#The Encounter Series

[dutifullycertainunknown]

Strange how I remember that street scene ...

An Encounter 04 (2024)

[mayasaura]

Was thinking about this line because Harrow what the actual fuck are you talking about, and I realised something.

Not only does Harrow really for real not know that Gideon loves her—in the bullshit context of their lives, this is a reasonable misunderstanding for her to have.

What has Harrow known Gideon's life goals to be since they were children? Hint: There are at least two Harrow is fully aware of.

The first is to be wanted. As much as Gideon hates and wants to escape the Ninth, she also paradoxically craves their acceptance. They're the only community she's ever known. Harrow plays on that desire from the very beginning, mostly by kind of .... well, okay, by negging her about it. Ironically appealing to her sense of loyalty and duty to her house when they both know Gideon never even had that bridge to burn. That kind of thing.

Whether or not she's right, Harrow sincerely believes that acceptance to still be important to Gideon. First flower of my house, the greatest cavalier we have ever produced. You are our triumph. The best of all of us. When Harrow has only seconds left to make amends, she not only banks hard into praising Gideon, she frames it to unambiguously offer Gideon the acceptance she's always been conspicuously denied. Assuring her of her value not just as a person or as a cavalier, but as one of their house, one of their people.

The second thing Harrow knows is that Gideon wants to join the Cohort. Easy, everybody knows that. She's only been telling everyone with ears (and then some) since she was eight years old. It's the bait Harrow dangled to entice her into this mess. She wants to be a hero, to do great deeds like in the comic books. She wants to be a soldier.

Against the backdrop of all that context, Gideon's dying declaration "for the Ninth" starts to sound a hell of a lot more like "for Queen and country." Especially when you remember that Harrow is still the sovereign ruler of the Ninth. From Harrow's vantage point, Gideon could easily be playing the heroic underdog in a war movie. The soldier no one believed in until she threw herself on a grenade to save her squad. The knight errant who proved her chivalry by giving her life in service to her king.

From that perspective, Harrow's line to Ortus makes sense. She's following through on her promise of acceptance, defending Gideon's loyalty to the first Ninth face she sees. She's playing out Gideon's war hero fantasy, where Gideon's act of heroism proved them all wrong about her. In which case Ortus's response, "You are the most worthy heroes the Ninth House could muster. I truly believe that," flows very naturally as a reply. He understands what Harrow is trying to say, and affirms it.

It's not a hero's burial in the Anastasian, but it's the closest thing Harrow has the power to give her. And it's a fucking reasonable interpretation of Gideon's actions that doesn't touch on her feelings for Harrow at all. Fuck me.

[sunrisesfromthewest]

First Encounter

|Summary: Your first encounter with Armando; based off of that one scene from bad boys ride or die. | Warnings: Getting shot at/slight suggestive language/Curse words/Slight Movie Spoilers | Trope: One sided interest or Enemies to Lovers| Notes: Hopefully you guys enjoy it's my first-time writing a x reader. | (Y/N/N=Your Nickname)

Here's all the parts I have so far: 1 2 3 4 5 6

______________________________________________________________

After seeing the news about your dad, Uncle Mike, and some guy, you decided to leave work early. Confused on why there all the sudden wanted fugitives,you quickly drive over to Dorns place knowing that he’ll have answers.

Parking your car, you grab your purse and make your way towards his lake house. Since you hang out with him and Kelly 24/7 outside of work, you just walk in without knocking.    Which was a mistake on your end because not even a second later you’re being shot at, and you could hear a few people yell in shock.  Dropping to the floor you curse and yell "It's me stop fucking shooting it’s me Y/N!”  Looking up you see Kelly pointing the gun at the place you were just standing at with a shock expression.  “Girl what the hell you got going on” you said, scared to stand up.  Lowering her gun she said “OMG, Y/N, I’m so so—” Before she could finish you hear “Oh lord, you shooting at my baby!", recognizing the voice you look around to spot your father Marcus, running towards you with a worried look.

As he’s checking over you, you hear him sigh with relief after seeing you were fine. " Dad? what the fuck is going on!", standing up you dust off your nurse uniform, with a confused expression. 

Looking around the room you noticed shocked expressions from Dorn and Kelly who had put her gun down. Spotting Uncle Mike and the man that was with him on the news your eyes squint even more, Tryna put two to two together.    “Y/N/N, aren’t you supposed to be at work, "Marcus says confused on why his daughter was there.  Still shaking up from being shot at you say, “I was at work but when I was making my rounds with my patients, I seen you guys on the news ......but shit! I should be asking the questions! why are you, Uncle Mike and this dude, wanted fugitives …. matter of fact," turning towards the man, "Who are you?”.    Seeing the man smirk he says," Someone you can get well acquainted with.”  Just as you’re about to say something smart, your dad cuts in dramatically "Aye hell nah man! No hitting on my daughter, Mike get your son!” 

Shocked you run your eyes over the Latino man which you can now see have some of Mike's features, “Uncle Mike since when you have a son, and why the hell is he dressed up like a redneck.”  Running your eyes frantically over their forms you back up while pointing your hands at them and say, “matter of fact why are you all dress up like that.”  Feeling your dad pull you aside to calm you down, he explains everything that happened these past few days.    After getting the run down on what was going on, you rub at your eyes with a stressed sigh." So that’s Armando," you said shaking your head "I would’ve pulled my gun out as well if I’ve seen him, dad didn’t he almost kill you and Uncle Mike!", you said feeling frustrated about the situation.  “Y/n,I know this is awkward, but he has evidence to prove that Captain Conrad is innocent.”  Sighing again “Okay, fine but if he tries some shit just know Imma make him taste the rainbow.”  Hearing laughter you look back to see the Latino leaning against the kitchen counter looking at you with a smirk on his face.  Seeing your father look at you with a don’t do it expression made you huff and ignore Armando’s laughter.    Before you could move to grab your purse off the floor your dad stops you again and whispered, "How long Kelly and Dorn been messing around, "letting out a short laugh you say, “For a minute now”  Seeing your father smirk, and send a look to Mike, you knew they were up to no good but chose to ignore it.

Walking to the door to grab your purse and its spilled contents you feel eyes on you, gazing up you see Armando watching you with an unreadable expression. Rolling your eyes you pick up the rest of your stuff, but as you reach for your lip gloss, a hand grabs it.    Looking up your face to face with the Latino himself, annoyed you extend your hand out, while raising an eyebrow.  Watching his amused expression, you sigh and roll your eyes. 

“Boy if you don’t give me my stuff,Imma punch you in the throat." Hearing him chuckle made you more agitated, but you kept your cool. As he holds out the gloss to you with a smirk you huff and reach out to snatch it, only for him to pull it back in a teasing manner.

Looking at him as if he’s grown two heads, you’re about to cuss him out when he says”Demasiado bonita para una boca como esa”.  Furrowing your eyebrows you say “What?”    Armando’s smirk widens as he says, “I said to pretty for a mouth like that.”  Scoffing you snatch your lip gloss out his hands, putting it in your purse as you stand up and say, “First of all, my mouth is only like this because you almost killed my dad not too long ago, and secondly I can say whatever the fuck I want cause last I checked imma grown women.”  Watching his eyes glance down at your body, you hear a low whistle, "You sure are, but if you ever wanna fix that mouth of yours, "he pauses allowing his pretty brown eyes to trail back up to yours,”aquí estaré mami” (I’ll be here mommy) 

Shocked slightly at his boldness, you say “Boy if you don’t get out of m---,” but before you could finish, he was called over by Mike. At first Armando ignores him and continues to admire you until your dad says, “Boy get your ass over here," which made you break eye contact with him and look away.  

Glancing back up you couldn't help but admire his physique as well but as he reaches the others by the computer set up. He glances back to see you staring which resulted in him sending you a wink. Rolling your eyes you turn away with a smirk," You your daddy son for sure," you say to yourself with a smile.

_____________________________________________________________

Notes: Let me know if you guys want a part 2 :) and pls go see the movie it's so good

[flovoid]

‘BAR BUDDIES’

[nitpick7]

funniest thing about pvp civilization to me is how it keeps referencing the stupid parts of parkour civilization. here is an incomplete list of things that i remember that are funny.

evbo asks someone how you know when you're friends with someone and they respond "well you should learn their name, for a start", at which point he realizes he hasn't learned The Woman's name yet

someone points out that evbo has a nametag. funniest shit ever.

his internal monologues are actually external like 50% of the time and everyone is just like "dude will you shut up"

evbo doing parkour between trees while he and tabi (but mostly tabi) try to come up with their whole Saving The World plan

that is not everything but it is everything i have the brainpower to remember

[royaltea000]

I love Bai Long Ma he truly don’t gaf

[worldwright]

Malevolent Yellow thoughts have been fermenting for months now. It's the nature versus nurture of it all. Is a good person born or made? How much can they choose it in the face of a world that won't let them?

When John first woke up with Arthur, he was terrified. He had no idea who he was, where he was, he had no control over his form or direction, he had no purpose. He defaulted to the survival tactic most familiar to him: manipulation. He wanted to control Arthur -- and thus, his own situation -- without leaving himself vulnerable. It worked, for a time. But his own memory loss made him slip up, and it turned out Arthur was more canny than he anticipated. And yet, when gaps opened in his defenses, Arthur responded with kindness. Understanding, sympathy. He didn't take advantage of that vulnerability. Honestly, even without his month with Lily, I believe John would have opened up to Arthur.

But John's relationship with Arthur had begun on even footing. Neither of them had any memory. Both were lost and confused and desperate for answers. Both were wary of each other, but forced by circumstance to work together. Another place where they could sympathize. They both made compromises along the road as they settled in with each other.

But Yellow?

Yellow is the exact same as John was. Terrified, alone, with no control and no memory. But he was greeted with someone who KNEW him. Someone who his manipulation didn't work on. Someone with all the power over him while he was left with no leverage and no escape. And this person told him who he was supposed to be. Said, I know you. No you don't! The person who you love was grown, not born!

Of course, Arthur realized this eventually. But the damage was already done. Instead of learning to fit together organically, it was stilted and forced, tainted with the expectation that Yellow would eventually be someone he knew nothing about -- someone who both he and John himself would have recoiled from upon first waking!

John and Yellow have a fascinating dialogue about strength and weakness. Yellow claims to know the meaning of strength. Maybe he does. It's all he's ever known. John claims to have earned the power of weakness. Vulnerability. Trust. Yellow never got a chance to find that. It took John time and love and reciprocated weakness to find that meaning for himself, and to embrace it. Yellow was under threat from the first moment he existed. And when -- suddenly, without warning or countermeasure -- he was trapped with Larson instead, he had no choice but to continue using the tactics that kept him safest.

Yellow is a prisoner, first and foremost. He never had autonomy, not even to decide what he wanted. Arthur told him that he wanted to become someone weak. Larson told him that he wanted to be an all-powerful god. One of those tends to have more control over their circumstances, and Yellow chose accordingly.

[querulousmegapode]

Every day I wake up and remember that the Disc is populated by a set of fascinating, nuanced and ultimately human* characters. And I smile.

(*NOTE: please insert as appropriate: vampiric, dwarvish, Nobby Nobbs, definitely not a monkey AAAH, etc. etc.)

Each character just feels real!! Like an actual person you could meet!! Even when they’re a background character you’ll never see again. Even if they only show up once.

The disc is so full of life, and that’s so so wonderful.

I was having a conversation with a friend (my poor friends are consistent victims of my discworld propaganda drive) about how much I liked Angua and they were like oh!! Is she your favourite character!? And I had to very awkwardly be like, oh no, actually there are like six other characters that I’m somehow *more* insane about.

And it just got me thinking about how well done every single character is. Even the characters that show up in only one book are just awesome! The villains are brilliant!! And as the series progresses you see such a genuine effort to portray people well.

There are So So many Discworld characters that I love, and that’s such a testament to how talented Terry Pratchett was as a writer.

Just,, man, I love all those little guys so much. I’m so glad this exists.

[homolobotomized]

kabru going thru the labors of hercules (and dying more than any other named character) specifically because he wanted to listen to laios infodump ab his special interest is making me crazy like what do you MEAN..........

[baeshijima]

— the weight of a sinner

to bear a sin is a result of consequence, but to bear a sin with no relation to you is an inescapable burden — a means to have a scapegoat and someone to hold accountable. unfortunately, you're one of the very few who seem to think as such.

CONTAINS : gn!reader, 3k wc, angst(y-ish), bittersweet, some lightheartedness in there... somewhere, shackling prison/pre-banishment dan heng, mentions of high-cloud quintet, relationship w/ dan feng left ambiguous (but implied dan feng x reader)

A/N : dan heng and reader face inner turmoil just as i do when facing any minor or major inconvenience. (the dan f/heng animated short was looped while i was writing this...)

Your time within the lifeless prison is limited. Lest you want to be caught red-handed by the stationed prison guards or, worse yet, Jing Yuan for trespassing, you ought to hurry. (You have an inkling he is well-aware of your routinely visits, but you choose to ignore the thought. It makes pretending to be none the wiser a little easier when you’re with him.)

Well, that much is easier said than done. 

Shooing away unnecessary thoughts, you continue your way down towards the depths of The Shackling Prison. Blending into the surrounding darkness, you wait as patrolling guards pass by, watching their receding figures with calm eyes. As always, the security towards the bottom of this dreary place is tighter. It’s understandable, really, when taking into consideration who they have held captive.

Eventually, you come to a stop. You take in the familiarity of the surroundings, of the damp smell, of the hollow drips echoing within the walls, of the eerie isolation which encroaches on you.

Several guards hover in front of the cell. A quiet sigh escapes you, though it doesn’t come as a surprise. With the fluidity it takes for you to knock out the guards in one swift movement, one would think the act to be like that of muscle memory. It’s not all that far off when considering just how many times you have done this, on top of your past merits as a Cloud Knight. Now left without any potential risks, you step out from the dreary shadows and make your way through the bars and into the chamber.

Laboured breaths; beads of sweat; a harsh crease between his brows; clothing torn and sullied. No matter how many times you see him in such a state, your heart lurches for him all the same.

With quick, light steps you draw closer. Features you are all too familiar with become clearer in spite of the dingy lighting, but your attention is more focused on the dark, murky wisp festering his soul.

“Those blasted Elders,” you mutter to yourself as you take in the young man’s haggard appearance. “Just what poison have they deceived him with this time…”

His body hangs limp against the metal restraints, ragged breaths wracking his worn body as his expression contorts into one of pain. Dark spots flicker ominously when your eyes skim his body. The burden wrought as a result of the Preceptors’ influence must weigh heavily on his mind if his soul is this contaminated to such an extent. (You dread to think of the lies they’ve been spewing to him about Dan Feng for him to be in this state of conflict.)

Your gaze stops at one particular point, its shadow more concentrated compared to the rest. “They made his soul murkier than it was just a few days ago!” And he’s sustained more bruises than before…

Immediately, your hands hover over his chest. A dim glow distorts the matted appearance of his skin, its shallow light allowing for you to get a closer look at the injuries he has sustained since your last visit. Eyes narrowed at a particularly concerning spot, you’re loath to believe the Elders have even a smidge of humanity left within them — assuming they even had any to begin with, that is.

Amidst your hushed curses towards the Vidyadhara Preceptors, a low groan resounds from in front. The once slack figure writhes against the chains, hissing at the uncomfortable friction the metal must no doubt be causing to his raw skin. You are about to move your attention to his wrists to help alleviate the pain until a flash of colour appears in your peripherals. You blink once, twice. Tilting your head up, you find yourself gazing into an unmistakably striking pair of teal eyes akin to that of the viridescent horns atop his head, the crimson which rests under his eyes and woven into a portion of his hair standing out despite the gloomy environment.

The faint clanging of metal brings you out of your daze. Oh. Right. He regained consciousness.

…Oops.

“You… What did you do?” His voice is hoarse — raspy. There is a slight edge in the gaze he regards you with, a precautionary means of defence. You can’t say you’re all that surprised. Rather, it makes you glad he remains on guard even though he has seen you a fair share of times.

Pausing the usage of your abilities, you cast your full attention onto him as you engage in this rare conversation. “I’m simply here to tend to your injuries and alleviate some of the burden weighing you down.”

(You’re not lying, per se, but you opt to omit the part wherein this selfishness within you merely wishes to save what you failed to before; an unnecessary burden you carry on behalf of someone long gone.)

“Thank you, but why go out of your way to help a sinner? You receive no benefit from this.”

A bitter smile stretches your lips at his words. A striking familiarity seeps within his tone, yet you’re no fool to mistake the man in front of you for someone who no longer walks the path of the living. You’re not like the rest of them who are stuck in the past.

“No one deserves to be shackled by past burdens. I hope that, one day, you can break free from the shadows of the past and live the way you desire. This is your life. No one has the right to dictate what you can and cannot do…” Your fists clench, eyes narrowing into a glare towards the ground. The next words leave a bitter taste in your mouth. “Not even those Elders have the right to do so.”

Silence follows your words. You take that as your cue to resume tending to him; he lets you.

Thinking back, he seems far more relaxed compared to when he was awake during your first couple of visits. He would shrink in on himself when you tried to cross a certain distance, his tail flicking anxiously in response as he regarded you with trembling yet hostile eyes. It’s a stark difference to how he is now. For one, his tail isn’t even out, having retreated when he came to realise you weren’t a threat nor were you going to harm him. He isn’t tense in your presence either, merely watching you do what you came here for with calm, slow blinks.

“Alright, all done here!” Leaning back with a huff, you bring a tentative hand to wipe away at the beads of sweat accumulating atop your forehead. There seemed to be more work than your previous cleanses, but you find the extra effort to be worth it when not even a speck of that murky contamination is left within him. Pride swells within you at your handy work. Haven’t lost my touch just yet!

Now with no reason to stay, you make a move to stand when a quiet murmur halts your movements.

“...You’re not calling me by that name.” When you give him an inquisitive look, he elaborates, “Dan Feng. You don’t call me by that name.”

That name roots you in place. Your mouth runs dry when his name is uttered in that voice, breathed out by that unnervingly similar face, senses growing dull as an all too familiar ache weighs down on your heart.

Your gaze drops momentarily before meeting with his own one — one riddled with confusion and a hunger for answers. “Because you’re not him. You are not Dan Feng, you are you.”

In spite of what all those Preceptors keep trying to hammer on about, how the Vidyadhara High Elder Dan Feng still lives and must face the consequences of his sins, how they have not diminished in power and influence, you find yourself to be one of the few who abstain from such beliefs. How could you not when you were someone privy to his private life, to his wants and hopes, his fears and worries, his dreams for a better future when all was said and done amidst your roles in history.

As such, you can hold your beliefs with confidence.

Dan Feng is gone. Dan Feng is dead. Dan Feng, despite the haunting similarities which stand before you, is not the one you’ve been looking out for within this seclusion. The incarnation in front of you is not the same man you have spent countless years by the side of, nor is he the one privy to the deepest, most intimate parts of yourself only few know of, just as you were with him.

“And…” You pause for a brief second before standing. His eyes follow your movements in caution, though you can tell your words resonate within him (the previous uncertainty which clung onto him is nowhere to be seen, for one). “I hope this is the last time we meet. For both our sakes.”

You lingering around him like some shadow will do the both of you no good, and you would be no different than all the others who hover around him for his status and power. It’s a decision you have long since come to terms with, one you knew would take place the moment you left your house to come here today.

It’s for the better, you tell yourself as you walk away. With this, perhaps you can finally allow yourself to let go of him and the past—

“Wait…!” There’s a shuffle behind you, the faint clinking of metal, a soft curse and grunt following soon after. Upon turning your head to gaze over your shoulder, you find yourself staring into glowing teal. “Every time I— ugh!” A pained gasp escapes him when he struggles too much against the restraints. Before you can reach out and alleviate his pain he merely shakes his head, signifying he has no need for your power. Not a second later, he continues. “Unlike the other blurred or vivid dreams I have of the previous life, every time I see or think of you my mind is calm. I know little-to-nothing of you, and yet, instinctively, I feel safe in your presence. Who are you?”

His words cause your eyes to widen and your stomach to drop. You weren’t expecting him to have some awareness of Dan Feng’s life and your identity, nor for his eyes to shine so brightly despite there being no light. Your teeth clench; your lips wobble. Someone must have tampered with his rebirth, or else he wouldn’t be able to recall even a single thing. You’ve heard some of the ways in which Dan Feng has been described by the Elders — how he is a criminal, a sinner, a monster, one who brought shame to the Vidyadhara name as the High Elder, and how he as his incarnation is no different.

He won’t be able to live this life as his own without being shadowed by the past. He won’t be able to escape the sins and burdens not meant to be carried by his shoulders. He will forever have the name and consequences wrought by his predecessor follow him instead of his valour and achievements, and the mere thought of it weighs heavy on your heart.

A wince involuntarily makes its way onto your features at the recollection; you don’t dare think about the cruelties they could have sneered into the young man’s ears when he was at his weakest and most susceptible to the brainwashing.

When you gather the courage to face him once more, you remember he asked you a question: “Who are you?” Looking into his eyes, there’s a hidden desperation in his gaze which causes your lips to naturally form the beginning phonemes of your name. But you stop, instead deciding it would be best to omit anything that could potentially implicate you with his previous incarnation. After all, for him to forge a path of his own, the past must remain as just that.

And so, with a light smile, you answer, “I’m just someone who doesn’t wish to see an innocent person bear the sins of their predecessor.”

He doesn’t have the chance to respond. You’re long gone from the confines of his chamber, as though you were never there to begin with, and he is left to stare into the abyssal darkness which has accompanied him throughout the entirety of his life. 

The only tell-tale sign of your presence being real is the warmth which spreads through his chest, warding off the dulled pain administered by the Preceptors.

In spite of your earlier words, the shackled Vidyadhara cannot help but to hope your paths cross once more. Whether that be within the tethers of a sinner, or perhaps in the distant future when he’s strong enough to leave his past burdens behind and start anew, he hopes he can talk to you as himself; as Dan Heng.

Maybe then you won’t have that pained look in your eyes when you gaze at him.

--

There’s a slight trickle of rain when you step foot outside into the Exalting Sanctum. It’s a stark contrast to the suffocating air of a cell, though the resulting chill which follows seems to be a worse trade-off.

You ought to have a word with whoever’s in charge of controlling the weather. Or at least get Jing Yuan to have a word with them. They certainly could have timed this better. What’s done is done, however, as chains of the past already begin to entrap you within its cold tethers.

“Forgive me,” you murmur, gaze upturned and blank as your body steadily becomes drenched in artificial rain. “Even your reincarnation will only know you as an emotionless sinner by word of those Elders.”

You must look terrible like this, soaked to the bone with nothing to cover you. You can picture him reprimanding your carelessness with that worried tone of his, laughing off his nags before he ultimately covers you with an umbrella and brings you back to his abode where a pot of hot tea and spare dry clothing awaits you.

But he’s not here to do all those things once more; nor is there anyone in the vicinity, for that matter. It is simply you, your grief, and your lonesome.

“You’re gone. Baiheng’s gone. Yingxing isn’t here. Neither is Jingliu. There’s only so much more Jing Yuan can try to carry by himself before he cracks. Or maybe he already has but remained stubborn as ever, hiding his burdens like always. And I… I’m just a coward who cannot do anything other than wish for the happier days to come back. I just want us to be happy again...” Warmth trickles down your cheeks, a stinging sensation blooming from within your senses. Abruptly, your voice quietens, barely a whisper. “Is that too much to ask?”

Had it not been for that prophecy of depravity and betrayal… would things be different now? Would everyone still be here drinking under the moonlight, telling stories of one-another (both the embarrassing and the emotional), sharing tears and laughter, sparring and honing one’s skills until muscles cried for rest and reprieve?

If you weren’t a coward back then — if you had just said or even just did something — would this all have been a mere nightmare they would tease you in good nature for?

You laugh, humourless. “Hah. What am I doing? It’s not like you can hear me if I talk to the rain. You would’ve given me an answer years ago if that were the case.”

A bitter taste lingers then, ceasing the rest of your words and instead causing you to choke up.

Inhale, exhale. Through the nose, out the mouth.

Having calmed down, your eyes stray towards the outside of the ship, taking in the bleeding hues of purple and blue distorted by the rain. Motionless, you remain in a trance for a few moments.

“...Remember that plan we talked about before?” you begin once more, voice steady unlike a few moments prior. “The one of all of us travelling planet to planet and exploring life beyond missions and the Luofu? Well, I think it’s about time one of us keeps to our word. I guess I should prepare to say goodbye to Jing Yuan soon.” A half-hearted chuckle escapes you at that. Your eyes close and drop with a sigh, a wry smile stretching the line of your lips. “Do you think he’ll resent me for leaving him as well?”

Silence is your only response, and you come to realise the rain has stopped. When you lift your gaze, the moon shines bright through the lingering mist. It’s almost reminiscent of happier days, when you were young and free, only having to worry about preventing a scuffle between Yingxing and Jing Yuan from breaking out, sometimes sharing a drink with Jingliu as Baiheng chattered away about her day. But most often were nights such as this spent together with Dan Feng, wiling away the nights stargazing and reminiscing missions and basking in one another’s quiet company.

It’s about time I move on, too.

With a swift turn you begin the trek home. For the first time in a long while, you have a goal — a hope and a dream to your name. Your mind recollects the young man’s gaze, how his eyes burned brighter than the sun itself in that one instance. Despite your prior words, a part of you hopes you meet once more when he truly discovers himself; for who he really is as opposed to the ghost which clings to his being.

For someone who can still create such an expression despite those conditions, his future is limitless.

(That night, after having packed your essentials in preparation of heading out the following day and penned a letter for Jing Yuan to read in your disappearance, you had a dream. Through your fragmented recollection, you recalled a woman with a comforting smile; a man wise beyond his years; a familiar, yet unfamiliar, young man who wields a calm aura; a cute girl with boundless energy; a stoic-looking girl with unexpected charm; a rabbit-like creature dressed akin to a conductor; and you… you were happy. Happy in a way you never thought you would be again.

It was a lovely dream.)

if you enjoyed this, then reblogs with/or comments are greatly appreciated !! <33

[captainkirkk]

I check ao3 for fic updates by going to bookmarks and filtering by "last updated", but for some reason ao3 keeps randomly bringing old series to the top of the search? I get really excited that an old favourite has a surprise update, only to check and find?? It hasn't updated at all?? Ao3 explain

[spiritusloci]

An Encounter 11 (2024)

[secriden]

You know what makes me soooo excited for the next phase of Fadel and Style's relationship? It's that they will finally slot into the CORRECT relationship dynamics because this whole time, it's been flipped.

From the beginning, something felt off, and I think it's because Style's true desire is to be pursued. We are shown this pretty much in Style's introduction when he blatantly puts his body on display with the Crop Top Stretch. Style wants to be approached, wants to be propositioned, wants to be desired. Also, remember how he initially flirts with Fadel when his only motivation was his own attraction? He pinned the Heart Burger badge onto his chest to create an opportunity for Fadel to put his hands on Style's body.

Of course Fadel wasn't pursuing Style; was in fact, actively trying to get away (for reasons OTHER than a lack of physical attraction to Style), so it is the plot that has to drive our lovebirds together using Kant's request and partly Style's own desire to get some revenge.

But throughout their interactions, we constantly see glimpses of Style's desire to be pursued: every single time Fadel even shows a HINT of wanting Style, he immediately falls pliant, like he can't wait to let Fadel take the reins. And nothing shows this more clearly than the absolutely blissed out look on Style's face in Ep 4 when he thinks Fadel has finally admitted that he wants Style.

(Fucking hell, just look at how dazed and almost euphoric Style looks here? It's like Style has been starving for the barest hint that Fadel truly wants him.)

Which is also why we've gotten so many fake outs. Because although Fadel IS attracted to Style (Ep 2 made that...abundantly clear), he isn’t remotely ready to pursue anyone. Not only is Fadel nursing a broken heart, barely beating, he also has very justified suspicions about Style’s connection to Kant and Style's unnatural persistence.

So it's Style that has to pursue - he dodges Fadel's footsteps, and bullies his way into Fadel's life; but in between the frustration and annoyance, Fadel's walls begin to crack. And I think it's SO COOL that the first significant evidence we have of Fadel's walls crumbling is because Style puts his body on display for Fadel. Because Fadel responded to something that was naturally part of the way Style operates before he even met Fadel. And there are other, more compelling reasons why I think Fadel begins to fall for Style, but that's not really the point I'm trying to make here.

When Fadel said "If I like you, I'll do the pursuing", it wasn't just to get Style to back off. Because now that Fadel has finally chosen to explore something real with Style, we are seeing Fadel's words in action. I know some people have said Fadel's switch to flirting so blatantly with Style in Ep 4's gym scene came out of left field, but I think it may well be confirmation that this was always the dynamic they were meant to be in. Fadel likes pursuing and Style likes being pursued. They fit, they match, they're perfectly compatible.

(Fadel looks almost faintly amused by how "flustered" Style is. Because he doesn't know that Style is actually afraid of him - why would he, when Style has evidenced zero fear so far? So this comes across like Style is getting shy in response to Fadel's unexpected and more overt approach. And possibly this is Fadel starting to remember how much he enjoys the chasing.)

Unfortunately, Kant's revelation is going to screw allll of this up. But, we are finally going to see glimpses of how they work when they're aligned correctly in their dynamics! And while it will take a journey (and oh, it will be gloriously painful, won't it?), our boys are finally on the road to something lasting and I am sooo glad we get to come along for the ride. <3

[sunrisesfromthewest]

First Encounter Part 5

Warnings: SMUT+18,Armando finally getting that 🐱,R-rated Language ,Armando causal taking a piss like it’s normal between y’all 😂Very little Breeding kink,Shower Sex, (Poor Kitty Abandoned and Marcus still traumatized by his decision😭) Previous Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you enter the shower you moan in relief as the hot water cascades against your exhausted body. Soaking up the heat, that is now surrounding you, you grab your exfoliating sheet and favorite body wash, eager to wash off today's stress and worries. 

As you run the soapy sheet against your legs you couldn’t help but to let your mind wander to the steamy make out sesh with Armando. Running your hands over your thighs you sigh with need, ”Damn..maybe I should’ve asked him to join me.”  

Continuing your shower routine, you began to hear water running, confused you take a peek from around the curtain only to freeze at the sight before you. Armando stood in front of the toilet; shirt tucked under his chin, tan muscled stomach flexing slightly, as he peed. 

Eyes trailing down his figure you let out a gasp as he turned, giving you a beautiful view of his thick lengthy member. Hearing a gasp Armando looks up only to see you gazing at him, specially at a certain body part. "Enjoying the view, princess.", he says with a smug look while shaking his member lightly before tucking himself back in his boxers. 

Realizing you been caught you pull the shower curtain back, blocking his view as you yell, "Why didn’t you knock!” 

Hearing a laugh and a flush, you step back away from the water already knowing that it would briefly become cold before returning back to its normal temp. “The real question is do you want me to join you, princess.” tensing at his words, you stop, brain spitting out multiple reasons on why you should decline, but you feel a light throb between your legs at his offer. 

Sticking your head out the shower, you see him drying his hands, while leaning against your bathroom sink. Brown eyes meeting yours while he gives you a teasing smile,” What’s it gonna be mamá?” 

Biting your lip trying to contain your smile, you open the curtain partcially,allowing him to get a view of your chest. Watching as the water rundown the valleys of your pretty brown breast, Armando releases a hungry growl,” Definitivamente te voy a dejar embarazado, cariño(I'm definitely getting you pregnant).” 

Giggling in excitement as you see him strip, you move back under the water, thanking your past self for getting the wet and wavy sew ins. Watching as his tan sun kissed body steps in the shower with you, you let out a sigh in anticipation and admiration. 

“Are you sure that this is what you want,cuz once I start ain’t no stopping." he says as he wraps his arms around your waist pulling you into him. Moaning from the embrace you nod your head not trusting your voice at the moment. “Don’t go mute on me Y/N, I need to hear your pretty mouth say yes."  

Lifting up your chin, with a single finger, your brown eyes connect with his, "Use your words, mamá”.Letting out a breathy yes, Armando brings you into a sloppy kiss, arms wrapping around his neck you run a hand against his head pressing him forward. 

Sucking on his tongue, Armando groans into the kiss, body shaking from the sensation, hands gripping your waist he pulls you closer grinding against you. Not breaking the kiss, he nips at your full lips, while giving your ass a smack. "Keep teasing me like that Y/N and Imma make sure you have a limp while you attempt to walk.", he says in between kisses. 

Shuddering from his words you pull back running your hands against his firm pecks” Promise", you say already feeling dazed by the kiss alone. Feeling his dick jump at your words, you smile trailing a hand down his wet chest and pass his stomach.  

Hearing him release a sigh, you began to jerk him off, wrist moving up and down, at a slow pace. Moaning he grips your ass harder, sucking at your neck while deeply muttering, “"Te lo prometo… A la mierda nena…. ¡Lo prometo!(I promise.... fuck baby.... I promise!)” 

Tracing your thumb over his tip, you feel him shiver against you, while you rub his precum against him member. Armando bites your neck, while trailing kisses down your chest, feeling him flick your nipple with his tongue made you moan loudly.  

He growls as he began to nip, suck and bite your breast: listening as he sucks on your breast made you slick between your legs. As he gives the same attention to the other breast you feel his hand wonder down to your inner thighs.  

Gasping he begins to rub your clit in hard circular motions, throwing your head against the shower wall you moan, which only seemed to make him move faster. Moving away from your breast his eyes darken as he watches your expression change, "You like that baby, does it feel good." he says eyes trained on you waiting for a reply. 

 To loss in the sensation, you failed to hear what he said resulting in him pinching your clit,gulping you say, "What?" Smirking at your loss expression he says,”Y/N you better start listening or this is going to be a long night." Nodding your head, you feel him roughly rub your clit,”What I say about that nodding, shit.” Sighing as he begins to run his fingers through your wet folds, you moan while saying "Okay, Daddy!" Feeling his hands freeze you look up at him confused on why he stopped.  

Licking his lip he gives you an intense stare, "What you just say, baby?”, blinking as you watch his eyes switch to predatory, you say Daddy raising an eyebrow. Seeing you give him a confused innocent look only made him, harder as he grabs your left leg wrapping it around his waist.  

“Say it again,” he says rubbing his thick length between your wet folds, blinking you look into his eyes moaning Daddy. Armando grinds into you hard repeating his words, again as he kisses your moist lips.  

Kissing him harder your breath hitches as his tip rubs against your clit.” No sabes lo que me estás haciendo, princesa(You don't know what you do to me,princess),” he says chuckling darkly, "I haven’t even given you my dick yet and your already about to cum.” 

 Trembling from his words and his merciless grinding you kiss at his neck begging. "What you want baby?” he says as he hears you plead, while dragging his dick against you, "Use your words, I ain’t telling you again.” Smacking your ass hard, he waits for your reply, "I want you inside of me!" you whine as you feel a stinging sensation from the slap. 

Carefully picking you up Armando presses you against the shower wall, body getting soaked by the shower head. Giving you a soft kiss on the lips, he presses his toned body against your soft one while grabbing his member eagerly. Lining his tip up with your entrance he asked if you were ready. 

“I’m more than ready, Mando.” you say sucking at his neck, while running your nails against his back. After hearing you confirm that you were ready, he pushes in the tip letting out a shaky sigh. Reaching a hand up to grab your chin he pulls you into a bruising kiss, as he eases his thick dick into your wet pussy,inch by inch. 

“Damn,baby you taking my dick so good." he groans, voice deep and raspy. "I barely done anything to you,Y/N and your pussy is soaking!" Wrapping your thick legs around his tan waist tighter, as he begins to slide in and out of you, made you shiver with pleasure. 

“If this was any other time, I would’ve made you wear a condom," you say in between pants, while kissing his shoulder. Gripping your ass harder, he starts drilling into your shit,which in return caused you to hold onto him for dear life. 

“Cariño, este coño es mío, ya no tienes que preocuparte por la protección.(Baby, this pussy is mine, you don't have to worry about protection no more.)”, he says growling in your ear, while pounding into you. 

You couldn’t tell if it was water or slick running, down your legs but the way your body was twitching against him, leaned you more towards the second option. Gasping as he hit a certain area had you moaning like crazy, while throwing your head back.  

"Is that it baby....is that the spot." He said thrusting into you, more anxious to see you come on done. Locking your low lidded brown eyes with his dilated ones almost made you cum on the spot. Running a hand through his hair you give him light praises, while shifting your hips against his hungrily. 

“Fuck,right their baby.... you're making me feel so good!" you said trying your best to grind against him from the position you were in. Clenching around him, you set one of your legs on the shower floor, attempting to meet his thrust with your own, as he hits that spot again. 

“I’m close Mando...so fucking close!" you said kissing at his neck, while reaching between y'all to rub your swollen clit. “Damn it, baby, I can feel you gripping me, warm pussy just sucking me up......and the noises your making is driving me crazy......” he says, breathless, thrusting harder as he tries to hold back and savor the feeling of being inside of you. 

 Your orgasm sneaking up on you caused you to throw your head back, eyes closed as you let out a loud moan, body freezing up. Kissing against your open mouth, his movements begin to studder as he feels you clench around his dick hard. Gulping he talks you through it, "There you go baby... just like that...keep sucking in my cock, baby......I'm so close!"

Hammering into you he chases after his on release, pulling your head back by your hair as he attacked your already bruising neck. Becoming overstimulated you didn’t know whether to push him away or pull him into you. As he gets close to the edge his thrusting turn into a frantic uncoordinated thrust, he asked you where you wanted him to cum. 

Mind to fucked to think straight you mumble, "Inside....I want you.... inside." Hearing you say that sent him over the edge as he cums,inside you ,hips stuttering, eyes squeezed shut as he holds onto you tightly. 

Laying boneless against him while the now warm water trails, down your combined bodies had you relaxed. Pulling you closer to him, as he rocked against you, had your nerves trembling, thrusting up once more into you, made you slap his back. 

Letting out a breathless laugh, he asked if you were okay, moving his head back to look at your flustered fucked out expression." Peaches and cream......literally, "you say giving him a content but teasing smile. 

Bursting out laughing, he reached for what he assumed was your body wash and proceed to rub the soap against your body, opting to use his now wrinkled tan hands. Pouring some in your wrinkled hand as well you began massaging it in to his skin. 

Once you two were done washing each other bodies (more like groping), you turn off the water and stepped out the shower with shaky legs. Grabbing two towels out your cabinet you handed Armando one, which he accepted, and begin drying off. 

Wrapping a small towel around your head, you paused in realization, "Where's my baby at?” Towel wrapped low around his waist ,he smiles brightly, "Like I said I wanted to play with his mamá pus-” not even giving him the chance to finish, you walk away or at least attempt to, in search of your abandoned kitty. 

Meanwhile....... 

Kelly and Dorn have returned to their lake house after saving Rita who was almost killed by Lockwood. Kelly looks around for you to see if you can check out Rita's bruises, but is only left confused when you and..... Armando is nowhere in sight. 

Kelly walks up to Marcus to ask where you went; who she just noticed bawled up on the couch looking traumatized, "Hey, did Y/N go to her house?” Mike looks up as he heard the question but before he was able to cut in, Marcus still bawled up started rocking, whispering quietly. 

Kelly screws her face together, not quiet hearing him, Dorn walks over to see what is going on but is pulled back by Mike who sent him a ‘trust me on this’ look.

Grabbing his shoulder to ask what’s wrong, Marcus sits up suddenly, giving Kelly a dead serious look, "You think Latino Mike is going to force my baby to birth little gangsters?” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Authors note:I ain’t even gonna lie y’all,I struggle so hard writing this😃,I never realized how hard it was to write Smuts…………………………………..

But for now Imma stick to reading them hopefully y’all enjoy💕💕💕(I tried y’all 😭😭)

[thinwhitedoc]

SHERLOCK | Martin Freeman as John Watson

[dilfmobius]

is this something?? lol i was just working on some coloring for these two scenes separately, and then i had a Thought, and well... *gestures vaguely to the gifs* i couldn't let these rot in my files.

it's a shame we didn't get a president loki/mobius interaction. IT'S CRIMINAL ACTUALLY.

i humbly offer these gifs up to the lokius fandom 💚🧡