#Salo Press

[cherylmmbookblog]

#Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor

It’s a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor. About the Author Ben Pastor, born in Italy, worked as a university professor in Vermont before returning to her country.. She is one of the most talented writers in the field of historical fiction. In 2008 she won the prestigious Premio Zaragoza for best historical fiction. She writes in English.  About the…

[alg3a]

auspicious (pt. 1)

jayce x f!reader x viktor / jayvik x f!reader

4k, sfw for now, no use of y/n

description: Viktor and Jayce’s new lab assistant is the hottest topic at a council gala. After defending herself all night, an accidental confession leads to tension in the workplace.

warnings: suggestive content, brief and light misogyny (don’t worry), manipulative reader, lab assistant dynamic, basically the last third is foreplay.

a/n: This is my first ever tumblr fic! If you guys would like, i will add an nsfw second part.

Update: second part added!

Say what you will about Councilor Salo, but his galas never disappointed. There must have been three hundred of the city’s most influential people scattered about the grand ballroom, which stretched further than you could see with your naked eye. It was the first you’d ever seen of these exquisite parties, and you silently hoped that it wouldn’t be the last.

You’d been the lab assistant of the two Hextech partners for around three months now. With the public eye being enthralled with the activities of the two intelligent scientists, it wasn’t long before the spectacle included you, their pretty new lab assistant. You were in your final year in the academy’s undergraduate program and had been a promising enough engineering student to be hired by Viktor and Jayce. Your name was a prevalent one in every inventor’s competition and innovator’s fair, so naturally they had heard of you before your interview. From what you heard, there were nearly fifty other applicants (mostly girls) and yet they hired you on the spot. Naturally, once this story aired, the press was obsessed with you. Piltover Gazette did an entire piece on you about a month into your employment.

With all the attention, Jayce thought it might be a good idea for you to tag along at galas and parties as the plus-one of both men. They never brought dates, so the position was always wide open. Although, Jayce did usually leave with a plus-one.

You wore a deep red sleek gown with a plunging neckline and an absent back. The men matched their ties to your dress, but the rest of their outfits were mostly black and ivory. It wasn’t long before you were whisked away to the dancefloor by influential older men, who talked your ear off about how lucky you must find yourself to be shadowing two promising young inventors. You cringed each time you heard it. You were certainly lucky to have landed the position, but the way they phrased it made it seem like you were some teenage girl who was asked to the school dance by the two cutest boys in school. It wasn’t as trivial as that. Each day, you worked tirelessly alongside their genius minds to find solutions to real world problems using Hextech. You and Viktor spent countless nights asleep on opposite ends of the worn lab couch so that you could continue working at any hour.

Eventually, you grew tired of the misogyny from older male benefactors. You’d done enough socializing for the night, now it was time to patronize the open bar.

You found a spot between a woman in a gold dress and a man in a white tuxedo and asked the bartender politely for a whiskey sour. Once you finished speaking, the man in the white tuxedo turned to you.

“I recognize you,” he said, the scent of his aftershave mixing with the alcohol on his breath. “You’re the Hextech girl, aren’t you? I read your article in the Gazette.”

You sighed as the bartender handed you your drink, pressing a polite smile to your lips with the exhale. “Yes, that’s me. It’s a pleasure.” You hold out your hand and he brings it to his lips with a kiss longer than you would have liked.

“The pleasure is all mine, dear,” he said, setting his glass down. “You know, it’s very uncommon for an undergraduate girl to land such an auspicious spot amongst lead researchers at the academy.”

Here we go again. In the time it takes for him to finish the same spiel you’d heard all night, you finish your drink in one continuous sip. You punctuate the end of his sentence by putting your glass down roughly on the counter.

“Yes, I’m incredibly lucky,” you say, your polite smile turning vaguely murderous. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Jayce and Viktor approaching the bar.

“Enough prattle from me,” the man says and holds out his pasty hand once more. “I think it’s time for a dance.”

“Are we interrupting?” Jayce asks, his usual charming smile adorning his chiseled face.

“Not at all!” The man in white says, jovially. No doubt feeling blessed to speak to the men whose egos he spent the last five minutes stroking.

“In fact you came at the perfect time,” you say, smushing yourself between Jayce and Viktor, and wrapping your arms around their arms, emboldened by the alcohol and desperate for a way out of this conversation. “We were just discussing how positively fortunate I am to be working for two accomplished, ambitious, handsome young inventors.”

Viktor furrows his eyebrows at you, then looks back up at Jayce. “Is that so?” He asks, suspicion dancing in his eyes.

“Yes,” you nod emphatically, then bring your attention back to the man in white. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry I’ll have to decline your offer to dance. But I’m sure you understand. When a young woman like myself is called upon by men so far above my humble station, I simply must recognize how—what was the word you used earlier—how auspicious my position is.”

The man seems lost in your rambling, but you notice Jayce and Viktor smiling at one another and avoiding the man’s gaze.

“Ehem, well alright,” the man says, finally. “You three have a pleasant night.”

“Thank you,” Jayce says, his smile becoming a smirk. “We will.”

Jayce places his hand on your lower back and guides you away as Viktor follows, now placing his weight on his cane.

“Are we missing something?” Viktor asks.

“We came to check up on you,” Jayce said. “That guy at the bar was eyeing you like you were his next cocktail.”

“Gross,” you shudder at the thought. Jayce’s hand rubs the exposed skin of your lower back gently. Your eyes dart toward the ground at the sudden awareness of the intimacy of the touch. You shrug off the chill heading up your spine. “Please, never invite me to one of these again. I’ve heard enough old men insinuating that I’m the lab’s little piece of ass.”

“They’re saying that?” Viktor said sharply, stopping in his path as he turned to face you, his hand on your shoulder.

“Well, not exactly that, but practically every conversation is monopolized by my male counterpart lecturing me on what a privilege it is to spend my days ogling at you two.”

Jayce snickers a bit, but Viktor shoots him a stern look.

“That’s highly inappropriate. I’m terribly sorry you experienced such a blatant display of the antiquated beliefs these upper houses hold.” Viktor shakes his head as if he is shaking off the experience like a dog drying off.

“Vik and I were just talking about leaving, anyway,” Jayce says, his hand resuming its ministrations on your back. “We can call a car and go, just say the word.”

You look around the room and remember the reason you’re here in the first place. Galas are the primary way for the two inventors at either side of you to network and receive funding for their projects. Jayce abhorred the politics and the whole reason exhausted, introverted Viktor even bears the social tedium of these parties when he’d rather be slaving away in the lab is because he knows none of their ventures can be broadened without doing the dance. In a singular moment you realize that if they can stomach the routine dreariness of the social game that these parties provide, so can you. You are their prized assistant after all.

“It's okay,” you shake your head. “It’s really not that bad.”

“Are you sure?” Viktor asks, his head tilting.

“Yes, I’m sure,” you nod. “I just have to get used to the manner at which these sorts of events go on. But I can do it. If you’ll recall, adaptability was a strength on my resume.”

This earns a laugh from both of the men. Jayce removes his hand from your lower back to rub your shoulder softly. “I think we glossed over that part.”

Viktor stops laughing suddenly, which elicits a raised eyebrow from you.

“What?” You ask, your eyes darting between Viktor and Jayce. Jayce’s lips press together in a tight seal as if he caught himself letting something slip. “What do you mean?”

Just in time to save them from the obviously impending awkward situation, a man in an all black suit approaches.

“Gentlemen, if I may borrow your lovely assistant for a dance–”

You felt your cheeks growing hot with every word he spoke. You were so incredibly tired of old men here thinking they could just ask politely and receive your body to use in whatever stupid waltz they wanted to try their hand at. “Gods, I don’t–”

“My apologies,” Jayce said, interrupting what he was sure would be an outburst on your part. “I’m afraid our lovely assistant is spoken for, for the rest of the night.”

Viktor punctuated his sentence with a nod and a gentle squeeze of your upper arm.

“I see,” the man said, his face betraying his civility. “Well, find me if that changes.”

As soon as the man was out of earshot, Viktor released your arm. “Call that car, Jayce.”

“On it,” he said, already beginning to make his way to the front of the ballroom.

“I’ve been where you are,” Viktor said, his nimble fingers trailing downward from where he had been squeezing your arm. He lifts your hand and places it on his wrist so that you cling to him as the two of you walk toward the exit together. “When I was Heimerdinger’s assistant, I was often undermined. Although, I had the distinct privilege of not being a beautiful young woman. While I can relate to your frustration, the misogyny and objectification you’re experiencing aren’t exactly things Jayce and I have experienced. But we’re going to do our best to quell it for you.”

You look up at him and find his hardened expression fixed on the door. “Thank you.” Those two words will suffice for now, but Viktor’s promise warms your heart in ways that a simple thank you cannot express.

Jayce finds the two of you as you exit into the grand hallway. “Car’s waiting outside.” He takes his coat off and drapes it over your shoulders, not paying much attention to your hand on Viktor’s arm.

The three of you pile in the back of the limousine. You sit sandwiched between the two men, relishing in the warmth radiating from their bodies after the few steps outside in the cold night. Viktor stretches his leg outward in the spacious backseat while Jayce leans back and groans. Clearly you aren’t the only one exhausted from the antics of the night.

“Where will I be taking you three?” The driver asks, his eyes visible in the rearview mirror.

“Two stops, if possible,” Jayce speaks up, leaning forward once more to be heard better. “The laboratory block of the academy and the East Dormitories.”

“You guys are going to the lab? It’s almost midnight.” You ask, turning to Jayce before realizing how the proximity of the backseat brings your face so close to his.

“Always work to be done,” Jayce says, glancing over your face before giving you a little more space. “But don’t worry, you’ve had a long night. You don’t need to do any assisting again until tomorrow morning.”

You look over at Viktor momentarily, to see him staring out the window as the car begins to move.

“If it’s alright, I think I’d like to go to the lab, too,” you say, softly. You can’t help but feel as though you’re inviting yourself to some clandestine meeting, as if you don’t have as much of a reason to be at the lab as they do.

Jayce looks over at Viktor, not for confirmation but for something else. Humor, maybe?

“Of course,” Jayce smiles softly. He shifts his attention to the driver again. “On second thought, just take us to the labs, please.”

The driver nods as he picks up speed and peels out of the driveway. For some reason, your heart pounds. It isn’t abnormal for you and the two men to stay ridiculously late at the lab. In fact, it’s more common than leaving before midnight.

You become suddenly aware of the long slit that opens your deep red dress, and you cross your legs.

“Jayce I wanted to ask you something,” you say, mustering up the courage to recall the slip-up from earlier. “What did you mean when you said you glossed over my resume?”

“Well…” Jayce looks over at Viktor, which makes you do the same. Now he’s definitely paying attention, his eyebrows two firm lines scrunched above his angular nose.

Viktor finally decides to chime in, and you know exactly why: Jayce isn’t a good liar.

“We had lots of applications,” Viktor said. “You know that.”

“Yeah, but…then why did you hire me?”

“You had a very promising interview,” Viktor says, now avoiding eye contact.

“You’re lying to me,” you say, more accusatory than you meant it to be.

“We should just tell her, Vik,” Jayce mutters, almost under his breath. In response, Viktor’s hard expression softens. Perhaps out of relief?

“Tell me what?”

“Fine,” Viktor says, finally, with an exhausted sigh. “I’m too tired to persuade you against it.”

Jayce puts a hand so low on your thigh that it’s almost on your knee. “First, it’s important that you know that we would have hired you regardless. You’re so incredibly talented and you’ve been such a good assistant; we have no doubt in our minds that you’re the perfect person for this job.”

“Regardless of what, Jayce?”

“A little help, Vik?” Jayce asks after a sigh of helpless frustration.

“We sent everyone else home after your interview,” Viktor said, still looking out of the window, his arm resting on the ledge of the door, fidgeting with the handle. “When we saw you for the first time, we decided we wanted to see you more often.”

“What?” You feel your face growing hot. Anger? Something else entirely?

“The first note I wrote during your interview just said ‘beautiful,’ and I don’t think I wrote anything down after that,” Jayce admitted.

“You can’t be serious,” you say at a volume so low it might be a whisper. Anger. Definitely anger. “All night…all night I was swatting away guys who were objectifying me…accusing me of just being your pretty little assistant. I thought it was just misogyny. I thought they just couldn’t believe a girl was capable of keeping up with you two…but apparently they were right.”

“That’s not the case, at all,” Viktor said, louder than you’d ever heard him. “It couldn’t be further from the truth. We weren’t objectifying you. You deserve respect for your accomplishments, and those accomplishments are numerous.”

“He’s right, it’s not like we just hired you to look at,” Jayce said, trying to reconcile the situation. “And it’s not like I didn’t write notes during your interview because there wasn’t anything to write. I stopped writing because I was captivated by you.”

Suddenly the weight of the situation falls onto you, all at once. These men, your bosses, your best friends, the two smartest, most accomplished scientists in Piltover…they were attracted to you.

“For three months?” You ask, softly, more to yourself than to them.

“Yes,” Viktor answered. “We understand if you’re upset with us.”

The car slowed to a stop against the curb of the laboratory building of the academy.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to go into the lab anymore,” Jayce said, beginning to lean forward and opening his mouth to address the driver. “Hey, sorry, could you–”

“No,” you say, your words final. “I’m going into the lab with you.”

Your lips are a deep red firm line. Your eyes are unreadable, and neither of the boys can tell what you’re thinking. Even you hardly know, but one thing is certain: you find yourself in an auspicious position. You didn’t need the two boys to validate you for everything listed on your resume. They knew you were intelligent, and more importantly, you knew. What you didn’t know is that they found you beautiful. So much so that they hired you just to see you more often.

You’d spent the whole night trying to defend your own honor, being shaken by men with accusatory, wandering hands. More than that, you’d spent the night wandering awkwardly for the benefit of your bosses. Now, it was time to return the favor.

“If you’re sure,” Jayce said, pushing open the car door and stepping out onto the curb, holding it open for you as Viktor exited through the other door. As you brushed past Jayce, you let his coat fall delicately down your shoulders, revealing the deep backline of the dress.

You turn over your right shoulder, just enough for your face to be past profile, and narrow your eyes at him. “I’m sure.”

Once Viktor is out of the car, the three of you walk toward the large glass doors that lead to the lobby of the laboratory building. You stop in front of the keycard sensor and watch as Viktor pats down his pant pockets in search of his key card.

“Sorry, one second,” he says.

You approach him, with no sound but the clicking of your heels on the cold pavement below, and slide your hand into his coat pocket. You watch his jaw clench, never taking your eyes off his face as you pinch the plastic card between your pointer and middle finger. You pull it out like a cigarette before waving it in front the boys’ faces and tapping it against the small metal sensor. It beeps with a green flash and you hand the card back to Viktor. Neither of them says a word.

You enter through the glass doors, but at the lack of footsteps behind you, you turn around. The men still stand, staring at you, mouths slightly agape.

“What?” You ask. “Aren’t you coming?”

Jayce coughs, as if fighting something in his throat, then takes a few steps forward and follows you.

You press the call button on the elevator and wait as the boys stand on either side of you.

“If you’re upset with us, please say so,” Viktor said, his voice bordering pleading.

“Upset?” You tilt your head to look up at the man beside you. Even in heels they were both taller than you. “Do I look upset?”

“I–uh well, I am not sure. You look…focused.”

You were definitely focused. Yes, you were playing with them. Wasn’t it only fair that you return a bit of the awkwardness provided by their sudden confession in the car? This was you getting even for that embarrassment, and you’d soon be getting even for the long-kept secret, as well.

“Strange,” you say as the elevator door opens before you. You step in and turn to face the door. “Jayce, press four.”

He does as you say.

“And how do you think I look, Jayce?” You ask, your eyes shifting toward him in the confined space of the elevator. He repeats that same little choked cough from before, except now it sounds closer to him clearing his throat.

“I think you look very good.”

You smile at him. Not a kind one, but the sort of condescending smile one gives a child who gave the wrong answer. A cute answer, though.

“Thanks,” you say, your eyes returning back to the door. “But I was asking if you thought I looked angry.”

The door beeps open and you are the first to leave. As you walk down the long hallway, you hear the boys walking a yard behind you. They’re nervous, that much you can sense on the cold bare skin of your back.

You stop at the lab door at the end of the hall and wait for the boys to catch up. It’s the biggest lab on the fourth floor.

Viktor now has his keys at the ready and unlocks the large wooden door, then holds it open for you to enter before the two boys. How spoiled you are.

You saunter into the lab, letting Jayce’s coat fall all the way down your shoulders before draping it on a stool next to the counter. They attempt to ignore you, bee-lining toward their desks in the lab but you catch each time their eye wanders to you on the opposite side of the room. Often they alternate, glancing over while the other is talking about the equations they're working through or the tools they need to assemble something. Every so often, they look over at you at the exact same time, following whispers you can’t quite make out, and when they do it is absolutely silent.

Meanwhile, you’re pouring the wine that you’ve been stashing in the cabinet meant for volatile chemical solutions. You’ve laid out three glasses, but you only fill the one in the middle. You sip from it slowly, your eyes peeking out from above the glass rim so you can catch them every time they look over at you.

“What are you doing?” Jayce asks, exasperatedly, finally.

“What do you mean?” You ask, and continue to sip your wine.

“We said we were sorry–”

“No, actually you didn’t.” You finish your glass and set it back down between the two empty glasses. “You said you understood if I was mad. And you tried to explain yourselves.”

“We are sorry,” Viktor said. “Terribly sorry. For lying, and for…objectifying you.”

“I thought you said it wasn’t objectification?” You said, still bitter despite the joy you extracted from teasing these poor boys.

“It doesn’t matter what we think we did or did not do,” Viktor said, the thickness of his accent swallowing his nervous words. “What matters is that you are hurt, and that we are terribly sorry.”

“I’m not hurt.”

“Eh…you’re not?” It wasn’t often that Viktor sounded confused, so you relished the question.

“No.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Jayce asked.

You poured wine into the two glasses on either side of your own and smiled as you looked down at the liquid filling them. You pushed the glasses toward them and raised your eyebrows expectantly. As if well trained, they walked over to you at the counter and picked up their glasses, taking small sips each.

“You could call it disbelief,” you said. “Or plain shock.”

“I understand that we sprung a lot on you all at once–” Viktor started to say, but you raised your hand.

“I’m not in disbelief because you’re attracted to me, Viktor, I’m far too self-assured for that.”

Jayce stifles a laugh.

“I’m in disbelief because I’ve wasted three months pretending not to be attracted to either of you,” you say, coming out from behind the counter and going to sit on the couch in the center of the room. You’d done an excellent job decorating their lab and had managed to make it feel like a home rather than a detention room.

“What are you saying?” Jayce asks, setting his glass down and stepping toward you. Viktor follows his example.

“I’m saying that if you had just told me ages ago that you two felt that way, I’d be laughing at the men who asked to dance with me tonight instead of clenching my fists. I’ve spent three months pushing aside any thought of you two outside of professional settings because I didn’t want to be the naive little lab assistant fawning over her bosses.”

A strap of your dress slips off of your left shoulder, and you let it.

“What a waste,” you scoff as you lean back into the cushions of the couch. You pick your hair up so that it falls over the cushions and cascades like a waterfall.

“So…” you watch as the gears in Jayce’s genius brain turn, “if we had told you sooner then–”

“Then you could have had me sooner.”

NSFW PART TWO????

[spatialwave]

are you jealous?

➸ ask: “Please could we get ‘i'm not jealous. you're just mine’ for Jayce😭” ➸ pairing: jayce talis x fem!reader ➸ word count: 1.9k ➸ tags: mdni! smut, nsfw, pwp, rough sex, dominant!jayce, jealousy, established relationship, no use of y/n. ➸ notes: hehe, thanks for asking!!

Jealousy was a trait that Jayce buried deep within. One that he wasn’t proud of, and he hated every fibre of his being when his mind was filled with thoughts of it. Especially when it came to you.

You were beautiful, a goddess among men. The poor man couldn't watch you waltzing through Piltover without his arm stretching over your shoulders as a silent declaration of “She’s mine.”

Jayce’s frustration often translated into the bedroom, where he could get rid of pent-up anger and stress. You were happily oblivious to it, indulging in any attention you could collect from the man. He was your boyfriend; his attention was the only one you sought.

Your heels clicked against the hardwood floor, the door shutting and locking behind you as you entered your home, with Jayce lingering after—another day, another fancy charity event, with the Man of Progress at the centre of attention.

“Oh, gods,” you uttered quietly, lifting a foot behind you to help remove the uncomfortably tall heels one by one. “Remind me never to wear these out again.”

Jayce was oddly silent behind you, only the quiet hum of acknowledgement as he shrugged his coat off and hung it neatly on the rack.

“Hello? Jayce?” Your voice was louder this time, having spun on your heels to wave your hand in front of his face, “Had one too many glasses of wine, did you?”

You were met with a look of discontentment, his brows slightly furrowed together. You blinked, head tilting curiously.

“You had fun talking Salo’s ear off all night, did you?” He huffed; the accusation caused your mouth to drop.

“Excuse me?” You questioned, delicate fingers lifting to your necklace as you began taking your jewelry off. You didn’t have the time for petty arguing as you walked toward your bedroom, eager to undress, “I suppose I had a few good chats with him about the future of Piltover. Why are you so upset? I’m making connections, aren’t I?”

“I’m not,” Jayce hurried behind you, footsteps heavy, “I’m just saying that you seemed to like his attention.”

His words were hushed as he spoke, obviously a bit sheepish for saying so. The wine in his stomach had done a great job removing the filter he’d so carefully put up every day.

“I can tell when you’re upset. I’m not an idiot… and quite frankly,” you looked over your shoulder once inside your room, hands behind your back struggling to undo the zipper of your dress, “I don’t appreciate the callous accusation. What’s your point?”

Jayce was quick to help, fingers pulling down the zipper of your dress. His lips met with your skin as your shoulders and back became exposed. Stubble tickling you and leaving you a bit breathless.

It was hard to stay upset with him.

“I’m just saying…” his voice wandered as he pressed kisses along your shoulder, up your neck and into your ear, “You were all over him.”

Your eyes had fallen shut, hands keeping the dress pressed against your chest so it didn’t fall right to the floor. The kisses left you shivering with each movement—realization hitting when he kissed the shell of your ear.

“Jayce,” you whispered, turning your head to look at him. You stared into his eyes, hazel with golden flakes that sparkled under the right lighting. His rough hands were on your hips, possessive

“Are you jealous?” The words fell from your lips along with a smirk, the question lighting your insides aflame.

“Not jealous,” he growled into your ear, hands grabbing your hips and pulling you back so your ass was pressed against the obvious erection growing beneath his slacks, “you’re just mine.”

Oh, gods. That awoke something in you.

“Ah,” you let out a gentle moan, allowing yourself to enjoy the way his hands groped at you eagerly, practically ripping the dress from your body that you no longer cared about keeping neat as it crumpled to the floor, “So, you don’t like it when other guys talk to me?”

Jayce huffed, lips attacking your neck from behind, unafraid to bite into the skin and suck. A silent reaction that spoke volumes.

His hard cock pressed against your ass again, separated by his slacks and the lace panties you wore that wouldn’t be on your body for much longer. You were suddenly pushed forward against the wall next to you, a gasp escaping your throat as his hands reached around your body from his spot behind you and delved right into your underwear.

“You drive me fucking crazy,” he whispered, voice heavy and laced with lust. Two fingers rubbed slow circles against your clit, and it took all your energy to keep your knees from buckling beneath you, “Laughing at his terrible jokes… your fucking hand on his arm.”

A mewl escaped your lips, ass pressing back into him with need as his fingers assaulted your clit and shot an overwhelming amount of pleasure through your body. Your hands were pressed against the wall, nails scratching at it.

“I’m sorry,” you whimpered.

“You think you can just flirt with anyone you want?” He growled, licking a long stripe up your neck, lips ghosting against your ear and his other hand squeezing painfully tight on your hip, “Tell me.”

“No,” you answered obediently. You had never flirted, or at least intended so, but gods, you’d be damned if this wasn’t turning you on.

His fingers moved easily through your folds, soaking wet as your juices seeped through your underwear. 

“Will you be a good girl for me?” Jayce whispered, lips moving down your shoulder and back as he dropped to his knees behind you. Fingers hooking into your panties and pulling them down your body, slowly over the globes of your ass.

“Yes,” you said softly, eager to please.

“Tell me you’re mine,” he whispered, hands fondling your ass before giving a hard smack. “I said, tell me.”

You winced in pain, “I’m yours, Jayce. Only yours.”

Jayce had never quite felt this way before, a rush of power and dominance taking over. Knowing very well now that this side of him wouldn’t go unseen again.

His eager eyes watched as his hands spread your cheeks apart, exposing your tight hole and pussy that was so wet it dripped down your thighs. A pitiful mess, clenching around nothing.

“That’s right, baby,” he groaned, leaning in and licking from your swollen clit to your entrance. He poked and prodded, earning whimpers of pleasure from you that filled his stomach with heat and made his cock twitch in his pants.

He pulled away from your cunt after a minute of devouring you like a starved man, chin wet and glistening as he pushed a slow, deliberate finger inside your pussy, that squeezed impossibly tight around the digit. Having been waiting for any form of stimulation.

“Fuck—“ you choked, face pressed against the wall and ass out.

He then stretched you with two fingers, your tight heat clenching hard around them. Your hips stuttered, knees shaking, and you had to use the strength of your hands pressed to the wall to keep you upright. The wet sounds of your cunt being fingers with no remorse filled the room, mixing with your quiet moans and Jayce’s soft praises.

“So good,” he whispered, kissing the back of your thigh and under the curve of your ass, “Do you think I should fuck you? Do you deserve it?”

“Yes, please,” you cried, unable to take any more of the teasing as your nails scratched the wall again. His fingers pumping inside you had already made you crawl slowly towards your release, but the absence of stimulation on your clit kept you from falling off, “I deserve it—“

“Prove it,” his voice was heavy, full of lust. He moved slowly to stand behind you, the sound of his belt undoing, making you tighten around the fingers that abused your swollen sex.

You glanced over your shoulder, a pout on your lips as you looked at him with pleading eyes.

“Please, Jayce, I’m all yours,” you begged, cheeks burning a furious red as you fucked yourself back onto his fingers, “Only yours, I promise.”

“Gods,” he breathed, removing his fingers from your cunt and pushing them between your lips, “You’re lucky I love you.”

You sucked around his fingers, the familiar taste of your juices heavy on your tongue. You moaned loudly around them, face pressing against the wall as he pushed his cock inside your greedy cunt with one sharp thrust. His thick girth stretched you, an amount of fullness that always surprised you, even after countless times of being fucked by him.

He snapped his hips against yours at a relentless pace, the sound of skin slapping against skin echoing louder than your mewls.

Jayce lifted a hand into your hair, tugging your head back so he could breathe against your ear, “You take me so well, baby.”

A whine strangled in your throat, a delicious sound that settled a familiar heat in the pit of Jayce’s stomach. He let go of your hair, leaning back so he could focus both hands on your

hips, squeezing so tight that you’d be surprised if your skin didn’t form lingering bruises in its wake.

Your heat enveloped him perfectly, your inner muscles clenching tight around his length with each deep penetration. Enough to rumble a groan from his chest as he focused on fucking you brutally and senselessly, feeding off every cry of pleasure that came from you.

“Cum for me,” his words came heavy from his chest, leaning forward as he greeted your otherwise abandoned clit that was dying for attention with a heavy-handed touch, “Please, baby. I need you to cum.”

Your toes curled against the floor as you felt the tight cord in your abdomen snap, his fingers circling your clit and cock stretching you out, leaving you nothing more than a sex-induced mess. His name rolled off your tongue in repetition, walls tightening hard around his cock as you milked him–desperate for him to fill you.

“Fuck, Jayce–”

“Just like that,” he groaned, eyes watching the way his cock sheathed inside your aching cunt, “fuck, baby, you look so good. You take me so good. So fucking perfect.”

A moan caught in his throat as he leaned forward, teeth and lips pressing against your shoulder. He came hard, hips stuttering and losing his pace as his cock twitched inside you as his climax hit him with unbridled intensity. Jayce’s fingers dug into the soft flesh of your hips, grunting heavy sounds against your skin as he slammed into you with one final thrust.

His cock pumped stream after stream of hot cum inside you, your still spasming walls coaxing out every last drop.

“Ah, fuck–” he sputtered, his body nearly going limp as he let go of your hips, muscled arms instead wrapping around your waist, “... I love you.”

The sweetest giggle bubbled up from your chest, turning your head against the wall to meet his gaze, “That was hot,” you murmured, blinking slowly, “You’re sexy when you’re jealous.”

“Please, no,” Jayce groaned, chuckling dryly as he buried his face against your neck in coy embarrassment, “I hate it.”

“You’re a dork. I love you, too.” You beamed.

[cioud-berries]

Mutual Benefit || Chapter 7

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I know i said i needed to work on finals but i just couldn't help myself! But for realizes now. It will be over a week until the next chapter

Summery:

Posts season 2: Spoiler warning!!

Being forced into an arranged marriage, [Name] tried her hardest with her unreceptive husband Salo. After his death, she was forced to replace his council position, trying to figure out who she was as a person. Sevika never expected to get anywhere close to the council, let alone join them. As the stigma around people from Zaun still stood, she struggled to gain the respect from her new fellow councillors. With so many differences how could the two really help one another?

Chapter Warnings:

Season 2 Spoilers, spicy at the end, almost smut, small alcohol involvement

Word count: 3,730

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        [Name] knocked on Sevika’s door, seeing if she was ready for dinner. Behind the door, the stomping of Sevika’s boots could be heard. She roughly opened the door to show her in a traditional Sembyrian outfit. 

        “You look good!” [Name] complemented, pushing past Sevika and walking into the room.

         Sevika closed the door. “I look stupid.”

        “No you don’t” [Name] replied, straightening out Sevika’s outfit. “Just be happy that I didn’t force you into a skirt.”

        “Fuck no.” Sevika cussed. “Why do I need to wear this again?”

        “Because we’re having dinner with my family.” [Name] replied, finishing up putting everything in the right place

        “And?” Sevika questioned, really wanting to change.

        “And my mom will be there.” She patted Sevika’s shoulders, and left her hands there afterwards. “If you want to win over support for Zaun, it's her you have to woo.” Sevika grumbled in response. “And look, we’re matching. She’s going to love that.”

        “Yeah this is your style, not mine.” Sevika rested her hand on [Name]’s waist since she was holding onto Sevika.

        “It's only about two hours.” [Name] sighed out, knowing she wasn’t getting through to Sevika.

        “Fine.” Sevika whispered. 

        They were very close together, bodies almost pressed up on one another. Their breath seemed to be in sync. [Name]’s eyes glanced between Sevika’s eyes and lips. This didn’t go unnoticed by Sevika, but she didn’t act, wanting [Name] to be the one to make the first move.

        [Name] almost leaned in to kiss her, but a knock interrupted the two. [Name] removed her hands from Sevika, taking a step back from her, trying to calm down. “Come in.” [Name] said now that she was mostly composed.

        Maxwell walked in through the door. He was on the brink of laughter at seeing Sevika all dressed up. Over the past few days, Maxwell and Sevika become quick friends, playing card games with a strong drink in front of them and passing a cigarette back and forth.

        “Don’t you dare fucking laugh at me.” Sevika snapped at him.

        “No no, you look great.” his voice cracked with his fist in front of his mouth to keep him from laughing.

        “Don’t even–.” [Name] angrily told her brother, not wanting to make Sevika feel any worse.

        “Convince her that I don’t need to wear this.” Sevika complained to Maxwell.

        “Oh no you definitely need to if you’re having dinner with our mother.” Maxwell said seriously, but he did find it comical. Sevika only groaned.

        “I even made sure to pick out a dress that would match the color of her top.” [Name] motioned down to her dress. “I know she would like it.”

        “She definitely will.” Maxwell agreed. “You look cute together.”

        “Thank you.” [Name] replied with a smile, but Sevika stayed quiet. “We should probably head over now. She’ll be mad if we’re late.”

        Maxwell nodded his head in agreement. As the three of them walked down the hall, Sevika was in between the siblings as they warned her about what to do and not to do in front of their mother. She lazily listened, not understanding why there were so many rules, and not necessarily wanting to listen to all of them.

        As they entered the large dining room, everyone but their mother was sitting at the table. Their father took the end of the table, while the other end was saved for their mother. Maxwell sat next to his father, beside him sat his wife, Lyssa; and beside her was Agalea. Sasha was sat across from Agalea. 

        [Name] sat beside Sasha, which only left Sevika the seat in between [Name] and her father. She didn’t like [Name]’s father all too much. He was extremely soft, allowing almost anything. It was clear why their mother was the head of the country. He wouldn’t survive a day in Zaun.

        “You look good in that outfit.” He complimented Sevika.

        Sevika tried her hardest to give a fake smile. Even though it was very clear to most that she didn’t enjoy the compliment, he gave back a warm smile.

        Agalea stared at Sevika. The outfit she was forced into didn’t allow her to hide her arm, leaving Agalea mesmerized, just like Sasha was the first time she saw it. Sevika could only roll her eyes. Lyssa quickly noticed, “It’s not nice to stare.” She quietly scolded the child.

        Before anything else could be said, [Name]’s mother walked into the room, drawing everyone’s attention. “I apologize for making you all wait.” She said, making her way to her seat. “I had to finish a few things up. Well most of you here understand that.”

        “I do now.” [Name] laughed. 

        “Yes, how has your new job been treating you?” Her mother smiled kindly at her. Her attention then turned to Sevika. “Oh where are my manners? I apologize for not introducing myself on your arrival. I just saw Sasha and got distracted. My name is Athena.”

        “Sevika.” She nodded in response.

        “How has the council been treating the two of you?” Athena asked. The appetizers began to be brought out and placed in front of them.

        “It’s been going well.” [Name] said while cutting into her food. “Sevika and I have been working together on a project that would allow the expansion of the Undercity.”

        “That’s great.” Athena too cut into her food. “I am glad you are working together.” She turned her attention to Sevika. She wanted to analyze her, which was hard to do when she was so far away and quiet. “What about you Sevika? How is the council treating someone from the Undercity?”

        “Most of the council members clearly don’t want me there but I push past it.” Sevika shortly replied. “With the help of [Name].”

        Athena gave a nod of approval, turning to her son, to talk about things she needed for the week. Sevika was trying her best to be orderly with the way she ate, but it was extremely hard with only one hand. 

        [Name]’s father noticed her struggle. He was quiet with his words, not wanting to draw attention to the situation. “Do you need help there?”

        Before she could even begin to reject the man, [Name] chimed in. “I got it.” She stood up, leaning over Sevika to cut her food. She really didn’t mean to draw attention, but with raising Sasha, it was purely instinct.

        “How did you lose your arm?” Athena asked with narrowed eyes.

        “Honey, that's not something you should-” [Name]’s father tried to interfere before she got into it.

        “This is my home.” Athena snapped back at her husband. “This is my table. I can ask whatever I want.”

        There was a total shift in Athena’s personality. She wanted to dig deep into Sevika, wanting to know what her intentions were, knowing that [Name] wouldn’t bring someone with her for purely political reasons. She was trying to be nice earlier, thinking that Sevika would respond better to that. But when Sevika kept blowing her off, she knew she needed to change her method.

        Sevika now understood the many warnings both [Name] and Maxwell gave her. Now she had a reason to ask about Sevika’s arm and Sevika could tell she wouldn’t let up unless she got the answer she wanted.

        “It was blown off.” Sevika shortly responded, thinking it was going to be enough.

        “What caused the explosion?” Athena continued on with her interrogation. 

        “Mom, you shouldn’t be asking those kinds of questions to someone-” [Name] was cut off by the glare that was shot her way. She could only look across the table to Maxwell, pleading for help. Lyssa knew to keep her mouth shut, having to go through this same process, but it was way less harsh for her because Maxwell was the oldest.

        “Hell if I know.” Sevika responded, not even knowing how to explain what happened. “I was just trying to protect my boss at the time.” 

        Athena didn’t know how to take that response. It meant she was loyal, but it was a matter of finding where Sevika’s loyalties lie. “So you jumped in front of them to save them?”

        Sevika nodded, taking a bite of her food. She was not going to back down to Athena, knowing that is what she wanted. “It was instinctual.” 

        “So you would jump in front of my daughter if she was in danger?” She narrowed her eyes at Sevika, wanting to see if she was lying or not.

        “Mom!” Maxwell shouted at his mother, knowing he was the only one who could do that.

        [Name] heated up, turning to Sevika, she whispered. “You don’t have to answer that.”

        “I have lost three children to misplaced trust.” Athena spat at her son. “You cannot blame me for being sceptical.”

        “I would.” Sevika said without hesitation. But she also caught the number, realizing that [Name] had only mentioned two dead siblings. Knowing that now was not the time to be asking questions, she just kept it in mind.

        The room was quiet as Athena watched Sevika, determining how she felt about her. The silence was broken by Sasha. “Miss Sevika wouldn’t hurt us. She's nice and fun!”

        Athena’s hard gaze traveled to Sasha. Gazing on her grandchild, she softened. “Yeah and Sasha tells me that she is teaching her self defence!” Agalea added on, not wanting to feel excluded.

        Those were the only two she couldn’t snap at in the room. She reached her hands out to either side of them, grabbing and squeezing their upper arms with love. [N ame]’s father took the opportunity to change the subject.

        “How did you get the position on the council?” He asked Sevika so Athena couldn’t trap her in conversation again. 

        Sevika went on to briefly explain. The rest of dinner Athena didn’t talk to Sevika, not needing to berate her with any more questions. Things were calmer but there was still that tension in the air. 

        Once everyone was getting up to leave. Athena walked up to Sevika, talking to her again. “I apologize for being brash. But you have to understand that I am just trying to look out for my child and grandchild.”

        Growing up in the lanes, Sevika understood the ‘trust no one’ motto. Sevika only responded with a nod. Athena gave her a smile before walking away, following her two grandchildren out.

        “I am so sorry about all of that.” [Name] walked up to Sevika, seeming mortified by the whole situation. “I knew she would be bad but I didn’t think it would be that bad.” 

        “It wasn’t too bad.” She truthfully responded, knowing how many of Silco’s meetings went. 

        “Really?” [Name] asked in surprise. “And I also apologize for her acting like we are dating or something. I promise I never gave them that impression.”

        “It’s fine. Stop apologizing.” Sevika huffed. 

        [Name] sighed, happy that the dinner was over. They began to walk out of the dining room “Well on the other hand, it seems like she really likes you?”

        “Really?” Sevika chuckled, not seeing how that was possible with the way she acted.

        [Name] nodded. “I mean she didn’t go further.” Then she remembered what Sevika said. With a cocky smirk and a sly tone, she asked. “So you would jump in front of a bullet for me. 

        Sevika nodded in response. “I know I can handle getting shot. And I know you couldn't.” 

        It wasn’t as romantic of a response [Name] was looking for. “You could still get killed.” 

        “I would still rather it be me.” She said while looking forward. “You have Sasha to look after.”

        “Do you not have anyone to take care of?” [Name] has been trying her hardest to see if Sevika had a lover of any kind, but had no opportunity and appropriate way to. 

        “Nope.” Sevika responded.

        [Name] smiled at the information. [Name] and Sevika made their way to their respective rooms. After entering hers, [Name] got dressed in a thin silk nightgown. Grabbing a book off the coffee table, she took a seat on the couches situated into the corner of her room. 

        She didn’t know how long she was reading for, but there was a knock at her door that interrupted her. Closing the book, she laid it back down on the coffee table. Opening the door, she found Sevika holding a bottle of wine.

        “Your brother just gave this to me.” She informed [Name]. “I don’t like this shit, so I thought I could share it with you.”

        [Name] smiled at the thought. Stepping aside, she let Sevika in. After closing the door, she realized that they were finally alone. Sasha was being taken care of by the nannies and her mother. Her brother gave Sevika the wine that [Name] liked the most, knowing Sevika would most likely share the drink with her. So there was no possible way he would interrupt the two of them. 

        [Name] bit her lip as she looked Sevika’s backside up and down. Sevika was looking around the room. She thought the room she was staying in was massive, but [Name] basically had a whole studio apartment to herself. She didn’t even know where to go to share the bottle. 

        Turning around back to [Name], Sevika saw the look in [Name]’s eyes. [Name] immediately snapped out of it, embarrassed that she was caught. “We can sit over here.” [Name] said as she walked past Sevika back to the couches. 

        Once they arrived, [Name] stopped before sitting down. “I don’t have any glasses in here.”

        “That’s fine.” Sevika said plopping down on the larger couch. “We can just share the bottle.” 

        [Name] heated up at the thought of putting her lips around something that Sevika’s lips had touched. She hated that Sevika made her feel like a teenager with a crush again. She sat down next to Sevika, turned towards her so their knees were touching. 

        Sevika used her mechanical hand to grab the cork and pulled it out. She offered the bottle to [Name] to take the first sip. [Name] had never drunk straight out of the bottle, so she grabbed it with both hands, only taking in a moderate amount.

        Sevika chuckled as she took the bottle from her, with one hand she chugged about one third of the bottle. [Name] could only fixate on her lips as she swallowed the liquid. When Sevika moved the bottle away from her face, she used her shirt sleeve to wipe her mouth. 

        She offered the bottle back to [Name], but she shook her head. Sevika placed the bottle down on the coffee table. Deeply sighing, she leaned back on the couch. Using her hand, she shuffled something out of her pocket. 

        Handing a screwdriver to [Name], she asked. “Can you help me remove my arm?”

        “Uhm.” [Name] responded, shocked by the sudden request. “Sure.” 

        [Name] grabbed the screwdriver from Sevika, fingers brushing past one another. Sevika moved to face [Name] so she could have easier access to her mechanical arm. [Name] got off the couch, sitting on the ledge of the coffee table to get in the perfect position. 

        Using her hand, she pointed to the rim that the screws were on. “Just these ones.” 

        [Name] nodded, going in to unscrew the first few. Sevika used her hand to hold the arm up so it wouldn’t fall on the floor once it was detached. It all felt very intimate, even though it shouldn’t. [Name] was very concentrated, not wanting to unscrew the wrong thing.

    ��   Once the arm was off, [Name] took the arm from Sevika, her knees buckled, not expecting to to be that heavy. “Do you take it off every night?” [Name] couldn’t help but ask as she carefully put it down on the coffee table. 

        “For the most part.” Sevika said, leaning back into the couch. “Sometimes I have trouble taking it off and I just sleep with it on.”

        “So you always do that by yourself?” [Name] questioned, sitting back down on the couch, she brought her feet up, sitting criss cross. Her knees were touching Sevika’s legs as Sevika’s arm hung off the back of the couch.

        “Pretty much.” She shortly responded, looking back at [Name].

        [Name] smiled, feeling proud to be one of the few Sevika trusted to do such a thing. [Name] leaned her head against the back. “I don’t want to go back to Piltover.” [Name] complained. 

        “Why don’t you stay here?” Sevika asked, not understanding her reasoning.

        “Because I have to take care of Salo’s council position until Sasha is old enough.” [Name] sighed out.

        “You don’t have to.” Sevika replied.

        “Yes I do.” [Name]’s brows furrowed, getting defensive. “Salo’s clan will get all pissed off, claiming I stole their heir and sold their position.”

        “You don’t live for yourself, do you?” Sevika asked, looking up into the ceiling.

        “What’s that supposed to mean?” [Name] asked aggressively, not liking her words. 

        “It means you’ve never done anything for yourself.” Sevika’s tone was assertive as she faced back towards [Name]. Before she could retort, Sevika continued. “I mean you- what- were fighting for your country in a war for eighteen years; Were forced to marry at nineteen; Had a child at twenty; had had to raise her, and do everything for her for the past six years? Sounds to me that your life has been controlled by everyone but you.”

        [Name] only stared at her in shock. Sevika was completely right, but the thought left an extremely bitter taste in her mouth. “I am fine with Sasha being my whole life.” She replied, mainly being defensive over the hinting at Sasha being a chore for her.

        “Yeah but would you even have had a child right now if you weren’t forced to marry Salo?” Sevika asked.

        [Name] went quiet again. She had never thought about what her life would’ve been like if she had never married Salo and had Sasha. “Well either way, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even if I didn’t want to marry him, I’m happy that Sasha was a product of it.”

        Knowing [Name] wouldn't change her stance on Sasha, she continued. “What would you do for yourself right now if you could?”

        “I would move Sasha and I back here.” [Name] said in a heartbeat.

        “Nope.” Sevika shook her head. “That benefits Sasha as well. It has to be something that you don’t care how it affects anyone else.”

        [Name] looked at Sevika, eyes traveling down to her lips. Subconsciously, she chose what she wanted to say. She covered her mouth, embarrassed about it. Sevika could tell that she had made her mind up. Putting her hand on [Name]’s mid-thigh, she tried to coax the answer out of her. “What is it?”

        [Name] moved her hands to her lap, balling up the fabric of her nightgown in her hands. Her heartbeat sped up, as she mumbled the word. “I would kiss you.”

        Sevika gave a cocky smile, happy to finally get it out of her. “You know that doesn’t just benefit you?” Sevika teased, causing [Name] to heat up more. Sevika moved her hand off of [Name]’s thigh, cupping her face to bring it closer to hers.

        [Name] closed her eyes, waiting to feel the impact of their lips connecting. Just before their lips touched, Sevika paused, taking in [Name]’s face, and allowing her to pull back if need be. [Name] opened her eyes, to see Sevika’s face so close. 

        Sevika smirked, finally leaning in to connect their lips. [Name] enjoyed the feeling, especially with the lip ring. But she quickly realized she had no idea what she was doing. She followed Sevika’s lead, moving her lips in the same pattern as Sevikas.

        The longer it went on, the more she wanted. Moving her hands from her lap, [Name] grabbed onto Sevika’s shoulders and leaned into the kiss more. Sevika moved her hand down from [Name]’s face, tracing the hand down her body. 

        Sevika began to pull at the bottom of [Name]’s nightgown until she could put her hand under her skirt, feeling the skin of her thigh. The makeout only got sloppier and more wet until Sevika pulled away, immediately attacking her neck, [Name] moaned in response. 

        [Name] removed her hands from Sevika’s shoulders, placing them behind her on the couch as she leaned on them, giving Sevika more access to her body. Sevika’s mouth trailed down her skin until it met the hem of her nightgown. Without a moment to waste, Sevika moved the bottom of her skirt up to her waist. Noticing that she wasn’t wearing any underwear.

        Bending towards her vagina, Sevika wrapped her arm underneath [Name]’s thigh, hoisting it up, so she could have better access. Putting her head in between [Name]’s thighs, she got closer to [Name].

        [Name] could feel Sevika’s fast paced breath on her wet vagina. The sensation made her snap out of her haze, immediately getting embarrassed. Quickly, she leaned forward, covering her vagina from Sevika’s mouth.

        “I’m sorry.” She huffed trying to catch her breath. “I just remembered how I looked down there.”

        Sevika stayed between [Name]’s thighs, looking up at her. “What? You have a pussy.”

        “No I mean.” [Name] stumbled over her words. “After having Sasha and all…”

        “From what I saw, you look fine.” Sevika encouraged.

        “I just can’t tonight.” [Name] cringed, feeling embarrassed over the whole situation.

        Sevika pulled away from [Name]. She grabbed the bottle of wine off the coffee table, taking another swig. [Name] just withered beside her. “I’m sorry.” She said, feeling as though she ruined the mood. 

        “Don’t be.” Sevika placed the bottle back down. “You can’t help when you’re feeling it.”

        [Name] cringed, knowing she definitely was feeling it, but her insecurities got the best of her. “Could we, uhm…” [Name] mumbled, trying to find her words. “Continue making out?”

        She was expecting Sevika to reject her, but she turned to her with a sly smile. “Of course.”

        “Could I also sit on your lap?” [Name] asked embarrassingly.

        “Only if I can hold your ass.” Sevika’s smirk grew. 

        [Name] smiled back, realizing that she didn’t ruin much. “Deal.” She said as she began to startle Sevika’s thighs, grabbing her face and kissing her again. Sevika’s hands held her butt, squeezing it occasionally.

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[arya-skywalker]

The Miracle Worker (Arcane fanfic)

Summary: [Season 2 Act 2 Spoilers!]

Desperate, Salo seeks out the mystery miracle worker in the Undercity. Nothing could have prepared him for the outcome and his new life.

Notes: When Lest mentioned the miracle worker to Salo, I wanted to see how that interaction played out. The show skipped over it, so I’m filling in the gaps. Even if Viktor believes he’s doing good, his “healing” gives weird vibes.

TWs: cults, Salo is classist and ableist until his personality gets rewritten by forces outside human comprehension, mental influence / hive-mind, mild body horror, magically healed disability

AO3 link

~*~

“You will take me to this… miracle worker. I will pay you double… no, triple your usual rate,” Salo said, head held high. The very thought of going to the Undercity made his skin crawl, but this wasn’t working. He needed something more.

“If you insist,” Lest said with a shrug. “You might want a disguise. Zaunites aren’t fond of Topsiders.”

Salo frowned. “It’s clear they hate us. The feeling’s mutual. What kind of… disguise did you have in mind?”

Lest looked back at him. “If you hate them so much, why bother?”

“I hate this more,” Salo retorted, gesturing to his useless legs. “The disguise?”

Lest threw him a mottled cloak that looked as if it hadn’t been washed in months. Salo barely managed not to gag, putting as much distance between it and his face as physically possible.

“You don’t want them to recognize you, wear something you’d never usually touch,” Lest said. “Hide your face. Besides, you said everyone averts their gaze when you roll by. Maybe no one will notice you anyway.”

She was right, but he wouldn’t admit it aloud. Salo scoffed and tossed her a coin pouch. Reluctantly he maneuvered himself to put on the repulsive cloak and let her take him to the Undercity.

It was just as he feared, perhaps even worse. Disgusting. Rotten. Decrepit. Beggars and thieves crowded the streets. Revolting creatures covered in filth. The air was thick with a foul stench. His stomach turned. Somehow no one attacked them. The disguise must have worked.

Then, there was light. A camp unlike any he had ever seen. Strange geometric archways with stained glass. Verdant gardens that nearly rivaled those above. The aroma of flowers filled the air. Laughter danced upon the breeze.

“Here is where I will leave you,” Lest said, stopping his chair.

Salo whirled on her, panic gripping his chest. “Don’t you dare abandon me down here!” he hissed.

Lest was infuriatingly not intimidated, looking down at him coolly. “I got you here. That was the deal. Your miracle worker is inside those gates.” Her ears twitched as she nodded towards the entrance. “Go on.”

A man with iridescent markings on his skin approached, wearing simple white robes. “Welcome. The Herald awaits. He heals all our ills.”

Salo sputtered, looking between them. This was not in his plan! But it was too late to turn back now; he was so close to a cure. He took a breath and smoothed his expression, sitting up straighter. “Lead me to this Herald of yours,” he said.

“Of course,” the man said, bowing. Then he took a step closer, reaching for the handles of the wheelchair. “Would you like me to—“

“I can manage myself.” Salo pressed the button to move his chair forward. Having one of them breathing down his neck would not do. He didn’t look back. Doubtless Lest would be gone already.

The man nodded and led the way, pointing out a few landmarks. The market, the forge, the greenhouse, the well. Salo barely listened, wanting to get it over with already.

The people seemed happy and at peace, going about their day as if everything was normal. Everyone had the same type of marking, on different parts of their bodies. The same unnatural eye color too.

“All here work in harmony for the betterment of all, doing their part to bring the Herald’s vision to life,” the man explained. “We all bring our skills to the table, even skills we were unaware of.”

“How quaint.” Salo rolled his eyes. He had no intention of working for anything. “Does everyone stay after their healing?”

The man shrugged. “Everyone has chosen to thus far. We have all we could ever want here. But we do not force anyone against their will.”

Soon they arrived at the golden orb-like structure. A church of some sort, perhaps, or a strange palace. Either way, it was clearly where the leader resided.

A man wearing blue robes walked out with the aid of a staff. His markings were similar to the rest of the commune, but a darker purple and covering nearly all visible parts of his body. His eyes shifted between pale colors. He had an aura of power about him. Doubtless this was the Herald.

“Councilor Salo,” the Herald said, stopping a few feet in front of him. “Or… not councilor anymore, I suppose. How desperate you must be to come here. You have changed since last we met.”

Salo tensed, glaring at the so-called miracle worker. “You mock me.”

“Mock?” The Herald tilted his head to the side. “No, I only state facts. You were a councilor, now you are not. Do you remember me? Or was I so far beneath your notice?”

Salo stared at him. Of course he would have remembered someone with such unique features. He’d never seen anything like it before coming here.

Except… that voice. There was a distorted echo to it, but it held remnants of an accent. An accent that was often raised in contempt of the council. And the face without the strange markings was… familiar.

The pieces fell into place. Salo’s eyes widened. “You were the Golden Boy’s assistant.” Salo found himself gaping and stopped. “But how? You were…” Nothing. No one. How had he risen so far in such a short time? It was inconceivable.

“Partner, not assistant,” the Herald corrected, then shook his head. “Not that it matters anymore. You would not understand. Hextech was beyond you, and this is beyond even Hextech. The Arcane has chosen me, and I have chosen to use such powers to heal.”

The Herald’s gaze went distant for a moment before refocusing on him. “But yes, you do remember. I remember, too, that you always hated the Undercity. My people. The attack fueled the fire to rage. But now… you have used Shimmer, and you are here.”

The longer he spoke, the more Salo’s surprise turned to impatience. He had rambled long enough. “Are you going to heal me or not?” Salo snapped.

“I will heal any who ask. I no longer hold grudges.” The Herald reached out a hand, which started to glow.

His touch burned hotter than any flame. The glow was blinding.

Salo wanted to scream as his legs were torn apart and rebuilt, every fiber of his being crying out. But not a sound escaped his lips.

Then an overwhelming calm washed over him. Bliss more than anything he had ever experienced. Peace. Tranquility. The Herald’s touch melted away every sorrow and fear, every imperfection whether physical or emotional.

Salo blinked and looked down to see his legs, reformed into a brilliant masterpiece, shimmering in the light. His clothes too had been transfigured into pure white garments.

“Stand and walk,” the Herald said. “Run, if you wish. It is a feeling unlike any other. When you are ready, you will know what to do. Welcome to your new life.”

Salo had never felt such joy as when he took that first step, laughing in pure elation. He was a new man, the best possible version of himself. All the riches of Piltover paled in comparison to the Herald’s vision. What could be better than working in harmony to bring about a perfect society? Free from pain, from suffering, from his own vanity. His eyes were open, his body and soul healed. He would gladly devote his life to the cause.

[chronalshifts]

Fandom: Arcane (2021)

Relationship: Jayce/Viktor

Chapters: 1/4

Tags: Major Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Violence, set during S2 Episode 6, Angst, Hurt No Comfort, Doomed Relationship, Dead Dove Do Not Eat

The hammer clattered to the floor with a noise that reverberated off the shining walls, glitching and sparking angrily at the edge of his vision. Jayce couldn’t think about it, couldn’t think about the mage, the future, every broken promise piling onto his back like a ton of rubble. He reached out, blindly, finding the hem of Viktor’s robe and pulling him closer, until he could press his face against him. The hand on his shoulder didn’t shift.

“I’m sorry,” Jayce gasped, not knowing who he was apologising to.

“I forgive you,” Viktor said, as if it was that simple. 

After killing Salo in the Hexgate chamber, Jayce finds his way to Viktor's commune with a singular goal in mind. He falls at the first hurdle, and spends the days that follow desperately trying to work up the resolve to do what needs to be done.

____________________________________________________________

so i wrote an obligatory commune-visit fic and realised it could never be a fix-it so uhhhh this is almost canon compliant sorry folks. this one goes out to all the tragedy enjoyers out there, have fun <3

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Ira Stoll

An encouraging development in the Israel-Hamas war is that the online pro-Israel press watchdogs finally seem to be getting the upper hand over the New York Times.

A few recent examples tell the story.

A New York Times Sunday opinion article by Megan Stack, headlined “Don’t Turn Away From the Charges of Genocide Against Israel,” was authoritatively debunked by Shany Mor in a thread on X that has attracted nearly a quarter-million views.

Mor faulted Stack’s piece for “rank dishonesty,” noting that it “truncated” the “legal definition of genocide,” omitting “a crucial part of the definition.” Mor also faults the Stack piece for misquoting Israelis to depict them, falsely, as having genocidal intent.

More concludes: “Rather than trawling the internet for truncated quotes, we might want to investigate why so many of our self-appointed humanitarians have spent decades fantasizing about the day when they could drag the Jews in before a tribunal to face the charge of being the real Nazis.”

A column by Nicholas Kristof that also ran in the Sunday New York Times got a similar online dragging, and deservedly so, from the X account of Salo Aizenberg. Aizenberg noticed that in a comparison between American bombing Iraq and Israel bombing Gaza, Kristof used a comparison that started in 2004 rather than 2003. “To push fake narrative one must misrepresent,” Aizenberg wrote, in a post that attracted more than 380,000 views. “If one seeks to compare US & Israel bombing numbers to draw conclusions one MUST begin with the start of each invasion. Anything else is grossly misleading.” Aizenberg described the Kristof column as “statistical manipulation and a “major misrepresentation.”

The Kristof column conceded, “The attack on Oct. 7 was particularly savage, and no doubt my perspective would be different if I had been on the receiving end.” No doubt!

[thedustybunny]

Chamomile kisses - Chapter 10

Viktor (Arcane) x Fem!Reader

As days passed, (Y/n) delved deeper into her research on the peculiar yellow flower from the Zaun forest. The potential of this discovery was exhilarating, and her mind buzzed with the myriad of possibilities. She tirelessly analyzed the properties of the pollen, noting its vasodilative effects on the human body. This was groundbreaking, not just for herbal medicine but for modern medicine as well. The medicinal applications seemed endless, ranging from treating high blood pressure to addressing heart failure, and who knew what other conditions could benefit from this newfound knowledge.

Yet, amidst this scientific excitement, (Y/n) couldn't help but wonder about Viktor's absence. Had he been avoiding her? Or was he preoccupied with his own work? The uncertainty nagged at her, but she knew her research was crucial, so she pressed on.

As her findings continued to flourish, (Y/n) took a significant step by scheduling a meeting with the council. She hoped to persuade them to allocate resources for a greenhouse at the academy, a space where she could further develop her discoveries and adapt them for various medical applications. It was a bold move, but she believed in the potential of her work to transform the world of medicine.

The day of the meeting had arrived, and (Y/n) stood resolutely before the council members. The faces of Bolbok, Kiramman, Hoskel, Medarda, Salo, Shoola, and Heimerdinger stared back at her, a mix of anticipation and curiosity in their expressions. (Y/n) had garnered considerable support from them in the past, but today she was requesting a substantial increase in funding, a decision that would carry a significant cost.

Viktor, positioned among the onlookers, watched with a cold and unyielding gaze.

Undeterred, (Y/n) began her presentation, outlining the importance and potential impact of her research. She passionately described the vasodilative properties of the Zaun forest flower and how it could revolutionize both herbal and modern medicine. The council listened intently, and as the room gradually settled, Heimerdinger, the most senior council member, voiced his support for (Y/n)'s project.

"I don't see why not to grant this," Heimerdinger said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Unless anyone has any objections, we will provide the necessary funding."

A spark of joy lit up (Y/n)'s face upon hearing these words. She was so close to achieving her dream, but that dream was suddenly cast into doubt by Viktor's sharp voice. He stood up, taking the opportunity to voice his numerous objections.

Viktor vehemently argued against (Y/n)'s herbal remedies, denouncing them as pseudoscience that had no place within the academy. He claimed that such funding could be better utilized in more worthwhile areas of research, dismissing her work as a stain on true scientific progress.

The atmosphere in the council chamber became tense as Viktor launched into his objections, his words a sharp contrast to Heimerdinger's earlier support.

"You can't seriously be considering funding this nonsense!" Viktor exclaimed, his voice dripping with disdain as he pointed at (Y/n) and her presentation. "Herbal remedies have no place in our pursuit of true scientific advancement. We should be allocating our resources to projects that actually matter."

(Y/n) bristled at Viktor's words, her frustration evident. "Viktor, I've presented evidence of the potential benefits of this research. It could save lives, revolutionize our approach to medicine—"

Viktor interrupted, his tone cutting. "What you're proposing is a waste of valuable resources. We need to focus on technological advancements, not rely on outdated practices."

Council members exchanged glances, some appearing torn by the debate unfolding before them. Hoskel, known for his pragmatism, spoke up, addressing Viktor. "While we appreciate your perspective, Viktor, we should consider all avenues of research. If (Y/n) believes this could yield promising results, it's worth exploring."

Viktor scowled but didn't back down. "You're all blinded by sentimentality. This is about science, not feelings."

(Y/n) shot back, her voice determined. "And science is about progress, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. Closing off potential avenues of research is a disservice to our commitment to advancement."

The debate continued, the room filled with passionate arguments from both sides. It was clear that this decision would have a lasting impact on the academy's direction and (Y/n)'s future.

The room seemed to hang on a precipice as (Y/n) and Viktor locked eyes, their argument escalating. Heimerdinger's voice, when it came, was a bellow that echoed through the chamber. "Enough!"

The council members fell into immediate silence, their attention drawn to the diminutive yordle at the center of the room. He gave Viktor a brief, sympathetic glance, knowing the inner turmoil his protege must be experiencing. "Viktor, my dear boy," Heimerdinger began in a voice that was both gentle and firm, "we value your concerns. Science, after all, thrives on skepticism and debate. However, we must also consider the potential benefits to the academy. The revenue generated from (Y/n)'s research could fund countless projects for generations to come."

Heimerdinger turned his gaze towards (Y/n), a twinkle of approval in his eyes. "And that's why, (Y/n)," he addressed her, "you will be granted the permission and funding to continue your work."

Viktor tried to interject, his frustration palpable, but Heimerdinger cut him off with a raised hand. "Enough," he reiterated, his voice commanding. "This session is over."

With those words, the council members began to disperse, leaving behind a defeated Viktor and a triumphant (Y/n). It was a moment of victory for her, yet the growing divide between her and Viktor couldn't be ignored, casting a shadow over her elation.

As the council meeting concluded, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Triumph coursed through her veins, the sweet taste of victory lingering on her lips. She had won this battle for now, securing the funding and permission to further her research. It was a significant step forward in her quest to revolutionize medicine.

However, she couldn't ignore the heavy atmosphere that had settled in the room, much of it emanating from Viktor. His defeat was palpable, and his resentful glare bore into her back as she made her way out of the council chamber. The divide between them had deepened, a vast chasm of opposing beliefs and priorities.

Outside the meeting room, (Y/n) couldn't help but ponder the cost of her victory. Her once-friendly interactions with Viktor had devolved into bitter arguments and icy silence. The camaraderie they had once shared seemed irreparably shattered.

Jayce, who had been observing the proceedings from the sidelines, approached (Y/n) with a congratulatory smile. "That was quite the battle in there," he remarked, clearly impressed.

(Y/n) returned his smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yes, i suppose…" she sighed, casting a glance back at the council chamber where Viktor remained, a solitary figure surrounded by fading echoes of dissent.

With the victory she had long sought now in her grasp, (Y/n) couldn't help but wonder if it was worth the growing chasm between them. The path of progress had a price, and she had just taken a significant step down that road, leaving a deep divide in her wake.

[melmedarda]

@meljaymicrofics   ⸻ mafia au ⸻ wc: 755 ⸻ rated T

Piltover, the playground for the wealthy. Her mother's wetdream. Casinos, seaside resorts, yacht clubs, the city has it all. And it all belongs to Mel. Her mother runs the syndicate in Noxus on drugs and weapons smuggling. Mel deals in vice. In desire. And though so well acquainted, she doesn't see her own hunting her down until its too late.

She's got the Mayor of Piltover in her hand. The previous Mayor had been a short, mousy sort of man, with whiskers too big for his round face and policies that mirrors something from last century. But this mayor is sleek, ambitious, and weak for power. It's why Mel chooses Salo. It's something she can give him.

She's got the man in Zaun in her palm as well. Though he doesn't know it. Silco. A man who serves her purposes more than his predecessor. He is leader of his own gang, and keeps the chembarons in hand, while Mel runs her dark operations under the cover of the Gray. It works quite well for her. She likes playing in Zaun's shadows.

It is House Ferros who has the Enforcers in hand; a forcer of blue hats tasked with the protection of the city. Truly though, they operate at Camille's bidding. Camille has never forgiven Mel for taking Zaun from beneath her grasp. Mel will never apologize. And so she is hunted.

Their hunting dog is a man too sincere for his own good. Jayce Talis sculpted by the gods, and his eyes inspire a pool of want in Mel's abdomen. But he's a hound with a scent, and she knows he'll break his teeth in her neck if he catches her. She wonders if she'll let him.

Talis pursues her across districts. Between cities. Mel does not fear him. Leaves notes of her perfume to keep him on her scent. Sly smiles at security cameras where she knows she will be seen. Her men hover, guard her closely on her way back from the Mayor's office. She meets his gaze from where across the street. Pulls her fur coat closer about her shoulders in the cool afternoon. She looks away.

Their cat and mouse game is a highlight in her life for a moment. He's ever so close, but not close enough. Not until she's pressed up against a wall outside the Last Drop, the night air thick with shimmer and bass and gray. Cold metal of a barrel pressed into the flesh of her side.

His breath is vapor in the chilled Zaun air. Winter has come, and so has he. But she's never felt warmer than in his presence. And with his gun against her side, Mel feels hotter than the fucking sun.

"So you've found me,” she says. Her knife is trained on his throat, blade winking neon in the dim light of the alleyway. Jayce Talis looks like he might kill her, and Mel feels the more alive for it. Her men are no where to be found. Mel leans forward her lips ghosting against his ear as she leans up and closer. "What will you do, Talis? Now that you've caught me."

His nostrils flare. Perhaps in indignation. Perhaps in something else. One can never be to sure when in Zaun. His teeth bare now, like to good hunting dog he is. Mel wants him at her throat. Drawing blood.

"You belong behind bars. You are vermin." Passion flares in his eyes. The kiss of the gun grows warm against her skin, and she tilts the knife at his neck to kiss him in turn. He does not flinch. "If there is any justice in this world, I will see you punished for your crimes."

"Take me, then," Mel murmurs. Drops her knife. Listens to it clatter against the cobblestone as she stands defenseless before him. The gun lowers, and he presses her further into the wall, body a furnace against her own. She could burn in a hell of his making, she thinks as she leans up again, this time to press her lips against his.

His hand comes up to encircle the column of her neck, none too gentle. Her eyes flutter open as he presses her back, and away. Talis' eyes are glazed, lips slick, and it softens the heat of his glare. Her own personal vice. And then, she slashes him with the other knife she'd hidden within her jacket. Deep, across his chest.

"Nothing personal, Talis." The gun clatters. Mel does not look back.

[night-spectrum]

Thinking about my spidersona:

Small angst; small suggested smut at the end; mostly fluff and comfort. TW: Mention of death, depression, healthy issues, and isolation.

Wish my computer could work so I could draw my Spidersona...😩

🕸 Spidersona, who was bitten by a funnel web spider (💀) and is still traumatized. She takes appointments with Spider-Therapist every Thursday. Spider-Cat helps her copes with stressful memories.

🕸 Spidersona, who's Caribbean and wears traditional superhero suit. Bright madras tissues wrapped around her head and hips and Creole earrings (hoop earrings).

🕸 Spidersona, who was the only Spider-Girl in Nouveau Fort in Martinique (don't look for it, I made it up, but it's based on Fort-de-France) until a certain Miguel "Fat Ass" O'Hara came to enroll her.

🕸 Spidersona, whose best person is clearly Pavitr because we support cultural representation, and obviously because he's the most adorable boy I've ever seen. ❤️ Besides, they usually chat about new clothes they like to embellish their suit and wardrobe.

They even have Indian nickname for each other : Pavitr is Munna (used for pretty and gentle boy), and Spidersona is Choti (used for girls and means small) based on this.

🕸 Spidersona, who loves dancing with Gwen late at night in her home. Spidersona shows Gwen how to move her butt like there's no tomorrow, and Gwen gives her tips to achieve a boneless split. There're also countless sleepovers and "Girls Talk" about boys, which is pretty much awkward at first, but they both like gossiping.

🕸 Spidersona, who has the fattest crush on Hobart "Hobie" Brown, 'cause let's be honest who wouldn't. Always avoiding him when he comes her way. Obviously, Hobie notices, and he thinks she doesn't like him or his style makes her feel uneasy.

🕸 Spidersona eventually confesses that she likes him :

"That's why you've been dodging me, luv?" Hobie rhetorically asks her, his full lips stretching into a genuine smile.

She feels her face heating up and her hands becoming sweaty. "Yeah, but I don't expect anything y'know. Just wanted to tell you..."

Hobie leans forward, and she presses her lips together, gazing down because she never noticed how interesting the ground could be. She feels his breath on her neck, and she shivers when his lips plant on her cheeks fondly.

"You're too cute, luv."

From that day, he's always close to her. His arm rests on her shoulders, and he's never too far when they're fighting anomalies. They both rely on each other when something goes wrong.

🕸 Spidersona, who curses in Creole when she's pissed.

"WHO STOLE MY SALTFISH ACCRA?! AY KOKÉ MANMAN ZOT! LAN DJET MANMAN ZOT! OU SÉ AN SAKRÉ TI ICH SALO-!"

"Wow! Wow! Okay, okay, we got it. That's enough bad words for today, luv." Hobie covers her lips and drags her out to cool down a bit.

Peter B. covers Mayday's ears, though he doesn't understand a thing he knows what she's saying isn't lovely.

🕸 Spidersona, who has arachnophobia, watches Penni petting her spider with disgust (don't get me wrong, her spider is adorable, but I don't want it near me). Miles makes fun of her and eventually chases her with random spider he finds around through the lobby.

🕸 Spidersona, who slips in Hobie's universe to spend some time together. She watches him play guitar on his bed and turns red when he hands her his instrument and sits behind her, his fingers brushing hers as he teaches her how to play.

🕸 Spidersona, who brings Martinican food to Mrs. Morales when she comes to visit Miles. Rio observes her chat with her son from afar along with Jefferson.

"She looks nice," Rio says after a while, still looking at them, "and she calls me 'Mrs. Morales." Her lips turning upward.

"Yeah, definitely Caribbean. Besides, I love these." Jefferson says, grabbing a slice of butter bread she made with her mom, accompanied by communion chocolate.

Spidersona and Miles look at their feet awkwardly, feeling Miles' parents' gaze on them.

"'M sorry 'bout my parents, they're... protective."

"Yeah, don't mention it. My mom does this, too."

🕸 Spidersona, who invites everyone one in her universe in Nouveau Fort. The tropical climate welcomes them fiercely, and everyone change to wear swimsuit. Peter B. applies sunscreen on Mayday and himself and lays down on a towel.

🕸 Hobie and Pavitr bury Miles in the sand, mermaid body in process as Spidersona and Gwen take Mayday to a swimming lesson, her Spider-Man rubber ring assisting her.

"Damn Gwen, you're red as hell." Spidersona hands her Peter's sunscreen, snorting.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny."

...

🕸 After 3 weeks and still no news from her, Hobie and Pavitr head to her universe. When they slip into her bedroom through the window, they find her in her bed, barely breathing. Pavitr rushes to her, worry in his eyes as he brushes her now sunken cheeks. She hardly opens her eyes, dried tears staining her face.

🕸 Hobie takes her face in his hand, caressing her cheekbones slowly before kneeling to be face level with her. He takes her blanket off her, and it pains them to see how much weight she lost. They can clearly see her ribcage under her skin.

As they discuss what to do, they hear her mother's voice in the living room. She sounds exhausted, her voice quavering.

"I don't know what to do, mom. She hasn't eat anything in days and she keeps losing weight. The doctor said we should bring her to the hospital because of her iron deficiency and underweight. Otherwise, her anemia might come back and-" her voice cracks, as she can't handle her overwhelming emotions. The phone slips from her grasp as she falls on her knees.

🕸 Hobie grabs her without hesitation and opens a portal, quickly followed by Pavitr. He mumbles apologies when she groans pain. When they arrive, Hobie pushes open the medical department's door with his foot. Spider Meds are quick to take care of her, using advanced medical tech.

🕸 Spidersona, who wakes up after 2 weeks, looking less of a momified monk. She sees a red-haired baby lying down on her belly. She recognizes Mayday, and Peter B. reaches out, his hand caressing her head.

"We missed you." He says genuinely, worry fading away and replaced by a look parents would give to their child after they injured themselves.

🕸 Spidersona, who just cries. Her pain and grief pouring out of her chest and she can't help it. Peter B. hugs her tightly, kissing her forehead.

🕸 Miles appears and stands still when he views the scene, his brain analyzing everything. He comes close, taking her hand in his, squeezing it kindly. When Peter lets go of you, Miles replaces him.

🕸 Spidersona, who after she calmed down, thanks them and asks where the others are, only to find out that they are on a mission.

🕸 Spidersona, who is surprised to see Spider-Man Noir paying her a visit, flower is his hands.

"Everyone's been worried about you." Miles explains, her hands still in his. "When Hobie and Pav came back with you almost dead, we freaked out."

"Jessica even talk to your mother so she wouldn't pass out when she found out you disappeared." Adds Spider-Man Noir.

She is grateful but also a bit ashamed she worried everyone.

"So... what happened?" Peter B. asks cautiously.

She looks up to him and tries to suppress the tears, creating in the corner of her eyes.

🕸 Spidersona, who wasn't fast enough to save her uncle Henry and faced the reality of the world.

Though everybody can relate, Miles feels like he knows exactly what she feels. He remembers when he found out that Uncle Aaron was the Prowler, the look in his eyes when he discovered Miles was Spider-Man. His hand slipping from his as he exhaled his last breath.

🕸 Spidersona, who spends her day with Miles since Peter went home to put Mayday in bed. She eats empanadas Miles brought for her.

"My mom made them for you. When I told her you were hospitalized, she wouldn't stop asking about you. Besides, since we didn't know when you would wake up, she made some every day." Miles scratches the back of his head; cheeks and ears red. He knew his mom liked you, maybe too much for his liking.

"Well, please, thanks her for me. This is delicious. My taste buds are dancing hard right now." She giggles, making Miles smile.

🕸 Spidersona, who eventually encounters Jessica and Miguel. She thanks the pregnant woman, hugging her slightly, knowing she's not a big fan. To her surprise, she rubs her back and smiles.

🕸 Spidersona, who turns to Miguel reluctantly and apologizes for being off without warning. He brushes her off, as usual, talking about how it was her canon event. Gee thanks.

🕸 Spidersona, who hears familiar voices. She turns around, and there they are : Gwen, Hobie and Pavitr. She launches herself on them, arms fully extended. Pav sees her first and rushes toward her. They both collide, their hands grasping any pieces of clothes, hugging like the world would disappear.

"I missed you so much, Choti." Pav cries, his hands hold her tightly. "You almost gave a heart attack. Don't do this ever again, please. I love you."

And she cries again, hearing her best friend voice trembling.

"I'm so sorry, Munna. I promise. I love you so much, too."

Gwen joins in, her lips quivering, and they open their arms for her to come.

🕸 Spidersona, who wipes her face after a while, then proceeds to notice Hobie, who stayed back. Pav hugs her one last time, then leaves with Gwen. She approaches Hobie, not sure why she feels so nervous all of a sudden.

🕸 Spidersona, who follows Hobie to his universe, their pinky intertwined. When they are both alone in his room, he smashes his lips against hers.

🕸 Spidersona, who feels like a tsunami washed over her: emotions and feelings blending in her core. It's slow at first but quickly bursts into a wildfire when she feels his body against her. It feels strange, and she's a bit insecure, but Hobie reassures her. It's overwhelming.

"Are you okay, luv?" He asks, his voice barely above a whisper, like she'll shatter if he's too loud.

"Yeah. I am."

🕸 Spidersona, who slowly moves on, enjoys her life with those who remain and never forgets those who left.

[huahsu]

Easily Recalled 2024 Highlights

NewJeans, "how Sweet"

NewJeans, "Supernatural"

Lin Cheng-sheng's remarkable Murmur of Youth (1997) 

finding this Gundam supercut set to "It's the End of the World as We Know It" that my cousin showed me in like 1990 on vhs. how many hundreds of hours must it have taken to make this back then? 

99

Harry Mathews, The Conversions (1962)

One Piece

DW Gibson, One Week to Change the World (2024)

hyukoh + sunset rollercoaster, AAA (here's the video for the wonderful "Young Man")

shabjdeed, al nather, riyadiyat, "rad saree3" (video is crazy)

discovering after many months that my phone wasn't actually broken, there was just a tiny piece of lint stuck in the charging port

untitled (halo), "emo is good"

astoundingly beautiful: Claire Cirocco - Drawing Circles Around the Center, amaro freitas - y'y

I probably watched Corteiz's "More to Come" ad a hundred times the day it dropped

Same with the United third kit launch which was an excellent use of "Born Slippy," and which is pretty depressing circa matchweek 18

vermut

Esther Yi, Y/N (2023)

tommy richman, 'million dollar baby'

I never missed an episode of Talk of the Devils and the Press Box

the cure, 'alone'

Jarvis Cocker talking about Salo in the Criterion Closet

BugCat Capoo, a cute and adorably violent taiwanese cartoon 

the breakfast burrito at Frontier in Albuquerque 

Aaron Cometbus, Loneliness of the Electric Menorah (2009)

this year I consumed too much: aperol, energy gels, random "hey can I ask how much do you pay in rent/do for a living?" type content 

Kobbie Mainoo

favorite t-shirt: "Reading is Fun" from one of the planet's great shops, Par Store

(2nd favorite: nine ty nine, y2k error machine)

favorite stores: VINYL 99 CLUB in Taichung's "Fusion Space" mall, Par, record shop in red hook, Community books, meridian vision, hvv, westsider books, yu and me, ergot, la central del raval, Bizarro-Wuxtry, unnameable books, the half moon books and rhino records in kingston 

Maurten's Gel 100 and discovering that Tate's cookies are a suitable "pre-workout"

best purchases: NewJeans umbrella at the Taipei pop-up, janji's afo middle short ultra, a CAYL raincoat 

DJ Sprinkles reissues

the collage video for vampire weekend's 'mary boone,' which seems to have been scrubbed from the internet (here's the official one)

galaxie 500 "shout you down" and the rest of Collected

Madonna del Bagni, a tiny church outside of Perugia filled with about 700 hand-painted tiles depicting various "miracles," many of them quite modern, one of them is actually a tile depicting a stolen tile recovered by a policeman on vacation

Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick, “Like That”

I watched way too much running content on IG this year

zlatan genuinely stressed on hot ones

favorite bar: Manhattan Cafe in Athens, GA

Nilufer yanya, “Just a Western”

"Snack of the Week" on Popcast Deluxe

X-Men House of X/Powers of X, which is thrilling yet genuinely harder to follow than grad school was

Megalopolis was not good, but it was the most absorbing movie I watched this year

cole palmer interviews fredric jameson interview by benjamin kunkel in paris review, especially fj's incredibly long and rigorously thoughtful answer to bk's first question, which was something innocuous like "where did you grow up?"

best ebay purchases: nemanja vidic "united's terminator," a stack of Film Quarterlies including the 'Wild Style' issue, 1990s longboxes

everything patrick shiroishi was involved with

christoph buchel's monte di pieta at fondazione prada venezia, a thoroughly batshit installation inspired by david graeber that shook me to my core

somewhat related, Flow was devastating!

enjoyable old man raps: Spice 1, Platinum O.G. 2

late 2023, but the Shrits Canal St cap

MK.gee, "rockman"

the last section of benjamin labatut's 'MANIAC'

central cee smiling all the time and dressing like lenny from 'of mice and men'

nala sinaphro, endlessness

I spent parts of june and july living/working in a castle in umbertide, and one of the purest delights was walking through the courtyard everday and hearing yuniya edi kwon practicing violin in her room

"AMAD DIALLO!"

Pavement playing a chronological set that ended with "Harness Your Hopes" and SM shrugging "Well that was it. That was our career."

burial, "phoneglow"

sumo citrus and "little guys" from long wind farm

Dexter's flirtation with Madchester/baggy during 'One Day' (I cried)

Sagrada Familia and the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi  ... nearly made me a believer 

previous years:

A RAT YEAR :: 2020 THE MOON REPRESENTS MY HEART :: 2019 A SONG THAT DEGRADES EACH TIME YOU PLAY IT :: 2018 A CHURCH AND JOHN LENNON’S “IMAGINE” :: 2017  SIKH DEVOTIONAL MUSIC :: 2016 SPOOKY BLACK :: 2015

[ao3feed-piltovers-finest]

Terms and Conditions

by ChocDog

Caitlyn Kiramann, special tactics operative and newly appointed Chief of Police, needs a bodyguard.

Violet (A.K.A Vi), troublemaking sump-rat recently released on parole, needs a job.

Whether Caitlyn could tame her before she got sick of the tight suits and tedious press conferences remained to be seen.

What was for sure, however, was that keeping it professional was not going to be easy.

Words: 2665, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Arcane: League of Legends (Cartoon 2021), League of Legends

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/F

Characters: Caitlyn (League of Legends), Vi (League of Legends), Vander (League of Legends), Powder from s02e07 AU (Arcane: League of Legends), Ekko (League of Legends), Jayce (League of Legends), Ambessa Medarda, Mel Medarda, Salo (Arcane: League of Legends), Shoola (Arcane: League of Legends), Silco (Arcane: League of Legends), Sevika (Arcane: League of Legends), Maddie Nolen

Relationships: Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends), Caitlyn & Vi (League of Legends)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Bodyguard, Bodyguard Romance, Power Dynamics, Forbidden Love, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Organized Crime, Sugar Mommy Caitlyn Kiramann, Protective Vi (League of Legends)

Read on A03. from AO3 works tagged ‘Caitlyn/Vi (League of Legends)’

[mxbbadperson]

Salo makes it a routine to remind Jayce that he’s a broke bitch and has done NOTHING for his lil miracle.

they could be bickering in the back while viktor is trying to make another potion or vial of something RANCID for like .. a wide spread flu in the fissures. He’d 100% kick them out of his little safe house .

Jayce “well! He’s like a brother to me so my contribution to him is my love!” Talis

and salo “if I were his brother I would be paying for his needs— oh wait, I am! No need for an older brother than.” [Whatever something idk I haven’t thought up of a surname]

and then viktor throws a glass vial at them to silence when the childish fighting gets too loud

Salo doesn't want to make it a routine but he can't help it bc jayce is annoying as hell. Bc while salo has learned to be better, to be kinder, jayce is one of the people that brings out the massive bitch in him lmao

Salo glances at jayce then dismissively looks away and smugly presents his contributions to viktor. And salo knows it hurts jayce to see the sheer amount of things salo has given viktor bc he can't give that much. And pain is what salo is counting on

Viktor is annoyed at them lol firmly tells them to be quiet and they do, mouths clicking shut and they glare at each other in silence. (Viktor quietly tells salo thank you each time, presses his forehead against salo's and salo does his best not to cling. and viktor tries to do it away from jayce's eyes but jayce always follows. And that makes salo roll his eyes, talis is hurting himself by watching so how is that his problem?)

(and for a last name suggestion... Buonarroti? it's italian means "good increase" which fits a rich family lol i picked italian bc, despite his accent, salo feela like an italian name to me? Salo Buonarroti of House Buonarroti. you can definitely choose another last name though!)

[starlightshadowsworld]

Thoughts on Arcane Season 2 Episode 5

Spoilers below

Okay cool now we have actual WWE in this show.

Is that Vi? Yeah it’s Vi.

I’ll say this definitely fits her better then bring an enforcer. Damn she took the break up hard.

Wish I could say the same for Cait.

Oh shit I thought she was just hallucinating or something but no Jinx actually came to visit.

Says a lot about Vi’s current state that Jinx seems like the normal one right now

I do love that Jinx told her about Vander as soon as found out though.

Cait walking around like a Sith Lord.

Peacekeeping my arse.

“In my experience no one in power is innocent” is such a line.

Yeah why was this guy turning Vander into a wolf?

Ayy Mel!

Oh Mel.

Oh this guys cool. He’s got a voice for audiobooks. Wait that’s her brother?! So that’s where he’s been.

Love Vi seeing the mural of Jinx.

“Why would he be down here” I think why is he a wolf is the more pressing question Vi.

Okay but like it’s kinda sweet that even though Vi kinda thinks this is one of Jinx’s fantasies that she still came.

“At least they didn’t get to see their daughter turn into a psycho” “which one?”

Deserved.

I am now henceforth only referring to Vi’s gauntlets as bitch mittens.

The slap! Like oh couldn’t defend yourself from that did you?

They’re talking. They’re arguing and think the others insane but they’re talking. More than they’ve done in a while. This isn’t a fight to the death. There aren’t guns or rockets.

This is the banter between siblings.

Even the fist fight ends the moment Isha gets hurt. And Vi knows that there’s a part of her sister still alive.

That, I told you because no matter what happens between us that’s still our father and you deserve to know.

Oh the wolf maker is joining Ambessa.

Gotta love the Medarda siblings bonding over complaining about their mother.

Ambessa falling in love and having an affair and that’s why the black roses have a vendetta against her. Was not on my bingo card.

Wait so they have another sibling? That or Mel is the one they’re looking for because she seems to know what’s going on?

Ayy we got the wolf makers name too. And he’s a Mr Freeze kinda dude.

OH SHIT?! Plot twist?! Who was that then?!

Poor Mel.

Oh shit it was Mel and also not because oh look another sibling? Maybe.

Guessing the S stands for Silco?

Something about Vi letting Jinx read the letter, to hear Silco’s words instead of reading it herself. The hesitant reach out before ultimately not doing it.

Oh wait..the wolf’s senses blood right? And Isha’s got blood on her face.

Fuck.

Vi not even hesitating to save Jinx fuck man. And trusting her and calling out to Vander, so good.

Man this would’ve been so sweet and wholesome had it lasted. And that baby they were all fighting for was Vi.

“What are you waiting for he’s your dad too?”

Sobbing and Isha joining in too hell yeah.

I love how Jayce shows up for 5 seconds and immediately finds Viktor somehow.

Very concerned there’s a Viktor hive mind apparently.

Yeah in Jayce’s defence you walked out in him man. Didn’t even apologise or anything just bought a cult member to see him.

Oh you made discoveries but you did so after leaving me and saying our paths diverted. Doing the same shit you condemned me for.

Yeah no Jayce has the right to be pissed.

Maybe killing Salo wasn’t the best idea but, yeah after seeing the horrors of hex tech…yeah makes sense.

Wonder where Hemindinger and Ekko are.

[fostersffff]

Even taking Umineko's artistic liberties into account, I was trying to figure out how the Salo Republic pressing on the gold could look like the Ushiromiya family crest, but that ties it up in a neat little bow.