, and birds attacking all his problems. Recently, that image has been… tweaked…

Now when he's afflicted by demeaning nightmares or stiff social situations, the power he summons to crush all which is dark sided is, surprisingly, a human.

A mere person.

His partner.

Every time you appear in his dream, Laios wakes up in a massively good mood. Whenever Laios pictures you over the unpleasant sight of strangers, he can suddenly bear unwelcome conversation. Whenever Laios so much as spots you, his whole day elevates -- swirling into something brighter and sweeter. Misery to melon juice, he’s absolute goo as soon as you’re in the room.

And everybody except him knows what his deal is. Similarly, they know it’ll take a miserably long while before he can spit it out.

the time where you’re naked

“I wanna learn human anatomy, can you pose nude for me?”

You choke on your water, trying to laugh off the awkward question with a couple chest-pats, “Can't you just look at porn for that stuff? I don't mind, you know?”

“Nah, I wanna draw you.”

“Oh! Uh, okay…” you cross the floor, drawing the curtains to your living room before stiffly beginning to disrobe, “Like… right now?”

“Mhm,” Laios nods excitedly.

“‘kay then.”

Sweat practically oozes down Laios’ forehead, shoulders knotted towards his jaw as he obsessively studies each roll and dip along your body. Trying to copy you down on sketch paper that’s now marred with charcoal and eraser strokes. Drawing has never been something Laios cared to prove himself for, he knows what he’s skilled with and doesn’t fret over what he isn’t. Until now, now he feels the utmost need to prove himself.

To prove how devoted he is to perfecting your body on paper because how else will his adoration be known?

Because trust: he does adore your body. So pretty. And tender. And so very welcoming to him, just like you. Laios adores your personality more than your body -- you’re nice and funny and understanding and, most importantly, you like him. You seriously like him. His rants about monsters, his social ineptitude, his shameless nature: you’re verily into all of it.

And, in turn, he’s into you. He’s so into you it makes him want to choke himself in excitement whenever you lock eyes.

He’s so into you he thinks he loves you.

Laios pauses mid stroke on your thigh: it’s a little skinnier than the fleshy counterpart. So he erases again and lets the realization fizz over him slowly.

He definitely loves you. Unfortunately the sudden thought makes him so emotional he’s tearing up.

the time you’re on a date

Flickering overhead fluorescents are hideously unflattering to customers and staff alike at the diner. Not you, though. Somehow you make them work, even though everytime Laios catches his reflection in a window he looks absolutely ghoulish. The pale wash of sickly light almost makes you seem like a varnished painting.

You’re not even aware of his obsessing, too busy scanning the menu, “I’m looking at the breakfast for dinner options, but I dunno what I want…”

Laios wants you, and he figures the best way to get it out is just saying it.

“I lo- !” he’s silenced by a woman cheerfully greeting the both of you.

Her broad grin tackles him like a personal slight.

“So, what can I get started for you guys?”

Laios swallows his frustration with a wash of chilled water, letting the rhythm of your voice soothe him. Now the mood is ruined. Too stuffy with this onlooker.

Oh, well, he sighs quietly before ordering his own dish; paying no mind to how the server silently questions his moody demeanor.

There’s always more chances.

the time where you’re naked pt. 2

When you’re genuinely asleep, your lashes consistently flutter against your cheeks with each jerk beneath your eyelids. Your lips are parted to let air puff between, and usually you’ll curl your arms towards your chest -- which Laios finds so cute it makes him want to bite you. Sweetly, of course. Not enough to draw blood, unless you say he can.

Either way, he’s fully aware you’re not really sleeping. Which he considers preferable since the secondary act of roleplay doesn’t work if you aren’t awake.

Suddenly, you roll onto your stomach and stretch along the bed -- perking your ass up with a faux drowsy mumble. Laios can register you’re trying to spur him on, a more emotional exhaustion gnawing your spirit the longer he goes without touching you.

Laios has never been able to fanatically explain Incubi mating before he met you (well: he skimmed through it with Kabru, but that didn’t feel impactful), and furthermore, he’s never been able to act it out. Nobody before you seemed the type to accept his interest in portraying a sleeping body about to be bred by an Incubus.

Nobody before you is even worth remembering, Laios steps forward with fingers trailing up the bed and teasing your ankle. Mouth opening, he’s gearing up to confess when suddenly a voice not his own breaks the scene first:

“Laios, please,” you mutter, pouting so adorably he feels like his chest is about to explode, “I don’t wanna be mean, but I need you to hurry it up.”

“Now we have to restart,” Laios steps back until he’s pressed against the bedroom door, “Okay, I’ll go faster this time,” then he grins, “That’ll be even more realistic if I rush in! You’re so smart!”

By the time Laios re-enters the room, his confliction of pure love has been stifled in favor of lust.

the time you’re out with friends

Earplugs are snug in Laios’ ears, cushy and pressing against every crevice of his ear, as he slouches into the booth across from Senshi. He’s sliding a mug of beer from hand-to-hand, leaving a condensation trail along the shiny veneer of the table. Beside him is a gaping hole he laments, belonging to you, as does the margarita saucer. Melting ice chips and an olive Laios promised to eat are the only remnants of your drink.

Otherwise, it all seems to be pumping through you like hot blood. A beaming grin alight on your face as you and Chilchuck bounce around each other on the dance floor. You’re holding hands in the cramped throng of guests so as to not lose each other, and Laios shocked Marcille by not getting the least bit jealous.

“I trust them,” he reasoned, “It’s not like I’m the only person allowed to touch their hands now.”

Not that he’d like to be, either. Laios thinks everyone should touch your hand at least once: it’s soft and warm and you’ve got the perfect grip strength. Just holding your hand makes Laios want to be a better, more upstanding citizen that votes and volunteers. That sort of inspiring spirit is something he couldn’t dream of caging.

You’re like a human morphine injection confounded with pure sunlight, and Laios is already a baked sucker.

“Don’t wanna join?” Senshi slides along the black leather seat until he’s squeezed out from their booth, “You won’t be so young forever, you know? Best to take advantage while you can.”

Laios can barely make out what his friend says, combining muffled gibberish with the shape his lips made and praying he’s assumed correct, “I like just watching them.”

Senshi’s gaze follows Laios’ pointing, he nods slowly and pitters off with another few mumbles.

Laios cannot handle anything outside the safety of your group’s booth. Music too loud and air too hot the further he crawls along the dance floor, so he leaves that to you. And Chilchuck. But mostly you.

Life has many opportunities for him to sway with you to music: in your shared apartment, at friends’ weddings, and fairs. He can handle not taking this particular once to dance with you, and besides just watching is enough.

He whispers affection into the club, naturally you catch none of what he says.

the time where you’re naked pt. 3

Your nails scratch over Laios’ scalp, rinsing bubbles from between sandy strands of hair. His head is tilted, neck beginning to ache from the angle as you finish scrubbing his hair clean. Fingers snatch him by the chin, forcing his head back until water is trailing down his spine and shaking out his head with finality.

“There,” you push onto your toes to kiss his cheek, making him hurry to stabilize you by snagging your hips, “All clean!”

“Thanks,” Laios fails to release you, instead letting you spin in his hands towards the wall for your body wash -- the brand he bought you for your birthday once and you always kept going back to.

“If you’re gonna keep groping me, wash my back, yeah?”

“I’m not groping,” Laios protests weakly, frowning at the perverse accusation. Though he doesn’t pause before uncapping your soap and squirting a heap into his palm, then yours when you hold your hand out expectantly.

You scale down your legs, from the inside of your thighs to your shins as Laios lathers your back. He shifts a step aside to let water coax soap foam down the curve of your spine. Then he’s stepping back entirely, eyes lingering inappropriately. If he was able to die staring at you, then he’d take that certainty in a heartbeat.

Now, right? Now is the perfect time for him to get it all out there. Nobody else is in your apartment. It's domestic and quiet and so, so peaceful.

“Hey,” he calls over the thrumming showerhead, and you hum sweetly in reply, “I lo- !” he bravely takes another step, a lost bar of soap slotting perfectly under the arch of his foot, “Fuck!”

“Huh?” you turn in time to gasp as Laios tumbles forward. Yanking down the shower curtain in a feeble attempt to catch himself before his skull thuds loudly against the tile wall, “Oh my God, Laios!”

His body collapses against the wall before limply sinking into the shallow tub. Your petrified face blurring out in favor of deep,

rich

black.

+1 - the time Laios had a head injury

“Can you see straight? How many fingers am I holding up?”

Laios smiles at your flagrant concern, enveloping your shaky hand with his own and bringing it toward his thigh -- still damp from the shower and barely covered by the boxers you hastily dressed him with, “I can see fine. Let’s leave the doctors to do the testing stuff.”

“I thought you were done for! I was so scared,” you don’t fare much better than Laios in the clothing department: shorts he knows are his wrapped around your waist, and shirts clinging uncomfortably to both your wet bodies.

“Aw,” he coos, leaning closer to peck your cheek, “I wouldn’t go down from a hit like that. My head’s a lot sturdier than some shower wall.”

“I know, but still! How terrifying, you just- !” you slap a hand against your thigh, “Boom!”

“Well, you got me to the hospital pretty fast,” Laios squeezes his hand around yours, “So even if I was dying -- which I wasn’t -- I definitely would’ve lived with how fast you were going.”

“I almost didn’t dress us, and then I spent the whole time you were asleep wondering if I got you killed by wasting the time.”

“Like I said, I wouldn’t die like that,” he shrugs, “I can’t die before I tell you I love you.”

“Huh?!”

“I love you, by the way,” he sighs, a hand splayed over his chest with apparent relief, “Now I can die.”

You laugh, head throwing back in glee before you can catch your breath, then patting his thigh with a smile, “No, you can’t die. Because I love you too, so you can’t just die on me.”

Laios’ cheeks flush, he nods curtly, “Cool.”

“Cool?”

“I spent so long trying to get it out that I never planned what to say when you told me you loved me back.”

Laios is so cute you want to bite him in half, and you’re unbelievably relieved to hear he feels the same.

[mvrkieboo]

Old Bloodhounds

P18 | not tonight please 🩷

You walked to where Jaehyun was standing and when he finally saw you, walking toward him, he started to gather his bags. He looked a little startled when he saw your face. After you got to him, you tried to take his baggage but he quickly snatched it away before you could even touch it. As if he couldn't bear watching you touch his belongings.

Back then, he really was touchy when you would take his stuff without asking him first. But this time, he made it as if your hands were too dirty to be touching his belongings.

“I can carry it.” He spoke through gritted teeth, and you can't help but think he looked ridiculous with one duffel bag on one shoulder and two more on the other while pulling on his baggage.

He hated you so much, he was willing to carry all of that by himself? If you weren't so hurt, you would've laughed at his stubborn ass. A security guard—whom you were very familiar with—walked up to you and Jaehyun, wearing a pleasant smile.

“Good evening, Ms. y/n. Does your friend need some help?” You wiped away any downcast expression you were wearing and put on a pleasant smile that matched his.

“Good evening, Sungwoo. Can you take two of his duffel bags?” He nodded, the smile still painted across his face.

You felt your smile and whole body freezing when Jaehyun gladly gave two duffel bags to Sungwoo. You coached yourself and controlled your feelings as you swiped your card at the elevator buttons.

The ride up was awkward, to say the least. It was leaning more to tense. Jaehyun was obviously tired from his day and you were still feeling the effects of downing 6 bottles of hard liquor and crying your eyes out from yesterday—the headache was still there. Sungwoo, knowing the lines he shouldn't cross, placed the the duffel bags at the entrance and said his farewells to you before taking off.

You closed the door with a click and turned around to see Jaehyun was already back with his bullshit, carrying all four bags by himself. You gritted your teeth and walked past him.

“Follow me.” You spoke to him, leading him to where his room was.

You opened the door for him and turned on the lights. Jaehyun's room was just opposite of yours, and his room had a wall of sightseeing windows facing the city like your room does too. Jaehyun entered the room quickly and thoughtlessly threw his duffel bags on the queen bed. You walked into the room and clicked on the button of his closet wall to open it.

“This condo rarely has power outages, so don't worry about not being able to open your closet if the power goes out. There's a plug right next to your nightstand to charge your phone, and I don't really mind if you wanna plug in an extension. The bathroom is on your left once you get out of this room, and there's a wall of shelves in there, so place your toiletries nicely. Also, there's a door right next to the fridge in the kitchen area that'll lead to the laundry room, equipped with a washing machine and a dryer. There's an installed ironing board right next to your closet, you can figure that out.” You spoke robotically, beating down your overwhelming emotions after you took in the sight of your estranged older brother under your roof.

“And—and here's your access card, make sure you have it with you at all times. There'll be some nights where I take late night shifts for my job, so I won't be here to open the door for you if you forget your access card and come home at ass o'clock in the dead of the night. Do you have any questions?” Crossing your arms, you made it seem like you were totally unaffected with this sudden sibling reunion.

“How’s the security here?” Jaehyun asked quietly, then rubbing his eyes at the exhaustion taking over his body.

“24-hour security with shift rotations.”

He nodded and quietly muttered his thanks as he started to unpack. You nodded back, after he was already not looking at you anymore. You went to exit his room, but once you got to his doorway, you paused for a second and looked back at him. His back was to you, bent over the bed as he unzipped his duffel bags one by one.

Yuno looked so far away from you.

Once you wholly exited his room, you quietly closed the door. When he was certain you were out of his room and he was out of your sight, Jaehyun stopped what he was doing and stood straight up again, running his hand through his hair before it went to rubbing his face, a sigh exiting his mouth.

When he saw you at the lobby, he had noted that you looked really sick, and how swollen your eyes were.

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A/N : THAT'S RIGHT, SURPRISE DOUBLE UPDATE Y'ALL 😜

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[xomakara]

Elevator

(re-posting from my old account seulrinnie-rinrin/xomakara-secondary)

SUMMARY | You and Wooyoung are stuck in the elevator with nothing to do but talk. But when you are awfully aware of how close he is, you can’t help but act on your urges.

PAIRING | Wooyoung/Reader

GENRE | non-idol!Wooyoung, smut with no plot, unprotected sex (wrap it up everyone!), fingering, oral, vaginal sex, elevator sex

RATING | Mature

LENGTH | 2593 words

AUTHOR’S NOTE | On the shorter side but still smutty~

"Nononono. This can't be happening." You ran a hand through your hair, sliding down the walls of the elevator as it stopped moving. The lights were out and you could barely make out the figure of the man who stood next to you.

Of all days to get a power outage!

"Freaking out like that isn't going to make things better." The man muttered, his voice low and calm. "Breathe deep. Count to ten. Do something productive. Shit. I forgot what to do when things go bad."

He added, not sounding at all sincere.

You didn't need him to tell you to breathe; you'd been doing so since the lights went out in the first place. Your heart was pounding and the sweat on your palms made them slippery. The whole situation was just freaking bizarre and the adrenaline pumping through your body wasn't helping either.

You knew you had a bad feeling when you woke up this morning as you struggled to get out of bed. All your work clothes were in the laundry hamper, a lightbulb went out in your bathroom while you showered, you ran out of coffee and there was nothing left to eat for breakfast besides half an apple that had turned brown overnight.

On top of all that, the bathroom mirror showed that the faint lines around your eyes were more pronounced than usual.

And now you're stuck in the company's elevator with that very attractive employee in your department, one who is probably pissed off that he can't find anything to do while trapped here too.

"I knew I should have called in today." You muttered, burying your face in your hands. "This day couldn't possibly get any worse."

"How worse could it be?" The man asked, looking slightly annoyed but also amused by the sight of you bawling your eyes out on the elevator floor. He took a few steps forward before stopping again, taking another deep breath. "It's just a power outage after all. It happens every now and then."

"True enough." You agreed, raising your head to look up at him. "I just can't believe I'm stuck here with you."

"What's wrong with being stuck in an elevator with me?" He laughed.

"Not funny, Wooyoung." You frowned. "God, I can already hear all the other ladies in our department talking shit about me. Why do I always get myself into these situations? Like I haven't got enough problems as it is."

"I mean there's one way we can deter the shit talking." He smirked, gesturing at himself suggestively.

You groaned and shook your head. You really needed to get out of here soon or else your colleague was going to try to make a move on you and then you'll be really fucked. Not that you weren't interested in the idea, but you've heard some horror stories from friends who hooked up with co-workers and most of them ended badly.

You glanced around nervously, wondering how long the power outage would last and how long you'd be stuck in this elevator. You wondered if they'd think of any contingency plan if they realized how much time had passed since the lights went out. Maybe they'd sent maintenance to fix it? Hopefully someone will come soon.

"What are you thinking about, Y/N?" Wooyoung asked, sinking to the floor next to you. His legs crossed and his arms resting casually on his knees. "Having second thoughts about making a move on me?"

"I am not trying to make a move on you, no matter how attractive you may be." You mumbled. "Are you really sure you want to know what I'm thinking?"

"I have been told I have good hearing." He grinned, nudging you playfully with his shoulder. "Go ahead and tell me. Whatever it is, I won't judge you."

"Just being in this elevator is making my anxiety go up the wazoo." You sighed, sitting back against the wall.

"That's why I'm trying to distract you." He said with a shrug. "So, you really want to tell me what's bothering you?"

"I've just had such a bad day." You sighed. "I struggled to get out of bed this morning. All my work clothes were in the hamper, the light bulbs went out during my shower, I didn't have any breakfast except for a stupid apple that turned brown and I ran out of coffee this morning. Everything seemed to conspire against me this morning and..."

You took a deep breath and stared down at your feet, knowing that if you looked at him, you might let yourself get carried away. Wooyoung squeezed your hands gently.

"This kind of thing doesn't happen to me. I've always got my shit together, but today, everything seems to fall apart. One after the other." You muttered.

"Y/N, don't feel embarrassed about having bad days. Everyone has them." He murmured. "Sometimes life can be cruel and unjust, leaving us to struggle with burdens we never thought we could carry alone. It happens to the best of us."

"Maybe." You sighed. "But sometimes you wish that sometimes those bad days wouldn't happen at all."

"Well, we can't always get what we want, right?" He smiled gently. "But if we accept reality as it is, rather than as we wish it to be, perhaps we'll feel better and cope better with whatever life throws at us."

"Who are you and what have you done to the cocky Wooyoung I work with?" You let out an amused sigh. "Is it possible to see two sides of a person at once? Because I definitely saw a different side of you today. Thank you for being nice to me."

"Oh come on, it's nothing special." He waved his hand dismissively. "But I'd like a kiss as payment for comforting you. That's if...you want to."

You looked at him, eyes taking in his handsome face. His messy hair, slightly tousled from always running his hands through them. Those eyes that made you weak in the knees. The lips that were dangerously close to yours.

"Do you want to kiss me?" He asked quietly, tilting his head to the side.

There was a moment where neither of you moved, staring deeply into each other's eyes until finally Wooyoung leaned closer and pressed his lips against yours softly.

The soft kiss surprised you, making you pull away slightly. But Wooyoung didn't seem fazed by it and instead he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you closer. You returned the kiss, brushing your lips against his before pressing your mouth more firmly against his.

Your lips parted slightly as he continued to press kisses to your lips, opening wider as his tongue slid along the seam of your mouth, exploring every corner until finally parting to allow him entrance. He tasted faintly of coffee, which made you wonder if he drank a cup before he came down here, but his taste was still pleasantly sweet.

"You know I could care less about what our coworkers would say about us." He muttered against your lips. "I only have eyes for you."

His words, along with his closeness and the scent of his cologne filled your senses and slowly your breathing became deeper, almost as though your lungs were expanding and pushing the air inside even further. The electricity flowing between you caused goosebumps to rise on your skin, spreading all over your body as his hands tightened their grip around your waist.

As much as you wanted to deny it, his lips and his touch were sending sparks of pleasure shooting across your skin and a warm sensation rushed to your core.

"Wooyoung..." You moaned, closing your eyes tightly. You felt his lips graze your jawline, before moving lower to nip at your earlobe. A shiver ran down your spine and your knees began to weaken, causing you to lean back against the wall behind you.

"Y/N..." He whispered, nibbling at your neck before he began to suckle your earlobe. "Do you want me to stop?"

The question caught you completely off guard and you opened your eyes to stare into his. In the dim lighting of the elevator, your pupils were drawn into his dark eyes, which seemed to have gone darker, taking on a darker shade.

"No." You breathed, leaning in to press your lips against his.

And Wooyoung seemed equally affected by your kiss. Before you could blink, his hands reached up and grabbed the sides of your face, pulling you towards him so that your lips met once more.

With every kiss, the intensity grew and soon you were lost in the sensations coursing through your body. When he pulled away slightly to give you a chance to catch your breath, your breath hitched and you licked your lips before reaching up to run your fingers through his hair.

The man in front of you was no longer the Wooyoung you usually worked with. Instead, he looked like a man who knows exactly what he wants and won't hesitate to take it.

"Don't stop." You breathed out, Wooyoung lifted you in his arms. His face darkened with desire and his breath came out in shallow pants as he gazed down at you with hunger in his eyes. "Please..."

He dropped to his knees, lifting your skirt and tugging your panties aside, revealing your pussy. It was slick with excitement and arousal and you felt your breath quicken. The sight of your cunt getting wetter was arousing and thrilling, as he looked up at you expectantly.

Before you could stop him, he slipped two fingers inside your pussy and began to stroke you, bringing out small whimpers of pleasure. He continued to slide his fingers in and out of you, fucking you with such skill and control.

Your legs began to shake uncontrollably, feeling weak from the pleasure he brought you and you sank back against the wall, needing something to hold onto. He didn't need to be told twice and quickly placed his hand under your knee, bringing it to rest on his shoulder, his face now buried between your thighs.

You let out a gasp when his tongue began to lap at your clit, teasing it and making it throb with pleasure. You closed your eyes and tilted your hips upwards, allowing him better access to your center. Your hips bucked erratically, driving his tongue faster, while his fingers kept pumping in and out of you.

He hummed and thrust his tongue harder against your clit, causing you to moan loudly. You started panting heavily, sucking in your bottom lip as he began to finger fuck you in earnest, fastening his pace. There was no mistaking it anymore. He was totally focused on pleasuring you, intent on giving you mind blowing orgasms.

The combination of the electric shocks from his fingers in conjunction with the vibrations from his tongue was too much to bear. Soon your hips began to buck violently, moaning and whimpering, driven mad by the pleasure that overwhelmed you.

"Fuck!"

It was unlike anything you ever experienced before. As you screamed his name, letting go of all control, all you could do was keep your orgasm coming, flooding his mouth with your juices until your body relaxed against the wall and he withdrew his tongue, licking the last traces of your cum from his lips.

"Holy fuck..." You gasped, catching your breath.

"Good?" He asked, kissing your inner thigh and working his way up to kiss you. You could taste yourself on his lips, but it only added to your arousal.

"So good but now..." Your knees went weak and you rested your forehead against his. "Now I need you to fuck me."

In an instant, he lifted you so that you could wrap your legs around his waist. The position left you open and vulnerable, as he settled himself between your legs and pushed forward, burying his cock deep inside you. You gasped as you took his length fully, enjoying the fullness of him. The feel of him filling you to capacity.

Wooyoung thrust in and out of you, setting a steady pace that made you cling onto him. With each thrust, his pelvis smacked against your clit, making you cry out.

The speed increased as you leaned back against the wall, lifting your ass higher to accommodate him. Wooyoung gripped your hips, moving them back and forth with precision, hitting just the right spot. He pressed kisses to your neck, then your ears before finding your lips again.

The combination of the feel of his hands gripping your hips and the feel of his hard cock pulsating inside you, sent ripples of pleasure shooting through your body, igniting your passion.

"Oh God...Wooyoung..." You groaned, arching your back as his tongue found its way to your earlobe.

"You feel so good. I could fuck you forever." He whispered, thrusting into you harder and harder, his balls slapping against your ass with each thrust. "Can I fuck you forever?"

"Yes please...Yes. Yes.." You moaned, pressing your body tighter against his.

His moans were growing louder as he thrust into you faster and faster, matching your pace. With every thrust, his fingers dug into your hips, holding you tight against him. Every time you pressed back against him, he let out a long groan, then immediately buried himself inside you, fucking you harder and harder.

"Y/N... Y/N... Come for me..." He groaned against your ear.

It took every ounce of willpower not to let yourself cum, but his moans and the feel of his hard cock deep inside you drove you crazy and you knew you couldn't hold back any longer.

The muscles in your stomach clenched and a tremor coursed through your body as another orgasm ripped through you, leaving you trembling. Wooyoung thrust harder, gritting his teeth and growling as he came with you. The sight of him losing control and calling out your name made your heart skip a beat and make your knees buckle.

But before you could fall to the floor, he caught you in his arms and held you tightly, kissing you tenderly. You were completely spent and all you wanted was to collapse into his arms.

"I got you." He whispered, wrapping his arms around you protectively.

As soon as Wooyoung placed you on your feet, the power kicked back on and the elevator started moving again. The both of you let out a laugh as you fixed your clothes, making sure that nothing had fallen out of place.

"Wooyoung?" You turned to look at him, smiling at him. "Thank you."

He grasped your hand, linking your fingers together as you walked towards the doors. "Anytime."

As the elevator door opened, he let go of your hand, placing his hands on the doors and holding them open for you. He watched as you exited the elevator, giving you one last smile before he followed you.

When you got to your desk and Wooyoung to his, you were both silent, content in the fact that you had each other and no one else knew what had happened between the two of you. And when you turned to look at your phone, you saw a text from him asking if you wanted to get dinner later.

Your heart skipped a beat as your face lit up with a wide smile. The night was still young and there was plenty of time for you and Wooyoung to enjoy it together.

[foodandfolklore]

Easy Ways to Kitchen Witch

If you're new to the craft, or if your path is recently at a cross roads where you're feeling more drawn to kitchen witchcraft, you might be looking for some easy ways to start. So often when you picture Kitchen Witchcraft, you think of elaborate meals of baked goods beautifully decorated. And sure, that can be part of it; but if you try to make Instagram worthy food for every meal, you'll burn out real quick. So how can you Be a Kitchen Witch without braking bank or burning out?

Stirring your intentions

This is going to be brought up any time talking about Witchcraft and Food, so I figured I'd get it out of the way first. The idea being if you want to add energy or personal intention to food, so that when it's consumed the magic activates. A lot of witches swear by: Stir Clock Wise to Add, Stir Counter Clockwise to banish (Get rid of bad stuff in food). I've mentioned this before, I personally don't feel like this makes a difference. Instead, what makes a difference is stirring towards you to add Energy and intentions. Stir away from you to Banish or remove. Which direction is Towards/Away? Whatever way feels right to you.

The neat thing about stirring is you can do it with any food or drink. You don't need to be actively cooking to do some stirring. You can use a straw, a fork, a spatula; whatever. And if you have something that can't be stirred, like a slice of pizza, try turning the plate.

Candle to Raise Power

Any time you're cooking in the kitchen, or doing anything in the kitchen, consider lighting a candle. I have a round candle holder with a lid that I wash and reuse. Just plop a tea light or votive candle in there. Candles are great at heightening the energy in a room, and as someone who's struggled with depression and motivation, I've found this little ritual/routine helps gets me going.

A few tips, first you wanna make sure the candle is in a place where you can see it but not in a place where it may get in the way. I keep mine on the back of my prep counter. Next, avoid strong scented candles. Scented candles can be great for a lot of occasions, but the smell of the candle can muddle or mute the smell of the food. Finally, as with any time you use candles, please practice good fire safety.

Spell Ingredient Correlations can Carry Over to Food

Have you done extensive research on Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme? Well I got good news! All of that research was not for nothing! Herbs and Spices used in Witchcraft and Spells are commonly used in food. If you use cinnamon in a lot of your spell work for prosperity and success, try throwing some in your food with similar intentions and see how it goes.

Granted, this is not going to apply to every spell ingredient as many plants used in witchcraft are toxic. Or at the very lest can be problematic when consumed in large amounts or if pregnant. So please use some caution and common sense. A little research can take you a long way.

Simmer Pots

These are great ways to elevate your home's energy. Also a good way to use up some dried ingredients that's been laying around. A simmer pot is not anything special. You can take any small pot you got, fill it about halfway with water, add dried or fresh herbs, and leave it on the lowest heat setting on your stove, uncovered. Everything will simmer and release amazing aromas and energy. The properties of the ingredients in your pot can release into the air of your home. This can be good to do in colder months when cleaning. Just warms up everything.

Saucy Symbols and Sigils

If your oils and sauces are in easy pour bottles, consider getting a little creative when you use it. Gunna put some Ketchup or Siracha on that? Why not draw a pentacle. Oiling a pan? Maybe cook your food in a symbol of infinity or life. Or create your own symbols and meanings. Add them to your food to help elevate their magic. You may feel limited by the pour spout, but remember it comes down to intention. But if it makes you feel better, you can always transfer your sauces to bottles with more precise pour.

Make a Magic Potion

If you are not a huge fan of Cooking or Baking, remember there's still options for Kitchen Witchcraft. Magic Drinks. You can infuse your magic into syrups, juices, teas, cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, and more. There are options for people who can't consume alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugar, any dietary restriction. I think I a lot of people write this option off because they think it focuses too much on alcohol or they don't like tea/coffee. But there's a lot of options when it comes of conjuring drinks.

Cook with Sun and Moon Water

If you're not familiar with Moon water, it's fairly easy to make. You fill a glass jar and leave it out in moonlight to charge with moon energy. Same idea for Sun Water. I find Sun Water is better for general Cooking and Moon Water is better for Teas as the energy from moon water is more mellow.

Adding some Solar Energy with Sun water to soups or to cook your rice and pasta in can help infuse your food with some Solar energy. It ups the overall energy and power of the magic in the food, as well as adds success and thus increases the chance of things working. There's also many other benefits, but listing them all might be worth their own post.

Kitchen Witchcraft is more than Cooking

I think the most important thing to remember is that Kitchen Witchcraft is not just food. Kitchens are often the heart of a home, and many things will go on and get done in a kitchen. Family meetings or get togethers may happen in the kitchen, people may do their reading or web surfing there. Or maybe it's where they do their homework or paperwork. They may do their hobbies at the table or counter. There's more than just food going on in the Kitchen.

So, feel free to expand out. Do some crafts with kitchen supplies or for your kitchen. Protective charms and garlands made out of cinnamon sticks and other items. Or just try other kinds of Magic. Maybe you like the idea of knot magic and want to try knitting a protective scarf. Or you like plants and want to get into garden magic. You don't need to stay in some box; try some stuff out!

[sha-n-dowbannedlol]

Miguel O'Hara — Please Don't Say You Love Me

cw: i cant stop thinking about him, so i wrote a one shot. but i also have a love-hate relationship with him, so i made it angsty.

Miguel O'Hara.

There isn't anyone in the Spider Society who hasn't heard of him: The Big Boss. He's strict, overworked, reserved, and has a bit of a temper—not that anyone would ever say that to his face.

However, to the select few who were close to him, they knew something more about Miguel O'Hara that they could never tell anyone else.

Miguel O'Hara, Spider-Man of Earth-928B, is hopelessly in love with you.

And that alone is bad enough for Miguel. But would you like to know something even worse?

He knows you're in love with him too.

He was the first to fall, that much he knew, and he was okay with that. He simply admired you from afar, enduring the teasing glances and knowing smirks Jess and Ben would throw his way, and the unbearable teasing from Lyla and Peter B.

Slowly but surely, however, he started to notice the way your eyes would shine brightly every time you caught a glimpse of him. The way you started to have a pep in your step when you made your way to report to him. His enhanced hearing could even pick up the way your breath hitched in your throat or the way your heart skipped a beat.

Miguel then realized he had to put a stop to this......whatever might possibly develop.

From then on, he avoided you like a plague—which wasn't all that hard, but it led him to confine himself to his office more than he already did. Every communication he had with you remained professional, and he merely answered your inquiries with short quips, ending the conversation sooner than it had begun.

He was harsher with you than he was with others, overworked you. He did everything in his power to push you away from him, to make you lose interest in him, to hate him.

That didn't work, however. That much he figured out when he overheard your conversation with another Peter Parker, who pointed out his attitude towards you.

He forgot that you were a spider person; the epitome of hope, plenty stubborn, and more positive than he would have liked you to be.

"That just means he sees more potential in me and trusts in my abilities greatly, doesn't it?" You responded then, and even if Miguel couldn't see you, he could almost imagine the smile on your face.

Miguel walked away before he could even think of falling for you even more.

Both of you were never supposed to meet, never supposed to fall in love.

He reminded himself, his fists clenched, as he made his way down the halls of the Spider Society—the society that he had built himself to save the multiverse.

That's right. To save the multiverse, not to destroy it.

"But wouldn't you at least like to try?" The man was swift to put his hand up and wave Lyla away.

"No," Miguel's response was final, his brows scrunching together in annoyance, ignoring the ache in his chest.

Interweave enough universes, versions of himself fall in love with enough versions of yourself, and he might end up being the cause of the universal collapse instead of maintaining it.

His decision was final. His resolve was absolute.

Yet, he found his breath hitching in his throat when he saw you approach him, your determined gaze boring through his, your clenched fists at your sides, and he could hear your elevated heartbeat—one that he could clearly deduce was due to nervousness.

"Miguel," you called out, and he could hear the shakiness in your voice, "There's something I need to tell you."

Just like that, he already knew why you were here.

And he can't. He can't let you say those words. He already knew how you feel towards him, but if he hears it coming from you........ if he hears you say that you love him.............

He stops the thought, not even wanting to think about it.

"I'm sorry," he wasn't sorry at all, "I'm busy. Can this wait for another time?"

He turned his back toward you, pretending to focus on the number of screens before him. His eyes scanned through the information being displayed by the soft orange light, but his brain couldn't process any of it.

"It won't be long, Miguel." You pleaded, and he winced to himself. "I just wanted to tell you that I-"

"Por favor," Miguel rasped out exasperatedly, turning his head to the side as he gazed at you from the corner of his eye, "no digas que me quieres."

You didn't understand his words, that much he knew. Still, the tone of his voice must have been enough for you to back down, and he caught a glimpse of you smiling helplessly as you shook your head.

"Alright..." you spoke, "Maybe next time, then."

Miguel merely turned his head to focus back on his work, maintaining his facade until he could no longer hear your retreating footsteps. Only then did he allow his shoulders to slump over, burying his face in his hands as he repeatedly muttered 'esto es para lo mejor' to himself like a mantra.

If he repeated it over and over again, maybe it would lessen the pain in his heart.

If he repeated it over and over again, maybe one day he'll be strong enough to hear those words from you and not pull you into his arms and press his lips to yours.

If he repeated it over and over again, maybe one day he'll muster enough courage to reject your love.

If he repeated it over and over again, then maybe he would eventually fully believe that this truly was for the best.

[sanguineterrain]

Jason or Dick with a reader with social anxiety? 😊

sure!! dick grayson x gn!reader | tw anxiety, mild panic attack, dick comforts reader. also i know basically nothing about the young justice league so if anything's inaccurate my b

****

"You're gonna love them," Dick says, squeezing your knee, one hand on the steering wheel.

You smile tightly. Luckily, his eyes are on the road.

"I'm sure I will."

You loving them isn't the problem. It's the other way around.

The Young Justice League is so big now, too. You can't remember most of their names.

Okay. Artemis, Wally... Superboy. What's his name? You can't ask Dick, that's embarrassing. Shit. You should've had him text you all the names earlier so you could work on memorizing them.

You're so busy sifting through the members in your head that you don't notice Dick has parked. He hops out, already a ball of energy. You're more sluggish, dragging yourself out of your seat.

Dick quickly tugs you into his side as you walk to the elevator. You feel a little better when he rubs your shoulder, but as soon as he starts talking about his friends, your heartbeat quickens.

"...They've wanted to meet you for a while! I've talked their ears off about you. I think that—"

Ding! The elevator doors slide open.

Your mouth goes dry at the sight before you. Everyone's here. Jesus Christ. You thought you'd get introduced slowly. Especially on a Saturday afternoon—doesn't the world need saving? Why are they all here?

"Dickie!" Wally says, speeding over and yanking Dick into a hug. Dick hugs back, and you'd fawn over how sweet your boyfriend and his best friend are if your chest didn't hurt.

"Hey, Walls. Hi, everybody," Dick says, smiley and relaxed. "This is my partner."

Everybody looks at you.

You've always been jealous of how easily Dick can interact with people. Luckily, he's never tried to rope you into one of Bruce's charity functions ("oh, babe, I love you too much to do that to you!") When you're out and about, you flail in any social situation. But Dick? Dick is a natural. A born charmer. Everybody loves him.

You feel like you're going to throw up.

"So you're the saint who's dealing with Grayson," Artemis says, a hint of a smirk on her face.

Dick rolls his eyes. "You're dating Wally."

"Hey!" Wally squawks, then zooms to Artemis for a consolation kiss.

"You're a civilian," Superboy (damn it, what's his name?!) says, expression stiff.

You nod, unsure. "Um. Yeah, I am."

"How'd you meet?" someone else asks.

"Uh, well-"

"Wait, Dick said you've been dating for six months. How the hell did you hide your relationship for that long?"

"He and I-"

"They are overwhelmed," M'gann says suddenly, squinting at you. "Their heart is beating faster than normal."

You flinch at her knowing gaze. The chest pain has upgraded from moderate to is-this-a-heart-attack?

You turn to Dick. His smile slips as soon as you look at him.

"Baby?" he asks.

Escape. You need to escape.

"I-I need to use the bathroom," you blurt.

You run out of the kitchen before anyone can say anything. Tears form, and you blink them away quickly.

You can't find the bathroom, which is doubly embarrassing, so you end up going into the stairwell and wedging yourself into the corner of the landing, knees to your chest.

Okay. Grounding techniques. Take five slow breaths. Identify five things you can feel. Your jeans. Your shoes. The cool wall against your back. Two more.

The door swings open. You close your eyes. If one of those super-powered people who've probably never had a panic attack in their life finds you huddled pathetically in the stairwell, you'll never live it down.

You'll have to break up with Dick. You can picture the disappointed crinkle of his brow, the pinch of his mouth. He expected more of you, no doubt.

"Oh, baby," a voice says, and then you're being pulled into strong arms.

You wince, not opening your eyes. Your breaths are still too fast.

Of course your detective boyfriend figured out you weren't in the bathroom.

"I'm sorry," you say, burying your face into his arm. "This is so stupid, I—"

"It's not stupid," Dick says and coaxes you to look at him. "Anxiety isn't stupid. Was it too much, meeting everyone at once?"

You sniffle miserably. "You literally work with superheroes, Dick. I know I'm such a letdown. Someone learns that Dick Grayson, the Nightwing, is dating someone, and-and you expect alien royalty or a billionaire heir or something. Somebody more than me. And then I fucking freak over meeting some new people."

You scowl. "Some partner I am."

Dick looks heartbroken. He pulls you closer, rubbing your back.

"I didn't know you felt this way," he says quietly. "Some partner I am."

You shake your head. "No, it's not like I tried to tell you. I just—I wanted to be normal, D. I wanted to be a good partner. I didn't want my stupid anxiety to get in the way. And it's clear you love those guys so much, and you were so excited to introduce us..."

"Sweetheart, I love you too. Your feelings and comfort are important. If I'd known it was too much, I wouldn't have dragged you here. We could've waited or introduced you slowly."

Tears well up. "God, Dick, I just wish I could be like you. You're always so good at this stuff."

"Aw, baby." Dick tenderly kisses your cheek. "That's the product of years of media training. I don't like crowds either. I mean, I like people, but I get overwhelmed, too. We all do. Not like my family's much better. Jason doesn't like unfamiliar places. He has to case out a new restaurant at least three days in advance."

"Jason was dead for two years. He has an excuse."

"Okay, point," Dick allows. "But seriously, honey, we're all like that. B despises those parties he goes to. He's always exhausted afterward. It's all smoke and mirrors. The team has their tough moments too. And the way you feel isn't stupid. I'm sorry I wasn't more attentive to it."

You sit like that in silence for a while, Dick hugging you. Slowly, your heart rate returns to normal. You start to feel more regulated.

"Wanna go home?" he asks gently.

You shake your head.

"No, I wanna meet them. But..." You groan into his shoulder. "I totally made a fool of myself."

"No, you didn't. It's okay. I promise they don't think any less of you. They were worried, actually. And I told them to take it easy with the interrogation."

Dick slips his hand into yours and squeezes. You take a deep breath.

"Okay," you say. "Let's do it."

Dick smiles. "Alright. I got you the whole time, love."

[dearanakin]

"Be Safe" - Anakin Skywalker x human f!Reader Part 2

Summary: You go on a new mission with Obi-Wan, meeting Anakin once again. This time, he brings himself to acknowledge his feelings for you. PART 1

Warning: SMUT, FLUFFINESS, sex, unprotected sex, fingering, oral sex. 18+ MINORS DNI.

Note: I brought up some characters from different timelines!!

Word count: 5k

You made General Kenobi take you to this bounty in Agamar, you made sure you were going to take down the Separatist droids from the planet.

He tried as long as he could to deny your solicitations, but you made your way through his warming heart either way. This was a different battle, though, it couldn't possibly go wrong because Obi-Wan has been hiding since almost the entire Jedi order was annihilated.

Along with you in his ship, there were a few members of the New Republic, to ensure the bounty worked out. You were a nervous wreck, obviously. But every time something was about to go wrong, you would just leave and not look behind, those were Kenobi's orders.

And you did, every time. Every time you're going on a hunt you can't shake the urge of seeing Anakin one more time. You haven't heard about him since he took you away and sent you back. You didn't know what fights he was fighting, you didn't know if he was getting himself hurt as he always did.

You didn't know if he was being captured, tortured, or if he was once again winning the battles. It was unknown to you if he was still becoming more powerful. He didn't want to look after you, because he knew he would back down.

But he wanted the power, he wanted the Empire. He wanted to show Obi-Wan how good he is now, wanted to show him how much better he is. You shake your feeling away when your General senses you're getting too distracted. He just knows how you feel about Skywalker.

"You take the right with Poe and the others, I'll take left", he demands, looking around himself. "Don't do anything unless you're told", you nod to him.

God he sounds exactly like a father would. This is how you consider him to you, a father figure, after all. You're wearing a disguised uniform, holding your blaster close to your face and you enter the building.

Poe was the one leading the way as you're crouching through the small gaps between the hallways. He has been such a huge support for Obi-Wan and a great friend to you. He's rising his way to become a General for the Resistance.

His low whistle caught your attention as you watched the first Droids making their way to the Tech room. Both you blasted against them, but they sent a warning through the entire building. "Shit", he muttered.

"Take the next floor, I'll be right out with you", he whispered as a loud buzzing noise started ringing in your ears.

You made your way to the elevator, slowly examining the small room before you got in. Through the small walkie, you heard when Kenobi told you to be careful because there were others fighting against the Droids.

Fuck, this is where you might end up getting yourself hurt or start running away. Again. You begged across your walkie. "Poe, where the hell are you?".

"Kinda busy", he was panting. He was definitely not getting any break from the small Droids that could turn into balls, throwing itself at him.

Oh, great. Great, great, great. You took in a sharp breath as you got out of the elevator, carefully watching the empty hallway. It was never good when it was this empty.

You're running through the small gaps as you hear footsteps approaching. You can't help but notice the "swoon" sound the sword makes. From the corner, you peak a green lightsaber hanging in a small person's hand.

"Master! They're leaving to the ground floor", she yells. You stutter for a second. Who the hell is her Master and why is she yelling?

"Jesus, Ahsoka. I told you to not be loud", it was a voice you could recognize from miles away. He whispered through the hallway.

This cold but definite shiver caught you off guard and your heart started to fail its beating. The sigh leaving your mouth could almost be heard. Your walkie was making noise in the distance, but it was distorted inside your head.

"Fuck sake, (Y/N). Are you there?", Poe yelled through his walkie, you squinted your eyes from how loud he was.

There was a sudden silence, the small person slowly walking towards the sound as you turn if off. At the same time, Anakin turned his head to the same direction she was walking to. The presence triggered him as he knew it was you.

He could sense your energy tingling against his skin and he didn't move a finger. He tried to warn Ahsoka but she just wouldn't listen to him. You just stood there holding your blaster, waiting to shoot at whoever made your way.

It wasn't exactly the most rational thing to do, honestly. But then he dropped her saber and she grunted, looking at him. From your position, you still couldn't see him in the hallway. "I had it, Master!", she complained.

"Go find the other Droids", he demanded. She picked up her saber and left. You could only see the shape of his shadow until then. "What are you doing here?".

His low tone made you tremble and it was hard to breathe. You didn't answer, you were trying to pick up your pace, because it was too sudden to deal with him like that. You were waiting for it though, weren't you?

"Obi-Wan brought you with him again, didn't he?", he leaned against the wall and you could see him. He was wearing an armor. His short curly hair making a swoop, he was just acting nonchalant towards you this time.

"I- I made him", you stuttered as you heard him chuckle.

"I wasn't expecting to see you so soon after you tried to confront me", his voice was just above a whisper and you noticed how he was trying to act casual.

You were just too embarrassed and too nervous to actually move your body from the gap, and decided it was comfortable staying there like that. But then he made his way closer to you and your body stiffened.

You realized he didn't have a red spark against his eyes, it was just naturally blue, like it was supposed to be.

"So, are you gonna tell me what you're doing here with Kenobi and some soldier?". His voice was gentle and husky, it was crawling up your skin.

He was trying to make his way through your brain, trying to work on his Jedi mind reading, trying to manipulate you into telling him the truth. But Obi-Wan thought you well enough to not give in on that, and you didn't.

You almost failed to, but you gathered your self-conscious because it was ridiculous to act up like that in front of him.

"I've been feeling your presence almost every single day. I gave up on the Senator because I couldn't shake you away". He held a bitter tone while saying that. It's not what he really wanted to do.

He let out a sarcastic and nasal laugh as he kept talking to you. "And to think I'd rather become a Master and a General, just like Kenobi".

You watched as he came closer, standing only a few inches apart from you. You could see how much he's changed since. You didn't know how to react to him honestly, and he noticed that.

"Now who's feeling so intimidated she won't talk?", his voice was soft, but completely provocative at the same time. "You're afraid of me now?".

He towered over you, watching as you flinched when he finally hovered his body against yours. You muttered as you said "no" to him. His grumpy face was making its presence now, but he still held his sharp gaze at you.

"You're gonna tell your General to leave, aren't you? This isn't his job anymore. You can also tell that other soldier to give up on the mission", he demanded.

You're feeling intimidated, not scared. You didn't move an inch and he noticed that. You just shook your head.

"Don't make me angry. I don't like it when I'm angry", his tone started to rise against his throat and it became husky.

It worked differently on you, how the way he was talking to you just made you feel desire for him. He can probably read your mind right now and if he does, he's gonna think you're insane.

You keep staring at each other, so much so that he felt numb for a second standing so close to you. "I.. missed you", you spilled.

You watched as he raised his brow, caught with surprise by your statement. "God, it felt like torture. I just wanted you to be safe. From the others, from you".

He gulped a lump in his throat, he wasn't expecting any of that and it hit him like a hurricane. He was so confused, he took a minute to finally understand your words.

"I'm alright", he finally said. It didn't seem like he was, but he was alive at least. It was never easy to fight a battle when he was still trying to bury his dark side deep in his soul.

It was still there, ready to be awakened at any time if he got angry. He was doing everything he could to not get angry, but sometimes it just slipped away.

To realize you were the one to notice he was lying made you wanna take care of him. It made you feel like you could be there for him. "Are you sure?".

"I'm fine", this one had a different tone, obviously he was trying too hard to seem cool. He actually wasn't. He fell apart inside at the sight of you. Because he wasn't expecting to see you that soon, honestly.

You hugged his shaped torso and sank your head into his chest. He didn't react, didn't flinch. He looked blankly at the wall, feeling his metal hand instantly going for your hair, softly petting your scalp.

You shivered against his touch and he noticed it. You looked up at him, he was so much taller you had you hold back your head. Your small hand grabbed his scarred face and Anakin reluctantly closed his eyes to your touch.

His skin burned under your touch and he cursed himself. After Padmé he didn't want to open up to anybody else. You broke that wall, you crossed his ice-cold heart like no one did before.

He opened his eyes to stare at you and you caught his pupils dilating, his mouth barely holding a breath. The following seconds lasted like an eternity when he gripped your waist tightly against his hands, forcing himself to not shove you against the wall and pin you down.

Skywalker suddenly pulled you by his hand as he rushed into an empty room, closing the door and immediately locking it with his force. That was so hot. Then he threw you against the wall, the frown on his face making it look like was about to snap at you.

But he didn't. He then pointed his index finger at you, panting loudly. "This is a risky game you're playing".

"I'm playing no games", you hummed, feeling his breath fanning your entire face. "I don't like playing games".

"If you're trying to trap me, I'm gonna-", he started threatening but you scoffed.

"I'm not". You were holding your gaze against him, watching him become softer now. He still had a grumpy face as always. "Trust me. I'm not".

It was way too obvious he didn't trust you, not a single bit of trust. But he sensed you weren't lying, because your heartbeat was in a low pace. It wasn't rushed.

"I cannot trust you", Anakin was too tempted to just take you by his lips. It was making him suffer in anticipation from something he wanted.

"I know", you looked straight into his soul and it melted him. God, it was just so easy for you to just make him let his guard down. Even when he didn't want to.

His hair perfectly sat on his head made your heart jump, his smell was making you dizzy and you wanted to jump on him.

Anakin not only noticed that, but he made sure he cornered you and pinned you to the wall. He tangled his flesh fingers in between your hair, still looking at you. This time he wasn't having issues figuring out who he was, because he was being himself.

You realized that when you could still see his ocean eyes flicker with desire. He wanted to have you so bad right now. "God, you make me weak. It's just so not good for me", he groaned.

He let go of his armor, wearing just a long sleeved tunic. You could see how his shoulders were too broad, bigger than before. He was just really building up.

You honestly just sighed heavily at your sight and he smirked. He placed a thumb upon your face, rubbing your delicate skin as he struggled with himself.

Skywalker then decided to smack his lips against yours desperately as he left a groan out of his throat. It was itching him inside. It was chewing him up. You let him pursue your tongue with his and you felt a bliss of lust as you tasted him for the first time.

You hummed against his mouth and he brought you closer to him. He grasped your tongue against his teeth, ripping a moan from you, which made him savor you and deepen his kiss.

His metal hand gripped your waist and squeezed it, feeling the same shockwaves in his veins as the first time he touched you. You didn't want to mess his perfect hair, but you had been wishing to pull it for such a long time.

You had a fistful of it, brushing your fingertips on his neck as you felt his skin shiver against it. "You're gonna be the death of me, fuck", he muttered.

You gently chuckled as you pressed your lips against his, while your tongues fight for dominance. You were having too much trouble breathing, but you didn't want to let go of him just yet.

From the other side of the door, Poe told Kenobi there was a locked door. He asked for permission so he could tear it down. You didn't listen to the entire conversation, you were too focused on Anakin.

His scent was enveloping you and his warm body made you almost faint. He was feeling disturbed by the emotions washing over his entire body.

When Poe smashed the door down, you both were caught up with the loud thud and the echo it made. You slowly turned your head and watched the soldier stare back at you in shock.

You feel when Anakin stiffens his body close to you, his frown back on his face, but he doesn't move.

"I, uh-", Poe tried to explain himself but he was still surprised. "Uh, you're Anakin Skywalker and you're (Y/N)". He said it in an obvious way, too nervous to speak actual words.

The Master next to you just moved his body slightly to have a better look at him. "Yeah, what do you want?".

"I was... y'know", he pointed at you. "Just looking for her since she muted her walkie", he emphasized as he warned you about your walkie.

His brain was about to explode, and he made sure you knew he was mad at you. Obi-Wan is going to flip out at you.

He was chuckling nervously as he clumsily scratched his forehead. "I'm sorry about the door. I'll let General Kenobi you're alive and well".

God, this was just so embarrassing and ridiculous at the same time. You watched him leave and looked at Anakin with a flushed face. Now you were just too shy to stare at him.

"You better go", he said while grabbing your chin gently so you would look at him. "I'll see you around".

God, that's so not what you had in mind. You didn't want to go, you didn't want to leave him behind again. You shake your head and he makes you go, but you refuse to.

He turned his back against you, he didn't want to face you when you leave. This is like your first interaction all over again. He couldn't be able to watch you leave.

"Go!", his words were harsh and too sharp against your ear and you flinch, leaving the room. You had a last look at him, while he's leaning against a table, bringing his head down.

Fuck, why is it never a good time for you to be with him? Fuck you, Poe. You had to be a good soldier.

You got out of the elevator watching as Kenobi, Poe and the others finally finish the bounty, gladly winning the battle. You don't even disguise the irritation in your face when you get close to them.

This Ahsoka girl suddenly emerged behind you, the "swoon" of her saber too close to your back. "Hey, freeze", she shouted.

The whole group looked directly at you as she made a move on you. She was definitely shorter than you, but way more powerful.

"You're not leaving this building until you give me what we need". Kenobi approached both of you, carefully waving at her.

"We should talk first", he offered, she denied. She was one fierce little person. "Who are you here with?".

"My Master", she said. She then realized she shouldn't have said it.

"Yeah, and her Master is Anakin", you try to act too cool about it, but she threatened you.

His jaw dropped to the floor as he wasn't expecting it. Once again Skywalker made his presence known as he showed up, already wearing his armor again.

"Obi-Wan, you should go. I'm not gonna fight you this time", he made Ahsoka keep her saber down and she obeyed him.

"It's good to see you, kid", he was still too shocked. Oh, and then he remembered about what Poe said. "You've got some nerve messing around with this guy".

You held such a threatening gaze at Poe he almost squinted. You heard Anakin chuckle at his words.

"Relax, Obi-Wan. She's not your daughter and she's an adult".

"Yeah, but she's definitely reckless", he retorted.

"Can we just go?", you muttered between your teeth.

Kenobi walked a few steps and offered to shake Anakin's hand. He accepted it, much to your appreciation, since they didn't have a great time before they parted ways.

"Good to see you, kid. And you have one brave little apprentice". He gave her a kind smile and she was too reluctant to accept it before she smiled back at him.

This time, he watched you go. He watched as you looked back before getting in the ship next to Poe. He's gonna get an earful for the next fucking century, you thought. When you looked through the window, you thought you saw him waving at you, but you weren't so sure.

"Be safe, Anakin", you thought to yourself.

Again, he could hear the muffled words in his head echoing. They were the same words you proclaimed after you left his place.

He felt a pinch in the pit of his stomach, much harder this time. He didn't have time to explain his apprentice he had to leave before it was too late.

He managed to follow Obi-Wan's ship, realizing he was keeping you under his watch. At his little place. Obviously, you had your own room, your bathroom, kitchen. But it was still his place.

He waited until Kenobi left the building and tried to sneak in, not knowing you were wrapped around a towel after taking a shower. Jesus, the way his look burned your skin, his eyes filled with lust as he tried to compose himself.

He cleaned his throat before you were fully naked in front of him, seeing you jump out at the sound. He was honestly kind of amused.

"What the hell are you doing here? If Obi-Wan sees you he's gonna fight you", you were trying to remain calm, but you were combusting in embarrassment as he watched you barely naked.

"He's not here", he explained, simply. The more he got closer to you, the more you started shivering. It was driving you crazy to see you so vulnerable like that.

"I asked what are you doing here", you repeated yourself, your words coming our barely above a whisper.

He grabbed your neck with both hands kindly, it started to feel numb. "I can't stop thinking about you, not even one day, after you left".

It hit you so hard and you came to the realization that he knew you were thinking about him as well. Anakin worked his way through the Sith, leaving the darkness behind because he knew he could be a better person.

He wanted to become a better person for the others, he managed to keep his path as a Jedi, but he only found a way that led him to teach Ahsoka. It didn't mean he really was a good person, he just wasn't the devil anymore like he was before.

"God, I can't stop picturing you and your lips", he squinted his eyes shut. He inhaled your smell, the smell of your shampoo. His thumbs were rubbing against your cheeks as you just cherished the moment.

"I can't fucking do this anymore. I can't be that far from you", he didn't let you speak, he planted a soft kiss against your lips, licking them as he tried to grant access. You nibbled his lip and hovered your tongue against his.

He quickly wrapped you around his broad arm as he deepened the kiss, quickly nudging his warm body across yours. He tried to get rid of his tunic without breaking the contact but knew it was impossible.

You took that opportunity to undress him, lowering his pants alongside with his underwear, you were burning inside. You didn't want to wait too long to suck him out of his mind.

His cock displayed right in front of you, a huge vein right across his length as it slapped against his bellybutton. You could see it glistening with the precum and you felt your mouth fill up with saliva.

You kneeled in front of him, watching as he tried to hold his eyes open but he couldn't take the sensation of desire out of his mind. His vision became foggy as you quickly pecked his tip, savoring his taste in your mouth as you listened to him hiss. You watched his hard rock twitch against your touch and you took him in fully.

His tip hit the back of your throat and you almost gagged, taking your time to adjust to his size inside your mouth. He grunted so loudly you couldn't help but smirk against his skin. You start bobbing your head up and down, tasting him entirely.

"Fuck, your mouth is just so goddamn good", he muttered against his teeth. He watched as you were still staring at him with flickering eyes. Anakin took a handful of your hair in his hand, thrusting against your mouth.

As you kept a faster pace, you felt yourself unconsciously moaning with a mouthful of his length. It was vicious. He tasted nothing like you thought, it was a hundred times better than that. He couldn't stop looking at you, at the way you perfectly wrapped your mouth around him made him become feral.

He didn't want to cum in your mouth, he wanted to cum inside you. Even if it wasn't the ideal time for that as he just confessed his feelings, but he was feeling too vulnerable right now.

He pulled your hair a little, just enough for you to stop eating him whole. He brought you closer and kissed you as if he depended on it. He tasted himself and he didn't care, because you were so hot right now. He locked your lower lip against his teeth and groaned your name. It made you soak in between your legs.

For his luck, you were already naked for him. He pulled the towel off of your body, throwing the fabric away from both of you and enjoyed the view. He liked his lips as he saw your exposed nipples, hard already. Anakin exchanged lustful gaze between your face and your breasts and hungrily grabbed one of them by his mouth.

You felt your legs become jelly when he used his metal fingers to rub against your nipple with his hand, while he was too busy sucking your skin raw. He was completely lost in his world, not caring he's making too many sounds, mumbling against your sensitive skin.

You finally grabbed his perfect curly hair with both hands, making a mess of it, while he was too preoccupied eating your nipple. You whined as the thin air made your sounds echo around the room.

He turned your body over and pushed you against the bed as you fell on the mattress. He wanted to see you on your knees while taking him inside you. It took you by surprise as one of is thumbs gently rubbed your swollen bud, shivering at his touch.

"God, you're so fucking wet", he pleaded with a loud grunt. "You're soaking for me, my darling". He was switching between tenderness and dominance and it made you feel lightheaded.

He used his fingertip to carefully massage your clit, opening your glistened folds, sliding it up and down your core. He leaned against your back and started to spread soft kisses around your skin. You couldn't stop holding your damn moans, you were just a fucking mess right now.

Anakin kept his finger around your folds, slowly sliding down until he reached your entrance. The way you flinched against his touch and arched your back made him hold your hips tightly with his other hand.

"Oh, Anakin", you mewled softly. He was trying to focus on giving you pleasure, but you were making it hard for him as he felt his dick was about to explode.

He rubbed your walls with so much desire, you could feel his thick fingertip touch your sweet spot back and forth. You were having trouble not rolling your hips against his delicious finger.

Skywalker kept leaving kisses all over your body, rambling sweet nothings close to your ear as you were feeling your release crawling up in your veins. When he felt your core clenching around his thumb, he let go of you.

He was urging to get inside you, his dick was aching and he was feeling a buzz in his ears. He spread one of his big hands across your back as he gently pushed you a little against the mattress. Anakin started to rub his tip against your folds, spreading them wide.

You felt your core burning up against his skin, you couldn't hold in any moan anymore and he quickly made his way inside of you. He let out a sweet groan as his length stretched your walls and you leaned forward in response.

It was a sweet motion as he first thrusted against you, his tip hitting your cervix as you tried to keep riding his cock back. His metal hand was hanging in your ass when he squeezed it tightly. "Oh my God, Anakin", you purred.

Your sweet talking got him sinking into you further and further, his metal fingers were leaving marks on your ass and he tried to keep himself calm, because he was losing control over his desire.

"You're so fucking tight, I'm going to ruin you", his husky voice was ringing in your head and he leaned towards you. You felt his rapid breath fanning your left ear and you squeezed harder around him, leaving him on the edge of his own orgasm.

When he noticed you were about to reach your release, he slowed down his pace so he could wait for you to come first. But the way his cock was arched inside you, hitting you nonstop, you felt your climax washing over you so hard you almost fainted.

Skywalker gripped his arm around you so you fell apart under him, as he rocked his hips against your ass. The mixture of sounds that could be heard in your room included your panting, his groans, and your skin slapping against his.

You felt him stutter behind you, leaking inside you as he fell over you, trying to breath as his lungs were out of air. "Fuck, this was marvelous". His voice was just above a whisper, his breath fanning you.

You were feeling so weak you barely laid down to watch him as he pulled away from inside of you and managed to clean you up first. He was still high up on his bliss when he fell on the mattress next to you, rubbing your cheek using his thumb.

You didn't speak for several minutes until he noticed you were conflicted. Was this just a one night stand thing? He trailed his fingertips across your skin, tangling his fingers against yours.

"I think we should start seeing each other more often. Nothing with surprises, I hate it. Because.. I- I think I like you", he almost tripped over his words.

"I feel like your presence that day changed the course of my path. I'd hate so say I'm not that person anymore, because I still am deep inside".

"I don't care, as long as you promise me you'll always be safe. Promise me you'll be around and make sure you're still you", you brushed your small fingers on his scarred face as he closed his ocean blue eyes and enjoyed your kind touch.

Anakin knew he couldn't just do it like that, this is not how it worked for him because he still couldn't fully trust himself. But he would have to try, for you.

"I promise I'll be safe. I promise I'll be Anakin Skywalker", he gracefully holds your hand and give it a wet gentle kiss. His eyes flicker with the emotion he's feeling in his veins.

He promised himself as well. Because he knew, deep in his soul, he should've been the same man he is now.

[thewidowsledger]

Secrets Behind Our Dreams

Chapter 1: Our Dreams | 1.7k

© thewidowsledger 2023 - DO NOT REPUBLISH AND PLAGIARISE

Summary: You are a club dancer; a stripper. Natasha is a respected notorious mob boss. What would happen if your paths happened to cross one night? The only thing you knew about each other was your dreams, and neither of you knew what the other was.

Pairings: Mob Boss Natasha Romanoff x Stripper Female Reader

Tags | Warnings: Cursing, slight-ish torture

Navigation | Masterlist | Series Masterlist

⧗

It was a disastrous night for Natasha, having to deal with men in general.

When Natasha received an invitation to a meeting with other mob bosses in the city, she saw it as an opportunity to strengthen alliances, forge new connections, and solidify her influence. However, as she stepped into the dimly lit room filled with cigar smoke and the unmistakable air of debauchery, she quickly realized that this gathering was far from what she had anticipated.

Natasha was a formidable woman, known to many as the notorious mob boss of the city. Her reputation preceded her, and her name struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to cross her path. A master of strategy and a shrewd negotiator, she had built her empire through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of power.

To her dismay, she found most of the mob bosses indulging in their vices, surrounded by scantily clad women sitting on their laps, reveling in their momentary pleasures. The amount of mess in the room disgusts Natasha. But what would she expect? She was aware that the meeting would be held in a bar anyway.

"Natalia! Come on, let's just play around. You're drowning with your work, have some fun!" Rumlow playfully whined, he signaled a girl beside him to go to Natasha, "This one's for you."

The girl smirked and stood obeying Rumlow. But before the girl could come near Natasha, the redhead took a step back and glared at the girl, "I have no time for this Rum, I am not going to play your games."

Natasha left the room immediately, she could still smell the disgust clinging on her body.

"What happened? Done already? Haven't had my fun here yet." Bucky tried to keep his pace with Natasha.

"I just wasted my time here, let's go now." Natasha commanded.

"What?! Hey, you told me we'll have fun after your meeting." Bucky whined, "Damn, you have small legs but you surely walk fast. Slowdown Nat."

Natasha scoffed, "Fuck it Barnes. You go have fun alone, but make sure you drop that paper tomorrow morning."

"Yes!" Bucky exclaimed with victory. "And yes I promise that will be the first thing I am going to do tomorrow."

Natasha turned and pointed a finger on him, "But if I ever see a woman leaving your office tomorrow, I am going to kill you." Bucky would always bring girls to his office for a quick fuck and Natasha is getting tired of it. One time she entered his floor with a woman coming at the elevator in a rush with only half of clothes covering her body.

"Oh…that I can't promise." Bucky playfully smirks, but it soonly faded as Natasha took a punch on his arm. "Damn, your surely is small but you punch—"

"Have fun Barnes." Natasha turned her back at him and started walking away.

"Oh, I will!" Bucky shouted, he watched her figure disappear from the halls of the club.

⧗

Natasha finally made her way out, she stood calmly breathing some fresh air. But her peace was again ruined when she heard some commotion in the corner of the bar.

"You left us behind, baby."

"You don't know the things you do to us…"

"How about we go back inside again and show me the moves you did to the other man—"

"Do we have a problem here?" Natasha met your gaze and turned to look at those disgusting men harassing you.

"Oh, company wouldn't be a problem," someone said, the others started laughing. A man held your right arm and whispered enough for everyone to hear, "Look, this girl didn't entertain us inside, we just wanted some of her attention."

You coughed and couldn't bear to breathe properly with the smell of the man, a lot of smoke and beer mixing together. You always hated smoke and people who smoke and Natasha could see how disgusted you were, she caressed your other arm and quickly grabbed you. The man was stunned with Natasha's boldness, but their initial surprise quickly gave way to arrogance, they turned their attention towards Natasha, thinking they could scare her just as they had with you.

Natasha held you behind her, your grip on her suit suddenly loosened as her fist flew towards the man. You flinch at what she did, it happened too fast. Now, you're looking at the man who was harassing you earlier lying unconscious on the floor. The other two men knew better than to approach Natasha so they held their hands in the air in defeat.

"Kneel," Natasha commanded, and they did what she said, still holding their hands up. You were stunned by her command, they knelt in front of Natasha and she turned on you taking your hands delicately. She brought you beside her. "Apologize to her." Natasha started circling around them like a shark.

"I-uh we're sorry, we're sorry, please we're sorry, Miss."

"Miss, sorry, I apologize. Please…"

They seemed to be having a competition of who would apologize better. They were babbling, scared, the other man was crying already. You could swear they almost peed on their pants.

Natasha made her way to the unconscious body laying, she stepped on his face squeezing it to the ground. "Tell this moron that we'll come back for his apology."

Her gazed suddenly softened when they met yours. "Let's go." She told you.

You obeyed, keeping your pace with her. Damn, this woman surely do walk fast and she's something, you told yourself. The clothes, the fabric of it, the details of her leather shoes. Her actions, how she made those men kneel. What? Is she a mafia or something? You laughed in your head but quickly disregarded it.

"Thank you," you broke the silence between you and Natasha. You're not scared of those morons that harassed you. You're not new to it, getting harassed, propositioned in and outside the clubs…and especially in the line of your work, you're not new to it. You can handle it whenever you find yourself in the situation. But it made you realize that Natasha's actions earlier made you somehow scared, but again you shook away the thoughts and still thanked her. "I'm going now. Again, thank you."

"Wait, let me give you a lift. It's almost 2:00 AM, it's dangerous to walk alone." Natasha insisted.

"Oh, no need. I just live a few blocks away." You lied, you actually live halfway across the city. She's still a stranger after all. But you know to yourself, you could feel it that there is something about her that makes you feel comfortable, safe.

"Then let me walk you home if you only live a few blocks away. C'mon my conscience won't let me sleep." Natasha wanted to get some air, she could do it alone. It's much more peaceful she thinks, but at the same time she was suddenly all over you.

Under the moonlit sky, you and Natasha found yourselves strolling through the quiet city streets. The air was cool, carrying a whisper of mystery as you both walked.

You gasped when a shooting star passed in the dark sky and Natasha was startled and took a glance at you. You closed your eyes and whispered your wish to yourself, "I wanted to be rich."

Natasha was mesmerized by you, it seems like the whole world stopped when you closed your eyes. But she suddenly giggled when she heard your wish, "You wanted to be rich? Why?"

"Because I wanted to," You shot back, rolling your eyes to her. "That's everybody's dream, to be rich you know. C'mon I know you wanted to be rich too…" You looked at her again, scanning her outfit that screams 'privileged brat' or 'sugar mommy' and whatever her cologne is it reminded you that she's probably a rich woman," Or maybe you already are… but you sure do hunger for more."

She hummed with a smirk in her face, but her eyes were glassy as if some tears would race down in any second.

"Other than being rich, do you have any other dreams?" She suddenly asked, you were once again stunned.

"I just said what my dream is and yes I have other dreams. But you, what's your dream?" You childishly asked her.

Natasha laughed at your question and reaction to her, but then she smiled and looked at you. "I want to have a normal life and... a dog? Maybe?"

Normal life? Why would she dream of a normal life? Is her life not normal? You asked yourself, you were intrigued by her answer; her dreams.

"And someone to be with for the rest of my life, without getting scared of what I am…" She whispered to herself.

You didn't quite catch on to what she just said, you were about to ask for her to repeat when she stopped you with her question earlier again, "Now tell me what your other dream is."

"I-uh, well. Uhh…well I am a dancer but... " you were stuttering, no proper words coming out of your mouth at the moment. "I-uhh, I want-I want to be a ballerina." You felt your cheeks heat up.

If she's a dancer she could easily transition to ballerina, what's stopping her? Natasha questioned herself.

You suddenly babbled everything about your dream being a ballerina, bringing Natasha back to reality. Your words wove a captivating spell around her. She found herself utterly mesmerized, you were cute, she thinks. Natasha's attention solely fixed on you as you both walked through the quiet streets.

Natasha's eyes were drawn to your graceful gestures, "This is a basic step," you tiptoed and posed a ballerina posture. She watched your every movement, a mixture of awe and admiration reflected in her gaze. The streetlights bathed you in a soft glow, illuminating your face, which seemed to radiate with the passion you held for your dream.

"Wow, you sure do know a lot about ballet." You blushed at Natasha's comment. You once again beamed, it's your first time someone is genuine to hear about your dreams. "Well I know a few more basics." You stumbled while doing it but Natasha was quick to catch you. She looked deeply in your eyes, she could feel her cheeks burning.

You quickly stood to release her hold on you, "I'm going now, this is my block." You totally forgot that you lied about where you live.

"Well, uhh. Okay, are you sure you don't wan—"

"No need, I got this from here. Thanks." You stopped her and scanned the area before walking away.

"My name's Natasha!" She shouted, you turned to look at her and smiled, "Thank you, Natasha!"

"What's yours!" She shouted, asking your name, but you forgot to respond as you tried to stop the blush forming in your cheeks.

Secrets Behind Our Dreams: Masterlist

[kind-of-crazy-butthatsokay]

An internship with a twist 🗃️

Summary: You did it! You got the much sought after internship at the prestigous newspaper company led by no other than Natasha Romanov. You would try your best to be worthy of the position, though after meeting the CEO you get a feeling this isn't quite the job you signed up for...

Pairing: Natasha Romanov x fem!Reader

(No use of descriptive words for Reader's appearance. If you do stumble across one, please let me know and I'll immediately find a more inclusive alternative)

Warnings: 18+, non-con touching, kidnapping, nudity, violence (towards reader), name-calling, gross behaviour and remarks, abuse of power, stalking, pet-play

Word count: 3.4k

Author's note: Here we go, my first submission for @the-slumberparty's BINGO challenge! The squares I filled are "Biting", "Intern", "Writer's choice -> Pet Play", "Kept in a cage" and "Collar"!

This one was quite fun and when I saw them aligning in a diagonal line, I knew I had to do something with it. Hope you enjoy!

...

“Come on, don't drag you feet. We don't have all day,” the intimidating red-head in front of you calls over her shoulder while she struts down the hallway in dizzyingly high heels, her shoulder length waves bouncing with every step.

You do your best to keep up with her confident stride, sneakered feet scurrying across the expensive stone floor polished to perfection beneath your soles.

You had done your very best to get this internship, followed all the instructions that came with the application guidelines – even submitted pictures of yourself against your better judgement – and after almost two months of anxious waiting, you got the confirmation for the internship.

And today is your first day. You'd dressed in your best clothes, which still looked kind of ratty compared to everyone else's very established business clothing. But you wanted to try your best and impress your boss, who was none other than Natasha Romanov, CEO and founder of one of the most prestigious newspaper agencies.

If you do well, you could very well heighten your chances at landing a good job in this cut-throat industry. Because who would refuse you if you show up on their doorstep with recommendations from the one and only Natasha Romanov? No one in their right mind, that's the correct answer to that question.

You are very elated to be granted this opportunity, as much as you are absolutely terrified to mess it up.

You simply have to impress this woman with your skills and make a name of yourself if you want to be anything more than the author of gossipy articles about the latest fashion fiasco on the red carpet.

The woman stops in front of a door at the end of the long hallway situated on the top floor.

The place is strangely removed, though you figure it makes sense that the CEO has her own space to work in where others don't disturb her unless she allows it; the elevator on this floor only opens with her permission, so no one comes in here if she doesn't want it.

“Come on in. Chop chop, intern,” Ms Romanov says impatiently, waiting at the open door and gesturing you inside with the jerk of her head.

You're quick to follow her command, scurrying in past her and watching over your shoulder how she closes the door with a loud click. You turn your head straight, not wanting her to think you were staring, when a subtle whirring sound comes from behind you. Strange.

You can't dwell on the misplaced sound for long because the red-head is already waltzing past you like a storm, swiftly making her way around her wide oak-wood desk and sitting down in the high-backed leather chair waiting behind it.

Her silhouette stands out against the lights of the sky shining through the floor to ceiling windows that make up the wall behind her.

You stand nervously, still close to the door, and watch how she lounges in the chair, one pant-clad leg elegantly draped across the other.

Her green gaze is settled on you, taking in every nervous twitch as you fidget in place, wondering what she brought you up here for. It's your first day, you expected a little tour of your work place and then to be showed to you desk and given a list of tasks for the day.

Instead, you are alone with the CEO of the company on her private floor at the top of the building, where she is now unsettlingly staring at you without saying a single word.

Not longer able to bear the tense silence, you awkwardly clear your throat and start speaking.

“Sooo, uhm, Miss... What do I start with?”

You hope it's the right thing to say, trying to show your willingness to work.

The woman across from you just stares for a moment longer before snapping her fingers at you and pointing at the desk.

You scrunch your face up, fingers twisting in front of you as you try to interpret her rude gesture. Does she want you to come closer?

Daring to follow you instinct, you carefully shuffle closer to her desk, and when she doesn't object, keep going until you're standing right in front of her desk. Another moment of silence passes between the two of you before she breaks it with a curtly spoken command.

“You can start by undressing, sweetheart.”

You blink. Did you hear that right?

Your eyes scan her face, trying to read anything in her expression, but she's as unreadable as a blank page.

Maybe she said something about salad dressing. Yeah, your first task is to get her lunch and you merely zoned out while she was telling you her order, so you only heard a bit of it. Not a very good start.

“Pardon, could you repeat that?” you ask as politely as you can.

Ms Romanov's face stays a stony mask.

“I said, you can start by undressing. Don't keep me waiting, I'm not a very patient woman,” the red-head says, and this time you're sure you understood her. That sadly doesn't clear any of your confusion.

“I- I'm sorry, I don't think I understand-” you begin, skin prickling uncomfortably as you tug at the bottom of your ironed shirt.

“Are you deaf? My order was clear, now follow it or I'll be forced to help you and that is going to piss me off. You don't want to piss me off, trust me” Ms Romanov says coldly, sitting up in her chair and despite her sitting position, the sheer power radiating off her makes it seem like she is looming over you.

You just stand there, dumbfounded and growing more scared with every passing second while the red-head's heavy gaze rests on you in a foreboding way.

“Jesus Christ, I thought Hansen said you're a smart one,” your boss says and you can't help but feel hurt at the harsh words.

You are smart, goddamnit, otherwise you wouldn't have made it this far, but if your wits haven't left you completely, the woman across from you asked you to undress twice and you simply aren't going to do that.

You really thought this is a serious enterprise, the newspaper's popularity surely supported that assumption, and with a woman in charge, you didn't worry too much about harassment at the work place. But now you're standing in front none other but the CEO of this whole place and she was-

“Listen up, sweetheart. I'll say it one more time. Get those clothes off and do it fast, and I might not punish you on your first day,” the older woman interrupts your thoughts, directing your attention back to her impatient expression. She flicks her fingers at you, a gesture to tell you to hurry up.

You can't say where you take the confidence from, but something about the whole situation and the way she treats you like some animal sets you off, and you use it to make your thoughts known.

“No. I'm- I'm not gonna do that. Excuse me, Ms Romanov, but I think this might not be the right placement for me after all. I quit. Feel free to employ another intern in my stead,” you say. You're proud of how firm your words come out, despite the stutter in the beginning.

“The hard way it is,” the red-head says to herself, not even pretending to acknowledge what you just said. Instead, she gets up from her chair and prowls around the desk, instinctively making you take two steps back.

“Stay,” Ms Romanov barks and for some unknown reason you listen, staring at her positively terrified. “Gotta do everything yourself around here... fucking hell.”

Without further preamble, she gets close, too close, and grips the front of your button up shirt.

You can't do more than let out a startled sound of protest before she sinks her fingers into the fabric and rips the shirt open, buttons clattering everywhere as they give away beneath her brute force.

She starts shoving your blazer down your shoulders, the ripped shirt quickly being pushed down with it as you stand frozen for a moment, stunned by the woman's actions. It's only when your blazer and shirt fall to the floor that you jolt back into motion.

Your hands fly up to cover your chest and protect your bra from her clawing fingers while your feet clumsily move backward in an attempt to get away from the crazy red-head.

“S-Stop! What the fuck are you doing-” you protest loudly, raising your arms to fend off her attempts to tear away more of your clothing.

When she reaches out to roughly grab you by the back of your neck, you turn your head to the side and chomp down on her arm as hard as you can, your animal instinct taking over as adrenaline surges through your blood.

“Ouh! You fucking mutt-” the red-head curses with a hiss, but doesn't retract her arm. Quite the opposite.

She lifts her other hand and swiftly backhands you across the face with a loud crack.

The force of the slap snaps your head to the side. Your ears are ringing and your vision swims for a moment as tears gather in your eyes.

Ms Romanov doesn't grant you a second of reprieve and grabs your face to roughly turn it back towards her. Her nails dig into your cheeks when she gives your head a mean shake that disorientates you even more.

“Keep your teeth to yourself unless you want to be punished, you stupid little mutt,” she curses at you and then releases your face with a shove.

You blearily stare at her agitated face, tears clouding your vision as you just stand there in shock.

Your chest aches from the hurt of being treated so roughly and cruel and you can't stop the feeling from wandering up your throat and resulting in hot tears splashing down your throbbing face.

While you try to wrap your head around the situation and your body starts up a delayed response to the physical violence, Ms Romanov keeps yanking at your clothing until your bra is gone and your pants and panties have fallen to your feet.

“Step out of them,” the woman orders, but you're still too stunned to move, tears running down your face as you stare at the ground.

Now seemingly out of patience, the red-head gives you a shove that almost sends you toppling to the floor with your feet tangled in the remainder of your clothes. You quickly untangle your feet from the fabric out of sheer necessity to keep from busting your head open on the stone floor.

“Stand here!” the older woman orders with a snap of her fingers, index finger pointing at the ground in front of her.

Not wanting to risk more bodily harm being done to you, you follow her command, your hands doing their best to cover your naked body. Embarrassment and shame burn hot in your gut, your whole body trembling with the scalding feeling boiling in your stomach.

Ms Romanov reaches out and you instinctively jerk away, scared of another cruel hit. The woman isn't deterred by your reaction, one hand grabbing your chin to turn your head this way and that while her other one feels along your shoulder and then gropes your chest.

You let out a weak whimper and try to pull your head out of her grasp, but she holds you steady and continues grabbing at your body, weighing your breasts in her hand, tweaking your nipples and then moving down your side where she gives your hip a squeeze.

“Hmm,” she hums, briefly glancing at your teary face before focusing on the path of her hand again.

The appendage creeps lower, ghosting over your tummy and eliciting a twitch from you, but her firm hold on your face keeps you from getting far.

She touches the coarse curls atop your mound before dipping lower and cruelly pinching the soft flesh on the inside of your thigh.

“Apart,” she curtly orders, pinching you again until you shuffle your legs further apart, giving her access to your most intimate parts.

You tremble and whine when she delves between your legs, fingers parting the lips of your pussy and experimentally dipping them into your entrance before pulling back and delivering a harsh slap right to your exposed inner lips.

“Ouch!” you screech, your thighs snapping shut as your legs make to scramble back and carry you away from the cruel woman's touch.

Your attempt at escaping her rough hands is quickly thwarted by the red-head. She lets go of your face and sweeps out a leg, tripping you in your clumsy backwards motion and sending you to the floor with a loud thud that had your tail-bone weeping in agony.

“On your knees,” she barks and approaches you to motivate you with a kick to the side. You shakily move to your knees, hands pressed to the floor beside your thighs.

“Stay.”

You do, eyes glued to the floor as you hear her moving around by her desk. She doesn't take long, her pant-clad legs soon stepping into your field of vision.

She bends down and you briefly catch a glance of something deep red in her hands before she's bringing it around your throat. When her hands meet at the back of your neck and you hear a subtle clicking sound, you realise what the thing is she had in her hands.

A collar. A burgundy collar.

The woman presses two fingers between the collar and your skin, sweeping towards the front and giving it a little pull before retracting her hand, but not before giving the little accessory fastened in the front a little flick.

You reach out and grip the strip of leather, the inside lined with a softer material to keep any chafing at bay.

Dumbfounded at the fact that this woman had literally hit you, kicked you, stripped you of your clothing and now also collared you, you stare at up her with an open mouth.

“That's your place now, puppy,” she says sternly before nudging your chin with a finger. “Close your mouth, you look stupid.”

You snap your mouth shut and frown. All you wanted is some experience in the field, something to look good on your application after you finish university. How on earth did you end up naked and collared on a stranger's floor?

“I-” you start, trying to come up with some sort of argument, a demand to be let go, but a slap silences you before any protests can come out of your mouth.

“Did I tell you to speak? Puppies don't speak unless their owners tell them to. If they do, they'll be punished. And now move your lazy ass, I've had enough trouble with you,” the red-head says sternly before nudging you with her heel until you make to stand to follow her command.

“No walking! You crawl, stupid puppy,” Ms Romanov hisses, painfully planting her heel on your back to shove you back on all fours.

You let out a pained sound and fall back to your knees. You make haste to move forward when you see her foot lifting in your periphery, the hard floor painful on your knees as you crawl where she directs you.

She shoos you all the way around the desk and towards the corner of the room behind it where a velvety blanket obscures a big cube-shaped structure.

The woman passes you and approaches the structure, pulling the blanket away with a flourish and baring... a cage. A big cage. You can guess what it's for.

You back up and shake your head, wide eyes staring at the cage and then back at the red-head. She's wearing a cold smile on her painted lips as she steps forward and swiftly grabs you by the collar to drag you forward.

You try to fight against her grip, hands and knees pushing into the floor to slow down her process, but it's no use. She's stronger than you and soon you find yourself being shoved into the human-sized cage like a naughty dog.

The door is slammed shut behind you and you hear a lock sliding into place before you can even turn around.

“There we go. This could've been much easier, but you had to be a bitch,” Ms Romanov says condescendingly and you twist around in the small space to stare at her.

“Y- you can't do this. Let me out. Please, let me out! I won't tell anyone, I swear,” you start babbling without thinking as the weight of the situation starts to sink in.

You're trapped in a cage, naked, with no means to call for help or contact anyone and at the complete mercy of this woman, a stranger to you.

The red-head hits the side of the cage, the clanging sound reverberating in your ears and shutting you up in an instant.

You expect her to shout at or threaten you for speaking out of turn, but before the woman can say a word, the sound of a phone ringing echoes through the lofty office.

She throws you a warning look, lips pressed into a thin line, before turning away and making her way over to her desk where her phone was ringing.

“Yes? What do you want? … I don't think that's any of your business... Fine. I'm buzzing you in, Hansen. But listen to me, no funny business. Got it? Yes.”

You try to follow the conversation, but with only her side of it it's impossible to make sense of her words.

Before you can get too lost in trying to figure out her words, the red-head whirls around and approaches you again, successfully cutting off any thought you might have had.

“I have an associate coming in here in a few moments. Don't bother trying to call for help. If you think I'm bad, he's worse, much worse. So keep your mouth shut and sit pretty and I might not have to beat your ass until it's bleeding later,” she warns you.

You merely gulp and give a short nod before shrinking into the corner of the cage and pulling your knees to your chest.

As if on cue, there's a knock on the door that is followed by a brief “Come in” from Ms Romanov.

Not a moment later the door is shoved open and a man strides in, tall and dressed in a tacky yellow shirt combined with white dress pants. His face displays an unnerving grin, his top lip hidden underneath a hideously outdated moustache that is styled to precision, same as his hair.

“Romanov!” he calls loudly, his beady eyes sweeping the room and quickly settling on your hunched over form in the corner. “I see you've received your new pet.”

“Yes, I have. And she's given me more trouble than I care for, Hansen,” the red-head says, completely unimpressed by the man's theatrical entrance.

“Oh has she now? Didn't seem the troublemaker to me. The most docile out of all of them, really. Watched her for weeks and not once has she gotten sassy with anyone,” the man – Hansen – muses loudly, rubbing his chin exaggeratedly in thought.

'Watched her for weeks'?

An uneasy shiver crawls down your back at the man's words. What does he mean he's watched you for weeks? And you're the most docile out of all of them? All of who?

“Mh, she bit me like a wild mutt,” Ms Romanov says evenly. Then she gives a shrug. “Nothing a little slap couldn't correct, but it still shouldn't have happened.”

“Oh well, you can't expect them to be perfect. Besides, you love to whip them into shape and I think with a package like that you can tolerate a bit of disobedience,” the man says while he leers your way.

“Gotta admit I was tempted to take her for myself a couple of times. Great ass, nice tits and the face doesn't hurt to look at either,” he declares while leaning on the polished desk.

“I would've cut your throat, but I can't say I don't see the appeal. Now get out, you freaky bastard. Let me enjoy my new pet. Your second half of the payment will be deposited this hour,” Ms Romanov says curtly, not wasting another moment with the man as she turns back to you with a cold stare.

“We have so much to do, puppy. So many things to learn. I will enjoy teaching you.”

...

Boy, I made myself horny with this one 🥴

Not proofread btw, you can keep any mistakes you find :D

[agent-toast]

@irregularityregularity, my friend, you have made a terrible mistake.

alt text: ok so theres this guy who is you and ur a secret agent and you have a handler in your earpiece who guides you and you solve puzzles in vr like an escape room and there are danger things like bombs and trapped shelves that will kill you if you activate them and you die but you can respawn and there is a big danger weapon in space called the death engine pointing at earth which is going to kill all the agents of ur agency which is bad and the person behind it is commander solaris and you defeat her and stop the death engine from engineing and in the process you accidentally fake ur death and then it turns out the person behind solaris is the head of the bad company thing called dr zor (ur agency company is called the enhanced operatives division/EOD btw) so then in the second game you find out that this annoying howlian actor called john juniper who calls himself the greatest actor ever, is actually working for zoraxis and your handler is like 'but but i liked that guy' so anyway zoraxis thinks you're dead right so john juniper thinks you're some other agent, he tries to kill you to stop you from finding out his top secret evil plan but you survive (well i assume you survive) and he realises 'oh shit this is the agent who supposedly died on the death engine' and he calls you agent phoenix because you 'came back from the dead' so he even more tries to kill you but eventually you find out that john juniper, along with an inventor of traps and stuff called the fabricator, is impersonating heads of state with a 'mimic mask' that lets you look and sound like the person you want to impersonate. they use the mask to steal the nuclear launch codes that all the heads of state have, so that they can launch some nukes and make the whole world know that zoraxis is in control of everyone now. they also kidnapped the real heads of state and, john impersonated the heads and made statements saying that they were friendly to zoraxis and wanted to work with them. (before, the real heads did not like zoraxis.) you manage to take the suitcase that holds the nuclear launch codes but john juniper sleeping gases you and takes it back, and kidnaps you and impersonates your handler :D you manage to escape, and because you put a tracking device on the suitcase, you find out where john juniper is conducting the final part of the plan, zOraXiS dEfEnsE (name of level i think). john is pretending to hold a peace summit with all the heads of state to show that zoraxis is in league with the heads, but in actuality he's being a drama queen and wants to show the whole world (its being broadcast) the moment he launches the nukes and takes over the world. you ride an elevator with nice music to the 'peace summit' and almost get killed by gunshots (this is part of the plot), the elevator stops working, then you use external power from some danger blades from zoraxis that were going to slice the ropes of your elevator to make it start again. you reach john juniper who's standing on a very thin platform in the middle of a hole (im assuming that's the place where the nukes are but idk). john juniper's like ahah you can't stop me but you turn on a lever that splits the platform in two, causing john to almost fall into the hole, but he just barely hangs on. dr zor's voice appears! and they say 'ahahah mr juniper u were never running the show' and electrocute him using the mimic mask that he's wearing. he falls off the platform and probably dies? idk? then dr zor launches the countdown for the nukes and you have five minutes to figure out how to stop the nukes using the modified briefcase. it kinda looks like a bunch of random puzzles. you solve it, but when you press the stop button, there's low power, so it doesn't work. so you use the external power you got from the elevator and plug it into the suitcase, ignoring what your handler says about the elevator being about to fall without power. you press the button woo and fall to your death.

maybe.

the third game is even harder to sum up than the first and second so i'll shorten it

dr prism is agency inventor and missing

she actually works for zoraxis because the agency rejected her idea to use robots as agents instead of humans

oh yeah i forgot you have telekinesis and she's the one who made ur telekinetic implant, using an ore called kinesium.

she made the robots using the kinesium and other stuff and now they're gonna kill you because prism wants to show the agency that robot agents are better than human agents and she knows you're very skilled, so killing the great agent phoenix will show the agency that the robot agents are better.

long story short you chase prism, die a lot, the robots get knocked out by zor and die, prism is angry at zor because zor used her, you guys find out zor wants to mine a million kinesium because heated and blown up kinesium messes with the telekinetic implants in agents' heads. if there's a loooot of kinesium, that means the agents will all die, and the radius of the explosion will be big enough to kill all the agents. you and prism go and stop zor in a volcano where all the kinesium is stored. you use your telekinesis to contain the blast, which really messes hard with your head and you black out. your handler and prism get worried about you and while you're out, prism carries you to a nearby beach then leaves because she says she can't face the agency rn. your handler reveals his distrust of chickens. one robot agent is actually alive and he's a good robot. the end. my god that was long

[nanomooselet]

Little but Fierce VII

Update: Okay, computer had the fear of me put into it and the pictures have been added.

I confess to some confusion over complaints Legato's significance was reduced in Stampede. We're still not even halfway through the story. The '98 adaptation hinged almost entirely upon Legato, and the manga had him as Vash's greatest ideological opponent. He's the best argument Knives made for wiping out humanity: a human who'd been so cruelly abused he viewed all who failed to help him as complicit and deserving of death.

In my opinion, Legato's had his turn in the spotlight, since with Knives not confined to a lightbulb he can be a direct and present threat in a way he couldn't be before. Now it's time for someone else to play the foil.

Meryl's learned everything she needs to learn and seen all she needs to see. It's time for her final exam. First up, Zazie.

Only nominally allied with Knives, Zazie occupies the role Meryl herself seeks: observer, witness, knower of the truth, bestower of judgement. They extend the privilege of that role to Meryl - she is a representative for humanity as Zazie speaks for the Worms. Having already discussed Zazie's interest in Meryl at some length, I'll move on, and pause only to note that it testifies how far Meryl's come that Zazie doesn't completely freak her the hell out.

She passes the test: along with being ignorant of the fate of Earth, she believes that humankind can and must change. Luida showed her a means to do so. It may not be enough for Zazie to fully trust humanity, but it's a reason not to fully trust Knives. The conversation will continue.

Second, Dr. Conrad.

He's a foil more for Roberto. The extreme end of the cynical mindset that Roberto tends to espouse - that cruelty is only to be expected on a world this cruel and cannot be changed. But where Roberto advises remaining uninvolved, Dr. Conrad finds it justification for cruelty in turn.

This test, too, Meryl passes; Roberto, inspired by her determination and conviction, successfully overcomes his own cynicism and mistrust, as well as over a century of accrued rationalisations, and manages to shake Conrad's faith, his judgement cutting him to the quick. It's a relatively subdued form of defeat, but, well, neither of these men are going to be engaging in high-powered gun fights. And so we move on to the final test...

Ah, she'll do nicely.

Yes, I understand dislike for the alteration to Elendira's backstory in Stampede (albeit I do wonder whether it relates to whatever Nightow had in mind for her in Maximum, even if I can't explain what makes me think it does. Just that I do). Otherwise I wouldn't have written what I did speculating how she'll develop beyond it. However, just as with Milly's absence and Roberto's presence, I think I see the way she serves Meryl's development into the woman she becomes.

Just as Vash will have to face and defeat his shadow in his brother before he can truly claim his identity, Meryl must face her own in Elendira. Small, femme, viewed as a child (to her annoyance) but a physically developed adult, accompanied everywhere by an older teacher who assumes responsibility for her. And a lot of the other implications and symbolism surrounding El are... I believe the technical term is "yikes".

It's easy to tell that in Meryl, Vash sees Rem - dark-haired, compassionate, strong sense of responsibility. She isn't Rem, because no one can be (arguably Rem herself couldn't live up to what she became to him, which is not her fault). But in Meryl Rem's spirit survives, just as in the rest of humanity; the living reason he follows his ideals, and a reason to live.

What may be a little harder to realise is that Knives is also inspired by a feminine figure elevated near to sainthood in his eyes. But it isn't Rem he believes himself inspired by, except in the sense that he loathes her.

It's Tesla. Where Vash is determined to take on the responsibility that his mother entrusted to him, Knives wants the power both to take vengeance for and to protect his sister.

It's important that he never actually knew Tesla, nor is she capable of conveying her wishes to him, just like the dependent Plants. He only assumes she must have been helpless and weak before human brutality, just as Vash is weak, and his brethren. So it's up to Knives, the big brother, to remove that weakness - he is, after all, their representative. Their blade.

And thus he allowed the creation of Elendira. Not exactly a human, but not entirely a Plant. Childishly vindictive, impulsively violent, filled with a deep loathing of humanity, needing nothing and no one - just like Knives himself wishes to be, and thus what Knives wants to believe would be true of Tesla. She would surely approve of all he's done for her. And she's absolutely loyal to him, and rejects Vash. Knives is her lord. She is proud to serve only him.

Here we have someone who refuses Meryl's judgement of her, the assumption of superiority it carries. Who are you to pity me? She also doesn't care to be disciplined by her teacher. Dr. Conrad tells her to stop and she shouts that he be silent and continues advancing.

On top of that… there's a sense of creepy, creepy suggestiveness around El. When she bursts out of the tank, she's nude, and unconcerned with being so. She is no less a threat in this state than she would be clothed. It reminds me of Knives during Fifth Moon in the original manga. Along with the way she behaved in other scenes, like when speaking with Rollo; she, uh, licks the tip of her finger. I'm not imagining the lasciviousness in that gesture, am I?

Meryl's demonstrated that she's intimidated by this aspect of adulthood. That Elendira looks so young just makes it more disturbing. (And I deeply respect that Orange didn't go for titillating, which anime has a bad habit of doing with similar characters. Elendira isn't there to excite us. She's terrifying. It's like ep 11 being SA but stripped of anything resembling sex, leaving only the victim's terror, suffering and despair.)

This is something Meryl can't face on her own. She needs one more example of teamwork… and Roberto, ever-willing to teach, manages to anticipate and protect her long enough to see one arrive.

Big brother comes to the rescue of little sister.

Wolfwood defeats Elendira because he knows better than to hesitate. He knows that one cannot judge by appearances - he's the younger of the two! Elendira was around before Rollo; Wolfwood came after him. But physically he's older, and stronger, and willing to exert that strength to defeat her. And Elendira's got the same weakness as Knives - her confidence can't withstand even a single attempt to hit back. She falls apart like a little kid, wailing as in much surprise and outrage as in pain. Did you just shoot me?!

Meryl suffers a much more devastating blow when she realises Roberto is dying. But she survives it. And Roberto proves one final time why he was the best teacher for her. Because he doesn't blame her. He could easily have left the same scar in her that Knives left in Vash - you cannot judge, because this is all your fault.

But he doesn't. He tells her this isn't her fault. He tells her she can choose. He tells her to follow her heart. Choose your own path and walk it with confidence. And he gives her the weapon that becomes her name, along with the name itself.

Meryl Stryfe.

She's the only one she has left to rely on now. And she's ready.

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VIII

Part IX

[i-sveikata]

Hi, author! Super excited for the upcoming chapter. I've been re-reading the last chapter and was wondering why Korn didn't take the minor family ring from pete while he was knocked out? I mean it must have pissed him to see a body guard like pete wearing a family ring right?

ooooooh good question!!!! the simplest way i can describe that is that Korn is playing the long game- where he wants to appear like the wise, clever, fair mafia leader.

so snatching the ring off of pete when everyone can very clearly see that it was willingly given to him would have only made him look bad. and it would have been an obvious move against vegas/discrediting his judgement and korn doesnt want it to look like hes trying to deprive vegas of his own power to others.

because then it becomes even more obvious that hes destroying the branch of the minor family and trying to absorb it into something only he has direct control over. so basically it doesnt look good and korn is still pretending that hes concerned about his missing nephews, that he wants to take them under his wing and teach them the ways of their business in the absence of their father until vegas is ready to inherit someday (notice kinn is in the exact same state of limbo and korn still hasnt stepped aside for him- and likely never will unless hes forced to)

so yeah he was definitely pissed to see that ring on pete's finger but knew better than to openly react to it. but i think what hes mostly pissed off about is assuming pete will step in line or wouldnt be a problem for them after he sat him down and they spoke for a while and korn used that time to assess him. he regrets not taking seriously how much influence pete has on vegas and will continue to have on the minor family now that hes quit being a bodyguard.

korn is kicking himself for not properly understanding what kind of threat pete was- and its too late now to extricate him in a way that would keep vegas and macau still under his wing. and without affecting a lot of people's opinions/loyalty towards him. pete isnt like porsche (new and undetermined) he's well known and respected amongst the main family guards and even the minor family guards have perked their ears up and started paying attention to him since hes put vegas in his place. pete is one of them. if korn had him killed now they would all take notice. it would be detrimental to his continuing power.

so korn knows he missed his shot for cleaning the situation up before it got out of hand and now hes got a no name man wearing the minor family's future on his finger and even less options for getting rid of him. he knows he can't put a wedge between pete and vegas' relationship (not when vegas is so openly devoted and they seem to at least be able to keep up the bare minimum of reasonable communication to avoid misunderstandings), he cant turn vegas against pete like he might be able to turn kinn against porsche (using his own jealousy etc) and he doesn't understand pete well enough yet to know how to pit him against vegas.

korn can declare all he likes that porsche is the new head but he understands the importance of symbolism in power and he's very aware that he's at a disadvantage with the ring being with pete still and the rumour mill being as it is. that ring being on pete's finger spread faster than the knowledge that kinn was sleeping with a bodyguard when it first came out. everyone knows that pete has been elevated to an impossible status and korn cant cut him down without openly declaring war against all of the bodyguards, and giving ammunition to the other heads in the business who are waiting for any opportunity now to try and unseat him.

korn may have wanted to snatch the ring off pete's finger but it would have been a damning move for him, a foolish one setting him up as the villain and korn is still doing everything he can to avoid that comparison (even after having murdered his brother lol). so basically he's stuck until he can figure out a way around pete and time will only tell if hes able to succeed! but essentially he has set his sights on pete now that pete has moved against him and openly challenged him- and korn is already realising hes dealing with an entirely new opponent.

[dragonagitator]

Spell to help heal a malfunctioning elevator:

Vegvisir, an Icelandic magical stave for the protection of travelers.

Scroll with the invocation "Gods and Goddesses of travelers, spirits of the land: Please heal, protect, and bless our elevator. Thanks."

Pretty little spice jar from my new favorite local hardware store (I like the vibes there).

A collection of healing crystals cleansed in salt and then charged in the light of Saturday's full moon (left to right):

Green Sandstone: "calming & uplifting" "renews & restores your depleted energies"

Fire & Ice Quartz: "cleanses energy" "balances energies" "connection to higher dimensions" [and floors, I hope]

Madagascar Tumbled Indigo Gabro: "strength & confidence" "protection" "transmutes negative energy & electromagnetic frequencies"

Aqua Aura Quartz: "master healing qualities" "interdimensional travel" [I figure if it can help one travel between dimensions then travel between floors should be easy, right?]

Raw Clear Calcite: "transmutes negative energy" "amplifies positive vibrations throughout any space" "powerful energy purifier!"

Angel Aura Amethyst: "transmutes negative energy into love" "protection from all types of harm"

Chiastolite: "strength, power, & perseverance" "protection against negative energy" "used to ward off curses & spells"

Honeycomb Calcite: "gently uplifts & amplifies energies"

Lava Stone: "grounding" "endurance & energy stability"

(Descriptions copied down from the cards at the crystals store. I don't actually know anything about crystals, I just read through all of the descriptions of all the crystals they had in stock and selected the ones that seemed of particular relevance to an elevator that keeps blowing a circuit board every time the elevator repair guys turn it back on.)

After assembling, I cupped the spell jar in my hands while focusing my intentions on "please start fucking working again, it's been a fucking week, for fucks sake!"

I gave it to the property manager this morning and he promised to tuck it into a corner of the elevator maintenance access closet. I believe that he'll actually follow through on that because the elevator repair company has been here every day and can't even figure out what's wrong much less how to fix it, and he's been bearing the brunt of the tenant ire over that.

Meanwhile, we just moved into a top floor apartment last week, the elevator broke in between loads (not our fault, the elevator maintenance company broke it during a scheduled upgrade), and 2/3rds of our stuff has been sitting in storage for a week until today, when property management finally gave up waiting for the elevator to get fixed and paid for some professional movers to haul it up the stairs for us.

So both the property manager and I have reached the point of "fuck it, let's try witchcraft."

[anxious-alastor]

Haven't I given Enough? ‖Pt. 1‖ Albert Wesker x Reader

Angst (??) AU, Nameless/genderless reader, however this is very much self indulgent (was gonna be an OC/self insert at first) Shorter than I intended but I got too excited for other fics and wanted to get this one out ^u^'

Wesker had revealed a brainwashed Jill, an already heavy situation on Chris' shoulders even before being attacked by his partner. Even fight his ass. Chris and Sheva practically got thrown around the chamber ruins. There was no use in shooting at either of them as it turned more into a waste of bullets.

"Seven minutes is all I can spare." Wesker shook his head, disappointed but motivated to do his absolute worst to Chris. This, however, only told the BSAA member that he had to survive those seven minutes.

Chris' eyes went wide as he saw another familiar figure dive in front of him. His heart was pounding.

"What the hell is this Wesker?!" He roared.

"Don't you recognize your old STARS members?" Wesker tutted, "Or is it that you were only coming here for Jill?"

Chris appeared as though he had been slapped. Sheva glanced at her partner before aiming intently at Wesker.

"We'll be taking both of them." She sounded certain, though her confidence was somewhat lacking. The mastermind picked up on it quickly, a slight chuckle leaving his usually pursed mouth.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. However, I'm on a time limit and feeling generous, you may choose one. Choose who to reject my cure and choose who becomes a God." It was cruel, just as he had always been cruel. As he had casted aside his old team for the power he gained as an ally to the Umbrella Corporation.

"No.. No I can't choose, what kind of a sick joke is this?!" Chris snarled. His anger only made his old Captain laugh.

"It's no joke, Chris. Now Choose, lest I change my mind."

The cold eyes of the brainwashed peered piercingly at Chris. Neither showing any emotion. Could they hear him? Could they understand what was happening? He hoped not, hoped he could save one now and return for the other.

Chris looked hopelessly between the two, before sighing in defeat.

"I choose Jill."

•••

The pain in your chest had spiked . Wesker smirked at Chris as he stepped towards the two. Putting a firm hand on your shoulder while using the other to increase Jill's intake of the p30 drug. You only caught a glimpse of her as she screamed and writhed in pain before Wesker escorted you into the elevator.

"I suppose you expected more from the loyal Chris Redfield." He kept the grip on your shoulder. You thought he was upset about losing one of his experiments but there was something... different.

The moment he had spoken the words, it sunk in that you had been left, given up, and in that moment you couldn't separate the idea of what Chris said from Wesker's betrayal all those years ago.

Whatever dull pain you felt from the mind control drug was nothing compared to this. Your vision became blurry as tears welled in your eyes. Wesker seemed intrigued by the reaction, how were you able to show emotion even while under control. Just as the elevator doors opened, his hand twitched in his pocket and you could feel the sudden administration of p30 right into your chest. Like Jill you screamed, stumbling out of the elevator and hitting the rail that kept you from falling off the side of a cliff. Wesker merely followed, watching with interest as you managed to open your suit and claw at what looked like a bug on your chest.

"Resistance is futile." He laughed coolly, upping the dosage further. Yet this didn't have the effect he intended.

Another shriek racked through you, this time a name,

"CHRIS!!"

Your fingers dug under the apparatus as you saw red whilst ripping it from your body. You threw it at Wesker's feet before collapsing. He took note that it wasn't a cry of pity.

"Impressive." Wesker muttered, removing his glasses. "But I'm afraid that was for nothing. I'll simply reapply the device."

"No.. you won't.." you coughed, your hand finding the rail and using it as support as you stood up.

"And why is that?" His eyes remained fixated on you.

"You don't need a drug to get me on your side... I've always admired you, Albert, the Captain of the STARS Alpha team... Until you betrayed all of us.."

"You're beginning to sound like Chris." He remarked dryly.

"Chris doesn't understand... I saw you before Jill tackled you. Where he saw destruction I saw renewal, a cure, a god." Your words rang neatly in his ears, a perfect reflection of his own. Perhaps you were messing with him, trying to stall to escape later.

"Why should I believe you."

"Because I want Uroburos. I want to feel what it's like to be a god. Excella wants you for the money, maybe even the sex—" he raised an eyebrow but you went on, "I want the world."

A smile graced his face, twisted and ambitious as he scooped you up in his arms.

"Then you shall have it."

[little-cereal-draws]

ok sab season 3 theory time!

It's really more of an au; I'm calling it a theory because it's based off how they left season two and what they have potential to do with the story but I don't think it'll happen

David is going to be on parem

ok I know it's a long shot but hear me out. It's based off four points they ended season two with.

We didn't see his body so by film rules he's still alive. And no one ever says he's dead either. All Genya says is, "I can't feel his heartbeat," and they leave it at that. That doesn't 100% mean he's dead, it could just mean he's not nearby; especially because she wasn't amplified like she was the first time she found his heartbeat

They introduced Saint Neyar, the Durast. Of course, this was for Jesper's character arc but it showed the audience how powerful and deadly Fabricators can be even though they're the Grisha order used in the war the least

They introduced parem and how it affects Grisha. In that one coronation scene, it showed the physical toll it has on Grisha and addictive it is, how it amplifies their abilities to insane levels, and how Fjerda has access to it and is using it on Grisha

They're only loosely basing their plots off the books and they changed how David dies so why not change the rest of his story too

Now back to the theory/au. David isn't stupid. Even though he stayed to protect Genya, he knows there's nothing he can do against a being made of shadow. He pretty much just doomed himself. He's got too much to live for -he was going to propose for Saint's sake!- so there's no way he's going to stand there and die or try to futilely fight it. He was never a fighter anyway, so he runs. Maybe out a window, maybe out the door, idk but he makes it out. He does get seriously injured though; hence the giant blood splatter Genya saw later.

He doesn't have time to check the elevator for Genya; he's being chased, the fold is expanding, he's bleeding, he needs to get out of there and hope she did the same. He'll come back and find her later he decides. He runs through the woods for a while until he can't take another step and collapses. Eventually he gets found by a Fjerdan scout. They take him back to their camp where a few other Grisha they found fleeing are also being held.

Flashforward a little while: Nikolai is the king, Alina is struggling with her new powers and public backlash, and the newest threat to the barely stable country is parem attacks. They've only increased since the first one at the coronation and everyone's afraid. Grisha are going missing left and right only to return fatally hooked to the drug and Otkazat'sya are calling upon their king to end the new bloodshed by Grisha against them. Tensions between Grisha and Otkazat'sya are running high again and there have been many fights have broken out from it.

Nikolia, Alina, and probably The Crows too get roped into trying to stop the murder of civilians while figuring out a cure for the drug. Along the way, they hear whispers of the most fearsome parem warrior of all. Not the inferni who can destroy ten houses with one shot, not the tidemaker who can pull people's blood out straight through their skin, not even the heartrender who can kill fifty people with one flick of their wrist. No, it's a fabricator. He can level whole buildings with one look and is untouchable by any weapons. He'll strangle you with your own clothes and even the out-of-the-box thinkers who tried to take him on naked got horribly mutilated. It turns out bones are just calcium and blood is just iron.

Our team of protagonists get ready to stop them but when they get there, they see something that stops them in their tracks. It's David. He's the one all the whispered rumors are about. He's alive but looks only just, like a moving corpse. This wasn't something they planned for and are completely thrown off. While they try to regroup and come up with a new plan, Genya steps out. They lock eyes and for a second Genya thinks he recognizes her until she feels her necklace digging into her throat. She's choking and gagging but doesn't stop looking in his eyes as she scratches at the metal. Just as her vision begins to fade to black around the edges, his eyes grow wide. That ruby... he knows that ruby. He was going to use it for... something, he doesn't remember what, but it was important. And if this woman has it than she must be... David holds his hands up placatingly and Genya falls to her knees coughing and gasping for air.

David doesn’t do anything for the rest of the battle which gives our protagonists a slight advantage. It’s still a strenuous fight and Alina has to use her new shadow powers to win, which she was very conflicted abt, but they beat them. Some of the grisha get killed, they can’t help it, but Nikolai made it very clear when these attacks started that they’re going to try and take everyone alive and see if they can help them first. There's a bit here about Alina being harassed by the public for her shadow powers even though she was saving them. Right as another fight is about to break out, Nikolai decides it's time to leave.

Genya’s mind is racing the whole trip back to the palace. She wants to talk to David so bad and kiss and hug him, but she doesn’t know how much he remembers. He stopped just short of killing her before and she doesn’t want to push it. David’s thoughts are racing too. He knows that woman, he loves that woman, but his brain is too foggy to recall where he met her or what her name is. As the drug slowly wears off, he can piece together more and more until he finally remembers the last time he saw her. Genya.

By the time they make it to the Palace, all the remaining Grisha have come off their high and are begging for another hit. Their eyes are even more sunken than before and they’re shaking so bad they need help getting out of the wagon. When it comes to David’s turn, he looks at Genya and whispers her name. She instantly bursts into tears because he remembers. Shaking like a leaf in the wind, he reaches out as best as the restraints they put on his hands will let him and puts his hand on the side of her face. Everyone else is standing at the ready, weapons drawn, in case he attacks but Genya stands there and lets him do it. She bites her lip to stifle a sob and squeezes her eyes shut, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. He remembered. He still loved her. He was alive. And yes, they were a long way from ok but in this moment, but she has hope that they could get there some day.

The rest of the season goes on to deal with Alina's shadow powers and Nikolia sends The Crows to the Ice Court to see if they can find out where the Fjerdans are getting the parem or how they're making it. The captured Grisha are being kept in cells until they are over their addictions and it's a painful sight to see. Even though they're being fed, they're morbidly skinny. Even though they're warm, they tremble with each breath. Even though they moved beds into the cells, the bags around their eyes look like they haven't slept in years. They cry and beg and curse and yell; trying anything to get even the smallest amount of parem.

David offers to help in the effort to find an anecdote and tell them everything he knows, which Nikolai agrees to but refuses to let him experiment with any actual parem. Genya has never seen David react like that to anything before. The way he was pressed up against the bars innocently, politely offering his help to the king, listing his years of experience and qualifications then suddenly having the mask drop off his face revealing what he truly felt, rage. He paced his cell and threw a chair into the wall, yelling that they would never figure it out without him, they needed his help, and he only needed a little bit of parem, just a little bit. He scared her.

The cells are not fabricator proof, especially for one that has been affected by parem, and every night he bends the bars and goes out looking for where Nikolai is keeping his tiny experimenting stash. The whole palace can hear him tripping over things in the dark, opening and closing doors, emptying drawers onto the ground. It gets brought up in a meeting one morning. Alina wants to station more guards around the palace to stop him, but Genya argues that David hasn't hurt anyone, taken anything, and always returns to his cell in the morning so adding more guards is unnecessary. Nikolai says that his parem isn't in the Palace at all, it's in a secret outside workshop he's commissioning exactly in case something like this happened. Genya continues to press her point off of that saying that maybe this is something that David needs to do to recover. If he searches the whole Palace and sees that there is no parem there, he might be more inclined to cooperate when they say that they're not giving him any. Much to Alina's outrage, Nikolai takes Genya's side. Alina's powers start acting up and she has to step out and deal with that and the main plot.

That night is the last night David searches. In the very early hours of the morning, he ends up in Genya's room, hovering at the foot of her bed like a phantom. She could feel him coming down the hallway and is wide awake, but she still has her eyes closed and is forcing her pounding heart to slow. "Genya?" he whispers. "Genya? I know you have it. Please, Genya, I just want a little bit, just a little bit." She doesn't respond, trying to keep her face as neutral as possible and not respond to how desperate he sounds. The silence is so long she wonders if he fell asleep standing up. Suddenly he speaks again, voice cracking with emotion, "Saints, Genya... you're killing me." It takes everything in her not to sit up and tell him everything right then. Tell him where the workshop is, how to get in, and to please forgive her, she's only doing this because she loves him. He shuffles down the hallway and Genya cries. He doesn't leave his cell at night after that.

The season ends with all the addicted Grisha either receiving an anecdote, The Crows probably find something at the Ice Court, or getting over it from going cold turkey. Except now the problem is all these people's powers have drastically changed (think like Nina's powers after she recovered from parem). So now they've got this population of Grisha who have all new powers that have never been seen before and that sets up season four. David proposes to Genya for real and they finally get their happy ending and nothing bad ever happens to them ever again.