#also legit don’t know what you’re talking about I’m assuming it’s the

[thelioncourts]

Lol the way you keep shitting on Lestat...idk why do so many people hate Lestat and yet have him as their pfp

I’m sorry you’re boring and don’t actually love lestat for all of his intricacies and complexities 🤷🏼‍♀️ couldn’t be me

[toxic3mmy]

being like all bratty ( i think that’s the word) and all to Quackity and he ends up fucking the shit out of you?

ummm yes??? this sounds sooooo hot teehee, thx for the request!!

[it turned out a little more loving than rough sex.. oops??]

prompt: you and alex have a project due and he keeps slacking off until he’s had enough of your bratty attitude

warnings: nsfw! smut smutty smuttt!

it was finally 7:30 pm. alex said he would meet you at the college library to finish up your project after work and you had been waiting on him there for almost an hour now. the good thing was that you were alone and had time to focus on your part of the slideshow.

you had about two slides left when you heard a huge thud on the table you were sat at. you looked up and saw alex smiling sheepishly at you.

“sup nerd, you almost done with our project?” he said as he sat back in his chair and kicked his feet up to rest on the table

you rolled your eyes and said with an annoyed face,

“yeah right, come on let’s get this over with already” you grumbled

“actually, shit… i forgot my laptop” alex said while looking through his backpack. he looked up at you and asked

“mind if i go get it? i’m pretty sure i left it at my house and it’s not far from here” he didn’t even wait for me to respond, already collecting his things to go

“wait, maybe we should just do the project at yours… they close the library in thirty minutes anyways” you said, feeling even more annoyed than before because now you were going to be forced to be alone with alex

“cool, let’s go” he walked out of the school and to his car in the parking lot

you felt a bit uncomfortable and nervous as you got into his passenger seat. you weren’t sure why but his very existence got so deep under your skin that it really pissed you off. maybe it was his arrogant personality or maybe it was the way every girl at your college drooled over him, or maybe it was both. the truth is, you also felt an attraction for alex but you refused to be like every other brainless bimbo at school. you liked to think that you actually had taste when it came to guys.

your thoughts were interrupted by alex parking his car and getting out, having you follow him. he unlocked the door to his house and let you in. he got comfortable and led you into an office like room where you assumed he did his homework and probably his streaming. he had a huge desk with a pc setup as well as note taking materials next to the pc. there was also a small couch and that’s where you decided to put your backpack.

“here, i’ll go get a chair for you to sit next to me” alex broke the silence between you too. you nodded silently and took all your notes out to finally finish this project.

“sit” he said as he placed another office chair next to his fancy gamer chair

you chuckled to yourself

“what?” he asked, genuinely confused

“oh nothing… just realized you have a gamer chair.. it’s so uwu of you” you teased him and laughed even louder

“says the one that dresses like an e girl with all those fishnets and eyeliner” he said mockingly

“don’t even! i know you’re not judging my clothing choices when you legit always look like adam sandler plus that stupid beanie you never take off”

“can you shut up? we have a project to work on” alex said in a sarcastic manner

you didn’t say anything in response to him. instead, you went over what you had finished with your part of the project. you then kept talking about some ways for alex to tie his part into yours so that it would all flow seamlessly. you were pointing out certain topics in your textbook when you look up to see alex typing away on his phone.

“dude… are you serious? i was over here talking to the fucking wall i guess! were you seriously not listening to me?”

he simply put a finger up as if telling you to wait for him to finish texting. you waited impatiently and after a few minutes, he finally put down his phone.

“my bad, i have this thing i’ve been working on with team members for our twitch.. but uh yeah of course i heard everything you said.” he lied and it made anger begin to boil up inside of you.

“how much do you even have done?” you asked, trying to calm yourself down

“oh uh.. i have all my pictures set up in the powerpoint” he said as if it were something to be proud about

you grit your teeth together as you realized what he meant by that

“you haven’t even started on your section?? i cannot believe you…” you groaned really annoyed now

“yes i have started! it’s not my fault that i need to do work stuff in my free time” he said as he messed with a pen on his desk

“ohhh, you have a twitch event that you’ve been working on for weeks? aw thats so cool, yeah i seriously don’t give a fuck. you had all semester and you don’t even care! it’s our senior year and uni is something that we need to take seriously i mean this counts towards our final! i don’t want to have to fucking repeat this class just because you’re a careless arrogant selfish piece of shit!”

“woah woah, what the fuck is your issue?!” he began to lose his cool, sitting up and facing towards you as he raised his voice

“you’re my problem! like dude i get that you play your little video games on stream and that seems to be what you worry about most but i actually want to get a good career and i actually care about my grades! unlike you! you think that just because everyone likes you, you’ll get everything handed to you. well sorry to burst your bubble but clicking and clacking on your keyboard all day long isn’t going to prepare you for the real world!”

“who the fuck do you think you are? you have no right to say any of this to me, are you kidding?” alex was now standing up and towering over you

“look… i just had a bad day okay? i worked really early this morning and i honestly would much rather be in bed right now than arguing with you i mean, we’re not even getting any work done! god this is pointless..” you sighed, running your hands through your hair as you felt afraid to look alex in his eyes

“i worked today too, ya know. but you don’t see me being so prissy and uptight about a damn project that won’t even matter in a year.”

“yeah well im sure my work was way more productive and hard than you playing dumb computer games all day”

“listen you little brat, you have no right to tell me anything about my career choices. and for the record, my dumb little twitch job is making me more money each month than youd ever see after years of whatever boring fucking corporate job you get into” alex said, holding you tightly by your t shirt

“yeah fucking right. you’re just a lazy idiot! all you had to do was finish a few slides and we’d be through here and you can’t even do that. i’m leaving, thanks for nothing” you spit out angrily as you hastily began to pack your things to leave

alex was silently in deep thought. as you reached the door, he tugged your backpack back and off of your shoulder. he grabbed you rather harshly and your back was pushed up against his bedroom door.

“you’re not going anywhere. you think you can just walk out of here after insulting me and being a shitty little brat?!”

“what?..” you asked quietly

“you heard me y/n, you’re being a fucking brat.. and brats should be treated the way they deserve” he spoke hotly against your lips before leaning forward and kissing you

you weren’t prepared for him to kiss you so sweetly. you practically melted against his lips. you kissed back until he whimpered and brought you back to reality.

“ugh! get off of me, asshole!” you pushed his chest roughly but before you could make any other move, he caught your arm

“i know you want me y/n, i see the way you look at me. you and every other girl at school are just so thirsty for me huh? look at these tiny skirts you always wear.. you’re just asking for it” he smirked as his fingers danced up your thigh and touched your skirt

“ha! i don’t want you. unlike the girls at school, i have a brain and i sure as fuck would never touch you” you lied to his face

you gasped and felt your face go red as his hand was now touching the fabric of your panties

“then why are you soaking wet for me?” he chuckled as he pulled your panties aside and played with your wet folds

he walked you towards his bed, sitting you down as he hovered over you.

“i fucking hate you!” you angrily smashed your lips to his.

your tongue slid across his lips, asking for entrance. alex greedily let your tongue slide against his. your hands tangled in his hair and tugged harshly as he continued to touch you.

“i hate you too, you fucking brat. now be a good girl and taked this top off for me” his lips connected with yours as you shakily unbuttoned your school top and threw it aside.

you reached out and began to unzip his pants just enough to release his hardened cock. he moaned at the contact and continued to play with your slick heat as you started to move your hands up and down his dick.

he pulled away from the kiss and pulled your hair in a ponytail with one hand and held your palm upwards with his other.

“spit” he demanded and you did what he asked

he then moved your wet hand to his cock and let go of your hair. he went back to rubbing your throbbing clit. you moved your hand and he was practically thrusting into your touch.

“alex… please” you whispered and tried to lead his leaking dick to your pussy but alex stopped you

“aw come on y/n, you can do better than that. you just love to yap and insult me, don’t you, you little brat? why don’t you put that pretty little mouth of yours to good use and beg for me. beg me to fuck you”

at this point, you needed him so badly and you didn’t care how desperate you looked as you complied with his demands.

“please alex, i need you so badly. please just fuck me and i promise to be nicer to you. im so wet for you..” you moaned out as his fingers finally stopped teasing you and entered your quivering hole

“tell me you want me.. tell me y/n” he said in a lustful voice, his fingers curling deeper into you. his lips attached to one of your hard nipples, deliciously tracing circles with the tip of his tongue

“oh fuck.. i n-need you, i want you alex! i’ve wanted you since i first saw you! i hate you so much but i want you to fuck me, please!” you were rutting against his hand needing more

he laughed as he was amused and feeling very satisfied with your response. he stopped touching you completely and undressed himself. he then reached out and stripped you of your shirt and panties, leaving the two of you completely naked.

“you’re so fucking sexy” he said, looking at you hungrily

“get on your hands and knees, show me that pretty ass”

you did what he asked needing him inside of you now. he groaned at the sight of your round ass on view for him. as he pushed himself inside of you, you arched your back from pleasure. he began to move slowly as you adjusted to the stretch. the second you started moaning, he grabbed your hips and mercilessly pounded into you.

“fuck! you’re so tight y/n” his hand made harsh contact with a loud smack on your ass

you fucked back onto his cock, feeling so overcome with pleasure

“a-alex, ‘m so close” you whimpered

he stopped fucking into you and sat up in his bed. he gently tugged you towards him, motioning to sit on his lap

“come ride me, sweetheart” he said huskily and of course, you obliged

you sat on his dick, feeling every inch of him fill you up. you were in complete bliss as you began to ride him slowly. alex leaned forward and hugged you to his body as he kissed your lips. you fought his tongue with yours for dominance as the two of you rocked together in a sweet rhythm.

“you feel so good… so so good alexis” you whispered in broken sobs

“yeah, baby girl? aw just look at you. you’re so needy for me aren’t you?”

you rocked your hips, grinding his cock into you. he was so deep inside of you and you couldn’t help but want more. he hit just the right spot inside of your needy cunt and you moaned loudly. your back arched as you threw your head back in pure bliss. alex kissed up your neck as he had full access. he pulled you closer to him, tucking your hair behind your ear gently

“you’re so beautiful y/n, i could do this forever. would you like that? would you like to be my fuck toy? i could use you whenever i please, yeah? tell me how good i feel, hermosa” he said as he looked into your eyes.

“you feel incredible.. you’re making me feel things i’ve never felt before.. please use me whenever” you said breathlessly

“such a good girl” alex praised, kissing you ever so gently as you continued to move at the same pace together

“a-alex, i’m so close”

“cum with me y/n, cum with me” he whimpered, letting out the sweetest whines and speeding his hips to meet yours

he held your hips still as he fucked into you faster and faster, chasing both of your highs

with loud gasps and moan, you both climax together.

alex slows his pace to a stop and you both catch your breath.

“y/n…?”

“yeah?” you breathe out, finally getting off of alex and laying down next to him

“i finished my part of the project yesterday, i just wanted to mess with you” he grinned and you smacked him playfully

“alex! you ass!”

“hey.. it worked out well for us didn’t it?” he smiled innocently

“come on, let’s shower. im all sweaty” alex says, pulling you up and towards his shower

[planet-crait]

Time for Crock to the Future! This is another one I’ve been curious to get to. Not as curious as Founders Day but still curious.

Wait Hazels dad only has nine Toes? Uhh come again Cosmo? What kind of toe incident gets you chainsaws? But ohhh nice Hazels dad is getting an award! I wonder if we’ll really get into the work exactly he does.

You know persistence is something good when you work in a field involving the supernatural. I do love that he refused to let doubt get him down and make him give up. AJ founded that when he was ten?? When in the show? Cuz they spent the entire time as ten? It’s kind of cute he looks up to AJ so much. I wonder how old he is compared to AJ?

One Hazel your outfit is absolutely adorable you rock pink I love it. Ohhh I see what the show did there. Fourth wall breaks can be done well take note poorly done shows with fourth wall breaks! But wait. How does a paranormal detector…work if they’re trying to prove they even exist? And why keep the paranormal out wouldn’t you want them to reveal themselves? Also is that a Mark reference?

Once again why does Hazels dad mention magic but also doubt the existence of fairy godparents??? How does a paranormal believer draw the line at magic? It doesn’t make sense.

Hazel? Really? You just ran in. Oh wow AJ comes in early lolz. The signs in the show continue to send me every time I notice them like this one with AJ.

Just brilliant hilarious.

They’re really going to steal a small child’s bag? Like is that really legal? And AJ is just chill with this? I have major questions. Why would they do that to an employees child like this feels so beyond sus to me. Are we supposed to distrust the institute? But Hazels dad works there? I just don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about this.

I appreciate Hazel being so concerned with making sure her dad has an amazing night but uh your dad’s boss ran off with your purse in a somewhat probably illegal manner so maybe bring that up? Especially since your godparents are on there??

VIVA LA PLUTO I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL.

Wait…am I agreeing with Crocker? Shit. Serious question though why does AJ employ Crocker if he tortured him as his friends as kids? Or does he just. Not care cuz Crocker gave him A’s? I mean it tracks I guess.

I love how he declares his full name seemingly only for the audience he doesn’t know is their and Hazel calls him out. Idk sometimes fourth wall breaks can be funny.

Crocker…I doubt anyone listens to you I’m pretty sure you built that booth yourself. Hazel. Are you really wanting to ask the man clearly obsessed with fairies for help finding said fairies? Is this really a smart life choice here?

Oh he’s a janitor. That makes more sense. Okay does AJ actually have some hair now or??? Wait Fairy atomizer 3000? But Hazels dad doesn’t think Fairy’s could possibly exist so why does THAT exist besides raising the stakes? Why…does AJ think fairies are dangerous? Legit why? I saw and AU that’s interesting wherein AJ does think they’re dangerous and I thought it was a neat concept but I didn’t realize it had roots in the show itself. I’m assuming he must because why else would you build a machine to destroy something you know nothing about? But why would he think they’re dangerous? I have so many questions I doubt will be answered.

Guys maybe stop talking in front of the humans wanting to deatomize you? I love how Cosmo mishears words though I just. I feel that in my soul as someone who also regularly mishears words and has to ask people to repeat themselves because brain short circuited idk it makes me feel seen.

Why are you bragging about handing out F’s? Like that’s not a good teacher trait. Crocker…uh…you’re obsessed that’s true. Even if you weren’t obsessed the handing out F’s thing would also likely turn people away from giving you a teaching position.

AJ…I know it’s good for Cosmo and Wanda the leather is distracting you but also PRIORITIES. Also how did Hazel get a real leather bag???? Those things are pricey? Sturdy for sure. Will last forever yeah but she’s so young!

They’re really going to leave the suspected fairies unsupervised? Uhhh okay off you go. WOW Crocker it took you this long to figure that out? You’ve gotten slow. Smart kiddo grab what you know is the fairies sacrifice the bag.

HAZEL FRIES REALLY? In such a fancy bag? Oh wow another Timmy reference. No names just their last godkid but yeah Timmy continues to kind of haunt the narrative I’m digging it. I just realized though Cosmo and Wanda didn’t have a godkid between Crocker and Timmy which is…a long time to not have a godkid when apparently fairy world is also short on godparents? I know this is just canon from the Og show but it sure is a strange choice from the original writers.

Cosmo maybe uh. Don’t reveal your weakness out loud. Or joke about a giant net yep okay there it is. Yep. How does Crocker have a giant net? Why does no one question its existence?

Oh Hazels dad is giving his speech over Crocker getting the equipment. Oh and he’s looking at Cosmo and Wanda. He knows. Without a doubt Hazel has fairies. Will this be an issue? Probably not. It should because previously someone finding out about a kids fairies got the fairies taken away and memories erased.

Cosmo. Read the room. Oh Timmy again. Oh only his last name getting dropped. I wonder how long they’ll avoid saying his first name. I am curious if Hazel will ever met him in later seasons. Hazel how did you forget about that they just told you their magic is useless.

Wait Crocker isn’t a Ghost why would it capture him??? I don’t understand how that will work?

Hazel uh that’s not a great line lolz.

How did the aliens sneak in and not get caught??????? Uh how? If the scanner can scan fairies they’ve never seen why would it miss aliens we know exist? And does no one notice their skin is green?

Lolz uh AJ why keep Crocker if he keeps interrupting the ceremony? Also Crocker literally assaulted AJ like That should also be a problem. Like good on him for having a backup but still. Cute Hazel is so proud of her dad.

Overall this was a fine episode. I wonder if Crocker will reappear and go after Hazel? I also have some questions on the production end. I know their was previous ideas to have Timmy be the one to have founded the institute but that was scrapped and I’m curious as to why and what this means for Timmy’s potential future within the show. Was this a network forced change or did the writers decide they didn’t want to reveal Timmy too soon.

I’m personally torn on this. On the one hand the original show never got a proper ending which sucks for fans of the original but this show deserves to be its own thing and not be just about Timmy again (heavens know that’s one of the few things I really dislike about Rebels is it repeatedly being used to further TCW characters and arcs at the sheer detriment of the characters if the new show) but also having Timmy’s fate so up in the air especially when it’s clear he was special to Cosmo and Wanda and more so then Hazel is so far and probably honestly ever will be. Like very very early on Cosmo and Wanda were telling Timmy they loved him and Hazel hasn’t gotten that. It raises questions about if something happened that has them putting up walls to not get hurt again or if it’s just Timmy was beyond special to them and they don’t normally get so close to their godkids.

I have a feeling that part won’t ever be explored in the show but it would be cool and I would love to see some resolution for Timmy in something not even necessarily in this show just…something. Though admittedly I have a feeling he will eventually show up based on original ideas for this episode and the way he haunts the narrative. That is if we get a season 2 which so far I really hope we do get a season 2. Onto the next one!

[firecrackerhh]

I’m bored, let’s look at dumb anti bullshit.

A leech? Do you expect her to fucking animate every single little thing? If you call her that it makes it sound like she’s doing no work at all, when she’s the fucking director and she probably has far more work on her plate than any of the people who bitch about her. Being a director isn’t all puppies and rainbows yknow?

Young impressionable artists…ok I’m gonna assume they’re talking about the animators…like you know that there are seasoned animators working on her projects right? It’s not ALL new artists, “taking advantage” yeah it’s called getting hired for your work, Christ these people act like Viv is a fucking slave driver, shut the fuck up.

I’m sensing projection here. Like do I have to explain why this is retarded? If you get conservative vibes from Viv I think you have some shit to work through.

Yeah the Russian’s right.

You were a fucking CHILD whining about an ADULT CARTOON and how “immature” it is when it’s beyond clear you have no maturity yourself? Holy fuck dude.

You don’t like that it made YOU a MINOR uncomfortable??? Bitch tf you even talking about Hazbin for, this shit isn’t for you, GTFO.

Why tf do children insist on being in adult spaces, fuck off. Do your homework.

I’m sorry the only response I can come up with is this.

-this person.

You’re in fucking HIGH SCHOOL making shitty callout posts on people who post correctly tagged gore and NSFW on their own personal blog (legit they made a google doc on some rando just because they made them feel uncomfy, the evidence they had was nothing, even the comments of said post with the google doc attached are like “dude go outside”

Motherfucker also made a google doc of every “Viv stan” like you are aware how much of a loser you are right?

Blocked out the names cuz I think these people deserve some privacy.

Lmfao I wonder if I’m on there. Probably not, I’m not popular on here.

Like this is such fucking loser shit, like boo hoo, hazbin fans are just sooooooo terrrriiibbbllllleeee bitch go the fuck outside.

I think people like this shouldn’t be allowed to have internet access until they actually grow the fuck up cuz all people like this do is make shit worse for everyone else.

“But they’re a MINOR! Why are you being so meeeeaaaaannnn????” Bitch when I was in high school I wasn’t a quarter as retarded as this fucking dumbfuck, if I knew better at their age then so should they. It’s not like they’re incapable of change, they’re just clearly still mentally 14 when they’re a senior in fucking high school, god help us.

They’re probably close to 18 anyway, so that criticism is kinda dumb, what, we can’t criticize 18 and 19 year olds now? Bitch please.

May as well be a minor, they sure have the mentality of someone who has some catching up to do in the maturity department, Christ. I’m far from mature but at least I don’t morally grandstand about adult fucking cartoons that I’m clearly not emotionally mature enough about to speak on in any capacity.

I hate children dude lmao.

I don’t care if they’re children invading adult spaces or emotionally immature childish 25 year olds, I can’t stand them both.

I’m starting to think children should be seen and not fucking heard. Because all I’m hearing from them is whining.

The only one who should be allowed to complain is me because my opinions are the only correct ones.

That was a joke for those who are sarcastically impaired.

🔥🧨~Firecracker out~🧨🔥

[crispy-bonnie]

Headcanons for paygangs s/o’s having selective mutism?? Like every character

okay when i asked if you wanted more than one , i didn't know that you wanted all of them oh my fucking god i'm only doing the ones you simp for because i do not want to write that many . your simp list shall now be leaked on tumblr <3 /p

update // local bozo has provided me with money to prioritize this particular request . ask , hand me your entire wallet and you’ll receive

another update // dallas and chains’s segments are shit . i’m real tired guhh

You're selectively mute - PAYDAY GANG HCs

Dallas

Dallas isn’t too experienced with stuff like this, but he still does his best to help

He immediately assumes you’re non-verbal due to negative stimuli, so he makes sure to offer you anything that might make you feel better

“What do you need? Water? Snacks? A hug?”

If you answer at all in some way he can understand, he’ll fetch it in seconds

If not, he’ll just stay with you and let you do your thing

If you’re crying, he’ll do his best to comfort you. If you’re happy about something, he’ll ask questions about it and let you go on about it as best as you can

He lets you hang out with him in his office while he’s working

Dallas would have a chair pulled up and a cabinet full of fidget toys and gadgets that you can mess around with

He cleaned the toys daily so that when you want to play around with them, they’ll be ready and all spiffied up :D

He also will have you help him with some of his work if you’re up for it

Like the others, he won’t push you to talk if you aren’t ready, and he makes sure you’re feeling safe and comfortable

Chains

Similar to Dallas, he lets you chill out in his workshop, regardless of whether or not you’re happy or not

He’ll keep you preoccupied by letting you tinker his guns a bit if you’re up for it

He’ll let you fidget with some of the parts in case you like one or a few of them

Chains knows a minuscule amount of ASL, but not enough to know how to understand everything

He’ll do his best to decipher it and answer to it though

He also will cuddle with you in case you need it

He’s got a little couch in the corner of his workshop, so it provides a bit privacy for the two of you

Chains will try to get you to be able to talk again, but if his attempts don’t work, he won’t try to push any more

Very similar to Dallas, just a little less experienced with it

Wolf

100% understands your problem, especially since he spends a good chunk of his time around Jacket

Does his best to accommodate to you whenever you go non-verbal

He’ll ask as to why either for future reference or so that he can keep you from the source, but he won’t pry if you choose not to tell

He’s willing to use practically anything to communicate with you

Sign language, non-verbal cards, text-to-speech, you name it

A contrast from his usual heist behavior, he’s very gentle when you go non-verbal. He’ll make extra careful not to cross any boundaries and make sure that you’re comfortable until you’re able to talk again

If you’re non-verbal because of positive stimuli, he’ll try his best to communicate with you about this thing that made you so happy. Of course, he won’t pry you about it.

He’s overall very sweet and makes sure that you’re okay while you’re in this state

Now, if someone were to make fun of you or try to pull anything weird while you’re non-verbal, he’s already got the drill ready

Y — ‘Wolf, why do you have a thermal drill?’

W — “Don’t worry, I’m just going to be shoving this down someone’s throat.”

Y [panicked] — ‘WHY???’

W — “MF SAID IT’S STUPID TO GO NON-VERBAL SO I’M GONNA SHOW THE BITCH WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE NON-VERBAL”

Legit either sends you into a panic attack or has to make sure that you don’t thermal drill someone’s face off

Either way, you manage to stop him from doing it and he simply just leaves it alone, and he bombards you with a fuck ton of care

If he comes across the person in question, especially in your non-verbal state, he’ll fucking destroy them

Yes, this includes Hoxton

Overall very protective and supportive <3

Hoxton

Literally has no fucking clue what’s going on at first

“You gonna answer me or what?”

He’ll get the memo if you use cards or write it down, but will have no clue what’s going on if you use ASL or gestures

Ends up having to ask Wolf since he’s seen him use these signs a couple of times

Finally fuckin learns about ASL and figures out why the hell you’re not talking

With this knowledge, he becomes very fuckin protective

If anyone makes you even a little bit uncomfortable, he will not hesitate to throw hands

“The fuck did you just say you wanker!? YOU WANNA FUCKIN’ GO MATE!?”

Ends up throwing you into more stress unintentionally

He’ll try to figure out ways to get you to talk again, whether it be exposing you to stuff that disgusts you or running you through some calming exercises

“Hey hey, just breathe with me, okay? One….Two….”

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t

He still won’t ever fully understand why you end up non-verbal and still won’t understand even after an explanation is given

That doesn’t mean he’s not there for you, of course. He’ll do everything he can within his lack of understanding to help you out

Houston

Like Hoxton, he has no clue what’s going on

However, when you tell him, he’ll understand and ask if there’s anything he can do to help

Mf will literally spend hours trying to learn how to sign so that he can understand you or so that he can make sure he doesn’t overwhelm you with talking

H - *signing*

Y - ‘honey, that means egg’

H - “Dammit”

Hoxton sometimes acts ‘nice’ and teaching Houston some signs

But he’s teaches him the wrong shit

Like- Houston’ll be trying to learn how to say “What’s the weather?” but Hoxton would teach him how to say “cock and nuts” instead

You end up having to reteach him lol

ASL aside, if you use non-verbal cards or other means of communication, it’ll click easier for you

He makes sure to keep a notepad and pen on him, so when you need to talk to him, he just pulls it out and hands it to you

Can’t tell whether or not you’re non-verbal because of positive or negative stimuli, so if he thinks that the thing you don’t like is bringing you joy or something, forgive and correct him

Hoxton will often make rude remarks regarding it, resulting in a beat-up Hoxton and you now laughing your ass off

Mf’s antics were so funny that you went verbal again

Like the rest, very protective, just less understanding

Sokol

Another fucking Jacket???

You were speaking just fine and suddenly you don’t wanna talk??? Wtf??

He thinks you’re doing this on purpose, so he ends up getting quite frustrated

“Пиздец, just talk to me already! Why are you being so… difficult!?”

Literally will send you further into a non-verbal state and you’ll end up just crying on the spot

It’s not pretty

The second he sees tears glossing over your eyes, he fucking PANICS

He doesn’t know how to apologize though?? Not when he’s this frustrated with it

Eventually the two of you just spend a bit of time trying to process things

When the two of you reconvene, you end up explaining to him what’s going on with the whole situation

“Ah… n-non… verbal…? So- you’re not doing it on purpose?”

Once it finally clicks, he does his best to try and find ways to communicate with you

Notepads, flash cards, even those silly little buttons that people use to train their dogs how to communicate /ref

He made one attempt to learn ASL, but he immediately gave up because of how frustrating it was

Sokol felt the need to learn how to sign when he really just could’ve learned how to understand it 💀

That aside, he does his best to make sure you’re okay while you can’t communicate

Literally will fetch you anything and is willing to take a look at whatever it is that’s bothering you/making you so happy

It’s a struggle, but he’s doing his best <3

Jimmy

Despite spending a good chunk of his time around Jacket, he still struggles a bit to understand the whole non-verbal thing

Then again, he’s constantly shitfaced on coke so-

He’ll often keep pestering you on why you’re not talking or anything, only stopping when someone else intervenes

If you use ASL or gestures to communicate, he’ll start getting frustrated since he doesn’t understand most of it

With non-verbal cards or soundboards, he can understand a bit better

When you get sent into this state because of negative stimuli, he’ll try his best to calm you down

Most likely by offering you coke. And it works…sorta

J - “Shit uh… you want some coke-?”

Y - *wheezes*

J - “Wh-what!? Was it something I said!?”

If you’re non-verbal bc of positive stimuli, he’ll just talk about or show you stuff about the thing making you so happy

Literally making it worse 💀

At some point he’ll just end up getting tired [not of you! just by the fact that he’s been hammering that alcohol n drugs] and invite you to cuddle

Once the two of you pile up on the couch, you both kinda just calm down while cuddling

He falls asleep, you return to a verbal state again

Jimmy wakes up to a nice surprise when he sees that you’re talking again

He kinda just offers to cuddle every time you go non-verbal

It’s not the best strategy, but it sure as hell works

Sydney

Similar to Wolf, she completely understands and does her best to accommodate whenever you’re non-verbal

Can understand a good portion of ASL, but not that much

She doesn’t sign for you, but she’ll get a basic understanding if you sign

Simple gestures might raise some confusion though, but after one or two tries, she usually understands what you’re asking for

Very protective of you, regardless of whether or not you’re mute because of something positive or negative

Will literally kick ass if anyone makes fun of you or nags you to talk sokol cOUGH COUGH

“OI! They’ll talk when they wanna talk so SHUT IT YOU FUCK!”

She’ll let you sit in her silly swivel chair and draw whatever comes to mind. She has a bunch of crayons and paper stashed away specifically for you!

Sydney always hangs up the little drawings you make on her cork board because she thinks it’s cute

She also has noise-canceling headphones in case you’re overwhelmed by something

She’ll give them to you, sit down on the couch or at her desk with you in her lap, and let you chill out there

Always makes sure you’re comfortable and won’t push you to talk until you’re ready

Jacket

You don’t even have to try and explain those non-verbal moments. He kinda just knows

He’ll offer up some methods of communication if you don’t have a specific one, the most prominent ones being a tape recorder or a notepad and pen

Mf will literally buy you your own tape recorder not only for helping with communication, but also because matching tape recorders??? Please?????

The both of you use the exact same tapes, sometimes even trading tapes when you want to express something else

Sometimes the two of you will just annoy Sokol with it

Spamming tape recorder lines before Sokol has to swat the both of you away using his hockey stick

Though, for heists, the two of you make sure to use tapes with different voices to make sure other heisters can differentiate you

Though, sometimes you mix each others’ tapes up lol

Knows ASL very well, and also has some non-verbal cards in case you prefer to use those

He makes sure that you’re okay while you’re in this state, and he’ll murder literally anyone who even makes you uncomfortable in the slightest

If you find the corpse of some guy who told you to ‘speak up’ with his brains bashed in, don’t question it

Very understanding of whatever the situation is, and is very protective while you’re non-verbal

[spacemagicandlaserswords]

The Clone Wars 4.08 ‘The General’ Reaction Take 2

“A shrewd and temperamental leader” That’s putting it mildly

There’s so many death screams of clones in these episodes, it’s just heartbreaking.

Jeez Kix, did you have to jab the hypo that hard into the poor dude's neck? Or at least I’m assuming that’s Kix.

Fives and Rex fighting and shooting next to each other again. I love the way the kama’s fan out behind their legs. And that is a very fine shot of Rex’s very fine thighs again.

Krell just fucking rolling over a dead clone with his foot. Fucker. Do something! Don’t just wander around in the background while the clones do all the work.

There’s a lot of military tropes in the music, which makes sense. 

“I dunno. Could be fun.” omg Hardcase now is not the time

Jesse, baby, please, what are you doing? You need that brain cell.

“Yeah, but General Skywalker is usually leading his men up in the front, not bringing up the rear like General Krell.” Fives again saying what everything is thinking.

The clones' accents are all over the shop again. Various different clones have all had moments of sounding Aussie, Kiwi, British and American at some point. I’m really not sure what accent they’re supposed to sound like they have at this point. In the scene where all the clones making very valid points about Krell’s tactics, Tup sounds almost British. Rex also has hints of British (that ‘air base’ sounded like a posh officer from WWII or similar). Jesse starts out sounding American (‘yah know, I’) and then suddenly veers into very broad Aussie (‘crazy before’) before finishing in … vague Antipodean? Fives definitely sounds American (the ‘a’ in ‘capital’ was definitely a broad American ‘ah’). Still not sure what Hardcase is. Chaotic probably. Dogma sounds British, also almost like a posh officer, with hints of Kiwi. Rex also has hints of Kiwi now too and Fives sounded very Aussie there. It’s also really interesting that Rex’s voice changes between talking to the Jedi and talking to fellow clones, which also makes sense. The difference is more noticeable here when it’s between dealing with Krell and talking to his men. 

This hushed convo between Rex and Fives has some beautiful close up detail. You can really tell from Rex’s voice just how upset he is.

Boys, why are you crawling on the floor? What is this spider clone nonsense?

Does anyone know what the detail on the front of Fives’ bucket is? I vaguely recall reading somewhere that it’s Mandalorian inspired but I’m not entirely sure that was legit.

Oh great, a centipede tank. Just what we needed.

Yas, more Star Wars universe swearing

“We need rocket launchers” Hardcase is going to be very happy about that

Mayday? *sobs*

Rex standing there all sassy with his hands on his hips

Cackling at the clones trying to lure the centipede tanks towards them. That is not subtle boys. Though I suppose it wasn’t supposed to be. Still funny though.

Rex being an absolute BAMF. First being all ice cold under pressure waiting for the right moment to blow the detonators as the centipede tanks bear down on them. Then getting thrown through the air by the subsequent explosion that he just created. Cool guys don’t look at explosions etc etc.

“No juice left in him either.” *blam blam* Rex getting all the one liners and action hero moments.

I clocked this the first time but didn’t remember it in my first reaction post. Those flying Umbaran creatures looked like they were going to eat a dead clone, kind of like space vultures, and it’s Kix that runs up and shoots them to make sure they don’t. His “Still hungry? Chew on that!” is full of rage and shows just how pissed off he is. You can see him linger after, looking at the fallen clone, and Rex has to tell him “Hey, Kix, leave it.” It’s a very brief moment but you really get a sense of just how strongly and deeply Kix cares.

Also, Rex just casually blasts the last creature out of the sky like it's nothing. Sir, you’re showing off again.

“We’ve got a problem.” That’s an understatement

Fives little head shake when Rex asks him if he has any ideas :( 

This is a fucking massacre

Omg that wounded clone was shot right in front of Kix as he was treating him. Fuck. I think there were what looked like 2 other medics also with him but I can’t quite tell.

"You sound like General Krell." The way Rex stops, you can tell that line from Kix hurt. That entire exchange between Rex and Kix was heartbreaking. They both sound so upset and angry and they’re both just trying to do the best with what they can and it’s still not enough and it’s all awful. 

Why is Appo being treated like a piece of furniture to hold the holo of Rex?

“Or you will be relieved of duty.” Well at least that line is going to come back and bite Krell in the arse later on. Especially as Rex delivers in a much more badass manner.

The next 4 gifs are by @kamino-coruscant from their great gifset of this entire exchange. I usually try to use the tumblr gif search, despite it being a completely useless dumpster fire, but tumblr is refusing to cooperate and is doing weird stuff today so hopefully I've credited this as best as possible.

Hardcase: So anyway, I started blasting

Lol Fives did you really need to slide down that hill

Hardcase has ADHD confirmed. Or at least as close to confirmed in canon that we’re ever going to get. It’s not as nuanced yet obvious as the quote from Tech but I’m glad there’s more neurodivergent clones. 

Fives: *minecraft villager noise*

That’s a pretty fucken big sensor wall

Oh hello close up shot of Fives’ hands

Naw, Hardcase grumbling to himself

That was a pretty damn impressive shot. Hardcase just took out the weird Umbaran creature with a single shot using a grappling hook. A grappling hook. Not a blaster. A grappling hook.

“Wow. I never actually thought that would work.” That’s not reassuring Fives!

Ok, who gave Rex a rocket launcher

Jesus H Christ that clone just got crushed by the giant tank foot

“Start pushing buttons.” STILL CACKLING

Well at least we now know what it would be like if Fives and Hardcase ever went on a roller coaster

Hardcase is having the time of his life, hanging upside down shooting enemies

Omg I am loving Fives maniacal laughter

Ahahahaha they are both loving this

Gif by @kamino-coruscant from this post

Kix screaming and shooting uncontrollably is another of those small moments that show just how affected he is by all this. You can see how much all of this has worn down on him as the episode progresses and it’s a really interesting and subtle way of showing how awful this whole situation is that even the most gentle of men, and a medic, has been pushed to his limits. Kind of like Kix represents the heart of the 501st and Torrent. Insert your own reference here to that quote about a wise man fearing the anger of a gentle man and all that. 

That moment, where there’s plenty of shaky cam and you hear Rex sigh/pant/gasp for breath and shoot the rocket launcher at the tank again only for it to still be standing. You really get the sense of just how dire everything is there.

Oh that is a definitely a ‘the cavalry have arrived moment’. What a fanfare. 

Was Rex surrounded by 3 tanks?!

I don’t know what it is but that shot where Fives says “Clear out, captain.” just feels really poignant for some reason. Like there’s more than just Fives and Hardcase arriving to save the day. It’s also Fives saving Rex and everything that he means to and has done for Fives (and Echo *sobs*). It’s past midnight and I’m probably reading too much into this but it just felt like a moment.

“The big guns have arrived, sir!” Hardcase sounds so happy that he’s found a bigger gun

Hardcase having the absolute time of his life there

That’s the second time Rex has eaten dirt after an explosion in this episode. Insert 2 nickles reference here.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

“Alright, let’s bring ‘em home.” I adore Fives. I just adore him so much.

“Impressive.” If that was so impressive, then WHY THE FUCK DID YOU TRY TO EXECUTE THEM FOR DOING THE EXACT SAME THING?! This fuck face needs to meet with an open air lock immediately. I didn’t think it was possible for me to hate a character this much but oh boy do I ever now.

Fire burning in yellow eyes? That’s not subtle at all.

“Despite Hardcase’s flying” Wow, savage much Rex?

“Luck has smiled on you today, Captain.” ah fuck off

Oh, his clenched fist. Oh.

Badass group shot to finish! From left to right: I can’t tell who the four clones on the left are. Fives and Rex in the middle. Then Jesse and Hardcase (with the biggest gun he could possibly find), followed by Kix and Dogma. Kix has the big triangle on his chest plate and the diagonal thick blue stripe around his thicc right thigh. Dogma has the downwards pointing blue V on his chest plate. Oooh, that means they’re visual opposites of each other. Interesting. I’ve also just realised that Fives is very blue and grey. There’s very little white on his armour. Though that may be the lighting because I’ve just googled his armour and there is actually more white on it than it looks. I do like his stripy patterned kama. 

Lmao I just rewatched the start of this scene at the end and when Hardcase takes his helmet off he shakes his head like he’s shaking out his hair. Hardcase, you have no hair. You’re bald. Babe, what are you doing?

Cackling at the side eye Hardcase gives Jesse when he says he looked a little green when he came out of that fighter. 

Still adoring Jesse every time he appears. There’s a gentleness to him under everything and he just seems really sweet.

Oh these boys have my heart. I’ve completely fallen for all of them. Everything for the clones.

[chirpsythismorning]

I feel like a big part of the reason Anti Bylers are so aggressive is because this is the first time in mainstream media where there's a chance that the main couple of the show may end up being mlm.

Not only is there a likelihood that the main couple will be gay, it will come after years of these fans assuming that the cliche, safe straight ship was going to sail from start to finish.

If you look at the "predictions" these individuals have for season 5, which honestly have less to do with narrative direction and more to do with what they want, you'll always catch a certain undertone to what they're saying:

"The heterosexual, white male audience is the default for media. We will allow the wlw ship, so long as it has limited screen time. We will accept Will surviving, and even allow him to have an acceptance arc. But you will not receive queer rep at the expense of a ship that we are nostalgic for. The straight male audience is the one that matters, and we will be represented by the main couple in the show."

My favorite is when they’re asked what they hope for Mike and El in s5, only to list off qualities of Mike and Will’s dynamic. I legit saw someone say that they hoped they finally took the time to talk through their problems (oh so you’re admitting they never do..) and that we’ll actually get to see them be a team…

Like, do you hear yourselves?

I would actually like to read off their play by play of how they imagine s5 going down. Not just their wishes but like what they literally imagine happening over the course of the season, episode by episode.

And I’m talking the confident milkvans ones that are like super hostile about it. I wanna see what they hypothesize will happen in early s5 related to Mike and El… I don’t think I could keep it together if it is anything along the lines of them instantly making up and being happy for the rest of the season… 😳🤣

They just don’t realize how dumb that sounds.

S4 created conflict and hasn’t settled it. It was considered the beginning of the end, meaning those parts are going to fit perfectly together. If Mike and El were lacking romantically more than ever before in s4, don’t expect that to change much…

And gentle reminder that rewatch value is everything. If milkvans have to skip 3 eps in s1 bc they’re not together or fighting, skip all of s2 bc they’re separated, skip most of s3 bc they broke up in the second episode, skip most of s4 bc they separated in the third episode…. What does that fucking tell you?? They are not being prioritized for rewatch value, that’s what. Whereas byler is. (Bylers also are capable of watching milkvan scenes religiously… I can’t say the same about milkvans being capable of handling more than one second of rewatching a byler scene. And it’s bc they know if they watch it the mental gymnastics they gotta go through to convince themselves nothing romantic is going on is near impossible…)

Byler endgame is going to make the rewatch for the entire series hit, while milkvans, even with a hypothetical endgame would probably watch s1 and s5 and say the rest doesn’t matter. Do they think that’s how the show is supposed to be watched?

With one season left, they should have been hoping that monologue wasn’t in s4, but instead s5. Bc now how can those two one up that? They simply can’t. It was put there to show that they’ll never progress beyond this point. Nothing will ever top it. This is as good as it gets and yet, they still lost. What should that tell you?

What are they gonna just repeat that monologue in s5, but have mike say it 20x and THIS TIME it works?? Yay? Like there’s literally nothing satisfying about that in the least.

Can’t say I wish bad for ppl that simply like Mike and El and are bummed that they’re starting to lose hope. That as a basic idea is like whatever. I don’t like seeing ppl sad. Even if I told off a milkvan directly, seeing them like feeling depressed afterwards, does make me feel bad.

But when it comes to the hostile ones, people literally resorting to harassing directly with complete strangers unprompted and threatening to dox, over people merely theorizing? Like?? Was it ever that serious?

If we’re so delusional and we’re just setting ourselves up for disappointment, why not wait to say I told you so when it’s all said and done, if you’re so sure? Why dedicate so much of your time trying to discourage people on the other side? Unless it somehow qualms doubts you have?…

What makes this whole situation such bullshit, is that if this were a queerbait situation, you still shouldn’t be out here being hurtful like literally spouting off how you can’t wait for people to experience getting queerbaited? Like it’s fucking weird? The prominence of queerbaiting is literally referring to show runners taking advantage of fans, making them think it’ll happen, even encouraging it, and then ripping it away, usually ending in a bury your gays situation. That is the norm in the industry and it’s only now within the last few years starting to change in mainstream.

The hypocrisy of it all, is that they think we should just accept what they believe is the only possibility, queer-bait. But you know if the roles were reversed, which they inevitably will be when s5 drops, they’re going to be playing the victim, saying nonsense like if queerbaiting is bad then so is straightbating!! and it’s just going to be so out of touch and pathetic.

It’s not the same. Whatsoever. And the fact that they can’t see that, that one result is lazy writing and one is epic subversion, and are literally making a mockery out of the situation, convinced they’re right bc they have history on their side and gays should just be used to never getting their way and THATS okay to them?

Like it’s almost painful to watch. Especially knowing the 180 they’re gonna pull when they end up in the situation they convinced themselves we were gonna be in.

[awkwardgtace]

I beg you, 40 or 41(your choice) for Kyrie and Melody(any AU). I really love the two so I hope to see more of em <33

Ty anon this legit made me so happy to hear!! I went with the knight au, also the au where Melody's fear of heights isn't that bad.

Levels of Comfort

Kyrie sighed. Pel needed his armor again so he was stuck lying in the forest. She’d set up enough of an enchantment to hide him, but it didn’t keep him from being bored. It didn’t help that with the times out of his armor he’d need to go on a trip again. He might ask Melody to go with him next time, but he wasn’t sure he was ready for that. She’d get to see how different they really were if she went with him.

“Kyrie!” Melody’s voice made him jump. He didn’t expect her to show up. “I’m in the clearing, you should be fine to sit up!”

He smiled, she sounded confident. He expected a lot more fear from her, a lot more hatred. The fact she trusted him, trusted Byss too, meant the world. He stayed cautious even if she was in the clearing, setting his hands down closer to his chest. He pushed himself up slowly.

It felt weird to know she was near him. He had so many nightmares, but she trusted him. He slid back from the clearing just as carefully. She didn’t make a sound he could hear, he hoped it meant she was comfortable with him moving. Byss had known him most of his life, but still hadn’t been able to see him move calmly. It didn’t help that he'd grown over a hundred feet overnight at one point.

Once he was up enough to see Melody he smiled. He leaned forward, just watching her. She was so small next to him, barely a third of one of his fingers. She didn’t care, she was here and smiling at him too. She waved up at him eliciting a chuckle. Even now she would say hi a million times before they talked about anything else. Just making sure he knew she was listening. It was part of what made him desperate to be near her.

“Hey,” he whispered. He considered a lot of things about him a curse, but his senses were a blessing. He didn’t struggle to see the smiling face staring up at him.

“Hi, is lying around all you do when you’re this big?” she asked. He smirked, resting his arm on his knee and leaning on his hand. 

“Pretty much, there isn’t much I can do like this. Especially around here, Pel keeps me hidden at least.”  

“She did mention a few days ago that walking through the enchantments should have told her it was me.” He loved when she smiled. It had taken him a while to realize she held back her own laughter a lot. The bright smiles were her way of laughing. The times she did laugh were the ones he cherished. “Byssal said you were stuck here alone while they worked on your armor when I met him in the market today.”

“He’s not wrong, they go off somewhere safe and I stay here. If they worked here it could disrupt the illusion keeping me hidden.” She folded her arms and nodded when he spoke. He wanted to hold her close. To see her face like he did when he was human sized.

He started to move, slowly of course. He’d learned to always keep his speed down, how fast he really was would scare most people. Byss had taught him that. It was a lesson wolves always tell their pups apparently, Kyrie didn’t fully believe that. It was more likely he’d scared Byss and that was the best way to tell it. 

He brought his hand close to Melody, carefully wrapping his fingers around her.It was surreal to surround her like this. Pel would usually fly around to where she wanted to be. Byss would go to his full size, a little bigger than Kyrie’s fingers. She was so small, he was scared to hurt her. That he’d do something to scare her and make her leave. If she ever leaves he won’t stop her, he’d just make sure she was safe.

“...me up,” He froze, he thought he heard her voice. “Please don’t pick me up.”

Kyrie ripped his hand away. The wind knocked her off her feet, he couldn’t bring himself to try to go near her again. He wanted to just leave. He’d just assumed she’d go along with him. That he could pick her up, hold her close, know she was safe with him. She was still staring at him, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. He didn’t want to know what she was thinking.

“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” he said. She climbed back to her feet. Kyrie looked away, the idea she’d crack. That her confidence would fall and she'd finally let out her fear.

“Wha-?”

“Honestly, I don’t blame you for being scared of me.” He had to fix this. To stop her from leaving, from hating him. He couldn’t lose her now. Not when she had managed to come here, to see him like this. She knew it this time, it wasn’t a shock.

“I don-”

“I mean I’m big, scary big. Byss and Pel have been scared of me too. I should have realized it. It’s only the second time you saw me like this, and the last time I’d panicked and grabbed you. You didn’t squirm and you let me carry you back that time. I just assumed, I didn’t, I’m sorry. Of course you don’t want to be picked up. I mean I should know by now that-”

“Kyrie!” He jumped at her shout. He forced himself to look at her, she wasn’t angry. She didn’t look scared either. “I’m not scared of you.”

He sighed, staring down at her. From their first meeting she did this. She hid how much she hated fighting when they were partnered. Hid Caprice from him for months. He had never forgotten the night he found her crying after they had to kill someone attacking a village. It was one of the first times he realized he might be falling in love with her.

“Melody,” he breathed. “You don’t have to put on a front for me. It’s not the knights’ probation, it’s just me. I won’t… I won’t hurt you for being scared.”

She glared up at him. He watched her move closer and place a hand on his leg. He tensed under her touch. She didn’t move even after he did that. Kyrie was getting more tempted to get up and leave. She wouldn’t be able to follow him.

“Fine,” she mumbled. He closed his eyes, waiting to hear that she was terrified. Prepared to tell her to leave. “I’m scared, but I don’t want to be. It’s not even you. I’ve always been scared of giants. I grew up around fae. They’re able to fit in my hand, I couldn’t ignore the idea of how easily they’d be hurt by someone bigger.”

He opened his eyes, she wasn’t facing him. She’d started hugging herself. He wanted to comfort her, but anything he did would just remind her how big he was. She turned her back on him. He accepted she’d leave. Instead she leaned against his leg, sliding down like it was a wall.

“I was scared that they wouldn’t notice the fae, that I wouldn’t be able to stop it. I know I don’t have to think that with you. I know you’d be careful, but I’ve been like this for a long time. Besides, that wasn’t why I didn’t want you to pick me up.”

“What was it?” he asked. He could feel as she climbed to her feet. Watched her walk away before turning to him. He waited, whatever she said he wouldn’t care. If he could make it easier for her he would.

“Don’t laugh at me.” The glare she sent him garnered a nod. “I’m… not great with heights. I can handle high open spaces, but my feet dangling while I’m confined is too much.”

Kyrie stared at Melody. He let the silence wash over them for a few minutes. Then he started to laugh. The whole situation was funny. 

“I said don’t laugh at me!” she yelled. He moved quickly, making sure he hovered over her while surrounding her with his hands. He smiled down at the small woman. She was truly amazing.

“I’m not, I’m laughing at this whole situation,” he said. He couldn’t get his laughter to die down. He knew from experience she’d join in, they always laughed together. “Think about it. Dating a giant, that’s probably the biggest in the world, and afraid of heights? It sounds like a bad joke doesn’t it?”

He waited. His laughter barely contained. Eventually he saw the smile he knew so well on her face. Then he started the attack, poking her sides and stomach. Her hands pushed against his fingertips, but he knew when it would be too far. It didn’t take long before he got to hear her laughing with him.

“Stop, stop, you win,” she smiled. He grinned and tried to lean a little closer. Her hands stayed on his fingers. He could feel them tremble with her laugh. It was always easy to laugh with her. Boisterous and unique. He didn’t ever want to stop hearing it. “It is a bit funny… Not as much as you laughed though.”

He knew her pout after all this time. He wrapped his fingers around her. Squeezing her slightly. She didn’t flinch, there wasn’t a hint of fear. He stayed like that for a while before letting her go. He didn’t pull his hand away completely, just pulled his fingers away from her. 

“Melody,” he whispered. “Is there a way I can hold you that won’t scare you?”

“Just, set your hand out and I’ll climb on. Like the other day.” He nodded and flattened a hand next to her. She didn’t move at first, but eventually she climbed on. He knew she was strong, a better knight than him really, but in his palm like this… she felt fragile. It made him more desperate to protect her. To keep that smile, make her laugh more often, to just be herself.

“Kyrie, how did you even hear me muttering not to pick me up?” she asked. He knew she was stalling. He didn’t care, he’d leave her on the ground if she wanted. He was being selfish, wanting to bring her up to his face.

“It takes a few hours once I’m out of my armor to come back, but my senses are a lot stronger than most beings. Better than giants and humans for sure. Byssal mentioned I seem to match up with wolves for hearing and scent. It might be better than theirs though.”

“Just another thing to make you different.” She laughed, then tapped his palm. 

“Just tell me and I’ll put you down.”

He lifted his hand up slowly. Each time Melody dug her fingers into his skin he froze. He hoped she trusted that was why he stopped, that he was paying attention. It took a while to bring her up to his face, but he didn’t care. She stayed sitting in the middle of his palm. He loved her, loved that she wanted to try so hard for him. Kyrie leaned forward until she was becoming a blur.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispered. 

He heard a shocked noise from her. Followed by words he couldn’t understand, probably something in fae. He was about to pull away when a quiet “yes” came from her. 

Kyrie didn’t want to lose this chance. He moved her, still keeping his hand slow in case of her fear. Then leaned even closer. He could feel her press her hands against his lips. Waiting until her small hands moved was excruciating, but he did. He wouldn’t force her. Especially if this would make her afraid, they were up high and it would be a small space. When her hands slid off him he moved forward again, pressing her into his palm.

Melody shivered once he touched her. All of her was covered, he could feel each twitch she made. It surprised him how much her touch made his lips burn, he didn’t want to ever lose this. The moment her lips pressed into his skin he froze. It was hard to believe he could feel something so small, but he knew she’d responded. He pressed against her a bit more firmly, trying to show her just how he felt.

He didn’t pull away until her small hands started to push against him. When he did she was panting, the fear he’d gone too far strong in his heart again. She was bright red. He didn’t risk moving her until she’d appeared to catch her breath. Carefully moving more himself than her to have her meeting his eyes.

“That was,” she whispered. He waited, all the words he could think of reminding him of the risks his feelings posed to her. “...intense.”

“Was it too much?” he breathed. The look on her face melted his worries. Exasperated, but caring. A look she wore when she felt he’d started to worry too much. 

“No, but I don’t think I can take another kiss like that today.” 

Kyrie’s concerns were gone the second she laughed. It was her real laugh. Loud, contagious, and heartwarming. He pulled her closer, pressing his nose against her. She wrapped her arms around what she could. If he didn’t know better he’d think she was casting some lightning spell with the electricity running through his skin.

Pulling back, he curled his fingers over her. Not enough to encompass her, just enough to guard her. Then he started to lie back. He shifted a bit, freezing in awkward positions when her fingers dug into him again. He finally rested on his side, bringing his hand closer and letting her off near his eyes. The smile she sent his way once he slid her off his hand made his heart race.

It was obvious the way the ground relaxed her. He smiled, his reasons to love her kept growing. Next time he was this big he’d make sure she didn’t have to climb on his hand. He’d keep his head in the clearing, or just stand up to lie next to her. He’d never make her deal with fear to be around him.

Melody knew he was trying. She knew that he was making plans to avoid having to hold her. She wanted to tell him what made those tight spaces more terrifying. Why a cliff was easier than his palm with curled over fingers. She couldn’t though, not without Caprice. Even then they’d made sure they’d never tell it to anyone. Just another secret that made her question how much he’d continue to accept her. She sat down, rambling about nothing and trying to ignore the phantom pain of crushed wings at her back.

[plantdad-dante]

The world is good, sometimes

So... I was getting pizza at this kebab joint today (Germany be like that).

And it was in this wreck of an Eastern German town, with more skeletons of former shops than is probably healthy for a town, with the kebab shop nestled into the side of a big chain super market. The town itself, btw, is about as conservative as the rest of East Germany right now, which... it’s not great. Quite the opposite of great, tbh.

Anyway, I was getting pizza, and as I was about to pay, the woman behind the counter gave me this look. This once-over that my mind immidietly filed as “oh no, this person heard of trans people”.

For context: I was wearing a binder, an MCR T-Shirt, men's shorts, and shoes with rainbow-coloured laces. I also still have a mowhawk, and had managed to give my order in my best approximation of a male voice that I can do without T. I also have zero reference for how well I pass when like this.

See, I'm an idiot, who's (relatively) fresh out of the closet, and still relies on being able to fall back on the old "oh no, I'm just very flat and gnc, haha" trick when necessary (or panicking), because that had and has worked for years (even on myself). Only that the trick hurts more, now, and I'm a really shitty liar when caught unawares.

So the woman gave me this look and I hurried to get my defences up. In my mind, I had been clocked, and this would be the first time I would have to deal with a bigot directly, and I was not prepared.

She counted out my change, handed it to me and asked, in a friendlier tone than I expected, as if she legitimately just wanted to check: “You are a boy, right?”

And I hesitated for maybe half a second (”This town is way more dangerous ground than uni, But you’re out of here within the next thirty seconds anyway, and this is the least painful way to get to the end of this exchange, so fuck it, you can bluff being cis.”), before I gave a nod (which, in retrospect, probably looked a little too enthusiastic and relieved for plausible deniability, but what can you do when social anxiety rules your brain). And she smiled and nodded, and I thought the exchange was over, but then she said:

“You know, there is someone coming in here every now and then, looks like a boy but is actually a girl.”

And I kinda stood there like... 'huh?', and I didn’t say anything to that, just took my pizza, nodded, said “Thank you” and disappeared onto the street.

The reason I write this post is... Like, I know how that last sentence sounds? But I’m telling you, I’m telling you, her smile was so warm and nice, I legit think she was being affirming. I don’t know if she was talking about a gnc woman or a trans woman (or both?), but I am quite certain she wasn’t talking about someone like me. And I am that certain, because... because she kept smiling at me like that, warm and friendly, even as my stupid voice cracked on the first syllable of “Thank you”. See... I think she knew, and I think she wanted to be nice and not assume, and so she just asked me, and then tried to reassure me, and...

And...

Well. Do you know The Grin? If you're trans, you most certainly do, and if you're cis... I guess it depends.

The Grin is a thing that happens when gender euphoria happens. It spreads across your face, and you can't stop it, you can't escape it, and it will stay there, it will stay and you will grin like a fucking idiot ("like a honey-cake horse", if you're German (gods, how I hate that phrase)), and it is the most wonderful thing in the whole world.

I was grinning like that all the way to the car, and for a good while after, and as I am typing this now, it is coming back to tug on my face yet again. Honestly, I'm kind of suprised I even made it to the car, because it wasn't just my face that had to yield to the joy. My whole body felt light as a fucking feather, my legs were half-way to jello by the time I got to sit down again, my chest felt like I could breathe fully and freely for the first time in millenia, and the whole time, I was feeling like I was a kid again, like nothing was wrong in the world, like magic was real and I alone got to see it.

The world is good, sometimes.

The world is good.

[yourworsttotebag]

I gotta go for Hunger! It’s such a good dynamic.

“Okay, just think,” Evie fought to keep her voice steady. “You’re good at that, right Gale? You’re the brains of the group.”

“What does that make you?” he ground out through gritted teeth.

“The beautiful one,” Evie said earnestly. “So put all that studying to use. Help us survive until we get rescued.”

“Uh,” Gale seemed to be struggling for full breaths. “I don’t know. I never found any spell that would sate the orb. I'm a bit worried about how it would react to my spell casting right now actually.”

Evie snapped her fingers. “Alright, I’m a sorcerer which means I’m imbued with magic. Maybe that’s something. Could feed you some delicious hair and fingernails.”

Gale managed a small smile through the pain. “I know you’d enjoy spitting on me but I don’t think I’d want someone spitting directly into my mouth before I die. Insult to injury and all that.”

Good, he could still joke a bit. Maybe they had time.

ask for director's commentary about my fics

my ao3

Thank you so, so much!! I love talking about everything from this series and my problem child Evie.

This is a pretty important part because before this moment Evie and Gale bicker to the point that they have a real beef with each other. Evie is pretty abrasive and tactless so she doesn't really get along with anyone at first but she and Gale are kind of dismissive of how the other performs magic which upsets them both more than a few misplaced words would.

So I wanted my transition from that dynamic to "we have to sloppy make out to save ourselves" to make sense.

I think in her own weird way Evie is trying to be friendly at first when she suggests consuming some part of her to save themselves. She's trying to be silly and gross to distract Gale from his pain. She's like poking her fingers into his ribs with a smile and saying, "Hey don't blow up or you're gonna have to eat my hair."

And Gale is also quick and funny so he runs with it but I think his response is not quite the same. Evie makes a joke and he brings it back around to their arguments. He says he knows Evie would enjoy spitting on him presumably because she dislikes him that much. He's sort of assuming her intentions are a little bit worse than they really are and I think if Evie was allowed any time to think about that she would be kind of hurt. But she doesn't have time so she keeps the thread running until she's accidentally steered herself straight into a "make out" brick wall.

ALSO - Evie originally said that her role in the group was "the hot one." I don't worry too much about my dialogue being pitch perfect but it just stood out too much to me. I couldn't remember if "hot" had ever been used as a physical descriptor in the game and it was sliiiiightly too jokey, even for me. Though I do love the idea of Evie playing this with full sincerity. Evie would absolutely sit there while sobbing and say, "It's not a joke, I'm a legit snack."

[acteur-dramatique]

Chapter Three: Getting Acquainted

Back in their room, TJ settled onto his bed while Adam sprawled out on his own, stretching his legs and letting out a contented sigh. The meeting with their RA and the rest of the floor had gone better than TJ expected, and with each passing moment, he felt more comfortable with Adam.

“So,” Adam began, leaning back against the wall. “I didn’t get to tell you much about home earlier, but I grew up in the city—Saint Louis Hills. You know it?”

“Yeah, definitely!” TJ said. “My mom loves that area. She used to take me to Francis Park in the summers.”

Adam grinned. “I practically lived there! We’d have baseball games there as kids. I went to St. Gabriel’s for grade school. Then Saint Mary’s for high school.”

TJ raised his eyebrows. “Damn, so you’ve been in Catholic school all the way through, huh?”

“Pretty much,” Adam replied, chuckling. “Guess I’m a Saint Louis cliché. But it wasn’t so bad. I got to play hockey and baseball in high school. Honestly, I loved it. Got pretty damn good at hockey, too.” He smirked, clearly proud, and TJ couldn’t help but chuckle.

“That’s awesome,” TJ said, trying to imagine Adam out on the ice, all speed and power. “I mean, I could never play hockey. Or any sport, really.” He laughed. “My thing was the fine arts. Choir, musical theatre, dance. I’m pretty much the opposite of a jock.”

Adam’s eyes widened. “Wait—so you’re, like, legit talented, huh? Were you one of those kids belting out show tunes at, like, family gatherings?”

TJ blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Guilty as charged. We did a lot of shows back in high school. I was that kid who knew all the words to every song in Les Misérables by the time I was twelve.”

Adam let out a low whistle, grinning. “Respect. That’s a whole other level of skill, TJ.”

TJ felt his face heat up, not used to having someone genuinely interested in his interests. “Thanks,” he murmured. “It wasn’t as big of a thing at my high school, but I still loved it.”

Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Speaking of high schools, you said you went to Immacolata, right? That’s...”

“Yeah, it’s pretty small. And, well… it’s also one of the more, uh… exclusive schools,” TJ said, his voice trailing off. He looked down, fidgeting a bit. “And then, um, I went to Burroughs for high school.”

Adam’s eyes widened a bit. “Damn, man. Burroughs is no joke.”

TJ shrugged, trying to brush it off, though he could feel his face heating up again. “It was… an experience. Not a lot of guys like me there, you know?”

Adam tilted his head, looking curious. “Like… into musical theatre and stuff?”

“Yeah,” TJ replied with a soft chuckle. “That and, well… it’s kind of a small world. People tend to keep to their own circles.”

“Gotcha.” Adam paused, clearly thinking it over. “So, I’m guessing you’re not exactly hurting for money then, huh?” His tone was light, not judging, just curious.

TJ’s blush deepened. “I mean… my family’s comfortable,” he said, doing his best to keep his tone casual. “We, uh, live in Ladue.”

Adam let out a low whistle. “Ladue, huh? So we’re talking the nice part of St. Louis.”

“Yeah, I guess,” TJ said, fidgeting with his hands. “It’s kind of a bubble, honestly. And sometimes… I dunno. It feels like a lot to live up to.”

Adam watched him for a moment, then gave a reassuring nod. “I get that. People make all sorts of assumptions about you based on where you’re from. St. Mary’s wasn’t, you know, Ladue-level or anything, but I know what it’s like to have people assume they know you just because of where you went to school.”

TJ felt himself relax. Adam’s tone was understanding, with none of the judgment he half-expected. “Thanks, man. It’s not always easy to explain.”

“No worries.” Adam stretched his arms above his head. “So, got any big plans for the semester? Auditions or anything?”

“Well… I’m thinking about auditioning for the fall musical,” TJ admitted, a small spark of excitement lighting up his face. “I don’t know what it is yet, but I figured it might be a good way to meet people.”

“Hell yeah, you should do it,” Adam said, nodding enthusiastically. “I mean, you’re here to do what you love, right?”

“Exactly.” TJ found himself grinning. He wasn’t sure if he’d make it, but hearing Adam encourage him made him feel a little braver.

Just then, they heard a soft knock at their door, followed by the familiar voice of Leo, their RA. “Hey, guys! Just checking in—everything good in here?”

“Yeah, we’re good!” Adam called back, grinning.

“Awesome. Let me know if you need anything. Also, I’ll send out the schedule for floor events tomorrow. We’re having a game night, so I expect to see you both there!” Leo shot them a thumbs-up before disappearing down the hall.

As the door shut, TJ felt a small jolt of excitement. “A game night, huh? Maybe I’ll finally get to see if you can keep up in Smash.”

Adam laughed, raising his eyebrows in a mock challenge. “You’re on, man. Just don’t cry when I crush you.”

They both laughed, the room filling with a warmth that TJ hadn’t expected to feel so soon. As they talked about gaming strategies, plans for the semester, and the differences between their worlds, TJ felt a sense of ease settling in. It wasn’t just a new school or a new chapter—it was the start of a friendship that felt like it might just make this place feel a little more like home.

[sic-fayl]

Guild Member Next Door (kinda) translation - Part 5

Click here for the previous part - or click here for Part 1!

Disclaimer, as always: This is based on an MTL translation, I do not know Korean myself, I am trying more to stick with the impressions/vibes of a sentence instead of a strict word-for-word meaning - and most importantly, this is only for fun.

Now onto the story:

Title: It’s that guild again

Written by: QualityCakeTime [Hero]

(Screenshot_0003820.jpg)

Remember Poseidon? They’re looking for new members.

I hope no one stumbles into them without knowing what happened haha. This is my warning for all of you, at least.

(65 comments)

-I saw one of their guys in town and he was crazy fast… Shouldn’t that be a bug?

⤷Hey @Illusion Gameplay Are there any more speed bugs right now, other than that one with the new mount?

⤷If it was a legit bug, like what that one Staff did, it would’ve been discovered by others and removed by now. The devs patch up every cool exploit we find… Even the Staff got nerfed in the end.

⤷Maybe off topic, but… I heard you can even fly when you chain specific skills in some way?

⤷⤷Don’t most skills have movement attached anyway?

⤷Is there maybe a mount to be that fast all the time? Because a normal skill would have the usual 40sec cooldown, right?

-Why? Poseidon is a ranked guild, what did they do? You have to say what happened, if you want people to listen to you.

⤷Did you break both your hands? Go search the forums, don’t expect others to spoon-feed you everything. It’s literally right there.

⤷⤷Can you give a link pls? I found tons of posts, but they’re all just full of rumors…

-What a cool promo-post, imma try to get in~ Their conditions aren’t that high anyway, so why not lol, isn’t it easy af as long as you’re the right level? Time to join!

⤷When you inevitably come crying back, just remember we told you so.

⤷Their interviews feel more stressful than the ones at actual large companies.

⤷If there are job seekers or high school senions here, it’s a good guild to apply to for interview practice! The questions are so stupid that it really helps you practice thinking on your feet! I applied three times and got rejected all three - but did I ace the actual interview for my current job thanks to this;;

⤷⤷Madlad lmao you’re too much

⤷⤷No way. What are you even saying? lmaooooooo

⤷⤷⤷I mean lmao, it’s true tho lmaooo That was the first time I met a guild with a personality test in their interview haha

⤷⤷Ah, whatever, sure. What’s the harm anyway? Getting some free practice in? lmaoooo

-Poseidon is evil lol. They recruit you for the ranked season and then throw you out once it’s over, to keep only the buffs you earned them. They take all your effort for themselves… ㅠ Don’t be fooled into joining just because they got some top rankers. Those are og members and new ones are just temporary workhorses for them. If you really go in, they’ll probs just take advantage of you and throw you away like trash after, got it?

⤷Also there’s some kids who got talked into spamming paid boosts for extra guild points as soon as they joined. The regulars save on money by having only newbies boost.

⤷⤷Ugh that’s the worst people. They’re really like that… Thought it was just rumors

⤷⤷LOL But I heard those kids were also pretty sus.

⤷⤷⤷Hi Poseidon

⤷⤷⤷⤷F lmao

⤷⤷⤷Anonymous comment. Because Poseidon totally knows how to be subtle lmao.

-I’m too curious. What do they actually ask you in those interviews? Not that I want to join, I just really wanna know! I’m thinking about switching jobs so…

⤷Lmaoooo Tried and failed last month lol. Was asked about strengths and weaknesses. So, I told them I’m weak against heroes, but make up for it with strong+shiny equipment, so I’m really good against single-target DPS in PvP! But turns out they wanted strengths and weaknesses of my personality…; But when people ask you your strengths and weaknesses while in a game, isn’t it normal to assume what I did? ㅠㅠ And there’s no time to search up answers, because one of them is like a human stopwatch… Only those who can type 400 wpm or higher should try this.

⤷⤷Weirdos lmaooo

⤷⤷Wdym stopwatch?

⤷⤷⤷You only have a limited time to answer and they count you down the whole way;

⤷⤷⤷⤷That’s insane lmaoooo

⤷⤷They asked me about my thoughts on the 4th Industrial Revolution, but I had no clue what it was, so I didn’t know what to say;

⤷⤷⤷Weirdos lmaooooo

⤷⤷⤷Are we applying for a doctor’s thesis here? Lol why are they asking so much stuff?

⤷⤷⤷⤷Fuck, then I can’t even join once I get my degree, because it’s only a bachelor’s;

⤷⤷This. There’s one bastard who types stupid fast lol. And some kid who looked like Isis kept going 5 4 3 2 1 so I got kinda nervous and just left.

⤷They asked me if I prefer dogs or cats lol. I told them I don’t like either because they’re too much work and eat too much, so I prefer small and cute hamsters! They told me I should learn to love all animals equally and then kicked me from the party… Like, were they actually looking for new people or do they just want to mess with everyone?

(Next Part(s))

[bisluthq]

No one is making Joe’s fans the villains. You (@ anon) keep coming here and saying you’re not a Joe fan and you use his full name (I don’t believe it’s more than one person) but ALL you do is complain about what swifties are saying about him elsewhere. WE DON’T CARE. None of us are seeing these swifties you constantly talk about. Yes, a lot of swifties hate him and a lot of them talk about him but the same way they have talked about every single one of her exes at different points in time. We don’t follow those blogs, we don’t care about what they have to say unless it’s something really outrageous and funny. You come here pretty much daily to say “swifties won’t stop talking about Joe Alwyn” and I’m only seeing the anons Nat replies to, I don’t even want to know how many she has that she hasn’t replied to or seen. Our problem with the weird Joe cupcakes obsessed with swifties is that you’re annoying US. I don’t read what people are saying about Joe in these blogs you keep mentioning so they aren’t bothering me. YOU are. And I know you’re just one person because you have a specific way of writing, you always write Joe’s full name and you’re always the one complaining about swifties being obsessed with Joe when you’re the one who’s obsessed with both Joe AND swifties

anon 2 anon but umm yeah

Thank u anon and yes all of this.

if someone says something legit wild/outrageous that’s different but if it’s just “why won’t they shut up about him” then idk man because I literally don’t follow them and don’t care lol and I can’t fix them (no I really I can’t and even I can’t).

PS also really what is with that anon and his full name? That’s like the only Joe we ever discuss lmao day to day. If people meant Jonas or Biden they’d say so, same as if they meant Tomlinson or Lautner they’d say so but otherwise I assume you mean Swift. Jacks confuse me sometimes but usually it’s L and normally I can tell when it’s A based on context because I’m not a moron and no one has felt to differentiate the two although both get brought up a fair amount. But literally there is only one Joe lmao. And if you mean Jonas or Biden you’d tell me 😂💀

[limabeans-babies-forthewin]

Interdimensional Crisis Pt. 1

So, I know I said I'm still working on a ROTTMNT fic with this character, and it's still true. BUUUT i also said I'd post shorter fics here, so here we are.

If you don't know who Duck is, here's their intro post. But I have a few bits of fic for a crossover between them and The Last Ronin, so I'm going to write those out and put them here. I'll put the first part under the cut and update as I finish the bits. No promises on a totally legit plot, but I do have some clear moments I want to get to.

If you like Duck and wanna see more of them in the Rise!verse (aka, their home universe), check out their fic in the intro post!

It feels like every part of their body was taken apart, lit on fire, reassembled, then lit on again.

It feels like they’ve been dunked in freezing cold water and left there.

It feels like someone tied weights to their eyelids, sewn their jaw shut, and encased their limbs in cement.

It feels like they can’t breathe even though their lungs seem do so without prompting.

It feels like their eyes are going to start bleeding when they finally crack them open.

It also feels like they got hit really hard, but that’s par for the course of how they feel overall.

A groan pushes from their lips and it reverberates through their hearing aids and doesn’t help the headache they’ve formed. Possibly from being hit really hard.

“Ah,” a new voice says as Duck lifts a heavy arm to rub their temples. “You’re up now.”

They groan again. Yeah, whatever else happened, they definitely got hit. Hard. In the head.

“I didn’t hit you that hard,” the same voice says impatiently. “Get up.”

“’m frag’le. . .” they grumble. Their tongue feels like lead and their mouth is impossibly dry, so they doubt they’re intelligible. They cough to bring some relief to their parched throat and repeat the phrase. “I’m fragile,” the repeat again. “And you hit really. . .” They blink and crane their head (their neck throbs in pain) to try and see who’s talking. “You hit me?”

“Of course I hit you,” the shadow says back. “You were freaking out.”

They blink and shift their attention over, rolling their head to the side to see if they can. . . Well, see anything.

They’re on a bridge. How and why? They don’t know. But their heart lurches when they realize how high they are and their stomach flips when they realize how dangerous the situation is. Slowly, achingly slowly, they push up to sit and finds themself on the highest point of what they assume is the Manhattan Bridge given the rush of traffic below and the almost familiar cities it connects.

Almost is the key word there.

“Hitting isn’t a great way to get someone to stop freaking out,” they say hesitantly as they wobble and hold their head. “In fact, I know I’m even more freaked out.”

“That just sounds like a you problem.”

The shadows behind them speak and they twist to hopefully see who’s talking, but they only catch a flash of white eyes before the shadows swallow them.

They can’t help but feel like that meme about the boy in the bus in danger. Donnie would skin them for that explanation, but their mind seems to have finally ground to a halt from the combination of dread and pain. Their hands start to shake.

“Who are you?” the voice asks. Again behind them. They can’t turn around again. “How did you find me?”

They swallow thickly. “I’m. . .Duck.”

"That’s not a real name.”

“It is. I swear. It’s mine. I’m Duck.”

The voice remains silent. Waiting.

Duck clears their throat to keep the waver out. “And to answer your question. . .” They laugh nervously. “I honestly wasn’t looking for you. I just. . .ended up here.”

Something large and heavy lands behind them and Duck’s entire body goes rigid. “That’s a helluva story,” the voice says. “Why don’t you try telling it for real.”

Before, the voice was slightly muffled as if being blocked by something or deliberately hidden. Now, it’s crystal clear. He’s standing right behind them.

Duck swallows thickly. “N-not really a story,” they say. “Just. . . The truth?”

“Uh huh. Wanna try saying that to my face?”

“Not really?”

“Too bad.”

Their body is stiff, but it does eventually respond to the demand, slowly ticking their way back to facing forward.

The turtle in front of them is at least six feet tall, clad in all black and glares down at them with his third eyelid closed to hide the color of his eyes. His fist are tight around a pair of sai, but Duck can also see the twin katana over his left shoulder, the bo staff on his right, and the nunchaku hooked on his belt. The fact that his mask is also black isn’t helpful in determining who exactly this one is, but the fact his first choice of weapon is the sai makes them pause.

“Raph?”

It’s the turtle’s turn to stiffen. Though it becomes alarmingly clear that his tension comes from anger rather than fear like Duck’s. He shoves one of the sai back into his belt and storms forward, snatching Duck up by the front of their hoodie and holding them to dangle over the edge of the bridge.

Panic. Blinding panic. They can’t hear anything over the sound of their heartbeat pounding in their ears. Their hand clamps down around the turtle’s wrist and they keep their eyes firmly on his to keep themself from looking at the long drop below.

He shakes them violently and pulls them from their fear. “Where did you hear that name!?”

Did he ask them that already? Duck can’t remember. They don’t want to see the limits of his patience.

“I know you!”

He freezes again.

“W-well, a version of you,” they clarify quickly. “I-I-I think I’m having a. . .” How does he even describe this? “Interdimensional crisis?” Close enough.

The turtle shakes them again. “Explain.”

Duck tightens their grip on his wrist, specifically clinging to the leather jacket he wears since it’s easier to hold. “Do-Donnie! He-he did. . .Some science shit! I don’t know! I’m not smart! Next thing I know, everything hurts and I’m here!”

There’s another tense silence between them, this one heavy with the weight of the turtle debating the truthfulness of their words. Duck trembles in his hold but his arm remains steady. They’ve always been lighter than even the smallest mutants they’ve come across, but at least a majority of people do have some strain while holding them. Mostly because they’re struggling if the person is unfamiliar, but still. This turtle simply holds them up with one arm as if they were an inconveniently shaped pillow.

Apparently the answer he comes to is sufficient enough to get him to set them down safely and take a step or two backwards. They’re still as close to the edge as they can be, and they’re glad to have their feet back on the ground. They try not to think about the fact they’re still close enough for him to shove, but it’s really hard not to glance at the plunge.

“I suppose the sounds like something Donnie would do,” he mumbles. His tone is softer, but not entirely forgiving, and he still doesn’t relax the glare he levels on them. “Fine. I’ll buy it for now.”

Part of the knot unwinds in Duck’s core. And it relaxes even further when the turtle steps back again and sits on his heels, motioning for Duck to do the same.

“Now, then,” he says as Duck carefully sits down and crosses their legs under them. “You were saying you were having an interdimensional crisis. . .”

Next

[writingbylee]

OH MAN

i am here to freak out and i will not apologize for it (dear god this is such a long comment 😂)

PERSEPHONE!!!!!!!! these first few paragraphs are legit some of the most beautiful prose i have ever read. the way that this is our introduction to Elayna’s mind? her thoughts about death and captivity and escape— tied to her religion and the choices she will eventually have to make…. it’s so good. like it’s SO GOOD

Elayna wants to ignore him.

that MOTHERFUCKER. welcome to the beginning of me reminding everyone that i am the president of the Tymon Hater Club. if this man has no haters i am DEAD.

His smile is always the last thing to go

i LOVE how you’ve written this!!! Elayna already knowing exactly which parts of Tymon’s expression she needs to pay attention to is such a clear sign of how unsafe she feels around him. it’s a survival mechanism that perfectly matches what we already know about Elayna, that she is always paying attention.

He sounds as if he is calming down a spooked horse, not a human being

this made me think of the western AU and then it made me want to strangle Tymon even more.

“Dalton Greyjoy dying. Ideally a slow and incredibly painful death.”

i agree i agree i agree i agree

… even at the expense of making a fool of himself. The apple never falls far from the tree

not Elayna calling out Jason and Tymon in the same BREATH!!!!!! it’s what they deserve, fuck them.

It drops from her chest to her stomach the same way a boulder falls from a cliff. 

this combined with all that cliff/rock imagery from the beginning???? OUCH PERSE

Tymon gives her a look as if he might hit her should she say more.

eventually i’m gonna have to stop pulling out every line that makes me angry at Tymon, because literally everything he does or says makes me angry, but it’s NOT TODAY

okay okay OKAY— first of all literally what the fuck Tymon? kissing her? that’s the move? god i don’t think i have the words to express how much i hate this man. and THEN you go and add the line about his smile dropping, WHEN WE JUST LEARNED EARLIER that that is a sign of Tymon losing his cool????? BRILLANT WRITING PERSE (i mean don’t get me wrong i still hate him, but oh my GOD your SKILL)

LISTEN it’s so hard for me to not hate a Lannister like generally speaking it’s ON SIGHT for me however!! Cerelle is doing a very good job of giving Tymon the smackdown currently so she gets a temporary pass

She would put a collar around her neck like a hound and hand Cerelle the lead. She wonders if it would surprise Cerelle but doubts it would; Elayna often kneels at Cerelle's feet and whines like a bitch in heat.

😳😳….. hot.

“He would harm you if you were betrothed to another.” Cerelle speaks bluntly. She never minces words when it comes to important things. “I hope Mother and Father realize this. Perhaps this is their way of mitigating damage. If you don't marry, violence is inevitable. If you do marry, mayhaps it will be... limited.” 

the fact that Cerelle just knows this? and assume her parents do as well? i literally hate it. like obviously Cerelle and Elayna can’t do much about it in this world, but the fact that everyone is just resigning themselves to the fact that Elayna is gonna have to suffer makes me so angry.

“I can't save you all the time.”

CERELLE!!!! THAT’S NOT WHAT SHE NEEDS RIGHT NOW!!!! THAT’S ALSO NOT WHAT SHE’S SAYING!!!!! READ THE ROOM SIS!!!! ugh i think i’m gonna have to revoke Cerelle’s temporary pass

“… We can talk about these matters in the morning.”

yeah easy for you to say! you’re not the one who is getting engaged to the psychopath!! (also hi it’s such a credit to your writing skills that i’ve literally just met Cerelle and i already hate her)

Elayna’s back stands ramrod straight while Cerelle almost leans back in her chair.

i LOVE the juxtaposition of their different reactions to Johanna’s attention. it reveals so much about their characters in just one line!!! PERSE YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD WRITER HOLY SHIT

“Truly a shame what happened to her. Rumors are she is now a cripple.”

why does this make me think that the Lannisters had something to do with whatever happened to this lady in waiting 😂

“Tymon will need someone who can rein him in once he is in charge. Someone practical who knows the ins and outs of this place.” Johanna takes a drink from her goblet. Elayna tries not to fidget and keep her hands still. “Even if he were not set on you, you are the best choice. Whether you recognize it or not, you are everything but a Lannister in name. ‘Tis time that changes.”

GODDAMNIT JOHANNA!!!! everything about this makes me want to BARF

“Excellent. You are dismissed.”

WHAT A LINE TO END ON!!!!!!!

PERSEPHONE!! this is literally so good. i love this introduction to Elayna and her motives going forward in the story— i love how you’ve integrated her within this world and with these characters. it’s a beautifully written prologue, with such good foreshadowing to events that will come later!! Cerelle and Elayna’s relationship has such an interesting dynamic, and i really enjoyed reading how you explored it in this chapter. i’m honored to be even a small part in your process i’m so so proud of you for putting this story out into the world, and i cannot WAIT to see what you do next.

Wheel of Fortune: Prologue

Story summary: Elayna Reyne often imagines herself being someone and making a name for herself but only in the way young girls do. Unfortunately, when Elayna makes her way to King's Landing as one of Cerelle Lannister's ladies-in-waiting, Elayna finds dreams come with a price. Catching the attention of Prince Aemond may make her someone. But is it the person she wants to be?

Pairings: Aemond Targaryen x OFC (Elayna Reyne), Cerelle Lannister x OFC (Elayna Reyne), OC (Tymon Lannister) x OFC (Elayna Reyne)

Chapter summary: News finds its way to Elayna. Some of it is good but most of it is bad. Elayna learns when it rains, it pours.

Chapter warnings: implied NSFT (wlw action, BDSM themes, D/s dynamics), discussions of domestic violence, some suicidal ideation, and sexual harassment. Also Tymon. Yeah, a lot for a prologue I know.

Author's note: Hi hello it's finally here! I know it's taken 5ever and a day, but it's here! I'm so excited to introduce everyone to Elayna in canon and Tymon as well. I want to thank @writingbylee for being my cheerleader and helping me since day one with Elayna you have no idea how much that means to me. I also want to thank @baba-fett and @emilykaldwen for being willing to listen to me try and figure all this out

Waves crash against the unyielding cliffside.

Elayna sighs. She looks down to the waters below. Jagged rocks stick up from the ocean, the edges sharp and dangerous despite the weathering. Elayna tilts her head. In the dying light, the areas where the rocks cluster almost look like teeth to her, the giant gaping maw of an unknown beast.

What would it be like to die upon those rocks?

What would it be like to kill someone upon the rocks? How long would someone suffer in the blistering sun and salty air? Would they die upon impact, or would it break their back and render them immobile, unable to stop the slow creeping of the Stranger?

She bites the inside of her lip. The pain stops the morbid thoughts, she finds. More and more as of late, her brain keeps coming back to them. They circle her brain like vultures awaiting the dying. Elayna closes her eyes and inhales slowly. Some days, she cannot tell if she wishes to kill or be killed. She thinks it is the latter of the two. She has no true wish to die, only to escape her suffering. Her life has become a prison she cannot escape from no matter how much she tries.

Then again. Is it truly a prison when she has willingly given her captor the keys? When the prison is of her own making?

She exhales. She pauses and rubs her face. 

If only she could talk to Cerelle. If only she could make her see...

“Elayna!”

The familiar voice makes Elayna's hairs stand on end. Elayna wants to ignore him. Maybe he'll go away if she pretends he isn't there. Of course, it has never stopped him before, so why would it now? Slowly, Elayna lifts her head.

Tymon walks towards her. He seems to be in a good mood. A smile graces his features. The wind blows his hair gently. Elayna looks at his eyes. His eyes turn first when he's angry; he can keep the smile up and make it seem genuine even when his eyes make it clear he wants nothing more than to commit an act of unspeakable violence just by looking him in the eye. His jaw betrays him next. 

His smile is always the last thing to go. 

“Tymon.” Elayna tries her best to answer his smile. She tries to force it to reach her eyes. It feels too tight, too fake. A surge of panic overtakes her. What if he sees it's fake? Will he ignore it? Will he pretend to not see it until he can use her lack of enthusiasm against her? What if it provokes his ire? She blinks. Her eyes must show her fear, she can't have that. 

Tymon laughs. When Elayna opens her eyes, she sees him holding his hands up. 

“Woah.” He sounds as if he is calming down a spooked horse, not a human being. She can hear the clear amusement in his tone. Elayna bites down on the inside of her cheek. She cannot sneer at him; no one else is around, and she is too close to the edge of the parapet. Despite her early thoughts, Elayna has no desire to be pushed off the castle.

“I did not mean to startle you. My sincerest apologies.”

“Think nothing of it. I was just under the impression I was alone.”

“One might begin to think you want to be alone.” Tymon stops right beside her. The sleeve of his doublet almost brushes against the sleeve of her dress. Elayna's skin crawls. “I noticed you left particularly early.”

“I needed some fresh air is all.” Elayna looks out towards the sea. “I spoke with Jeyne Marbrand. The incense they use in their Sept must be quite... strong.”

Elayna sniffs delicately as if to prove her point. Tymon lets out a small chuckle. He places his forearms on the low wall. 

“Yes, I have noticed that as well.” Tymon turns his head to the side. His green eyes inspect her. “Where is Cerelle? I thought if I found you, I might find her.”

Elayna swallows.

“Cerelle is talking with one of the Tarbeck daughters, I believe.” Gods above, she hates she knows this. “There's talk of one of them being brought in as one of Tyshara's ladies.”

Tymon hums. He looks back out to the ocean once more. He inches his forearm towards her. Elayna tries to subtly move her arm away. She reaches up and adjusts her necklace before placing her arm down. 

“Mother spoke to me today.” 

“Oh?” Elayna arches an eyebrow. “What did the two of you speak about?”

“Many things.” Tymon fidgets with one of the many rings on his fingers. “Mostly of the future.”

Elayna nods. Within a fortnight, Cerelle and Tymon would be celebrating their eight and tenth name day. The feast tonight kicks off the events to follow. The future looms large over everything now; all the politics and planning finally moving into action. A bitter, acrid taste surges into Elayna’s mouth. For all that Johanna cares about Cerelle, she will also use her, as is the way. A son ensures the line while a daughter ensures treaties and potential comfort in old age. 

She knows what will most likely become of Cerelle, but she has no idea what awaits her. For years, she and Cerelle would joke about having to find two brothers to marry. Naturally, Cerelle would marry the eldest and Elayna the younger. Elayna presses her lips together. She gazes at the far away horizon, feeling as if she herself is as much of a distance away from her own body as the horizon. Those plans... Well. They were no more.

She hears shifting, the rustle of clothes against the stone wall. Elayna forces herself back into her body. She turns her head. Tymon now stands with his back to the wall, facing away from the sea and into the courtyard. He crosses his arms.

“The plan is for you to accompany Cerelle to King's Landing when we leave.” 

“I'm aware.” Elayna tries to keep her tone pleasant. “I'm looking forward to it.”

Tymon turns his head to look at her. He evaluates her for a long moment. 

“Did you hear that from my mother or sister?”

“Cerelle told me. Why?”

Tymon smirks. “Then you don't know the good news yet.”

“Good news?” Elayna huffs a laugh. “Let me guess. Your father found an uninhabited island and named it after Cerelle?”

“Don't be ridiculous.”

“You're right, that is ridiculous. He named it after Tyshara.”

Tymon rolls his eyes. “I am the first born son.”

“Yes, but I've been under the impression islands are she's. On account of them being pretty to look at.” Elayna sees a brief flash of irritation on Tymon's face. “So the good news is not an island.”

“No, it isn't an island. That would be excellent news, but this is better.”

“Better than an island? Hmm. Dalton Greyjoy dying. Ideally a slow and incredibly painful death.”

“Alas. One can only wish.”

“Cerelle is betrothed to a Hightower? Is that it?”

Tymon scoffs. Elayna bites the inside of her lip to keep from giggling. As dangerous as it can be, she does enjoy annoying Tymon. He thinks himself to be so smart, to the point he corrects anyone he deems lower than himself. Yet, somehow, he falls into every single conversational trap she creates. It's almost as if he can't help it; he has to try to make someone else look like an idiot, even at the expense of making a fool of himself. 

The apple never falls far from the tree.

“No. It is not Cerelle marrying a Hightower.” Tymon sniffs almost delicately. Annoyance laces every word. Elayna has no doubt in her mind if she pushes more, she will push too far. Normally, she might relish in the chance to pick a fight. Instead, she decides to play nice. “I'm sure mother has higher ambitions for her.”

“What is the good news, then?”

Tymon looks at Elayna. His gaze feels intense. Elayna looks back at him. 

“Once Cerelle is settled and has found a husband, mother suggested you might come back. With us.”

Elayna's heart doesn't just sink; it plummets. It drops from her chest to her stomach the same way a boulder falls from a cliff. 

“I'm... I'm afraid I don't follow.”

“Don't play dumb with me, Elayna.” Tymon smiles, and for the first time, his smile itself scares her. “Isn't this what you wanted? I would think so, given all the times you have tormented and teased me. Finally, Mother has come to her senses about everything as well.”

“Tymon, I genuinely do not know what you're talking about.”

Tymon sighs. It's one of the most patronizing sounds Elayna has heard. It makes her skin crawl and jaw tighten.

“Mother wants to ensure you and Cerelle have ample time together before Cerelle is married. Once Cerelle is settled, our betrothal will be made official and announced.”

Elayna instantly regrets not jumping off the castle and onto the rocks below. A sour, bitter taste floods her mouth. She stares at him. 

“We're...?”

“To be married. Do keep up, Elayna. I cannot have a wife who is slow on the upkeep.”

Elayna's years of practice prevent her from snarling at him. Her upper lip still twitches. Her jaw clenches. She glares daggers at him. 

“I'm not slow!” She pauses. Tymon gives her a look as if he might hit her should she say more. “I am merely... surprised. I wouldn't have thought I would have been a contender.”

“I thought my fondness for you was evident.” Tymon tilts his head. He almost seems genuinely confused as to why Elayna doesn't understand. “ ‘Tis a good match.”

“Surely there are better matches. One of the Lefford's daughters per-”

Elayna's next words are muffled. Tymon surges forward and kisses her. The beginnings of his beard feel rough and unpleasant against her skin, as do his lips. He takes advantage of her parted lips to try and slip his tongue into her mouth. It feels wet and gross against hers, almost slimy. An unpleasant shiver runs up her spine. Elayna clamps her teeth down on his tongue. She means it as a warning bite.

It works.

Tymon pulls away, fury blazing in his eyes. His smile drops.

“Tymon. I don't... this isn't appropriate!” Elayna hisses. “Nothing has even been announced or made official, you cannot just kiss me like that.”

“I don't care.”

“Well I do. Your reputation may not be at stake but mine is.”

Tymon stares at her, his expression unreadable. Elayna's chest heaves. 

“Why would your reputation be ruined? Everyone knows you are mine and mine alone.” He reaches forward and attempts to touch her face. Elayna jerks backwards and away from him. 

“Tymon.” 

Both Elayna and Tymon turn towards the sound of the voice. Tymon scowls. Cerelle stands on the parapet as well. She looks radiant, the setting sun lighting her in beautiful hues. Cerelle has her father's hair and eyes but everything else about her comes from her mother, down to the cold expression she wears.

“Cerelle.” Tymon greets. His tone matches the coolness of Cerelle's face. “I was wondering where you were.”

“So you thought to seek Elayna out?” She steps forward. Tymon’s upper lip twitches, but he manages to wrangle it under control at the last second. Elayna takes the welcome distraction and begins to put some distance between herself and Tymon.

“Yes, well. The two of you are close.”

He makes it sound almost disgusting. Elayna glares at him. Still, she doesn't say anything, not wishing to draw his attention to her. Cerelle tilts her head. A perfectly curled ringlet of blonde hair falls into her face. 

“Elayna is not my keeper.” She sounds as if she wants to laugh.

“No, but you are Elayna's.” 

Cerelle raises an eyebrow. “Speak plainly. If you have an issue with my relationship with my ladies-in-waiting, say so and be done with it."

Tymon lifts both his hands in the air. He chuckles softly, a sly smirk making its way onto his face. 

“I meant no offense, dearest sister.” He lowers his hands. 

“I take offense to your actions, not your words.” Cerelle steps forward. Her gait remains surprisingly steady. Elayna knows, though. She sees the barely repressed anger and tense jaw, the way Cerelle clenches both her hands into fists for the briefest of seconds before clasping her hands in front of her, the flare of Cerelle's nostrils as she nearly stalks towards her brother. 

“My actions?”

“Yes. Your actions. Mother has made it explicitly clear you are not to be alone with Elayna. Yet you openly defy her and seek out Elayna when I am busy.”

Tymon swallows. Elayna sees his Adam's apple bob. She takes advantage of his surprise and almost scurries over to Cerelle. Cerelle seemingly doesn't react to her presence.

Tymon stares at his sister for a long moment. Cerelle stares evenly back at him, her steely gaze not dissimilar to Johanna’s. Tymon must make some sort of expression because after a long minute, Cerelle's brow furrows. She raises one eyebrow. The left side of her mouth lifts slightly, not quite into a sneer but certainly a scoff. Annoyance rolls off of Tymon. His hands clench into fists for a second before he thinks better of it.

“Very well.” Tymon tries to sound pleasant, as if he's truly deferring to his sister. The blazing storm in his eyes says otherwise. He bows his head. “I shall do as instructed. Do try to not hog all of my future wife's time.”

He turns on his heel and heads towards the other set of stairs. Elayna watches him from her place behind Cerelle. She waits until he disappears from sight to speak.

“Thank you.” Elayna murmurs. She tries to effuse her gratitude into every word. Cerelle tries to keep her steady gaze. Despite her efforts, her expression softens, the hard edges of her jaw easing and forehead relaxing. 

“I cannot rescue you all the time.”

“I know. I don't expect you too.”

Elayna steps forward. Cerelle does as well. 

“Mother wants to see us as well. After she talks to Tymon.”

Cerelle stands torn. Elayna sees it clear as day. Cerelle refuses to close the distance, but with each passing moment, her posture relaxes some. 

Elayna moves first. She steps closer to Cerelle, stopping two paces away. 

“I'm still mad at you.” Cerelle looks away as she speaks.

“I know. I made a mess of things.”

“I'm not going to forgive you easily.”

Elayna steps closer. She could reach out and touch Cerelle if she wants to but opts not to do so.

“How would you like me to apologize?” Elayna looks around for a second. The two of them are alone. “I've been told I have a silvertongue when it comes to apologies.”

Cerelle's stern exterior fully breaks. She blushes. Red rises from her neck to her cheeks.

“Elayna!” She hisses. “Not here.”

“Oh, I wouldn't dream of doing that here.”

Cerelle finally closes the distance between them. She reaches out and loops her arm through Elayna's. 

“We should get back to the feast.” Cerelle lightly traces a finger down Elayna's forearm. “If we don't, they'll come looking.”

“Whatever my Lady desires.”

The look on Cerelle's face sends a pleasant tingle along Elayna's spine. Cerelle hums. Elayna bites the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling victorious. Cerelle's expression no doubt means a delightful night lies ahead of them, one Elayna imagines many women only dream of happening to them. Her own eight and ten name day is still several moons away yet many ladies have taken to giving her womanly advice. She cannot bite or scratch for too much passion may scare her husband, and it is unseemly to mark him with her nails and teeth. He may mark her as he wishes, though. His pleasure must occur; some women say she can experience it while others say she must not. Do not get on top for he will get sick since to do so is an abomination and sin. He must never look at her nether region except for when he slides into her.

All the rules make her want to laugh. While she cannot say she has experience with men beyond a kiss, she doubts the rules. If they are true, men have weak constitutions.

Cerelle never complains about her being on top or whose pleasure comes before the others. Cerelle never cares if Elayna’s mouth finds its way to Cerelle's lips or clit. Truth be told, she seems to enjoy the act quite a lot. Cerelle does prefer Elayna not mark her; Elayna has no qualms about being marked so long as it isn't visible. 

Despite her gender, Elayna finds herself performing more husbandly duties than most men. The only rule existing between them is they must not break their maidenheads. It is the only thing their husbands may have before them. 

Elayna's greed knows no bounds; everything a husband could take is hers except for that one thing. The same goes for Cerelle. She owns everything except Elayna's maidenhead. Elayna can only dream of that happening.

“Perhaps I will need you tonight. I would like to spend time with my boon companion.”

“I am always at your service.”

They begin to walk towards the stairs. Cerelle's grip keeps Elayna close, as if she thinks Elayna would go far. Elayna would never. If she could, Elayna would chain herself to Cerelle. She would put a collar around her neck like a hound and hand Cerelle the lead. She wonders if it would surprise Cerelle but doubts it would; Elayna often kneels at Cerelle's feet and whines like a bitch in heat.

“Behave.” Cerelle squeezes Elayna's arm. Elayna starts. She gazes at Cerelle with wide eyes. 

 “I am!”

“Physically? Yes. Mentally?” Cerelle clicks her tongue. 

“Oh?” Elayna arches an eyebrow. “And where exactly did you learn to read minds?”

“I didn't. I just know yours well.” 

The two of them finally enter the turret. Elayna listens in case someone is coming up the stairs. She sees and hears no one. Before Cerelle can lead them down the stairs, Elayna maneuvers them towards the wall. As soon as Cerelle's back is against the stones, Elayna pounces.

Cerelle's lips slot against hers perfectly. Cerelle squeaks in surprise, which makes Elayna grin into the kiss. Cerelle quickly recovers. Elayna groans when Cerelle digs her fingers into Elayna’s hair. She avoids Elayna's intricate braids, instead opting for the thick, brown curly hair at the base of Elayna’s skull. Those strands of hair being messy can be explained away; her braids falling out of place can't be. Elayna braces herself. She places one forearm on the wall by Cerelle's head. Her other hand rests on the bodice of Cerelle's gown. She wants nothing more than to ruck up Cerelle's skirts and trace the creamy expanse of skin she knows lies under the red silk. Caution makes her stop. Fabrics wrinkle all too easily. 

Still, Elayna can only be cautious for so long. She inches her hand upward, fingers grazing the underside of Cerelle's breasts. The motion makes Cerelle stop. She digs her fingers hard into Elayna’s hair, her nails nearly digging into Elayna’s scalp. She pulls Elayna's head back. Elayna isn't sure if the sound escaping her mouth is from pleasure or pain. 

“No.” Cerelle's chest heaves. She doesn't look angry, despite her tone. “You aren't forgiven yet.”

Elayna pouts. 

“How am I to be forgiven if you won't give me a chance?”

“You have to earn forgiveness. Me giving you what you want will only reinforce your terrible behavior.” 

“You speak of me as a dog.” 

“Perhaps if you behaved, I wouldn't have to treat you like one.”

“I am not a dog.” Elayna huffs. Cerelle arches a perfect eyebrow. She lets go of Elayna’s hair.

“Oh? What are you then?”

“Is not a dog not enough?”

Cerelle snorts. Despite her derision, Elayna sees the fondness in Cerelle's expression.

“No. You are not a dog. They can be taught manners.” Cerelle hums. A devious smirk appears on her lips. “You're a kitten. You refuse to listen and learn, you act as if you're above the rules, and you believe if you want it, it is yours. However, you don't have the claws nor teeth to back your attitude up.”

Elayna stares at Cerelle, wide eyed. She opens her mouth in an attempt to respond, but no sound comes out. She feels hot, not just her face but her entire body. Her breath comes in short bursts. 

“I...”

“Yes?” Cerelle tilts her head. “You what?”

“You... you...”

“Is my kitten having trouble finding her words?” Cerelle grabs Elayna's chin and forces Elayna to look at her. “Answer me.”

“You're so... so mean.” Elayna whines. She tries to bury her face in the crook of Cerelle's neck to hide her embarrassment. Cerelle's grip on her chin prevents her from doing so. Cerelle clicks her tongue in mock sympathy, a direct contrast to the delight dancing in her blue eyes.

“Behave tonight, and I might just let you find out how mean I can really be.”

She lets go of Elayna’s chin. Her blue eyes meet Elayna’s hazel ones. Cerelle seeks reassurance, from the way she looks over Elayna to make sure what transpired is truly alright to the way she frowns when she sees the small red indentations from her nails on Elayna’s chin. Elayna smiles. She presses her forehead to Cerelle's. Both of them close their eyes. They stay still for a moment, breath falling into line with the other's.

“You promise?”

Elayna opens her eyes and grins. Cerelle's eyes fly open. She stares coolly at Elayna. Elayna tries her best not to laugh. 

“I would be careful if I were you.”

“But what if I want you to make me regret it?”

“Then you cannot complain later.”

The sound of footsteps makes both girls back away from each other. Cerelle smooths out the wrinkles in her dress with one hand while Elayna checks her hair. None of her braids appear to be loose. She tucks the small amount of hair Cerelle accidentally removed from the carefully done hairstyle and stuffs the ends as best she can into her braids and held up hair. The two look at each other. Elayna scans Cerelle and nods. Cerelle does the same for Elayna.

“Shall we join the others?” Elayna offers her arm to Cerelle.

“I think it best.”

In the whirlwind of the feast, Elayna forgets about having to speak with Johanna. She spends most of the night dancing and laughing. No one yet knows of her creeping fate; Elayna takes advantage of this fact. Truth be told, she refuses to imagine what her future looks like. Instead, she decides to enjoy the moment. 

The moment includes Elayna staying with Cerelle as the first night of festivities begin to wind down. They don't even bother to come up with an excuse if they're questioned; it's happened a million times before after a feast and will no doubt happen again. Everyone knows the two are inseparable. 

“Elayna.” Cerelle murmurs from the dark. They lay in bed together, Cerelle pressing up against Elayna from behind. One of her arms lightly rests over Elayna's hips.

“Yes?” 

“You have yet to make good on your promise and apologize to me. Properly.”

Elayna hums. She rolls over to face Cerelle. They both wait for a second.

“I suppose I can.”

*****************

“I don't want to marry Tymon.”

Elayna knows not the hour. She assumes early since the darkness seems almost oppressive. Elayna rests her head just underneath Cerelle's bare breasts. Cerelle sits mostly upright, lounging on some pillows. One of her hands rests on Elayna’s head, fingers gently intertwining into Elayna’s dark curls. 

“You must.” Cerelle gently scratches Elayna's scalp in a comforting gesture. A tinge of sadness colors Cerelle's tone, though. Elayna buries her face into Cerelle's soft curves. She takes a moment to find her words, tasting each one on her tongue. 

“He scares me, Cerelle. He scares me so much. I... I worry he means to harm me.”

Cerelle sighs. The bed creaks. Cerelle brings one hand down and places her fingers underneath Elayna's chin. She tilts Elayna's head up so she can look at her. 

“He would harm you if you were betrothed to another.” Cerelle speaks bluntly. She never minces words when it comes to important things. “I hope Mother and Father realize this. Perhaps this is their way of mitigating damage. If you don't marry, violence is inevitable. If you do marry, mayhaps it will be... limited.” 

“I doubt it.” Elayna frowns. She looks away into the darkness. Cerelle gives her that luxury. “He doesn't love me. He doesn't even like me. He just sees me as an object to own.”

“Most men see their wives like that.”

“I know that! But... I sometimes...”

“You sometimes what?” Impatience bleeds into Cerelle's tone. 

“It feels as if he sees me as little more than a broodmare for prized horses.” 

Cerelle doesn't say anything. She neither confirms nor denies Elayna's accusations. Instead, she takes a strand of Elayna’s hair between her fingers and gently plays with it. Elayna lowers her head. She shuffles up the bed some, intent on placing her head on Cerelle's chest to hear her heart beat.

“I can't save you all the time.”

“I'm not asking that of you.” Elayna huffs. “I can rescue myself if need be. I'm just... I'm frightened, Cerelle.” 

Elayna's whole body trembles. Cerelle shushes her. She places her hand back on Elayna’s head. Elayna tries to relax into Cerelle's embrace; her body refuses to obey her commands. Every part of her tenses. Cerelle sighs. The sheets shift, a whisper of silk, as Cerelle reaches down with her free hand and takes Elayna's hand in her own. 

Elayna waits for Cerelle to say something, anything. She waits for words of comfort. Cerelle stays silent for an uncomfortably long time. Eventually, Cerelle sits up some and presses a kiss to the top of Elayna’s head. 

“Go to sleep, Elayna. We can talk about these matters in the morning.”

****************

Johanna calls for them after breakfast.

Thankfully, the two of them were already decent. Three years of practice means their timing is down to an art. No one ever expresses any suspicion.

“Cerelle. Elayna.” Johanna looks between the two of them. The pair sit opposite Johanna. Elayna’s back stands ramrod straight while Cerelle almost leans back in her chair. “ ‘Tis time to begin looking at the future. The Lord Lannister and I have discussed this, and we have come up with a plan.”

Elayna and Cerelle exchange a look. Elayna raises an eyebrow to which Cerelle blinks. Johanna watches them.

“One of Princess Helaena's ladies-in-waiting injured herself badly, to the point she must retire and go back to her family. Truly a shame what happened to her. Rumors are she is now a cripple. Despite how unfortunate this is, a princess should never be without.” Johanna meets Cerelle's eyes. “I have arranged for you to be one of Princess Helaena's ladies-in-waiting. She needs someone more confident than she, and I know you will serve her faithfully. Elayna, of course, will follow as one of your ladies.”

“We're going to King's Landing?” Cerelle grins. She looks to Elayna, eyes glittering with hope. Elayna grins softly in return.

“Yes.” Johanna nods. “Even though you are one of the Princess's ladies, I do expect you to spend time with your uncle. He will be able to provide valuable instruction. Your father would have sent you earlier, but now I believe you will be able to fully grasp any advice given to you.” Johanna turns her attention to Elayna. Elayna almost wants to shrink back. “You, of course, will ensure Cerelle's comfort and safety. I also think it would behoove you to accompany her when she visits with Tyland. You may learn things as well.”

“Of course.”

“Good.” Johanna places her hands in her lap. “Cerelle. You're dismissed. I wish Elayna to sit with me a while.”

Cerelle and Elayna exchange looks. Elayna doesn't move, even as Cerelle does. 

“Mother.”

“Cerelle.”

Cerelle takes her leave then. Elayna adjusts her position in her chair. 

“Tymon spoke with me.” Elayna watches Johanna. Before she takes a sip, Johanna indicates with a gesture for Elayna to be poured a goblet.

“Did he?”

“He said you spoke to him about a betrothal. Of him and me.” Elayna tries her best not to pout or look too sullen. 

“Your father will accompany us when we go to King's Landing. Jason or I will suggest the idea then.”

Elayna frowns. She leans back in her seat. Johanna sets her goblet down. 

“Elinor. If you would leave us.”

The servant curtsies before leaving. Elayna waits to hear the soft close of the doorway to the servant's quarters. Johanna eyes Elayna. Her hands rest in her lap. 

“Do you not wish to marry Tymon?” 

“ ‘Tis not that! I'm just... I don't mean to question you, but I do not see how I am the appropriate choice.”

“Tymon will need someone who can reign him in once he is in charge. Someone practical who knows the ins and outs of this place.” Johanna takes a drink from her goblet. Elayna tries not to fidget and keep her hands still. “Even if he were not set on you, you are the best choice. Whether you recognize it or not, you are everything but a Lannister in name. ‘Tis time that changes.”

Elayna purses her lips. She bites down on her tongue to keep herself from saying the immediate thought in her mind. Truthfully, she does not want this marriage; she wants no marriage as of now. It is inevitable, she knows. Elayna is acutely aware of this fact. It doesn't ease her mind on the topic. 

Johanna stares Elayna down once more. Eventually, she places her goblet down with a sigh.

“ ‘Tis time for you to grow up.” Elayna nearly flinches at Johanna’s steely tone. “I know of you and my daughter. I have... indulged you both and kept your secret, but it cannot go on any longer. You both have your duties. I will not let our reputation be tarnished because you refuse to give up antics more suited to young girls. Indiscretions like this do not go on for several years nor do they go as far as it has. The time for that is over.” 

Elayna trembles. Fear courses through her body.

“I understand, my Lady. Forgive me.”

“I keep this quiet not for you but for Cerelle.” Johanna’s nostrils flare. “I do not agree with what the two of you have done in the slightest. I recognize the impulse, but it cannot continue.”

Elayna dips her head. She feels frozen, stuck to her chair even though she wants nothing more than to run. Johanna clearly sees it. She leans forward and places a hand on Elayna’s knee.

“If you were a man, it would be done. Cerelle deserves a loyal husband. I meant it when I said you were one of us.” Johanna’s voice softens for the briefest of moments. When she pushes back to her full height, the harshness returns. “But you are not a man. It can't continue.”

“It can't. It won't continue.” The words taste bitter. 

Johanna leans back in her seat. She picks up her goblet again. 

“Good. To prove your commitment and to show you keep your word, you have a task. You are to target Prince Aemond. Find out what he likes, what he dislikes. Learn everything you can about him. Then, you will feed this information to Cerelle. I can't ask for a betrothal outright. The future is too uncertain. I can, however, obtain it other ways. When you come back, you will be betrothed to Tymon and marry him.”

Elayna nods.

“Are we in agreement?”

“Yes.”

“Look me in the eyes when you say it.”

Elayna blinks back tears. She clears her throat and poorly suppresses a sniffle. She inhales. 

Lifting her head is the hardest thing she's ever done. 

“We are in agreement.”

Johanna smiles. It doesn't meet her eyes; it's a socially expected smile. Her lips stay too close together, and her eyes blaze.

“Excellent. You are dismissed.”

[simthorium]

Shea and Asia held hands inside the local mall. Shea was absolutely smitten with her new girlfriend, and put in a lot of work thinking of dates for them to go on together. The mall wasn’t her best idea, but she was starting to run out of cute locations for them to hang out.

“Oh my gosh babe, look at that sale on Doc Martens!” Asia said. Shea quickly spun around, trying to see what Asia was talking about. “Where, where!?” she exclaimed, looking around desperately. “Wait a minute--”

As soon as Shea turned back around, she was met with a large water balloon to the face. The girls laughed at the silly prank, Shea brushing the water and wet plastic pieces off of her. “Oh, I’m getting you back good for that,” she said. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.”

The girls made their way to the mall food court, grabbing a table. “What do you want?” Shea asked. “It’s on me.” “You’re such a gentlewoman,” Asia said with a smile. “I’m not that hungry, you wanna split a pretzel?” “Split?” Shea asked. “Yeah right, I’m getting my own.”

Just as Shea was about to stand up, she noticed a man walking over to their table. She looked to Asia, silently informing her of the dude coming up to them. The girls were used to guys assuming they were just friends hanging out, typically flirting with Asia. But this guy was way too old, she thought. That’s not what this was. Was it? “Hi,” the man said in a booming voice. “This is gonna sound really crazy, but I want to cast you in a movie.”

“Is this some kind of a joke?” Shea asked. “Why do you want to cast my girlfriend in a movie?” “Not your girlfriend,” said the man. “You. Have you ever read The Magic Princess book series?” “Duh, everyone has,” said Shea. “I’m Martin Jackobi, I’m a director and we’re adapting the book into a movie trilogy. We’ve been searching for our lead for months, and I think I just found her. Mind if I sit?” Shea looked to Asia, who was beaming at her. “Yeah, of course you can sit!” Asia exclaimed. 

Martin took a seat between the girls. “I don’t want to be rude or interrupt or anything, but I saw you guys and immediately knew that you’d be the perfect Calypso. She’s the main character.” “I know that, I just said I read the book,” Shea muttered. “Shea,” Asia said in a soft voice. “Just hear him out.” “I know this is random, but I just think you’d be perfect,” said Martin.

“I’m not an actor,” said Shea. “I don’t even know you. How do I know you’re not just a kidnapper trying to murder us?” “How about you bring your parents to my studio this weekend and we have a more formal talk?” Martin asked, handing her his business card. “Also, I’m not a kidnapper.” “That sounds exactly like what a kidnapper would say,” said Shea.

“Babe, don’t you wanna be a movie star?” Asia asked. “This would be so cool!” “It’s a big commitment and a lot all at once, I know,” said Martin. “But I’m very good at my job, and I know talent when I see it. Just bring your parents to my office, you’ll see this is all very legit.” Shea thought about it for a moment. “The Magic Princess was my favorite book as a kid,” she said with a smile. “I hated reading, but then one summer I went to camp with my cousins, and we’d all read it together every night.” “See?” Martin asked. “You already have a connection there.”

Martin stood up to leave and Shea stood with him. “You’re serious about this?” Shea asked. “You want me to be in a movie?” “I’m serious,” he said. “I mean, nothing’s final yet. But, I think it could be great. Just give me a call, we’ll figure it all out, ok?” Shea nodded and shook his hand. She turned back around to Asia. “This is the weirdest date ever,” she said. “Are you kidding!?” Asia exclaimed. “This is the best date ever!”