#all it took for them to finally promote me to the position i was ALREADY IN was for me to threaten to join another branch lololol

[treeprince]

OOOOH how the TABLES have TURBLED

[vroomvro0mferrari]

CL16 | Strategy to Your Heart

Summary: Ferrari hasn’t been doing well in the races lately, and according to Charles, there's only one person to blame for the bad strategies: you.

Charles Leclerc x colleague!Reader (enemies to lovers)

WC: 4.3K

Warnings: curse words, slightly misogynistic

Masterlist

Charles stormed into the garage, his eyes blazing with anger. His race had ended disastrously, again, and there was only one person to blame. As his race engineer, you were responsible for his strategy, which lately, had been lacking significantly and he despised you for it. The car was finally improving, yet he couldn’t seem to win a race. Simply because his race engineer managed to fuck up every time.

“What the hell were you thinking?” he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. “Are you trying to sabotage me?”

You looked up in surprise as he approached you. Charles' anger was clear as day as he got in your face, making your hands shake from anxiety and your blood run cold. Your expression hardened as the accusation settled, a glare replacing the shock in your eyes. You opened your mouth to explain, to say something – to calm him down, but he cut you off. 

“I don’t need your excuses! You clearly don’t know what you’re doing!” He yelled. The look on his face, and the posture of his body – which was much taller than yours – were intimidating. Never mind his unrelenting glare and the finger he pointed in your face before storming off to his driver's room.

His insult stung deeply. You understood that he was upset at how the race went, but he could’ve reacted differently. He just humiliated you publicly, in front of all your colleagues; he didn’t even let you get a word in edgewise. You could feel the anger bubbling up inside you at his behaviour. How dare he insult you like that? It wasn’t even your fault. You stared after him as he stomped away, before turning on your feet, storming off in the opposite direction.

You had known Charles for a long time now. Although you had never spoken much, you always greeted each other, until you got your new position in the team. Charles was already driving for Ferrari when you first started there as an intern. You joined in on meetings with the drivers and sometimes spoke to them during these, but you didn’t see the drivers much otherwise. After your time as an intern, you had gotten a full-time job and worked your way up the team, and now, finally, you had made it to race strategist for Charles Leclerc, where your decisions actually had an effect – or so you thought.

During all your years at Ferrari, the previous head of strategy, Rueda, always listened to and appreciated your opinions and suggestions for the race strategies. He supported your development over the years and saw you grow from an inexperienced intern to an expert with a unique view. Before he left Ferrari, he promoted you to Charles’ race engineer; he believed in your skill and thought you could provide unexpected, but well-working strategies that would lead Charles to victories. 

However, after Rueda left, and Ravin Jain took over the job of head strategist, your opinions were ignored. You worked especially hard to convince him you deserved your current position. You developed numerous possible strategies for every one of Charles’ races, running tons of simulations to make sure you had a strategy for every situation. You thought about all the unexpected circumstances that might arise and how to maximise the outcome for each of them. You knew exactly what to do in every situation to ensure a good ending position for Charles, but Jain undermined you every single time. You would present him with all the information you had collected, and show him all the possible strategies and which ones you expected would work best, but he would never listen to you. Jain would always overrule your decisions with different options that somehow turned out much worse. As a result, Charles lost so many more places than necessary, and missed so many more podiums – wins even – than he should’ve.

The worst part was that Charles blamed you for everything. You were new in the position of race strategist, and you wanted to leave a good impression on the team and, most importantly, have a good working relationship with Charles. In your line of work, teamwork and cooperation, and consequently trust, are incredibly important. You wanted Charles to You wanted Charles to rely on you for strategy, allowing him to focus solely on driving. But he couldn’t. He questioned every advice you gave – whether it made sense – and more often than not, it didn’t. The relationship between the two of you was anything but one of trust.

Charles didn’t know what was happening between you and the head strategist. All he knew was that the strategies were awful and he was losing races that he could have won. He didn’t know how amazing and thought-out your own strategies really were, and how good you were at your job if you actually received the opportunity to do it. As a matter of fact, he had never had a real conversation with you before you got your new role. Previously, you just hung around in the background, only speaking with your team and some work friends you had made along the way, but never directly with the drivers. Quite frankly, he questioned whether you were even qualified for your job.

Although Charles didn’t know much about you, his opinion about you was formed and unchanging. To him, it seemed you didn’t know much about racing strategies or engineering; the results of your strategies and your silence during the debriefs were enough proof for him. There was only one logical explanation for how you’d gotten your role in the team; you had gotten your position through favouritism – or perhaps you’d done the head strategist a little ‘favour’.

– – – – –

During the next race, Jain had done it again. You had developed the perfect strategy for Charles, you had worked everything out so you were prepared for every situation. But when you showed the results to Jain and suggested your preferred strategy, he told you that your strategies could be better and you should ‘try this’. You knew it wasn’t a suggestion but an order to drop your strategy and use his instead. The result left you feeling defeated. Charles would undoubtedly be upset with the outcome, outing his anger on you, while you couldn’t do anything to make it better.

From your spot in the garage after the race, you could already see him stomping towards you. You couldn’t blame him really, he had missed out on yet another podium due to a bad strategy.

“What now?” you muttered under your breath as you saw him approach, bracing yourself for another confrontation.

“What now?” Charles echoed, his tone mocking. “You’re asking me that? You couldn’t form a proper strategy to save your life! How did you get this job in the first place? Sleep with the boss?”

You whipped your head around at his comment, narrowing your eyes as shock and anger coursed through your body. You had heard comments like this many times before; Formula 1 is a man’s world and you know what the men around you are like. You know you shouldn’t have expected anything less from Charles, yet you had. You were surprised that Charles would say something like this—something so vile. Yes, you had never really gotten along, but there had always been mutual respect. In all your interactions with Charles, he seemed kind enough, even if he was frustrated with you; to make such a misogynistic comment was a new low for him.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? How can you even say something like that? Do you know how offensive that is?”

“You’re not denying it,” he yelled back at you.

You scoffed. “I’m not doing this,” you said, shaking your head before walking away, the tears welling up in your eyes. It felt like a betrayal. 

Charles followed you, “How about you explain why you keep screwing up my races?”

You ran your hands over your face in frustration as you rushed away from him, quickly making your way to your office. Charles had already upset you, and you didn’t want to cry in front of him – your job was already hard enough without him holding something like this over your head. If your colleagues found out you had cried on the job, you would never hear the end of how women can’t handle the pressure of F1. You tried to close the door as soon as you entered your office, but Charles was already there with you, staring you down. His arms were crossed in a nonchalant manner, but his face showed his annoyance clearly. “Well?”

You tried to avoid answering his question, but it seemed impossible. Even though you had kept silent (except for your scoff, that is), he wouldn’t leave you alone. God was this man frustrating. Your patience snapped.

“I’m not the one screwing up your races, Charles. If you have any issues with the strategies you should take it up with Jain, because he changes my plans every time.”

“What are you talking about?” He asked, frowning.

“Every strategy I create, Jain overrules,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady as you closed in on him. “I come up with plans based on simulations, and data. I’m ready for every scenario. But he dismisses them and forces his own strategies, which obviously don’t work. You’re blaming the wrong person.”

Charles stared at you, the anger in his eyes slowly giving way to confusion. “What? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

“I tried,” you replied, frustration seeping into your voice. “But you were too busy yelling at me to listen. And honestly, I didn’t think you’d believe me.”

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly processing what you had said. “So, Jain is the one messing up the strategies?”

“Yes,” you confirmed. “And it’s been incredibly frustrating to watch my hard work get thrown out and to then take the blame when it fails.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You should be. You’ve been yelling at me for months when it wasn’t even my fault.”

“Why didn’t you do anything about it?” Charles asked.

You laughed at his question. “What was I supposed to do? You know how it is—actually, you don’t, because drivers are privileged,” you sighed at the frown on Charles’ face, “no one would have believed me if I had told them, or they probably would have agreed. And if I had gone against Jain, I would have been fired so fast,” you trailed off.

Charles sighed. You were right; how on earth were they supposed to fix this? Jain would just continue to override your decisions no matter what, and that obviously wasn’t beneficial to anyone.

“For the next race, show me your strategy, okay? We can look at it together and if I agree we can work something out. Together.”

You smiled dryly at Charles’ suggestion. If he agrees? Who does he think he is? Nevertheless, you concur, if only to get rid of him. It doesn’t sound very convincing, but Charles is satisfied nonetheless.

– – – – –

For the next race, you had prepared more than usual. After the first few encounters with Jain you had given up on preparing your races thoroughly; it felt like a waste of time. But knowing that Charles would listen to you, and you might finally get to use your own strategy motivated you. 

You carefully discussed your plans with Charles in his driver’s room, away from everyone else. He listened attentively while you explained all the possible strategies and the one you thought would yield the best results. This was the first time Charles actually heard you talk about the strategies with enthusiasm, and he admired your knowledge of the topic, although he was somewhat surprised after your previous interactions. Hearing your passion for your work and knowing that you weren’t the reason for the unsuccessful races finally allowed the much-wanted bond of trust to form.

“We're going to use your strategy,” Charles said decisively. “No matter what Jain says, we'll do whatever you think is best. You've thought everything out, it'd be foolish to do something entirely different.”

"And if Jain gets mad and wants to fire me?" You asked, a hint of concern in your voice.

"The results will likely be good, so there'll be no reason for him to get mad,” Charles replied confidently. “But if he does, I'll vouch for you."

You nodded in response, a nervous but grateful smile on your face. It was exciting to finally use one of your own strategies, even though Jain would probably reject your proposals again.

Your assumption was correct; during your meeting with Jain, he had once more told you to follow his strategies instead of using your own ideas. Although Charles had told you there wouldn’t be any reason for your boss to get mad if the race went well, you weren’t assured enough to follow his advice. You couldn’t take any risks with your job – you weren’t experienced enough to get a similar job anywhere else, especially with the reputation Jain had built for you. If you had to follow his strategy to keep your job you would.

To say Charles was upset with the strategy during the race would be an understatement. He didn’t know where it had gone wrong – you had discussed this, hadn’t you? You came to the agreement that you would use your own strategy instead of listening to Jain, yet you hadn’t. The things you were telling him to do were nothing you had discussed during your private meeting. Charles felt frustrated at your inability to follow through; you were ruining his chances of a win because you were a coward who wouldn’t dare to stand up to her boss and he wasn’t going to take it.

“Boxing next lap, Charles.” 

Charles scoffed at your order before responding, “Box now? That’s ridiculous! The tyres are feeling fine, I can stay out longer.”

You sigh from your position on the pit wall. “Charles, the team thinks it’s best that you–” 

“I don’t care what the team thinks! What do you think is the best move?”

“Charles–” you stammer, getting nervous from his reaction.

“You know the team always makes the wrong calls, Y/N. What do you think we should do?”

You sighed, feeling the weight of the decision. If you go against Jain’s orders now and the race ends badly, you’ll be in big trouble. Charles said he’d vouch for you though, and the current strategy wasn’t going to get the team anywhere good either. You contemplate your options.

“Stay out a few more laps.”

Although you couldn’t see it, Charles smiled triumphantly in the car, knowing he had convinced you to use your own strategy. This was a good start, he just needed to do well now, to make sure you got your confidence back. So, for the next races, you would follow your own strategies as well instead of simply following Jain’s orders.

The race had ended up much better than anybody had expected, all thanks to your strategy. If you hadn’t switched up the strategy, Charles would have ended up significantly lower in the ranking. After finishing up his duties, Charles sought you out in the garage. You thought he would yell at you again, for going against your plan – going rogue, but he didn’t.  

“Thank you,” he said, his voice sincere. “Your strategy worked. Next time, we’ll use your plan again. From the start this time, forget whatever Jain tells you.” 

You nodded in response, a tight smile on your face. It was nice that Charles showed his appreciation for you. However, now that you were standing still instead of moving around, you were easier to spot. So far, you had managed to avoid Jain by blending in with the bustling garage, but Charles’s presence made you easy to find.

“Y/N!” Jain said loudly, making your eyes shoot over to him quickly.

“We need to have a serious talk! Follow me to my office.” The look on his face was scolding and his body posture showed his anger clearly as he walked off. 

You met Charles’ eyes for a second, a nervous smile on your face. “I better go,” you said before rushing after your boss. 

“I’ll come with you,” Charles responded firmly, joining your side.

“I said I’d vouch for you if Jain became angry. I always keep my word,” he said after seeing the confused look on your face.

Jain had already taken a seat in his office when you walked in.

“What the hell were you thinking? Ignoring my strategy?” he hollered.

You took a deep breath, mustering the courage to go against him, but Charles beat you to it, stepping out from behind the door.

“There’s no need to yell at your employee like that, Jain. Besides, her strategy led to much better results than boxing would have.”

Jain’s eyes quickly darted over to him in surprise, having missed his presence, before focusing on you. “You’re here to follow orders, Y/N. Not to make your own decisions. You disobeyed a direct instruction.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but Charles had already started speaking, his voice steady but firm. 

“With all due respect, Jain, it’s clear that Y/N’s strategy was superior today. Her approach brought us better results, and we need to recognise that.”

Jain turned his glare to Charles, clearly not pleased with the driver’s intervention. “This is none of your business, Charles. She’s my employee, and she needs to follow my orders.”

“Actually, it is my business,” Charles shot back.

Your eyes darted over to him. This was not at all the right time, but he looked hot as fuck defending you like this. He hadn’t even had the time to change after the race, his driver’s suit hanging around his waist with his black fireproofs on full display. His hair was messy and his cheeks were flushed, whether it was from the race or frustration, you weren’t sure. You could feel your own cheeks turning hot at the sight, and you were certain a blush was spreading across your face, too.

“Her strategies directly affect my performance on the track. Today, she proved her worth. She deserves the chance to implement her plans without being overruled.”

The room fell silent as Jain stared at Charles, his anger simmering beneath the surface. 

No, not the right time at all.

Jain finally sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. You’ve made your point. But if it fails there will be consequences.”

You nodded eagerly, “of course.”

Charles nodded as well, happy with the outcome.

– – – – –

The next few races turned out much better. Without interference, you could confidently present and implement your strategies. And the results spoke for themselves: Charles consistently finished on the podium. His performance improved so much that even Jain had to admit your strategies worked better than his.

When the next race weekend arrived tensions were high. So far, your racing strategies had proved successful, but you aimed for more every race. It was certainly helpful that you and Charles were a good team. Ever since the issues between Charles and you were resolved, there was mutual trust, and Charles supported every strategy you came up with, even if it seemed risky.

You wished Charles good luck with a nervous smile before he got in his car and, as had become a ritual, he responded confidently with a “we’ve got this” and a reassuring smile that somehow always calmed your nerves.

When the race began you confidently pursued your strategy while Charles navigated the track with precision. Everything went perfectly: the pit stops as swift and smooth as could be and every decision moving Charles closer to the front.

There were only a few laps to go with Charles steadily in second place, closing in on the leader. He managed to get within DRS range and, as the team watched in anticipation, executed a flawless overtake, taking the lead in the race. The garage filled with cheers and applause as the team celebrated his amazing overtake. Meanwhile, a big smile overtook your features as you watched Charles drive on the screen in front of you. 

You stared in disbelief when Charles crossed the finish line in first place. The joy was immense; the whole garage was celebrating the fresh win as you hugged the rest of the team on the pit wall in delight. You had done it – your strategy had led him to a win.

Following your colleagues, you rushed to the parc fermé, wanting to be the first to celebrate this amazing race with him. You watched as Charles got out of his car, pumping his fist in the air in victory. The smile on his face was huge as he jogged to the team waiting to congratulate him. 

“We did it, Y/N!” he exclaimed, pulling you into a celebratory hug. You laughed at his antics but hugged him back nevertheless. If there wasn’t a barrier between you, he would have lifted you up and spun you around, that’s how happy he was. Two months ago he couldn’t have envisioned a win any time soon, and now he had managed to snatch up the first place, all thanks to you.

After his weigh-in, he walked back to you with a mischievous glint in his eye. “I want you to come up on the podium with me,” he said. 

“Ah,” he tutted, already knowing you would protest before you even opened your mouth, “it’s just as much your win as it’s mine.”

“Charles…”

“You deserve to be up there too! It’s your first win!”

You stared at him hesitantly.

“Come on, Y/N. Just this once. If you say no, I’ll just ask again next time, and the time after that, and—”

“Next time?”

“Yes. We’re obviously going to win many more races together!” Charles said with a childish grin. “Come on!” He continued, tugging on your sleeve.

You finally succumbed, nodding your head. “Okay, fine.”

“Ah perfect! I’ll see you up there!” He said with a big grin, before walking off to do his interview.

You used the time Charles was in the cooldown room to mentally prepare yourself. You were about to stand on the podium. Your face was going to be broadcast on live TV for everyone to see, and it made you nervous. You smiled nervously at the people guiding you up the stairs to the podium where you met Charles. He smiled comfortingly and chatted with you relaxedly while you waited for his name to be called out. 

When the time came, you tried to stay in the background, hiding behind Charles who walked out in front of you before taking your place on the separate podium for the winning constructor. From your position, you could see the crowd cheering for Charles while the Monegasque anthem sounded over the track. You admired the sea of red that was here for Ferrari, for Charles. When the Italian anthem played you made eye contact with Charles, laughing silently with him over your colleagues singing along loudly.

You gracefully accepted the trophy for the team, smiling and lifting it up after it was offered to you. The sound of your team cheering and applauding filled you with joy. You couldn’t be prouder of Charles for this achievement, and maybe of yourself too, especially when you saw the admiring look Charles was sending you. It made your thoughts hazy, tuning out for a second as you enjoyed this moment of glory while staring out at the crowd in front of you.

Then, suddenly, you heard the pops of bottles. You could barely set down your trophy before your face was covered in champagne.

“Charles,” You gasped. 

Barely able to breathe, you tried to cover your face with your cap. It was no use, however; the champagne was already pricking in your eyes as you blindly tried to push Charles away. When the other men on the podium targeted him, you used the moment to pop your own bottle of champagne. Of course, your goal was to completely douse Charles as payback, but he was quick to flee. Before you got the chance to properly drench him, it was already time for the podium picture. Charles grinned at you mischievously from his spot next to you. “You look good in victory champagne,” he teased. 

You glared at him jokingly. You were certain that you looked ridiculous with your cap askew and your clothes completely soaked in champagne, not to mention the mascara that was probably running down your face. You rolled your eyes at his comment, but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.

“Thanks, I think.”

He laughed with you, a gleeful look on his face. 

“How about we go out for a celebratory drink?” He asked with a gentle smile.

You noticed the more serious tone in his voice straight away. His expression was one you didn’t recognise; he seemed almost insecure.

Raising an eyebrow, you couldn’t resist teasing him. 

“Are you asking me out, Charles?”

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Well, yeah. I guess I am. What do you say?”

You laughed again, before nodding your head. 

“A drink sounds good.”

[arc-misadventures]

Are We Even Human Anymore?

Class B, Spartan, Jaune Arc was walking down a road on the island of, Patch. He looked to his side to see a a few buildings that had gouges carved into the wood, a result of the recent, Grimm attack that had just took place. Luckily, Jaune, and the rest of team was already here to conduct standard routine patrol of the island to weed out any pockets of, Grimm.

He walked by, rifle in hand as he eyed the islands local militia, and members of the, Vale Republic Guard. Vale's standing army made of volunteer soldiers. Where the, Spartans were, Vale's spear tip to break through the, Grimm hordes, the VRG was the shield wall that held them back for the, Spartans to strike.

He spared them a fleeting glance as he walk over to see the, Spartan on command of this mission. Class A, Spartan, Raven Branwen.

A Spartans rank was decided upon by a variety of factors: Spartan children at the age of five were all considered, Class F, commonly considered the trainee class. When a trainee reached the age of age of twelve they were promoted, a sign that they were no longer solely a trainee, but an apprentice.

They were promoted to the ranks of, E, or D Class based upon their performance. And, then a B Class, Spartan, would give them training in that trainee's chosen field of expertise. A trainee could have many teachers offering tutelage to help broaden their skill sets.

Because of, Jaune's birthday present from his parents, Jaune sought out, Raven Branwen to learn the blade under her, being one of the few, Spartans to use swords. The pair had developed a close bound over their training, leading to, Jaune to be assigned to, Raven on missions quite often. As a result of this familiar bound, Jaune knew some of, Raven's little quirks, and whatnot. So as he neared her, and saw her nervously fidgeting with her hands, he knew full, and well something was up.

He called out to her on their helmets radio, concern lightly seeping into his voice as he eyed his friend. "Raven?"

"Yes, what is it?" Raven's response was filled with an air of nervousness, and worry as she all, but jumped out of her crimson, and raven black armour to face him. Cueing, Jaune on to the fact that something was wrong, but what was the question.

"Are you, are you okay, Raven?"

"I'm fine! Now, give me a status update on the situation?"

"The Grimm threat has been neutralized. Miniman causalities were sustained by the islands local militia, and VRG forces. No civilians were harmed, and no fatalities were reported either."

"Good, good good good... Inform the local commanding officer that we will be moving out shortly to patrol the area, and eliminate any other possible, Grimm threats."

"Yes, Ma'am." As, Jaune made his way to find the local commanding officer, he spared, Raven one concerned glance, hidden behind the visor of his helmet. The nervousness etched into her voice, and her desire to get away from here as fast as possible, but him on high alert.

There was something here on, Patch that made, Raven's nerves on edge. But, what could that be?

Jaune shook his head of these thoughts as he headed towards the highest rank officer among the, VRG. A major with blonde, hair, and a stubble across his face.

"Major, may I speak with you?"

The major gave him one glance before he issued some final orders to his subordinates, before walking over to, Jaune. Stopping before him, and offering him a salute, of which, Jaune offered one in kind. Despite the fact the major technically outranked, Jaune, It was common practice for most soldiers of the VRG to see, Spartans as their superiors due to their position as, Spartans.

"Major, Xiao Long, reporting, Sir!"

"At ease, Major. I am here to report to you that me, and my team will be moving out to explore the area, and eliminate any potential, Grimm threats in the area."

"Y-You're leaving already, Sir...?" There was a noticeable sound of disappointment in his voice, as he his eyes turn to look past him. Jaune followed his gaze to see he was staring at, Raven.

"Is there a problem with that, Major?"

It wasn't uncommon for officers in the, VRG to wish that, Spartan teams to linger in a spot that had just been subject to a, Grimm attack in case of the possibility of a second attack. Or, if the case the commanding officer was some fat pig they would 'ask' the, Spartans to remain to protect their shiny junk.

"Ah! No... No, Sir... if, Raven wants to leave she may leave." The way he said, Raven's name gave, Jaune pause for concern. There was no respect in his voice that one would expect to give when addressing a, Spartan. There was a sadness, and a air of familiarity in his voice as he watch his teacher from afar.

"How do you know her name, Major?" Jaune had dealt with several civilians trying to get close to himself, or his fellow, Spartans. Often they were doing this as a means of gaining status. Leading to many, Spartans to be cautious of any civilian, even those in the military when they wished to speak with a, Spartan.

"We... we were close once, Sir. I was just hoping to talk with her, and give her this." He saw the mean reach under his armour plating, and pulled out an envelope, and offered it towards, Jaune. "I understand why she wouldn't want to talk with me, I just thought she should see this. Can you give this to her, Sir; Please?"

Jaune eyed the envelope warningly as he grabbed it, and opened it, inspecting the contents. Inside was a letter, and some photos, Jaune didn't see it as anything dangerous so he decided it was safe to give it to her. He was about to close the envelope when he saw something that caught his eye. It was a photo of a smiling woman around his age, with violet eyes, and golden locks of hair with an all too familiar face.

"Who is the woman in this picture?" Jaune watched as the, Major looked around nervously at, Raven before returning his gaze back to him.

"I-I think it would be best if, Raven explain that to you, Sir." Jaune gave him one last glance before he nodded at him, and placed the photo back in the envelope.

"Very well, I shall do ask you ask, Major."

"Thank you, Sir!" Major Xiao Long, offered him a salute, which he returned in kind before making his way towards, Raven.

"Ahh good, you're finished, let's grab the others, and get going, Jaune."

"That Major back there seems to know you, Raven. He asked me to give you this.' Jaune offered the envelope to, Raven who even under the helmet he could see the nervousness in her eyes as he watch her slowly take it from his hands.

She opened it, and read the letter, her hands shaking as tears started to well up in her eyes. She then took out one of the photos he had been looking at earlier. A chocked gasp of sorrow escaped her lips. She soon removed her helmet, letting a mane of raven black hair escape it's confines, as she whipped away tears falling from her crimson eyes.

Jaune swiftly removed his helmet as he watched his teacher, his friend cry. He know, Raven for years, and she always appeared as this stoic, and collected person who was a master of her emotions, but to see her break down just from a photo? Something was wrong, something terrible.

"Raven? Raven, What's wrong?!" He placed his hand on her back as she struggled to reign in her tears, it was like watching a child bursting into tears at the lose of a loved one.

Raven soon raised her head as she took sharp gasps of air as she calmed her nerves. She looked to the sky as she steadied her nerves before turning to address her friend, and student.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I just... I didn't expect this to impact me so..."

"It's okay, Raven. It's okay... But, what the hell just happened? You just broke down into tears, I've never seen you like this before. What is in that letter?"

She took a deep sigh before she turned to look at the back of the, Major as he ordered his troops about.

"That man over there... He's someone I am... I was close to... very close to..." She pulled out another photo of the smiling blonde girl in the photo, and returned the girls radiant smile with a sorrow one of her own. "His name is, Tai Yang Xiao Long. When I was younger, just a, B Class, Spartan I met him here while out on a mission. He was just a captain then, and he was showing me, and my squad around, Patch. Local hotspots where, Grimm seemed to appear from, and what not. We stuck to each other quite a lot while we were out here, he even saved my life one time. The two of us just... clicked, you know? We just naturally fit together, so much so it hurt when we we apart from one another for too long. I used to spend my time off with him."

A smile spread across, Raven's face as she looked through another photo, before it turned into a sad smile.

"I was in, Atlas for a joint mission to deal with, Atlasian Spartans when I realized I was pregnant with his child... I was then kept in, Atlas Academy as I went through the pregnancy."

"Wait, the girl in the photos... She's your daughter?!" Jaune was shocked, Raven had her secrets just like everyone, and Jaune never wanted to pry. But, to suddenly learn his friend had a daughter his age was rather... shocking.

"Yes... she's my daughter. Her name is, Yang, Yang Xiao Long. A perfect mix between me, and him..."

"I thought she looked a lot like you, but I assumed she was your younger, Sister, not you daughter! I assume she is my age then, and since I never saw her till now. She's, Auraless?"

Raven nodded her head as she gave a hum of confirmation. "After she was test, and proved to be negative... I felt relieved."

"Relieved?"

"Yes, relieved." Raven took a deep sigh before looking at the sky. "You know what this life of our demands of us, Jaune... I didn't want that for my daughter. But, since she was, Auraless she couldn't stay with me... So, when I came back to, Vale I popped over to, Tai, and said my goodbyes; To both him, and my daughter..."

"I understand why you left her with this, Tai fellow. But, you never visited them again? You could have still been their for them, no?"

"Look at me, Jaune. Do I scream mother, housewife, any of those things?"

"Nope. You being a mother is odd enough as it is, you being a housewife, wearing an apron, and baking cookies? Now that's just crazy talk!" The pair shared a laugh at the shear ridicules of the thought of someone like, Raven as housewife. "But, just because you didn't... couldn't settle down with him, that doesn't mean you couldn't have spent time together. Getting to spend time with the man you love, and sharing in happy moments with your daughter."

"I didn't want her to get too attached to me! I was scared that if she grew too close to me, and if I died fighting against the, Grimm... It... It breaks my heart to just think about how she would react if I died... My heart can't take it, Jaune..."

"Maybe, but I think you would be just as devastated if you died as well. Because, she may not know who you are on account of you never being there for her. I think she's chasing after you in her own way." Jaune pulled out a photo of a smiling, Yang, grinning from ear to ear. Dressed in an all too familiar deep green uniform. A cadet officers uniform. "You may say she following her dad, but that smile of her reminds me more of you, Raven. In her own little ways, Raven, she's chasing after you. How much would it hurt to say hi to her? Not nearly as much as never getting the chance to I reckon."

She looked at him before she turned her gaze to look at the man she loved. "But, how am I supposed to do that? Just walk up to her, and say. 'hi?"

"You start slow, Raven. You first reunite with that, Tai fellow over there. And, then eventually he introduces you to your estranged daughter. Simple as that."

"But, is it though?"

"Are we even human anymore?"

"The unofficial moto of the, Spartans."

"That's right. Because of our training we've gone through since our childhood, we've become so detached from our emotions that we no longer seem human. This, Tai fellow, and you apparent daughter appear to keep you tethered to your humanity, Raven. Go over there, and reunite with your old flame, before that rope breaks, and you lose that humanity that we fight, and die for."

"Ha! When did you so wise, and philosophical, Jaune?"

Jaune shrugged his shoulders at her before he looked towards, Tai. "I'm a 'knight.' I probably picked up a thing, or two reading all those books about knight."

"Yeah, probably... Okay..." Raven straightened her back, as she put the envelope in her pocket. "Wish me luck."

"Luck."

Jaune smiled as he watched as, Raven walked over to, Tai, and gave him a tap on the shoulder. The surprised look, followed by that infectious smile he gave her brought a smile to his face in turn.

If we, Spartans, seemingly heartless killing machines could generate such a smile with our mere presence, then where is the truth in a question such as: 'Are we even human anymore?'

Because, how could anything, but a humans pure love for one another elicit such a reaction?

The question shouldn't be: 'Are we even human anymore?' But, 'What's stopping us from being human?'

Isn't that was make people human: Searching for what makes us human?

[bloodyvioletzz]

Drunk And Nasty

Miguel O’hara x Reader | AU

WARNINGS: fem reader, smut, face-sitting, multiple orgasms, vaginal sex, oral sex (fem receiving), protected sex, praise kink, marking kink, biting, love bites, missionary, fingering, dirty talk, hair-pulling, literally so much smut so expect the worst, oh and miguel speaks spanish in this 🌚

Your boss was a dick. Always degrading you for anything you do.

“Is this all you did?” he asked. You were showing him your recent research on a spreading virus that started to infect people in Nueva York.

You narrowed your eyes. “Is it not enough?”

Miguel tossed the papers back onto your desk, ignoring your question. “Get back to work.”

“Excuse me?” you snapped back. Miguel was just heading out, but your tone made him turn his head to face you. You grew nervous under his gaze. “I’m sorry Miguel but- there’s progress on those papers! If you would just give me a chance.”

“How many chances have I given you?” Miguel replied coldly. “You keep disappointing me. I promoted you to this position for a reason. Do better.” And he left. Just like that.

As soon as he left the room you cleared everything off your desk, pencils rolling on the ground and files going everywhere. You grabbed the papers he had looked at off the ground and tore them up, frustrated. Nothing is good enough for this douche.

Jessica came in, a close friend of yours who was fortunately your co-worker.

“He saw you?” she questioned as she eyed everything on the floor.

“Yes! Nothing is good enough for him! It’s not like I went to fucking Harvard..”

Jessica laughed. “You need a break.”

You looked at her and scoffed. “Yeah, and get ridiculed for not working enough? No thanks.”

“Oh..” Jessica bent down and picked up some scattered files. She was off.

“What did you do…?” you asked suspiciously as you helped her clean your mess.

Jessica’s eyes were focused on the floor. “You know, I just thought you’d want a break- and everyone is going to the club tonight… I told them you’d come.”

You let go of the files and put your face in your hands, exasperated. “Oh my god. Of course you did!”

Jessica sighed as she finally looked at you. “I know you. You could really use this, when was the last time you partied?”

Your hands left your face as you shrugged, embarrassed.

“Exactly,” Jessica smirked.

“Shut up,” you smiled. “He won’t be there will he?”

“Oh no,” she replied. “Miguel doesn’t.. do clubs. Or people for that matter.”

“He’s quite the introvert,” you muttered.

Jessica nodded, getting up and setting some files neatly on a desk. “That he is.”

Once you two finished cleaning up the room, she drove you to her house. You figured you’d just wear one of her old dresses.

As you rummaged through Jessica’s closet, a thought popped into your mind.

“Is he like that with everyone?” you asked, looking at a black slip dress with red lace.

“Who, Miguel?” Jessica was doing her makeup in the bathroom mirror.

“Yeah.. like does he get that angry with anyone else?”

Jessica thought for a second. “No, not that I know of.”

You pulled the dress out, deciding that it would show off some skin and look good at the same time. “Interesting.”

Jessica laughed. “Interesting?”

“Yeah,” you replied. “It’s like he has something personal against me.”

“I doubt it, he’s just an asshole.”

You walked into the club wearing Jessica’s dress. It was a little tight but it looked good nonetheless. To match the dress you let Jessica do your makeup. She gave you a smokey eye and red lipstick to match the colors of your dress.

“Want a drink?” Jessica asked, as if she wasn’t already dragging you to the bar.

Jessica ordered two shots, which you guys quickly downed. You smiled excitedly as you took Jessica to the dance floor.

Your hair stuck to your forehead as you danced next to your friends, occasionally feeling yourself and grinding against them. There was no attraction for them while you did this, but it was fun watching people watch you.

After dancing to a few songs, you lost Jessica and your friends. You were stuck in a crowd of people.. but danced anyway. Besides, didn’t Jessica say you needed a break?

You were moving your hips to the rythm of the song until you backed up and bumped into someone. You turned around laughing, obviously a bit drunk, and apologized.

“Watch it,” a familiar voice could barely be heard over the booming music.

Your eyes went wide as you realized who was here.

And oh, were you gonna be Jessica’s ass.

You decided to play it casual, considering it wasn’t a professional environment you two were in..

You continued to dance and playfully grabbed his hand, making him spin you around.

“What are you doing here?” you yelled, smiling at his unamused face as you forced him to dance.

“Jessica invited me,” he replied, talking louder now.

Miguel slowly felt more comfortable dancing with you, and moved his hands to your hips. It was like he guided you.

“I didn’t take you for a party guy!” you giggled as he rolled his eyes.

“I didn’t take you for a black lace dress girl,” he said, eyes skimming your form.

You gradually got closer to him and he allowed it. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” you said, looking up at him.

His mouth opened but he didn’t say anything. You smiled.

“Did I make THE Miguel O’hara speechless?”

The corners of his mouth turned up into a… wait. He is smiling. Miguel O’hara is smiling. And he’s smiling at you.

He flipped you around and pressed up against you, causing you to gasp. He smirked as he felt you grind up against him.

You leaned your head back and it layed against his chest, exposing your throat and a better look of your cleavage. His hand reached down and grazed your stomach, going all the way up until it reached your throat. He gently wrapped his hand around it, not choking you but holding you. All of a sudden Miguel O’hara started looking a lot more hot and a lot less grumpy.

Your breathing became heavy at the way he was touching and grinding against you, he was like an animal.

When Miguel let go of you, you immediately turned around to face him. He had the smuggest look ever, it was like he knew what he was doing to you. He was driving you crazy.

But little did you know that you made him crazy first.

You were so busy stuck looking at his expression to fail to realize that he was hard, for you, in public, with your co-workers around. Oh, and don’t forget.. he’s your boss.

“I-it’s hot in here..! Is it just me?” you laughed nervously as you fanned yourself.

“Si, eres tu…” you heard him mutter.

“What?” you practically screamed over the loud music. Miguel smiled. “Do you wanna get out of here?” he asked.

You could’ve sworn he was a mindreader.

You tried to hide your smile by casually looking around, as if you were searching for Jessica. “Let me talk with Jess first, she’ll think I got kidnapped,” you joked. He smirked and nodded. “Sounds like her.. I’ll be waiting outside.”

You watched him make his way through the dancing crowd, instead of finding Jessica you ran to the bathroom, immediately touching up on your makeup and hair. Once you were done you texted Jessica.

—

ME

jessocq

JESSICA

Uh.. who?

ME

leaving club 🍆🍆

JESSICA

With who???

ME

uhmm moguek

JESSICA

Miguel?!

ME

yes

JESSICA

Oh god. Use protection, please.

—

You smiled to yourself at her replies. She’d make a good mom.

Once you thought you looked half decent you left the bathroom and went outside, waving to some friends on the way out. You saw Miguel leaning on a sleek, black car. It looked like it costed more than 200,000 dollars.. easily.

“I- Is this yours?!” you asked, growing nervous as he opened the passenger seat for you.

“Who else’s would it be?” he smiled as you rolled your eyes. “Yes, it’s mine.”

He shut the door once you were inside and got into his nice ass car.

“It looks even better on the inside,” you admitted.

“It looks better with you in it, neña.”

You looked out the window, smiling.

Music played quietly as he drove you to his apartment, unfortunately traffic was terrible on a Friday night in Nueva York. And you two got caught in it.

“Maldito gilipollas..” you heard Miguel curse under his breath as stupid drivers tried to swerve in and out of lanes.

You sighed, it was awkward being turned on and not be able to do anything. Miguel sensed this, probably because you were dead silent while he was there cursing in spanish and you hadn’t said a word.

Miguel snaked a hand over to your thigh and caressed it gently. You looked down at his hand briefly before looking back to the window. Was he seriously gonna do this while he was driving..? Best ignore it, right?

You tried ignoring it, but Miguel wanted to play with his food. He slid his hand farther up your thigh until he reached the bottom of your dress. Your breath picked up in just the slightest, but he noticed. He notices everything about you and he always has.

He dragged his hand underneath your dress and under your panties, long fingers gently touching the area that has been neglected for far too long.

You gasped softly as his middle and ring finger circled your clit at an agonizingly slow pace. You fought the urge to arch into his fingers, and Miguel eyed the way your chest rose and fell quickly.

“Use your words,” Miguel commanded.

“W-what?” you replied.

Miguel kept one hand on the wheel, one hand in your panties, and his eyes on the road. “Tell me what you want.”

Your mouth opened to speak but you couldn’t find the courage. He was so.. intimidating.

“Hm,” Miguel started to remove his fingers, but you were quick to put your own hand over his and guide him back down.

“I want you to touch me, Miguel.”

He hummed in approval, “Buenas niña.” His fingers continued the circular movement but faster. You sighed as your head rested against the window, your hot breath fogged up the window.

His fingers left your clit as they slid up and down your wet cunt, as if they were lubing themselves up.

Miguel pushed his middle finger into you slowly and you moaned quietly as he began pumping in and out. One finger shortly turned into two and he had you a moaning mess. If his fingers were this good…

Your hand flew to your mouth as you tried to silence your loud moans out of embarrassment, but Miguel was ruthless and added a third finger.

“Quiero escuchar tus gemidos hermosa,” Miguel practically whimpered hearing the wet noises coming from his fingers leaving and entering your hole.

“Miguel..” you moaned, his fingers pumping into you and his palm hitting your clit gave you just the push you needed. “D-don’t stop I’m..”

Miguel slightly increased his pace as you came all over his fingers, “That’s right..” he praised. “Come all over my fingers, pretty girl.”

He removed his fingers once you came down from your high and put them in front of your mouth. You complied easily, opening your mouth and wrapping your lips around his fingers. You licked your juices off as if you were starving.

After they were clean and he removed them from your mouth, you looked out the window. Your eyes widened as you realized you two have been in the parking lot to his apartment. You hadn’t even noticed. You turned to Miguel and a shit-eating smirk grew on his face.

“..how long have we been here?” you asked quietly.

Miguel opened his car door and stepped out, “A little bit.”

You laughed as he closed his car door, coming over to yours and opening it for you. He held out his hand and you took it, smiling as he helped you get out his expensive car.

You two were in his apartment in seconds. Lips attacking eachother as clothes flew off. Before you knew it, you were naked, laying down on his bed as he gave you sloppy kisses.

He worked his way down and bit down on your neck. You winced at the pain, but that pain quickly turned to pleasure as he marked you as his.

“I’m gonna make sure the entire fucking workplace know who you belong to.”

Your fingers tangled in his hair as he continued to mark you. You tugged when he bit especially hard, and he groaned into your skin.

Suddenly he was off of you. You whined and sat up, noticing he was laying on his back.

“What are you..” you questioned.

“Sit on my face,” he replied casually.

You blinked in confusion. “Miguel I- I’ll crush you..”

“Don’t make me ask again.”

You considered it and slowly made your way over to him, straddling his face. You were hovering over him until he harshly grabbed your thighs and dug his nails into them as he forced you onto his mouth.

Your clit was still sensitive from your orgasm in the car, and your moans became whined as he tried to make you come a second time. He ate you out like he hasn’t eaten in days. He didn’t waste a single second, slurping up all your fluids while his tongue flicked back and forth against your clit.

You were grabbing the sheets above his head, moaning and blabbering out his name as you felt that familiar feeling in your stomach. You began rocking against his face, chasing your orgasm until you finally reached it, coming all over his face. He happily licked it up but soon let you off him when your moans turned into high-pitched whines.

He wiped his jaw. “Think you got one more in you?”

You frowned, “Miguel.. I don’t know.”

He pushed you gently onto your back and he hovered over you, he was a lot bigger than you. His arms were on each side of your head, caging you in.

“We’re gonna try..” he started, “is that okay?”

You nodded and he looked to his side, reaching into a drawer and grabbing a condom. He slid it onto his cock and gave it a few pumps before lining it up with your entrance. He pushed in slowly and gave you time to take all of him. Your mouth fell open and your head fell back against the pillows as you felt him stretch you like you’ve never been stretched before.

His forehead rested against yours until he bottomed out. He slowly started to move, and your hands clawed at his back for support when he started to pick up his pace.

“Oh, fuck..” you moaned, scratching his back harshly as he drilled into your pussy. Miguel didn’t mind, he was kinda into it anyways.

His pace became brutal and he attacked your neck once again, biting and sucking on the spots he missed.

“Te sientes tan jodidamente bien..” Miguel moaned as he trailed sloppy kisses back up to your lips.

You groaned at his words, and when he removed a hand from the side of your head and put it down to your clit, you lost it.

You were screaming his name and clawing at his back, drawing small amounts of blood. You were so overstimulated.

“You’re doing so good,” Miguel praised. “Come on my cock like the pretty girl you are.”

And with that, your legs shook as you came all over his cock. You moaned in unison as he came too, sighing as it filled the condom.

Your breath was eratic as you came down, you opened your eyes to see Miguel sweaty, his hair sticking to his forehead. You gently moved it out the way with you fingers, and he pressed a soft kiss to your cheek.

You winced while he pulled out. He took off the condom and tossed it in the trash. He slid on his boxers and he stopped you before you got up. “Hold on.”

Miguel went into his bathroom and came back with a warm wet towel. He gently pryed your legs back open and cleaned you up. He put the towel in his laundry and climbed in bed with you. You two fell asleep in eachother’s arms.

You woke up big-spooning Miguel. Your eyes widened as you looked at his back and what you did to him. There were scratch and claw marks all over his back. Oops.

You heard him snoring slightly, and you figured he was still sleeping. You slowly got up, feeling sore everywhere. You put on one of his shirts and went to the bathroom and stared in horror as you saw your neck and thighs. He fucking destroyed you.

You ran to the living room and grabbed your phone, frantically texting Jessica.

ME

how do you hide a hickey???

JESSICA

Depends. How bad is it?

ME

(Photo sent.)

JESSICA

What did he do to you???

NOTE: i’m so sorry if the spanish is goofy as fuck google translate is so weird </3

[majaloveschris]

it’s interesting, back when all this hoopla began, some blogs were convinced this was all genuine because of two reasons: 1) CE didn’t need to do PR to get more attention because he was already famous. 2) the attention was negative and did not help him and why would he go through all this for negative publicity?

While I agree to an extent that the attention with this relationship brought a lot of negativity to him and his family/friends (and obviously, hers too) - I maintain the belief that it wasn’t about the who he married, it’s about him having a partner and settling down and being married. To lots of people, this shows stability and being able to commit. It finally aligns with his “wants to settle and have a family” narrative. The GP will look at recent posts or movies of his and go oh yeah he got married (if they even bothered to remember that) and move on with their lives. His fans are the only ones currently bothered by all this because they hate the partner he’s with. But to me, they achieved their goal and now no matter what happens, at least he was married once and he’s seen with a ring - check and mate.

I kindly remind people that this is Hollywood. Public image and persona still is extremely important, and celebs always do things for reasons and most often, there is a bigger picture to unveil later on.

That being said, look at Taylor and Travis. She definitely is famous enough and imho, she did not need the publicity of a more public relationship. Some people said she quickly pivoted to Travis after her last guy Matt something was revealed to be problematic (I forgot why) and her PR team was quick to pull her out.

I don’t know if I agree with that. If it was as simple as erasing the controversy of a bad partner, she could be seen with Travis but not to the extent she has been. They got the NFL - aka one of the biggest money empires in the American sports and entertainment industry - involved. If you are not an American you may not understand how big NFL football and the Super Bowl is here in the states. But the levels they went to make Taylor and Travis a thing is interesting,

That’s why I think Chris very much needed the PR. I think it’s the woman choice that caused this ordeal to fall apart at the seams. Because I imagine a different situation:

Let’s say, he got paired with someone like an Ana de Armas or even Dakota Johnson (if either were single) - look at how the public reacted to Dakota and Chris at Central Park. Look at how the fans reacted.

It was mostly positive and people were surprised, including his own fans. Surprised that he looks good with her and physically they fit better together. Now the idea of them playing love interests isn’t so dire as people once thought.

The perception here is totally different. If he did scare videos with someone like Ana, did an IG montage, I don’t think the reaction would have been negative at all.

Him posting a pumpkin pic, or him doing restaurant tours with a different more favorable woman would have been completely different. If he showed up to VF after party with any of his ex gfs - and took a pic in the same red suit - I still think the reaction would have been less negative from his fans.

It could still be cringe to some but I highly doubt it would be at this level of animosity.

if the partner was different, I think you’d be seeing a much different result for both of them today. His partner, if she was also an up and coming actress but received better by his fans and the GP, could have seen herself get further in her career simply due to followers and visibility. If she was a different person with a different attitude towards work and promotion, she may be reaping more benefits today.

I think you have similar thoughts to me, maja, that this situation was unfortunately a failure due to the choice of pairing. If AB had gotten a different man, maybe even if she had stayed with Lucas B, you may be seeing a different result for her too. Her/his fanbases didn’t seem to hate them together as much, and also they did look pretty good together considering.

I wonder, would we still be seeing her post a ridiculous homemade shower video to distract from her friends problematic tweets? Would we still be seeing her pretend she’s never online and hiding away for months at a time? Would we still see her try so desperately to prove a point if she had simply ended up with someone else?

Yeah, I definitely see what you are saying. I don't think she was the first choice, in my opinion, especially because of the age gap. He's always been dating women who are close to his age, so choosing her for this whole "marriage" thing is interesting. Maybe choosing a younger partner was on purpose, and they were looking for someone who isn't that close to his age to attract a new demographic. I mean, a lot of younger women now think they might've a chance with him and thirst even harder, so who knows? I think people outside of the fandom only have problems with the age gap part, but unfortunately people are used to this, especially in HW, and 24 and 40 isn't even that bad, considering people like Leo (who is older) notoriously date younger women, and for him this is the first time. That we know of, of course. 

As you and I said, they should've chosen someone else, someone who hasn't done, said, or posted questionable things. The same goes for her friends. The most problematic part is her and her friends' personalities. I think most people would've moved on from the age gap thing; after all, they both are adults, even if 24 is a bit young for 40 in my opinion. And maybe if they were truly looking happy or in love, that could've made everything a bit better too. However, the fact they both look as if they don't want to be around each other helped at least him a lot. But they look relativly cute together with Lucas; it seemed like at least they liked each other. 

At the same time, I still think he and his team didn't know about the tweets, because I truly believe if they did, they wouldn't choose her.

I think his team failed this test, and this was a huge lesson for him too. 

[unanimousgolddd]

"You're alright. I got you."

I'm trying to break my writers block, so here's this short little fic. I also am doing requests. This is also posted on my ao3 acc

TW: angst w/fluff?, Wesker's a bit oc, made up character, Reader is a assistant scientist working for Wesker, GN! Reader

Summary: When returning back to Wesker's lab, another scientist "accidentally" spills chemicals onto Reader. Trying to not burden Dr. Wesker, Reader ends up worrying the blonde scientist.

Art made by SilverSerpentA1 on DeviantArt

It was already a rough day, the new security had wasted 10 minutes at the entry of the underground labs. Saying "that I need to show that I was an employee." Then when I got to my desk, which was near Dr. Wesker's, he scolded me for being 15 minutes late. Sure I wanted to reply with a snarky remark, but that would only get me in more trouble.

But it only got worse, Dr. Wesker had ordered me to go print files from the latest Tyrant experiment and when I came to put them on his desk, Dr. Maria spilled chemicals over me.

Dr. Maria, said that she "accidentally" spilled them on me.

"I'm so sorry!" Maria said, "I wasn't watching where I was going."

I grimaced.

"Thanks for the bath, Dr. Maria..." I sighed.

"Please forgive me," She said, before walking off with the container that once had liquid in.

I shook my head, I never liked Maria. She would always do something to me when she had the chance. She does this because I was promoted to Dr. Wesker's assistant. She is very petty for someone in such good position.

I started to feel a burn sensation on my neck, face, and stomach. I quickly ran to the nearest bathroom, this was not good.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, covered in this pick liquid. Quickly taking off the lab coat, I threw it in the contamination bin. I took off my long sleeve shirt, grimacing how the texture felt.

Whatever the chemicals were, it was causing my skin to burn and it quickly grew red in places where the liquid touched.

I ran my hands under the faucet, and splashed water onto my face. Then grabbing paper towels, I wet them and cleaned myself the best I could.

I only had five more minutes until I would have to return to the lab.

The water was cold, and help slow the irritation. It no longer burned but I looked extremely red. Sighing, I took out an extra shirt and lab coat that was in the closet.

The shirt was a little big but it would have to do. I walk out the bathroom and headed to Wesker's office, preparing to be scolded for being late again.

I opened the door and Dr. Wesker stood at his desk, going over files.

"You're back," He said without looking, "I was wondering when you would get here."

He finally looked up, and he didn't seem happy.

"I'm sorry, I had to take care of something... I promise it won't happen again."

He sighed.

"Dr. Maria gave me the files... I recall assigning you to give them to me." He looked at me.

That's what she did. Spilled the chemicals on me just to give him the files. She is petty. Very petty.

"I'm sorry, I-"

I started to get an itch all over my body.

"I... I knew I dropped them somewhere-"

I started scratching my neck and stomach. By now, I knew I was red and irritated.

"Dr?"

Wesker started walking towards me, he pulled gloves out his pockets and put them on. His eyebrow slightly twitched.

"Come here," He ordered.

I did what he asked, and moved closer to him, still scratching my body. Once I was closer, he moved my hands from my neck, and observed my skin.

I felt hot under his gaze, or maybe that was the side effects of the chemical.

"Come," He moved away, walking to the lab.

I quickly followed, trying to resist the urge to scratch. The burn that I had earlier, came back. So now, not only was my skin red, itchy, it was also burning. Tears started to fill my eyes, but I blinked rapidly to stop myself from crying.

He pointed to one of the lab beds, and shined a light on my skin.

"Is it anywhere else?" He asked, looking in directly in my eyes.

"Yeah, m-my stomach." I said, shakily.

He gestured to take off my lab coat and lift my shirt. I took off the coat. He tossed the coat in a bin. I sat with my shirt lifted to my chest, slightly embarrassed. He didn't seem fazed, gently touching and looking at my stomach and neck.

"Hmm..."

I hissed, the burn started to increase, and I was on the brink of sobbing. I closed my eyes, embarrassed and in pain. I could here him sigh and rummage around the room.

"I believe you have side effects from poison ivy. But they're amplified..." He said, somewhere around the room.

"You're lucky, we have an antidote..."

I slowly opened my eyes, Wesker held a syringe that had a clear liquid in. I groaned, my skin felt like I was getting burned alive.

"Shh, I got you. You're alright dearheart." He said, obviously noticing my discomfort.

I felt a prick on my neck as Wesker held me. Slowly the burning and itching ceased. As it stopped, I had tears going down my cheeks. Wesker lightly wiped them away, the gloves he had on where now in the trash bin.

I cling onto him, like how a child would to their mother, it was unprofessional to do that, but I didn't care.

"You're alright. I got you," He said, gently moving his arms.

[morning-softness]

Story Title: Listen to the Voice that Told Me

Fandom: The Magnus Archives podcast

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47329336/chapters/119258467#workskin

Summary:

In this world of monsters and fear, where every day Jon is forced to read another description of the horrible fate that could befall someone—anyone—unlucky enough to encounter it, there are those—human and no longer human—who have singled out the Archivist as their target. And since pretending ignorance is obviously no protection, Jon’s determined to find out as much as possible about the threats he’s up against. After Prentiss's attack on the Institute and the discovery of his predecessor's corpse in the tunnels beneath it, Jon knows two things: 1. accepting the Head Archivist position put a target on his back and 2. he can't trust anyone, especially his assistants. As if he weren't already vulnerable enough, Jon discovers he's been cursed by a Web artefact to obey any order he's given. Can Jon find a way to break the curse before anyone else finds out?

Warnings: canon-typical worms, spiders, the Not Them, the Distortion, Jon's canon-typical Season 2 paranoia, canon-typical breaking and entering, nightmares, smoking, panic attack, stalking and invasion of privacy, strained relationships, arguments, power imbalance, manipulation, mind control, threats, abuse of power, Elias being a creep, burns, self-harm? (canon-typical Jon intentionally puts himself in danger because he thinks it’s worth it), thoughts of death and suicide, blood and murder (discussed), cursing, mentions of food and unconventional eating habits, alcohol, mention of drug use, roller coaster mention 

Characters: Jonathan Sims, Martin Blackwood, Tim Stoker, Sasha James, Elias Bouchard, Michael Distortion

Pairings: General (no romantic or sexual relationships)

Chapters: 11/11

Words: 54,751 (Making this the longest fic I've ever completed!)

When I Started: February 2023

I'm putting the rest of this under a readmore, because it got a bit long and rambley, but TLDR: Thank you so, so very much to @bunnies-in-the-archives for getting me started, to @wipbigbang, @nyctolovian, @prairiedawn, @liminalspacedout, and all of the wonderful people who commented on my fic for helping me finish.  Even if you've already read it, please check out Chapter 2 to see the awesome art that @liminalspacedout did for this fic.

How I Lost My Shit: This fic really got away from me in terms of length.  The classic problem of "the more I write, the further I am from finishing."  In my original outline, I planned for 8 chapters and estimated that it would be somewhere between 15,000 and 25,000 words.  Instead, the final version ended up being 11 chapters and 54,751 words!  At about the halfway point towards the original ending, I also realized that the ending I'd planned for wouldn't work because 1. it involved Jon knowing information that he wouldn't find out until Season 3, and 2. it actually didn't resolve one of the problems introduced at the beginning of the fic.  The ending I finally settled on is something like the third or forth version.

In addition to the fic itself fighting me, life also kept getting in the way.  I got a new pet and promptly discovered I was allergic to it.  I moved to a new apartment.  My pet got sick and I took on a lot of overtime to cover vet bills.  I took on additional tasks (essentially doing unpaid overtime) in pursuit of a promotion that I was turned down for.  I went through a few rough periods mentally, and hit a couple different stretches of writers' block that lasted for months.  I took on yet more additional tasks (working essentially 6-7 days a week) and actually got promoted this time.

How I Finished My Shit: A few major things helped me get back into writing this fic and eventually reaching the finish line. 

1. I joined @wipbigbang.  Just the excitement of that alone helped me push out about 1,500 words on the first day, although the initial enthusiasm didn't last very long before I got bogged down in the details again.

2. I was paired with an artist, and from the very first thumbnail sketches that @liminalspacedout shared with me, I was over the moon at how clearly they'd captured my vision of the main character.  I knew I had to finish so that everyone else could also see their artwork for this fic.  I think this carried me through a solid 2 more chapters before I stalled again. 

3. A friend in a writers' discord group that I was part of recommended the website 4thewords.com as being a fun way to kind of gameify the writing process and to break a large task down into smaller and more manageable parts.  I'd heard of it before, but I didn't realize there was a free version.  Using that has been a lifesaver for me in terms of completing not just this fic but honestly anything involving writing these past few months. 

4. The incredible @nyctolovian who had been my beta when I first started writing the fic was willing to come back and beta read the rest of the chapters after I started it again, and gave me some really good feedback on what worked and what didn't in terms of plot and characterization. 

5. Several people in the @themagnuswriters Discord helped me brainstorm ideas for the ending of this fic, which was the part I was stuck on the hardest and longest.

6. The wonderful @prairiedawn beta read the last two chapters in a single day and helped me get over the last hurdle to finally reach the finish line. 

7. Several people commented on the fic, and a few of them commented on multiple chapters, highlighting their favorite parts or speculating about what might happen next.  It really made me feel like this fic was worth writing, that there were people who appreciated it and wanted to see more of it, in spite of all its imperfections. 

[eremin0109]

listen im so fucking over the misogynistic trope of the lead woman dying for excruciating amounts of ✨️ m a n p a i n ✨️ BUT hear me out.

at this point in the story, Euijeong and her safety is probably the only thing tethering Junmo to continue on with this undercover mission. he started it off with a selfish intent, to get promoted and rub it in the faces of his ever disapproving in-laws. to prove to them, once and for all, how he deserves to sit at that table with them. how he's worthy of their daughter.

but then he took things too far and got too entangled into this dangerous business. and in turn, it gave him everything that he ever wanted. in the short amount of time he's been with the Gangnam Union, he quickly shot through the ranks, became Gicheol's Number 2, earned the respect of some of the most notorious criminals this side of Asia.

here, in this lawless world, no one cares what his father did. he and his boss have had similar childhoods, so Gicheol understands what it's like to live in the shadows of having a druggie parent, more than anyone–more than even Euijeong.

and Junmo can't help but get a little addicted to how powerful it all makes him feel. how easy it would be to cross over to this side in finality, stay at Gicheol's side who he knows would give him the world and beyond, who's already given him so much against the wishes of his officers, if he just stuck to it. it's so wrong, and that's why it's so fucking alluring.

and Gicheol? he too is on the cusp of everything he's ever wanted, or at least that's what he'd like to believe. he finally is reunited with Euijeong, his dream construction project will soon start commencement and he'd get to have that white picket fence with her. he has his man by his side, ready to protect him...them with his life. just a few loose ends, just the finalization of this deal, just those last few steps and then he could just leave this life behind altogether. for better one. for a happier one.

so euijeong is the catalyst to both of their goals right now. but what if she's removed from the equation? right now, she's in a more vulnerable position than she's ever been in. there will be forces gunning for her and there's only so much Gicheol and Junmo can do to prevent the other shoe from falling.

if she died, as a direct or indirect consequence of both Gicheol and Junmo's actions, what becomes of them? what would Junmo do, without his tether, without his anchor to the "good" side of the world? what would Gicheol do after having his dream decimated, after losing her yet again, this time permanently?

what would that mean for Junmo and Gicheol's relationship with each other? Would Junmo kill Gicheol and take over the organization for himself, justifying it as an act of revenge for Euijeong? Or would he come clean and take whatever punishment Gicheol sees fit for him because what else has he left to lose anyway. It would be fitting for him to die at the hands of the person who loved his Euijeong just as much as he did.

and what would Gicheol do? would he kill junmo? would he kill himself? or would he ask junmo to stay by his side and see everything to the end with him. for Euijeong. for each other.

[kira-fluff]

i hate you (but i'm lying) kuroo tetsuro x f!reader

"i'm going to get promoted, and then i'll be your boss." "not if i get you fired first." kuroo tetsuro x fem!reader | "enemies" to lovers -> coworkers!au, timeskip!kuroo tw: language

you're stuck with the worst supervisor ever. sure, he's good at his job and he's actually a pretty good leader, too. the problem is, the fucker takes any chance he can get to make fun of you. he particularly enjoys mentioning the fact that he is your direct superior, though thankfully he's not your boss (despite the bullshit he always tells you).

you

you had always made an effort to show up early to your job, and if not early, then right on time. in high school, you had a nasty habit of showing up late every morning to your class. so, you swore you'd work your ass off to break the habit and so far you were successful. there was only one time you showed up late, and that was because nothing seemed to go right that morning. you didn't hear your alarm go off so you rushed to get ready in ten minutes, one of the heels in your pair completely broke off, making you rush to go grab another pair, the traffic was horrible on the way to work, you stepped in a puddle on your way in, and the elevator took at least five minute to finally come to the first floor. needless to say, you'd gotten off on the wrong foot that morning (literally). as you stepped in the office, sweating profusely and red in the cheeks from sprinting in heels to the door, you were praising every deity to exist that no one had noticed. until kuroo suddenly showed up, coming out of his office with his arms crossed over his annoyingly muscular chest (i mean seriously, buy bigger shirts, dude! those buttons are hanging on for dear life.) "well, well, well. look who finally showed up." you gave him a deadpan glare and said, "shut the fuck up, kuroo." he tsked, "that's not the way you talk to your boss." you rolled your eyes, "you're not my boss. you're just my supervisor." he smirked, the way he always does, and answered, "you're right. i'm your supervisor. and my job is to delegate." you rose a brow as he went over to his desk, and brought a stack of papers, plopping them into your hands. "now be a good little secretary and bring this to my boss." you gritted your teeth, "i'm not a secretary you sexist piece of shit. i'm an office worker with the same position as all of these men here." kuroo leaned down, so close to your face you could smell the mint on his breath, "right, like all the men here, except me." he leaned back from bending down to your height and winked, "i'll see you in a bit after you drop those off for me." you let out a huff of indignation, but you didn't have the energy to argue with him after the shitty start your morning had already began.

somewhere along the way, your eye rolls turned into smirking grins, equally torturing him with quips and digging nicknames. he didn't mind though, in fact, you noticed that instead of doing his work every morning, he'd lean against your desk and chat with you (and insult you lightly, of course). "can you move your ginormous body? you're taking up all the space on my desk." "i think you mean gorgeous physique." you grinned, "whatever makes you feel better, slave driver." he faked a hurt expression and said, "hey, you guys are all getting paid! no slaves here." you leaned your head back to look at his face, matching his direct eye contact, "then why am i constantly tortured by you?" he smirked again. "hey, remember, my job is to delegate." you scoffed. "that's just your way of saying you're pawning off all your work onto me. just you wait, i'll get promoted for busting my ass, and the first thing i'll do is fire you." "the boss is talking about giving me a managerial position. better watch for your own job first." you blanched. "wait, really?" he pursed his lips to hold back his laugh, "nah, i'm just fucking with you." you squinted your eyes and your cheeks widened into a wicked smile. "i bet you'd like that, wouldn't you, tetsuro?" to your surprise, his throat bobbed, his eyes widening. his words came out in a choke, "...that's a new one." one more win for you. or at least you thought so. you noticed a little while after he was acting kind of weird around you. he'd still lean against your desk and talk with you, but sometimes you'd catch him staring a little bit too long. when you had a question about some formatting of a document on the computer, he practically took up all your personal space as he leaned in close, nearly enveloping you in a hug behind you as he reached over your body to grab your mouse and click around to show you. you'd made the mistake of taking a strong whiff of his perfume...which smelled like the best thing on earth. one day you'd been a little shy, but decided to work up the courage to wear a short little pencil skirt to work. a small slit rode up your thigh, leaving very little up for imagination. your were expecting some kind of insult about how you looked like some kind of roleplaying stripper or something, but instead, you were met with a speechless kuroo. his eyes kept flitting to your skirt, then back at your eyes, which, by the way, his eyes were big as saucers. it was strange, but you wrote it off as him just having a rough morning or something. your suspicion was further proved correct when he didn't come over like normal and lean against your desk. instead, he stayed holed up in his office, probably making calls. when you'd come in to ask him a question regarding some of the sales department's statistics, he seemed to be so busy he didn't look away from his papers. when you moved closer, his eyes were forced to look up at you, and when they did, he swallowed thickly. maybe he's not feeling well today, you thought. you walked around the desk and up to his chair. leaning on leg against his seat, centimeters away from his thighs, you put a hand on his forehead. he took in a sharp breath, turning his head away from you. "hey, are you feeling sick or something? you're barely looking at me today and you haven't even stopped by my desk to bother me. are you swamped with work? make sure you're taking care of yourself, too, okay?"

kuroo

fuck. she is way too close. his face flushed, hopefully not discernable to your clueless eye. he'd tried all morning not to stare at your ass and yet here you were, airheaded as ever, with your short skirt and thighs - oh god, your thighs - practically sitting on top of his own. he turned his head away, because jesus, how clueless are you? your tits are level with his face, damn it, he could see the color of your bra though your thin white shirt. stop it. don't go there. that's the last thing we need. his breath was becoming short, coming out in light pants that he prayed you didn't notice. would she notice if he crossed his legs? it's getting harder (literally) to hide himself. he inwardly sighed. you always seemed to miss his clearly obvious signals that he was falling for you. let's face it, he already has. he remembers your first day, when you showed up, bowing to him with your big, happy, smile. when you smiled, truly smiled, it felt like you were sunshine in human form. god, you're so beautiful. his boss was always giving him shit for it. it seemed everyone in the office knew he was head over heels for you, except you. his thoughts were interrupted when you suddenly stopped, turning your head so you could face him directly, inches away from your lips touching. he couldn't stop himself from looking down at them, which was a huge mistake. you looked at him, a small bit of worry across your face. "...tetsuro...?" (he loved it when you called him by his first name). "are you... mad at me?" he rose a brow. "no..? what made you think i was?" you frowned, "well, sometimes i think you might hate me." his browns narrowed. "i'm flirting with you, you moron." your eyes widened and your face turned bright red. you spoke in a whisper, "oh." his eyes moved down to your lips again and then back up at your eyes, a question in them that was so obvious to you now that you didn't even have to nod. your lips crashed into his, and damn if he didn't feel like he died and went to heaven. or was dreaming, for that matter. god only knows how many nights he was woken up with images of you kissing him or looking at him with the eyes yours sometimes made that gave him a bit of hope that you felt the same way. he felt punished by the dreams where you not only loved him with your amazing personality, but pleased him with your body as well. he swiped his tongue against your lips, earning a gasp from you that not only made him smirk, but gave him entrance into your mouth. you let out a little moan that drove him crazy. his hands wrapped around your waist as he hoisted you up onto his lap. you couldn't help grinding against him, and feeling his hardness beneath you. finally, your lips parted. you both gasped for breaths, looking into each others eyes with equally dilated pupils. he looked down at your lips before saying, "are you free tonight?" you smirked, "i think i can check and see if i can fit you into my schedule. you know how busy i am." he shook his head, smiling. "pick you up at 8?" you nodded, "i'll text you my address." as you leaned in for another hungry kiss.

and so did you ever hate each other? no. but it's more fun to pretend you do, no?

a/n: i LOVED this idea and i lowkey wrote it based lightly off of a relationship i have between a coworker (obviously not this romantic though, lol, we're just buds). i hope you like it!

[creature-wizard]

Man, witchtok and witchbook sure do love the narrative that Christianity stole everything from them, huh?

So I see that you asked a mutual of mine the same question, while also asking what can be done about this problem. Since said mutual suggested that you come to me for advice here, that's what I'll post.

First of all, understand that this is nothing new. this has always been a popular narrative among neopagans, because it gives people a narrative in which they can frame and talk about their grievances with society. "The Catholic Church stole Christmas" isn't factually true, but it's easier to learn and spread than advanced socioeconomics. People believing this stuff is not a personal failing. It's a consequence of systemic failure. We live in an information crisis, with conservatives effectively sabotaging education at every turn and algorithmic feeds designed to serve up whatever will get the most clicks, not what's most accurate.

The problem, therefore, must be addressed systemically. This means participating in politics, voting on whatever elections you can vote on, spreading relative political news, whatever. Do whatever you can do keep the GOP out of power or from gaining more power. Get involved in political activism circles if you aren't already.

You can also put out your own information to counter the misinformation, and boost or promote good info. Work with the limitations of social media - short, memeable content is always more likely to spread.

When you catch yourself wanting to complain about something you hate, try to find a way to transform it into praise for something you love. Like instead of complaining about people who post misinformation about the goddess Aphrodite, find some cool facts about Aphrodite to post instead.

When you're creating educational content of any kind, follow this very simple guideline: don't shit on the dinner table. That is, don't mix big ranting gripes in with content meant to educate the masses. If you got a big gripe to get out of your system, put that gripe in its own space.

When you do have to address incorrect beliefs specifically, try to avoid shaming believers, because not only does it not work, it's just unnecessary cruelty. Nobody misinforms themselves on purpose. Nobody wants to be a bad person. What we have are a lot of people suffering from systemic fuckery and just want to not feel sad, scared, and helpless, because feeling that way hurts.

(This post is an example of how I took something frustrating and put a positive spin on it. I wrote it when I was feeling pissy about the kinds of problems you mention in your message.)

Prepare to deal with the same misinformation a lot. Like not just intellectually and emotionally, but physically - create FAQs, masterposts, whatever. It can get really frustrating trying to deal with that stuff a million times, but the reality is that there are billions of people in the world and they're making new ones every day.

Keep a list of resources on hand that you can share with people you're talking to, depending on what they're searching for. The fewer steps/resources that are needed to access said resource, the better. Keep a list of podcasts, scholars with YouTube channels, blogs with good information, whatever, that you can just suggest to people looking for info.

And finally, take care of yourself. If you find yourself wanting to rip people's throats out or something, it's time to take a break and focus on yourself.

[vidavalor]

Hello! I love your metas (they're always incredible and very insightful, even if I don't agree with you on some stuff) and I was wondering if you had any thoughts about one line Shax says in 2.01: "I am now Hell's representative in London" (it's been rotating in my head for weeks, help).

If you don't have anything to say/have already said something about it I'm truly sorry (genuine)

Once again I absolutely *adore* your metas, they are the light of my day and occupy a frankly embarrassing part of my brain-

Stay safe and have a nice day/night!

Hi! Nice to meet you. Thank you for the kind words. :) *pours hot chocolate* Sorry that this one took me a little while.

Why is that line from Shax such a little niggle in the old brain, eh? It's funny that you mention it because it took me a little while to realize why it was standing out for me as well when I was first watching the season because it, objectively, isn't that wild a line. It's establishing who Shax is in the story and why she's here on this bench talking to Crowley, right? But then you kinda realize that her sitting up so straight there beside Crowley on the bench and being kinda haughty about her position in the Hell hierarchy has got a familiar vibe because it's calling back to Shax's kind of inverted paralleling character here...

Remember the whole "Heaven will finally triumph over Hell. It's all going to be rather lovely" bit from 1.01 and Crowley's bemused "you really believe that?" knowing that Aziraphale puts on airs in public that he doesn't totally believe when they are speaking alone. He might well believe that Heaven might triumph-- honestly, both Crowley & Aziraphale did-- but "it's all going to be rather lovely" was the absolute height of bullshit and they both knew it. So much so that it made Crowley smile at him fondly because they both know that Heaven triumphing over Hell means an eternity apart and who knows what happening to Crowley so "rather lovely" is not at all what Aziraphale thinks about any of that.

Shax, on the other hand, is super jazzed to be Hell's new Whatever Crowley's Really Long Old Job Title Was and their representative in London. She's genuinely excited about her promotion and likes life as a demon and feels her purpose is serving her master Satan, whereas Aziraphale has obviously always been more conflicted in his role as an angel serving God.

Both are sitting with Crowley on the park bench as the supernatural secret agent meeting with him in the two scenes but they have completely opposite levels of intimacy with him. Whereas the St. James Park scene in 1.01 shows how close they are and how much they care about each other, the Shax and Crowley scene on the bench in 2.01 shows that Shax has a one-sided attraction to Crowley (as opposed to the mutual thing he and Aziraphale were showing in 1.01) and that she doesn't know Crowley very well. She doesn't understand his exhaustion at the whole angels and demons thing. She doesn't know what to feed the ducks (something that Aziraphale canonically does when he magics them out of his hat in 1862 in 1.03.)

Shax is not Crowley's person and she doesn't belong on the bench with him. He can matchmake all the day long and does even in this scene a bit-- helping poor, lost Agent Fuzuli find his Azerbaijani sector chief-- but that's also the point. Agent Fuzuli has not met his new contact before the scene and mistakes him for Crowley, underscoring how Crowley is on this bench with the wrong person with Shax. Shax sits down after Fuzuli and basically has the same problem. Only, she spends the season pursuing both her demonic career goals and Crowley while ignoring that she should be feeding some ducks with Furfur. At least she knows to bring them frozen peas now.

[remyfire]

just had to pop in and say hello to a fellow animorphs kid. the animorphs to mash pipeline is real

spRINTING in and sliding into home base all cool and stuff yes hello :D :D

Animorphs my beloved. I started reading it way too young, probably, and we could only get maaaaybe 12 books out of the whole series in my library. I think I first found it before it was completed, actually, so maybe that's partly why, idk. But when we were dating, my wife nabbed me all of them in a big lovely digital package, so that's how like 20-year-old me got to finally finish reading the series and then cry my eyes out and stare at the ceiling for an hour processing it. Goddamn. Beautiful shit ;v;

Amusingly I had an Animorphs MASH AU pop into my head once, and it's going under the cut because I'm gonna go off at the mouth about it and I don't think many people will care about it, but you activated me and I'm excited now :D

It was specifically circling around Hawkeye being the only person to have this ability (no I have not yet decided how the escafil device got there before Elfangor did, don't worry about it, that's for later me to decide if I ever wrote it) and ending up morphing into Sophie for recon purposes because he could get away with a lot more scouting out of a suspected Yeerk installation as a wild horse than as a human in a jeep. Unfortunately the Sophie instincts make him too happy just to runrunrunrunrun. I think I had Radar as the only person who knew that Hawk had this ability, so when someone brought horse!Hawk back like "Oh hey I think the colonel's horse got out," Radar was just sweating and trying to pretend he wasn't hiding Sophie in her stall like "OH HOW WEIRD IS THAT," while Hawk who was rapidly approaching the two-hour mark was trying to very subtly trot into the barn and not panic Sophie as he morphed back out, bless them.

THEN my brain took it a couple of different routes! One was the variant of Frank's breakdown between S5 and S6. I posited the idea that a casualty that came in was the first to be infested, probably by a Yeerk scouting ship that went down somewhere deep in the forest, and when its alien host was dying on the ground and being investigated by a panicked American soldier, he didn't notice the lil slug creeping up his boot, over his pants, closer closer ever closer until it touched his face, and while he was in a panic and tripping over himself trying to get this thing off of him, he stumbles and bangs his head on something, and while he's reeling from it, that's when the Yeerk infests him. His host is now bleeding profusely from a head wound, though, and about to pass out, so when he ends up on Frank's operating table, this fucking Yeerk has already had a hell of a day.

So Frank manages to get infested by this Yeerk—again, I futz the details, they're not important rn hfkfd I think I posited Frank leaning down to hear what this gasping soldier is trying to say and the transition happening that way somehow—and the Yeerk is struggling to operate Frank's very poorly medically trained brain, so he is maiming and murdering casualties left and right. Everyone thinks he's cracking up because of Margaret's recent marriage, so they send him off on R&R. And the thing is that this Yeerk is starving and has been already for a full day, so the second Frank is there in Tokyo, his Yeerk has started to go insane from the lack of kadrona rays, and god bless Frank, but he was fragile enough already, and his conservative little mind was already paranoid and keen for conspiracies as it was, so he goes straight off the deep end. He does not get sent home with a promotion. He just happily believes that he did.

And then my brain took it a beejhawk route as I am wont to do where Hawkeye needs to know who is trustworthy around him, and he desperately needs to know if he can talk with BJ about what he's seen, what he's experiencing, so he gets them three-day passes and takes him to Seoul, and for the very first time...Hawk seduces him, and barely within minutes of arriving. And there's this brief pause before BJ surges into him with this low hum and unabashed, languid desire, and Hawk ends up pinning him down on the bed and making a quiet choked sound before he looks up at him with a feline grin and murmurs how he wants to play a game with BJ.

And this is how Hawk ends up tying BJ to a chair tight as he can in the middle of a Seoul hotel room, all while whispering the filthy things he's gonna do to Beej once he's got him secure. And then once he's checked all the knots and knows BJ can't get out of them, Hawk catches BJ by the chin and grins and looks him right in the eye and whispers, "I've got just under three days here alone with you. And you're gonna die the slowest, most excruciating death possible. And when you're squirming free, doing everything you can to find just one shred of food, I'm gonna laugh myself silly over how pathetic you are. And then I'm gonna grind you into a puddle for daring to get your disgusting little slime all over this fella's perfect fucking brain." Because he knows Beej wouldn't have drifted that easily into an affair with him, not without at least some degree of grief and self-directed frustration.

And unbeknownst to him, BJ—who has been so goddamn careful the entire time he and Hawk been working together to not let a lick of his desperate desire show through and tempt him, really tempt him—had intentionally pushed all those wet dreams and fantasies and hunger to the forefront of his mind just so his little Yeerk would bypass the sharp reluctance that BJ has to cheat again, so that it would instead think it was being incredibly clever, about to really wrap Hawkeye around its finger and find a way to make him another lovely host as well while his current one is all tied up with nowhere to go.

Something something watching the man you love writhe in agony for three days straight as his little parasite is using his voice to call you the worst fucking things possible with all the knowledge he has of what hurts you more than anything. Something something hearing him cry and plead and beg and promise you everything you've ever wanted with him if you'll just untie him, having to sit there against the wall with your head in your hands and whisper it's not him it's not him it's not him.

Man. What a fucking series, am I right? I'm really normal about it. Thank you for unlocking my babbling :D

[thebookofm]

Paper Girls Changed My Life: A Queer Origin Story

In honor of the first anniversary of the Paper Girls television adaptation, I’d like to discuss the impact that this franchise and its fans have had on my relationships and my gender identity.

By early 2022, I had seen Paper Girls on several lists of highly recommended comics. Each time I saw it, I wondered what the title meant. Was this a comic about girls made out of paper? Spoiler: No, it wasn’t. 

When l saw a trailer for the Amazon Prime Video adaption, which would premier in less than two months, it was a call to action; I finally bought and read the comic. (I would later learn how limited Amazon’s promotion of the show was and how fortuitous it was that I saw one of the few trailers.) I loved Brian K. Vaughan’s complex time-travel storyline and Cliff Chiang’s colorful artwork. I watched all the Comic-Con videos and waited eagerly for the adaptation.

And then the streaming series finally arrived. While I enjoyed the comic’s plot-driven story, I adored how character-driven the show was and how it took time for the audience to get to know the characters. 

The cast not only almost perfectly resembled their comic counterparts, but also expertly portrayed their characters’ personalities. Between the writing and the acting, I fell in love with the characters and became even more invested in their stories. In particular, KJ and Mac’s nascent romance moved me, even though it was only hinted at in the show.

Like all the fans, I was crushed when the show was canceled six weeks after its premiere. I went looking for people with whom I could commiserate and discuss the show, and I stumbled into a corner of Twitter devoted to Paper Girls. 

I noticed right away that most of the fans on PGtwt were women, and at least a few of them were lesbians, which all made sense, given the nature of the comic and the show. It took me a few days to realize that the fans, at least on Twitter, were almost exclusively lesbians, and many of the people whom I’d ignorantly labeled women were actually nonbinary. Suddenly, as a straight, cisgender man, I felt very conspicuous. But I needn’t have worried. Everyone was very accepting; no one walked me to to the door and asked me to leave.

Over time, the Paper Girls fans introduced me to their friends, and I was recommended other great shows with WLW storylines, like Warrior Nun, Willow, The Last of Us, and The Owl House. By then, virtually all of my online friends were queer—and I use that word in the most positive sense. They included trans folks, enbies, bisexuals, and lots of lesbians, many of whom identified with more than one of those labels.

Which was both fascinating and educational. Hanging out with a bunch of queers didn’t exactly change my stance on any policy issues. I was already a progressive liberal who favored gay rights, trans rights, women’s rights, reproductive rights, and so on. But I like to think I developed a better understanding of some of my fellow humans, and I certainly felt even more strongly about advocating for all the rights mentioned above.

So there I was, a straight guy with a bunch of queer friends. Life is funny sometimes, right?

Or at least, that’s what I thought when I first considered writing about how Paper Girls had impacted my life. But then a funny thing happened.

After spending all this time with members of the LGBTQ+ community, I actually began thinking critically about my sexuality and gender identity for the first time. Upon careful self-examination, my sexuality didn’t change; I was indeed attracted to the same kind of people I had always thought I was. But my gender was a different story. I realized that, because I’d been raised in a cisnormative society, I had simply assumed I was cisgender all my life. If I considered myself nonbinary, it would explain so many emotions I’d felt, choices I’d made, and relationships I’d had, all of them since kindergarten. More importantly, identifying as nonbinary just felt right.

I talked to a few of my nonbinary friends, and they were both supportive of my self-exploration and generous with sharing their own experiences. I was even “formally” welcomed into the LGBTQ+ community. 

So why did it take me well into adulthood to recognize my gender identity? The aforementioned cisnormativity is one important reason. Another is that I don’t experience the dysphoria that some enbies do. And finally, my gender expression has always been mostly masculine and therefore in line with my sex assigned at birth; there were only a few traditionally feminine traits I was interested in expressing (though I never felt I could).

Now that I’ve begun to think of myself as nonbinary, I find I feel, well, really good about it. I don’t feel compelled to be as masculine as possible, like I have for most of my life. That means I’m less embarrassed by my lack of stature or the moderately high pitch of my voice. (I usually speak at around C3.) Identifying as an enby has also given me “permission” to make choices I hadn’t felt able to make before, and I’ve been adding one or two traditional feminine touches to my presentation.

So now, here I am, an enby with a bunch of great, queer friends online and even in the real world. 

And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Paper Girls changed my life.

[ghostlycorvid]

2023 Introspective

This year started with cutting off a toxic person who had already shut me out of mutual friend spaces but kept stringing me along with "maybe in a few more months I'll let you back in". 2022 was rough on its own, especially pre-antidepressants, but a huge part of it was stuff involving this person. Blocking them and finally accepting that it was not worth trying to repair what little relationship was left was the most freeing thing I've ever done and helped me to continue that with any other rude unpleasant individual I've had to share spaces with. It's been genuinely wonderful to realize I don't have to sit there and listen to bad takes or people who are needlessly mean, so I'm glad something came out of that friendship nightmare scenario.

It still took a lot of time to not sit there in anger and frustration spirals over the way things ended up, but in February I got permission from my bosses to bring my dog Chili to work with me due to needing to keep him and our other dog from playing while she was recovering from her spay. I ended up realizing that even though Chili is a huge anxiety baby, having him with me legitimately was helping distract me from negative thoughts spirals and gave me something positive to focus on when I was getting frustrated by work-related stuff in the moment. He ended up helping a couple coworkers come down from panic attacks later in the year too. My boss likes how "calm" he is enough that he gave me permission to bring Chili to work all the time (within reason), so he's come with me on most non-event days. His progress has been slow, but he's also been improving from the regular socialization!

I finally started to really focus on my own art and developing my own products and designs, both for my personal shop and for the shop at work. I've come out the other side of this year with 9 new enamel pin designs between the two! (A couple I haven't shared yet! ;D)

I was finally given an Adderall prescription which magically solved my problem where I couldn't stay awake during the day no matter how much sleep I'd gotten! And also it started helping me focus a little better too, but genuinely the non-sleepy thing was the most lifechanging part of the medication for me. The pit in my stomach when I was told that person felt like I was stalking and surveilling them if I was quiet in a call or stream despite years of me communicating that I was constantly struggling to even stay conscious was... HOO BOY. After years of fighting for my life to stay awake in college and sometimes even while DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK,,,,,,,, I really thought something was seriously wrong with me (besides the ADHD since I didn't realize it was a symptom of that)

With toxic people removed from my social spaces and general perception, I've finally started to join group calls with my friends again without anxiety or fear of not being welcome. It's helped me start to get back into playing games again, and I've been able to get into a few that either have built in accessibility features to avoid hand strain, or I've been able to modify my hardware setup to help with issues I was running into before. I've finally managed to pick up Warframe again, and I'm bouncing between that and Path of Titans without being hopelessly deep in a hyperfocus.

I officially got promoted at my job to Retail & Visitor Services manager (and got a $3 raise in Nov!!). While I'm struggling with finding help to ease my increased workload, I'm definitely way better off than before we hired on extra staff. It's given me a lot of networking opportunities (and excuses to go on field trips on the clock for ~*networking*~) and I've been juuuust starting to poke my head into local groups. One is a monthly artists crafting meetup right by work that starts right when I clock out! :D

I had the energy and free time to start branching out and trying other arts and crafts hobbies that had been interesting me! Ended up getting a serger machine to help really tidy up clothes that I make! I got into linocut & block printing, and have been having a lot of fun working on designs for that kind of printing. I even made a few printed shirts! And of course there was Andromeda, the first puppet I've ever made, and pretty much my proudest achievement in all my years of art so far.

I've honestly been spending less time on social media proper, usually forgetting to check tumblr for days or weeks at a time. Which has been good and bad, but overall better for me to stop feeling like I HAVE to fully backlog everything ever.

I got my first tattoo this year after wanting one for years and years! And that opened up a whole new can of worms and now I'm ending the year with 5 tattoos and 2 more scheduled in the next couple months oops! My first tattoo was Joltik, with my first ever pet spide!

I started keeping spiders this year after years of being too concerned about keeping pets that required live feeding! That also was a slippery slope. I picked up Indrid my red-backed jumper and Autumn my pumpkin patch t at the end of January, and now I have them, a regal jumper, a red-knee t, and a togo starburst t. You'd never guess that less than a decade ago I was scared shitless of all spiders. :> Especially now that I will occasionally free-handle wild spiders that need relocation to someplace safer. (Mostly still just jumpers tho)

Things aren't perfect by any means and I still have a lot of areas I want to personally improve myself in, but I feel like overall this has been a really really good year for me and I want to keep that momentum going into 2024! More art! More projects just for me! More time with friends! More enjoying games! More tidying my space literally and metaphorically!

[hyperionshipping]

Hello again!! Her and Hugo did meet at work! Specifically before Hugo ended up throwing Henderson out of an airlock for his job lol (her name is Noa Simmons, I have a whole bunch of art of her on my blog! I usually use the tag '#s/i: noa simmons' for her, and '#otp: golden shot' for stuff about her and Hugo's ship)

So basically the gist of it is that Hugo accidentally walks in on Henderson and Noa having a meeting disagreement with each other. Before Hugo can say anything, she storms out of there. They meet again later on, where Hugo finally has the chance to introduce himself to her. He assumes that she's also a middle manager, like him, and lies about himself to make it seem like he's more important than he actually is. Like, for example, say that he's the Senior Vice President of Securities Propaganda when he actually isn't. Little does he know, she's actually the head of Weapons Development (she isn't his boss, but she is at a higher position than him) and has just been playing along in order to manipulate him. She knows he's lying about himself (because it takes a liar to know a liar), but she feeds into his ego and pretends to buy into what he's telling her.

I imagine that Hugo was already going to kill Henderson for his own reasons (like making sure Rhys isn't able to get his promotion, something Hugo was also trying to get. He knew that Rhys was definitely going to get it, so he decided to beat him to the punch and take Henderson's place), but Noa just gives him more of a reason to do it. Not only to impress her, but also to back up all of the lies he's been telling her.

And it kinda goes from there after that, where Hugo does a lot of her dirty work in order to try to step up to her level, and Noa slowly falling for him (though, she tries to convince herself that she isn't lol). And eventually, they end up being partners, both in crime and the romantic sense. There's a lot more to them, but I don't want this to be too long!

Anyway, I'd love to hear more about your self ship with Jack! :D How did you guys meet?

Heheh Golden Shot is such a good ship name. I love that!!

I LOVE their meeting. That's so. I would expect nothing less from him after seeing a pretty lady. No brains just "I am gonna be SO convincing she'll fall in love with me! HA!" And then, the fact that she totally knew he was lying but let it happen... Truly made for each other. A real Hyperion power couple!!!

Does Hugo ever tease her or otherwise about the fact she totally fell for him at the start and he definitely knew from the start? Or does Noa ever do that to him where she's like "I knew you had a crush from day one. I just wanted to see how far you'd go~."

I imagine Hyperion gets worse once those two are scheming together... Good thing I'M not working there. But more power to those two, I hope they have fun <3!

---

As for Jack and I hehehoo.

But, basically, Jack kind of knew Tricks (known the as The Demon), when he was haunting Elpis. He was... Trigger-happy to say the least and a bit of a wild card but Jack had him help the Vault Hunters at one point. The Demon wasn't going too but after hearing it was Jack who needed the help, he couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Sometime after this, Jack has the Vault Hunters AGAIN go to him for help but he is quite literally nowhere to be found on Elpis. He's gone. This is because of an incident that got Too Big to handle and The Demon had to kill himself off to avoid the heat of it and flee. So, down to Pandora he goes. The only place for a mercenary on the run! (And not at all just where the ship he stoed away on happened to land. He was really hoping for something better.)

On Pandora, he took on a new name, and a whole new look. He also mellowed out more on Pandora. Lost some of his edge Jack would say. But he kept killing, kept doing jobs and such.

This actually led to him taking a job from a Hyperion worker. They wanted this echo log in a bandit town and Tricks was like "weird, but ok." So he went there and just, everything happened all at once. More kills than he planned, Hyperion fighting back, learning it was a setup, that name Handsome Jack I swear I knew a Jack... And oh! I'm getting shot at!

He tries to hide and run but he gets caught by none other than the man himself Handsome Jack! Lookie here, we have a hero. And the man who's been real friggin annoying to my plans.

Jack gets Tricks bloody and on his knees, propping his head up with a gun as Jack relishes in the emotions in Tricks' eyes. (Yes it is very homoerotic, thank you for asking!) Eventually it clicks that Tricks KNOWS this man. That's the geeky little programmer. He starts to talk faster that he knows Jack, that he shouldn't shoot, and Jack rolls his eyes about to say he hates this whole begging for life crap but the sun catches Tricks' fangs and Jack remembers those weird teeth. Why, it's his old pal.

So Jack hoists him up, brings him back to his office and they catch up!

And the rest is history from there <3. The ship takes a turn after that where, originally Tricks was more or less "in power", and now Jack is very much in power and manipulating Tricks for his own gain. Tricks doesn't notice (or doesn't seem to care) because once he falls for Jack he falls hard and Jack has someone so loyal that even when dies Tricks doesn't stop living in his shadow.

They have lots of gay moments that aren't straight up just Jack manipulating a broken man who clings to him because Jack is also his only friend but I won't lie and say sometimes it is a very one sided relationship where Tricks loves Jack more than he loves him. Though Jack DOES care for Tricks! It's just... Well... Complicated

[innerpalaces]

THE PRINCESS WEI YANG - 167 PART 2

CHAPTER 167: Boiling Oil

Sun Chongyao also commanded the Imperial Army ten years ago, but the position of commander of the Imperial Army is quite special, and usually rotates every three years. In order to cultivate his own power, Sun Chongyao ruthlessly cultivated four or five lieutenants and promoted them to the top. This time, he had chosen 3,000 elite soldiers that he could control from the 50,000 imperial troops, and left the remaining 45,000 people with other lieutenants. As soon as he took the palace gate, the plan was to send out a signal to let those remaining 45,000 people control the capital as quickly as possible. The 200,000 troops in Tuoba Zhen's hands were naturally not far from the capital and could be turned around at any moment. When the time came, they would only say that the Seventh Prince, Tuoba Yu, had taken advantage of the army's absence to poison the Emperor and Empress Dowager, and had plotted to usurp the throne. The Third Prince, Tuoba Zhen, would immediately return with his army to protect the capital.

"Where is His Majesty?" Li Wei Yang looked at Tuoyu Yu and asked.

"The palace maid and eunuch who were planning the assassination have been caught. Tuoba Zhen is really powerful. His Majesty had clearly cleaned up the palace before, but he can still lay so many hidden spies. However, these people still insist that the mastermind is me. If I hadn't stopped him first, I might not be able to wash away this crime even if I jumped into the Yellow River. Father was also very angry..." Tuoba Yu pondered for a moment, and then said all this one by one.

Li Wei Yang nodded and said: "Now, all that's left is to wait."

Tuoba Yu gritted his teeth: "When I catch Tuoba Zhen, I have to peel off a layer of his skin!"

What a nice way to describe it. Since he had already seen through the other party's scheme, he could have stopped the assassination and poisoning in advance, but Tuoba Yu didn't take any advance action... It is clear that he wants to confirm Tuoba Zhen's crime! This Seventh Prince is a completely different person now. Li Wei Yang glanced at him, but smiled faintly, without comment. Then she turned back and looked at the Ninth Princess who had been watching while trembling all over, and said: "Princess, are you okay?" Everywhere in the palace was unsafe, so she brought the Ninth Princess with her. Now that she was so frightened, she felt a little sorry, "Should I send you back to rest first?"

Tuoba Yu nodded and said: "Jiu Mei, I informed Consort Rou that they should take shelter first. They should be fine now. Go and comfort Consort Rou so that she won't be frightened."

Li Wei Yang smiled coldly. Would Consort Rou be frightened? It was really a fantasy, but she was not prepared to express her opinion. She just turned around and walked out. Zhao Yue, who had been accompanying her disguised as a palace maid, hurriedly followed her. Tuoba Yu quickly stopped her: "Where are you going?"

Li Wei Yang glanced at Madam Sun's departing figure and said: "Going back home."

Tuoba Yu handed over his token: "Now the whole city has been locked down, and Tuoba Zhen is still watching. You are not allowed to walk around at will, but with this token, you can come and go freely."

Li Wei Yang hesitated for a moment, and finally accepted the token, turned around and left quickly. Tuoba Yu looked at her departing back and smiled slightly. Li Wei Yang, you will become mine soon. This day will not be far away.

Just after leaving the palace gate, they saw the people were in panic. They didn't know what happened in the palace. They only knew that the city gate was closed and groups of soldiers and horses were patrolling the city. Sun Chongyao had been waiting for the response of the 45,000-strong army, but he does not know that all five of his lieutenants were killed by Tuoba Yu. Now Tuoba Yu has firmly controlled these 45,000 people with the Emperor's order. Now, all that is left are the 200,000 troops in Tuoba Zhen's hands and Duke Jiang's 500,000 troops. However, no matter which side they were on, it was impossible for them to act rashly. 

Li Wei Yang's carriage drove into a long alley, but then suddenly stopped. Zhao Yue opened the curtain and heard an extremely harsh voice: "Li Wei Yang, get out of here!"

Princess Anguo!

Li Wei Yang frowned. Madam Sun had already led people to the Third Prince's Mansion, but Princess Anguo was here. It seemed that Madam Sun had missed the opportunity. She smiled coldly, "There is a road to heaven but you refuse to take it and instead insist on breaking through the gates of hell. Okay, I want to see what you are going to do." She ordered Zhao Yue to open the door, and then got off the carriage, only to see Princess Anguo with several guards from the Third Prince's residence behind her, looking at Li Wei Yang with a sinister expression on her face.

The guards frome the Prince's Mansion were very nervous. They didn't know what was wrong with the Third Princess, but she suddenly gathered people to search for Prince Anping. They first went to the Li Residence, but the Li Residence closed its doors and remained in seclusion, saying that the princess had entered the palace. Princess Anguo was still unwilling to give up, and she went all the way into the palace to find her. Now she happened to meet her here, which made people worried. What should they do if there was a conflict between them?

Princess Anguo's eyes were filled with hatred, and she glared at Li Wei Yang and said: "Bitch!"

"Where did this crazy woman come from?" Li Wei Yang's eyes were calm, and facing Princess Anguo's insults, she smiled contentedly.

The crazier and crazier Princess Anguo becomes, the happier Li Wei Yang feels.

Princess Anguo's eyes turned red as she was provoked by Li Wei Yang's smile. Her lips trembled twice, and a stream of blood slowly rushed to the top of her head. The uncontrollable mania in her heart became stronger and stronger, and there was overwhelming resentment in her voice: "Li Wei Yang, you actually colluded with Physician Shen to harm me! You vicious woman!" Then she sternly said: "Hui Nu, take her down!"

No one answered, the gray slave just stood quietly, motionless.

"Hui Nu, are you deaf? Can't you hear what I'm saying?!" Princess Anguo turned around suddenly, her voice was like a broken gong, and it became extremely ugly due to excessive anger and hatred.

Hui Nu remained motionless and unresponsive.

Li Wei Yang smiled slightly and said: "Hui Nu, you did a good job." Hui Nu was startled, then nodded and said: "Thank you for the compliment, Princess."

Princess Anguo was shocked at first, but she understood everything in an instant. Her expression became extremely distorted: "Li Wei Yang, it's not enough that you set up a trap to harm me, you also bribed my secret guards? You really have such a vicious mind!" Immediately, she wanted to rush towards Li Wei Yang, but was stopped by Zhao Yue. Li Wei Yang watched with frosty eyes as Princess Anguo screamed crazily under Zhao Yue's restraint, and continued to spit out unspeakable words. She said coldly: "Full of filthy words. Slap her mouth!"

Zhao Yue sneered, raised her hand and struck more than a dozen times, slapping half of Princess Anguo's face until it became swollen. Anguo didn't expect that Li Wei Yang dared to be so arrogant. She suddenly went crazy with anger and wanted to cut off Zhao Yue's hands. A mere  servant actually dared to slap her! Li Wei Yang, how dare she!

The guards of the Third Prince's Mansion hurriedly came to stop them. Li Wei Yang said coldly: "The Third Prince colluded with Sun Chongyao to erebel. Now that Sun Chongyao has surrendered, you are still protecting this shrew. Do you want to commit treason together?"

When everyone heard this, they were all stunned.

Li Wei Yang's smile turned cold: "If you don't believe it, you can ask the Imperial Army behind you about where your master is."

The guards of the Third Prince's Mansion looked back and saw that the entire alley was surrounded by imperial troops, and their faces suddenly became extremely ugly. Li Wei Yang waved her hand. Zhao Yue nodded to the imperial army, and they immediately restrained Princess Anguo's hands and feet.

Princess Anguo didn't expect things to change so quickly. She struggled desperately and glared at everyone around her. Li Wei Yang, is this bitch crazy? She dared to treat her like this!

Li Wei Yang looked at Princess Anguo's eyes full of resentment, but the smile on her face was even clearer: "Princess Anguo, do you know that what Physician Shen did to you was not my order. His real master is your dear husband, Tuoba Zhen."

Princess Anguo was stunned, and then said angrily: "What nonsense are you talking about?!"

Li Wei Yang smiled and said: "Don't you know? When Imperial Physician Shen was in the palace, he had a close friendship with the third prince."

Princess Anguo's eyes became frightened, and she said, "You...you...what are you talking about?"

Li Wei Yang's smile contained a hint of sarcasm and said: "The Third Prince has no affection for you at all, otherwise why didn't he tell you about Physician Shen's friendship with him, and why did he spend the night with you even though he knew you couldn't sleep with him? Why he said he wanted to take a concubine in front of you, why you searched like crazy, but Physician Shen disappeared, all this is because Tuoba Zhen was waiting for you to die, do you understand?"

"You're talking nonsense! You're talking nonsense! He won't! He won't do this. He loves me!" Princess Anguo's eyes were filled with resentment. If possible, she would like to rip Li Wei Yang aparte.

Li Wei Yang was indifferent and continued: "After I reminded you, you must have stopped taking all the medicine that Physician Shen gave you. Seeing that he couldn't make you disappear this way, he thought of another way to get rid of you. Do you know why he left the capital but left you behind?"

"He - he is going on an expedition." Princess Anguo squeezed out these words, but found that her teeth were chattering.

Li Wei Yang smiled, and her smile was as pure as a child at the moment: "No, he wants to usurp the throne, and deliberately left you here, expecting you to be killed by the so-called 'rebellion army'. It was all arranged in advance. When the time comes, he will send a letter to Yuexi, placing your death on Tuoba Yu. At that time, the Yuexi imperial family will naturally settle accounts with the Seventh Prince and Duke Luo's Mansion. Of course Empress Pei is not a fool, if he wants to do this, he will naturally have a lot of arrangements to make people believe that everything was indeed done by Tuoyu Yu. Oh, when the time comes, I think he will have to put on a good show to make others think that he is feeling sad for you. Anguo, Anguo, you are so pitiful and pathetic."

Tuoba Zhen had no affectionate feelings towards Princess Anguo. He left Princess Anguo in the capital, on the one hand, to gain the Emperor's trust, and on the other hand, he wanted to put her to death. After all, she is the princess of Yuexi. If Tuoba Zhen really ascends the throne and wants to abandon this empress, he would have to consider whether Yuexi would be angered because of this.

"Li Wei Yang, I won't believe anything you say!" Princess Anguo widened her eyes angrily, like an enraged beast, struggling desperately, with a ferocious grimace on her face. Zhao Yue looked at this crazy imperial princess with disgust and clamped down on her, preventing her from moving at all. "Hmph, the reason why you're saying so much is just to stir up our relationship and achieve your unspeakable goal!"

Princess Anguo is still so stubborn. Li Wei Yang shook her head gently and said with a smile: "Whether you believe it or not, I am just reminding you with good intentions. Why are you so agitated?"

Princess Anguo said angrily: "Li Wei Yang, no matter whether Tuoba Zhen is really treasonous or not, I am the Princess of Yuexi. What can you do to me?! Do you dare to kill me? No, you don't dare. If you kill me, my mother will definitely not forgive you. She will find you, skin you alive and boil you in oil!"

Li Wei Yang heard this and suddenly laughed: "Princess Anguo, you must have made a mistake. How could I kill you? You were clearly captured by the rebel army in the chaos, right?" She looked around and all the surrounding imperial soldiers lowered their heads: "Yes."

Princess Anguo finally had a look of fear on her face. She was so arrogant because she was certain Li Wei Yang didn't dare to do anything to her, but what if Li Wei Yang insisted on avenging Sun Yanjun? What is she going to do? "Li Wei Yang, don't mess around. There is no airtight wall in the world. If you kill me, my mother will find out one day, and she will definitely help me get revenge!" Seeing Li Wei Yang's unmoved expression, she immediately changed her tone, "Li Wei Yang, it's not like we have a life-and-death hatred. Why do you have to be at odds with me? Let me go, and I promise I will forget about everything!"

Li Wei Yang laughed at what she said. Forget about it? She raised her eyebrows and looked at the person in front of her, and said slowly: "When my second sister-in-law died, she must have begged you like this. She had no hatred towards you, but she accidentally saw you going to the doctor. In order to hide your secret, you did not hesitate to kill her, and even used such cruel methods. Do I still need to reason with a crazy person like you?" Yes, in fact, Li Wei Yang does not need to be tainted with the blood of Princess Anguo, but she promised Sun Yanjun to avenge her. She could not break this promise.

The smile on Li Wei Yang's face was full of murderous intent: "Take Princess Anguo away and take good care of her. Don't let her run around like a madwoman again."

"Yes." The Imperial Army saluted, and immediately someone came to detain Princess Anguo. 

Princess Anguo said angrily: "Don't touch me with your dirty hands. I am the princess of Yuexi! I am the princess of Yuexi! Let go! Let me go! Li Wei Yang, you bitch, I will never let you go. Bitch! Let me go!" She shouted loudly while struggling and kicking the guards.

Li Wei Yang slowly looked at her and smiled: "Hui Nu, I don't want to hear her voice again."

Hui Nu felt his scalp tightened and he hurried forward. He pinched Princess Anguo's jaw with his iron-like hands, then forced her to stick out her tongue and cut it off with a knife. Blood suddenly flowed out, and half of her tongue fell into the soil. Princess Anguo screamed and then her eyes rolled back and she fainted.

Li Wei Yang said: "I remember that Princess Anguo wrote a beautiful little calligraphy piece about a hairpin. Unfortunately, I never want to read it again."

Without raising his head, Hui Nu severed Anguo's hand tendons with a dagger. Princess Anguo woke up in pain. However, she no longer had the strength to resist at this moment. She was rolling in the dust, no longer beautiful and luxurious. Her clothes were torn and she was in an extremely miserable state. Li Wei Yang walked up, stepped on her broken wrist with her embroidered shoes, and said softly: "Didn't you do the same thing when second sister-in-law died?" The maid said that when Sun Yanjun was sent back, there was something on her wrist. Blue marks from being stepped on by shoes.

Princess Anguo wanted to curse, but when she opened her mouth, there was only a bloody hole. She couldn't curse at all, and the pain was excruciating. She could only stare at Li Wei Yang with extremely resentful eyes.

Li Wei Yang smiled and said: "Okay, you should be on your way now." The guards immediately escorted Princess Anguo away.

Zhao Yue said cautiously: "Miss, where are they going to take Princess Anguo?"

Li Wei Yang smiled and said: "She's going to the place where she should be."

At this moment, Zhao Yue saw Madam Sun riding over from a short distance away with an angry expression. When she saw Li Wei Yang here, she immediately got off the horse. Li Wei Yang looked at her with a smile: "Madam Sun, you are one step too late."

Madam Sun's face showed resentment: "That bitch has already escaped?"

"No, she didn't run away."

"Where has she gone?" Madam Sun asked impatiently. She just hoped that she could kill her enemy with her own hands and run Princess Anguo through with a sword.

Li Wei Yang smiled slightly and said: "A noble person like her should definitely experience the life of a real 'bitch', so that she doesn't waste her whole day screaming like a shrew."

Under the sun, Li Wei Yang's skin was translucent white, and she smelled of elegant lotus fragrance. She looked delicate and weak, and others would never have imagined that she could say such indifferent words.

Madam Sun said bitterly: "Princess, I know you have good intentions, but why go to such trouble? It's better to kill her with a single blow, so as not to cause any trouble——"

Li Wei Yang smiled and said: "Don't worry, I will take you to have a look later."

Madam Sun looked at Li Wei Yang in surprise, not knowing what she meant. However, no matter how she asked, Li Wei Yang smiled mysteriously and refused to answer.