#I love all the gold accents her character has so much

[bethanyeliseart]

Princess Disa👑🧡🌄

[yamujiburo]

Hello, I’ve always been impressed by your design decisions so I wanted to ask: are there any Pokemon or trainers that have really spoken to you design-wise? Not necessarily your favorite, but left a strong impression on you.

Hope the rest of your day goes well! ^^

Aw thanks so much! I love character design, it was my first passion before storyboarding actually

Here's my faves:

RYME!!!! They nailed that older gen rapper look. Backwards cap, sequins, lots of gold and a puffy jacket! Also I'm not quite sure this is the intention with her shoes but they kinda look like grillz which is sick. I'm a sucker for a limited palette so the black, gold with turquoise accents in her nails, mic, earrings and eyes spoke to me. Also OF COURSE her hair (you're gonna se this pattern for the next two LOL). Making her locks look like a skeleton??? Genius. I love the hand bone for the front and the hip bone for the back. Literally one of the coolest trainer designs pokemon's ever given us.

GRANT! Just an immediately readable design. Oh, he looks like a rock climber, must be a rock type gym leader. Simple fit, I love a sleek black top. The carabiner, climber straps and chalk holder add a little more complexity to the design but not too much. It's a smart choice with how wild his hair is. I feel like if you do too much in the fit AND the hair, you risk your design feeling overdesigned and busy. I love that his hair is meant to look like a rock/cliffs with the holds! The holds add a nice dash of color without being too much.

AMARYS <3 It's the fact that she's in uniform but still has a design that immediately caught my eye. But to her being in uniform, I find it really cool that the other Elite 4 members really alter theirs or have accessories that make the uniforms feel like their own or really different but Amarys doesn't really. It goes to show how rigid she is and gives you the impression that she's a very "follow the rules" kind of person. Her main accessory seems to be her boots which just LOOK heavy, and sleek and look like they have bolts in them. It really makes her design feel bottom heavy and grounded which I feel is appropriate for a steel type trainer. Now, hair. Look at her hair. SO GOOD. I loveeee that pokemon is utilizing black hairstyles like this. Her hair being screws that kinda resemble banto knots is so CUTE. The could have left her hair at that but the braid across her forehead adds a nice asymmetrical aspect to her design. It's so cool that it mirrors her pocketwatch chain, creating a focal point on the school crest. And lastly her glasses! Super cute, I think it's cool that it gives the illusion of bottom lashes which makes her eyes feel a little more droopy or sad than they really are. It just really brings her facial features all together and helps sell her personality.

[dicenete]

I repainted his face more times than probably necessary but something always caught my eye and still does, but it is done. is done. It's fine. xD IkePri Tagteam:

@scummy-writes @goustmilk @solacedeer @m-mmiy @mxrmaid-poet

@pawnkyyy @ludivineikewolf @violettduchess @floydsteeth @wistfulwanderingone

@sh0jun @lorei-writes

A little bit of rambling of him below the break, spoilers (Keith's route, and little bit of Nokto's route) and such :0 so you have been warned.

TL;DR: I enjoyed the route despite its questionable elements. MC is too forgiving at times, but other than that, romanctic route was cute. Licht, the third wheel, was funny but sad.

Okay first about Keith's visual design: I really love how his design is the most asymmetrical from the suitors. Like the jacket and the vest he has. The jacket is very interestingly layered, almost like you aren't sure which part is the main thing and what is the accent. The green or the gold? The host or the alter? : D Same with his vest. His duality is battling in his clothing too hahaha

Keith's route was interesting. I had heard lots of differing opinions about it and I had my own reservations.

One mainly about the portrayal of DID and how the route does it. First things first: I'm not an expert at all. I won't even humor the idea that I had any say in anything regarding it. But overall, it could have been worse? Of course it might be very extreme in the way Alter Keith is hostile towards Host Keith. And of course you shouldn't take this as the only way the alter systems work. But as I said: I'm not an expert.

I had heard that the dramatic route follows Alter Keith and romantic route host Keith. I picked the romantic one. I had my personal reasons for that tho. But aside from that, it was nice to be with Keith that who struggled with self-worth. It was nice to see him grow as a character and find that strength to stand up for himself. (The fact that the host Keith seems to think that he is inferior to Alter Keith and that people would prefer the alter over him. The amount of stress that will bring. )

Keith's uncle was your very generic villain/antagonist without any real depth. He was a spoiled noble and so on. But since this was more about Keith inner journey I thought it was fine that it was like that.

The drugging scene… Well. That's a… a topic. Hmm… Host Keith himself felt very guilty about it and was full of remorse. Not that it was his choice to do it. Alter Keith well… He might justify it because he was gathering information about a rumor that might endanger his home country and people if it were true. I kinda can see where he is coming from, but also...IT CERTAINLY WAS DESTROYING OF TRUST. Like that time when Nokto "accidently" gets MC drunk. but hey ho. Since there is limited time frame for the chapters, I do understand they can't really jam all the things there, but I wanted Belle be more angry with him with Alter Keith for longer.

Maybe that's what bugs me sometimes. That Belle/Emma/MC is sometimes too forgiving and too much of a doormat. It works in routes like Yves and Licht (from the routes I have played, Leon seems like the most respectable gentleman too), because they are not being insulting towards her. I would even think that she works with Clavis, tho I would love to see him with someone who shares his chaotic gremlin energy. But with characters like Chev, Silvio or Alter Keith the their "power" doesn't feel balanced. MC seems to be completely on their mercy even if they stand up to them in some way. (Gilbert is another can of nasty things.)(With Chev's route, well, that is also a rambling for another time. But I haven't finished his route yet. so I will keep my ramblings to myself for now.)

Is Keith's route more about acceptance then? Accepting the good and the bad of a person? Possibly. I would think that is a good way to put it. Both Keiths have good and bad sides. And it seems that they are working on them.

[fantasyandshit]

Replaced part two

Omg I’m so upset- it won’t let me tag like anyone with dashes in their name at allll soooo if you commented on that post I am so so so sorry I couldn’t tag you guys

Type: one shot turned more

Part: 2/2

Part 1 here

Masterlist here

Pairing: Azriel x reader/ mystery character x reader

Seriously guys thank you so much- I’m so glad that the first part had so much love and I hope this one is just as good.

“So, what did you need my love?” I lean down to kiss my fiancés temple. He’s stressed, I can tell. His fingers tap away in rhythm with his foot. “Baby- what’s going on? Why are you so stressed?” My hands run down the length of his arms in a soothing motion. “How can I help you?”

The new high lord of autumn’s head meets my shoulder, a small smile gracing his lips. His head raises till his lips meet mine in a soft kiss. “Baby I need you to sit down.” His smile disappears as soon as it came and I frown, moving to the seat on the other side of his desk. I raise my brows expectantly as his hands move to reach mine. “Love- we have a high lords meeting in two weeks time. They have requested it be held here in order to see how I’m handling the court now.”

“Ok? And?”

“Darling I want to introduce you as the new high lady of Autumn. I want you come along.” He sighs, “it means you will have to see all of them again.”

The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. I breath for a moment, thinking about it, it’s been nearly five years since I left, the last time I saw any of them was the battle with Hybern, and even then Eris kept me mostly away from them so that I wasn’t distracted. “I’ll go.”

“Are you sure darling?”

“Very. I want them to see me as the high lady of autumn. Not the girl that left all that time ago.”

He smirks his signature smirk, pride filling his eyes. “Very well. Shall we begin planning?”

———

Everyone has finally arrived- or what is usually everyone, confusion sets in as Eris seems to sit in waiting, an empty chair beside him at the head of the table. “Are we waiting for someone Eris?”

“Yes actually. Shell be here any moment, she likes making an entrance.” Something bothers Azriel with the way the high lord smirks. He didn’t know who was going to walk through that door but he had a feeling he wasn’t going to like it.

The door swings open, a woman stepping through, decked in a gorgeous burnt orange dress, green and gold accents around her body, a golden crown, one looking like leaves woven together rests on her head. As her eyes catch Eris’ she smiles. “Sorry I’m late. Hope you haven’t started without me.” She surveys the room before stepping towards the empty seat. Eris stands, going to pull it out with one hand and take hers on his other. The pause for a moment, facing the table together.

“Everyone. I’d like you to meet my fiance and the high lady of the Autumn court. Some of you may already know her.”

As the female turns to kiss Eris, it clicks for Azriel. “Yn.” He can’t help but gasps and that is when it finally hits the inner circle of the night court.

“Hello guys. Long time no see.”

Cassian speaks this time, his brows furrowed and mouth agape, “you- your with him? Your the high the high lady?”

“Yes, in fact our wedding is next month. I am terribly excited. Especially after being named the high lady of Autumn.” She and Eris sit finally, hands staying tied together

An agony Azriel has never felt tears through him as he stares at his mate. She looks back to him as he gasps, clenching his chest wildly.

“Azriel. I’d like to get through my first meeting as high lady. So if you could stop…flailing. That would be preferred.” Yn clears her throat before turning to the others at the table. “I’ve seen some things. I see Koshei. I thought we took care of our issues with him, however I-“

The meeting continues, the night court still trying to process the news. After the meeting is finished, the high lords are given a walk through of the new Autumn court. “Yn. Yn can we speak please.” It was towards the end of the tour, courts had been led to where they’d be staying, only the inner circle trailed behind, minus Morrigan and Cassian who had been dropped off to their respective rooms.

I choose to ignore the shadowsinger, instead stopping at the next door and turn back to Rhysand and Feyre, “You two will be staying here. This castle works much like the house of wind. It will cater to you, we do tend keep things much warmer here for obvious reasons so if you are uncomfortable with the temperature just say the word and it will be brought down by the house.”

“Goodnight Yn.” I nod before turning back to lead the final male to where he’d be staying, Eris never leaving my side. We barely make it three steps down the hall before I feel Rhsyand pry at my mental walls.

‘What do you want Rhysand.’

‘You should talk to him Yn. He’s been devastated since you left and see you with Eris killed him I-‘

I shut it down. I don’t want to hear some sob story from my mate who didn’t even want me till I was gone. “You will be staying here Azriel. What I said to Rhysand and Feyre goes the same for you.”

Me and Eris turn to leave before I’m grabbed by the arm. “Wait. Yn can we please just talk.”

Eris growls. “Get your filthy hands off my fucking finance.”

The shadowsinger seems to get just as upset, opening his mouth to speak before I rip my arm from his grasp and turn, a glare resting on my features.

“Don’t you fucking dare! You have no right- no fucking right to get angry at my fiancée! Do you understand, you didn’t want me and I don’t fucking want you so go wallow in your self pity but stay the hell away from me!” Eris rubs soothing circles on my arm, a glare that could kill sent towards the shadowsinger as he grabs me, winnowing us to our room.

—————

Sooo I hope this lives up to your guys’ expectations!

[moth-ink]

''Off-The-Clock Paycheck.''

AURON x FINACIALLY CHALLENGED!READER

Summary: (GN!)Rook is struggling financially and is way too proud to ever accept help or complain to her boss, lover (and sugar daddy, he likes to think to himself) but Auron has different plans, I mean, he wouldn't bare to let something that belongs to him go without all the luxuries they deserve obviously.

Warning: NSFW, sugar daddy kink, dom/sub dynamics, mild coercion, poor living situation and simping (from the author, of course)

Word Count: 2.6k

A/N: Sugar daddy time lets gooo, all characters belong to @yuurivoice ,also let me know if you want a part two ;)

Thorough, if there was one thing Auron was, it was thorough.

Which was is why he was surprised when he found out about your.. situation, I mean, he was dropping you home and he thought joking when you told him to drop you off at this trash heap of an apartment complex.

But it wasn't a joke, and he felt disgusted.

Not at you, of course, your independence and fiery spirit were far from disgusting-- quite the opposite, it was arousing as fuck.

But at this cracked, borderline hazardous apartment complex that was far below the standards that his rookie should be exposed to, he wasn't expecting something as grand as his penthouse but Jesus Christ, this place was basically falling apart.

He loved your independence, your dedication to doing things for yourself, it was part of what drew him to you, what made him so damn infatuated after that first dinner with you.

But for fuck sakes, your inability to accept help from him was infuriating, he tried to offer you money, a better living situation, it was hardly a bother to him (and hey, if you were to say... move into his penthouse, well, waking up to having you in his bed every morning is hardly an inconvenience) but your stubborn ass attitude rendered you unable to accept his financial aid despite the fact he was a millionaire CEO.

But that's alright.

Not only is Auron thorough, but he's also a very cunning man when he wants to be.

He can be patient, and he can be very, very convincing, especially when it's to get what he wants.

''Pet, so glad you could join me for this.. little weekend rendezvous.'' Auron addressed you as you climbed into his car, it was a crisp Saturday morning and he had texted you to let you know he'd be dropping by.

''Any particular reason you called me on our day off? thought you'd be lounging at home like everyone else.'' you laughed gently, clipping in your seatbelt and smirking at him, ''Or did you just miss me that much?~''

Auron huffed a little, ''I don't miss anyone, pet, I just... needed someone to accompany me today.'' he gave you a pointed look before continuing, ''I find tasks like shopping to be quite.. monotonous, perhaps a little company can help ease the tedious nature.''

''Oh? are you looking for something in particular?'' you asked curiously.

He paused for a beat, carefully selecting his next words, ''..I am in need of a new outfit, I would just order online, but it's better to try on the clothes I wear to assure they're up to my standards.''

You rolled your eyes.

''Oh rook.'' he smirked, leaning a bit closer, ''You should know this, i'm very particular about what I present with and.. who I present myself with.''

He leaned closer, brushing his large, cold hand over your throat, making you swallow thickly.

''Which is why I'm going to make sure my pet leaves today with something much nicer than..'' he whispered in your ear, his hand slipping down to run over your worn clothes, ''..this.''

You shiver as he runs a firm hand over your chest, to your stomach and then onto your thigh, the weight of his hand against your clothes, teasing your bare skin underneath made your pulse quicken.

''Oh my god, Auron!'' You said in disbelief, staring down the frilly garment with borderline hysteria, ''I'm not wearing that outside!''

It was a frilly dark red Victorian style corset with black and dark gold accents, it looked pulled straight out of a gothic vampiric novel.

''If you don't want to wear it outside, that's quite fine but..'' Auron's eyes darkened as he leaned closer, ''I'd appreciate a.. private modelling, if you would.''

His voice was a silky purr, held with promise that made something warm stir in your stomach, but you held strong.

''I'm not paying that much for you to live out some weird, sexy vampire fetish.'' you huffed, crossing your arms playfully.

Auron rolled his eyes, ''How many times do I need to say it, rook, i'll be paying for.. anything you'd like.'' he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

You flushed, a stab of guilt cutting through your arousal, ''I-I told you Auron, y-you don't have to do that--''

He cut you off with a firm, pointed tone, ''How many times do I need to make myself clear? I don't do anything I don't want to do, I'm not this selfless little saint trying to sponsor you out of pity or any bullshit like that.''

''Have you ever considered maybe I'm doing this for my own gain?'' he hummed, his grey eyes looking down at you, ''That maybe I just want to see the object of my affection dressed in something I bought for them? something that they'd be wearing just for me?''

His tone slipped darker and rougher as he leaned down, wrapping an arm around your waist to pull you closer, glancing around the store.

It was a luxury mall, much different to anything you've ever been to, and the high end shopping center was filled with women, men and everyone else in between being spoiled by their partners.

''I mean, you'd hardly be the only one.'' he smirked and huffed in slight amusement, before looking back down at you, ''Besides, don't you want to be my good little pet?''

You flushed, ''I-I can't Auron, it goes against everything i've worked for!'' you whined, feeling stabs of embarrassment and shame at the idea of taking like that from him, lover or not.

''I know, you love being a hard worker and yada yada.'' he rolls his grey eyes, an idea sprouting in his head, ''And if that's the way you want to play it, then fine... think about it like this--''

He continued walking, keeping you tucked in his arm as he put things in the cart he saw you looking at, ''You're here, keeping a prick like me company while he shops, must be real exhausting huh?''

You smirk a little despite yourself, ''Unbelievably, what's your point?''

''Then consider it some.. freelance work.'' he hums, carefully choosing his words, ''An off-the-clock paycheck, if you would.''

''My point is... a good pet like you deserves a little reward for dealing with.. such an unpleasant individual such as myself.'' he smirked, rubbing his hand on your shoulder, ''So why don't you let that jackass reward you for your temperance?''

You flushed harder, pricks of arousal stirring with shame in your stomach until you could barely tell the difference between the two.

''...One thing, i'll let you buy one thing.''

His grin widened, his grey eyes flashing in predatory triumphant and you couldn't repress the shiver as he leaned down, his voice a low growl of; ''Good choice, pet.''

You had brushed off his 'proposition' to freelance being basically a sugar baby, you had assumed it was nothing more than a flirt, a line to convince you to let him buy you something that he could tear off later.

You were sorely mistaken.

He started small, you weren't an easy person to crack and he knew it'd take time before you'd fully give into him.

A snack here and there, lunch from time to time, a small present that would make work easier, a small present for your own personal use.

All very simple, normal things.

But similar to how a ball of snow builds and builds, something that starts off miniscule and manageable can roll further and collect into something much larger that you could anticipate.

You sat on your worn couch, surrounded by the cramped, water damaged walls of your apartment, speaking on the phone to someone who you were starting to suspect was perhaps a bit drunk, I mean it'd explain the lotacracy of the shit spilling from his mouth.

''Auron, no!'' you squawked, a dark flush rising on your cheeks at the pure audacity of his words, ''I would never let you do that!''

''Why not?'' he asked in a snarky tone, ''A dumpster like that is hardly going to cost that much, besides, if you don't want me to pay your rent then I can just buy out the building.''

You gaped in disbelief, I mean, who fucking just does that?!

Auron does, thats who.

''Stop being a little brat, rook.'' he huffs from the other end of the phone, and you could picture him rolling those grey eyes of his.

''I'm not being a brat, w-what are you drunk or some shit?!"' you said in pure disbelief, leaning back against the armrest of your couch, ''That's not something normal people do, Auron!"'

He chuckled egotistically, ''Oh? and you'd lump me in with the common man rook? I feel hurt.''

His voice dropped an octave, honey dripped over rough words filled with desire and promise, ''You know how I feel about little brats, rook, do you need a little punishment as a reminder of who's in charge here?''

''Because last I checked, little brats like you don't get to make these decisions.'' he growled, his words reading like honeyed thorn, ''It's up to men like me who keep little things like you in their place, and i've decided that I don't want you to waste anything more on that trash heap you call an apartment complex.''

You felt the walls of your apartment curl more into themselves, shrinking the space until all you could focus on was the silk voice speaking to you, so loving but so very rough at the same time.

The warmed air around you grew tense, it seemed as if your entire apartment complex held it's breath as you wet your lips.

''..Can we talk more about it tomorrow?''

Silly, silly little rookie.

''Please..'' you moaned, desperatly.

Your bare stomach pressed against the cold wood of his desk, his hands resting on either side of where your hips bent over the dark desk.

''What a naughty little thing..'' he growled, his voice low and rough as he rubbed his leaking tip against you, ''Refusing to let me take care of it, to take care of you.''

He groaned and grinded more insistently against you.

''M' not gonna make you take care of me, i-is not fair--'' they whined, their hole clenching where they wishes to be filled.

''Not fair, huh?'' he spoke in mock empathy, his voice dripping in honeyed sarcasm, ''So unfair to me, isnt it?''

He growled, pushing the top part of his length into you, ''I'm a very selfish man, rook.''

''Has your pretty little head ever stopped to consider that I don't want something that belongs to me among such filth?'' his voice pitched to a low rumble, ''S' why sugar babies exist, rook, men like me don't want their little darlings worrying their pretty little minds about rent or finances-- i mean, that's time that could be spent on me, rook.''

You moaned as he pressed further in, his hard length taking the time to thorougly rub against your quivering entrance as he slowly sinks into the velvety warmth surrounding him.

He was a tease, and the worst part is he knew you loved it.

''Why should I have to share your attention with something so trivial if I could provide anything you needed or wanted, hah?'' He grunts, puncuating his sentence by suddenly shoving more of his length inside of you.

You mewled and quivered, you couldn't deny the way his words sunk deep into your flushed skin, the shame you've built over the years at the idea of someone taking care of you like that resurfacing in a heavy but.. strangely arousing way.

He rubbed his large hands over your body where he leaned over your back, running across your arms and back teasingly.

''As I said before, m' a very selfish man, rook.'' he smirked in a dark, predatory way, his grey eyes scanning over you in the same manner a lion would look over it's next meal, ''Maybe I like the idea of you relying on me and only me, being able to spoil you with things you could only have because of me, smiling and happy because i've brought that to you.''

He shoves the full length of his cock inside you, expertely rubbing the tip along your bundle of nerves until your squirming.

He moves slowly, taking his delicious time to slide himself in and out of your tight embrace, you can hear him panting with the effort to not ruthlessly dig into you.

''Of course, don't worry rook,'' he croons in mock gentleness, betrayed by the glint of darkness in his grey eyes, ''Even when you're being a little brat, I would never rip it away from you..~"'

You whimper as he nearly slides out completely, ''P-Please, I-I need... m-more.''

''There we go,'' he grins in dark approval, his teeth bared in slight triumph, ''Feel how good it is to have more, to accept more from me, rook.''

He roughly shoves back into you, pounding back and forth at a punishing pace.

Egged on by your squeals of pleasure and pleas for more, he continues the brutal pace, tucking your thighs under his hands and shoving your legs upwards, allowing for deeper thrusts.

Pleasure shoots throughout your spine as he digs into you with his throbbing cock, the girth of it stretching out your walls deliciously.

''I wanted more, I wanted more in life, rook, and I took it.'' He growls out, rubbing the tip of his throbbing member on the bundle of nerves that makes lighting bolts of pleasure shoot throughout your quivering form, ''And so can you, you can take more, like I did, like i'm taking you right in this moment.''

His voice leaves him in a low rumble, sweat beading down his bare chest as the sound of squelching and bare skin slapping fills the room.

''Say yes, rook.'' he entices in a low voice, like a devil whispering sweet nothings into your ear, ''Say yes and accept more, all you have to do is belong to me.''

You whimper and spasm, ''M-M' gonna..'' you pant, feeling your stomach tighten in anticipation.

''Ah, ah, ah, not so fast rookie.'' he growls, his hand moving down to tease you in all the right spots, running you along the cliff without ever letting you fall into the ocean of ecstasy brimming right below.

''Ya want more, don't you?'' he smiles predatorily, his grey eyes darkening until they looked almost black, ''Accept me, my offer, and get more.''

He ran you along the edge, he would never let you tip over until you agreed.

''Auuurrrooon!~'' your voice was a whine, your head tipping back slightly, his fingers kneaded themselves in your hair and he tugged backwards, leaning forward to whisper darkly in your ear.

''Say yes, let me spoil you, get you out of that disgusting little pound and you can let go,'' he murmured, desire soaking into his tone, ''Do it, rook, theres no point in pretending you don't want it, modesty will get you nowhere.''

Your resolve was cracking with each thrust, each punishing push of his leaking tip on that bundle of nerves dissolving your pride, your pride of everything you've come to accomplish on your own.

But.. what have you really accomplished on your own? your house was a dump, you were barely scraping by, and all you had to show for it was nothing but the pride of knowing you've survived all on your own no matter how much it had taken off your soul.

He whispers to you, his silky voice wrapping around your brain like a vice, deceptive in it's gentle sweetness as he roughly shoved himself back into your stretched walls.

''You can let go when you let me catch you, rook.''

''

[fujoshirat]

+Strawberry Magic! ♡ 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!♡+

Chapter 5: Winter Gala Cinderella

Summary: When virgin Pro Hero Shouto turns 30, he gains the magical ability to read the minds of people that he touches. After finding out that his personal assistant has a crush on him, everything changes and Shouto finds himself lost in the stressful game called love.

Pairing: Todoroki Shouto x Reader

Warnings: Aged up characters, slight cursing (not a lot), both Shouto and reader POV (3rd person POV too), slight anxiety attack

"Oh! Please come in, Todoroki-san!"

Taking his shoes off at the entrance, Shouto looks around. Y/N's apartment has a homey feeling to it; cozy colored lights, warm wallpaper, and the gentle smell of vanilla fill his senses. Turning back to his assistant, he notices that she has already somewhat put on her dress.

"You came just in time, sir! I managed to zip it up a little bit, but I still need help."

"Of course, I'll help you."

Finding the zipper, Shouto quickly zips it up. 'No more zipper incidents.'

"All done."

"Thank you!"

The dual-toned man watches his assistant twirl around in front of the mirror, admiring the expensive outfit.

After wrapping her boa around herself, Y/N takes Shouto's hand. He leads her out of the apartment and into his car.

...

If you had to describe the gala in one word, it would be majestic. Upon entering, you notice that the entire ballroom is elegantly decorated with crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and floral arrangements. The guests are pro heroes and employees, no doubt top-tier and elite, all dressed to the nines. In the corner, there is a live orchestra performing softly. Shifting your boa around yourself nervously, you look up at your boss.

"Todoroki-san, this gala is incredible! Thank you so much again for inviting me!"

"It's no problem at all, L/N-san. You look stunning, and I'm glad that you accepted the invite."

Being complimented by THE Shouto Todoroki felt like a dream. Even if he was your boss and you saw him five out of seven days of the week, it still made you feel elated to be noticed.

♡♡♡

Shouto makes his way through the crowd, his assistant's arm looped with his. He could feel the stares and curiosity from the onlookers, but that didn't matter. All he could focus on were Y/N's thoughts.

'So many pro! Oh my gosh!! Is that Froppy? Uravity? I wonder if Dynamight is here too?? I should get an autograph or something! It's not every day that I have this chance to meet them- oh? Is that shrimp cocktail and steak over there?'

Shouto chuckles quietly to himself. 'So L/N-san is a secret hero fangirl, huh? That's cute.'

-Huh? Snap out of it!-

Shaking his head, he makes his way to his closest friends. Izuku notices him and waves.

"Shouto!"

Katsuki simply nods, but his gaze hardens when he notices the woman behind Shouto.

"Hey, it's good to see you both again." Shouto looks at his assistant and puts a hand behind her back. "This is L/N-san, my assistant. L/N-san, these are my friends, Midoriya and Bakugou."

'OH MY GOSH!! IT'S DEKU AND PRO HERO DYNAMIGHT!! I knew they would come, but I didn't realize that Todoroki-san would introduce me to them!! Omg!!' In contrast to her exhuberant thoughts, Y/N smiles and bows politely.

"It is an honor to meet you two, Midoriya-san and Bakugou-san."

Izuku smiles. "Oh, you were the lady who I Shouto's birthday gifts to!"

Shouto notices the sparkle that grows in Y/N's eyes.

"You remember me?"

"Mhm!"

"No way!!!"

While his assistant and best friend converse, he looks at Katsuki, who quirks a brow at him. The blondie gestures for him to come closer, and Shouto follows. Lowering his voice, he speaks up.

"This is her?"

"Yes."

"Why's she yer plus one?"

"...I don't know."

Shouto genuinely didn't have an answer. All this time, he thought that he did not reciprocate the feelings that Y/N fostered for him, yet... these past few weeks, ever since finding out about her crush on him, he's been... conflicted.

After a period of momentary silence between the two guys, Katsuki scoffs.

"It looks to me like you're stuck. Don't be leading her on."

Letting out a sigh, Shouto replies.

"I know."

...

After having a friendly conversation with his friends and greeting the higher-ups who organized the gala, Shouto leads his assistant to a quiet table to dine at. The food was opened after some remarks by the president of the Japan Heroes Association Board, and everything was fine.

However, once they had finished their food, Shouto heard a camera behind him.

CLICK.

Whipping his head around, he notices a man holding up a reporter's camera at the other side of the room. The flash from the shutter also seemed to have alerted other guests. Security bolted towards the mab, but it was too late, he began running around like a chicken with its head cut off, snapping pictures of the other guests. A woman screamed when another flash went off. Suddenly, there was a group of cameramen at the entrance.

"Why are there reporters?"

"Wasn't this supposed to be a private event?"

Shouto looks at Y/N with concern. Her face is filled with worry. "Sir, what's going on?" "Some reporters must have snuck in. This was supposed to be a private gala."

FLASH.

A reporter snaps a picture of him and his assistant. Flinching, Y/N shielfs her face with the expensive fur.

"Pro hero Shouto! Are you dating this woman?"

Before he can respond, a security guard drags the reporter out. Shouto hears a sigh escape Y/N's face, though he notices her quaking legs and shaky breathing.

"Would you like to go somewhere quieter?"

...

Once the elevator door opens, Y/N gasps. The rooftop garden was beautiful; fragrant flowers, orchestral music playing softly on the speakers, the vibrant city lights.

Everything seemed magical.

"It's... so beautiful and peaceful here. Thank you, Todoroki-san."

Shouto smiles, relieved that she is no longer displaying signs of anxiety.

"Considering what happened in the ballroom, I thought you might appreciate the peace here. Sorry, this is the first time that the paparazzi has been so desperate that they've had to sneak in.

Taking a seat on a bench, Y/N speaks up.

"So, Todoroki-san-"

"Shouto."

"Hm?"

"Call me Shouto."

"Are you sure?"

Was Shouto sure? Y/N wasn't his lover or family, she was his assistant. But, in the moment, Shouto was absolutely sure.

"Absolutely."

"Well then, call me Y/N."

"Y/N."

"Shouto."

The corners of his mouth threaten to curve up when he hears his assistant call him by his first name. Her sweet voice, the way his name rolled naturally from her tongue, it all felt so... tender.

"So, I can imagine that you attend fancy events like this often."

Shouto nods, "Yes. Even since high school, I've had to attend events."

"You seemed so natural in there! I was so nervous, there are so many people that I look up to!"

"Really? Pro heroes?"

Y/N's smile widens as she nods.

"Mhm! I saw so many! Froppy, Uravity, Earphone Jack, Chargebolt... you even introduced me to the famous Midoriya-san and Bakugou-san!"

"All those people you mentioned, I actually attended high school with them." Shouto laughs when his assistant gasps.

"Really?!? Oh my gosh, that is so crazy but makes so much sense!"

As she rambles on, Shouto notices the stray strand of hair covering a small part of his assistant's face. Gently, he tucks it behind her ear.

'She's... gorgeous.'

And then, he hears her voice.

'I have to say it.'

"Todor-Shouto, I like you."

.

.

.

'Did she jus-' 'Oh shit.'

Y/N stands up abruptly, the boa falling off her shoulders and onto the bench.

"I'm sorry sir, I have to go!"

She runs off as fast as she can in her heels and enters the elevator. Shouto realizes what is going on and snaps out of his stunned trance. He grabs the boa and runs to her.

"Y/N, wait!"

The door shuts before he is able to stop it. Looking at the boa in his hands, he curses.

"Damn it!"

A/N: Sorry for the late update, but here's chapter 5!! It's a little different from how I usually write (in my opinion), but I hope you still enjoyed it >w< I apologize if the anxiety attack scene was not very good, I personally have not experienced such an attack nor have a written one into a story.

As usual, thank you for reading Strawberry Magic!! Chapter 6 may also take a week to be posted, but I won't abandon the series. School has started once again and I have extracurriculars, so I apologize in advance for the inconsistency! If you want to be added to the taglist, just lmk <3

~entire fic and notes written by me: fujoshirat!

Taglist (tysm <333): @boogiemansbitch, @bleedingwhiteroses222

[becauseicantthinkwritings]

With All That I Am

Billy Russo x Female Reader

Part 7 of my Accidentally on Purpose Series

Warnings: Hospitals, injury recovery, cockwarming, oral (f receiving), angst, hurt/comfort.

SIX MONTHS AGO

There's something about Dominic Saintclair that Billy had never liked.

He could never put his finger on it. Maybe it was the pretentiousness of his actions, the way he looked like he'd never had a hard day in his life, the lackadaisical way he treated things as if they were replaceable.

The way he didn't understand that the most valuable thing he had, was the one thing he was mistreating right now.

"I swear, she doesn't know when to leave me alone." Dominic says loudly in the opulent bar, a place that was more red velvet seats and accented gold ornaments than anything else. It was somewhere Billy brought the clients he could impress easily, ones that didn't understand what the best brand of gin for a negroni was, or that whiskey shouldn't be served with ice. It was simply a place that glittered, gorgeous on the surface with no real substance... or character... not unlike the man in question.

Billy looks down at Dominic's cloned phone. All you had said was that you hoped he was having fun. 

"Maybe you're just not fucking her enough." One of his friends joke.

"Oh fuck off. I fuck her more than enough, maybe that's why she's so needy." It gets a round of laughter from his friends, and a disgusted frown from Billy.

At the bar, only a few tables away, Billy's hand tightens on his glass of whiskey, his back is to the group, and he's positioned in a dark enough corner to be unnoticed while still being able to hear the conversation.

"Anyways, enough about that, finish telling me about the red head." Dominic says, and Billy is forced to listen to him talk about other women when he has the best one.

Billy thinks about how stupidly simple it would be to kill your boyfriend, but doing it now would create more problems. You wouldn't know how much of an asshole he really was, for starters, you'd probably convince yourself that you'd been deeply in love with him before his untimely death. People tended to put dead loved ones on a pedestal, forgiving them unless their crimes were truly heinous. 

No, you had to see Dominic for his true colours first. Then, and only then, he would wipe your stain of a boyfriend from the earth.

Billy listens to Dominic say some more vile things, fully understanding his hatred for the man now. Dominic was manipulative, showing you one face, and yet secretly thinking something else behind your back. With a frown, he scrolls through your older messages.

You always seemed to be reaching for him, supportive of the things he said. He never voiced his support for you in return. 

What a fucking waste of space. To have someone as precious as you, and to take you for granted.

If he had you... he'd worship you. Without a doubt, Billy would kiss every inch of your skin, kneel at your feet if you asked, kiss you at every waking moment.

When another text comes in from you, he smiles.

As predicted, you text a second time after you've seen his read receipts and no response has come in from your idiot boyfriend.

'Are you alright?' You text.

The corner of Billy's mouth lifts, he wishes you were sending texts like this to him.

Dominic responds.

'Yes. I'm fine. Stop bothering me.'

Billy's smile drops.

You don't respond, but you see the message. He knows that you're hurt by it.

Billy's thoughts go violent again.

Anonymously, Billy has bought round after round of shots for the men, until they're wasted, and their lips are loose and he can soak in all the information possible. He plots while he listens, and he learns so much, until he could pick apart any man there in his sleep.

Their numbers dwindle, until it's just two men there, and he waits patiently for Dominic to stand on inebriated feet and head off to the bathroom.

Billy knows that Dominic is barely functional right now, having taken shot after shot, Billy is aware that Dominic will not remember any bit of whatever is happening right now.

With that information, he texts Dominic's companion from the cloned phone.

'Feeling better now, ordered an Uber, you can go ahead without me.'

Billy watches his friend read the text, finish his drink and then leave.

Too easy.

Dominic is so far gone that when he returns to his seat, he barely notices that his friend's things are gone, and Billy acts fast to stop Dominic from realising that anything is amiss.

"Saintclair." Billy greets, whiskey in hand, looking around to make sure that no one is looking, "Drinking all by yourself?" 

Dominic looks up at Billy and squints.

"Mister Russo?"

Billy hums the affirmative.

"Got room for company?" The words are bitter in his mouth.

Billy doesn't wait for an answer, pushing the inebriated man deeper into the booth and sliding into the space next to him. He hates this place, literally just designed for showing off, he glances at Dominic, who's lost in his own head, staring at his drink.

Nothing this man was thinking could ever be worth your time.

He raises his hand to the bartender, calling for another round of shots.

Dominic only has time to adjust his body, from his slumped, hazy demeanour, to appear like someone with all their critical thinking skills functional.

Billy spikes the drink with a little bit of melatonin, it's more than enough at Dominic's current level of intoxication.

"Wasn't drinking by myself, but the rest of guys have already left." Dominic slurs, and Billy raises his eyebrows, extending the spiked shot to the already drunk man.

He gives Dominic the opportunity to decline the shot, doesn't force it into his hands, just holds it out expectantly and watches the younger man choose his own self-destruction.

He kind of delights in it, the anarchy he's capable of. Each person has a role to play and it's always nice when they do it as expected.

Dominic throws back the shot with him and internally, Billy begins his internal stopwatch.

"I hope the job's treating you well." Billy hums, uncaring of what the man next to him has to say. He just has to make small talk for fifteen minutes, before the drug kicks in.

Billy asks about some of his coworkers, and then his phone pings, alerting him to a message. 

"Clingy." Is all Dominic has to say, looking at his phone when Billy inquires casually.

His eyebrows raise, watching his employee yawn, the drug beginning to take effect.

"If you don't like her that much, then why are you with her?" Billy asks, trying to keep the anger out of his tone.

"Why not?" Is the last thing Dominic says before he slumps over onto the table, asleep.

Billy blinks, an angry sneer growing on his face. What a careless piece of shit. He reaches for Dominic's phone, unlocks it and opens your messages the way he's done a hundred times before.

'At least tell me you're okay.' You'd texted.

"Prick." Billy swears, typing out a message to you on Dominic's phone.

'I'm alright sweetness, just getting ready to go home.' After a moment, he sends another message.

'I'm sorry about that last message, you don't bother me.'

He finds himself smiling when your text bubbles appear almost immediately.

'That's alright! I understand that you probably just wanted some time with your friends.' You say.

You were so quick to forgive, it made Billy's heart sour with the thought that Dominic didn't deserve your forgiveness.

'How was your night?' He asks, smiling fondly when he gets a picture of you wearing a fluffy robe and face mask.

'Very pretty, baby.' He replies, which earns a little '😳' face in response.

How sweet you were, saccharine and sticky, Billy could find himself eating you up quite easily.

'I mean it. I think you're fucking gorgeous.'

It takes a moment to get your response.

'How much have you had to drink exactly?'

Billy grits his teeth, looking over at the unconscious fuck. He barely ever tells you how pretty you are. It's why you think he's drunk now.

'A bit, but that doesn't make it any less true. You are beautiful.'

You don't respond immediately, Billy spends five minutes refreshing Dominic's phone until he gets a very shy 'Thank you,' in response.

He smiles, pockets Dominic's phone.

"Time to get you home, Saintclair." He says to the unconscious man.

He gets someone from the bar to help him get Dominic into the back seat of his car, uncaring of how he's placed, thanking the larger man with a hefty tip before getting into his car.

'You didn't tell me what you did today.' He sends before driving off.

He hears several different message notifications while he drives, and he can't help smiling, because for once, you were finally talking to him, and not as a stranger, but as someone familiar.

It was much harder to get Dominic to his apartment due to the lack of help he'd had from earlier, yet Billy made do with tossing the unconscious man over his shoulder, and then putting him down when they were in the elevator.

Billy really could have left Dominic anywhere, at the bar, or at the front steps to his apartment, or even at the door, with his keys in hand to have him wake up there in the morning horrified that he was so drunk he couldn't even make it inside.

But Billy drops Dominic on his bed instead, after accidentally bumping his head on a few door frames, he decides that he'd keep the drunk asshole safe this time...for you.

After, Billy sits in Dominic's living room, and opens up his phone once more.

'Okay, this doesn't mean anything but I went to a jewellery store today. I was looking at earrings and then I couldn't help looking at the engagement rings.'

Oh? Billy thinks.

'They were all shiny and even though I like shiny, they didn't feel like me you know? I feel like if we ever... uhhhh.... you know.... get married, I'd want something more unique you know?'

'Hello? Are you there? Did I scare you off? This isn't me asking for a wedding, I'm just saying.'

'Dominic?'

Billy sucks in a breath.

'I'm here, sorry, just got home.' he replies, tries to ignore the pain inside of him that worsens with the thought of you getting married to anyone other than him.

'Oh... Hi' you respond.

Billy smiles.

'Hi, do you have any ideas of what you think might be for you?'

He can almost see your excitement.

'Are you sure? If this is weird, you can say so.'

How cute, the way you care.

'I'd really like to see them.' He answers.

You send a link, and indeed, they're beautiful and unique and Billy can't help the thoughts of wearing it, and having you wear the other.

'These are the ones I've always dreamed of.' you add on with the attached pictures.

He bites down on his bottom lip, closes his eyes, and imagines how perfect your hands would look linked together, decorated with matching rings. The thought makes him hard.

'They have to be custom ordered though, really expensive, I'm sure we can find something cheaper.'

Absolutely not.

'They're beautiful. Tell me your ring size so that I can surprise you.'

He makes note of it when you send it.

'I can't wait to marry you.' He says.

'Well now I know you really are drunk.' You respond.

Billy has a quick moment of realisation when he remembers that you think you're talking to Dominic.

His smile drops.

'I am drunk. But you're still the most amazing person on the planet. I think you might be it for me.' And Billy means it. He means every word. He plans to marry this sweet girl that waltzed her way into his life and believed in him after two conversations.

'I love you.' Comes your reply.

Billy smiles.

'I love you too.' 

He stays with you until you fall asleep, telling you all the sweet things he's ever wanted to say, dodging personal topics that he doesn't know the answers to. When you're finally asleep, he stands, checks the time, and goes back to Dominic's room, dropping his phone onto the bed beside his sleeping form.

Billy almost considers hitting him, enjoying the thought of giving him a black eye in the morning, but that had the possibility of scaring him into not drinking again, and Billy couldn't have that.

So he leaves, walks out of your boyfriend's apartment, and does not set it on fire like he wants to. 

.

NOW

You stare calmly at the elevator doors. The smell of hospital filling the air around you. In a way, there was an ease to it, a comfort in the sterile cleanliness, a place designed to turn chaos into order.

You sip on your coffee, feeling refreshed after popping back home for a quick shower and supplies for Billy. You didn't want to leave, but you knew you wouldn't be able to stay while the nurses changed his bandages, the wound too fresh to introduce any foreign bacteria. So you'd decided to make yourself useful in the meantime.

Frank was still here somewhere, waiting for you to return so that he could leave. You'd both had tentatively agreed that Billy should not be left alone under any circumstance, surprised that you and his best friend had been on a similar wavelength when it came to caring for him.

Frank's in the waiting room taking a call when you see him. He gives you a little nod, and a gesture of his head that tells you it's okay to go see him.

You do exactly that, making your way to the nurses' station to sign in before heading to his room.

You stop short when at the door, you hear the sound of female laughter. 

It's not laughter exactly, it's... giggling.

It's obviously flirtatious, in that pitch that's just too high to be normal.

You hear Billy's voice next, too far away to make out what he's saying but he sounds polite.

Followed by more giggling.

Pure jealousy rears its head. 

You had only been gone for an hour and someone had taken the opportunity to begin flirting with your husband? 

Something dark blooms inside you, and you take a deep breath, and walk through the doors with your head high.

Two pairs of eyes turn to look at you.

"I'm back." You say calmly, smiling.

Billy smiles at you, his hair askew in every direction as if he hasn't ever heard of a brush. It's adorable, makes him look so much more boyish than usual. Your eyes go to the young nurse, that's currently taking Billy's blood pressure, quietly sizing her up, deciding if she was worth any sort of trouble at all.

"Hey baby, did you get one of those for me?" He asks, referring to the cappuccino in your hands.

You look down at him, close enough to see the tiredness under his eyes although you know this is the most amount of sleep he's ever gotten.

"Sorry, doctor said no." You respond.

Billy lets out a pained groan, and you can't help it, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his temple.

He sighs, reaching up to take your hand in his, you watch his eyes linger on your wedding ring.

"I was just explaining to Becca here how easy it was to ignore the pain for so long."

Becca?

Your eyebrows raise in amused displeasure.

"Yeah," she adds in with a wistful smile, "If he didn't pass out from the pain he probably wouldn't have gotten help in time."

Great, a reminder that you weren't there when he'd almost died. You're pretty sure that the only expression you show her is one of disdain.

'Careful,' you think maliciously in her direction, 'If he likes you enough he'll cage you like a bird.'

"How are his vitals?" You ask blankly, trying to get her out of here as soon as possible, ignoring the way Billy looks up at you in confusion at your clipped tone.

"They're uh, they're good! But-" She begins to say, but stops short and presses the back of her hand to Billy's forehead. You blink, clenching your teeth together. You're pretty sure this wasn't medically professional, and you suck in a slow breath to stop yourself from smacking her hand away from your husband.

"Are you feeling okay Bil- Mister Russo? Your heart rate is a bit high." she continues.

You glance up at her monitor in question, and sure enough the little number on screen next to the pulsing heart symbol was just a little above one hundred.

You knew that his heart shouldn't be going at near a hundred beats per minute if he was mostly stationary in bed.

Billy lets out a nervous laugh. You look down at him in confusion.

"Yean, that's- I'm fine- It's just... well... her." He explains, glancing up at you for a second.

Me? You think incredulously, blinking.

His heart is beating fast because you were near him?

Your anger dissolves as fast as it had appeared, stomach fluttering, you try to fight the smile pulling at your face but you inevitably fail.

He doesn't look up at you, so you grip his jaw, tilting his head up.

Absentmindedly, you're aware of the nurse excusing herself from the room.

You press your lips to his swiftly, delight spreading down your body when he groans against your mouth. You deepen the kiss and he accepts it eagerly.

After a moment, you pause, turning your head to look at the little monitor, His heart rate having gone up to one hundred and twenty.

"Still jealous?" he asks, with a cheeky smile.

You don't answer, leaning in to kiss him softly once more.

. 

"Please." Billy begs.

"No." You whisper, bumping your nose against his, adjusting your body under the sheets so that you're both fully covered.

"Just a little bit." He tries to bargain.

"You move, and I'll stop. You cum, and I'll stop." 

He lets out a harsh breath.

"You're being really mean to me." He pouts.

"If you rip a stitch, I won't touch you until they come out."

He groans, frustrated.

Unable to resist, you clench around his cock.

"That's not fair." he gasps desperately.

"Sorry, this isn't entirely easy for me either."

Currently, you were both under his sheets, on your back, both legs draped over his hip, while he lies on his left side facing you. It was a position that had made it very easy for him to slip himself inside of you, allowing you to keep his cock warm. 

He swallows, looking at you with warm eyes.

"You feel so good around me. You know that?"

How was he allowed to say things like that while literally stretching you open? God, you could feel the tip of his cock nestled snugly in the very deepest parts of you, every inch of your cunt sighing in relief at finally being so full of him.

You feel yourself get smaller under his gaze, soft, gentle, unnameable in its unfamiliarity.

"If it feels half as good as it does for me, then yeah, I know." you reply easily.

He smiles, it causes butterflies to flutter in gentle circles within you.

"You're beautiful." he murmurs softly.

It's your turn to swallow and look away.

Your eyes are drawn to his bare chest, and the snake tattoo that resides on his shoulder. He could not be real with the way he made you feel, like all the air in the room had simply vanished by his command, held even further out of reach by the thickness of his cock sitting still inside you.

"You really mean that?" You ask, your insecurity gaining a foothold in your head.

He reaches for your left hand, raises it up to his face so that he can lay a swift kiss onto your wedding ring.

"I do." 

The door swinging open has your eyes widening from your shared spot under the sheets. Thankfully, you were still mostly clothed, where Billy was fully naked.

"Bill?" comes Frank's voice in question from his spot by the door.

Billy winks at you, before moving the sheet off your top halves to reveal you both to the open air.

"Hey Frank." Billy greets.

Frank takes one look at your positions and lets out a tired sigh.

"You two are fucking, aren't you?" The exasperated sound of his voice drawing a smile from you.

You can't help the laugh that leaves you, giving everything away. 

Frank's disappointed expression makes Billy laugh too.

"Alright. I'm walking out this door, I'll be back in five minutes, your pants better be on, Russo."

"Make it ten!" Billy shouts just as Frank gives another disappointed shake of his head, and leaves the room.

.

Clothed now, in long blue linen pants, Billy kisses your temple, one arm wrapped securely around you as you lie beside him.

"Thanks for being here with me." He says softly, his hands gripping onto any available part of you he could reach, anything to pull you closer to him.

"What? Is Frank not good enough company?" You tease, beginning to laugh when you feel the scratch of his beard as he kisses your throat.

"Frank is usually in the bed beside me." he says into your neck, and you laugh at the imagery.

"Plus," he says in a softer, more serious tone as he pulls away for a moment. You turn to look at him curiously.

"I've never had someone worry about me the way you do."

"Ever?" You ask.

He shakes his head, looks down.

You're not sure what he's thinking, but it looks like guilt, all soft lines and sadness and you ache to make him feel better.

You lean forward, cupping his jaw. His eyes are so open for you that you think you can see his soul in them- a dark web of shadows, that glitters with vulnerability the more you look. 

You wanted his vulnerability, you wanted him to open himself up to you, and share everything he was, everything he could be, until you were full of him.  

Until you could taste him in your mouth, even when he wasn't around.

"I'm here now, and I'll worry. I'll fight anyone that stops me from getting to you. Including Frank Castle." You promise.

His frown grows into a smile.

"You're sure you don't wanna ride me? I'll stay really still." 

You groan.

"No, no vigorous activity for at least four weeks."

"You riding me isn't vigorous."

"Yes, but I'd consider your orgasms vigorous." You reply, contemplating the way the muscles of his abdomen tended to tighten up when he came.

"Wait," Billy says in horror, "I can't come for four weeks?"

"You'll be fine." You huff.

"No I won't be." He protests.

"Just let me take care of you."

He couldn't argue with that.

. 

"You hate me don't you?" Billy asks.

You try not to grin.

You turn to face him, clad in only your plainest underwear as you get ready for work. Somehow, he still saw beauty in you, even when you weren't trying. It was exhilarating.

Unfortunately you couldn't stay with him, a meeting had been scheduled that you didn't want to push back due to the difficulty in actually getting the meeting in the first place.

"Why? Is there something wrong with it?" You ask, turning playfully to show him the back and the front.

"Everything's fucking wrong with it," Billy grumbles from his spot in bed, head tilting back for a second in what looks like a plea to God himself.

"When I get these stitches out, you're gonna be in so much trouble." he says with a little grunt.

You hum, in thought.

"You know, now that I think about it, I don't think I'll wear underwear today." You taunt.

Billy groans loudly.

Something delightful blooms within you.

. 

Wrong.

This was supposed to be wrong.

The more you think that, the more you know that this is the most right feeling in the world.

There was nothing in your old life that could ever possibly compare to him.

Usually, people coerced into marriage were subjected to inhumane treatment, impossible and abusive environments, that sucked the very living soul out of them.

The most soul sucking being done to you was when you'd been forced to deny Billy the pleasure of tasting you last night.

The pleasure of tasting you... because to him... it really was a pleasure.

You swallow, sitting at his desk, tense in his comfortable chair. You'd become someone he'd wanted.

Or maybe you'd always been. When had he decided to marry you anyways?

You blink, shock spearing through you.

What if your feelings weren't real? But simply a defence response to your circumstances.

A tired sigh leaving your lips. A shake of your head.

Would you want him if you weren't trapped by him? 

The question eats away at your sanity. You spin it around and around in your head and still you can't find an answer.

You're scared by it. By the notion of losing him.

You're also scared by the idea of staying with him, still not fully understanding what he was capable of.

Which fear was right?

And which one would break your heart? 

. 

Billy says your name in question when he hears a door slam shut.

"Just me, Bill." Is Frank's answering voice.

"Where is she?" He murmurs, throat dry, looking up at the ceiling. The pain meds held him in a state of mild confusion, spaced out so that he wasn't in any pain, but unable to truly focus on the things happening around him.

He hears the slow pour of water, peeks an eye open to find Frank beside him. He struggles to sit up, tucking a second and then third pillow behind him for support and gratefully accepting the glass of water from Frank.

"It's only two, her meeting just started so you'll see her a little later."

Billy nods, ignoring Frank's gaze as he sips the water.

"I've never seen you so down bad before."

Billy's laugh bubbles in the glass he's holding.

"What can I say? I'm a romantic." He answers flippantly.

Frank snorts loudly in knowing disbelief. Billy frowns.

"You don't think it's fast? Is she... does she have something on you?"

Anger spears itself through Billy, some at Frank, most at himself.

I'm a monster, he thinks.

He turns away, not wanting Frank to read the expression on his face, wondering if his look of guilt alone will put the pieces together in Frank's head.

"It's not like that." He says easily, thinking to himself what a sick fuck he must be to coerce someone so glorious, so awe-inspiring, into marriage against her will.

He thinks he hates himself for it.

"She told me you got accidentally married. I can't imagine a version of you, however drunk, that would accept marriage."

Frank was getting too close. Billy had to say something to appease him.

"I'd met her before, at... a company party or two. I liked her, but she had a boyfriend."

When Billy doesn't continue, Frank is forced to prompt.

"And?" 

Billy stares down at the sheets. The very sheets you'd slept under last night.

"And when I met her in Vegas, they'd just broken up, and I wanted something with her, and I don't remember how, but the next day I woke up married to her and I was so happy."

It's mostly the truth, the best tale he can spin in his state.

"I know it doesn't make sense, Frankie, but when I'm with her... I'm the man I've always wanted to be."

Frank is quiet for too long now, and Billy is forced to turn his head and look up at his best friend curiously.

Both men stare at each other in silence for a moment.

"Alright, okay, I'm sold, bring her around to meet Maria and the kids." Frank says finally.

If anything, this was Frank Castle's ultimate seal of approval. Introducing strangers to his family was not an occasion to be taken lightly.

Billy grins up at Frank.

"I can't believe I had to lose my appendix to get her invited to a Castle family dinner. You're so gullible, Frank." Billy teases.

He's rewarded with a gentle smack to his shoulder.

. 

You run your hands over the fabric of your dress, deep in thought.

Was it too much? You think you might be overdressed.

It was a lovely beige colour, maybe tan, knee length with a vintage design and little puff sleeves. You'd liked how it looked in the store. Now? You honestly felt like it was a little much.

Maybe Billy would be able to help you decide.

You call his name, walking out of your shared closet and toward the living room where you saw him last.

You spin the corner and find him already coming toward you.

"Are you okay?" He asks, dressed casually in a grey shirt and black pants.

You stumble over your words, your brain spinning too fast for you to keep up.

"W- yeah- I was coming to ask your opinion, but I am so clearly overdressed." You turn on your heel to go back into the bedroom.

"Oh no you don't." Billy says, and before you know it, he's grabbed a hold of your wrist, pulling you into his body.

You gasp, eyes widening on his face as he presses you against the wall of the hallway.

Your heart pounds in your chest at his proximity. Your need for him outweighs rational thought until you have to remind yourself that he's still recovering. If he touched you right now though, he'd find you already wet, and eager for him.

While you've been fighting your aching desire, he's taken the time to run the tips of his fingers across the apple of your cheek.

"God. You're so pretty." He whispers, warm eyes spilling euphoria into you.

He couldn't mean that. Could he?

You glance away, only to be forced into looking back at him when he grabs your jaw roughly.

The tension between you feels like an electric charge, that heightens as he gets closer. 

It's like he's never touched you before, like the sensation is brand new, and not months old. 

"I should change," You whisper, "This dress is too much."

He takes a deep breath, his hand glides from gripping your jaw to curl around your throat. Your breath stutters at the feeling. Something flutters low, an ache to be filled rears its head.

"You're gorgeous. In anything you wear. I'd want you in a ball gown or a potato sack."

Good lord.

When you smile, he brings his fingers up to press against your lips, exploring the shape of your smile, appreciating the softness.

"You mean that?" You ask, a little unsure.

His dark eyes devour you, unfocused as he looks at you, balancing on the precipice of admiring you and imagining just exactly what he wants to do to you.

"Why don't I show you?" He offers.

You reach to grip his elbows when it seems like he's going to kneel.

"No, we- you're still recovering and I don't think it's fair that I get to cum if you can't."

He lets out a low grunt, pressing his body roughly against yours, his palms against the wall on either side of your head, his forehead and nose pressed to yours. The intensity of his gaze makes you turn your head to look away, he's got the demeanour of a man starved, desperate, borderline unhinged.

He doesn't let you move far, fingers curling around the back of your neck to bring you back to face him.

"Little wife," he says so deeply that you're not sure if it's a promise or a threat.

"Lift your dress up for me, or I'll tie you up and lick your cunt anyway."

You gulp. The very thought of being helpless while he-

Fuck, but you didn't even have the time, Frank would be expecting you in an hour. 

You let out a breath, feeling more than seeing the smile that forms on his face as you begin gathering the materials of your skirt into your fists.

"Good." he says finally, and you can only feel your body throb with heat in response.

There's the gentlest kiss to your mouth, something of a promise, a pledge that when he's done with you, you won't remember how to walk.

You squeeze your eyes shut as he kneels, you know that when he reaches up to tug your underwear down the length of your legs, that he'll see the desperation he causes.

He swears when he sees it, drawing out the syllables as he witnesses the way your arousal clings to the little piece of fabric protecting your modesty.

You swallow, the materials bunched in your hands no doubt wrinkling with the force.

He takes his time, tracing coarse fingers over your calve, behind your knee and up your thigh, pulling gently to guide one of your legs over his shoulder. 

He doesn't bother to touch your centre, circle your sweet bud with his thumb like he wants to, he uses his tongue right away.

You take in a sharp breath at the contact. The tip of his tongue meeting your clit affectionately, like old friends reuniting.

A shiver goes down your spine, you crush your bottom lip between your teeth.

"Billy." You whisper softly, tilting your head back as his tongue flattens on you.

He takes it slow, remarkably gentle on your hypersensitive body, having gone relatively long in recent times without an orgasm, you feel like just the right move will pull you apart at the seams.

You let out a little groan, sighing as his pace quickens, his tongue pushing deeper, so that he can get a taste of you directly from the source.

It's primal, soft, ritualistic in the way that his tongue worships you, your eyes rolling back in your head as he draws you close to your peak.

There's an obscene sucking sound, followed closely by a hum of pleasure from between your legs. You feel your body tense, coiled tight on the precipice of bliss, thighs trembling as he keeps his tongue focused on your clit, lapping gently, and then a little harsher, to be gentle again.

His beard scratches your thighs, and even that is an aphrodisiac by itself, reminding you constantly that it's his mouth on you, his tongue on your cunt, his head between your thighs.

A sharp whine of warning, your stomach tightens, your breath stutters. 

A groan of approval from him, the soft twist of his fingers on your skin, as if to encourage you, to tell you how good you're being for him, and all you ever want to do now is be good for him.

Being deconstructed by his mouth should be a lot harder, and yet, Billy makes it look like a basic endeavour.

Your toes curl, head knocking the wall, you feel like you're coming apart, atom by atom, the force of your pleasure barely contained within your skin. You feel the walls of your cunt clamp down into a tight vise, as wave after wave of bliss fills every square inch of your body.

You barely make more than a quiet gasp- too inebriated on his tongue to even scream. 

He keeps licking you gently, lazily, trembling shudders working through your system until you're forced to tap his shoulder for a reprieve.

Another obscene sound when he pulls away, looking up at you, his mouth and beard shiny with your release.

He puts you back on two feet, but your knees buckle once the full weight of you is on them.

He stands swiftly, arms wrapping around you to pull you to his body keeping you upright, a small grunt leaving him.

You blink, struggling to restart your brain.

You realise his grunt is one of pain, as he tries to hold you up, it's what kickstarts your brain into working.

You grip his biceps, straightening your legs under you and willing them to stay that way.

"Sorry." You whisper, trying to take a deep breath.

"It's alright. If I could, I would have picked you up myself." He whispers back, and you raise your head to look into his eyes.

Something unnameable passes between you, you can't put a finger on it- but it feels like quiet appreciation for each other. 

He helps you to the couch, sitting you down before disappearing into the bathroom.

When he re-emerges, it's with a clean face and a damp washcloth. 

He encourages you down to the car after cleaning you and redressing you. You try to tell him that you're capable- but he won't have it.

He slides into the back of the car beside you, and almost immediately tucks your body against his, pulling your legs over one of his for comfort.

You sag, still fatigued from such a powerful orgasm.

Jesus, was it always going to be like that? All mind-consuming and explosive?

You smile when he kisses your forehead, tilting your head up to let him kiss you softly on the mouth.

Delightful, consuming, everything about him was just so... tantalising, you wanted to spend hours learning him, take days to map every thought in his head, every idea in his heart.

He was a dangerous enigma, a slippery slope.

And you were falling. 

. 

When Frank pulls the door to his house open, he gives you both a very suspicious look.

After a moment, he lets out a long sigh of disappointment.

"You two better not fuck in my house." He threatens.

"How can you even tell?" Billy asks in disbelief, reading into the quiet accusations being made by Frank.

"Isn't it obvious?" Frank asks, opening the door wider to let you in.

"Hi Frank," you say in greeting as you walk past him. He says your name, with a small nod of acknowledgement.

You take a moment to appreciate their house, it's warm and cozy, with lots of baseball trophies lining the mantle over the fireplace. There's a lot of pinks and beiges, a cozy line of couches near the fire.

Before you can do more looking, you hear a woman's voice.

"Is that them?" She asks, spinning into the room.

This must be Maria, you think, as you watch her take Billy into an aggressive hug, giving him a kiss to the cheek before letting him go in a flourish, a look of violation comically painted on his face.

When she turns to you next, you gulp.

She's very pretty, with lovely auburn hair. You notice a large scar curving from the corner of her eye down to the edge of her chin.

You only get a second of awareness before she's taking you into a hold just as violent as the one she'd trapped Billy in. 

You can't help but giggle at her blatant showing of affection.

She says your name in greeting.

"I hear you kneed Frank in the balls. Well done."

You splutter for an excuse.

"I'm sorry-"

"-Don't be," she interjects, "I wished I'd seen it myself."

You smile, looking over to Frank, who is mid-roll of his eyes.

"That'll cost you later, big boy. Come! Dinner is almost ready." Maria says quickly, turning away and you let out a little chuckle in response to Frank's apologetic face. 

"Billyyyyyyyyy." You hear someone shout, and you watch in horror as a small blur begins racing to your husband.

Your mouth opens, subtly stepping in front of him, ready to catch said blur.

Frank beats you to it, grabbing his son under the arms and picking him up for a second before putting him back down.

"Woah there slugger, take it easy on Uncle Billy, he just had surgery." 

You sigh, moving away from Billy so that he can hug his godson in peace. You catch Maria staring at you. You give her a smile of apology before looking away.

"Frank, I want you to meet my wife," Billy says, turning the younger Frank's body in your direction.

You can instantly see the suspicious look on his face.

You tell him your name, extending your hand politely in greeting.

He takes it, shaking your hand politely, it's the best you can hope for, being a stranger in their home.

"You're not a gold digger are you?" Frank Jr. says suddenly.

It's met with lots of scolding from his parents. You can't help laughing at everyone's shocked expressions.

"Where did you even learn that word?" Frank says, exasperated.

"In school." Younger Frank answers honestly.

Billy straightens, gives you an apologetic look.

"She's not with me for my money, junior, I'm with her cause she's sweet." He wraps a hand around your shoulders, pulling you into his chest.

You can't look at him, leaning in and accepting the comfort.

You meet Lisa next, Frank's older daughter, she's polite, but you can also see the accusation in her eyes.

You figure it's nice, that at least there are people looking out for Billy, though, you almost want to shout his crimes so that you stop being treated so abrasively.

Billy had warned you that the Castles could be protective, that they'd like you once they got to know you.

You'd hoped that were true.

.

When Maria asks how you and Billy met during dinner, you both pause in horror as the answer comes to mind.

You let out a long sigh.

"We met a couple of years ago, at a Christmas party, my boyfriend at the time was working at Anvil." You say with a smile.

Maria nods eagerly in understanding. You can see how bad it looks.

"Alright," you say, finally having enough. Your fork clatters onto your plate and you watch Billy turn his head to you in alarm.

"Cards on the table. No, I'm not with him for his money- and I'm not pregnant either if any of you are thinking it. I like him. I like his stupid face and his stupid laugh and I feel safe around him and I never really had that before." You pause for a second, taking a sip of water before continuing.

"Sure, how we met wasn't the best, and how we got married was even worse, but I like him."

Billy reaches over, taking your hand in his, you glance up at him, your stomach tying into knots as you meet his eyes.

"He's my best friend." You finish.

You feel his hand squeeze yours.

Billy leans forward, his other hand cupping your cheek and hiding your mouths from view as he kisses you softly.

The entire table erupts into groans, mostly from both Franks and you can't help laughing into his kiss.

It lightens the mood though, and there's less tension in the air by the time dinner is finished. 

.

Everyone helps with cleaning up, and you find yourself drying dishes next to Maria while the rest of the family clear the table.

"He's not someone we'd ever thought could settle down." Maria murmurs.

You look up at her curiously.

She sees your confused expression and tries to explain.

"He's always just been so focused on himself, there were a lot of bad things about his childhood, and more in the military, and we just never thought he could be in a spot where he could live with someone. He tends to push people away after a while. Even us."

You look down, letting out a long sigh, wondering what you would do if he ever tried to push you away.

Accept it, you guess. What could you really do if he decided he didn’t want you anymore? Nothing.

“But don’t worry.” She interjects, you look up at her, eyes settling on her wicked scar for a second before you look down at your dish, “He likes you, he really does, maybe you did have a rough start, but I have faith in both of you.”

Your mouth pulls into a smile, you thank her for her kind words.

.

You play Jenga with them next, laughing and tickling Billy’s left side affectionately to distract him while he moves.

He grins, his hand remains remarkably steady while you torment him with your fingers. Everyone jeers, encouraging his loss, booing him when he manages to get the block on top of the tower without toppling it.

Your turn is next and you smile happily as you lean forward to make your move. You feel his hand on the small of your back, rubbing affectionately as you pick your piece. He doesn’t try to shake you or cheat like you did while you pull your piece out. The rest of the Castle family boo you in funny ways, and you have this moment of realisation that this is what family feels like.

When you get your wooden brick seated next to Billy’s, he kisses you on the temple, murmuring a ‘Good job, baby.’ into your ear in a low voice that has your body responding eagerly to him.

There’s a look that passes between you, something warm and electric, the silent guarantee that if you were alone right now, you’d be ripping at each other's clothes.

It’s Frank that drops the tower, after Maria whispers something into his ear quietly, and you smile at the way he looks at her in half betrayal and half adoration as everyone cheers for his loss.

You see it, you understand why these people are so important to him, the humanity inside each Castle is a unique thing, that makes the whole family unit just work so easily.

You’re glad to have met them, and you’re also sad when you have to bid them goodbye at the end of the night.

Maria hugs you both, Frank gives you an almost friendly pat on your shoulder. There’s a bittersweetness to it that you’ve barely felt before, a real family that you can be a part of, a promise to reunite soon that sparks hope inside of you.

You leave, hand in hand with Billy, a little bit happier than you were when you first arrived, feeling like you understood your husband just a little bit more.

.

In the car, he lets out a slow breath, tilting his head back. He’s in pain, you realise.

“My scar is starting to hurt.” he confesses, turning his head to look at you.

Your heart squeezes in your chest. 

“We’ll get you home and get some medicine into you, okay?” You say softly, leaning into him, till your nose rubs affectionately against his.

He nods, eyes drooping as he feels your hand move to cup the healing area of his abdomen over his shirt gently. He leans into you, resting his head into the crook of your neck, your other hand moving up to play with his hair.

You feel him sigh in bliss.

.

You tug your heels off so that you have better balance to support him, encouraging him to lean into you a little so that he’s in a little less pain while you get him up to your apartment.

His pain has worsened by the time you sit him in bed and rummage through your cabinet for his medicine. 

You get it to him first, making sure he finishes the glass of water you gave him before you begin taking his shoes off.

“You don’t have to-” He tries to sit up, “I can-” He grunts in pain when he curls forward too much.

You push him back gently, giving him a kiss to his forehead.

“Let me take care of you, yeah?”

You stroke his cheek with the backs of your fingers while you wait for him to respond.

“Yeah,” he sighs.

You tug his shoes off, and then undo his pants, giggling slightly when he struggles to lift his hips to help you.

You can’t help touching him, feeling over his thick thighs as they’re exposed to you. You kiss his happy trail when you see it, giggling when he groans.

“Tease.” He pouts.

You kiss his pout too.

Only after you strip him down to his boxers and carefully check his scar, do you tuck him into bed, moving to dress down for the night too. 

When you struggle for too long with the zipper, you sit on the edge of the bed beside Billy and ask him for help.

He kisses your exposed back when he gets the zip undone.

When you’re finally in your silky PJs, you slide into bed beside him, noticing that he’s still awake, but blinking slowly.

“Are you still in pain?” You ask, tilting your head to observe him.

“No pain.” He answers, “Groggy.”

You sigh in relief, sliding closer to him, till you’re pressed to his side. Your hand slides into his rough one, and you quietly enjoy the feeling of being next to him until he speaks.

“I’ve never had this.” Billy whispers. You raise your head to look at him, noticing how unfocused his eyes are, staring up at the ceiling, blinking slowly, as if to remind himself that he’s still awake.

“The old me would have never confessed to anyone that I was hurting.” 

He turns his head, glassy eyes focusing on you.

“But you… The way you fight for me makes me want to trust you more and more each time.” He swallows, “It’s scary.”

He raises a hand, cups your cheek and you can’t help leaning into him, closing your eyes in hopes that it puts him at ease, that he doesn’t feel stared at while he opens himself up to you.

“No one has ever taken care of me before. Not like you have. You look at me- and I- I mean something. You know?”

You open your eyes then, staring at him for a long moment, finding that your throat has closed up from your abundance of emotion.

“You mean a lot.” You whisper, your hand raising to cup his.

His eyes are glassy, almost on the brink of tears.

“I didn’t know.”

.

You’re in the kitchen making coffee two days after, scarily deep in thought. 

In the quiet of the morning you think about everything that’s happened. From Dominic dumping you to the despair you felt when your annulment request had been denied. You think about it all, and you think about your mother, whose call you had ignored yesterday after walking out of her house when you found out Billy was sick. 

You didn’t know how to approach her, or what you would say when she asked you the question she’d asked before.

Before you can think yourself into a downward spiral, an arm wraps itself around your waist. His hand is broad, spreading over your tummy and leaving warm tingles behind, his touch so comforting that you can’t help but smile and lean into him a little.

“Good morning, Mrs. Russo.” He grumbles softly, letting you know exactly what he thought of waking up alone in bed.

“What can I help you with, Mister Russo?” You tease, smiling as you both sway together.

There’s a moment of silence, filled only with the sounds of your shared breaths as you enjoy the presence of each other.

“I would like you to come back to bed. It’s a Saturday and you haven’t cuddled me for nearly long enough.”

You grin, rolling your eyes.

“Yeah? And what do I get if I come back to bed with you right now?”

He hums, nose pressing against your ear, one hand on your stomach and the other rising up to cup your jaw securely.

“I can think of many imaginative ways to thank you.” He murmurs, the heat of his breath tickling your ear gently.

It’s something you could never even think to dream of.

.

.

.

A/N: Sorry I've been so inactive... bad things have happened, just popping in to post this cause I don't want it to sit in my drafts for any longer.

[fanaticsnail]

Australian Luffy

Just chatting with @sordidmusings and preparing her for her trip down-under has my brain rotting with what ifs, specifically:

What if Luffy was Australian?

And so, here he is. Monkey D "Loz" Luffy.

TW: bad Photoshop.

He abbreviates everything.

A Bogan with a heart of gold.

Everyone gets a nickname, all said with a nasally crackle in his accent.

When he walks into a venue, it automatically pops off with some proper Hilltop Hoods bangers:

Monkey D Loz is a right mate. Ready to help a guy out at the drop of his corkstring-hat (keeps the mozzies away).

Peak cuisine for Loz is a Bunnings Snag on a barbie, topped with tomato sauce - better yet if he adds yeastie Vegemite spread, burnt onions and mustard.

He's a Cottie's Cordial kid. Red is his favourite. What does it taste like? It tastes like 'Red.'

"Au Naur" - More HC and dialogue below the cut:

Inkeeper: "I'm sorry, all the rooms have been taken. I only have a small self-contained ensuite outside."

Loz: "What? Like a granny flat?"

Zeff: "You're goin' to settle your debt one way or another, chore boy."

Loz: "C'mon, Big Zeff. Sanga's a mate. He'll give us mates rates."

Small child: "Thank you so much for saving us, Monkey D Luffy."

Loz: "Hey, no dramas."

Nami: "Luffy, grab the helm. We've got to turn the ship around!"

Loz: "What Nazza? You wanna chuck a yewy?"

Zoro: "Oi, Luffy. Boa's askin' boucha."

Loz: "Hold up, Zozza. Gotta chuck me thongs on"

These are the Aussie abbreviations for a few characters' names:

Roronoa Zoro: Zozza

Blackleg Sanji: Sanga (play on words, this is what we call a sandwich).

Usopp: Soppa

Nami: Nazza

Nico Robin: Robbie

Tony Tony Chopper: Chop-Chop (after chopper reed: an Aussie criminal icon)

Franky: Frangsta

Brook: Brookie

Trafalgar D Water-Law: Trazza

Portgas D Ace: Azzo

Sabo: Sabsta

Helmeppo: Meppaz

Koby: Kozzy

Red-Hair Shanks: Shazza

Dracule Mihawk: Hawko

Buggy D Clown: Bugsta

Sir Crocodile: Croco

Benn Beckman: Bazza

My personal favourites:

Donquixote Doflamingo & Donquixote Rosinante: Mingas and Nunce

@since-im-already-here, Sanga's defo got Ciggy butt brain. He's always bummin' ya lighters. He smokes Winnie-Blues and drinks goon.

Notes: Yes, can confirm. These are real things. @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @feral-artistry @cinnbar-bun @carrotsunshine @vespidphoenix @sexc-snail I thought you'd all appreciate some unhinged Aussie thoughts and slang from "Monkey D Loz"

[oneatlatime]

The Headband

I don't care how dormant a volcano supposedly is. Living in the maw of one would absolutely freak me out.

Zuko out for his nightly constitutional lurking practice.

I want this snuggy cape.

No better disguise than a cloud 1.2 metres from the ground. That's where all clouds hand out. Cool puffins though.

Enemy puffins approve of new fluffy Sokka.

Did Sokka just dive headfirst into rock?

I do not like this angle. Looks like his head's on backwards.

This episode is three minutes in and already I'm loving the comic tone.

Wow Katara, with the enthusiasm you're showing for stealing those clothes, they must belong to pirates.

These are some top tier nonsense sound effects. Far too few of those in recent episodes.

Beat up Sokka quota fulfilled!

Toph has by far the best outfit. Love the gold accents.

We've had two seasons of blatantly blue Katara not being identified by the Fire Nation as a Water Tribe person. I think the necklace can stay.

His headband is an airbender arrow. So much for disguising himself.

I would love it if linguistic drift meant that Aang was going around tossing out slurs completely unaware.

WHAT is this face

"Just slob is fine." I ADORE characters that are so secure in themselves and in their belief in the decency of others that all attempts at ridicule slide off like water off a duck's back.

He does it again! "Wow. Are you a bully? This is so exciting! I've always wanted to meet a bully!"

Onji - get better taste in men. Why are you even dating this prick? Did you have any say in becoming his girlfriend? Blink twice if you need help.

These Fire Nation kids are all so mild. Contrast them with Zuko and they might as well be a different species.

What is Hide and Explode?

Sokka is showing a mastery of slapstick that I haven't seen since The Fortune Teller. Glad to have it back.

Is this the first time someone has recognised Zuko by his scar? About time.

Was it really necessary to beat up the guard? Seems a bit much. Zuko could have just asked nicely. That usually works for Iroh.

Speaking of: Iroh! Hi Iroh! Didn't think you'd still be alive.

Noodle Ozai. Did Aang get put in preschool by accident?

Those hippies should do a song about Secret Rivers.

Tired of spending three years talking to Zuko without making any progress, Iroh decides to attempt a new technique and deploys the silent treatment. It works just as well as three years of talking.

Colour me completely unsurprised that the Fire Nation has a pledge of Allegiance.

This school must have some gnarly punishments if questioning the teacher garners this reaction.

This man's head is alarming.

This man is also surprisingly nice for a fascist agent of the state bent on suppressing personal expression.

Movements? Aang you were showing her MOVEMENTS! GASP! FILTHY!

I love this fight. It's been a while (maybe back to season 1) since Aang's preferred fighting style was 'Nope'.

They haven't committed to the bit this hard since Bonzu Pippinpadalopsicopoulous, the Third!

It's funny how we spent two whole seasons haunted by nothing but threatening shadows of the Fire Lord, and then an episode after his face is finally revealed they turn him into part of the decor. He even gets a noodle version.

Play Spot the Firelord with this episode. I count four.

Sokka is having way too much fun with this.

Just going to sneak a reference to child labour in there. Gnarly punishments indeed.

Local Emos Experience Happiness for the First Time; Immediately Implode.

I'm sorry but Mai's cloak has such Santa vibes.

That is some serious side eye.

"You get to be normal all the time." Aang is pulling no punches today.

Where did they get this many candles? Actually, where did they get that many matches? They don't even have a Firebender on staff.

Poor kid is objectively correct. I guarantee your parents don't want you dancing in a cave. It will be good for you though! just don't lick the walls.

No wonder the Fire Nation got rid of dancing. Those moves are awful.

Zuko! "I brought you this food that I know you don't like because I need your help." Buddy. Why.

I could do without the heavy-handed Katara and Aang romance. Also, when exactly did Katara learn advanced gymnastics and choreograph a whole routine with Aang?

I hate this twerp so much!

That song the band is playing right as the adults bust in is better than the songs featured earlier in the dance montage.

I love this guy.

i know that the soundtrack probably went from diegetic to non-diegetic as soon as the chase started, but I love the idea that the school band provided theme music for searching for Aang.

Delightfully eerie. and also very Spartacus.

Actually with the guards starting to dance, it WAS the school band providing a soundtrack for the Aang hunt.

Is Momo at the reins?

How is this assassin good at keeping secrets and not being followed? He creaks and clanks.

Final Thoughts

I loved this. This type of episode is when Avatar is at its best: heaps of goof, a side helping of heart, subtle and not-so-subtle critiques organically incorporated, tonally contrasting storylines that combine to form a whole greater than its parts, and even one-note characters who are given depth.

Aang was in his element as a normal kid; Sokka was having a great time being super agent / team dad; poor Katara and Toph got like two lines each but still had fun with what they did get. Even Momo got some sight gags.

Aang is so personable. I think it's the combination of great social skills from a good peripatetic upbringing and being a peacetime child.

I think Zuko experienced every possible human emotion this episode. I loved seeing him snark with Mai (those two are way too good together), but his scenes with/revolving around Iroh were confusing and intense. Which is probably how Zuko would describe them too. Seems he's speedrunning his season 1 bad decisions arc.

I'm not fond of this new silent treatment approach from Iroh, but I have to admit that talking to Zuko didn't work for years, so what else is there to try?

I wasn't expecting a Footloose homage and a Spartacus reference in Avatar of all places. But it works. And it works if you don't catch the references too.

I am severely disappointed in Fire Nation fashion. I was expecting gloriously eye-searing red/gold/yellow outfits. I got black/tan/brown with dull red edging. It's probably a visual commentary on what imperialism does to its own people. And the price of dyes. But I was really looking forward to reds and golds! At least I have Toph's outfit.

I loved the liberal use of sound effects in the Gaang's plot. I love comic sound effects on their own, but they really enhanced the contast between Zuko and the Gaang's plots.

There was lots of heavy stuff under the surface this episode, what with the squashing of the self and the discrimination against colonials and the propaganda and the revisionist history and the assassin. But I feel like being silly today, so I'm not going to dig into it. That's one of the great things about this show. Not all, but many episodes are structured so that you can choose your level of engagement and consequent angst.

This episode was funny, and fun. A much-needed palette cleanser after the drudge of the season opener. The last time there was an episode this unapologetically silly was probably Avatar Day. In other words, it's been far too long. Definitely going on my rewatch list.

I really want Zuko's snuggy cape.

[jccatstudios]

Six of Crows and Colors

I made a poll yesterday asking which color (teal, blue, indigo, purple) best represents Inej, and it was great to hear everyone’s opinions! I also promised to share my thoughts, so here’s my answer.

I think all four are her color, it just depends on which part of the story it is.

Purple is pre-SOC, specifically her time in The Menagerie. It’s a color that was forced upon her, giving her negative associations with it in terms of her own identity.

Indigo is SOC. It’s been a year since she left The Menagerie. Her color evolves away from purple into blue, but the violet hue still remains with her. She hasn’t escaped that part of her past, especially since her indenture hasn’t been paid off yet.

Dark Blue is Crooked Kingdom. As she realizes her dreams lead her away from Ketterdam, purple gradually leaves her design. Blue, a color associated with piety and the sea, represents her regained sense of identity.

Dark teal is post-CK. It still has blue to signify her faith but now with warmer tones for her newfound happiness. Also, teal is very much a seafaring color. 

In short, Inej’s color is ever-evolving! As for the other characters…

While black is the usual pick for Kaz, I’d like to suggest purple as his hue! It’s a color that best represents Kerch and kruge, so it’s a good accent to break up the mercher black he wears. Also, by making Kaz’s color purple, it ties into a theme of a character representing a color their partner once had negative associations with (ex. Inej with purple, Jesper with jurda field orange, Matthias with Corporalki red). They replace these old symbols of pain with positivity and growth.

Jesper is of course lime green. While kruge is purple, readers can connect green with luck, wealth, and the cultures that inspired his Kaelish heritage. Bright green can also represent having a lot of energy, which Jesper certainly is known for.

Nina is crimson. It’s the color of the heartrender class, her strong will, and her love for others.

Matthias is ice blue. It reminds him of home and his traditional life. Like Inej, blue can represent his religious background.

Wylan is burnt orange. Besides it being his hair color, orange is also a mixture of the Van Eck colors, red and gold. He is neither of these colors, but he is still born out of them, creating a new identity. 

[midorisudachi]

“The Inquisitor And Her Commander”

As some of you may have noticed, I am a huge fan of the Dragon Age games, especially Dragon Age Inquisition. Last year, I had planned on drawing all the main [playable] characters up until Dragon Age Day (which took place on December 4th), but I just didn’t have time to draw more than three characters (the Inquisitor, Solas, & Varric…please check them out in my gallery) due to being busy with work and other things. I’ll eventually draw the other characters when I gather more motivation to do so.

For now, please enjoy this piece. I hope everybody likes this. I worked very hard on this artwork. It took longer than usual to create, due to all the small details, the poses, & the armour. (Armour is not easy to draw for me!) For those of you who are DAI fans, you may recognize the flowers: Crystal Grace on the bottom and Andraste’s Grace on the top. I know Andraste’s Grace is not in DAI, but I thought it would be pretty to add to the artwork (since it technically exists in the Thedas world).

 My OC Inquisitor is named Bryony Trevelyan. She is actually my 2nd Inquisitor character, the first one having been an elf (which I may draw someday). I had been playing DAI for the 3rd time, a few months ago, as a male character (since I wanted him to be in a romance with Dorian, so yes, my male Inquisitor is gay), but I stopped for a bit since I am playing Skyrim at the moment (with updates & mods). Anyway, back on the main subject: I drew Inquisitor Bryony Trevelyan in the Armor of the Dragon Hunter outfit (from the Jaws of Hakkon DLC), which I had altered the colours by tinting it with Veil Quartz. I based her crown from concept art for DAI. So much armour in the game! Which I love, especially since the DA games don’t give female characters the stereotypical skimpy outfits…I love that I get to make my female characters wear bad-ass armour.

Cullen Rutherford is such an adorable and slightly awkward character around my Inquisitor. I knew I had to romance him right away, because his looks are the type of man I am attracted to in real life. (I’m not going to lie…in the game, he’s hot for a video game character. Ha ha!) I’ve always enjoyed the flirting in the DA games when it comes to the relationships. The best scene was right before their first kiss, when Cullen got interrupted by a member of the Inquisition, and then got mad about it. Ha ha. I liked when my Inquisitor asked Cullen, “The day you kissed me on the battlements…how long had you wanted to do that?” And Cullen replied (with a laugh), “Longer that I should admit.” Awwwww.

I also liked the part in the Winter Palace, when all these people were flirting with Cullen, and one asked him, “Are you married, Commander?” And Cullen replied, “Not yet, but I am…already taken.” Double awwww, because a loyal man is so dreamy. :3 I actually had Bryony & Cullen get married in the last DLC. :3 They adopt a Mabari (dog), too!

I love DAI too much. :D It’s such a fun game with the most gorgeous graphics (especially on the Xbox Series X).

Drawn with Sakura Pigma Micron pens, then coloured in with a mixture of Copic Markers & Ohuhu Markers. I used Koi Watercolours for the background. White accents done with both a gel pen and white watercolour. Gold acrylic was used for the Inquisition Symbol & the lines, which the scanner absolutely murders...the gold is such a pretty, shimmery metallic in real life. The light green around my art was done in Photoshop Elements.

Dragon Age Inquisition © Bioware & Electronic Arts

Fan artwork © Jacqueline E. McNeese

[vickyvicarious]

I have a lot to talk about in this scene, boy oh boy. First of all, I love the character implications of Enoch's reaction here. He isn't happy at all at the reveal that Courtney was the one who actually killed Asman. The fact that he gets outright angry at her is so interesting. It reveals just how deeply he desires his revenge, and how emotionally driven his actions are despite his logical thinking. He's able to keep himself from outright confessing for a long time even when it's fairly clear what he's done, because he knows there's no actual proof and he doesn't want to implicate himself. He suppresses his pride again and again, hinging his defense on the pretense that he doesn't understand stuff or made dumb mistakes (his clients' designs, the scene in the graveyard, his claim to be a merely average student). But here, he can't hold himself back. He gets so mad, because in his eyes she has stolen his revenge out from under him, in much the same way she was one of those who helped to steal his future back then. It infuriates him.

And his word choice is super revealing too. He asks if she's been taking him for a fool first. Because that matters hugely to him. He is just fine playing the role of someone who is less intelligent (meaning only average rather than above, he never really tries to act outright dumb) because he knows that he is playing a role. Every time someone believes him about that, it's in the context of him successfully fooling them to get his way, it's him outsmarting them. He still has his Young Scientist award. He never got the formal qualifications or the career he aspired to, but he's always seen that as the fault of others. His own capabilities are something he has faith in. So the fact that not only did his murder plan fail to actually kill his target, but that Sithe has successfully lied to and fooled him makes him utterly furious. He's supposed to be the one who tricks others. He's not supposed to get tricked himself. It spits on his pride in his intellect, the one thing that has never been compromised.

So that's Drebber in isolation.

But I also want to talk about Sithe here. She also snaps, shouting and collapsing on to the podium. For someone usually so cool and collected, this is a big deal. And it confirms that she has a completely different set of priorities. She feels so weighed down, and has for years now. Exactly what went down back then is still unclear, but it's obvious that she has a deep sense of duty that she places even above her own wellbeing. Whether that is the Yard's reputation, her staff, or the secret from so long ago... she tries to keep it covered up and safe as much as she can. She's willing to break the law and even commit murder, and then eventually to admit to varying degrees of doing so, before she is willing to tell the truth. It's clear in this moment that she doesn't enjoy any of this. But she feels like she has to do it. I don't know if her motives are truly big-picture all the way down or if there is some element of coercion much deeper than what Drebber tried on her (something with her daughter, maybe?) but either way it is her duty to someone/something outside herself that dictates all her behavior.

I especially love noticing both of those things about each of them here, because on a more surface level they have a lot in common. They both have a really cool 'cold scientist' aesthetic, they both are very logical and mostly calm, very intellectual about what they say. They both have a scary smile. They share a very similar color pallete, with pale hair and skin, gold accents, black and white as the overwhelming colors in their clothes (just in reverse, with Drebber wearing black with a white tie, and Sithe wearing a white coat with darker clothes underneath). The way they both collapse forward onto their arms when overwhelmed is really similar. And they both do that here! But for very different reasons. Enoch is driven by emotion, by revenge and pride. Sithe is driven by duty, by protectiveness and burdens.

Drebber has a bad reputation but pride in himself, going in to this. Sithe had a good reputation but guilt weighing on her. And in this scene, that reverses at least a little. Drebber's proved correct about the events in the graveyard, and innocent of any actual murder... but he learns that he has been fooled. Sithe's proven to be corrupt and a murderer... but as a result, she no longer has to be responsible for the way things turn out anymore. It's not total in either case - Drebber still tried to kill Asman, and Sithe is still keeping secrets - but it's still super cool.

[valentine-cafe]

. ˚◞♡ 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 ꒰ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 ꒱◞ ₊˚

⊹ ۪ ࣪ ᥫ᭡ 9948e mèng yáo / afab!reader ꒱ you've always been mèng yáo's favourite, but what happens when you see someone else by her side? 

𖹭. content warnings◞  explicit content . thigh riding . bath sex . humping . scissoring . cunnilingus . nipple play . mommy kink . multiple orgasms . 4.6k

𖹭. receipts◞  this was written by our beloved 🍄anon and we just have to say GIIIDDD MUSHROOM WE GOT SO MUCH WHIPLASH FROM THE SWITCH BETWEEN SMUT AND FLUFF AAHHHH WE WERE SITTING HERE SQUIRMING READING THIS YOU'RE SO FUCKING TALENTED GCSHFVSH anyway please enjoy this fic we're in shambles 

. ˚◞ ꒰ 🍰 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 ꒱ m.list . guidelines . characters . lorebook ⊹ ۪ ࣪ 

Thinking about being Meng Yao's favorite servant!

She always finds some excuse for you to be near her! She feeds you the dish you brought her because she can't eat all of it by herself. She'll insist you call her by name. How she needs someone to carry a basket around as she tends to her flowers. She'll see if you want to feed Dhalia with her, and before you can leave, a fresh cup of tea will be placed in your hands.

She'll have you sit next to her dolled up all pretty and just talk to you about anything, all while her light fingers linger longer than they should. She has you try on some of her jewellery, preferably naked, just to see how it looks, of course.

That one time when she woke up late at night just to take a little stroll around the estate, and you just couldn't stop yawning, so she sat down on the stone bench, offering you her lap. Once you finally gave in, you laid upon the stone, a head resting in her lap.

She lulls you to sleep with gentle hands, stroking your exposed skin in tender circles. You awoke in her bedroom, to birds chirping and the gentle breeze of the wind. The sweet embrace of her hand running along your head that was pressed against her breast. You stretched your body and looked up, being met with a soft smile and a loving "good morning, my dove."

Following that night, when you made your way towards her quarters, a sheepish smile was placed upon your face and a warm feeling in your chest.

Imagine the surprise, seeing somebody else by her side, and you tried to be reasonable, tried to pull every possibility out of your head, but it still didn't help the bitter feeling in your heart.

So later that day, when everybody was asleep, you went to her workroom, plopping yourself on your knees in front of her. Teary-eyed head pressed into her lap with handfuls of her hanfu, you asked her through held back sniffles.

"Please don't replace me."

With widened eyes, Meng Yao wasted no time raising you up onto her lap, forehead touching yours with her hands hold your cheeks as she whispers onto your lips.

"I would never entertain such thoughts, my sweet."

~

She stretches one of her arms out, reaching behind you to pick up the neatly wrapped gift box, and plops it in your hands. With curiosity, you open the gift. You are met with a thin gold necklace, one that matches hers, with accents that compliment your skin. You let out a gasp, awestruck at the beauty of the jewellery.

"Meng Yao, this beautiful, thank you, I don't know what to say." She chuckles, a teasing grin on her features she whispers into your ear.

"Of course, my sweet dove, I had it custom-made just for you... though you are simply adorable when you're jealous."

You feel your cheeks heat up, staring at nothing but the piece of ornamentation. She takes the necklace out of the box and fixes it around your neck. One hand rests on the curve of your neck, the other finds its spot on your cheek, thumb rubbing circles over your skin.

"So beautiful."

Your eyes flicker at hers and find that she's staring directly at you, not the necklace. Her thumb runs over your lips, she whispers, eyes ogling down at your lips.

"I wish to feel your lips upon mine... is that alright?"

Breathless, you nod your head and mutter out a tiny "please." She takes hold of your chin, guiding your lips to hers, your eyes fall shut. Her lips feel so soft brushing up against yours, you felt her tongue brush against your lower lips, hesitantly you let your mouth drop open.

Her hand falls down to the small of your back, pushing your body closer. You let out a soft whine as her tongue dances around your own. The kiss gets rougher, and you feel an ache between your legs, you let your hips take an experimental grind.

Meng Yao pulls herself away, a string of saliva connecting your lips. You try to chase after hers, but she puts her index finger on your lips, halting you in your tracks and wiping away the string.

A small pout takes form while you let your dilated eyes fall open, gazing upon her own heavy-lidded dioxazine ones. A smile on her lips, she grabs hold of your waist, standing you both up, she takes your hand in hers.

"Accompany me to the bathing rooms."

Upon arriving, she sets the tub, putting in oils and bath salts, to help the skin. She turns towards and disrupts the peaceful silence that settled between the two of you.

"Please be a dear and help me undress my sweet angel dove."

She turns her back towards you and you carefully step forward. Taking her hanfu off, layer by layer, revealing the intricate tattoo that takes its place on her lean muscular back. Averting your eyes quickly before she can turn around and reveal her bare body to you.

You opt to let your eyes trace the designs along the floor. She takes hold of your chin, slowly raising it, being met with her supple breasts that have your cheeks burning hot before your eyes locked with hers. A small smirk tugging at her lips she whispers.

"Let me take care of you."

You feel a pulse of arousal pooling in your abdomen. With a nod of your head, she pulls you closer by your hips, stripping you of your clothes.

Faced with her bust, you couldn't help but leave an open mouth kiss under her pebbled nipple, sucking the skin gently before pulling away. She lets out a small gasp, letting the rest of your clothes fall to the floor. She leans down to your face, tapping the tip of your nose, a teasing grin on her lips. She lets her fingertips glide down your spine with her other hand, a shiver runs through you.

"Naughty... very naughty indeed."

She steps away and moves closer to the bath. Standing next to it, she gestures towards the steaming water as if saying "you first." Realizing your naked, you wrap your arms around your boobs and take timid steps towards the bathing area.

She puts one of her hands on your back as you step into the tub, waiting for you to sit down. Settling down in the deep tub that accommodates her size, you play with your fingers under the water.

"Don't be so nervous, love. Does it feel good?"

You look over at her only to lock eyes with her wet core, you quickly turn your head away, your heart beating rapidly. You didn't know your body could get this hot, you stutter out your reply.

"I- well I mean" you take a deep breath and exhale. "Yes, thank you."

She lets out a deep chuckle, sitting down in front of you, her legs taking place on both sides of your body. She eyes you for a minute before speaking out.

"Come here."

You move closer with the help of her hands on your waist, she repositions herself, so you sit on top her thigh. She gives you a smile, a twinkle in her eye, leaning forward she gives your lips a peck.

"You're gorgeous, you know that?"

You let a shy smile grace your face and let out a small "thank you." She pulls your body flush against her, rubbing a hand up and down your back, laying your head against her chest.

A comfortable silence settles between the two of you, your hands resting on her shoulder, your lips forms a giddy grin, butterflies forming in your stomach. She gives the top of your head a kiss, your eyes flutter shut and gives the top of her breast a small kiss in return.

She lets out a small sigh, one hand dropping to hold onto the globe of your ass, giving it a slight squeeze, the other makes it way to your hip. You give another peck to her tit, then another and then another. The hold on your waist gets tighter, slowly gliding you over the apex of her thigh. Your bundle of nerves dragging deliciously back and forth.

Sparks of pleasure shooting throughout your body, coiling up in your abdomen. Letting out little moans, you take one of her nipples in your mouth, flicking and circling it with your tongue.

She lets out low grunts and grinds you faster against her thigh. Your body starts twitching, holding onto her shoulders tightly, you scatter various little hickeys over her breasts. Your breath hitches, squeezing her thigh around your own, you bite down on her shoulder, tears making their way in your eyes.

She litters kisses on the top of your head. Your blood rushes downward, fire pooling low in your abdomen and your muscles tense up.

The bath water splashes against the sides caused by the vigorous rolling hips. Words of encouragement are whispered huskily into your ear. A shudder runs through your body, arching your chest into hers. Panting against her body, you clenched your eyes shut, tears springing free. You come undone on her thigh, crying out between choked cries "mommy."

Tender hands gently guide your stuttering hips back and forth, riding out your high. You come back down hearing Meng Yao's sweet praise and a hand caressing your head.

"You did so well."

"Such a good little dove."

"It's all alright, I'm here"

"Such a pretty darling."

"You took it so well."

Sharp teeth biting onto her lip with heavy breaths, she stares down at you with lidded eyes, assessing the situation. She wants nothing more than to grind your face onto her throbbing cunny at this very moment, but she comes to the decision that she'll let you have a break, for now of course. She reaches over to grab a soft cloth, squirting soap into it.

Sitting you up between her thighs, she lathers the soapy cloth over your body. Your tired eyes roam her body, letting your fingertips track the marks you made. Using both hands to massage your muscles, working her way down towards your arms and towards your chest. The cloth runs against your nipple, gasping you flinch back. She purred in a hushed tone.

"You're so sensitive." She pauses before continuing. "Don't you want to wash me too?"

With a nod of your head, you pick up a different cloth and begin to do the same to her. Running it along her skin, stopping at her shoulder, you use both hands to ease the tension.

She lets out sighs of relief letting her head fall for a minute, only bringing it back up to bring focus to your tits. Squeezing the rag over your breasts, she set it down to the side, running her hands over your mounds. Pushing them together and pulling the hardened bud, you let out little moans.

She rinses the suds of your breasts, wrapping her arm around your lower back and pulls your chest to her face, taking hold of a nipple in her mouth. Swirling her tongue around the pebbled bud, cupping the other one in her hand, tweaking the nipple between her fingers.

Noticing how close your knee is to her folds, you gently nudge it against her core. A gasp fills the room, her face forms into a teasing smile, sinking her sharp teeth into your shoulder, simultaneously grabbing onto the back of your thigh and pushing it against her core.

You let out a whine, wincing at the stinging sensation, she runs her tongue over the punctured wound. She lets out a sigh, spread her legs a little more and grinding her swollen bundle of nerves against your knee. She grips the hair at the base of your neck, snapping it up and shoving her tongue roughly down your throat.

Your hands fall down to one of her breasts, squeezing it between her fingers and the other trails downwards, on her stomach. Before your fingertips can meet her throbbing clit she pushes you back, against the other side of the tub. Positioning herself over you, she rubs her cunt against your abdomen. She shoves your face between her mounds, you begin to lick and suck the sensitive area. She holds your hair tightly, panting out breathy moans. Rutting her hips back and forth, she hisses out.

"F-fuck."

Your eyes widen, a softly muffled "language" is heard below her. A smile makes its way to her face, shaking her head she lets out a tsk. You feel her hips starting to lose their rhythm, she barks out through gritted teeth.

"Say it again."

It takes you a second to realize what she wants. She lets out an airy gasp as you run your finger down her spine, letting your tongue drag up towards her collarbone purring out.

"Please come for me... mommy"

Biting down on her shoulder, electricity shoots throughout her body, hips stuttering. Her nails sink into your skin as a piercing moan rips throughout the room. Your hands rub her shoulders and back as you trail kisses over her chest and up to her neck, sucking the skin under her jaw gently.

She lets out huffs of air, and you help her come down from her high. A finger hooks under your chin, your lips are brought to hers. She then moves herself down, resting her head against your breasts.

A pleasant stillness fills the once lively room. Laying together and you share each other's warmth.

You run your fingers through her hair and slide a hand up and down her back. You see no need to disrupt the peaceful energy created in the room. She brings her hand up, putting one digit under your chin and guiding your face to hers, giving you one meaningful and deep kiss.

As if she couldn't get enough.

She pulls away, gazing longingly into your eyes. You feel her heart beating in her chest, and she feels yours. The next words she utters out is said in a lascivious whisper.

"I suppose... we should continue this in my quarters."

Your widened eyes is enough for her to carry on with her words. With a gleam in her eyes and a smug smile, she chuckles.

"You didn't think I was done with you? Did you?"

She stands up, the water droplets perfectly cascade down her soft skin. Dripping off her breasts in a way that has the throbbing between your legs creep back.

Stepping out, she fetches a robe, proceeding to hold out a hand to help you out. You take her hand in yours, coming to a stand and stepping out as well. She wraps the robe around you, arms going through the sleeves, it fits in your body perfectly.

She runs her hands down your front, only stopping at your tits to give them a quick squeeze that has you jumping. She chuckles, hands finding the fluffy belt to tie around you. Stepping back to admire her crafty work, she turns her body around, looking back at you from over her shoulder with a teasing grin and with a sway of her hips she goes to get another robe.

Her ass slightly shaking with each step, you feel the heat inch its way over your face once again, it has your cunt drippings. As she turns back around you quickly avert your eyes, she quirks her lips into a smirk before dropping it quickly.

Adjusting the robe onto her body, she slinks back over into your direction. Holding your chin with her thumb and pointer, she gives you a kiss on your lips. Leaning down to your ear she purrs.

"Are you ready?"

You feel yourself clench around nothing, nodding your head with hast. She takes your hand leading you towards the door, you stop and turn your head towards the discarded clothes. She stops with you, turning her gaze upon what caught your attention.

"I will have them sent to us in the morning dear. Let us go."

Exiting the bathing room and entering the halls, you walk side by side with her. Both of you fall into a comfortable silence.

Up ahead, she hears someone coming and tilts her down to the floor. A servant you recognize stops before you both. "Oh! Madam Zhao! It is so late, I hope..." the servant stops mid-sentence, her gaze finally landing on your intertwined hands.

Following the robes sleeves up she sets her eyes on the varying marks left on your skin, she then observes Meng Yao's state. The floor soon becomes her sole interest, shuffling on her two feet, she continues "...you are feeling well." Meng Yao just smiles sweetly at the servant.

"Mmm yes, of course I am well." She pulls you closer, dancing her fingers along your back until her arm hooks around your wasit, pulling you flushed against her. "We are enjoying our quality time together."

A heat spreads over your face, remembering what has happened mere moments ago. Now you look just like the servant you have worked along side with.

"Good night, and have a pleasant sleep."

"You as well Madam Zhao." The servant bows and takes a quick leave. A smile appears on Meng Yao's face, taking steps towards her room, pulling you along with her.

With no further interruptions, you make your way to her door, anticipation building up in your gut. She opens the door for you, letting you in first. Stepping in after you, she slides the door shut, closing the both of you off from the rest of the world.

Coming up behind you, she lays her hands on your shoulders, massaging them a little before letting her hands glide down your arms and placing a peck on your nape. In the quiet you whisper out. "I've dreamed of this for a while now... being with you, I mean." There is a moment of silence feeling her lips form a smile before she whispers back.

"So have I."

Her lithe fingers pull at your belt, tugging it completely off and letting it hit the ground. The robe falls apart slightly, revealing a strip of your skin.

Stepping around you to see you better, she pushed her hands under the robe. Hands roaming your stomach and up to the under part of your boobs. Tracing her thumbs under them, you let out a small sigh at the sensation.

She moves to push away the soft material, letting it fall around you. Skin prickling, your nipples harden in the cold room. Your hands go for her belt, untying it and pushing the robe away from her and having it meet the same fate as yours.

She gazes down at you, biting her lip with heavy eyes awaiting your next move. Your hands barely hover over her skin, admiring her body under her lust-filled gaze. You lean forward to give a peck on her nipple, watching it harden after.

She abruptly pulls your body against hers. Tits smooshed against the others. She reaches down, curling an arm around your back and a hand on your ass, pulling you up, your legs wrap around her waist.

Lips connect in a passionate kiss, full of unspoken words and promises. She walks over to her bed, laying you down in the middle without breaking apart. Her kisses run under your jaw, trailing down your neck to your collarbone.

Her lips graze over the necklace she had gifted you from earlier, she smiles fondly at the memory. Continuing her descent, she swirls her tongue around your nipple, doing the same to the other. Your body heats up under hers, letting out sighs, you feel the throbbing between your legs grow.

You lay a hand on her head. She trails her kisses down, just below your pubic bone before licking a straight line-up to your breasts. A spark runs up your spine, toes curling and thighs clenching, you let out a high-pitched whine.

She kisses down the wet strip of saliva she left behind, slower this time. When she reaches just above your puffy clit she licks a straight line-up, followed by another whine.

Your brows furrow, a pout forming on your lips, you send a glare down at her, trying to persuade her. You are met with her lifting slightly, gazing sharply in your eyes with a tilt of her head and one brow raised, challenging you. Her next words were said in a low command.

"Don't try to pull that on me."

You break your gaze and whimper out "I'm sorry."

She lets out an acknowledging hum, easing herself back better your legs. Repeating the teasing process four times, dancing her lips around your dripping cunt.

She loops her arms around your underside, gripping onto your hips, pushing you into the bed. With each kiss that is laid upon your thighs, a building pleasure coils between your legs, sucking and nipping on the sensitive skin.

Finally making her way to your core, blowing her cool breath on your burning, clit. She licks her soft lips and plants them on your swollen bud. A gasp leaves your lips, hips trying to buck under her hold, she moves away.

Your hands grab hold on top of hers as she glides her tongue up your slit in long and slow strokes. Breaking away before she meets your bundle of nerves, a drawled out whine leaves your lips.

"Please, pretty please mommy."

Her lips attach to your bud once more, sucking on it as she lets out a hum of approval. A small chuckle leaving her lips, letting go to speak in a low breathy tone.

"See? Was that so hard?"

She lets the flat of her tongue meet your pussy lips, dragging it upwards towards your clit, she skims over it. Gazing deeply into your eyes with a smug look on her face, she laps at your bud.

You writhe under her, pulling at her hands, airy moans leave your mouth. Your hands find their place on her head, fingers threading into her hair, you pull at the base of her head. She lets out a groan, vibrating against the bundle of nerves before her eyes fall close.

Her lapping turns into fast flicks, saliva falling down her chin, her grunts become longer the more you pull her hair. A familiar coil tightens in your abdomen, your cry comes out in choked sobs. Your muscles tighten preparing for a euphoric high only for it to be ripped away at the last second.

You feel tears gather in your eyes, whining out a multitudes of no's and why's.

Meng Yao climbs over you, locking the two of you in a passionate kiss that is mixed with saliva and arousal. She huffs, eyes are filled with desire, grabbing your legs, she pushes them against your chest, just far enough apart to see your breasts.

You wrap your hands around the back of your knees as she positions her hot core above yours. She places her hands over your own, knees sinking into the side of the bed next to your hot body.

A sinful grin pulls way on her lips, staring down at you with lidded eyes, your cunt gushes at the sight. She sinks her hips down on yours, dripping folds meet yours. A moan is shared between the two upon contact. She gives an experimental roll of the hips, leaving both of you sighing in relief.

You wiggle your hips side to side chasing after the pleasure. Jolting together as your clits rubbed one another deliciously. A taunting voice cuts through the air.

"Ever the patient one, aren't you?"

A pout forms on your face, your hands desperately aching to be on hers, you whimper out, "I'm sorry." She leans down, laying a soft kiss on your lips. A hand is brought to your neck, squeezing the sides, you let out a moan at the pressure, your hand takes hold of her arm.

With no warning, she rolls her hips roughly against yours, picking up momentum. A moan rips through your body as you feel yourself sinking into the mattress with each thrust. The moans she lets out sends arousal down to your sopping core, her breasts bouncing so rhythmically, you just had to reach out to touch it.

She lets out a high-pitched moan at the sudden touch, with a dark look in her eye she grinds her hips against yours harder. You let out strangled cries, feeling heat spreading under your skin. Your tits jiggle oh so perfectly below her, she can't bring herself to look away, a coil starts to tighten in her abdomen.

Her pants are heavy, and her thrusts turn erratic, a signifier that she's approaching her high. A red hue paints her face, her face is pinned in pleasure.

Your back arches, a heat pools at your groin, ready to burst, writhing and twisting under her strong hold. She lets go of your neck to take hold of your cheeks, puffing your lips. Leaning down to kiss them, tears pour out of your eyes, feeling your about to tip over the edge. She pants out in a husky whisper.

"Come on baby. Say mommy, do it for me."

Waves of pleasure take over you, a white veil curtains your vision. Her hips snapping against yours, you scream out "Oh fuck, m-mommy."

This sends her into a stupor, she throws her head back and her back arches. You reach your hands up to her mounds, squeezing one and tweaking the other. She takes hold of your hands and lets out a loud cry. Cunt gushing over yours, your fluids mix together as her rolling hips slow down, helping you both come down from your orgasms.

With heavy puffs of air she lifts her sopping cunt off of yours, strings of arousal connecting you together. She grabs your sore legs and places them down with care, giving you little kisses.

She grabs one of the discarded robes and cleans your tired body with it. You wince as the fabric meets your sensitive lips, she coos down at you, doing the same to herself once she's done with you. Throwing it in the corner for later, she climbs back on the bed next to you.

The cold air helps your body cool down. Tugging you into her, your body's slots together like a puzzle. One arm is drapped over your side, hand rubbing circles into your back. The other hand is brushing soft knuckles against your cheek.

Her gaze holds deep fondness as she looks upon you. One of your arms is hooked over her hip as the other goes to hold the hand by your face. She takes your hand, guiding it to her lips and giving your palm kisses without taking her eyes off yours.

You feel safe here in her arms, you always feel so at peace whenever you're with her, but this feels different. Like you could spend an eternity here with her, in the safety of her arms. Her soft-spoken words only prove this further.

"How are you feeling?" She pauses before speaking again. "I have greatly enjoyed this, I've always relished the moments when you're with me." A soft blush has crept over her cheeks.

You smile up at her, inching closer to press a peck on her lips, you answer. "That was wonderful... thank you. I enjoy every second of every time we have spent together. I... I care for you deeply." She pulls you closer, kissing your forehead and then lets her nose brush against yours, she whispers out.

"As do I."

Two hearts beat together, wrapped against one another in tangled arms. The two of you share sloppy slow kisses, a silent promise of partnership. You feel your body slip into a slumber, Meng Yao looks you over once more, gives a single kiss to your lips and joins you in sleep.

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. ˚◞ ꒰ 🍰 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒔 ꒱ tip jar . masterist ⊹ ۪ ࣪

[sofasoap]

Lastochka - Part II

Pairing : Nikolai x F!Reader ( OC/Mini MacTavish)

Summary: This is the chance,for Nikolai, Captain of Chimera, to show his quality.  Part II to Lastochka - Little Swallow Part I ,  Interlude,Part III,Part IV,Part V,Epilogue, Night, Epilogue II, Espionage

Warning : Mature to slight E at beginning. Slight violence. Any Russian in here are from google. might be completely off. I apologise. A/N : @homicidal-slvt planted the idea of Nikolai into my brain, and @shkretart, oh lovely Shkretart, HAVE YOU SEEN THEIR BEAUTIFUL ART WORK OF NIKOLAI? and Price? and Simon? and Soap? and and and and EVERYTHING? Their art just makes me froth. Just go check it out.

My usual thanking @saltofmercury, mother of Mini, for lending me the character :) Please go and check out her fics!

“masterlist” for Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

You don’t know how you ended up in this position. Straddling him, one hand grabbing onto his shoulder,digging your nails in, the other grabbing onto his gold chain, moaning as you grind into him.

“That’s it my Lastochka, I did promise you for a good ride didn’t I?” he purred into your ear with his accented English as he grabs tight onto your waist, as he starts to thrust upwards, going deeper and faster. Tilting his head , trailing kisses and licks down your neck, until he reaches your breast, hovering over a nipple, teasing it a little bit before sucking. 

You let out a scream as the orgasm hits you. 

“You right Mini?” 

You opened your eyes, realised Soap has grabbed onto your shoulder, preventing you from toppling over onto the floor. Then you remember, you are on the helicopter, on your way to the next mission, somewhere in the Eastern Europe conflict zone. 

Looking around, all the men were looking at you, confused and worried. “You didn’t sleep well again did you. What were you dreaming of? That was one mighty scream.” your brother gave you a disapproving yet worried look. Shaking your head, you never sleep well the night before the mission. No matter how many times you accompany the boys to the frontline, you were never a trained soldier like them nor were you really supposed to be there. But somehow they wanted your expertise and the boys trust you caring for them over other medics. “Um. No. I had a bit of a nightmare..” Rubbing your face trying to wake up,not willing to elaborate any further. “What nightmare?” Gaz frowned, worrying about his best friend. 

“UM.I . Um, I dreamt that you…” you stuttered. 

“Me?” Gaz raised his eyebrow

“Yea You.. you pushed me out of the helicopter.”

You see Gaz’s face crumbling. Sorry Gaz, you apologise to him in your mind. There is NO WAY you are going to tell the truth. How are you going to tell them your damn mind and body are betraying you, lusting over a flirtatious Russian pilot???

You heard Nikolai let out a barking laugh from the pilot seat.

“Have I traumatised you so much Lastochka, that you keep having repetitive dreams about falling out,” he leans a bit closer, “ or were you dreaming about something else?” You and Nikolai standing outside the helicopter, your face heated up at the suggestive question. Giving a glare and ignoring his question before turning away to farewell the boys, each of them coming over to pat you on the shoulder, mumbling a few words,before marching off into the forest. Price was the last one to bid his goodbye, he gave Nikolai a warning look, Don’t you dare do anything to my kid ,before patting you on the head and took his leave. 

“Lady Fortuna? What is that about? Are you some sort of good luck charm to them or something.”  Nikolai muses as he overheard the boy’s mumbling. “You can say that.” Early winter wind blows over, giving you the shivers as you reply to him, you hug yourself, trying to get a bit of warmth by rubbing your arms up and down. 

Seeing your discomfort, Nikolai softens and jerks his head towards the helicopter, “Come on, let’s get inside. No use of us waiting out here for hours. I got hot coffee to warm you up.”

Taking out a flask , Nikolai poured a cup of coffee and passed it to you. Whispered your thanks, before digging into your backpack and taking out a container and opening it.

“I baked some chocolate biscuits last night. Take some before the boys come back and inhale it all.” 

Two of you sat in the helicopter cabin, sipping on coffee and eating the biscuits in silence. 

“So why Lady Fortuna?” Nikolai broke the silence, asking the question again.

Tilting your head,you thought about where to start. 

“You know Soap is my brother. The best big brother you can ask for. “ You smiled as you bit into the biscuit. 

“I look up to him. Follow him everywhere. Copy everything he is doing. But when he got into the military, into SAS, I knew I wasn’t made to be a soldier.” 

“I had to try the other way. To his dismay. He doesn’t want me to get into all the blood sheds and all the horror he has witnessed. I don’t blame him.”  Picking up your mug, you noticed it was already empty, Nikolai picked up the flask, poured you another fill. 

“Using my brain instead. I studied hard. Got into nursing, paramedicine, post graduate studies, and trained myself up. And by miracle, Laswell recruited me into the SpecGru infirmary division. Despite me having absolutely no military background prior.” 

“None at all?” Nikolai was surprised. Apart from that mid-air near misses, you seem to be pretty calm every time there is an attack happening. 

“Unless you count those amatuer training sessions Johnny throws at me everytime he comes home for a visit, or the paintball survival games I've been dragged to by the boys, then no. Absolutely none.” 

“You held up pretty well.”

“Thank you, I thought so too. Until you nearly threw me out of the plane.” 

Nikolai let out a hearty laugh. “ Still mad at me for that Lastochka?”

You pouted. “Captain said you are a good pilot.“

“Hey, I saved everyone’s ass.”

Drumming the biscuit tin after you took more out, “Anyway, the team noticed a strange trend of everytime I get deployed with them, they suffer almost minimal or zero casualties, I earn the call sign Lady Fortuna.” Rolling your eyes, “ I became an instant mascot of sorts, everyone wants me to get deployed with their team, to be their medic.” You sighed with slight irritation in your voice. “But mostly I stick with TF141, with the Captain's team and my brother. Unless Laswell gives the order.” 

“I don’t regret my choice, I get to be alongside my brother, keeping them alive, even though I believe my Lady luck status is superstitious, but if they help them to come back in one piece everytime, I am willing to tag along wherever they go.”

“Maybe I should steal the Goddess and keep her all to myself.” 

“Captain Nikolai.” Putting down your now empty mug, you turn to face him. “You know that is not possible. Price won’t let you touch me, my band of brothers wouldn’t let you do that either.”

“Well what about you?” Looking at you right in the eye, “What do YOU want?”

“….” You don’t even know how you feel about the whole situation. Your mind keeps warning you it’s not a good idea to get involved with him. But this man, in front of you, has such charisma, you can’t help being drawn into him. You just can’t seem to figure out what this man is just toying with you, or he is being dead serious. 

As if sensing your conflict, he patted your hand, “I am not forcing you into anything you don’t want to do my little bird.”  

Two of you spend the rest of the day deep in thought. 

“I am sorry Mini, you are probably the only one they wouldn’t recognise and less conspicuous amongst the crowd. “Laswell sent you undercover, as the last resort. 

She promised you that you would have someone to extract you in case something goes wrong. 

You were successful executing the first half of the mission, managing to plant the monitoring device without being noticed. Completing the second part of the mission wasn’t so easy. You snatched the data chip from the designated hiding spot, before realising there are hostile agents following you. Sliding the chip securely into your inner pocket of trench coat, you took a deep breath and broke into a run. Trying hard to remember the map of the area you work hard to imprint into your brain days leading up to the mission.

A broad figure darted out from nowhere and pulled you into the narrow alleyway.  

“Keep running Lastochka, just keep going!!” There was only one person that would call you by that endearment. 

Sounds of gunshots start echoing through the old streets,you follow the command, and continue to weave in and out of the narrow side streets, resisting the urge to look back. 

You never ever expected you would be going on the run with Nikolai. You heard a few more popping sounds and a grunt from Nikolai, you slowed your pace a little and turned your head, only to see him clutching his shoulder, stumbling slightly before urging you on.  

“DUCK!”  Quickly picking up a random object from the ground and with a split second warning given, you threw it straight into the attacker, who out of nowhere appeared from the corner of the street behind Nikolai, knocking the gun out of his hand. 

“Nice aim, little bird.” Nikolai groaned as he turned and shot the gunman.

“You are hurt.” coming up beside him, you pulled his coat aside, checking for the extend of injury. He waved you off, “ I had worse than this. Come on. There is a safe house not too far away.” Arriving at the bottom of a rundown apartment about five minutes later, punching in the code for the lock, before pushing you in and closing the door after checking no one was following, both of you made your way up the stairs to the top floor of the building. It was a very sparsely decorated unit. Old couch with a sad looking coffee table, no tv, simple bookshelves with few books, kitchenette and small bathroom and bedroom off to the side. Nikolai secured the locks on the door, initiated the alarm system, before moving towards the window, lifting the dirty old curtain slightly, peering out to scan the street.  Seemingly satisfied, he left out a huff, before making his way to where you are standing, as you look at his shoulder, concern evident on your face. “There is a medkit in the bathroom.”  Before he even finishes his sentence, you made your way into there, dug out a medkit that has seen better days. It has all the essentials in there, you are guessing there must be some sort of safehouse caretakers that goes around checking for supplies once in a while. 

Nikolai already took his coat and shirt off when you came back into the living room. He wasn’t joking when he said this wasn’t the worst injury he had by the look of old scars that are scattered around his torso. Made you think back to your brothers and members you had treated, they really put their lives on the line. Setting the kit on the small coffee table, you ask him to turn around. You let out a breath of sigh as you notice it was only a graze wound rather than a direct hit. “Not a major wound. You should be ok within a week.” you mumbled as you patch him up. 

“Told you it’s not that bad. Maybe your Lady Fortuna aura protected me from further harm.”

“ You didn’t have to put your life on the line to shield me.” You feel a bit guilty. You knew the risk of this mission, you accepted it even with protests from the boys. “ Why did you agree to be my backup?” 

“I know this part of the world well. I have connections.” Turning himself around as you finish putting the last bit of the dressing on, “Can’t let my favourite little bird be in the danger zone all by herself.” 

Lifting your head, you peer into his eyes, the deep brown orbs, boring into yours with such intensity and seriousness, you immediately duck your head down, cheeks burning. 

“Why.” You asked again.

“You know my feelings for you.”

Indeed. He has been patiently waiting for you, and was true to his words from previous interactions, he hasn’t forced you into any situation that you are not consented to.

“Plus,” He cups your face, lightly stroking your cheek with his thumb. “Soap was threatening me if you pull through this mission with one slight scratch,he will be setting the whole task force after me.”

“He’s all bark and no bites most of the time.” You closed your eyes. Your wall of defence starts to crumble. Savouring the heat emitting through his big warm hand. 

“I am pretty sure he was serious. You should see the look Price and Ghost was giving me as well. Gaz was gripping onto my shoulder pretty hard too.”You were touched that your team family was looking out for you. When you accepted the mission, you were eager to finally try to prove yourself. Not to be wrapped up in bubbles and be more useful to the team. “They baby me too much.” “They love you too much to send you into danger.” With all the adrenaline rush finally wearing off, you let out a yawn. 

“Come on Lastochka. Go get some rest. I’ll contact Laswell for exfil details. We should be safe here in the meantime.” Patting you on the head before pulling away, immediately you miss the warmth and his touch. 

He stood up, bending over to pick up his stained shirt to put back on, you walked up behind him, leaning your head into his back. 

“Спасибо Николай.” you whispered.

“Anything for you ненаглядная. Anything for you.”

Спасибо Николай - Thank you Nikolai Ненаглядная - precious

[hazshit-hotel-hater]

Charlie Morningstar Redesign! (4/7)

It’s the girl herself!!!

I could NOT stand the red in her suit so i made it a much nicer soft cream colour! I think red is a lovely colour but in the case of someone like Charlie who wants to brand herself as approachable and welcoming, a strong harsh red all over is not the way to go. The red of her horns and lower hooves and vest is already more than enough red and it pairs very nicely with the yellows and gold accents in the rest of her design in my opinion!

I always tend to draw her with this big hopeful eyes to contrast the kind of scary look that rectangle pupils give and I think it reflects her character pretty well. Charlie is absolutely a sweetheart but when angry her eyes become flatter and more threatening. She’s literally offered to kill a guy for Angel once so she has to have some kick in her, plus horns are good for stabbing! And accessories!! Like cute chains!!!!! My original Charlie redesign had her with a little apple cuff on her horn and I do miss it a little, but I think she looks alright without it too :3 she keeps it in a dresser somewhere

I’ve never drawn or designed a character with cloven hoof hands but I think I might do it more often after this. Thinking about her writing or typing with the little clicky sounds makes my brain happy and honestly walking with hooves has that special flair that heels just cannot achieve. Since she’s the hotel owner/staff she also gets her own custom little nametag like Niffty (the rest if the staff have them as well but not all of them wear them all the time like Husk, Van/Vaggie, or Alastor) I personally think Charlie made them all herself and let everyone write their own names, but she enjoyed picking colours and all that :)

Her red cheek things were a bit strange to me and I gotta be honest I didn’t like them very much so I replaced them with a softer peach gradient on her cheeks and hips to give an extra warmness to her. I want her to seem like the kind of person that can give a REALLY firm handshake and also a very good hug and talk about anything. Oh her little wave is supposed to look kind of like that weird royal wave I see those royal people do sometimes. I thought it’d be a cute little thing to add slightly-off regal mannerisms where I could.

I hope the goat motifs came through well enough, I really like abnormal legs (you will begin to notice this soon) and they really just add so much personality to me I love working with them. I wanted Charlie to be kind of chubby and soft looking hence the colour choice leaning more towards warm rather than hot and trying to use less pointed shapes with her like the little gold ball tassels on her bolo-tie. About the bolo-tie! The little gem on the inside is purple to symbolise the pride ring, but it also allows direct transport to other layers of hell. Sinners cannot use this even if they get their hands on it, but it’s still incredibly rare and valuable because of materials and such. It’s like an eco friendly private jet. Maybe Taylor Swift should get her hands on one of these! :)

And if anyone was wondering yes I did want the purple to also look a bit like a nether portal.. it was a good opportunity.

The last little details I want to note are the faint heart motifs on her ear and hooves. For the hooves it’s really cheesy but I think the metaphorical idea of leaving a tiny bit of love wherever she goes is cute and I like being sappy. The ear heart being a tear has always meant some kind of “hurt to get what you love” thing to me. I don’t fully know how to describe it but it’s not in a toxic mentality, she just does a lot of stressful stuff to get her dreams and passions going and I think shes great for that.

I plan on drawing her true form eventually and maybe showing a little animation of transformation (I just want an excuse to draw her tail again)

Overall Charlie is one of my favourites to draw and write for, shes just such a sweetie and I love her to death 🩷 she is quite literally the heart of the hotel and she is doing her best! Excited to post again later today :3 📻

[everglazes]

My Vesper is doneee!!!

just finished playing Keir's route and I'm LOVING the attitude and personality given to Vesper. And as always, i have to make fanart so of course i went the character i love most (and distract myself from the startling realisation of the fact that chap 2 and 3 is not f2p friendly.....But whatever I'll deal with that later)

I've read all those fan theories to an unhealthy degree and i love the little easter eggs hidden anywhere. i blame u @rottenraccoons for making such a great MC that rlly stands out. and of course i had to add my own into my AU's MC.

Here she is!!

meet my version of Vesper! u will have to excuse the clothing for now, i got lazy and I'm VERY bad with clothes. I've got a proper shaded one and i will be posting it later.

As u read above, u would know that i left some of my own easter eggs to reflect my MC and AU in mine. They are below the cut if u wanna know. Prepare urself, its long.

Now, my entire design is based on Vesper’s sickness, “Fractum Anima” which means “broken soul”. Now let’s start on the mask - I'm rather proud of it.

Mask:

I did some research and I found out Vesper means “evening” in latin. So I based the mask on the night sky, hence the blue and a cloudy sky in the background.

Constellations:

Next is the stars on the mask, i'm a real sucker for constellations and added 2. Both with meaning. 

Firstly, the one that cuts diagonally across the face is the Corvus, Crater and Hydra constellation. 

This has a unique backstory that follows Corvus, which is a crow, was sent by Apollo to fetch water using the Crater - a chalice. The crow gets distracted by a fig tree and spends a few days waiting for the figs to ripen. He finally brings the water-filled cup to Apollo along with a water snake as an excuse for being late. Apollo sees through his lies and in a fit of anger casts all three, the cup, the crow, and the snake, into the sky to become the constellations Crater, Corvus, and Hydra. 

My AU is that a group of people, including Vesper’s ancestor, had offended the sun god. The god then cursed them and their ancestors with “Fractum Amina” to teach them a lesson. At first, at least one child from every generation would contract the disease. But as time went on, the curse weakened and less people got it, which is why ordinary folk have long-forgotten it. Sadly, Vesper got the curse and she’s looking for lunar inchor to combat the curse of the sun using the blood of the night.

In this context,

The crow represents the people who offended the god

The snake represents the ancestors who had to shoulder the weight of the punishments 

The chalice is the terrible deed that the people did to offend the gods  

Next is the little constellation at the forehead, that's Cygnus.

The Cygnus constellation has been represented in many different ways throughout history, and has been seen as a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and enlightenment. 

This one is pretty simple, it marks the beginning of Vesper’s journey into the mountains and her new identity.

Lastly is the little gold accents where the mask has cracked

The broken mask is another way of showing Vesper’s curse and how broken she is.

The gold accents are derived from Kintsugi, also known as kintsukuroi, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. 

This marks Vesper’s self-healing or her quest for the cure to finally heal her. But the lingering memories of her pain will still remain.

Mark on the neck:

One tell-tale sign that the individual has the curse is via the little line marked upon their neck at birth. At first, the line would be far too tiny to notice, but as they age, the line will slowly grow, branching out and increasing in length - much like cracks on glass.

The bigger and longer the crack, the closer you are to death. the cracks will spread everywhere, often diagonally across the face first. The moment the cracks touch the ends of your fingertips and the tip of your toes - it's done. You are dead

And that's all! thanks for staying until here and i hope you liked my work!