#a hook in a modern au is a bit strange

[certainty2witch]

Crocodad, in a modern au where he raised Luffy.

I probably wanna expand this au, since I already had something in mind (nothing so original, is more like a common slice of life thing), and maybe giving more informations about.

Let me just say that as a firmly “Crocodile is trans” believer in canon, well i made him afab here too. And is divorced with Dragon, they just keep the child by turns (Croco doesn’t like to see Dragon at all, it ended not so well, but I believe they still have some feelings for eachother).

My twitter:

[jhyoos]

Dreams Come True

Chapter 2: Ain’t It Funny?

modern au! hockey star! vi x idol! reader

summary: reader finally debuts and so does vi’s hockey career.

notes: thank you everyone for the likes on chapter 1! im forever grateful! your debut song is eung eung by apink

chapters: one, two, christmas special, three, four

The sunlight streaming through the floor-to-the ceiling windows of the practice room caught the streaks of your newly dyed and styled hair. You barely noticed, too focused on the beat of the music echoing through the room. Your movements sharp, deliberate, a reflection of the countless hours you’d poured into perfecting every detail of the choreography.

It’s been a year since Vi broke up with you and your debut was a few weeks away. The past year has been nothing but training, practicing, filming the music video and singing in the studio. You loved every second of it especially since you’ve got to spent it with Mel, who was now your roommate.

Everything about you had changed

Your hair, now a honey blonde to match with your girl group concept, but you loved it. It matched you perfectly and the way the stylist styled it made you love it even more.

The shy yet unsure trainee from a year ago was gone, replaced with someone confident, determined, and unyielding.

“(Y/N), let’s take a break,” Mel called, tossing you a water bottle. You caught it and sank onto the floor, leaning against the mirrored wall. Mel plopped down beside you, just as sweaty but somehow still composed.

“You’re gonna kill it,” Mel said, nudging your shoulder. “We all are. This group wouldn’t be the same without you.”

You gave a small smile, though your thoughts wandered. Over the past year, you’ve thrown yourself into work, and it had paid off. You’d managed to finish your senior year online, earning your diploma in the midst of grueling rehearsals.

But the cost had been steep. You haven’t spoken to Vi since the night of your fight. You cut ties completely, deleting Vi’s number, ignoring her messages, and avoiding the hockey rink on campus like the black plague. The one exception was her little sister, Jinx.

You and Jinx had stayed in touch, her chaotic energy and blunt humor was a strange comfort to you during the hardest days.

Vi’s knuckles tightened around the edge of the rink’s barrier as the shrill sound of coach’s whistle echoed through the air. The icy chill of the arena bit at her cheeks, but she barely noticed. Hockey had always been her escape, her channeling every emotion she didn’t have the words to express. This past year, it became her lifeline.

Her rise to fame was meteoric. Every game she played brought her closer to being a national icon. Sport channels ran highlight reels of her devastating slap shots and lightening fast reflexes. Articles praised her for her aggressive, no-nonsense playing style, calling her a future legend. Fans chanted her name at every match, holding up signs with slogans like “Vi the Viper”

But beneath all the accolades and the roaring crowd, Vi was suffocating.

Off the ice, her life was a stark contrast to the glory of the rink. She had shut herself off from almost everyone, retreating behind a wall of icy indifference. Ellie, her team captain, noticed it first.

“Vi you’re late again dude,” Ellie said one afternoon after practice, her tone exasperated.

Vi shrugged, tossing her gear into her locker. “What the big deal? I’m here aren’t I?”

“The big deal,” Ellie said sharply “Is that you’re not yourself. You’re snapping at everyone, skipping team meetings to fuck bitches, and whatever else you’re doing…it’s affecting the team and you clearly”

Vi didn’t answer. What could she say? She didn’t have the energy to explain the gnawing emptiness that had settled in her chest since she walked away from (Y/N).

She threw herself into hockey and nothing else . Relationships? She didn’t do those anymore. They were messy too much effort. Instead she indulged herself in the occasional fan hookups—fleeting, physical distractions with no strings attached.

The backstage area buzzed with frantic energy. Stylist and coordinators darted around, fixing last minute touches on hair, makeup and outfits. You sat in front of a massive mirror, your heart pounding as you stared at your reflection. Your shimmering gold and white stage outfit fit you perfectly, the intricate details catching the glow of the lights above.

You hair was curled into bombshell curls. It was a far cry from how you used to wear it, but it fit you so much. It fit the new version of yourself you had fought so hard to become.

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, her hands gripping the edge of the vanity. “You’ve got this,” you whispered to yourself. “You’ve waiting for this moment your whole life.”

A ping broke through your thoughts, and you glanced at your phone. It was a message from Jinx.

Tinker ⚙️💙: I managed to get tickets! I can’t wait to see you!

A smile appeared on your face as you looked at the message. Before you could respond, your manager, Steb, opened the door to your group’s dressing room.

“It’s time. Let’s get it!”

You stood at your cue, beside your group members. Each member was a picture of poise, yet the air buzzed with nervous energy. You had all practiced for this moment relentlessly, and now it was finally here—your debut showcase.

You smoothed down your outfit, your fingers trembling slightly. You had never felt so ready, yet so terrified. You stole a glance at Mel, who was adjusting her mic and grinning like this was just another practice session. “You okay,” Mel asked, nudging you gently.

“I think I’m about to throw up,” you admitted with a shaky laugh.

Mel snorted “Don’t you dare. Not in these outfits. You’re gonna be amazing.”

Right on cue, the lights dimmed, the massive LED screens lit up with the group’s logo, and a promotional teaser video played, showcasing their intense training and concept behind their debut.

You stood offstage with your group, your heart hammering in your chest as the intro to your group song began. You looked at your members and nodded, each of them silently reassuring the other. Together you all stepped into the spotlight, the stage exploding with sound.

The music started, and you moved effortlessly into position with your group, your heart racing but your movements steady. The debut stage was every bit of dazzling as you imagined: the flashing spotlights, the booming bass that seemed to shake the air, and the sea of glowing lights from fans cheering for them.

Your voice cut through the instrumental, smooth and powerful as you sang the first verse. Your dance steps were sharp yet fluid, your stage presence magnetic. You waited your whole life, and nothing could break your focus.

Until your eyes scanned the crowd.

In the middle of the second verse, you just got done with your line, staring into the camera. But out of curiosity, you looked down at the front row, your eyes naturally drawn to Jinx’s bright excitable movements. You smiled briefly before turning your gaze to the rest of the audience. That’s when you froze for the briefest of moments.

There, beside Jinx, hidden beneath a hoodie and cap was her.

Vi.

taglist : @lilttblog @alex-thegiraffeboyy @tobiotruther @krilara @snowbunnyboo @veladeangl @kl1q @maruiin

[cardansriddle]

You're so dark - (tom riddle x fem!reader) (modern au)

Summary: A mysterious stranger in a bookshop takes a sudden interest in you when he notices your peculiar taste in literature.

Warnings: not proofread bc i'm a bitch like that.

A/N: inspired by arctic monkeys' song "you're so dark" because I'm obsessed with it and I had to incorporate it into my writing somehow.

༻♛༺

The bell chimed distinctly in the dimly lit library, announcing the arrival of a yet new customer. You kept your head hung low, eyes fleeting over the words inked on the pages of the book with brows furrowed in concentration.

It was only when you heard the thump of shoes against the wooden floor did you raise your gaze from the page, only to be met with the sight of a man who looked like he walked straight out of a dark fantasy book. You assumed he would be the anti-hero, with his chiselled features, and dark hair. His face was unfairly handsome, and the self-assured yet stoic expression on his face only proved your theory further. Definitely a villain.

“How may I help you?” You asked after a brief moment of silence, marking the spot where you had left off and carefully setting your book aside to help out the customer.

His dark eyes flickered down to the book, fleeted over the cover before it locked with your own leather jacket clad form. 

He was about to say what he had come after; you could tell he knew what he wanted, but then in a split second, he seemed to change his mind, and he cocked his head to the side, stare still on you.

“What would you recommend?” He asked, and the deep rumble of his voice sent a shiver straight down your spine. He gestured to the book you had just put down. “How about that one?”

You rose an inquisitive brow. “Not many people are fond of Lovecraft’s works. Too dark for their particular tastes.”

The stranger did not seem bothered by your answer, if anything, he was spurred on to continue. “What if I want to read dark literature?”

He watched as your eyes roved over him, lingering for a second too long on the perfect frown of his lips, before you tore your gaze away. “Perhaps you may want to try Edgar Allan Poe.” You suggested. “Dark and poetic.”

“And that is what you like? Dark and poetic?” The stranger asked again, and you felt his stare burn through your whole being as the implication of his question ran deeper than simple literature. He was watching you, in that intense manner of his, and it was enough to ignite fire in your entire being.

You bit your lower lip, before slowly looking up at him. “I think everything dark is naturally poetic.”

Something flashed in his eyes, and you could sense that he was strangely pleased with your reply. A raven cawed from somewhere outside, and a chill ran down your spine at the sudden tension that seemed to hang around the two of you.

“Then Allan Poe it is.” He decided with a subtle smirk tugging at his lips. 

You nodded and began making your way between the shelves to find the book you presumed the stranger would enjoy from the author’s works. You felt him following your trail but did not notice how his eyes had become glued to the tattoo on full display thanks to your shirt that exposed some of your back. The black ink engraved on your skin in the form of a murder of crows sent a sense of thrill through his veins, and with every new thing he discovered about you, he was becoming more and more hooked. 

Rising on your toes, you reached towards the upper shelf to grab the book you presumed the stranger would enjoy, and as the pads of your fingers barely grazed the spine of the object, you suddenly felt warm as a body pressed against your back to retrieve the book with ease.

Your lungs stuttered, struggling to find air to breathe while his chest brushed your back, and then you felt his hand grabbing a firm hold of your waist.

Tom usually withheld himself from such urges, but if there was one thing he knew, it was that he wanted you bad. It was as if all rational thoughts had been drowned by the need to have you. He wanted you down on all fours as he made you scream his name into the night, and he wanted his teeth to be marking your throat with bruises that would stay on you like a tattoo. 

You turned around in his hold to face him and the sight of his form half shrouded in shadows and the other half illuminated by the winter sun seeping through the windows was enough to send your mind reeling. You caught his gaze flickering between your eyes and your lips. As if on instinct, your own dropped to his mouth, and it did not go unnoticed by the stranger.

You did not know who moved first, you did not care, because one second you were staring at one another, and the next his lips were moulded against yours. His hand on your waist circled to your back to hold you tighter against his body, while the other grasped your hair. It was messy, desperate, and urgent— the way he kissed you as if he was a man starved. But you were just as eager, with your back pressed against the bookshelf and your hands running over any part of him you could find as you allowed yourself to get ensnared in his trap.

When you finally pulled away to catch much needed air, you were both panting. His dark eyes roved over you once more before he stepped closer, entirely blocking the sunlight from your view.

"I'm Tom Riddle." He said with his gravelly voice.

And when you gave him your name, it felt as if you willingly handed your soul to the devil instead.

༻♛༺

taglist: @faerienotfound   @orangepact77  @on-ya  @a-mj-a  @darkmoviesquotespizza  @444s0ul  @amarisout  @daechgustinad  @lillywise-the-dancingclown69  @eceamaizmirbosislermuduru  @narwhal-swimmingintheocean  @turnip-milk @kammsinn @ratsys @linosluna @lizzieolseniskinda

let me know if you wish to be added/removed from my taglist!

[jurijyuu]

Link to my AO3 if anyone’s interested!

Master List of Works

Alastor x Reader

Scratch an Itch - Work in Progress (39/50?) (last updated 12/2/2024)

After months of living in the hotel, you’d come to know and be friends with everyone. You notice that Alastor was acting a bit strange today. Turns out, it’s time for his antlers to shed velvet. In an attempt to become friends with him, you offer to help. Tags: Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, Reader-insert, light cannibalism, bad puns, fluff, Slow Burn, Non-Con Cannibalism, Manipulation, Obsessive Behavior, Possessive Behavior, Dad Jokes, Soft Alastor, Mildly Naive Reader, Biting, Blood, Dancing, Coffee Dates

AO3 Chapters ACT 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 ACT 2: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 ACT 3: 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 In Progress

I wanna take a ride on your radio stick (NSFW) - Completed (2/2)

Being sick sucks ass. Unfortunately, your boyfriend is the Radio Demon who’s too busy to keep an eye on you as you recover. As you sleep through your cold, your boyfriend leaves you his mic to keep in touch in case you need help. Note: No, you do not use his mic as a dildo. That's Vox's kink. Tags: Gender-Neutral Reader, Masturbation, Dry Humping, Established relationship, Male Masturbation, Alastor discovers ASMR AO3 Chapters 1, 2

Breakfast (NSFW) - One shot

When his patience finally reached his limit, he decided to finally have a taste of the little human he'd pulled into their little hotel. Tags: Female Reader, Non-con/Dub-con, Bondage, Kidnapping, Cunnilingus, PIV sex AO3 Link

Whiskey Lips (SFW) - One Shot

Or the time you kissed your friend at a concert. Tags: Human!AlastorxReader, Modern AU, Second Person POV, Drunk Kisses, Unrequited Love (or is it?)

Adam x Lucifer

In the Ashes of the Garden

Hooked on Hazbin (Dead by Daylight x Hazbin Hotel Crossover) AO3 Link

When death came for him a final time, a new god reached out her black-fogged hands with a promise. "Kill for me." She whispered. "Only if I can drag that punk Lucifer with me too!" Tags: Hazbin Hotel x Dead By Daylight Crossover, Stabbing, Slashing, Typical DBD stuff, angst, hurt

[wangxianficrecs]

once upon a time, 很久很久以前 by gentil-minou (Flyingsuits)

once upon a time, 很久很久以前

by gentil-minou (Flyingsuits) (@gentil-minou)

M, WIP, 52k, Wangxian

Summary: Once upon a time, there lived a magical boy who was lost far, far away from home… Wei Wuxian is perfectly ready to celebrate another mediocre birthday alone when a ten-year-old shows up on his doorstep claiming to be his son. This kid is convinced they and everyone in his town were dragged away from their xianxia world and cursed to live as ordinary citizens in a mundane small town, and he's certain that Wei Wuxian is the key to saving them all. He sounds insane, but, well, Wei Wuxian likes him. Besides, what else can he do but follow him? (A Wangxian AU based on the show Once Upon a Time, no prior knowledge of said show necessary) Kay's comments: This story is super fascinating and has me completely hooked! Set in a modern setting, Wei Wuxian lives quite the miserable and lonely life until A-Yuan suddenly appears and basically leads him into a little village where he encounters Lan Wangji amongst other familiar characters and things are actually more than a little strange in that village. Wangxian's relationship starts out incredibly well only to immediately crash and I'm so looking forward to how they will find their way back to each other. Excerpt: Until he hears a quiet cough and looks down to see a little boy. At first, he thinks maybe he’s a trick-or-treater who got a bit lost, but Wei Wuxian’s building is secured with a key and callbox entry. Plus, although he’s been wandering streets alone since forever, he’s pretty sure a kid this young would have a chaperone with him. He looks behind the kid and doesn’t see anyone else there. But instead of asking something sensible like where his chaperone may be or even if the kid’s lost, he blurts, “How did you get in?” The boy tilts his head and replies, “The front door. It wasn’t locked, I just walked in.” So much for secured entry. But that doesn’t really answer why there is a human child at his door at nearly midnight. There’s definitely a law somewhere that says that’s illegal, probably. The kid, who can’t be more than ten years old and really should have learned about stranger danger by now, beams up at him, as if technical breaking and entering is something to be proud of. Which, okay, maybe Wei Wuxian is kind of impressed by that.

pov alternating, modern setting, modern with magic, transmigration, amnesia, mystery, somebody lives/not everybody dies, wei wuxian has self-esteem issues, sad wei wuxian, lonely wei wuxian, single parent lan wangji, developing relationship, lan wangji/others, fluff and angst, slow burn, mutual pining, angst with a happy ending, once upon a time fusion, curses

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for this hard-working author if you like – or think others might like – this story.)

[fandom-girls-stuff]

If you got anymore abo acesan im not opposed to hearing it

YES, I DO! (I'm extremely excited to receive an ask)

One particular that is on my mind is a Modern Werewolf au inspired by the fic Heavy on my mind.

Here, werewolfs have secondary genders,  and some of these folsk are living in separate communities or some live in society. The Strawhats formed their own pack, which is mixed because some of them are human.

Luffy has a birthday party with his crew/pack, and of course, his brothers are there as well. Long story short, Ace and Sanji drunkenly hook up. Morning after they just decide this not going to affect their relationship. (Which a little bit sucks because Sanji has a crush on Ace) They go their separated way, but fate brings them back together when Sanji shows signs of pregnancy a few weeks later.

But that's impossible. Sanji thoughs. It should be impossible because Sanji is a werewolf, and Ace is a human. He tells the crew/pack, and they support him, but they still ask who the other parent is. Anxiously, but he confesses that it's Ace. What surprises him is that Luffy is not mad. Luffy is not mad because then, as the pack leader, he doesn't have to accept some rando into the pack (he would accept the rando too. They just have to be a nice person)

A few days later, Sanji builds up the courage to tell Ace. Which also has to come with him telling Ace he is a werewolf and that Luffy is the leader of a mixed pack. (And maybe he tells him he has a little crush on him) At first Ace is confused but not angry and pretty quickly accepts the responsibilities (mostly because he doesn't want to be like his own dad) After they discuss what exactly Sanji needs for a more bearable pregnancy, one which is the scent of the other parent, Ace decides to move in with Sanji.

One day they have a cuddle session which calms Sanji's omega so much he almost doesn't notice Ace shoveing his nose in the back of his neck, licking the scent glands, and almost biting it. Sanji quickly comes to his senses to yank Ace's head from his neck. The other just yelps in confusion being forcefully woken up from his nap.

"What's wrong?" asks Ace

"You were licking my neck and tried to bite it!"

"I did? Sorry, I probably had a very vivid dream about food or something. Huh, but I did smelled something good. Is that bad?"

Bad? That's strange! It's peak alpha behavior, my guy. Which you shouldn't be!

This goes to the point that one day, while the Strawhats hang out, he out of nowhere growls at Zoro while he bickered with Sanji. Zoro, of course, instinctively feels treathened, and a fight almost breaks out, but Luffy and Jinbe stop them. Now everbody confused and Ace is even more. He has these thoughts and urges he can't put his hands on. As the senior Alpha Jinbe suggests that Zoro goes home to cool off, they cut their hang out short, and he stays to talk to Ace. This leads Ace to tell his new experiences since he lives with Sanji.

So Jinbe finally asks the question, "Are you sure you are a human? Because a while ago you were acting like you were protecting your mate from another Alpha." And Sanji, being there the whole time, understands what older means. Ace might not be what he thinks he is. It turns out, after some investigation (as in Ace telling the name of his bio parents), he is actually a half werewolf and an Alpha none the less.

I actually planned to write a fanfiction out of this. I want it to focus on Sanji's pregnancy and Ace learning to be a werewolf as well.

[sl-vega]

✧Xingqiu's victims friends✧

✧Xingqiu✧-member of the literature club and in honors English, he's the second born son of the CEO of Feiyun Corp. He discovered his love and reading and writing at a young age. when he was 10 he wrote a fanfic as a joke but to his surprise it went viral. he forgot the account's password so he never got around to deleting it. comes off as an absolute gentleman, but he's actually a bit of a gremlin, he means well though.

✧Chongyun✧-Not affiliated with any clubs, but is usually dragged along with whatever Xingqiu is interested in. Xingqiu moved into his neighborhood and found chongyun at their local library reading about ghosts when they were six. Since then the two have been inseperable, and Xingqiu's helped Chongyun be more social. Though he never directly states it, he's really grateful for his friend.

✧Xiangling✧-President of the cooking club, her father owns a famous restaurant where she works part time. Her and Xingqiu met in elementary school when she gave him one of her strange original recipes. Her recipes may sound disgusting, but they're actually pretty good (except for the slime smoothies, those are an acquired taste)

✧Hu Tao✧-member of the science club (only attends meetings that involve dissecting things though). Her family owns a funeral parlor that she frequently advertises, she often stops people in the hallway telling them that she can hook them up with a free closet. Xingqiu met her when she offered to help out with his pet fish's funeral when they were kids. She might seem a little eccentric at first (she is) but at the end of the day, she's a true friend.

✧Yanfei✧-member of the debate club. Her father is an attorney, and he taught her about laws and court rules. She knows the law like the back of her hand, and she's also great at finding loopholes within the law. She's helped her friends (only mainly Hu Tao) out of the Principal's office on numerous occasions, but she's also really great at winning arguments. Long story short, don't mess with yanfei

additional notes:

-xingqiu is a wattpad author, fight me

-ao3 > wattpad tbh

-xiangling def has one of those aesthetic food pages

-they're aesthetic until you actually read the ingredients tho

-lowkey considering making hu tao x yanfei a sideship tbh

-yes it's canon that albedo draws the namecards in this au

-chongyun's twitter header is actually a hybrid between his namecard and xingqiu's

-chongyun's twitter header found here

-yanfei pfp found here

-everything else is either an in game-screenshot or from pinterest

✧Sticking to the Script✧

masterlist

<prev ll next>

Pairing: Xingqiu x FEM! Reader

Genre: fake dating, strangers to lovers, slow burn, fluff, angst (?), high school smau, modern smau

⋆｡°✩-Synopsis: Xingqiu just got entered into a special writing contest, the type that's invite only, the theme this year is love, the only problem is that he has zero romantic experience. but he really wants to prove himself as a writer. meanwhile, you just found out that your boyfriend cheated on you, and you need to show him that you're 100% over him, the only problem is that there's no way you can get an actual boyfriend that quickly. clearly, the solution to both of your issues is to fake date each other. it shouldn't be hard for an actor such as yourself, all you need to do is stick to the script.

(OPEN) Taglist: @freyao7, @thatoneswordgirl, @sn1perz, @latay7, @esmetrees, @nmriki0, @help-whatdoimakemyusername, @httpsrenren, @cupid-spams, @aixaingela, @kaitfae, @luvkvni, @danhenglovebot

[kasasagi-eye]

Can I ask your top 10 fav fics ever (from any fandom, if you don't mind)?

Also, just curious, is there a story behind your name "kasasagi-eye "?

Okay this one is fun so here we go! Number one is pretty much set in stone, while 2 to 9 are just in the order they come to me AND are in the fandoms I've been enagged with in recent years, because I move fandoms a lot. Let's say that if I happened to be stranded somewhere with no Internet these are the fics I would like to have with me, at this moment.

desynchronization by Ontogenesis (hikaru no go, Ogata/Sei) It has: an amnesiac displaced out of time who was formerly a ghost and lots of relationship drama. I reread this pretty much every year. One of my favorite things about this is that while it is written in english, the characters' dialogues flow AS IF THEY WERE IN JAPANESE, and I can hear they actually say these senteces. Which to me is an amazing feat.

Game of Stacks by CommaSplice (GoT, multiple ships). Such a well-thought modern AU is hard to come by.

if living can be this by Lise (MDZS, songxuexiao). My fave Yi City redemption fic. Lise is one of my all time fave authors becuase of the excellent characterizaiton and dialogue; I orignally got hooked by their Steve/Loki works in Marvel fandom, which are also amazing.

This Side of Rain by Erinye (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, squarejohn). I love this one for making me see the benefits of unlinear narrative, and what has to be one of the most agonizingly equisite description of pining in fiction.

Unwilling Sleep by Telanu (this author also has other pseodonyms but I don't remember them off the bat (Petshop of Horrors, Leon/Count D) It has: an immortal character becoming mortal, and all it entails.

Listerworld by Kahvi, Roadstergal (Red Dwarf, LIster/Rimmer). One of the most unique plots I've read, befitting the uniqueness of the source material. Also, pining.

The Most Important Thing by NorthenSparrow (Supernatural, destiel). All of their destiel works are amazing but this one has amnesia, which is one of my favorite tropes so ^^

Wizardry By Consent by Sixthlight (Rivers of London, Peter/Nightingale). I love all of this author's works in the fandom, amazing writing.

Не в нашей власти by Ликующий Октаэдр. (SVSSS, bingjiu) This fic is a bit longer than my preferred fic length, which is up to 200k words and moreover still ongoing, but manages to keep the (extremely well crafted) story interesting. Amazing bingjiu interactions.

Дождь и Ветер by Eswet (Nirvana in Fire, Prince Yu/Mei Changsu). A great redemption fic for my favorite evil prince and some proper food to ease the hunger for my favorite rarepair (71 works on AO3 including two paltry attempts of my own T_T) Honorable mentions go to many fics by esama in Hikaru no Go and Harry Potter fandoms out of which I cannot pick a single one, bingjiu fics by xpityx, The Lotus Eaters by aldora 89 (Kirk/Spock). oh wait and also A bit of Fragnance by Silvercistern (now orphaned because the author got harassed by f***ing antis in a different fandom), which is a great arranged marriage AU for Quan Yizhen/Yin Yu (TGCF). And --- I MUST HIT SEND ALREADY BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOR HOURS TRUST ME (Oh wait you also asked about my nickname, so just a short explanation - Kasasagi means magpie in Japanese and it is how my writing works - I steal the shiny bits of everything I see (and read) and put them together.)

[roselightfairy]

8, 10 and 19 for the fic writer asks!

Oh thank you for asking! From this list of questions:

8. if you had to write a sequel to a fic, you’d write one for…

Whenever I've "had" to write sequels for fics, it has been entirely because I've felt internally compelled to continue the story! Which is to say that a lot of my fics, even those that were supposed to be one-offs, already have sequels! But I do have a few fics that I've long wanted to write sequels for, but the must just hasn't moved me in that direction.

Love in a Time of Politics: I loved exploring this soft no-war AU so much, and these gentler, peaceful versions of the characters and their families. I've tried a couple of times to start an epistolary sequel to this one that is Legolas and Gimli getting to know each other better, working out a betrothal, etc., but it just hasn't had the real juice to get started (and epistolary is hard for me to write). But I would love to do it someday!

Full Moon (and by extension, Words Unspoken). Words Unspoken was actually supposed to be a one-off, and then Full Moon was already the sequel-prequel that begged to be written - but I left off the ending of the fic with a bit of a tantalizing sequel hook, and one day I'd love to write it!

Muse: Oh, the sequel to Muse is the white whale I'll never really accomplish. The premise of this story is so wild and out-there that I really wanted to try writing about Legolas from LOTR learning how to adjust to a modern life, but it got angsty really fast in my head and it also just didn't quite come together. HOWEVER! Artist @theycallme-ook did make an adorable comic series follow-up that I'm digging back into and kicking my feet wildly about, that you should absolutely check out!

10. what is the longest amount of time you’ve let a draft rest before you finished it?

This is hard to say! I've had stories I've picked up in stops and starts, and I don't know how complete a draft needs to be to fit this bill, but probably the two most notable stories for this are The Better Part of Valor and Haven. The very first scene of Better Part was actually one of the first pieces of LOTR fanfic I wrote, back before I was publishing - and it sat for four years. I assumed it was unfinished forever, but I kept wishing I'd get the right click to pull it back out and finish it, and finally that came along in the summer of 2021! Haven, similarly, was a story I wrote the first scene of back in the summer of 2022, and then finally got myself together to finish two years later after a lot of fandom journeying.

It's funny, because I'm running @goodintentionswipfest right now and encouraging people to post unfinished drafts, but at the same time . . . sometimes you really do come back to those stories!

19. the most interesting topic you’ve researched for a fic

You know, I'm actually not sure about this one! I don't tend to do as many research deep-dives as I know some people out there do (and definitely feel a little guilty about it). I've researched some strange things from time to time, but I'll just go with a mention that my ongoing splinter sect AU has been so inspired by my graduate work in cultural studies that it now has its own accompanying "inspired by" bibliography. It's not exactly a list of references, more just theorists and work that has inspired me spiritually, but I think it's probably the most research-intensive thing I've done. Also I read Pedagogy of the Oppressed recently for the sake of inspiration for something else I'm trying to work on within that universe (but also I should have read the book long ago), so I guess that does count as research!

Thank you so much for asking these! I had a ton of fun answering them. <3 I am happy to continue answering if others feel inspired to ask from the list!

[howtowhumpyourhiccup]

Hooked

Summary: Written for AI-less Whumptober 2023 Day 29. Set in a Modern-ish AU. After a storm, Eret spends his time finding the merman who saved him from drowning.

Warning: /

Rating: General

Characters: Eret

Pairing: Minor Eretcup

Words: 823

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Prompt: “The easy way or the hard way?”

Whumpee: Eret

Author’s Notes: I originally had a different idea for this one, one that was way more intense and was actually Hiccstrid instead of Eretcup. But this is the fourth year in a row that my (AI-less) Whumptober time did not go as planned because of things entirely out of my control. This month is cursed. :)

So I had to keep that (relatively long) idea for a different day and come up with a shorter idea.

And thus this AU was born!

I honestly only got to write it because I FINALLY got the time to.

Enjoy!

@ailesswhumptober

XOXOX

Today, just like many days, Eret finds himself staring at the sea. Leaning on the edge of his fishing boat, he stares down into the water. He should be paying attention, he should be casting his nets for today's catch, but instead he's wasting his time staring into the abyss.

About a month ago to the day, Eret's boat got caught in a terrible storm. He knew it was coming, but he still went out anyway, figuring he would be back in time. So instead of the catch of the day, he landed himself in trouble. The waves were wild and merciless, throwing his boat around until it capsized and he found himself in the dark depths he’s now staring into.

It was impossible to tread water, he couldn’t even reach the surface. Legs kicking, arms swinging, lungs burning. He found himself in the exact kind of position no one swimming in a large body of water wants to be in. Desperately reaching for the surface and yet not gaining an inch towards air.

Needless to say, Eret thought he was going to die.

Until…

A shape.

It was almost impossible to see in water so dark, but he could vaguely see it moving. He could’ve sworn it was shaped like a man, yet swam as fluid as a fish.

The last thing Eret remembered were the hands that grabbed him and the eyes that they belonged to. They were distinctly human and yet the pupils said something different. They were too large and they were that way to soak up what little light there was.

The next thing Eret remembers is when two paramedics loaded him into an ambulance to be taken to the local hospital. Obviously he made it or he wouldn’t be here today. But it’s the story behind his survival that adds another layer of weirdness.

Eret was found on a beach. There was a lot of junk left on that beach after the storm, Eret didn’t stand out even a little bit, yet he was found with ease.

Because apparently, someone approached a passerby, led her straight to him and that’s how the paramedics were called.

And now, a month later, Eret still searches for him. The one who saved his life, the owner of the hands that pulled him from the depths and those strange eyes.

Minutes pass by as Eret stares down into the dark water, minutes of seeing nothing below. Whatever or whoever he saw that day, they haven’t been seen since.

He sighs and straightens. Eyes closing, he conjures up the mental image he has of his savior. He can’t help it, they’ve been on his mind for the past month now.

According to the descriptions given to him when he asked around , he was a guy. A tall guy, a lean guy. With a head of auburn hair and striking green eyes. All of that and that he wasn’t wearing too much. A jacket, Eret’s, and that’s it. It was as if he'd “stepped right out of the ocean” as he was told. But there is one part that always seemed to stand out to people; how striking those eyes are.

It’s strange. While Eret’s muddled memory doesn’t allow him to remember every second of his rescue, he doesn’t remember seeing any green.

He just remember his pupils, his hands, and that odd fish-like movement.

He’s been left with questions and a lot of them. He tried to find him on land, he wanted to thank him. While he has no idea what he would be doing swimming in the ocean in the middle of a storm, Eret is grateful.

But it didn’t matter who he asked, he couldn’t find a sign of him. Not on the mainland and not online, a place he doesn’t traverse much anyway.

Or maybe he hadn’t tried hard enough, because there was a part of him that kept telling him that he was just not looking in the right place.

So every day following his last search, Eret took to the sea with his boat- it’s a rental until he can afford a new secondhand one- to catch fish to sell and instead he spends his time staring down into the water. Not for fish, but for something more mystical.

A mermaid. Or merman, he supposes.

The thought almost sounds too crazy, but dragons are real, so why not merfolk? Those who come from a sailor lineage like him know they were real once.

Eret walks over to the wheel and grabs it, planning on moving on. For days on end, he’s been posted in the general area he almost drowned in, hoping to get a glimpse of the one who saved him.

He’s not ready to give up. Whether the easy way or the hard way, Eret will find him somehow.

In a weird way, though he’s the fisherman, he’s also the one who’s been hooked.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hi! Could I get a matchup for Attack on titan and Bungo stray dogs, please? -Pronouns: Any -Sexuality: Bisexual -Zodiac/MBTI: Scorpio, INFP -Appearance: I have short and curly dark brown hair, the eyes of the same colour, pale skin, hooked nose and I'm tall 5'8". I'm overweight. -Personality: I am very shy, I always try to be nice to everyone, and I am very reserved at first. Once you get to know me I become a great joker, with a great sense of dark humor. I always try to take care of my loved ones, although I have a hard time telling them how much I care about them. -Likes and Dislikes: I really like romance books and likewise horror books. I like flowers, cats and pretty things. I also have a passion for gothic. I don't like arrogant people, cheaters and people who tease others. I hate wasps and any insect that causes pain when it stings. -Hobbies: Writing, reading, cooking, reading tarot, watching anime and playing videogames. Thank you in advance!💜

Hi Ukyo! Thank you for your request! I hope you like your matchups!

In Attack on Titan, I match you with...

Your humour balances out Mikasa's naturally serious nature. She probably won't laugh at your jokes. but she'll usually have a small smile on her face when you crack a joke.

Appreciates that you're reserved. Even though she cares deeply about her friends, they can be so over the top sometimes. You're a nice break.

Mikasa will do everything in her power to make sure you stay safe. Whether that's in the original setting of the show, or a modern au, it doesn't matter. Mikasa will make sure you're safe in any situation.

I think she would be interested in tarot. She may not seem like a really spiritual person at first, but I think she likes the notion of the cards being able to give you hints at whet you should do.

Enjoys sitting with you while you read. Whether she's reading as well, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, she likes the comfort your presence brings.

I see Mikasa as someone who also likes cats. She'd love to go on walks with you, stopping to say hello to every cat you pass.

Also enjoys cooking with you. She's very methodical and follows recipes well, so whatever you make will end up turning out amazing!

In Bungo Stray Dogs, I match you with...

Gothic buddies! You and Aktugawa would get along so well, based on vibes alone.

But beyond that, I think your personalities would also mix well. Aktugawa's a bit more on the sarcastic side, and will make jokes about people. But if he knows you don't like it when he teases other people, he'll try to stop (at least when you're around).

Another one who enjoys tarot. I can see Aktugawa as someone who would like to do tarot reading swaps with you. You read his tarot and he'll read yours in return.

Loves reading horror novels with you. Once you've finished your latest read, pass it his way and he'll have a read of it as well. He'd love to compare notes once you've both read something.

Will give you book recommendations, especially once he's got the feel for what sort of horror books you like.

Aktugawa definitely thinks you're cute for liking pretty things. When he's out and about and sees something he thinks you would like, he'll get it for you.

It's always a strange sight for the shop keeper seeing a very gothic person walking out of the shop with an empty glass jar decorated with flowers in all your favourite colours...

[buffintruder]

so what's your pepperharrow wip 🫣

Oh this is the one I sent to you lol. I have have it under a different name so I don't mix up the document I do my work on and the one I send to people. I did write a bit more of it since sending it to you though!

(This is the Watchmaker of Filigree Street modern au where Takiko Pepperharrow is watching the events of the first book go down through social media)

Almost two weeks had passed since Takiko had last heard from Steepleton. That was fair. The last time they had spoken, she had told him some strange things, and she would hardly blame him if he no longer knew what to think of her either. She also hadn’t heard from Keita in that time, which could mean anything so she tried not to let it worry her. She was starting to wonder if she should reach out to Steepleton, just to make sure he was still alive, but as she opened up his Instagram page, she realized that he had posted something the day before. It was a captionless, just a series of photos of him and some nice looking white woman, clearly on a date through a park, holding hands and smiling at each other. That didn’t necessarily mean anything. You did not have to be romantically involved with Keita for him to have his hooks in you—Takiko could attest to that better than anyone. But it was something. Maybe Steepleton had taken her advice. Maybe he would have found this random woman more appealing than Keita for other reasons even without her intervention. Either way, she had done what she could do, and any amount of separation or doubt that Steepleton put between himself and Keita was safer than nothing. Still. It bothered her how easy it had been. “You just let him go?” she messaged Keita. “I don’t actually have control over every single thing every single person does around me.” He might as well have, she thought. At least in all the things that mattered. But he did sound grumpier than she normally heard him, so maybe it had really been something completely out of his control. Random chance was a true weakness of his, after all.

Thank you for the ask! (From this ask game)

[h-worksrambles]

In your opinion, Which furry vn protagonists would be friends and which ones would actually despise each other

Ooo, this is an interesting question. Quick disclaimer of which furry VNs I’ve currently read:

-All of Echo Project’s stuff (WIPs included).

-Remember the Flowers

-Dawntide

-Some of Burrows

So if I don’t mention a particular protagonist then please bear with me.

-Alex from Glory Hounds is prone to being somewhat neurotic and extremely self deprecating. I feel like he and Chase from Echo would be mutually enablers whose conversions would turn into pessimistic, self pity parties. They wouldn’t especially like or dislike each other. But there would be shared commiserations over every minor grievance all round.

-Marco from Adastra and Cyrus from Remember The Flowers are both talented, friendly academics who’ve seen some shit after being stranded in a strange new land. They’d likely jokingly share stories in a competition about who had it worse. But under the irony, they’d appreciate being able to confide about their similar experiences. Plus, given some of the similarities between Amicus and Aaron, I feel like they’d have a good laugh about their similar taste in men.

-Scipio from Khemia and Samuel from The Smoke Room would likely hate each other if they met. Sam would think Skip is a stuffy rich smartass (kind of like how he initially reacted to Cliff). While Skip would find Sam obstinate and uncouth (and I feel like there’d be a bit of class snobbery). However, get them into therapy together and I feel like making a few mutual breakthroughs might actually make for a solid friendship and knowing both of them, they’d probably end up hooking up at some point in that case, let’s be frank.

-I think Chase and Grey from Burrows would both struggle forming lasting friendships with any of these guys for a lot of the same reasons. They’re both relatively chill people to talk to one on one, but they’re both too selfish and in their own heads, and tend to screw up their friendships by…overstepping boundaries if you catch my drift. By the same token, they would absolutely despise each other because of a classic case of ‘I’m in this picture and I don’t like it.’ Bonus points if Chase can see all of Mark’s red flags and points them out at length to Grey, who does to Chase for Leo, unaware of their hypocrisy for failing to see the warning signs of their own respective former partners.

-I’ll finish with the three Echoverse protags because the existence of the modern AU means that this triple meet up could actually happen. Aside from a similar ‘they’d all be best buds in therapy’ element, I do think Sam and Chase would appreciate Cam’s talent for music. Though it’s anyone’s guess how they’d convince him to sing/play for them. Cam might consider inviting either of them on a double date with him and Devon (which also doubles as way to have Dev with him to make ice breaking less awkward) . Sam, choosing which, if any of his boyfriends to invite, decides that inviting Murdoch (who may or may noy be high at that given time) along to meet Cam might not be the most sensitive move, and that Will might be a bit too prickly towards strangers. So he settles on inviting either Nik, who is just touched to see a happy, loving couple like Cam and Dev, or Cliff, in which case they and Dev spend the whole evening talking past each other infodumping and loving every minute of it. Who does Chase bring? Well depends on the route I guess. But, for one, I think Kudzu could relate to a lot of Devon and Cameron’s experiences and would get along very well with them. It’d take some time, but I could see a cute little friendship forming here.

Thanks for this. I admit I’m not the best at coming up with headcanons but this was a fun little mental exercise. I hope I came up with decent stuff. And I’ve honestly been hoping to get some asks about Echo or other furry VNs. So this was doubly appreciated. Please don’t hesitate to send and others my way! Thanks again!

[pctaldrunk]

@gelidlight​ asked   :    👫 jiu, pick a verse or many verses   -    Send a 👫and I’ll write four headcanons I have about our muse’s relationship (accepting!)

I don’t know how else to phrase it, but between them there exists a physicality of trust. We’ve already spoken about how she will come flying at him when she’s too excited to see him -  that’s true in every verse, btw - because in general she trusts that he’ll catch her. But it’s true for everything else too. She likes hanging off him (sometimes she’s got her arms thrown around his shoulders and other times she’s hooked her arm through his) in daily life because she knows he’s got her and he’s not annoyed. Sometimes if and when they’re ever slow dancing and if it’s tolerable, she might be shuffling on top of his feet. When they hold hands in a crowded street there’s no letting go even if it might be easier to move as individual units because they still trust that this way they won’t get lost or pushed apart. She tucks herself up directly under his arm for naps, especially during travel or when they’re out for extended periods of time. He’s sort of her security blanket and piece of home at once and consciously or subconsciously she’s angled toward him. Even if everything in a scenario is strange, as long as he’s there and touchable and tangible then she trusts that things will be fine.

In the verses where she doesn’t have / doesn’t have enough spiritual power, if he’s going to fly them around on a sword she’ll cling to him like she’s going to die if she doesn’t. Fear of heights (when without cultivation to keep herself airborne) is up there with fear of snakes. In modern this may translate to needing to hold his hand when they’re on a plane together. Yes, in verses where they’ve known each other before and they’re in contact, she will call him before taking off just because his voice soothes her.

She tries her best to protect him no matter the trouble it might put her in. Evident in - well, generally every au, but coming to mind immediately right now is the variety one where she strives to keep him off of tabloids and out of negative searches as much as possible. She has the position to do so but inevitably burns through contacts and forces questions regarding her involvement to arise. And then also in the reverse-and-then-played-straight transmigration au as well, when she...gets up on a table to do standup comedy thirty minutes into being in Ancient China just so he doesn’t have to hear horrible things said about him/what he cares about. In general I feel like - they’re both very accommodating to each other re: the other person’s needs and going that extra mile to make sure the other person’s okay - but this also then necessarily creates a situation in which they might both keep a bit quiet about when they themselves need help. Which is how Jiu is anyway so, it’s something to work through.

She plays the flute already, pre-meeting him, in non-modern verses. Mostly as a spiritual artifact (tm) in her canon, as seen in playing it to summon rain - and I imagine she has the bad habit of a martial-leaning immortal in that her uses for it are likely more violent than its intended usage most of the time. But! After meeting him she probably does a little bit of extra homework re: music as...well, music, and not a spell or as something to fall back on in a fight. She’s happy to share what he enjoys and wants to learn more about it. In modern verses where they met young, he’s definitely the inspiration for her to pick up piano (even if she’s still not very good at it after all these years : ‘ D It’s fine he can continue where her teacher left off -)

[kazewhara]

are you gonna kiss me or not?

「 masterlist 」

# — pairing(s): childe x gn!reader, mentions of ayalumi (ayaka x lumine), & xiaother (xiao x aether)

# — characters: childe (ajax), gender neutral reader, lumine, aether, xiao, ayaka, venti, diluc, kaeya, ganyu, zhongli

# — summary: you tried to hide your feelings. the universe has other plans.

# — warnings: cursing, kinda ooc characters (sorry)

# — tags: modern au, fluff, brief angst, pining, best friends to lovers

# — notes: and here we are, part two of the best friend!childe au! i actually feel like i might make this a staple on my blog and just write hcs about it from time to time. anyways! part one to this can be found here, and i'll link it at the bottom as well! as always, thanks for reading and i hope you like it :D

# — song(s): n/a

✧ — 🐋 — ✧

"this is definitely just an excuse for you guys to make out with your partners."

to the surprise of no one, lumine and aether were the first ones to voice their objections. "is not!" they say in sync, making you roll your eyes.

a few weeks after what you and lumine have affectionately dubbed 'The Great Awakening', the two of you decided to host a small get together in your apartment. it was big enough to hold quite a few people, and honestly, you needed the distraction. you'd been a bit dazed since you acknowledged your feelings for childe, nursing headache after headache whenever you met up with him.

he noticed your odd behavior just as you predicted, and has been bothering you non-stop, begging you to tell him what was troubling you, but you repeatedly shut him out. as a result, there's been... a bit of tension between the two of you. lumine took notice (since, according to her, you'd been moping) and suggested this little party. it was a good idea, you thought.

it was a good idea at first.

what lumine didn't tell you was that she would be handling the guest list. your circle of mutual friends wasn't small by any means, but whenever lumine was in charge of choosing who to party with, there were usually repercussions the next day. (your temples throb as you remember the night you found venti half-naked on your balcony at dawn.)

you held your breath when kaeya, venti, and diluc arrived together. already, you were already off to a terrible start. you didn't even have time to bolt down your liquor before venti was rummaging through it, declaring that he was in charge of drinks for the night.

ganyu, zhongli, and xiao were next to arrive. it was a strange combination in your apartment already; two of your more extroverted friends combined with the three most level-headed people you knew. not to say that they hadn't hung out together before, but venti was a force to be reckoned with when it came to alcohol, and neither ganyu, zhongli, or xiao were the best at saying no to drinking.

ayaka and aether were, by lumine's standards, late. she let ayaka off the hook, but roughed up aether for a little while before he finally made his escape to xiao, who brought him in his arms without a word. "get a room!" venti jeered at the couple. "some of us are single and would rather not be sickened by the likes of you."

you chuckled. "i second that."

the party ran pretty smoothly after that, with the food that you ordered arriving not too long after aether. everyone helped themselves to a plate, after which venti finally started handing out the liquor. you settled yourself next to zhongli, who was warm and arguably the only person who knew how to handle his drinks pretty well. he wrapped an arm around your shoulder as you watched diluc, ganyu, and xiao chat about something you had no interest in.

"are you alright?" zhongli asked. when you looked up at him in question, you were met with his signature smile. "call it intuition, but i have the feeling that this sudden party was brought about by some event. did something happen?"

curse zhongli and his keen senses. you'd been trying (and succeeding, actually) to mask your distress all night, but it would seem that you weren't doing as good a job as you thought you were. then again, the only person who knew you as well as childe was probably zhongli. you dropped your head on his shoulder. "sorta," you confessed. "i'm just exhausted, i guess. 'm not feeling very party-ish."

zhongli's hand came up to pat at your head. he's always been almost fatherly in his behavior, especially when it came to you. you closed your eyes amidst the noise. "i know you won't tell me," he said. "but when you're ready, don't hesitate to reach out."

"thanks, zhongli."

your moment is suddenly shattered by lumine's declaration that everyone play a game. aether, who'd been beating an inebriated kaeya in mario kart for the past fifteen minutes, paused the game and gave his sister his full attention. "what's the game?"

a conspiratorial grin crept across lumine's face. "we're gonna play spin the bottle!" she declared. when three people groaned in protest, she clicked her tongue. "my house, my rules, bitches." she grabbed an empty bottle from venti's side and motioned for everyone to sit around it. reluctantly, you all did.

diluc raised an eyebrow at lumine. "what happens if the bottle lands on us?"

"i think a game of seven minutes in heaven should be good, no?"

aether had the audacity to pipe up: "make it ten minutes."

the twins smirked at each other, to which you interjected: "this is definitely just an excuse for you guys to make out with your partners."

"is not!" they say at the same time.

"and if the bottle lands on someone who isn't you or your partner?" zhongli asks. he doesn't sound put off by the idea of the game, but you can tell he's not very entertained.

lumine groans. "then stand in the closet for ten minutes!" without another word, she spins the bottle as hard as she can. you hear diluc grumble something along the lines of 'i knew i should've stayed home,' making you giggle.

after ten seconds of furious spinning, the bottle lands on lumine and ayaka.

"god, this is so dumb," venti whines as the couple practically skips into lumine's room. "young love is so gross!"

ganyu, bless her soul, sighs wistfully. "i think it's sweet! even if they are a bit sappy."

to pass the time, aether and kaeya restart the game of mario kart and you decide to watch for a while before your brain starts to drift again.

your thoughts drift to childe. of course they did. you don't even have it in you to be mad at yourself. you glance around the room once, then twice before realizing how... empty it feels. even with your friends here, funny and tipsy as they may be, they're not enough to soothe the ache in your chest.

no, only childe could do that. you suppose it's a good thing he's not here; you're not sure if his presence would help or not. ever since you came to terms with your feelings, you've been finding it harder and harder to ignore your attraction to him on a physical level as well as emotional. playing a game like seven (ten) minutes in heaven with him around would probably drive you nuts.

your cheeks warm as you think about what you would do if you were stuck in a closet with him for ten minutes. if you weren't so head over heels for him, you'd probably think nothing of it and find another way to pass the time with him in there. but as your thoughts run further and further away from you, you can't help but wonder.

wonder if he still wears that cologne you like so much; if you'd have to get closer to his face to see his freckles in the dark; if you'd be able to hear his heartbeat--

"hey! are you listening?"

fingers snap repeatedly in your face, trying to get your attention. you jump and slap them away, seeing that it's venti. he grins at you and you wrinkle your nose at the smell of alcohol coming off of him. "drunk already, venti?"

venti giggles. "that's for me to know, and for you to find out. now c'mon, the lovebirds are back."

you suppose it's a good thing that the girls are back. you don't want to think about what would have happened if you kept on the path you were going down. you look up to see ayaka avoiding eye contact with everyone, her face near vermillion. you can see hickies on her neck and collarbone.

"jesus, lumine, did you try to eat her?" xiao looks bewildered at lumine but she ignores him with a triumphant sniff.

"the show must go on!" she says, spinning the bottle as hard as she can again.

you sigh, ready to quit and risk taking the brunt of lumine's frustration when you suddenly hear keys in the door. everyone looks up either at you or lumine, each of their faces asking the same question. you and lumine share a glance before your expression morphs into one of mortification.

because the only people with keys to your apartment are you, lumine, ayaka, and--

"childe!" aether waves excitedly at the door. "i didn't know you were coming!"

your heart all but stops when you see your best friend standing in the doorway, his usual smile on his face. why now? why, when you were busy trying not to think about him, would he arrive? were you doomed to suffer around him forever? you pinch the bridge of your nose, hoping it will take those rose-colored glasses off your face.

childe steps inside after removing his shoes. "i didn't realize there'd be a party today!" he says after everyone (except you -- you hope he didn't notice.) greets him. "where was my invite?" the question is clearly directed at no one else but you, since lumine doesn't answer.

you have to untangle the knot in your throat before you speak. "losers don't get invites."

your quick thinking works; that kind of banter is normal between you two. childe pouts and puts a hand over his heart. "i just got here and you're already hurting me." he whines.

you take a silent breath and turn your eyes to the slowly rotating bottle. you don't get the chance to shoot a snarly reply back at your best friend when the bottle finally comes to a stop. a soft 'oh, fuck me' slips past your lips when you see who it landed on.

wouldn't you know it, it's landed on you and childe.

the asshole has the nerve to wiggle his eyebrows at you despite not knowing what game you were even playing.

everyone else makes noises of encouragement execpt lumine, who nudges you. she's intoxicated, but you can see the sobriety hit her in an instant. it comforts you to know that even when she's not feeling her best, your roommate had your back, but you nudge her back, reassuring her. if you backed out, it would look suspicious and probably ruin the mood, and you didn't want to kill everyone's high. you curse your tendencies to be a people pleaser.

lumine clears her throat after a second. "well, you two have to play ten minutes in heaven," she explains, pointing at your room. "go stand in the closet and think about what you've done."

childe laughs. "why're you making it sound like a punishment instead of a game?" he looks at you, his smile tugging at your heartstrings. "ten minutes isn't that bad, is it?"

yes! you want to scream. it's fucking terrible! you bite your tongue and walk to your room, gesturing for him to follow over your shoulder. "let's go, loser," you mutter. you're not sure if you were talking to childe or yourself. he follows behind you and you two slip into your closet and shut the door, basically locking you in.

...now what?

thankfully, the closet is dark, so you don't feel bad about shutting your eyes as you try to calm yourself down. it doesn't help that childe does, in fact, still wear that cologne you like; it only makes you sigh. if you don't look at him, you think, then this will go faster. you try to listen to the action outside as it sounds like everyone has joined in on the mario kart game.

but childe (and the universe) have different plans.

"so, are you gonna tell me why you've been acting weird lately?"

it's a little hard to see, but judging by his tone, you feel like he's removed his usual friendly mask just to ask you what's been going on. a rational part of you doesn't blame him; you've kind of been avoiding him since your Great Awakening, and this is really the first time you've had some alone time with him in a while. if it were up to you, you'd rather be alone with him in a less crowded space -- being this close does you no favors.

you swallow dryly. "what are you talking about," you ask, looking at the door of the closet, "i haven't been--"

childe cuts you off. "don't bullshit me. you've been avoiding me. did you know i was trying to call you all day today?"

your eyes widen at that. had he really been calling you? you left your phone in your dresser to avoid texting him and hurting yourself further. "no, i-- i didn't. sorry," you apologize quietly.

"even now, you're not looking at me. did i do something wrong?"

so much for not hurting yourself. in trying to spare yourself the pain, you've successfully pushed it onto the one person you never wanted to hurt in your life. the heartache just seems to be piling up today. but you still don't look at him. you just can't. "you didn't do anything, ajax." you say. "i promise."

childe shifts a little and you can feel his skin brushing yours. you fight the urge to recoil. "then look at me." he demands. he must notice how harsh he must sound, because his next words are soft and almost... broken. "please, look at me."

you shake your head on impulse. you'd been trying not to be overwhelmed by his presence, by the way you can literally feel him growing desperate for your attention, but you were failing miserably. you're back where you started; short of breath and warm in the face. it's no use trying to hide it anymore. scalding tears prick your eyes; at this rate, he's bound to find out. "childe, i can't." you shake your head again, your voice wavering. "let's just wait this out, okay?"

long fingers wrap around your wrist and tug you forward. you gasp on instinct as you're suddenly pressed into childe's chest. you go rigid in his hold and hold your breath, trying not to overdo it. like always, he notices and sighs. "i must've done something wrong if you're acting like this over a hug." he rests his chin on your head. "i can't even hug my best friend anymore? what's the problem?"

childe's question is your tipping point. you're not sure why. maybe it's the way he asked, or maybe it's because he's your best friend, or maybe it's the conflicting feeling of being pressed against the man you loved while being unsure if your feelings were reciprocated, but you lose your filter and spill your guts.

"i-i know it's gonna sound cliche, but i swear it's not you that's the problem," you start with a self-deprecating laugh. "'it's not you, it's me'... stupid, isn't it? that's something lovers usually say to each other, but it's true; i'm the problem, not you. because really, how stupid do you have to be to fall in love with your best friend?"

childe pulls away to get a better look at your face. "what?" he sounds shell-shocked. it makes you laugh bitterly.

you've already said too much, so you don't stop. "you heard me. i'm in love with you, ajax. now can you please stop asking me what the problem is? i think our ten minutes are up." you press your hand on the closet door, but don't push it just yet. it feels so, so much better having finally got that off your chest, but the longer childe stays silent, the deeper the knife in your chest buries itself. you can't bring yourself to cry; not anymore. you expected this. you can't wait to tell lumine this one. as you're about to open the door, childe stops you again. "ajax, i said---"

he doesn't let you finish. warm lips cover your own, effectively shutting you up. your entire body freezes and your brain all but explodes. for a second, you think you black out, but childe pulls away. "you were saying?"

"you--"

childe kisses you again, shorter this time. "sorry, what was that? couldn't hear you."

"ajax, this is--"

another kiss. "man, is the service bad in here? not getting any reception."

you slap at childe's shoulder, finally managing to scrape your brain off the walls. "ajax!" it's not much, but it's all you can bring yourself to say. your other hand reaches up to cover your lips, which are still tingling. your body is thrumming with elation, but you still can't seem to comprehend what's going on. did... did childe seriously--

childe tips your chin up, cutting your thoughts short again. "that's my name." his voice is low, sending white-hot flames through your system. "you gonna wear it out?"

that gets your brain moving. the suggestive nature of his words isn't lost on you at all. "for the love of god, knock it off. are you-- you just kissed me, so i-- you better not be fucking with me right now. i'm not in the mood for jokes."

you see childe's brows furrow. "i'm not joking." his tone leaves little room for discussion. "i've been in love with you for as long as i can remember. i guess i lost my cool for a second when i heard you say you felt the same."

"so you--" feel the same, your mind supplies. he feels the same.

childe loves you. not as a best friend; not as a little sibling.

he's in love with you. your best friend, the man you foolishly thought to be your platonic soulmate was your actual soulmate all along.

and yet the only thing you can come up with, after a painfully long silence is: "our ten minutes have been up for a long fucking time, i think."

your heart soars when childe chuckles. if he was anybody else, he would've been frustrated by your quip. but he's ajax -- your soulmate -- and no one will ever understand you better than be does.

to hell with the ten minute rule, you think when you feel childe's arm wrap around your waist.

"i guess this game's going into overtime," ajax murmurs against your lips.

you hum, fighting back your brightest smile. "overtime starts now. are you gonna kiss me, or what?"

ajax finally indulges you, firmly pressing his lips against yours. "i love you," he whispers between kisses. "i love you so goddamn much."

(outside, lumine counts the money she'd been handed by your friends.)

click here for part one!

thanks for reading! - zuzu

[dragonmaiden39point5]

Professor Tsung 3

Black!College!Reader x Professor!Shang Tsung, Modern!AU

Happy belated New Year, btw. And Thank you for the patience with my inconsistency. I was very happy to finally produce this chapter for you all💙❤

Summary: Soooo, You didn't exactly get around to breaking up with Tay 😣😬. And now college life is different than what it was, yet familiar as ever. Navigating this new situation will prove... Interesting.

P.s. The idea is that magic coexists with the science of this world but, science is more accessible because not everyone has great magical ability. You're a part of the generation of youth that's been making the two worlds intermingle.

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Star Student

*****Warnings: (story warning🐍) Audiences aged 18 and up, Explicit Content! BIG age gap, Professor x Student, inappropriate relationship, enthusiastic consent, bottled emotions, sexual relationship with teacher, (chapter warning🐍) Maybe Shang Tsung is a little bit of a sugar daddy?, jealous/rude bf, lying, cheating, sex on campus, creampie, messy panties*****

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The plane ride back to EMHM had been an anxious one, despite all of the expensive comforts of your round trip tickets. Jade had corrected your schedule to a reasonable amount of work the day of your meeting, and apologized for overwhelming you. She felt bad for not paying better attention to your mental and emotional needs as a student, and planned to check in on you every few weeks. The time remaing in the Wintermonth was spent in company of Professor Shang Tsung, who assisted in your continued experimentation with mind-linking.

He provided a thorough background of its uses, as well as how to prevent unwanted or accidental links. It was strange letting someone into your head, where all of your insecurities and secrets rested; And even stranger, to venture into theirs to converse in essentially a dream realm.

Shang Tsung's mind was like a room of a thousand doors, all in various states of open and unlock. Many of them full with imagery and libraries of knowledge. Yours was its own unique labyrinth, full of the twists and turns of your rawest inner-workings. Then there was the plane that you two communicated on; Vast and colorful-- Surreal, with a deep, bottomless valley separating each mind, the link itself in the form of a new sturdy bridge of stone and metal.

According to the Professor, everything within both spaces were simultaneously physical and metaphorical. It made you think of Tay, however brief the thought, wondering what the bridge between you two would look like instead. One thing was for sure, it certainly couldn't be anything strong.

Speaking of which, your supportive mentor explicitly *did not care* that Tay would be joining you at EMHM. As long as you gave him consent, he said that he'd (of course) be more than happy to continue your relationship; he wanted you completely and utterly spoiled, in everyway possible.

He took you to a few *very* expensive, high-end restaurants, and boutiques as celebration for inheriting the family Plaque, sharing about when he received his own. Back at his house and gave you a place to store all of your new items. It was the huge room that was connected to his bedroom, which apparently formerly served as a study before he expanded the attic. It only currently held the overflow from his closet, so your things fit right in.

It was hard to care how fast yall were moving, what the age difference was, or that you were 'cheating', at this point. Being showered with gifts and attention was too much of an amazing feeling, And the way he touched you--

Face buried in your neck, fingers caressing your tits, with your legs spread wide and hooked over his shoulders as his dick filled your insides,,, You were delirious within the bubble of your own hedonistic pleasures, 24-7 until class resumed.

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As fate would have it, Tay was placed in three of your classes; Elective study, Simple Blood Spell with Kotal Kahn, core study Elemental 1 with Raiden, and elective study Shapeshift... with Shang Tsung. The rest of his classes were on the technology based mirror/twin campus Edward Mac's House of Mecha.

He flashed in like the talented, handsome, social butterfly he was and gained an entire entourage within days. His standing with the teachers also became exceptional, as they had heard about his educational exploits. Partnered with incoming Elemental Olympian team tryouts, Artavius was swimming in a deluge of popularity, with you beside him as 'his girl'. Just like in highschool.

The only place where he *didn't* excel, was where you were right at home. Soul magic. Gray areas. Arbitrary concepts and vast imagination. He was a logical type of man, never able to conceptualize beyond formulas, numbers, and that which he could see. Its part of the reason why he didn't of show interest in what you did.

For those very same reasons, it was a huge mistake for him to have actually chosen Shapeshift class, even if you were in there.

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"Wrong again, Mr. Edson." Shang Tsung said, crossing his arms and scratching his beard. "Can anyone tell me why?"

"Maaan... This some bullshit." Artavius grumbled, as you stood to speak to the class.

"Because he prioritized the wrong segment of the hex stem." You announced with confidence.

"What?" Tay replied, scrunching up his face.

"Yes. If I may?" You asked Shang Tsung with a glance.

"The floor is all yours." He nodded, with a smirk.

"Well--" you started, walking down to the lecture hall stage. A hologram in the center of the room with the fractal for reflecting a forced transformation beam awaited you.

"Tay, you focused on this part right... here." You said, spawning your wand and circling the bottom right quadrant of the image. "But the shape of a deflection beam is naturally occuring and got nothing to do with its effectiveness."

"How the hell not though--! Circle shape rays always provide the most coverage. And they connect with a target harder, like a wall."

"Yeah, but if you focus on the rotation aspect then, it doesn't matter the shape. A star shape, a burst shape, or a pinwheel can all give as much coverage as a proper circle beam as long as you close the hex branch with a high velocity rotation seal...." You gestured, with your wand. "Do you get what I'm saying? Like for all intents and purposes most things spinning fast enough are a circle."

Artavius stared silently at you, glancing back at the hologram and rolling his eyes. "We haven't mentioned velocity one time in this damn class since I been here."

"I mean--" a voice from one of the back rows called forth, "Speed, weight, gravity, force-- Or whatever, in magic, they're all the same. They almost always form a close-and-deliver seal. That's basically Spell Construction 101, my dude."

Another chimed in: "Yeah when you're not Elemental."

"I guess when you know, you know." Said a third.

A few people snickered on the side and Artavius began to scowl. You weren't rushing to his rescue this time though; you had tried to show him some interesting general spells a long time ago, but since he rarely used them he didn't care.

"Shang Tsung?" You said, facing his desk and changing the subject. The very slight increase of static in the air spoke of how fuming Tay was at this time. "I think I see another way to improve the quality of this spell."

"I'm sure you do." He said, smiling with his eyes. "How about this; Everyone who feels the same about this deflection spell or want to make better notes, join my Junior on the lecture stage. When it is sufficiently adjusted I'll see to it that we practice application for Friday's lecture. If you don't see any changes, or otherwise need further assistance remain seated as I distribute a/v scrolls with the detailed breakdown."

About 10 people came to the stage with their wands and spellpads to investigate the hologram, while 5 just moved down to the first row to watch and listen. Only about 4 people, plus the annoyed Artavius maintained their original seats.

You stepped off the stage and headed for your seat beside Tay. "Ay, you good?"

"Oh yeah," He scoffed rolling his eyes, "I bet you thought that shit was cute, huh?"

"What?" You asked slightly surprised, as you grabbed a tome from your bag.

"Tryna clown me." He laughed dryly, "That's cool imma let you have that one. You got it." He nodded.

"I have no ide--"

Shang Tsung excused himself as he passed by closely, placing a scroll on each of your tables.

"--idea what you talkin about, Artavius."

"Nah, you good." He replied chewing on his bottom lip, clenching his jaw.

"...I'm not about to play with you." You hissed, reaching into your bag for the metal calligraphy pen that you wrote notes with.

Just as you slipped it from its pouch, a sharp jolt came from it, shocking your fingers and causing you to let out a small yelp. Tay didn't even bother to look ashamed, sitting with his face in his hands and a little smirk as he watched the pen fly from your fingers. When you looked up, Shang Tsung was already standing at Tay's desk, leveling him with a dangerous version of his usual smirk.

"Artavius." He said, tone hollow and sharp, though not a decibel above normal.

Something that you'd only seen when he was being scolded by his father flashed across Tay's face; Fear. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed dryly. "Sir?" He replied.

"This is not your highschool. The act of utilizing magic on a non-consenting party at this university is a direct violation of the code of conduct. It will serve you well to remember this every single day that you continue to attend."

"I will, sir--"

"Yes, see too it that you do." He snapped as he picked up your pen.

"Thank you." You murmured, grabbing it quickly and walking away. It would've been easy to make one, but a scene or an argument honestly wasn't worth it, not anymore. There was no way you'd embarrass yourself like that for Artavius again. Not in your adult life. Its a good thing that Shang Tsung was so subtle, otherwise more people would've noticed what happened than who already did.

The rest of the morning classes dragged on in a blur-- It was crazy that Tay could have that effect on you still. You weren't a little girl anymore, weren't some emotional baby pinning after your true love's affections... So why did you still feel like this-- Like you couldn't just, let him go?

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Bracing yourself against a table in Shang Tsung's back room, you poorly attempted to conceal your sounds. His hands gripped your hips tight, as he pistoned in and out of you rapidly.

The smack of flesh and moans were all that could be heard as your professor took you from behind.

You'd stopped by for lunch as usual, but of course avoiding Artavius for the rest of the morning left you with little appetite by then. It didn't take but a few kisses and touches for you to let Shang Tsung hike up your skirt and pull down the satin panties that he bought for you, right there in his back room.

It felt so good to have him stroking himself against your wet, velvety walls. Your body yielded to him with ease as he turned you and sat you on the table. His face held a slight agitation, "Scared someone will hear you, my darling genius?" He purred, as he fully resheathed himself in your slick folds. "That someone will recognize your voice as you shout out your enjoyment?"

A broken whimper wheezed out the back of your throat in response.

Carefully, your calves were placed on his shoulders and his arms wrapped tightly around you, effectively folding you up and pressing your body flush to his as he continued fucking into your pussy. The angle sent pleasure bursting throughout your body, and you were yelping and babbling incoherently as Professor Tsung's tongue flicked out and gingerly tasted your full lips. He pushed your long braids over your shoulder and out of your face, swallowing up your moans into his mouth with kisses.

Lifting you up off the table your arms went around his neck as his thrusts became more desperate, wet noises of your dripping cunt filling your own ears. It only served to further your arousal, and you didn't care at this point how loud you got; The fire of your orgasm, threatened to break through your core and consume you. "Shit, Shang Tsung~~ Fuck!"

"Mmmmyesss~~..." He growled, "That's what I like to hear, my Darling. My Genius. My Princess.." You gasped and chills shot up your back, pussy gushing at that last one-- His princess...

"Ohhh..." He chuckled, "You like being my Princess? Spoiled and expensive, hmm?"

You slurred a drawn out yes and barely managed a proper nod.

"Of course you do..." He hissed through his teeth more to himself than to you, hips stuttering as his own peak fast approached. "Are you going to cum for me, my Sweet Princess? Hmm?" He asked sweetly. "I know you want to my Darling. Cum for me, now. Do it." He groaned the command as he reached his own peak.

You wailed your pleasure, eyes out of focus and blurry with tears from the overload as your walls clung to this man, who vigorously emptied his full load inside of you. "That's right..." He groaned, body shuddering in the aftermath as you finished together.

Both of you went limp, collapsing on the table top, bodies still humming as they settled down.

"Thank you, Professor. I needed that shit." You said, wiping your hand across your face. "Damn, I needed it." He stood up straight, still not having pulled himself out of you.

"Happy to oblige, *Princess*." Your cunt twitched at the words. And he smirked, leaning in for a kiss.

"No, no, no. Do not start again, I got another class today."

"Suit yourself." He shrugged, looking at where your bodies were still connected, "If only I had something to plug you up with..." He huffed.

"Should've been more prepared." You said playfully. "Guess I just have to walk around with your cum in my panties."

"One more remark like that and you won't make it to that class." He said, voice dropping to a deep rumble.

"Aight, aight! Ease up." He pulled himself out of you, reaching down to the underwear wrapped around your ankle and helping get them back on. As you stood up and hoped off the table, you felt your fluids and his gush into the formerly clean panties. You smoothed out your blouse to the best of your abilities, and he pulled your skirt back into place before buttoning his dress shirt and pulling up his pants.

"With your new schedule, who will you be seeing for your final session of the day?" He asked, as he looped his belt.

"Fujin. For Meditation and Stress Relief."

"Wonderful." He said taking your hand. "Of all my colleagues he is the least insufferable."

"Oh, so yall friends?"

"I didn't say he was remarkable. Just the least insufferable." Shang Tsung scoffed.

"Aht, aht, Professor Tsung! You said 'Wonderful' when I said his name. That's probably your bestie. You love him." You laughed.

He rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, as you walked together into his empty main lecture chamber. "He is decent. That is all."

"Mhm." You said, teleporting your bag to your shoulder. He stopped once more to give another intense kiss, tongue passionately invading your mouth as he held you close. You couldn't bring yourself to pull back, not the with the tender softness of his lips. He slowed down, taking a deep breath before pecking your cheek.

"You know, you haven't spent the night with me all week, my Darling."

"I..." Of course you loved cuddling up with him and had grown accustomed to his heat, his strong arms. You just didn't know how often he would've wanted you to be there. It was his home, after all. "I thought you'd just invite me or whatever." You shrugged.

"You don't need an invitation. I very much enjoy your company." A heat began to creep across your face. "If you were so inclined, you could spend every night."

"So how would we...? Because obviously, fucking me is a 'conflict of interests' right? We can't get caught?"

He chuckled. "I suppose it is... I have a proposal for you."

"I'm listening."

He released your hand and went to his desk, grabbing the expensive black leather brief case that sat atop it. Opening it up, he went to exactly what he was looking for; a small, red velvet pouch. Grabbing a chain from the inside, he pulled until it revealed a large carved opal medallion. It was a gorgeous, white stone- Opal- that glittered and reflected every color across its polished surface. Its sigils were clearly carved by hand, with a unique written encantation style that you had only seen done by one person in your life. Placed in a setting shaped like the sun that has 3 small rubies in each point, it was absolutely breathtaking.

Your face heated up and tears prickled at the corners of your eyes. "What is that?"

"A gift for my Princess, of course." He said, coming closer with the necklace in hand. You moved your braids as he placed the necklace over your shoulders, a giddy smile on your face as you examined it more closely. It was completely smooth, and warm in your hand, feeling rich with a concentrated magic that only held a the faintest familiarity.

He caught you as you jumped into his arms, exchanging sloppy kisses. "Elder Gods, its *gorgeous*! Thank you..!!" A few tears spilled down your cheeks, "Who's the enchanter? It dont feel like you."

A pleased, devious smile spread across his face. "Are you so certain?"

"Uh--" Closing your eyes and taking a deep breath the ink on your arms began to glow, as you reached out with your magic towards the piece. Upon contact you were inundated with a raw, suffocating strength. The magic that sealed the piece was thick and strong, reaching back at yours and clinging heavily.

You can find out everything that you'd need to know about a person by the feel of their magic. Its texture, its form, its affinity, whether it was light or dark... In this moment, you could see so much about Shang Tsung; His magic was pure blackness and dense, so much so, that it reflected every color on the spectrum beautifully. It was also fluid, flowing smoothly like oil-- Or maybe even tar.

The most astounding thing about his energy though, was the unbridled, fearless, *power*. Sticky, focused, unbuffered power. And warm too. It was a staggering feeling, the magic packed so dense, and far more intense than the fragments of him that you were used to feeling.

"Wow." You breathed, exhaling as your eyes opened. He smiled happily, beyond pleased with your reaction; Many cringed or shyed away from the potency of his power, which had ended many relationships before. But here you handled it so well, even appearing elated by the feeling of it.

"Well?" He asked.

"Its definitely you." You nodded. "Everybody has lil bit of hidden strength here and there, but I ain't know you had all *that* goin on. Pretty amazing."

"Thank you, my Dear. If you continue under my tutelage, it won't be long before you work up to such a level. You have a great deal of potential."

"I appreciate that, I really do. But I'm sayin though, how this gon make it easier to see you?"

"Ah, yes! Forgive me. Simply call to me over the mindlink and I will transport you to my location or wherever else you want to be, by triggering the enchantment carved into the necklace."

"For real? I don't think I've ever known somebody personally that could do that." You replied in awe.

"Indeed. I will show you how to do it when next we have time, but for now would you settle for a demonstration?" He asked.

"Sure!"

"Very well." He said, stepping close and caressing your face, lightly pecking your lips. "I'll send you right to Fujin then." You kissed back, almost needy for the taste of him. He nipped your lip sharply, barely letting his tongue between your lips. Just as you slid your hands up his chest and moaned, he pulled back. "You'll be tardy, Princess." He whispered in your ear deviously. Before you could say something slick in reply, his magic blanketed you and his grinning face disappeared in a pastel colored flash.

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When your surroundings became visible again, you were standing directly in front of Fujin's door on the other side of campus. He was just about to close it before you apparently startled him. The glow of his eyes stared at you for a moment, before he composed himself. "Right on time." He said sarcastically, "When you enter, pick a spot of your choice to relax into."

"Okay." You replied, still feeling his eyes on you when you got into the room. He would probably know Shang Tsung's magic anywhere and was likely suspecting something.

Fujin's classroom was more like a large lounge with hanging plants, burning incense, and humidifiers. There were all type of chairs and pillows meant for maximum comfort. Even a mini fridge and a few cafe tables towards the back corner.

Its entire back wall was glass sliding doors that opened out to a patio and part of the EMHM's botanical garden. Still supervised by the now retired, Elder Councilwoman Cetrion, it was created back when Lady Ethel first set out on her journey as a versatile lead magician. These were the once barren grounds that she brought to life on her campaign to showcase her skills. It is said that the plants have empathy and that should you be bold enough to sit amongst them, they will reach inside and absorb your negative emotions. Only the most high workload, high anxiety students were ever considered for this course.

Deciding that inside wasn't for you today, you stepped out of the sliding doors to inhale the fresh air. At the height of spring with everything in full bloom, the air was sweet and the winds were gentle. Looking around you saw a few fellow classmates stationed on benches and at the edge of the grass. But the whether was so flawless, and the day had been a long one and you wished to be enveloped. The flowers, they whispered your name, calling out to you from around a chair that blended in with the surroundings so well that you hadn't noticed it. A round, egg-shaped seat that looked like a birds nest sat ensconced in plants and flowers, hidden right there in plain sight, just off of the patio.

You settled into the slightly levitating ball and curled up. Grabbing your phone to set an alarm for the end of the module, you saw a flurry of notifications that made your nerves spike sharply.

Artavius.

49 text messages, 13 pager flashes, and 23 missed calls. And you didn't need to open any of it to know what they said. You were glad you muted his number after you left class this morning.

The surrounding plants seemed to bundle closer and you felt a sudden rush of relief. You didn't feel like dealing with him right now, just indulging in the total relaxation that came with being one of Fujin's students and Shang Tsung's, what, girlfriend? The only thing you wished for was a shower after the fuck you'd had earlier, but even that wasn't enough to delay the impending nap that was on its way.

You'd get around to dealing with Tay at some point... But right now, the moment was just too peaceful...

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