#This is a repeat occurrence and Every Time I don't see it coming

[keeps-ache]

i have GOT to stop spontaneously staying up til 4 a.m. to mess around with theme customization, it's ridiculous

[woso-dreamzzz]

Video IV

Lotte Wubben-Moy x Toddler!Reader

Summary: You go to soft play

When Lotte looks back on her decisions in life, it's with a lot of fondness.

She's a football player now for both club and country. She's got a good life. Good friends. Good family.

But sometimes there's a few decisions she's made that aren't looked back on with such fondness.

Like that time she thought eating herself into a food coma last Christmas was a good idea or the time that she thought going for a bike ride without her helmet at seven years old was a good idea as well.

This is one of those moments.

She isn't quite sure what possessed her to make this decision.

Babysitting you was a common occurrence, whenever Beth and Viv wanted to go out on a little date without you or they were stuck in meetings and pr commitments that you just couldn't come to.

You stay over at Lotte's house a lot actually and with the introduction of your new trike, she's started to take you out to the park to do some laps.

But you're still little and growing and Lotte's sure that repeating the same things every day is harming your development more than helping it.

Which is why Lotte decided to stimulate your brain today by taking you to the soft play place.

She'd (wrongly) assumed that she would be able to sit by herself at one of the little tables for adults while you ran around and had fun.

Instead, she's scrunched up next to you, high up off the ground as you crawl around a few of the dangling things from the ceiling.

"Auntie Lolo!" You call when she doesn't crawl through too," Auntie Lolo! Let's go!"

Lotte sighs, shuffling through on her knees as you squeeze yourself into an even smaller space that she has to get into as well.

"Are you sure you don't want to go down the slide?" Lotte asks," Or maybe we can go back into the ball pit?"

It's easy to track you in the ball pit. Much easier than traversing all of these ledges and nooks.

You huff, little cheeks puffing out. "No, auntie Lolo," You say," We climb."

"Are you sure? I'm getting old, munchkin. I don't think I have much climbing left in me."

You frown a little, brow furrowing until a little crinkle appears. You shuffle back over to Lotte on your bum, little hand reaching out and touching her skin.

"Mmm, no. Not old. Doctor says so."

"Munchkin-"

"Doctor."

"Doctor Munchkin," Lotte says," Are you sure I'm not too old for all this climbing? I feel too old for it."

You shake your head. "Not old, auntie Lolo! We climb!"

You're off again, clambering up a few more ledges, ducking under dangling things and squeezing your body into spaces that Lotte struggles to follow after you in.

"See!" You say suddenly, pressing your face against the mesh rope to peer out to the rest of the play place," Is our kingdom. I'm King-Doctor and you're Queen-Auntie Lolo."

Lotte has to smother a bit of a laugh at how proud you are.

"A King-Doctor? That sounds like a lot of work?"

You nod seriously. "Is hard," You admit," But have you, Queen-Auntie Lolo. Lessi says you're prime minister!"

Lotte laughs. "Of course she did."

"So we rule together," You continue," Now! Slide!"

You go back the way you came, wiggling through the little nooks and crannies that Lotte has to shove her way through. She's pretty sure she's got a friction burn from dragging herself across the floor.

"Oh, now she wants the slide," She mutters, nearly falling head-first down a ledge after forcefully dislodging her foot from where it got stuck.

"Queen-Auntie Lolo!" You holler and Lotte picks up her pace.

The last time she let you go down the slide by yourself, you tumbled down like a log and there was still a little mark on your head from it.

"Alright, munchkin," She says, pulling you onto her lap," Are you ready?"

"Ready Queen-Auntie!"

"Alright. Here we go!"

The bumps in the slide make your tummy go all funny in the fun way and you burst into giggles as you make it to the bottom, kicking your legs happily.

"Again!"

Lotte looks up at the play structure, already knowing that you're going to take the long way, the one that includes all the detours and getting lost at least three separate times.

She winces at the thought, already reaching out to catch you by the back of the collar.

"How about we have some nuggets first? And then we'll see how we feel after lunch?"

It's sneaky on Lotte's part, that's for sure because you love nothing more than a nap after lunch.

You think for a moment. "Okay, Queen-Auntie Lolo. We can eat first."

Lotte smiles. "Thanks, munchkin."

"But only if we can get ice cream."

"Yeah, alright. We can get ice cream too."

[nightlyrequiem]

Latrodectus

IV. The Heart Behind My Ribs

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

AO3

Latrodectus Mactans, otherwise known as the Black Widow, are known for their uncouth treatment of their partners. The 'widow' part of their name stemming from the common occurrence of the female devouring her partner after mating.

Tags/Warnings: Abduction, Violence, Emotional Manipulation, harassment, A Dabble of Psychological Torture, Drugging, Breaking And Entering, Fem!reader, Drugging, Breaking And Entering, Fem!reader

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There wasn't anyone after Julietta. Not for a while, not until you. Your fate was sealed the day she saw you stumbling down the street crying. Ignored by everyone but her. Like you existed at a wavelength only she could see. The first time you two spoke face to face was a hot July night at the bar you worked at. Valeria approached the counter with confidence and took up your time with unimportant small talk. The sound of your voice was melodic to someone so used to the sound of yelling and gunfire. You smiled and laughed at her jokes, just like you did with every other customer, but Valeria knew you were different with her. She could feel it in the very marrow of her bones.

There you stood, under the dim yellow lights intently wiping down a shot glass with expert fingers. Eyes lowered as you focused on the task at hand, your lashes casting thin shadows over your cheeks. Valeria approached like always. Sitting herself right at the end of the bar. The other bar tenders knew not to try to serve her. Only one person was worthy of making her a drink. You glanced up from the glass as though you could sense her presence. You finished up with the glass and bounded over to her. You leaned down and gave her a little smile.

"I'm beginning to think you're coming here for more than just the drinks." You quipped. Valeria scoffed and shook her head with amusement.

"What makes you say that?" She asked. "Why else would I come here if not for overpriced beer?"

To Valeria's satisfaction, you chuckled at her words.

"Right. So, the usual then?" You inquired, tilting your head. Valeria nodded once and you moved away to prepare her whiskey on the rocks. Her eyes wandered appraisingly over your back. Taking in the sight of your shoulders moving as you worked. You turned around and placed down her drink. 

"You know," Valeria said, stopping you from moving on. "You're better than this place." You looked caught off guard for a few seconds before righting yourself.

"Thank you, Val, that's sweet." You replied kindly. Valeria wasn't trying to be kind. You attempted to move away again but Valeria grabbed your hand. Your expression hardened slightly at the contact, but Valeria didn't let go.

"I mean it." She insisted. "Let me take you out." You had gone still and furrowed your brows.

"What?" Valeria didn't understand why you seemed to be confused. Her intentions were pretty obvious.

She rubbed her thumb on the inside of your wrist. Your skin was warm and a little damp from working.

"Let me take you out." Valeria repeated. Her dark eyes staring into yours. Noise rattled on around you but neither of you paid any attention to it. "I make enough so that you don't have to work in this shithole." Valeria was dismayed when your hand slipped from hers and your face contorted into one of discomfort.

"Valeria... I'm not really looking for anything." You had said.

"That's fine, but you can at least do yourself the favour of giving me a chance." Valeria answered, undeterred by your rejection.

"No, I don't think I'm going to do that, I'm sorry." You shook your hood. You darted off before Valeria could even respond.

'No, I don't think I'm going to do that.' Valeria stared you down as you blatantly ignored her in favour of other patrons. Your smile was strained as you greeted and mingled with them, your mind clearly on Valeria. She didn't understand why you said no. You played along with her jokes, conversations with you were easy and natural. You two got along and had good chemistry yet you said no. Valeria was annoyed, but she wasn't going to give up on you. After all, the best things in life are things you have to work for. The greater the challenge the greater the reward.

Valeria vanished from your life for a few weeks. Allowing you time to fully digest what happened. Maybe with the thought in your head you'd think critically and reconsider her offer. Once she felt you'd had enough time to yourself, she showed right back up at your work. Lingering in the shadow to watch over you. You acted normal. Charming customers out of their hard-earned money. You wouldn't have to degrade yourself to laughing at unfunny jokes if you just let Valeria take care of you. She waited until the bar became sparser in people before going up to the counter and taking her usual spot. You didn't scamper over to your biggest supporter. You pretended not to see her as you angled your back towards her.

That's fine. Valeria can could for you. You eventually ran out of cups to clean and had no choice but to serve the only customer currently at the counter. There was a resigned look in your eye as you came up to Valeria.

"Hey Valeria, the usual?" Your tone was friendly, but in that detached customer service way. She practically shivered at the lack of warmth in your voice.

"Of course, unless something better popped up on the menu during the time I was absent." She said smoothly. Acting like nothing happened. You smiled politely and turned to quickly fix up her drink. You sat it down and looked at her.

"Anything else?" Valeria shook her head and you didn't waste any time in hurrying away from her.

She observed you throughout the night. Firmly planted in her seat. You served her a few more times with the same unimpressive attitude. Soon you were saying goodbye to your coworkers and walking out from behind the bar. Valeria got up and followed you to the exit. You noticed her right as you reached your car and both of you come to a stop at the same time. You gazed upon her with a guarded expression. 

"What do you want?" You asked cautiously. Your hands burrowed themselves into your pockets.

"I want you to reconsider." Valeria answered calmly.

"Reconsider going out with you?" Your frown had deepened.

"Yes, I can promise you that your quality of life will improve with me." She slowly stepped closer to you. 

You tensed up.

"I already told you that I'm not interested." You snapped. Valeria narrowed her eyes at you, feeling frustrated at your lack of cooperation.

"You haven't even given me a chance; how could you possibly know that?" She scoffed. You just stared at her.

"I don't like women." Valeria rolled her eyes at that and took another step closer. You took one back.

"Bullshit. Your last two relationships were with women." You froze and opened your mouth only to close it again in a manner very similar to a fish.

"How do you know that?" You asked sharply. You appeared disturbed by her knowledge. 

"Doesn't matter how I know." Valeria huffed. She's annoyed and doesn't need to be dealing with this. You were being so unnecessarily difficult. "You like women, I thought you liked me."

You rubbed your face with your left hand.

"I was being friendly." You said quietly. "I wasn't trying to lead you on and I'm sorry, but I am not interested in anything with you." Those weren't the words Valeria wanted to hear. She had suddenly begun to draw closer to you in an aggressively quick manner, her arm stretched out but before she could make contact your own arm flew up, a small canister clutched in your hand. Valeria's senses were assaulted by an unbearable burning sensation, she jerked back. Hands coming up to her face. She hissed in pain as her eyes and nose burned. She could barely hear the sound of you slamming your car door and speeding off as she writhed in pain.

Valeria didn't go back to the bar since you pepper-sprayed her. She spent at least an hour in the bathroom trying to wash out her eyes. She was pissed. She wanted to hurt you, but she kept herself in check. No, she had a new plan. If you wouldn't see her willingly, she'd simply force you to. People went missing in Las Almas all the time and rarely are they ever found.

She lurked outside your home past dark. The only light being a pale glow seeping through your sheer curtains. You were inside laying on the couch watching TV. Valeria double checked that she had everything she needs. Your locks were astoundingly easy to pick. Silent and stealthy, Valeria slowly pushed open your front door and stepped inside. She crept over to the couch where you laid unaware. She unholstered her gun and pressed it to your temple, your body stiffened at the contact.

"Don't move or scream." She whispered. She took out a syringe of liquidated Rohypnol and injected it into a vein under your jaw. You flinched ever so slightly but kept still. Valeria listened to your laboured breathing as she moved around you. Sitting herself down on your coffee table and keeping her gun pointed at you.

Your eyes were wide and glossy, lips parted to show hints of your teeth.

"What was that?" You asked shakily.

"Rohypnol." Valerie said "You'll feel a little sick after you wake up but I assure you it's for the best." After seventeen minutes of patiently waiting, you slumped back against the couch. She rebolstered her gun and dragged your limp, unconscious body back to her car.

Now, a month and three weeks later your head is in her lap. Her fingers softly trail back and forth against your nape. You've come so far in such a short amount of time.

"Are you hungry?" Valeria asks.

"A little." You mumble. Sitting up and looking at her. Valeria feels a sharp pang of unhappiness. Your eyes lost their playful twinkle. She reaches out and places a gentle hand on your cheek. 

"Why don't we go upstairs and see what there is, hm?" You don't even seem all that excited over the prospect of going upstairs. Valeria frowns but takes out a key and finally releases you from your collar. She removes it and sets it aside so she can look at your bare throat.

She gets off the bed and reaches out a hand. You grab it and pull yourself to your feet. Your eyes are downcast as Valeria leads you out of the basement. Outside the sun has set. Casting darkness over the desert. You wander up to a window in the kitchen and stare. So close that your breath fogs up the glass. Valeria watches you for a few seconds before turning to the fridge. She'll make you something nutritious. Something with protein. Maybe she should also get you some vitamins. You stay rooted in place the entire time it takes Valeria to cook. The only movement you make is the light swaying from the effort it's taking you to stand.

Valeria finishes cooking and fixes up two plates. Setting them down at the table. She glances at you while she lights some candles and turns off the lights.

"It's ready." She tells you. She sits down and watches you expectantly. You continue to stare out the window before turning and joining Valeria at the table. The warm lighting from the candles washes your face in an orange glow. Smoothing out your features. The flames dance in your eyes, making the shadows beneath them look more severe.

You pick up a fork and begin eating. Wolfing down your food hungrily. Valeria has to tell you to slow down so you don't make yourself sick. She eats her own share, Enjoying the illusion of a domestic moment.

"This is really good." You murmur between bites. Valeria smiles. Pleased that you like her cooking.

"Tomorrow, we should cook together." She suggests. 

"Sure." You nod. Finishing up your food. You stand up and bring your place to the sink. Taking some time to wash your hands and face then you walk up to Valeria.

"I'm tired." You say quietly.

"You want to go to bed?" Valeria asks. You give her a nod. Valeria looks at you and has an internal debate. Wondering if she should offer to let you sleep in her bed tonight. She decides it's still too risky to do that. Valeria rises from the table and puts her plate in the sink then gently grabs your shoulder to lead you back downstairs.

You join her upstairs the next night as well. Valeria makes good on her word to let you cook with her. Although she won't let you touch any knives, and you don't do much besides hover over her shoulder while she explains her process. Valeria tries to entertain you, tries to make you laugh but the best she gets out of you is a small smile. More often than not she has to call your name repeatedly to get your attention back onto her.

"We should watch a movie while we eat." Valeria hums. Stirring some vegetables. She turns her head to look at you. "Why don't you go wait in the living room and find us something to watch?" She feels nervous over letting you roam around unsupervised. You could try to escape, or find something to use as a weapon, but she's hoping this show of trust will warm you up a bit more.

She finishes putting everything together and walks into the living room with two plates full of food. The sight of you on the couch with your legs folded up under you makes her heart thump. You're looking at the TV with parted lips as you mindlessly click through different titles. Valeria sits down next to you and sets the plates down on the coffee table.

"Can't find anything?" She asks you. You sigh and shake your head.

"No, nothing seems that interesting." You remark. Lowering your arm. You look at Valeria and hand her the remote. "You pick something."

Valeria chooses a thriller and begins to eat. Out of the corner of her eye she watches you pick at your food. Your brows are furrowed as you stare at the movie. Feminine screams pierce through the room as the heroine is attacked by an intruder during a home invasion segment. Valeria realises this is probably hitting too close to home for you, so she grabs the remote and switches it to something more lighthearted. The movie ends and you still have more than half your plate full. Valeria frowns at you.

"Aren't you hungry?" You're still weakened by her starving you. She doesn't want you to get weaker.

"Not really." You mutter. Staring at the ground. Valeria feels annoyed. She wants to force you to finish your food, but she knows your relationship is still very delicate.

"Okay, I'll save it for later." She murmurs. Placing a comforting hand on your knee. You wince but don't pull away.

You stand in the doorway to your room. Your back is turned to Valeria, but she can practically feel the misery wafting up from you.

"I don't want to sleep down here tonight." You say quietly. Valeria shakes her head in response. She'd love to have you upstairs, but she does not trust you.

"You have to, mi dulce chica." Valeria sighs. Your shoulders hunch up, but you don't protest. Like an obedient dog you go straight to your bed. Settling on the mattress and lying down. Valeria doesn't put the collar on you.

"You never told me what you do for work." You say out of the blue. You're sat at the table while Valeria prepares dinner. She pauses. She knew the question would pop up eventually. Does she want to tell you? She's already held you at gunpoint and threatened you, but would knowing what she does change your view on her? It's best to be honest when she can.

"I'm a Sicaria." Mostly honest. You don't reply and she turns her head to look at you, studying your expression.

"Like... you're a part of the cartel?" Your brows furrow. Valeria nods nonchalantly.

"Yes." She turns back to the food. You're going to accept it anyway. You don't have a choice.

You're quiet but eventually respond.

"Oh." Valeria finishes cooking and makes you as plate. She sets it down and sits beside you. After a few minutes of eating, you speak again. "How did you get involved with that?" Valeria takes a sip of water and answers.

"I met the right people while I was in the army." You lower your fork.

"You were in the army?"

"That's what I just said, yes." Valeria resumes eating. She's pleased that you're taking interest in her.

You go two more bites before asking another question.

"Are you still in the army?" You stare at her. Eyes roving over her bare arms. Assessing her.

"No, I was discharged years ago. The army was a waste of time." Valeria replies bitterly. You stop with the questions and go back to eating. Valeria sneaks glances at you, feeling her heart beat with a growing fondness.

You help Valeria with cleaning up. At the end of it you're cuddled up on the couch. Stiffly laying against her. The silence is heavy and uncomfortable, but Valeria still enjoys feeling you against her. Your body is warm and soothing. She's been letting you stay upstairs for longer and longer, it's the least she can do since you're behaving so nicely. Her eyes grow heavy as you lay together. She closes them and drifts off.

She startles awake, realising her mistake. Your familiar weight is gone. Valeria's head swivels as panic wells up in her chest. She can't see you anywhere. She scrambles to her feet and rushes to the front door. It's closed and still locked. She hurries over to the backdoor to find it the same. She calms down a bit. You have to be somewhere still in the house, but where? She checks your room to find it empty. The bathrooms are empty. The kitchen is empty. She goes into her bedroom and finds you sprawled out in her bed. Your legs sticking out from under the light pink silk sheets. Her racing heart slows at the confirmation that you're still here. Cold dread replaced by warmth. You're in her bed.

She crawls in beside you and rests her face in the crook of your neck, breathing in your comforting smell. The next day, she wakes up before you. She admires your sleeping form and presses closer to you. Staying like that for hours. Staring at you in silence until you start stirring. Your eyes open and shift towards Valeria. She's close enough to see your pupils constrict and expand, swallowing up your irises.

Valeria has always worked hard to get what she wanted. She deserved it for the shitty hand she was dealt at birth. Her perseverance paid off. She ruthlessly leads a successful cartel and gets to come home to a doting wife every day. Getting you to agree to a marriage took some work too but like with everything else, Valeria convinced you. It isn't always easy. Every once in a while, you spontaneously fall into a short depression spell. Not eating, showering, moving. She's learned to let you sleep those off. Despite those moments, you're happy. You are happy. Even if your eyes are a little duller than they used to be, you are happy.  

[evillemons]

hey im just wondering how do you think the members would react to their partner faking an orgasm during the act, or in any similar situation

I haven't forgotten about your request! I've been ruminating on it for a while and have just been a little uninspired to write the past few weeks. Also as a reminder, whenever I write this type of content it's usually in line with their ideal types/fictional girlfriends I gave them (see here).

How BTS would react to their partners faking an orgasm

*mild NSFW content*

RM - There's absolutely no point in trying to fake an orgasm in front of Namjoon. He can read people like a book, especially the ones he cares deeply about. He would know exactly what works for his girlfriend and what doesn't, and have every reaction and noise of hers memorized. So when she tries to fake it, he would immediately raise an eyebrow, possibly even in annoyance or disappointment. Instead of getting offended though, he would try to understand why she did it. Besides, I don't see it being difficult for Namjoon to make a woman cum, so this would be a rare occurrence.

Jin - I see sex with Jin not necessarily resulting in an orgasm every time for his girlfriend, mostly because I picture neither of them having the highest of sex drives. I do think Jin's pride would be quite hurt by her faking her pleasure, though. He would feel self conscious that he's not doing enough for her or think that she doesn't enjoy sex with him, making him retreat and feel distant from her. In addition to a physical disconnection, there would be a shift in trust on Jin's side as well.

j-hope - Hoseok would take it quite hard, and be quite disappointed. While I don't think he would notice that his girlfriend is faking during sex, he would probably have an epiphany about it later or coax her into telling him. For Hobi, faking an orgasm is less about the physical implications and more so the lack of communication. He would be disappointed not so much in himself as he's confident in his abilities, but with her for lying to him. It would definitely turn into a trust issue, and he might resent her or abstain from sex for a little while.

Jungkook - JK is another one I imagine this scenario to be unlikely for because he's quite good at offering pleasure to his partner. Because of his persistency, however, he might insist on eating her out or making her cum when she's not feeling it, resulting in her faking an orgasm to get the act over with. I don't think he would notice or find out unless she tells him (he's not quite that observant when it comes to peoples' nuances). If he does, he would be incredibly hurt. Halfway due to feelings of inadequacy, but also because he felt betrayed by her need to lie to him. He would need some temporary distance from the relationship to recover.

SUGA - Yoongi would be the least bothered by it. Rather than being offended or hurt, it would just baffle him as to why his partner would do such a thing. I imagine Yoongi and his partner as extremely trusting and communicative, so it would be unusual for either one of them to lie about feeling satisfied when not or wanting sex when they don't. He is also quite attentive in bed, so he can probably tell when his partner isn't going to orgasm that day and would be respectful of such. Overall, it wouldn't be a big deal and they would move on quickly.

Jimin - Jimin would be quick to resort to self blame, and probably wouldn't even think that she had faked an orgasm for any other reason than the fact that he wasn't performing well enough or paying enough attention to her needs in that moment. He would be hard on himself for a while, but would also try to communicate with her about why she did it and how he can do better. It wouldn't cause much strain on the relationship as a one time thing, but repeated occurrences would heavily affect his self-esteem.

V - Tae would be extremely unhappy to find out his girl had faked an orgasm because he prides himself highly on knowing her well enough to satisfy her every time. It would be an issue of feeling both upset with himself for not pleasing her properly, and of being a little unsettled by the fact that she would she would even feel the need to do that with him. Instead of becoming distant though, he would actually start to over-perform to try and compensate.

[savagewildnerness]

The Score of S2E5/E12 Don't be afraid, just start the tape.

OK, Someone was asking about the repeated piano notes that recur in S2E5 so I thought I’d have a quick go through the episode.

Please bear in mind that I have not listened to the soundtrack for season 2.  In S2E1 I was so profoundly moved by the exquisite violin music in the first 15 minutes that I was totally overwhelmed and I had to watch the first part of the episode several times to take it all in and be composed enough to continue watching.  

The way the music impacted me there, hearing it for the first time alongside the drama, as intended, made me realise I absolutely do not want to listen to the score before watching the whole of S2 and so not feel the emotion from it as intended, alongside the drama the first time I watch the show!  

I’ll spoil myself by analysing every trailer to the millisecond and reading your analyses… but the music: NO.  I even regretted knowing the Come to Me reprise before it was in the show.  

And even the S1 score… I know it well, but I listen to it on CD in the car, so I’m not familiar with the track titles as I’ve never really looked at most of them…. So, that said - this will not be referencing tracks on the score.  Perhaps I’ll return to this in more depth - analysing the music more thoroughly and with reference to the score after the series is over, but for now…

Piano pedal:

The piano pedal and theme recurs 5 times in the episode, and looking at when, I realised it is all related to Louis uncovering his suicide attempt as it culminates (on the fourth occurrence) in the full theme…

I transcribed just the first bit of slow notes, which isn’t very interesting, but here it is:

Musically the theme is just 5, slow pedal C’s the first and last occurrence - bookmarking the delve into the uncovering of memory.

The second occurrence adds an Eb, suggesting it has somewhere it is starting to head towards… but is still just 5 slow pedal notes.

The third occurrence starts the theme for a fair amount the theme and the fourth occurrence is the full theme.

1 - 5 slow pedal C’s. This occurs in Dubai at this point:

Daniel: How often has Armand spared a life?

Louis: Armand could see I was partial to you

I.e. When Daniel first opens up the concept of exploring his and Louis’ memories of San Francisco, we first hear the pedal C’s

2 - 3 C’s, an Eb and a C - 5 slow notes.  This occurs in Dubai

Daniel: I want to know, for me, what happened between us

So, the first two occurrences are Daniel opening Louis up to the idea of exploring what really happened at the first interview in San Francisco.

3 - Slow pedal C’s and Eb’s into the start of a longer piano theme.  This occurs in San Francisco

This is when Louis is talking about Claudia leaving on the train and him staying behind with Lestat and then…

Daniel: And then what?

The theme starts as Louis talks about this first contemplation of suicide and continues through Daniel’s plea to be made a vampire

4 - Full theme in San Francisco

This begins after Louis and Armand’s argument; after:

Louis: I loved her (Claudia)

Armand: But she didn’t love you.  Not like he did.  Not like I have.

Louis: I know

I don’t know if this is on the season 2 soundtrack, but I’ll presume it is, and it’ll be this, full version that continues now in its full form, through Louis going into the sun.

5 - 5 slow pedal C’s in Dubai, as at the start

This occurs when Armand returns, at the end of the episode

Armand: I could see you were partial to him.  I preserve your happiness even when you don’t or can’t.

Louis and Armand: I had a hunch

Armand: Daniel might prove fruitful in later times

The other, creepy soundscape with distorted horror/electronic sounds (YUM!) happens for the first time after Louis’ suicide attempt when Daniel is mentioned and it scores all the horror elements with Daniel and Armand, where Armand is basically torturing Daniel, trying to find out what makes Daniel fascinating to Louis and Daniel is terrified he is going to die.

The first occurrence:

Louis: He’s alive?

Armand: The boy? The fascinating boy.  He’s fine.  He’s just fine.  Oh, he’s fine.  You’re fine.  We’re all fine.

It continues as Daniel recounts what he can remember - the corpse, etc. and develops as Armand seeks what makes Daniel fascinating

I didn’t really delve into this part, but - violins/strings and a more familiar to most episodes, though sparser, predominantly piano and violin score with lots of high and thinner notes than usual return when Lestat is mentioned between Louis and Armand and Armand talks about listening to the tapes and why Louis did the interview.  It’s very pared back, but the “The drum was my heart” theme (Ahh… is that the origin track for the theme?  Anyway - you know the theme dooo doooooo, do doooo dooooooo one!) is there with high pedal strings as Lestat speaks to Louis and it suddenly drops away as Lestat vanishes…

Armand’s “easeful death” talk with Daniel as he eases him to his death also has a more musically full (and  beautiful) theme.  It reminds me a bit of Moonlight sonata and has Armand-romance-theme vibes in its gentleness - beautiful, delicate and simple.  Then a violin comes in and it becomes increasingly poignant and emotional and eventually (I feel) it has a romance to it too, especially from when Armand says “It’s the comfort we all long for” - it sort of resolves to a musical home.

Again, there is more resolved piano & strings music at the end with Daniel and Louis.

OK, so only a little analysis.  I just watched the episode once and made a few notes.  I basically did it to work out if those repeated piano pedal notes had a specific connection.  And they do - it is specifically tied into (at least as I understood it, from my listening) the uncovering of Louis’ suicide attempt.

Let me know if you’d like me to look at the music ever in the future.  I dunno… part of me feels like killing a fairy to analyse stuff like this rather than just experience the magic, but also I find it very interesting.  This is only a first little touch on stuff.  I could analyse and actually think about it…

Gosh, I adore Daniel Hart’s score!  And I love how unusual and differently this episode was scored compared to other episodes…

Let me know if this was daft of me or if you’d ever like me to look into the music at all.

[midnight-mourning]

DCA Promptober Day 25: Balloons

Not a super painful one this time! Wahoo! Still spooky though, I feel anyway

Word count: 1034

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It's dark in the arcade. All the machines are shut off. Save for one, that is. 

It mocks you with its bright glowing screen, taunting you and your attempts to shut everything down for the night.

Beckoning you towards it with its cheery music and gameplay noises.

You let out a groan of frustration as you trudge towards the machine. This was the fourth night this week this had happened. 

You fix the machines, you turn off the machines. This one likes to stay on, you turn it off again, you go home and question your decision to become an arcade mechanic at Freddy Fazbear's Mega Pizza Plex, rinse and repeat. 

Usually, this was a once every other week occurrence, the machine staying on part, that is. But for something reason, it had become a problem recently and this week said problem had come to a head. 

You come to a stop and glare down at the screen.

Balloon World. 

You'd never played, you didn't tend to play on any of the machines you worked on. Didn't have the time or the desire really. You cared for them, don't be mistaken. You made sure to treat each and every game that was in the arcade with upmost care. Always making sure to keep them clean, functioning, and well, yeah mainly those two things. 

You sigh, watching the little character fly across the scene in a game play clip, "This again, bud? Can't I have one night of peace?"

No answer, of course. 

You check the time, 11:15 PM. You clock out in fifteen minutes. 

Screw it.

"Fine. One round couldn't hurt."

You press the buttons to skip the 'insert coin' screen and start the game. 

Your little character begins to fly across the screen, objects coming up to obstruct your path. Okay, it's one of those dodging games, pretty normal. 

After a few minutes, you lose. You didn't expect to get very far anyway. Shrugging, you turn away from the screen only to hear the game restart music playing. Confused, you turn around and see that the game's started again. Weird, you didn't press anything to start another round. 

But, you see an opportunity to redeem yourself, so you take it. You get back to playing, zoning in this time now that you understand the mechanics. 

While you play, you take note of the game's imagery. It doesn't really make much sense to you. It's called balloon world, but it's a forest setting. The only balloons are the ones keeping the player character afloat, really. Sure there's the circus tent and such in the beginning, but the choice of environmental objects is odd.

The sun in the background looks familiar somehow. Kind of like the bot that runs the Daycare? You're not too sure. 

Shoot. Another loss. This time you decide you're done. You clock out in five minutes anyway. 

Turning, you're yet again surprised to hear the game booting up once more. You whip back around, and see that this time, the character's not moving forward/progressing like last time. It's stock still. Waiting.

You're much more hesitant this time. Something's going on, and you can't figure out what. Was someone pranking you? Could anyone even hack into these machines? They had to be ancient, they're parts were ancient anyway. 

Your hand hovers over the controls, you're about to grab the joystick when-

The sun is staring at you. 

Not just out into the screen. It's looking. Directly. At. You.

And it's still smiling.

You gasp. Scrambling backwards as the machine suddenly starts to spark and shake. The screen goes dark. 

In a panic, you trip backwards and land hard, your head hitting the hard concrete underneath the cheap carpet. You black out. 

There's a dull throbbing headache all across your skull when you come to, vison fuzzy. You sit up slightly, finding yourself in a mostly dark room save for a... soft, orange glow?

Groaning, you grip your head in one hand and check the time with the other. 11:57 PM. Shit. You'll be lucky to make it before the doors lock, and have to go beg the nightguard to let you out. 

Your eyes become aware of a quiet buzzing, surrounding the air all around you. And, warmth. You feel incredibly warm. Not in a bad way. Sort of like, a cozy blanket. You suddenly have an urge to find where the glow is coming from. You look up. 

Staring down at you is, something, that resembles the sun. It's face is darkened but it's backlit by bright light. Like, an eclipse. 

Your gaze travels down, to where, two sets, of arms lie, folded neatly in the creature's lap. It's sitting on it's knees in front of you. You have no idea for how long. 

The outfit it's wearing is definitely reminiscent of the Daycare Attendant's, you're certain of it. Your eyes move back up again. 

You blink, eyes wide in confusion and fear. 

"Hi?" The word slips out unintentionally. 

It seems surprised at this, eyes widening with its otherwise blank stare. Then, it smiles. A genuine, warm, smile.

The voice that comes out of it's open mouth is incomprehensible to you at first. Nothing but static and glitchy noises. It closes its mouth, brings a hand up and coughs, then tries again.

Much smoother, and deeper this time, "Hi."

You gulp. You don't know what to say, you open your mouth and your head starts to hurt.

"Are you hurt?" It asks, concern evident. 

You nod, "A little, yeah-Woah!"

You're picked up by the creature. It's a very weird sensation. Its entire body is buzzing, but that warmth surround you further and it's, sort of comforting? But this entire thing just feels, off, to you. You're uneasy, to say the least. 

After situating you in its arms, pretty much being cradled so it's still able to look down at your face, one hand goes up to the side of your head, gently petting. It actually kind of feels nice against the pain. 

"Don't worry. Everything's going to be okay."

Based on every other feeling that's welling up inside you, screaming at you to get away, you're not too sure of that.

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Another treat from the drafts for you all:

Here's the link to my other promptobers, thank you for reading!!

[gnomishcunning]

Re: requests, literally any nsfw for Zevlor? I love one (1) sad old tiefling

i, too, love one sad ole' tiefling. he and karlach own my wholeass heart. some of my own headcanons/portrayals of him snuck into these, hope ya don't mind.

(please send me more asks about zevlor i love him so much)

nsfw below the cut! MDNI

in general-

zevlor's a hopeless romantic in the truest of sense. his entire life has been about devotion - he joined a group of soldiers that you can't quite, he's a paladin who lived by his oath for decades, and he followed the literal god of guardians. he believes in devotion, and that undoubtedly leaked into his concept of relationships

maybe back in his young soldiering days, zevlor had some one-night stands, maybe an occasional fling or two. but his devotion to his duty came first, and he sadly never found time to fall in love like he wanted, or start a family.

so, if you somehow managed to lure zevlor into your bed? you need to know it's because he loves you. even if he hasn't told you.

he's an old, broken paladin. he's not willing to risk heartbreak and further grind down his sense of self-worth, not with everything he's been through.

he's already lost everything that made him who he was. he can't loose you, too.

the first time around? it's all sweetness. he approaches your naked body with a sort of reverence, like he can't quite believe what he's seeing. that this is actually happening.

his attention to detail is paramount. he's trimmed all his talons to a dull sort of safety, he's got warming oil tucked into his belt-pouch, hell - he brings his own contraceptive herbs, if he's with the type partner where that's a concern. he'll eat em in front of you if that helps.

consent is the sexiest thing, and he unwraps you like a present, carefully asking with every piece of clothing removed, dipping his head to press kisses to every new bit of your beautiful self revealed to him.

His hands tremble as they travel over soft skin, careful on every curve he covers. he's constantly checking in, making sure you're okay- can he touch here? caress you?

it's admittedly a very vanilla affair, but it's probably the most tender, loving sex you'll ever have.

he's going to want to top, and gods, how can you say no to that face?

you'll come first. no matter what. he presses kisses down your body until he can attend your clit or cock with careful flicks of his tongue, he'll dribble oil onto his fingers in front of you so he can slowly work you open, taking one finger, then two-

and gods, you just know he'd have amazing hands, right? callused and dextrous after a lifetime of sword-wielding, but ever-so careful and exact.

he won't want to take you until you've made a mess of the bedsheets, and when he does? he wants to take you in missionary so he can reach you everywhere, kiss every bit, and watch - commit every bit of this to memory, just in case he never has the opportunity take you apart, ever again

he's going to do his gods-damned best to insure you both cum at the same time. he'll press careful kisses to your mouth as you fall apart, one hand cupping your chin, just so he can watch your face as you cum

he's not a very loud moaner, but he repeats your name on loop until he finishes.

he gets hella clingy afterwards, and if you two have the right kind of relationship where he feels safe enough to be vulnerable which of course you two do, he'll probably cry afterwards

thankfully, this becomes a regular occurrence for both of you

in terms of kinks? zevlor's a bit of a mixed bag. he's got a lot of things he's passingly thought would be very hot to try with a partner, but he may carry some weird guilt about it.

in kinky, bdsm terms-

i'm a firm believer he's a switch, and he's equally willing (and wanting, tbh) to take both roles on, depending on the night. while bdsm wouldn't be a lifestyle-like thing for him and the majority of y'all's sex is vanilla, there's definitely occasions where he wants to indulge. and they're usually like, specifically-planned and orchestrated occasions, set to consume a whole evening, for both the kinky sex and the aftercare.

safewords include the faerun equivalent to the stoplight system (which i'm still working on), or something simple and straightforward that both of you can easily remember.

'bridle' is what comes to mind off the bat

he's absolute delighted if his partner wanted to take care of him, and yield without a fight. if he verbally protests he should be taking care of you, just say you wanna show him how much you love him. he'll fall apart in moments.

as a submissive? his biggest kinks would be praise and body worship, especially contrasted with some light verbal degradation. he's got some guilt to work through, and it's nice to do that with someone he trusts implicitly. but focus more on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. he's disappointed enough in himself.

it's worth mentioning, this man is the furthest thing from a brat (for the most part). he wants to be good and get praised, since nothing else gets his heart beating as fast - but if you're being a tease, he's not above squirming and cursing at you in infernal

bondage is a yes, but he prefers one particular facet: rope. shibari's equal parts art form and bondage, and he'd appreciate the care and attention to detail that goes into it.

ironically? you wouldn't need bondage to hold him still. he's pretty damn good at following orders, and he's definitely eager to please. i don't think he'd be into 'good boy', but call him a 'sweet lil soldier'??? hahahaha oh wow

sweet and reassuring aftercare is a necessity, there's like a 95% chance he'd cry in a weird, cathartic sorta way. he's definitely a candidate for subdrop, so watch for that.

regardless of how pretty he is when he falls apart, he'd additionally play dominant with just as much eagerness. just say you trust him implicitly, he's incredibly handsome and attractive when he's in-charge, and you want him to take control. he'll more than happily agree - he's enthusiastic about it, especially when he sees how excited you are about the concept

speaking of- titles. Master sits weird with him, but "Sir" and "Commander" are both on deck. he kinda a fun lil illicit thrill using his old title in the bedroom. it'd go a long way to restore that ole' Hellrider Commander confidence, ngl.

he's a very firm, but very kind dominant, if that makes sense? he issues his commands, wants and expects them to be followed. his rewards good behavior with praise and petting (hair, or elsewhere on your body)

he's got a very good understanding about the lengths and limits of subspace given how well he knows you, he's incredibly attentive about how far his submissive has sunk, mentally, and he'll take them as far as they're looking to go- whether that's just taking their mind off a situation with some sweet tending and an orgasm or three, or totally obliterating their brainpower in a positive way with the paladick(tm) treatment

very into getting his partner to the point all they remember his name, designation, and 'please'. equally as fond as leaving hickies/marks/love bites all across their body, especially where people might be able to see. leaving physical evidence of his effect on his lover is a big turn-on

as equally into bondage and rope as a dominant as he is a submissive. it's a hobby he occasionally indulges in, and he enjoys prettying you up in fancy hemp ropes he probably dyed himself

he's fan-fuckin-tastic with aftercare, it's kind of insane. he's soft and careful, getting you a glass of water, he draws you a warm bath and helps you clean up, and then lures you back into your body from the weird, floaty world of subspace with soft touches and sweet praises. he'll get you snacks afterwards if you need them, and do just about anything you'll ask - from reading a book out-loud so you can listen to his voice, to granting you another orgasm if needed.

for the record if y'all want deets about how he is with a brat or an obedient submissive, someone needs to bite the bullet and send the ask, otherwise this post is gonna extend into forever

[piko-power]

A Talk Between Two Hedgehogs

Psssst. Hey. You. Yeah, you. You want some Sonadow hurt/comfort? Well... HERE YA GO! TW: Mentions of death, implied self-hatred and swearing

-

"What the hell are you doing here...?"

Well, that wasn't what Shadow was expecting at all. When he approached, he was expecting perhaps a dumb quip or a joke, or whatever annoying one-liner Sonic would say.

Maybe he should've expected less when he sees the hedgehog sitting by a tree, watching the barely cloudy dusk resting behind the oceans of Seaside Hill.

The moment Sonic said those words, head turned to glare into his soul, with tired emerald eyes, Shadow wasn't sure how to respond. When was the last time Sonic was this upset?

For a second, he glanced over to a bandage around Sonic's elbow.

He might've already guessed in his head what he might be upset about...

"Uh..." Is all Shadow could mutter out. He looked anywhere but Sonic, trying to come up with a much, much better response then just a stupid, small "uh".

When he did look back, Sonic turned back to the dusk sky. "If you got nothing to say, then go away..." He huffed tiredly, wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his head down, cheek smushing his frown.

Shadow sighed a quite exhausted sigh. "I just want to talk." He finally says.

The blue speed demon blinked. Confused. He refused to look back at him. "...About what exactly?" He didn't want to start anything with Shadow, he just wants it over with.

"I just... want to talk, Sonic." He repeated, with such a soft yet guilty tone in his quiet voice.

An hour before whatever's going on here, there was an Eggman fight. Which is usual, if not, normal, for most people. Especially for Sonic and his friends.

Well, Shadow wouldn't call it "normal," but it is a usual occurrence. An annoying one, even.

An Eggman battle is the last thing Shadow needed. He already had a pretty rough day, and Eggman is just not who he wanted to deal with.

And at that time, he didn't even wanted to deal with Sonic either.

Rouge and Omega were already there at the battleground, while Sonic and his friends hogged half of the Badniks already.

Last time Shadow checked, Eggman stole the Master Emerald. Again. At least it wasn't Rouge this time, otherwise Knuckles would be just as mad as him.

For a while, it was just him and Sonic having to deal with the robots, and it felt like hours when Sonic kept on rambling and chortling out jokes, like he's having the time of his life.

Truly a hellscape for Shadow.

He wouldn't really claim Sonic as his enemy per say, but he does get on his nerves more times than none. He's not exactly his friend either. Just... Some hedgehog that an awful lot of people look up to.

He knows he means well but... He never shuts up.

Once they found the Master Emerald, with the assistance of Knuckles, it was hard to get it out of the base when Sonic kept taunting the mad doctor, as he kept ordering Badniks after him.

He had no clue how Knuckles is used to this by now, but hearing his constant laughter, and his loud jesters, and those weird nicknames he gave to the doctor, Shadow wouldn't even last for another minute.

An annoying hedgehog is, in actuality, the last thing he needed.

After a long, tiring day at G.U.N., trying to fix Omega with Tails' help, and dealing with his own kind of trouble with bad guys, he needed a break. So badly.

He was just so tired of beating up robots, so tired of moving around, so tired of carrying the Master Emerald, so tired of everything be so loud, so tired of hearing dumb jokes.

He was just tired of hearing his voice every five seconds.

He was so tired of Sonic.

So, goddamn tired.

"Would you just SHUT THE HELL UP ALREADY?!! I cannot STAND hearing your dreaded voice at a time like THIS!! Do you even UNDERSTAND how insufferable you are right now?!"

"Whoa, whoa, hey! Take it easy! A-And don't drop the Emerald-!"

"Excuse me? Who is talking here, Knuckles??"

"Dude, will you chill? I was just-"

"How could I chill if you never shut your trap when your life is on the line! The last thing I needed is a fool's voice flooding my aching head!"

"I just-"

"I try SO hard to keep this to myself, but I swear to GAIA, I wish you NEVER had a voice!!"

... ... ...

Silence never sounded so deafening.

Looking back at that moment, it was not one of Shadow's proudest moments. He knew the second all of that was spilled out, he was going to regret it.

And the moment a laser shot into the Blue Blur's arm, knocking him back to his senses, it was more than just regret.

He had to leave the room before things escalated. Knuckles was already yelling at him, and Sonic's cries of pain didn't help either.

Everything was so loud.

And so, left he did. Leaving Knuckles with the Master Emerald, and Sonic, on the ground, surrounded by Badniks and bleeding from the elbow.

It's no wonder Sonic was upset.

No. He was angry.

He was angry at him.

Shadow knew it, but he nearly forgot until he saw the look in the hedgehog's eyes when they met again after the fight. He never planned to leave Sonic like that.

He never meant to snap like that.

Yet... Here there were, far apart from each other, one hedgehog standing a few feet away, looking down at his air shoes, unsure on what to do with this uneasy feeling inside of him, and one sitting by a tree and cliff, trying so hard to forget those things that other hedgehog said to him and just wishing he would just leave him alone.

The two fight every now and again, but their recent one was... Different.

It wasn't like the usual races, or the confrontations, or the insulting nicknames. It was unlike any fight they've had.

But why?

They fight almost all the time, why was this one the one that shook the two the most?

Perhaps...

Perhaps it was the belief on how serious Shadow was. Maybe... Sonic genuinely believed he never wanted him to talk again.

Is that why?

If so, then he felt worse.

Shadow was already looking back on the fight, but looking back now, it was dreadful. Not Sonic's voice. It was never his voice that was dreadful.

What's truly dreadful was why Sonic is upset about this in the first place. He needed to understand and make amends for now. He just wanted to talk.

He wouldn't want to leave Sonic like this. He doesn't want to. He already regret leaving him with a bruised elbow, he ain't leaving him with a bruised heart.

"...Fine." After what it felt like forever, Sonic sighed and finally spoke out one, small word that allows Shadow to stay with him.

He wouldn't show, but he was pretty relieved to hear that word come out of his mouth.

Slowly, Shadow walked towards him and carefully sat down next him him, legs crossed. He once again looked at his feet, then back at Sonic, who was still not facing him, only facing down at his own feet.

He still seemed angry, yet those eyes tell a different story. They looked sad. Hurt, even.

Shadow's eyes lowered, paining him to see the blue hedgehog like this, somehow. He was so used to seeing Sonic so bright and happy all the time, and then this happened.

A long exhale escaped from Shadow, still trying to process the right things to say. He kept looking away, then back at Sonic. The more he looked back, the more he felt terrible.

He could've sworn the fourth time he looked back he could tell that Sonic was crying earlier. His eyes appeared to be wet and his cheeks looked like they had little, faded streams going down his chin.

Shadow doesn't know what to do. But, if he doesn't know what to say either, then... He's still going to stay. He's not leaving until that annoying smile comes back.

If he truly wanted that smile to come back, then maybe it's not so annoying after all.

It wasn't even that annoying at all.

"Sonic..." He finally said his name, yet quietly, but quiet enough for Sonic to hear. He still wasn't looking at him, but he listened.

He glanced at the bandage again.

"First off... I want to know if you're feeling any better." He said.

Sonic briefly looked over to him, then at the bandage on his elbow. He sat up for a moment and placed his hand on it. He looks up to fully face Shadow and see his expression.

Calm. Focused. Soft.

It was an odd, yet soothing look for him. It confuses Sonic.

"...Why'd you care?" He says, raising an eye brow.

The Ultimate Lifeform's eyes rose hearing that. 'Why'd he care?' What kind of a question is that? Trying to push his surprise aside, he resumed trying to reason with him.

"B-Because... I wanted to make sure that you're not hurting." He mentioned.

"Pfft. Yeah, sure. Right. Okay." He faked a chuckle, not believing a word he's saying. "Shadow the Hedgehog, making sure no body's hurt. Now I've heard everything."

Okay, now he's becoming annoyed again.

"Sonic, it may not look like it, but I think about everyone else's safety. Right now, yours is my main focus."

"Then you're wasting your time." Sonic retorted calmly. "I'm fine. You can go now."

Shadow's brow furrowed. "I am not leaving you, hedgehog."

There was a moment of silence between the two. They both looked away from each other. Shadow closes his eyes, calming himself, and Sonic stopped placed both of his hands on the grass, watching the sunset again.

As Shadow opened his red and shining amber eyes, he looks back at the azure hedgehog, still in slight disbelief that Sonic would doubt his concerns for him.

It upsets him. Very.

"Why would..." He began to process the question again. Baffled, and, shockingly, hurt by it. He inhaled and prepared himself to ask. "Why would you think that I wouldn't care at all?"

Then, Sonic's ears pinned down, and he shuts his eyes tight. "Because you hate me." He choked.

"... ..."

Shadow was dumbfounded.

He blinked. Multiple times. Then, he was no longer facing him. He opened his mouth to say something. Anything.

But... Nothing.

He closed his mouth, and looked over to the sunset again, not knowing what to say anymore.

I screwed up big time, he thought.

Sonic and Shadow don't really see eye to eye most of time, but it's not like they hate each other. In fact, Sonic just thought he was neat, even if he could be a grump-butt.

Sonic too can be quite annoyed by him, but he knows him. He knows what Shadow has been through. Even if he hated him, he wanted him to be happy. To be okay.

Little did he know, Shadow felt the same way about him.

Of course, he wouldn't say anything about it, otherwise, he would never, ever hear the end of it. He can be a bother, but there was always that one thing Shadow always liked about him.

His optimism.

Even throughout his darkest moments, and the worst of messes, he somehow still has that goofy smile on his face that is bright as the sun itself.

He never gave up, no matter how slim his chances of survival were.

Almost every time, he laughed right at death, and walk off like it's no big deal.

He's probably the bravest hedgehog Shadow has ever met.

Yet, the one thing that brought him down the most right now is Shadow wishing he never spoke.

He never meant for any of this to happen. If only he would've just shut his mouth, then maybe Sonic wouldn't be like this.

Looking back at him now, seeing his pained expression on the blue hedgehog's face, it's clear that this was really the last thing he needed today.

Or any day.

Once more, he sighed and spoke up finally, "I want you to recall every moment in your life where I said such a thing."

Sonic was going to protest, but he kept himself silent, and thought about him. He zoned out, watching the sky from above. His eyes were getting softer the longer he thought about it. He still looked hurt, though.

He looked down at his shoes again. "Maybe you kept it all to yourself until recently...?"

A loud, irritated exhale escaped from Shadow's nose. "How much will it take for an idiot to understand that I care?"

Again, silence came between them. Sonic looked out to the sunset that was nearly gone by now.

"When we first met, I thought you were such a pain, and... You still are to this day." Shadow began. "But... Ever since the defeat of the Biolizard, and stopping the ARK from crashing down... You tried to save me."

Sonic payed close attention to every word he's saying, still not facing him.

"It was quite baffling in my opinion. Trying to rescue someone who tried to kill you more than twice. I find it amusing. Yet... At least I knew that someone out there care about me as well."

At that moment, Sonic was taken by slight surprise and turn to face him.

"I know there's Amy, who helped me remember Maria's promise, and Rouge and Omega always had my back," he continued. "But there's something about you that... impressed me. You helped me, after everything I've done. I'm surprised that you actually wanted to try and save me."

"...I'm surprised you thought that way." Sonic spoke. "Just because we fought, it doesn't mean that I wanna leave you for dead. I didn't want that. Besides, everyone deserves another chance. Even you."

"But..." Shadow's tone became somber. "...Why?"

The two hedgehogs stare at each other.

"Why do you care about me?"

"... ..."

Sonic's lips quiver briefly, and his brow furrowed, hoping to Light Gaia that what Shadow said was a joke. "You kidding me right now?" He said, voice nearly breaking as he tried to hold back tears.

"Dude," Sonic started, "Don't pretend that me, Tails, Rouge and the rest weren't there on the ARK, not listening to Gerald's diary, not learning about how had happened back there with you, and Maria, and everyone else up there."

He sounded so calm yet so mad. Whether he was mad at Shadow or about something else, he looked down on the ground, having no choice but to listen to what he has to say.

"And you know what? Even if I had no idea about what happened, I'd still try and save you from falling! Why? Because no body deserves to die! I mean that, Shadow! I mean no body! I wanted to save you so badly! I want you to live your life and be free! But...! ...but..."

Shadow looked back, now seeing the emerald eyes, shiny and wet.

"You wouldn't let me... You couldn't let me save you... Because you honestly thought you don't deserve to be saved..."

"I only did that because I couldn't let you fall with me."

"I DON'T CARE, MAN!" Sonic yelled. "I would've done all I can to save your life, but you wouldn't let me!"

"That's because your friends were waiting for you at the ARK, you moron!" Now it's Shadow's turn to yell at his face. "I didn't want you to kill yourself because of me!!" His voice croaked on the last word.

He was out of breath, and so was Sonic.

All they could do was stare.

They're both so guilty.

Sonic was the first to looked away again, but Shadow was the first to speak up once more. "You have friends. You have a family. If you saved me then, they would never see you again. Do you understand?"

Sonic blinked.

"Tails. Amy. Knuckles. Everyone up there. There were all waiting for you. To come home."

"...They were also waiting for you."

Despite the slow, growing anger, Shadow's eye were beginning to sting with tears. "That's not the point, faker. You are more important to them than I ever will be!"

He cupped his mouth.

Sonic's eyes grew.

He swung his head right back at Shadow.

He looked up at Sonic.

He looked terrified.

"Don't. You EVER. Say that again. Shadow." He snarled, not even caring about letting the tears fall down anymore. "If there is one thing about you that I can't stand is you believing that you deserve nothing!"

He quickly stood up on both of his feet, and shrieked, "THAT IS NOT TRUE, AND YOU FUCKING KNOW IT!!"

Shadow nearly fell back, startled badly from the sudden scream, let alone a sudden cuss, that slipped out of Sonic out of all people. He could see the anger and heartbreak in his tired eyes.

Shadow's filled to the brim with guilt at this point.

Realizing what was spoken, Sonic took a few deep, shakey breaths, before looking back at Shadow. "I-I'm sorry... I kinda... Had a rough day as well, and... I'm not dealing with this right now." He rubbed his arm.

"Wait. Sonic." Shadow says.

"No. Save it. I'm done arguing with you, Shadow. I can't deal with this." He turned away and was about to walk off. "Goodbye."

"WAIT A MINUTE!"

He held onto Sonic's hand. Tightly.

They both stopped what they were doing, faced towards each other and stared. For a long time.

Four pairs of eyes, two emerald, and the other amber, couldn't take them off of each other. Shadow didn't even let go of his hand. They just... Stared.

Shadow stared, hoping, begging, that Sonic could stay and talk to him for a little longer.

Sonic stared, understanding that Shadow doesn't want him to leave anytime soon.

They both don't want to leave one another.

They both want to stay.

"I..." Shadow stopped himself, just realizing he was still holding Sonic's hand. He let go. "I'm sorry..." It took him all that power to say those little words. "I'll admit that what I said was... Uncalled for. I just want you to be safe... To be... happy."

"...I know." Sonic croaked quietly.

The two fell silent once again, with Shadow crossing his arms and looking away to his right, and Sonic trying to calm himself as he was beginning to hiccup some quiet cries.

He wiped his eyes and sniffled. Shadow's ear twitch and faced him again. Oh, God, he's crying.

"Hey... I- Don't cry, okay? I said I was sorry..."

"...I know..."

Shadow apologizing just made Sonic even more of a sobbing mess. He shouldn't apologize. He should never apologize for that. It's not his fault that he wasn't saved from his fall.

It wasn't his fault that he nearly died.

Why would it be?

Shadow done nothing wrong. Sonic shouldn't even be the one mad at him, it should've been Shadow.

He's the one being annoying anyway.

"S-So..." He began, wiping all the tears away. Almost. "you're not mad at me?"

"After all that, not anymore." Shadow admitted. "Though... There is one thing."

"What's that?" He sniffled, feeling his nose drip.

"Why were you so upset about me wishing you wouldn't speak?" Shadow asked. "I'm honestly surprised you took that seriously."

Sonic just stood there. Blinked, and turned to his right. "Oh." Is all he could say. He suddenly laughed out loud, which confuses Shadow.

At least hearing him laugh made him feel better.

"O-Okay, okay..." Sonic snorted, trying so badly to stop himself from laughing. "I'm sor-HAHA! I'm so sorry, dude! Let me- *SNORT* Let me explain."

"Uhhh, o-okay."

"When I was- Alright... When I was younger, WAAAAYYY before I met Tails and the rest of the gang, I couldn't speak. At all." Sonic began.

"Why?" Shadow asked.

"My vocal chords were messed up. Somehow." He continued. "I couldn't remember why, but I wasn't able to speak for a few years. And even after that time, I wouldn't want to speak because... I thought I was better off without a voice."

"...Oh." Great. Shadow feels even more guilty.

"H-Hey! Don't feel bad!" Sonic reassured. "I was young at the time, so I was also pretty dumb." He joked. "I spoke a couple of times, but that was about it. It wasn't until after I met Amy when I realize that it's okay to talk."

"I see..."

"And ever since, I just... love to talk! I just, have so much to say! About my friends, my adventures, everything! Sometimes, I forget that I talk too much." He chuckled nervously. "Once a blue moon, something would remind me about how much I talk... and how annoying I could be sometimes..."

A quiet huff, which sounded like laughter almost, exhaled from Shadow, and he smiled slightly. "I don't think it's annoying. I think your voice is alright."

Sonic's eyes lit up. "Really, now??"

"Don't make me take it back."

And just like that, Sonic cracked up once again. That same ol' laughter Shadow heard non-stop a while ago. And for the first time, as far as he's concerned, he smiled widely.

After all that mess, Sonic's laughter was music to his ears, and this was the one thing he unknowingly truly needed after a hard day.

-

Been thinking about these hedgehogs again. 😭 It's about damn time I wrote Sonadow! Holy crap I am so upset at myself! 🤣 I honestly wish I wrote this a lot better than I already did because I pulled an all-nighter and I kind of, sort of, rushed it?? Just wanna write Sonadow for once.

[brookeluvs]

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐁𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 (fluff version ୨୧)

ʷᵉˡᶜᵒᵐᵉ ᵗᵒ ᵐʸ ᵖᵃᵍᵉ !! song link !! summary: boyfriend matt sturniolo headcanons ౨ no gender specified

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓

(bf matt's love language +emotional moments)

first of all matt would be the most loving caring boyfriend you'd ever have. he will always take care of you, and make sure your okay. he loves hugging you whenever he gets the chance (we luv a clingy bf.) he always has to have some kind of physical contact with you. holding your hand, hugging you, rubbing your arm, hugging your waist, kissing you; it has to be something. so with that he hates when you go into your "silent, non-touchy, moments" whenever you guys get into a argument. eventually you'll let him in, I mean you can't help but hug on him. he's the type to cry when you cry. he hates to see you in pain or un-happy, he will do literally anything to make you forget about what your crying about or whatever is hurting you. he hugs you or cuddles you really close and just repeats that you'll be okay and that he's right there with you.

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐑

(bf matt's humor)

he always makes sarcastic jokes, or come back with sarcastic answers. somedays it makes you laugh and somedays it just pisses you off.

"look matt the cat is meowing !!" you say pointing at the cat. "ya think?" he says rolling his eyes smiling. "whatever matt.." you playfully hit him.

he loves to see you kinda annoyed at him sometimes. he thinks you look cute when your slightly pissed off. he literally can't help but let out a small smile when you give him a annoyed glare.

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐏𝐄𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒

(bf matt's pet names for you)

babe/baby

cutie/cutie-patootie

your name

my love (whenever he's feeling romantical)

my one and only (when he's feeling lowk protective)

you can't tell this man won't call you honey every now and then.

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒

(daily occurrences that would occur with bf matt)

if you matt was on tour you'd get daily check in's. he'll ask you if your okay, how's your day, if you miss him, and he'll tell you how the tour went. you could hear him smile through the phone. he'll always end his calls with, "i miss you..like alot but I'll see you soon enough !!" usually chris interrupts the call with saying something for example "you guys should get married." "this kid matt is literally obsessed with you", and nick would have to tell him to "shut-up, and to let the two love birds talk."

lots of cuddling, and movie watching.

lots and lots of kisses.

playfights.

watching cooking/baking shows together.

baking/cooking together.

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐔𝐏𝐒𝐄𝐓/𝐒𝐀𝐃

things that you do that make him upset/sad

when you talk down on yourself. he hates whenever you pick yourself apart in-front of him, he thinks your the prettiest girl in the world. "your not even fat/skinny, your the perfect size to me, and that's all the matters.. okay?" he doesn't say this in any harsh tone just natural, the only time he gets upset is when you don't listen to him on his words and still pick on yourself.

whenever you talk to any other guy. that's one of his bad traits. he is overly protective. he doesn't want you talking to any guy, sometimes he doesn't like when you talk to his own brothers. he tends to hide this trait but sometimes it comes out. he always has that one facial expression, that's obvious that he's upset. he stands his arms folded licking his upper teeth giving a death glare to however your talking to. matt is somewhat an insecure guy himself in someways and somedays he thinks anyone you talk to is more attractive, and better than him. that's why he gets so antsy.

when you get upset at him for no reason (I feel like this is pretty self-explanatory)

୨୧⊹₊ ˚ ----- 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘

things that you do that make him happy

whenever you play with his hair.

you get all clingy and cuddly

seeing you smile

seeing you talk about something your passionate about

when your confident

whenever you make jokes with him.

comment any other headcanons about bf matt !!

[aerkame]

Beautiful Dreamer

Inspired from the Kingdom Keepers series, something I keep coming back to year after year. And like the Alive AU, I will make this an AU as well to keep it separate from what could be canon mainly because we don't know enough about Welcome Home and I don't want anything to conflict with what is currently in it or what will come. As you'll probably see, I kind of see Wally as the victim here in a way, and while I do think Wally is the only puppet that's "alive" in Welcome Home, I'm going to add the other puppets in this because I feel like they need to be written more in fanfiction as well.

So, I present to you the Dream AU written for this Beautiful Dreamer series, please enjoy. PS: It's totally fine to request for the Dream AU like with the Alive one, I just made it for this fic specifically though.

Chapter I

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Drops of water softly kissed your felt skin as the rain kept pouring down. It seemed so real, unlike most dreams. This was different from the rest. You felt no lingering sensations of falling, floating, or hovering when you moved, just the ground beneath your 'feet'. Perhaps you were lucid dreaming once more? You closed your eyes trying to remember.

Every night it was the same dream that kept repeating itself, but with each night you felt like someone new when you slept. The first time you experienced this you saw yourself in the shoes of another, a leather blue mail carrier hat sat on your head, and your skin felt so soft and fuzzy, it felt so real. So uncanny.

The memory of the first occurrence faded as you felt the rain stop...dreams aren't supposed to have memories. This wasn't right.

"Well gee bud, you shouldn't be out here in the rain you know. You'll become a chili-dog in no time!"

You opened your eyes to look up. It hadn't stop raining, there was a giant plush looking blue dog with an umbrella standing just above you, a fever dream then. You don't recall being able to talk or hear anyone in dreams, or see anyone else in dreams this clearly.

"Huh?"

Your hand went to your mouth in shock. You spoke, you spoke so clearly and easily, and it wasn't a voice you recognized. Fear was beginning to nip at you, creeping into your sleepy conscious. This was too livid to be a dream.

The giant dog bent down a bit now frowning. "Eddie...are you okay there buddy? You're acting awfully strange today." A soft paw grasped your hand to help you up. Eddie? That's not your name, who...it clicked. You began to panic, feeling your...You couldn't feel a heartbeat, there was no heartbeat but you could feel yourself panic. You felt nothing. You jolted up onto your feet, scattering the soaked letters you didn't know you had next to you. This isn't your body, this isn't your-

"Ahh!"

The bed sheets flew across the room as you jumped from the bed, tripped, then fell to the floor with a loud 'thud'. "mph..."

You groaned getting up lazily, limbs still asleep and legs feeling like jelly. A dream. It was just another dream you assured yourself. That felt so real though. It was so...alive. These dreams were getting pretty intense, but just as you figured out it was a dream you'd wake up. This time was a bit different though, you were in someone else's body entirely. Or at least it felt like that. Should you see a doctor and get your brain checked out for a tumor, a concussion, or something? This was normal in dreams...right, maybe you were sick?

Taking in deep and shaky breaths, you tried to calm your racing heart and stop thinking so hard on it. You took your time feeling the cool wooden floorboards reminding yourself where you were, smelled the Earthy air from the rain last night, and felt your heartbeat slow to a calm pace. It's alright, it's okay. They're just dreams.

Slowly getting up, you made the bed before bee-lining to the bathroom, ready for the day to get started already. At least it was Saturday. You would rather not go to work after something so livid like that. Maybe you could go to the park later and skate for a bit to try and clear your head. Yeah that sounded good. And some nice tea from that tea shop next to the park. You bit into the toast slowly enjoying it, feeling the crunch and the softer textures with sweet honey butter spread across it.

By the time you were out the door with rollerblades hanging off your shoulders it was noon. The weather was perfect, most of the muddy puddles had dried, and the birds were singing happily. You heard the 'click' of the lock and finally left for the park, opting to just walk there since it was nice out.

You jogged a bit through the city until you saw the treeline of the park, only resting to get your skates on. There was quite a lot of people out now that the weather was calm, kids were having birthday parties, families visiting the playground with their kids, a few barbecues here and there, today is a good day. Checking that the skates were properly fitted, you pushed off from your right side, skating slowly until you got to a smoother path on the sidewalk. Once you felt comfortable, you sped up the pace until you could really feel the burn in your thighs.

___

The room was dark, as usual. Cold, lonely, and desolate as a broken dull voice sang throughout the house. "Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee..." A soft creak here and there "Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away.." A loud bang of the door sounded, followed by creaks. Two half-lidded eyes with a broken smile beneath them looked up to the only source of light through the window.

"Beautiful dreamer-" Silence "What's that?" Another creak, a squeak, and a groan. The eyes widened as the smile grew wider into a lively face, one of hope.

"Beautiful dreamer, won't you come by?" Please, we're so lonely...

Bit of a side note: While it is going to be mostly Wally x reader, this will be Everyone x reader. Not like romance, more like bordering on it but still platonic? (Not sure how to explain, but I'm sure it'll be more clear the more I write. They all just adore you really.) This chapter was shorter than I thought it'd be but it's just the first one so far! And what was Home talking about? Why you of course! Or was it about Eddie acting weird today? Wait how did Home already know of your short visit through Eddie?

[darkstar225]

Twice’s 10th member has an allergy attack

A/N: So, I actually got an ask on Tumblr and this is how I got here :)

The request: Hi!! Could you do like 10th member being sick and clingy baby and not wanting to take her medicine? If you could write as Jihyo being the principal Caretaker I would love it! ❤️

Love you writings!!!

PS: Tysm for everyone that reads what I write, I hope I can bring a smile to your faces every time I post!  I hope whoever requested doesn't mind that I changed the request a little just so it wouldn't repeat something I already posted, but the vibe is the same as in being sick so yeah- xx

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When she woke up with a runny and stuffy nose, itchy eyes and a headache she knew what was coming. Y/N has been suffering from allergies since she was a kid and an allergy attack wasn't uncommon, actually, it's pretty much her daily life.  The point is, what triggered her allergy this time? Opening her eyes while scratching them, 'cause they're super itchy, she looked around and her answer was right on her face, she didn't clean her room for some time and it got dusty. This, is the cause of her death, jk. (Unless...) 

Y/N - Why didn't I clean my room before this happened? UGH *sneeze*

Jihyo - Baby? I heard you complaining about something so I came here asap to see what's wrong with you.

Y/N - Omma Jihyooo, I need love!

Jihyo - Don't play around Y/N L/N... What happened sweetheart? (the mood changes as she sees her state -miserable-) 

Y/N - I've allergic rhinitis so I've got an allergic attack because of my room :(

Jihyo - What's triggering you hon?

Y/N - Mostly the drapes, they're so dusty...

Jihyo - I'll take them off and put them on the washing machine, while I'm at it go take a hot bath so you do some misting with the steam. And no, you don't have an option, go. Now.

Y/N - Okay, okayyy, but are you gonna cuddle me after Mom?

Jihyo - Stop with that 

Y/N - Don't act as if you don't like it, mama

Jihyo - Fine, just 'cause you're my cute child 

Y/N entered the group when she was really young so this isn't an odd occurrence in the dorm. Being away from her parents she needed some support and as a leader, Jihyo promised she'd care for Y/N as her own (spoiler though not really: she did, reeeeeally well)

While Jihyo put the drapes on the washing machine, Y/N stayed sitting on the bed waiting for her to come back, even if most of the time her personality was like Tzuyu's she could beat Sana on clinginess while sick, you can only dream of counting how many times she cried over not going to a schedule for being under the weather and not having anyone to hug and hold onto. After sneezing 15 more times after Jihyo left (Yes, she counted. Being bored does that to people), her mom came back to the room and glared at her as soon as she saw that she remained lying down. 

Jihyo - What are you still doing here? *raises eyebrow*  

Y/N - You left me, obviously I'm waiting for you silly :)

Jihyo - Why? *sighs*

Y/N - I missed you! You're there for so long 

The second Y/N finishes the sentence Jihyo lets out a motherly smile and goes to hug her baby. Even after some long minutes, Y/N doesn't seem to want to let go but Jihyo has to give her a bath and get some medicine on her, even if she knows the struggle this is gonna be. Y/N hates taking medicine, she's so stubborn that Momo had to hold her down the last time she was sick so Mina could put the medicine in Y/N's mouth. 

Jihyo - Let me go a little cuddle bug

Y/N - Nooo, you're so comfy omma

Jihyo - We've to get to the bathroom so you can take a bath so this runny nose becomes a little bit better

Y/N - Can you carry me? I'm so tired from all the sneezes, they're making my headache worse

Jihyo - Fine, up we go

They get out of the SMC bedroom with Jihyo carrying Y/N like a baby with her legs around her waist and head resting on her shoulder. As they get to the bathroom, Jihyo tries to take Y/N off of her so she can get the bath ready, followed by a thousand whines and complaints about how she shouldn't do that and how she didn't love Y/N if she let go lol

Jihyo expected this from the maknae but it doesn't make it any easier, with some persuasion she managed to leave Y/N seating on the toilet and finally turned the tap on with some hot water so it could create some steam. Picking Y/N up and putting her in the bathtub was hard, she didn't wanna let go so Jihyo had to get in with her, some skin-to-skin never hurt anyone (Y/N is a sucker for it when she's feeling icky). With Jihyo behind and Y/N laying on her chest she washed her hair and cleaned just her back for comfort, Y/N assured her she could clean herself well so this was just to shower her with the care and love that she needed. She knew the absence of the members was affecting their maknae for going to Switzerland without them, the rest of the SMC finished school but she didn't so she had to stay behind to attend classes (which sucked, she complained sm JYP considered asking the head of the school for some leave so she could travel, but 3mix -the moms- didn't allow it to happen 'cause studies should come first even if she's an idol) and Jihyo stayed with her 'cause who are we kidding, it's her child we're talking about. 

Y/N - Unnie, my head is hurting a lot...

Jihyo - Your eyes are red too, stop scratching them! When you take your medicines everything will be okay love bug

Y/N - I don't wanna. And it tastes horrible!

Jihyo - Don't be like that, or I'm gonna need to call the manager for help.

Y/N - Noooo, omma! Why?

Jihyo - Nothing of that. Let's finish the bath and you're gonna take your medicines.

Just like a petty kid, Y/N turns around and crosses her arms while sulking. Jihyo gets out of the bathtub and grabs Y/N by the arms and sits her down on the toilet again so she can dry herself first and change clothes before doing the same for her spoiled youngest. After finishing she tries to get Y/N to walk by herself to bed while she gets the medicine and some soup with no success. After some scolding -out of love ofc- she carried Y/N bridal style to bed and quickly got the medicine.

Jihyo - It's meant to make you sleepy love, it's grape your favourite! 

Y/N - It's not my favourite! I hate medicine, I don't want it unnie :(

Jihyo - That's your problem cutie pie, take it now or I'm gonna have to force it down your throat 

Y/N - Dang- fineeeee

A little later, Y/N started feeling sleepy and made grabby hands to Jihyo who happily climbed on the bed and leaned down on the headboard so Y/N could lay between her legs with her ear to her chest. Listening to her unnies quiet and calm heartbeat made her feel safe and loved, and remembering how her sisters care for her always made her heart warm. With the peace she always gets in the presence of her members she fell asleep. 

Jihyo - You see? It wasn't that hard to drink it, was it? 

Jihyo - Y/N...?

Looking down, she noticed that the younger girl was sleeping with her mouth open snoring quietly. For her, Y/N looked adorable, her adorable maknae. After updating the members on the situation they all sent messages and did a video call with the baby before she slept, the girls could only think one thing:

We love our dear maknae. 

A/N: I apologise for any errors, English is not my first language. Pls, let me know if there's something wrong, ty for reading <3

[the-one-who-lambs]

Which scene from your fics do you like the most? like the one you can most vividly imagine clearly? can you describe it?

I CANNOT JUST PICK ONE but since my mind is on narilamb right now, I think my favorite scene at the moment is from a future chapter in The Risen Lamb and the Fallen God. "Ordinary Happiness is Not Enough" will be an entirely new chapter rather than a rewritten one. I'll keep some specific details to myself for now, but...

Bit o' spoilers below.

Lambert fell first, Narinder fell harder. This chapter is going to take place after Lambert realizes they're in love but before Narinder does.

Though they have the resurrection ritual at their disposal, Lambert had pretty much already come to terms with the fact that their immortal life would be a relatively lonely one. They are a god to their followers, after all, and despite their past attempts to connect with their followers on a more interpersonal level, none of them could fully get past the reverence for their leader. (This is also why, though they accept marriage requests from followers, they've never requested to marry a follower themself-- how could a follower fully distinguish their love for the Lamb from worshipping them as a duty? There has always been an uncomfortable amount of overlap.) Now that they've started to bond with someone who is immortal and on much more equal terms with them than any follower could be, that's suddenly not true anymore. Lambert can't quite fathom the idea that they're getting close to someone who they might be able to keep. This should be a comfort to them, but it ends up becoming more of a source of stress-- even though the two are in the "friends" stage of enemies to friends to lovers here, Narinder still has too many internal dilemmas to confront before he even considered himself capable of love in that way.

So Lambert sees Narinder as their one attainable chance to forge a relationship of equals. They've only recently realized their own feelings. They begin to overthink every interaction they have with him, trying too hard to steer Narinder towards favoring them, and they're not landing.

Lambert eventually snaps due to the stress and lashes out at him-- not for being obtuse, not for being callous, just the tipping point of their own insecurities, culminating in an overreaction to something not too hugely consequential. It gets so heated that Lambert tells him they might as well have just killed him from the start instead of sparing him. They do immediately feel shitty, but in the heat of the moment they're too stubborn to apologize.

Readers of the first installation of RL+FG may remember that Narinder, as a way to avoid confronting his own emotions, goes off on solo crusades. This is the first time he does that. This will later become a repeated occurrence that is extremely distressing to Lambert, because if he dies and they don't find his body to resurrect him... Well, they don't want to consider that possibility. For now, though, Lambert's still fuming. They figure, fine, let him burn himself out and he'll come crawling back here anyway.

What happens on his crusade will not dissuade him from venturing off again, because he's an idiot who's allergic to his own feelings, but he encounters a threat he's not prepared to face. He goes full demogorgon sicko mode but ultimately overestimates his own ability to rise to meet it.

The scene that won't leave my head is the aftermath. Lambert finds him bloody, delirious, on the cusp of death. They're in hysterics. In his delirious state, begins to reveal way too much about himself. He makes an apology and asks forgiveness. They realize at the wrong moment that he thinks he's talking to someone else. They hold each other, bitter and broken and bleeding and yearning in parallel. Lambert tends to his wounds but they have to patch their own themself.

They work the situation out because they want to but mostly because they have to. Lambert stitches his face back together. They've always handled him gently in a way that, more often than not, infuriated him, but this time they treat him as if he'll crumble to dust. It's an uncomfortable process, moreso emotionally to be this close again. They have difficult conversations about trauma and healing, family and forgiveness, the vanishing line between sainthood and sin. They did this to each other. It stays silent, but if it's going to hurt anyway, they'll love each other through it. They already do. Neither wants to think about messing this up, but for a while, they did. It can only get better from here, please, please, please.

(It does. But they both need to have their eternity threatened when almost starts to seem attainable.)

[mixed-theater-faisty-tings]

Infinitely Jealous

Conrad Request

A/N:HIII!!! I KNOW I HAVEN'T POSTED IN AGES I'VE REALLY MISSED IT. WITH THE NEW SEASON OF THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY I FELT A SMALL SPARK OF INSPIRATION AND GOT THIS REQUEST FROM @shqtteredcrystql1. NOW BEAR WITH ME MY WRITING SKILLS HAVE DETERIORATED A BIT SINCE I LAST POSTED AND I'M STILL WORKING ON MY SMUT WRITING SPOILER ALERT. I AM OPEN TO FEEDBACK OR EVEN ADVICE. I AM TYRING TO WRITE MORE WHEN I CAN I JSUT NEVER WANNA GIVE HALF BAKED IDEAS. OKAY I WILL STOP BABBLING ENJOY!

P.S please don't hurt me for using Conrad and Belly's infinity for this I just love the concept. okay thank you.

Warnings: Explicit language, smut, cheesy lol, Teen Drinking, Protected sex.

word count: 3.2k roughly

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Masterlist

Requests

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Y/N POV 

The stench of alcohol fills my nose as drunken teenagers dance the night away with whatever is in their system. I came to this stupid beach party with Conrad and Jeremiah who both ran off to do god knows what not that this was a new occurrence.

Jere has always attracted girls like moths to light meanwhile Conrad ventures off to do whatever he does and if someone happens to join them he won't push them off so long as they don't try to actually get to know him least that is how he has been the last few summers. 

They started bringing me here with them 7 years ago when we met. I've always been closer with Conrad. Jeremiah had Belly and Conrad had me though you never want to go to boardwalk with the four of us unless you're wanting some quality entertainment.

The Fisher boys always know how to have fun the Conklin's and I can never say no even if it means coming to a dumb beach bonfire. I'd go anywhere with Conrad it's been that way since we met this includes an impromptu trip to the other side of the country to attend a Universal Studios Horrors night as my birthday present. 

We were grounded for 2 months after that one but it was worth any time with him was. He'll only ever see me as his best friend though he has made that crystal clear he's been in touch with this Deb he met last summer "Nicole", they've just been talking but it seems like they could be more this summer or just a casual summer fling of convenience. Maybe this summer I'll find my fling.

"Hey don't think I've ever seen you around here?", a voice pulls me out of my thoughts. "Huh?",  I connect with brown eyes belonging to someone tall, dark skinned, curly dark hair and muscular. "I said I've never seen you around here.", he repeats himself. "Funny because I've come here every summer for the last 7 years." a laugh decorates my words with a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh yeah?  Which house is yours?", he plays along. "First of all creepy and second I'm a guest with the Fisher's.", I giggle. "Ah great guys always fun at a party." his attitude changes from interested to standoffish. "We are just friends all of us.", I smile kindly. "Good to know..care for a drink?", he extends his hand to me with a kind smile. 

"Sure why not.", I take his hand. "I'm Lucas.". "Y/N.". "And I'm Conrad glad we got the introductions out of the way now let's get beer.", my best friend pops up out of nowhere. "Uh okay sure I'll be right back.", Lucas runs off wearing a confused expression. "What are you doing?", I hiss at the brown-haired boy. 

"Hanging with my best bud what do you mean.", he slings his arm around my shoulder with a smirk planted on his lips...his lips..focus. "No why you're doing is ruining a potential new friend.", a stern tone clutches onto my words. "Friend huh? Yeah sure whatever.", he scoffs. "Go makeup with Red Sox girl some more.", I roll my eyes pushing his arm off of me. I knew it was Nicole but saying her name out loud stung.

"Jealous?", I don't have to look at him to know a sly look sits on his face. "As if. Have I ever been jealous of the girls you've dated?", my arms sit crossed just beneath my chest. "I'm sure you have been.". "Check your ego bro.", I turn to walk away when he says, "I have you to keep me humble don't I?", a chuckle follows. 

"Whatever I'll see you later.", the sand envelops my feet treading to find Lucas. "Y/N over here!", a voice calls me over belonging to Lucas over by the fire. "Your bodyguard still with you?", he asks when I finally make it over to him. "Funny uh no I gave him the night off.", I smile. "Good to know.", he playfully bumps my shoulder handing me a beer can unopened. 

"So do you come here just for summer or do you experience Cousins in all four seasons?", I ask. He takes a seat in the sand waiting for me to join him before answering. "I actually go to boarding school so I experience a little bit of all four seasons on holiday assuming I don't run off to Mexico for Christmas or spring break.", he laughs. "You don't seem the other spoiled boarding school brats we run into here.", confusion swirls in my head. 

"I mean would you prefer for me to? Ugh my parents shipping me off to some lame ass boarding school with their credit card knowing I have a trust fund to carry me for the rest of my life even though I'll probably blow it on some stupid shit as soon as I'm 25.", his tone becomes snarky, and attitude narcissistic quickly replaced by the charming side once more. 

"Entertaining I will say but not my vibe.", a laugh escapes my lips. "Good cause that's not who I am.", he chuckles joins the air. We spend the time talking soon leaving the fire to walk along the beach taking about just how different our lives are. He was good company, but I kept thinking about Conrad and what he was doing, who he was with, why he wasn't with me. 

Yes, I know I basically told him fuck off but it's not like he ever listens he's my best friend and he knows y/n speak by now. Conrad maybe smart enough to get into Brown but sometimes he needs a little push in the right direction. "Y/N are you listening?", Lucas jumps in front of me. My face drops into a frown feeling bad i hadn’t been pay attention.

"Y/N quick it's Conrad!", Steven yells. My feet carry me as fast as they can without getting caught in the sand back to the group of teens surrounding a fight with none other than my stupid best friend in the middle of it.

"Con! Quit being stupid!", I push my way through the crowd and try to pull him off the random dude. My attempt was moot until Jere finally stepped in and broke up the fight around the same time as sirens began sounding. 

"Cops!". The teens that once covered the beach dropped their drinks and scattered like cockroaches. "Y/N let's go grab some ice cream and I'll take you home.", Lucas grabs ahold of my hand gently tugging me away from the guys.

"Like hell you will.", Conrad pulls me towards him. "You don't own her man. She can come with me if she wants to.", the alluring guy I was talking to all night disappears taken over with frustration and anger.

"We brought her, we will take her home besides she just met you like I'd ever let her endanger herself like that. Besides your place isn’t her home. Mine is.”the brown hair boy mocks the curly haired boys statement. "I never said anything about my place quit putting words in my mouth".

 "Would both of you just shut up!.", my outburst took both of them aback. "Lucas I'll see you around. Conrad let's get your stupid ass home.", annoyance prominent in my voice as I drag them away from each other. "Give me the keys Conrad.", I hold out my hand. "Not a chance.", he pushes past me and gets in the drivers side of his sedan. 

"I can't fucking believe you.", his tone accusatory. "Believe me about what?". "That boarding school trust fund fuck boys are your type.", his hands grip the wheel tighter than normal meanwhile I completely lose it.

"And how the fuck would you know what my type is huh! You have never cared nor taken an interest in the guys I have talked to. God acting like my dad I don't need your protection okay I can take care of myself.", I can feel my cheeks turning hot with anger. 

"You are so wrapped up in your own world you don't even notice that I do care about who you are with. You deserve more than that jackass.", tension settles in the air, suddenly this car feels like a tiny box."All that guy wanted to do was hook up with you.",his voice was filled with a know it all tone.

"So what if that is what I wanted!", he is surprised by my response. "You don't wanna lose it to some random one night stand.". "And if I do?", I didn't but he didn't need to know that.

"I know you Y/N you want to lose it to someone you care about and you know cares about you.", his grips loosens. "Maybe it's just not meant for me.", I can't let my guard down. 

My eyes follow his hand as it leaves the wheel and lays flat against the skin between my thigh and knee. "Don't say that.", we finally pull into the driveway of the beach house quietly making our way in the house careful not to wake Laurel or Susannah. I make my way to the kitchen grabbing some powdered donuts from the pantry. 

"I wasn't trying to upset you..honestly. You're my best friend and I never want to hurt you but lately I just keep fucking up.", he follows me after Jere, Belly and Steven trot upstairs to their rooms. "It's fine Connie you were right I don't wanna lose my virginity to some dude I met on the beach at a lame party.", I avoid looking at him. 

"I wouldn't want that for you either.", a gentle tone takes over his voice. "You're not fucking up anything by the way I mean I'm still here aren't I?", I attempt to lighten the mood. "Surprisingly so.", he chuckles. "What's going on in that brilliant head of yours?", I finally bathe the strength to look at him without melting. 

The way the front pieces of his hair kind of flop in front of his eyes, he's constantly pushing them behind his ear mainly when he's nervous but he also refuses to cut it Susannah loves it. His brown eyes seep into mine without even trying encapsulating me in a daydream. 

"You...me...y/n you think I don't care who you date but I do.", a nervous Conrad is not something I don't see often or ever really. "Let's not have this conversation again please.", I beg. "I have feelings for you.", he blurts not looking me in the eye. "What?", I'm taken aback praying he said what I heard.

"I like you Y/N and I have since we met I'm just so screwed up and I didn't wanna drag you down with me especially with my mom. You're the only other person besides me who knows about my parents and they don't even know that I know.", the sound of the stool screeching against the floor as he stands up out of the chair echos string us both. 

"Con you're not screwed up..", I gently take his hands in mine connecting our eyes. "You just need to develop better communication skills.". "How's this for practice?", his body leans over mine slowly coming down to bring his lips to mine. 

Is this really happening? Am I about to kiss Conrad Fisher, I've only ever dreamed of this moment never anticipating the reality god don't let me mess this up please. The soft skin of his lips gently connect with him, his hands disconnecting from mine caressing my cheeks instead leaving my hand to go to his shoulders pulling him closer afraid to lose the moment. 

I've always felt safe around him but, here in this moment it was cloud nine times a million. I didn't want it to end but we had to breathe eventually. "So?". 

"Well ahem.. a kiss isn't communicating however you can take that as an I feel the same way..", I anxiously pull my bottom lip between my teeth. "I love how you do that when you're nervous.", a nervous laugh escapes his lips. "We should head up to bed it's getting late.", as much as I don't want to I pull away from his body, his warmth knowing he'll be different in the morning. 

"Stay with me tonight.", it comes off as a statement rather than a question making my heart jump with excitement. "Your mom would flip if she caught us in your room.", I raise a brow. "Not if she doesn't find out or I come up with a really good excuse as to why you were in my room, and my bed.", he keeps me close.

"I don't know Con.". "Please.". "Okay fine.". 

Pleased with my appliance to his wishes he leads us upstairs to his room carefully closing the door. After removing our shoes we lay in his bed facing each other, the light of the moon casting a light so bright I could see his whole face in the dark.

The soft touch of his hands push some hair behind my ear before pulling me into our second kiss of the evening. 

Without thinking I immediately kiss him back, our bodies manage to close any gap left between us in a matter of seconds the moment enclosing us in a world of our own. I pull back slightly we are still nose to nose but rarely any space is between us. 

With as much confidence as I could muster I whisper the words I've wanted to say for months, "I want it to be you.". He is slightly surprised by my statement but doesn't break our contact, a small smile daring to turn up the corner of his mouth. "Are you sure? That wasn't what I was trying to do not now.", the words are soft spoken. 

"I'm sure unless you don't want to?", my eyes search his for an ounce of rejection. "Believe me I want to I just don't want you to feel rushed or pressured.". Without another word my hand takes a hold of his guiding it from the softness of my legs up to rest on my hips slowly and ever so gently. "Please Connie." with that I connect our lips once more. 

He takes this as his green light deepening the kiss turning me onto my back so he can be onto careful not to crush me under him. My fingers dance under his shirt against his stomach and chest, he smiles into the kiss before moving to my neck tenderly nipping at the skin a gasp escaping my lips. 

"We have to be quiet baby.", he whispers into my ear sending shivers down my spine in the best way possible. We both sit up swiftly removing our shirts, he gently pecks my lips allowing himself to kiss down my jawline, neck and along my shoulders till his hands reach the clasp of my bra. 

"May I?", his breathe tickles my neck and I nod. The white lace is soon gone leaving my top half completely bare and exposed, to my own surprise I'm not as nervous as I'd thought I'd be but how can I be when it's him.

He begins to kiss from my shoulder back down my chest gently laying me back down before reaching my jeans. I can feel his fingers undo the button and zipper tugging the denim off my hips and down my legs. 

A cold breeze hit my sensitiveness causing me to shudder. One step further and my panties have fond the rest of the clothes on my the floor. His eyes meet mine again a smile plastered on his face before speaking in a hushed tone. "Okay I'm gonna be honest it does hurt the first time but I promise I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure that you are ready before then. Do you trust me baby?". 

"Of course I do.", I smile. 

Our lips attach themselves once more as his thumb begins to rub my bud an action responsible for my hips bucking up. "It's okay.Relax", he reassures me against my lips.

My mind goes foggy overcome by his touch, of course I've touch myself but his hands against my most sensitive part was a whole new feeling of pleasure I've had yet to explore. 

When he feels I'm ready he slides a finger inside pumping in and out slowly, our moans mix together in the air trying to remain quiet. "I'm going to add another okay?". "Okay.". I feel his index and and middle fingers sliding in and out of me a wave of pleasure washing over me. I kiss him to try and cover my moans a futile action as I end up moaning against his lips instead. 

"Fuck yes just like that.", my hips begin to grind against his fingers giving him confidence to speed up slightly. My stomach begins to tighten as my climax winds up, he plants soft kisses along my chest continuing his motions only heightening my moans. "You are so beautiful y/n.", his whisper causes butterflies to let loose in my stomach. 

"I think I'm ready Connie.", I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanted him, all of him more than anything in this moment. "I think so too.", all contact is taken away so he could remove his jeans but I can't help the whimper that leaves my lips at the loss. 

The moment stand still our eyes locked on one another taking in this sight of each others exposed state, emotionally and physically bare. I prayed he couldn't hear how loud my heart was beating I've wanted him for so long to be more than my best friend and here he is, here I am giving him my first an I wouldn't change a thing. 

"Do you have protection?", I ask. He nods before reaching into his drawer and pulling out a shiny gold foil, putting on the condom and hovering over me once more. "I want you to be mine.", the words fall graciously from his now swollen lips. "I am yours.", I'm quick to answer.

"No I mean I want us, you and me. Boyfriend and girlfriend. This isn't just a one time thing. Be mine? Please.", a vulnerable Conrad is a side we rarely see and only in his most emotional state thought I've always been his soft spot. "I've always been yours whether you knew it or not my love.", I don't blush at the statement instead I smile and plant a small kiss on his nose. 

"This may still hurt I'm gonna go slow and let me know when I can move okay?", his lips lower to mine. His tip rubbing against my clit earning a small moan. "Okay.", I force the one worded answer out. As he kisses me slowly his member enters me...holy shit...a stint of pain swells inside my body, "Please move Con.", I manage. 

The thrusts replace pain with bliss, his minty scent fills my olfactory nerves, the soft touch of his lips and hands dance along my skin with sweat glistening on us both.

"Fuck you feel good baby.", he's as breathless as I am. His hands grip my hips imprinting small marks on them while my nails dig into his shoulders and back my entire body buried in ecstasy. 

"More.", I beg. I can feel him smirk into my neck picking up his pace and pushing deeper into me causing my back to arch off the bed our chests colliding. "Oh god." I moan gripping his shoulders so tight my knuckles are white.

"You're okay we're almost there.",his words soothe me and I allow myself to fall back against the mattress. As if they have a mind of their own my hips being to move meeting his hurts with equal enthusiasm and energy. "Just like that.", he groans into my skin. 

The knot in my stomach grows and grows I'm toe curling close to my end as is he. His speed picks up, ours moans mix praying we don't wake anyone. Mass amounts of Conrads groans fill the air when I begin to clench around him neither of us could hold on any longer.

 A white haze clouds all my senses as my entire body shakes with my orgasm. I feel him finish with me both of us panting and completely gone for each other and the moment we just shared.

A few minutes pass allowing us to collect ourselves before he quickly jumps grabbing an old t-shirt to clean us up. His care is gently and appreciated as some soreness begins to settle between my legs. 

"So how was I?', my cheeks turn red as I ask. I grab his shirt off the floor and pull it over my head covering myself.  "Perfect.", his arms wrap around my body spooning me, comforting me in a way I've never known a person could.

"Thank you for being my first.", the words are spoken just above a whisper. "Just hope you don't regret it.", his body tenses nervously against my back a sadness coating his words. "I could never regret you Conrad not about this, and not about us...we're infinite.". 

"Infinite.". he repests. "I should probably go to mine and Belly's room before anyone gets suspicious.", I try to get up only to be pulled back by Conrad. "You aren't going anywhere. I told you I will find a great excuse as to why you were in here.", I giggle at his statement.

"And what about the clothes that covering the floor?", I cock an eyebrow at him. "I've been meaning to do laundry.", he answers. 

"That includes my panties?", I can't help but laugh. "They got mixed up?", he shrugs. "My boyfriend ladies and gentlemen the best liar.", we both erupt in a fit of laughter though it is short lived as my eyelids begin to droop closed.

"Goodnight Connie.", my whole body relaxes into his chest sleep taking over. 

"Goodnight my infinity.", him kissing my head is the last thing I remember before being swept away in sleep. 

Infinity.  

[story-island]

Nightmares in the Field (Simon "Ghost" Riley X Fem Reader)

A/N: Hello everyone! Hope your all having wonderful days, I already have a nightmare comfort posted for Simon, but I feel like this one is plenty different from the other one.

Summary: Nightmare comfort from Simon before you get evacuated from the mission you had just completed. Reader is used to nightmares, but this is the first time Simon woke her up.

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of nightmares, soft Simon, nightmare comfort, swearing

Word Count: 1.5K

Nightmares were a common occurrence amongst the team. Working in the military left all of you with scars and ghosts of your own. But this time it was different.

The mission was successful and there were only a few minor scrapes and scratches. The team was just waiting for evac now. They would come get you in the morning, but there was still some time to kill. Everyone was drinking and playing games, knowing the job was done and done well.

Soon though, everyone started to get tired and move to their respective sleeping places. Everyone except Ghost who was probably on the roof watching the perimeter. Poor man never let his guard down. Regardless of that thought, you found yourself sleepy and wanting to go to bed too.

With that, sleep soon came with malicious intent. It was normal for the team's nightmares to lighten up in the field because they couldn't sleep as deep, but tonight you got royally fucked. Images of blood and death flashed in front of your sleeping eyes.

That was when you were suddenly jolted awake to a hand covering your mouth. You almost started fighting before a wonderfully deep British voice interrupted you.

"Calm down love", taking his hand off your mouth he continued "you were making noise in your sleep, needed to quiet you down a little."

"Oh . . . Thanks Ghost"

"Come" he said, motioning you to follow him.

Accepting the fact that you could use some air, you got up and followed him. Ghost guided you to the roof, where he had been before. He found his previous vantage point and sat down silently; you followed shortly after.

The thought crossed your brain on how he even knew you weren't sleeping well if he was up here, but he practically read your mind.

"Price radioed me to get you, said you sounded like you needed someone." Ghost said.

"And that someone was you?" you questioned.

"I'm the only one lucid enough to deal with it aren't I?"

"Yeah, I suppose that's right."

Slowly Ghost's eyes watched your every move, seeing how nervous you looked. You could feel him watching, and at first you didn't like it but after a little while he looked away. Missing his gaze, the second it went to sweep your surroundings.

Ghost was a patient man, not forcing you into anything you didn't want. He just waited for you to finally speak up again.

"I don't want to talk about it" you said, forcing back some tears as the nightmare flashed through your mind again.

"That's fine . . . do you need anything else I could help with?" he asked, knowing he would have gone to the ends of the universe for you.

"Hug?" you asked with a weak voice.

Ghost nodded, shocking you momentarily by the acceptance of physical contact.

"Thank you, Ghost," you said, moving closer to him.

"Simon, call me Simon" he said

"Simon" you repeated before making a split-second decision.

Knowing that the awkward side hug wasn't going to cut it, you quickly straddled his lap, and buried your head in his chest. The act made even Simon blush under his skull balaclava. He tensed at the action, and you felt it. But he also relaxed after a few short seconds. This man would never deny you affection, so he just wrapped you up in his warm embrace.

Not a single tear fell from your eyes, but damn was it close. He could feel how you held onto him; it was as if he would disappear if you let go. Simon knew first-hand how terrifying that was, but he also knew that he could only be there for you if you wanted it.

After a minute you finally released him, pulling back only to look into his deep but dark eyes.

"Feeling any better Sweetie?" Simon asked.

Internally you noted how much Simon's pet names affected you before responding.

"Yeah, a little" you said, looking away from his gaze.

"So, you just enjoy my lap then love?" He teased.

"Shut up" you whined as you crawled off his lap and into a sitting position next to him. A light blush evident on your face.

"There's my girl" he said, you didn't miss the way he spoke almost lovingly.

"Loving up the pet names, are we Simon?" you lightly teased.

"Only with you pet" he responded, and you swear you could see a smile under his mask.

You met Simon's eyes, almost begging for his little praises.

"In that case, I guess you can keep calling me them" you said before looking around the perimeter and eventually to the stars.

"Only in private doll" he said, waiting for you to meet his eyes before giving you a small wink.

"Simon . . . does that mean you want to spend more time with me in private?" you were testing boundaries, but it didn't seem like Simon wanted you to stop.

It took him a few moments to fully think out what he was going to say.

"Yes Y/N of course I want to spend more time with you . . . you're a wonderful person, frankly I'm shocked you even speak to me. but that is beside the point. Your smile could light up my whole world, so if you're giving me a chance to see that more, I could never refuse." Simon usually never spoke this much, but the way his words played with your heart strings was too much.

"I don't even know what to say Simon" you replied, stunned.

Gently placing his hand under your chin, lifting you to his gaze.

"Tell me if you want this . . . I mean truly" he said.

"Yes, yes of course" you responded, still unsure that this is even real.

With that Simon pulled you back onto his lap, as you let a a small yelp.

"Thought you didn't want me on your lap" you joked, grinding on him a little.

He couldn't even respond, just let out a growl as he grabbed your hips. Keeping them in place instead of letting you tease him. Looking deeper into his eyes you saw something that said "not tonight."

"Trust me I love you on my lap princess, but I can't give you my full attention like I would want to."

"Seems like your attention is already on me."

"If I kiss you, will you get off my case."

Simon was playing dirty, and he knew it, staring you down as he waited for your response. Slowly, he moved his hand up to adjust his mask just above his lips.

"Only if I can get more later" you said, transfixed by Simon's soft looking lips.

"Since you asked so nicely . . . I might consider it" he joked.

That was when he leaned in. He didn't give you what you wanted, not quite yet. Instead enjoying the sound of your hitched breathing as he was millimeters from your lips. Your breath mingled for a moment more before you couldn't take it anymore.

"Simon please" you begged, that was the last straw for him

The next thing that you knew his lips were on yours. You were shocked at how gentle he was, passionate, but gentle. Quickly he swiped his tongue against your bottom lip, asking to deepen the kiss. You let him take control without a fight, instead enjoying how amazing he felt against you. Simon's tongue gently explored your mouth as his hands started to roam all over your body.

Sadly, the spectacular moment was shattered by the fact that you were mortal and needed air to live. Simon pulled back first, his eyes saying he wanted more, but you guys were in the field and were not in the right place for this.

That is when you took the moment to breathe again. The nightmare was gone, you felt more in control, and safe by Simons side. Relaxing into his body you spoke

"Thank you"

"Any time love are you going back to bed?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think so" you said, dragging yourself off of Simon, and up onto your own feet.

"Can you make it down there alright?"

"Who said anything about sleeping down there? I'll be back with a blanket or two."

"Of course, you're sleeping up here" he muttered to himself, with a small smile.

Quickly you bounded down and then back up the stairs, returning in a flash with blankets to keep you warm. Also throwing on another hoodie. Simon had found a different vantage point, but he was still waiting for you.

A moment passed and you were by his side, fluffing up the blankets and wrapping them around yourself. Simon was a smart man, you noticed that he had removed the tactical gear on his thighs. Rightly assuming you would lay your head on his lap before you slept.

"You okay with this Simon?" you asked, getting ready to lay on him.

"More than okay, get some rest" he replied letting one of his hands fall into your hair.

"Goodnight Simon"

"Goodnight Y/N"

Gently you drifted off, the repetitive motion of Simon running his hands through your hair giving you a sense of peace. That night the nightmares left you alone, and when you woke in the morning Simon was still watching over you, keeping you safe.

[v3nusxsky]

Something foreign

*A/n~ feel free to request any prompts and I'll try to bring them to life enjoy this one this prompt is a little close to home for me so I hope I can do it some justice

Tw~ past abusive relationship*

Prompt ~ reader has had a bad relationship before moving to teach at nevermore. Larissa and reader are attracted to each other but reader is scared of the past repeating itself. Comforting Larissa

☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾☾

You'll never allow yourself to be like that again. You can't be back to the shell you were. Yet here you am. Stood in front your boss's office door knowing you've  got those kind of feelings for the goddess that she is. You could feel your hands trembling as you gently knock on her door and enter without waiting for the reply. She knew you was coming. After all it had become a nightly occurrence these days. At first it started as welcoming you to Nevermore. Noting your shy and reserved demeanour, you just assumed Larissa wanted to ensure her staff were okay. Never did you think it could be anymore than that. Now months later sitting on her sofa with a glass of wine it was all different. You couldn't let this happen again. You knew barely survived the first time. But the feelings raging in you for the principle seem to grow stronger every second of every day.

"Darling? I thought I'd lost you there for a second" her soft gentle voice was what broke your thoughts unknowingly stopping you going down a painful rabbit hole of path of remembering everything you'd been through.

"Oh I'm sorry Larissa. I seem to be in my own world tonight" you whispered remembering she'd asked me call her Larissa while in the privacy of her office.

"Away with the fairies then dear? Penny for your thoughts? She replied with a tone soft and curious.

An involuntary shiver ran over your body as you felt the colour draining from your face. Of course this would come up at some point. Although you've  never confessed your feelings to Larissa you knew she was starting to grow concerned over your odd actions. There was only so many excuses you could use. Sighing slightly you turned to look at the flames of the lit fire. It was time as they seemingly were dancing together in the most peaceful pattern. The orange glow created was casted around the room aiding the relaxing feeling you often felt in this room. With her.

"Before I arrived at Nevermore, I lived in a small town not too far from Jericho. While there I had a relationship well if you can call it that, It was 3 years long and I - it's sorry this is hard to talk about I'm not sure if I can-" you started trailing off words fading as your mind transported you back to your own personal hell.

Soft hands held on to my shaking ones, gently squeezing once retrieving your mind back to the present. "You don't have to tell me sweetheart it's okay. But I'm here to listen okay?"

With a small nod and a deep breath I continue " It wasn't a good relationship to say the least. It changed me for the worst. I use to be confident in my abilities and myself. She changed that. She tore me down into this shell that was so easily broken. 8 lost everyone including myself. Of course it started off fine but it happened so slowly I didn't see the signs. God I was so stupid. Some of the things that happened to me with her it's just all too much. " Tears escaped my eyes that are screwed shut as the onslaught of memories from the past played through your brain on a loop. "When I left and moved here it was a safe heaven of sorts for me. I had to rebuild who I am or was. I had no intention of falling for anyone. It would hurt too much to go back to that. But then there was you. I feel things for you that are so strong they terrify me. You could destroy me with the power you hold over me. Not just because your my boss. If I lost you ... I don't know what I'd do."

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. what about me darling?"

"I- Larissa i have feelings for you- romantic ones... It terrifies me. I don't even know if your gay! But I can't ignore my feelings anymore they are too strong. I'm terrified I can't go back to a relationship like that. And it's not that I think you would... because I don't Rissa oh shit i Larissa I'm sorry I just it slipped out but I god this is hard. You're so kind and gentle and the passion you have for Nevermore warms my heart. You're absolutely breathtaking and I know you'd never hurt me in the ways she did but I'm so scared." A sob following your rushed statement as you begin process what you've just done. You had let your guard down. Panic bubbles up inside your chest as you keep watching the flames in their game of chase. Dancing after each other but never quite reaching each other.

Silence covered the room after your confession as you become trapped deeper in your own head and Larissa you assume is processing everything you had just dumped out in the open. God you were such an idiot sometimes. You had just admitted feelings. Feelings equal vulnerability. Vulnerability is dangerous it allowed you to be hurt in the most traumatic ways. God you may as well have just handed her a loaded gun and said shoot me. But this was Larissa. Not her. No Larissa was nothing like her. You knew that she wouldn't hurt you. You knew that. Yet the panic still kept rising higher and higher feeling like it was going to explode inside your chest.

Larissa was the first to break the silence pulling you from my own personal hell.

"Darling? Can I?" She opened her arms to me in a silent question. Cautiously you crawled closer shoulders tense as you was wondering where the trick would be. It had to be a trick. Why would someone do perfect want to hold you? In fact when was the last time you were held by someone? For comfort? It must have been years because try as you might you couldn't remember the last time you had felt safe in someone's arms. It wasn't long before you was wrapped in her arms finally relaxed with your head nuzzled into her neck. She has the most beautiful floral scent that you couldn't help but drink in committing it to memory for when she undoubtedly leaves. One of her hands rubbed up and down your back ever so gently tracing your spine as if she was afraid she'd break you. Sobs wrecked your body  at the small action of affection and comfort. How pathetic that a hug had reduced you into this mess. Yet here you were breaking down int he arms of your goddess. Your saviour. But it wasn't just a hug it. No it was her. For the first time in so many years you felt safe and loved.

"Hush darling it's okay. You're okay, I have you" she whispered as you continue to sob into her neck. With a feather light kiss into the crown of your head she continued. "Y/n you're so strong. And although I know I don't really know anything that you've been through I know you're strong. And telling me must have been so hard for you to do. However darling having feelings doesn't make you weak at all and you have to know I'd never hurt you like that. I couldn't do that to you." Her tone of voice showing the sincerity of her words just had you sobbing harder.

"Wh-y " I finally managed to hiccup out not knowing if she'd follow my train of thought but not able to coherently form a sentence as I tried to gain composure over my emotional state.  Why would someone as amazing as Larissa want the broken pathetic mess that was you?

"Because y/n I have feelings for you too. I didn't say anything because you didn't seem comfortable and I didn't want to spook you. But darling I'd never hurt a beautiful soul like yours. You deserve to be treated properly darling and i would happily dedicate the rest of my life to doing so."

More tears leaked from your eyes at her beautiful words. How could someone be so perfect and have feelings for you? That just didn't make sense. Sitting here wrapped in her embrace you could tell she honestly meant every word.

"No one's ever held me like this before" you shyly admitted to her once you had managed to gather a bit of control over your emotional state. Being used was what you were use to. But this was so gentle and caring you could practically feel the love radiating from her. "Could you just... could we... stay like this?"

"Of course darling for as long as you need" she replied holding you closer allowing you to feel the soft beats of her heart. "Y/n?"

"Mhmm?"

"This heart beats for you dear" she whispered with a smile when she felt your smile in her neck.

Words~ 1651

*Authors note ~ soft Larissa has my heart this was wrote during a particularly hard break up I was going through. I had to learn to allow people to see my emotions and to hug me again. It was hard and I hope that if anyone else is going through anything similar in relationships that you have someone to reach out to. I will always have my messages open *

[hacked-by-jake]

Imma done with duskwood lmao 😂 Too long waiting, I wrote my own ending and now I lost interest in duskwood xD I know they are a small group of developers but they must realize their fandom is slowly dying :( It's sad but it is the truth 🥺 I see so many duskwood writer going quiet or writing OG works....

Well, that's very sad. But I don't think the fandom is dying. Not at all. First of all, it's January, trust me when I tell you, it's always very quiet in January. It's a stressful time. While December for example is more way more active. People have more time and winter makes more people to stay at home etc. It's not unusual for this time. Nevertheless, I do understand a bit what you mean. Of course we're waiting for Moonvale for a longer time now, but I think it's understandable. At least, I was expecting a long time for it to come out.

And I'm pretty sure they're aware of it... I see enough people starting to hate on them, leaving mean comments on Instagram etc. They know we're all waiting and they also know people become more and more inpatient. And I guess it's for them as hard as it is for us. I don't know what is going on there at Everbyte, but I'm very sure if they could they would work faster. But I think they already use every possible second to work on it. I mean, for them it's their income, their way to earn money, I don’t think they can just put Moonvale aside and chill, haha. Maybe they even have a second job, I don’t know, we don't know about the circumstances. I'm repeating myself, but I am convinced that this situation is difficult for Everbyte as well. And I don’t think they themselves expected it to take that long.

Still, I understand what you’re saying and how you mean it, but now, I think losing interest in things is normal. It happens all the time. And especially since Duskwood has been finished for quite some time now, the hype disappears at some point, but with luck it comes back. I mean, have you ever watched a movie you really liked but then you had to wait 3 or 4 or even more years for the second part? You’re not as excited about the movie every single day as you were the first time. You wait, maybe you lose interest in time, as I said, it’s normal. When the film is released, when it is finally ready, the joy often comes back. The movie was released and then you can decide if you want to watch it anyway, if it is worth trying, or if you are not interested anymore. Both is possible. Of course it's sad if you're absolutely done with it but it's simply normal and I don't think you can do anything about it.

And whether there is a connection between Moonvale and the more frequent occurrence of original works that I can not judge. I rather think it's simply because it's way easier to reach people with writing fanfiction. So, you can write fanfiction, write things you enjoy a lot and then you're interested in writing something made by yourself from top to bottom. You already reached some people so if you're lucky, maybe they will also be interested in an original work. I know many writers who simply never dared to publish original stories. But if one persons starts to publish their work other might get the missing courage to do it as well.

And yes, it’s also true that many Duskwood writers don’t post that much anymore. Of course, it will also be due to the fact that everyone’s joy and the excitement decreases a little after a while. Just like it happened with you. And that's okay as well. But I can also tell you that some people don’t read as many Duskwood fanfictions as before, which can be very demotivating for writer. But it’s also that the time we live in is nothing but hectic and exhausting. So much is going on. Everyone has so much stress. Health problems became much more present. Time is simply the enemy for many, the exhaustion does not allow people to write because something else is always going on. But in every other fandom it is no different, absolutely not. But because the Duskwood fandom is so much smaller it just stands out much faster. It's much more visible.

It's just a hard time in general. :/

Please don’t get my words wrong. I don't want to sound mean or rude or anything. Really. And I do understand what you mean and sometimes I even feel similar. It's a pity you're feeling this way by now but as I said, it's nothing unusual. It's sad when you lose things that used to bring you happiness but I think you can do nothing about it. I just hope at some point your excitement will be back and maybe you're even going to play Moonvale. I think it is not good to force yourself to like something if you have really lost interest. And instead of Duskwood and moonvale, I hope you find something else to enjoy. 💚

Still, thank you a lot for sending this ask and especially for sharing your thoughts with me/us. It means a lot to me. And I hope the 'situation' will improve for you again. I hope you're doing good so far. Please take always care of yourself and stay healthy and safe. Have a good day/evening/night. 💚💚