#I've done it before and I'll do it again.

[wizard-of-interesting-failure]

"I don't understand. Why isn't he getting up?"

"Wh- you killed him!"

"Don't be silly, death isn't real."

"You cast Finger of Death!"

"I cast Lightning Bolt too; they name spells after fake shit all the time."

"Lightning is real too!!"

"Oh come on. Next you'll be telling me color is a thing."

"...have you ever actually been outside this cavern?"

"What's a cavern?"

"It's where we are right now!"

"Odd name for it, but yes, of course I have. Been this way, that way, through there is a lovely group of giant spiders..."

"We, ah. Might have killed those on our way here."

"Don't be silly, death isn't real."

"...right. Where do you think we came from?"

"Eh, somewhere. Weird shit shows up all the time."

"I-"

"Oh! Your friend there startled me and it totally slipped my mind; would you care for some tea? I don't drink it myself, but I keep some on hand for guests."

"...okay, listen. These are the Caverns of Chaos. Everything in here is self-replenishing. The prevailing theory was that they existed to protect a central chamber. We've spent weeks down here slogging through unimaginable horrors to make it there and you're going to, what, play dumb?"

"Okay now you're just being rude. I am not dumb! There might not be much to do around here, but I do my best to keep my mind sharp. I'd like to see you figure out as much as I have about the ever-shifting layout of the world!"

"We did! That's how we got here! Have you never tried scrying the outside?"

"Scrying spells are some sort of prank, best I can tell; they never seem to do anything except give me a headache."

"Cast one up."

"I don't really want to give myself a-"

"Just do it! At least 2000 meters."

"Alright, but I don't see...what..."

"..."

"...colors?"

"Yeah, the whole dungeon is monochrome for some reason, we think-"

"Lightning?"

"Well, if there's a storm, I suppose-"

"Death?"

"...death?"

"There's...more like your friend."

"What do you mean-"

"Why aren't they moving?"

"I don't-"

"I'm moving. I can move. See? They look like me. Why aren't they moving?"

"They're- there are skeletons? We just came from-"

"Am I going to stop moving?"

"No, you-"

"Why isn't your friend moving?"

"..."

"...he's...'dead'. Isn't he. I 'killed' him."

"...listen, just calm down, we can-"

"Oh, yes, of course! I could never figure out what these spells for making 'un-dead' were for, but they must be for fixing this! I'll just-"

"NO!"

"But he's-"

"We're handling it!"

"No you're not! Whatever you're doing, it's not working."

"How can you-"

"You're trying to draw power from something that's not there. I've done it a few times, don't feel bad, it's a common mistake."

"I'm drawing power from my goddess! There's no way she's..."

"What is a goddess? Is it that little symbol you're carrying around? It doesn't seem to have any power in it."

"...it...why can't I feel her?"

"Just let me do it, I can-"

"We're not letting you turn Steve into some kind of undead abomination!"

"Wh- but he wasn't dead before!"

"He was alive, you stupid thing!"

"Right, not dead. Un-dead. I'll just make him un-dead again and then we can..."

"Why has she forsaken me?"

"We can..."

"Why won't she answer??"

"Color...lightning...death..."

audible weeping

"They're like me...why aren't they moving?"

"It's probably just the Caves messing with the divine connection, we should-"

"Should I not be moving?"

extended wailing

"Is un-dead not like 'alive'?"

"Listen, I know we didn't have this problem before, but-"

"Is there something wrong with being un-dead?"

"OF COURSE THERE IS, YOU STUPID UNDEAD THING! STEVE IS DEAD, THE GODDESS WON'T LISTEN TO ME, AND YOU'RE JUST...just..."

"...just what?"

"..."

"What am I?"

"..."

"WHAT AM I???"

the cavern shakes

"Listen, just calm down, we'll-"

"Why is he dead? Why are they all dead?"

"All wh-"

"The ones you made me scry on!"

"Oh my god, we forgot about-"

"Why aren't they moving??"

"We don't know! What else did you see?"

"Colors, lightning, death..."

"What else??"

"Colors, lightning, death..."

the lich collapses into a fetal position, rocking back and forth

"Listen, this is important, you need to-"

someone attempts to shake the lich. A sudden pulse of darkness slams them into the opposite wall.

"Colors, lightning, death..."

"Just calm down, we can-"

"GODDESS? WHERE ARE YOU??"

"Colors, lightning, death..."

the party leader buries her face in her hands. The healer weeps and wails. The lich, seemingly catatonic, continues mumbling to himself. This goes on for a while.

"..."

"Right. Okay. That's enough of this. We're taking Steve's body and leaving. We wouldn't have a chance against a lich in this state anyway. Keep trying to revive him as we go, we'll-"

"...lich?"

"Yes, yes, you don't know anything about anything, it's very funny, har har, we're done here. Go back to giving yourself headaches or whatever it is you do all day."

"I'm coming with you."

"...what?"

"You know what I am. You know about places that aren't 'caverns'. You know about colors, lightning, and death. I need to come with you."

"No offence, buddy, but you don't exactly seem like adventuring material."

"Please! Don't you need to find out why all those people are...'dead'? I can speak with dead, I guess, if it's a real thing."

"..."

"We are not taking this THING that killed Steve with us!"

"...we probably are going to need help with whatever is going on up there."

"He might be lying!"

the party leader gestures at the utterly guileless lich. The healer turns away.

"...fine."

"Thank you."

"Just...keep him away from me."

The party improvises a stretcher as the lich gathers up his meager possessions. A thick silence reigns as the group shuffles out the only exit, the lich awkwardly following at a distance.

"Wait, I forgot my maps-"

"We'll be fine. Just stay back there, okay? You've caused enough trouble for one day."

Nodding hesitantly, the lich steps over the threshold, leaving his cavern for the last time.

It turns out that the lich the adventurers had been hired to slay had never actually killed anyone before until the impulsive paladin of the group swung first. Now, as the healer tries to revive them, the rest have to calm the ancient undead mage down from what is undeniably a panic attack.

[neon-zipperooni]

in light of the new costume implying some things.. boy howdy, here comes a hot take, the crk fandom needs to understand the prospect of shadow milk being redeemed is not the end of the world

cookie run rarely even does redemption stories, the only big example of villainous characters being redeemed is in ovenbreak with lotus dragon cookie's growth and lychee dragon cookie building up to a redemption, which while i think on lotus's end it was kinda rushed they've been handling lychee very well, so its not like redemption stories in cookie run are "overdone" (also im sick of the "nooo im tired of redemptions" argument when 1. not everyone is, i personally love a good redemption story and 2. there are plenty of villains out there who are plain evil with no redemption, it's not a dying genre)

also it would be way more interesting than the more obvious resolution to the beast storyline of just sealing them away again, i think finding a way to appeal to the shreds of.. humanity? cookiemanity? still within them is a much more interesting narrative and lends itself to more stories to potentially tell with these five very interesting characters. and there are implications that the cookies they used to be are still in there somewhere, especially with burning spice, given how he full on bluescreens for a moment when reminiscing on the first kingdom he [....] (my money's on watched over, but we dont know what he was gonna say) when talking w/ nutmeg tiger in the kingdom

i've seen a lot of people say they'll lose interest in shadow milk if he gets redeemed which baffles me because for me at least, while a decent chunk of the appeal of the beasts is how interesting and entertaining they are as villains, one of my favorite parts of them is the heroes they once were, what they could've been like during those days, and the tragedies that led to them falling so deep into villainy: witnessing the worst in cookiekind and becoming disillusioned and deciding nothing should exist, witnessing their denizens live grow and die over and over and to the point they get sick of it and end up embracing destruction to take control of the cycle, and.. whatever we end up learning about the other three and what corrupted them.

for me, i see it like this lmao

and like, don't get me wrong, i know all the beasts really aren't good people but a redemption story doesn't necessarily mean a slap on the wrist, a redemption story can be about atonement just as much as it is about changing for the better, it can be messy, a sobering moment realizing everything you've done and everything you need to do to make up for it, there is sooo much story potential in delving into their pasts and delving into a redemption story of the beasts atoning for their deeds and growing as people it's crazy.. and besides, they were heroes once before, who's to say the potential to be that again isn't still within them?

i personally really wanna see a beast redemption and i'll never fathom why so many people are so against it when it's so much better of a way to conclude their story as the current main threat than just sealing them away again, i just hope that if this really is the route the devs go they'll handle it well because it can just as easily be done wrong, i have faith though

also i've seen a lot of people say the shadow milk costume looks ugly and they're WRONG it looks amazing i love blue and gold as a color combo

[l0s3rd0wnt0wn]

I guess only those the reader loves and trusts completely can touch his hair.

Yes, so true. If a reader lets you touch their hair, it's a form of love, trust, and bonding. The only person who got to touch the reader's hair was Alfred because he really cared for the reader and always wanted to help them with their hair. But let's be honest, he doesn't know a thing about curls, but he's willing to try. Since you're the Batfam's new obsession, they'll make it a mission to get your guard down and touch, ruffle, and twirl their fingers around your curls and dreadlocks. They treat you like a cat, really, but just like a cat, you refuse to let them touch you or your hair. But sometimes you get vulnerable and need to ask for help. What do you do? You swallow your pride and deal with the shame later.

"Hey Bruce, could you tie my hair back for me? For some reason, they don't want to cooperate today," you sighed, looking up at the tall man. Nothing ever shocked Batman—hell, nothing ever shocked Bruce Wayne—but this was shocking. When your middle child, who avoids you like the plague, asks you for help, he tries not to act ecstatic.

"Sure, of course, come here, sit." He didn't even bother to turn off his laptop. Sure, he was scheduling an important meeting, but this was more important. You never asked for help; you could be holding the whole world on your shoulders, and you still wouldn't ask for help. You sat on his knee, and you started to feel like a child once again, letting his calloused fingers run through your dreads. For a man so busy beating up bad guys, he could be very gentle.

"Your hair is getting longer," he muttered.

"It's reaching your shoulders," he continued.

"Yeah, I know." You answered fast.

You let your old man tie your hair back, and to him it looked like black licorice. But if he we're to say that out loud, you probably hit him.

"You know, if you ever need my help with your hair, I'll be happy to. I mean, I've never done hair like yours before, but I could learn and try," he started to ramble, and you really want him to shut up.

"It's fine; I already have a hair appointment," you started to step out of the living room.

"And thanks or whatever..." you huffed. Deep down, you wanted to cry; this was the first time your father felt like a father.

[akawifeyy]

LEMONADE | fic (DR3)

description: as much as he would miss the high-stakes lifestyle of formula 1, daniel ricciardo is ready to start fresh. and the perfect start seems to be in his hometown, where a little girl is running a lemonade stand.

tropes: meet-cute, happy ending, lemonade stand au!, single mum!reader

face claim: none

trigger warnings: mature content (!!), swearing

| note: i love dr3 soooo much y'all, i hope i did him justice 🫶

It all started with the lemonade stand.

A young girl, probably five or six years old, with curly brown braids tied up in pink ribbons, was standing by its side. She stood at attention like a miniature soldier, her eyes watching the street for potential customers.

The hand-painted sign swinging from the top read "Leia's Lemonade Stand" in blocky yellow writing, and a giant beaker of the refreshment was perched on the counter.

Daniel was intrigued. He patted his pockets, looking for any spare change, and found a wad of bills. "Hey," he greeted the little girl, who looked up at him with owlishly large eyes. "I'd like to buy some lemonade? One glass, please."

She beamed, dashing behind the counter to hand him a cool glass filled with sugary yellow liquid. "That'll be two dollars!"

"Here you go," Daniel said, counting out the money and leaving her some extra change, handing it to her. "Thank you for your service."

As Daniel was turning to leave, you walked up to the girl, who was your carbon copy, just a decade or two younger. You were her mother, Daniel assumed. "What do we say, Leia?" you asked, a proud smile evident on your face.

"Thank you and you're welcome!" Leia chirped.

Daniel took a sip of the cool refreshment, sighing in contentment. "This is delicious stuff. Did she make it herself?" he asked you.

"I helped out a bit, but most of this was done herself."

He outstretched his hand. "I'm Daniel."

"Y/N," you replied, taking it. "I haven't seen you around before. Did you just move here?"

Daniel shook his head, trying to formulate an answer. "I just moved back from, uh...out of the country."

"Oh?" you inquired. "I'm jealous, I've never lived outside of Perth. My parents were born here, I was born here, and now Leia was born here. It's tradition, I guess."

He laughed. "Perth is a nice place. The rest of the world is overrated."

"At least you've experienced it," you griped.

Daniel huffed out a breath, reminiscing on his years of fast-paced travel. City after city, country after country. He never stayed in one place for long. "Yeah, I suppose so. Have you really never been outside of Perth?"

You lowered your head, self-conscious. "I mean, I've visited Melbourne for a weekend girl's trip, but my life has been pretty busy ever since I had Leia. And her father...doesn't help out."

Daniel's attention sparked at the mention of Leia's father. "Is he around?"

You twisted your lips in consternation. "He's alive, but he skipped town shortly after Leia was born. Said he was destined for greater things, or some shitty statement like that. I don't remember, and frankly, I do not care. Leia and I get on just fine."

Daniel grinned. "I can tell." He set the glass back down on the counter, and Leia picked it up, putting it under the stand to be washed and cleaned later. "Thanks for the lemonade. Keep up the good work, hm?" he said to her, and she gave him two enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"I'll see you around?" you asked, hopefully in a casual tone.

Daniel nodded, giving you a cheesy wink. "Of course."

Two days later

The doorbell rung half past noon, and you checked the peephole to see who was there. Daniel. He was shifting nervously, wringing his hands out. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" you greeted him, stepping aside so he could enter the house.

"I was wondering if I could get another glass of the lemonade? Leia's done an amazing job with it."

You sighed sorrowfully. "We're all out, sorry. Leia has just started school again, so we haven't continued the business. Maybe we'll make some more during the weekend?"

Daniel pouted. "That blows. I've been looking for a way to talk to you again."

"Sorry." You shrugged one shoulder, and then you realized what Daniel had said. "Pardon me, what did you say?"

Daniel's eyes widened, his face reddening with embarrassment. "Uh, I was hoping to chat with you a bit? If that's alright? I don't want to intrude."

You shook your head, leading him into the living room. A variety of Leia's toys were scattered about, and you bent down to pick them up and move them out of the way. "It's OK, don't worry. My job's remote, so I don't have to leave or anything. Not until two, when Leia comes home from school."

"Great," Daniel said, sitting down on the couch beside you. "I've been bored out of my mind since I've come back to Perth."

You swallowed, not exactly sure of how to respond. "Yeah? Is your past haunting you or something?"

Daniel chuckled. "Not exactly. I'm just used to a lot of hustle-and-bustle, and Perth...isn't really delivering on that."

"Where did you work?" you asked.

He fidgeted with his hands. "Er...I used to be a Formula One driver. I know, wild, but yeah. DR3." He laughed again, but this time it was dry and full of resentment.

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Formula One? My sister's obsessed with it. Wow, that's really cool."

"Yeah, it is. But they moved on to better talent, and now I'm back here." He slouched down, avoiding your gaze.

You gently nudged his shoulder. "Well, I'm glad you've returned and that we've met."

He gave you a wan half-smile.

For another hour, you two chatted away, talking about your past, about Leia, and about your hobbies. You told him about your Star Wars obsession (aka the reason why you'd chosen the name Leia for your daughter), showing him the vintage R2D2 toy you kept on your bookshelf. In return, he told you about how he used to go fishing with his parents in Lake Monger and about some of his F1 exploits.

Eventually, the alarm you set to keep track of when to pick Leia up went off, marking the end of your conversation. "I've got to go," you apologized.

"It's no problem." Daniel waved a hand, brushing you off. "Here's my number in case you want to keep in touch?" He wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to you.

"Thanks," you said, flustered.

"See you around, Y/N," he said as he stepped out the front door.

Text messages between Daniel and Y/N (Takes place a week to two months after their first meeting)

Sydney, Australia (Two months later)

"Come on, Leia," you urged your daughter as you led her through a thick crowd of people in the airport. "Don't let go of my hand."

Daniel was in front, leading you towards the exit, where a glossy crimson Ferrari was parked. "Here we go." He opened the door for you, sliding beside you and helping to buckle Leia in.

You smiled at him. "Thanks so much for inviting us."

"No problem, darling."

The pet name sent a curl of heat through your core, and you looked out the window so you wouldn't have to respond. The view was stunning: metallic skyscrapers, a bustling city center. You couldn't believe that this was what you were missing out on your whole life.

About twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a sleek modern hotel. You saw Daniel's mum wave at you, and swallowed roughly. You prayed that she would like you.

"Leia, be nice," you chastised her before you disembarked from the car. "Use your manners."

Leia bobbed her head up and down. "I know, Mum."

When you walked over, Daniel's mum immediately struck up a conversation with you, pulling you into a tight embrace. "I'm Grace!" she introduced herself. "And this must be little Leia." She bent down to shake Leia's hand. "You look just like her."

"Thanks," you replied. "It's nice to meet you."

Grace put her hand on her heart. "Danny's told me all about you. I'm happy to see that you're exactly as I hoped."

Your gaze whipped to Daniel, who turned even redder. One more shade, and he could pass for a bearded tomato. "Really?"

"Yep!" Grace clapped Daniel on the back. "He loves you."

You blinked, but didn't blurt anything out. "We should probably head inside."

Daniel nodded fervently. "I agree."

That night

"You want to explain to me what your mum told me?" you probed Daniel, crossing your arms over your chest.

Daniel covered his face with his hands. "Fuck, Y/N, I'm sorry. She's not a good secret keeper."

"Are you saying that she was lying?"

His eyes peeked out from behind his palms. "Do you want me to say no?"

"Tell me the truth," you scolded.

Daniel sighed and took a step closer to you. "She wasn't. Ever since I saw you at that lemonade stand, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. You're funny, and strong, and independent. I want to prove to you that I won't be like the other one. I'm here to stay."

Without a second's worth of hesitation, you tugged on his shirt collar, pulling him down to your height, and kissed him. He moaned softly, his arms snaking around your waist and caging you against the wall. "Fuck, Y/N."

The kiss became more passionate as you tangled your fingers in Daniel's brown curls, and his own found the swell of your breasts underneath your shirt. "You're so perfect," he murmured softly. "Can I?"

You nodded, at a loss for words. Daniel lifted your shirt over your head, revealing the lacy pink bra you were wearing. "Fuck, I'm going to come in my pants like a schoolboy right now. My God, you're a fucking work of art."

You unbuttoned his shirt and loosened the waistband of his pants, letting them fall to the floor. Daniel picked you up, placing you on the bed. "The door's locked," he assured you when you opened your mouth. "If we're quiet, Leia won't know anything."

"Good," you whispered. "I don't want to traumatize her."

He laughed, and kissed you again on the collarbone. Carefully, he placed your hands above your head and said, "I want to have sex with you. Is that OK?"

"You don't have to ask, Daniel," you rasped.

Daniel shook his head. "Yes, I do. Consent is not a laughing matter, darling."

You expelled a breath in faux-annoyance, and he continued his mission. One slow thrust, and he was in you, filling your pussy and making you groan with pleasure. "Daniel..."

"Does it hurt?" he asked worriedly. "I'll go slower."

You twisted your head to look at him. "No, it's fine. Just...not used to this. It's been a while."

He pecked you on the forehead, his arms caressing the curves of your skin. "I won't hurt you, I promise."

He drove into you, the movements firm and sure. Soon, you felt the tidal wave of pleasure build up in you like an insistent hum. "Daniel, I'm going to..." you trailed off, the sentence ending with another moan.

Daniel kissed you on the temple, the touch exactly what you needed to tumble over the edge. "Let go for me, darling."

And so you did, the orgasm rippling over you and making you shudder with satisfaction.

He pulled out a moment later, his own orgasm succeeding yours, and he flopped down beside you, one arm wresting you closer to him. "You're stunning."

"When I'm all fucked out?" you teased.

Daniel played with a loose strand of your hair, his eyes bright with happiness. "Yep."

"You're so silly, Daniel," you poked fun at him, tapping his nose twice.

He flicked your nose, and stated the very obvious fact, "But you adore me."

Three weeks later

Daniel clutched the bouquet of tulips in his hand, suddenly nervous. It wasn't the first time he had taken you out on a date. Hell, it wasn't even the second time. Yet each and every time, he was terrified.

You were perfect.

And he was...he was Daniel, the former F1 driver for four teams.

"Thanks for picking me up," you told him as he ushered you to his car. "I really appreciate it."

He gave you a quick kiss on the forehead. "No problem, darling."

You sat down, and then readjusted your position, feeling something poking your back. It was a box.

"Not a ring," he promised when he saw your expression. "I wouldn't have you accidentally sit on your engagement ring, darling."

You scowled at him, but popped open the top. A beautiful ruby necklace gleamed up at you, and you let out a gasp.

"It's my mother's. She wanted you to have it," Daniel told you.

"Wow, Daniel. This is...breath-taking." You hugged him.

"Just like you," he flirted, and you rolled your eyes. "It's the truth."

You extricated the necklace from the box and clipped it around your neck. "How does it look?"

"Perfect." He kissed you on the lips, one hand nestled on the crook of your jaw. "And all mine."

─── ୨୧ ─── THE END ─── ୨୧ ───

[bohemian-rhapsody-in-blue]

Thanks for the tag, @pieniebootekent! Welcome to Tumblr!! 💖

Last song: No Plan by Hozier

Favorite color: Anything in the pink-purple-red range

Last book: Storm Front by Jim Butcher (almost done with it!)

Last show: The Middle

Sweet, savory, or spicy: Sweet, with savory in 2nd place. I've talked before about how my complete lack of spice tolerance makes me a failed (half-)Indian 😭

Relationship status: SingIe as a Pringle, a description made all the more apt because I just ate some Pringles (yes, in bed at 5 AM, which is probably one reason I'm single)

Last thing I googled: I don't remember exactly, but likely "nyt strands". My mom and I do Wordle, Connections, and Strands every day and send each other our scores, and she uses the account we share on the app, so l use my browser. I just realized that bookmarking the pages for the games would make my life at least a tiny bit easier.…

Current obsession: I feel like l've said "Cowboy Bebop and Six of Crows with a side of American Girl" enough in previous tag games, so instead I'll plug the podcast @dashboarddiaries, which I discovered yesterday, and I am now avidly listening to every single episode. The fact that I recognize so much of what's discussed is making me realize I spend too much fucking time on this website 😭 Also, it doesn't hurt that one of the hosts is @thelaurenshippen, who created The Bright Sessions, a podcast l've loved since age 13—which is also the age I was when I joined Tumblr in 2017! So listening to Dashboard Diaries is like a journey through time in so many ways!

Looking forward to: my friend, who had to unexpectedly come home from college for a few weeks due to a family emergency, returning to school! Her plane lands tomorrow night (well, tonight, since it's so far past midnight) and I'm so excited to hug her again.

Tagging: @allica @holdencommodorecumrag @jaysbraindump @smithasandwich @wewringmagicfromtheordinary @world-wright

thank you @slashsleuth for the tag 😁 i havent done a little game in a long time

last song: fruit roll ups by waterparks

fav color: purple 💜😈💟🪻

last book: the absinthe underground by jamie pacton (it was ok)

last movie: wicked

last tv show: abbott elementary

sweet/savory/spicy: sweet usually

relationship status: single 😊

last thing i googled: the absinthe underground (needed the author lmao) before that it was turbulent waterparks chords

current obsession: ive been watching a lottt of jet lag lately!!! super fun travel show!!

looking forward to: signed parx print coming in the mail today 🫶🏼

tagging: @bergoozter @trashworldblog @outer-space-face @22psyduck :-)

[iwasbored777]

I've been reading posts about GUN and I know they're going to be so bad in the fourth movie. Because not only is it possible that Rockwell, you know the openly xenophobic agent, will be the leader, but we're also going to have the Metal Sonics. When GUN sees alien threats built from the image of the alien they hate the most and can't chase, it's going to be the perfect excuse to want to capture Sonic and also Tails and Knuckles for sure. Not only that, with Amy in the movie it's going to get worse! If she really can travel through time with her chaos energy, I have no doubt that GUN will want to capture her too so they don't get this insane trump card. I dare say that a Team Heroes X GUN conflict is kind of inevitable.

Thanks for this ask cuz I feel so honoured to shame GUN for everything they've done. That previous post about Shadow wasn't enough, they did so many terrible things and I can't believe I didn't write this before your ask.

I can barely list all the worst things they did but I'll try and I'll answer to your other stuff so I hope you're ready and I hope you don't mind this whole analysis 😅 but I really wanted to talk more about GUN and since you clearly hate/dislike them just as much as I do (and many feel the same way) I really want to complain about them to someone who'll listen:

They were the ones that sent Robotnik in the first place. At least at the beginning he was just doing his job.

They knew that Gerald was Ivo's grandfather and alive all these years but they chose to not tell Ivo and let him think that he has no family his entire life. They used him because he was a genius and wanted him to make all those inventions for them and when they thought that he died they just acted as if he never existed.

They hired one of their agents to seduce Sonic's aunt, propose to her, and plan the whole wedding so that they would capture Sonic (I'm sorry I'm trying to stay serious but what the hell is wrong with GUN?! I don't know if I should cry or laugh and this is only the beginning). Poor Rachel too! They didn't care about anyone whether it was humans or aliens. I kinda wasn't happy that Rachel couldn't stay mad, what they did to her was horrible.

They captured Sonic and Tails. Tails was injured when they captured him and they didn't do anything about it, they simply put him and Sonic in cages after they tased Sonic to make sure he's unconscious too, they arrested Tom too when he tried to defend his son. This scene always breaks me, poor babies 😢

They found Shadow when he landed on Earth, kidnapped him, held him in a cryo pod and were doing experiments on him. (Gee, I wonder why Tom and Maddie didn't trust GUN with Sonic and kept Sonic hidden in their house instead after the first movie).

They were responsible for the death of a child, Maria (Walters did try to protect her and Shadow but when others killed her he mistreated Shadow. He definitely had more sympathy for Maria, she was a human child after all.) This moment right here physically hurts me cuz not only that they don't seem to care about the child they just killed but also they're surrounding Shadow and Gerald with weapons as if Shadow and Gerald were the ones who did something terrible here... They didn't care about the child they just killed, they only wanted to capture Shadow, that was their priority and Maria was just a collateral damage.

Right after they killed Maria they threw Gerald, her grandfather who loved her, in jail for 50 years and forced him to make Eclipse Cannon, that can destroy the planet. He went crazy because of all that and WHO WOULDN'T?!

They froze Shadow for 50 years (would definitely stay frozen way longer if he didn't escape) because they just didn't know what to do with him and kept him awake and fully aware of what they were doing to him during the process. I'll once again remind y'all of Walters' comment that Shadow was "too valuable to destroy", because Shadow was property to them and not a young living being with feelings and trauma that they gave him. His face here breaks my heart... Look how helpless he was here...

I added as many examples of how terrible GUN is as I can remember but if there are more you can always add them in the comments. I could easily add every scene and every screenshot with GUN cuz even at their better moments, they're still really bad, but I tried to pick the most important parts.

As for Rockwell, yeah she's gonna be a handful. She's definitely worse than Walters. At least he realized in his last moments that you can trust some aliens, but she isn't going to be easy to convince. They'll probably be even worse from now on and they probably didn't learn their lesson after Shadow. They better not hurt my baby girl Amy or the Colorful Bunch. I have some theories but I'd rather wait and see what's next.

Amy was hiding her identity here from Metal Sonic but I'm not sure if she doesn't want GUN to find her either cuz she's not hiding from Sonic, she let him see her.

Either way, it's not going to be easy for our alien kids and GUN gave me no reason to trust them so far. It says a lot that Robotnik and Stone were WAY more likeable to me than GUN. I hope GUN will leave Shadow alone and if they can't, I hope he'll kick GUN's butts again.

[humansbgone]

I have done. SO MUCH work on Rose's model this week. Figuring out Geometry Nodes effect to make stylized hairs do what I want, figuring out bone constraints to make her eyelashes behave just so relative to the camera, figuring out Shader Nodes effects so I could convert her eye shines to a texture for better deformation while still able to transform them, correcting her cephalothorax mesh and re-rigging it, merging her leg meshes, completely remeshing her jaws and mouth, tons of other possible methods I discarded...

...and all I have that I can show off yet is the work I've done giving her fangs. (It'll be quite a while before this functionality even comes into play, but I figured I may as well add it while I was fixing everything else.) You'll just have to take my word for it that the other things are going to make a tremendous difference in making her much more expressive and lively for animation!

Jade is making fast work of the soundtrack, per usual! I can tell you now this OST will be more bangers.

And the work on Rose is still not done! Next, her eyes need to be finished...however I decide to do that. I've got a couple ideas. Then, more work on the hair method, and actually making the mesh...and rigging. So, so much rigging. I'll do what I can over the weekend, but again, this may take another week. Another month for work on the other characters. A month for staging, assets, and backgrounds, and anywhere from one to two months on animation...let's bump this up to a May or June release. Hopefully, all the methods I've figured out here will save me time on the future. Until next time!

[usagiarchive]

angel of the codeine scene — [09] over and and over again

prev / masterlist / afterword

sypnosis. [ 1.6k words. epilogue ] — The end of the suffering and the beginning of a new start.

usagi's note: HI i hope u guys read my afterword, there is so much i wanna say, but in case u guys, don't read it, i just really wanna say thanku for choosing to read this, ily guys, thanks for reading until the end <3

Rex Lapis was not indifferent.

He tries really hard to give Liyue and its people the epilogue after the war, to preserve the peace they protect, and to give his remaining yaksha the epilogue he deserves.

He tries, really.

Because he couldn't give the same to himself.

In a war where you are blessed to find love, you will be cursed to choose who to protect. Yourself? Your people? Or your lover?

There are no multiple choices, you can only choose one.

Rex Lapis had to find out the hard way.

He sends for Baizhu-yisheng and Changsheng-xiaoren again, just to make sure his warrior doesn't lose hope.

To make sure he doesn't have regrets.

To make sure he gets his own epilogue.

At sunset, they perform the ritual once again.

…

The hair on the back of Xiao's next rose once he saw the golden beacon of light once more.

He's seen this once.

Back when…

He… it… he doesn't want to hope.

The Conqueror of Demons hears his god's summons. He goes.

…

“Are you sure it's alright to do this…?” Baizhu asks as he helps clothe your…? (was it still you?) body…? into new garments.

“To do what?” Rex Lapis asks as he ties your hair up.

You- or rather what Baizhu thinks is a reincarnation of you, has been blinking sleepily for the past half hour, leaning over to Liyue’s Archon.

“To bring her back to life?”

“Hm…” The Archon thinks as he pets your head, “She's not dead, hasn't been at all,”

Baizhu's eyebrows knit together, waiting for the man to explain.

“But, the scene at Luhua Pool?”

He merely laughs, “Simply to immortalize her,” he says, “Luhua Pool is a door to a different plane of existence, it serves to preserve her memories and soul,”

Rex Lapis’ eyes stare at him and smile, “This right here is only a body, a… shell of sorts,”

Baizhu feels horrified at this but at the same time he is intrigued, with this kind of creation, would it be possible to immortalize a normal human?

“Worry not, this has been done many times before, I've done this with Ganyu, too, though her place of transmission was different, Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver have gone through a similar process back in the war,”

Changsheng hisses amusedly at her companion's reaction.

“Baizhu-yisheng, Changsheng-xiaoren? Would you accompany me to Luhua Pool?”

…

There are only a few times Xiao has felt sick to his stomach.

The first was when he was told to eat dreams for the first time.

The second was when he lost you at the river.

The third was when he learned that the other Yaksha had succumbed to death.

And the fourth was when he realized he killed you.

Seeing Luhua Pool again, with Rex Lapis' back to him, was the fifth.

The Archon knew of his presence even before he neared the ground.

“Xiao,” he greets.

“Morax,” Xiao kneels.

“Stand.”

Weapons do not question their wielder. Servants do not question their masters. Demons do not question their gods-

He faces his Archon, “Why?”

Rex Lapis steps aside and he sees…

You.

Zhongli lets out a small sad smile when he sees the warrior buckle at the knees at the sight of you.

“I… How… Is this… Is this a mockery? A punishment?” his warrior says as he tries his hardest not to show emotion in front of his god.

“No, Xiao,” he says as he places a shoulder on his and guides him to you, “A solace.”

“A reprieve.”

“I don't- I don't understand- why would-”

“Would you like to do the honors of bringing her back to you?”

You stare at him with curiosity as Zhongli guides Xiao to you.

You're quiet again.

“Dip her in the water, she already knows what to do, you just need to hold her, I'll take care of the rest,” his voice ever assuring.

“Qingxin…”

Xiao carries you in his arms, the same way he did when he brought you here to rest, he slowly eases you into the water, eyes on you the whole time, watching for any sign of discomfort.

But you only stared back at him, holding nothing of the memories from before.

“Close your eyes, okay?” he murmurs.

Once he sees you nod and your eyes flutter shut, he lowers you deeper into the water until your face is submerged and Rex Lapis begins to chant with Changsheng.

“Qingxin,” Xiao closes his eyes and presses his forehead to yours under the water.

“Come back to me.”

…

In the dusk, among the quiet of the night, Luhua Pool glows with beauty, the fireflies string around to illuminate and enhance the reflection of the moon above.

…

Your hand catches onto the back of Xiao's neck and he lifts your face above the water.

The chanting from the two has already ended and they stand to watch as the conqueror of demons wipe away the water from your face as you cough a bit.

His hand stays to cup your face.

“Xiansheng?”

Tears drip onto your face without him even realising it.

“Forgive me,” he chokes on his words, “I never- I never meant to- to hurt you, or- or to lose control, I- I should've been faster, I should've- should've asked for- asked for he-”

“Hey, hey, no,” you say as you pull him into your neck, “I'm fine, I'm here, I'm with you,”

Xiao sobs even harder into your neck, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry,” he repeats over and over.

You pull Xiao, your Xiao, into your arms and give him the tightest embrace you could muster with your current strength right now and he bunches the back of your hanfu as he hugs you loosely, not wanting to hurt you with his strength.

As he buries his face into your neck, you're caught with the sight of Morax looking at the two of you with a smile, Baizhu-yisheng and Changsheng-xiaoren nowhere to be found.

“Thank you,” you mouth.

He nods and leaves in a trail of golden light.

You thread your fingers into Xiao's hair and he sighs the last of his sobs into your skin.

“Xiansheng, should we go home?”

Xiao pulls away from you and nods, wiping at his face with his hands, you giggle as you help him, his eyes still rimmed with red.

“Come now, we have a lot to talk about,” you say and he warps away.

…

That night was the most you've ever heard Xiao talk, or at least according to your memories, which were still a bit fuzzy, but you remember enough from your first reincarnation.

The memories from your time with Xiao in the war were even fuzzier now, as if they were books you've read but can't remember the context of, only returning in feelings or scents.

Xiao has apologized more than eighty times that night, his tears endless as you comfort him in your arms.

“Don't worry, now that the whole reincarnating thing is an option, you won't get rid of me so easily,”

“I wish not to be rid of you at all,” he says, voice still stuffy from crying.

“How cute,” you say as you pinch the cheek that wasn't resting on your chest, “The conqueror of demons all so soft,”

…

The two of you talk for the rest of the night, helping each other understand, and taking the time to make him understand that it wasn't his fault.

Xiao promises never to hurt you again and you promise never to leave his side for too long.

After all, his karmic debt, even if significantly reduced by your previous incarnation, was still active.

You decide to get tea with Morax the next day.

…

“Ah, that,” he says as he pours a fruit blend tea, sunsettia and apple tea, “Well, to be frank with you, I haven't the slightest idea of how you reduced his karmic debt,”

“Wait, you mean to tell me that you created me to 'heal him', but you yourself have no idea how to?”

It was… a bit unnerving for Xiao to hear you question his Archon so openly.

“Yes, forgive me, dear, I only wanted a reprieve for your beloved,” he says and takes a sip of his tea.

“That's so… hmph,” you huff and take a sip of your tea.

“Well, what about how I heal him?” You ask a different question.

“I have my suspicions that it aided your untimely death,” Morax says.

“What?”

“Well, the universe must find balance, to take is to be given, and to be given is to take.”

Xiao's brows knit together, “Are you saying she died because she healed me?”

“Yes, Xiao, although I can bring her back, so I do not think it will be an issue, on another note, too, the karmic debt does not further resurface after she somehow heals it,”

The warrior holds his head, that was… a lot of information to take in… he takes a look at you and sighs, this will surely be your topic for the night.

“Wait, I don't get it, if you could bring me back, why didn't you bring Guizhong-xiangsheng back?”

The Archon smiles sadly.

“Because her body didn't have a medium to preserve her memories,” he paused, “She did not want to be reincarnated, she told me so,”

“Oh.”

“Sorry,” you apologize as you pour him another cup of tea.

He laughs at that, “No worries, my child, it is in the past, I'm sure wherever Guizhong is now, she is happier and at peace,”

He looks up at the sky and feels the breeze flow through his hair.

As you look at Xiao, who seems to enjoy the breeze of the wind, too, you think.

You'll choose Xiao.

You'll choose to reincarnate.

You'll heal him and rid him of his karmic debt.

Over and over again.

Until you both get the epilogue you deserve.

prev / masterlist / afterword

usagi's note: ITS 😭 OVER 😭 I 😭 CANT 😭 BELIEVE 😭 IT 😭 im so thankful to everyone who read seriously ily all, to those in the taglist, tysm, i never would've imagined people would actually read this, pls read the afterword if u have time!! im gonna say a lot there, i hope u all take care mwa !! see u next time gbye!!

taglist (open!! green can't be tagged): @irenedoesthings @cherrysnows @makuzume @smoochi-modest @bvtterflyyy @original-person @aphxdea @iratempestatis @constellationguy @lloversss @femaholicc @arietheyluv

@usagiarchive 2025. do not repost, translate, or use for AI. reblogs, likes, and comments are very appreciated!!

[m4rs-ex3]

tdp instagram creators try not to shit on the show for no reason challenge!! (*IMPOSSIBLE*)

You all are just trying to find reasons to whine about the Stella plush.

“Guess she was just a merch plug all along.” What? You know how long it’s been since she was first introduced as a character? You think the only real reason they did was to merchandise her? Like they were just secretly plotting and planning this entire time for her to be merchandised 3 years later and that was her entire purpose lol.

Like, I genuinely cannot fathom how people could seriously be so upset over this. I mean, I’ve even heard a lot of people say the complete opposite and how they really wish TDP had more merch. This reaction I’m seeing is so weird and I cannot imagine it being anything other than forced.

“Maybe it’s just me.” No, the problem is that it’s literally not just you. Literally every major TDP artist I’m seeing on Insta except for one is saying stuff like this, and that’s why I feel like this is a forced reaction.

Also why is it weird to get merch directly from the show? Do you think it’s weird… to support a show you like?

[epickiya722]

I love Bakugou with all my heart. He's one of my favourite characters. But it's always kind of hard to interact with a lot of his stans because of how overly protective they are of him, to the point where they mischaracterize or slander other characters when they dont do something in favour of bakugou. They act like hes a baby at times. Ofc not all of them are like that, butbits always the vocal ones that stand out and theyre many.

Unpopular opinion but I also dislike the "bakugou is a damsel in distress" thing they say, mainly the dk//bks. Cause that title should be given to no one, they're all bamfs.

The release of 431 basically had half the bakugou fandom burying Midoriya alive and even saying things like how Bakugou should start hating on Midoriya. Or that bakugou should have died so that Midoriya can live a life of suffering. Acting like Horikoshi did Bakugou a disservice when imo Bakugou had the kindest, most well written character development given to him.

To be completely blunt, in all my years of being in this fandom I've never encountered such a rabid group of people who will literally shit their pants because other characters or the author (in the final chapter) weren't kissing their ass for more than 2 minutes.

I do feel you on that, Anon.

I said it before, Bakugou is my guy, my boom boom boy. I like him as I do many other characters in the series. He has a good storyline, he is a great character on his own.

And that what infuriates me about some other Bakugou fans.

He is already such a good character, so why is there a need, a must, an urge to bash and mischaracterize other characters just to put him down?

Part of what I'm going to say is my bias because you all know Midoriya is my favorite tied with Miruko, but the other part of me is someone coming from a Bakugou fan standpoint. And you know what, feel free to be mad at me, but I just can't anymore!

The fandom over the past year or so has done nothing but disappoint me. Truly and at this point, I feel like I have to let out everything.

A lot of the reactions I saw towards Midoriya in the epilogue was absolue bullshit.

"He should give Bakugou back the suit!"

"How dare he turn down Bakugou!"

Bakugou was not the only fucking person who put in on helping with that suit and he damn sure wasn't the only person who saw Midoriya as the hero he is. Midoriya does not owe Bakugou any, let alone be an EMPLOYEE at his agency.

Like, damn, can he actually get used to some Pro Hero work in before he makes such decisions?

And I'll be honest, him not working at agency actually gave me joy. I actually like that idea. It reminds me of Miruko.

Him being a solo type hero allows Midoriya to be flexible with his routine. I guess they forgot he is a teacher. They must not have realized that Midoriya can and will fight by Bakugou's side in the field. Who said they needed a fucking agency to do all of that?

In fact, them being separated and not working at the same place would allow them to be more happy to see each since it's like "I didn't get to see you all day! I've been waiting to lay my eyes on you, I was counting the seconds till we meet again". I like that scenario, can we jump on that?

Like, what if Midoriya said no because he felt like Bakugou had done enough for him? Huh? How would he know Bakugou would want him at the agency and why even spring that on him being so cryptic about it in front of Kirishima? Sorry but Bakugou went about it the wrong way.

Midoriya can be oblivious but he's also not a mind reader. And sometimes, Bakugou is not that transparent, let alone someone who is right all the time himself.

I feel like that a lot of the fandom just wanted Bakugou to tie Midoriya down. Want him to own Midoriya like he's some fucking pet.

I thought they were supposed to be equals, but clearly I was lied to!

Like, when I say I was so disappointed in some fellow BakuDeku shippers, I was probably beyond disappointment. I couldn't follow anymore of some of the blogs because of the things they were saying.

I know Bakugou's hair is golden, but he is not some golden child. He is not some fragile little baby that some of the fandom treats him as such while also thinking he's so perfect.

They're doing exactly what lead to his terrible behavior in the first place, now that I'm thinking about it! Oh, I thought we were supposed to learn from that, HELLO?!

He is not perfect. That's what makes him a great character. A character with flaws makes for an entertaining one, but in this case, not for Bakugou! How I cannot believe!

That's why I also enjoy Midoriya. He has flaws, but the bad thing is how most of the fandom amped them up to 100 to make him seem more terrible.

I really hate how some of those same Bakugou and BakuDeku shippers reduce Midoriya into someone who can't do everything right, or he was like vindictive in the epilogue.

Like, some of you was so quick to say that the epilogue was so out of character, so why even go along with the notion that "Midoriya doesn't care about Bakugou, he betrayed Bakugou"?

Easy, because you don't care about Midoriya which is absurd to me given that if you're a Bakugou fan, Midoriya is the last character you should be hating on. Bakugou would hate you for hating Midoriya.

(Getting flashbacks to that one post about how the OP was mad at Midoriya for making Bakugou cry because he didn't tell him about OFA... in season one... WHAT?!)

I'm jumping on that unpopular opinion with you because my gosh. "I hate it when Midoriya is the damsel in Tddk fics and Bakugou is the bad guy".

I see why, but then why turn around and treat Bakugou like he's a damsel? To give more Midoriya stress? I'm all for angst, but I do feel like some people just want Midoriya to suffer like "see how you didn't appreciate Bakugou enough" and out of some hate agenda.

Listen, I know the pair are like the "don't separate at all costs" type, but again, it should be equal.

Yes, they care deeply about each other. But they're still their own separate characters.

Flaws Horikoshi's writing may have, but it damn sure ain't that flawed to not make sense of some of these characters.

I'm sorry (not really), but I feel like that some truly don't get Midoriya at all and don't want to take the time out to understand him. An injustice really to being a BakuDeku shipper. You won't see the harmony within that ship.

[27dragons]

Hiii I‘ve been loving seeing you more on my dash lately, been following you and reading your fics for like six years now and truly no one else’s works have filled my bookmarks as much as yours (and Tisfans of course).

One of yours was the very first winteriron fic I ever read and it had me fall in love instantly, haven’t found anything else like them since. I love that you found your writing muse again, and I know it’s been a long time and a lot of the fandom has fizzled out. But I just wanted to pop in an ask if maybe one day you could see yourself writing MCU again?

In any case, it’s been a lot of lovely years with your writing and you’ll make (and are making) a lot of other new people incredibly happy with your amazing skill and talent for words, worldbuilding and characterisation <3

Hey there! I'm so delighted that you've enjoyed my fics so much!!! It really means a lot to me.

The tldr is that yes, there's at least a slim chance that I might write winteriron/MCU again one day. There is a whole stack of partially-written WIPs still in my writing folder that I can't bring myself to archive and retire.

I'll admit that my enthusiasm for MCU faded a lot when they killed Tony off. And then a massive surge in my depression (thanks in part to COVID and then tisfan's death and then my mom's) all but extinguished my ability to write. I had a creative burst for about 3 months in 2023 with Sandman and the Dreamling ship that resulted in about a dozen fics, but the one fic that I managed to write in 2024 (which was winteriron!) felt like pulling teeth to finish.

But I'm still reading some winteriron fics (and the occasional stony), so it's not entirely dead to me. (For that matter, I did quite a few winteriron/MCU ficlets with my Countdowns here on tumblr in both '23 and '24 - check my "countdown to 2024" and "countdown to 2025" tags if you missed those.)

It's just that winteriron is closely tied to tisfan for me (even before we were writing together, she was always my beta reader), and it's hard to think about it without her. (Also, I've written SO MUCH winteriron, it's hard to come up with any scenarios that I haven't already done, lol)

The Arcane/Jayvik bug has bitten hard, and it's such a relief to know that I can still write, but I'm still waiting to see if this will fizzle out again after a few months like the Dreamling stuff did.

If I do keep writing, there's a pretty decent chance that I will eventually come back to winteriron, at least occasionally. If nothing else, I'd love to one day finish the fic that tisfan and I were working on when she had her stroke.

But I expect it will take a while. If you asked because you're considering unfollowing/unsubscribing so your inbox and dash aren't cluttered with notifications for a fandom you have no interest in, then I promise I won't be offended if you want to do that and just set yourself a reminder to check back in a year to see what happened. I've made that decision myself a few times, and I know it comes with a sliver of heartbreak and guilt. But I understand that not everyone will want to follow me everywhere that I go, and that in no way diminishes my appreciation for the love you've given my fics in the past, whether you just clicked kudos or left a comment on every chapter.

Thank you again for this very kind note. I'm so happy to have given you something you've enjoyed so much.

❤️💛

[malfoy-mrsdracomalfoy]

The Silver Moon

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Muggle-born!Girlfriend!Reader

House: Ravenclaw but it doesn't play a significant role

Warning: Angst

Word Count: 4307

Summary: Draco reveals his dark mark to his muggle-born girlfriend, and their future becomes uncertain.

Reader's Point Of View:

Draco strides into my private dorm, silent. I look over at him from the couch with a smile that quickly fades when I see his expression.

"Hey, darling.." I start, softly. He's been unpredictable lately with a turbulent sea of emotions ranging from obsessive love, to fury, to cold distance. His eyes search mine for a moment before saying, "We need to talk." I feel my stomach drop, fighting off a wave of nausea. I don't like where this is going.

"Sure, what is it?" I ask quietly, carefully.

"Stop acting so cautious!" He snaps, suddenly. "I'm not some fucking wild beast that is about to attack you." He says, voice laced with tension. I nod. "Okay. What's going on?" I say, finding my voice and speaking firmly.

His voice has taken on a uncharacteristically nervous tone that is rare in him as he begins to say, "There's something I need to tell you." I nod, stiffening. Is he about to tell me he cheated? I keep my eyes trained on him, hiding my emotions so he will continue. He takes a deep breath, his hand tightens into a fist temporarily then releases, a sign he's in distress, and he takes the seat next to me on the couch. "I've done something recently..." He pauses, waiting for my reaction.

"Okay, go on." I reach over and push his hair off his forehead, smoothing his hair back for a moment. He leans into my touch, and I feel a sense of hope again. Maybe it's not that bad? He looks down at the sleeve of his black blazer for a moment then yanks it up to give me a full view of his dark mark.

"I'm a Death Eater." He confesses, eyes never leaving mine. He is holding his breath, waiting for my response. He knows it could be the end of everything between us. I hesitantly touch his mark and take a deep, steeling breath- not reacting yet. I fight off the crushing feeling in my chest. He knows I'm muggle-born and yet he joined an organization that's been killing us left and right. A group of dark wizards who pride themselves on the hatred of me and my 'kind'. How could he? I swallow hard and gather the courage to meet his eye again. There has to be a reason. He wouldn't just do this. He couldn't possibly.

"I noticed you have been different lately. I knew something had changed." I admit. "Are you okay? That seemed really hard for you to admit." He nods miserably, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Brilliant deduction. Yes, I've been wrestling with it lately. Being a Death Eater is not as glorious as people think." He sighs heavily, pulling down his sleeve as his shoulders slump forward.

"I'll say. I'm muggle-born." My voice can't fully disguise my hurt. He meets my eye with anguish of his own.

"I know, baby." He looks at me, tears filling his eyes. I drop his gaze and stare down at the floor. He grabs my hand. "Darling, please look at me." I hear the desperation in his voice. I meet his eye now, not hiding my pain and confusion any longer. "Why?" I ask quietly, tears filling my eyes. He lets out a choked sob.

"I had to. I had no choice" His voice is raw and his tears are flowing freely down his face. "Please, darling- understand. I didn't have a choice." He sobs now, hands trembling but holding on tight to mine any way. I look over his features, crying freely. I reach out to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a hug.

"I believe you. What's going to happen to us?" I cry out, heartbreak and fear evident in my voice- head falling onto his shoulder as sobs wrack my body and the sounds of my cries fill the air. He begins sobbing too, rubbing my back. His whole body is trembling now and I hear the broken boy within. He clutches me so tight it's borderline painful.

"Please don't leave me!" He begs out, voice raw with emotion and agony "I need you." He sobs. I pull back to meet his eyes, wiping his tears away and using my sleeve to wipe the snot from under his nose.

"I won't leave you. I promise." I say, decided. We take a moment to settle ourselves as we cling to each other. Then we pull back to look at each other with matching scared expressions. We take a collective deep breath in.

"We need to keep our relationship hidden. I'm muggle-born and..." I start. He grabs my hand and squeezes.

"Don't you dare think I give a fuck about pure-blood bullshit anymore. Especially not when it comes to you." His ice-blue eyes burn intense. I take in a shaky breath.

"We need to keep it hidden because I don't want you to be punished." I press.

"Shhh" He presses a soft kiss to my forehead, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You're the only good thing in my life right now. If anyone finds out about us, I'll deal with it- but don't you dare walk away from me thinking you're saving me."

"Are you sure? I don't want anything to happen to you." I look at him with genuine concern. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me onto his lap. "Positive" he murmurs, his chin resting on my shoulder. "Besides, who's going to tell? We'll be careful. No public displays of affection, no talking to each other or talking about each other.."

"I'm going to avoid you in public. I'm sorry, it'll probably hurt but it's the safest thing to do right now." I tell him and he nods, his arms tightening around me slightly.

"I understand." He says, his voice a little hoarse with emotion. "I don't like it, I don't want it, but I understand. Your safety is more important than my pride." He pauses, pressing a gentle kiss to my neck.

"No YOUR safety is more important. Do you think I'm doing this for me? No. You'd be punished. Horribly. Or maybe even..." I shake my head at the thought. "Something awful I don't even want to say out loud." I finish. Draco shivers involuntarily at my unfinished words, knowing exactly what horrible fate he would meet. He holds me closer, burying his face into my hair as if to block out the dreadful thoughts. "Don't even think of it," he murmurs gruffly "I can handle punishment."

"Stop that!" I pull back and look at him intensely "Draco this is quite literally life or death. I don't know if we should risk being together at all." I admit. He pulls back slightly to look at me, his eyes darkening with intensity. "Listen to me," He says firmly, his hands gripping my arms gently but insistently "I choose to be with you. If Death Eaters find out and I face punishment for it, that's on me."

"No- don't even say that! So casually. Like it'll be a smack on the wrist. You could be killed!" I slide off his lap "I can't have that. I won't." He watches as I slide off his lap, his heart pounding loud enough for me to hear as he realizes the gravity of the situation. He kneels in front of me, his eyes never leaving mine as he tries to reason with me. "You can't just leave me," He says. his voice low and desperate, "I need you."

"I'm so scared for you. I've never been more terrified my entire life!" I respond, my own body trembling now, my heart beating as loud as his. He reaches out to grab my hand, pulling me close as tears prick the corner of his eyes. "I'm scared too," he admits, his voice breaking "But I'd rather be scared with you than alone without you." He hugs me tightly, burying his face into my hair. I hug him back, rubbing his shoulders and back. He holds onto me like his life depends on it, his arms wrapped tightly around me. We've never been one for emotional displays, but in this moment, we can't help it. We've never been so scared and so in love.

"I love you. I don't want to leave you. But I need to know you'll be okay." I say, he pulls back slightly to look at me, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with unshed tears. "Promise me one thing," he whispers, his voice hoarse. "Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll remember that I loved you more than anything else in this world."

"Don't speak like that! Like you already know something will happen to you. Don't you dare!" I say to him, a little louder than necessary and my own voice raw. He flinches at my outburst, a small, bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Gods you're fierce. It's one of the things I love about you," He murmurs, rubbing his thumb gently across my cheek "I'm not planning to die, love." I sigh in relief, body physically hunching over. He tilts my head up to look at him. He stares intensely in my eyes as he says, "Listen to me. I'm Draco Malfoy. I'm smart enough to stay alive."

"Do what you must, do you hear me?" I grab his shoulders "Even if that means forsaking me, or saying awful things to me or about me. I don't care! Do what you need to do to stay alive. Promise me!" I look at him desperately. He stares at me, a flicker of shock and admiration crossing his face at my fierce protectiveness. He grips my shoulders tighter, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I swear to you, if it comes down to it, I will do whatever it takes to survive." He declares solemnly. I pull him back on the couch next to me and wrap him in a hug. "Good." I say.

He returns my hug fiercely. his chin resting atop my head as he speaks in a muffled voice. "Though it pains me to say it, if separating from you ensures my survival and keeps you safe, then that's what I'll do. No matter how much it destroys me inside."

"Thank you" I say, relieved. He pulls back to look at me. "Don't thank me. Just promise that no matter what happens, you'll keep fighting, keep living. For me, if not for yourself." He leans in, pressing a gentle, almost desperate kiss to my lips.

"We'd find each other, right? If we parted. We'd find our way back to each other when it was safe to?" I ask as I feel my eyes filling with tears. His expression gentles, thumb wiping way the tears that spilled over. "Like magnets," He says, with a soft determination. "No matter how far apart we are, we always find our way back to each other. I will search for you. I will chase after you. I wouldn't stop until I found you again." He smiles genuinely, a determined look in his eyes. "I promise." I sigh shakily and hug him.

"Good, because I need you. I'll always need you." I say softly.

"And I need you." He breaths out quietly, his hands tremble slightly as they trace my back "When it's safe, I'm going to marry you. No damn war, no dark lord, no bloody prophecy will stop me from making you mine forever." He declares fiercely. I inhale deeply and nod.

"We've kept our relationship private, but some people do know we're together. What do we do about them?" I ask.

"I'll take care of them." Draco responds.

"How? You don't mean..." I trail off, not wanting to assume the worst, but he is a Death Eater now. He looks at me amused for a second before he answers, "I'll 'obliviate' their memory of our relationship"

I sigh in relief and he leans in, pressing his forehead against mine. "We'll have a life together, you and I. A real life. Far away from all the chaos and destruction."

"We will. I know it." I say to him, holding his face between my hands and looking straight into his eyes. He closes his eyes briefly, savoring the feeling of certainty in my voice, the unwavering faith I have in our future together. He pulls back slightly, taking my hands off his face and intertwining my fingers with his. "We'll have children, too."

"At least one, but I'll be fine with two." I smile at the thought of entering parenthood with him when it's safe to. "I hope they look just like you." I admit to him. A genuine, adoring smile spreads across his face. He presses a kiss to my temple. "One with your eyes," he says softly, allowing himself to dream a little, "And maybe one with your stubborn streak." He chuckles. Indulging in this fantasy with him is exactly what we need. I decide to play into it.

"Here's what I think," I smile at him "We'll have two kids. A boy and a girl. Are you with me?" I look to see if he's listening. His expression turns completely tender and vulnerable and he nods.

"Definitely. Our boy with my platinum hair, and blue eyes with your intelligence, and our girl with your stunning y/h/c hair, and y/e/c eyes and my resourcefulness" He loses himself in the fantasy, one hand running through my hair.

I add on, "Our son will be the mirror image of you. He'll be the eldest and as he enters Hogwarts, he'll be sorted into Slytherin, just like his father." I smile, imagining, "Our daughter will have your platinum hair and ice-blue eyes with my face. It's only fair at least one of them looks a like me." I tease, letting out a small laugh. "She'll be sorted into Ravenclaw like me. Our children will balance each other out. Like we do." His eyes crinkle at the corners as he imagines the scene. He pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around me possessively.

"What if...?" His voice drops to a whisper as if afraid to speak the words out loud "What if they inherit our darkness? My cursed blood?" He looks at me fearfully, searching for reassurance.

"If they do, we will help them. We know what it's like to have darkness in us, and we know what we needed growing up. They'll have what we never did- loving, accepting parents." I tell him.

His fingers trace my jaw gently. "You're going to be the most incredible mother." His voice catches slightly, his emotions overwhelming him. "And I.." He struggles to find the words before he decides "And I will be the most fortunate father, to have you by my side. To have our children grow up surrounded by your love and my protection," He murmurs, his eyes shining with unshed tears, "I never thought..." He takes a shuddering breath, composing himself. "I never thought I'd find someone who can see past the monster everyone believes I am. Someone who loves me despite it all." He rests his forehead against mine, speaking softly. "You've given me something to live for beyond vengeance and pride."

"I love you, Draco" I caress his face, "More than anything." His eyes close briefly, taking in my touch. When he opens them again, they're filled with unguarded love- no shields, no walls. He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "I love you. Do you know that?" He laughs softly.

"I do know that. But, I want to talk about something." I say, hating to break this moment but I know time is of the essence. He'll be expected back soon for Death Eater matters. His expression becomes slightly concerned but curious, his fingers still tangled with mine. "What is it?" He studies my face intently, always reading my expressions "You can tell me anything, you know that." His thumb traces circles on the back of my hand. "Are you worried about something?"

"I want to know what our plan is moving forward. How will we maintain this relationship? We can't be in public together indefinitely." His lips press in a thin line, his brow furrowing as he considers my words. He's silent for a long moment, the weight of my question hanging between us both.

"Should we have a certain meeting place at a certain time? I'm sure your duties change frequently." I softly add. He thinks for a moment longer before nodding. "Yes, that would be wise. Somewhere secluded where we won't be seen or heard." His eyes scan my face, taking in every detail. He takes a moment before continuing.

"I bought a small cabin in the woods a few years back. It's quite far from here. When the unrest started. It's my fail safe. My last resort." He looks at me, watching me, "No one knows where it is. I bought it under the table from a dying wizard. He's not alive anymore so no one knows about it but me. And you now." I nod, listening. "We should apparate there. Every night at midnight. That's the best place. I know I'm being summoned when my mark begins to slither, so you may find yourself alone there suddenly if I abruptly leave. Are you okay with that?"

"Of course I am. I think you're brilliant for buying it. You knew things would get bad, didn't you?" I say. He hesitates, then nods.

"Yes. I saw my father become more secretive and I would have entire days where I wouldn't hear from him. Very unlike him, he would always be popping up announced and judging whatever I was doing at that moment. My mother warned me because she saw the shift in him as well." I nod thoughtfully.

"Well-spotted. How will we communicate?" I ask, letting him take the lead on this excursion.

"I will send you letters and notes. I'll charm them to always find you but never leave a magic print that could tie it to me." He says, confidently. I feel a surge of affection for him.

"I think it's so hot how powerful you are" I say, admiration heavy in my voice. He smirks and gives me a wink.

"A perk of being a dark wizard." He says, arrogance barely hidden in his statement. I look over his features unabashedly for a few moments, feeling very proud and impressed by him. He catches my look with a knowing smirk, leaning back and putting an ankle on his opposite knee and resting his arms on the arm rest. A position of calm power and authority. I laugh softly- he's posing for me. I take this as invitation to look at him in entirety. I let my eyes touch every feature, every hair, every piece of him. "That's my man." I say proudly.

"Come here." He says, a command. He drops his foot and pats his knee. I sit willingly and lean in to kiss him. He watches me with a knowing smirk and stays still, making me do all the work. He's really enjoying this power trip. I laugh, amused, and kiss him sweetly on his lips. "You're so handsome." I purr at him, running my hand down his chest. His arrogant facade preens, he puffs out his chest and slightly flexes. He sets a possessive hand on my backside and with his free hand, takes my throat and pulls me in for another kiss.

He pulls back and I see my softer Draco take over his features. But I can tell he enjoyed his little moment of authority almost as much as I did. "Let's finish planning? Before they summon me?" He looks bitterly as his forearm where the dark mark lays. I nod.

"We should use a secret code in our notes and letters, just in case they get intercepted. Something simple that can be overlooked if you're not searching for it." He says, back to planning mode.

"What were you thinking it could be?" I look intently at him.

"Something like 'The silver moon shines bright tonight' which would mean I'll definitely be able to make it. 'Clouds obscure the moon' means I can't make it." His fingers trail down the skin of my bare forearm absentmindedly.

"That's genius actually." I say approvingly to him. He grins at me, "See? I can be romantic and sneaky at the same time." His thumb catches my lower lip softly, rubbing across it. "You know what else we should do to avoid suspicion?"

"What else?" I ask.

"We should act as if we have animosity between us. Cold and distant if we have to be in the same room as each other. Like we barely tolerate each other's presence." He pulls back slightly, adopting a stern expression.

"Yeah, that's a really good idea. You'll stay true to Death Eater ideals and we'd throw people off our trail." I say and he nods approvingly.

"Exactly. People already expect me to hate muggles and the muggle-born."

"That's right" I squeeze his hand. He squeezes back, his eyes softening.

"We'll keep it a secret, just between us. Our own little world." He leans in closer, his breath ghosting over my ear. "And at midnight, I'll be there, ready to spend a few precious hours with you."

"Our own little world" I smile at the thought. "Brilliant. I love it, darkling." His eyes widen momentarily at the endearment that slipped from my lips. A pleased smirk tugs at his mouth as he embraces the newfound name. "Darkling, yeah?" He looks at me, amused. "That's fitting. Being a dark wizard and all." He kisses me softly on my lips. "If you keep calling me that people will see the softness I have for you in my eyes."

"Better keep your eyes off me then." I tease. He chuckles lowly, shaking his head "As if I could keep my eyes off the most beautiful woman in this cursed castle." His eyes dance with mischief. "But for show, I'll glare daggers at you in front of others. Though it pains me greatly. Please never take them to heart. If they start to hurt- tell me immediately and I will avert my gaze altogether."

"I will let you know. I'll act distant and aloof. That's easy enough, that's second nature to me." I admit. He nods understandingly. "And I'll be the insufferable pure-blood prick everyone expects me to be. But at midnight..." His voice trails off, a promise hanging in the air between us. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles.

"I want your midnights. All of them." I say. Draco's breath hitches at my impassioned declaration, his silver eyes sparkling with emotion. He holds my gaze intently, his lips curving into a tender, intimate smile. "They're yours."

"I'll miss you during the day." I look at him affectionately. His expression becomes incredibly tender. "And I'll miss you every damn minute you're not by my side," he admits quietly. "Every lecture, every meal... I'll be counting down the hours until I can apparate to our cabin."

"Let me look at you." I step back, pulling him up off the couch with me and holding him at arm's length, my fingers still intertwined with his. I take in his every detail, memorizing the shape of him. He stands still, allowing me to drink him in. The sharp silver eyes so full of emotion when he looks at me, the sharp planes of his face, the way his platinum hair is neatly cut, sleek and perfectly styled save for some pieces brushing his forehead. His tall, lean-muscle build. His well-pressed black blazer covering his black turtleneck all above black dress slacks and sleek black dress shoes. He swallows hard, his voice coming out soft, "What are you doing?" Though I suspect he already knows.

I step toward him "Just appreciating you. I don't do it enough." Dropping his hands, I wrap him in a hug, getting enveloped in his expensive cologne. I inhale deeply. He snakes his arms around me, holding me tightly. He presses his forehead on my shoulder, turning his face to my neck, inhaling deeply as well. "I can get used to this" he murmurs, a trace of hope in his voice.

"You and me together forever" I rub his back. His face tucks into the crook of my neck and his arms tighten around me, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Forever," he repeats against my neck, the word dripping with longing and devotion. "Forever, my love." He whispers, pressing a sweet kiss to my neck.

I breathe in deeply, breathing in this moment. His words, his voice, his smell, his warmth. I feel him do the same. We both breathe in deeply, committing every detail of this moment to memory. His fingertips trace idle patterns on my back as he holds me. "I want to freeze time right here." He says softly.

"Me too." I match his tone. He nods and stands up straight, meeting my eye. I feel his heart pounding in his chest. "Just us alone, alone in the world. No responsibilities, no expectations, no danger. Just love." His voice cracks slightly, revealing the depth of his emotions.

"We may not have this moment forever but you know what we do have?" I ask softly.

"Us." He finishes my thought.

"Us." I repeat fondly.

"Us. Together, forever. Come hell or high water." Draco declares.

Masterlist

[f4ggydog]

Big dick lottie having her way with jackie in doomcoming instead of travis bc “it’s what the wilderness wants” and jackie doesn’t wanna die a virgin

warnings: this is both smut and dubcon incoming. if you're uncomfortable with either or are a minor, please leave. thank you!

"I heard your conversation with shauna." lottie kneels down next to jackie, donning her antler queen outfit fitted with her crown. jackie's not interested in much chit chat with her. she wants travis to crawl on top of her and get this over with. if she's not going to make it out of this forest, she won't do so without losing her virginity.

"that's none of your business," jackie replies.

"no, I think it is my business actually. do you think you could get away with what you were about to do so easily?"

"leave me alone," jackie grumbles. "you can't blame a girl for trying. I've gotta lose it one way or another."

"so you give up your dignity to a pathetic man who doesn't even give a shit about you? a pathetic scumbag who's supposed to be with nat?"

"oh please, as if either of them give a shit about each other. they're both just in it for the sex. and so am i."

"you know what we call girls like that, jackie?"

jackie rolls her eyes and leaves no room for a response. she stands up and attempts to leave, but lottie drags her back down by her dress.

"I didn't say you could leave."

"you're such a weirdo," jackie mumbles, attempting to leave again. lottie doesn't allow her to. she's adamant about jackie staying and she won't let her little captain leave until fun has been had.

"where do you think you're going?" lottie interrogates, shoving jackie fiercely into the dirt. jackie winces and her legs wiggle as lottie stands tall and proud above her.

"you're being a freak," jackie complains. it's all she's done since she entered the wilderness. not pitch in, not assist with chores, not collaborate as a team, but complain and whine. and she was a sad excuse for a captain. she could hardly hold her own out here. it all started to make sense why coach chose her for her passion and not her skill.

"and you base your worth on your virginity," lottie chuckles, shaking her head. "fucking depressing. do you think you exist as breeding material alone, jackie?"

"okay, geez. what the fuck are you on about?"

"if you want to act like a horny bitch," lottie says. "you may, but you won't be doing it with him."

lottie gingerly lifts up jackie's dress before ripping the end piece off. a wet patch in her underwear is revealed and lottie almost cackles at the irony of her confusion yet immediate arousal.

"no exaggeration there," lottie says. "you really are just a horny bitch, jackie. and your virginity's all you're worth, isn't it?"

"that's not true," jackie protests. "you know that."

"you think im gonna be generous towards you?" lottie's cock begs to poke out from under her own dress. "do you think sluts like you deserve compassion, jackie?"

"i-i..."

"answer the fucking question. or I'll put my cock in your asshole instead of your warm cunt. would you like that, jackie? you'd still have your virginity if I anally fucked you after all!"

"fuck alright." jackie hesitantly pulls down her underwear, miserably anticipating what comes next. she should've never let that conversation topic leave her mouth. then again, with what she found in shauna's journal, she wouldn't have an ounce of shock if shauna snitched to lottie.

"so now you're finally starting to get it," lottie responds. fantastic. spread your legs a little wider, jax."

jackie doesn't follow her command. lottie crouches down and forcefully spreads jackie's legs open. she snickers at the thought of rutting into jackie dry. there was no pleasure in this encounter. this was merely punishment for jackie's lust. how dare she lust over another, let alone a man at that. the thought of seeing them mate like rabbits made lottie ill.

lottie's dress doesn't come cleanly off. she tears it off so erratically that there's no way it's in shape to be worn after turning jackie's cunt into a sore puddle.

"and this couldn't be done with travis?" jackie groans, lottie's underwear becoming a torn mess that paired beautifully with the tattered dress.

"its the most infuriating thing to watch you lose your virginity to a man because some teen romance movie told you to," lottie growls. "if you wanna get fucked so bad, it mind as well be with me."

lottie forces her tip inside without prior teasing. she's massive, stretching out jackie with her insanely veiny dick to a limit jackie didn't even recognize was possible. she gulps, not adjusting whatsoever despite the wetness. goosebumps form on her skin and her legs tremble.

"I've only got the head in," lottie pants. "fuck, I already wanna cum inside of you. already wanna give you my babies, you useless bimbo."

"fuck," jackie curses, her legs trying to close and force lottie's cock out. every effort from her legs is fruitless and she finds lottie pushing herself deeper. jackie's terrified that her cervix might get smashed throughout this process. but lottie doesn't go any easier on her.

"you're lucky the others aren't around to watch this. you're such an ungrateful bitch. you wanted to get fucked so bad and now you've got the audacity to complain? I don't wanna fucking hear it."

lottie could be going a lot faster, jackie supposes. she's tightening around lottie's cock, but it could be worse right? isn't this what she wanted? didn't she want to give up her virginity tonight?

but this was no sex scene in those movies. there was no passion, a drought of romance. there's not even sprinkles of love. it's just feral mating, animalistic even. and jackie wasn't sure if she would last with only half of lottie in her.

[silveredlies]

Half truths and lies of omission were where he worked best. To twist something poisoned and corrupt so that it resembled beauty to be offered was a skill all on its own. There was no need for spells to charm of hypnotize save for some here and there when he had the power of words at his fingertips. Gaining desired information, turning others against their closest allies, stirring up battles in times of conflicts, all for his own gain. It was always nice that his hard work was noticed rather than those that bought in to a beautiful lie. Fools only bored him in the end. There were no true games if there was no challenge or perhaps he had simply become jaded in more ways than he thought. As for play acting, "Fior was smart to play along, though I am a little disappointed he knew already. I put quite a bit of effort in to that one. The necromancer boy, though...all it took was a drink. The Deathrunners leave a lot to be desired if they make someone so foolish their Underboss. I felt bad for him, truly."

To be brought into a lie so easily, there had been a touch of guilt when Mathias had left. Just barely, he had certainly done far worse in his long life. But now likely, his games wouldn't work any longer save for perhaps the bottom of the barrel folks. The ones ranked so low that they wouldn't be brought in to conversations of the Blood Witch. A true shame. Seeing the games come to their conclusion was always a bit disappointing but there were things to do before he found out what a deity could do to an insubordinate blood witch.

As he felt the small push towards himself, Corvinus wasted no time pushing back with his own aura of magic. Letting it seep through just slightly, pressing against the naga. But while the other radiated desire, his own was tainted with rage. Not towards Suresh, not right now, but often how his magic displayed itself. It was hatred and spite that allowed him to obtain his powers and still the powerful motivators that kept him going rather than secluding himself in his estate and watching the world fade away through the windows. But he was quick to pull his back and draw the small taste back into himself. They toyed with different weapons. "I think I'll just keep this one. Though it is adorable how keen you are to keep my jacket away. I'm not above self-maiming to get blood I need if pushed." Suresh had seen how quickly he had healed, there was no point pretending as if blood draw wasn't a tedious task. He felt the tail loosely wrap itself around his ankle though he didn't pull away. "Careful now," he gave a soft warning. The touch was fine so long as it didn't descend into violence and fighting again.

Still at the topic of the Nameless leader, Corvinus gave a sigh that was annoyed. As if it was a topic he didn't much care for. His lips pursed, leaning back into the couch with his arms stretched over the top and legs crossing. An image of openness and walls at the same time. His eyes moved to the windows, a long silence as he focused on the scenes down below. Fingers of one hand were tapping, dancing on the couch as though he were trying to come up with the perfect words. "...I'll grant you another trust," he finally spoke and attention rounding back to Suresh, "I said before you were the reason I came here. True in a way, but you weren't the one that initially drew my attention to the city. Just a happy perk." He thought about how far he should go, how careful to be. Whatever story he gave for the Nameless was a truth in a way considering where he was, so was the other. "I've been hunting while exploring the lovely city. The reason you haven't been able to reach the leader is because, well...he hasn't been here."

He'd been traveling, giving orders from afar, while gathering supplies and powers since his binding to the god. And trying to find a way to sever that same bond. "He came in to my country a few months ago. While I don't claim her lands, I ensure that my isles, my homeland, is safe. You wanted to know why I was here, I was drawn out. Forced into a game I had no intention of getting involved in to ensure me and my own are left alone. You want to know why I chose you three over the Nameless? You didn't interrupt my peace of mind. So I provoked, I taunted, all to create more noise to lure out what I wanted. Honestly, you lot did most of the work for me. And once I'm certain this is handled with the meeting, I will return home to my domain and continue my own works." Everything was stated so bluntly with that hint of annoyance on the topic. It was truths....though it was more the deity itself had lured and forced his involvement rather than any Leader in the shadows.

"I imagine he was still rather stuffy, even eighty years ago. Though an improvement over his predecessor." He listened and nodded, the reason why Callum as still alive was the one where their stories matched up the best. He survived simply because the Witch hadn't felt like killing him. But Corvinus' need to gloat was a delightful bit of petty that Suresh could understand. A sly smile breaking across his lips at the dog comment. However Suresh did have a healthy respect for Death, the Goddess and her chosen. Suresh didn't believe anyone, even Corvinus could outrun her indefinitely. Gold ophidian eyes drifted thoughtfully over the Witch's face. It was what he would do. Drop small seeds and hope the roots caused cracks... And the best doubts were plausible ones. Why would Callum lie about the reason behind the fight? What did it matter if he was following the charge of his Goddess? Suresh already knew how unhappy the Lightless Leader would be finding out how this exchange went between the Witch and him tonight.

The sly smile turned into a graciously amused grin, and the Naga shook his head. "Please. Take this as the compliment that it's meant to be. You are one of the most accomplished half-truth speaker I have ever met." Suresh shook his head, he was a prideful creature but he was careful and observant. Even while he played the total hedonist Suresh knew there was far more under the surface of Corvinus. He'd gotten a small peek behind the curtain and he had gotten a taste of how much was still hidden. Labyrinthian depths. "I heard you went play acting to a few others too... I hear everything... eventually."

Suresh relaxed a little, letting his body uncoil slightly. He had only glamoured his hands, not bothering with the rest of it. The talons were useful but they were just one small brutal piece of his arsenal. "The offer to replace the one I ruined is still there. But you do look nice in my shirt." His eyes drifted over his shoulder and chest, nodding, "I knew that one would fit you." Eternity was a long time to have to plan, to remember slightly, to hold grudges. Suresh slowly manipulated his little game board of the city, making moves that were designed to not pay off for a generation or longer. Position himself carefully in order to strike the quickest and best blow. The people that truly drew his ire he dismantled brick by brick. Methodical and cruel until all they desired was release from the misery. But it had been a long time since he'd felt the need to do that.

The feel of the warm hand in his own, electricity that he couldn't help jumping from skin to skin, it was just part of what he was, a soft pulse of desire. But nothing that couldn't be shrugged off by the Witch. Because yes, to touch someone that could ignore that soft current that drew people to him was lovely. Dangerous and alluring. His eyes watched as Corvinus brought Suresh's hand to his lips and kissed it. Terribly charming. And Suresh's eyes softened at the caress as he searched for the lie, for the flinch. The Naga wanted to tell him that he should fear them... but who was he to correct the other? A mischievous glint came into his eye as he drew his hand back. Letting them rest in his lap, golden nails tracing his own scales absently, "I have to confess, I haven't been that excited in ages..." He let his tail drift down and loosely curl itself around one of Corvinus' ankles. The Witch had accepted the hand, so why not push a little?

Listening to the Witch again it had that taste of truth enough. Missing pieces. What was one witch? The sentence made Suresh reguard Corvinus' thoughtfully before he answered, "Depends on the Witch..." The comment about the not being considered a god made the Naga shrug. "One cultures monster is another's god. Who knows? Maybe in another five hundred years someone will make a shrine to the Immortal Blood Witch and burn effigies to you?" Suresh's mind drifted back to his Advisor and the Lightless Emissary. So many coincidences... "Something I am curious about, where did you find him? You might be a wonderful lure but you had to post up somewhere to get his attention... And we've been attempting to reach out for a long while now... I simply must know, where was it?"

[lavenderprose]

Still actively on a plane and I hate it here but I'm coping by engaging in my trademark maladaptive daydreaming and I've now locked away in my brain a meet cute where Emmrich and Rook sit next to each other on a plane, find out they are not only from the same city but in fact that Rook is in the exact same department as Emmrich and they've just been avoiding each other sliding doors style for five years followed by an achingly tender scene where Rook falls asleep on Emmrich's shoulder followed by a blindingly horny scene where Rook drags Emmrich into the unisex bathroom and sucks him absolutely dry followed by a spectacular U-Haul situation that alarms all their friends. Is this anything.

[millionsknives]

hi. getting a lot of new trigun followers. i don't have the time to inspect each one of you but if any of you are incest shippers you are not welcome here i am literally killing you with my laser beam eyes and causing your house to grow black mold. but if you're not a disgusting freak then hi welcome hope u have a nice day