#I’m sure there’s some research out there
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floraleevee · 14 hours ago
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Caveats/notes:
Many growers have reported success with “ZeroWater” filters. Not recommended if you have a lot of plants, as you’ll burn through filters quickly (but if you do, you probably already know all this). Additionally, ZeroWater filters have a tendency to FLOOD your water with nutrients when the filter is old (like, higher TDS than normal tap water). So highly recommended to have a TDS meter to make sure it’s still good. Tbh I’d just get distilled at the store, but some growers prefer this option 🤷
There are cheap RO systems that hook up to sinks. I’ve used an RO Buddy for over 5 years without having to replace any of the filters. Since I used to have hundreds of carnivorous plants for the majority of that time, that’s pretty dang good. I think I was going through ~10 gallons a week during my peak years, though am down to 4 gallons a week now. iirc it cost about $60. I don’t use the optional 4th filter, as it’s unnecessary and is so fine that the flow rate is reportedly abysmal. I will say the RO Buddy is fairly slow when using a sink - I get about 1 gallon every 15 minutes. The RO buddy generally can hook up to kitchen sinks in the US just fine, but idk about outside the US. Additionally, I’ve found it doesn’t work on bathroom sinks. You can get a cheap adapter at a hardware store for like $5, though, and then can use your bathroom.
Deionized water is good too. Most people probably don’t have access to it, which is why I’m guessing bogleech didn’t mention it. But if you work in a lab you may have access to deionized water.
Some people collect the condensation from their a/c units. Don’t ask me how, I don’t know.
Be careful with rainwater. Some roofs are treated with chemicals that over time begin to leach out. Nothing too terribly harmful for the native plants around your house, but can reportedly kill carnivorous plants.
I just want to reiterate bogleech: Not all wetlands are equal! Even if you do have a bog nearby, I highly recommend not using that water. For one, bogs are extremely sensitive and it’s generally recommended you don’t step in one if you can avoid it. I’ve done conservation research in bogs and had to submit my plans to the land manager, who came back to me and said “you’re permitted to access this small portion of the bog. That’s all I’m willing to sacrifice for research”. Because, yeah, they are THAT sensitive. Also, there are gonna be potential pathogens in the water that you don’t want on your plants.
You actually can get away with tap temporarily. If the options are “let my plants dry up and die of thirst” or “water with tap water”, give them tap. As soon as possible, flush their pots/soil with DI/RO water. If your plants are in trays/nested pots, don’t let the water collect in them when flushing. Growth will likely be stunted for several weeks/months as the plants work to regrow their damaged roots, but stunted growth is better than dead. This is highly variable between taxa, with at least one study showing Sarracenia having some of the most resilient roots (though anecdotally I’ve heard Nepenthes hold up fairly well as well).
Related to the last point: some people live in areas with really low TDS tap water. Generally, this seems to be from people that use well water rather than city water. Again, TDS meters (total dissolved solids meters) are a handy tool. The lower the TDS the better, with consensus being that ~50 ppm* is the upper limit (again, anecdotes from growers report Nepenthes can actually handle a bit higher, but those are circumstantial and I wouldn’t risk it) * it might actually be parts per thousand. My TDS meter is already set to the units I need, so I don’t remember which. Sorry 😅
I highly, HIGHLY recommend anyone looking to grow carnivorous plants read The Savage Garden by Peter D’Amato. There’s a good chance you’re going to mess something else up with your plant(s). Carnivorous plants are extremely sensitive to other factors, such as soil type and (in the event of pathogens) fungicides/pesticides/miticides. Most want more sun than you think they do. Peter’s book is incredibly well detailed and organized, so you can easily find whatever info you need. I’ve also found most libraries carry it both physically and digitally, and both types of copies are generally not checked out.
Every day in carnivorous plant groups someone asks why their carnivorous plant died and reveals that they used pond water, or filtered tap water, or mountain spring water.
Carnivorous plants cannot adapt to anything but water with the properties of fresh condensation. This is ABSOLUTELY INFLEXIBLE, there is no wiggle room, you cannot get away with giving them the wrong water, not temporarily, not even once!
The only sources for this water are:
Bottled water with "distilled" on the front label, and no other different wording, no "purified" or "spring!"
Water from a reverse osmosis filter. Not a brita filter or any other filter! A reverse osmosis filter is a large expensive system, so no filter you just plug onto your tap will count.
Fresh rainwater that has not touched soil, ie collected in a plastic tub.
Water from a natural bog, which is a very specific type of wetland and very rare in most of the world!
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so-i-did-this-thing · 1 day ago
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im sorry this might not be the place to ask for advice/help but im doomscrolling about the news and the soon to be president and im seeing so much to be scared shitless about, invasions, removal of vaccines, cost of living increases, revoking of trans rights and how it might make it all the more impossible to get the surgeries i wanted... its just too fucking scary to breathe right now what do i do with myself
Hey, Anon. I'm here. A lot of us are here right with you.
It's scary, to be sure. And I'm not going to sugarcoat the possibilities of things going south very quickly. So, let's jump into some survival tactics.
This post on burnout is a great place to start. There is a lot of overlap with burnout and the anxiety you're feeling.
Allow yourself to slow down and unplug. You are allowed to step away from the news cycle -- events out of your control will unfold regardless.
Don't feel guilty by letting yourself relax. I find it especially helpful to do activities that don't involve the internet -- I've been decorating my house, mending broken crockery, and sketching some embroidery ideas. I try to take the time to get dressed and groomed every day, to remind myself that I matter. I spend more time outdoors.
As you find the ability to relax, you'll be able to focus better on the things you can do to be resilient. Things I have been doing to improve myself and make me a better helper:
Staying on top of my medical appointments and any preventive care I can do
Working to be physically healthier overall to mitigate future medical issues
Getting all my paperwork in order, including passports
Tweaking my financial budget
Researching what estate & family documentation needs to be done to protect my relationship in case my marriage gets dissolved
Brushing up on job skills, getting new certifications to stay competitively employable
Stocking up on my medical and general emergency supplies, especially for bad weather events
Getting in the habit of mindful purchases, curbing my habit of impulse shopping
Selling things I don't want or need anymore to have a little extra money and be able to move house easier, if need be
Building a habit of fixing/maintaining my possessions instead of trashing broken things
Canceling online subscriptions and quitting social networks that make me feel in danger
Getting my personal and any queer-related files out of the cloud and onto redundant solid state drives
Downloading / printing out queer resources and buying queer art that may be banned or monitored in the future
Enjoying physical media again and hunting for old favorites
Keeping in touch with queer friends and allies and making plans in case people (even myself) need to flee
Being visible when I can and knowing when it's best to lay low
Allowing myself the luxury to dig into things Old Me would have saved for "special" events -- aka, wearing the nice clothes and eating off the fine china as an everyday thing
Shutting the fuck up, especially online, when I think my words could be used against me
In a way, I am trying to simply become a better version of myself, one who is calm & self-sufficient, mindful about his actions, and available to help those in need. It sucks that the driving factor is fear, but I intend to use that fear as a catalyst to be stronger and survive.
There is a lot to be done, but there was always going to be work, new regime or not. But please, start with that burnout article so you can jump into your own plans with new hope and energy. ❤️
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aspenmissing · 1 day ago
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ᴀʀᴄᴀɴᴇ: ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛꜰᴜʟ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ
ᴊᴀʏᴄ�� | ᴠɪᴋᴛᴏʀ | ᴊᴀʏᴠɪᴋ | ᴠᴀɴᴅᴇʀ | ꜱɪʟᴄᴏ | ᴊɪɴx || ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ/ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ-ɪꜱʜ
6115 ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ || ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴀʀᴍ
ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: ᴏᴜʀ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴀɴᴅ/ᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ʀᴇɢʀᴇᴛꜰᴜʟ. ʜᴏᴡ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ʀᴇꜱᴘᴏɴᴅ.
ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | ᴊᴀʏᴄᴇ | ᴠɪᴋᴛᴏʀ | ᴠᴀɴᴅᴇʀ | ꜱɪʟᴄᴏ | ᴊɪɴx/ᴘᴏᴡᴅᴇʀ
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JAYCE
The dim glow of the workshop’s lanterns flickered softly, casting long shadows over the polished metal surfaces of Jayce’s creations. His hands moved with precision, the soft hum of machines and the rhythmic tapping of his tools filling the space as he focused intensely on his latest project. His mind was consumed by his work, as it often was during times of pressure, and for the moment, everything else in his world faded into the background.
Except for one thing: Y/N.
She stood at the entrance to the workshop, watching him in silence. He didn’t even notice her standing there for several moments. The light music that played softly from the small speaker on the corner of his workbench filled the space, but it only highlighted the growing distance between them.
“Jayce…” Y/N finally spoke, her voice tentative, almost hesitant. She hadn’t meant to interrupt, but the silence had stretched on for far too long.
Jayce didn’t look up from his work, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Hmm?” His response was curt, distracted.
Y/N’s heart sank. She had grown accustomed to the intensity of Jayce’s dedication to his research and inventions, but it seemed lately like there was always something pulling him away from her. She stood there, waiting for him to acknowledge her, to invite her into his world like he used to, but nothing came.
“I was thinking… maybe we could spend some time together tonight?” Y/N suggested softly, stepping a little closer to the workbench. Her voice was gentle, not wanting to push him, but wanting to feel that connection again—the one they used to share so effortlessly.
Jayce finally looked up, his eyes tired but focused. He hesitated, glancing back at the project in front of him, then back at Y/N. His expression softened for a brief moment, but then the weight of his responsibilities seemed to pull him back.
“I can’t right now,” he said, his voice quieter than before, almost apologetic. “There’s too much I need to finish. I’m close… so close to figuring it out.”
Y/N nodded, understanding the passion in his voice, but it did little to ease the ache in her chest. She had seen this before—the way Jayce would lose himself in his work, pushing everything else aside until he felt he had done enough. But this time felt different. This time, it wasn’t just his work pulling him away. It was as though he had built an invisible wall between them, one that no amount of pleading or patience could break.
“I get it, Jayce,” Y/N said, trying to keep her voice steady. “But when was the last time we actually spent time together? Just the two of us? It’s been weeks… months, even.”
Jayce looked at her, and for a moment, there was a flicker of guilt in his eyes. But it quickly vanished, replaced by a weariness that seemed to settle deep in his bones. “I don’t have time for that right now, Y/N. I need to focus.”
Y/N felt her stomach twist, a sharp pang of hurt cutting through her. “I’m not asking for much, Jayce. Just… a little of your time. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just—”
“I said I don’t have time!” Jayce interrupted, his voice rising before he could catch himself. He immediately regretted the sharpness, but the damage was done. He saw the hurt flash across Y/N’s face, and something inside him crumbled.
Y/N stood there for a long moment, her lips pressed together tightly as she held back the tears that threatened to spill. She didn’t know what to say anymore. Jayce’s work had always been important to him, but it had never felt like it came before her. But now, in this moment, she wasn’t sure if she was even part of his world anymore. His ambition, his goals, seemed to consume him entirely.
“Fine,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I get it. I’ll leave you to your work.”
She turned to walk away, but before she could make it to the door, Jayce called out her name.
“Y/N… wait.”
She paused, but didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to see the look in his eyes right now, didn’t want to see the guilt or the frustration. He had already made his choice, and it wasn’t her.
Jayce’s voice softened as he stepped toward her. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I just… I’m close to something big. You know how important this is to me. I can’t stop now.”
Y/N slowly turned to face him, her arms crossed over her chest as if to protect herself from the weight of his words. “I know, Jayce. I know how important it is. But don’t you see? You’re pushing me away”
Jayce swallowed, the words hitting him harder than he expected. He had always prided himself on his work, but he had never meant to let it overshadow the one person who had stood by him through everything. But now, as he looked at Y/N’s hurt expression, he realized the truth: he had been so focused on proving himself, on achieving greatness, that he had forgotten to nurture the relationship that mattered the most to him.
“I’m sorry,” Jayce said softly, taking a step closer. “I don’t want to push you away. You mean everything to me.”
Y/N shook her head, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “It doesn’t feel like it right now, Jayce.”
The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Jayce reached out, gently taking her hand, his thumb brushing over her skin as if trying to convey everything he couldn’t say. “I don’t want to lose you, Y/N. I’m just… afraid I’ll never be enough.”
Y/N’s heart twisted. She could see the vulnerability in his eyes, the fear that had driven him to bury himself in his work. She stepped forward, pulling him into a gentle embrace.
“You’re already enough,” she whispered into his ear. “But you can’t keep pushing me away. I need you too, Jayce. Not just as someone who can fix the world, but as the person you are. The person I love.”
Jayce’s arms tightened around her, the weight of his regret heavy on his chest. He held her close, savouring the feeling of her warmth, but knowing that he had a long way to go to make things right.
“I promise,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ll do better. I’ll make time for us. I swear it.”
And in that moment, Jayce realized that he couldn’t afford to lose her—not for his work, not for his ambitions. Y/N had always been his anchor, and he couldn’t let go of the one person who truly understood him.
It was time to rebuild what had been broken. And he would do whatever it took to make it right.
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VIKTOR
Viktor’s lab was a quiet, sterile environment, lit only by the soft glow of arcane machinery and the faint hum of the chemical reactors working in the background. The air always smelled faintly of oil and metal, a testament to the ambitious scientist's unyielding drive to push the boundaries of his experiments. Tonight, however, the atmosphere was different. Tonight, it was filled with an undercurrent of tension as Viktor prepared for his latest, most daring experiment yet.
“Y/N, you don’t have to do this,” Viktor said softly, turning to look at her with a mixture of concern and determination in his eyes. He stood tall despite the cane he leaned on, the weight of his past decisions and ailments making his movements a little slower, but still purposeful. “I can run the experiment alone. It’s too risky.”
Y/N, however, stood resolutely next to him, her hand resting gently on the table where the prototype of the new device sat. It was a marvel of engineering and alchemy, a machine designed to unlock the potential of Hextech technology in ways that had never been done before. She had always admired Viktor’s genius, his drive, and his unflinching pursuit of progress. And while she understood the dangers, she trusted him completely.
“I’m not afraid, Viktor,” she said with a small, reassuring smile. “I want to help. You’ve been working on this for so long, and I’m right here. I trust you.”
Her words seemed to settle some of the unease within Viktor, but a part of him still hesitated. He had always put progress above all else, but with Y/N by his side, it had become more difficult to keep his heart and mind from conflicting. She had become so much more than just an assistant to him, so much more than someone who helped him. She had become his partner, and the thought of risking her well-being gnawed at him in ways he wasn’t used to.
But she was persistent. Her faith in him was unwavering, and with a soft sigh, he nodded. “Alright. But you promise me, if something feels wrong, you’ll stop, yes? Don’t be reckless for my sake.”
Y/N’s smile widened. “I promise.”
The two of them worked together in synchrony. Viktor carefully adjusted the settings on the device, while Y/N followed his instructions to the letter, her focus sharp. The energy in the lab seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as though the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for the experiment to begin.
Viktor’s fingers hovered over the final switch, and he glanced at Y/N one last time. “Are you ready?” he asked.
She nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Viktor flipped the switch.
For a moment, everything was still. The machine hummed to life, its core glowing brightly, and streams of energy surged through the air. Viktor’s heart raced as he watched the device’s progress on the monitors, his breath caught in his chest. But then—just as quickly—something went wrong. A burst of energy erupted from the machine, more intense than he had anticipated. The surge knocked both of them backward.
Y/N lost her footing, her body tumbling toward the ground. Viktor reached out, but his cane slipped in the chaos, and he couldn’t catch her in time. The floor was cold against Y/N’s back as her head hit the hard surface with a sickening thud. The world around her spun in a blur, and a sharp pain flared across her skull.
“Miláčku!” Viktor shouted, his voice laced with panic as he rushed to her side, his cane discarded on the floor. His hands trembled as he cupped her face, his eyes frantic as he checked for any signs of serious injury. (Darling)
Y/N blinked slowly, her vision still blurry, but she tried to focus on his face. “I’m okay, Viktor,” she mumbled, her voice groggy. “Just a little dizzy… nothing serious.”
He breathed a sigh of relief, though his face was still drawn with concern. “I should have never let you do this” he whispered, more to himself than to her. His hands shook as he gently helped her sit up, his voice tight with guilt. “I put you in danger. I... I should’ve been more careful.”
“Viktor,” Y/N whispered, reaching up to place a hand over his. She could feel the tension in his fingertips, the weight of his regret. “This wasn’t your fault. I agreed to help you, remember? I knew the risks. This isn’t on you.”
But Viktor couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of responsibility he felt for her safety. She had trusted him completely, and in that moment, he realized how much he had taken for granted. His pursuit of science, his desire to change the world, had come at a price. A price that could have cost him the person he cared most about.
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JAYVIK
Y/N had always admired the dynamic between Jayce and Viktor—their partnership, their unyielding dedication to their work, and the bond they shared despite their differences. She had tried to be supportive, stepping into their world of Hextech whenever she could, even though she wasn’t a scientist herself.
But tonight, everything had unraveled.
It started with a simple misunderstanding. Jayce had been pacing the workshop, his frustration palpable as he ranted about deadlines, council meetings, and the pressures of Hextech’s growing influence. Viktor, meanwhile, was hunched over his workbench, tools in hand as he adjusted some intricate device with the precision only he could manage.
Y/N had tried to help in her own way. She suggested taking a break, maybe grabbing something to eat, or just stepping away from the lab for a while. But the suggestion was met with resistance. Jayce waved her off, muttering something about needing to stay focused, while Viktor barely acknowledged her, too engrossed in his work to respond.
Feeling dismissed, Y/N’s patience snapped. “You two are going to run yourselves into the ground!” she exclaimed, her voice sharper than she intended. “You’re so obsessed with your inventions that you’re forgetting everything else—including the people who care about you.”
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, and for a moment, the room fell silent.
Jayce was the first to react, his brow furrowing as he turned to face her. “We’re doing this for everyone, Y/N. For Piltover. For Zaun. You know that.”
“And you think that excuses shutting people out?” Y/N shot back, her frustration bubbling over. She turned to Viktor, who still hadn’t looked up from his work. “And you—do you even realize how much you’ve been pushing yourself? You’re not a machine, Viktor. You need rest too.”
Viktor finally looked up, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “This work isn’t about convenience, Y/N. It’s about progress. Sacrifices must be made.”
The words stung more than she expected. “Sacrifices?” she repeated, her voice faltering. “Is that all I am to you? A sacrifice?”
Jayce stepped forward, his expression softening as he reached out to her. “Y/N, that’s not what he meant—”
But Y/N pulled away, shaking her head. “I’m trying to help, but it feels like I’m just in the way. Maybe you don’t need me here at all.”
The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Jayce’s face fell, hurt flickering in his eyes, while Viktor’s expression hardened into something unreadable.
“Miláčku…” Viktor began, his tone quieter now, almost pleading. (Darling)
But she was already backing toward the door. “I’ll leave you to your progress,” she muttered, her voice shaking as she turned and walked out of the workshop.
=
As the door clicked shut behind her, the silence in the shared apartment was suffocating. Y/N’s chest felt heavy as she retreated to the guest room, a place she rarely used but tonight felt necessary. She couldn’t face Jayce and Viktor—not after the way she’d lashed out at them.
Lying awake in the unfamiliar bed, Y/N replayed the argument over and over. She’d let her frustration get the better of her, and now all she felt was regret. Jayce and Viktor were trying their best to change the world, balancing immense pressure with their passion for Hextech. Instead of supporting them, she’d only added to their stress.
Eventually, exhaustion claimed her, though her sleep was restless and shallow.
The next morning, the faint scent of something warm and savory roused her. Y/N blinked against the soft light filtering through the curtains, her senses slowly sharpening. It smelled like… eggs? And toast? Was that coffee, too?
Curiosity outweighed her lingering guilt as she slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway toward the kitchen. Her heart clenched at the sight before her.
Jayce was at the stove, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he flipped something in a pan. Viktor stood beside him, a bit awkward with his movements but focused as he carefully poured coffee into a mug. The kitchen table was already set with plates of food—scrambled eggs, toast, and a small bowl of fruit.
“Morning,” Jayce said, glancing over his shoulder with a sheepish smile. His voice was soft, hesitant. “We, uh, made breakfast.”
Viktor turned to her as well, his golden eyes scanning her face for a reaction. “It’s not perfect,” he said, gesturing to the table, “but we wanted to… apologize. For last night.”
Y/N’s throat tightened, and she had to blink back the sudden sting of tears. “You don’t have to apologize,” she murmured, stepping closer. “I’m the one who—”
“No,” Jayce interrupted gently, turning off the stove and placing the pan on the counter. He faced her fully, his expression earnest. “You were right, Y/N. We’ve been so caught up in our work that we’ve been neglecting everything else. Including you.”
Viktor nodded, his voice quieter but just as sincere. “Your concerns weren’t unwarranted. We… forget sometimes that there’s more to life than progress and deadlines. You were only trying to help.”
Y/N felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, smiling despite herself. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like you weren’t doing enough. I just worry about you two. You’re both so driven, and I don’t want you to burn out.”
Jayce approached her, his arms opening slightly in invitation. “We’ll try to do better. For you. For us.”
Without hesitation, Y/N stepped into his embrace, feeling the tension from the night before melt away. Viktor joined them after a moment, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. The three of them stood there in the warmth of the kitchen, a quiet understanding passing between them.
When they finally broke apart, Jayce gestured to the table. “Come on, before the food gets cold. Viktor even made coffee.”
Y/N chuckled, taking a seat and letting herself relax as they sat down together. The food wasn’t perfect—Jayce had overcooked the eggs slightly, and Viktor’s toast was a little burnt—but it didn’t matter. What mattered was the effort, the thought behind it.
In that moment, surrounded by the people she cared about most, Y/N realized that no argument, no misunderstanding, could break the bond they shared. Together, they’d figure out how to balance their passions with their lives. And together, they’d always find a way back to each other.
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VANDER
The Last Drop was unusually quiet for a change, with the patrons gone and the dim lantern light casting a warm glow over the upstairs room. Y/N and Vander sat at the small table, a nearly empty bottle of whiskey between them. Laughter spilled from their lips as they reminisced about the past, their cheeks flushed from the alcohol they’d both indulged in.
“You’re slurring your words, big guy,” Y/N teased, pointing at Vander with a playful smirk. “Can’t handle your drink anymore?”
Vander let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head as he poured the last bit of whiskey into their glasses. “Says the one who’s giggling like a schoolgirl,” he shot back, his grin widening. “You’ve had just as much as I have.”
They clinked their glasses, the sound ringing out like a toast to their shared camaraderie. Y/N couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so much, her sides aching from their banter. But as the whiskey settled into their systems, the laughter turned into something lighter, more carefree.
It was Vander who suggested the tickling match, his mischievous side coming out in a way it rarely did. “Bet you can’t take me down,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin.
Y/N narrowed her eyes, rising to the challenge. “Oh, you’re on.”
The playful scuffle started as harmless fun, with Y/N darting around Vander’s large hands, trying to tickle his sides while dodging his counterattacks. Their laughter filled the room as they stumbled around, their movements slightly clumsy from the alcohol.
But then, in one uncoordinated motion, Vander’s hand swung a little too wide, catching Y/N squarely on the nose.
The room seemed to freeze.
Y/N gasped, stumbling back as her hand flew to her face. A warm, wet sensation met her fingertips, and when she pulled her hand away, she saw the telltale red of blood.
“Oh, no,” Vander muttered, his voice low and panicked. The buzz from the whiskey evaporated in an instant, replaced by a wave of guilt and worry. “Sweetheart—”
“I’m fine,” Y/N interrupted, her voice muffled as she pinched her nose to stop the bleeding. But her words didn’t stop Vander from rushing over, his large hands hovering near her face, unsure of what to do without making things worse.
“Let me see,” he insisted, his voice steadier now but still heavy with concern.
Y/N relented, tilting her head back slightly as Vander gently cupped her face, examining her nose with a care that belied his size. “It’s just a bloody nose,” she said, offering him a small smile despite the situation. “No big deal.”
But Vander didn’t smile back. He grabbed a clean cloth from the table and carefully pressed it to her nose, his brow furrowed deeply. “No big deal? I hit you, Y/N,” he said, his voice tight. “That’s a big deal.”
“It was an accident,” Y/N said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “You didn’t mean to, Vander. We were messing around. It happens.”
“Still,” Vander muttered, his jaw clenched. “I should’ve been more careful. I could’ve really hurt you.”
The sight of him so distraught tugged at Y/N’s heart. She reached up, resting her hand on his cheek and forcing him to meet her eyes. “Hey,” she said gently, her voice steady despite the lingering sting in her nose. “I’m okay. Really. Accidents happen. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll let you pamper me for the rest of the night.”
Vander huffed a small laugh, though his eyes were still clouded with guilt. “Pamper you, huh?”
“Yup,” Y/N replied with a grin, her usual humour returning. “I expect a warm drink, a blanket, and maybe a foot rub.”
That finally earned a chuckle from Vander, though it was tinged with a hint of sadness. “You’ve got a deal,” he said, his voice soft.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they sat back down at the table. “I’m still sorry, Y/N,” he murmured. “You mean too much to me to let something like this happen.”
“I know,” Y/N said, resting her head against his chest. “But you don’t have to beat yourself up over it. I’m not mad, Vander. Just maybe… let’s save the tickle matches for when we’re sober next time.”
Vander let out a low laugh, his grip tightening around her in a protective embrace. “Deal,” he said, his voice warm and full of gratitude.
And as the night went on, the incident became just another memory to laugh about later—a reminder of how much they cared for each other, even when things got a little out of hand.
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SILCO
The room was dim, the only light coming from the faint glow of the neon signs outside filtering through the cracked windows. Silco and Y/N stood across from each other, the tension in the air palpable. The weight of their argument pressed down on both of them—words had been thrown like daggers, each cutting deeper than the last.
"You don't understand!" Silco's voice was low, tinged with frustration, but his usual coldness was absent. He was angry, yes, but there was something else—fear, desperation—that lingered beneath his words.
Y/N’s face was flushed with anger, her voice quivering as she retorted, "I understand perfectly, Silco! You think you're the only one who’s sacrificed? The only one who’s had to make hard choices?" Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides. "You’ve built this empire, but what have you really gained? Power? Control? At what cost?"
Silco’s jaw tightened, his fists trembling at his sides. The scorn in her words stung more than he cared to admit. He opened his mouth to respond, but instead, a primal instinct surged through him. He raised his hand, palm open, as if to gesture angrily, but the movement was much too sharp, too quick. It was a motion born out of years of frustration, a gesture that, in his mind, had always been a warning.
But it wasn’t the hand that struck her—his intention never was. It was the movement itself that made Y/N flinch, her body jerking back as if she expected a blow.
The sight of her flinching—of seeing the fear in her eyes—stopped Silco dead in his tracks. The realization hit him like a sledgehammer, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach. He never meant for it to go this far. He’d raised his hand out of pure instinct, a lifetime of anger and hurt flooding to the surface, but Y/N—Y/N, the one person he allowed into his world—had flinched.
Her eyes were wide, her expression one of shock, her breath catching in her throat as she looked at him. It wasn’t fear of him—he realized that in a split second—but fear of the violence he represented. It was a look he’d seen in so many others throughout his life, but never from Y/N. The thought that he had made her feel this way broke something deep within him.
"Y/N..." Silco’s voice faltered, the anger draining from him. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest as he slowly lowered his hand, the weight of his regret crashing down on him. He hadn’t meant to scare her. He had never meant to make her feel small, weak, or vulnerable in front of him. And yet, that’s exactly what he had done.
She didn’t move, her body tense, as though still bracing herself for something worse. Her wide eyes met his, searching for an explanation that he could not provide, and that broke him even more.
"I didn’t... I didn’t mean it," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He took a cautious step toward her, his hands trembling as they hovered in the air, unsure of what to do, how to fix what had just been shattered. "I... I'm sorry. I’m sorry."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them felt suffocating, heavy with the realization of what he had almost done. He could see the tear that had formed in the corner of Y/N’s eye, a silent testament to the pain he had caused her.
Before he could say another word, Y/N spoke, her voice barely audible. "You scared me, Silco." Her words were simple, but they cut through him like a blade.
A broken sigh escaped him, and in that moment, all the walls he had built around himself—walls he had so carefully crafted to protect him from weakness—crumbled.
"I never wanted to hurt you," he said, his voice strained with emotion, each word feeling like it came from the very depth of his soul. "I swear to you, I never wanted to make you feel like that."
The cold exterior he had always worn—his calculated control, his ruthless demeanour—began to crack. He couldn’t stand the thought that he had made the one person who mattered to him feel this way. Y/N was more than just someone to him; she was the only person who saw past the monster he’d become. She saw the man beneath the anger, the man who was capable of love—real love, not the twisted, possessive affection he was used to.
Slowly, cautiously, Silco closed the distance between them. His hand reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against her arm, then slowly slid around her back, pulling her into him. The warmth of her body, the softness of her skin, sent a wave of guilt and longing through him.
Y/N didn’t pull away. Instead, she rested her head against his chest, her hands gripping the fabric of his jacket as if holding onto something solid, something that still felt like home. She didn’t speak, and neither did he. The only sound in the room was the steady beat of their hearts, somehow in sync, despite the chaos that had just unfolded.
“I’m sorry, Y/N,” he whispered again, his voice hoarse. “I never want you to be afraid of me.”
Y/N's arms wrapped around him, returning the embrace, but this time there was no tension, no fear. Just the rawness of emotion, of two people who had hurt each other, but who could still find solace in each other’s presence.
“I know,” she murmured softly into his chest, the words carrying more weight than anything else. “I know you didn’t mean it.”
For a long moment, neither of them moved. They simply stood there, in each other's arms, finding comfort in the stillness. Silco wasn’t sure if he could undo the hurt he’d caused, but he knew one thing for certain: he would spend every moment of the rest of his life making sure that Y/N never had to flinch again when he raised his hand.
And that, in a strange, painful way, was a promise that broke his heart and rebuilt it at the same time.
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POWDER/JINX
The explosion had rocked The Last Drop, sending shockwaves through the tavern as smoke and debris filled the air. No one had been hurt, thankfully, but the mess was impossible to ignore. Y/N had been upstairs in Silco’s private office when she heard the blast, and her heart sank as she rushed downstairs to find Jinx standing in the center of the destruction, looking sheepish but almost proud of her work.
“What did you do?” Y/N’s voice was sharp, the frustration bubbling to the surface. Her eyes scanned the wreckage—the broken tables, the charred walls—and then locked onto Jinx, who was standing there with her arms crossed defensively, a nervous smile on her face.
“I didn’t mean for it to go off like that,” Jinx muttered, her eyes wide with guilt. “I just wanted to... I thought I had it right, but it... I don’t know.”
Y/N didn’t have time for explanations. She grabbed Jinx’s arm roughly, her grip firm as she pulled her away from the wreckage. “We’re going upstairs, now.”
Without another word, Y/N dragged Jinx up the stairs to Silco’s office. The tension between them was thick, and Jinx didn’t resist. It was obvious that she knew she’d messed up, but she didn’t know how to fix it. She didn’t know what to say, either.
Y/N threw open the door to Silco’s office and practically shoved Jinx inside. The office was silent, the only noise being the soft hum of the air and the distant echoes of the tavern downstairs.
Silco, who had been at his desk working, looked up at the commotion. “What’s going on here?” he asked in his usual calm tone, but his eyes flickered with interest as he saw the mess Jinx had caused.
“Jinx almost blew the entire place up!” Y/N snapped, the anger in her voice still raw. She wasn’t sure if it was frustration with Jinx’s recklessness or just the overwhelming fear of what could’ve happened. Either way, she wasn’t backing down.
Jinx shrunk back from the two of them, her usual bravado slipping away. She couldn’t stand being scolded—especially by Y/N, the one person who always showed her care.
“Do you even think before you act?” Y/N’s words cut through the silence like a knife. “What were you thinking, Jinx? You could’ve hurt someone—or worse, hurt yourself!”
Jinx opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Her eyes welled up with tears, her hands trembling. It wasn’t supposed to go this way. She hadn’t meant for the explosion to be so big, hadn’t meant for it to create such a mess. But now she was being yelled at, and Y/N’s disappointment stung more than she could bear.
“I... I didn’t mean to...” Jinx whispered, but her voice was so small it barely registered.
Y/N’s frustration hadn’t dulled, but the sight of Jinx standing there, vulnerable and scared, made her pause. “You’re going to hurt someone if you don’t learn some control, Jinx. This is why I’m so worried about you. You act first and think later, and it’s dangerous.”
Jinx’s lip quivered, and she finally broke down. She didn’t want to cry, but the tears came anyway. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. “I didn’t mean to... I just wanted to... I just wanted to do something big. Something that would... matter.”
Y/N’s heart softened, the anger dissipating as quickly as it had come. Jinx wasn’t a bad person—she was a broken one, and Y/N could see that. But the anger was still there, and it felt like there was nothing Y/N could do to fix this in a single moment.
Silco stood from his desk, his expression unreadable as he walked over to Jinx, placing a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder. “You need to understand the consequences of your actions, Jinx. Not everything can be a game. Some things, like what you just did, are dangerous.”
Jinx nodded silently, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. “I understand,” she whispered, though the words felt hollow. She didn’t know if she really understood, or if she was just trying to make them stop shouting at her.
Y/N let out a long, heavy sigh, the tension leaving her shoulders. She walked over to Jinx and placed a hand on her arm, her voice softer now. “You’re not a bad person, Jinx. But you have to be more careful. You have to think about the people around you, okay? You’re not alone in this.”
Jinx looked up at her, the tears still visible in her eyes. “I don’t wanna mess up anymore... I don’t wanna disappoint you.” Her voice cracked, the weight of the apology heavy on her heart.
Y/N’s heart ached at the words. She reached out, gently cupping Jinx’s face in her hands. “Jinx, you haven’t messed anything up. You’re not a disappointment. You’re just a kid trying to figure it all out. But you can’t keep doing this. You can’t keep putting people at risk.”
Jinx sniffled, looking down at the floor, her fingers clenching and unclenching nervously. “I just wanted to do something... I just wanted to make something explode... I wanted to be... important.”
Y/N sighed, her heart aching for the girl standing before her. “You are important, Jinx. You matter. But making explosions isn’t the only way to prove that. You’ve got so much more to offer. Just... just stop before you make another mistake, okay?”
Jinx nodded slowly, her lip trembling as she wiped her eyes again. She wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come.
Y/N’s heart broke a little more as she watched Jinx retreat back to the door. She knew this wasn’t the end, that the girl would need more than just words to change her ways, but it was a start.
Jinx’s sobs echoed in the hallway as she ran from the room, retreating to her bedroom, where she could cry without anyone seeing her weakness. Y/N stood there for a moment, feeling the sharp sting of regret in her chest. Maybe she had been too harsh.
After a moment of hesitation, Y/N quietly followed after her, her footsteps soft as she approached Jinx’s room. She knocked lightly on the door, her voice quieter now. “Jinx?”
There was no response, but she could hear the soft sounds of sobbing from inside. Y/N opened the door slowly, stepping inside. Jinx was sitting on her bed, her back to the door, her arms wrapped around her knees.
Y/N sat down next to her, her voice low and gentle. “Jinx, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
Jinx looked up, her red eyes filled with the hurt that she had been trying to hide. “I just... I don’t want you to be mad at me. I don’t want to be... a burden.”
Y/N pulled her into a tight hug, her hands running through Jinx’s messy hair. “You’re not a burden. I care about you, Jinx. And I just want you to be safe. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try.”
Jinx sniffled, clinging to Y/N, her small frame trembling with the weight of her emotions. “I’ll try... I won’t do it again.”
Y/N held her closer, knowing that this wasn’t the end of the journey, but for now, it was enough. She would always be there for Jinx, no matter what explosions she caused or mistakes she made. Because, despite everything, Jinx was family. And Y/N wasn’t going anywhere.
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cursedwretch · 1 day ago
Text
What Lurks Beneath - Chapter 3
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Viktor x AFAB!Reader; Word count: 4442 Words; Rating 18+ MDNI for Eventual Smut
AO3 | Prev
CW: Some slight ableism this chapter.
My mind—the restless, wandering thing—is only half on-task. The other drifts back to the shared lab—it’s cool metal shelves and sterile walls, the bite of chemicals hanging in the air. Specifically, the fresh set of samples waiting for me patiently in the fridge, which had been procured over a couple of visits to the undercity. Waiting. Ever the gentleman, Viktor insisted on coming with each time.
The words on the page before me blur as I twirl my pen.  It’s only a quick jot away from the office. Perhaps I could take lunch there instead of at my desk. A bit questionable? But, tempting.
Unfortunately for me, Heimerdinger appears intent on giving me a stroke at the big hour of 9am instead. Breaking the silence, he asks, “have you considered presenting at the symposium?”
I let out a sputtering cough, eyes widening. Across the room, he waits.
“I hadn’t,” I gawk, “I’m not sure I have anything worth presenting, sir.”
He wags a finger my way, regarding me with a stern brow that I’d find intimidating on any other man. “I’ve seen too many a great scientist fall prey to false modesty.”
I frown.
“I have on good authority from a certain predecessor of yours that your research holds great potential, my girl,” He preaches. I pinch my nose at the term as he continues, “with a little hard work and guidance, of course!”
I tap my pen against the page, marking up the margins of the poor student’s paper haphazardly. Dot dot dotdotdot.
“I’ll think about it,” I say at last.
His eyes narrow for a moment, disappointed, before light flashes behind them. “Perhaps a private space is in order.”
I gape. That’s quite the bribe. What could possibly motivate this sudden investment in my career? “Sir I—”
“Now, now,” he repeats, closing his eyes as he walks into his adjoining office, “I won’t hear another word. Consider it!!”
His door clicks shut.
I sigh. I’d have to live and breathe my research, especially with the symposium at the end of the quarter. But I could possibly secure funding for my project. No more personal bankrolling and personal time and borrowed supplies. My nose pinches, I could care less about the competitive aspect. Progress, however…
“Sir,” my voice cuts the silence like a knife, “I’ll take you up on that lab.”
***
It’s in that very lab that I see Viktor next.
The space is a mess, as all good labs are. Half-empty boxes in the corner, a sparse arrangement of supplies scattered throughout the rest. But it’s my own, and it is wonderful. Finally able to break away from the small mountain of paperwork, I hum softly to myself as I work.
“I thought I might find you here,” a familiar lilting voice speaks.
My eyes remain glued to the microscope, the corners of my mouth tugging upwards, “I think I have you to thank for this.”
A few paces closer, I hear him shrug as he sets an object on the table, “eh, hardly.”
I look up. Standing at my side, he takes the room in with curious eyes. Drinking in each detail. Atop the desk sit a notebook and a mechanical pencil—sturdy, with a surprisingly ornate metal casing. He lifts his hand, fingers toying with the hair at the nape of his neck.
“A lab-warming gift,” he says, a small laugh escaping him. His mouth is a half-grimace, color dusting his cheeks.
I laugh, and he sharply turns, muttering something about ‘taking his leave’ as he stalks towards the exit.
“Hey, hold up, Vik.”
His steps falter, he keeps his back to me as he waits, tilting his head in my direction.
“I’m sure you’re sick of these little excursions, and this one isn’t in the undercity, so, no pressure.” My foot taps erratically, and I can feel the back of my neck heating as I continue, “anyways, I’m going to take some benthic samples from where the river is widest. I’ve arranged for a boat next week. You’re welcome to come.”
He blinks at me. A beat passes, and when I’m positive I’ve made a horrible fool of myself and overstepped, he replies, “I would… enjoy that.”
Oh. His expression is surprisingly gentle.
That’s that, then.
***
It’s that same expression that graces his features as he leans his arms against the railing, watching where the river meets the coast while we pull away from the wharf. Eyes wide, mouth parted. That not-quite-crease in his brow softening, as if he’s five years younger. He takes a deep breath in. Out.
“I’m starting to move on to biodiversity surveys,” I say. It’s an excuse to talk, and a rather lame one. I’ll take any.
He hums, eyes still scanning the coast, “hence the benthic samples.”
“Exactly,” I look over the edge of the ship into the deep dark below, I shudder, all too aware of what lay beneath. “I need samples of the less... polluted areas of the river anyways. Two birds: meet stone.”
He propped his chin on his elbow, looking at me from the side of his eye, “how soon will you return to the undercity? I imagine your timeline has moved forward.”
“Something like that. Though, I’m not sure when.” I laugh, shifting closer to nudge him with my elbow, “and how is your presentation? Prepared?”
He grimaced, but doesn’t budge, “mh, we will be. More or less.”
“How confident,” I laugh dryly.
The corner of his mouth twitches, “no, I don’t think I’ll be prepared for that until after it’s already done.”
My eyebrows raise.
“The prototype, however, is nearly ready to go!” he says with mock enthusiasm. He rubs at his chin, “I am.. eh, not a fan of public speaking.”
“Huh. You could have fooled me.”
“Funny,” he clipped.
“I’m serious. You’re always so,” I wave towards him, searching for the word, “confident.”
He squints at the water. Reading a page that’s not quite there. With another tilt of the head, he looks at me. Eyes focused, bright. “Self-assurance does not necessitate a lust for the limelight,” he says, his gaze shifting back to the water for a moment before returning to mine. There’s a flicker in his eyes, something I can’t quite decipher.
If we were closer, I’d call bullshit. Instead, I settle on a lopsided smile, “fair enough, Viktor.”
The trip proves surprisingly fruitful, save for one glaring issue: the ecosystem is under much more strain than I initially anticipated. Still, it was nice to see Viktor so… relaxed. Soft.
If I want to have a half-decent report in the next handful of weeks, I’ll need to do more faunal surveys. Measurable surveys. Possibly even find a link between the inevitable biomagnification and Piltover’s economy, if I’m really lucky. And all of this requires one thing. A knot forms in my stomach.
I’ll need to seek out Professor Haynes. Head of the Marine Biology department and God-king of supplies. A few of which I need.
***
It’s fairly early in the morning, the academy halls still quiet as I approach his door.
I rap on his office door, calling out, “sir?”
A quick grunt of ‘come in’ and I’m standing beyond the threshold. My eye’s scan the edges of his room. A mess of books line the shelves as sun pours through the window, the columns of light highlighting each speck of dust. Beige and musty. I fear my smile comes across as more of a grimace as I greet the man behind the desk.
“Ah, you’ve been making quite a stir,” he smiles up at me, though his eyes hold no warmth.
I cough, shifting on my foot, “I haven’t accomplished anything worth ‘stirring’ over, sir.”
“True.”
I tongue my cheek. Okay, I may have walked into that. Still, it stings. I swallow down my reaction.
He’s keen on twisting the dagger, “your little pet project has, at least. Especially considering the… location.”
I shrug, “it’s fairly standard, sir. I recall learning about habitat restoration from you during my studies. Why not improve our own back yard?”
His eyes narrow, leaning backward as he regards me, “what brings you to my office?”
“I need an electrofisher, sir.”
“Unfortunately, they’re all booked for the next 6 months.”
Bullshit. Utter bullshit. “Is there no way sir—“
“Do you have any idea how many requests I receive for such equipment? They’re all in use for the foreseeable future.” He waves a dismissive hand. “Perhaps you should choose a less ambitious area of study.”
I grit my teeth, the urge to slam the door on my way out all too great.
***
Heimerdinger is hardly more receptive. Supportive, yes. But intent on taking Haynes’ side—or, at least, believing his end of the story. My heart pulses wildly as I sit in his office for the second time today. He insisted on speaking to Haynes himself after the first. Citing my need for patience and ensuring me that it couldn’t possibly be driven by any personal biases. A few hours later, he returns to the office with a pleased smile, motioning for me to follow.
Of course, his idea of good news is out-of-touch:
“You will have access to your equipment in a few weeks, my dear,” he declares.
My heart sinks. “Sir, I don’t have many weeks left—“
“I know, I know,” he sighs, “but there’s nothing to be done. A little patience and you’ll see; the time will fly right by!”
I huff, standing from my chair so fast the chair rubs against the floor with a loud groan. “Thank you for your time, sir,” I grit out.
Eager to escape, I nearly run face first into Jayce’s stunned self waiting in the main room outside. I mutter a quick apology, sidestepping him as I make my way to the courtyard. My usual spot. A bench tucked away amongst the trees; perfect for lunch, fuming, or a combination of the two.
The air was warm, but a dark cloud hung low on the horizon, mirroring the storm brewing inside me. Weeks. He wants me to wait weeks? My research can’t afford it. Especially given the gods-forsaken timetable his insistence put me on. I pick at my nails as I glare out across the courtyard.
Jayce, it appears, has followed after.
“Hey,” he pants, jogging to standing above me.
My eyes shift towards him, narrowing, I give him a polite nod. We don’t often speak, what purpose could he have with me now?
“I heard your conversation with Heimerdinger,” he starts.
Ah, that.
I bristle, watching him expectantly.
“In my experience, pushback generally means you’re on the right path.” His smile is lopsided.
I blinked, the air catching in my throat. Right. He’d been Piltover’s golden boy—Heimer’s personal protégé—for so many years I nearly forgot, “you were nearly expelled.”
He starts at first, a moment of surprise crossing his features. It quickly melts into a fond smile, eyes glazed and far-off. “I was,” he confirms, “it was Viktor that saved my research.”
“Right,” I exhale. I distantly wonder if he’s always had a habit of doing that. Supporting from the wings. Guilt gnaws in my stomach.
Jayce coughs, a put-on little noise to buy him confidence to say the next words to a near-stranger, “V says the work you’re doing is good.”
I nod, shifting in my seat. I’m eager to look anywhere but his direction, choosing instead to watch the students and professors walking across the quad. Uncomfortable. Yet, a part of my heart sings. My voice comes out stilted, “I keep hearing that.”
“Keep at it,” he says, earnest, “steal a damn boat if you have to.”
I snort, “thanks, Jayce.”
He nods, eyes glued to the building over as he nods once more—towards at himself more than me. An awkward wave, and he’s returning towards Heimer’s office.
***
I opt out of larceny, for the time being. Choosing instead to conduct visual surveys, in addition to a few other benthic grabs. Which, naturally, means more Undercity visits.
We worked backwards, this time. Ending up at the uppermost research site; a calm, brighter alcove on the river. The space is shielded from prying eyes and relatively clean. As far as the undercity goes, at least. The crisp air still holding that metallic undercurrent, but lacking all the usual rot and decay. Viktor sets delicately atop a boulder, ankles tucked against it.
I watch as he scribbles labels on the sample jars, delicate fingers holding it eye-level as he writes with the other hand.
“You sure this isn’t your true calling, Viktor?” I tease scribbling notes in my field journal. Bird counts, visible flora and fauna in the areas we’ve visited. It’s a slow process.
He laughs for a second, before growing serious as the words sink on, “mh, no, biology is not a preferred subject of mine.”
My brows pinch together. “Don’t invite you out next time, noted.”
He looks at me from the corner of his eye, mouth quirking up. And there’s something in the way his eyes are glazed over that has me leaning towards him, asking, “did you study biology? When you were younger?”
It’d make sense—why he so quickly picked up on these things.  Second nature, like riding a bike.
“When I was very young, yes,” he replied. Called it. His lips form a thin line that I’m learning means he doesn’t intend on elaborating. Alright, then.
I set down my notebook, sighing as I stand. He watches me, expression closely guarded as he waits for my next move. I think he’s used to people pressing him. Instead, my fingers rise to the buttons of my blouse.
It takes a moment before the gears slide into place. “What are you doing?” He sputters.
I shrug, “diving.”
He gawks, before snapping his gaze away as the shirt slips off my shoulders to reveal the wet suit beneath.
“Relax, dork,” I laugh, kicking off my pants as well, “I’m wearing something under.”.
“I will not relax,” he hisses, “it’s dangerous!”
I shrug, crouching down to rifle through my bag for my goggles and rebreather. “Can you swim, Viktor?”
If the way he glowers at me is enough to say no, the way he whacks my calf with his cane is enough to shout it.
I laugh, “noted.”
A satisfied smirk crosses his face momentarily before he swallows, his eyes flickering from my face downward haphazardly until he averts his gaze entirely. “I’m able to swim,” he clarifies, “I simply never learned.”
“You should,” I reply, walking towards the water. It’s cold. Damn near frigid on my skin. I hiss as I muscle past the pins pricking into my skin with each step. “I could teach you, sometime.”
Back at the shore, he watches; ears flaming red as he blinks rapidly. Another harsh swallow. He holds my gaze in a way that makes me crave the cool of the water. Biting the bullet, I let myself sink.
The beneath water is tinged green, hazy—streaks of that odd oil-slick iridescence as the light refracts into columns. Errant trash from above collects in crags of the rocks along the floor. Empty. So, heartbreakingly empty. I pop back up.
Above, still perched on his rock, Viktor watches. Lips a thin line, eyebrows heavy. His fists tense and relax as I resurface.
I pull off my rebreather momentarily, “Vik? Take notes for me?”
He nods, scrambling across to grab my notebook from the boulder across from him. He blinks up at me, waiting. I dive back below.
We work like that for some time. Resurfacing every few minutes to rattle off the various species I do manage to find. His eyes flicker—concern, relief, and back again as I dive down. Finally, he speaks up, voice strained, “you really should stop.”
Whatever brief shyness was there earlier is gone as he glowers at me as I rise from the water.
“A warning, next time,” he huffed, thumb idly pressing into the palm of his hand.
I nod, stepping back to my bag to grab the towel I stashed inside. He watches me from his periphery as I grab my clothes, as well. I stand, taking a step closer. With my spare hand, my fingers slide atop his hair—incredibly soft, god, of course it had to be soft—guiding his head to face away.
“See that rock?” I laugh, breathless.
“Hm?” His voice is strained.
“Eyes there, soldier.”
He shifts, back straightening as I let him go. As I quickly slip out of my wetsuit and into my clothes, I note his foot tapping rapidly against the ground, and oh the red is back. Flaming tips of his ears that I would very much like to kiss. I shake my head, biting back a laugh as I complete the last of the buttons on my shirt.
“Okay, let’s go,” I breathe.
The walk back is quiet, but comfortable. It isn’t until we’re tucked away into the bathysphere that he speaks, “you shouldn’t endanger yourself. It would be better to borrow the supplies you need.”
I laugh, “Jayce told you about that, huh?”
“I’m serious,” he urges. His thumb still worries at his palm, skin red.
I ignore his statement, “what’s wrong with your hand?”
“Nothing,” his hands still, fingers flexing, “just gets sore sometimes.”
I grab his wrist, pulling his hand towards me, he makes a small noise of shock. But makes no move to pull away as I speak, “I won’t make a habit of it, Viktor. Though, you could argue stealing from the academy is endangering oneself.”
He doesn’t reply, instead blinking down at our hands. I keep my touch light, smoothing out the muscle in his hand, from his thumb down to where his and hand wrist me. He swallows, looking back out the bathysphere window.
“We hit a snag with our prototype for the demonstration,” he sighs, “I’ll have to ‘buckle down,’ as Jayce puts it, for a bit.”
I hum in reply. A little, selfish part of me savors the feel of his skin on mine as I see the top of the railway nearing. I slow to a near stop.
His hand is ripped from mine as the door opens, though not unkindly. He’s the first to scramble out.
On the platform, to the side, I look up at him. “Are you headed back to the lab?”
His answering look says that was a stupid question, and it’s my turn to glower at him.
“If you’re going to lecture me about putting my body in jeopardy,” I raise my brow, “you should listen to your own warnings.”
He scoffs, rolling his shoulder, fingers flexing out form the handle of his cane. “I’m fine.”
“I know you are,” I reply.
He stares down at me, and I can tell I’m rubbing him the wrong way. So I add, “it’s been a long day. You can burn the candle at both ends tomorrow.”
A beat, and he nods, sighing.
“Have a good night, Vik,” I say, patting him on the arm as I walk away.
***
Days blend into weeks—just a couple. Regardless, it feels far too stagnant for my liking. All my previous samples have been processed, and I have the burning desire to return. To move forward. It beats its ever-present thrum of a song in the back of my mind.
Perhaps I’m being a little impatient. In all fairness, it’s hard not to be, with my research being arbitrarily held hostage by a man with enough biases to fill a lake. Much like the torrential downpour that has filled the river over the past week. It’s been a couple days since the rain stopped, and the river is at its crest.
Up by half a meter, it seems.
The air smells of ozone and metal. I drop a wire with a weight affixed to it into the water’s depths at one of our spots along the river. A bit rudimentary, but easily transportable and much less likely to grab attention than lugging a staff gauge through the city would be. Careful not to get myself robbed, or worse, I opted for quick and light. A notebook, Viktor’s gift pencil, tucked into a small bag hidden beneath my coat.
Viktor, I expect, would be livid to find me here alone.
What he doesn’t know won’t kill him.
I pull up on the wire as soon as it hits the bottom. 2.8 meters. I’ll have to return again in a few days to confirm my estimate. I start winding.
“Not quite the ideal place for a tour, topsider,” comes a controlled voice from behind. Dropping the wire into the water entirely, cursing, as I turn to look; mismatched eyes meeting my own. My skin crawls. He’s dressed well, which, somehow, is all the more concerning. You don’t make money like that in the undercity without spilling blood.
“Fortunately I’m not a tourist,” I say back, hoping my voice comes across as neutral.
Eyebrows pinch, followed by the thin line of his mouth breaking into a wolffish grin. The kind that devours for sport. His head tilts, sizing me up with a snaking glance. “No, you aren’t.”
He takes a few paces, coming to stand at my shoulder, looking out at the water. “I’ve been monitoring you, you know. Topsider academic coming to the undercity, never a good sign…” his voice trails off, sign said with a taunting little lilt. Like a private joke with an old friend. He’s enjoying toying with me, I realize.
“I’m not up to anything—“
“I will be the judge of that,” he sneers, “though in this case, I do believe you’re telling the truth.”
My shoulders relax, just a little.
His answering stare is a command: elaborate.
“I’m a marine biologist,” I supply, “researching habitat restoration.”
“How altruistic,” he scoffs, “for what purpose?”
I pause, head tilting.
“Nothing comes without a motivation,” he explains, voice bored as if speaking to a child. There’s something else, though. It’s laced with conviction. A creed.
I shift my eyes away from his, fixing them on the water. “Those are my own concern,” it’s a stupid response, and one I’m sure he doesn’t often hear. Quick to add an olive branch, I say, “I can assure you I mean no harm to the people here.”
He laughs dryly. “That so? How rare.”
I swallow.
He regards me for a moment, searching my eyes for an answer. Whatever he finds, it must be satisfactions as his lithe hand is held out. As I take it, he purrs, “to finding opportunities below, then. I expect you’ll find plenty of resistance above.”
I respond with a level stare, “I appreciate your candor.”
He smirks.
“Better return soon, girl,” he shrugs, “be in touch.”
A threat?
I don’t bother replying, watching as he stalks off. I wait a few minutes before I make my own retreat. As I cross the lanes, I stare back at that neon eye hovering above us all.
Watching.
Quite the calling card.
***
The next day, I bury myself in books. Stacks of them fetched from the academy library over multiple trips sit towering across the tables in my lab. I groan, burying my face in the latest: a rather dated book titled Restorative Ecology for Acquatic Systems.
A rap at the door, and I’m smirking into the pages as I call out a quick ‘come in.’ I don’t get many visitors. Yet.
“Hey,” I breathe, looking up to see Viktor standing before me.
Purple pools sit beneath his eyes. I frown. He has been burning the candle at both ends, then.
“Hello,” he echoes with a smile. A bit of bright breaking through the exhaustion.
“You look tired,” the words tumble out before I can help it. He gives a little shrug, sheepish. God, why isn’t he saying anything? I’ve nothing to offer but hot air, “how’s the prototype?”
“Good, good,” his eyes continue scan the room, “and your research? I was looking for you yesterday.”
I cringe.
His eyes narrow.
I look down, running my fingers along the pages, “I went to the undercity.”
He frowns, taking a step closer with a heavy sigh. I start to ramble, “really, Vik, it was just one trip. I needed my research—”
I stop myself. I don’t need to defend myself on this. So, what?
“You could have asked me,” is all he says.
The way he stares down at me, rubbing his thumb across his lower lip, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, makes my breath catch. The truth spills out unbidden, “you were busy and, after last time, I didn’t want to unnecessarily drag you across the city just to spend five minutes measuring the water.”
“Last time?” He blinks, cogs turning behind his eyes.
My own eyes flicker down to his leg. Involuntarily.
Hurt flashes across his face, his jaw tightening. I swallow, the silence stretching between us. This is going completely, unnecessarily, wrong.
 He takes a deep breath in. Out.
“Let me be very clear,” he says, taking a step closer, “I do not need you to infantilize me.”
“Viktor,” I sigh, “I wasn’t—“
“Stop,” he spits, eyes burning into mine, “I am perfectly capable of deciding what is too much and what will fit into my schedule.”
I can feel my face burning—cheeks hot, head light. I push back from the table, standing to face him head on. The air thickens. “You’re a complete, utter hypocrite, Viktor.”
His mouth opens, surprise flickering across his features as I close the remaining space between us. I can feel the heat radiating off him.
“You are,” I continue with a poke to his sternum, “I don’t need babying, either, Viktor. I’m a grown woman—a perfectly rational one—who can assess risk and travel alone just fine. The fact that this is even an argument is ridiculous.”
He stares down at me, a glint of something unreadable as his gaze drops to my mouth. His breath hitches. Something hot and electric curls in my stomach.
It’d be so easy to close that gap.
“Leave, Viktor.” I sigh, sitting to return to my books, “I don’t have time for this.”
I feel frigid even saying it.
He stands above me for a moment longer, and from the edge of my vision I see his knuckles turn white as his hand fidgets and flexes. One, two, three times. A ragged sigh and he’s stomping off, door slamming behind him.
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yuufiles · 2 days ago
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skye riley nsfw headcanons 🔞
pairing: skye riley x f!reader
genre: SMUT!! NSFW!! strictly no minors please!!
warnings: one spank delivered, hair pulling, squirting (?? just capital F Freaky.. no hard kinks really, its lovey smut
wc: 1337
a/n: mighttt have gotten a bit carried away.. i just kept writing and like i dunno man this has been in the drafts for a while and i locked in today to finish it for u guys.. not really proofread all the way so im sorry for any mistakes n inconsistencies </3 hope u guys enjoy!! also this gif makes me drool aha i love you skye come back home the kids miss u
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skye’s only ever been with men her entire life, so she was a bit worried that she won’t be as good in sex as you’d want her to be.
you were quick to dismiss her worries but offered to teach her some things she ought to know, because if there’s one thing you know about her, it’s that she’s a fast learner–an exceptionally good one at that, you came to find out.
even though skye told you that she’d never been with a woman prior to you, sometimes you still think that’s false with how good she is at everything…
one time she ate you out so good– and i’m talking eye-rolling, toe-curling, bed-wetting kind of good– that you had to double check.
“skye, are you a hundred percent sure you’ve never had–like, lesbian sex?” you questioned, sitting up from your position on the bed while she carefully wiped in between your legs with a towel.
“nope, only you. seriously. i guess i’m just that good, huh?” she quipped, with the most smug look on her face.
you roll your eyes at her and lightly smack her shoulder. “whatever.”
she doesn’t tell you this but she’s done a lot of research. and by research i mean she’s watched a bunch of lesbian porn trying to figure out the positions they’re in so she can recreate them with you (oh my god this girl.)
she just wants to make sure you feel good :’(
oral
skye riley is a certified MUNCH™. she is a giver through and through, and will do anything to make you come, especially in her mouth.
my girl can stay down there for HOURS, she doesn’t seem to get tired when she’s got her arms locked around your thighs, tongue lapping at your pussy and circling your already very sensitive clit.
her tongue is the absolute fucking besttt, she can bring an orgasm out of you just with it, and you best believe it’s the craziest one you’ve ever had. your clit is also her most favorite thing to play with– your tits coming at a close second– so you can bet that she’s not leaving it unattended anytime soon.
you feel her kiss your clit and spread open your folds with her middle and pointer fingers, groaning at the sight of your wet cunt, focused on your pulsing clit. “fuuck, there you are.” she whispers. she flattens her tongue down at your hole and drags it up to your clit, then starts her slow torture of circling and circling until your senses are on fire, and dripping down to the sheets.
her eyes stay on yours the entire time, she loves watching the way your face contorts into that of pleasure and listening to you lose your mind, it gets her so. fucking. wet. she never would’ve thought she could get this soaked without being touched.
if for whatever reason you’re holding back your sounds, she’ll search for your hands, gently trace her thumbs along the sides, and softly ask you to be louder, ALL WHILE she’s actively eating you out.
“louder. please, baby,” she murmurs, words slurred against your skin. 
if she’s not satisfied and feeling a little frustrated from the day she faced, she’ll deliver a spank down to the outside of your thigh. “i said louder. i wanna hear how good i’m making you feel. got it?” 
fingering
she LOOOOVESS to give you that head and fingering combo, because she knows it’ll drive you crazy. even if she has acrylics on. you tell her it’s fine as long as her nails are clean and that she doesn’t go too hard, but the next day she comes home with a new set. 
short nails and gel polish. only. you quite literally laugh in her fucking face.
“new set already? and it’s not extensions? what’s this about, skye?” you say suspiciously.
“oh nothing, i just wanted to give my nails a break…”
you can see right through her, and she knows it.
ANYWAY
she keeps her fingers near or on your pussy while she eats you out to hold it open and to tease you. 
it feels so fucking good, but you want more. you need more. “please… skye,” you whimper, as you wriggle against her unrelenting mouth, hoping to have one of her fingers slip inside you.
“hm? what’s that babe?” she drawls, keeping her tongue on your sensitive bud.
skye is heavy on the reward system. ask nicely and she’ll treat you like a princess, be a brat and get ready to be punished. 
so if you say (or manage to mumble out), “m-more please. i want more.” your mind is turned to mush by now due to her torturous tongue.
“oh good girl,” she coos. “more? you want more?” when you start whining, she’ll go, “ okay, okay… i’m here, be patient baby.” 
she pulls away first, her pointer finger teasing circles on your dripping hole before finally pushing in, face contorting into mock pleasure as she watches it go in and out. when she decides you’re ready, she replaces her pointer finger with her middle and ring finger, moaning as she curls them against your g-spot. “fffuuck…” she hisses,
you whimper as you throw your head back into the pillow, hips involuntarily moving at the pleasure, and missing the warmth of her tongue on your clit. 
she seems to miss your clit just as much, attaching her lips and gently sucking on your throbbing bud– alternating between that and licking– and driving you to insanity.
cumming (???)
skye loves when you grab or pull her hair during sex, like when she’s eating you out. it helps her replace the bad memories and stress she associates with the habit. and she’s also kind of a masochist, so it feels good for her. she’s happy to be your anchor back to earth when you’re ascending into heaven lol
so much is happening–the sensation of her fingers pumping in and out of you, her pressing so deep against your sweet spot that makes your stomach flutter, her wet tongue aided by soft lips suctioned around your clit–it’s putting you into overdrive, all you can think about is skye, skye, skye.
she hums against you, “yeah baby?” ..did you say that out loud?
you run a hand through her bleach-blonde pixie cut and pull. you hear her moan against your pussy, sending vibrations that send you closer to the edge.
“feelssogood baby, needa’ cum, pleaseeeee..” you’re whining, slurring your words, almost incoherent at this point, but skye understands you anyway.
she knows you like the back of her hand, knows how much you love her voice, and how much faster she can make you cum if she talks you through it. she’s also a slut for praise in every way, shape, and form. so obviously she loves to praise you, especially when you look so pretty taking her like this.
“mhm, good girl, i’ll give you what you want. ride my fingers. c’mon.”
“uh huh, just like that y/n, just like thatttttt.” 
“you’re so close, aren’t you, yeah? yeah..”
“cum for me, baby. yess, fuck– cum for me.”
9 times out of 10 she can get you to squirt just like that. but even if you don’t, its still a mind-blowing orgasm that leaves your limbs like jello.
oh but how she loves when you squirt. 
“oh fuck–no–skye i’m gonna pee. imgonnapeestopstopstop.” you whine and writhe against her, but she’s got an arm firmly secured around your hips–and to your surprise, she’s stronger than she looks, leaving your efforts to no avail. 
it comes right as she detaches her mouth from you–teasing remarks on the tip of her tongue, but now forgotten as she goes to rub your clit, leaving her chest and the sheets all wet.
she gives you some time to breathe before you look at each other and start giggling.
for all the creamers out there!!! she'll slowly pull her fingers out–watching how your creamy white cum drips down her palm–and put them in her mouth.
she keeps her eyes on yours as she makes sure she cleans all of it off.
"you taste so fucking good. my favorite,"
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etchingsandepitaphs · 2 days ago
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Down Time
MORE ARCANE FANFICTION I'M NOT SORRY it's CaitVi Hurt/Comfort this time tehehe enjoy
Word Count: 2703
Summary: Vi has a couple of hours to herself, and spirals when she realizes she has nothing to do. Caitlyn comforts her, and shows her something in the Kiramman mansion that brings up an old love.
CWs: Described panic attack, discussions of war-related PTSD, mentions of death, mentions of class imbalance, swearing
------------------------
No matter how long she spent there, Vi was certain that she would never get used to the overwhelming size of the Kiramman mansion. Even if Caitlyn had said it was more modest compared to some of the other councillor’s families, she in no way believed her. The place felt sprawling, endless hallways of rooms that had taken her weeks not to get lost in. Even now, despite living there, she still found herself getting turned around.
She’d found herself with a couple hours to spare while Caitlyn was busy, and immediately she was overcome with a deep-rooted anxiety.
“You sure there’s nothing I can help you with, cupcake?” She asked, hovering in the doorway to her girlfriend’s office. Caitlyn was staring at a machine that Vi knew held all of her mother’s decades of research, and she shook her head, clearly already in intense focus.
“Just give me a few hours, and I’ll be all yours. I just have a problem that I’m trying to work out.” She was chewing on her bottom lip, and sounded slightly dismissive in a way that made Vi know that the conversation was over. It wasn’t a personal attack, it was just the way she always got when she was trying to focus. 
“Right. Okay. Cool. No worries. I’ll see you in a few hours then.” She peeled herself away from the doorway slowly, allowing the office door to swing shut behind her and trying to keep herself from being stressed out.
It wasn’t like she was trying to be clingy. Caitlyn was allowed to do things without her; hell, it was healthy for them to do things without each other. But she still felt her breath quicken as she made her way down the hall, walking aimlessly in the opposite direction of the office.
She’d been in situations that would have been the stuff of nightmares for her teenage self. She’d fought monsters, and fought people worse than monsters. She truly had very little left to be afraid of.
So why did the idea of having free time scare the shit out of her?
She had genuinely nothing that she needed to do. And while her normal recourses would be to drink or to train, she’d sworn off alcohol after her weeks in the pit, and she’d just done a pretty intense full-body workout that morning. Not having to be a walking weapon anymore meant she had to learn how to pace herself. How to think a week ahead, not just a day.
She was struggling to grasp the concept.
Having downtime wasn’t something she had been used to, in recent years. Definitely not since Vander died, but probably a bit before that. She’d been itching to fight from the moment she was old enough to comprehend the hand that the undercity had been dealt.
So she made sure that she could. She honed her skills in every spare moment she had. She got in street fights to practice, she went running to improve her stamina in case they needed to escape. She was watching her family, or she was training. Those were her only goals. For years.
And then she got thrown into Stillwater, and all of the sudden she was in survival mode.
She was almost certain that she’d never left.
Her breath was coming quicker now, and she mentally berated herself for being so ridiculous. She was perfectly safe. She had nothing to be afraid of here.
Yet her body was reading signs of panic anyway, on the edges of her mind and threatening to overwhelm her system. Her hands had begun to shake, and she couldn’t help but sink to the ground in the hallway, back pressed to the wall. She felt dysfunctional and childish; she shouldn’t have to rely on her girlfriend to give her tasks. What happened to having hobbies? She was certain that she’d had hobbies once, hadn’t she? Things that she wanted to accomplish with her time, before it had all been overcome with war?
She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, trying to calm herself down. She didn’t even know what she was freaking out about, truly. Was she honestly that upset about not having anything to do? She could go take a nap, for fuck’s sake. This wasn’t that big of a deal.
But her brain wouldn’t listen to any of that, not once the panic attack had started. All she could do was sit on the floor and unravel while she waited for her mind to get its bearings. She only hoped that nobody would —
“Vi? What’s wrong?”
Fuck.
She moved her hands away from her eyes and saw a very concerned looking Caitlyn Kiramman at the end of the hall. Caitlyn rushed over to her side instantly, clearly scanning her body for physical injury as Vi was overcome with an undue feeling of embarrassment.
Of course she’d find her like this. Of course.
“Did something happen? Are you okay?” She seemed to have concluded that there were no external signs of damage, and Vi just shook her head slightly as she attempted to breath well enough to speak.
She held up a finger signaling for Caitlyn to wait a second, and she gave her the space she needed, watching in concern as Vi forced air in and out of her lungs. After a moment, Caitlyn joined her, sitting up against the wall next to her girlfriend and taking in calming breaths.
Vi had no idea how long they sat there like that. How long it took for the fog in her mind to clear and for her thoughts to unscramble themselves. Only that when they did, she was overcome with the urge to cry.
Caitlyn seemed to notice that she’d calmed down, because she turned to her again, lightly placing a hand on her leg to get her attention. Vi flinched a bit, refusing to look at her for a second before Caitlyn spoke.
“Did I do something wrong?” She asked, and Vi’s heart broke at the concern in her voice. She turned to her instantly, shaking her head.
“No, no, it wasn’t anything you did. I just… got overwhelmed. For a minute.” It was a bullshit explanation, and they both knew it. But Caitlyn just gently wrapped an arm around her girlfriend, allowing Vi to fall into her embrace.
She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t help it. Her body relaxed instantly, tears running down her cheeks as she let her head rest on Caitlyn’s shoulder.
“I don’t think… I don’t think I know how to be a person anymore,” She said, struggling to get the words out, voice choked with emotion. She had a hard time crying around other people, but that had long since gone out the window with Caitlyn. At this point, they’d both seen each other cry enough that they were well aware of what the other one needed.
And Vi just needed to get it out of her system. She pulled herself back together pretty quickly as Caitlyn gently ran her fingers through her cropped hair, but she still didn’t move from her girlfriend’s arms even after the tears had stopped. She just sniffled, feeling suddenly exhausted.
“What do you mean, you ‘don’t know how to be a person’?” Caitlyn asked once her crying had slowed. Vi just sighed, shaking her head.
“I don’t know. I’m being ridiculous.”
“Hey,” Caitlyn said, tilting Vi’s chin up so she was looking her in the eye. “If it’s impacting you, it’s not ridiculous.”
She nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “I’m pretty sure I haven’t had free time since before Vander died. Before… all of this. I don’t know what to do with myself now.”
“Oh, darling…” She was clearly thinking hard for a second, nodding to both herself and Vi. “I had a similar experience after my mom died. Everything in my mind was war, and anything that wasn’t didn’t feel like it had any place at all.”
“Exactly. And now that it doesn’t all have to be war… it’s like I don’t know how to be a regular functioning adult anymore.”
She felt Caitlyn’s arms tighten around her, and both women sat there in silence for a second, thoughts racing. Finally, Caitlyn spoke again.
“Well, what did you like to do? Before, I mean.”
Vi laughed a bit. “Hell, Cait, I was like ten. I don’t even know if I remember.”
Caitlyn laughed as well, before shaking her head. “Okay, then what did you wish you could do when you were a kid? Like, when you had free time, what did you want to do?”
“I mean, I’ve always genuinely loved boxing…”
“But aside from that. I know you love boxing and that’s great, but that’s also a survival tactic. What sounded like it would be fun to do, if you were able?”
She thought about it for a minute before her mind was drawn back to the job they’d done that started all of this. When she broke into Jayce’s lab, and the first thing she’d run to was the bookshelves lining the wall.
“I’ve always wanted to get more into reading. We didn’t have a ton of access to paper books in the undercity, but I remember when I was little devouring whatever my parents could get their hands on.”
She looked over at Caitlyn to see her grinning, a slightly mischievous smile that made Vi’s stomach flip. “Well in that case, I have something you’re going to be very excited to see.” She unwrapped her arms from around Vi’s frame, before asking, “Can you stand?”
“Yeah, I’m all good now.”
She rose to her feet, holding her hand out to help her girlfriend up and remembering the first time they were in this position. On the streets of Zaun, right after Vi had been stabbed. The first of many times that she had called her “cupcake.”
That felt like a thousand years ago now.
Still, she shook off her reverie as she felt Vi’s hand firmly in her’s, pulling her to her feet and quickly taking off in a brisk walk down the hall. Vi jogged a little to catch up, watching Caitlyn with a wary enthusiasm.
“Cait, where are we going?” She asked. Caitlyn just grinned again.
“You’ll see!”
They turned the corner to a hallway that Vi had never seen before, and were soon standing in front of a pair of double doors. Caitlyn was practically bouncing on her feet now, and she looked over at Vi excitedly.
“Are you ready?” She asked. Vi just raised an eyebrow at her, trying to act concerned even as a small involuntary smile flickered over her face.
“I think so?” She replied, the answer taking the form of another question. If Caitlyn noticed though, she didn’t care, just throwing open the doors in front of them to reveal the most beautiful room Vi had ever set eyes on in her life.
Just when she thought that Kiramman mansion couldn’t get any nicer, all the air left her lungs as she walked through the doorway and into an ornate library. Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books lined the walls, and she wondered to herself how anybody could possibly read all of these in their lifetime.
And her second thought was of how badly she wanted to try.
She didn’t say any of this to Caitlyn though, of course. Instead, she just smacked her arm and said, “You fucking people have way too much money.”
“Hey, don’t look at me! I didn’t build the house.” She put her hands up in defense, even though it was clear that Vi’s tone was lighthearted. She still wasn’t really sure if she was truly upset or not when she marveled at Piltover’s wealth. There was a strange sense of guilt that ate at Caitlyn every time she mentioned it, despite the fact that these were simply positions they were both born into.
“How…” She was snapped out of her thoughts by Vi’s breathless exhalation, the two of them having now moved into the middle of the room so that her gaze could trace every single shelf. “How many are there?”
“Oh god, I have no idea. A lot. Some of them are my parents’, but a lot of them belonged to my grandfather as well. He was quite the collector.”
“But they all belong to your family?” Vi asked, hardly able to believe it. Caitlyn just nodded. She had never viewed the library as mundane, but she was relishing in seeing it through new eyes. Recognizing just how beautiful it truly was.
“And you can read every single one of them, if you want to,” Caitlyn said, and Vi’s gaze snapped to hers. She was grinning like an idiot now, and it made Caitlyn’s heart melt.
“I cannot believe I’ve been here for two weeks now and you haven’t shown me this yet,” She remarked, her tone carrying a joking accusation. Caitlyn just laughed.
“I didn’t know you were passionate about reading! And also, in my defense, we were both a little bit preoccupied.” The cleanup and restoration efforts after the fight with Viktor and The Arcane had been immense, and were nowhere near done yet. This was just the first time that either of them had had even an hour of downtime.
Vi just laughed, though her expression turned a bit more solemn with the reminder of everything that had happened over the past few weeks. Still, the shine in them wasn’t dimmed as she looked at the room around her. “So… you’re sure you don’t need help with anything?”
Caitlyn laughed too, and she shook her head. “Nope. Nothing. I’ve got it all taken care of, and you’re welcome to spend as much time in here as you want.”
Vi grinned, pulling her girlfriend in for a kiss. When they broke away, both of them were smiling. “Thank you so much.”
“Of course. I’m just glad that I could help.”
“You always help,” Vi said, a sincerity in her voice that made Caitlyn’s eyes water.
“I love you,” She said, pulling her in for another kiss before Vi could get a word out. She laughed when they broke apart again.
“I love you too, cupcake.”
Caitlyn took her leave from the library after that, leaving Vi to stand there marveling at her family’s collection. For a moment, she wasn’t even sure where to start. The shelves didn’t appear to be labeled in any particular organization system, and none of the titles sounded very familiar.
Until her eyes caught on a book that dragged up a memory she had completely forgotten that she even had.
“Holy shit,” She exclaimed under her breath, pulling it out and assessing the cover. It was in significantly better condition than the copy that she’d had as a kid, but the memory was vivid all the same. She opened it up, thumbing through the pages as scenes came rushing back to her.
Her ninth birthday, when her parents had given her a small package. It was her favorite gift she had ever been given. She read the entire thing that night, and then the next day she read it again, and again, sitting curled up in a corner booth at The Last Drop as she devoured the pages until they were practically falling apart. She’d lost it at some point in the move from her parents’ house to Vander’s after they were killed, and the loss devastated her.
And now she had it in her hands again.
It was a children’s book. It wasn’t like it was the peak of literature. With all the books in this library, she could surely find a better one. But at that moment, there was nothing she wanted to read more.
 She held it tightly in her hands like it would slip away again, moving over to one of the armchairs in the corner of the room. Surrounded by books, nestled into a safe spot in the Kiramman mansion, she allowed herself to relax for what felt like the first time in years. She opened the cover.
And she felt the warmth of home.
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detta-pica · 2 days ago
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Suguru sits still and kind of tense for a moment, then slumps sideways against the back of the sofa, sighing. “How did you even make it here, if you can’t see?” It’s a good question. Satoru has surprised himself with his ability to traverse the streets of Tokyo at night. The disgustingly sentimental part of him that he generally tries not to listen to these days insists that he’ll always find his way to Suguru, no matter what. More realistically, he knows the city well, has (had?) excellent spatial awareness and memory, and so he didn’t really need his eyes for navigation. “I followed my nose,” he says nonsensically, sniffing loudly for good measure. It’s not fully a lie. Once he got close to Suguru’s building, he found that he could, in fact, detect the faint, unmistakable scent of Suguru’s cursed energy. It’s so unique, the way it smells, the way it looks, swirling near Suguru’s stomach, smoky, malicious, like Suguru has to be careful to keep it contained. It’s always been like this. It makes Satoru feel safe. As if he’s read Satoru’s thoughts, Suguru changes his demeanor. It’s subtle, especially when all Satoru can see is his cursed energy, but the atmosphere, the vibe, definitely shifts. Satoru has a sixth--uh, seventh sense for that sort of thing. “Don’t you think coming to me was maybe not the smartest move?” Suguru asks softly. And, sure, there is a small possibility that Suguru might use this as an opportunity to take over jujutsu society or something. But if that’s the case, Satoru would rather know right away, and also, Suguru might as well end him, then, because he doesn’t want to live in a world in which--yeah. It’s all the same, in that way. “It was you or becoming a hunter-gatherer halfway up some mountain,” Satoru says honestly. “Or a remote island, maybe, but an island I could swim to probably doesn’t count as remote, does it?” “I’m gonna make you eat so many vegetables,” Suguru threatens. “And you’d better not grumble, because I will strangle you if you make the girls think peas are gross or something.” Satoru finishes his tea quickly, waves his mug at Suguru until he takes it, then wilts, all the tension leaving his body until he’s mostly horizontal, head propped up awkwardly by the arm of the sofa. He gets to stay. He’s not gonna die, and maybe the entire jujutsu society won’t be thrown into chaos. “Hey, no. You can noodle out in bed.” Satoru blinks behind the sleep mask. “Your bed?” “I don’t have room for an extra futon, so yes. Trust me, this sofa is not big enough.” That sounds like a only one bed situation, and Satoru is so down.
Another excerpt from Pathways for WIP Wednesday. This fic is so weirdly difficult to write. First it was research forcing me to slow down, and now it's the (very) dubious morality that's making me reconsider some things. I am making progress, though.
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ridox · 6 hours ago
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A Theory on Caleb and MC’s dynamics —
Now that our beloved Pilot is back from the dead with a new preview I have several theories regarding his and MC’s past involving Ever
(I’m also back with theorizing this year now that we’re finally getting main story progression and updates!)
All theories under cut! 🦾
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What struck me the most about the preview was the line “They are the optimal weapon for destroying one another.”
Alongside the information we got that Caleb’s EVOL is classified as gravitational combat.
We already know that Grandma was a former researcher for EVER that adopted both Caleb and MC after the experimentations done to them. Whether it was green lighted by EVER or not is not entirely sure yet but we could infer that EVER didn’t mind so long as MC was with Caleb and Grandma (more so Caleb). Why?
I think Caleb was sculpted by EVER to be MC’s demise if her EVOL goes out of control. He was made as a Plan B if their efforts to suppress her EVOL did not work.
MC is essentially carrying the power of a planet’s core inside of her (re: see Xavier’s myth regarding MC and her role in saving Philos). EVER wanted to make sure that if things ever go south they would have an asset behind them that could take out the threat.
And the closest asset they have to her is Caleb himself. Too much gravitational pull could make a planet collapse in on itself. MC’s Anhaunsen Class EVOL could be the push that Caleb’s EVOL needs to trigger that. Except he doesn’t want to kill MC, he’s grown to attached to her and have been keeping her in the dark when it comes to his space missions as a feeble attempt to save her.
EVER has had their eyes on MC since she was a child, but she didn’t became a liability until the supposed guardians the company assigned to her mysteriously died. But we now know that Caleb isn’t actually dead.
Of course, it only makes sense that EVER is going to save him. He’s their only weapon against MC should she decide to awake her full power and wage a war against them. Caleb is the only LI linking them to her because all the other LI’s have grudges against EVER.
Case in point:
- Xavier doesn’t trust Ever for experimenting on Wanderers. It’s also been suggested that former backtrackers who formed a grudge against their prince for ‘abandoning them’ has made it known that they’re also out of MC and possibly even started working with the company to annihilate her.
- Zayne doesn’t trust Ever for their involvement in practicing dubious medicine involving protocores. One of his specialties as a doctor is dealing with symptoms of protocore syndrome and from his branch we were able to see just how much distrust and disdain he has for these people.
- Rafayel’s involvement is hazy but possible that he has some inkling of a doubt about the experiments Ever has been doing behind closed doors. He’s a possible asset to them after all if they get him. Former God of the Sea and one of the few remaining Lemurians alive today. We also know he made a deal with a representative of Ever during the auctions so there’s no doubt he actually knows their shady business on the side.
But this is where it gets interesting for me!
Sylus has direct contact with Ever in the N109 Zone and he has all the reason to involve himself in their business after they involved him in theirs. We know Sylus was gone for an unnamed amount of time and within that timespan the two explosions had happened. They pinned it on Onychinus afterwards to take advantage of Sylus’ missing status.
It also just make sense that once he got a wind of it, he’s going to investigate what really happened. Sherman was most likely bought off by Ever to do their dirty work in the N109 Zone and possibly to kidnap MC once they got wind that she’ll be at the auction. I feel like through those series of events Sylus was able to find out that Caleb was in fact still alive and has been tasked to get MC back to Ever’s hands.
Alas! These are all merely theories. I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts. I’m so excited for the Main Story Update more than anything.
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morningsharksworld · 2 days ago
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How does Hazard feel about sharks? As a marine science major, and shark lover, I always wondered that. Heck, it’s in your name! Morning shark! What kinda shark would he like? 🤔💭🦈
A/N: ANON I WILL SMOOCH YOU, IVE BEEN WAITING ALL MY LIFE FOR THIS (I’m using some of my shark knowledge on this so please do let me know if I get anything wrong)
Hazard and Sharks
- Initial Reaction to Your Love for Sharks
When you first mention your love for sharks, Hazard gives you a cheeky grin. "Sharks, aye? Could’ve gone fer somethin’ soft an’ fluffy, but nah, ye pick the sleek, deadly ones. Proper choice, I’ll give ye that." He’s not entirely sure why you’re so obsessed, but he’s entertained by your excitement.
- Listening to Your Rambling
Hazard secretly loves when you ramble about sharks, even if he acts like it’s no big deal. He’ll sit back, arms folded, and listen with an amused smirk. "Aye, go on, tell me aboot this ‘cookie-cutter’ shark again. Sounds like somethin’ out o’ a horror flick. Perfect fer ye, eh?" He might tease you, but you know he’s hanging on every word.
- His Secret Admiration for Sharks
As time goes on, he starts to get genuinely interested. He researches sharks on his own, just so he can impress you. "Did ye ken thon basking shark’s the second biggest fish in the sea? And it’s got nae teeth fer biting—just filters its food. No bad fer a gentle giant, eh?" He tries to play it cool, but he loves the way you light up when he gets it right.
Of course, he still loves teasing you. "So, if I paint myself grey an’ start swimmin’ in circles, d’ye reckon I’d be yer favorite shark? Or is the goblin shark still beatin’ me out?" He calls you "Shark bait" when you start rambling too much, but you know he finds it endearing.
- Hazard’s Favorite Shark
One day, while you’re talking about sharks, Hazard interrupts with a surprisingly genuine statement: "Ye ken what? I reckon the goblin shark’s my favorite. Look at that ugly bastard—looks like it crawled out o’ the deep tae scare folk silly. I like its style." He loves how weird and intimidating it is, and he insists it suits his vibe. "We’d make a good team, me an’ a goblin shark. Both mysterious, both deadly, aye?"
- His True Feelings About Sharks
Hazard eventually admits he respects sharks a lot. "Folk think they’re just teeth an’ terror, but they’re clever bastards. They know what they need an’ go after it. None o’ this faffin’ aboot—just straight tae the point. S’how I try tae live, tae be honest." He sees a lot of himself in them, which only deepens his appreciation.
Hazard finds your love for sharks endlessly fascinating because it shows how much you care about strength, survival, and beauty in the unexpected. "Ye see somethin’ in them that most folk miss. That’s what makes ye special, ye know? Ye’ve got a way o’ finding the good in things folk reckon are just trouble." He admires that about you, and it makes him want to see the world the way you do.
EXTRA:
- He now owns a BLÅHAJ named Duke Spike the third (it is his first plush, he named him the third to sound fancy) who he now sleeps with peacefully and comfortably…but he’s not telling anyone that :].
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thecaptainsdeck · 1 day ago
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Captain_CumShot
Chapter 2 - Tier III Summary: You treated yourself to a tier upgrade. Looks like you've got a message!
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Admin: Thanks for upgrading your subscription to Tier III! The Captain will want to thank you personally ~ drop your next available hour slot and we’ll set it up. You: 10 PM Admin: Talk to you soon ~
10:00 PM
Captain: Hey doll. I’ve seen your likes and comments around here for a while and I’m chuffed that you finally upgraded. What changed?
You: Truthfully, I challenged myself to save up so I can really treat myself when I felt I needed it. Especially after the last year and four months at work.
Captain:…
Captain: You waited ONE YEAR and FOUR MONTHS before you felt like you needed a break?
Captain: I’m flattered you’ve chosen me as your reward but gat damn girl. You need to treat yourself more often.
Captain: What the hell do you do for a job??
You: I’m an accountant at a small but valued firm, so we’re kind of just always busy! Especially at tax time which is ALMOST over. So I spoiled myself a few days early.
Captain: Congratulations ~ Do you work in a stuffy office with a buncha dorks?
You: Well I wouldn’t say dorks and it’s not a closet! I work in an office building with maybe less than 50 other people. I have a corner office so yay for small wins!
Captain: Aye that’s the least they can do fer’ya!
Captain: Do they make you dress business professional like you’re gonna meet the president every day or is it a normal place that lets you dress like a human being?
You: Haha, nothing so refined. Business casual for the most part, Fridays we can wear jeans, and sometimes during the seasons they’ll do a morale boosting themed clothes week thing.
Captain: 🤔
Captain: Does anyone enjoy that?
You: Some do, some don’t. The bosses buy a big lunch spread though so it’s not all bad.
Captain: Tell me, are the morale boosting bits mandatory?
You: You’re not required to dress up. They don’t technically say you have to be at the luncheon but they do have someone sweep the desks to make sure no one is still working. I think they legitimately think they’re providing a “break” for us but like, a paid lunch hour would be a thousand times better.
Captain: Bet.
Captain: You ever skipped it all together? Just said fuck it and hid on the roof to scroll on your phone and eat lunch?
You: Sometimes my car! We have a secure parking garage and its air conditioned so it’s quiet and not boiling hot.
Captain: Hooray for small victories.
Captain: Have you ever gotten uncomfortably turned on enough that you’ve escaped to your car to get relief?
You: 😳
You: Maybe once or twice. I’m always afraid of getting caught.
Captain: I’d make sure we wouldn’t.
Captain: See I personally fucking hate it when instead of just paying people more, employers make their people do a whole dog and pony show. Leave people alone!
Captain: This is literally a crime.
Captain: If you’d let me, I’d come and save you from those stupid lunches.
You: 🤔
You: I wouldn’t hate that!
You: Not sure you could pull it off though, you would garner a lot of attention just from standing, you’re just that attractive 👉👈🥺
Captain: Relax, I’m nothing if not professional. Want to hear my grand scheme that I cooked up, just now?
You: Oh go right ahead!
Captain: I’d start by doing research into your company and get the lunch reservation details of these luncheons. I would then pose as an employee dropping off the food order/doing set up and while everyone is gathering, I would linger a little, totally incognito, and slip out to find your office if you haven’t already entered the room.
Captain: Should I continue? I’m really proud of this scheme actually.                           
You: Please, I wonder how you plan to get away scot-free and not get me fired!
Captain: You’d not only get fired – you’d get off, repeatedly and it would be a seasonal thing cause I’d never get caught. I think it would be a professional bonus because then you’ll be so satisfied at work, you might even get a promotion or pay raise or some shit😏
You: This I gotta hear
Captain: Where was I?
Captain: Just kidding
Captain: I would then smuggle you to the parking garage under the guise that you’re my ‘job equipment’ or whatever, and then, I’d take you to your car. Ideally, I can convince you to get in the van I rented as part of my infiltration disguise so I can actually sit and stand without breaking my neck. The windows are blacked out, I keep anchors and blocks on the wheels to keep it stable, and then I rock your fucking world.
Captain: Still with me?
You: I am
Captain: You’re probably thinking, ‘but if you’re as beastly as I think you are, won’t I be screaming my brains out?’
You: I was!
Captain: As a professional content creator – amongst other trades – I know a thing or two about sound proofing. There’s always a gag if you’re into that.
You: I could be persuaded…
Captain: I have a lot of things I’d like to persuade you to do in there.
Captain: Do you normally participate in the themed clothes or do you keep it professional?
You: I don’t usually, not really my thing.
Captain: I see.
Captain: Back to my scheme ~
Captain: After I’ve successfully fooled everyone and have you in my clutches, I’d take you to my van where you can have a lunch break actually worth attending.
Captain: I would first take off my disguise and reveal that it was me all along! After you get over your initial surprise, I’d ask you what you’re hungry for.
You: Oh I get options?
Captain: Hell yeah doll. Your choices can range anywhere from a quick snack to a mega meal.
You: Do the options change too?
Captain: I don’t believe in constraints. Unless they’re kink-related.
Captain: I think since you’re the kind of doll that doesn’t splurge too much on ‘erself, I’d start you off with a ‘left no crumbs.’
Captain: What that entails is me, sitting you all pretty like on a seat cushion, starting ngwith something soft and sweet. Kisses up the arm, on the neck, slow, building up anticipation. I’d tease you over your clothes, petting your kitten until I feel your wetness through the fabric.
Captain: Pepper your body with kisses and bites to keep you on edge. When I have you down to just your undergarments, I’d sit you in my lap. Spread your thighs open. Start rubbing your pussy until you’re leaking all over my hand. I’ll let you have a quick orgasm, a small and sweet one. But don’t think we’re done.
Captain: I might take my pants off to feel you a bit better. Push you down on my hard-on as I wrap an arm around your waist to keep you still. I’ll use my free hand to play with your pussy again. Rubbing you, flicking you, lightly smacking you, rubbing your clit, finger fucking you. Rub my big dick against your trembling body to make you even more sensitive.
Captain: Since you only have an hour, I’ll make sure you look presentable before you go back to the office. Where you can spend the rest of the day sitting in the mess I’m going to leave. How does that make you feel?
You: I’m…speechless, in a good way…Shit that’s really hot. It makes me feel devious, a bit dirty, like I really want to do it.
Captain: Damn and I haven’t even finished telling you what’s included in your lunch?
You: 🤐
You: Please forgive me
Captain: I could never stay mad at you doll.
Captain: As I was saying ~
Captain: I can’t let you leave your break without feeling fully satisfied.
Captain: Before you go, I’d spend some time with you against the van wall. If you’re into it, I can use rope to help keep you standing. I encourage it, you’re gonna need it.
You: I’m into it, I’m into it 🤤
Captain: Heh. Freak.
Captain: I’d keep you still and propped up, putting your blouse on, keeping my lipstick stains and bites hidden underneath. I’d pull your panties and bottoms over your ankles, slide your soaked underwear up your thighs…
Captain: And give you dessert.
You: What am I having??!
Captain: Me.
Captain: I’d pull your panties up your thighs but not put them on entirely. Leaving them maybe a few inches from your twitching pussy. Then I’d finally let you see my cock.
Captain: Do you want to touch it?
You: Yesss🥺please let me touch.
Captain: Don’t worry you’ll be feeling it.
Captain: I’ll prod my cock against your clit, slide it up and down your puffy lips, maybe push in a little bit.
Captain: After I get it nice and wet with you, I’d stand in front of you and fuck your body. I won’t go in in, I’ll slide in between your desperate lips, make you clench over my cock with your needy pussy, I’ll hit your delicious ass cheeks, pull back out and rub against your clit until you’re crying.
You: Oh my fucking god.
Captain: I’m not done.
Captain: While I do this, I’ll rub my thumb down on your clit, and I won’t stop until you’ve cum over my cock, frustrated yet relieved.
Captain: But don’t be disappointed just yet because the next part is my favorite part.
Captain: As you’re coming down from your orgasm, I’ll finish myself off. Jerking myself in front of you and finishing right on your cunt.
You: 🥵
Captain: Yeah.
Captain: I’d milk my length to cover you, watching it drip from your vulva and trembling lips down to your underwear and thighs. Whatever falls further down I’d wipe with my thumb and make you lick it off.
Captain: Then I’ll pull your panties up nice and high, make sure they sit on your hips just right, don’t want any of me to spill out. For good measure, I might even rub your underwear against you some just to smear it in you some more.
Captain: I love cum play.
Captain: I’ll pull up your bottoms, wipe your tears, and send you away with a kiss on the cheek and a slap on the ass.
Captain: How does that sound doll?
You: I would fucking die!!! I want this so bad fuck why would you DO THAT TO ME?!?🥵🤤 FUCK! You’re so hot, all I want is to touch you and be touched by you😩
Captain: Are you touching yourself?
You: If I said yes?🥺
Captain: I’d say me too. Check out the photo gallery later, you’ll see the load I blew for ya😘
Captain: Glad to add you to my harem of Cabin Hoes. I’m not supposed to have favorites, but I think I’m gonna grow fond of you.
Captain: G’night doll. Thanks for subscribing😘
<end chat>
Leave a like to tip OR hit the reblog button to subscribe.
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Read on Wattpad | Read on AO3 Originally posted
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yuseirra · 1 day ago
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I've a feeling that Mr Akasaka believes they're really clever and they think they’ve given us all the necessary hints already but no one gets it
If you search for "Aratate Shrine," it's an information that comes up right away!
I opened the volumes again after a long time for reference, since I was planning to draw a fan comic.
At the end of Volume 8? Or the last part of Chapter 80? When all the characters went to make their wishes? Page 189??
There’s a narration there that says, "Was it because their prayers were answered, or was it someone’s guidance?"
And on page 186, it even confirms that the location is Aratate Shrine!!!
Now, look at the description on the tourist guide website! It says this:
A shrine that is often visited by celebrities, Aratate shrine is said to bring good fortune in show business and marriage. This shrine is dedicated to Sarutahikono-mikoto and his wife Amenouzume no-mikoto who gave directions to Ninigino-mikoto the grandson of the sun goddess(Amaterasu) upon his descension from the heavens. While walking through the grounds of the shrine, you will see ancient trees called sakagi which are said to grant wishes. One of these trees called Shichi-fukutoku-jyubangi is said to grant 7 wishes to those who hit the tree 7 times. Take your best shot and stock up on good fortune!
I feel like I already brought this up a long time ago when I was researching and linked it back then!!!!
Kamiki, that guy, is a guiding deity!!!! Sarutahiko is a god of guidance and also a god of light!!! That’s his identity!!!
The one who granted the wishes there was him!!!! If there's ANYONE in this comic who is that Sarutahiko god, it's Kamiki!! He helped Ruby’s career, later granted the twins’ wishes, and even helped them find him. The hint is in the "Mephisto" lyrics—it’s like he’s saying, "Come find me." He granted their wish to come to him and kept supporting the twins. In his own way, he thinks of himself as their father. Even near the end, there’s a mention of wishes again, right? It seemed like he wanted to grant them. It’s like he wanted to do something for them.
He’s a god who guides the way and leads people’s futures in a good direction!!! He’s the black star, and Ai is the white star.
Right now, all the wishes have been fulfilled in strange, distorted ways, haven’t they? That’s because this guiding god’s power has been corrupted and is now malfunctioning... It’s Kamiki’s fault. He's the selfish giant star that's been ruining people's lives as said in the song Fatal. But I’m not sure if this is something intentional or not.
For wishes to be properly fulfilled, Ai has to be with him. The two of them need to be together to make it happen. The wishes end up being granted with flaws because he's incomplete without his wife regarding that ability!!! He's wishing upon a star in Mephisto to have Ai come back to life, isn't he? He needs her to complete him and function! That's why he'a been looking for her and her love ever since she passed!!!
I don’t really check Japanese fandoms or other people’s reactions, but is there no talk about this in Japan??? This is the answer, isn’t it???? Has no one figured it out? I’ve been talking about this since July or August, but people won’t believe me. Then I just casually opened the volumes to reference the art, and I saw that. Now I have a headache. This is correct. If this isn’t right, then what is it? What’s the explanation? The story doesn’t make sense otherwise.
Why else would his name include references to a god and light? And I’m telling you, Ame-no-Uzume is Ai!! After Ame-no-Uzume married her husband, she started blessing love too. It’s said she’s the reincarnation of the morning star!!! Seriously!!!
Kamiki is a god, but it seems like his power has been distorted somehow, and it doesn’t even seem to be entirely intentional.
If you analyze the lyrics, they mention a flaw arising. That flaw came after he lost Ai (love).
His ability to guide the future got all twisted, and as a result, everyone around him started becoming miserable and dying.
Why isn’t this addressed properly in the story??? Because it’s not mentioned, no one gets it, but I’ve been saying for months that this must be it~~ This must be it~~ It’s so frustrating!! But since this is what's beyond logic and too fantasy, even if I think it is, it just isn't convincing, is it?; I understand, I feel stupid myself too but,
There are way too many traits of Kamiki that align perfectly with that god for this to be a coincidence. And why else would there be references to him being noble, or him drowning??? Ugh!!! Seriously!!
Isn’t it possible that things just didn’t work out the way he wanted them to? He probably never wanted anyone to get hurt, at least not until Ai’s death. This person seems to have the ability to influence the future, but if everything had gone the way he wanted, would his life have ended up like this? The fact that both Aqua and this person ended up drowning is proof of it—they can make wishes come true, but everything gets twisted in the process.
What if this person fell apart because of it? What if even he didn’t want these results? At the very least, some of the things that happened don’t seem like they were his intention. Ai’s death, for instance—there’s no way he wanted that. He probably really just meant to send her flowers. But because of the darkness in the entertainment industry or whatever, everything about him was already so broken that it unintentionally spiraled into the worst outcome due to his broken powers.
That’s why he completely lost it… He’s searching for Ai (Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto), isn’t he? There’s even that line about him wandering in search of love (Ai). I think it’s from Chapter 160 or so. He wants to get his wife back. Collecting the white stars probably had a real connection to that goal—it seems like it actually worked in some way.
Then what about all the other incidents? The deaths of so many people? After he "died" (?), didn’t people start acting like they were breaking out of some kind of trance, with a bunch of them suddenly confessing and turning themselves in? This isn’t something a normal human could do. Is it that he passively exerts influence just by existing, or did he actively use his abilities to make all that happen later on?
Anyway, he is a god!!! But what if he really meant it when he said he never intended to hurt anyone? What if that’s true? No way, right? Isn’t this all just him spiraling out of control in his desperation to bring his late wife back?
I really think this interpretation is correct, but shouldn’t the story have addressed this explicitly?!
If you’re Japanese, is this something you would’ve known? Do people get it? Is it common sense?; Do they understand what’s happening in this story? Does everyone know? Shouldn’t this have been explained? Without researching separately, you might get the feeling that something’s off, but there’s no way to uncover the full story just from the work itself. And yet, these kinds of clues exist, don’t they? I’m telling you, my interpretation is correct. Why don’t they clarify this? For a story to work, you need to at least tell us what it’s about.
I really think this is the answer… No matter how much I think about it, there’s no other coherent way to interpret it.
That’s why it’s so frustrating. No one takes it seriously and I get that because even I feel ridiculous insisting that a character is a god!! but there’s no other explanation for it, right? I thought the story would address this before it ended. Isn’t this such an irresponsible piece of work? At the very least, they should’ve wrapped it up so that we could understand what was happening. Why didn’t they?
I’ve never tried to feel something intentionally.
But what this character feels... it’s just too overwhelming. The emotions of suffering are so vivid that I can’t help but think there’s something more to it, and it keeps bothering me.
For a character accused of being a psychopathic serial killer who supposedly murdered his girlfriend, I couldn’t help but think, he doesn’t seem like someone who’d do that. That thought bothered me so much my head hurt.
But in this case, isn’t he grieving? The song conveys sorrow and pain, doesn’t it?
This kind of emotion doesn’t feel like something someone who hurt their loved one would express. It’s grief, longing, and an unbearable desire to see them again. And it’s not entirely one-sided—it feels like it stems from a mutual bond that once existed. The more I look at it, the clearer this becomes. If I couldn’t see it, I wouldn’t bother putting my heart into this. But once I do see it, there’s no way to ignore it.
It feels like the emotions are so strong because there was a time when they loved each other deeply, got along so well, and were happy together.
Am I the only one who feels this way? I don’t think so.
I don't think he ever wanted nor attempted on things to turn out this way. There IS something about the guy that influences those around him into disaster.
This darn manga… It hits so hard, and yet, look at what it’s become. But it seems to follow mythology, so I can sort of understand why it turned out this way, and that makes it slightly forgivable. But do people get this? Do they know why it happened like this? No way. You can’t know unless you look up the mythology. If you’re going to incorporate mythology into the manga, at least explain it! This manga isn’t entirely grounded in reality anyway—there are gods, reincarnation, wishes, star eyes, and some kind of mission or destiny!
I'm not trying to defend Kamiki, either way he seems to have become a hazard of some sort.
And before that, Ai passed because Kamiki is guiding god whose powers-the power of Michihiraki-which brings out the best in people-, got distorted into being the opposite of what it was meant to be due to the darkness of the industry?
So people like Ryosuke had their worst sides coming out and that influenced him to murder Ai. In that case, Kamiki would feel a sense of responsibility for it and try to reverse it (if he's figured out his destiny-or what he is-)because even if it were to be unintentional, it'd still be his fault in a sense. That's why he has this bizzare behavior of blaming himself continuously for things.
I'm not sure if everything about this is solely what he's brought upon himself. If he has those kinds of powers, maybe people just die and end up misforunate from him wishing to feel Ai?
(Yeah then we had him thinking killing Ruby would have helped him to feel her. But he didn't do it. Was it only because Aqua tried to stop him? What is going on?)
Well, when someone dies, they’re no longer by your side, so their presence begins to fade.
I think this person… just couldn’t bear that. If you look at the lyrics of the songs, they convey those types of emotions.
From what I feel, his feelings towards Ai isn’t about worship either—it’s just pure longing towards what he regarded as his other half. But I bet a lot of people won’t see it that way. The story doesn’t make it easy to interpret it like that, does it? Ha… it’s frustrating.
Sure, a character who’s a clingy psychopath has its own charm. But if someone who isn’t like that is written to look that way, shouldn’t the story take responsibility for it? Either say it isn’t true, or confirm that it is. Why do I feel like I’ve figured out the answer, only to constantly doubt myself, wondering if I’m spouting nonsense?
The narrative and abilities of the god of entertainment couple align way too closely with Ai and Kamiki. Not just on a similar level—it feels like they are them. Was that not important? I think it’s an essential element for explaining why the story unfolded the way it did. They SHOULD have touched this before they go.
You know, I wonder if there's a way to tie up Hikaru's characterization between 155 and post 160.
Like in another version of onk where there's more time and effort put into it. The end result is Aqua and Hikaru falling into the ocean but the process is different, do you think it's possible to do that with the same amount of chapters?
I think I said this ... ? somewhere ?? in my tag previously but I think a really low effort easy way to make this make even a moderate amount of sense is just to alter Tsukuyomi's little monologue at the start of 161 and have her state that the Jokerfied Kamiki of post-160 is the direct result of having his worldview shattered by realizing that Ai had loved him all along and that he killed her for nothing. Like, as an exercise to prove this, I bullshitted this together in a few minutes;
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please be nice about this dialogue i came up with it in 10 seconds
Is this good? Eeeeeeeeehhhhh. I think having Kamiki be the final boss after 154 is just so mid and such a boring way to end his arc, but I do think something like this would be an improvement. At the very least, it makes the sudden, jarring shift between the seemingly defeated and remorseful Hikaru of 154-5 and the Anime Supervillain Hikaru of 160+ actually motivated by something in-story other than "GO CRAZY GO STUPID" but I also think it makes the bitter tragedy of Aqua's death hit a lot harder. Now it's not just Kamiki being arbitrarily ontologically evil in the way that most conveniently puts him in conflict with Aqua - this is now a tragedy that Aqua brought on himself by continuing to pursue getting revenge on Kamiki and rubbing his nose in his mistakes.
Obviously this is still messy as hell and it doesn't solve all the dumb shit with Aqua's ""reason for existing"", but I do think the Kamiki we get on page in OnK is not unsalvageable as a character and it legit would've taken very little to make him internally consistent in a way that was engaging.
Oh uh, we're cutting the serial killer cult bullshit though. That's just dumb.
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sendingbugs · 3 months ago
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I wish therianthropy and just alterhumanity in general was more researched, because I have so many questions.
For one, I’ve always wondered if alterhumanity is genetic. Could you inherit it from a parent? Or is it purely based on upbringing or even chance?
Also, is there a specific type of person who is more likely to be an alterhuman? I know a lot of alterhumans (at least the ones active in the community) are queer and/or neurodivergent, but is it really that they’re more likely to be one, or that they’re more likely to figure it out?
And wouldn’t it be nice to know what alterhumanity is from a non biased scientific perspective? I know it’s heavily belief based, and I’m not trying to say spiritual alterhumans aren’t valid, because they are. I’m just curious what science would think of us if it were properly researched
Sfw interaction only. I am a minor
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heloflor · 3 months ago
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So like I said in a previous post I’ve been kind of obsessed with Cosmo being op as all hell, and after the baby ban stuff it got me thinking about the different types of magic fairies have and how not all magic is accessible for all fairies and also how powerful each fairy we know is.
So here are my ideas for how fairy magic works + how powerful the fairies we know in the og show are, since I’ll be honest I didn’t really think much about the ones introduced in New Wish (4.5k words below):
Ok so first off, all fairies naturally produce magic which then courses through their bodies. This magic is used by their bodies to just function in their everyday lives, maybe being what allows them to float, teleport and shapeshift without using their wands (yes I know in the show when the Big Wand is off fairies can’t do any of those things anymore but shhh).
However while all fairies need about the same amount of magic to function, not all of them produce that amount of magic. As a result, those who produce more than average end up being more powerful due to having some “leftover” magic to use, while those who produce less end up weaker than average. More on that when explaining the types of magic.
This is also why baby fairies are so powerful. A fairy would produce the same amount of magic their entire life, but since babies are smaller their metabolism would require less magic to function, thus leaving the baby with a lot of leftover magic to use.
On that note, I could see all fairy babies being born powerful up until their terrible two, which for the vast majority of fairies is their last large outburst of raw magic. After the terrible two, as the baby fairy’s body grows, their magic starts to reduce.
Now I guess technically it would mean that they’re still stronger than average by the time they’re 8-9 years old, but I actually prefer to think that a fairy considerably loses their power between 3 and 6 years old, so by the time they’re a preteen you can gauge pretty well how powerful they’ll end up being.
This probably makes less sense when taking into account the idea of their body needing less magic when smaller, but screw it I prefer to think children fairies are already almost at the same level of power as their adult selves. Heck maybe that loss comes from their body transitioning from ball-shaped to regular-shaped.
Oh and a fairy’s power is due to genetics with a hint of randomness to it. Usually a child’s power will be either based on one’s parent or a middle ground between both, but you get some rare exceptions with a fairy being born particularly powerful/weak. Though you could argue that last possibility might come from a grandparent or more distant family member.
Now for the magic itself, I see four different types:
1. Wand Magic. This one is the most straightforwards and the one every single fairy can use. A fairy is given a wand powered not by them but by the Big Wand, and as a result they can use it regardless of their own magic. That being said, I could see fairies with more magic ending up having some of it mixing with their wand, thus causing them to do more powerful spells with ease. Also why fairy babies are powerful.
On that note, since we see in the show Cosmo and Wanda getting tired at the same time when doing a lot of wishes, I could see it as either Cosmo using more magic than Wanda thus making them exhausted at the same time, or doing X amount of spells/wishes will make you tired regardless of your amount of magic. I think I like the former more.
And as to why fairies get tired when using Wand Magic despite said wand holding the magic used, I could see casting a spell as still requiring some effort from the fairy, the wand doesn’t do all the work. Adding this in case it needs to be said.
2. Emotion Magic. For this one I like to think that there are two types, depending of the fairy’s strength. The first type, which everyone except fairies with below-average magic can do, it to have their emotions influence their spells. If a fairy is angry when trying to conjure something dangerous, it will make the spell easier. But if they’re sad, it will make the spell harder. Stuff like that. This is also what we see in “Battle of The Dimsonnian” from New Wish with Peri making a giant cupcake when angry. I could see the “giant” part being an accident due to him letting his emotions go to his head (notice the purple glow around his wand when making the giant cupcake).
The second type is what we see Poof do in “Fairly Oddbaby”, with him having the ability to make things appear and disappear depending on his mood. I could see this type of emotion magic as something only fairies stronger than average can do. And the stronger they are the easier it is to use, which also means the strongest fairies need to be careful with their emotions sometimes.
Then again I could see them capable of feeling a strong emotion all the while blocking the part of them wanting to tie that emotion to their magic. So unless they really lose control or don’t have a good grasp on that separation between magic and emotion, it’s not that big of a deal.
3. Inner Magic. This one was originally based on Poof’s terrible two but this is actually something the Fairy Council does as well. But yeah basically in the show you see some rare instances of characters using magic without a wand, with their hands having a glow around them. I like to think that this is basically a fairy tapping into their own “leftover” magic, being able to do everything a wand could do without needing one.
This would be by far the strongest type of magic but also the most rare, as only about 50-100 fairies would have enough “leftover” magic to use it effectively (the number of fairies capable of doing it depends on how many citizens Fairy World actually has. If it’s like a thousand, then only like 15 fairies can use it if not less. If it’s a million, about 100 or less can. It would be really, really rare). Well I guess every single fairy has access to it during their early years, but once they get past their terrible two, it’s gone.
And because it’s so rare, and also because I see the Fairy Council as self-centered who care more about their own self-preservation than the safety of the fairies and as a result feel threatened by the fairies stronger than them, Inner Magic wouldn’t actually be taught. The fairies capable of it would simply be told that it’s very dangerous “especially since you never learned how to master it!” and that they need to never use it. Only wand magic for your overpowered freaks that we definitely would not want to kill if we had the ability to do so without losing support or causing a riot that would make us lose our stand as leaders of Fairy World!
And fun fact, this and the next type of magic are the reason why I went with the idea of “fairies produce magic and the more they produce the stronger they are”.
4. Residual Magic. This one is based on “Nectar Of the Odds” and “Crocker Shocker” (ignore the Crocker lore for this one it sucks) in which Cosmo specifically has particles of magic being taken out of him which can then be used to infuse other stuff with magic. Then I saw “Mooooving Day” in which yet again Cosmo specifically is able to put magic in a drink. Also after watching “Abra-catastrophe” I couldn’t help but compare the cupcake to Cosmo’s socks nectar and sparkling drink.
(If I had a nickel for every Fairly Oddparents episode revolving around a drink spiked with Cosmo’s magic which also featured an underground slave cave and Doug Dimmadome is there for some reason, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice, right?)
So yeah long story short the idea is that, when a fairy is particularly powerful, their body has so much “leftover” magic that you can basically scrap it off of them without hurting them. And that magic could be used to create magical artifacts such as the cupcake from “Abra-catastrophe” (and while this isn’t how it would actually happen it’s kind of cute to imagine Cosmo helping craft Timmy’s cupcake with his own magic).
This type of magic would be less rare than Inner Magic but still pretty rare, at least in order to get a lot from a fairy. Like some fairies who are stronger than average but not part of the “elite” would likely have Residual Magic but to a very small and limited amount. It might also be harder to collect as a result, having to meticulously scrap it off every piece of clothing or scrub the fairy’s body to get it.
On that note, I like to think that every time a fairy with Residual Magic changes clothes, they would wring out their previous ones on top of a container to collect the magic particles and then have it sent to some Fairy manufacturing place that uses it for magical artifacts.
Lastly, given its use here, Residual Magic is capable of granting rule-free wishes. This is why in “Nectar Of the Odds” one kid has their dog show up (from the kid’s phrasing the dog was likely dead and I don’t think you can revive things according to Da Rules?) or why Dale Dimmadome doesn’t get brought back to the nectar stand after Timmy turns 18 (granted this could also be because it technically wasn't one of Timmy’s wishes so it might work independently, but then again it means the wish should’ve come undone after Dale turned 18 so yeah either way it being rule-free works better).
And between the possibility to take it straight from a fairy and it granting rule-free wishes, Residual Magic would be considered the most high-risk type of magic, and powerful fairies who visit the earth need to be careful not to let their clothes hang around or ruffle their hair for too long.
Finally, a word about all the fairies we know in the show and how powerful they are:
- Cosmo: I see him as the third strongest fairy in all of Fairy World. It seems like a ridiculously high ranking but you gotta remember that according to “Fairly Oddbaby” fairy babies are notorious for being incredibly powerful, yet Cosmo was still too much to handle to the point of banning all babies.
So I think it’s fair to say he’s part of the top 5, at least top 10 strongest fairies. And he’s not the n°1 strongest fairy for me because I don’t like “chosen one” type characters ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Also someone needed to have enough power to step in during Cosmo’s Terrible Two before he destroyed all of Fairy World if not the entire universe.
Also, after watching “This is Your Wish” I can’t help but see Cosmo as kind of a prodigy magic-wise, because in the kid flashbacks from that episode, Cosmo knew what he was doing. At some point he’s even capable of hitting a moving target with his wand in his mouth! And turn it into a giant dragon! That’s some serious talent!
So with that in mind I like to think he’s a natural at using magic. The issue is that the things he comes up with are dangerous, and since he has the ability to spawn it without issue he ends up causing chaos without meaning to.
Also also I saw one moment from a “Oh Yeah!” short in which Cosmo apparently messes up a wish, Wanda points it out and Cosmo reacts by looking at his wand and saying “I need to get that fixed”. Likewise in the first episode of New Wish when Cosmo struggles to aim at Hazel and turns the whole kitchen into her, he starts hitting his wand while asking “Why can’t I work this thing?!”
With that in mind, I like to think that this is how Cosmo usually reacts when his spell isn’t what he expected. He’s incredibly powerful, is aware of how powerful he is, and again he’s very good at magic. When he casts a spell, he knows exactly what it will create (he just doesn’t realize the consequences of it). So when his spell doesn’t work as intended, he blames the wand.
But anyways, magic-wise Cosmo can do all four, though he almost-exclusively uses Wand Magic with the occasional Residual Magic when he wants to fuck around with Timmy (I mean he’s done it at least twice).
Like all the other overpowered fairies he was told not to use Inner Magic, though I like to think him attacking Crocker at the end of “Abra-catastrophe” was him using it, the muscles did nothing other than boost his confidence. I also like to think he used Inner Magic a lot as a kid and early adult up until the Fairy Council got through to him about not using it. That or he accidentally hurt a lot of people using it at some point and was convinced afterwards seeing how much destruction he caused. That second possibility could explain him never using it unless the situation is that dire all the while having little issue messing around with Residual Magic. 🤔
As for Emotion Magic, he keeps it under control, and I could actually see Cosmo as someone who avoids being angry specifically to avoid making a mess with his magic (I mean while he does get mad at times he’s definitely someone who ends up sad more often than angry, or turns his anger into sadness).
Btw I made a long post exploring the angst side of Cosmo’s magic because as said in the intro I’m obsessed with it.
- Wanda: She’s average strength, meaning she can do Wand Magic easily and has the “first level” of emotion magic (having emotions influence spells) but everything else is blocked off. She doesn’t produce enough magic to use it without a wand or to have residuals that can be collected.
And I like to think that while she’s completely fine with her level of magic, and if anything seeing Peri and especially Cosmo struggle internally because of their powers makes her more than happy to not be powerful, it still pains her to see her family like that and sometimes makes her wish she was the op one so she could be the one carrying that burden instead of them.
On that note I like to think that if some of the strongest fairies were to talk about overthrowing the Fairy Council or at least tell them off for discouraging them from using their full magic, Cosmo might be hesitant to join while Wanda would be all for it. In general Wanda would be pretty tired of the bullshit the Fairy Council imposed on Cosmo and Peri. More on that in the baby ban post.
Lastly I could see Cosmo “sharing” his magic (not sure how exactly it would work) with her when they grant wishes together, with Wanda enjoying the feeling of it if only because it makes wishes much easier to grant compared to on her own. I could also see some cases in which, when granting a wish, Wanda mainly affects how the wish will turn out while Cosmo mostly gives the magic allowing said wish to be made, and Wanda would definitely feel satisfied upon being able to summon exactly what she wants when she otherwise wouldn’t have been able to make the wish so precisely. Meanwhile Cosmo’s more than happy to provide and trusts his wife on how those wishes will turn out.
It might also be possible that them sharing magic allows Wanda to grant wishes she otherwise wouldn’t have the power to do. For example at the end of “Fool’s Day Out” when Timmy wishes for the entire world to be covered in laughing gas, Wanda uses her wand while also lifting Cosmo’s. This moment could be interpreted as either them needing to work together to grant such a wish or Wanda on her own not being able to do it. I also can’t help but wonder if, had she been the one granting the secret wish, time would’ve started back at some point after a few years, while with a fairy like Cosmo granting that wish it was literally going to stay frozen for at least a couple thousand years. Then again in “The Same Game” (when the whole world becomes a gray blob) she’s able to reverse Timmy’s wish on her own.
(Btw this has nothing to do with this post but in “Fool’s Day Out” the April’s Fool fairy has a risk of getting “comedy backup” and now I can’t help but wonder if every fairy profession has that one condition that, if not followed, leads the fairy to explode??? But I’m just going to stay with the idea of every fairy being at risk of magical backup since in New Wish’s “Fairy For a Day” the music fairy makes a comment about “granting each other’s wishes”, implying fairies can avoid backup by granting other fairies’ wishes, it’s not just a godparents thing)
- Poof/Peri: He’s basically a middle ground between his parents, being more powerful than average to a noticeable extent but still far from the strongest. Like he’d basically be in the 20-30% strongest fairies, while Cosmo is in the 1%.
Magic-wise, he uses Wand Magic and is pretty used to both versions of Emotion Magic, though it takes some effort for him to summon things without his wand (aka with his emotions). Other than that he can’t access Inner and Residual Magics. For Residual Magic I’m not even sure if he’d even have a small amount of it.
And in regards to his wand, it is indeed a wand made to limit his magic, making him as powerful as an average fairy. And the reason why he has this wand when there are thousands of fairies just as powerful if not stronger than him is strictly due to his father’s identity. Basically the Fairy Council is punishing him for being Cosmo’s son because they’re paranoid he might become as strong as him and don’t want to deal with another Cosmo.
- Jorgen: While he’s apparently possibly the oldest fairy we know of (the whole thing about an ancient war and how all fairies looked like him back then), the more I watch of the og show the more it seems like Jorgen isn’t actually all that powerful? Like he’s definitely the strongest fairy physically, but magic-wise he’s far from being the top dog.
Ultimately I like to think that he’s stronger than average, likely to a noticeable extent, but still weaker than a fairy like Peri. Which I guess would put Jorgen in the 30-40% stronger range?
Also with him being an ancient fairy and how they were all warriors back then, I could see the fairies of his time being more powerful magic-wise than the current ones (and maybe his wand also has a few differences compared to the smaller wands, like maybe not being fully reliant on the Big Wand and requiring the holder to give some of their own magic to function or something). So Jorgen would be average for a fairy of his time, which equates to stronger than average compared to the smaller fairies.
Oh and abilities-wise he can only do Wand and both Emotions Magics (like Peri basically, just less powerful).
- Mama Cosma and Schnozmo: I like to think both of them are a bit stronger than average (they got it from Mama Cosma’s side of the family, I really like the headcanon that it’s her side that’s related to Jorgen) but not to the most noticeable extent. Like in a fight against an average fairy it’s pretty obvious they’re the more powerful ones (I mean Schnozmo was able to fight off a bunch of fairies pretty easily while Mama Cosma straight up kidnapped a mafia boss like it was nothing), but on a day-to-day basis there really aren’t any particular differences between them and most fairies. They might not even realize that they’re more powerful (they’re basically on the line right above average).
Abilities-wise this means they have the same as average fairies, meaning Wand and first-type Emotion Magics.
And yes this means that Cosmo’s power was partly due to genetics but also mainly a big part of randomness with how crazy powerful he is in comparison to them.
- Big Daddy and Blonda: They have average strength and the abilities that go with it (Wand + first-type Emotion Magics). For some reason I could see Big Daddy being slightly less powerful hence the need to be part of a mob? But also I don’t think it warrants the mafia stuff + from what we see him do with his magic he seems pretty strong (him being technically weaker than Mama Cosma can be chalked up to her being stronger than average).
- Juandissimo, Cupid, Cookie, etc: Basically every other fairy we meet would likely be average strength. Though I could see Cupid being less powerful when using a wand but the same strength as others when using his bow, on account of him being a different type of fairy. But yeah other fairies we see from time to time have average strength unless they do something hinting they might be stronger/weaker. Speaking of which:
- Dr. Studwell: I’m singling him out because after watching some episodes featuring him, he keeps getting his ass beaten and tries to avoid danger, so I could actually see him being much weaker than the average fairy. His obsession with his appearance and desire to be hot is him overcompensating for his lack of magic (note that Juandissimo being obsessed with his looks isn’t insecurity unlike Dr. Studwell, dude just loves himself and honestly good for him).
- I could also see that one fairy Jorgen bullies a lot as being weaker than average, which could be a reason for said bullying (apparently his name is Binky?).
Side note but I could see things be though in general for both very powerful and very weak fairies, the weaker ones because they’re constantly being reminded of what they can’t do which heavily lowers their self-esteem + aren’t able to defend themselves as well if needed which makes bullying easier.
For the strongest fairies, because while many would praise their accomplishments, the second they do something wrong they get deemed as too dangerous with people becoming wary around them + I could see the strongest fairies having an “itch” to use more of their magic. Like imagine if fairies have a “need” to use a certain amount of magic regularly (unrelated to the daily amount their body needs to function), for the strongest fairies that amount would be much higher. But due to the “risk” with how powerful they are, they end up using way less than their body needs them to, thus causing a sense of dissatisfaction.
- The Tooth Fairy: Given she’s taller than most fairies (and her outfit seemingly being based on Wonder Woman means she could have fought in the war) I could see her as one of the oldest fairies around, so it would be a similar case to Jorgen with her being average for her time, aka stronger than average compared to “modern” fairies.
- The Fairy Council: Now while I know they’re just fairies wearing cloaks I like to think they’re a different species altogether, meaning their magic would work differently, but I still wanted to include them since I mentioned earlier that I see them as self-centered who care about their own self-preservation above all else.
Basically, if they were to be ranked magic-wise, they would rank number 12 or 13 strongest fairy when combined, meaning there are about 11-12 fairies stronger than them as a unit. And I like to headcanon that, even with those fairies having no desire to take over Fairy World (because honestly why would they?), the Fairy Council can’t help but feel threatened by those fairies.
So yeah those four magical beings were able to find a species that respect them as their leaders (at least I believe the Fairy Council rules over Fairy World?) and they very much want to keep that position of power at all costs. Which is actually also why they don’t outright attack the strongest fairies because that would cause a riot with every fairy feeling unsafe. Plus if they miss the strongest fairies can take them out.
So with that in mind, while I don’t think they would be outright discriminatory against the strongest fairies, they definitely push that narrative that magic can be dangerous when used too much, especially Inner Magic which should never be used (you know, propaganda). So they basically guilt-trip/stress out the strongest fairies into being careful when using their magic.
On that note, I kinda implied it earlier but I could see the reason why Anti-Cosmo is the leader of the anti-fairies instead of the #1 strongest anti-fairy be that the strongest fairy isn’t all that satisfied with the system, hence why their anti-fairy wouldn’t have the drive to take over Fairy World. Not to say the strongest fairy would straight up want to overthrow the Fairy Council tho (I do have some ideas floating around that concept but I’m likely never going to turn it into a coherent story).
At the very least, I do imagine the strongest fairy having secretly taught themselves how to master Inner Magic, possibly hoping to teach it to the other fairies capable of it. Also they can’t write down their research in fear of the Fairy Council finding it out (I don’t think I mentioned it earlier but discouraging fairies from using it does include not writing anything down about it, so if a fairy has info on Inner Magic, they got it from an unapproved source). And fairies are immortal so they have the time to teach it anyways.
Finally, if I have to talk about the power of the Fairy Council, since I don’t think they’re fairies they actually don’t work on the same power basis as them, but from what we’ve seen they basically have the equivalent of Inner Magic. Which could also explain why they’d be so paranoid over fairies learning to use theirs.
And with the assumption that they came up with Da Book which directly influences the fairies’ ability to cast spells, and with them being able to prevent fairies reproduction, it seems the Council also has the ability to “modify” at least one species to their liking, possibly others. Maybe this ability to change fairies is also how they got in power in the first place if you want to go there. Hell it could even be how fairies are changed to look like the dominant species on earth. Though the Fairy Council can’t touch other species’ magic or else there wouldn’t be op fairies.
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teamfortresstwo · 1 year ago
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“Peter Lukas gets sent back to the regency era” “Jonathan Sims gets sent back to the regency era” valid points valid points but i raise you
Tim Stoker gets sent back to the regency era
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mycological-mariner · 1 month ago
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“God why do I feel so stressed and tired all the time?”
*has 15 different things going on at once, none of which are related
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goldkirk · 3 months ago
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If anyone remembers all the dental work I needed done uhhhhhhh three years ago and never went back and ran away forever…I’m finally going back to a dentist on Thursday to restart the process and face my deep and utter abiding terror. And I also scheduled my COVID and flu vaccines for a couple hours later. And my psych appointment to restart meds.
I figured get it all done in one day, have my miserable immune reaction on Friday that I seem to always get with Moderna COVID shots, and then flee directly into the weekend and never be a person again except when I’m on and off crying. It’s going to be so kind to future me to get these things done and I can do it no matter how much I feel like I am constantly about to Actually Physically Die.
#you can see why I’m restarting meds#my brain is constantly convincing me that my teeth are about to actually finish rotting out of my mouth and I probably have an abscess#already that is going to give me a jaw or heart infection#which is VERY unlikely#and that my dog is deeply sick and I should rehome her and give her to someone who’ll take proper care of her and isn’t me#yadda yadda#it’s been fucking miserable#the only good part is 1) I’m going to get the worst part over with (starting the process) and#2) even if I completely flee and refuse to go back I’ll have one dental cleaning at least helping with plaque buildup and stuff#this is so fucking EMBARRASSING it’s all so EMBARASSING#it shouldn’t be this hard for me and I know it’s irrational#I’m just so scared because it’s so triggering for me for NO REASON and#I KNOW that this time when we get to the multiple fillings and at least one root canal and also my impacted wisdom teeth that it’ll be#different and I won’t go un-numb or if I do again they’ll have better checks in place for when I panic lie to their faces#but it doesn’t help#and I’m so sure they’re gonna tell me I need three or more root canals because I’ve waited way way too long#and I STILL can’t consistently keep up with brushing and flossing#which is the most embarassing and shameful thing in the world and I KNOW#but I’m scared shitless of all of it and it’s all a sensory nightmare!!!!!!!!!!!!#anyway I’m not going to be okay later this week and I’m not particularly okay now#so if I’m not around online much#that’s why#but I’m happy news Aoife and I are having some lovely walks this week and she’s very cute and snuggly and we played tug a lot of times yest#*yesterday and she also stayed sniffing a bush while a bike went past two feet away#instead of getting startled and needing to hop or bark at it and then calm down#I’m so proud of her#and I wouldn’t be able to do this at all without my very kind partner who spearheaded scheduling the dentist (and researching places)#after my jaw pain nervous breakdown last week#health#personal
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