#also watch/read the family banquet extra
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gancegancerevo · 6 months ago
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Rides to Lake Silberneherze Thoughts
It was great. The second major visit to Kjerag sees us return three years after the previous event to see how the nation has built itself up after the Saintess reforms the political system of Kjerag and accepts the Silverash clan’s plans to open the country to outsiders.
Degenbrecher is the main selling point of the event in my opinion and damn did they work hard to make her appealing. She’s not only very strong, very skilled, very pretty, and a lot less long-winded than the other politicians, she’s also got her own story. It’s quite beautiful to see someone immigrate to a new country and have it just be a story of finding a home you can settle with. She’s the kind of character who’s physically strong enough to survive hardship. And in a sense, she is emotionally strong as she does not hold any grudges against her old nations. Probably in part because she’s beaten up the ones she needs to and let go of what she doesn’t need. She’s very much her own person and she herself has decided she wants to stay in Kjerag as one of its people. Makes you think about all the immigrants who makes their homes in new countries and how that experience is unique to them.
Leto was adorable in this event. The way she takes everybody she passes by and makes them her friends is hilarious and wonderful. It’s also great that they made her a competent field operator. She was able to sense and threaten a Trillby Asher all by herself even if that went awry. She also knew when to call up her superiors when she needed help.
One of the best parts about her arc here is how they turn the classic father-daughter reunion on its head. Because for one, Tatyova, her mother, is alive and well. And seems to be perfectly capable of continuing to care for Leto. Leto ultimately doesn’t care about her father, as she should. Arctosz’s decision to make his family leave for political safety makes it obvious that he knows nothing about the wider world. His privileged upbringing means he has no idea about how others would treat a single mother and what it means for a child to grow up without a father. The thing that really brings it into perspective for me is the attack on Chernobog. If you don’t know how bad it was, read the Ursus Student Group side stories. It makes every excuse Arctosz make seem extra moronic. This story takes the “looking for a long lost father” trope and makes it an ode to all the mothers who had to deal with single-parenthood themselves.
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Harold is quite interesting. He’s your classic bumbling high-spirited old man except he’s also a Victorian military officer. Like Degenbrecher, he’s someone who also adjusts well to Kjerag life finding work as a veterinarian and doing old man things. In spite of this, he remains loyal to Victoria and when told that he would need to attack the people he’s lived with for months, he ultimately sides with his country. This is an interesting contrast to bring in this story. About how some people would throw away their old countries while others would remain loyal. Though overall, he was just fun to watch. Especially when paired with Leto or others who humor him.
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By far my favorite part of visiting Kjerag is seeing the Saintess and Enya and Kjarr do not disappoint.
Before I gush about yuri though, I should say I love how Enya, and especially her relationship with  Enciodes has evolved. She’s much more active in the goings-on of the nation and is willing to use the Saintess as a state official rather than just a ceremonial position. She and Enciodes managed to separate their personal lives from their work in nation-building and it’s so interesting to see it play out. Enya inserting herself when Enciodes tries to avoid more direct interactions. The whole banquet scene with Harold. It was great especially when they both admit that the Head of the Silverash clan and the Saintess have a similar vision and plan for Kjerag’s development and both go silent when others ask about the relationship between Enya and Enciodes Silverash as siblings.
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Enya and Kjarr have to be the most wife and wife coded characters I’ve seen in Arknights so far. Like a pair well into their golden years, they have a mutual respect and trust of one another while still disagreeing on some issues. There’s also that sense of both of them playing an active role in the relationship rather than the usual one stays at home and one works sort of dynamic. I especially like when Kjarr is like “babe, are you sure I shouldn’t use my god powers?” and Enya keeps insisting that they can’t rely on god to fix things for them. And of course the eternal pestering of Kjarr for a statue adjustment. If she can’t ask Enya for it, she’ll let Degenbrecher and the Trillby Asher do it. I always love Enya and Kjarr and this has cemented my favorite Kjerag dynamic even more.
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Lastly, I really appreciate the way they included the Doctor this time. It’s not the take control of a situation you’ve only been aware of for a few hours. Instead, they made reasonable assumptions about what others are plotting and taking a few small steps to push pieces into the best place possible. Kinda like how they can’t rely on Kjeragandr, they also can’t rely on the Doctor of Rhodes but that doesn’t mean either of them can’t do one small move themselves.
P.S. What do you mean Kjerag has a battleship under Lake Silberneherze. Though it might be more shocking that Enciodes expressed approval of Sciurus before Ratatos did AND that Ratatos liked Sciurus naming the battleship Walnut to mess with her kids.
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weddingbanquets22 · 1 year ago
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deadliestpieceontheboard · 2 years ago
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What happens when you read The Raven King for the Nth time
My mission this reread was to read throughoutly instead of devouring the whole trilogy in a day and I spotted some fun stuff!
[TFC] [TKM]
Does "smoky gray gaze" means Allison has gray eyes or is it some metaphorical way to say her eyes were clouded?
Wymack never straight up tells Andrew what to do (about serious stuff) and knows to ask him instead. that's why he does as he says, bcs he has the option to.
Neil walks around with a watch and if he weren't so cheap I'd say it's one of those bulky multitask sporty ones
They say a few times that "Andrew is the only one who didn't bet in x" and Kevin lost a bet to Nicky which tells me Kevin Day is very likely participating in multiple of the foxes betting pools
Neil talking about passport stuff and "technology changing fast" and all I can think about is that he and Mary must have hated all the extra security after 9/11
All the reasoning Nicky uses in the clothing store for Neil being gay also applies to Andrew. how didn't he ever notice? Did he just think Andrew was souless and frigid?
Andrew really enjoys sitting cross-legged anywhere he can. It must've been mentioned at least 3 times.
The fact that Andrew can just skip his dose at night to "wind down" makes no sense to me like. He doesn't go through withdrawal just because he'll be sleeping soon?
Neil: obsessively researches Kevin and Riko. Also Neil: only recognizes Jean for the 3 on his face
The Ravens walk in a V and then make a bully circle in the middle of the court and the other teams are just. hanging around i guess?
"Kathy gave me your glass as a souvenir. All it took was a smile and a kiss. It seems she is growing up to be quite a cougar." I... had always interpreted this as Riko filling her with pleasantries and a kiss on the cheek but... was it a KISS kiss??? Like? For real?
Katelyn introduces herself to Neil AFTER the fall banquet which tells me this gremlin just followed Andrew's lead and ignored the girl for hours lol
Tilda was neglectful to Aaron since the beginning, but only started to hit him when they found out about Andrew (13)
"I don't know why the hell Andrew's foster family told him [that both twins were given to adoption but Tilda only came back for one]" I bet it was Drake
Kevin never smiles, but he does to Neil when they score on the Ravens
Neil can identify a cop by the way he walks. ACAB king
Players have to stick to school colors on their racquets but can pick different designs. How much do you want to bet that Riko and Kevin had personalized ones?
I had forgotten that it wasn't just Wymack witnessing Neil shove Andrew's hand under his shirt. Kevin, Bee and two lawyers are also there.
They make a nest to sleep together after Baltimore, but it wasn't the first time: after Drake they sleep on the girl's dorm together too (minus Aaron and Allison)
Tetsuji has an actual house. Out of the Nest.
He also doesn't walk around with his cane in public.
"He was less ready to see the "4" tatooed on his left cheekbone." I'll take the quotation marks as a confirmation the tattoos are in arabic numerals and not roman.
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findingjoynweirdstuff · 3 years ago
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Dream SMP Recap (August 23/2021) - The Egg, Big Cock, Jesus Wick and the Hotel-Ghost-Revival Scheme
After Tommy and Sam attempt to prepare the Egg to be moved with little success, they run into two new people looking to help Tommy with his legal troubles.
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VOD LINKS:
Foolish
Foolish
Foolish
TommyInnit
Awesamdude 
Michaelmcchill
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- Tommy goes to check his therapy station (it has been turned into a cat) and reads the notes people left:
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How do I get my friends to stop swearing constantly. I feel like they swear just for the memes and I need a way to get them to tonie it down a bit without being rude. Any ideas?
Box #4
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i like money tommy
how do i make a ton of fucking money
do i have to do lore for money or are there other ways of getting it
not minecraft money
real money $$$$$$ thanks
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How do i get all of the womens? I don’t understand them
- Puffy
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If I were to accidently hit someone with a knife and kill them on purpose. How do I not get in trouble because I wouldn’t want to get in trouble?
FOOLISH
BOOK #2
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- Tommy writes reply messages, advising Michael to invest in the prostitution industry
- He calls Sam, who’s at the bank. Tommy meets him over there. Tommy is interested in investing when the bank is done
- Sam also tells Tommy that they still need to prep the Egg for movement. He asks Tommy about the Sam Nook safety gear and gives him an extra set
- They go down into the Egg Room and Tommy asks about what the Egg did
Tommy: “This Egg reminds me of an all-too-powerful girlboss.”
- Sam warns Tommy not to touch the Egg with his hands. They place TNT all over the Egg to try and see what parts of the Egg can be moved. Tommy sets it off, but it just activates the Egg’s obsidian defense instead of destroying it. Tommy tries it again and freaks out
- Sam is concerned by this. Tommy has an idea to get people to pay money to watch them TNT the Egg. The Banquet decorations can be destroyed at least
- Tommy breaks a block with his fist. Sam warns him not to contaminate the server
- Sam suggests Tommy try breaking the Egg itself since he’s never been affected. Tommy breaks a piece, but he takes several hearts of damage. Tommy panics and runs away with Sam
- They head over to the hotel discussing Jack’s vlogs. Sam is puzzled by why someone would leave a friendship flower for Sam Nook, a non-sentient robot
- Tommy wants to close off the hotel and needs a lawyer. He messages Tubbo for Big Law, but Tubbo is busy with 5up
- Tommy and Sam talk about angst while getting purple concrete and Quackity logs on, telling them to type “123″ if they need a lawyer and “1234″ if they are willing to pay for his trip expenses. Tommy does so
- Tommy blocks up the entrance of the hotel with the purple concrete and they go to meet Quackity at Spawn
- As the two walk over, Tommy tells Sam he still remembers what Sam did locking him in the prison. Tommy claims to be a mind reader
- They run into none other than Ghost Mexican Dream on the Prime Path with a big, red,
- He has come here to be Tommy’s lawyer and claims that he is just wearing a tie. He has arrived looking for a job. Tommy decides to call him Big Cock
- Big Cock offers them a free consultation. They begin and Tommy explains the story behind the hotel conflict. Tommy didn’t get the right papers to keep ownership, so B.C. offers his law services to help, for a price:
He wants the book that can bring him back to life.
- Tommy urges him that he’s come back from the dead and that Big Cock should instead stay as he is. A new man arrives at the hotel to join them: Jesus Wick, who came here because he heard that there was a Big Cock in town
- Jesus and Big Cock discuss with each other a plan to slander Jack Manifold for the hotel. Sam and Tommy speak privately, and Tommy warns Sam to be careful around law students. They go to the spider spawner for banners
- They meet back up with Jesus and Big Cock and Tommy gives them the new tie as well as some drugs. They put up the sign slandering Jack Manifold
- Big Cock asks Jesus the legal implications of blowing up Jack’s family. Jesus Wick says it’s okay on the 23rd of August. Jesus Wick promptly dies
- They continue putting up various billboards
- Tommy and Big Cock talk one-on-one about their business plans for retaking the hotel and Tommy becoming a landlord. As Big Cock explains, real estate in the Dream SMP has gone up and they need to fix it
- Tommy defies B.C.’s authority by telling him he doesn’t want B.C. to girlboss him. B.C. relinquishes his authority to Tommy, becoming Tommy’s client instead. The two plan to rejoin the others’ VC to gatekeep and gaslight them
-  Tommy fixes the path by the hotel while they talk. He tells Big Cock that he’ll speak to him later. After Sam stares intently at Big Cock’s red tie, B.C. runs off and dies by falling
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Upcoming Events:
- Quackity’s next lore stream
- Wilbur’s 9 planned streams
- Prison lore within two weeks
- Egg Finale Stream [eventually]
- Tales From the SMP: “Space Race”
- Ponk’s prequel stream
- Ponk’s current-day lore with Sam
- Puffy’s Lore Cast
- Sapnap’s lore
- Dream’s lore video
- Quackity’s casino opening
- Captain Puffy’s lore stream
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localhypnofruit · 3 years ago
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"WE DON'T NEED [[MIKE]]!"
Not me going off and making an entire writing based off of This Post I made a little while ago.
[It's also on AO3 if you wanna read it there.]
A banquet full of foods and plenty of drinks- both containing and lacking in acid- was set out before Spamton. Though he needed extra height upon his chair in order to reach anything, the Swatchlings were more than accommodating to the oddly short Addison. Excitable 'thank you's were given to each helper, though this feast was more than just a welcoming party for such a BIG SHOT- it was also an introductory party for Spamton to introduce himself to all of the staff he would be working with. As a salesman who made pitch after pitch to get himself up here, with more than a bit of help along the way, a few more first impressions wouldn't be that much of a stressor on the Addison's mind! Or... They shouldn't.
In truth, if Spamton were to count the number of times he's avoided saying something by setting a slice of non-battery acid pie into his mouth, or sipping from his orange-colored- and flavored- tea... He would have more than he could count on both of his hands! Over the phone or through some sort of video call- sure, he could handle himself fine! But this? In-person? It was a whole new beast! At a whole new feast! The awkward laughs he had to attempt to force into a genuine sound, the small talk that he just couldn't stand, the unpredictability of another's actions and needing to adjust and 'read' the expressions to remember what they would mean for later- Ah, it was all so stressful! It also didn't help his attire still held the same look as any other Addison out there, just... snipped up to be smaller.
Tasque Manager's orderly nature was nice, though that quite literally shocking weapon and her ability to use it was more than enough of a stressor for the Addison to know not to get on her bad side. The Swatchlings were loyal and loving creatures, somehow the most complex to read since their colors could mean multiple things. Was the red anger? Blush? Embarrassment? There are so many things one color could mean! There was a consideration of getting a look that was lacking in colors, just to avoid the same confusion- even if he wasn't a Swatchling. The Queen? Ah, what a blast to be around, though this pompous and energetic nature- as well as the power she held- was too much for Spamton to handle for long. What was once a lively conversation about how batteries should always come in liquid form quickly spiraled into being offered a bath in the acid lake... to which Spamton humbly declined.
The banquet seemed to go on and on and on...! Was there no end to the denizens of this place that he needed to know? The living advert nervously chuckled to himself as he allowed a Swatchling to switch out his orange color-flavored tea to something more relaxing- a nice blue color-flavored tea. It smelled faintly of blueberries- a scent that accidentally got into his nose. It was so long, he always needed to take caution in sipping from things as to not dip his nose in it! And lo and behold, there he goes! Tea on his nose!
But there was one more individual that Spamton had heard in passing... One that instructed all the Swatchlings... What was their name again? Drying his nose off with a napkin, the Addison would watch with tired eyes behind glimmering glasses as the door at the other end of the table would open. "COME IN, COME IN!" The short one would force chipperness into his voice, though it crackled with static of how much effort it took to keep himself going so 'happily'. "FEEL [FREE OF CHARGE] TO SIT [WHEREVER IT'S MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY]!"
It would take a moment for the advert to see anyone, no thanks to the large megabyte-sized cake that was sat at the very center of the table. Only a few slices had been taken out of it... Spam hoped it wouldn't be wasted- or at least it would be taken to the trash for other lost ones like how he once was. And though he had not yet seen who this visitor was, the cooing voice that spoke up brought ease to his weary code, doubly with the message they had to share. "I have no need to sit, Master Spamton... We will not remain here for much longer, as I am the last you are required to see." Oh, thank [HEAVEN] he wouldn't have to be here for much longer.
"THAT'S [F-F-FANTASTIC!] THESE [CRACKING BONES] OF MINE HAVE BEEN WAITING TO GET SOME [REST EASY FOR ONLY $29.99 A NIGHT]!" Spamton would speak with a hearty chuckle, leaning to the side to try and catch a glimpse of the approaching individual. And to his surprise, the one that he spotted was... Such a sight! Black and white attire, colored glasses that rested upon such a long nose- which was a beak, he quickly noted- and fluffed feathers that seemed to be combed back to a perfect took. He... Was quite jealous of such a look.
"I understand that all of this must have taken a toll on you, so we can keep introductions short if you wish." Spamton wasn't sure if he was nodding as an answer or simply due to being enamored with this avian's aesthetic. It was just so... Striking! Bold! [ADJECTIVE]! "Right, allow me to introduce myself first... As I already have surmised quite a bit about you." A voice as smooth as a song made of silk... Such a contrast to the chirping of the other Swatchlings he's heard from.
"I am Mike Swatch, though you may address me however you see fit, Master Spamton." "JUST CALL ME SPAM- SPAMTON! WITHOUT THE [UNCONTROLLABLE STUTTERING WHEN CARRYING OUT A CASUAL CONVERSATION?], OF COURSE! HOWZ ABOUT I CALL YOU MIKEY?" "Quite the unique nickname, Spamton... I accept." "WONDERFUL! SO YOU'RE THE [HEAD HONCHO] OF THE SWATCHLINGS, [AIN'TCHA]?" "Indeed, sir." Mike's glasses seemed to cool from their orange and yellow to more of a blue and cyan. Spamton wished he knew what that meant, but all he could do was observe and hope that this conversation would end sooner than later. As much as his fascination with this birdperson was able to ward off some of his drowsiness, he could still feel his coding attempting to go into sleep mode. "YOU RAISE SOME GREAT FEATHERED FRIENDS WITH WHATEVER [AFFORDABLE GROW-UP PLAN] YOU'RE PUTTING THEM THROUGH! I APPLAUD YOU! YOU AND YOUR [SURE TO SWEEP THAT SPECIL SOMEONE OFF THEIR FEET] STYLE SURE ARE GOING PLACES!!" "Ah? Why thank you. Your products, too, have caused quite the stir in all of Cyber City. The automobile market has been booming since you brought it back with all your new makes and models. If I may be somewhat informal, I would say one of your best inclusions is the cupholders."
"OF COURSE, OF COURSE! LEAVE IT TO YOUR [BRAND SPANKIN' NEW] PAL SPAMTON TO MAKE AN INDUSTRY [LITERALLY EXPLODE] IN POPULARITY!" With a laugh, the Addison would narrowly lose his glasses, a cheap and broken pair he's kept with him for who knows how long. In his tiredness, they had dropped from his face... but a certain avian was thankfully right in front of him- able to catch it in their feathered hand in one fell swoop. "Oh dear, Spamton... It seems that you have been holding out here for even longer than my Swatchlings said you have been... Are you fully conscious at this moment?" The swaying in his chair that Mike observed seemed to show otherwise, which was given some sort of jumbled admittance. Perhaps he was too embarrassed to admit to being tired in front of someone that was deemed so 'important'?
With a caring smile, Mike would pick up the sleepy Addison and gently place him over their shoulder. "Let us get you back to your room..." A suit warmed by the feathers underneath it... And the ones that strayed from being under such luxurious cloth that happened to rub against Spamton were softer than any bedsheets he'd laid upon... Then again, he'd only ever laid upon torn up, tattered, and trashed ones until recently. This was... Somewhat embarrassing! Being picked up and carried around by the head butler that he had just met, but-! Perhaps he overestimated his ability to stay awake! The warmth Spamton felt upon his exhausted mannequin-like body was practically enough to set him to sleep right then and there. He would at least have to thank Mikey for this, since they truly didn't need to- "Perhaps tomorrow... We can set you up with some new glasses." They would do that... for him? "If there is enough time, perhaps an entirely new outfit is in order. Those tattered robes make you look like a little sponge covered in used wash rags..." Little... sponge? Haha. He liked the sound of that, even if it wasn't meant as a compliment. And a- a new outfit to boot? Well, more like to reboot into... Being a BIG SHOT means BIG CHANGES, after all! Though at this moment, as Spamton could barely register that his little body had been plucked up and placed onto somewhere just as soft as Swatch's shoulder...
All he truly needed right now was a BIG NAP.
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carriagelamp · 3 years ago
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Weirdly enough, I often find myself reading less in the summer, since I have more time than I do during the rest of the year to do other things. Also artfight has been eating up more than a bit of my free time! But here’s a collection a graphic novels I sat around on the hammock reading, and some novels I finished up...
(Everyone go read All Systems Red, holy crow guys)
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A Whale of the Wild
The “sequel” to A Wolf Called Wander, though it doesn’t actually connect to the previous novel except in the stylistic/thematic sense. A Whale of the Wild is very much a standalone novel. And a pretty decent one! Personally, I think I liked Wolf more, but this one was a pleasant, informative read, with just the right amount of crushing dread sprinkled in. It’s about a young orca called Vega who is learning to become a new wayfinder for her pod but who still has a lot to learn, especially in an ocean that is becoming increasingly hostile to orcas and the other sealife that live alongside humans. When a devastating earthquake hits, Vega and her little brother find themselves separated from their family, lost in a now horrifyingly unfamiliar environment, and fighting starvation as the salmon that sustain them become more and more unreliable. It’s a desperate fight for survival as they search for food and their missing family. This book is written for a middle grade level, and does a really good job of putting the current environmental crisis into an animal’s perspective while giving the readers something to hope for.
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The Adventure Zone: The Crystal Kingdom
Every July I eagerly anticipate the next Adventure Zone graphic novel. This one is for their fourth arc, The Crystal Kingdom, in which Magnus, Taako, and Merle respond to a SOS from a floating laboratory that is gradually being consumed by crystals and which threatens the entire world should it fall into the ocean. Carey Pietsch’s art continues to be absolutely fantastic, so beautifully and hilariously expressive, and this one delivers some great Merle moments, lots of Carey Fangbattle, and, of course, Kravtiz. Kravitz, my beloved…
Anyway, I obviously always recommend these. If you’ve never gotten into The Adventure Zone, I totally recommend either trying these graphic novels — or even better, just go listen to the podcast because it really is both hilarious and creates a shockingly good and heart-wrenching story by the end.
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All Systems Red
I’ve seen The Murderbot Diaries on my dash occasionally, and it always looked interesting, but a friend’s recommendation finally compelled me to read the first novella of the series. And holy shit y’all. Absolutely the best book I’ve read this month, it’s amazing. Mind-blowingly good. Also, if you’re like me and want a good audiobook, it’s a nice three-hour listen, very chill!
Anyway, All Systems Red is about a Security Unit, an artificially created being that’s part-organic part-mechanical and all-company-owned-and-controlled. However, self-named “Murderbot” has managed to hack into the system that suppresses its own will, and is now coasting along, doing the least amount of work its job requires not to be noticed, while preferring to spend all its time watching the hours and hours of soap operas it has downloaded into its brain. And it’s a tolerable if somewhat dull life, until the science team that it's currently rented to is attacked and the whole mission goes pear-shaped. Suddenly Murderbot has to scramble to keep its humans alive… while its humans scramble with the realization that their “SecUnit” isn’t actually a mindless robot like they had all believed...
This story is both gripping and hilariously funny. Murderbot has such a unique voice and perspective and it’s an absolute pleasure to follow its story. I reallly need to read the next book...
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Asterix and the Banquet
A classic. I was startled when I realized I hadn’t actually read this Asterix story… but hell I’m not gonna complain, it lets me read one of the originals for the first time again! In this Asterix volume, the Indomitable Gauls and the Romans end up arranging a bet — the Romans intend to keep them under siege, trapped in their village, while Asterix is confident that he can easily evade them… and will prove it by going on a tour around all of Gaul, collecting iconic foods from each region in order to return and put on a fine banquet. So we get a fantastic adventure in which Asterix and Obelix run all over the country, pursued the whole way, while making cheerful stops at the various eateries along the way. Also the first book Dogmatix shows up in! All around, a wonderful read, fun like all the best Asterix comics are.
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Beauty Pop v4
A less impressive graphic novel. The first Beauty Pop is one of my guilty pleasure manga because… it really is pretty stupid but in the best possible ways. I mean, the whole thing is framed around hairstyling battles, like a shojo sports manga without the sports. It’s bonkers. Unfortunately, the series does not really manage to hold up, and it really begins to feel repetitive and dragging as it continues… as a lot of series like this do. *shrug* Unsurprising but still kinda disappointing I suppose. The building three-way romantic tension is mildly interesting if for no other reason than the main character Does Not Notice and Does Not Care about any of it, which is amusing and refreshing.
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FRNCK v5
Now this series only gets better and better as it goes. This is the first book of the second arc, and somehow the danger just seems to be ramping up and up and up. The cavefamily have lost their home… as well as Léonard and Gargouille. Heartbroken, shocked, and angry, Franck is the one who ends up shouldering the blame for their presumed deaths as the others mourn. Things only get worse when Franck finds himself separated from the family, and in the territory of another tribe, this one hostile and cannibalistic...
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Haikyuu v5
I continue to read this series because it continues to be charming… though it is beginning to feel, maybe, just a little repetitive. Kind of an inevitability with sports manga. But so far it continues to be good enough to overcome that. I’m not sure what I can say about this series that I haven’t already, so I’ll simply say it continues to be one of the most impressive sports manga I’ve read, and the author does a fantastic job of creating engaging characters, fleshed out teams, and really compelling relationships. I do genuinely adore all the main members of Crows, along with a number of characters from the rival teams as well. And of course it has some kickass volleyball scenes that are just drawn so dramatically they can’t help but take your breath away a little.
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M*A*S*H Goes To Maine
Meh. The original book of the series was actually quite good in my opinion. This one… considerably less so. The first part I enjoyed more, since it was about Hawkeye, Trapper, Duke, and Oliver Jones trying to set up the FinestKind Clinic and Fishmarket in Crabapple Cove (which… is just the best premise I could have ever asked for). However, the book spends most of its time describing the quirky lives and times of other people living in the area and I… just… don’t care. It was funny at times but… I just don’t care. I wanted to hear more about the main cast. Also I found this book felt more racist and misogynistic than the first which also put me off :/ Wouldn’t bother if I were you. Go read the first book instead, or better yet just watch the TV show which is an obvious banger.
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My Heart’s in the Highlands
I have had this on my “currently reading” list for so long but I’m officially giving up. It’s a really good book in theory but my god I can’t get over the pacing.
It’s about Lady Jane, a woman studying medicine in Edinburgh in 1888, and who suddenly finds herself back in the Highlands in the 13th century. Lost and confused, Jane is now at the mercy Clan Donald’s hospitality while she tries to adjust to this new world and hunts for her broken time machine. Fortunately, this hospitality include a burgeoning friendship with a red-haired warrior woman, Ainslie nic Dòmhnaill, who opens Jane’s eyes to the way the world could be.
Listen. It drives me nuts. This book should be completely up my alley, it has everything I like — IT HAS ALL OF ITS HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES CITED AT THE BACK, LITTLE EXTRA DETAILS ABOUT EVERY CHAPTER. THAT’S MY SHIT RIGHT THERE. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LIKE BEING ABLE TO GO OVER HISTORICAL DETAILS?? AND WELL RESEARCHED FOOTNOTES?? And yet it doesn’t. Fucking. Work for me. It has a kickass Scottish warrior lady as a love interest! It has a badass lady doctor! It has fish-out-of-water culture shock! But it also has a completely meandering plot, no sense of building tension, and a romance that just happens out of nowhere and feels completely unearned and uninteresting.
I would genuinely just rather read Outlander again, which I know has its own host of problems, but at least Outlander felt exciting and interesting and tense and funny. The romance built in fits and starts, it was complicated, and kept me interested. That book had me hooked (and has me hooked every time I reread it) whereas this book I’ve been sadly picking at for months like its a plate of overcooked spinach. This felt like an attempt at a queer, historically accurate knockoff which I would normally be super into but which just could not stick the landing.
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Moomin on the Riviera
My first time actually reading anything from the Moomin canon. I have zero idea how to feel about it! It certainly is as feral as I’ve heard described! Overall, I think I enjoyed it but it sure made me feel strange emotions I didn’t know existed. I’m not even going to try to describe it. Read it if you want a batshit insane anti-capitalist comic.
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Surviving the City
This was good in some areas, less good in others. It had a very interesting indigenous perspective on life in the modern city, the foster system, and The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women issue, which I’ve never seen handled in a book before. Something about the pacing did not completely click with me and I found myself getting easily distracted, but it’s definitely worth the read just to experience it and look at the issues it deals with through the characters’ (and author’s) eyes. It did give me a lot to think about and wrestle with, which is sometimes the best thing a book can give you.
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Torchwood: Pack Animals
A really fun read, more so than I had ever expected! If you like Torchwood and want more stories about the team before everything goes to shit, this is perfect for that. It includes the entire cast, an interest mystery to be unravelled, lots of slavering monsters, Rhys being really wonderful and sweet (which I didn’t know I wanted until I read this book), and all the humour I expect from Torchwood. I had to send a lot of quotes to my long-suffering girlfriend who a) does not watch this show but b) needs to tolerate it because I find it too funny to keep to myself. It was good enough to make me go out another book of the series since this was the only one my library carried.
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avengerscompound · 4 years ago
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Until the End of the World - 7
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Until the End of the World: A Captain America Fanfic
Masterlist PREVIOUS //
Buy me a ☕ Character Pairing:  Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers x F!Reader
Word Count:  1571
Rating:  E
Warnings: pregnancy, light angst
Synopsis: Four years after Steve and Bucky got to the bottom of the HYDRA conspiracy that had led to you and your son being hunted for the first three years of his life, you, Bucky, and Steve have carved out a nice life together.  Things are calm and you feel like a family unit.  When Geo starts calling Bucky and Steve ‘dad’, a decision is made to try and add to your family.
Things aren’t as calm as they seem.  When your pregnancy hits the papers, HYDRA rears its head once again, and Steve and Bucky need to track you down to protect the family they had created.
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Chapter 7
The logistics of holding a dinner party for all the Avengers and their families was a little daunting and Bucky sat at the kitchen table looking at recipes that would work for such a large group of people, but would also cater to the different dietary restrictions people had.  Wanda was vegetarian for example and so either she’d need to be catered for specifically or everything would need to be vegetarian.  He considered the options for either scenario.  He also realized there was absolutely no way that everyone would be able to fit in their apartment, and he’d have to use the party deck and have it set up for a banquet.
As he scrolled through a list of suggested recipes for vegetarian dishes at a large dinner party and bookmarked the pages for spinach and ricotta Rotolo, chestnut, spinach and blue cheese en croûte, and onion, walnut and mushroom tarte tatin, the door to the apartment opened and you and Steve came in with Geo.  Geo threw his backpack on the ground and you picked it up and took out his lunchbox as the boy beelined for his tablet.
“Welcome home, Geo,” FRIDAY announced.
“Hey, FRIDAY,” he said.  “Did you have a nice day?”
“It’s been busy,” the AI replied.  “How about you?”
Bucky chuckled as FRIDAY and Geo had their usual post-school chat.  You went into the kitchen and washed out his lunch boxes as you let him settle in for the day and Steve came over to Bucky, looking over his shoulder at the computer screen and kissing him on the top of the head.  “Planning a menu?”  He asked.
Bucky nodded.  “Yeah.  There’s a lot of people to cook for.”
There was a break in the conversation between FRIDAY and Geo and Bucky looked over at the boy as he turned on his tablet.  “Hey G, not going to say hello to me?”
“Hey, dad,” Geo said, without looking up.
“Geo, can you put that down for a minute and come here,” Steve said.  “We’ve got something to tell you.”
Geo looked up at Steve with an expression of a boy who thinks he was in trouble and is trying to work out exactly which of his infractions had gotten him here.  He got up slowly and came over, looking from Steve to Bucky suspiciously.
“You can relax, Geo.  It’s not bad news,” Steve said.
“Then what is it?”  Geo asked.
You came out of the kitchen and took a seat at the table.  “So,” you said, rubbing his arm.  “It turns out, you’re going to be a big brother?”
“Really?”  He said, blinking at you.  “Is it going to be a brother or a sister?”
“It’s too early to say,” Steve said.  “But as soon as we know we’ll tell you.”
Geo looked at Steve and Bucky and frowned.
“What’s up, buddy?”  You asked.  “You can tell us anything.”
“It’s nothing,” he said.  “Can I go to my room?”
You looked at Bucky and Steve looked at each other confused.  “Sure, if that’s what you want,” Steve said.  “You don’t want to talk about it?”
Geo shook his head and pushed his chair away from the table and went to his room quietly.  Bucky looked at Steve and furrowed his brow.  “What was that about?”
“I don’t know,” Steve said.  “Maybe we should have talked to him about having another baby before we started trying.  I mean, it affects him too.”
You frowned and tapped your thumbs on the table.  “You don’t think he’s worried that you’re not going to love him as much do you?”
“Would he?  He was so young when we met him,” Steve said as Bucky felt himself shrinking down into the chair.  He’d never even considered that Geo might think something like that.  He wanted more kids because of how much he loved both you and Geo and he wanted more of that.  “I would have thought he’d just see it as another kid.  The way he took to Morgan so fast too.”
“Maybe we should go talk to him,” Bucky said.
“Okay, but if he doesn't want to talk, don't push him,” you said.  “Let him process and make sure he knows he can come to you when he's ready.”
Steve nodded and the two men got up, heading to Geo’s room.  Steve knocked lightly on the door, and when they heard Geo’s small voice saying come in, they let themselves in.
Geo was sitting in his closet with his tablet.  He wouldn't look up at Steve or Bucky, and while he wasn't crying, his eyes were rimmed in red.
“Geo,” Steve said gently, crouching down.  “You don't have to talk if you don't want to, but we just came in to check on you.  We -” He looked over at Bucky for help and Bucky let out a breath and took a seat on the ground, cross-legged next to the closet.
“Do you think when the baby comes we will forget about you?”  Bucky finished.
Geo scrunched up his face and turned away from them so he was facing the wall.  “You aren't really my dads.”
The words felt like a cold dagger to Bucky’s heart.  He knew Geo hadn’t meant them to hurt.  He was hurting and that was how the little boy thought Steve and Bucky saw him.  That didn't change the fact that it hurt that Geo felt like that at all.  Not after all this time.  He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and rubbed it in soothing circles.  “Yes, we are.”
“Of course we are,” Steve agreed.  “Don't we do all the things dads do?”
Geo shrugged and didn't answer.
“We love you buddy.  The new baby isn't going to change that.  It will just mean you're gonna have a little brother or sister to look up to you,” Bucky said.
“What if you love them more?” Geo asked.
“Geo,” Steve said.  “I know that sometimes you can love one thing more than another thing.  I love painting more than reading.  You love FRIDAY more than you love the traffic lights.  But most of the time that's not how it works.  It's not like a bag of candy you can run out of.  A person has an endless amount of love to give and it's just different for different people or things.”
Bucky smiled and took Steve’s hand.  Steve always did have a way with words when he stopped for a moment to use them.  “Yeah, buddy,” Bucky agreed.  “You've got two dads right here.  Do you love one of us more than the other?”
Geo shook his head.
“That’s the same with us,” Steve said.  “I love your dad Bucky, and your mom, and you.  I love you all so much, it’s just different for each person.”
“And pal,” Bucky added.  “We wanted another kid because we love you so much.  We wanted more of that - not to replace you.  We’d never replace you.”
Geo turned around and practically flopped over both men, one arm holding each.  He started to sob and Steve rubbed his back.  “That’s alright.  You cry it out, bud.  We’ve got you and we’re not going anywhere,” Steve said.
“And when they get here, you’re going to have one more person in your life that loves you and you’ll know will always be there for you,” Bucky added.  “I had a little sister growing up.  She was one of my best friends.”
Geo looked up at Bucky.  “Really?”
“Yeah. She could be annoying sometimes, but we used to do so many things together,” Bucky said.  One of the hardest things Bucky had had to come to terms with when he’d broken free of his HYDRA programming was how many people he’d lost and never gotten to say goodbye to.  There were now people out there in the world that didn’t know who he was that he wished he knew.  His sister had had children and they had had children and they’d started having children too, and more likely than not, they didn’t even know who he was.
Geo seemed to sit and think things over for a moment.  “Okay.”
“We’re going to have dinner with everyone to tell them the news,”  Bucky said.  “You wanna help get ready for it?  You can help me decide what to cook and decorate the table.”
“When?”  Geo asked.
“Tomorrow, up on the party deck,” Bucky said.
“Okay,” Geo said.  “I’ll help.”
“Do you want to be the one to tell everyone?”  Steve asked.
Geo looked up at him with big eyes.  “Can I?”
“Sure,” Steve said, ruffling his hair.  “We’ll say ‘Geo has some news’, and then you can tell everyone.”
Geo got up excitedly.  “I’m gonna make table decorations,” he said before running to his craft box and digging around in it.
Steve looked at Bucky and chuckled.  “That seemed to do it,” Bucky said.
Steve nodded.  “Might need to make the extra effort to make sure he feels important.”
“We can do that,” Bucky said, getting up.
Steve nodded and went over to where Geo was pulling out things from his craft box and the two started to talk about what he had planned for the table decorations.  Bucky watched them for a moment before heading out, ruffling each of their hair as he went.  This whole parenting thing was tricky, but Bucky realized, he wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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// NEXT
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jaskiersvalley · 5 years ago
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I just started following you the other day and I just wanted to say I’m in love with your stories! You’re writing is amazing and I’m obsessively reading all of your stuff
Welcome, Nonnie! I hope you enjoy your stay! It makes me so happy you’re enjoying the stories I post up here. Hopefully there’ll be many more for you to read in the coming months. And, to bring you something new, here’s a little something to say thank you for reaching out with such kind words.
Heart’s Home
It wasn’t often that Geralt spent a lot of time thinking about other people beyond what they had to offer him. But there was something that really bugged him about Jaskier. They had been travelling together for years now and there was just some things that didn’t add up. For one, Geralt didn’t know where he was from, a single name of ‘Jaskier’ didn’t give any indication of identity. However, he seemed educated, claimed to have studied at Oxenfurt, had a knack for talking himself into and out of situations, knew how to brawl like any commoner, and his fingers were as light as any commendable petty thief’s. In short, he made for a curious conundrum of contradictions.
There were other things about him that bothered Geralt. Whenever they met up, Jaskier always looked skinnier somehow, already road worn and ready to drop everything in the name of an adventure. He moaned worse than a whore when presented with a bed for the night but didn’t grumble in the slightest when they slept on the hard, cold ground in some woods or other. And as much as Jaskier seemed to love the sound of his voice, not once did he whine or pester when food wasn’t as filling or as frequent as hoped for. Rain, storms, sweltering heat, he bore it all, fussing over his lute not getting ruined even if he never seemed to have the right clothes for the weather. He was adorned in the finest robes which he took meticulous care of. But not once had Geralt seen him in something suitable for travelling. No, Jaskier was always dressed as though he was about to perform in the finest court and nothing less.
Other, smaller things wouldn’t have made Geralt think twice usually, but when it came to Jaskier, he began to pay more attention. Namely, on all his travels, Geralt hadn’t even heard of Countess de Stael. Admittedly, it wasn’t unusual, he didn’t meddle or revel in the affairs of humans but no matter who he asked, she seemed as elusive as a fart in a sieve.
He and Jaskier had been parted for a good month now, Geralt off on a contract too dangerous and boring for a bard to accompany him. So he’d left Jaskier in a tavern and set off early one morning, confident that they would cross paths again soon. Except, they didn’t. Geralt kept taking contracts, traversing the continent as The Path took him. If he added a few twists to it, trying to return to places he’d heard Jaskier sing about, that was nobody’s business.
As it always was, Geralt’s luck changed when he stopped looking for Jaskier. He had shuffled into an inn, hood up to protect against the snow, on his way to Kaer Morhen for the winter. It had set in early and was going to be a bitter one. As luck would have it, the tavern also happened to be the very one Jaskier was singing his heart out at. He looked more gaunt, his doublet was loose on him and Geralt frowned. Obviously the last month hadn’t been kind to Jaskier. It made Geralt think of all the times they’d spent together, coming back after a spell apart. Where he could press kisses to Jaskier’s collarbone and feel his ribs under his skin. It seemed their reunion was going to be akin to those once more. Gentle because Geralt worried about how fragile Jaskier had become without a soft layer of fat to keep him whole.
Quietly, Geralt settled in the darkest corner, content to just watch Jaskier perform. The patrons of the tavern weren’t most forthcoming with their coin even as Jaskier obviously put his whole self into the performance. It was a rarity, to watch Jaskier without the bard knowing Geralt was watching - those times he would add in extra winks or draw attention to the witcher as he sang ‘Toss A Coin’. What was good to note was the empty plate and the tankard by the lute’s case. Obviously Jaskier gotten a good meal in exchange of his performance.
The singing ended, there was a smattering of applause and Jaskier collected a measly load of coins for his efforts. Packing his lute away, he sidled up to the counter and Geralt watched him wave his coin purse, trying to sweet talk his way into something from the innkeeper. However, his efforts were wasted, a firm shake of head had Jaskier glancing towards the door of the inn with a worried frown. One more try but he was quickly refused. Geralt got to watch as Jaskier walked to the door, obviously steeled himself and stepped out into the blizzard without a cloak or anything else.
“What did the bard want?” Geralt asked the barkeeper as he returned his tankard.
“Cheeky sod wanted to pay less than half the going rate for a room. After he’d already gotten a cheap meal and drink in exchange for a place to play.
Curious. Geralt wondered why Jaskier would try such a ploy, he usually wasn’t one to try and cheat his way out of an honest fare. And Geralt knew that the prices of the tavern weren’t eye watering, he’d paid for a room himself. Intrigue got the better of him and, once against pulling his cloak up, Geralt stepped out into the blizzard. It was coming down hard now, no doubt by the morning it would be a white blanket covering the village.
Tracking Jaskier down wasn’t difficult, Geralt could follow the familiar footsteps in the snow and also follow the wafting scent. If he had been one for guessing, he would have thought that Jaskier was walking idly, taking turns at random. So engrossed in his determination to not guess, Geralt almost missed the fact that the trail stopped.
There, on the stoop of a pigsty, a figure was huddled down, obviously trying to stay out of the worst of the snow but a lute propped into the deepest recess left a doublet covered back exposed to the element. Quietly, Geralt approached, stepping over the fence to get to Jaskier. He laid a hand on the thin shoulder.
“Fuck off!” The snarled words were ferocious and met with a dagger pointing at Geralt. “Oh, it’s you!”
The words were so sunny, Jaskier seemingly changing in the blink of an eye to his usual happy self.
“What are you doing here?” Geralt asked, trying to figure out why Jaskier would be huddling on a pigsty’s stoop of all places. As if he had nowhere better to bed down for the night like some vagrant. The notion of that niggled at Geralt but he brushed it aside.
“I was just taking a nap! Been playing to a huge crowd of adoring fans this evening. My walk to my dear Carlita’s home is exhausting so I found a spot to rest before continuing to her stately home.” If Geralt hadn’t been at the inn, he would have even believed Jaskier. However, he’d seen the lacklustre crowd and couldn’t think of a single stately home in the area. Which meant Jaskier was lying to him. But why? Before he could ask, Jaskier was struggling to rise to his feet and making a show of stretching. “But, my darling witcher, if adventure calls, I shall let my beloved Carlita down and join you. It has been too long since we hit the road. Tell me, have you a bed at a tavern for the night?”
Allowing Jaskier to save face for now, Geralt only nodded and led the way back to the tavern they had left. The barkeep gave then a sneering look but didn’t say anything as witcher and bard walked up the stairs to the room they were now going to share. Getting ready for the night, Jaskier kept up a constant stream of chatter, detailing the last month and his great successes. However, Geralt wasn’t paying him much attention. Well, not his words at least. He could see things on Jaskier that were contradicting his great tales of banquets and standing ovations. The doublet he wore was getting a little threadbare, there were a few expertly hidden lines where tears had been mended. There was an air of weariness to Jaskier, as if he hadn’t been sleeping well of late and it compounded the visible weight loss. Even worse, there was no pack, no bag beyond a small satchel he’d deposited on the floor that couldn’t possibly contain more than maybe a single change of clothes which wouldn’t be thick enough to repel the cold of winter.
“I’m going to Kaer Morhen for the winter,” Geralt interrupted. “Where will you go?”
That brought Jaskier up short, his smile was still in place but it looked fragile.
“Are bards not welcome in Kaer Morhen? Am I not to adventure with you?” For the first time, Geralt smelled fear on Jaskier. And, like an intricate lock, all the pieces fell into place, the puzzle now a complete picture.
“You’re homeless.”
The scoff Jaskier sent his way was a worthy attempt at scorn but Geralt could see through it.
“You dare besmirch my good name?” Jaskier rallied, pulling himself up to his full height.
“I dare say the truth.” Because there was no doubt about it. No other explanation fit the evidence so well. They stared at each other, a silent game of waiting for the other to blink until Jaskier deflated.
“So, my plans for the winter weren’t as fruitful as hoped. Don’t suppose you could put in a good word for me at Kaer Morhen? I’ll sing for my keep and do whatever else I can.”
Defeat was not a good look on Jaskier. But before Geralt could promise such things, he needed the truth, from Jaskier himself rather than cobbled together assumptions and guesswork.
Haltingly, it all came out. Jaskier, or rather, Julian Alfred Pankratz, disowned son of the Viscount de Lettenhove ran away at the tender age of 17 to avoid an unfavourable marriage. Cut off from the family fortune, he made his way to Oxenfurt where, out of boredom and for lack of anything else to do, he sneaked into lectures. It was Valdo Marx who caught him and had him thrown out after 4 years of Jaskier doing that. He’d amassed enough knowledge in that time to be able to pass himself as a bard. And he had all the flourish of an Oxenfurt graduate so he told people he’d studied there. Technically, he had but not officially. Not that anyone ever bothered to check.
Jaskier learned the hard way about fighting, haggling, stealing. In order to keep up his appearances of a court bard, his money almost always went on clothes befitting someone of his assumed station. It left very little in the way of clothes to travel in, or a horse to help his journeys.
The Countess de Stael was someone he had made up. It made people see him as more desirable if it sounded like Jaskier was going to return to the court of some noblewoman, the pay was increased to entice him to stay. Meeting Geralt had been a stroke of luck, the witcher capable of feeding two on travels and was always prepared to share a bed for the night. Not that Jaskier was trying to use him, he had tried to pay for his fair share whenever he could. But coin was sparse. The times Geralt left him, Jaskier wandered aimlessly from town to town, trying to earn enough coin to survive. Sometimes, for the winter, a nobelman would take him in and Jaskier could sing and work in the kitchen in exchange for a room.
“No noble wanted you?” Geralt asked, not mincing his words.
“Not this year,” Jaskier admitted and silence stretched between them. They both knew that it was likely Jaskier wouldn’t survive the harsh winter without a benefactor. Crowds were less generous with their coin during winters, saving everything they could in case the cold months stretched out. And Jaskier, without an income, would have slept on the streets, getting ill which meant no playing and no coin. It was a rapid downward spiral that didn’t have a happy ending.
“Kaer Morhen will welcome you, on one condition.” Geralt held up a hand to keep Jaskier’s grateful enthusiasm in check. “You must promise me that you’ll repay their hospitality by keeping me company on The Path.”
It wasn’t payment as such, they both knew it. Geralt was giving Jaskier a permanent source of security. It probably wasn’t much but it was more than he had before.
Graciously nodding, Jaskier smiled as he settled across Geralt’s lap, basking in the heat the witcher exuded.
“I think I can be your barker, it seems like a fair price.” He leaned in for a kiss and, once again, it felt like coming home but for good this time.
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shypotato-translations · 4 years ago
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QTVW Chapter 4
Future* President's Fiancee (IV)
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An Mu Lan sat in the lounge, contemplating how to take revenge on Zhang Yao.
In terms of where Zhang Yao is depicted in the plot, she is a ruthless person with a heart of stone and an obsession with Ling Xihan that goes beyond imagination; unlike the others in the novel, she is very wary of her current self, which is not favourable for her to secretly exact revenge.
Thinking of this, An Mu Lan had an ominous feeling in her heart, Zhang Yao had treated the fiancées chosen by Ling Xihan, all at the first opportunity, and destroyed them with malicious tricks, so it seemed that Zhang Yao might strike at her soon. An Mu Lan shuddered at the thought of what that woman had done to the original owner.
She gritted her teeth and secretly thought to herself: She must not let go of Ling Xihan during this period of time, and must never give Zhang Yao the chance to harm her.
With this in mind, she took a college textbook out of her backpack and read it while keeping an eye out for people coming around her.
After waiting for an unknown period of time, An Mu Lan suddenly felt that someone was looking at her, she immediately raised her head and blinked to see that outside the lounge, Ling Xihan was discussing something with a group of people, that gaze just now was probably a casual glance from Ling Xihan.
When An Mu Lan saw the right person coming, she stuffed her books into her bag, and before she could walk over, Ling Xihan, who was on the other side, had already ended the conversation, and she walked over at that moment with a frown, looked at her, and asked with a cold face,
"What brings you here?"
An Mu Lan's expression froze and she stood up a little shakily, whispering to her,
"I ...... I prepared some lunch at home and thought it was mealtime and you probably hadn't eaten so I came over to give it... I'm sorry to have come so hastily and disturbed you? I'll leave now."
Ling Xihan also saw the lunchbox sitting on the sofa, and she narrowed her eyes at her and said,
"Now that you're here, come up with me."
As she spoke, she walked towards the door, tossed the stack of papers in her hand to the assistant on the side, gave a few words and headed for the lift.
An Mu Lan breathed a sigh of relief and thought: No matter what, we've passed this hurdle now!
She packed her school bag, then carried her lunchbox from the sofa and went after Ling Xihan.
When the two of them took the lift and reached the highest floor of the building, Ling Xihan passed Zhang Yao without a glance and walked towards the president's lounge at the far end of the building.
An Mu Lan glanced at the forlorn and sinister expression on Zhang Yao's face, and her steps became even larger as she hurriedly followed half a metre behind Ling Xihan.
The two entered the lounge one after another, Ling Xihan unbuttoned the top two buttons of her shirt and her delicate white collarbones were exposed, she sat casually on the chicly styled sofa, looking somewhat carelessly seductive.
An Mu Lan looked around the room and sat down on the sofa not far from Ling Xihan's side, she unpacked the lunch box and placed the meal inside on the wooden table nearest to Ling Xihan.
Having done so, with a subtle smile on her face, she said,
"I thought that the meals outside were mechanical and tasted rather monotonous, so I took it upon myself to come and bring you your meals, next time I will let you know in advance, and I hope you will not be angry with me."
With that, she handed the chopsticks to Ling Xihan and then looked at her with shining eyes.
Ling Xihan shook her head and said,
"Tomorrow at this time, you can just come straight to this lounge and wait for me."
In other words, she had given permission to An Mu Lan's actions.
An Mu Lan curled the corners of her mouth and sat down on the sofa, her eyes surveying the lounge.
She found that the style of decoration here was very similar to that of Ling Xihan's villa. The furniture here was monotonous, just two brown sofas of the same style, two short wooden tables, the rest of the place was empty, the colour of the walls and floor, all in serious cold tones, and this room was extraordinarily large, all these added up to bring a feeling of silence.
An Mulan sat quietly and waited until Ling Xihan had eaten her lunch, then she immediately helped to tidy up her lunch box, while Ling Xihan on one side looked at her with a sidelong glance and said to her,
"Tonight at the Li residence, there is a birthday party, you stay here and come with me when the time comes."
The Li family banquet? An Mu Lan's heart moved and her face smiled as she said,
"Okay."
Ling Xihan didn't stay in the lounge for long before she went out to work, An Mu Lan immediately followed her, Ling Xihan felt that she was extraordinarily close to her today, and after thinking about it, it was a good thing, so she didn't refuse her to follow her, and took her to the president's office next door.
An Mu Lan walked into the office against Zhang Yao's man-eating gaze, chose a chair nearby and sat down, watching Ling Xihan walk to her desk and check the signed documents. She also opened her backpack, took out the book she had been reading earlier and read it carefully.
But in her mind, she was recalling information about the Li family.
The Li family, a military and political family, is one of the three most famous families in the future world, along with the An family and the Qin family, and Ling Xihan has long been planning to enter the political world, so the Li family is also the one she needs to pay attention to.
After all, this is the first time that Ling Xihan has taken herself out, that is, to the outside media and the family, indicating the union of the two families, she will definitely be introduced to the people that Ling Xihan knows tonight, so this banquet in the evening, she must behave well and score extra points in the heart of Ling Xihan.
In the original owner's memory, she did not attend this party, because at that time, she was already locked up by Father An because of her withdrawal, and only afterwards did the original owner intermittently learn that the protagonist of this birthday party was none other than the eldest daughter of the Li family, Li Jiarou, whose twentieth birthday was that day.
Li Jiarou is also a pitiful person, and when she is mentioned, the book has a line about her: A noble woman with a delicate heart.
Since she was the only daughter of the Li family, she was treated very well by the Li family, so many celebrities were invited to this birthday party.
The banquet was a great success and the announcement of the marriage between the Li and Zhang families was made at the beginning.
But the next day, the major newspapers and media published a news article, "Li family's daughter, let loose, what is the reason for the **? The news was published. In the morning of the second day of the party, Li Jiarou was naked and entangled with seven or eight men in full view of the public.
Li Jialuo's reputation was immediately tarnished, the union was ruined and she committed suicide that day.
It is only in the middle of the novel that the truth of the matter is told in the mouth of the young master of the Zhang family, Zhang Yao's own brother.
In fact, it is the young master of the Zhang family, who has fallen in love with the heroine and is very dissatisfied with his marriage partner, but cannot refuse because of family reasons, so he thinks of such a way to solve the marriage problem and suppress the Li family's power, so that the family, which has been inherited for thousands of years, is finally ruined.
When An Mu Lan saw the plot, she said in her heart: The heroine in this novel is really a Mary Sue, all men fall under her skirt and all women end up in a bad way.
This kind of brain-damaged plus trivial novel is exactly the system's 'true love' ah, she as the virtual time and space manager, under the system's random screening, enter the mission world, complete the task, is also considered a de facto management of virtual time and space order.
An Mu Lan suddenly thought: this evening is the time for the banquet, she might be able to counter-use this matter to strike a good blow at the Zhang family forces and solve a big problem in her heart.
So, for the rest of the day, An Mu Lan spent the rest of the night in her head, rehearsing the flow of the evening's banquet, memorising all the key points in her head, and then waiting with wariness for the official opening.
She raised her head in a good mood and looked at the office, then her eyes naturally fell on Ling Xihan's body.
Ling Xihan was sitting in her office chair at this time, her face still had a cold and ruthless expression, her lips pursed up, her eyebrows gently knitted, the documents in her hands were converted very quickly, she stopped from time to time, then looked down again to sign something quickly and smoothly, her serious working appearance looked really eye catching.
Perhaps it was really because she was in a good mood that made An Mu Lan's gaze much bolder. Her gaze traced Ling Xihan's features, from her nicely shaped eyebrows to her narrow, dark eyes, her nose was straight, and her lips were very well shaped, with light pink lips that were slightly out of keeping with her temperament, but this face, indeed, was beautiful enough.
Even in this future world where everyone is beautiful, her face stands out!
An Mu Lan looked on with a smile, her eyes suddenly met with a pair of eyes that didn't show any emotion, and with a shudder she heard the owner of the eyes say,
"What are you looking at me for?"
"You look beautiful,"
An Mulan blurted out the words, then her heart rang with alarm, immediately seeing the other party's eyes narrowed, she had a thought and continued softly,
"...... I love it."
Her cheeks flushed when she said it.
Perhaps these words touched Ling Xihan's sensitive nerves, she let out a light laugh, tossed the pen in her hand to the side casually, then got up and walked in front of An Mu Lan, leaned over and pressed herself, her slim but tall figure completely enveloped the small An Mu Lan underneath.
She lifted An Mu Lan's chin in a frivolous movement, and her white, slightly cool fingertips slid down her cheeks to An Mu Lan's lips, then pressed and rubbed, as if feeling the softness of her lips with her fingers.
It was the first time that An Mu Lan had been so lightly and flirtatiously treated, and she was truly embarrassed, yet she was suppressed by the other party's aura and could not move, so she could only sit there, blushing.
An Mu Lan felt the fingers on her lips, tinged with her body heat, become warm, then those fingers suddenly increased in strength, picking down her lower lip, two fingers immediately knocking open her teeth and pushing in.
Two fingers made a mess of her mouth, pressing her palate one moment, pinning her tongue and molesting her the next, even shoving it harder and deeper inside, causing tears to well up in An Mu Lan's eyes in discomfort.
Ling Xihan's slightly narrowed eyes, looking at the girl's red cheeks, eyes with watery mist, clear tears as well as saliva crossing over, adding a few **/delicious tones to this scene.
Satisfied, she drew back her hand and rubbed her still salivated fingers over An Mu Lan's cheek, sliding it down one side of her earlobe to her collarbone, and only when she felt An Mu Lan's rapidly beating heart did she slowly draw back her hand and turn to walk back to her desk.
All that was left was a dumbfounded An Mu Lan, a flash of shame and anger on her face, and then a frantic cry in her mind: Hey! Have you washed your hands yet!?
Ling Xihan took out a tissue from the table to wipe her hands, then tapped on the electronic screen and said to the assistant on the other side of the screen,
"Bring over two gowns, one in my daily size and one in a princess dress."
The person across the screen seemed to ask some kind of question, then Ling Xihan turned around abruptly, sized up An Mu Lan from head to toe, and said
"36, 24, 34."
Then hung up the call.
A bunch of mud horses were running wild in An Mu Lan's head! How could this woman tell her 3 sizes just by visual observation!?
After this, until the little assistant brought in the dress, An Mu Lan kept her head hanging low, as if some precious flower had bloomed on the floor of President Ling, looking at it without blinking her eyes.
After placing the dress on the sofa, the assistant closed the door and left.
An Mu Lan looked at the dreamy pink dress, lifted it up and shook it, then turned it around several times and asked in a small voice,
"Is it time to change?"
Ling Xihan nodded and came over to pick up her dark-toned gown, saying,
"We'll be leaving in a few minutes, so change now."
With that, she began to unbutton her shirt one by one, locking her gaze on An Mu Lan.
She found that although Ling Xihan was tall and slim, her body had material where there should be flesh, her waist was particularly long, and under the wide shirt, her waist was terribly slim, but it did not give the impression of being fragile at all, because on it, there was a vague outline of four pieces of abs.
An Mu Lan: So strong!
Ling Xihan raised her eyebrows and took off her trousers and clothes, then asked indifferently while doing so,
"Get changed, what's the point of dawdling."
An Mu Lan felt that something was wrong, she felt that this person was very powerful, how did she manage to remain as calm as she could be in this ambiguous atmosphere? Facial paralysis is such a good thing!
As she furiously complained, she scowled and took off her coat and changed into her dress in a swift manner, only to have a tragic slip up.
Her hair, got caught in the zip on the back of her dress.
Ling Xihan had already changed into her dress, the long tight dress wrapped her figure perfectly, she looked at An Mu Lan who was busy, and then asked with great interest,
"Do you want me to help you?"
An Mu Lan immediately gave her a pitiful teary-eyed look, Ling Xihan couldn't help but laugh as she walked over, her slightly cool fingers seemingly unconsciously running across An Mu Lan's back, causing her body to tremble.
She turned her head carefully, the look of resignation on her face could not be concealed, Lingshihan suddenly felt guilty, she moved quickly to take out the hair in the zip, pulled the zip back, and secretly thought in her heart: this pitiful and innocent expression really suits An Mu Lan, she was eager to try it, thinking that maybe she could bully her like this more often in the future.
The unsuspecting An Mu Lan: ......
The author has something to say: Poor newbie begging for favorites and comments. (づ ̄3 ̄)づ╭?~
For the sake of the review, my high-spirited demeanour, ruined! _(:зゝ∠)_
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jasonsgrayson · 5 years ago
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Jasonsgrayson’s Guide To All Things Spideytorch
Hi guys, I know I do rec lists sometimes, and I wanted to do one for Spideytorch since I just got into it and a lot of the fics on AO3 are really great. Theres a ton of fics here, of all shapes and sizes and ratings, and in no particular order as always, so take your pick.
Above the cut are my all time favorite spideytorch fics, below the cut are a mess of totally awesome fics that you guys should really take a look at. 
If you want to save some time just look at any of Traincat’s and lamujerarana’s spideytorch stuff. They’re amazing. 
Kind, Sober, and Fully Dressed by Traincat Rated M - 8,685 words Is this my favorite spideytorch fic of all time? Yes. Is it one of my favorite fanfics of all time in general? Also yes. Are the Johnny Storm sex tape related events of this fic cannon? Yes they absolutely fucking are. Read it, I beg of you.
"Pete, my man, my completely platonic best bro," he muttered to himself in the voice he reserved solely for mocking Johnny Storm. "Come over and watch my maybe sex tape! Fun times! Just two guys hanging out -" he slammed the bathroom door maybe a little harder than necessary "- watching the one guy's celebrity sex tape! Good clean fun!" Mrs. Moretti downstairs banged on her ceiling with a broom. Everything was coming up Parker tonight. -- Or, in which Peter proves himself tragically unable to take a hint. Post-Amazing Spider-Man Digital #17, aka the time Johnny asked Peter to watch his sex tape.
Lost and Found by Traincat Rated E - 8,154 words Is it another fake relationship fic? Yes. Is it my second favorite spideytorch fic? Also yes.
“A field trip?” Peter said. “Just a little family outing,” Sue said, passing him a knife. He took it and obediently started helping her cut the crusts off a small mountain of sandwiches. “We thought you might like to join us.” “I mean, it sounds great,” Peter said. “But work is a little swamped and somehow whenever I take off with you guys I always manage to go missing for two months. My landlady does not love it.” “We really could use the extra set of hands. Also,” Sue said, “someone needs to keep an eye on Johnny.” Peter groaned. -- Peter's spider-sense starts acting up on a Future Foundation field trip. He and Johnny, recently returned from the Negative Zone, have to pretend to be married. These two things are related.
Work Song by Traincat Rated E - 50,953 words I will never get tired of this one, I’ve read it so many times it’s one of my absolute favorites. Basically Peter is Johnny’s sugar daddy.
Peter Parker has his company, more money than he knows what to do with, and the echoes of a ghost in his head. Johnny Storm's lost his family, his home, and is clinging to the remnants of his old life. -- "I’m here with you. That’s not nothing, right?” “No,” Peter agreed. It definitely felt like something, all the way up here with Johnny so close they were almost touching. Peter looked at him, at the full lips set in a slight frown, the sharp curve of his jaw, the way his hair fell across his forehead. He fit all the dazzling lights around them, warm like sunshine even in the middle of the night. “Beautiful,” Peter said before he could stop himself.
River Eyes by perissologist Rated M - 22,749 words I love it because Noir is my shit, especially when it’s done this freaking well.
If Jonathan Storm was the movie star Betty said he was, he looked the part: Hair like spun gold in perfect curls atop slender features, with eyes bluer than the Hudson in midsummer. “Normally I’d ask what a dame like you is doing in a place like this, but”—Peter cast a glance up his guest—“you’re not exactly a dame, are you?” Storm flashed a weak smile. “I can be, if you want.” Peter raised an eyebrow. Storm turned beet-red. “I mean. I’m. I didn’t mean that.” Storm huffed and shoved out a hand. “Johnny Storm.” --- It's 1933, Peter Parker has just shut down a Nazi eugenist and lost one of his oldest friends, and life in the big city is as joyless and hardscrabble as ever. Then Johnny Storm, movie star with a soul made of sunshine, walks through Peter's door, asking for his help. The rest, as they say, is history.
Eight Arms to Hold You by metaphoracle Rated T - 15,071 words I love it because it has Namor the Sub Mariner and fake relationships and Atlantis, and a really lecherous octopus, and really what’s not to like?
When Spider-Man’s best friend Johnny Storm asks him for help in tactfully declining a marriage proposal from the King of Atlantis, Namor the Sub-Mariner, the only solution is for him to volunteer Daily Bugle photographer Peter Parker to pretend to be dating Johnny at the Engagement Banquet in Atlantis. Sure, it’s technically lying to his best friend about who Peter Parker is, but the important thing is that Johnny won’t have to marry Namor, and if Peter gets some photographs of Atlantis to sell, what’s the harm? Peter thought the most difficult thing about this scenario was going to be making sure Johnny didn’t figure out Peter is actually Spider-Man. Having to pretend he wasn’t actually falling in love with his best friend never crossed his mind. Featuring fake relationships, forced (almost) marriages, identity porn, traditional Atlantean clothing, and amorous cephalopods.
Keep Throwing Things and Slamming the Door by Traincat Rated T - 7,817 words I think I’ve read this one a half a dozen times already, it’s so good/funny. She-Hulk’s in it, and she is fabulous.
Waking up in a stranger's bed is not how superhero Johnny Storm planned on spending the morning after the night before. From now on… A) No more secret hookups with Peter Parker—he's the last man on earth Johnny'd want to share a room with, never mind a king-size bed. B) Maintain a professional persona at all times. After all, he's a photographer for New York's #1 Superhero Bashing Rag and Johnny's perfect tabloid fodder. C) Keep friends close but enemies closer. Easier said than done, with She-Hulk away on her honeymoon and Spider-Man avoiding him.
The Boy From New York City by Traincat Rated E - 84,499 words I really love this one. Of all the fics on this list I would say this is a spideytorch must read, a true classic.
Central City, California is beautiful, but it’s not where Johnny wants to be – and he’s not who he wants to be, either. Inspired by the recent return of Spider-Man, Johnny convinces the newly minted Fantastic Four to return to the Baxter Building, the site of the incident that gave them their powers. But not everything is what it seems, and worse yet, Spider-Man wants nothing to do with the Human Torch. In the wake of Gwen’s death, Peter has finally put the mask back on, but nothing’s the same as it once was, and the thrill has gone out of Spider-Man. The Fantastic Four’s arrival only makes everything worse. The Human Torch is good looking, he’ll give him that much, but Peter has no plans of making friends. A series of strange attacks and a fateful encounter on the docks may not leave him much choice.
‘cause I can’t compete with your boyfriend (he’s got 27 tattoos) by Traincat Rated T - 13,495 words Who doesn’t love a high school au? I know I do. 
The thing was, Peter was stuck with Johnny forever, basically. The super glue of unintentional friendship. It was cosmic, fated, and incredibly annoying. Johnny Storm might have been a handbasket of bad decisions and personality defects wrapped up with an incredible smile, but he was Peter’s handbasket of bad decisions -- of which Daken was still the worst one Johnny had ever made, and Johnny had made some truly bad decisions. -- Johnny dates Daken, Peter has a crisis, and everything works out okay in the end.
All That We Were by paramountie Rated G - 10,298 words Here’s a super cute stuck in an alternate universe kid fic, if that’s your thing (It sure as hell is mine).
“What do you think the deal is anyway?” Peter asks. “My money’s on dreamscape.” “Twenty bucks says it’s an alternate universe.” “Nuh-uh, pal. It’s a dream for sure. Or a nightmare.”
The Spider Prince and the Morning Star by Traincat Rated M - 24,337 words Every ship needs a great fairytale fic, and this is a phenomenal fairytale fic. It’s sort of a Beauty and the Beast/Eros and Psyche tale and I loved it so much.
“Folks like to say there’s a monster that lives in the forest,” Old Swenson said the next day when Johnny told him his story. Johnny worked in his shop, when Swenson could afford to pay him. He fixed things, clocks and broken carriages. Johnny wasn’t good for much, but he had a hand for repairs. “And that it’ll grant you wishes, for a price. Folks will say anything, after a drink or five. Don’t listen to that kind of foolish talk, Johnny.” When Johnny makes a deal with the monster that lives in the woods – himself for his sister’s happiness – he doesn’t expect the giant spider to take him to a beautiful castle, or to reveal himself a cursed prince. There’s only one catch: he’s only a man in the darkest night, and Johnny can never see his face.
Better in Picture by weekend_conspiracy_theorist Rated T - 12,218 words I love this one, it’s freaking hilarious. It really uses Matt, Foggy, and Peter to their full comedic potential.
In which Peter Parker has no interest in sleeping with Matt Murdock, no matter what anyone seems to think.
you keep me hanging on by lamujerarana Rated E - 19,031 words Here’s a great friends with benefits to lovers fic, because there must always be at least one.
Johnny, reeling from his breakup with Medusa and the loss of his entire family, turns to Peter for comfort...that eventually involves casual sex that isn't so casual for Johnny, since he just so happens to be in love with Peter. Everything becomes incredibly complicated. This story takes place between the events of Inhumans vs X-Men #6 and Uncanny Avengers v3 #20.
Always Glad You Came by aloneintherain Rated T - 13,290 words Mistaken Identity or boys being dumb, take your pick.
Spider-Man is a relatively new, controversial vigilante, and Johnny has a crush the size of the Empire Building. The Four - operating under the assumption that Spidey is an adult - do not approve. “I just happen to think Spider-Man's cool,” Johnny says, matter-of-factly. “A hero can think another hero is cool without making it weird. I admire his aloofness. And his badass-ness.” “His aloofness,” Ben repeats, chuckling into his mug of beer. It’s roughly the size of Johnny’s head. “Yeah, sure, I bet that’s all your admire, right?”
When Peter Met Johnny by Measured Rated T - 14,437 words A paparazzi fic!
Peter takes up additional paparazzi work to pay the bills, which inevitably leads to an angry flaming man, a broken camera, an accidental friendship and a whole lot more than he bargained for.
Tied to the Wait and Sees by Mizzy Rated T - 14,283 words This is hilarious, poor Johnny’s trying his best. 
Johnny Storm's in love. With Spider-man. Except no one seems to even believe Johnny when he tells them. Everyone thinks he's totally joking. What a buzzkill. Even his bff doesn't react supportively, which is rude, disrespectful, and completely awkward when Johnny walks into a time anomaly and wakes up in the future married not to his beloved Spider-man, but to Peter Parker. Huh, no wonder Parker reacted so badly to the news.
Say You Will, Say You Won’t by Traincat Rated T - 15,563 words Peter in this one is hilarious, it’s perfect characterization.
Johnny Storm found him on a Friday afternoon, wearing the kind of beseeching look that filled Peter with dread. “I need to ask you a favor,” he said. “No,” Peter said, swinging away. -- Peter and Johnny get married, really-not-really.
Tales From The Black Pages by Traincat Rated T - 19,019 words A soulmate words fic, because, again, there must always be at least one. And it’s a really great one, too. 
Peter Parker was born with his words. Johnny Storm's been sure his will be said sarcastically since he was a child. Everything else more or less happens according to plan. A first words soulmate AU.
Weaving Spiders Come Not Here by Mizzy Rated T - 13,809 words Mistaken identity or boys being dumb, I think I can guess which one it is. 
People are treating Peter oddly. Really oddly. It turns out they're being nice to him because they think his boyfriend cheated on him. …with Spider-Man. It's honestly quite tiring pretending to be jealous of yourself.
Peter Parker’s Guide to Secret Identities by coocoocachu Rated T - 93,789 words Johnny is a teen heartthrob, enough said. 
“Oh wow, it’s the Human Torch, Johnny Storm.” MJ whispered to Peter. Peter just hummed back. Maybe it was a little childish to be upset but he totally had that thing with the weird mutant moth under control last night. Peter leaned against the wall while MJ milled around talking to people trying to figure out what the big scoop was here. ‘There always has to be a reason for an exclusive, Peter!’ she had said. Yeah, Peter thought, and the reason is Johnny Storm loves the attention. Peter fiddled with his camera. Action shots were more his thing, particularly somehow managing to take action selfies of himself as Spider-Man or a few of his supercharged enemies. Pictures of egotistical superhero’s shirtless? Not really his area.
stranger danger by I_mNotYourEnemy Rated T - 10,600 words Mistaken identity or boys being dumb 3: Grindr Identity
pete is this a bad time to ask who this is?? Hothead Is this not Grindr Peter? pete nope Hothead Ahhh fuck Sorry for the unsolicited dick pic pete that’s alright, ive seen worse -- In which Johnny gets a username wrong, Peter gets a dick pic, and MJ gets a headache just thinking about the situation.
Turn Me On, Turn Me Off by blue_jack Rated E - 5,158 words Honestly the summary speaks for itself here.
“I have. A vibrator. Stuck. In my ass,” Johnny said, enunciating clearly and concisely while staring him straight in the eyes, and Peter didn’t know who was blushing harder, but he was sure they were in a race to see who could match the color of his mask first.
Flip a Coin - Choose Both Sides by the_overlord Rated T - 10,993 words Johnny is president of the Spider-Man fanclub. Just- that’s it. 
Wherein Johnny Storm gets given a wrong number and ends up the President of Spiderman's fanclub. Things get a little more complicated from there.
Tanglewood Tree by amaronith Rated E - 6,901 words Another fuckbuddies to lovers au.
but love is a light in the sky, and an unspoken lie, and a half whispered prayer Or: what happens when Johnny becomes fuck buddies with the guy he's been in love with for years.
let the choir bell sing by gottalovev Rated E - 16,457 words Another fake relationship, this one set abroad in Venice.
Johnny and Spider-Man are on assignment at the Carnival of Venice, and asked to be present at an influential politician's costumed party. When he becomes worried that said politician wants to match him up with his daughter, Johnny announces he's secretly married to Spider-Man. They can totally fake being secret husbands for a few days! Not a problem, not even when they have to share a bed. After all, they are good buddies; it's not as if Johnny would have to sleep with someone he has a crush on, like Peter Parker.
Stay With Me - by oneshinyapple Rated E - 2 works - 29,958 words total This is a great verse which is also part of the Like Gravity verse, which I haven’t read all the installments of. 
Movie nights, fighting alien dinosaurs, and falling in love with your best friend — one of these may be a worse idea than the others.
A Melody That’s Calling Your Name by gleesquid Rated T - 32,731 words Another great high school au.
When a boy gets trapped in the Baxter Building fire, Peter must make a quick choice: let the boy die terrified in the flames or gain his trust by showing him what's underneath his mask. In the end, it's no choice at all. But when that same boy shows up on the first day of senior year, Peter finds himself caught in a spiraling lie. The next thing he knows, he's got a boyfriend, he's starring in a musical, he's going to rich kids' costume parties, and he's realizing that maybe there are worse things than having someone know your biggest secret. You'd think high school couldn't get any weirder than a radioactive spider bite, but that's just the Parker Luck.
hang a shining star upon the highest bough by lamujerarana Rated E - 15,386 words A lovely little Christmas fic for that time of year
The first time Johnny and Peter meet up at the Statue of Liberty on Christmas morning, Johnny's kind, thoughtful, and supportive to Peter at a time when Peter, still mourning the loss of Gwen Stacy, really needs it. Peter doesn't know how he'll ever pay him back for that, but he's sure going to try. Or, Peter tries his best, throughout various Christmases, to be there for Johnny when he needs it.
take my medicine, treat you like adrenaline by gleesquid Rated E - 2,763 words The one and only Spiderverse fic on this list, for when you’re in that Peter B. Parker mood.
“Every time I even think about dating again, it’s like, ‘oh, there’s MJ’s nose,’ or ‘hey, she has MJ’s eyes.’ I don’t know how to not see her in everyone. I don’t know if I want to.” “You ever figured you’re maybe barking up the wrong tree?” Peter furrowed his brow. “Explain.” “Well, ya know.” Harry sipped his martini. “There’s a larger dating pool out there than you’d think. With people who will not remind you of MJ.” Or: After the divorce, Peter tries for a rebound.
Save a Horse-Adjacent Alien by Traincat Rated E - 3,915 words Poor Johnny made a terrible actor. 
He was minding his own business, sitting in a movie theater in Queens, snacking on popcorn and wondering how many times he could make fun of Johnny Storm’s hair before Aunt May asked why he was so fixated, when the trailers ended, the lights went out, and Johnny appeared on the screen. Peter’s mouth went dry, and it wasn't because of the popcorn. Maybe it was the distance the movie gave him, Johnny up on a screen instead of right in front of him, warm and bright and frighteningly human. Maybe it was how endearingly terrible of an actor he was. Maybe it was the lighting. It was, Peter thought, probably the cowboy boots.
Bring That Summer by pommenade Rated T - 15,070 words Ahh social media, get’s you every time.
Juggling the duties of Spider-Man as well as his life as CEO of Parker Industries was easy. Peter Parker had years of practice. Add in a clandestine relationship with Johnny Storm and things got a bit more complicated. Add in Johnny's Instagram account, and suddenly Peter's life is impossible.
Educational Purposes by Traincat Rated E - 5,510 words A sexy little married fic
“I just,” Johnny said, flicking his gaze up at Peter through his eyelashes. He pressed the pen to his bottom lip and lowered his voice, pornographic. “I really need to pass your class, Professor Parker.” Peter snorted. “Cute, Johnny.” “Please, Professor Parker?” Johnny continued, and suddenly Peter realized that he wasn’t just joking around. “Isn’t there anything I could do to improve my grade? Anything at all?”
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nad-zeta · 4 years ago
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Match up! ~(˘▾˘~)
Can I get a matchup? I’m 5'4 chubby pansexual girl. I have brown skin, dark brown eyes and short black curly hair that’s puffy and in a Afro when it’s out.I like cooking,singing, animals, video games, cuddles, hugs, playing with people’s hair and people playing with my hair. When you first meet me I may look mean but I’m kind, caring, goofy and sassy. I’m only mean when you mess with me, my family or friends. I’m a calm and laid back person but sometimes I can get mad easy but a hug calm me down.I’m a affectionate person and I don’t know why but I like the nickname babygirl.In my free time I like to read, listen to music and play with. I don’t like drama and fighting but I will fight if I have to. For some reason it’s seems like I’m always smiling sometimes I don’t know I’m smiling until somebody point it out.I like watching horror movies and playing horror games since I’m chubby Im really warm.
I really love your matchups you are a good writer☺️
Eeeep! 😱😱☺You are too kind!❤❤☺ Thank you so much for the kind words and the request dear. Also sorry for taking like 1 million years to get this written! I hope you enjoy it love and I hope you have a super good day! ❤❤🌻🦋
So I match you with…………….. Shingen
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Naturally the first time Shingen laid eye on you, was when Yuki had saved you from plummeting to your death the night of the fire. You had ran and ran and ran to get away from Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, who spooked you by demanding to know who you were, and where you were from. Shingen spotted Yuki saving you from falling off the cliff and rode towards the two of you to make sure you guys were alright.
The second this man saw you he fell in love. You were unlike any woman he had ever seen before, the way you seemed to glow in the light of the full moon, had him absolutely speechless. Honestly, he thought, you must have been some sort of celestial being, with the way you shined. 
He walked up to you and kissed your hand as he introduced himself. Your expression was taut, and Yuki couldn’t help but be slightly intimidated by your features, “Careful my lord, she looks mean.” Of course, that comment from the young man earned him a stony glare from you, which sent shivers down his spine. 
Kenshin and Sasuke broke up the party as they arrived and the second Sasuke spotted you he sighed in relief, he had been looking for you for over four years. Before he could even offer you a place to stay, Shingen beat him to it. And that my friend is how you landed up in Kasugayama castle.
Shingen made sure to put you in a room fit for a princess, and he spent your first day at the castle showering you with gifts and trinkets. You honestly was so overwhelmed by the Kasugayama boys warm welcome, that you wanted to do something nice for them, to thank them. So you used your talents, to cook them each their favourite dishes to say thank you for the warm welcome. You made your way to Sasuke the next morning to ask him about all the warlords favourite foods so that you could start making your thank you gifts. You had decided to bestow it upon them at that evening’s banquet.
Sasuke smiled as you chartered down a list of everyone’s favourite snacks, and you got to work.
You had been in Kasugayama all of one week, and you really wanted to make Shingen’s dish extra special, as he had been the one who had most helped you to adapt to the castle life. He took time out of his schedule every day to show you around the castle and town. He would also pop into your room every day to enjoy a cup of tea with you. 
That night at the banquet, Kenshin was getting rowdy as he usually does, insisting the boys fight him. You honestly disliked fighting and drama, so you decided to defuse the situation by handing out your special gifts. You started with Kenshin handing him a big jar of freshly made pickled plums. His eyes sparkled as he plucked one from the jar to prop it into his mouth. The bunny warlord was now sitting in his corner, happily munching away at the pickled treats. You couldn’t help but giggle, as the way he was stuffing his cheeks made him look like a cute bunny. 
Next was Sasuke and Yukimura, you had found out that they both really enjoyed chestnut dumplings, so you handed them each a plate stacked high with the sugary delights. When it came to Yoshimoto, you were somewhat stumped as Sasuke had told you that he liked all foods that are delicious. So in the end you had decided to make for him your classic homemade stew, which he happily ate, all while wearing that elegant smile. 
Finally you turned to Shingen, whose brown eyes lit up in excitement as you handed him a hefty package. He opened it and was awestruck at the array of sweets you had managed to prepared for him. Eyeing Yuki, he took you by the hand and led you to his room, so that he could peacefully munch on his candy without Yuki scolding him in the background. “You truly bless me, my goddess, I shall savour every bite of these heavenly treats.” The two of you sat, and nibbled on the sweets, while sipping on some tea as you chatted late into the evening under the light of the moon.
Needless to say, Shingen was already head over heels for you, from the first night the two of you met, however, every detail he learned about you just made him fall more and more in love. He loved how you were the kindest person he has ever met. 
He loves how goofy and sassy you are, being able to easily match his wit and charm with your own. He can’t help but chuckle whenever you counter his flirty comments with a sassy remark. And he absolutely adores your goofy side. And he realises quickly that after just spending one afternoon with you, that he has never smiled and laughed as much in his whole life. You bring so much joy and love into his life; and he can’t help but fall in love.
And just when Shingen thought that he possibly couldn’t fall more in love with you, you just had to go and melt his heart into a puddle of pure happiness. It was no secret that you loved animals. You had taken up the duties of official Kasugayama animal caretaker. You would spend hours just playing with the warlord’s pets. If you weren’t cuddling with Kenshin’s army of fluff, you were playing fetch with Yukimura’s wolf pup. However, your favourite pet of all, to spend time with, was Shingen’s bear cub, which you had half and half adopted as your own pet. The little bear absolutely adored you and could often be found nestled on your lap enjoying the attention of you petting his soft fur as you read. 
One day as you were reading to the little bear, a song popped in your head, and you started sing. At that exact moment, Shingen had walked by your room, and his heart was stolen, your voice was so smooth and beautiful. HE swore he had died and gone to heaven at the moment, hearing your angelic voice sing. It was then when he couldn’t hold back his feeling for you in any longer. He made his way into the room and told you just how much he loves and adore you.
The two of you were the cuddliest couple around. As Shingen absolutely loved to just hold you in his arms. You were so warm and soft, and all he wanted to do is shower you with kisses and worship you from dusk to dawn.
He loves to just spend every waking moment with his goddess. Of course, since the two of you got together, you let it slip that you loved being called baby girl. And boy oh boy, did he like that nickname, he legit would call you that, from that moment on wards. 
He loves that you are always smiling, you are just so carefree and laidback. He can’t help but think of you as his own personal ray of sunshine, always beaming and making every room instantly brighter whenever you enter.
Of course, Shingen being the sneaky tiger he is, loves to tease his beloved goddess, which sometimes causes you to get mad at him. Although Shingen being the master of information, knows precisely how to get you to stop being mad at him, or out of any angry mood really. He will come up behind you and envelop you in a warm hug while kissing your ear and neck, all while whispering the sweetest words of affection to you, as he apologizes for teasing you. Of course, this causes you to instantly melt.
Shingen loves to spoil you. Whether that is with gifts or physical affection, this man just wants to shower you with endless amounts of love and affection. He absolutely loves to play with your hair. He can honestly spend hours upon hours just pulling his fingers through your lushes locks. If you want to make this man the happiest man alive, then play with his hair. He loves loves loves, it whenever you see him overworking himself, when you come up behind him and hug him. Bonus points if you gently pull him down to rest his head on your lap. He will practically be purring in delight as you tenderly pull your fingers through his hair while singing or reading to him. He will be like putty in your hands.
With Shingen, there is never a shortage of cuddles and hugs, this man will literally pull you into a warm embrace and shower your face with kisses whenever the two of you run into each other in the hallways
Often the two of you lovebirds can be found nestled in each other’s arms, under the light of the moon, sharing a drink. One of you is most likely always playing with the other’s hair as you share the events of your days with each other.
Other potential matches………… Masamune
I hope you enjoyed this, dear! 😳☺And I hope you have a super good day! @blackchubbyqueen ☺🌻❤🌻
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It felt like transcendence - Kae
I’m supposed to be finishing up work and instead it’s 12:25 am and somehow 2020 keeps getting worse and worse and I can’t focus on anything productive and I’m just sitting here alone while my family sleeps. And I’m thinking about immersive theatre.
For someone who is fairly gregarious on the internet--I’ve written about my sex life and liveblogged my pregnancy for publication, after all--I’m a surprisingly guarded person IRL. I don’t see crying as a sign of weakness in others, but I can’t convince myself of the same. I only really trust one or two people in my life at a time. That’s all I have capacity for. I’m an adoptee. I’m a Capricorn. It’s who I am.
I miss the hotel right now and immersive theatre in general. What’s hard to explain to most people is that it’s not just about the art and the live performance. Maybe it’s about the community, though I ironically see my far-flung fan friends more often now than I did before the pandemic shut down theater. We’re all desperate for immersive work and have been seeing virtual shows together and apart, having Zoom chats and group chats and debriefs about them, sharing reviews and solving clues collectively.
I do miss people and IRL connection, but that’s not the ache I feel most ardently. I accessed something within myself in immersive shows that I can’t replicate anywhere else. Is transcendence too strong of a word? It felt spiritual, but I also don’t know if I know what spirituality means. Immersive was (is?) a solo experience for me, whether I went with someone else or not. I felt alive and present in my body at immersive shows. I’m always thrilled to have a 1-1 or to see a new scene added at Sleep No More. But it’s the much smaller moments and experiences that swoooooosh returned me to my flesh. And I miss that feeling, of being transported. The illusion of being alone in my head, that allowed me to focus on just what was in front of me, just what I wanted and who I was in the moment. Since becoming a parent, I both started seeing more and more immersive shows beyond SNM and had less frequent trips to NYC to see shows at all. The last time I saw SNM was October of 2019, the Halloween trip. I haven’t been back to NYC since. I don’t remember who was on or what I saw or where I wandered. It wasn’t a deeply transformative trip to the McKittrick. I took it for granted and if I could go back today, I would try to take it all in--the scents, the textures, the million tiny details. Corners of the building are already blurring in my memories.
But I do remember some very specific things, teeny moments embedded in my long term memory from 7 years (6 in earnest) of immersive adventuring.
Some scattered memories from the last few years that I can still smell, hear, taste, and remember, from SNM and others:
Being alone in the lofted bedroom alcove at the very top of the brownstone building in which Inside the Wild Heart by Group.BR was performed and standing slightly too close to the wall, when I realized the flowers on the walls were talking. Barely audible audio of Clarice Lispector reading her work, like a whisper, was being played through the flowers pinned to the wall, so quiet and in such a small, lonely corner of the building. Who would hear them? Who would ever happen upon them or stand just close enough to that particular wall? But they called to me and I pressed my ear closer to the wall to hear their whispers.
Outright choke-sobbing during the last scenes of Remembrance by Linked Dance, a time during which I really wished I was alone and was also slightly embarrassed that I’d paid extra for the additional scenes that commenced while I was still gurgling and wiping my tears on my sleeve. My grandmother, who I was very close to, died after living a long time with Alzheimer’s. That show was so lovely and I held it together the entire time and then it all burst out at once and it’s truly the most emotional I’ve ever been in public that wasn’t, like, an actual funeral.
Reading through all the manila folders in the reverend’s outside room at SNM, when that was a thing, and puzzling over the characters in the files. Who was the midwife? The nanny? What about the others? Trying to commit it all to memory. Failing. Crawling through the tunnel and being shocked by the soft texture and brilliant white of the chapel (towel room).
The first time I felt the flutter of movement during my pregnancy with Remi, a slight ticklish wiggling inside me, so slight I barely registered it. Had I been moving about my normal life, I might not have noticed. I was, at that moment, deeply moved and completely still, witnessing the Father do a dance of regrets across a sandy roof in The Grand Paradise by Third Rail Projects. I don’t know if a fetus can register its gestational carrier’s emotions, but I have always felt that Remi was reacting to my heightened emotional state.
A night during which I was the only person with the porter during the boy witch lip sync. A scene I’d seen many times, but after looping this particular porter, I felt deeply empathetic towards him. He never took his eyes off of the boy witch and I never took my eyes off of him and he started to cry and I felt tears coming in the tightness of my throat. As though he could feel the synchronicity between us, without turning his fixed gaze from the boy witch, he reached his outstretched hand towards me across the desk. I’d seen the porter loop many times, so I was surprised, but I knew that it was meant for me and I didn’t hesitate to take it. We held hands, urgently, and those tears started to fall one-by-one down my face and then, when the boy witch was done, the porter shook the spell and looked me directly in the eyes, squeezing my hand before moving back to his unfortunate loop.
Watching an actor climb around a huge bookshelf, finding little pots of white paint behind the books and painting her face with her fingertips, while blue light cast unnatural shadows over the room--a scene you probably saw if you saw Submersive Productions’ first large-scale work in Baltimore, The Mesmeric Revelations of Edgar Allen Poe. What I remember is just watching her, as other audience members came and went, for a very long time, for the entire wordless scene, including when she dismounted from the shelves and folded her arms at odd angles into the top of a wooden piano.
The scene in Then She Fell by Third Rail Projects when Alice sees you through the mirror, the audience member becoming the mirror image of Alice. The actor spoke no words. We made eye contact through the implied mirror and she reached for the clementine on her side and I reached the one on mine and then we peeled it together, wordlessly, the skin giving easily under our fingers, and slipped one slice into our mouth and it was sweet.
And, of course, the very first SNM show and the very first time I saw the banquet scene. I have no idea what loop it was--maybe second? I didn’t comprehend anything about the show that night other than that I was intrigued. The banquet scene, which I so often skipped intentionally in my later shows, so often stayed out in the bar at the end of the night if I was having a good time, was the highlight of that very first show. It felt like the whole room slowed and warped. It stopped my breath. I was zoomed in. I could feel my pulse. The whole ballroom pulsed as the lights and mood shifted. For a moment, I was unstuck in time.
If you’re missing immersive theater right now, please do come to The Lost Halloween. It’s a moment for all of us to get found. A bit. And if you’re able, please give to the fundraiser. Every single dollar is an investment in another person's survival and a meaningful thank you for the ways immersive experiences have challenged us, affirmed us, and brought us joy and healing.
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spockandawe · 4 years ago
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Y’all
Golden Stage is.... adorable. 
Okay, so what we have here is another danmei webnovel, this time with arranged gay marriage. I was intrigued, but skeptical about how well it would work, and I had a FANTASTIC time.
The book in general was less fantasy and more politics than I prefer, which means that the ship was most of the appeal for me and the setting was more something I overcame than an appeal of its own. In that way, going in felt a lot like Dreamer In The Spring Boudoir, but GS has a protagonist who’s native to the setting, not a transmigrator like DITSB. In both these books, the love interest is closely tied to the reigning emperor in a period where it looks like transition of power to the next emperor is going to be a messy, contentious, bloody affair. That kind of setting kinda stresses me out, and it takes up a LOT of plot space in DITSB, but it was less overwhelming in GS, which was honestly a relief. DITSB was well-written, but by the time new people were done killing each other and evolving into different flavors of Horrible New Ruler, I was honestly exhausted, and GS never wore me out in the same way.
The book is a pretty manageable length (79 chapters + 5 extras) and briskly paced with a pair of LOVELY leads to head up the story. The basic premise! General Fu Shen, the upright, widely-loved commander of the northern army, has been horribly injured. Not in a battle, but in a landslide, in what should have been a simple trip back to the capital. He isn’t dead, but he’s not doing great, and both his legs are horribly shattered and he’s confined to a wheelchair, and it’s uncertain if he’ll ever walk again. The emperor recalls him back to the capital to recover, and... orders him to get married. In fact, he orders him to get married to Yan Xiaohan, the amoral, widely-distrusted head of the emperor’s secret police. Who has a reputation for not getting along with Fu Shen in any way, shape, or form.
I’m not going to go into backstory reveals here or anything, but watching the relationship unfold was a delight. I was initially expecting an enemies-to-lovers deal that would take up most of the plot, and without substantive spoilers, that’s not at ALL what I got. And I do always love a good enemies-to-lovers, but I didn’t feel at all deprived, because what I got instead was also FANTASTIC. 
Guys....... the teasing in this book gives me LIFE. The sweetness and care and concern and not-wanting-to-be-parted give me life too. I love me a good hualian, where two characters are able to say screw the world and everything happening around me, I just want YOU, but it’s also really nice to see a pair of characters who want to be together so badly, and aren’t able to toss aside the world in the same way. The mxtx love interests are clingy, but it was more fun than I expected to see a love interest who wants to be just as sticky, but isn’t able to. In DITSB, Ji Man is totally down to ditch her husband for extended periods and go off to start her own business ventures, but I really, really love Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen struggling with separation and pining for each other. Like... just wait for Fu Shen to shoot the goose, you guys, because I DIED.
(and the CHERISHING!!! Chapter 52 was an absolute DELIGHT)
(also, the story is happy and ends happily, which is important to me, but there is also a tragic gay uncle on the side, which was VERY tasty as well (just not for my main course), and then!!!! when I was not at all displeased with how things had worked out, one of the extras is about that uncle and the love of his life, following a modern-day reincarnation. i finished this book so pleased with the reading experience)
Oh, and I would be remiss if I did not give a little more attention to the teasing. These two. They tease each other relentlessly, especially about their feelings for each other, and I love it so much. It’s beyond adorable. Especially when Yan Xiaohan gets jealous over Fu Shen giving other people attention, and Fu Shen refuses to cut him a break.
Fu Shen continued on, not waiting for Yan Xiaohan to speak. “Is there pufferfish on the menu today, Brother Yan?”
Yan Xiaohan took in his utterly serious appearance that didn’t seem to be joking around, and just stared blankly. “No… that grade of toxin wouldn’t be at an imperial banquet of the royal family.”
“That’s odd. I just saw a big one, plump and seething, glaring at me from the top of the steps with his hands behind his back…”
Yan Xiaohan almost flung him away. Fu Shen hid his face in his arms, chortling noiselessly.
When Fu Shen was set down in front of the Hall, Yan Xiaohan gave him a seemingly retaliatory pinch on the waist. The ticklish Fu Shen shrank back, pointing a finger at him. “Rude,” he whispered.
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localminstrel · 5 years ago
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Medieval SKZ ! Where their crush being noble and they being from another class.
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Warnings: basically almost all the reactions are sad, slave!Changbin (but no describe of any specific treatment)
Tag: gender neutral reader
Words: 2 100
Notes : First of all, i wanted to say that keeping it gender neutral with all the codes from the medieval and the noble class was EXTREMELY difficult. Also, i’m sorry if this too short, i try to write just a reaction and not a scenario ^^’’. But if you want some of them to be develop into an entire scenario, feel free to ask (being gender neutral or another gender, i don’t mind) !
Notes 2: sorry for the typos and grammar issues, I try to fix it but grammar is always my biggest flaw in languages! (even in my mother tongue).
Gifs credit to owners !
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Chan :
Chan can’t but always looks at you from the training field, while you walks pass the walkway above, between the two towers, wearing your royalty outfit. You are the child of the ruling king and queen and he is just a knight in the army, maybe the highest one, so the chief, but compared to you, just a knight. He was training to be a knight from an early age and used to see you grown as well, because you are around the same age.
But you never looked at him. You never look down the walkway. This day, as always, he just sighs and refocus on the young knights to form when you walked out of his sight.
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Minho
Minho loves to be the center of the attention, getting hundred of amazed looks and cheers. He loves to wear colorful clothes and being the troubadour of the court. The king, your father, was really nice to him and paid him also to teach you some poetry. So he’s very happy with his life, getting to spend hours with you, just talking about art and get to admire how smart you are.
But the shadow were still here: the fact that he’s just miles away from your class – you’re gonna be the future monarch for god’s sake – and the throne next to you never gonna be filled with him.
But the tragedy doesn’t stop here: he was just happy to be your friend and sees you everyday but he can’t do that anymore. Because one day, during one of your lessons, you kiss him and for a second, he was happy. He was happy for a couple of weeks being your secret lover but your father finds out and he gave him the choice: be killed or leave. So Minho goes on the roads again, never forgetting that one day, he had the attention of the most important person to him: you.
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Changbin
Changbin believed he never gonna knew love in his life. Being a slave for his entire life, sold away from his parents at 6 and buy by your family at 16, he just believed everyone told him: that he was nothing. But you came into his life, child of a duke and duchess. Your family was rude to Changbin but you was the only one who care about him. You fighted your father several times to give him at least a room (with the minimal but a bench and a roof) and a proper meal by day (you managed to sneak and give him more food).
You basically save his life and his mental health. The amount of his love for you was only equal to the amount of despair he have because he knew he never could love you like you deserved.
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Hyunjin
Everyone knows Hyunjin in the city: he was the town crier’s son, the bright kid who follow his father everywhere and helping him at his job. Hyunjin thinks his father was the best at his job and when he finally be able to do it on his own, he tried to be the best too.
One day, he sees you, the second child of the king and queen, looking at him with bright eyes, surrounded by your guards and servants, while he reads his text. He was starstruck, it’s was love at first sight. But he can’t approached you, the guards make it very clear. So everyday, he continues to do his job loud and louder, so he hopes you can hear him from your arrowslit.
But sooner or later, a news he needs to communicate break his heart: your in-coming wedding.
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Jisung
At a young age, Jisung was always outside the bar his father hold. He knew the streets of the town by heart and everyone loves him. So when one day, he runs into you and collapsed into the ground, he can but ask himself who the fuck a little kid he never see are running at night without looking.
“_Hey, who are you and what are you doing in my town?”
Like the little boy he is, he believes he rules the city.
You look at him, scared, little scratches on your hands. But it was too late to say something because before Jisung can think about running away, a bunch a guards appears from the closest alley and a man wearing a long coat emerged from the armors.
“_Your Royal Highness! You need to stop escaped from the castle! I’m going to punish you!”
Jisung saw you glaring furiously at him before being pulled always by your chaperon. Chaperon who just throw at him a haughty look before turning away with the guards.
This wasn’t the last time Jisung saw you. You was the fourth child of the king and queen and you don’t give a fuck about your statutes so you’re running away almost every month, time to prepare a new plan. So you two end up being friends because you love to refer at yourself of the ‘street’s kids’”. You discovered everything together: the first hangover in his father’s basement, the first tobacco with the herbalist’s son… also the first kiss and the first time. But the reality makes up for you when you turns the age for marriage. Being the fourth child, you don’t have a high place in the hierarchy but you can be used for diplomatic reasons with the neighborhoods.
Your father knew your love for escaping, so he trapped you in the castle and make the public announcement of your wedding. Jisung was devastating. For some weeks, he was a mess, doesn’t know if you are lying to him or if you are trapped. He must knew. He must knew a royalty kid never gonna be with him forever, him, the son of a bartender.
But after 3 weeks, he heard your code on his window and saw you, covered in dirty water and mud, a little bundle on your shoulders and a smile on your face.
“_ I think it’s time for us to go”.
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Felix
Felix loves cooking and he was really happy that he’s finally be accept in your family’s castle, the home of the duke and duchess. Well, he’s not the chief yet, just a clerk but he have a good room and a good salary.
At first, he don’t like you, way before seeing you before he always heard how picky you are towards your foods and pissed all the cooks around. Well, especially the new ones because the old knows you and were just used to it.
One night, Felix was cleaning the kitchen alone after a huge banquet and he heard sound behind the closed door before someone opens it. Leaning on the floor with water and duster, he just popped behind a counter and you almost scream at him in fear, almost blow up the candle you have in your hands.
“_What are you doing here? The kitchen’s close.
_ I know but… I… I’m a little bit hungry and…
_ Sorry, I can’t do anything for you, I’m not allowed. Please get back to your room.
_ What? You don’t know who I am?
_No? Should I?
_ Well… I’m like the heir of this castle.”
Felix opens his eyes and freeze.
“_ Oh! Oh… Your Grace, I’m… I’m sorry… I-
_ Haha, calm down! No need, you’re doing your job”.
You end up talking during a long time this night and Felix learns your love for food. You show him some dishes and when you’re talking more and more about your passion, he can’t but develop a crush on you.
Unfortunately, he knows his crush never gonna be mutual, as he sees you smiling around with you childhood friend, some child of an another duke.
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Seungmin
Seungmin loves to be a monk, to be on every road, talking to different people, sleeping in a bunch of various places. But he have one rule: never stay in a place too long. Why? Because in the boy’s history is his biggest regret: you. In some random village, he falls for you, the child of a really high merchant. You was so kind and so dedicated to others than the crush was irremediable. He never knows if you feel the same way as him because your interactions were simply professional and because your family doesn’t like him.
Not because he was a bad person but just because he was a monk, a wealth-less person, always walking on bare foots with shady clothes. And their reputation thing was high, so he left.
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Jeongin
Jeongin comes from a serf’s family and you were the child of the baron and baroness who ruled the land.
His crush on you was no immediate but slow burn. Working on cereal field, he sees you everyday on the road, in a luxurious cart, going to the local town to see if there were new books in the library. The first times, he just thinks that rich people got really a lot of time to play. But in the few months, he used to saw several things that contribute to his crush: your smile, your laugh, the day you help some old woman who was falling, the day you give some extra gold to a very young kid, the day you give your servant a book as a birthday gift…
He can just watch them for a long distance but he sees how your heart was big. And seeing this everyday makes him happy and almost died when you smiles at him one day.
//////
Notes: I’m so sorry, some of them are so sad ;;;;
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supremeuppityone · 5 years ago
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Written for Klaroline Valentine's Day Bingo 2020 @kcvalentinesbingo
Prompt: I Never Loved a Man
You can read the sequel here.
Warning: Some angst. Also dick cake. Because who doesn’t love a good dick cake? :)
Please review here.
           Penises were hard. Really, really hard. Caroline sighed, adding more powdered sugar to her countertop before she tried rolling out the flesh-toned fondant again. She had a last-minute erotic cake order to fill for a luncheon tomorrow and given the high-profile event, she wanted to ensure every detail was perfect. And she wouldn’t have time to dwell on all the things that went wrong with Klaus. Coquette Cakes had just started to take off when her asshat of a boyfriend decided to pick a fight with her that grew so explosive she tossed the entire drawer she’d set aside for his stuff out her window and blocked his number.
           In the weeks since then, she’d become even more dedicated to her bakery, from obsessive cleaning to designing a bold new marketing campaign. Partnering with her friend Kat’s male strip club to cater their monthly ‘sweet cheeks’ contest showed business-savvy, despite Klaus’ underwhelmed reaction when she excitedly discussed her plans.
           “I’m not a priority anymore; you’re spending all of your time at the bakery.” She’d been blindsided when Klaus accused her of not putting their relationship first; she’d hired extra staff before her budget could really handle the overhead in an attempt to cut back her hours. She’d even handed over two important cake projects to her staff so that she could attend a family retreat Klaus’ mother and siblings invited them to at the last minute. It had been an entire weekend of skiing at a prestigious mountain resort while fielding invasive and often rude questions about her relationship with Klaus.
           “You could’ve been vague about your profession.” She’d had no idea he was embarrassed by her career. That had been made painfully obvious when he hadn’t bothered to defend her from his family’s thinly veiled barbs when they learned she owned an erotic bakery. His sister, Rebekah, had been especially gleeful in drawing crude comparisons between being a tart versus making them.
           With an irritated huff, she reminded herself to use a delicate touch as she smoothed the fondant along the widest part of the shaft, carefully using the rounded edge of her modeling tool to tuck a loose flap underneath the testicles. Her inner 12-year-old giggled when she had to take extra care not to squish them — cake balls were almost as fragile as their human counterparts. In that moment, she was reminded again that she’d never have more fun at work than at her bakery. It was the best decision she ever made. Even if the price was her relationship. The Mikaelsons were elitist snobs and she was better off without them. Without Klaus.  
           But apparently not all members of the upper class were as judgy as Klaus and his family — this last-minute order was for a fundraising luncheon at the Mystic Falls Country Club. Who knew the pastels-and-pearls crowd would have a sense of humor? She’d just started painting a French-tipped manicure on the fingers encircling the cock when her playlist switched over to the song. Their song.
           They’d been painting her bakery to get Coquette Cakes ready for the grand opening. Caroline was exhausted and stressed to the point that she’d burst into tears twice that day alone. She’d happened to glance at Klaus, suddenly fighting back a smile when she saw the little pink speckles of paint across his nose and dimpled cheeks. Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” started playing in the background and she impulsively leaned over and kissed him, smearing the bright pink paint across their faces.
“Don't ya never, never say that we we're through,
'Cause I ain't never,
Never, Never, no, no loved a man,
The way that I, I love you.”
           Klaus broke away, his accented voice a bit breathless as he said, “You’ve never looked more beautiful, sweetheart.”
           She giggled at his outrageous lie, but before she could respond, his tone grew serious as he confessed, “And I love you.”
           It was the first time he’d said the words, and she’d quickly told him the same, and they’d kissed each other senseless, laughing and swaying to the music.
           She’d been so happy. It was when her hands wouldn’t stop trembling that Caroline realized she’d been bawling hysterically. With a frustrated whine, she set down the delicate brush, momentarily giving into her sadness. One day she would be happy again.
           Everything was perfect. The manicured nails she’d painted holding the penis were the ideal blend of crisp white and blush pink — matching the striped linen tablecloths and napkins folded into swans. The slight curve of the shaft down to the ribbon draped delicately around the balls were the flirty finishing touches her bakery had become known for. As she carefully rolled the cart toward the banquet area, she felt a flutter of excitement. This was the start of something big.      
           There was a collective gasp as Caroline pulled the cake out of its special crate, gently placing it as the centerpiece of the gilt-edged display table. She glanced around the airy room with its crystal chandeliers, gold leaf china, and impeccably coiffed attendees and felt a moment of uncertainty. She didn’t fit in with women like these. Klaus’ sister made that perfectly clear.
           However, a sudden burst of tinkling laughter caught her off-guard, and she began to relax as it washed over the crowd; the women hiding knowing smiles behind manicured hands and playfully toying with their understated pearls. They were delighted. And also slightly drunk based on the seemingly endless pitchers of mimosas being served.
           Distracted by the excited murmurs, Caroline didn’t realize she was being watched until she heard a familiar scoff. “I suppose a subtle penis was out of the question.”
           Caroline whirled around, blue eyes widening in surprise as she took in Rebekah’s flawless nose job and vintage Chanel. She realized she was gaping and finally said, “Subtle is a dirty word in the erotic cake business.” Noticing that Klaus’ sister didn’t seem surprised to see her, she grew suspicious. “You knew I’d be here today.”
           “Obviously,” she responded with a derisive snort, “I’m the co-chair of this committee. No detail escapes my notice.” She gestured toward a door off to the side, indicating that Caroline should follow her.
           Once they were away from the steady hum of the event, Caroline straightened her spine, steeling herself for whatever insults Rebekah decided to hurl at her. She flatly asked, “What do you want?”
           “To apologize.” Rebekah shifted uncomfortably at her sudden outburst, her voice uncertain as she continued. “I’m a bit of a bitch and my behavior that weekend was appalling. I’m sorry for the role I played in your breakup.”
           “I’m not doing this with you.” She turned to leave, her tone flippant as she added, “Try not to choke on your dick cake.”
           “My brother loves you. He misses you terribly and has been absolutely miserable.”
           Caroline hated the way tears started to gather in the corners of her eyes despite her anger. “Seriously?! What makes you think I even care?”
           Klaus unexpectedly stepped into the room, his clothes a wrinkled mess and looking so haggard and morose that she hardly recognized him. “Because I desperately need you to, sweetheart.”
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hellimagines · 6 years ago
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Fake Characters -- Patrick Hockstetter
*My masterlist link can be found in my blog description*
Request: "Patrick headcanons for him having a girlfriend who's really preppy and innocent until he finds out one night how demented she actually is and she's actually crazier than him and his heart Z O O M S" - @saea
Summary: Patrick gets assigned to a project with you, and slowly finds himself trying to pick you apart.
Warnings: explicit drug use (cocaine), light sexual themes, blood, violence, and lowkey murder
Pairing: Patrick Hockstetter x fem!reader
Word Count: 5,700+
A/N: I'm sorry this is so late, but honestly, are we surprised? Anyways, this isn't how I usually write things, it's a really long imagine rather than HC's, and it doesn't follow the request entirely (sorry lmao). Also, we don't do Consistent Tenses in This House and we're not gonna talk about the ending. Enjoy lmfao
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Patrick Hockstetter didn't care much for you or your 'type'. He, as well as the rest of the Bowers Gang, had a tendency to steer clear of the preps and the populars: too much attention and too much hassle in the long run. He liked the girls (and the occasional boy) who were quiet, kept to themselves, and wouldn't be noticed if something were to... go wrong. So, when Patrick decided to randomly show up for his AP Lit class one day (a class he didn't belong in but was in anyway), he instantly regretted it. — Only a few seconds into class and the teacher had already set his demeaning eyes upon Patrick, an eyebrow arched in distaste. "So glad you decided to show, Mr. Hockstetter," he says, walking to stand in front of Patrick's desk. "Today's the beginning of our new read, and we'll be doing the project in pairs."
Patrick doesn't care at first, he figures he'll be stuck with one of the nerds in the front, trembling in their seats with sweat dripping from their forehead. He typically manages to scare them into doing the work for him if the project that's being assigned doesn't interest him.
"Mr. Hockstetter, you'll be working alongside Ms. (Y/L/N) for this project."
Patrick wants to slit the teacher's throat then and there. He knows he can't get away with threatening you to do all the work; you have too many friends and too many allies willing to make his life difficult if he fucks you over. It's only when you saunter up to him, slamming a copy of The Odyssey onto his desk (Patrick swears he chokes on the dust), does he really know he's fucked.
Despite your harsh actions, you're staring down at him with a gentle, yet anxious, gaze. "My parents are gonna be at a banquet tonight. So, we'll start on the project at my house, five o'clock. Don't be late, Hockstetter- I'm not doing this on my own," you sigh, nervously tugging at the bottom of your sweater (nervous of him or the thought of doing the project on your own, Patrick isn't sure).
"Yeah, whatever." Is all he offers you before he's snatching the book off his desk and leaving the classroom, the teacher shouting loudly behind him as he goes. — When Henry finds out Patrick is going to be spending the majority of the month in class and alongside you, he isn't happy about it. Before Patrick can even begin to justify his reasoning or explain that he'd still be around, the ash-blond git is tackling him to the ground. Patrick's unlit cigarette flies out of his hand as he's slammed to the asphalt, but he doesn't have time to grieve its loss. Henry instantly begins to pummel away at his back, trying to smash Patrick's face into the street beneath him, effectively tearing up the taller boy's face, arms, and upper body. Patrick lays there, complacent, for a few seconds, before violently jerking his body and throwing Henry off of him. Vic and Belch stand beside Amy, watching with worried eyes as the dominant teens fight out their frustrations. It takes a while, but soon enough their fists are bruised and their mouths are bloody, both of them kneeling over as they gasp for breath.
"I'll still be around you winy piece of shit. I've just gotta handle this crap."
"Fuck you." — Patrick shows up at your house at exactly 5 o'clock, blood staining his shirt, and a cigarette hanging from his busted lip. His face is destroyed, to say the least: covered in scratches, bruises, and dry blood. The rest of him doesn't look any better.
You squint at him, "Please don't get blood on my carpet." Before leading him to your room, refusing to ask any questions or offer any medical attention. He's not your problem.
Patrick is only slightly suspicious that you don't question his injuries or tell him to put out the cigarette, but he shrugs it off and obediently follows you to your room. Your house is large and sparkling clean- the kind of clean that makes it seem unlived in, and Patrick feels wrong calling it a 'home'. But once he gets to your room, he can only shake his head with a quiet chuckle at the sudden contrast- your room is clearly not like the rest of the house. Patrick shuts the door behind him and lets his backpack thud to the ground, before turning to find you unexpectedly holding out a dish to him. It's stained grey due to all the ash inside and is littered with used cigarette buds. Patrick raises an eyebrow but accepts it without question, slumping himself into your desk chair while you sit on your bed.
You instantly begin digging around in your backpack for the materials needed for the project, and Patrick takes the chance to look around and further judge your room. Crystal-white Christmas lights are hanging up, bordering your ceiling and illuminating the room in bright, unnatural light. You have pictures of your friends, family vacations, cheer meets, and other mindless things scattered along your walls. Posters of people Patrick doesn't recognize are pinned in random areas as if you didn't care where they were placed. Your bed is made and void of any debris (probably the only thing that resembles the rest of the house) but your floor is scattered with clothes, school books, pencils, and a water bottle here and there. Patrick isn't surprised to find your room has character, but he doesn't entirely believe it's your character being shown.
"How long are you planning on staying?" you ask, causing Patrick's eyes to zip back to you and away from his surroundings. You're staring at him with attentive (e/c) eyes, waiting for an answer as you tap your fingers against the books in your lap.
"Dunno. 'Til you kick me out 'suppose," he shrugs, leaning back into the chair with a bored expression. He'd forgotten all about his cigarette during his wonder-filled daze, so he takes a long drag after speaking- not missing the way your eyes linger on the filter caught between his lips.
Your voice is soft, "Won't your parents want you home?"
Patrick's smirking now, "Nah. Didn't come home for a few weeks once and they didn't blink an eye when I finally walked in the door lookin' like the personification of Hell."
"Where'd you go?"
"Sewers."
You seem to take the hint and drop the conversation, rolling your eyes at his bluntness while tossing your backpack to the side. "My parents won't be home until tomorrow. You can stay if you want."
"You askin' me to sleep with you, babe?" Patrick takes immense satisfaction in the way your cheeks flush and your eyebrows furrow, your mouth gaping for a retort.
The books in your lap nearly slide to the floor due to your sputtering. "No! I'm trying to be friendly!" you shout, incredulously.
Patrick shakes his head and flicks his cigarette against the ashtray. "Don't need a friend. I need to get this fucking project done so Henry gets off my damn ass." He takes another long drag after that, eyeing you over the orange glow of his cigarette as his fingers subconsciously run along a cut on his jaw.
Your eyes scan over his injuries once more, as something seems to click inside your head. "Just because Bowers doesn't care 'bout school doesn't mean you have to follow."
Patricks scoffs on his exhale, narrowing his eyes when you don't move away from the smoke. "Don't need a therapist either, babe." He's met with an eye roll, but you leave the conversation alone. Patricks likes the way you don't prod at things that he clearly doesn't want being picked at. You begin to explain the details of the project that Patrick had missed after he had left class, your voice free of scorn or annoyance. He doesn't know what your angle is yet, but he feels like you should be yelling at him by now. Instead, your voice is almost... understanding.
"Mr. Higgins said it's due March 14th. So... about six weeks. Plenty of time," you finish, handing him the paper with all the rules, materials, and extra crap for the project. Reading the book, analyzing it, putting together a poster (and stealing the materials), working out a presentation, plus all the in-class work wasn't gonna be as quick as he hoped. He had to work at the same pace as the class, which was something that made his jaw tense and his fingers squeeze the cigarette to the point it almost broke. Henry was gonna kick his ass. Again.
"I don't wanna waste six weeks on this crap. I can get it done in four- on my own," he growls, taking a quick puff of the cigarette before angrily putting it out (he didn't need it accidentally dropping on your carpet from his anger).
"That's not how projects work, Hockstetter," you sigh, voice annoyingly patient. "I can get it done that quick, too. But then we'd be bored the remaining three weeks. A handful of coked-out all-nighters isn't worth that. Besides, we have the work to do in class, and if we read ahead or any of that, it'll mess shit up."
Patrick practically perks up like a dog. "You use?"
Your breath hitches and your eyes widen. "What? No, what makes you say that?" You speak too quickly and once again, your hands are fumbling with your sweater. A nervous habit, Patrick notices.
"Firstly, babe, you're a terrible liar. I never said what you use. Secondly, people wouldn't say a 'coked-out all-nighter'. A simple 'all-nighter', or some caffeine related shit would've done the trick," he smirks, leaning forward to stare you down. He had known there was something about you the second you had opened the front door, and now he had you trapped, ready to find out everything.   "It's just a saying, I didn't mean anything by it," you stumble, (e/c) eyes searching his murky ones in a panic.
Patrick shakes his head in false pitty. "Relax. I'm not gonna tell anyone," he scoffs, leaning back in your chair and kicking his boot-clad feet up onto your desk.
Your body slouches in relief and Patrick's smirk widens, watching as you busy yourself with handing him sheets of paper and a pen, trying to seem nonchalant. You weren't who you claimed to be, and Patrick was gonna figure out your real character. The universe was challenging him, and boy did he love a good challenge- especially a cute one. — As the week wore on, Patrick found himself spending more and more time at your house and beside you in class. You two were sometimes seen outside of class, but not often, silently agreeing to keep your two worlds separate. Patrick didn't want Henry baring down on you and being an ass, and you didn't want your clique scrutinizing and sticking their noses up at Patrick. Henry and the boys were getting bitchy about his absence, sure, but he had a job to do and he wasn't gonna let Bowers' profound jealousy fuck it up.
It was roughly a week and a half into the project when Patrick became tired of trying to manipulate and coax secrets out of you. You seemed immune to his words and his tricks, and after your last slip up you had become tight-lipped, refusing to see that satisfied smirk on Patrick's face again. So, becoming fed up with your soft words and nervous fiddling, he nabbed a hundred from his mom's wallet and had Belch drive him out to Augusta. He was going to get you to admit your imperfections no matter what it cost him (or his mom).
Your filthy rich parents are always gone because of work and socialite activities, leaving you home alone constantly, and to your own devices. Meaning, Patrick isn't suspicious anymore when you allow him to smoke inside your house or when you don't question his bloodied body being dragged through your doors. Today's no different.
After Patrick knocks on your front door, you lead him through your house, speaking nonsense to him about your day, despite Patrick's obvious disinterest (he's got other things on his mind). Once you've brought him to your room and he's shut the door, he can't hold back the wicked smirk from his face any longer. Patrick's quick to pull a cigarette from his pack and extend his arm, catching your attention, succeeding in shutting you up. He isn't stupid, he knows you smoke but have refrained from doing so around him (and others no doubt). But the way your eyes widen and a slight gasp leaves your mouth is priceless. It takes you a good 30 seconds of flicking your eyes back and forth, from him to the cig, before you're snatching it out of his hand with a shaky breath. You have it in your mouth without realizing what you've admitted to, but Patrick can tell you don't care as you furiously pat yourself down in search of a lighter.
"Here." Patrick snaps open a silver zippo, the flame flickering against the cigarette, as you instantly inhale, making sure it catches. Satisfied with himself, he kicks off his shoes and tosses his backpack on the bed before throwing himself beside it, getting comfortable. You stand in front of him, anxiously smoking, while looking anywhere but him.
"Why didn't you say anything?" you ask after a few minutes, the cigarette beginning to dwindle down between your fingers.
"Why'd you try and hide it?" Patrick shoots back, raising a challenging eyebrow.
"If anybody found out I smoked, I'd be kicked off the team. Everyone else does it, yeah, and the fucking captain does it, but I got on the team because the other chick... got in an accident. I can't risk anything." Your voice is shaking again, and now Patrick has another fucking secret to discover.
"An accident?" he asks, fingers twitching at your words while his eyes roam over your tense body. "Yes." Your answer is short and your eyes are narrowed, lip curled in an unconscious snarl. Patrick grins wickedly but says nothing more as you hastily put out the cigarette and collapse beside him on the bed.
He can't help himself, "What other secrets you hidin' from me, babe?" he hums, tugging on a strand of your hair, making you whimper in shock.
"Nothing, Hockstetter. Let's just get this project done," you growl, shoving his hand away from your silky hair.
'Nothing my ass', Patrick thinks, although proud of your sudden hostility.
The two of you work without incident for the next few hours, Patrick waiting patiently for his time to strike. He's sure he resembles a viper or a panther or a wolf or some other threatening animal ready to pounce, but you don't look the least bit threatened. You simply refocus his attention every few minutes, scold him when he's being an ass, and make sure things are getting done. He's getting tired and beginning to think his moment is never going to come; but when you yawn around 9:30, Patrick practically shouts in victory.
"Tired, babe?" he says, voice surprisingly smooth for the way his eyes light up and his fingers twitch.
"Not your babe," you hum, refusing to answer his question.
"You always could be." You answer with another yawn, turning your head so he can't see you proving his point. "Let's pull an all-nighter, hm? Just this once," Patrick knows it won't be just this once, "and then you can get your well-deserved break from me. We can get a few days, possibly a week, worth of shit done tonight, and you'll be free to be with your friends again."
The way you look at him, your lip tucked between your teeth and your eyes so soft, Patrick knows he has you before you do.
"What makes you think I wanna get rid of you, Hockstetter?" Or maybe you have him.
Patrick doesn't let his shock show though, and only shakes his head with a chuckle. "C'mon, babe. I'm constantly trailing blood in here, messin' up your sheets and your homework, and keepin' ya from your friends and your pretty little cheer uniform. I know that short skirt misses you almost as much as I miss it," he purrs, running the back of his knuckle over your cheekbone.
Patrick doesn't care about any of that stuff (save the skirt), and he knows you don't either. He sees the way you roll your eyes when you get phone call after phone call from your friends, begging you to hang out. The way you clench your fists when you hang up the phone, before turning and smiling at him brightly. He sees the way your eyes linger on his fresh cuts and bruises, and how you purposefully run your fingers over his damaged knuckles when handing him something. Your eyes and touches filled with longing. He knows you haven't washed your sheets in the week and a half he's been over, messing them up to piss you off. He knows they smell (reak) of him: cigarette smoke, blood, stolen cologne, and chaos. He knows how your cheer uniform is tossed carelessly in your room, not minding if it gets dirty or ruined, whereas you have a hidden leather jacket hanging up in your closet, void of any injury and no doubt in pristine condition.
You haven't told Patrick any of these things, but he knows.
You don't flinch away from his knuckle as it's run along your cheekbone, instead, you sigh softly, causing Patrick to smirk in victory. There's a war going on inside your head, he can tell, but as long as he wins, he doesn't care what you're thinking.
Finally, you nod, "Yeah, alright. I'll go grab some snacks and coffee-"
"Won't need that, babe."
It takes you a minute to process his interruption and it's meaning, but he grins once it hits you. "Patrick, you didn't!" you cry, and he doesn't admit how the sound of his name being spat out of your mouth turns him on (even if he has to shift on the bed to hide his hard-on).
"Sure did."
He reaches into his backpack (the one he brings to school and now he's laughing at the horror on your face) and pulls out a tiny bag of cocaine stored inside a CD case. He fishes out a dollar bill and a credit card (that is definitely not his) from his pocket before plopping the items in front of you. You don't say anything for a few minutes, and Patrick doesn't push. But, he does begin emptying out the coke onto the case and using the card to cut it up. You watch him quietly, the horror fading slowly as the powder becomes thinner and a few lines are formed.
"Bills have germs," you finally speak, and Patrick almost scoffs, but stops himself in the name of money.
"That so, babe? You got a straw then?" he asks, knowing damn well you more-than-likely do. You wouldn't have said something if you didn't. He watches you get up and walk to your underwear drawer, where you dig around for a second before pulling out a ziplock bag. Inside he can see tiny bags of blow, straws, cards, and other crap he can't make out.
"You have a fucking cocaine kit?" His voice is full of judgment, but he's shifting his hips against the bed, his cock aching, knowing you're too busy pulling out two straws to notice. You don't answer him, but you do hold up a middle finger before you return to the bed. Patrick's already cut up four thick lines and is grinning wildly at you, impatiently flicking the card between his fingers.
He nods to the straws, "Better?" He's smirking now and all you do is roll your eyes while tying your hair up into a ponytail.
Before Patrick can blink or offer any more witty remarks, you're bending over the case and snorting all four fucking lines in one fucking go and Patrick nearly chokes on his own goddamn tongue and practically cums on the spot. Two of those rails were meant for him, and he's pretty sure he poured out a little less than a half onto that case, but fuck, he's not gonna scold you. You seem to know what the fuck you're doing, and he's not the babysitter type anyways. When you pull back, fingers covering your nostrils and inhaling deeply, Patrick can't keep the smile off his face and the hearts out of his eyes (but if anyone asks they weren't hearts bc that's just not how he rolls).
"You're fucking staring, Patrick," you grumble, voice weak and airy from holding your breath.
"Yeah, because that was fucking hot and not what I expected. Granted, you took my lines, but whatever," he mumbles, still staring up at you in awe.
You look down at him when he says that, eyes wide in shock. "Oh fuck, my bad."
"So many secrets," Patrick's snickers, before busying himself with pouring out and cutting up his own lines (exact same as yours because he'll be damned if he lets you one-up him in his own fucking game). You hand him his own straw, but Patrick simply grins before snatching the one you had just used out of your hand. You shout in protest, but it's too late, he's already bent over and snorting the case clean. Patrick lifts his head with a dopey grin, sniffing noisily as you glare at him. Both of you split the residue on the case, silently rubbing it against your gums before Patrick shifts himself to lean against your pillows. You follow suit, instinctively laying beside him with a satisfied hum. Patrick had managed to not only unlock two of your secrets, but he also got you to perform them, and the thought caused his fingers to jump at his side, his grin spreading. Plus, he had also found another secret in need of unlocking, just waiting to be heard and discovered.
"What're you so happy about?" you sigh, your words rushed and airy as you turn on your side to stare at him. Patrick copies your position, allowing his fingers to run over the side of your face once more.
"Finally cracking you open, (Y/N)."
"Sure, Patrick," you laugh, and Patrick's eyes flutter shut at the sound.
The next few hours are spent contently working on the project, with the frequent bump and line to push you guys forward. As Friday night begins to turn into Saturday morning, Patrick finds himself melting into your bed and no longer wanting to pick up The Odyssey or anything else for that matter. He can feel you curled up against his back, the book tucked into your arms as your eyes scan the words lazily; he's sure none of the information is registering with you and you'll have to re-read most of it in the morning, but you don't seem to care. The coke had been put away roughly two hours ago, nearly three, and Patrick was trying his best to disregard the comedown washing over him in waves. 
"We should try and sleep," you finally declare, noticing the soft, warm light beginning to peak into your room from your curtains. It wasn't going to be easy to fall asleep, but it was a decent option with your current states.
Patrick only grunts, not wanting to have to walk home with his heart racing the way it is and his throat aching. His limbs feel like Jell-O and his eyes burn, but once you remove yourself from his side, he forces himself to sit up. As he begins to sluggishly slip on his shoes, your hand on his shoulder stops him, and he looks up to see you pouting.
"The fuck you poutin' for, babe?" he sighs, turning back to his shoes.
"Stay, Patrick. You've been up all night and you're dealing with a come-down. Besides, I don't wanna be alone."
Patrick is positive you don't care about being alone, but your pouty lips and tug on his shirt magically coax him back into your bed before he can realize it. He slithers under the covers with you beside him, tensing up when you bury yourself into his side. He wants to push you off, tell you to go fuck yourself and hug your pillow, but he doesn't. Instead, he drapes an arm over your body, loose and hanging, and lets his eyes slip shut, willing his heart to calm down and his body to sleep. — Patrick and you had managed to achieve a few days worth of work during that night, and Patrick kept up his end of the deal- he didn't bother you at school and never offered a glance your way. But, he could tell his absence was bothering you, and it made his smirk widen each time he caught you looking at him. Patrick didn't show up for class during those few days, purposefully leaving you hanging with the class work, and it only took two days for you to seek him out.
"Patrick!" you shout as he's about to clamber into the Trans Am and speed off to god knows where. Patrick and the boys turn, Henry beginning to stalk forward at the interruption. However, Patrick grabs ahold of his shoulder and yanks him back, waiting for you to continue. "We have more work to do for the project."
'No we don't,' he laughs to himself. Patrick smirks and flicks a dismissive hand at the boys, ignoring their shouts and insults as he walks to your side and throws an arm over your shoulder. "Miss me already?"
"Shut up." -- It's been three weeks and Patrick isn't any closer to figuring out the dubbed Cheer Secret. He gets you to smoke around him constantly, and the two of you go through a few grams when you can afford it, but you don't utter a peep about the chick who had the 'accident'. Sometimes you'll rant about your friends and your family to him, things Patrick doesn't necessarily care about, but he listens to you anyway in hopes of a slip-up. But, no matter how high or drunk you get, that secret stays hidden within you and Patrick is over it. You rile him up in ways nobody else has before, and he wants nothing more than to make you his, but he can't without figuring you out. So, he works out yet another plan, one he isn't sure is even going to work.
Patrick makes sure he gets into another major fight with Henry before going to your house that day. It's a pretty bad fight, one that leaves his lip split, a cut on his eyebrow, gashes on his forehead, cheekbone, and his jaw, and many more hidden injuries beneath his bloody clothes. He knocks on your door, leaning heavily against the doorframe and waits for you to answer. When you do, you're actually shocked at his state- he hasn't looked this bad in weeks, and you can't contain the gasp that falls from your lips.
"Won't get blood on the carpet," Patrick murmurs while stumbling into the house, mindlessly walking into the direction of your room. The fight was more severe than he had predicted, and fuck, was he hoping more than ever his plan would work. Even as blood seeps from his body and his head swims with lost thoughts, Patrick still needed to know your secret.
You follow him into your room and help lower him to your bed. "What happened this time?" you ask, gingerly lifting his shirt up to inspect further damage. Patrick doesn't stop you.
"Henry was bitchin'. Gave 'im a piece o' my mind, and he gave me his. Pretty sure I left 'im bleeding out by the fuckin' river," Patrick slurs, wincing when you press against a cut on his side. Blood drips out at the contact, and you're instantly swiping it away, frowning.
You look up at him, "You just... left him there?"
Patrick nods silently, laying back on the bed with a huff. "Not my problem if he fuckin' dies. He shouldn't have opened his damn mouth." Your grip on his arm tightens, and Patrick sighs quietly. At least you weren't running away. "You gonna rat me out, babe?" he sneers, but even he can tell his voice is void of any true malice.
You scoff, "No, Patrick. I'd be a hypocrite. I have no right to do that- besides, I'd miss you too much."
Patrick laughs before he's coughing and groaning in pain. "Hypocrite, huh? Whatcha hidin' now? Don't wanna die on a cliffhanger," he coughs, lifting himself onto his elbow to try and subdue the pain and look at you better.
"Don't worry about that right now." Is all you say and Patrick is groaning again because 'fuck, I was so fucking close'.
You begin to tug at his shirt, and Patrick complies with letting you take it off. It sticks uncomfortably to his skin, but you eventually manage to peel it away with only a few grunts and hisses of pain. Patrick allows you to spend the next hour tending to his wounds, trying to rethink his plan over and over again. You're gentle and careful with him when all Patrick wants is to uncover your dark and rough side- the side he knows is screaming to be let out. By the time you've finished, Patrick's torso is scattered with bandages, and his face has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
"Don't let this happen again," you say to him while putting away all the supplies you had needed.
Patrick watches you quietly for a minute. "It will. That's how me and Bowers work, if he's still alive. If you've ever been in a fight, or even dealt with the life we do, you'd understand." You still at that, and Patrick smirks.
'There it is.'
"Don't... don't say I haven't lived that life," you whisper slowly, standing up and turning to stare him down.
"How can I not? I don't know a thing about you, babe," Patrick says, resting a hand against his side as he looks up at you.
"I'm on the cheer team, straight-A student, AP classes-"
"Shut the fuck up," Patrick interrupts, scoffing loudly. "I'm not talking about the fake shit, (Y/N). I'm talking about you. The real fucking you. The leather jacket in the closet, the longing for my bruised knuckles, refusing to rid your sheets of my smell, accepting my smokes and my blow- that's the real you. And she's amazing. She's the person I wanna sit in here with, not whoever is looking at me now. So drop the god damn act already." He wasn't supposed to rant and go on a tangent, but once he started he just couldn't stop.
You stare down at him, your (e/c) eyes slowly losing their softness. Something almost akin to relief replaces it, and you collapse next to him with a quiet laugh. "I don't know if I want to cry, scream, or hit you."
Patrick grins, "Why not all of it?"
"Nobody was supposed to find out... ever. All of it was supposed to stay a secret until I got out of this shitty town. I... god, I don't know how you've figured me out in three weeks but I applaud you," you hum, resting your head in your palms. Patrick lets the comfortable silence that follows wash over you for a short while, before growing impatient. "Tell me about the girl." It's not a question or a plea, but a demand. You look over at him, eyebrows furrowed before you sigh in defeat.
"I fucked up."
"We all do. Talk to me." Patrick doesn't like the gentleness of his tone, but he can't do anything about that now.
You take a minute before sitting up straight. "She was the weakest link. I needed on the fucking team for college, and she was my way in. It was the few days of tryouts, and it had come down to me and her, but I could tell they were favoring her. She just... fit right. And I couldn't have that. So... I did what I had to. Lured her to the quarry with the promise of a drug deal, before pushing her over. She died and everyone thought it was suicide. I was let on the team and the rest is history." Your voice didn't waver throughout the story, and at the end, you look up at Patrick with a simple shrug, showing no remorse.
Patrick looks into your eyes for a minute, taking in their apathy, before he strikes. He places his hand against your cheek and pushes you back against the bed, kissing you roughly. You cry out in shock, hands immediately shoving at his chest to push him away.
"I killed someone!" you shout in disbelief, staring up at him with wide eyes.
Patrick smirks, "I know."
Patrick dives back down and kisses you once more, maneuvering his injured body above yours. You whimper quietly in defeat and wrap your arms around his neck, tugging him closer to you. Patrick growls in satisfaction- you're everything he expected you to be, and he couldn't be prouder at having figured you out. Now that you were wrapped around him, literally and figuratively, Patrick wasn't letting you go any time soon.
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