#I’ll save my family in this lifetime

[almamadrigalfanclub]

Gaming menace

Y’all don’t understand the stunts she pulls with the customization option

[gamerbearmira]

FLIP THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT ‼️‼️

Art. but it’s only these two au’s.

Look at mama Isa, taking initiative.

These are just scenes from what I’ve written, or for what's planned in the future. Not done but 3 chapters are already done, working on 4th, 8k words, I’ll post it one day when I stop being scared <\\\3

I’ve been writing for this AU as a little side project, here’s a drawing of Alma being confused about the tutorial but still trying her best. She needs to level up somehow, she needs to unlock the other features 😭

Also if you can’t read the hint thing:

Hint: Assign less chores in order to raise your Charisma! Your family will also warm up you, thus unlocking more quests!

Me to all my followers who have their notifs for me on:

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Irresistible || CL16

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x fem!reader Summary: A one night stand comes back to haunt you when your father plans to marry his mother. Warnings: 18+ only, nsfw, smut, cheating, time skipping, kind of taboo (future stepbrother) WC: 6.1k F1 Masterlist || One || Two

December 2019

Two years ago you had spent an amazing week in Monaco during a European getaway. It was meant to be a once in a lifetime trip but now you sat opposite your father at the kitchen table in your family home trying to understand what he was saying.

“…the kindest woman. You’ll love her, just like I do.”

He fell in love so now you were expected to leave behind everyone you knew and just start a new life with his new family. You knew he had been happier since the trip but you never would have thought it was because of some long distance relationship. He had kept that to himself for a long time.

“Can’t you just have a midlife crisis like everyone else?” you asked. “Why are you moving us across the world for a stranger?”

“Did you not hear me? Pascale is not a stranger. Please don’t make this harder than it needs to be. I love her.”

Resentment built and you pushed your chair back as you stood up. “You loved mum too, and look how that ended.”

Your father sighed and you immediately felt guilty for the heaviness in that one breath. It wasn’t his fault your mother decided domestic life wasn’t for her and left when you were just a baby. It wasn’t his fault that she met a man who had a motorcycle and flirted with the wrong side of the law. And it certainly wasn’t his fault that they crashed in a high speed police chase when you were 15.

You sank back into your seat and picked at the chipped Formica table top. “I’m sorry, dad.”

A calloused hand from a life of hard work gently patted yours. “It’s a big adjustment, pumpkin, but you said Monaco was a beautiful place. I thought you would be happy.”

“It was, but I’ll never see my friends.”

“I’m not saying you can replace them, but you’ll make new ones. And even with the different timezones I’m sure you can make arrangements to video call each other.”

He was making an effort, you could recognise that at least. “Fine. I suppose it won’t be that bad.”

August 2017

All of the streets seemed to look the same, the stonework buildings towering over you as the afternoon sun dipped even further below the mountains that bordered the place. You had no idea which way it was to get back to the hotel and you weren’t going to risk the international roaming charges to use the internet on your phone, you already spent most of your savings on the clothes in the bags that hung from your wrists.

You were too busy looking up and trying to get a sense of direction that you didn’t see the man getting out of his car. Pain flared in your knee as a door slammed into it and you dropped the bags to clutch your leg that throbbed and drew a groan from your lips. It was worse than hitting your funny bone and you grabbed the hood of the car to balance when you nearly teetered over.

“Mon Dieu, est-ce que tu vas bien?” 

You couldn’t understand a word he said but the accent was almost enough to make you feel better, until you looked up. The setting sun cast a golden glow around the man and you swore he was more beautiful than the godlike statues you had seen in Rome the week before. 

“I, I,” you stammered stupidly as he knelt down beside you and repacked the bags that had fallen to the street. His bright green eyes lingered on the red lace bra and panty set you had spent a small fortune on before he cleared his throat and shoved them in the bag. “I don’t speak French.”

“You should really be watching where you are walking,” he said as he stood up, his accent saturating his words and making the scolding sound sexy. And it was most definitely a scolding. “You could have been hit by a car.”

“I was,” you pointed out as you tested your leg and winced when you put your weight on it.

“I meant one that was driving past. It was a good thing I was parked.” He looked down his nose and shook his head. Somehow this stranger had managed to make you feel guilty for disappointing him, and it started to infuriate you.

“I really don’t think this is all my fault,” you snapped as you swiped your bags back. “This is a footpath, and that is a no parking zone. Maybe you should concentrate more on where you should be driving than how I should be walking.”

You narrowed your eyes at him and he did the same until his lip twitched and a smirk broke out. “You think I am a bad driver?”

You looked at the double yellow lined he was parked over and squared your shoulders. “Does a duck quack?”

He mouthed the question back before he understood what you were implying and laughed as he took a step closer. “I like you, you are funny, and delusional. What is your name, and what are you doing tonight?”

You were still trying to figure out if he had complimented or insulted you when someone called out and stole his attention before you could answer.

“Charles, dépêche-toi!”

You both turned to the group that had arrived, all of the young men looking almost as handsome as he did. They had to be from the same modelling agency, or there was something seriously strong in the water here.

“Well?”

You looked at Charles and found he was still waiting for an answer. “Probably still trying to find my hotel.”

“Funny,” he chuckled before waving his friends off. “Je te rattraperai plus tard.” He took your bags and stuffed them in the backseat of his car before offering his hand. “I can’t have you walking these streets all night, god knows what trouble you could cause.”

“I was doing fine, until you hit me with your car, and now you want to drive me in it? Nuh-uh, I would rather take my chances on foot.”

You stepped around him to get your bags back, or at least you tried to but your aching knee gave out. You would have fallen to the pavement but a strong arm curled around your waist and pulled you against him. 

“You could have just asked if you wanted to hold me, biche.”

“Excuse me?” You pushed away from him and gritted your teeth through the pain. “I’m not sure in what world you think that is flirting, asshole.”

Charles threw his head back with a laugh and easily caught up to you, his palm heating the small of your back as he guided you around to face his car again “Biche, not bitch, it’s a cute little deer. I can call you Bambi instead, I quite like that. Unless you want to tell me your name?”

You rolled your eyes, unsure whether the endearment was an improvement at all, but stepped into the car when he opened the door for you. “No thanks, I don’t know if you are some sort of stalker.”

He laughed again before walking around to the driver's seat. “What hotel are you staying in?”

“The Fairmont.”

The flashy car roared to life and you turned to face Charles when his laughter grew. “So you would tell a stalker where you are staying but not your name?”

“That sounds to me like you are admitting you are a stalker,” you shot back with a daring arch of your brow. “Besides, I’m staying with a man that would snap you like a twig if you tried to turn me into a skin suit. I don’t have anything to worry about.”

“Your boyfriend?”

You snorted at the question and shook your head. “My father.”

He smiled at the news as he pulled out into the traffic and drove the short distance to the hotel. Your meandering had only left you two streets away from it so it was probably more of a nuisance to drive you there but Charles didn’t seem to mind. 

“Are you enjoying the city?”

“It’s beautiful,” you said with a nod. “It’s almost a shame to leave tomorrow.”

“Have you been to Jimmyz?”

“Not yet.” You had heard of the club but most nights had consisted of a late dinner with your father and then bed. It was actually the first day you hadn’t spent hanging out with him, he had gone to get a haircut that was long overdue after all the travelling and you had used the alone time for a little girl shopping.  

“You should come tonight, my friends and I are going and I owe you for hitting you with my car.”

January 2020

Your father thought it would be a good idea for Pascale to come and stay for a week before the big move. She owned a hair studio so it was easy to take some time off and she was due to arrive any moment. He had all but begged you to make an effort with Pascale before leaving for the airport. He had never brought a woman home, or at least while you were there, so it was strange to see how he fussed over the crumbs in the kitchen sink. 

You did a quick final inspection through the house but with most of the belongings already sold or shipped off to Monaco there was next to nothing that could make a mess. You only hoped all your things arrived in time at the other end. It was bad enough you were going to be staying with one of your step brothers to begin with but it was only for a few weeks while the renovations on the new house dad and Pascale had bought were finished. He promised that your room would have a view of the ocean and your own bathroom - it was absolutely a bribe but you were fine with that.

The car pulled into the driveway, past the large real estate sign with an unmissable SOLD sticker across it. You had seen a handful of pictures of Pascale on your dad’s phone but when she stepped out of the car you realised they didn’t do her justice. Despite being on multiple planes that never made for a decent sleep, she looked refreshed and even her hair was still in a perfect blowout. She was really pretty, or maybe it was the bright smile she gave your dad when he parked the car.

“Do I look alright, Peter?” she asked as she touched her hair nervously and straightened her blouse.

“It’s not an interview, sweetheart,” he chuckled as he grabbed her suitcase. “You look beautiful.”

August 2017

The club was unlike anything back home. The music seemed to seep into your skin, the bass vibrating in your bones. Even the air was intoxicating with the promise of a night of bad decisions.

“Bambi, I didn’t think you would actually come.”

You turned away from the bar and found Charles drinking in the sight of your short, tight dress. His eyes followed every line, dip and curve of your body and he bit his lip as he dragged them back up to your face. For the price you had paid you were happy it had the desired effect.

With your confidence bolstered you sent him a smirk and grabbed your drink that had been placed down. “Well you did say you owe me, you can start with my drink.”

Charles didn’t look away as he reached into his pocket and stepped closer, his hand reaching past to slap a bill on the bar top. His scent reached you, the cologne inviting you to lean closer and inhale the decadence of vanilla and bergamot. “The usual, please.”

He could have stepped back while his drink was made but he chose to stay close, his eyes flicking down your cleavage to see the red lace set he had been daydreaming about all evening. “How about we get out of here?”

You had fantasised about a summer romance since the trip began, what young woman wouldn’t when they were going to Europe? But you hadn’t been able to conjure a face as handsome as his when you closed your eyes late at night and your hand drifted beneath the blankets. Now you had the opportunity in the palm of your hands and you weren’t going to let it slip from your fingers.

Tipping your head back, you met his green eyes that dared you rise to the challenge. “Lead the way.”

February 2020

You were jet lagged and exhausted when you finally reached your temporary accommodation.

“Charles is just on his way back from work but he shouldn’t be too far away. Make yourself at home, sweetheart,” Pascale said as she helped you with your bags.

The apartment was bare with mostly blank white walls and a few framed pictures of Ferrari cars. It was a typical boy space that was in desperate need of soft furnishings to liven it up, but that wasn’t your problem to deal with.

“He just bought the place so he’s still finding his ‘vibe’,” Pascale noted when she saw you eying up the empty space, the words sounding like they were verbatim and not her own. “But there’s two bedrooms and two bathrooms so you’ll have your own space. The builder said our house will be finished in a few weeks.”

“It’s great, Pascale,” you assured her as you set your bag down on the bed with a long yawn. You were surprised to find it had a floral duvet and a sheet set already made up - something you were sure she had done for you.

She nodded and placed your other suitcase down before leaving, closing the door most of the way. “I’ll let you rest for a bit.”

You woke to voices down the hall and found a blanket had been draped over you at some point.

“Can’t she sleep on Enzo’s couch? I don’t even know her, she could try to sell my things. There have been stranger things done before.”

“Ah-ah, no, and she doesn't even watch racing. Peter said she had no interest in the sport.” Pascale sighed heavily, the same way your father did when he was having to repeat himself. “She’s a lovely young lady, and she’s going to be family so please treat her as such.”

August 2017

“Where are we going?”

Charles just smiled and kept driving through the quiet streets before pulling into a hotel far nicer than the one you were staying in.

“You live in a hotel?”

He laughed and tossed his car key to the valet driver. “No, but I have a roommate who would probably not be very happy with me if we woke him.”

He already had a room and led the way to the elevators with the confidence of a man who had certainly been here before. You didn’t mind, you were hardly a saint, and you knew exactly what you were doing when you dressed for the night out. You knew how you wanted the night to end.

For a man who looked eager to undress you, like he had done with his eyes, he didn’t touch you until the door was firmly closed behind him. But once that door locked shut it was as if the leash he had kept a hold of himself with was dropped and he pinned you against the wall, his lips finding the hollow of your neck.

The temperature in the room seemed to swell as his kiss climbed higher and he finally reached your lips. You moaned at the feel of his hands roaming your body and his tongue slipped past your parted lips when he dragged the zip down your spine.

“J'ai envie de le faire depuis que je t'ai vu pour la première fois. You are so fucking sexy.” [I have been wanting to do this since I first saw you.] He stepped back and watched the material fall away to reveal the tempting red lace he had been dying to see.

Your heart skipped a beat at the hunger in his eyes and you reached behind your back to unclip the bra. It was thrilling to watch the colour of his eyes fade to black as you revealed more skin to him but when you reached for your panties he spurred forward to stop you.

“Mine,” he stated as he brushed your hands aside and hooked his fingers into the waistband instead. Falling to one knee, he dragged the lace down your thighs and let them tangle around your ankles before kissing your hip. Your head fell back against the wall with a thud as he nudged your legs apart and pulled one leg over his shoulder. “What’s my name?”

Your forehead crumpled as his breath warmed your cunt and you buried your hands in his hair to hurry him up, but he was too strong.

“What’s my name?” he repeated.

“Ch-Charles,” you stammered as his fingers teased your entrance without delving further, driving you wild with need.

“Good girl, remember that when I make you scream.”

The words left you drunk and you would have dared him to make good on them but his tongue found your clit and two fingers curled into your cunt. All thoughts left your head while he was knelt fully dressed before you and all too soon his name echoed across the room as he brought you to your first of many highs.

You could barely walk by the time you collapsed on the king bed and your head was spinning from the various positions you had found yourself in. You only bothered to move when a phone vibrated on the bedside table and you reached over to see if it was yours.

Giada: When are you coming home?

“Need a break, Bambi?” Charles teased as he returned from the minibar with a bottle of water, cracking the top off and offering it to you first.

You took the bottle with a grateful smile and swallowed a few mouthfuls to ease your dry throat. “Who’s Giada?”

His eyes flicked to his phone and he grabbed it, quickly replying to the message before tossing it aside and caging you beneath his body. “My roommate. Now, where were we?”

You should have been in a dead sleep but something had woken you. It was an ungodly hour given the darkness that was still outside but it did mean you saw the light of Charles' phone. His soft snores were silenced by the pillow he buried his face in and you took a second to admire the sight of his toned body in the moonlight.

Giada: It’s so hard to sleep without you here. I love you xxx

You slipped out of the bed without waking him and hated how good the ache between your legs felt because of him. You should have known a man like him was bound to have a girlfriend. She was probably a model.

You quickly gathered your clothes and dressed on the way to the door, closing it silently behind you. No one had to know you were even there and in a few hours you would be heading to the airport, never to see Charles again.

It took far longer than you expected to find your way back to the hotel and your father was already awake when you entered the room.

“You look like you had a rough night.”

You continued on your way to your bedroom in desperate need of a shower before packing. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough.”

You reemerged looking refreshed but you still felt contradictory inside. You told yourself that you did nothing wrong but it didn’t help when you knew there was a woman waiting at home for the man you had fucked. Fucked didn’t begin to cover what you had done - he had hung the stars and the moon, he had expanded your mind to the pleasures that could be sought with the right experience and partner. He had ruined you for all the men back home.

You fought to tug the zip of your suitcase closed, more than ready to leave the place behind, and growled in frustration. Your dad knew better than to bring attention to your mood but he gently moved you aside and closed the stubborn zip himself.

“How was your night?” you asked as you went to the kitchenette and made a strong brew of coffee.

He smiled to himself and picked up the suitcase to add it to the pile by the door but his smile dimmed when he saw how miserable you looked. “Nothing special, I just had dinner and a walk by the water.”

Normally you would have picked up on the lie, but you were too self centred to notice how happy he looked. He was glowing.

February 2020

You followed the voices to the living room and found Pascale in the doorway saying her goodbyes. You couldn’t see the face of the man she was talking to, only a head of dark hair, but he turned when his mothers attention was drawn away. 

“You…” you breathed as you recognised the green eyes that had haunted your dreams for two years. Pascale frowned and you plastered a fake smile as you held your hand out. “You must be Charles.”

“I am,” he hummed as he looked at your hand before enveloping it in his much larger one. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’ll see you both for dinner tonight, Charles can drive you until we get you a car.”

Charles seemed to be hearing the news for the first time. “I can?” 

“Yes, you can. Now make sure she feels at home alright, maybe introduce her to some of your friends.” Pascale blew a kiss and left Charles to close the door.

His eyes sparkled with mischief as he locked it and you realised at that moment just how fucked you were because, despite the quick prayer you had sent, Charles had recognised you too. “Hello again, Bambi.”

“Fuck me,” you muttered beneath your breath.

Charles smirked and booped you on the nose as he walked past you and towards his kitchen. “No thanks, you’re going to be my sister soon.”

You hated that for a second you were disappointed before common sense returned and you went to your room to find your phone. “Dad, I can’t stay here.”

“Why not?”

“Charles is an asshole, that’s why,” you whispered angrily, your eyes scanning the bottom of your door to see if he was eavesdropping. 

“It’s only for two weeks, three at the most, plus he will be heading back to Italy for work on Monday.”

“Who the hell works in Italy and lives in Monaco?”

“He does, you would know that if you had a conversation with him and got to know him.”

“I don’t want to get to know him, I want to go home.”

“This is home now,” your dad said quietly as you heard Pascale arrive home at the other end. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

You flopped onto your bed with a groan as the call ended. Two weeks. Two fucking weeks. You groaned again as you realised that it may be just two weeks of living with him but there would be a lifetime of having him as your step brother. “Fuck!”

“I might have to get a swear jar to cover your half of the utilities.”

You surged upright and found Charles leaning against the balcony door, a balcony you apparently shared with his room next door. “Can I just make one thing very clear? As far as I am concerned, whatever happened two years ago - it didn’t. Nothing happened. I never saw you before today.”

“Nothing happened?” he chuckled as he walked into the room. “You still have that sense of humour because I remember a lot happening. Do I need to jog your memory?”

You hated how your body betrayed you, how your eyes followed his every step as he closed the distance between you. “You’re actually sick. Our parents are getting married.”

He stopped in front of you, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from your face and his eyes traced your lips. “You were gone when I woke up.”

“Giada wasn’t your roommate.”

“No, she wasn’t,” he admitted with that same smirk that simultaneously had you wanting to both slap it or kiss it away. “I have a new roommate now.”

“Not for long, I am gone as soon as the house is ready.”

“Oh, Bambi,” he laughed, swaggering his way back to the balcony door. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

“Asshole.”

“Biche.”

“Charles, you should introduce Y/N to Charlotte,” Pascale said as she poured another wine for you. “That’s his girlfriend. You would probably get along with her, she’s about your age and a very nice girl too.”

You bit your tongue as you raised your glass to your lips and stared at Charles over the rim. Placing the glass back down, you smiled sweetly. “Is that right? I could do with making a girlfriend here, someone to talk about boys with. Maybe she can set me up with a handsome Frenchie.”

A foot kicked you under the table and you chuckled at the glare he was sending you over the greek salad. 

“We go to brunch on Sunday,” Pascale said with a pat to your hand. “You should come.”

“Count me in.” You stabbed a sweet cherry tomato with your fork before sealing your lips around it and humming in delight. “This was a delicious meal.”

Charles soon declared he was exhausted from the drive back from wherever it was he worked in Italy and Pascale looked a little disappointed that the first family dinner was cut short. Since he was your ride, you had to say goodnight to everyone too and followed him out to the car that was even flashier than what he had two years ago. His Ferrari fixation was more than just pictures of the cars in his apartment but he drove one too. 

“You are quite eager to leave,” you noted as you lowered yourself into the passenger seat, your skirt riding up your thighs as you settled into the leather. Charles inhaled sharply as he saw the hint of your panties peek out and slammed the door shut before storming his way around the car.

“I’m in half a mind to take you over my lap and turn your ass red,” he growled as he pulled out of the driveway. 

“Arthur is lovely,” you commented as you smiled at your reflection in the window. You were absolutely enjoying the way Charles gritted his teeth, but he had started this dance in your bedroom. “He offered to keep me company while you are away next week. I think I might enjoy his company more than yours.”

“Biche,” he warned as he broke the speed limit and practically skidded to a stop in his reserved parking spot. “You’re mine. No one else touches you. Ever.”

You slipped out of the car and felt his eyes on your ass as you climbed the stairs to the apartment. Though you had a key you waited for him to open the door and kept your voice low while he fumbled with the lock in his frustration. “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you.”

“Everything looks good on me,” he argued as he turned the key and shoved you through the doorway. 

“Is that what your girlfriend tells you?”

“No, she prefers me with nothing on.” 

You could understand why that was but didn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you agree as you went to your room. “Goodnight, Charles.”

“Night, ma biche.”

It was still early but you refused to leave your room, instead opening your laptop to watch a movie. You were halfway through a stupid rom-com when you heard a feminine voice in the apartment and you paused it to check you weren’t hearing things.

“Oh, Charles, bébé, baise-moi!”

You rolled your eyes at the sounds of the headboard banging on the wall you shared and rifled through your bag to find a pair of headphones. It seemed that they grew louder or you became hyper aware of what was happening in the room next door, and a needy throb began between your legs when you heard Charles moan deeply. 

Your frustration built until you disappeared into the bathroom and doused yourself in a cold shower, cursing him the entire time you waited for your blood to cool. You could finally think clearly after drying off and recognised he was only making his next move in the game he had started. It was time to start planning yours. 

Charles' steps faltered when he emerged from his bedroom shirtless but he recovered quickly and walked past your position on the couch as he went to get himself a drink of water. 

“You should try Gatorade,” you suggested as you flipped through the channels leisurely. “I find it better than water after a good fucking.”

“What are you wearing?” he finally asked after emptying the glass in one breath and wiping his lips dry.

“This is how I sleep,” you said as you stretched your legs out onto the ottoman. “Is that a problem for you?”

His eyes followed the line of your legs to the edge of the black and red babydoll you wore and cleared his throat. “No, no problem.”

“Charles, who are you talking to?” A pretty brunette emerged from the room and scanned the room, taking in her half naked boyfriend talking to you who was barely dressed much more than him. 

You rose to your feet before Charles could recover and bounced over to the young lady, wrapping her in a hug. “You must be Charlotte, maman’s told me so much about you. I thought I would have to wait until Sunday to meet you.”

“Maman? Sunday?” she asked as she looked at Charles for the answers.

“This is Y/N, my step sister - or soon to be -” he added quietly. “Maman invited her to brunch.”

“We are going to be great friends, Lottie,” you sang as you stepped back with a grin. “I just know it.”

Charles nearly broke his glass as he tossed it in the sink and headed back to his room, returning a moment later with a sweatshirt and jeans on. “Allez, mon amour,” he called to Charlotte as he grabbed his keys. 

You pouted playfully as he led her to the door. “She can sleep over, I don’t mind - I have earplugs.”

Charlotte flushed pink and clearly had no idea you were in the house while they were getting down and dirty. It made it all the more entertaining as you waved goodbye. “I’ll see you Sunday.”

Charles waited until Charlotte had passed the doorway before following, casting a final glance your way. “Don’t wait up.”

You felt his presence in your room before you saw him step out of the shadows with just a towel slung low on his hips and the bed dipped under his weight. “Well played,” he admitted, flopping back and making himself comfortable. 

Rolling over, you turned to face him and tucked your arm under your head. “Did you think about me when you were with her?”

His lips twitched before he gave in to the smile. “Every fucking second.” 

“She’s pretty.”

He reached out and brushed your cheek with his knuckles. “You’re beautiful.” 

You could feel yourself falling to the temptation that his lips provided and it was getting harder to resist taking what you wanted. “You should go back to your room.”

“Your lips say one thing but these say another,” he teased as his touch drifted over your collar and down to your breasts, the thin babydoll doing little to hide your nipples that had hardened since he laid down in the bed. “They are begging for something else entirely.”

“Charles,” you whispered as you leaned into his touch before you could think better of it. 

“I forgot how good my name sounded on your lips,” he hummed as his hand slipped beneath the material, “but I like it better when you scream it.”

“This is a bad idea.”

It didn’t stop him from rolling your nipple between his finger and thumb and drawing a soft sigh from you. “Why is this a bad idea, biche?”

“Because you have a girlfriend, and you’re my step…step…fuck…” Your eyes fluttered shut as his hand slipped between your legs and he touched you over your panties.

“Let me worry about Charlotte, you just relax and spread those lovely legs wider for me.”

“This is going to end badly.” You knew it but it didn’t stop your knees from parting for him. There was something about him that threw caution to the wind, it had been that way the first time you met too. He was pure temptation. He was the apple and you were Eve, unable to resist taking a bite. “I’ll find somewhere else to stay.”

He bit his lip as he watched how your body danced for his touch. “But not tonight.”

“Not tonight,” you conceded as you watched his eyes darken with lust. “Now please fuck me.”

Charles woke alone for the second time after sleeping with you but he smiled when he heard music playing in the living room. “You stayed,” he teased as he walked down the hall, trying to tame his hair along the way. 

“Didn’t have another option but I have found some short term rentals to view next week.”

He froze and his hands dropped to his side. “Wait, you were serious?”

“Yes, this isn’t going to work because if I’m anywhere near you this will just keep happening, and it was a mistake.”

The pop music suddenly grated on Charles' nerves and he grabbed the remote, changing it to another channel before tossing the remote away. You knew he was sulking at the thought of losing his plaything but you ignored him and watched the French news that you couldn’t understand. 

Something on the tv caught Charles’ attention though and he sat up straighter, his arms unfolding as his mouth parted in surprise. The breaking news headline was one that was universal and you realised something big was happening. 

“What is it?” you asked as he remained fixated on the tv. 

“It’s that virus,” he murmured. You had seen it on the news at home before the move, the outbreak reaching all across the globe as it spread person to person. You had been worried about it on the plane with each cough you heard. “It’s spreading here.”

“Okay, and?”

 His hand found its way to his mouth and he bit his nails as he listened, translating and relaying the information for you in sporadic bursts. “You won’t need that rental, Bambi.”

“Why?”

He turned to you with an odd look that you couldn’t quite figure out, possibly apprehension or anticipation or a mix of both. “At midnight tonight the whole country is going into lockdown.” 

His phone started ringing almost immediately and he excused himself to take the call. “It’s work.”

“Shit, shit, shit.” You grabbed your phone and dialled your dad. “Did you hear what’s happening? What do we do?”

“Relax, pumpkin, it’s going to be fine,” he assured you. “It’ll all blow over quickly, I’m sure. They can’t stop the world from turning, can they?”

You laughed in agreement and felt a little better by the time you hung up the phone, but Charles returned looking stressed as he dropped onto the couch beside you.

“Good news or bad news first?”

You didn’t think it mattered either way and just shrugged.

“Italy is also going into lockdown so there’s no reason to go back on Monday.” He draped his arm over your shoulders and pull you into his side. “Looks like we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other.”

“Is that the good or the bad news?”

“Well, I like my job so not being able to do it is bad for me, but being trapped with you indefinitely certainly sounds good to me.”

“Indefinitely?” you laughed and shook your head. “As soon as the house is done I’m gone.”

Charles' laughter silenced you and his kissed your temple. “Oh, Bambi…The builders will be locked down too, nothing will be finished any time soon. You’re all mine.”

“Shit,” you groaned in realisation. It was going to be impossible to keep your hands off him and from the grin on his face he knew it too.

“This is going to be great.”

Click here for part two.

[amongemeraldclouds]

Things I’ll Never Say

Why say things out loud when you can write them all down in a journal? No need to inconvenience everyone else with silly declarations of love that’s only guaranteed to break your heart. So what happens when your enemy - of all people - finds it?

Lorenzo Berkshire x Reader

“Is it that, or is it because you’re in love with me?”

Thanks to @thatdammchickennugget for the prompt. Here's my official entry for the Hogmarch challenge, prompt one. 1k words.

Author’s note: The way I screamed when this idea came to mind! Journaling is such a big part of my life, I’ll take any and every chance I can to incorporate it to my stories.

Indented text are journal entries.

Warning: Cursing, no use of y/n, slight angst but it’s kinda cute. Fluff express coming through!

✿ Masterlist

“Stop copying my notes!” I hiss at Lorenzo, moving my arm to cover my parchment.

“Come on, I missed class today. I need to catch up,” he says, tugging at the arm of my sweater.

“Go ask your friends,” I retort, moving my arm away from his grasp.

“You know they’re not in that class, just you,” he insists.

“Oh we’re not friends,” I deadpan.

“It won’t take long,” he tries again.

“If you weren’t busy sleeping around with everyone, Berkshire. You would have made it to class this morning.”

 He leans in to my ear and whispers, “I’ll make it worth your while.”

I grab the nearest hardbound book and swing it in his direction. Thwack! It strikes his shoulder.

The librarian looks at us sternly. “Your final warning was just given five minutes ago. No noise in the library!” She points her finger to the exit, “You two, out!”

“Great. Thanks for that, Berkshire. Good luck with your notes.” My face gets hot with embarrassment as I gather my things and rush off to the exit.

Enzo spots a black leather bound journal in the area you just vacated. He takes it with him as he exits the library. She’s always writing in this notebook. I’m sure she won’t mind if I take a peek, I’ll give it back to her anyway.

He damn well knew you would mind. When he reaches a quiet corner of the hallway, he proceeds to turn the cover anyway.

I know, I know. I’m not supposed to like Lorenzo Berkshire. Why the fuck did I just draw a heart over the “i”! That’s it. I’m losing my mind! I can’t be caught liking the boy who spewed the word mudblood in my direction our first year. Like it’s my fault I was born into my family. And screw him okay, muggles are awesome. I can break my own heart with my misguided affections, but I’d rather die before I ever let him break my heart. So before I check myself into a mental asylum, I need to just say this somewhere. Anywhere. A last ditch effort to save my sanity.

He’s the intrusive thought I love to entertain in my head.

As a dare, he took off his shirt at the party. My toes curled. I pretended not to notice him.

I heard him laughing with his friends. I love the way it lit up his face.

I saw him enter his dorm hand in hand with a girl. I never wish to be her, another one night stand. Once would never be enough. 

I nearly kissed him again.

He helped me pick up the pile of books I dropped at the library. He seemed kind and concerned. Ha! Who am I kidding?

I count down the hours until I see him again.

Maybe in another lifetime it wouldn’t matter: bloodlines, social status, and hierarchies. So unnecessary.

I noticed the veins in his arm at quidditch practice. I tried not to bite my lip. What must it be like to be wrapped in those arms?

And there he was again with his stupid hair breaking my stupid heart.

Enzo hears determined footsteps approaching and he shuts the journal, hiding it behind him.

“Fine, Berkshire,” I sigh when I reach him. “Here, take my notes,” I say, handing it out to him.

He quirks an eyebrow.

“Weren’t you so desperate to get them earlier?” I fold my arms. “I will not be part of the reason you fail in class.” I point at him, “you and your dumb ass can very well do it yourself. I have more important things to worry about.”

“Is it that, or is it because you’re in love with me?”

My brain short circuits, the fire freezing in my veins. How the hell does he know?

He smirks, pulling out a familiar black journal. My eyes widen.

“On second thought,” I say, stepping back. “It doesn’t matter,” I turn around and walk away. “Fail class for all I care.”

I’m yanked back when I feel Enzo’s grip on my wrist. “Wait.”

My heart thumps in my chest. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. He knows!

“I’m sorry,” he says. What? I turn back, my confused expression directed at him.

“That I called you a mudblood,” he explains. “I was a dumb ass when we were younger.”

“Finally, we agree on something,” I state, trying to mask the tremble in my voice.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you back then and I was prejudiced. Over the years, I enjoyed watching your passion for magic and studying. How you light up when you talk to your friends about a book you just read. And how you’re always the first to volunteer when someone needs help. You have this fire and warmth in you and I just need to be around it all the time. I’m reduced to being a moth to your flame and I don’t mind it at all.”

I blink, speechless.

He takes a step forward, voice softening. “Why do you think I tease you all the time?”

“Well how the fuck was I supposed to know?” The anger not quite there in my voice.

“I just wanted a chance to talk to you and I thought you hated me.” He brushes the hair from my face and cups my face. “Clearly, I was wrong.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh no, I do hate you.” I falter, “but maybe I kind of, just sort of, like you too.”

He grins. “It seems there are things we need to talk about. Will you go on a date with me?”

My heart stutters. “You already know my answer.”

He laughs, “stubborn as always. I’ll take that as a yes.” He pulls me in for a hug. 

Oh. Being wrapped in his strong arms is even better than I imagined. I rest my head on his shoulder when a thought occurs to me.

“You’re sure this is not just some elaborate ploy for me to keep giving you my notes?”

He sighs, “of course not, just enjoy this moment."

He moves his mouth to my ear, "But if you do, I solemnly swear I will make it worth your while.”

I don't hit him this time.

✿ Masterlist

A/N: For those who get the Avril Lavigne title reference, here's a tight hug for you! ♡

I may or may not have also had a place where I wrote down love confessions for someone I couldn’t have. Some of those may or may not have been included in the journal entries.

Two fics published in one day? Who is she?

[prime-adeptus]

ONE LOVE, ONE LIFETIME – YONE X READER

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.” Or, the one where Yone fell first.

CONTENT.⠀female reader; romance, light angst and hurt/comfort, family issues, elitism in the family (yeah), Asshole Father bc I have problems, family member death, very heavily implied that MC was an accident baby, talks about death and the afterlife on yone's end, brief talks of arranged marriage, allusions to misogyny. + Spirit Blossom AU with some changes to fit the narrative. ~11k words

NOTES.⠀I wanted to finish this before I start properly using the break so woe ~20 pages be upon ye. I've had this in my drafts for ages and it took longer than I would've liked but! we made it! this is a gift for my beloved @kakujis, a dear friend and my Shimada Liker in Arms. <3 I hope you enjoy!!

divider by cafekitsune | cross-posted on ao3

Pride and honour stood above all else.

Such a lesson was established in your clan from the moment of its founding, forging ahead generations of noble swordsmen who have never strayed from their paths. Every child born into the family is bound to duty, raised and trained by the elite until they are seen as ready for the battles ahead of them. Pride flowed in your veins and you were taught to believe that what you bleed is your negligence. Honour is engraved in your bones, down to the marrow—strong as the seas, and immovable as the mountains.

Every child of your family knows this by heart, including you, the broken one. The odd one out. The blemish on what would otherwise be a pristine reputation.

Born without the same mana or prowess that all of your brothers possessed, you were deemed a flawed child undeserving of the honour of your family name. Fate restricted you from following the path you wished to take as soon as they decided on where your life began. How was it fair at all to put such a heavy burden on a child’s shoulders? On someone who hadn’t opened their eyes for the first time yet?

You craved to learn the ways of a warrior, to be someone the younger generation could trust and look up to. Instead, you were scorned in your own home by a family that was hellbent on upholding tradition and their position among the elite. All because you were born differently. Anything said about you was always done in contempt, especially from your own flesh and blood—your father, your brothers, and your sisters.

‘You are not my child.’ It was your father’s way of saying he didn’t want himself or his beloved sons associated with you, his flesh and blood. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. So long as he and the oh-so-esteemed council were alive, you would never be seen as a part of the family. So long as he continued to breathe, he would look down on you as much as he could. And yet, even though he so explicitly despised you, you still did everything you could so you could be worth his time.

A fruitless endeavour. He held your weakness over your head, his glare a constant reminder of how he’d always see you as a failure. You would never be enough. You wanted to leave, but where would you go? Without your family name, you had nothing. With your name, all you were was a bastard. You were bound to a home that didn’t welcome you.

‘You are not my child.’ You didn’t want to be.

You wished you had the chance to meet your mother. She abandoned you on the doorstep, they would say whenever you asked about her, your father saved you. It wasn’t until years later that you learned the truth. She never abandoned you—she was threatened, forbidden from stepping foot inside the mansion again. You used to wish she had fought more and taken you with her, but the more you grew, the more you understood. Whatever fury you harboured towards her dwindled like a flame dying on its own.

She didn’t have a choice. You knew firsthand what that felt like. Everything the elders said was law; within these walls, there was no going against them. They saw her as disposable, a lowly commoner who just happened to earn the affection of a nobleman for a night. And dispose of her they did. As the midwife took you away, your mother was sent off to another city in a carriage that never returned. No one spoke of her again. Whether it was by command or a collective agreement, you weren’t sure.

There were times when her name would come up in hushed whispers. Some of them were from your father. You remember being six years old and listening to your father’s drunk mumbling. With a hand on your head, he told you that you looked just like your mother. It was the gentlest he’d ever been with you. But when the inebriation left his system the next morning, your loving father was gone, and the patriarch was back.

His soft tone became harsh once again. His eyes burned with hatred. It was as if everything was just a dream. It might as well have been. You chalked it up to him having a bad day, just like yesterday and the day before that. Surely he’d be kind to you again if he drank.

He wasn’t.

And as if taking your mother away wasn’t already enough of a mockery, you were constantly reminded that this was not your home. That you were here because you belonged to the clan. You’ve always been. You were already their property from the moment you inhaled your first breath.

Your life was theirs, but even that wasn’t enough.

(You don’t think you’ll ever be.)

A child in a loveless family. Your father thought it wasn’t worth trying to train you, having decided that you were beyond help. Your brothers didn’t see you as someone they had to protect. Your sisters didn’t want to be seen with you. All you had were your grandparents.

With them, you were treated as family. It didn’t matter to them that you didn’t have what your siblings did. They loved you.

You spent mornings in the apothecary room with your grandmother, learning all about herbs and medicine from all around the world. In the afternoon, you’d spend time training with your grandfather in the dojo and listening to his stories of ages past. Then, every evening, you’d spend time with both of them at the temple that they cared for. All of your best memories were made there. When your grandparents inevitably passed, you didn’t hesitate to pick up from where they left off.

Your volunteering to maintain its upkeep seemed to satisfy the elders enough. At least you’ll be useful in something, your father said without batting an eye. You liked to think you’d become numb to all the jabs thrown your way, but you were wrong.

The temple was your getaway, somewhere you could hide from the world and feel more at home than you did in the estate. The smell of flowers and herbs inside the temple, alongside the sight of the sunrise or sunset, never failed to lull you into a state of tranquillity. The voices you’d hear from around you weren’t those of disappointment, but those of birds chirping in a joyous tune. It was the only place you’ll ever feel at peace in. Seeing the names of your grandparents engraved on the stone slabs broke your heart whenever you walked by. You might not grieve any more, but you were still alone.

Ionian faith and tradition flowed in your veins. You were taught about grace by your grandmother and what it meant to be dignified, worthy of respect even without noteworthy achievements. Your grandfather taught you strength and combat so you could protect yourself and others from monsters, both human and unknown. You wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn the blade elsewhere. He was more than enthusiastic to pass on his knowledge to you. He’d grown weak with age, he said, but you’ve always thought he was the greatest swordsman you know. Aside from the temple, the dojo was where you felt the happiest, but as always, good things never lasted long for you.

In your world, secrets were nearly impossible to have. Spies and traitors lurked in the walls, engraving every decision you made and every word you spoke into their memory. It didn’t take long for your father to find out about the lessons his father had been giving you. In fury, he forbade you from entering the dojo or holding a weapon again and told you that you didn’t deserve to carry on his father’s legacy. Forced to leave behind your passion and descend into monotony, the art of the blade eventually left your mind. Had you just fought back—

No. Not everything was under your control. As long as you were in your father’s home, he would continue to treat you however he liked. The cruel words will keep being said, behind your back and to your face, but you won’t give them the satisfaction. You swore not to let anyone see you at your weakest again. You hated the name that you bear, but you would honour it the way you were taught to. The world might be against you, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Staying hopeful in a place like Ionia was all you could do.

Dawn always comes after dusk. The sun always rises for a new day. You didn’t see why it should be any different for you.

—

Your days got busier as the Spirit Blossom festival approached.

More and more people came to honour their loved ones every day, praying and making offerings to their ancestors for protection. You weren’t sure if you ever attended the festival yourself. You knew of the legends and stories behind it, of its reasons and purposes, but you had only been a bystander. You couldn’t see spirits even if you wanted to anyway, you thought bitterly, so there wasn’t a way for you to see your grandparents again.

‘In the Spirit Blossom festival, the dead reunite with their loved ones until the afterlife calls for them again.’

Whether or not it was possible to see said spirits, it was still hard to ignore the longing in your heart. The cycle of life and death was not unknown (you were more familiar with it than you’d like) but you didn’t think anyone could ever get used to it. You loved deeply, and when the ones you love are taken away from you, you’re left alone with yourself. You weren’t a stranger to partaking in as many tasks as possible to stop needlessly thinking, either. You spent your entire morning doing chores and running errands for this reason. You needed to keep yourself busy so you could drift away just for a little while.

With all of your tasks completed, you had nothing left to do. Leaves were swept into neat piles that the farmers always came to pick up later per routine. It took longer than you would’ve liked, though you supposed it was bound to happen when the workload wasn’t meant for one person, but two. The other shrine maiden had an ‘urgent matter to attend to,’ as her messenger informed you and left. You knew right away she paid him to cover for her. You’d like to think you mellowed out with age, having lived for almost three decades, but you were wrong. You were just as easy to irk as you were as a child.

‘It’s not a good thing to harbour negativity in a sacred place,’ your grandmother’s voice rang in your head, ‘it brings bad luck.’ But there you stood, the most irate you’ve ever been as you wished a terrible week upon the both of them.

Thanks to the tedious work done in all your lonesome, the tile flooring within the temple was spotless. The altar was dusted and reorganised, ready to accept the next batch of offerings. The place smelled more like soap than the usual floral incense you were used to. On any other day, you’d return to your quarters after such a productive time, maybe read a book before you go to sleep, but nature had other plans in store.

The wind howled and rain started to pitter-patter against the rooftop while the sun began its descent. Silhouettes of nature and man-made structures were the only company you had as you made your way back into the prayer room. Away from the rain, you idly watched the world go by from inside. You remembered your grandfather telling you about his battles in a storm and how tumultuous it had been. The retellings of his past exploits were your favourite stories to listen to in your childhood. He travelled through the lands and protected those he held dear with honour. He lived a life of pride and accomplishments that you wanted to have in yours. You still did.

A singular incense stick burnt in the centre of the bowl of ash and sand, its smoke disappearing into the air as it did so. The air grew colder as the sun set, painting the sky in warm hues and your skin in gooseflesh. The storm outside threatened to extinguish the flames within the lantern posts outside. Your uniform robe and long skirt, despite its many layers and the fabric, didn’t aid much in shielding you from the cold. A shiver ran down your spine from the sudden drop in temperature.

If you were asked what you disliked about this time of the year, you would say the weather’s unpredictability as the veil was lifted. The day started pleasantly; the sun was bright and the spring breeze was refreshing. There was no way you could’ve known that there would be a storm approaching.

The doors slammed shut with a loud bang, making you jump in fright and instinctively reach for a sword you no longer owned. You frowned. Years had passed since you last held a weapon, and you weren’t sure if your body had any memory of it at all. If danger were to actually happen, your only means of defence would be the old wooden broom in the corner, which you doubted made for a good weapon. Still, you found yourself keeping it close, your fingers curling tightly around the handle. It was better to be safe than sorry. You were fortunate enough to live in a densely populated area that was well protected, but as typical of an Ionian village, worse things awaited after sunset.

You were a cautious person for as long as you could remember. As optimistic as you tried to be, you weren’t exactly so convinced that there was such a thing as a safe haven. So long as peace exists, so will chaos, and with chaos comes things that are out of your control. You were taught to let things progress the way fate and nature intended them to, to let go of your anxieties because you always worried over ‘nothing.’

But that was easier said than done. You worried for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. Fate weaves the threads of life the way it wants to. The strong are led to lives of fame and power, and the blessed are led to lives of love and fortune. But you weren’t strong or blessed, you were cursed. If the Creator put you on earth for a reason, what is it? What path does fate want you to take, and what did you do in your past life to be put in such a suffocating position?

The anxiety at the pit of your stomach grew stronger the longer you observed the forest and the shadows in between. In the daylight, the temple was comforting and tranquil, picturesque, but it hadn’t occurred to you until then how daunting it was in the dark. It was a quiet night, eerily so, and the floorboards creaked beneath your feet as you padded into the prayer area. Tentatively, you placed the broom down and knelt before the statues of the gods you worshipped. The incense burnt itself down to the base, gradually putting out the flame on its own.

‘If you are afraid, pray. The gods will protect you.’

You weren’t a child anymore. Monsters only existed in stories—there was nothing to be afraid of. But the feeling persisted and it became worse as the door swung open and slammed against the wall. You heard something breathing.

It wasn’t the wind.

A low growl rumbled from the chest of whatever was stalking towards you. An animal of some sort. A predator. Your mind screamed at you to just run, but you were terrified, you couldn’t move and your body just wouldn't listen—

It drew closer.

You were going to die, ripped apart by a monster, and it was going to hurt more than anything ever had. Squeezing your eyes shut, you muttered a prayer under your breath in hopes that it would help. Maybe it was a spirit that couldn’t pass on. If you prayed for it, you could alleviate its pain and then be left alone. You were frantic, the words coming out incoherent as you got tongue-tied and struggled to remember the rest of them. When you felt it breathing down the back of your neck, your voice died in a choked whine. It watched you with hunger and it raised its claws with murderous intent, ready to slash.

It never did.

Instead, you heard the gargling of blood, followed by a clatter on the floor. Your body finally listened and you turned around to see what you could only describe as a demon. The glow in its mask’s eyes dimmed as it died with a sword speared through its chest, inches away from your face. In terror, you watched it bleed as the crimson splattered on your skin. It crumbled into dust as if it was never there. Just like that, it was dead and gone.

The mask dropped where your saviour stood. Wordlessly, he picked it up and attached it to a grotesque belt adorned with similar faces. All you could do was watch as everything slowly sank in. The downpour became louder, heavier. Your ears rang and your body felt numb. The only sound you heard was your ragged breathing as you tried to calm down and think. This must be a nightmare. It had to be. It had to be a hallucination from your paranoia and lack of sleep.

You closed your eyes and opened them again. The man was still standing in front of you.

You weren’t dreaming.

It was all real, from the blood splattered on the ground to the man in front of you. Half of his face was covered by a red mask, more menacing than what the monster had worn. Bandages were loosely wrapped around his torso and his arms, revealing some of his pale skin and scars from what could only be combat.

You weren’t dreaming.

A monster you had never seen tried to kill you and you were lucky enough that this man came to save your life. It felt as though your mind stopped entirely. You didn’t know where to start. Were you supposed to ask about the monster or ask about him?

You decided on the latter. “How did you know it was here?”

A beat of silence passed, and then he spoke.

“It is my curse to bear.”

That didn’t really answer your question. You attempted to ask again, but one glance at his face made you realise that he didn’t care about answering them. It was essentially impossible to tell what he was thinking and you’d rather not agitate someone as intimidating as him.

“Thank you,” you opted to say instead.

Your gaze landed on the swords in his hands. Blood was still dripping off of the red blade that seemed to be glowing. If his mask was menacing, his blades were worse—you had never seen anything quite like them.

He didn’t respond. All he gave you was a nearly imperceptible nod, a sign of acknowledgement. Seemingly satisfied with his kill, he made the move to leave, and your thoughts ran rampant. You wanted answers, an explanation, anything to make sense out of what happened.

You should let him go. You should run home before you encounter another one of those things again when you’re not as lucky, but you didn’t.

“Wait!” you called out, louder than you intended. “Teach me how to fight.”

He stopped in his tracks, then slightly looked back at you. The action had you fidgeting nervously. There was a gut feeling that he was going to say—

“No.”

You needed him to teach you. He was strong. He knew what those things were and how to kill them. He could help you. If that thing could come in here so easily, undeterred by the protective runes and wards placed around the temple, another could do it again. You couldn’t afford to let this place get destroyed because of your inability to defend it. You needed to protect your grandparents’ memory, a small sliver of their legacy that you were allowed to touch. You had to.

The chance was falling out of your hands right in front of you. Your confidence wavered, but you tried again. “I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please?” Your voice was quieter, more hesitant. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

“I can’t,” he said. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

“Please—wait!”

This time, he didn’t spare you another glance as he walked off into the night, leaving you afraid and alone with the monster’s blood still on your skin.

—

No matter how many years passed, Yone’s hands would always be stained in blood.

The village was different from what he remembered. He knew of it when it was in flames and scattered with bodies of the brave. With what little time it had after the war, the village has been rebuilt from the disaster that the Noxians left behind. It was stronger, safer, liberated from their clutches. More swordsmen and warriors were patrolling the area, all bearing the crest of the clan that owned the village itself.

That didn’t. The clan of where men were raised to be elite warriors and women were raised to be the most adept of mages, known for their noble blood and valiance. Their estate was fortified and bigger than it used to be, looming over the smaller houses that unsurprisingly didn’t get as much protection. What seemed to be the most protected, though, was the temple. It was known to be a sanctuary to the villagers and the most important value to them was faith. Seeing said sanctuary well-protected wasn’t a shock. It was always that way.

As a child, he used to visit the temple on particularly rough days. Sometimes, his brother would come along, and they’d go find the master swordsman who took care of it with his wife, the shrine maiden. His brother in particular enjoyed hearing all about the swordsman’s stories, inspired by his strength and bravery that remained well into his older years. His wife was stern but motherly to all, more doting towards children than adults.

They weren’t like the rest of the clan who looked down on the weak; they loved. They loved their home, they loved their fellow men, and they loved the world. The people loved them, too. He loved them, just like they loved this sanctuary they built.

Yone stepped into the courtyard. Though it was past sunset, he could see that the place was much greener. More flowers had grown since then and the spring was well-maintained. He thought that the temple remained the most welcoming place he ever found himself in. It was clear that whoever was taking care of this place did it with the same love that the elderly couple had. He spotted their names on the stone slabs written in gold. There wasn’t just one bouquet on their grave, but several. Well-loved even after death as they deserved.

As he approached the main building, he sensed it—danger lurking within, undoubtedly the work of a monster he was all too familiar with. The wooden doors were broken and splintered. Cautiously, he stepped inside. True to his suspicion, at the end of the hall was an azakana hunched over someone, its grotesque mass a stark contrast to the pristine state of the walls as it growled and breathed heavily. His swords glinted in the light of the moon as he drew them.

Yone’s kills were clean and precise. He didn’t need to destroy his surroundings to prove his strength, nor did he think that he was destructive to that extent. As disciplined in life, as disciplined in death, and even more so in between. His physiology was wholly different from what it had been when he was alive. His being alone defied life itself.

He felt weightless, numb yet still in full control of his body as he moved into the prayer room, his footsteps not making a single sound. He heard what sounded like crazed muttering from where the azakana stood, something akin to pleading or perhaps a prayer. The azakana raised its hand. Its talons grew longer and sharper, prepared to strike whoever it was hiding. Before it could, Yone pierced his blade through its heart, silently watching as it disintegrated back into nothing but ashes and dust on the ground.

“How did you know it was here?” you asked, still struggling to catch your breath.

He was silent for a while as he picked up the mask it left behind and pinned it to his belt as proof of yet another successful hunt. You were staring up at him with teary eyes, still shaken from being so close to death’s grasp. He didn’t want to alarm you—he knew he looked ghastly—but you were obviously different from what he was. You were alive, vulnerable, and from the way you quivered like a leaf, you had never encountered one of those things before.

“It is my curse to bear,” he replied smoothly. A practised response, one that he hoped would be all you asked for. Yone knew it didn’t answer your question. As if you had more questions—you most likely did; he didn’t blame you for that—you parted your lips to speak, but no words came out.

Slightly defeated, you exhaled and gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

Yone glanced at you. Your face felt familiar to him like you were an old friend he hadn’t seen in years. You must be related to the previous caretakers somehow. The resemblance you had with them was striking. The way you spoke was timid, unlike the boisterous master swordsman or the confident shrine maiden. It didn’t bother him. If he was like you, defenceless in your position, he would’ve acted the same way. You seemed to be calming down with each breath you took, making him relax just the slightest. You weren’t harmed.

Aside from the azakana’s blood, tonight, his hands were clean, and he wouldn’t need to repent.

He decided to leave. There was no reason why he should stay for any longer. The sooner he could find the other stray malevolent spirits, the safer his childhood home would be. Things like him didn’t have the privilege of resting. He didn’t need it. Before he made it past the door, you called out for him, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

“Teach me how to fight.”

He didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

You looked less and less confident with each passing second. Dealing with stubborn people wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for him. He grew up with Yasuo—he was more than used to it. He pursed his lips.

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please.” Yone should’ve been out for the next hunt by now, but there was something in your voice that kept him staying where he was. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help you. He wanted to protect what he could too. It just… wasn’t for him. He thought you’d be better off learning from a master. Surely you could go to the dojo that your clan owned?

“I can’t,” he replied, realising that he had left you hanging. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

He didn’t look back this time. The cold air of the night greeted him as he stepped out and put his swords back in their sheaths. The rain washed away the blood and its remnants on the stones beneath his feet. The skies seemed to be clearer than they were earlier. The moon and stars glowed brightly in the darkness, illuminating the paths before him. There was a nagging feeling in his chest that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Something was off—were there more azakana hiding in the area? He decided he’d patrol the forest one more time before moving on elsewhere.

He left without a trace, just like a ghost like him always did.

—

You started to carry a dagger with you wherever you went.

It wasn’t a naginata or ootachi like you were trained to use, but it made you feel safer to have something you can defend yourself with. Thankfully, the temple wasn’t damaged too badly, though it would still take some time to repair. One of the older mages dropped by and offered to cast a protective seal, which you gladly accepted.

“Miss?” you asked, fidgeting nervously as she finished up her work.

She hummed. “Yes, dear?”

“Is the… The veil, is it already open?”

“It should be by now.” She contemplated for a bit. “I will say, it wasn’t this disastrous last year… I assume it’s because the magical energy is stronger this time around. Don’t worry, dear—nature will have adapted to it by now.”

“I see. Thank you,” you chirped. “I’m more worried about the temple getting attacked or broken than anything… I can’t see spirits the same way you can. I won’t be able to protect myself.”

“The seal will keep out malevolent entities.” She placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. Then she lowered her voice as if she was worried someone would hear her. “Was this really done by the storm? I could feel something strange in the air when I came here.”

You hesitantly shook your head. “There was a monster. It broke in and some—something else killed it.”

“What did it look like?”

“I was too scared to look,” you said apologetically, “but it was wearing a mask.”

“A mask?”

“It looked like a demon. The same ones in stories I used to read as a child.”

The mage frowned. “We’ll need a stronger seal than the one I put here, then.”

“Do you know what they are?”

“They’re called azakana. They are demons,” she explained. “You’re really lucky to have made it out alive. Those creatures are ruthless. They’ll stop at nothing.”

Azakana. You didn’t think you heard of them. You weren’t allowed in the magic library. Your grandparents didn’t like going into detail about the unknown, said it was just hearsay. You never got to explore the world the same way they did. All you knew in your entire life was the estate. You contemplated sneaking into the library to learn about everything that was kept from you, but there were bigger matters at hand.

“How do I stop them?”

“You kill them before they kill you,” she answered wryly. “I’ll do all I can to help keep the temple safe, but I can’t guarantee your protection.”

You had a busy afternoon ahead of you—more errands to run, more favours to do—so you couldn’t stay for long. With a polite goodbye, you went your own way, her words echoing in your mind all the while. You’d have to retrace your steps and learn to fight by yourself. The thought of how ridiculous you’d look training alone made you grimace. But she was right; it was kill or be killed. You wouldn’t always be as fortunate as you were a few days prior.

You idly swung the empty basket in your hand as you walked through the estate. The gardens look much better now. The hedges were trimmed, wilted flowers were removed, and the pond was clear. You couldn’t believe a storm just happened. The weather seemed to have settled for good, too. It was a warm and sunny day, the perfect weather for you to collect herbs and flowers for the village apothecary. She had become more frail with age, and considering her station isn’t too far from the temple, you offered to do the job for her. In your pocket was a written list of what she needed. It was nothing too difficult to find.

You were about to leave until you heard your name coming from someone in the meeting room. The doors were closed, but the walls were thin enough for you to be able to hear through them.

“—a leftover person,” a voice said—you recognised it as your uncle’s. “Past the age of marriage, but it could still be an option.”

Your heart dropped. You hid behind a wall, your fists clenched tightly around the handle of the basket as you tried to calm down and stay quiet lest you get caught eavesdropping.

Another voice chimed in. “—offspring would be cursed as well. Are you sure you don’t want to set up an arranged marriage? It’s been years—”

“Being constantly reminded of a mistake I made nearly thirty years ago is quite irritating, councillor,” came the unmistakable haughty voice of your father. “I said no. I refuse to tarnish our family name.”

You should be used to this. The cruel words, the hatred, the anger, but you can’t, no matter how much you’ve tried. It’s not as if you’re unaware of your power or lack thereof. It’s been said to you time and time again: you were weak, you were nothing.

“—what about training? It could help with getting started,” a feminine voice added. You weren’t surprised that she was the only one who was less harsh with her words talking about you so far. She of all people would know how you felt.

“Out of the question,” your father replied snidely. “Our mages and swordsmen are all pure-blooded. The bastard doesn’t deserve the honour of being one of them.”

Their words slipped through your ears. You were no longer listening; instead, you bit down on your lip and tried to hold back tears. How could someone hate their flesh and blood so much? How could he take everything away from you so easily? Not caring that they would hear you, you stormed out the gates while harshly wiping away your tears with your hands. Knowing them, they probably wanted you to.

You ran and pushed past strangers, unbothered by the concerned and irritated looks you were given. You ran until you found yourself deep in the forest, far enough so you could be left alone. Everything you tried to hold back then burst. You wailed, nails digging into your skin and your body wracked with sobs. The sound of water flowing down the stream slowly but surely calmed you down. The sobs eventually became quiet sniffles until they stopped entirely. Your tears dried on their own and you could finally breathe again.

Looking up from your hands, your gaze drifted to a fawn across the river. It lovingly nudged its mother with its head, stumbled a bit as it tried to keep up with her pace. The sight warmed your heart. It was always nice to see beings, human or animal, be gentle to one another. You hoped to be in that position someday.

A twig snapped behind you. Alarmed, you reflexively grabbed your dagger and whipped around, but the threat you were going to say died on your tongue when you saw who it was. The masked man—the one who saved you from the azakana—stood before you, huffing at you as if he found something funny.

“I’m not here to hurt you.”

You glowered at him with furrowed brows before hesitantly relaxing, putting the dagger back in its sheath. “What are you doing here?”

“The dojo.”

“What?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Did you not ask me to teach you how to fight?”

“I did, but…”

You bit the inside of your cheek. It was kind of him to seek you out again to tell you this, but you weren’t sure how you felt. Part of you wanted to say yes, to learn to protect yourself and others. The bigger part of you already felt defeated. You could only be tough for so long before you started to break.

“Thank you for reconsidering,” you said. You meant it. “But I’m not allowed there.”

“Not allowed?”

“My father is quite a stickler for the rules.” You chuckled humorlessly. “Only his sons are allowed in that dojo. The ones with noble blood, not the bastards. Take a guess where I fall between those two.”

He mulled over your words for a bit. Then he said, “Tell me your preferred weapon.”

You blinked dumbly. “Huh?”

“Your stance. It doesn’t belong to someone who uses a dagger.”

You supposed it made sense for someone like him to know something that even you didn’t notice. Awkward as he might be, it was evident that he was passionate about what he knew. A man of honour and discipline, a dual wielder with effortless lethality. You wondered how someone like him wasn’t revered and well-known the same way that the bladesman from Wuju and the blade dancer of Navori were. You broke the silence with a noise of disbelief. How strange, indeed.

“My grandfather thought I was best suited for a naginata, so that’s what he trained me in as a child,” you told him. “I don’t think I remember anything, though. It’s been a very long time.”

“You do,” he cut in. “No one forgets the art of the blade. Your mind may not remember, but your body does.”

“That’s very kind of you to say… Thank you,” you responded, smiling softly at him, “but what made you change your mind? I thought you had your… duty.”

“I do, but helping you can also be one of them,” he replied bluntly. “You have something you want to protect. As did I.”

You tried not to think too much about why he said it like that. It was not your place to pry, but you had always been a curious one. He must have lost something or someone along the way. For someone so stoic, he didn’t hide the regret in his tone well.

You glanced at him, deciding to end your train of thought before you slipped up and said something you regretted. “Are you sure you want nothing in return?”

“I only ask for your name.”

Heat rushed to your face. It was an incredibly mundane thing to ask for, normal for people who were getting to know each other to do. His forwardness caught you off guard, made you lose your balance for a moment. You cleared your throat and gave him your name, which he repeated quietly to himself.

He nodded at you. “My name is Yone.”

Yone grabbed a bamboo stick (where did he even get that from?) and tossed it your way, visibly pleased when you managed to catch it with ease.

“Well, then, let us begin.”

—

You developed a new routine since you started training with Yone.

In the morning, you took care of the temple, which you said was ‘good as new.’ In the afternoon, you helped the apothecary with preparing medicine. In the evening, when everyone went home, you trained by the riverside with Yone. Then, at night, he walked you home per your request.

For someone who was adamant that they forgot everything, you got familiar with the blades quite easily. You were a quick learner, he noticed. He didn’t understand why you thought so lowly of yourself. He didn’t understand how your family could hate someone like you. From first glance, he knew that you were kind. Stubborn, but a great listener. Thoughtful, quick-witted, and gentle even with those who didn’t treat you the same way.

It had taken a while, but you started to be more confident in yourself as well. You hesitated less. He could see you rising up the ranks in the dojo quickly; you just needed encouragement and practice. It didn’t make sense to him why your father was dead set on restricting you from everything.

No matter, Yone thought. His heart swelled with pride every time he saw you. You didn’t even seem to realise that you were nothing like your family said you were. As much as he wanted you to know that, he wasn’t good with words. On top of his unfamiliarity with comfort or praise, he also didn’t know where his relationship with you stood. You weren’t friends, you weren’t strangers, but you weren’t distant like acquaintances would be. Regardless, he didn’t want to overstep. All he could do was hope that you’d understand him.

Steel clashed against each other as you parried his attacks. Something was different, like you weren’t completely there. He was proven right when he managed to pin you down to the floor, the edge of his sword hovering only a breath away from your neck.

“You faltered,” he said more as a statement than a question. “You can not hesitate in a fight.”

You averted your gaze from his intense stare. Were you afraid of him?

“I’m sorry.”

“We should stop for today.” He smoothly rose to his feet and offered you a hand, helping you up. “Is something wrong? You seem distracted.”

“The festival is tomorrow,” you murmured. “But I’ll be alright.”

“You don’t wish to participate in it,” he finished for you.

You gave him a strained smile. “I can’t. I just… can’t.”

Abruptly, you pulled your hand away from his and squeaked out an apology. He hadn’t noticed they were still joined together, but there was a strange feeling pulling at his chest when you let go. Still, he didn’t say anything, choosing to let the conversation end there. He knew what it was like to lose someone. Rebirth might have changed him, melded him into stone, but some things could break through and get to him.

(He hadn’t known it then, but you were one of them.)

“I’ll… see you tomorrow, then,” you said hesitantly. “I should go back.”

He nodded. “I understand. Get home safe.”

You looked as though you wanted to say something else, lips parted and eyes curious, but you didn’t. Instead, you smiled at him—softer this time, less strained—and left without a word. As you faded into the distance, Yone sighed quietly and sat down on the grass, his swords laid next to him. He didn’t want to take you away from your other responsibilities; he knew fully well that you were quite dutiful as he was. He’d gotten so used to spending evenings with you, training and listening to you talk about whatever was on your mind that your absence felt off.

Though you were sure that you weren’t going to join in the festivities tomorrow, you most likely had to help out somehow. From what you told him about your family, he doubted that they’d leave you alone as well, taking the chance of reuniting with loved ones to look down on you. His lips tugged into a frown. Feelings weren’t exactly his strong suit since his new life began, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t understand how you would feel.

The breeze caressed his skin, taking him in its cold embrace. The drop in temperature didn’t bother him. It never had, really. He was more than used to how inconsistent the Ionian climate could get. So what was this weariness and uneasiness clouding his mind? Lingering somewhere between life and death, feelings were the least of his concerns, but he didn’t like what it was doing to him as he thought about you.

He stared at the moon’s reflection in the river. It did the same thing not long ago when you sat together and talked to him about your fondest memories. It was the first time you were so open with him. He listened to your stories, your laughter and the bittersweet tinge in your voice.

He saw a spirit walking hand-in-hand with another person somewhere not too far from where he was. A festival meant for reuniting with their loved ones, the only chance spirits and humans got to see each other again. He didn’t have anyone to visit—even if he did, he doubted he could bring himself to face someone he had failed years ago.

His thoughts wandered back to you and what you told him about your grandparents. It was a relief to find out that they never changed even after the war, having stayed the same loving people until their end. A thought popped into his head. If he could just find them—no, he could.

He knew their names. He knew them.

He wasn’t a magic user, but he was confident in his ability to search. Reinvigorated, he grabbed his swords and got up. Pondering under the stars would have to wait, he had a mission to do.

The only advantage to being something he was, Yone thought, was that fatigue was never an issue. He traversed through the plains, made his way up the hill, taking every twist and turn he could think of. Not wanting to risk being seen by civilians—he wasn’t exactly unaware of how… appalling he looked—he stayed in the shadows, hiding in the darkness. After what seemed like a few hours, he finally spotted the silhouettes of your grandparents, distant but familiar.

“Yone? Is that you?” your grandfather said in disbelief, his tone still full of the same joy it had whenever he spoke to Yone and his brother. His eyes crinkled as he beamed at the younger man. “I haven’t seen you in… in years! You’ve changed!”

Your grandmother was less boisterous, though it was clear she felt happy to see him as well. Upon taking a proper look at him, her face fell, and she approached him with a concerned expression.

“It’s far too early for you to be like this,” she sighed. Yone wanted to argue that he wasn’t exactly young anymore, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. “What happened?”

“It… is a long story,” Yone replied, his voice lacking the same strength and volume it had earlier in the day. Grief was such a fickle thing. He’d feel nothing one moment and everything in the next. He didn’t mourn himself, never had nor did he ever think it was necessary, but he did regret. Regretted being unable to protect his family, regretted being unable to protect your family. The curse laid upon him gave him the chance to atone, and even then, it never eased the chains wrapped around his soul.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. “I have a favour to ask of you.”

—

Yone was acting suspiciously.

To start, when you arrived at the clearing of the forest you usually trained with him, he wasn’t there. You didn’t know how long you waited until he arrived, offhandedly apologising for his tardiness. The sky had already faded into dark shades of blue, the sun nowhere to be seen and replaced with the moon peeking over the horizon. It might have been immature of you to scold him while being as huffy as a petulant child, but he didn’t seem to mind.

The day didn’t start out well for you, to say the least. The only things spoken around town were how excited people were to see their late relatives again and how much they looked forward to spending time with them for the next three days. It wasn’t like you wanted to feel bitter about it all. You were glad on their behalf, but the feeling of being the odd one wasn’t something you could control that easily. You wanted to be able to experience the same magic and happiness the others did.

As if that wasn’t enough, a councillor—likely the same one you overheard that time—left you a letter summoning you to a meeting the same night. If you didn’t know better, you would’ve kept that in mind and made sure you arrived in time. But you knew what it was going to be about. You were already in a loveless family. A loveless marriage wouldn’t make your life better and the only one benefiting from it was your father. You didn’t exactly like being spiteful (it’s a sin, a monk would say) but there was nothing wrong with it if they deserved it, was there? You ripped the paper to shreds, threw it out somewhere you couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter as long as you got rid of it.

There were a lot of things to be angry about, like how irritating it was to still be under your father’s control as an adult, or how they all never broke their habit of speaking as though you weren’t there. It didn’t mean you liked being angry. You weren’t built for such aggression.

You shook your head. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about this.

“You’re late.” You didn’t mean to say it as whiny as you did. Overly aware of how you sounded, you looked away from Yone and crossed your arms over your chest, ignoring whatever reaction he had to it. “I’ve been here for hours.”

“I’m sorry. I… had something to attend to,” he said. “I have something to show you. Follow me.”

Without realising it, you pouted. “And you have the nerve to boss me around…”

Yone’s silence made you begrudgingly glance at him again. He looked anxious, which was a surprise—you always saw him so calm and collected. It was… concerning. You sighed. He didn’t seem like he meant to leave you waiting for so long. Heaving out a quiet sigh, at last, you relented.

“Fine. Lead the way.”

The walk was quiet. You had a bunch of questions in your mind, both from curiosity and a bit of pettiness you had left. He deftly navigated through the woods, turning back once in a while to see if you were still following him. It was dark, almost as dark as it had been when you met him in that storm for the first time, but you weren’t as afraid anymore, either. You couldn’t describe it. Something about him felt safe. It could be that it was because he saved you from death and helped you become stronger. You didn’t think that was it, though.

You caught up to him, now walking beside him rather than behind. “Where are we going?”

He didn’t answer. You huffed. Fine.

But you couldn’t stay annoyed for long. You found your gaze drifting over to him; the curves of his mask, the clenching of his jaw. How was it possible for someone who scared you so much when you first met to also be someone who you’d trust with your life? You knew nothing about him. He was a strange person, impeccable swordsmanship aside. He never spoke about his family or his home. He was familiar with the village like he lived here before, but you’d never seen him. Just who was he?

Yone led you to a cliffside. The trek—how wasn’t he tired?—felt worth it in the end when you saw the night sky. The crescent moon smiled at you from her place among the scattered stars, sparkling and glowing brightly on what would normally be pitch black. A hand was placed on the small of your back, taking you by surprise and making your breath hitch before you relaxed. It was just him.

“I brought you a gift,” he said plainly. You narrowed your eyes at him. He didn’t look like he was one for gifts, but who were you to decline? It must be a reward or something, or an apology because you were left for hours—

Someone called your name. A familiar voice, one you hadn’t heard in years. You must be imagining it. They were dead, there was no way it could be. Were you so tired that you were imagining things?

“They’ve been waiting for you.” Yone gently pushed you forward. “Go.”

Sceptical as you were, once again, you relented.

The figures were clearer the closer you approached. You recognised the clothes, the voices—was this a prank? Would someone like Yone play such a cruel joke?

“You’ve grown so much,” came the voice of your grandmother, laced with a tenderness you’d recognise from anywhere.

“How…” you trailed off. Your grandparents stood in front of you, happiness radiating off of them in waves as they walked your way. You didn’t know what to think, what to feel. Weren’t they supposed to be dead? Were you hallucinating? “I don’t understand…”

“It’s us, kiddo.” Your grandfather placed a hand on your head, ruffling your hair affectionately. It was cold, but it felt real, too real. “We came to see you.”

You fell apart. Tears sprung to your eyes as you fell into their arms, broken sentences and wailing leaving you at its will. It was real. You didn’t understand it. You weren’t supposed to be able to see them, to see spirits—you didn’t have that gift, your father always made sure you knew that. So how was this possible? How could you see them, touch them, feel them?

“We tried to come find you every year,” your grandmother spoke, her voice as soft as a whisper. “But we—we couldn’t come in. The estate, it’s… locked away from us.”

“You left me,” you snivelled, “you left me here—you…”

You didn’t know what you were saying anymore. Giving up on trying to voice your thoughts, you kept crying until you grew weary, the devastated weeping gradually dissolving into shaky breaths. You felt her hand on the top of your head, lovingly smoothing down your hair as she hummed the tune she always sang to you when you were young. Your grandfather leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, chuckling under his breath—they were as overjoyed as you were.

“We can’t stay for long,” he murmured. “But we really wanted to see you. That young man helped us. Quite the man you’ve found, hm?”

“He’s just a friend,” you grumbled. As cross as you were with him earlier, you were thankful that he’d done this for you. There were many unanswered questions you had lingering in the back of your mind, but those weren’t that important anymore, you thought. Finally pulling away, you smiled for the first time that night. “I missed you.”

“We missed you too, sweetheart.” Your grandmother returned the gesture, brushing your stray tears away with her thumbs. “Why don’t you come sit with us, tell us what you’ve been up to?”

As you followed them, you turned to look back at Yone, mouthing ‘thank you’ with another smile. He nodded. You learned to pick up on his cues in the past month you spent with him, so you knew what he meant. You’re welcome. He wasn’t the best with words, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves. You wondered if he knew how important this was, how you’d always remember his kindness.

Lost in conversation with your loved ones, you missed how Yone’s stern expression melted into fondness as he watched the scene, the corners of his lips curling up just the slightest. It was the happiest he’d ever seen you.

(And it was the moment he knew—he’d do whatever it took to protect your smile.)

—

Existing somewhere in a plane between life and death, Yone spent his days on autopilot with only one goal in mind. Cursed for as long as his afterlife would last by the azakana, he’d continue to hunt them down one by one until there was nothing left. He saw his ‘life’ differently, ‘felt’ differently.

Bound to the world of the living, denied the peace of death, as he used to say. Time was no longer so important to him now that he became what he was. It passed as it willed, and he would only follow until it was over—assuming it would ever be. Yone didn’t care—or rather, he just tried not to think—about the state of life, the meaning of his existence. If he was bound to duty, at least he’d try to accomplish this one, unlike what he failed in his youth.

He should have left Ionia when he killed the last azakana in that temple. But more and more showed up every day, dangerously close to where you lived, and he knew that they would come find you again eventually. Deciding to take your request wasn’t an impulsive decision. He found your determination admirable even with the chains that held you back. It reminded him of who he had been. Who he craved to be once again. He tried to keep himself distant, staying within the boundary of just a kind stranger, but before he knew it, he found himself feeling tethered to you.

You weren’t just someone he saved. You were someone he had grown increasingly fond of. Yone knew you were kind, that you had a lot of love to give even to those who didn’t deserve it. He believed in his ability to predict what would happen, to adapt to sudden changes, but nothing could’ve prepared him for the whirlwind that was you.

For the first time in years, he felt alive, and it was all because of you. Your smile, your voice, the way you’d playfully talked back to him, the way you were always concerned for him. That much still held true as he sat beside you on a hill, his gaze focused on you over the sunrise you meant to show him.

He didn’t expect you to invite him to something that could be seen as so intimate. He didn’t expect himself to agree without a second thought either. He prided himself on being someone who always thought before he did anything, but something about you had him caving into his whims more frequently. He’d find that irritating if he was the same young man he used to be, but he didn’t. If he was bold enough, maybe he’d go as far as to admit that he liked how you made him feel.

It seemed his gift for you had changed you overnight. You weren’t mad at him anymore; if anything, you seemed to be more gentle with him. Like you saw him differently. He didn’t want to assume you did—that would be unfair to you.

This was what made it difficult for him to leave.

He couldn’t stay here for long. Fate would guide him to other places, more obscure and dangerous, and as much as he felt like he overstayed his welcome with you, he didn’t want to go. He didn’t know if he’d get the chance to see you again, to talk to you again. Getting attached to what could be temporary wasn’t a smart idea—he knew that. But for once, he wanted to let himself live again.

Seeing your face fall when he told you about his imminent departure was, perhaps, the worst he ever felt. He lived through countless battles; the scars on his hands proved that. He didn’t lose his senses even with his state of being a ‘ghost’ of sorts. He still felt the sting of a cut, the aches in his muscles after exerting himself. Emotions, on the other hand, were more complicated. Growing up with his brother, he had to be stern, calm and confident. He had to be assertive. He had to be strong.

With you, he could let all of that go. He wouldn’t lose his habits, he didn’t want to, but with you, he could let his guard down.

“Yone?” you broke the silence. He blinked, suddenly overly aware that he had been staring at you like a fool in love. Maybe he was. “Are you alright?”

“I am. I’m sorry for worrying you,” he responded. “I was only… thinking of the future.”

“You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

You went silent. He frowned, wondering if he should’ve kept it a secret after all. He didn’t want to hurt you. He never did.

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Yone felt like time and the world stopped for him.

“I know I’m a lot to handle.” He didn’t think you were. Still, he didn’t interrupt, letting you speak your mind. “And I know this is just some favour, but you know… I’ve grown pretty fond of you. I’d be sad if you left without telling me.”

Your tone was lighthearted, playing off your words as if they were only a joke in case he didn’t feel the same. He felt warm—the warmest he’d ever been—and he was never one to be timid, but you always managed to bring that out of him with ease.

Yone said your name. You hummed, urging him to continue.

“You should be proud of yourself,” he said. The words felt unfamiliar to him, foreign, but he needed you to know. “Like I am of you.”

You smiled. He wanted to engrave this sight into his memory, make it something he would never forget. You teasingly nudged him with your elbow, giggles leaving your throat as you replied without missing a beat, “So you’ve grown fond of me too, huh?”

This was the most casual you had ever been with him. It was a nice change, he thought, one that he really liked. In a matter of a few weeks, you’d gone from a meek, terrified person into someone confident and much happier than you were when he first met you.

“I have, indeed,” he replied. Perhaps more than I should.

With another chuckle, you fell back into a silence that was tranquil this time, more comfortable. He wondered if it was obvious that he was staring at you—he was trying not to be, but he was always told his gaze was intense. It didn’t seem to be an issue with you. Sighing in contentment, he let his eyes wander back to the sunrise before him. The last day of the Spirit Blossom was fast approaching, which meant that you’d once again find yourself in a busy schedule. But he didn’t have to think about that, so he stopped. Instead, he let himself indulge in this rare moment with you, thinking of nothing but how much things have changed. How much he has changed.

You never let go of his hand. Neither did he.

—

“Will you be going back too? To the spirit world?”

He did say he would be leaving, after all. You weren’t really sure what you’d do if he left. His presence had become something you were accustomed to. Since the moment he found you again in the forest, your routine seemed to have more and more of him. It would feel odd, having something you were so used to just disappear so suddenly. You knew you’d get over it, but you didn’t want to.

“I’ll be staying in the human world,” he said, “only elsewhere.”

A selfish part of you wanted him to stay. You liked having him around. With him, you could forget all about the people who shunned you. Your initial lack of strength or inability to use magic never bothered him; he saw you for who you were, treated you like any person should be treated. You weren’t lying when you told him that you’ve grown fond of him—you truly did.

No, you didn’t want him to leave. But he had to.

“I see,” you whispered. “I guess this is goodbye, then.”

The longer he took to reply, the more anxious you became. The familiar stinging of your nose and the watering of your eyes had you trying to hide your face from him. You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry. A quiet whimper was all you let slip before you held back the onslaught of tears. You didn’t want him to think you were strange. Someone who got more attached to him than they should’ve. Someone lonely, desperate for company.

“Would you like to join me?”

Even with his mask on, you could still feel Yone’s gaze on you.

“What?” you echoed dumbly. You must’ve misheard him. You could’ve sworn you just saw his lips twitch like he was amused by something. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve said before that the only thing stopping you from leaving was your fear,” he continued. “You’ve become stronger. You fight well, by yourself and by my side. We might also be able to find your mother if we travel together. And, I…”

He trailed off, seemingly to collect his thoughts before he added, quieter, “I enjoy being with you.”

Flustered, you couldn’t say a word. It took a while before you could properly process what he said.

“You mean…”

“Yes. I’d like you to come with me.” He cleared his throat, hesitating as if he was nervous. “You can decline if you’d—”

Yone was cut off by you tackling him into a hug, nearly sending him falling backwards had he been unable to keep his balance. You buried your face in his neck, smiling against his skin before you pulled away to properly look at him. Seeing how close you were made your eyes widened, and you were about to pull away before he leaned down to kiss you softly, which you melted into with ease.

Hesitantly, he pulled away. You could’ve sworn he was blushing. “I assume that’s a yes…?”

“You already know what I meant, Yone.” You grinned, unable to resist the urge to tease him. “You just want me to say it.”

“Well, it… would confirm my thoughts.”

“Of course, it’s a yes!”

“I must warn you it won’t be easy,” he hesitated, giving you another chance to say no. Like he couldn’t believe that you wanted to join him. “So if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to… Why are you laughing?”

“I mean it, you old fool,” you teased.

“Old fool—”

“I would love to come with you.” You curled into his side, laying your head on his shoulder as you watched the river flow in front of you. “I’m not scared anymore. I have you.”

Yone pulled you closer, leaving a ghost of a kiss on the crown of your head. “And I have you.”

It felt like something straight out of a fairytale. You were going to leave this wicked place with someone you fell in love with. You couldn’t believe it was happening, but it was, and your heart raced, not out of fear but out of excitement.

You couldn’t wait for the adventures you’d have together.

[bunnylovesani]

Miss Congeniality

Chapter 1

Content warnings: suggestive and derogative language, reader being humiliated, mentions of panties and arousal

WC: 2.4k

You stared at the clock and huffed, it was 10 minutes past midnight. Your older brother Jaden and his best friend Anakin should’ve come home by now.

“Good night honey, don’t stay up too late, you need your beauty sleep for the pageant tomorrow!” your mother cooed as she walked past your door, peering into your admittedly childishly decorated bedroom.

You had turned 19 last month but still hadn’t gotten over your fixation for all things pink and frilly, your walls adored with posters of your favourite singers and your bedsheets decorated with petite lace bows on every corner. You wrapped your satin bedrobe tight around yourself as you got up and headed downstairs to the lounge, where you’d spent many nights staring at the door waiting for your favourite boys to come home from their escapades.

Your gaze settled on a large framed photo of you resting on the mantlepiece, wearing a pageant crown and smiling gracefully. Sure, you were mommy and daddy’s pride and joy, the most beautiful girl in the county and latest winner of the teen Miss Naboo competition, but you were bored. A whole lifetime of always being the good girl had taken its toll and left you with a feeling of discontenment and envy. You saw the way other girls had fun, sneaking out at night and going to parties with handsome boys- Anakin always had a crowd of women swarming him and you hated that you felt jealous at the attention he gave them.

You knew ultimately you were above all that, you knew that you were saving yourself for a worthy man, one who would appreciate the efforts you made to keep yourself pure. But sometimes, when you saw the veins snaking their way down Ani’s arms, with his black band tees rolled up to his muscular elbows and his plump lips playing with his tongue piercing, you feared you might not be able to hold back much longer. As if your thoughts summoned him, the door swung open and the raucous laughter of the boys filled the stately family home.

“Did you see the way that chick was giving me fuck-me eyes? She totally wants it, I’ve got half a mind to - oh. Sis, what are you doing still up?” Jaden’s face fell as he hung his coat up.

“I was just making myself a cup of cocoa, trying to soothe my nerves for the competition tomorrow.” You lied. You couldn’t care less about the pageant and you didn’t even really like cocoa. You just wanted to be there to catch a glimpse of your favourite emo boy.

“Oh yeah, forgot that shit was tomorrow. Do I still have to drive you?” Jaden rolled his eyes, he never did understand the appeal of being paraded around like a prized pig.

“No, I presumed you’d be too inebriated from the night before so I asked daddy already.” You happily chittered, unconsciously raising your nightie just a little so that your brother’s friend might catch a better glimpse of your freshly moisturised, strawberry scented thighs. He didn’t pay it any notice as per usual, not that it stopped you from trying.

“Ah you know me too well.” Jaden chuckled “Good luck with that, let’s go Anakin.”

“Wait, wait! How was your night? Did you guys have fun?” You pouted, big doe eyes staring at them in disappointment to have not been filled in on their nighttime adventures.

“Oh you don’t wanna hear about that sweetheart” Ani finally spoke, smirking. “Your brother is quite the Cassanova.”

“That’s enough of that, off to bed with you” Jaden interrupted him, motioning for you to leave before slipping into the kitchen to help himself to the pot of fresh cocoa you’d made.

“You know, you look really creepy when you’re sat there like that right in front of the door. At least turn on a lamp or some shit.” Anakin uttered harshly, making your cheeks burn up with embarassment.

“Um, I, I’m sorry? I’ll make sure the place is lit up like a christmas tree next time.” You muttered, staring at the ground and silently cursing your obedient nature. God, he had a way of making you feel small. The slight smirk that creeped up on his face made you suspect that he liked that.

“Now that I think about it, why is it that you happen to be in the living room every time I come through the door? Do you wanna hang out with us that bad?” Anakin sniggered in that signature cocky way only he knows how.

“Oh shut up, I have better things to do than to sit around smoking joints with 2 college dropouts.” You rolled your eyes, was it that obvious? Clearly you would have to find a better cover than drinking hot chocolate.

“Goddamn, this cocoa tastes like shit. Are you sure you didn’t make it with mud?!” Jaden emerged from the kitchen sipping from his mug and scowling, eliciting a cackle from Anakin. “Don’t ever try cooking sis, stick to looking pretty in dresses.” he tousled your hair as he walked past you and up the stairs to his room. Anakin gave you one last look, subtly dropping his glare down to your legs before smiling ever so slightly as he followed his friend. The second of eye contact made your heart pound with a worrying intensity and you had to calm your racing mind before the inappropriate thoughts started forming again.

It had been a week since the last time the boys hung out, and in this moment you wished it’d been longer as you sat in bed, enveloped in your pink fluffy blanket - huffing at the sounds of Anakin and Jaden howling with laughter next door. What could possibly be so funny that it induces such animalistic noise? Once the guffawing was so loud that you could no longer hear your movie over it, you resolutely climbed out of bed, slid your slippers on and marched over to your brother’s room across the hallway. As soon as you opened the door, the pungent smell of their sweet, earthy joint hit you.

“Ah, so that’s why you’re laughing so hard.” You cross your arms at the sight of them convulsing with giggles. “Can you cretins keep it down?”

“Apologies, are we disturbing your Barbie movie marathon?” A very dishevelled looking Jaden grinned. “Or are you watching Enchanted again? How many times have I told you, stop dreaming about Prince Charming, he’s not coming.” You furrow your brows, about to launch a tirade on your brother when Anakin interjects.

“Oh my God, what are those?” he points at your slippers. “Are you wearing fluffy pink bunnies on your feet? Seriously?” He covers his mouth with his hand to stop the giggles that threaten to burst through. You stare down at the dopey faces of the little bunnies sticking out of your shoes.

“No! I mean yes but these are old, mom bought them for me, they were just lying around and I’m kinda cold.” The excuses started flowing out as Anakin glared at you endearingly.

“Oh my God, why are you lying? They’re her favourite ones, she wears them every day.” Jaden sniggers and you wonder why you even tried to lie with your brother there.

“Aw, you don’t have to lie sweetie, I think it’s cute. Pretty little pageant princess in her pink slippers.” Anakin smiles and you’re unsure whether he’s mocking you.

Feeling mortified, you run out and slam your bedroom door closed- a resounding bang being heard as the bedrobe and nightie that hung on the back fell off the hook and spilled onto the floor. For their information, you were watching a documentary. You know he dismissed you as nothing other than his friend’s childish little sister, just a brat who couldn’t ever keep up with him- he was 4 years older than you after all.

But you’re not a little girl anymore. Sure, your favourite colour was pink and you pranced around on stage in ballgowns, but you were a woman now. You had come into your own this year and you saw the whole world differently. You had never usually paid any mind to the boys that circulated around the house with your brother- but now they piqued your interest immensely, one in particular. You’ll never forget the first day you really noticed him.

It was last winter, you had gone to support your big brother at one of his hockey matches as you often loved doing. It was the semi-finals and he had led his team to a resounding victory as captain, rushing the barricades towards you and your parents, arms raised and fists curled in a triumphant dance that you mirrored. He engulfed you in a callous bear hug, easily enveloping you before clambering over to your parents. Over the broad shoulders of the players, you caught a glimpse of him.

His dark hair swooped messily over his forehead, thick eyebrows furrowed over his piercing blue eyes as he hung back from the rest of the team, choosing to avoid the adoring crowd and slip away into the changing rooms. You experienced a visceral response to seeing him in that oversized hockey jersey, so much so that you saw it in your dreams for the next month.

Suddenly, the unobtrusive guy who hung around your brother and occasionally teased you for the way you dressed became so much more than that. You felt on edge every time he came over, rushing over to your room to put on some lipgloss or change into a cuter dress before casually walking past the hallway a suspicious amount of times, hoping he would get a glimpse of you through the open crack in Jaden’s door. Luckily for you, your oaf of a brother never caught on, and if Anakin did, he never made it known.

Whilst reminiscing, you heard a knock on the door.

“Hey, it’s just me.” Ani’s sweet voice sounded. “I didn’t mean to upset you, we were just playing around.” You got up from your wallowing position in bed and straightened up like an arrow.

“Oh no, it’s fine, I wasn’t upset. I’m used to it.” You smiled sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “But thanks anyway.”

“I meant what I said. It’s good you have a strong identity, it’s what makes you you. You shouldn’t pay any mind to what others say, least of all me. I mean I’ve had plenty of choice comments about my look but I wouldn’t be Anakin without the piercings or the headphones or the bad attitude now, would I?” He leans on the doorframe and looks at you curiously. You have to take a deep breath to suppress a full body shiver, you don’t think you can take much longer of him staring at you like you’re his next meal.

“What’s all this- oh my“ he spots your nightie on the floor and picks it up. “Who are you trying to impress wearing this missy?” he closely inspects the white satin dress adorned with a lace trim, rubbing the rough pads of his fingers over the smooth fabric.

“And this?” He picks up the scandalous red panties sprawled out next to his feet and observes them as they dangle off his finger.

“Anakin! Put those down!” You jolt up towards him in an attempt to frantically snatch them out of his hand but he simply holds them up in the air so that you can’t reach. You weren’t a short girl by any means but you felt like one next to Ani’s staggering height.

“Oh this is priceless, are you telling me you actually wear these around the house? Or is it to your pageants, do you have some kind of boyfriend we don’t know about?” He laughs, clearly enjoying this abuse of power.

“No I don’t, not that it’s any of your business!” You huffed, slapping his chest in indignant frustration. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty for yourself.”

“Oh sweetheart, I don’t believe you. Because these aren’t pretty panties, this is a very slutty thong. One that someone would only wear if they were expecting to get laid.” His raspy voice dropped in tone, like he was saying something he didn’t want anyone else to hear. “Are you trying to get laid?”

A whimper almost escaped your lips at the unexpected question. Suddenly you were aware of how close your face was to his and that both your hands were resting on his chest.

“I won’t even dignify that with a response.” You muttered quietly, maintaining eye contact.

“Ah, who would’ve thought Jaden’s little sister would be such a slut. I bet daddy wouldn’t be happy to find out his little girl wears these.” He wraps his hand around the panties and subtly pockets them into his baggy black jeans.

“If I were really a slut then you’d be the first to know about it.” The words slipped out as you turned away from him.

“What?” He grabbed you by the wrist and turned you back around. “What do you mean by that?”

“I’ve never even been with one guy, let alone enough to make me a slut.” You admitted coyly, regretting the words as soon as they came out.

“You really are a good girl, aren’t you?” His gaze is so intense you worry your knees might buckle. “Something’s gonna have to be done about that.”

His fingers trace your collarbone as he takes one last look into your helpless eyes before turning around, smirking to himself as he leaves the room. You sigh a breath of relief at his absence, trying not to pay too much attention to the growing wetness between your thighs. This was not going to bode well for your vow of chastity.

Wait a minute, did he take your panties?

Next Chapter

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 41/?

Prev | Next

Jason woke up with a snarl on his lips. Someone was looking for them.

It felt the same when Talia and her assassins invaded their haunt. Instead, this time, he knew it wasn’t on his property but somewhere in the village. Thank the Ancients for Raven’s cloaking spell.

Had Bruce lied? Was he here looking for Jason? Had there been a tracker he hadn’t seen? Jason swore and got up, his glowing eyes illuminating the room. How could he have been so stupid? Of course, Bruce wouldn’t leave well enough alone. As he put on his shirt, he paused for a moment. What if it wasn’t Bruce? What if it was an enemy ready to attack, to kill, him and his family?

The door opened, showing Jazz and Danny.

“I’ll take care of it,” Jason said as he put on a pair of jeans. Nobody was going to mess with his family.

“You can’t go alone, dad. What if it’s a powerful enemy? You’ll need backup,” Danny said, his eyes also glowing. Actually, Jazz’s teal eyes also had an eerie glow to them, too.

“I need to know you and your sisters are safe. I can’t work the way I have to if I know you guys are in danger, too. Please, Danny-lad, I know it’s hard, but I have to know you’re not in danger. Any of you.”

Jason went to the safe and took out the knife Talia had given Danny and held it toward his son, a feeling of disgust hitting him as Jason offered it, “Here, in case you need it.”

As much as Jason hated seeing his son’s small hands cradling the knife, it was better for him to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Jason gave Jazz a gun and some ammunition. Next was a burner phone with just one other number saved on it.

“If I’m not back by morning, take the kids and run. I’ll call you with my burner phone.”

Jason phased his hand through the wall and took out a suitcase full of cash and fake documents for Jazz, Danny, Ellie, and himself.

“This should last you a while. Please stay safe.”

“You too, big brother,” Jazz whispered before kissing his cheek. “I expect you to be back here before sunrise, or you’ll get the scolding of a lifetime, understood?”

Jason nodded and turned intangible while phasing through the roof.

He expanded his senses and flew north. Whoever was here, whether it was Bruce or an enemy, they were going to get an angry Jason ready to kick their ass.

____

Tim scowled in irritation.

He had Jason’s address, the GPS was up and running, and he had a map open. Yet, he still could not find where Jason was living. How was that even possible?

Tim groaned in frustration as he passed the same sign with a jumping whale on it for the sixth time.

Tim only took his eyes off the road to look at the GPS for a second. Then he looked up and braked in surprise. He stopped an inch or two away from hitting Jason, who was suddenly in front of him. Jason was glaring at him. Tim met him with a glare of his own; he refused to back down. Jason’s glare deepened.

Jason went to the side and tried to open the passenger door. It was locked, but Tim knew that wouldn’t deter Jason. Jason crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Tim, almost as if he thought that would make Tim unlock the door. Somehow, he had Alfred’s look when he was disappointed. How was that fair?

Tim didn’t give him the satisfaction and brought the window down a little instead.

“What are you doing here, Replacement?”

“I could ask you the same thing, Jason.”

Jason dropped his disappointed look and ran his hand through his hair. Tim couldn’t even make out black roots. He wondered idly how often Jason redyed his hair.

“I should’ve known. I should’ve known better than to trust anything Bruce said. Of course, he sent one of his birds to hunt me down.”

“Bruce didn’t send me,” Tim said.

“Sure,” Jason retorted back, “I definitely believe that. It’s just a coincidence that when I get a recording of him saying he’ll leave me alone and make sure none of his birds or bats come looking for me, that’s when one of them finds me.”

Tim scowled, “Bruce didn’t send me. He doesn’t even know I’m here. He sent a memo earlier in the day not to look for you anymore, but I was already in Canada. What do you mean he sent you a message?”

Was that the reason he told them to stop looking for Jason? Was it because Bruce had found him and told no one? How else would he be able to send Jason a message?

Jason glared at Tim one more time before taking out a phone.

“Hey, yeah, it’s me. There’s no danger. At least, no physical danger.”

Wow, rude.

“It’s one of my nosey brothers.” Tim was surprised Jason had called him his brother. Sure, they were both technically brothers, but they had never acted like ones. Tim suddenly remembered Titan’s Towers and shuddered a little.

Jason stopped talking and listened to what the other person was saying.

“You sure,” he asked, “What does Danny think of this?”

Tim straightened at the mention of Jason’s son. Jason zeroed in on Tim’s sudden attention. Tim jutted up his chin, daring Jason to say something.

Jason sighed, “Fine, we’ll be there soon. Be prepared, though; Timmy is a tough one.”

Tim glared at the nickname, “It’s Tim, asshole.”

Jason didn’t threaten him like he thought he would. Instead, he went to the driver’s side and rapped his knuckles on the door.

“Move, Timbit. I have to drive. You’ll never find the place because it’s enchanted from prying eyes.”

“Since when do you know magic?”

“I don’t. Raven does.”

Tim unlocked the door and hurried over to the passenger’s seat.

“Raven knows where you’re at? How did that happen?”

No wonder Tim had been going in circles. It would’ve been impossible to find if Raven had enchanted the place.

“None of your business, Replacement,” Jason muttered.

Jason made a U-turn and drove for five minutes before turning into a little road. How had Tim missed it? They drove through a dirt road leading deeper into the forest for a few minutes. Tim started panicking.

What if Jason had pretended to talk to someone to bring Tim’s guard down? What if he killed him and buried his body in the middle of the Canadian wilderness? No one knew where Tim was, so he wouldn’t be considered missing for a few days.

Just as Tim was about to jump out of the car, a little brick house appeared.

It was quaint.

There was a porch with two rocking chairs and a table between them. The windows had little pots with blooming flowers, and the window panes were painted lavender. A little playground was on the side. All the lights were on, including the porch light.

It looked so…domestic.

“Will I get to meet your son,” Tim asked suddenly. At Jason’s murderous glare, Tim wished he had stayed silent.

“Of course, you know about Danny, you nosy little bastard. Did you tell Bruce about him?”

“No. I told Dick, but he told me not to tell Bruce until we found out more. Barbara suspects.”

Jason’s expression softened at the mention of Barbara.

“How is she?”

“She’s good. She didn’t want me looking for you. She said it would be better to leave you alone.”

“And, of course, you didn’t listen.”

Jason got out of the car and walked up to the house, leaving Tim behind.

“Well, are you coming or not?”

Tim took a deep breath. Finding Jason was half the battle. Now, he just had to convince him to come back to Gotham.

I'm sorry for all the mistakes. I was writing this at night and didn't proofread it. Next, Tim meets Jason's found family

@itsberrydreemurstuff @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling @flamingenchiladadragon @all-mights-asscheeks @ender-reader @fuyu-bitch @ravenswife

[calliesmemes]

LOVE IN ITS MANY FORMS

SENTENCE STARTERS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES FOR PLATONIC DYNAMICS, ROMANTIC DYNAMICS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

CHANGE gendered words and in-universe phrases as needed.

SPECIFY muse for multimuses.

“   If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.   ”

“   You are my fate. ”

“   I'm not whole without you. You are life itself to me ”

“   You mean so much to me that sometimes I don’t know how to handle it.   ”

“   Even before I was touched, I belonged to you.   ”

“   We are more than friends; we are family. ”

“   We’ll protect each other. ”

“   Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family. You’re my family. ”

“   I want so badly to protect you from the world because I know how bad it can be. ”

“   I promise I will find you in every universe.   ”

“   I’ve always wanted to live a fairytale, and you have written one for me. ”

“   When I fall in love, I fall to pieces.   ”

“   I love you. I’m not just here for the pretty parts — I’m here for you no matter what. ”

“   Something about you makes me feel alive. ”

“   You will never be unloved by me; you are too well tangled in my soul. ”

“   We’re in this together. ”

“   It’s you. It’s always been you. ”

“   I have loved you since we were children. ”

“   I don’t want to have the world’s attention. Yours is enough. ”

“   I broke my rules for you. ”

“   What I have with you, I don’t want with anyone else. ”

“   You have a place in my heart that no one else can claim. ”

“   I’ve been dreaming about you my entire life! ”

“   I’d choose you. Every single time. ”

“   You and me? It’s a forever kind of thing. ”

“   My soul will always find yours. ”

“   If only you knew just how completely and devoutly I worship you. ”

“   I love you with all the broken, blood-stained pieces of me. ”

“   I am your sword, your shield, and your lovesick protector. ”

“   For you, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do. ”

“   Your subconscious seeks me. ”

“   Sleep. I’ll fight the bad dreams off if they come to get you. ”

“   I don’t think you understand the effect that you have on me. ”

“   You saved me in every way a person could be saved. ”

“   Come back. Come back to me. ”

“   You would not believe me if you knew how often you are in my heart and mind. ”

“   Everywhere I go leads me back to you. ”

“   You are so adorable when you’re angry. ”

“   No, I am not angry. I know your thoughts. Your heart is better than your head. ”

“   I condemn you. Yet my heart yearns for you. ”

“   Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same. ”

“   My heart is, and always will be, yours. ”

“   I’m obsessed. I’m addicted. I will gladly cross every single line if it means making you mine. ”

“   I am so proud of you. You’ve been so brave. ”

“   The love you have in you is the kind of love that will vigorously shake the world. It is also the kind love that heals all wounds and save souls. And I am tremendously in need of it. ”

“   If I know what love is, it is because of you. ”

“   I will look for you in every lifetime, until we finally stay. ”

“   You will find me when you return, even if you're a thousand years late. ”

“   When it was dark, you always carried the sun in your hand for me. ”

“   Having a soulmate is not always about love. You can find your soulmate in a friendship too. ”

“   I have loved you in every life, I think. ”

“   The way to love someone is to lightly run your finger over that person’s soul until you find a crack - and then gently pour your love into that crack. ”

“   I still remember you as a little girl who overwaters plants because she doesn't know when to stop giving. ”

“   You are dear to me. I don't want to let you go, and I won't give you up. ”

“   I'll tell every one in the world that you are the only one that matters. ”

“   The world was made so that we could find each other in it. ”

“   Friends are the family you choose. ”

“   You and only you, can make the rest of my life peaceful. ”

“   I don't want soft or subtle. I want rough, wild, heartache, I want sins, I want you. ”

“   I think I wished for you all my life. ”

“   How could I ever hate you, when all I know is you? ”

“   It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. ”

“   You did something for me I couldn’t do for myself. You loved me for who I am. ”

“   I long for you. I really, utterly long for every bit of you. ”

“   You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line that I have ever read. ”

“   You are beyond all the worlds that I have ever known. ”

“   I will forget my name before I forget you. ”

“   No human being has ever stood so close to my soul as where you stand. ”

“   I always have such need to merely talk to you. ”

“   I waited for you my entire life, and you are worth every minute. ”

“   Family means that no one gets left behind or forgotten. ”

“   We both know that he means the world to you. Why are you afraid to tell him that?   ”

“   You can become homesick for people, too. ”

“   The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in turn. ”

“   She’s my sister; she needs me. ”

“   Never sacrifice your family, your heart, or your dignity. ”

“   Whatever you do, you’re still my brother. ”

“   My identity rests solely and firmly on this: I am my mother’s daughter. ”

“   Family is supposed to be our safe place. ”

“   The warmest light is your body. ”

“   Forgive me for my love — for ruining you with my love. ”

“   "Family" isn't defined only by last names or by blood; it's defined by commitment and by love. ”

“   I beg of you — let us aside our differences, and see each other as our family. ”

“   You are my treasure, my pale gold, the heart of my heart. ”

“   It is too late to turn you out of my heart. Part of you lives here. ”

“   I don’t care; I love you anyhow. ”

“   I shall do one thing in this life — one thing certain — this is, love you, and long for you, and keep wanting you till I die. ”

“   I think I missed you all my life until you finally showed up. ”

“   Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in things we do for each other every day. ”

“   You bring me peace that I haven’t found anywhere else. ”

“   Remember, no matter how foolish your deeds, those who love you will love you still. ”

“   This morning I’m ambitious, proud, energetic and very madly in love with you. ”

“   You give me joy that few men know. ”

“   I suppose that I am too enamored by you anyway. Every time I see you I get more so if it is possible. ”

“   I just want to relax in your arms. ”

“   I never stopped looking for you. I never gave up hope that you were alive. ”

“   I wish I could be as strong as you. ”

“   It’s okay. Everything is going to be okay. I promise. ”

“   The ones that love us never truly leave us. ”

“   The right people fight for you. ”

“   When we heal ourselves, we heal the next generation that follows. Pain is passed through the family line until someone is ready to feel it, heal it, and let it go. ”

“   Even if you fall or falter, I will be with you. ”

“   I’ll always want you more than anyone. You’ll always matter to me more than anyone. ”

“   Anyone who falls in love is searching for the missing pieces of themselves. ”

“   Perhaps we were friends first and lovers second. But then perhaps this is what lovers are. ”

“   I must admit I miss you terribly. The world is too quiet without you nearby. ”

“   I love you. I knew it the minute I met you. ”

“   You didn’t break me. You helped fix me. ”

“   It’s nice when someone remembers the smallest of details about you. ”

“   Ever since I met you I want you by my side. ”

“   There's no better feeling than to be here with you. ”

“   When we work together, we are unstoppable. ”

“   Whatever I need, I have when I'm with you. ”

“   I’ve loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. ”

[astrronomemes]

A NOVEL I’LL NEVER PUBLISH : STARTERS

a collection of quotes, phrases, and sayings from a YA novel I wrote back in high school. change & alter as needed.

“Are you just going to keep staring at that thing all day?”

“This is a bank, right? ...So why does it look like there’s some serious horror movie shit going down here?”

“Personally, I think she was just born a bitch.”

“Get yourself something to eat.”

“We’ve got to get this place cleaned up and looking nice.”

“It only takes sixty seconds of your time, but the peace of mind it gives you will last for a lifetime.”

“And you’re not frightened of needles, right?”

“That’s got more lies printed on it than a presidential campaign poster.”

“Remember that weekend in Los Angeles? Well, this is just like that, except we’re not using dynamite, and there won’t be any human sacrifices.”

“Oh, god, it’s trying to break the door down!”

“Did you get that off a bumper sticker?”

“No one wants to deal with your shit, [name]. Why else do you think your parents ditched you?”

“I’m fine. I ate last night.”

“Yes, a fair number of global concerns could be resolved if only people would stop ‘saying things’.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“It’s been like this for as long as I can remember.”

“My parents weren’t really into all that sentimental ‘loving your child’ shit.”

“Do you think it’s after midnight yet?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, [name], but I’m pretty sure no one in recorded history has ever had laser vision.”

“Still, it’s kind of cool, isn’t it?”

“There’s no reason to be nervous, honey. It’s just standard procedure.”

“Things will get better. They just have to.”

“We have enough to keep the lights on, or the water running, but not both.”

“Look, nobody cares about people like us, okay? They never do. They never will. We’re on our own out here.”

“Apparently, I’ve joined the ranks of the demons. That’s what the priest told me when he was trying to ‘save my immortal soul’, or whatever.”

“I’m just a fuck-up, okay?! I fuck everything up! Everything! All the time! That’s why I’m alone! That’s why no one wants anything to do with me!”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out for us, son.”

“She’s probably just mad at us for breathing. Repeated offenses, you know.”

“I’m doing this for you! For all of you!”

“We’ll leave a light on for you.”

“You’ve always been a part of our family, [name]. You just took the long way coming home.”

[chenfordsource]

Thank you all for your participation in Chenford Week 2023! Seeing the turnout this year was genuinely incredible; the love for our favorite ship led to nearly 300 creations, including fanfics, gifsets, edits, and fanvideos and playlists. 

With so many creations, there was no way for everyone to keep up throughout the week, so we put together a master list of all the Chenford Week 2023 content.

The list is organized by day and content type; we hope it helps navigate the amazing content created for the event. If we’re missing your entry or any links don’t work, please let us know. 

Thank you all for your incredible Chenford Week work this year!

Fics:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Ohio Laundry Room by silverskull

What Tim Needs by aleclightwoodgirl

Ghost of You by girlintotv

More than ever by rissachenford

Chenford Cam Watchers by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Watching by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

watching my heart (go round and around) by jennahbennah

We could build a house away from here(I just wanna get warm with you) by niamsagram

Unless it is (Lucy's POV) by TheChandom

fight the frost (of the morning blue) by fromiftowhen

Up is down, down is up by ImperiumWife

Never Underestimate a Bradford by gemma_chenfordfan

you know the greatest films of all time were never made by quesera

A Little Mystery to Figure Out by westwingwolf

Always find you by thatfandomwriter

Your string of lights are still bright to me by Lxvechenford

safe in your arms by Ellitheria

Palms by L56895

Daddy Cop - Arrest me but make it sexy by AllMyTomorrows

Daddy Cop by Lucychenford

It's a Daily Struggle by mom2kmt

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 1 by elementsofemily1193

let's build a life by itsgrangerweasley

the best thing that's ever been mine by BimadaBomily

i'll make it through if i stick to you (cover your body in superglue) by lucychens

Event Horizon by TheRogue16

My Favorite Line was "Can I Call You Sometime?" by TheAwkwardAnglophile

We Need To Talk by PBenjamin012215

no safer place than with you by madneyfiles

Forever Looks Like This by ameliagiovanna0

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Glad You Exist by aleclightwoodgirl

Bear it all by myrandomfandomramblings

Not our parents by thatfandomwriter

The Night Before - an Epilogue by mom2kmt

'Til Death Do Us Part by girlintotv

when you're by my side by chenfordspiral

Fluff 'n' Stuff by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Bedtime Stories by Tiger_Lily24

I Won't Say No by firstdegreefangirl

Evergreen by silverskull

maybe we'll discover (what we should have known all along) by jennahbennah

find the one you can't live without by HeyItsEm

Just when I thought our chance had passed (You go and save the best for last) by niamsagram

i had a feeling so peculiar (this pain wouldn't be for evermore) by quesera

I always look after you by Lxvechenford

Woke up in love by TheChandom

Not Our Bed. It's Mine. by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Looks Like She's In Love by westwingwolf

Burning For You by meghansarchive

Breathe Again by RogueTwelve

Haunted by liaromancewriter

and i can't sleep at night (every time i close my eyes, i'm torn between two lives) by BimadaBomily

The Weak Link by Ellitheria

Mid-Wilshire Family Barbecue by AllMyTomorrows

Breaking up was Easy in the 90s (Tim's POV) by WannaBeBold

Here Comes the Sun by achegaby

I'll Take care of you by rissachenford

When I Taste Tequila by ImperiumWife

Surprise! by LondonRih

looking at you (with pride in my eyes) by TheRogue16

I miss you, I'm sorry by Lucychenford

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 2 by elementsofemily1193

i met you on the rooftop, shining with the moonlight by lucychens

My One and Only by PBenjamin012215

This Is It by ameliagiovanna0

A Hell of a View by RogueTwelve

roadtrips & lifetimes by paldogangsaan

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

The Babysmitter by westwingwolf

I Think Kojo Had a Nice Day by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Missing Piece by thatfandomwriter

Lucy's internal monologue during the 5x02 ending by myrandomfandomramblings

man of honor by paldogangsaan

i can go anywhere i want (just not home) by quesera

Angela Lopez, Detective by gemma_chenfordfan

run into the night (like the sun won't ever come up) by chenfordspiral

You Left Them Like That? by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

One Of These Days by silverskull

Unexpected Turn of Events by aleclightwoodgirl

I Want You to Say (that you want me to stay) by firstdegreefangirl

I only talk to God when I need a favor (But I'll pay for all I've done, just please don't let me lose her) by niamsagram

you OWE me, baby by Ellitheria

You think I'm pretty? by AllMyTomorrows

Drunk in Love by Spindos

Slow Sweet Nothings by BimadaBomily

Silence Runs Deep by MrsHannahLongbottom

True Crime by Lucychenford

The Story Of Us by girlintotv

you're barely waking (and i'm tangled up in you) by jennahbennah

Fly me to the Moon by achegaby

Lost and Found by ImperiumWife

Finally! by PBenjamin012215

Secret Love by WannaBeBold

Anchor by TheRogue16

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 3 by elementsofemily1193

Trapped by liaromancewriter

make it feel like there's nothing left but you and i by lucychens

Channel 9 (Missing Chenford Moments part 2) by TheChandom

When I Taste Tequila by ameliagiovanna0

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

The Best Bling Store by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Just some fall things by thatfandomwriter

If We Took A Holiday by westwingwolf

one minute to midnight (let's start the new year right) by BimadaBomily

you keep his shirt (he keeps his word) by chenfordspiral

And, somehow, I know that you and I would've found each other (We would of been Timeless) by niamsagram

Wedding Day Jitters by ImperiumWife

One Last Secret by silverskull

The Cold Really Bothered Tim Anyway by Bluenet13

I Love You, But No. by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Our Secretly Perfect Holidays by girlintotv & thatfandomwriter

How did you know? by AllMyTomorrows

Speechless by Lucychenford

Snow on the Beach by myrandomfandomramblings

I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For by achegaby

And It's Like the Fog Has Lifted by TheAwkwardAnglophile

in paper rings, in picture frames, and all my dreams by quesera

Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas. by PBenjamin012215

Unless it is (Tim’s POV) by TheChandom

Underneath the mistletoe by aleclightwoodgirl

what do I do with this (with a love that won't sit still) by TheRogue16

when my heart finds christmas (i hope it finds you too) by jennahbennah

three words that became hard to say (i and love and you) by lucychens

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 4 by elementsofemily1193

I can't lose when I'm with you by Tiger_Lily24

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

Love Language by thatfandomwriter

i'm just like 'hey, are you okay?' by BimadaBomily

Words of Affirmation by aleclightwoodgirl

I Will Serve. I Will Be of Service. by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

I Swear That I Am Up to No Good by Bluenet13

I'm Glad You're Here by firstdegreefangirl

you know what it was (he is in love) by quesera

We keep this love in a photograph; We made these memories for ourselves by niamsagram

Keeping you Close by Lucychenford

Tomorrow is Another Day by HeyItsEm

Centrifugal Motion by silverskull

i think of you (and it's alright) by jennahbennah

Give Me All Your Love Now by westwingwolf

I love that its not hard ( to be in a place where laughing's easy) by achegaby

i already know that there ain't no stoppin' your plans and those slow hands by lucychens

Hands by AllMyTomorrows

no chance, no way, I won't say (I'm in love) by TheRogue16

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 5 by elementsofemily1193

Just Like Tim by TheChandom

Goodnight by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

hope that it's hopeless by magnoliamica

Sunshine bar by thatfandomwriter

How To Train Your Dragon by Chry5alis

The Inheritance Clause by Torreshalstead

I Just Want You To Know Who I Am by girlintotv

i will take care of you (the very best that i can) by BimadaBomily

Take Two by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

You Move Me by westwingwolf

Forget and Forgive by silverskull

Call It Magic (When I'm With You) by TheAwkwardAnglophile

all this chemistry has got me falling (i'm definitely high) by chenfordspiral

Lost Love by PBenjamin012215

The Bradfords by Lucychenford

The Letter by firstdegreefangirl

We Got to Quit Meeting Like This by aleclightwoodgirl

you'll find the real thing instead (she'll patch up the tapestry that i shred) by jennahbennah

There you see her Sitting there across the way (You wanna kiss the girl) by niamsagram

I'm hers, she's mine by TheChandom

come, you spirit that tend on mortal thoughts by TheRogue16

Green by liaromancewriter

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 6 by elementsofemily1193

groupchat fights by paldogangsaan

take me out to the ball game by lucychens

Day 7 (Free Day)

Nightmares by thatfandomwriter

Mosaic by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Something just like this by littlesnafu

Tell the truth (I look better under you) by moonycpd

Can you use these tears? (to put out the fires in my soul) by achegaby

Meeting the Family by Lucychenford

I'll Always Be by silverskull

The Night The Lights Went Out in California by westwingwolf

A Late-Night Party by LondonRih

finish what you started (push until you feel i'm about to break) by BimadaBomily

I will ease your mind by TheChandom

Breaking up was Easy in the 90s (Lucy's POV) by WannaBeBold

baby i would die for you by itsgrangerweasley

Happy Birthday by aleclightwoodgirl

ghosts in the eyes (of all the boys you sent away) by jennahbennah

Time rolls by, the clock don't stop by niamsagram

a post is worth a thousand words; a like is a worth a thousand speeches by TheRogue16

My Hero by navywife97

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 7 by elementsofemily1193

New Years Day by chens_luv

About Last Night by Solo Ojo Jojo

Gifs & Gifsets:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Favorite s5 moment/Inspired by a season five song by livelovecaliforniadreams

Favorite season 5 moments by lightsparkss

Favorite s5 moments by leavingubehind

S5 moments vs. past seasons by westwingwolf

5x01 inspired gifset by firstdegreefangirl

Favorite s5 moments by chenslucy

Favourite s5 moments as Netflix highlights by timlucys

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Season 5 tropes by leavingubehind

Season 5 tropes (Everyone Knows) by westwingwolf

Favorite Season 5 parallels/callbacks by livelovecaliforniadreams

2x11/5x05 parallel (inspired by sick/injured & hurt/comfort tropes) by chenslucy

Chenford + non-sexual forms of intimacy (dating edition) by timlucys

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

Chenford + Tumblr hashtags by leavingubehind

Missing kid AU by westwingwolf

Underrated moment: 5x12 by livelovecaliforniadreams

Underrated moment: 5x17 by chenford-fan

Incorrect dialogue: 5x02 by sgtbradfords

The Vow AU by timlucys

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

"I Can See You" - Taylor Swift by livelovecaliforniadreams

Relationship milestones/firsts: S5 edition by westwingwolf

"God Gave Me A Girl" - Russell Dickerson by firstdegreefangirl

"Love You a Little Bit" - Tanner Adell by sgtbradfords

"I Can See You" - Taylor Swift by timlucys

Relationship milestones/firsts: 5x16 by chenford-fan

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

100 ways to say I love you by leavingubehind

The original love languages by livelovecaliforniadreams

Love language: Physical touch by westwingwolf

The original love languages by myrandomfandomramblings

Love language: Acts of service by chenford-fan

It's all about the hands by queseraone

10 untranslatable words that describe love better than you ever thought by timlucys

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

Chenford + after work hangs by livelovecaliforniadreams

Chenford + Wade Grey by westwingwolf

Chenford + phone calls by myrandomfandomramblings

Chenford + beige/neutral color theme by chenslucy

Bumble dating app AU by chenlucys

Chenford + Lucy's apartment by chenford-fan

V.E. Schwab dedication by sgtbradfords

Chenford + otp prompts by leavingubehind

Chenford + written by Alexi Hawley by timlucys

Day 7 (Free Day)

Chenford Google Search by livelovecaliforniadreams

Chenford + Lucy's apartment by westwingwolf

Get creative - angst edition by onlyhereforangst

Chenford + domestic moments by chenford-fan

"Religiously" - Bailey Zimmerman by firstdegreefangirl

The way he looks at her vs. the way she looks at him by chenslucy

Melissa & Eric appreciation by timlucys

Other:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Fanart - Favorite s5 moment: 5x10 by myrandomfandomramblings

Picspam - Favorite s5 moments by buckleybrvdford

Picspam - Favorite s5 moment: 5x01 by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Favorite s5 moment: 5x16 by chenfordspiral

Scrapbook Page - Favorite s5 moment: 5x10 by thesassywitchofthenortheast

Fanvideo - "GOOD" by Erin McCarley by lovelylavenderrose

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Picspam - Trope: Battle Couple (Couples that fight together) by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - 2x11/5x05 parallel by buckleybrvdford

Fanvideo - "Mr Brightside" (Trope: Jealousy) by lovelylavenderrose

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

Graphic - Missing moment: the morning after by theflyindutchwoman

Fanart - Missing moment: 5x18 sushi date by CauseRSisEpic

Graphic - Missing moment: Everyone reacting to Chenford dating by buckleybrvdford

Graphic - "Missing" Kojo Poster by mom2kmt

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

Graphic - Relationship milestones/firsts: Tim and Lucy's first (and second first) date and their first (real) kiss by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Relationship milestones/firsts: First time by buckleybrvdford

Moodboard - Tim and Lucy's wedding day by queseraone

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

Graphic - Love language: Physical touch by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Love language: Giving/receiving gifts in 5x16 by buckleybrvdford

Picspam - Hands, hugs, or kisses (or all three!) by chenfordspiral

Picspam - Love language: Taking pictures and making videos by theflyindutchwoman

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

Graphic - Chenford + Kojo (a peek at Kojo's Instagram account) social media AU by queseraone

Picspam - Chenford + parking garage/lot by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Chenford + undercover by chenfordsbee

Graphic - Chenford + S5 texts by wanna-be-bold

Day 7 (Free Day)

Graphic - Chenford + Meleric appreciation by theflyindutchwoman

Playlist - Out of the Shade: A Chenford Playlist by tinderbox210

Picspam - Relationship milestones/firsts by chenfordspiral

Handlettering - "I can't lose you the way I lost her" by theawkwardanglophile

Graphic - How far Chenford has come in 5 seasons by myrandomfandomramblings​

[meraki24601]

I'm The Bad Guy

“So, it really was you. From the very beginning.” Caretaker sighed as they closed the door behind them. The fewer people who saw the horrors that had been done to the unfortunate victim, the better. 

Blood dripped from Whumpee’s hands, splashing into the puddle below as they laughed, “Finally! I thought you would never catch on. I was starting to get bored.”

It was a mistake on Whumpee’s part not to have Caretaker pull their hands from their pockets—or maybe it was intentional. There was a chance Whumpee knew the Caretaker had hidden an emergency call button on their right and a small recording device on their left. “I knew. I didn’t have proof, but I knew. I’m sorry I couldn’t act sooner.”

“You’re apologizing to me? Ha!” Whumpee knelt at their victim’s side, “Shouldn’t you save that for them? Their family? They stayed so strong for so long, but even though you say you knew, you did nothing to stop me. Now, both of us know exactly what color their intestines are.”

“Hey,” Caretaker’s voice was firm as they took two solid steps closer. “It’s over. Whumper is going to jail. You don’t have to keep doing this to yourself.”

The laughter that filled the room was dripping with insanity. “Whumper? Whumper isn’t here. Whumper didn’t do this. I did. Arrest me! Take me to prison. Lock me up for three lifetimes or more!”

“This isn’t your fault.”

Caretaker fell to their knees as Whumpee’s fist connected with their jaw. “Enough! Stop making excuses. You can see what I’ve done. Can’t you imagine the kind of pain they must have been in before they died? Every single one, every single time. I listened to their screams. I washed their blood from my hands, my clothes, and my mind. Now, arrest me before I kill you, too.”

“He’s safe. We found where Whumper was keeping your brother. I’m sorry, I can’t let you see him, but we managed to save him from that rotting cabin.”

“You’re lying.”

“That alone is reason enough to keep Whumper behind bars. They were caught at the scene. They’re being held at a maximum-security facility. Friend and I chose their guards personally.”

“It’s a lie! You’re lying. You, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Arrest me! It’s all there is left for me.”

Caretaker pulled Whumpee to the ground and into their arms. “Breathe, my friend. It’s over. You don’t have to keep pretending.”

Whumpee shook, trying weakly to pull themselves from Caretaker’s hold. “No! You’re lying. You’re a liar. Liar. Liar! Whumper would never let my brother go. I’ll never be free. My brother isn’t safe because, because if that’s true, then they… I killed them. I killed them for nothing.”

Whumpee’s desperate struggles turned to sobbing and clinging to Caretaker so hard they heard their shirt rip in the back from where Whumpee clutched it. “Why did you kill those people?”

“Whumper! They took my brother. They, they, they hurt me. Whumper tore me apart and put me back together and told me if I didn’t do it to whoever they said and, and frame Friend… They said… My brother. They were going to do it to my brother. Only, they promised me he wouldn’t survive. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to, but I… I didn’t… Whumper was…”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Caretaker reached into their pocket to turn off the recording device. They pulled the needle from their pocket and pressed it into Whumpee’s neck as police burst into the room. “Rest now. It’s over.”

[gamerbearmira]

Alma’s a gamer

I have so much for this AU but. I’m just gonna show this and leave <333 probably go write for wtdg and then play games 😭😭

[goodnightmemes]

CATCHING FIRE (2013) SENTENCE STARTERS

feel free to change pronouns / terms / tense as needed!

❛ You're okay. You're safe. It's okay. You're here with me. ❜

❛ It's only a few weeks. I'll be back before the snow melts. ❜

❛ A lot can happen in a few weeks. ❜

❛ I did what I had to do to survive. If I didn't, I'd be dead. ❜

❛ If you wanted to be babied, you should've asked [name]. ❜

❛ You are a strangely dislikeable person. But you do have your virtues. ❜

❛ Such bravery. Such spirit. Such…contempt. ❜

❛ My dear, I think we can make this so much simpler if we agree not to lie to each other. What do you think? ❜

❛ What is to prevent, say, an uprising? That can lead to revolution. And then, in a fraction of time, the whole system collapses. ❜

❛ You should imagine thousands upon thousands of your people dead. This town of yours reduced to ashes. Imagine it gone. ❜

❛ Tell me. At what point did he realize the depth of your indifference towards him? ❜

❛ I don't want to kill you. I want us to be friends. But if not friends, then allies. ❜

❛ That was nice acting. Almost thought that kiss was real. ❜

❛ All you need to do is give a few speeches, wave to the crowds, and enjoy your time in the spotlight. ❜

❛ I'm really not in the mood for a lecture. I'll apologize to [name] later. ❜

❛ You don't have to apologize to anybody. Including me. ❜

❛ If you can stop looking at me like I'm wounded, then I can quit acting like it. ❜

❛ I've never been very good at friends. ❜

❛ She was too young, too gentle. And I couldn't save her. I'm sorry. ❜

❛ Wait! No! Leave him alone! ❜

❛ I never meant for anyone to get killed. ❜

❛ I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do. He threatened to kill my family. ❜

❛ Well, I have family, too. Okay? People that I need to protect. ❜

❛ Come here. You're gonna be okay. I promise. ❜

❛ It was just a dream. I'm sorry. ❜

❛ Will you stay with me? ❜

❛ We could get married. ❜

❛ Eyes bright. Chins up. Smiles on. I'm talking to you, [name]. ❜

❛ Everybody who's anybody is here. And they all want to meet you. ❜

❛ It's appalling. Still, if you abandon your moral judgment, it can be fun. ❜

❛ Well, maybe it was you who inspired me to come back. ❜

❛ She's not who they think she is. She's not a leader. She just wants to save her own skin. It's as simple as that. ❜

❛ I agree she should die. But in the right way. At the right time. ❜

❛ It's moves and countermoves. ❜

❛ It won't work. Fear does not work as long as they have hope. ❜

❛ They're gonna hate her so much they might just kill her for you. ❜

❛ If we leave right now, we can be far away from here by tonight. ❜

❛ [name] threatened to have you killed. ❜

❛ You know how I feel about you. But I can't think about anyone that way right now. ❜

❛ The only thing that I can think about every day, every waking moment, is how afraid I am. There's no room for anything else. ❜

❛ You haven't hurt people. You've given them an opportunity. They just have to be brave enough to take it. ❜

❛ We have to go before they kill us. They will kill us. ❜

❛ People are looking to you. ❜

❛ I don't want anyone looking to me. I can't help them. ❜

❛ Look, you're new here. Trust me, I'm trying to help you. ❜

❛ Thought you'd be gone by now. ❜

❛ I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna stay right here. Cause all kinds of trouble. ❜

❛ How can we live like this? How can anybody live like this? ❜

❛ You understand that whatever I do comes back to you. I don't want you to get hurt. ❜

❛ You don't have to protect me. ❜

❛ If you cannot contain [name], then I will have to terminate her. ❜

❛ And you've come to, what? Ask me to... die? ❜

❛ What's it say that [name] was here 45 minutes ago begging to save your life and you only just now show up? ❜

❛ You could live 100 lifetimes and never deserve that boy. ❜

❛ There are survivors. There's no winners. ❜

❛ Do whatever you can. [name] lives. Not me. Promise me. ❜

❛ How could any of us even trust each other? ❜

❛ It's not about trust. It's about staying alive. ❜

❛ You look pretty terrifying in that getup. ❜

❛ I haven't dealt in anything as common as money in years. ❜

❛ I'm an open book. Everybody always seems to know my secrets before I know them myself. ❜

❛ So what do you think? Now that the whole world wants to sleep with you? ❜

❛ I guess we just try to figure out who we trust least and work our way backwards from there. ❜

❛ There's always a flaw in the system. ❜

❛ How are we gonna kill these people? ❜

❛ God! Does anybody actually believe this? ❜

❛ You know, I'm getting totally screwed over here. ❜

❛ Well, you know what? Fuck that! And fuck everybody that had anything to do with it! ❜

❛ Just be your usual self. Actually, be your happier self. ❜

❛ Make him pay for it. ❜

❛ We're a team. Aren't we? ❜

❛ You both deserved so much better. ❜

❛ Any last advice? ❜

❛ Stay alive. ❜

❛ Remember who the real enemy is. ❜

❛ I don't want to be with anyone else in there. Just you. ❜

❛ Look at this. They're holding hands. I want them dead. ❜

❛ Good thing we're allies, right? ❜

❛ Well, I guess we're not holding hands any more. ❜

❛ I don't care about any of them. ❜

❛ Be careful. There's a force field up there. ❜

❛ Oh, my God. You were dead. Your heart stopped. ❜

❛ Someday I want to love someone that much. ❜

❛ We should set up camp. Take turns sleeping. I can take first watch. ❜

❛ That thing I did back there for [name]? That was called "saving his life." ❜

❛ If I wanted to kill either of you, I would've done it by now. ❜

❛ Don't worry about anything else. I'll be right here with you. It's okay. It's okay. ❜

❛ She sacrificed herself for me and I didn't even know her name. ❜

❛ They know they're outnumbered. I doubt they'll attack again. ❜

❛ They can't hurt me. There's no one left that I love. ❜

❛ Love is weird. ❜

❛ I don't want to be the one that shoots first. ❜

❛ They're not gonna make that same mistake again. ❜

❛ You know and I know there's only one person walking out of here. ❜

❛ If you die and I live, I'd have nothing. Nobody else that I care about. ❜

❛ See, this is why no one lets you make the plans. ❜

❛ We couldn't tell you with [name] watching. It was too risky. Better for you to know nothing. ❜

❛ You have been our mission from the beginning. ❜

❛ This is the revolution. ❜

❛ You promised me that you would save him over me! ❜

❛ You promised me! You're a liar. ❜

❛ You're okay. You've just been asleep for a few days. ❜

[hadesoftheladies]

can we talk about how after crossing the first hurdle of proving extensively that oppression is happening, activists then have to face the people who ask “so what’s the solution?” with no interest in hearing the solution or capacity to understand the myriads of strategies academics and activists have documented just so they can dismiss your explanation with an eager “it won’t work.”

like, the effectiveness of different strategies aside, people who sit on their asses and congratulate themselves on their apathy because it’s “logical” can never relate to me. there is no form of oppression I am willing to accept. I don’t care how fucking old it is. I am morally required to resist it anyway I can. they also strike me as extremely weak-willed. I don’t have hope because I think I’ll see the fruit of my labor in my lifetime. I have hope for the world and the people in it after me. and the few people I can save right now.

I will not see the abolition of patriarchy in my lifetime. I may not see the end to every war or massacre. but if my efforts save even one life from those hells, I have achieved my dream for one more person. if I can free one woman from sex trafficking or one girl from rape or unwanted pregnancy, grant another girl the right to an education and help her get her degree, sponsor one family’s escape from conflict, celebrate and contribute to one gay couple’s illegal wedding, rescued one animal from horrific abuse, I’ve taken a piece of the future and brought it to them. that’s fucking worth it.

people who just shrug their shoulders clearly don’t care about anyone else but themselves. their “hopelessness” is just laziness. because there is hope.

I CREATE IT.

[yuurei20]

Jamil Info Compilation part 23: Effort(pt2)

After his overblot Jamil insists that he will not be holding back anymore and Kalim responds, “But I won’t lose, either!”

Kalim then loses to Jamil in Book 5.

At first Jamil tries to defer to Kalim, as usual, but then accepts the position of main vocalist, over Kalim.

Shortly after, Kalim shares his realization that he might not be as talented as Jamil, as he had been led to believe by his upbringing: “I’m always chosen. Always. That’s such an obvious truth that I never even consciously processed it. But now I see that was only possible because of Jamil’s constant sacrifices. He created that ‘truth’ in my mind by always holding back. By always letting me win." Jamil overhears this conversation, but does not comment.

We see Jamil attempt to defer to Kalim again during Firelit Sky when he is offered a high honor as a gesture of appreciation for saving the event.

Jamil insists that he cannot deny Kalim the opportunity as the Asim family heir and one of the hosts, but Kalim and the other students eventually convince him to accept it.

We learn more about Jamil’s lifetime of deferring to Kalim during Firelit Sky, when Kalim mentions how, as children, they would “play kick-the-can ’til the sun went down. I won every game.”

Jamil insists that it was because the park was too large, but Cater quietly comments, “Jamil totally took a dive…poor guy’s been driven half neurotic.”

During Fairy Gala Jamil promotes Kalim’s abilities by saying that he has studied traditional dance since he was a child, downplaying his own abilities with, “I’m a bit into street dancing.”

At the end of the event, however, Vil compliments Jamil on his ability to cover for Kalim’s mistakes.

During Halloween Jamil and the other Scarabia students are less than confident in Kalim’s ability to scare away Magicam Monsters, though Kalim insists upon taking the role.

During Kalim’s attack his eyes take on the glow that happens when he has been taken over by Jamil and he successfully scares both the Magicam Monsters and the doubting members of his own dorm.

Kalim's eyes go back to normal and he seems surprised that the visitors have already left, saying that he had wanted to take pictures with them “to show there were no hard feelings.”

Jamil then takes up his usual role flattering Kalim, saying that he is a credit to his position as Housewarden.

This constant promotion of Kalim over himself may be part of why Kalim seems so self-assured about his own abilities when compared to Jamil: when Jamil asks what Kalim’s time was after a sprint exercise in PE Kalim responds, “I can’t remember, but I’ll bet it’s faster than yours’ll be!”

During Book 5 Jamil talks about Kalim forcing him to spend hours a day playing mancala, insisting on going until he won a game.

Despite all this experience he loses three games of five to Floyd, who is playing for the first time.

We learn that Jamil is under explicit instructions from his parents to always let Kalim win. Seeing Jamil lose Azul says, “that would explain it,” but does not choose to elaborate.

We learn from Azul that Jamil has never gotten outstanding marks in the classroom or in practical studies, but he has also never gotten a negative mark.

Azul says that his suspicions were confirmed when Jamil lost at mancala, as he maintained a balanced win/loss ratio for the sake of Floyd's mood: “There’s an art to feigning defeat. You have to tune it just right. It requires considerable skill and mental fortitude to pull off.”

[thetriggeredhappy]

so i know i don’t exactly talk about my personal life very much online except for occasional general details, and that’s for a reason—im a big fan of the privacy inherent to an internet persona. that’s one reason i don’t use any social media except tumblr. but some good stuff is starting to happen to me offline, so i wanted to give an overview!

i’ve been avoiding telling people about this, mostly because i was convinced that with my recent string of bad luck, i would jinx everything in the third act.

basically, i had a falling out with my family years ago and have been supporting myself ever since, financially unstable and, frankly, getting worse every year. but a few months ago, after i moved and was looking for a new job, i got a wild offer—basically, this guy who owned a local restaurant saw that i’d essentially been a head chef at my previous job for years, and he would pay for me to go get some credentials at a culinary school over a thousand miles away, and in return, i would work at the restaurant as a lead chef for a reasonable living wage with a consistent schedule and a lot of creative freedom. the catch was that i had to be able to afford my way on certain things—paying my rent and bills back home, paying for food and transportation once i was at the school, that sort of stuff. so i cracked down, got a different job in the meantime, and started saving money.

my job cut hours a bit, so i started looking for a second one. my job cut hours entirely, so i started looking for any work at all. i ran out of savings. i sold any of my things that i could. i went to any job interview i got, even ones that told me they’d already filled the position but would ‘hear me out’. when choosing between selling my mode of transport and getting a loan, i got a loan.

essentially, i made it here by the skin of my teeth! hopefully, once my time is up out here i’ll start working right away. and once i’m out of that rocky point in the middle, everything will be great! not having to work all hours of the day seven days a week will hopefully mean that i’ll finally have the free time to more seriously pursue my creative interests. that would mean, for example, an average of more than one chapter every few months, and therefore, the end of Taking Shots within our lifetimes.

that’s the gist of it! i’m still going to be offering commissions while i’m out here, since the budget is honestly way tighter than i’m comfortable with. and my kofi is over here, if you just wanna give a funky little gift.

thank you to everyone who drops by to vibe with me about the stuff i make, it really helps lift me up when i’m feeling down. happy new year!