#always reward loyalty

[refractionrailway]

on an unrelated note it's so funny to me that they keep making Heathcliff the defacto "we have an id who's in a position of leadership and we need someone to be their sidekick" sinner, guy who is so "hot dog or hamburger style boss" coded

[its-all-papaya]

"this is a sport not a fandom" discourse circulating again on twitter like do you want me to pull out my 24 slide powerpoint from 2020 called "fan behavior in pro sports" and talk you through it bc i have before and i'll do it again

[hylianane]

Breathing into a paperbag thinking about the possibility of Elbaf digging the conflict from Water 7 back up again and maybe exploring some long-term repercussions of Luffy and Usopp’s fight that not even they themselves were aware of and and and and and-

LISTEN. the Water 7 Saga absolutely rewired the way I understood the crew and how each member views themselves and the roles they play. And it’s been some time since the Strawhat’s exploration of the New World has allowed them to really take time and consider themselves and each other like that again.

And Elbaf just sounds (MUAH) like such a wonderful opportunity to do exactly that, it sounds perfect, primarily in the way it ties all the way back to the Strawhat’s early days on the Grand Line. And when you look at the presence of the Giant Pirates in Little Garden and Enies Lobby, what they share is that both times the Giants Served the purpose mirroring the conflicts between the crewmates and highlighting the importance of loyalty and comradery. Shit writes itself. Come on Elbaf don’t let me down. Come on Usopp I know you can hit us with another world shattering arc just take the stage love.

[birdmenmanga]

I think I still like cats more than dogs but boy. do I enjoy a good dog-coded character. even better if they have a master they serve

[ozzgin]

I'm playing Crime Scene Cleaner and all that floor scrubbing got me thinking... Content: gender neutral reader, morally grey reader, organized crime, violence, murder

Yandere!Crime Boss who needs someone to clean up his frequent messes, and you happen to be in desperate need of money. He will reward your hard work handsomely; all he demands in return is loyalty. You quickly learn what it means to stray from his orders, carrying body after body, and mopping never-ending pools of blood.

Well now, you're not half bad, are you? He didn't think you had it in you. A regular, law-fearing citizen, now disposing of leftover bullets and hiding condemning evidence from the cops.

"What am I supposed to do with all these drugs and stacks of bills?" you ask over the burner phone, staring at the lavish table you'd stumbled upon during your latest cleaning service.

"Consider it your tip", he responds with a chuckle, somewhat taken aback by your honesty.

What a ridiculous twist. He finds himself trusting you more than his own men. You always do your job flawlessly, no questions asked, and for whatever reason you never fail to provide a full report of your findings. He couldn't care less if you left with a suitcase full of cash. He doesn't need the leftover scraps from some dealer who tried to turn on him. Bold of you to assume he even noticed anything of value in the first place. He merely drove over, pulled the trigger, and returned to his usual business.

"Did you bring enough body bags-" he begins, but his voice is cut short.

This must be the first time he's actually seen you in person. You're no longer a string of sentences over the phone. He certainly didn’t expect you to be this cute.

"Uh huh, it's all here", you state casually, holding a bucket of water. You gaze at the gory scene and whistle. "It's going to be a long night", you add.

"Do you have anything to do afterwards?", he asks with an unfamiliar hesitancy, swiftly recovering himself. "Actually, it doesn't matter. Finish here, and I'll pick you up once you're done."

"What? Am I in trouble?" you ask, eyes widening in fear.

"Dumbass! I'm inviting you out. It's my treat", he huffs with indignation.

What an absurd implication. Why would he have any reason to threaten you? Surely you must know by now that as long as you behave, you've nothing to worry about.

You won't regret your obedience. He'll make sure of it.

[Part 2] | [More yandere stories]

[astrocafecoffee]

Mars observation ❤️‍🔥

* FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY, ENJOY*

( nevermind i am a TWD fan 💀)

🔥Mars in Capricorn tends to be so serious about their goals that they can come off as a little work-obsessed, but what most people don’t realize is that they have a soft spot for organizing little surprises for the people they care about. Whether it’s a secret birthday party or planning a perfectly timed gift, they’ll go to great lengths to ensure everything goes smoothly and they’ll do it with military-like precision. They love being the quiet mastermind behind the scenes, and the joy of seeing someone’s reaction is their reward.

🔥Instead of the traditional, action packed Mars energy, Mars in Pisces will often take a dream driven approach to goals. They might “daydream” their way through challenges, letting their imagination be the guide. They’ll spend a lot of time visualizing what they want, sometimes way too much and this often leads them to unexpected, highly creative solutions. If you're ever stuck on something, they’re probably the person who will suggest a completely off-the-wall idea that turns out to be genius in a roundabout way!

🔥Mars in Virgo’s love of efficiency and perfectionism can make them amazing cooks (even if they don't always admit it). They might not go for extravagant recipes, but give them a few ingredients, and they’ll whip up something incredibly delicious and perfectly balanced. They’ll even have a system for how to chop vegetables just right. It’s like a cooking ritual for them every step is part of the process. And they’ll never follow a recipe without tweaking it to make it just a little more efficient.

🔥Mars in Scorpio is famous for their ability to keep secrets not just their own, but others as well. They have a natural talent for holding on to information, and they’re not the type to spill the beans unless it serves a higher purpose. This ability to stay quiet even when they know things is both enchanting and slightly mysterious. But sometimes, they might hold on to information a bit too tightly, keeping their own emotions and thoughts hidden to the point where it can be a bit... overwhelming for others to navigate.

🔥Mars in Libra is gentle, polite, and often hesitant to create waves, but once they’ve decided to defend someone they care about, their protective side comes out in full force. They’ll step in without hesitation, but they’ll do it with such grace and subtlety that it won’t even look like they’re “defending” anyone at all. It’s like watching a charming diplomat put their foot down without ever raising their voice. You’ll only realize how strong their loyalty is when the situation is already over, and you’re left in awe of how they handled it.

🔥Mars in Aries has a strong sense of personal initiative, and they love jumping in to help other especially when they feel their “help” is needed. But,they often step in without being asked, sometimes even when it’s not necessary. They’ll see a person struggling with something and swoop in to save the day, even if that person had everything under control. It’s like the classic “I’ve got this” attitude...

🔥Mars in Taurus doesn’t like being pushed or rushed into making decisions or taking action. If you try to hurry them up, they will likely dig in their heels. But If someone tells them they can’t do something or that they’re taking too long, Mars in Taurus will often react by going into overdrive to prove the naysayer wrong. It’s like they didn’t want to be rushed, but now that you’ve challenged them, they’re going to do it perfectly and on their own time. It’s not about speed ,it’s about showing they can do it right.

🔥Mars in Leo is all about action, but sometimes beneath all that bold confidence is a soft, sentimental side. They may not always show it, but they do care deeply about the people and things they love. They’ll take pride in making memories, creating meaningful traditions, and doing grand gestures for those they care about. It might not always be obvious, but they have a way of expressing love through actions that can melt your heart.

🔥Mars in Gemini doesn’t usually want to feel too tied down or dependent, even in close relationships. While they enjoy companionship and conversations, they often need their independence and space to explore other ideas or activities. This doesn’t mean they aren’t invested, it just means their expression of affection may be more cerebral and less physical or emotional.

🔥People often misunderstand Mars in Cancer as fragile or overly sensitive, but in truth, their emotional depth gives them lasting resilience. They know how to protect themselves emotionally and are often much more psychologically tough than they appear. They may retreat into their shells to recharge, but they bounce back with an inner strength that is built on emotional wisdom and a deep understanding of what it means to nurture and care for others.

🔥Mars in Sagittarius has a natural skepticism about traditional authority and systems, and they may challenge ideas that feel too rigid or dogmatic. This can sometimes make them seem rebellious or contrary, as they want to explore ideas and beliefs outside the mainstream. While they are driven by a quest for truth, they can often appear dismissive of conventional wisdom, favoring instead a more personal, adventurous approach to discovering what works for them.

🔥Mars in Aquarius often comes across as cool, aloof, or even emotionally detached, but this doesn’t mean they lack deep feelings. Instead, their emotional depths are often hidden beneath their rational, progressive exterior. They feel deeply for social issues, injustices, and global problems, but they may not express these feelings in a conventional emotional way.

🔥 Mars in 1°/13°/ 25° people might find themselves competing with authority figures rather than working alongside them. They don’t like being told what to do and can have a hard time submitting to control.

🔥 Mars in 2°/ 14°/ 26° people might not make a lot of noise about their intentions, but their actions speak louder than words. They influence people not by being outspoken, but through their reliability, consistency, and practicality.

🔥 Mars in 3°/15°/ 27° people can be incredibly sharp-tongued or enjoy debating especially when they know they can outwit someone. They don’t need to raise their voice or make physical moves to assert dominance. Their words and ideas are their primary weapons, and they can often win a battle simply by being the most articulate or quick-witted in the room.

🔥 Mars in 4°/16°/28° people often avoids direct confrontation. They might be more comfortable retreating into their shell or expressing their frustrations through passive means rather than engaging in a full-blown argument.

🔥 Mars in 5°/17°/29° people often seek validation and admiration, they often push themselves to be the best at what they do, which can lead them to overwork or overexert themselves in their pursuits. If their output does not meet their high standards, they may feel disappointed or frustrated, even if others don’t see the imperfections.

🔥 Mars in 6°/ 18° people excels in roles that involve mentorship or coaching. Their ability to break down complex tasks into manageable steps and their focus on efficiency makes them great at guiding others toward success. They may not be the loudest voice in the room, but their leadership comes through their quiet, behind the scenes contributions that ensure everything runs smoothly.

🔥 Mars in 7°/19° people deep fear of disharmony or discord in relationships. This can sometimes lead them to avoid direct confrontation or suppress their own needs to keep the peace. Bro don't do it, just communicate otherwise you will feel burnt out at some point.

🔥 Mars in 8°/ 20° people may struggle with vulnerability. They are often fearful of exposing their true selves to others, and instead, they prefer to remain in a position of power and control. They only reveal certain parts of themselves to a select few.

🔥 Mars in 9°/21° people often has a constant feeling of restlessness, which can lead them to never feel truly satisfied with where they are. They are often driven by the idea that there is always more to discover, both in the world and in themselves. This can create a sense of unsettledness, even when things are going well in their lives, as they crave new experiences and growth opportunities.

🔥 Mars in 10°/ 22° people dislike waste, especially when it comes to their time and resources. Mars in Capricorn individuals are extremely efficient, preferring to channel their energy only into pursuits that have long-term value. This is why they are often great at building sustainable and lasting success.

🔥 Mars in 11°/23° people tends to reject routine, as their focus is always on new possibilities and big ideas. They can become irritated or disengaged by repetitive or mundane tasks. If they find themselves stuck in a routine, they may feel a lack of motivation or creativity, and may even sabotage their own efforts to avoid falling into boredom.

🔥when Mars in 12°/ 24° people feel emotionally invested in a cause or a person, they may find it hard to draw clear lines between their personal energy and the other person’s needs. This blurring of boundaries can lead to emotional overwhelm, especially if their drive and energy are used for causes that don’t allow for personal fulfillment or rest.

Thanks for reading.....

- PIKO 💖

[marsprincess889]

How women influenced by different planets act in one-on-one relationships

Platonic, familial and/or romantic. Based on my own observations and traditional associations💕 planetary influence is present when a native has one or more nakshatras ruled by that planet in their big three(moon, ascendant, sun). If that or any other planet is conjunct sun, moon or ascendant in the chart, then it also adds its influence, but to a much lesser degree. I'd advise to read for your moon, but as always, use discernment and and do not take this information at face value.

Sun women

Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha

The women ruled by the Sun are often seen as confident, self-possesed, bright, expressive and measured.

The Sun is well-known to be a masculine planet, that does not make sun-ruled women any less worthy in their femininity.

Sun women might be surrounded by a lot of male energy in younger years. It could have been positive or negative but all in all, they're familiar and quite comfortable with it. I don't mean they were plagued by admirers, I moreso mean they had a father figure, uncles, brothers/male cousins(usually older), male friends around them. I might be wrong but I've seen this so much in real life and in art. If that's not the case, then they can fit in and hold their own in a group of men. It's true that they're not phased by trying to be more masculine themselves(like jupiter women do sometimes) or to completely lean into traditional femininity(like moon women). They usually get love and support from men that have doubted them at first.

That leaves sun girls with an abundance of masculine energy absorbed in themselves. In one-on-one relationships they enjoy a level of independence but they value loyalty immensely. They build relationships on certain rules that come from their personal values. They look for a partner in crime and an understanding confidante more than anything else.

That's why saturn-ruled people are best for them, along with other sun-ruled individuals. Ruled by the planet of dedication and longevity, Saturn dominants understand their detachment and fixed nature, and provide the cold, hard structure for their self-expression.

Their energy is not for abuse though. They are more vulnerable and sensitive than most realize. As they are women influenced by a very masculine planet, they might feel like they're giving too much sometimes, like they're being taken for granted. As Saturn is the planet that never takes anything for granted and works for its rewards, it is not going to discard Sun's warm and "life-giving" nature. Moreover, it is going to appreciate it, respect it and try to keep up with it as best as it can. Saturn's cool and careful nature is soothing to Sun women, making them feel safe to lean into their individuality with more confidence while prividing the essential balance for a full existence.

Moon women

Rohini, Hasta, Shravana

Moon women have a simplicity about them. Traditionally a feminine planet, moon is considered to be a soft, smooth and nurturing influence.

Moon women are easy to recognize. Moon is probably the most dependant planet. They are passive in their demeanor and easily absorb influence. They often have a group of people around them, if not a group, then at least or not two, just because. That can be explained by moon's receptive but also giving nature, that gives back the smoothed, mixed essence of what it has recieved that is easily digestible. But they don't have that energy within them. They can be very accomodating while not initiating anything at all. If they do initiate, it's something similar to what the other person has initiated.

So moon thrives on dependancy. They might enjoy groups, because that way their passivity and receptivity is not held against them, and they might feel like they contribute more that way. In one-on-one relationships, they are very easy and simple, but might become stressed and on edge. Moon rules masses and the subconcious, so they need an energetically abundant planet that does not mind being drained.

Moon is, in its essence, is vampiric, so they like Sun people. They might be quite comfortable around Jupiter people, and sometimes, with Venus people(the Shravana- Purva Ashadha pairing works particularly well).

Mercury women

Ashlesha, Jyeshta, Revati

Mercury is the planet of integration and manipulation, and women ruled by it are often multi-faceted, containing the potential for adapting and the willingness to to often do so.

Mercury can be described as the "hermaphrodite" sometimes, especially Revati nakshatra. Due to this highly analytical and adaptible nature, mercury women have the ability to morph themselves into different roles, depending on who they are interacting with. Their feminine energy is based on receiving and then skillfully using whatever is given to it. Mercury is the planet that is quite different in all three of its nakshatra stages. Ashlesha, Jyeshta and Revati all have different feminine qualities, due to the three stages that they wrap up being different from each other. Venus nakshatras are different from each other too, but to a lesser degree. What all mercury nakshatras do have in common is sensitivity and skill. They change and adapt to various envirmonments, and their resourcefulness is seemingly limitless.

In one-on-one relationships they need people who can handle that "manipulative" and "nervous" nature. All yoni consorts of mercury nakshatras(Punarvasu, Anuradha, Bharani) have a theme of passivity, they all want and need that "manipulative" energy. Similarly, Mercury women themselves can thrive with people who are energetically stable/abundant but want to move and adapt. Since Mercury women have a need for stimulation and variety, they maintain relationships with people who they don't find boring AND can provide loyalty. There is no single planetary energy that is generally compatible with Mercury people, but Venus and Mercury are traditionally friends, and Venus also heals Mercury. The best example of this is Revati and Bharani(elephant yonis), but other combinations can be compatible too(except Ashlesha and Purva Phalguni, due to them being enemy yonis).

Venus women

Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha

Venus_ the planet of beauty, sensuality and love is a well-known feminine force that is almost synonymous with the word.

Venus women are, before anything, choosy and exclusive. Their taste is very specific and particular, and whatever is "theirs", is theirs completely. Despite the outward serenity and composure, their internal nature is very fierce and even ruthless. That discriminating nature extends to everything in their life, where they have to be clear about the dividing lines of everything that they deem worthy, and everything else that they don't. There is also an inner drive to attain what they want/need/desire/love.

Their views on one-on-one relationships are unique, and they have very high standards, along with an attentive and giving nature. A lot of those relationships might have left them dissapointed. They seek a balanced give and take in any 1-1 bond. They might even blame themselves for not choosing correctly, since they're already very careful. They mainly want loyalty and support. As always, those relationships have to fulfill their personal desires. Someone considerate, attentive, and skilled is best for them.

There is no single planet type that will fulfill all three Venus nakshatras and most of their natives, but generally, Mercury people have what it takes to impress and keep them. They share a discriminating nature, but while Venus women are energetically abundant, loving and often passive(on 1-1), Mercury is actively "manipulative" and morphing into whatever Venus desires. The best version of this is Bharani and Revati(elephant yonis). Purva Phalguni feels best with Magha(rat yonis) and most likely will not get along with Mercurial Ashlesha(enemy cat yoni). Purva Ashadha is best with Shravana(vanar yonis). All Venusian lunar mansions are best with their uniquely preffered nakshatras. Besides them, they might form friendships with Ketu, Sun, Jupiter or Saturn nakshatras (with the exlusion of Purva Ashadha- Krittika/Pushya, Bharani-P.Bhadrapada and Purva Phalguni-Punarvasu pairs).

Mars women

Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta

Mars_ the warrior planet that grants protection has been a symbol of masculinity since ancient times. That coorelation, although undeniable, does not exactly encompass the whole essence of that force, especially while considering women influenced by it.

Mars rules the energetic output_ how we spend our energy and life force. In many ways, Mars women, being the passive/feminine vessels for that triggering energy, are expressive and engaging. But unlike Mercury, that expression is geared towards the physical body. Unlike Venus, they do not have any inner discriminatory preferences that might make them that choosy. Their expression is very outward and shown on the surface, so while they can be confrontational or agitating with how they behave, they do it for protection, because that it their only mechanism of doing so.

Their heated but inwardly quite gentle nature can make them susceptible to unnecessary drainage. That's why they're another planet type that needs a giving person in 1-1 relationships. With them, that person has to not only give, but have a true consideration of their sensitivity.

Jupiter people are famously best for these women. Jupiter natives can give their excess energy to them and ensure that their vulnerabilities are not abused. The two latter Mars nakshatras both have Jupiter nakshatras as yoni consorts and Mrigashira's yoni consort is Rohini_ a fixed but soft-natured nakshatra.

Jupiter women

Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada

Women ruled by the great benefic, the planet of greatness, plenty and godhood can be big personalities. Jupiter has seemingly infinite energy that wants to give without end, and often, they do.

Jupiter women have a very enthusiastic, almost aggressive niceness about them. They might have been surrounded and influenced by male energy since their early life like Sun women, but their true feminine power comes from being open while giving and receiving, especially when around individuals who they think need their "help" the most.

Jupiter women are the one planet type that feel the best in groups, even moreso than lunar women, and unlike them, since Jupiter wants to give to all, they might feel very uncomfortable in 1-1 relationships. That being said, they're not exactly opposed to the idea of it.

They will feel best with heated and draining planets, especially Mars. Mars can take Jupiter's abundant energy and use it to build and protect. They're famously a good pair, but other planet types can be just as compatible with Jupiter. Ketu people also have a desire to take Jupiter's energy but unlike Mars, they won't drain it to use it outwardly, instead, they'll absorb the energy completely and integrate it into their spiritual essence. The exception would be Punarvasu(Cat yoni) and Magha(Rat yoni), because of enmity between yoni animals.

Besides them, Punarvasu nakshatra in particular will get along with Ashleshas, a Mercury nakshatra, due to them being yoni consorts (cat yonis).

Saturn women

Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada

The cold planet of control and restraint is a passive but tough and unbreakable force. Saturn women find their femininity in stillness and silent, but resilient passivity.

Their strength is tested and it gains more layers through time. This kind of energy might become impossible to intimidate, so many might feel that Saturn women are never phased by life in general. More reactive or moldable people might distance themselves from them, even though on paper Saturn women are easy to like.

They find too much flux and chaos unbearable. Saturn's femininity is all about limiting and crystalizing whatever it receives, so the more stable that energy, the better Saturn women might manage in binding it, even though they can restrain and control any type of energy, no matter how messy.

Saturn ruled women might have dealt with a harsh, limiting, authoritative feminine energy in their younger years. They have learned how to manage themselves in various complicated situations. What they seek in 1-1 relationships is trust and loyalty, not too unlike Sun women. Saturn people are best with Sun people. Sun's warm influence will give their structure a heart and a "purpose". Sun is the planet that seeks out the cold, restraining influence of Saturn that matches its own stability and self-possession.

Since these women are the feminine variation of Saturnian energy, they might be extremely passive and unwilling to start anything themselves, but after they have something to hold onto, they can become actively bossy.

The similarly cold but also adaptable and changeable nature of Mercury might also be an easy and natural match for Saturn women. This pairing might be best in platonic or familial relationships, but the Anuradha-Jyeshta pair(rabbit yonis) is perfect in romantic couples too.

Rahu women

Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha.

The north node of the moon, the dragon's/serpent's head is a shadow planet and only one half of the opposition that makes up the destiny of a person. The nodes are dependant on each other, and both of them are dependant on the moon. Even this fact gives them a very different kind of quality and essence. So, women ruled by them are a distinctive and very draining group of force.

Rahu women are the personifications of the illusion. For them it is easy to see and identify, to box and to define and label. They are adaptable, responsive, cerebral. There is a certain numb neutrality about them. They are very aware of and immersed in the material world. They can often become bored or overwhelmed by it. It is not unknown that Rahu ruled individuals might be prone to nervousness and anxiety.

Rahu women are easily susceptible to all kinds of influences, just because they absorb and then project everything around them. They can adopt behaviors from other people without noticing, but unlike Moon women(who also do this) they do not give anything back to anyone in particular, they just take it into their illusion and show it to everyone.

That is why they can be quite comfortable within groups. With personal, 1-1 relationships, difficulties can arise. They need a very particular kind of person that can handle their tense and sometimes chaotic nature and can direct their "hyper" essence towards something stable.

Ketu is the other half of Rahu and the only planet that can calm it down. The immovable and hot nature of its opposite shadow planet can help Rahu get out of the head stop its often actively paranoid behavior. Ketu can provide the spiritual substance for Rahu's material manifestations and can match its cold, active and outwardly discharging energy with its own heated, passive and absorbing essence. Obviously, the two pairs of them are yoni consorts, with Ardra(dog yoni) and Shatabhisha(Horse yoni) having Mula and Ashwini as yoni consorts, respectively. Swati can also easily get along with Ketu people, but Ashwini(enemy yoni) might be the exception. For Swati, the best match is its own yoni consort(buffalo yoni)_ Hasta, a very earthy nakshatra.

Besides Ketu, Rahu people can be very drawn to Sun people. Mythologically, Rahu always seeks to eclipse the Sun_ another discharging and active planet, the one that it wants to imitate. If, for example, a Rahu person also has a Ketu influence, due to already having that Rahu-Ketu balance, they might prefer Sun individuals who emanate that warm light from within themselves. In platonic relationships, Rahu people might find kinship with Jupiter individuals with whom they share an adaptible and "airy" nature, but can give their abundant energy to draining and discharing Rahu.

Ketu women

Ashwini, Magha, Mula

The other half of the dragon, the tail/body of the serpent, the absorbing shadow that rules over the past of the person. Also a shadow planet that drains and depletes, Ketu is the "conquerer" that establishes the very essence of a person or a thing. It is where an individual can find their true power, but also where there is a potential for great danger.

Ketu women are a very raw example of femininity. Their basic nature and behavior is the representation of femininity in possibly its simplest light. They absorb everything around them and instead of doing anything at all, they integrate it into their internal selves. Their power is their passivity. Their energy resembles a black hole_ a seemingly endless void that never seems to be satisfied.

They too have a numbness in them, but unlike Rahu, Ketu women might become overwhelmed with their own stagnant and heavy energy, struggling to properly express or define what they are, feel and know. Rahu can become confused from too much information, Ketu can become confused from a lack of it. In the end, they both might feel like they are missing whatever the other is/has. There is also a blindness to both of them, where each sees only their opposite side. But Ketu knows what it knows, and unlike Rahu, it does have stability. The danger with them is stubbornness, the inability to be moved by the outside.

Ultimately, Rahu people are the best match for them. Ketu women can be overly passive* and unresponsive in most 1-1 relationships. They can "hide" and assimilate better in groups but with just one another person they can become extremely disinterested, if the other is not on par with them. Rahu can break its stagnancy and help Ketu women to push their energy outwards.

Besides Rahu individuals, Ketu women might be compatible with Jupiter people, since they have an abundance of excess energy that can give to Ketu's hungry and absorbing nature. Ketu also heals Jupiter. Another dynamic that is possibly compatible for them is with Mars-ruled individuals, due to Mars and Ketu being similar in nature, but this might work best in platonic relationships.

*the passivity of Ketu is not displayed in an obvious way, at least, not all the time. By passivity I meant that it's very hard for them look outside of what they know and have decided. Their behavior might actually look very expressive and reactive, especially Ashwini's and Mula's. Ketu is the conqueror because it simply goes and acts without thinking. It's pure instinct. What it lacks though is the rational mind and awareness. In real life natives, this can manifest as willful or unintentional "ignorance", or simply intense self-focus that does not really allow outside input. With Ashwini, getting their way is a matter of protection, existence and survival, and their "ignorance" is the most unintentional out of all Ketu nakshatras. With Magha, it's about their sense of self-worth and influence. With Mula, it's about their core beliefs and an establishment of the ultimate truth. I think Ashwinis are mostly unintentional, Maghas don't even care to even look at that, and Mulas are aware of their "ignorance" but recognize the necessity of self-focus for their own basic sanity.

[heyimkana]

Limerence (1/2)

AO3 Link

Pairing: Sung Jinwoo X Female Reader

Genre: YANDERE, smut, fluff

Summary: Being madly in love with your fiancée made you stay ignorant of the alarming signs Jinwoo had shown throughout the four years of your relationship with him. It was only until one incident happened that you realized that beneath his sweet smile and gentle demeanor lay a monster begging to be set free.

Content Warnings: graphic description of murder, gore, sexual scenes, implied sexual assault attempt (not by Jinwoo), severe obsession, power imbalance, emotional manipulation, dacryphilia

Word Count: 9K

@princeizuku wanted me to write Yandere!Jinwoo so this one's for you, Tina, I love you, baby 😘❤️

This is a test, one that you don’t realize until it’s all too late.

It will only dawn on you later, once you have your feet shackled, your hands bound, and your mouth gagged, that it is never a coincidence that your fiancée, Sung Jinwoo, who’s always been so strict about not letting you out of his apartment without permission, left the front door unlocked this morning. It is a test of your loyalty, of your obedience. A test that will reward you with every nice thing the world could offer—a shelf full of your favorite books, dozens of pretty clothes, exquisite pieces of jewelry, and pleasure after pleasure in bed—if you agree to keep your oath to stay still in your room like the good girl he expects you to be. 

But you don’t plan on doing that, do you? You want to give in to temptation. You want to chase after your freedom, to live in a world where he doesn’t have his black wings wrapped around you. As you’re not aware that it’s a trial he gives you, another heartless game he plays, you do just that, leading you to fail the test.

And every failure bears its own consequences.

***

You think it’s a miracle when you feel the doorknob turn beneath your fingers, not knowing that this is the beginning of what will be the worst mistake of your life. After passing through so many attempts, so many days and nights where you tried to unlock it without him knowing, you were so close to giving up. You didn’t even bother to try at first. After all, Jinwoo would always ensure you were locked and secured inside his penthouse, giving you nothing to do except wait for his return. 

No matter how chaotic his schedule was, he would always come home in time, just a couple of hours after the sun had set below the horizon. And you would greet him with a kiss on the lips and your legs spread wide open the way you were supposed to, the way you had always done without fail in the last six months he’d been holding you captive.

Yet, for some reason today, perhaps out of habit, you find your feet dragging you back to the front door, mulling to yourself as to why your fiancée hasn't come home yet when it’s already an hour before midnight. There has been no text, no call. It was as if he had forgotten about you.

You almost laugh at the thought. Jinwoo will never forget about you. No matter how much you wish for him to. And that’s why you give it another try, your fingers twisting around the door handle, and suddenly… It clicks. 

It clicks open. 

It’s hard to believe that the world, as vast as it was, finally appears before you, completely yours to touch, to be lived in. It leaves you spellbound to your feet, unable to do anything but stare. 

Then, your mind starts to gyrate.

Jinwoo must have forgotten to lock the door this morning. He was in a hurry, after all. What was it—a dungeon break, he said? That’s your first thought.

No, he’s not stupid enough to make such mistakes. He’s always meticulous when it comes to these things. But then why? Why is the door unlocked? That’s your second.

And as you grip the handle with a quivering hand and a thrashing heart, pushing the door open, your third thought sinks in, louder than the voice of the angel on your shoulder telling you to stay put.

Run. 

It’s the only chance for you to escape, to retrieve the rights Jinwoo has taken away from you. It could be a trap, another warning echoes through your head, but with adrenaline pumping through your veins, your lungs breathing in the fresh air, your tongue so close to tasting the freedom you’ve yearned for, you decide to take the risk. 

Anywhere is better than here. ***

Twenty-eight-year-old Sung Jinwoo, the guild master of the renowned Ahjin Guild, sits calmly in the quietude of his private office room with his black suit unbuttoned and his collar unfastened. His paperwork is left untouched, stacked into a pile, his mind revolving into something else entirely. Loosening his tie with one hand, he pushes back his raven locks with another, his smile gracing his lips. He leans back comfortably on his swivel chair, his legs spread, his elbow propped on its armrest. He’s watching his favorite show. 

You.

“There she goes…” A small smirk tugs at his lips as he observes your every move, his cobalt blue eyes turning violet as he channels through his power. They gleam eerily in the darkness, radiant compared to the pale, silvery moonlight that bathes his equally pasty skin. If there’s one skill he’s eternally grateful for, it’s this—the ability to share senses with his shadow soldiers. 

To share senses with the one he’s placed on you.

Through the eyes of his most powerful knight, Igris, he can feel a slight surge of amusement and excitement rising within him as he watches you run. You’re trying your best to flee the home you share together—the most expensive, gorgeous, sacred heaven he bought solely to be with you, to keep you trapped. Your gullible, foolish mind thinks you can escape him somehow, not knowing that he has eyes and ears everywhere, forgetting that the last time his prey tried to escape him, they were shredded to pieces simply by a flick of his hand.

But Jinwoo won’t hurt you. No, of course not. He loves you, adores you with every fiber of his being. He loves you, still, even now, even after you decided that the cruel world outside his embrace was better than the paradise he’d offered you. And he will continue to love you until the stars crumble to ashes. 

That’s why he plans to keep you for eternity. Because he loves you.

It’s a shame, really, that you don’t see eye to eye. Instead of being grateful for the love he has given you, you choose to be terrified by the intensity of his affection, slipping away through his hand the second you find the chance simply because you think you’re not strong enough to handle being smothered by his love. But you are. You’ve always been more than enough.

No one could fit him better than you. No one could please him better than you do. You think you’re at your limit, but you aren’t. He knows you could take more of him, the same way you always did when he pushed into you at night, stretching your walls with his cock, molding you until you became the perfect sheath for him and him only. You always said it was too much, too big, too painful, but you always took him so well, didn't you? Clenching around him so tightly as if you never wanted to let him go. 

Jinwoo has memorized every detail of you like the back of his hand. He knows what’s perfect for you: him. And you… You are the thread that keeps him sane. The center of his universe. Without you, he’ll let everything burn to the ground. Without you, he'll destroy the heavens himself. 

And yet…

“I can’t believe you actually left me…” He brings his hand to his lips, veiling the sadistic grin that blossoms upon them. “After everything we’ve been through… After everything I’ve done for you…” He chuckles once, his gaze burning with the desire to dominate you. “You’re breaking my heart, Angel.”

He leans back in his chair, his strands rubbing against the headrest. Through his shared senses, he watches you break free from the elevator and sprint through the lobby without looking back. Jinwoo nibbles at the corner of his lip, his vile grin threatening to grow.

Run, Sweetheart. Run as fast as you can. Because once I get my hands on you…

His eyes flare, like purple torches shimmering in a black cave. 

I’ll make sure you’ll never leave me again. ***

Run, the word continues to chime throughout the labyrinth of your mind as you burst into the cold night air, your body saturated by the city lights. Although freedom is now within your hands, no fragment of your soul is ready to celebrate. You’re still terrified, anxious, feeling like you were still imprisoned, dancing in his palm with blazing shoes. 

I need to keep running. I need to be somewhere where he can’t find me.

But… where?

Jinwoo observes you intently, his body set aflame both by the fury of being betrayed and the thrill born from the things he plans to do to you once he gets his fingers wrapped around your throat again. He knows he'll have you back. He can catch you now if he wants to, but no, not yet. He craves to see more, to let you be happy with this freedom you thought you’d obtained on your own.

Because the happier you become, the easier he’ll break you down. Nothing hurts more than being entrapped in the crevice of hell after you descended from heaven.

And he’ll do it. Oh, he’ll break you apart until you can do nothing without him. He’ll make you grow so dependent on him until you’re left with no hope without his presence next to you, no desire to touch the outside world unless he guides you to. He won’t stop until you become his, entirely his—body, mind, and soul.

His smirk widens as he watches you run down concrete steps with nothing but your phone held tightly in your hand. You seem pathetic, adorably so. He can hear how your breathing starts to grow heavy, the untrained muscles in your legs begging you to slow down, to take a rest. Although you are oblivious to the fact that he’s closely monitoring your every move, you can feel dread chasing after you. You slip on the last tread, hissing at the pain bursting from your ankle. You didn’t break it, thank God, but it’s definitely sprained. Still, you refuse to give up.

You’re not yet certain where you should be running to; you just know that you have to before he returns to the neighborhood. You need to be as far away from his building as possible—from him—even if you had to chop one of your legs for it.

“Trying so hard to escape me… How cute,” Jinwoo utters aloud, his voice laced with mocking amusement at your little attempt. He enjoys watching you struggle, deriving some sadistic pleasure from witnessing the painful look on your face as your throat catches fire with each breath you take. He takes pleasure from it because he knows the more you hurt yourself, the more desperate you’ll be when you beg him to soothe you afterward. 

That pain on your ankle… He wants to kiss it away. His lips will move gently against your skin before he maps his way up to your knee, your thigh, your soaking cunt, and he’ll torture you just like that, licking you nice and slow, leaving darker bruises than the one that blooms on your injury. He’ll watch you whimper, smiling in satisfaction when you start pleading with your eyes, needing him to give you something much thicker, much bigger than his tongue. And he won’t give it to you. No, he won’t do it until you cry. Until you crumble to your knees, seeking for his mercy with tear-stained cheeks. Until you promise him that you’ll never leave him again. 

“Pretty. You’re gonna look so pretty for me, Angel,” he breathes out heavily, feeling himself harden beneath his trousers at the thought. "So fucking cute, begging for me to ruin you."

But he needs to be patient. The game has just started. ***

Beads of sweat drip off your chin as your skin is bitten by the cold of the frosty night. You’re so hasty in making your escape that you run only in the clothes Jinwoo had dressed you with—a beautiful white dress that brought your feminity to the surface.

White, he’s decided from the moment he laid eyes on you, is the perfect color for you. Purity, innocence, divinity—these are the words it represents, the terms he constantly uses to define you in his mind. He wears darkness like a cloak, but you are the blinding light that sheds it away from him. You are his new beginnings, the goddess he reveres. You’re not supposed to be tainted, but he’s a man eager to sin, and you’ll allow him, won’t you? You love to be stained by his hands, by his teeth. You look gorgeous in white, but you appear heavenly with purple roses blooming on your skin, ones that he bestowed with his mouth and fingertips. 

Shivers run across your skin as your lungs burn inside. You look up at the night sky above you, velvet black with no diamonds in sight. Winter will soon blanket the earth with its pure white snow. You can already taste the ice in the air with each breath you take.

How much time has passed since I left his building? You’re not sure. But with no money in hand and no wallet set up on your phone, you can’t travel far. If only Jinwoo hadn’t confiscated your belongings, you would’ve had something to purchase a train ticket to return to your home. All you have now is the silver ring he’s placed around your finger.

I can trade it, but…

You shudder at the thought. Jinwoo has promised he’ll never hurt you, and he’s kept his word in the last six months he’s been confining you inside the walls of his penthouse. You trust him, believe him to the point that you’re still somewhat assured that he will take you back without harming you, even if he catches you right now. But if you dare to toss away the token of his love, of the vows you’d exchanged…

He’ll never forgive me.

The sight of your ring glinting beneath the yellowish glow of the street lamps causes you to recall the day when he sank down to one knee, proclaiming his eternal love for you. You said yes, didn’t you? Without a sliver of doubt, you agreed to his proposal, your smile blinding, elation permeating your chest.

Why? You chastise yourself now as you drown in regret. Why was I so stupid? That time, you were so hopelessly in love with him, your mind submerged in the state of sheer happiness that you thought would last forever.

Jinwoo was perfect. Before he unveiled the monster hidden inside him, he was everything you ever wanted. Tall and handsome, modest despite possessing God-like powers, and above all that, he was a kind, respectful man. He was always so gentle with you—so, so gentle—embracing you like a porcelain doll, refusing to touch you unless you permitted him to. Every kiss was featherlight until you deepened it. Every caress was soothing on your skin until you begged him to bruise you. Back then, you wanted to be his, didn't you? You wanted to be the only one who could satisfy him in every way, to be the only woman who could wear his mark on your skin like a badge of honor. You thought it would be the sweetest dream to be claimed by someone as divine as Sung Jinwoo.

Until one incident happened, and it all turned into a nightmare, one that was everlasting, like the shadow that trembled beneath his feet. ***

It began six months ago, the event that changed everything. 

You were stuck in your office that night, trying to meet your deadline as quickly as possible. The hours had grown late. Amidst the frustration you held against yourself for not being fast enough to finish your reports, you gave your lover a quick call, apologizing for not being able to come home in time to celebrate your fourth anniversary together. 

Jinwoo, the perfect lover that he was, had already spent hours preparing for the special night. A set of your favorite dishes had been served, styled to perfection by his own hands. Romantic candlelights decorated the dining table, the perfect company to the crystal vase filled with fresh lilies to match your everlasting beauty. He had prepared two tall glasses and a bottle of your preferred red wine dipped in ice for a nice, romantic chat in front of the fireplace. Dozens of presents, filled with the items on your wishlist, were hidden in places for you to seek. And if you hadn’t texted him to let you know that you had to spend another few hours trapped in your cubicle, your fiancée would’ve been there with a bouquet of roses to escort you home the second you were off work. Everything was planned to perfection, as that was what you deserved. A perfect night for someone as perfect as you.

And there you were, ruining everything.

“Jinwoo?”

“Sweetheart,” he breathed out, almost longingly. As if just the sound of his name spoken in your voice rendered him weak. “Hey. I was just thinking about you.”

He’d never left your mind, and that sensual, husky voice of his was one of the reasons why. “Honey, I’m so sorry,” you sighed into the phone, massaging the bridge of your nose as both fatigue and a heavy sense of guilt filled you to the brim. “I swear, I thought I could finish my report in an hour or two, but I made a mistake, and now I have to redo everything. I’m probably gonna be stuck here for another hour or two. Is that all right?”

There were two seconds of silence that doubled the weight of your regret, but then— “Are you safe? Do you need me to be there with you?” Those were the questions he always asked, the only things that mattered. Everything else could wait, even his own feelings. 

Jinwoo could be in the middle of a perilous dungeon break, protecting the citizens from the starving beasts, and he would abandon everything at once if you so much as called his name, needing his presence. Your safety had always been his first and foremost priority.

However, as wonderful as it was, you often found it overwhelming, especially when you felt his shadow soldiers following your every step. That was why you made him promise not to place one on you, to give you a room to breathe. It was a proposition that he initially opposed, knowing it was the safest way to ensure your security, but he had also grown aware of how much your privacy mattered to you. He respected that. He trusted you. And, so, with a reluctant heart, he made his vow. 

You believed him, the way you always did. 

But what you didn't know was that in order to respect your privacy, he sacrificed everyone else’s. 

Jinwoo had sent hundreds of soldiers to spy on anyone who could come in contact with you. Every family member, friend, co-worker, security guard, even a regular passerby, if they so much breathed in the air that you breathed, then a beast resided beneath their feet. 

You promised him you'd be safe without him. He made sure you stayed true to your words. 

“Yes, I’m safe,” you answered him through the phone. “Don’t worry. I’m just gonna be sitting here in my seat, doing these stupid reports.” And missing you badly.

“You should quit your job. I’ll provide everything for you.”

It wasn’t a jest. You knew he meant every word, but you tittered anyway. “Maybe I will, once you marry me.”

“Princess, I would marry you this second, you know that. Just say the words, and I’m yours.”

You smiled, your heart fluttering in delight. Honestly, taking a quick trip to the nearest church and pronouncing your vows in front of the priest and a janitor as your witness wouldn’t be too terrible if it meant you could spend the rest of your eternity with him. “I want to marry you, too, Jin. I wanna marry you right now, but…”

There was a quaver in his breath, his voice tight. “But..?”

“I think I’d prefer it better if my family could see me walking down the aisle in my wedding dress.” And seeing you standing so handsomely in your suit, waiting for me near the altar, watching me with devotion in your eyes, the way you always look at me… God, I would trade the world for it.

Jinwoo sighed, yearning for the image you envisioned. “You in a wedding dress, huh? That is indeed a sight worth waiting for.”

“That’s right,” you giggled. “So, should we postpone it for a bit? Until I can find a dress that fits?”

“You better not take too long. You know how impatient I could be, especially when it comes to you.” You could visualize his sultry smirk vividly in your mind. “Now that I’m picturing you in a wedding dress, all I can think about is ripping that same dress off you.”

“Jinwoo…” It was unfair how easily he could make you pine for him, your body needing his touch so desperately just from hearing his raspy voice. “Don’t distract me like this, please. I’ve got work to do.”

“I’m sorry, love.” His voice, despite still sounding as soft as silk, turned deep, drenched with desire. “I just wish you were here with me right now. I know we spend every night and every morning together, but today, I just… I miss you so badly. Maybe it’s because we’re celebrating our anniversary tonight, but I haven’t stopped thinking about you all day.” 

You nibbled at your lip, sharing the same need. “I’ve been thinking about you all day, too.”

His breathing turned heavy before a confession followed. “It’s weird, I’ve never…” He tarried, a slight bashfulness growing evident in his voice. “I’ve never felt this way about someone before. You drive me crazy. It’s like I can’t live without you. I need you, Angel. Desperately so.”

Need, never want. He never craved you solely for your body. He needed you—your kindness, your smile, your kiss, your scent, your love, your everything.

“Come home, baby. Come home to me.”

You felt awful, devastated even, as you heard the wretchedness in his voice. It was your anniversary, for fuck’s sake, and you chose to stay miles apart from him instead of being in his embrace. And Jinwoo didn’t even complain about it, not questioning your actions, your decisions, just simply stating how much he longed for you. Would you have been so nice and understanding if you were in his shoes? If you had spent hours preparing for the perfect night just to see him cancel your plan at the last minute? It would’ve been difficult, for sure. 

And that’s why I want to marry him so badly, you thought to yourself as gratitude glowed inside you. You couldn’t wait for the day to come, to have your heart etched with his name. 

“I’ll finish this in an hour,” you uttered with a new set of determination. “I promise you.” 

“You don’t have to promise me anything. I understand. I adore this side of you, too, how responsible and hardworking you are.” You could sense the proud smile in his voice, could envisage just how soft and beautiful it was. “Just make sure you’ll always be safe. And text me when you’re about to finish. I’ll pick you up.”

You felt so loved, so taken care of. “I will. I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Mm. I’ll be waiting for you at home.”

Home. You loved that word more than anything. It was an abrupt decision when you'd agreed to move in with him a year ago, a joyful burst of “Jinwoo, of course, I’d love to live with you,” to answer the invitation he'd proffessed with a soft blush permeating his cheeks. It was sudden, yes, but when you spoke your answer, you knew for certain that it was a choice you’d never regret. Because why would you, when you got to spend every second of every hour of your life with the man you loved?

“I love you, Jinwoo.”

“I love you, too, Angel.”

You ended the call, and it almost felt like a part of you died with it. 

The clock was ticking fast. 09.42 PM. You looked over to the stack of unfinished reports. Can I really finish all of these in an hour?

“Oh, Noona. You’re still here.”

A younger co-worker—a handsome man with deep obsidian eyes, a radiant, sunshine-esque smile, and spikes in his raven hair—peeked his head inside your cubicle. Lee Minsung, his name was, and you remembered it by heart as he was always there to assist you with your work when everyone else chose to turn a blind eye.

He was a brilliant man. Humble and selfless, with a great sense of humor. Based on the rumors spreading throughout the building, he used to be an actor when he was younger, but his career went downhill after he was involved in a scandal. You didn’t care enough to dig into more details, but if he was indeed an actor, he certainly had the look for it. 

Although he was popular among the women, for some reason, Minsung chose to tag along with you instead, always asking to be put in the same projects as you if the opportunity arose. He said he could breathe easy when he was with you, probably because you only saw him as a friend and nothing more, unlike all the other women who were nice to him to get a sliver of his affection.

“Yeah,” you grumbled. “I’m still here.”

“You haven’t finished yet? It’s almost ten.”

“I would’ve finished a while ago if I hadn’t inputted the wrong numbers. I’m basically redoing everything now, and I still have four more reports to go.” You were close to crying at this point, frustrated. “I’m sorry, Minsung, I don’t have time to chat. I’m in a hurry.”

“So cold,” he joked with a chuckle. Leaning back against the partition with the sleeves of his navy blue shirt rolled up to his elbows, he flaunted a charming smile. “How about I offer you some help, then? I was about to head home, but I could stay here for you if you promise me you'll treat me to some steak.” 

That was a cheap offer. You didn't have to think twice about it. “Yes. Yes, please, help me.” 

There were only the two of you in the room, and you were aware of that, but as soon as you handed him one of your files, Minsung returned to work in his own cubicle, providing some distance between you, and you felt safe. He really was just trying to help.

Half an hour later, he came over with a haughty grin. “Done,” he said, leaving you gaping in awe at his work. Not only was he fast, he did everything so neatly and efficiently, much better than you did.

“Oh my God, you’re my life savior,” you uttered in gratitude before you glanced at the clock. 10.21 PM. Only two more reports to go. With his help, you could finish this sooner than you expected. And then you could go home to your fiancée’s arms, the man you’d been longing to reunite with from the second you kissed him goodbye that very morning. 

“I’ll help you with the rest,” Minsung promised. “But let’s take a break first.”

You didn’t have time to waste. “Sorry, I don’t think I—”

“Please, Noona?” He pleaded with his big, sparkly doe eyes. “Just to get some coffee. It will only take ten minutes max.”

“Minsung—“

“Five. Five minutes. Please?”

You exhaled heavily through your nose; your bottom lip caught between your teeth. You had no choice but to agree as you desperately needed his help. You figured a ten-minute break wouldn’t hurt. If anything, you needed a chance to stretch and unwind your muscles after sitting non-stop for hours. “Fine. I’ll treat you. Let’s go.”

Following his lead, you took the stairs to the next level above you. The lights for that floor had been shut down completely from the main operating room to conserve energy. Using your phone as your flashlight, you stepped into the pantry area. Seeing no one around felt a little eerie, as the space was always crowded during the day, and being shrouded in darkness only multiplied that sensation.

Fortunately for you, the vending machine was still operating as always, providing enough lights for you to make out the shape of Minsung’s affable smile as he talked about the upcoming projects. You felt nervous, still, but you made no complaints. You weren’t going to be long anyway. 

Besides… You looked up at the ceiling, feeling your heart at ease once you spotted the surveillance camera strapped to the corner of the room, observing your every action. We’re not necessarily alone.

Minsung followed your gaze, simpering as he stuffed his hands inside his pockets. “What, Noona, are you scared of being alone with me?”

“No,” you answered promptly, and it wasn’t a complete lie. He was a friend you’d known longer than a month. You trusted him in a way. He didn’t give you any sense of danger, but you couldn’t deny being left alone with a man made you feel slightly anxious. “I was just looking around.”

“Thank goodness. I was worried that I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, of course not.”

Tossing you another smile, he walked right past you, his shoulder brushing against yours as he whispered, “It’s not working, by the way. The camera. None of them work on this floor since they plan to install new ones tomorrow. So, it’s just you and me, Noona.”

You quickly grew restless over the news, but you chased your agitation away when you saw him grinning puckishly. He’s just messing with me.

...right?

Minsung, always the gentleman, beat you to the vending machine. He slipped his money inside, purchasing two warm cans of coffee, already memorizing your favorite brand. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” You took the drink from his hand, your palm warming up instantly from the first touch. “You should’ve let me buy this for you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to order a super expensive Wagyu steak to make up for it.”

“All right.” The soft peals of your laughter chased away the silence in the room. “Thank you, Minsung. Seriously. I would’ve been stuck here for another hour without your help. I’m running late as it is, so… It really means a lot, thanks.”

“You have somewhere to go?”

You nodded your head, taking a sip of the caffeine. “It’s my fourth anniversary today, so my boyfriend and I—”

“What?”

You stiffened. There was a sudden change in his tone, like a flare of anger mixed with surprise, but when you whirled your head toward him, no such emotion was written on his face. Was I imagining it? 

“I didn't know you had a boyfriend,” Minsung continued. There was something different about his smile. It felt somewhat… alarming. “I don’t think you’ve mentioned him before.”

There was a reason why you never did. As the sixth national-level hunter, Jinwoo was almost as well-known as a world-class celebrity. Everybody had heard his name; most of them admired and worshipped him as their hero, and you were just… someone who happened to meet him by chance at a coffee shop. The difference in status and fame between you could attract unnecessary attention. You could already imagine the amount of journalists that would swarm you with questions if they knew you were engaged. 

Fortunately for you, Jinwoo agreed to play along. Your comfort remained his first concern, after all. He probably figured it would be better for your well-being, too, if there weren’t many people informed about the special bond you shared with him. You wouldn’t be targeted as much, both by the probing reporters or the beings who wished to strike him down.

“Yeah, umm, I don’t really like talking about my personal life,” you responded with an awkward chuckle. “But yeah, I have a boyfriend. A fiancée, actually.” As an elated smile flourished on your lips, your hand absentmindedly pressed against the pendant dangling around your neck, hidden by the collar of your blouse. It was your engagement ring, an extravagant diamond placed upon a silver band. You wished you could let it adorn your fourth finger the way it was supposed to, but doing so would defeat the purpose of keeping your relationship a secret. You didn’t wish for your co-workers to start asking questions about it. You could lie, sure, but… You were never a very good liar to begin with. 

Silence filled the spaces between you. Without knowing why, the tension suddenly turned palpable, almost smothering. “Uhh… Minsung, I think we should head back—”

“What a fucking joke.”

Your heart plummeted from the sudden switch in his demeanor, the change so abrupt and vivid that it brought ice to the atmosphere. Resentment and disdain were engraved firmly in his tone, his voice harsh and deep, making your stomach churn in fear. He laughed once, bitter and cold before he turned to look at you. There was no warmth in his eyes, his expression indecipherable, but you could tell something was wrong, terribly wrong. 

Instinctively, you took a step back, your senses on full alert. “Minsung—”

“I can’t believe I wasted so much time, so much effort to get your attention,” he walked toward you, slow and steady, but with each step he took, you heard the siren in your mind turning vehement. “Just to find out you have a fucking fiancée?”

Still shocked at the sudden twist of the situation, you found your spine pressed against the wall. Minsung caged you with his body, your head trapped between his arms. “You know I like you, right, Noona?” His face hovered a mere few inches above yours as he gazed down menacingly. Perhaps the rumors of him being an actor were true. Never in your life would you have thought that a man as bright as Minsung would possess such a cruel, horrifying personality beneath his prince charming smile. 

“I-I didn’t,” you said, quivers in your voice. You weren’t lying. You were completely unaware of his feelings. Your gullible mind just thought he wanted to befriend you, that he was just naturally kind, the type of person who’d find joy in helping others.

“Don’t lie to me.” His words flew past gritted teeth, heavy with threat. “You think someone would act so nice to you without wanting anything in return? All this time, you knew how I felt about you, and you enjoyed my attention, didn’t you? Is it fun for you? Toying with other people’s feelings?”

“I’ve never—“ You flinched when he grabbed you by the neck, your eyes shut closed as pain jolted through your stream. “M-Minsung—” you choked out, your fingers twisting around his wrist, trying to pry him off of you. It was no use. He was a man nearly twice your size, with the strength of an A-rank Hunter if the words on the street were true. “Let me—go—”

“Or what, hmm?” He snarled behind his wolfish grin. “Pretty girls like you always do whatever you like, don’t they? Taking advantage of people and tossing them away like they’re nothing. Well, tell you what, darling.” He peered down at you with hunger in his eyes, the desire to hurt, to break you.“I can do the same thing, too.”

Terror engulfed you at once as your mind wandered through all the frightening possibilities he could do to you in this empty space, hidden in the dimness of the room. Panic brought tears to your eyes, blurring your vision as your heart desperately sought a savior. 

Jinwoo! You wanted to cry out. Jinwoo, please!

Help me!

“Look at you,” Minsung chuckled, loving the dread in your eyes. “Starting to fear me now, aren’t you, Noona? Too bad, no one’s gonna come to save you. Didn’t I tell you before? It’s just you and me here.” His face hovered close, his breath hot on your cheeks. “So, let’s make that count, shall we?”

Despite the overwhelming fright, you refused to give up, not yet. Clasping your jaws together, you clawed against his wrist with your nails, marring his skin until blood trickled to color his pallid skin crimson.

“Fucking bitch,” he growled, hissing at the wound you inflicted on him. “You’re gonna pay for that.”

He lifted you up the wall, forcing you to stand on your toes. “Stop—” You gasped out as Minsung tightened his fingers around your neck, carving bruises and crushing your windpipes. You kicked around, desperate to regain some distance. “I said, STOP!”

You heard it before your mind could register what your eyes witnessed—the sound of a human’s skull being crushed. Your eyes closed in reflex as splatters of blood and bits of flesh drenched you to your toes. A sudden eerie silence descended over the room, ruined only by the sound of your restrained breathing. Slowly, with your heart caught in your throat, your lids fluttered open—

And you saw Lee Minsung standing before you. Limp. Headless.

Thick blood painted the marble floor, coating the white walls black beneath the looming darkness and smearing scarlet all over the glass. His body was frozen in place, floating a few inches above the ground as if there was an invisible hand seizing him by the neck. By the next time you blinked your eyes, it toppled onto the floor with a heavy thud. More blood oozed out of the corpse, pooling around your feet and soaking your shoes with its revolting warmth.  

You couldn’t scream, trepidation filling every bit of your nerve as you stared at the scene, striking you to your bones. In that brief moment, time seemed to slow down. Your rapid heartbeat rang clamorously in your ears as your mind gravely tried to process the situation.

Then, you heard footsteps closing in.

With trembles running through your entire body, you turned your head to the side, following where the sound reverberated from. You felt a pair of arms pulling you into an embrace before you could take a glimpse of their owner, his touch so tender and careful, rivaling that of a mother. As your face fell upon a sturdy chest, your senses greeted by a familiar warmth and the pleasant scent of cedarwood and musk, you knew this was the home you wished to run to just a few seconds ago.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Jinwoo’s deep, soothing voice felt like cold water pouring onto scalding skin. “You’re safe now.”

Except he didn’t feel like home anymore, or your savior. He was the Angel of Death, one that just took the life of a mortal without batting an eye.

A part of you felt relieved, grateful—and you should’ve, right? He saved your life, protected you from the man who planned to break you apart. But as your lover drew you closer to his chest, his gentle fingers threading through your hair, pacifying you, your stare returned to Lee Minsung’s mangled body on the floor. Jinwoo had killed thousands of beasts before, and you knew how merciless and brutal he could be in the face of his opponent, but you never thought he would act the same—no, worse—to a human.

Minsung was a despicable person down to his core, and you wished he would get caught and rot in jail for what he did to you, but never, never in your life would you wish for him to end like that. To end with his head… exploding to pieces.

“J-Jin—” Your words stuck in your throat the second you witnessed the fury in his eyes. You’d never seen it before—didn’t even think it was possible for such consuming rage to reside in the pair of the gentlest sapphires you’d ever seen. He wasn’t looking at you, not at your face. His gaze was fixated on the bruise that had besmirched your neck, forming in the shape of another man’s fingers. He breathed out heavily, his wrath threatening to take over and destroy everything around him, but when he caressed his fingertips along the marks, they were as light, as cold and gentle as the first snow of December.

“I shouldn’t have killed him,” Jinwoo spoke through clenched teeth, his voice the quiet rumble of an impending storm. “I should’ve tortured him.”

Your heart freefell to your stomach. This side of him appalled you so terribly it left you tongue-tied. Before you could react, your lover suddenly lifted his head, his sensitive ears catching the sound you couldn’t hear amidst the gale raging in your mind, but his concern over your well-being caused him to notice it a second too late. A patrolling security guard strolled by the door with a flashlight in hand, completely stupefied as he witnessed the gruesome scene unfolding before his eyes. You panicked, your mind in a rush to find a way to escape the situation, but before you could even draw another breath, Jinwoo raised his hand—

And the man’s head was severed from his neck.

Bile quickly rose to your throat as you saw it rolled onto the floor. Splotches of blood bathed Jinwoo’s dark trench coat; some spilled onto his cheek, which he nonchalantly brushed away with his knuckles. His posture remained calm and composed, with no emotions written on his face, as if the act of killing an innocent man was never a dire sin in his book. 

He brought your body flushed against him, holding you protectively against his chest to avert your gaze from the human remains. “Igris,” he summoned, his voice heavy with authority. “Clear the evidence.” 

As black fog materialized in the darkness, you, yourself were consumed by one.

The Angel of Death wrapped his black wings around you and took you away. ***

The next time you fluttered your eyes open, the scene had changed. You had returned home, to the beautiful penthouse you had been living together with him like newlyweds. The blackness of the night shrouded the living space, blanketed every piece of furniture that carried the beautiful memories you shared with him, placing veils upon the photo frames that showcased the romantic smiles and the amorous gazes he directed at you. It was as if the world refused to remind you of the man you loved, forcing you to accept the monster standing before you.

You stood still in the heart of your living room, trapped within his arms. Hot tears emanated in your eyes, filling your sockets and drenching your cheeks. They were not tears of relief, nor were they proof of your gratitude. They were born out of horror, your fear of the man whose name was engraved in the silver ring you wore above your heart. And that man, at that very moment, had you within his clutch. To hold you tenderly or to shatter you to dust, it was all up for you to decide.

He loved you. He loved you now. But if you made one wrong move, one unforgivable mistake that severed the red thread between your fingers…

Will I end up like them? You pondered dreadfully, not realizing how he was capable of doing more. There were worse things than death that you didn’t know yet. But he did. 

And he was ready to give it to you should you choose to abandon him.

Feeling you trembling against him, Jinwoo slowly unwound his arms from you, examining your face with careful fingertips. The glimmering city lights from below seeped faintly through the windows, illuminating one side of his handsome features while leaving the rest for the darkness to embrace. “You’re still shaking… How can I make you feel better?”

His compassion, his soft, caring gaze, the way he carefully brushed his thumb against your tears—everything remained the same, and yet, all you could think about were the ghastly corpses he left on the floor.

Just what kind of a monster is he to be able to do something so cruel without any hesitation? 

Your strength began to trickle out of you, your legs wobbly beneath your weight. “Angel—” You untangled yourself from him, not wanting his help. Sinking to the carpeted floor with your body and clothes still dampened with blood, you felt so weak you could barely speak. 

Jinwoo went down to one knee before you, his eyebrows sewn in deep concern as he reached out a hand to take yours. “Let me carry you to the bed—”

You backed off from him as best as you could, falling to your behind as you jerked away from his touch. You didn’t want his hands on you, not a single finger, not after what he did.

Your action stunned him, but seeing your fear-stricken face, he didn’t take your rejection to heart. He fathomed the trauma you just went through but not understanding that he was the biggest factor that caused it.

“Hey, it’s all right. It’s just me, Sweetheart. Just me.” He assured you with a smile, as saccharine sweet as usual. It felt off-putting as if it didn’t belong there on his face anymore, even if it looked the same. It had been stained by the fact that his hands were now drenched in another man’s blood. 

“It was scary, wasn’t it?” He softly swept your hair out of your face, tucking the damp strands behind your ear. “But it’s over now. Nothing can touch you while I’m here. I promise.”

What he offered as reassurance became terror the moment it reached your ears. If no one could touch you if he were with you, then there would be no one to save you. 

Frantic tears still glazed your eyes, threatening to fall and join the others that had dripped down your chin. “Y-You…” Your breathing quickened, your heart rate escalating rapidly. “Those men… You k-killed them…”

To your horror, his thin lips bowed, forming a smile so angelic, it felt like heaven’s kiss. “I did,” Jinwoo replied, his tone sweet, almost romantic, his gaze soft without a glimmer of remorse. “All for your sake, my love.”

For… For my sake…? 

This is all… my fault?

“I… I never asked you to—” Your words came out in chokes as another surge of panic filled your system. “I never—” There was a pain in your chest that you couldn’t wash away no matter how tightly you clutched your hand over your heart, the world spinning so fast around you, depriving you of oxygen. 

“Breathe,” he urged gently, gathering your face in his hands. “You’re panicking, Sweetheart. You need to calm down first, all right? Focus on me. Focus on my voice.” He kept one hand on your cheek, his thumb rubbing soothing circles along the bone beneath your eye as his other one ran up and down your arm, pacifying you. “There’s no need to be afraid anymore. I'm with you. I'll always be with you.”

The more you listened to him, the more intense your fear grew inside you. It didn’t occur to him that you were afraid of him. He believed he did the right thing—saving you, protecting you. 

“Match your breathing with mine. You can do this.”

He was a bigger monster than you thought he was.

Despite every nerve of your body begging you to flee, you stay put, focusing to compose yourself, to even your breathing the way he guided you. Colors slowly returned to your face, your heart no longer pounding just as hard. 

“There you go, Angel.” He planted a soft kiss on your temple, his own muscles unwinding as relief washed over him. “That’s my good girl. You’ve done so well.”

Brought back down to earth by the same man who showed you a glimpse of hell… You felt sick to your stomach.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, okay?” he offered with a smile, a soft caress of his digits on your cheek. Unable to do anything, you let him take control. With one arm supporting your back and the other hooked behind your knees, your lover carried you to the bathroom. 

You kept yourself mute as you dwelled in the aftermath of the incident, trying to overcome the shock and the horror of his actions. Jinwoo remained patient with you, not forcing you to speak or do anything you weren’t ready for. He simply took off his coat and rolled up the sleeves of his button-down shirt before he sat you down on the edge of the bathtub. 

“Lift your hands for me?” He asked before he removed your blouse, never forgetting his courtesy even after four years of leaving nasty lovebites on each other skin. You did as you were told, your body going on autopilot, complying with your puppeteer’s command. 

Jinwoo stood on one knee before you, wiping the blood off your skin with such tenderness that it would’ve lulled you to sleep had you been able to chase away all the terrorizing thoughts. But how could you when he was still there right before you, acting like the sweet prince that he was while his victim’s blood still stained his shirt and cheek?

“You’re doing great, love,” he praised your obedience, peeling off your stockings one by one. He removed your skirt next, leaving your legs bare, and for a split second, you thought he would pepper butterfly kisses on your thighs, the way he never failed to do, worshipping your body every chance he got. But he didn’t. He showed compassion, giving you space to breathe, not wanting to remind you of the horrifying way Minsung had touched you before. 

Now fully undressed before him, Jinwoo bathed you, starting by washing your hair, taking a moment to ask whether the water was too warm or too cold for your liking. You didn’t answer. A piece of his soul shattered as he watched how crestfallen you were, another part burned with the self-loathing he held toward himself for not being there sooner to save you, and the rest… The rest of him was consumed by the fury he had not yet fully released. Still, with caring hands, he proceeded till the end, scrubbing all the crimson away from your locks and skin before shutting off the water.

Seeing you cleansed and all warmed up, Jinwoo swathed your body with a bathrobe. He lowered himself to his knees once more, meeting your eye level as he dried the excess water from your hair with another towel. You looked so small, so vulnerable that he couldn’t help but gaze at you with his heart breaking in his eyes.

He removed the towel, pushing the stray strands behind your ear. “Can I hug you?” He questioned, his voice barely above a whisper. His hand rested on your knee, his thumb rubbing little circles there, waiting.

The hands you settled on your thighs slowly curled into fists as your emotions overflowed you like a broken dam, your lips quivering in your attempt to fight back the stinging tears. You were scared of him, so terribly scared, but there was a part of you that was still aching for comfort, for the solace that he could only provide. You cast your stare down to your lap, your body trembling as you tried to contain your sobs.

“Oh, Sweetheart…” He brought you back into his embrace, his lips caressing your temple before he settled his chin on your head. “It’s all right, you’re okay now. You’re safe with me.”

There was promise in his words, one that you could easily believe if this incident ever happened. But all you could think right then was—

How can I truly feel safe with you when you’re no longer the man I know?

“Jinwoo…” 

He carefully pulled away, relieved that he could hear your voice again. “Yes?”

“The two men from before…” You shakily began, catching the way his body turned still almost immediately at your words. You hadn’t gathered enough bravery to hold his gaze yet, but it didn’t stop you from forming the question gnawing at your chest. “Why…? Why did you do that to them?”

It took a second for him to respond, stroking the back of your head. “Sweetheart—” 

“Why did you kill them?”

His gaze hardened, seemingly conflicted as he mulled over his answer. You weren’t sure if he were concerned of how his honesty might affect you, or if he just simply refused to reply, not wanting to reveal more sides of the monster he kept inside.  “I was trying to protect you.” 

“Protect me…?” Incredulity washed over your face as you watched him rise back to his feet, his demeanor still poised while you were shaking to your core. “If you wanted to protect me, you could’ve just stopped him. You didn’t have to—”

“I had to.” A layer of his patience snapped, his voice turning frighteningly low. No storm was darker than his gaze when he looked down at you, smothering you more than the brimming anxiety inside you. “He laid his hands on you. On what’s mine.”

Your heart plummeted to your stomach. The way he said it… It was almost as if you were his possession, an object he’d bared his teeth at anyone who dared to touch. 

He killed Minsung because… he couldn’t stand seeing another man play with his toy? 

Your fingers gripped tightly against the tub's edge as gravity seemed to double beneath your feet. “The other man… T-the security guard…”

Jinwoo tightened his jaws, his voice rivaling the frostiness of the blackest winter, a telltale that he had lost a shard of his humanity a long time ago. “I couldn’t afford to have a witness.”

Collateral damage. That was how easily he waved it off. A sinless man’s soul, treated as nothing.

The air turned heavy as silence came to join your company. He walked away from you to set away your towel, accidentally catching a reflection of himself in the mirror as he did. The bloodstain was still there, coating his prominent cheekbone, a stroke of crimson over flawless white canvas. He turned on the tap, drenching his fingers with water; his expression remained unfazed. You watched him wipe the dry blood with his thumb as if it were just another stain, not remembering—not caring over—the lives he took when he got it.

“I did what I had to do,” Jinwoo uttered, popping open the top buttons of his shirt before he rested his palms on the edge of the sink. His gaze, colder than the ocean’s depths, was glued to the running water. “He deserved it.”

Deserved it? No one deserved to have their heads blown to pieces! “You’ve gone too far—”

“And I’ll do it again.” He met your gaze in the mirror, stifling your breath. “I’ll kill anyone who touches you. You’re mine. You’ll always be mine. No one can have you but me.”

Your fear of him intensified as anger radiated off of him. You couldn’t avert your gaze away, feeling like he had you by the throat. The glow in his eyes, the conviction… He meant every word.

He’s insane.

He’s insane. He’s insane. He’s insane.

I need to run. I need to go somewhere. Far, far away from him.

It might have been a rash decision—foolish, too—but it was what your instinct told you to do, and you were caught too deep in a frenzy to think straight. You tried to return to your feet, your movement hasty, uncoordinated. It was then that you realized you could barely feel your legs.

The panic attack you'd suffered through before had taken a toll on your body, forcing it to betray you. Combined with the terrifying realization of the monster he had become—no, the monster he always was—your limbs turned feeble no matter how much you tried to steel yourself. Losing your balance, you fell onto the ceramic floor, water saturating your bathrobe the same way horror pervading every line of your face.

No, move. You beseeched yourself, your vision blurring with hot tears. Please, move!

You heard the tap handle turning before his calm, steady footsteps followed. “You need to rest,” Jinwoo said, his tone leaving you barely any room to argue.

Still, fueled by your will to survive, you shook your head. “No, I need to—”

“Sweetheart.” The sudden firmness in his voice staggered you. It was never a suggestion. It was a command. "Do as I tell you to."

You couldn’t do it. You had to leave. Now. The urge for it possessed you stronger than before. With a shot of adrenaline bursting through your system, you pushed yourself off the ground. You’d crawl your way out of there if you had to. You swore it.

One step. One step away from him was all he allowed you before he captured you with one hand wrapped around your waist, dragging you back to him.

“Jinwoo,” you started pleading, your hands fisting the fabric of his shirt. “Jinwoo, please, let—” His lean fingers reached toward you, a gentle curtain falling over your eyes. As darkness embraced you, your consciousness began to seep away. “me… go…” You fell into his arms, your body limp, your lips ajar as your words died in a whisper. 

The last thing you witnessed before everything turned pitch black was a pair of glimmering purple orbs replacing the blue in his eyes. ***

Your damp strands soddened the pillow as Jinwoo placed you gently onto the sheets. He brushed his thumb against the tear that slipped past your wet lashes, his face contorting in sadness. He didn’t mean to do it, to use his magic on you, but you were panicking again, weren’t you? He couldn’t bear the thought of you suffering through another attack should it worsen.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, bestowing a kiss on your cheek. “You’ll feel better tomorrow. I promise.” He covered you with the duvet, letting it shroud you with its warmth before he’d replace it later with his embrace. “I’ll be back in a minute, Angel.”

There was one thing he needed to do, something to douse the blazing fire within him.

Peaceful in your slumber, you failed to witness the way his entire expression shifted as his eyes landed once again on the marks around your neck. With his jaw tautened and his eyes gleaming in the darkness, the Lord of the Undead stepped into his realm.

“My liege,” one of his most faithful shadows, Beru, greeted him with a deep bow as his king graced him with his presence. Endless soldiers stood on their knees behind the generals, awaiting his order. 

"Heal her bruises. Make sure she's not in any pain. Igris," his voice, enough to make all shadows tremble at the sound, rumbled deeper through the air as he turned to address the other general. “Bring him to me.”

The silent knight vanished and returned within the blink of an eye, dragging Lee Minsung’s headless corpse beneath his claws and presenting him like a gift. Jinwoo stood tall with his hands stuck inside his pockets, his gaze piercing, unforgiving.

The raging desire for vengeance rose within him once more, and this time, he knew the perfect way to satisfy it.

“Arise.”

Read the deleted scene here

[astroxrion]

How to Get Rich Using Astrology:

Jupiter in Aries

You become wealthy by taking bold, fearless action. Your luck shows up when you jump into new ventures without overthinking. To maximize it, follow your impulses and stay physically active to fuel your drive. Trust your gut to lead you to opportunities—your courage will always pay off.

Jupiter in Taurus

Slow and steady wins your race. You build wealth by investing in long-lasting assets like real estate, luxury goods, or businesses rooted in stability. Your luck comes from consistency—don’t rush. Focus on building practical skills and surround yourself with comfort to stay grounded and attract abundance.

Jupiter in Gemini

Talk your way to fortune. Networking, communication, and versatility are your wealth magnets. You thrive when juggling multiple ideas or projects. Keep learning and sharing knowledge—publishing, teaching, and media can be major income streams. Stay curious, and your quick mind will always find new avenues.

Jupiter in Cancer

Nurture your wealth by creating safe, supportive spaces. Real estate, family businesses, or caregiving professions attract abundance. Your instincts guide you—follow your feelings when making financial choices. Emotional security and loyalty to your vision will naturally lead to long-term success.

Jupiter in Leo

Be the star and wealth will follow. Your creative self-expression, confidence, and charisma attract success. Don’t hold back from showcasing your talents. Performance, entertainment, and leadership roles are your money-makers. Embrace your spotlight—your passion inspires others to invest in you.

Jupiter in Virgo

Details are your gold mine. Build wealth by mastering your craft and monetizing practical skills. Your luck shows up when you organize, refine, and serve others. Focus on health, productivity, and precision to attract consistent growth. Efficiency and helpfulness will always be rewarded.

Jupiter in Libra

Partner up to prosper. You thrive in balanced collaborations, art, and aesthetics. Wealth comes when you build harmonious connections and focus on fairness in business. Style, beauty, and diplomacy can be lucrative—your charm naturally draws in support and resources when you keep the peace.

Jupiter in Scorpio

Wealth comes from embracing depth and transformation. Investments, psychology, and uncovering hidden truths bring fortune. Don’t fear intensity—use your passion to fuel ambitious goals. Face your fears and work through challenges head-on. Your resilience attracts power and financial stability.

Jupiter in Sagittarius

Think big, travel far, and expand your horizons. Your luck shows up when you take risks, explore new cultures, or share wisdom. Wealth grows when you align with your truth—publishing, teaching, and global ventures are key. Keep your spirit adventurous and follow your passion for freedom.

Jupiter in Capricorn

You build wealth through hard work and discipline. Authority and respect are your assets. Structure your goals, stay practical, and climb steadily. Professionalism and commitment attract long-term success. Patience is your power—master the grind, and rewards will follow in time.

Jupiter in Aquarius

Innovation brings wealth. Think outside the box, embrace tech, and build communities. Your luck shows up when you challenge norms and pioneer new ideas. Networking and social causes can be profitable when you stay true to your vision. Share your insights to inspire change—and success.

Jupiter in Pisces

Dream your wealth into reality. Creativity, compassion, and spirituality attract abundance. Follow your intuition and tap into your imagination. Healing work, art, and helping others elevate your life. Let go of rigid plans and trust that flowing with your dreams will manifest prosperity.

Get an Astrology Reading With me : https://www.tumblr.com/astroxrion/784631769533136896/o-my-readings-the-rion-code-o?source=share

[physalian]

3 More Character Types the World Needs More Of

Or at least, I do.

1. The denied redeemed villain

I need this. So badly right now. So, so, so many “redemption arcs” are half-assed and carry undertones of guilt by the heroes, gaslighting them into thinking the villain “wasn’t all that bad” right before they make some big heroic sacrifice, as if that’s ever enough to make up for the damage that was done.

But you know what I never see? A villain who’s done some awful shit, wakes up to reality, tries to apologize and… is denied. No, it’s not enough to be sorry. No, you’re not absolved of your crimes just because you cry really hard on your knees. Yes, you have to work for it. Yes, even if you work for it for the rest of your whole life, those you hurt are not obligated to forgive you.

Example that sadly did not happen in canon: Enji Todoroki

2. The liar revealed who loses

This fucker lies and cheats his way into his lover’s arms (and liars revealed are always men, because their love interests are always women put in the place of “but he tried really hard and you need to forgive him uwu” unless it’s gay). Similar to above, no, you do not get rewarded just for feeling sorry.

This character builds an entire relationship (and it’s specifically romance that I take such an issue with) on a lie. They are not who they say they are, specifically, they lie about their identity because they know their lover would not let this happen if they knew the truth.

It’s one thing to lie about something inconsequential, or to lie about something unrelated, but to lie deliberately to present yourself as the perfect suitor—and these are never little white lies, these are usually entirely false identities, or secrets so damning that risking the truth could mean arrest or even death—just. Why?

Yeah, okay, you never thought you’d get this far. Cool. You don’t have to tell her the truth, but you have to leave before you trick her into sleeping with you.

It’s just. So squicky. And the lesson always is that he deserves love, that he makes up for it with everything else, that he’s just got a winning personality. She always forgives him, even if they fight about it, it’s so, so predictable.

Examples that did not lose: Aladdin, Evan Hansen

3. The paragon who loses faith

I don’t know that we need a whole bunch of these characters, but so many paragons are painted as heroes with unshakable loyalty to their causes and I’d love to see a devolution of character where they just can’t keep smiling and pretending it’s alright. That there is a limit to how much shit they can take.

They don’t have to go full villain, but maybe they just stop caring, maybe they get cynical, maybe they just don’t show up for work the next day, maybe they’re not there when they’re needed the most.

There’s a few stories I can think of where the masses realize they’ve screwed up and show the hero that their faith has been rewarded (Nolan Bats being one of them) but I mean really a hero who just cannot take it anymore, throws in the towel, and walks away knowing it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever had to do.

Example: (kind of) Captain America

—

Sorry this list is kind of a bummer. It’s a bummer kind of week.

[navydoves]

Blood Bag — Chapter 1

"Shh, drink." ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

✎ᝰ. summary. you’re a vampire, you need blood. sylus is the most powerful man on this side of the planet. he has what you need. ✎ᝰ. cw. you’re a vampire/sylus is a human, yearning sylus, depressed sylus, lonely sylus, luke and kieran are side characters, not unrequited but maybe a little, ANGSTY, erotica, lots of pining here bro, sylus will get more pathetic as the chapters go on TBH

✎ᝰ. wc. 9.7k ✎ᝰ. a/n. alright this is gonna be a several part series (nothing over like 3 or 4), because this baby is heavy packed with story. the story is told in sylus’s pov and this first chapter is a lot of character building for sylus. some things are written in-between the lines here and it’s something you’ll just have to figure out as you read more.

also apparently i have a tag list of one? woaahh, crazyyyy.

@phisen hey girl whats up

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ to be in power means to wear the crown of the wind - ruling unseen, yet felt everywhere. there is a jurisdiction through those in power; created by them, and mandated by their people. with great power comes great responsibility, but with great power comes great reward as well. some sovereignties relish in riches or authority because that was the reward of power. owning, succeeding. other sovereignties revered obedience and the autocratic nature of their title, because that too was the reward of power. authoritative, commanding. the only reason empires fall, and people scatter is because their sovereignties could not hold up the weight of their responsibilities. it is the well-established, deliberate ones that have continuous reign. but we live in a world filled of trade-offs; so, while reckless sovereignties get to be reckless because their trade-offs are rebellion and destruction, what do the sensible sovereignties get? loneliness. loneliness is their trade off. the most revered sovereignties are only that because they are the most sound and practical. they pay for longevity with isolation, and not by choice, no, but by necessity. trust is earned. happiness is earned. in order to stand today where he does today, the standing sovereignty of onychinus has lived by this philosophy for centuries. besides his two (rather immature) underlings that have pledged their loyalties to him, there is no other soul that has taken up space in his life. sylus was all too venerated as a leader to care about abundance anymore. every trade was always carefully scrutinized by him to ensure that he and his organization received complete satisfaction; but the only deal sylus has never acknowledged is the deal he made trading his heart for his position. since the first day of creating onychinus, he unknowingly sold off the heart once given to him for the reason of structure, for protection. protection was now evermore a necessity than before, though. while threats of danger always loomed in the empire that was the n109 zone, the recent outbreak within neighboring empires was causing tension. the n109 zone was strictly regulated and monitored as per onychinus's rule, so they barely even felt a scratch from the epidemic, but that was all the more reason to invade them. originating from a lost civilization called linkon, the outbreak was said to also have vanished to time. as their empire fell so too their people and the horrifying disease they carried with them. horrifying by today's standards, that is. what was formerly called their "disease" is now more modernly known as vampirism. vampires weren't creatures, no, as they stemmed from humans and could also carry human genetics - but they weren't human enough to be considered normal. back when their first began as a sub-gene (or "subspecies") of humans, they were accepted rather easily into normal civilization. differences were put aside for the sake of community building as "sovereignties" and "empires" didn't exist as we know them today. but as the saying goes, "one bad apple spoils the bunch." veering off the animal supply stashes the vampires kept stored within their solitary caves, a few rogue vampires decided that the next best thing to animal blood was human blood. it was a very practical thought - humans were much more well-nourished and they had more blood to take. surely, their blood was better than pig's blood. surely, the one or two humans that would be sacrificed would understand that this is for hunger. and surely, their communities would understand that they were doing justice to the greater good. and surely enough, it did not end well. the incident in which vampires betrayed the hospitality shared between them and humans for the sake of blood was dubbed "the first bite." at the time, no one had no way of knowing it - but the bite of a vampire wouldn't take a life; rather, it would alter whoever was bitten to turn into a vampire as well. when this revelation was made, things were more than "not well", they were catastrophic.

the details of it are spared now in history books, but the way of the word says that for the better part of the eon there was enough bloodshed to coat forests red.

in the end humans won was what essentially a war with their biggest ally being the sun. most vampires were innocent in any betrayal, but the frenzied attacks that came after the first bite were targeted at the entire sub-gene of vampires, causing panic and retaliation. an unfortunate set of circumstances, really, but since their supposed extinction their existence was only to the world through tales. a cornerstone story of betrayal and human triumph.

that was until now, though.

it was only a few decades ago that a new surge of vampiric traits emerged untraceably in humans. the sun was scalding to their skin, their complexions ghostly and gaunt, their bodies rejecting normal meals. this rise was declared a state of sovereign emergency and due to mistrust and anxiety welling within people, this was where tensions between empires began.

n109, being the biggest trader and distributor of modern weapons and protective gear, were in high demand. the issue was, sylus was not a man who was willing to bargain that easily with other empires even for the sake of an outbreak. what about him and the people he took care of? even if these people are criminals, mobsters, drug dealers, outcasts of society, they were still established in his area. to put into simple terms, sylus was and is a hardass. he could be called greedy and intransigent by as many news outlets as the world wanted, but he was stern and consistent in his ways. which is why he is the sensible sovereign others cannot be.

he gave up his heart for this position. he gave up half his soul to be where he is. and he'll be damned if he loses it all once again. ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘ "boss says no, sorry!" luke chirps from behind his mask. he gives the merchant a small shrug, completely resigned in his words.

"nothing we can do it about it!" kieran chirps in the same tone. the merchant in front of them furrows his brows together in clear disdain. the impatient expression that he wore on his face for the past two hours only evolved into a newfound emotion of anger that threatened to burst. the twins exchange a knowing glance at each other but then quickly refocus their attention onto the greying, tall old man in front of them. "why not?" the merchant asks with restrained tension in his voice. the binders of death reports and files he's lugged over city lines for the simple purpose of showing the head of onychinus were now useless. "do you understand what you're denying right now? it's aid! it's humanitarian assistance! what gives anyone the right to deny people life?" the twins exchange another glance. "we aren't denying anything, sir" kieran responds amusedly while flicking his finger back and forth between him and luke. "we are simply the boss's messengers. nothing we can do about it." "yeah, yeah," luke agrees while crossing his arms, "don't go being all bitch-y to us. take it up with the boss." the merchant clenches his fists until his knuckles turn visibly white. the anger was almost a little humorous to the twins, but they kept their faces in check - even with the crow masks on. "how the hell am i supposed to take it up with him if he won't even see me?! why doesn't he bless negotiators with his presence especially after we've gone through days of his intensive security procedures? is he mad?" kieran stifles a laugh so luke decides to answer for him. "don't take it so personally. boss doesn't er... 'bless' people with his presence if he doesn't believe the conversation is worth his time. you're the fourth outlander this month with a proposition about weapon trading for the outbreak. guess what boss said the other three times? i think you have a good idea." "and so how exactly are us smaller states supposed to acquire artillery to fend off these vicious vampires?! the n109 zone has more than enough weaponry to go around without becoming insufficient themselves." "how would you know that?" kieran asks suddenly, his giggles gone in an instant. luke tilts his head at the merchant and shakes it in displeasure. "you're very bold to assume the business of the n109 zone, especially when the case files you've brought us clearly skew the deaths in your area. the elderly dying of regular, human sicknesses is not an issue. yet many of the death files you've brought make it sound like the 'sickness' was vampirism. you can't half-truth your way into a conversation with boss." the merchant shakes his head rapidly and clutches onto the binder of cases. he flips it open and swipes through the papers with haste, determined to explain and prove himself to the twins for the sake of his dignity. "you don't understand, of course you don't! you haven't read the files fully! the elderly-" "nope," luke interjects, "we're not here for a debate. like we said, boss gave orders and we're relaying them. when boss says no, you take a leave." he pats kieran on the back once with a small laugh, an indication telling the brother he had to get the guards this time. kieran sighs softly and steps aside for a moment while luke continues his argument with the merchant. he clears his throat, steps into position, and flails his arms while making cawing sounds to the air.

the immediate embarrassment that flooded kieran was almost enough to make him stop but the incoming of mechanical birds hidden away in the corners of the estate told him he did enough. the birds swooped in and pinched the various corners of the merchant's clothes before dragging him away with disgusting strength. "w..what's happening? get these birds off of me!" he yells while scrambling to catch his flying papers. the twins simply watch the scene with a bit of awe in their gaze. the snail trail of reports falling from the binders, the panicking merchant that were glad was finally out of their hair, and the mechanical crows all flying and pulling in uniform fashion. they giggled. "see? i told you our training on the birds worked," luke cheesed while nudging kieran, "they know our calls now, we're like crow papas to them." kieran stares at his twin for a moment and just very subtly shakes his head in disbelief. "you're weird." "you too, crow head."

"look at what you're also wearing on your head right now." "hey... no bickering! boss wants us to report back to him soon. let's get the crows to pick up and throw away the papers." kieran sighs in surrender and nods. it didn't take long for the mechanical bird army to come flying back from around the corner and into the common room the merchant waited in. with a few more embarassming squawks from the twins, the birds begin picking up the left-over, tattered piece of papers that had clearly gone through a lot from the journey to the n109 zone. "hey luke," kieran mumbles while tidying up the papers on the long, matte-coloured table nearby. "maybe we shouldn't throw these out? boss didn't get to see most of what that guy brought. it might be good if we bring it to him." luke stands straight and tilts his head. "why's that?" "well if these are legitimate death files from states that are suffering from vampirism, then it'd be good private intel for boss to examine. maybe it'd help him gain more... yknow... intimate insight on what's happening beyond the n109. not just bullshit TV news and all that hargon-jargon." "i mean..." luke murmurs while scratching the side of his mask. it wasn't like sylus to give time of day to outsider intel. he preferred getting it his own way, impractical or not. but death reports were a new one. "if he doesn't want them then he can just throw them out. no harm no foul?" kieran nods in agreement and turns back to the papers in hand. time to go find boss.

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"come in," sylus murmurs while not sparing the door of his office a glance. his eyes were trained on the case of guns that was sat up on his desk. he takes a long sip of his herbal tea while tracing his fingers over the cool metal that shaped each ridge of his babies. but his attention was quickly stolen away though, as the noise of ruffling of papers emerged through the door.

"hey boss," kieran greets first while holding the door open for his brother. they both had a handful of messy, floppy papers in their hands that almost threatened to slip out of their order again. sylus quirks a brow as the twins set down the papers causally beside his gun case and step back. "what is this?" he asks with a neutral yet slightly annoyed tone. he slowly closes the gun case and looks up at the twins with a boring expression. he looked exhausted, almost. "death reports from the merchant that came in earlier," luke chuckles nervously, "he dropped a few pages as he left, and we thought you might like to see them." sylus furrows his brows slightly but not out of annoyance. this wasn't like the twins, to bring him something from the negotiators that popped in and out of his estate. "why? didn't i tell you two to dismiss him? why do i need his papers?" "well you don't need the papers," kieran adds on, "but we've never received death reports from any state or empire up until now. it's like an inside look on the effects of vampirism going on. we know you're old boss, but you're not old enough to remember the first vampires, right?"

sylus crosses his arms and looks to the side briefly. "no," he simply answers. "how do you know these aren't faked in some way? or completely illegitimate? what if they're from some other empire that isn't that merchant's place of origin?" the twins look at each other and shrug. kieran speaks up first. “well we don’t. we know some of them are but the rest looked real when we went through them.”

luke follows up. “look boss, you don’t have to give it a second thought if you don’t want to. you look pretty tired anyway, have you been getting any sleep?”

kieran stands on his tippy toes to peer over sylus’s desk. a wave of gratitude washes over him as his eyes catch a glimpse of the familiar green liquid in sylus’s cup. “hey, you’re drinking the herbals we gave you. they’re good aren’t they? you’ve been needing something to calm you down, boss.”

sylus glances over to the steaming mug on the edge of his desk. with slight hesitation he picks it up and brings it to his lips for a small sip. the twins watch him quietly, almost in awe that sylus was actually enjoying something they suggested. the cup finds its way back onto the desk as sylus picks up the reports right next to them. he heedlessly flips through them, eyes scanning every few words on every other page but not fully registering any of the contents. with a sigh, he throws them back onto his desk and waves his hand.

"this is an afterthought to all the weapon modifications and security checks we're running right now. these fucking… vampires - they're making my job harder than it needs to be. and now i have people coming in and out the n109 zone like it's a game of hopscotch, begging for my mercy like im some sort of fucking saint." sylus squints his eyes and bares his teeth in frustration. the empire, the organization he built up from the ground wasn't charity - even in times of crisis.

all these people were cruel. a life so distant to him now still prominently held the ache of rejection in his chest. why does he have to help them? who helps sylus now?

sensing the frustration and indignation welling up in sylus, the twins quickly step forward and snatch the reports off the desk to put on a side table, away from sylus's immediate gaze. "boss, hey, hey, take a deep breath," luke coos, "you're so tense today, is everything alright? when was the last time you slept?"

kieran glances between his brother and sylus and frowns behind his mask. "it's been more than today, you've been at your wits' end for a long while now, boss. we can't remember the last time you… you weren't…" kieran trails off, feeling as if he were over-stepping in his words. he steps back as a subtle sign of submission, but sylus notices the sudden tension between his underlings. he sighs and thuds back onto his desk chair. his head was buried in the large palms of his hands as an exasperated groan left his lips.

"look… it's not something the two of you could understand unless you were in my position," sylus murmurs into his palms. he pulls away from his hands and lays back in his chair, arms tense on their respective rests. "don't go worrying about me when you both have your own responsibilities to adhere to. the n109 zone, onychinus, me, i wouldn't have lived this far if i wasn't okay enough. you two are naive to these feelings. you have your youth, each other, and aren't constantly endangered by your line of work. i make sure of that."

"and you have none of that?" luke mumbles rather somberly, his head tilted down to the floor.

"of course not," sylus replies, "you two have known me long enough to know that. now -, " sylus stands to full height from his chair and briefly looks at the twins before focusing elsewhere. the obvious dejection in their postures made him feel bad, but knowing it was because of him made him feel worse. yet for some reason, an apology, explanation, or anything of the sort couldn't come out of his mouth to reassure them." - i'll need you two to leave. i need some time to myself. have the guards initiate lockdown and get ready for bed. the estate should be quiet."

the twins don't bother picking up their heads and simply nod at sylus's words. luke leads out and kieran follows him through the office door. the tense air they were just suffocated in stalked them even through the corridors of the estate, far from where sylus was. as they pressed for an elevator to descend, kieran turns to luke and lets out a small noise to get his attention. "what do you think?" he asks rather neturally.

luke returns kieran's gaze and takes a moment. "i think boss is depressed."

not long after the twins left his isolated office, sylus returns to work inspecting the weapons on his desk. they were placed so gently in their matte-case after their polishing and refinement, which scratched an itch in sylus's perfectionist brain. these were new prototypes that underwent intensive scrutiny before landing in sylus's hands.

the only difference about these prototypes was that they weren't regular technological maintenances on older weaponry; but rather, modifications made on the best artillery within onychinus. this case of guns were only scrap pieces of what was currently in network within his bases. and this was what other nations were at the door begging him for. weapons made specifically to fend off vampires. alloyed in the coldest type of steel, onychinus' series of vampiric artillery was nothing short of effective as they were nothing short of perfection.

sylus slowly grazes the edges of his guns with his fingertips, reveling in the sleek feel of them before picking up the smaller of the three. he holds it up, points the gun at the end of the room and stills in his stance. the gun was snug in his palm and surged power through sylus's veins. it felt good, it felt more than good. he produced perfection again and that accomplishment was especially honorable when knowing that the rest of the world was in trying times while he, he was succeeding. a brief but telling smirk tugs at sylus's lips. he relaxes and puts the gun back in its mold in the case. while closing the top of the case, his eyes flit to the side to the scattered reports on his side table. he should really get rid of those, he thinks. they're a ridiculous eyesore, he thinks. something as inevitable as death shouldn't be used as a guilty-trip, he thinks. but his hands betray his thoughts as they reach out to the discarded pile. in a similar fashion to earlier, sylus skims through the papers with mild interest and moderate annoyance. he wasn't sure why he felt a boiling upset in him whenever he was reminded of the outside world, but his cryptic mental problems were of no use to figure out when he had real-world problems. the pile almost reached its end when sylus's attention was piqued by something ... familiar? he wasn't sure what exactly was familiar about this report. it wasn't the name, nor the date and place of birth. it wasn't the occupation nor address; nor was it the reason and specifications of death. it actually wasn't any personal details of this person, he noted, but rather something more tangible. their face. her face. sylus bores his eyes at the rectangular photo of the woman on the top left of the report. he isn't sure if he's ever seen her before, but no other face in the reports had warranted a reaction from him like this. his eyes scan over the full document once more before narrowing at the place of birth. philos. if there was one nation sylus hated with vigor it was philos. hate was a strong word for him. even to his mortal enemies he wouldn't say he hated them - more like pitied them for their passion of hating him. philos was the only exception from this moral code of hate, though, as the birthplace of sylus's hate was from philos itself.

he quelled his anger quickly and focused back on the woman’s face. what was it about her that provoked his interest and why did the fact she was from philos leave him unsettled? the questions floating around in his head were suddenly frustrating, causing sylus to grit his teeth and throw the paper back onto the desk.

as if he didn’t have enough stress and paperwork in his life. as if philos hadn’t meddled in his life enough.

he groans softly and firmly picks up his weapons case off of his desk. he strides to the middle of the room and held the case up, eyes scanning his surroundings for a familiar bird.

“mephisto,” sylus calls with a scratchy voice, “take the case back to base.”

a dark crow flies out from the corner and caws as it’s claws grip onto the heavy case with concerning strength. the mechanical bird flaps its wings and glances down at sylus, its beady red eyes tracing his figure.

mephisto, in a way, was the only thing that could be above sylus.

the bird flaps in place for a moment before flying toward the office door with its package. sylus watches mephisto with a twitching lip, a few more words pending in his head.

“and mephisto… tell base those guns fucking suck.”

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the atmosphere was quite mellow. sunday was the best day to visit the bar; all the nerduwells and wannabe vigilantes in the n109 zone had exhausted their energy for the week, leaving the streets and establishments somewhat peaceful.

somewhat.

the recent epidemic of vampirism in neighboring sovereignties caused a spike of anxiety even here. even if the n109 was one of the most established empires in modern day, humans were prone to worry about what-ifs.

what-if n109 defenses weren’t enough to stop an army of blood-thirsty vampires?

what-if the security checks done on visitors overlooked someone?

what if the demand for the n109 zone's involvement in the ongoing epidemic increased, resulting in them making enemies with former allies? what if, what if, what if? but sylus didn't have the energy to worry about the what ifs. he only worried about what is. what is happening in onychinus's bases? well that would be massive weapon modification and revamping. what is sylus's role in the ongoing vampiric invasion? his only role is acting as the head of onychinus and as a protector of the n109 zone. what is currently happening in the main estate sylus worked in? well that would be a reinstation of a better, more thorough built-in security system.

which is why sylus was stuck here in a nearby bar that he frequented. well, frequented is a strong word - he more so popped in and out from time to time and only racked up a tab when he really needed it. the bartenders knew him, of course, and upon seeing the laundry list of a tab he was currently racking up, they felt a little concerned. but sylus was in no mood to talk, drinking was his conversation right now.

one shot empty meant give me another. two shots empty meant give me another. three shots empty meant give me another. four-maybe this language sylus was speaking was limited... but the bartenders understood it well. sylus puts down another shot glass and groans. "give me another. balkan this time, no chasers." "the balkan isn't meant for straight consumption," the bartender informs rather straightforwardly, "we can offer you finger foods with it, on the house." sylus flits his intense gaze from his glass up to the bartender. the frown on his lips and the twitch of his eyebrows communicates more than the empty glasses this time around. the bartender turns to his female co-worker. "balkan, no chasers." the 57th shot is when sylus called it quits. a man of his stature, strength, and age could not be toppled over easily. dragons drank for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on occasion. he was just reliving those days, it seemed. sylus stands and rubs his eyes in exhaustion. he wasn't sure how long he'd been sat at the bar for but the crowd that was here when he first stepped in was now entirely replaced. his gaze was only slightly distorted, but it was enough to make him stumble here and there. he reaches into his shirt pocket and slides out his black card with his fingertips, but is met with refusal from the bartenders. "we have your card on file," the female bartender smiled. "would you like us to call your drivers to take you back to your estate, sir? your renovations are most likely done by now." sylus raises an eyebrow at her. fuck, he must've mumbled on about his current pathetic life affairs to these poor workers and had somehow given them his driver's numbers. but the usual slight sense of embarrassment that would creep up on him was sputtered out by intoxication. he nodded slowly at the girl and sat back down as she left to the back for what he assumed would be a weird call to his chauffeurs. he waited for a period of time completely unknown to him. was the alcohol really screwing with his head this much? 57 was lightweight to him most days, but these days as of late weren't like most days. sure, the vampire epidemic had been going on for a few decades now, but the true climax of the crisis was just now beginning. meaning the true number of headaches sylus got was also increasing. there was a direct correlation to him. he looks down at his hands and frowns. in a drowsy, hazed state, a clear and lucid thought parts all other muddled words. what have i become? his mind goes back to the nonsensical fog that was there prior. it was only until he heard the familiar voice of the female bartender telling him that his ride was outside that he finally focused. he stood, strode assuredly through the doors of the bar, and exited the establishment with none of the emotions he amassed inside left behind. after a short, silent car ride, his destination was reached. the security system of the estate was fully renovated once sylus stepped inside. new DNA sensors, identification scans, ID processors, infrared lights, and an abundance of other authentication protection devices were established. all of which sylus knew by heart. he was the one who had ordered these to be built, after all. this type of security was what he wanted in the near future for all the vulnerable spots within the n109 zone. vampires aren't going to thrive in his empire if he has anything to say about it. sylus only makes it a few steps into the estate before he's beckoned. "boss, boss!" luke and kieran chirp from around the hall. they almost topple over each other trying to get to sylus first. "boss, look at these new ID cards base gave us!" luke giggles, "we had to take a whole shoot for these but they got our best angles!" the twins hold up two ID cards each, one with their masks on and one with them off. it was almost endearing to think that only sylus knew what they really looked like.

"yeah! and because of them, our faces can be sensed without taking our masks off! these new scanners were really worth the money!" kieran adds on with an obvious smile lilting his voice.

but the excitement in the twins' voice quickly die down as they noticed sylus's hazed, apathetic stare toward them. they slowly lower the ID cards and avert their gaze from such a dreadful sight.

"boss?" luke murmurs, "you alright?"

sylus keeps quiet. his eyes were half-lidded and pink and his stance was uneven. he looked a little annoyed but was mostly uncaring of what the twins had to say. the tension that always followed sylus was back now, and at his silence, the twins back away and apologize profusely before vanishing around the corner.

"boss is drunk," kieran simply remarks, childish joy gone from his voice.

sylus turns back to the corridor and walks himself to where an elevator was awaiting his arrival. he steps in, clicks a floor button, and was swiftly taken up directly into his bedroom. his button-up came off first and then his belt alongside his pants. he then slips out of his boxers, shoes, and then socks, all before stepping into his grandiose bathroom for a shower.

while sylus's mouth was quiet this entire time, his head was anything but. a looming sense of forlorn simmered in his chest as his thoughts journeyed him through regret. being in this position with his much power was what he wanted from day one as a baby dragon. and with that dream ripped away from his former self, why did it feel so terrible now to pursue it?

maybe this outbreak incident of vampires was what was needed to remind him of how vulnerable he is. his trade-off for stable, consistent power was this dread that he was feeling now. he once flew through skies free as a bird, now the closest thing he had to free flight was mephisto. maybe that's why he likes crows. they take the flight he can no longer chase. the shower turns off 45 million thoughts later and sylus steps out just as dazed as he stepped in. those shots were something persistent. even his tolerance was withering away, it seemed. he groans softly as he grabs a towel and dries his limbs. every movement felt ache-y and sloppy, but his body was soon dry enough to slip into his robe. before continuing his routine, he takes one good, hard look at himself in the mirror. that was him, surely, but why? why did that have to be him? sylus, leader of onychinus and protector of the n109 zone, a sovereignty of power and advancement. those titles felt isolating, for some reason. but that wasn't anything new. isolation was nothing new.

before he could vomit at the dizziness caused by focusing his eyes too hard, he steps back from the mirror and rubs his head. slowly, sylus's body moves out of the bathroom and into the main part of the bedroom. he slugs toward his bed and sits on the edge before fully twisting his body on the mattress. he doesn't bother lugging the blankets on top of his body, in fact, his skin was scalding. even the robe felt uncomfortable tied around his body like this, but he thought against removing it.

a familiar sense frustration grew within him again. the mere thought of being uncomfortable in his own body was unsettling, it only served his insecurities about becoming vulnerable. he slowly picks up his hand and rubs the side of his face.

"what the hell is this feeling…" he mumbles to himself.

with a resigned sigh, he lets his hand fall back to his side. he closes his eyes and tilts his head back on his pillow. a mixture of exhaustion and pain simmers within his body as he submits to fatigue and let's sleep sweep away his foggy mind.

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the n109 was special in the fact that there was no morning. everyone had their own sleep schedules, but the entire empire was nocturnal, in a sense. sylus himself didn't need much sleep. unlike most humans that needed seven to eight hours per night, he only needed about three or four to fully function, but he could also go days without it. that's why when sylus woke up eleven hours after his night of drinking, he felt a little confused. he squints at the clock on his bedside table to fully ensure that he wasn't imaging the time. no, it had actually been eleven hours. damn, his tolerance was really degrading. he pushes himself off the bed and steps into his slippers. he simultaneously felt better and worse from the night before. his headache was gone for the most part, but the heat under his skin was still there. actually, his skin was so hot that it was a bit itchy. sylus scratches at his face for a few moments before deciding it was somehow the consequence of drinking so much. the alcohol boiling in his body was probably making his body temperature rise, causing this weird sensation. he walks to the bathroom, hoping a cold shower might help mediate this problem. in the back of his head, the myriads of labor waiting for him today laid. he had to run inspections on his new security system to ensure its upkeep, and once he was satisfied, he would go to base to discuss a more widespread implementation of it.

but despite being awake for all of four minutes, it was seeming like nothing was going to plan today. sylus steps into his bathroom and disrobes himself with one tug at his belt. he moves to the shower and turns on the water before staring at himself in the mirror. as he waited for the temperature of the water to drop to the coldest setting, his eyes traced his bare form in the mirror, top to bottom, over and over again. it was almost like he was judging himself. but something catches his eye on his third round of scrutiny. he steps closer to the mirror and leans into his reflection, eyeing down his skin with suspicion. he narrows his gaze on his neck and almost flinches back in shock as he spots something inconceivable. four scarred over circles on the side of his neck, a bit darker than his normal skin tone. a vampire bite. his hands quickly come up to grasp at the patch of skin. he runs his fingertips over the blemishes, but he feels nothing but smoothness there like normal. the bites were healed, but they weren't there the night before, he would know.

vampire bites didn't heal that quickly, but sylus's body was strong enough to recover in record time. in fact, most his scars disappeared after a day or so - but that only further supported the idea that these bites happened recently. most definitely in the eleven hours he abnormally slept. this realization makes sylus stumble back until his back presses against the bathroom wall. "is this some sort of joke? are the twins doing this?" he mutters to himself in disbelief. "how... there's no possible way a vampire could've gotten into the n109 zone, there's no possible way one got into my... my fucking house." a wave of fear washed over sylus. fear was an emotion long forgotten by his brain but in this moment, with the possibility that the security of the entire n109 zone was jeopardized, he felt true fear. quickly, he swipes his robe off of the floor and turns off the shower. he leaves the bathroom and scours his room with intensity, throwing various furniture and items around like a man gone mad.

where was the little piece of shit? how was he supposed to know at what point a vampire got into his estate - bypassing all his new security - and then feasted on him like he was free meat. the mere idea of his privacy and defense being knocked down so easily after everything... everything he's done, it was insanity. there was no vampire in his room, obviously. he figured that as soon as he flipped the bed upside down only to find his bedframe. but there was the entirety of the estate left. in fact, there was the twins left. the thought of the two suffering from their transformation shot panic through sylus, causing him to fly toward the elevator in his room and bang its button to beckon it. at least his body was strong enough to repel the actual mutation of vampirism, and even then, he was suffering obvious side effects. but the twins? they were just boys to him; they weren't anything close to being capable of handling that type of pain. sylus rides the elevator down a few floors to where the twins' room were and then bolts out at soon as the doors open. please, please, please. luke. kieran. bang. bang. bang. "luke, kieran! are... are you guys in there?!" bang. bang. bang. "luke! kier-" "boss, what the hell?!" sylus turns his head toward the end of the hall where luke and kieran were standing. they wouldn't lie, sylus was scaring them a little. a wave of relief washes over sylus as he sees their normal, healthy forms. albeit, they were flinching a little but they were normal. "you two..." sylus whispers, "you two are okay, right?" the twins glance at each other and then turn back to sylus. they nod. "y...yeah?" kieran stutters unsurely. "why? did something happen?" sylus tenses but shakes his head profusely. he lowers his arms off their adjacent bedroom doors and steps slowly toward them. "no, no, nothing happened. i just... had a bad dream about you two. i... wanted to make sure you guys were safe." the twins make another glance to each other. "really boss?" luke remarks, "you had a nightmare? that's never happened to you before. are you sure you're okay?" sylus almost wants to smile at luke's naivety, but he remembers the situation he is in. "that's what you're focusing on?" kieran chimes in, sounding rather happy. "boss is back to caring about us! yay! we don't have to worry about being orphan crows anymore!" luke shoves kieran's side with his elbow, reprimanding him for so openly talking about their fear of abandonment to sylus like this. "ow!" sylus watches the two for a moment, thanking the skies that they weren't harmed. but this revelation opened up a new basket of questions. why did this vampire only target him? were they only trying to take him out? before he could ponder on these questions for any longer, he once again reminds himself that it was only him who knew about this - as far as he was aware. at the very least luke and kieran didn't know, and he intended to keep it that way. "guys," sylus murmurs with tension creeping up in his voice. he tries to quell it, but he couldn't exactly ignore the fact that he had been bitten. so fucking stealthily too. "guys, i'm going to need you two to stay in your rooms for today. i... have to run security checks on the estate and i just need... i just need to go through everything alone. no distractions." "hey we won't dis-" "please," sylus pleads, "please just listen to me. your chores at base today are cancelled, stay in your rooms." the twins seemed genuinely shocked at sylus's uncharacteristic begs. for the first time in a while, the despondent aura that sylus held was gone, now replaced with something they couldn't name. they felt an urge to listen. "okay boss, we'll stay in our rooms," kieran murmurs. luke doesn't verbally respond but nods. they passed by sylus and both headed into their respective rooms, leaving sylus alone in the hall. with a deep breath, sylus looks to the elevator and smiles in anger.

"i'm gonna find you... and then i'm gonna kill you with my bare hands." ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

desperate was the understatement of the century. sylus was in absolute shambles. he checked every fucking camera outside of his estate and nothing came about. he checked every security verification, every sensor, every authentication that was implemented in his estate and still nothing. but his estate wasn't his only concern. he called base to inquiry about the border security checks and for a list of every single person who entered or exited the n109 zone within the last two days. every single name on there was investigated on thoroughly, and still nothing. he was running on fumes at this point. despite his long, restful slumber, restful was the last thing sylus felt. the horror that ensued upon seeing his bites and then the fury that followed it were draining to his already exhausted body. but he could get no peace until he figured out what the actual hell was going on. the good news was, there didn't seem to be any reports of vampire bites within the n109 zone, as well as no reported cases of vampire sightings. that meant whoever was doing this wasn't attacking other people.

maybe not yet, but sylus would rip their limbs apart tortuously before they even got the chance.

this also meant this vampire was probably the only vampire within the n109 zone. statistically speaking, if there were a group of vampires that had infiltrated the empire, someone or some security check would've at least raised one warning flag and sent off a tip-off to base. but there were no such reports at base. in the same way the twins being safe drove sylus equally mad as he was relieved, these new findings did the same. "so you're telling me..." sylus chuckles incredulously under his breath while flitting his gaze between the various screens in front of him, "that little bitch snuck into my land, my territory, and into... ha... my bedroom... to bite me and only me. eager way to assert your dominance... going straight for the top dog." sylus was talking to himself as he had been the last several hours of investigating. he was equal parts fearful, frustrated, impressed, and an innumerable of other feelings. how was he supposed to catch what was seemingly a new breed of ghost vampire? and how was he supposed to feel secure in his position - in his home - knowing that a vampire had snuck into the n109 zone and infiltrated his estate, all while bypassing security. the disbelief of a smile on his face morphed into a grit of anger. sylus stands up from his chair, almost knocking it over with force, and clenches his fists. the security room in his estate was dark and was only illuminated by the white and blue lights that came off of the camera screens. this new room was a part of the mansion upgrade, and yet all of its capabilities served fruitless. "fuck, i can't do anything. i can't... do anything. how can't i do anything?!" sylus's voice was getting progressively louder and more frustrated with every realization. arguably the most powerful man on this side of the world couldn't do anything. he begins to pace. "i can't let anyone know," he murmurs to himself, "fuck, if anyone finds out then my entire empire comes down. if it was found out that a vampire infiltrated the n109 zone and my estate under my watch, it'll be absolute mayhem. i can't. fuck, what am i supposed to do?" the fumes must've been working overtime in sylus's brain, because an idea that makes him halt pops up. "base." he rushes to the intercom by the computerized table in the security room and makes an urgent call to the base of onychinus. he waits for a few seconds anxiously but soon hears a familiar voice. "yes, sir?" one of the heads officers of base answer, recognizing sylus's call. "all the vampiric prototypes you have, and i mean every single weapon, send them over to my main estate. i'm giving you all 2 hours maximum to send them or else i'm coming down there myself and ripping all your contracts in front of your faces. then i’m kicking you to the curb."

“but sir, i thought you said you weren’t satisfi—“

“send. them.”

the resolution in sylus’s voice was something not to be trifled with. the voice on the other end keeps quiet for a moment but then responds the next.

“they will be there in the hour, sir.”

the officer was wrong. they were delivered in the half hour.

the sheer amount of prototypes that were hauled down to sylus’s security room was impressive. sylus watched every single second of the process until every shipment that base brought with them was stashed in the room. they were organized by weapon and then by size, having all the small handguns in one corner and then all BMG sniper rifles in another corner. the room was an eyesore of metal cases, but each case housed a weapon that could potentially kill that vermin of a vampire with efficiency and ease. the sight brought premature retribution to sylus's soul. god forbid he comes face to face with the poor creature. he'll commend them for being so stealthily and intelligent but then kill them in the next breath he'd take. killing so intimately was not sylus's forte, but that's what he felt reduced to at this point.

after base made their final rounds of delivery, sylus was left alone in the security room with his new weapons of vengeance. he steps forward toward one of the cases in the silver section of the weaponry. silver was said to be a vampire's weakness, but also hard to source. carefully, he opens one of cases housing a silver assault rifle and admires the shine on the barrel. it came with silver high-caliber bullet tips and a silencer. in one go, he found his main weapon. sylus smiles to himself and stands with the case, leaving the rest of the cases in the security room for now. he would put those to use at some point, but overloading himself with weapons around the estate would only cause him more trouble. he needed one good gun. he now has one good gun. despite mumbling to himself for the past few hours and feeling like he was slowly going insane, sylus was now quiet in the ride up to his office. his vulnerability was now masked by his armory of weapons, and he would put all of them to use if needed. walking into the room, sylus places the case down on his desk and looks around suspiciously. being paranoid was new too, wasn't it? slowly, he strides around and pulls one of the cabinet drawers to take out a small handheld mirror. he's refused to look at himself since he first found the bite. he raises the mirror and angles it toward his neck, right over the area where the bite was. the scar was almost completely gone now but the discoloration was just faintly there. he could almost visualize the arch of the vampire's teeth sinking into his skin and making him bleed a dinner out for them. it makes him shudder and groan in frustration. quickly, he places the mirror down and swallows. as much as she wanted to get to the bottom of this now, he needed to wait. there was no finding an untraceable vampire. he sighs and slowly lowers himself onto his desk chair. the heat and dizziness that plagued him that morning was practically non-existent now. other than his frustration, sylus felt no different physically. it brought him some sense of reassurance to know he couldn't easily be transformed, but not everyone was like him. in fact, luke and kieran were still practically hidden away in their rooms because of that very fact. "mm, god im exhausted," sylus rumbled with a hand rub to his temples. when his eyes adjust open again they catch a glimpse of something on his desk. he furrows his brows and reaches out for the stray paper, bringing it up to his face. it's that woman again. the one from philos. the one dead. he frowns. "you're torturing me too, yknow?" he chuckles hollowly, "why can't i seem to... know you? you should know your people were horrible pieces of shit. were you a horrible piece of shit like them? you probably were, everyone there was. everyone but..." he trails off, a distant memory in his head failing to reach him. "i don't know actually. hopefully you weren't as miserable as the people of philos. you're too..." he trails off again and stares at the woman's picture. "too kind-looking."

sylus continues to stare at the report for a few more moments before realizing he was talking to himself again-or rather, to a piece of paper. a death certificate. he places the paper down and tilts his head back, softly laughing at himself. "i've gone fucking crazy."

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over a week had passed since the initial incident. every "morning" to "night", sylus spent his time obsessively watching the cameras in his home and scouring the area with his rifle. the twins were quarantined in their rooms for hours on end at a time, and neither of them got a straight answer as to why. right now, sleep was not an option. losing his empire was more important than losing sleep, and this one son-of-a-bitch was threatening the safety of his entire sovereignty. sylus's days dragged on endlessly with routine checks and guarding keeping his body awake at every hour. as much as he hated to admit it, the lack of sleep was genuinely getting to his already muddled brain, making it harder to think properly and function. his human body had limitations his former self didn't, it seemed. his movements were fussy and staggered. he thought it had been days but what if it had been weeks since the bite? was he really worried about something that happened so long ago? he could no longer be sure. but the safety of his empire, of luke and kieran, of his life was not a joke. sylus makes his 73rd round down the same hall that his office was in. the mess inside was cleaned sometime during his manic state, but he couldn't properly remember. his legs grew tired and ache-y from all of his patrolling. it felt like he was being tortured but all of this was his decision to do. slightly defeated, even more-so exhausted, sylus slid down the wall of the hallway and held his silver rifle tightly in his hands. he could still patrol with his eyes of course, just right here. his eyes moved back and forth from one end of the hall to the other, slowly, attentively, drowsily. he kept his sharp ears open for any noises but all he heard was the ambience of his estate. he had worn himself out to the bone. sylus was more susceptible than he thought. his eyes closed.

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"boss! boss! boss wake up! boss!"

sylus's eyes shoot open to see luke and kieran standing over him. their gloved hands were firm on his shoulders and arms as the two shook him with vigor. "boss! there's someone in the estate! boss!" a surge of panic and adrenaline pump into sylus's veins. he quickly stands to his feet and tightens his grip on the gun. "where?! where?! tell me, where are they?!" "we caught them!" kieran yells. "they were in the security room, but we brought them to your office and caught them!" luke adds on. sylus's eyes widen. he figured the twins brought whoever the hell this was to his office because it was the most heavily secured placed in the estate, so the idea of this perpetrator being just a few doors down made sylus triumph. he would thank the twins later. "stay right here. don't even think about moving an inch." this newfound sense of both relief and excitement empowered sylus and every footstep he took toward his office door. slowly, carefully, he unlocks the door with his facial and finger scans before ensuring the twins were still in their same position and then clicking it open. the gun was held up, ready to fire at any given moment once he saw the source of his torture behind his door. the door opens fully and then closes behind him. his eyes scour the area before landing on the anomaly in the room.

a person.

a girl. you. tied up and blinfolded in the corner of the room, unmoving but breathing. he grins and inches closer to you until a mere few feet away. "thought you could play around with me?" he gruffs. "you don't know what you've gotten yourself into. who are you?" you don't answer. he notices your breathing is slow and a bit labored, which was strange given your circumstances. what was stranger was the complexion on you wasn't gaunt or grey-out like a vampire at all, but you still weren’t supposed to be here. sylus narrows his eyes at you and grits his teeth. if you weren't going to answer he would get the answers himself. he leans down to you and pulls the blindfold around your head off with an aggressive yank. the moment it's gone you look up at him, eyes half lidded and drained of energy. soulless. empty. sylus knew that type of look in someone's eye. the look before death. "who are you and how did you manage to bypass my security?" sylus repeats, tone just slightly softer. "answer me or i'll torture it out of you." he watches you open your mouth only for no noise to come out. you were obviously struggling, but with what? sylus didn't know. sensing there was no immediate threat, sylus lowers his gun and knits his brows together in confusion and agitation. "what is it?" he asks.

no answer. "are you playing some type of game? you bypass my security, sneak into my estate, and what? now you're dying? fucking joke right?" you open your mouth again but no noise. this time around, sylus spots it. your teeth, sharp canines on both the top and bottom rows. vampire. a low chuckle escapes him. this was near unbelievable. "vampire. you're the goddamn vampire who bit me and somehow got away with it for all this time. i should thank you, though, you taught me im not as weak as i thought i was and that you're not as strong as i thought you were." you twitch slightly and cough. "b...blood... p...please..." you sputter out in an extremely hoarse voice.

sylus was almost taken aback by your words. you were asking for blood. from who? from him? he didn't believe you had the audacity, but it seems like you did. "blood? blood?" he laughs heartily and clutches his chest. "what makes you think i want to feed you and keep you alive? do you hear yourself?” the surprises just kept coming as tears fell from your face. your clenched expression and obvious pain were a sight to behold, a sight that sylus couldn't exactly bring himself to enjoy. he didn't like seeing torture, if he killed, he did so instantaneously to avoid torturing anyone. but you looked like you suffered just as much as sylus had. he frowns in disgust at his empathy but it was all quickly replaced by keen interest. he squints his eyes at you and feels an unsettling sense of familiarity crowd his chest. where... where did he know his feeling from? sylus quickly stands and rushes over to his desk to grab the rogue piece of paper that never left from there. he brings it back to your form and holds it up to compare the faces. it was uncanny, unreal, unbelievable.

you were the woman in the death reports? nothing made sense anymore. maybe this was the final stage of insanity. but before sylus could even register another thought he hears your voice again, this time more broken and desperate. "blood... p..please blood... please." he stilled. what was he supposed to do? at this point he knew he couldn't let you die, not with all this mystery around you, but what he supposed to do?

you cry out again, using all of your left energy to plead. "pl..please... blood... please! p..please!" he slowly puts down the paper and stares at you. despite knowing this was you in the death report, he still couldn't shake off the feeling he knew you from somewhere. he could almost feel you. deep inside his chest somewhere he felt your presence there.

you weren't some ordinary "person" that was for sure.

he almost thought against it, but his body moved before his brain could catch up. slowly, he crouches down and inches toward you up until your face was hovering over his shoulder. he cups your head from behind and pushes you further into his form. "shh, drink."

a/n: thanks if u made it this so far, lol. chapter 2 soon!

[nataliescatorccioapologist]

I can honestly say that my favorite part of Yellowjackets Season 3 was the evolving dynamic between Misty and Natalie. Their relationship has always been intriguing, but after the Season 3 finale, it’s taken on an entirely new weight. I’ve already found myself going back to their scenes in Season 1’s adult timeline, and they feel so much richer now with a history that I couldn’t fully grasp the first time around.

What this show does so brilliantly is play with the audience's perspective across timelines. In the wilderness timeline, we often know more than the characters—we know where they will end up in 25 years, we know who will live and who will die, and we know how bad things are going to get for them. But in the adult timeline, it flips: the characters are carrying decades of shared experiences and secrets that we, as viewers, haven’t yet been fully let in on. That narrative structure creates these incredibly rewarding moments when new information is revealed and suddenly a conversation, a glance, or even a moment of silence from Season 1 takes on an entirely new meaning.

There’s something so satisfying about how the show trusts its audience to come back, to rewatch, and to re-evaluate. Misty and Natalie’s relationship is a perfect example of that slow-burn payoff—what once felt like mere antagonism or dark comedy now reveals itself to be a tangle of resentment, understanding, grief, and a deep, unspoken form of protection and loyalty.

[yanderedrabbles]

Helloooo! I just loved the old west gang. Traumatized? Yes. Curious? Yes. But specifically the Lakota wrangler caught my attention, and oooh this part:

"""Don't be. You're my reward, my reparation." He brushed his knuckles across your cheek again.

"I've waited my whole life for you."

You wanted to ask why. What made you so special? Why did he want to keep you? ""

VAL, TELL ME WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? WHAT'S HIS STORY? WHAT'S HIS DEBT?

OH MY GOD HIS PART IS SO 💕💕💕💕

TELL US THEIR BACKGROUND PLEASE 🥹🥹🥹

Yandere Outlaws - The Wrangler's Past + the gang hearing about you for the first time

I think the wrangler probably has one of the most interesting backgrounds. We all know that the Wild West era was no fun at all for Native American tribes. Manifest Destiny and all the terrible things done in it's name saw Native tribes being confined to smaller and smaller reservations, with stricter and stricter rules. Bison were disappearing, the railroads were cutting across hunting lands, and permanent settlers were coming west in droves.

I think in the face of all that, the wrangler felt like he had to adapt or die. Set out on his own and try and make it in the white man's world.

I reckon he falls in with the boss after a nasty bar fight. Him against some cowboys who feel like a Lakota on "their" turf is blasphemy.

Things don't look good at all. He's a strong fighter but numbers almost always trumps skill. He's going to end up dead in the mud and no one will give a damn.

Well, until the boss arrives. Maybe the boss is an old quick draw and when the smoke settles the cowboys are down for good. Or maybe the boss just has that look to him, that keen eyed glare that makes dumb cowhands think better of their bravado.

Either way, he hauls the wrangler out of the mud and offers him a job.

"Need a man for my horses. I'll pay you good to stick with us for coupla weeks."

The wrangler agrees. Because hell, what else is there to do? And if the older man looks hard edged and hard eyed, how much does that really matter? This is the West. You either get tough or get buried.

I think one way or another, the boss earns his loyalty. He gives him a sense of belonging he hasn't felt since he set out on his own. Gives him a purpose. And well, robbing banks and derailing trains and sticking it to old Uncle Sam is about the best he can do to make up for what his tribe has been through. Just one more outlaw pricking Washington in the thumb.

And as for you, sweet thing that you are, oh, you're what he's waited for all his life.

A girl to call his own. Soft and kind, to keep the cold away. Looking in your eyes makes it so easy to forget all the shit he's been through, all the shit he's done. He's been through his share of trouble and then some. He deserves a place to rest his head, a person to call home.

So what if you aren't willing? The world has gone out of its way to take what should have been his by right. The bison, the land, the open sky and flowing water. All of it divvied up and fenced off. He's not letting anyone get in the way of the one good thing he can finally call his own.

I think the thing that initially attracts him to you is the story of you and the second in command. The second is Chinese and he hasn't had it easy either. He could either work the railroads or die in a ditch. Not the best options, but just about the only ones open to an immigrant's son.

If you were anyone else, you'd have screamed your head off when you found him bleeding in your barn.

You didn't. Instead, you put him back together and kept him safe from your pa.

When he first heard the story, it was a cold night out on the planes. They'd just pulled off a job and were sleeping rough, trying to throw the law dogs off their trail.

The second kept looking out to the west. Maybe he was keeping an eye out for pursuit, but they'd pulled their job off back east. Marshals would be coming from that direction, if at all.

Finally, he gave in to his curiosity and asked the man what the hell he was looking for.

"My girl," he said simply. "My girl stays out that way."

The outlaws grew quiet around the fire.

"I didn't know you had one," the boss said, elbows on his knees as he sharpened his boot knife. "Is that where you go off to when we're in town?"

"Mm-hmm. I like to check in on her."

The gunslingers leaned forward then, as in sync as coyotes.

"She must be one hell of a girl, if she can put up with your ugly mug."

"Is she pretty? Got those nice eyes that look up at you all sweet?"

He ignored them and went back to looking west, like he could somehow see over all those miles.

"Do you love her?" the wrangler asked suddenly. He didn't know why he asked that, just that it seemed important.

"More than I thought possible. Every time I see her it's like my heart is breaking. If I can't have her, I think I'll go mad."

The boss looked up for a second, blue eyes catching the firelight. "You gonna marry her then?"

The second laughed, uncharacteristically nervous. "She doesn't even know I exist."

The boss stopped sharpening his knife. "How do you know you love her, if you ain't never talked to her?"

"She saved my life. That's how I know."

The wrangler looked up at the sky and wondered who would go out of their way to save an outlaw.

The boss stuck his knife in his boot. "Tell us the story."

Maybe if anyone else asked, the second would have refused. You were his girl. He didn't want to share even the memory of you with other men.

But you don't say no to the boss.

When he was done telling it, the outlaws were quiet. Lost in their own thoughts. All of them thinking how sweet it would be to have a girl like that. Feeling for a second what he felt every time he thought of you.

It was the wrangler who broke the silence, only half aware he was speaking. "I'd do anything to have a girl like that. Someone so kind..."

The dark skinned outlaw leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "She sounds too good for either of you."

"And you're any better?"

He didn't get to answer. The green eyed gunslinger cut in, his voice low and mean.

"She sounds real innocent. Kind of girl who'll cry when you fuck her for the first time."

The second in command stood with a snarl, already reaching for his rifle.

"Don't."

The boss, quiet but no less dangerous for being so.

"We're all men here. We're all gonna think somethin' like that when you tell us 'bout a girl so...untouched."

The second sat back down stiffly, his jaw clenched tight.

The boss continued, "Ain't like we're gonna steal your girl from you. Let it go."

The wrangler didn't let it go though. Not even when they were back in their hideout, a whole lot richer than they were a week ago.

He stopped the second in command when he was saddling up his mustang.

"Take me with you. I want to see this girl of yours."

If it was anyone else, he'd have said no on the spot. But the wrangler had a quiet gentleness about him that made the second agree.

They watched you from a hill overlooking your father's ranch. Just two shadows against the setting sun.

One of your horses had taken sick and you were walking it around the corral. Stopping every little while to stroke its neck or rub its nose, whispering encouragement. You were patient, gentle. The hem of your skirt tucked into your belt and showing off a sliver of thigh as you moved.

The wrangler sighed and stroked his horse's neck.

"I understand now."

"Understand what?"

"Why you keep looking for her, even if you're a hundred miles away."

As they rode home, he found himself doing the same thing. Looking over his shoulder like he could somehow see you one last time.

And the first time he saw you up close? Backed up against the kitchen table, corned like a vixen at the hunt? That's when he realised exactly what you were.

You were his reward.

The one good thing he'd struggled all his life to find. You were going to be his peace. His home.

And the first time he had you? On your knees, kissing his cock, your eyelashes still wet with tears? That's when he decided he'd keep you, no matter how cruel it was. No matter that doing it would strip him of any claim to goodness. A good man wouldn't get hard seeing you cry. A good man wouldn't fuck you when all you wanted was to go home.

But then again, how could he stay a good man in a world that hated him? That wanted him dead and gone?

When he kissed you, he signed away his last bit of honour. It doesn't matter that he holds you so gently, that he touches you like a lover.

He'll never let you go. And ain't that just a bitch?

[cookiekissers]

can we please get a buring spice x fragile reader, like they want to help and fight/hunt but physical can't because they are that fragile, simply bumbing into another cookie could cause them to crack!

Do Not Go Gently

[Burning Spice Cookie x Fragile Reader]

I was inspired and tried something a little different with this so I hope you like it! and Burning Spice redemption anyone? B)

The life of a Wild Spice was fraught with constant struggle and danger. If you were weak, you would be ground into dust, either by one of the other tribes or by the Great Destroyer himself. And you happened to be one of the weaker spices.

Delicate and fragile by nature, your main ingredient was parsley. The harsh desert winds of your homeland often left your leaves and dough brittle. The stronger Wild Spices almost always belittled you and your small tribe as you barely etched out an existence. You weren't tough and built with natural armour, like the Pepper Pangolins, or strong like the Saffron Buffaloes. But if there was one thing you were, it was tenacious.

When the Great Destroyer returned, you feared that your inherent frailness only spelled ruin for you and your tribe, soon to join the scattered remains of your ancestors. Despite the risks, you boldly joined the other Wild Spice leaders and offered your loyalty and service to Burning Spice Cookie.

He had looked over you and laughed, calling you weak and pathetic. As you knelt there, showing your sincere devotion, you thought it was all over for you. Still, Burning Spice miraculously passed over you and left you be. The Great Destroyer was not known to spare those he thought weak, so you could only imagine that he saw something in you that you hadn't. Since that moment, you were inspired by the Great Destroyer, not out of fear but admiration. You knew he didn't care for you. With a sweep of his hand, he could wipe your existence from this earth in seconds. But still, you fought hard and trained harder until your dough was cracked and crumbling to show that you had a right to continue living. Burning Spice Cookie had spared you. Your life had to mean something to him.

The little thing kneeling at his feet was pathetic. A Cookie so fragile that their dough cracked at the mildest of strikes was not worthy to be in his presence. And yet, instead of hiding from his inevitable fury, here you were. Burning Spice had to admit, you had guts. He didn't want to waste his time crumbling you himself when he knew you wouldn't put up a good fight. It would be far more entertaining to watch you struggle, only for you to fall to your unavoidable fate.

And yet...

That moment never came. Regardless of how grievous your wounds or the crumbling of your dough, you threw yourself back into battle again and again. Unafraid of the death that awaited you. Burning Spice Cookie found himself almost... fascinated by you.

You were so fragile, doomed to fail. And yet... you fought to cling a little longer to your short, pathetic life.

It reminded him of a time long past.

One day, after Burning Spice had enough of the annoying thoughts of you buzzing around his head, he decided to pay your tribe a visit. All the inhabitants of your tribe weren't as tough as you, which was somewhat of a disappointment. They scurried into their homes, terrified of him, or fell to their knees, grovelling at his feet for mercy. But you... you remained standing, like a resolute warrior, poised as if death were coming to claim you. You were unafraid. You had accepted it, but that did not mean you would go without a grand fight.

He approached you, ignoring the rest of your tribe, and you bowed your head in respect to the Great Destroyer. You didn't bow as deeply as you used to, but Burning Spice let it slide.

You had changed. Your eyes held a solemn understanding, and your dough was now riddled with scars, honourable rewards of fighting to see another day.

Burning Spice Cookie watched you, realizing he had no words. Why had curiosity brought him here to see you? He couldn't come up with an answer. His previous excuse of being amused by your antics had faded into something... else.

You broke the silence and invited Burning Spice Cookie into your humble home, and he accepted. Your tribe was astonished at their leader, who stood fearlessly in front of the Great Destroyer, and he had not razed their village to the ground in retaliation.

"Well, this is a surprise." Burning Spice Cookie mused. It was still surprising to him. Destruction was the end of all things, whether by his hand or not. But you stood in the face of it and fought it. Refusing to meet it on its terms.

"That I'm still here?" You replied bluntly, an amused smile on your face. Burning Spice Cookie would usually have felt excitement upon discovering a Cookie like you - someone who could ignite his passion and provide a worthy challenge now that you had grown stronger against all odds. However, that’s not how he felt at this moment. It wasn't even boredom. Instead, he felt the same solemness reflected in your eyes.

Burning Spice Cookie asked you to be his right hand. The request came so suddenly that it left you momentarily stunned. All the strife and gruelling work you had endured had finally paid off in a way you never could have imagined.

"Yes, I would be honored, my lord. Thank you." You said, quickly bowing your head deeply in gratitude.

Burning Spice Cookie knew that your luck was going to eventually run out and your fragile dough would crumble, slipping through his fingers like the sands of time. Like with all things, it was inevitable, regardless of how hard you fought to cling to your pitiful life.

But he would be there when it happened, he would watch you. He would burn your rage into his mind as you descended into the endless night, fighting and spitting for just one more day.

Once you joined your ancestors, he would remember you. Always.

[lowkeycasanova]

something you do that they love

headcanon!

characters: Monster trio + Usopp, Ace, and Law

Luffy

He loves it when you play with his hair. Especially if he can lay in your lap while you do it. Luffy isn't one to sit still but when your hands move through his dark locks, he finds himself melting in the moment. It's a simple soothing touch that brings a smile to his face and enough comfort that he could just fall asleep. This gentle act of affection makes him feel connected, cherished, adored, and maybe even a little pampered. It's one of the few things that can make him pause from his boundless energy.

Zoro

He might seem stoic and unbothered on the outside, but something about you holding onto his arm stirs something within him. There's a quiet pride he feels when you reach out to him that way. It's somehow different than just holding hands. It's like it brings you two closer. It's as though you're saying, without words, that you trust him completely as feel safe at his side. It brings out his protective instincts and reminds him that he has someone precious, feeling like a king beside you somehow. Although he'll never openly admit how much he loves it.

Sanji

This man is swept away whenever you grab both sides of his face when kissing him. There's something incredibly intimate and captivating about you taking control in this small, tender way. You want him close and that both of your palms on his cheeks is electrifying, making him feel like he's the only person in the world, leaving him head over heels every single time, further fueling his devotion.

Usopp

He enjoys the warmth and reassurance of a hug from behind. It makes him feel seen and appreciated, as sometimes he worries about being overlooked by his powerful friends. That gentle unexpected embrace reminds him that someone values him for exactly who he is. With your arms wrapped around him, he feels like he's more than enough. A comforting reminder of your love and a confidence boost he secretly treasures.

Ace

He finds himself surprisingly moved whenever you give him a compliment. Whether it's about his strength, kindness, or loyalty, he knows it's genuine and your words have a way of reaching past his defenses and self-doubts. He's never been great at taking praise often scoffing, brushing, or laughing it off. But coming from you, it feels different. Your compliments make him feel seen for more than his reputation or past. They remind him that he is worthy of love and admiration.

Law

He comes off as quite guarded but laying your head on his shoulder is very comforting. It always surprises him. He's got a habit of being self-reliant and keeping people at arm's length but your act of affection breaks down his defenses. It lets him know that you lean on him, not just physically, but emotionally, as if you are saying, "I feel at ease with you." It feel rewarding knowing that he provides a comforting presence and a safe space for you.

[mimipolo]

i am begging

the «reuniting with your ex in the games» BUT it’s Nam-gyu falling for Thanos’ ex😭😭

Nam-gyu x reader

|This was fun to write but I'm not totally sure I did the idea justice

|Also guys when I finish all the requests I DO write for other Squid Game characters especially if they're underrated 🤞

It was easy to want to find a distraction during the games, the pressure of just wanting to survive and leave with a pretty amount of cash being the only thing pushing him forward.

But conventionally that's when he noticed you. It was during the 6-legged race, you had already formed a reliable looking group and were encouraging a frantic looking man. He didn't understand how he had missed you throughout the other games but now his eyes always drew back to you like a magnet.

You weren't even doing anything that special, just talking to that bastard's chic that left him broke. It was your soft look of concern for her that had him falter slightly, he was holding his food as he stared in your direction.

He wanted to talk to you, badly.

As he's biting the inside of his lip, considering whether or not you'll ignore him a familiar cheerful voice comes up from behind. Thanos lazily swinging an arm around his shoulder.

"Whatcha looking at ma boy?" He asked in a playful tone, grinning dopily as he follows Nam-gyu's line of sight, only to land on. You.

His face screws up dramatically as he looks between the stricken look on his friends face and then back to you. Nam-gyu's about to speak up and ask Thanos to hype him up to go talk to you but he's not given a chance when he's suddenly being dragged towards him by both shoulders.

Thanos leans in to whisper, but he's still comically loud. "Nah man, that's my ex, total priss. Trust me you don't want that." But thing is he wanted it, and bad.

He's momentarily speechless as he glances between you and Thanos, torn between his loyalty and this new warm feeling you're giving him. "Yeah...uh huh." He doesn't mean a word of it, you're definitely going to remain on his mind until he can find another way to get to you. He's brought out his thoughts by a clap to his back. "Right idea man." He says nodding his head with a furrowed lip before spinning on his heel to bother someone else, most likely Se-mi.

He couldn't care less what he was on about, your smile was sweet and he felt eager to get your care and attention on him instead. Nodding to himself with a new found resolution as we walked to his bunk to eat his food.

It was honestly unbearable trying to ignore your prescence, he's high off his rockets but he's still looking up at the ceiling stupidly as he tried not to make it obvious he was actually looking at your way and you're only standing in front of him amongst a vast crowd.

Everyone was on their way to the next game, though the colours seemed to blur and blend together he could make out a stage which everyone instinctively stepped on. What kinda game is this supposed to be? His mind is too jumbled to decipher everything like he usually would and he finds himself easily joining in on Thanos' antics.

Blood smeared the doors and floors, the mocking song that blared from above ringing in his ears. All he really had to do was get into a group with the right number, that's all, if he could understand that at least he'd be just fine.

"Two!"

The child like voice sung out and for the last time chaos erupted. His gaze immediately moves to locate Thanos, they had been in every room together so far so he didn't think this time would be any different.

Apparently he judged wrong.

The purple head of hair making some unexplainable noise before grabbing Min-su by the shoulder and skipping off.

What. The hell.

He wanted to kill him, wrap his fingers around his neck and wring him to death, taking his cross as a reward. But now wasn't the time to fantasize. He was quickly growing irritated, cursing under his breath as he looked for anyone he could easily grab.

And that's when his eyes locked with yours.

You look as frantic as he is, and he's genuinely disturbed to realise that all he's thinking about is that you noticed him in this bloody situation. He's stopped in his tracks but you're rapidly advancing towards him, grabbing his arm roughly and tugging him towards a door, not even bothering to give him the chance to accept. He wouldn't have said no way.

When another desperate player tries to grab you to join their room he quickly comes back to reality, swaggerdly pushing the man away from you and rushing to close the door behind the two of you and locking it.

You're panting. Hair falling out your hairband which you briefly grab and retie. Finally your face rises to meet his eye, finally. His back is pressed to the door still, content on watching you do the simple action of tieing your hair back. Noticing your now slightly relieved gaze on him a helplessly boyish grin forms on his face as he swallows shallowly.

"Hey."

"Hi..."

His minds scattered and he's looking for words to say to you but he's cut off by the announcement that it was safe to leave the rooms. Seeing you lean off the wall to leave he steps aside, if he was sober he would've cringed at how you didn't even have to say a word to him to get him to move. He doesn't care right now, pleased to watch your retreating back profile.

His heart stutters slightly when you turn back to look at him with tired yet considerate eyes.

"Think the game is over, you coming?"

He breathes out deeply through his nostrils as he tucks his hair behind his ears as he speeds up to walk beside you. He was doing a terrible job of trying to suppress the smug grin threatening to reveal itself but you didn't seem to notice and if you did you were mostly unbothered. Instead prioritising looking around to see the remaining surviving players.

When your eyes meet with a certain someone. Sensing the shift in your mood he doesn't know why he's surprised to see a still cheerful Thanos leaving a room with Min-su meekly following behind. His mood clearly shifts when he catches sight of you, quickly approaching the two of you, shooting Nam-gyu a judging look.

"You bitch... who woulda thought you'd end up here when you left ya boy when he was at his worst."

"We're not doing this right now, I'm tired man." He scoffs and crosses his arms at your words, rolling his eyes as he rocks from side to side.

"Convenient of you to leave after the fuck up at the competition."

"Well yeah, you managed to find a new hobby I wasn't a fan of."

You spat the words out bitterly, only getting another tsk from Thanos as he tongued his teeth. Nam-gyu could feel himself sobering up and he was able to recognise he was getting to see you up close, how grateful he was. Even if you were scolding his best friend, that scowl on your face making his heart race.

Unexpectedly those pretty eyes turn to look at him questioningly, looking him over carefully.

"You close with him?"

God knew how badly he wanted to say no to have a chance of gaining your favour but an alliance with Thanos had still done him good until now, even when he ditched him. He bit his inner cheek as he looked anywhere but your eyes.

"Yeah..."

"I see."

Thanos honestly felt offended seeing how reluctant Nam-gyu looked to admit he knew him but before he could throw any sort of tantrum he's being ushered away from you and towards the crowd of disheartened people heading for the exit. A small laugh leaves you as you watch the two, stuffing your hands in your pockets as you watched them. That guy, he didn't seem the type to be around someone like your ex, at least from what you saw today.

Everyone's currently catching their breaths and mourning those they lost. Thanos was occupied with rapping random lyrics at Se-mi and Min-su, meaning a great opportunity to potentially sneak off and see you. He wouldn't ask for anymore of those pills, he needed full focus right now, and this time analyse every curve of your face to the t.

Se-mi spares him a mean side glance as she notices him slipping away, only sighing and leaning her cheek on her palm. She couldn't care less for where he was going but she wouldn't lie and say she wasn't slightly surprised to see the man leave his dictator's side without an announcement.

You're sitting on the edge of one of the bunks, mindlessly staring towards the floor, the small group of friends you had made had been illuminated in the last game and it had left your last source of community disjointed and broken.

Your head perks up at the sound of someone clearing their throat, your brows raising slightly when you find it's the guy from before. You smile lightly at him and he swears he's found the meaning of life.

"We were a pretty good duo in that last game huh?"

"Guess you could say that."

"I was uh thinking. I could try and convince Thanos to let you in our group. I know he's-"

"I'm good."

Your blatant rejection stung more than it should, instinctively tucking his hair behind his ears.

"Thanks though, I appreciate the thought."

"Oh, course."

Immediately he forgets about all the ways he could try and convince you. Spacing out at your oddly gentle sounding words that had him strung on each syllable. He's dumbly nodding as he looks up at you with his hands peaking out his tracksuit.

"You're not as bad as him."

You say honestly, you knew of your ex's right hand but he had never particularly stood out to you until now, and at his luck in a generally good light. Tilting your head at him at his silence you sigh and lean back on your hands.

"You shouldn't listen to him too much."

"Right, yeah."

"What's your name by the way, mines [Name]."

He hadn't realised that you didn't know he already knew your name. It took several on the low eavesdropping sessions but it was a prize he proudly acquired himself. Chuckling sarcastically at himself he realised you had also asked him his.

"Nam-gyu. I know Thanos is a dick and all but you can come to me... If you want."

He had an easy going expression on but his heart was racing and he genuinely feared it might stop right in front of you, he's convinced he's pushed this too far already, obviously you'd want nothing to do with him when he's literally best friends with your ex. Yet you chuckle slightly and give a soft nod in return, a knowing smile he felt he'd been waiting ages to be directed at him.

"I'll keep that in mind, Nam-gyu."

Fucking jackpot.