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deadcactuswalking · 1 year ago

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REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 19/08/2023 (Olivia Rodrigo, Fred again../Obongjayar, casso/RAYE/D-Block Europe)

Content warning: In-depth discussion of mostly right-wing US politics, including references to Epstein, anti-Semitism, suicide, etc. and brief mention of prostitution

ACR hits, taking Dave and Cench off their throne as Billie grabs her first week with her second #1 on the UK Singles Chart, “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie soundtrack. I am absolutely not complaining with this one - probably one of my favourite songs on the chart altogether, if not my absolute favourite - but regardless, welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS!

Rundown

“Sprinter” is at #10… by the way, but what we always start off with are our notable dropouts, which are songs exiting from the UK Top 75 after five weeks in the region or a peak in the top 40. This week, we say farewell to yet another premature ZAYN single with “Love Like This” - I told you when it debuted that the cycle would repeat - as well as “Nothing Compares 2 U” by the late Sinéad O’Connor, “Super Shy” by NewJeans, “Toxic Trait” by Stormzy and Fredo, “Don’t Say Love” by Leigh-Anne, “Tattoo” by Loreen, “Boy’s a liar” by PinkPantheress and “Escapism.” by RAYE featuring 070 Shake.

As for our returns, I guess we see a second viral resurgence of “Dog Days are Over” by Florence + the Machine at #67, but what are infinitely more interesting are our few gains, those being “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac at #65, Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” at #39, “Bittersweet Goodbye” by Issey Cross at #38, “Asking” by Sonny Fodera and MK featuring Clementine Douglas at #31 and off of the debut, “Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat at #15. Yeah, I’m glad this seems like it’s going to stick around.

Our top five on the UK Singles Chart this week consists of “(It Goes Like) Nanana” by Peggy Gou at #5, “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift at #4, “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo at #3, “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa at #2 and finally, of course, “What Was I Made For?” at the very top. Now for our assorted range of new songs, and they, uh, sure are something.

NEW ARRIVALS

#66 - “Feel It” - Jazzy

Produced by D.O.D and Hannah Laing

You could not possibly comprehend how excited I was to see that Irish singer Jazzy had finally ditched Belters Only. “Giving Me” had grown on me in a hypnosis kind of way, but mostly because of Jazzy’s vocals, so I was very glad to see her team up with D.O.D and Hannah Laing, two much more talented and interesting producers. I’m assuming there’s an extended version of this song that the general public does not yet have access to, because on Spotify, the only version available is a “club edit”, and on Genius, the lyrics are described as snippets. Regardless, this is obviously a marked improvement. Jazzy actually has some room to get expressive - well, she had the room but never the reason to - whilst the hardcore kicks and punchier, almost factory-esque percussion from our much-preferred production duo lead to a very busy two minutes. It almost doesn’t function that well as a club track honestly as a result, instead just feeling like a complete mantra, but not at all a mindless one, and the final drop absolutely would go hard at a party with that infectious cheap, bouncy lead synth. This is not exactly all that innovative, and lyrically, there’s almost literally nothing to it, but with those two on production, it’s at least guaranteed to be a greatly-composed tune and for the two minutes it has to impress me, it sounds good. Call me a fan of this one, I’m interested to see where Jazzy goes next.

#64 - “Rich Men North of Richmond” - Oliver Anthony Music

Produced by Oliver Anthony

It’s not too hard to understand how we got here. Firstly, it was viral marketing - YouTube, for the most part, isn’t region-locked. If we can understand the language, chances are we’ll check it out. Secondly, the stars align trend-wise. We’re in a cost-of-living crisis under a government full of scandalised MPs, the level of political polarisation as well as general “I’m fed up with this crap” sentiment is on a similar level here as in the US, and hey, country’s on the rise, Combs is in the top 40. This entering our charts, and presumably not for long, makes sense. For a moment, let’s ignore just about everything else we know about this song apart from the song itself. Let’s ignore that it’s been propped up if not directly funded by alt- and far-right figures in America, let’s ignore that John Rich has latched onto this grift, let’s presume Anthony’s entire persona and backstory is true, and we can even dismiss that he’s a fan of videos claiming Israelis did 9/11. Let’s just listen to the song, and honestly, it’s pretty good. Now I don’t agree with everything in the song, and to be completely honest, the professional vocal recording and repetitive writing does not make this seem authentic. Let’s start with the positives though - the performance is fantastic, as Anthony still has that youthful crack to him, leading to some really frustrated and powerful vocal takes, whilst also taking some smokier, wiser inflections that really accentuate the idea of “living in the New World with an old soul”. The guitar work is fantastic in terms of its jumbled twang, and the stripped-back format makes Anthony’s paranoia regarding government elites seem very palpable as honestly, it is, because a good-faith interpretation of this could very much see this as a more centrist commentary, wherein Anthony shares opinions that a lot of rural American men have currently, as they reasonably feel left in the dust by the political system as it currently functions. It can leave you thinking that you don’t have many individual freedoms, and I’d very much argue he’s right about that. There are some “dogwhistle”-esque lyrics, sure, that imply a right-wing perspective, but unlike Jason Aldean, wherein due to the incredibly inauthentic presentation, it isn’t difficult to stamp those as such, I would argue that Anthony could very well be much more genuine than a lot of people are willing to believe. He’s anti-taxation, he mocks the welfare queen stereotype, although not in a way that I think is outright aggressive towards that type of person instead of the type of government that produces it, and “north of Richmond” has its... connotations. Sure, but I’m pretty sure we can agree that elite politicians, including those who love this song, are out-of-touch, right? People work too much for low pay, the average man is taxed unfairly when you consider how much large corporations are taxed, there is increased surveillance of individual freedoms that can make people feel unsafe, politicians should be looking out for low-income and hazardous jobs including mining, it’s sad that young men are killing themselves because they can’t find work or good self-esteem, and I’m pretty sure we can all agree that our public figures, regardless of party or country, should not be cozying up with Epstein, oh, and you know, homelessness is bad! These are pretty non-partisan, general ideas that aren’t exactly signs of a plant propped up by the alt-right, even if it were song long-time 4D-chess-game grifter. Hey, maybe I’ll be proved wrong eventually, but for once, put away your bad-faith interpretations. See what you can agree with on “the other side” when it comes to average people expressing their frustrations, and I’m still holding out for hope that this is what that is, and maybe you’ll realise we’re all on the same side in the first place.

#61 - “Quarter Past 3” - Fredo featuring Eric IV

Produced by Show n Prove

Well, we have two UK rap songs in a row here, starting with a track from Fredo’s newest album, Unfinished Business, which debuted at #9 on this week’s albums chart. I haven’t really been all that impressed by Fredo in a while, and it’s unlikely a guitar-led lovey-dovey track, wherein the guitar sounds more meancing than romantic, is likely to improve that. Rappers can obviously write love songs, but Fredo’s airy, sometimes on-the-nose delivery sounds really jammed-in when placed against content about girls, especially given the nasal, low-effort hook from Eric IV and a beat that doesn’t sound romantic at all. Maybe that’s the point, I mean, he says in the second verse possibly the saddest line I’ve heard him deliver: “I don’t even think I know what love involves.” Jesus, man. Otherwise, there really isn’t much to this.

#55 - “Facade” - Digga D and Potter Payper

Produced by ???

Digga D, come on, man. It takes five seconds to say who produced your beat. Oh, and also, don’t stab prostitutes, but that’s a tad late for that advice now it’s already in the first verse. This beat is even less remarkable than Fredo’s, with a choppy sample that plays for way too long uninterrupted in the intro, even if it’s at least a bit worth it for the intensity of the scurrying drums that eventually drop onto it and a pretty good verse from Digga D finally, even if his content is rote and his delivery is obnoxious as always, nothing against the guy but I can’t really find much enjoyment in his on-the-nose toxicity, it doesn’t feel all that transgressive when he’s just rapping like any British rapper. Potter Payper was only recently freed from detainment, which may explain in part the mixing on his vocals, but as expected, he’s much more unhinged flow-wise, whilst giving more detail in his content and sounding… genuinely menacing. I think I actually like this guy nowadays, just because he goes so relentlessly hard regardless of anything around him or what lyrics he’s delivering. A third verse from Digga wasn’t really necessary though, it just elongates what is otherwise a pretty okay track. At least there’s more energy to it.

#32 - “Prada” - casso, RAYE and D-Block Europe

Produced by casso

No umlauts allowed. Alright, so you remember “Ferrari Horses”? I’m not sure if I maintain that it’s DBE’s best song, but it definitely was my favourite at the point of its release, and a lot of that is due to RAYE’s involvement, with her ghostly riffing and backing harmonies that would turn your average DBE song into a pretty spooky affair, but given the hypnotising, transforming beat accentuated with a gloomy strings section and reverb-drenched vocals from Adz, as well as Dirtbike Lb delivering his signature despair as always, in a way that actually plays off RAYE a lot better than you’d expect. My favourite moment is still Adz’s falsetto branching into RAYE’s silky pre-chorus. Now who would hear that and think they should make a trance remix? Genuinely, why would that ever occur to you? You have to speed up the song, so you rid it of its atmosphere, and then casso just places it against an otherwise perfectly serviceable jerky and fun trance beat, that I probably would like in any other situation, but it’s way too bubbly for anything about this song. Just… why would you ruin a perfectly good trance beat and a perfectly good trap song? It makes hypothetical sense as a mashup, like I could see this uploaded by a 50-subscriber YouTube account, but a streaming release? Why? Just baffling.

#12 - “adore u” - Fred again.. and Obongjayar

Produced by Fred again.., Four Tet, PARISI and Tobias Wincorn

This is a pretty high debut for Fred again.. as he links up with his typical co-producers, including Four Tet who I feel adds a lot to their recent collaborative material, as well as Obongjayar, a Nigerian musician I know mostly from their work with Danny Brown and Little Simz. Of course, like many of Fred’s tracks, this is actually a rework of an existing song by his guest star, this case being Obongjayar’s 2022 song “I Wish it Was Me”, which is a genuinely adorable song that explores how proud he is of his brother’s success on stage, whilst also acknowledging the negative thoughts of low self-esteem and envy that come with having someone so talented in your family. Its minimal, wonky synth composition and the intimate vocals really help sell it so once again, I have a lot of questions about how this will end up in an EDM context, alongside a sample of 80s comedy rap trio the Fat Boys. No, really. The answer is… pretty awkwardly as once again, we have these atmospheric vocals being isolated and sped up onto a goofy house beat with bubbly synths. Why is that something that happened consecutively? Why would you speed his vocals up like that? The lyrics don’t really get any changed context with this extra backing, and the 90s house pianos sound less stock than usual, but still don’t justify their existence. And why are the Fat Boys here, in a muffled refrain - or bridge? What’s going on? Freddo Frog here ends up placing the Fat Boys sample in the front of the mix against some synthwave bass before strings and a stray vocal sample come in for no reasonable reason, just kind of throwing stuff at the mix with little atmospheric justification. This is bizarre… and it doesn’t even go off! I do think that the “I adore you” refrain and even the Fat Boys sample have a lot of potential, and I’d actually oddly like to say that I’d love to see what the Chainsmokers could do with this material, but I think I’ll stick to the original, once again..

#6 - “bad idea right?” - Olivia Rodrigo

Produced by Dan Nigro

Sigh… you have the door opening sound effect, the whispered hey that finds itself into the composition, the very typical post-punk revival riff, the faux-rapping, the teen-pop harmonies in the refrain placed over an instrumental that wants nothing to do with them, the predictable development of the intensity in the pre-chorus… it’s all just, expected, isn’t it? Even when we get to the “blast” in the chorus, the cathartic release, it’s just a bratty staccato refrain. To be completely fair, I like elements of this song - the writing is much more interesting than “vampire” and she’s developed a great narrative voice, and the chopping of the “ah” vocal in the second refrain is pretty genius, actually, and I’m not going to complain about a solo or this level of feedback being in the top 10. Yet for a song that should be this full-of-regret mosh, everything just falls too cleanly into place, to the point that the song even fades out instead of bothering to formulate an emotionally effective outro. It hits all the right chords, for the most part, but so neatly that it fails to serve the purpose of its sound or its messy post-breakup content. Also, it cannot be a coincidence that Paramore released a post-punk revival just a few months before this. It’s not a direct interpolation like “good 4 u” and it’s a different approach but, come on - the connection’s already inherently there, it doesn’t need emphasising.

Conclusion

Well, that was, uh… a week, though not one I feel is actually worth much analysis in the short-term - some of this I do think will stick around for longer, and some of these - for better or for worse - will be indicative of trends to come, at least I’d predict so. As for the Best of the Week… alright, call me far-right, whatever, but ultimately I do this because I’m a fan of music, and I mean, the man has music in his stagename. Oliver Anthony Music grabs the Best of the Week for “Rich Men North of Richmond”, with Jazzy of all people snabbing the Honourable Mention with “Feel It”. That is a bizarre choice considering what my taste typically is in this series, but I mean, the rest of our songs aren’t exactly a lovely little basket of apples to pick from. Olivia Rodrigo just gets Worst of the Week for “bad idea right?” - I really hope there’s more to like on GUTS than what the singles are indicating - and the Dishonourable Mention could really go to anyone, but Fredo and Eric IV are the most boring so it goes to “Quarter Past 3”. That “Ferrari Horses” remix still perplexes me though. As for what’s on the horizon, who cares? Thanks for reading, rest in peace to DJ Casper and Magoo, and I’ll see you next week.

#uk singles chart

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rebelthree · 2 years ago

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she's seen it so many times over the centuries, felt it herself for relative immortality was a very different gift than being impervious to harm or able to heal at will, the way the body reacts in the aftermath of trauma and battle. the way pain etches itself into the very cells of your being and your muscles tense and release. another knight, long past now, would often tell her: a battle is of no worth if it is not hard-won. she supposes, this daredevil would be worthy of his support-- even in the wake of his loss. his loss was not of any fault of his own, a single human could not be expected to defeat a coven of vampires. as a point of fact. a human could not be expected to survive. so, yes, worthy she thinks he'd have been thought. he had fought hard. she considers now, that she's made the correct choice in interfering when she had. a choice her mentor would have supported though it's been many a century since she's allowed herself to become preoccupied by such musings of approval. she had been a different person then.

there's so much blood-- crimson trails upon a grey floor. he's only human. he needs to rest. maybe she could use one too though kasia suspects it is a long way off in her future. this day has not been ideal. it's going to continue to be less than ideal. she's got to work with it. "don't know that he's gonna do you any good right now." kasia comments, a slight amusement deep within her tone. "or maybe your invocation will cause him to strike me down to make way for a great escape." there's something unreadable in the way she speaks, as if she's masking something behind the dry humor. it's meant to set a tone of ease for him. but history was history, stitching it's scars upon the soul. she's been at the mercy of his followers as they set the pyre alight.

"oh?" an eyebrow raise is granted though she's aware he can not see it. "now he believes me." this is muttered under her breath. if only she'd known he was unaware of the vampires before she'd spoken. how ironic this situation was-- she'd exposed that which she sought to conceal. "if you're such an expert in the supernatural why'd you pick a fight with vampires?" it's a rhetorical question, passed over quickly when his next words wash over her. she laughs. an actual laugh that causes a few people to look over. it's a odd sort of scene playing out. a man bleeding to death on the floor and a burst of out-of-context amusement from their mission leader. television couldn't make this shit up. she feels a bit self-conscious about it though she really has no reason to be. "do i sound like i'm irish or japanese?" she's incredulous. could he be any further from polish?

he settles back onto the ground and she shifts her weight closer to him, movements slow. letting his senses be aware of her. her shadows begin to reemerge around her, drawing away from the barrier and encasing her as if she and it were one and the same. she's not sure when her affinity with the dark had melded into the essence of her magic, coloring every ritual and spell. it had always been an element of her power but she remembers a time before it'd manifested so strongly, a time where spells were filled with color. a time before she became shadow and kasper became light. she reaches out with her hands and power, touches the blood soaked suit on his chest and lets her shadows glide out from her and wash over him as if it's an extension of herself, a manifestation of her senses.

"i'm not trying to harm your city.. but-- i am part of a secret order. guess not so secret now though." she answers his question if only to serve as a distraction for him from the sensations of energy pulsing through him, as if it's surrounding his very being at a cellular level. she's not used to using her power like this but she's watched kasper use his light in the same manner. she's felt him heal her before too. it wasn't the same. shadows couldn't heal the way light could. yet, what it could do was help her focus her magic through the core of her power. radiate her magic into the shadows, into him. breath is inhaled, then released a moment later. he's hurt worse than she thought. "as nice as it would be for magic to be a quick fix, i'm fairly certain this is going to hurt a lot more before it gets better. just-- uh, what's your name? whatever it is, just remember to breathe. don't forget to breathe." everyone always forgot to breathe when they were in pain. that only ever made it worse. "--are you ready?"

the adrenaline starts to wear off. he knows what comes after when the high of the battle subsides & he’s left with the aftermath : pain, a lot of pain both physical & mental given the lives lost tonight didn’t only belong to the creatures that are being swept away from the scene as time passes. the seconds passing are not in his favor. the devil subconsciously knows that fact. he cannot call his nurse friend to help him out this time because the truth is spelled out in the amount of blood accumulating around him. he doesn’t have time to stumble across the city on rooftops & land at Claire’s house. it doesn’t matter how many times he’s done this before, or how in sync he feels with his soul knowing this is an important part of himself that just needs to exist. it still sucks to be HURT. Daredevil makes a choice everyday to ignore it for the sake of others.

❝ JESUS — ❞ Matt hisses out, speech impeded given he ends up coughing, spitting blood on the side & trying to balance his breathing. his mentor, Stick, taught him how to calm himself down & even slow down his blood flow to buy time for himself. he doesn’t have much FAITH he will have luck, but he tries to get a hold of himself anyway. ❝ the idea of vampires in Hell’s Kitchen somehow doesn’t entirely surprise me. ❞ he replies with a proper tone this time, voice still breaking. the lady has a point about her not killing him. clearly, he has no way to defend himself after what he just went through. plus, she claims to be able to do MAGIC. there’s nothing logical coming to mind that can explain the way his senses have been blocked the way they are. perhaps it doesn’t even matter what she can do. she’s the only person around him so he will have to go with it.

❝ you’re not with the Irish or the Albanians. you’re not the Yakuza . . . ❞ not many get to see him like this ; only a handful of people ever have so there’s so much discomfort that washes over him when he loosens his grip on his weapon. slowly, he lets his back hit the cold ground. the more he moves, the more blood he loses. & if Matt dies here tonight, at least he can say that he tried. at least, he knows that he didn’t remain indifferent in face of evil. ❝ please tell me you’re not part of a messed up, secret organization that’s trying to tear my city apart. ❞ right hand falls on his side after trying to reach his chest. it hurts just like the rest of his existence. he wishes he could magically be healed & teleport to his apartment. his senses follow the scenery that the lady made available to him. the feeling of being underwater is not a stranger to the vigilante. ❝ i already had to deal with that once. ahhhhhhh . . . ❞

#verse; main #blindfated #muse; katarzyna makowski #also a with her shadows sorta engulfing him it's gonna cloud his senses and feel really weird at the same time #but it wont last forever lol

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elysiadjarin · 3 years ago

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Day 2: Breeding Kink

Day 2 of Kinktober and… I got carried away with this one. The others are not going to be nearly as long as this one, so you guys are gonna be spoiled with this. I hope you enjoy it! Find my Kinktober Masterlist here.

Warnings: Minors DNI, this is 18+ only content. Some warnings for violence and blood mentioned, though nothing too graphic. PinV sex, unprotected, consensual, nonhuman character, exophilia, slight hint of biting kink

Tags: Dilf!werewolf x reader, exophilia, kinktober

Moonlight Through Colored Leaves

When you’d first moved to the tiny Irish town in the middle of nowhere, you’d originally hoped to escape the family drama that haunted you back in America. Thanks to your grandfather’s Irish immigration, you’d been able to get an Irish citizenship and move relatively easily. So, you’d packed your bags, only told your grandfather where you were going, and boarded the first flight to Ireland you could catch.

You’d quietly made your way to your grandfather’s tiny hometown far out in the countryside, and moved into the long-since abandoned house that had belonged to your ancestors before. Though it had been run down and you’d had to do some major repairs and cleaning, you’d finally made a cozy cottage on the outskirts of the small village-like town.

The town had been quite welcoming and friendly, and you’d quickly found a job working at the local town pub as a waitress. Your boss had been very welcoming, and you’d earned favor from your coworkers and boss for your hard work and quiet, unassuming diligence. The pay was good, and you found yourself growing comfortable in the sleepy town life, meeting your neighbors and getting familiar with the town dynamics.

You’d just gone in for your shift of the day when conversation caught your ear. You put on your waitress apron, pulling your hair up into a ponytail and walking out to the bar to grab your tray.

“Did you hear about the news?” Jaina asked, arms propped on the countertop. “I mean, about that Romanian vamp that landed on Scotland the other day. Word is that he’s headed this way.”

“Well why would it want teh come here?” Sean snorted. “We’re out in teh middle o’ nowhere, Janie, t’ere ain’t not’in’ here t’at it would want.”

“Well didn’t you hear that apparently they’re expecting Agent Blue to be chasing it down with the Dullahan?” Jaina hissed. “Why wouldn’t they come over here?”

You hid your discreet grimace, instead walking out in front of the bar. To your delight and surprise, you found yourself facing a familiar little figure sitting at the bar in a corner. The little girl caught sight of you and squealed, waving.

You went over to her giving her a hug. “Well hello there, Miss Morrigan,” you greeted cheerfully. “How are you this fine evening? Having a drink?” you teased, noticing the glass of juice near her notebook.

She giggled, nodding. “Yeah! I’m with Daddy today,” she answered, feet kicking against the bar. She turned her head to see the bartender approaching. “Daddy!” she said excitedly. “Look, it’s the nice neighbor lady I told you about!”

You looked up to see Lysander Sullivan standing there, polishing a glass with a cloth. He gazed down at his daughter with a fond look deep in his eyes, then turned to look at you, his ice blue eyes meeting yours.

“Is that so?” he asked, his deep voice a low rumble in the relatively quiet bar. It hadn’t gotten to heavy traffic times, so there weren’t many people around yet. His grey-flecked hair had been swept back into an elastic band, and his beard had been neatly trimmed.

You gave him a small, shy smile, a little embarrassed. Though you knew that the man lived next to your property, you’d been a bit timid about approaching him. He was a kind enough gentleman from everything you’d seen and heard, and he’d watched out for you as you worked, but you didn’t see any reason why he’d be interested in any further contact with you. After all, you were a younger woman in your mid-twenties that lived alone.

“Yeah! She helps me with homework sometimes,” Morrigan prattled on, “and she lets me water her flowers!”

You laughed a little, feeling the color splash across your cheeks. “Well, I certainly enjoy the little Queen’s company,” you admitted. You’d heard some of the other workers gossip about Lysander, saying that he was a single father to nine-year-old Morrigan and that her mother had died in a tragic accident. You didn’t really know, and you’d tried not to pry or overhear too much. The man had a right to privacy, just like you had things you were running from as well.

“Thank you for looking out for the little cub,” Lysander said, a small smile crossing his face. He mellowed out around his daughter, his love clear in how he interacted with her.

“Of course. It’s a delight,” you said, smiling at Morrigan. “She’s a smart little cookie, aren’t you, Queenie?” you asked, tugging at her pigtail teasingly.

She giggled. “Yeah!” Then she tilted her head at you. “Are you working with Daddy tonight?” she asked curiously.

“O-oh, well, sort of,” you stammered, taken aback a little. “He works behind the counter, but I serve people out there,” you said, motioning to the tables. “So I guess we do, in a way.”

Morrigan nodded sagely. “Ohhh, so you do the food and Daddy does the drinks.” She nodded, satisfied at her conclusion. “Oh, I’m making a drawing! I want you to see it later, when I’m finished,” she said, tugging at your sleeve.

You smiled. “Of course, Queenie. You just let me know and I’ll pop by when I have a moment, alright?” you promised.

She nodded, turning back to her notebook and picking up her crayons again. Tongue poked out, she diligently returned to her masterpiece. You gave her a fond smile, noting the way the soft lights made a halo in her blonde hair.

“She’s such an angel,” you murmured, grabbing some straws from the bar to stick into your pocket.

“Aye, that she is.” Lysander’s comment almost startled you. He glanced at you across the bar, the sleeves of his crisp maroon button-up rolled halfway up his arms. “I apologize for not bein’ a better neighbor,” he remarked.

You blinked, then reached up to brush a piece of hair behind your ear. “Oh, no— not at all,” you blurted, then gave him a chagrined smile. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’d met Morrigan when she was coming back from school, since I was in the front yard. She just… hopped on over, so I said hi. Honestly I should have introduced myself better, but…” You bit your lip. “I just kept putting it off because I didn’t want to bother you…”

He blinked, then chuckled slightly, as though surprised. “An’ here I thought it was ‘cause you didn’t really like me for some reason,” he said, amusement laced in his tone.

You gave him a horrified look. “Oh! Not at all!” You shook your head with a sigh, tugging mournfully at your ponytail. “I’m… notoriously bad at meeting people for the first time,” you groaned. “I just get nervous and tongue tied and I don’t know how to interact and… ugh.” You winced. “I am sorry, Mr. Sullivan. I should be a better neighbor, especially since I somehow got to know your daughter.” You half-laughed at yourself.

He waved you off. “I’m just glad you get along with Mor,” he chuckled. “She speaks endlessly about you. Seems like you’ve impressed her.”

You looked up at him, genuinely surprised. “Really?” you wondered, glancing at the girl. Then you smiled. “Well, I’m flattered. She’s such a smart, curious girl. I’m rather honored that she’d find me interesting.” You breathed a laugh, then glanced up at him. “I should get to my station, but… if you don’t mind, would it be alright if I swung by tomorrow to say hi and properly introduce myself?”

He nodded calmly. “Of course. She gets back home from school at three, if you wanted to catch her as well.”

You nodded, propping the tray on your hip. “Thank you! I’ll do that. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll stop procrastinating and actually start working,” you laughed, and walked off with a wave.

The night progressed relatively smoothly, customers rotating in and out with regulars stopping by. The crowds ebbed and flowed, sometimes more rowdy and sometimes more calm. Still, you enjoyed the atmosphere and the liveliness of it all. Despite it being a pub, and an Irish one at that, the town was small and most people knew everyone else. Plus, Lysander was the bartender for more than one reason. Everyone knew that making trouble of any sort was not tolerated and had force to back it up.

You occasionally popped by Morrigan’s place at the bar, either to have a chat or to admire the progress she’d made on her drawing. And throughout the night, your worries started to mount the more gossip you heard around the pub. Some of them had heard confirmation that the Romanian vampire gone mad was making a beeline for Ireland, though no one seemed to know why. There were even more rumors that Agent Blue, the famous Will-o-the-Wisp, was after the rampaging Pricoli. And still others said that the Scott Pack would be making a reappearance.

Once you’d finished your shift and helped close up shop, you started the trudge back to your cottage down the road. It wasn’t a far walk, really, and it gave you some time to think and clear your head from the smells of the pub. Reaching up, you pulled your hair free from the ponytail and sighed, shoulders slumping.

You’d come to Ireland to escape your problems, but it felt like they were all closing in on you as the days went by. As you got home and got ready for bed, you wondered if it was asking too much to hope for some peace.

Instead, you distracted yourself by trying to think of something to make for the Sullivans the next day. You didn’t want to go empty handed, after all. Maybe some bread-?

You fell asleep thinking about it.

You’d just lifted your hand to knock when the door flung open. Morrigan practically tackled you, wrapping her arms around your waist with a shriek of greeting.

Laughing, you balanced yourself and wrapped an arm around her. “Well hello, Queenie,” you greeted. “It’s wonderful to see you.”

She grabbed your hand and dragged you in, chattering happily about her day at school. “Oh, and you should have heard how everyone laughed!” She interrupted herself as she led you into the kitchen. “Daddy, she’s here!” she called.

Trying to balance the homemade sourdough in one hand while still holding Morrigan’s with the other, you looked up to give Lysander a helpless smile. “Hello, Mr. Sullivan,” you greeted, a little breathlessly.

He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching up in amusement. “Well hallo, Miss,” he greeted back, wiping his hands with a towel. “Mor, why don’t you let her set the plate down before anything drops,” he said, shaking his head.

Morrigan let go of your hand, bouncing up and down. “Ooh, what is it?”

You offered it to Lysander, a little flustered. “I… well, I didn’t really want to come without an offering, so… I made some homemade sourdough,” you offered, a little awkwardly. “I hope you like it, it’s a fresh batch, still warm.”

He took it from you with a nod. “Thank you. We love sourdough, don’t we, Mor?” He seemed far more comfortable in his own home, less stoic and stern than in the pub.

Morrigan nodded, throwing up her hands with a cheer. “Yeah!” She danced around. “I love bread!” Then she grabbed your hand again. “Oh, oh, you gotta come see my room! Daddy just made me a new desk, and it’s really nice and shiny!”

Lysander waved you off as you turned to him. “Go ahead. Oh, I was going to invite you to dinner,” he added. “If you’d like. The food is almost done, actually. Your bread will be a perfect addition.”

You smiled. “I’d be honored. Thank you.” Then you let Morrigan drag you away.

By the time Lysander called for you both, you’d been given the official tour of her room and had happily listened to her tell stories of what she’d done at school and the projects she planned to do in the coming days. The little girl always cheered you up with her bright and cheerful presence. If anything, it eased your heart to see the little girl clearly so healthy and happy with her Father. She openly adored him, quite the Daddy’s girl.

As the three of you sat down at the table, you realized with a slight start that you’d never felt so comfortable in Ireland as you did in this moment. It felt… right, like you’d finally come home.

“Thank you for the food,” you said, giving Lysander a grateful smile. “It looks amazing.” The soup simmered in the bowls, while the sourdough bread had been cut into slices and set by the butter.

He nodded. “Thank you for the bread.” He passed the steamed potatoes, and everyone dug into the meal.

You let out a soft hum of contentment as you ate, enjoying the rich flavors and the homey comfort food. Clearly Lysander was a good cook, and you almost envied Morrigan for being able to come home to this every night. Not that you weren’t a good cook yourself, but you supposed company really did make a difference.

“The bread is so good!” Morrigan chirped, taking a giant bite of the bread slathered in butter.

You laughed softly. “I’m glad, Queenie. Take it slow,” you warned, worried she’d choke. “The bread isn’t going anywhere.”

She nodded, scarfing down her food. “Oh, oh, Daddy, cartoons are on soon! Can I please go watch? I did all my homework!”

Lysander nodded. “Alright. Go take your dishes to the sink.”

“Thank you! Morrigan cheered, sliding down from her chair and carefully taking the dishes. She trotted to the kitchen, then got herself a glass of juice and went to go to the living room.

You realized with a slight start that this was the first time you’d been alone with Lysander. Looking down at your spoonful, you wondered if you should maybe ask him the questions that pressed on your mind. Perhaps he would know. Then again… it’s not as though he were related to your grandfather’s clan… and not to mention, most of the people in the town didn’t even know that you were aware of the nonhuman community. In fact, you were rather positive that your coworkers thought you didn’t.

“If I may ask, what brought you to this small town?” Lysander asked, his voice calm and mellow. His blue eyes glanced up at you, and the question died on your tongue.

“Oh… family history, actually,” you admitted with a smile. “And, well…” You shrugged lightly. “I needed to get away for a while. I wanted a fresh start, somewhere where people didn’t really know me.”

“Understandable.” He nodded. “I essentially did the same with Morrigan when we moved here a few years ago.”

You hummed, reaching for a piece of bread. He handed you the butter, and you gently grasped the sleeve of his flannel for a moment. “You’ve got a bit on your clothes,” you said, wiping the smeared butter off with a napkin. You’d just let go when your fingers brushed across his briefly as you took the butter. You didn’t notice the way he froze, his movements jerky as he pulled his hand back.

“Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “Do you— I mean, does any of your family still live here?”

You shook your head. “Not exactly. But technically, my extended family is here. My grandfather immigrated from Ireland to America, where I was born, but through marriage there are still people here I’m technically connected to.” You shrugged. “I haven’t really gotten in contact with them, though. They probably don’t know me that well,” you laughed with a rueful shrug. You glanced at him for a moment. “I bet it’s even harder when you have children.”

He glanced toward the living room, where the faint sound of the cartoons floated through the house. “Well, I suppose,” he admitted thoughtfully. “Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. She’s my life, really.”

You lowered your eyes to your plate, unable to deny how your chest tightened at the way his voice softened when he spoke of his daughter. You’d always tried to forget how much you’d been attracted to the older man. You’d only ever dated once, and while he’d been nice enough and it had ended cordially, you still hadn’t been able to forget the lingering feeling of disappointment you’d had from the experience. You’d known, after that, that it would either be a long time before you ever tried dating again or it would have to be to someone whose maturity at least matched yours. And, unfortunately for you, that tended to mostly apply to men past their forties.

You really did try to forget how Lysander ticked all the boxes.

“I can see why.” You smiled. “She’s really precious.” Your eyes slid toward the living room. “Does she… inherit from you?”

Lysander looked up, his gaze suddenly piercing as he stared at you openly.

You gave him a faint smile. “I don’t talk much about it, but my grandfather comes from the local O’Connor Faoladh Tribe,” you said calmly, taking another sip of the soup.

His shoulders relaxed, the hard edge in his expression melting away. “Ah. Yes, she does. But she hasn’t fully shifted yet. It will be another year, we think. Are you-?”

You shook your head. “Oh, no. It’s funny, really,” you said thoughtfully, motioning with your spoon. “My grandfather is Faoladh, and my mother’s side of the family is a lycanthrope pack.” Your lips twitched. “And somehow, I got the recessive genes and ended up a simple Seer.”

His eyebrow raised. “Not so simple, I’d think,” he remarked. “Aren’t Seers rather uncommon now?”

You shrugged. “For a reason. There’s plenty of potential but not many who actively practice anymore. The price is heavy for knowledge like that.”

He gave you a discerning look. “Is that what you’re running from?”

Your silver spoon clinked softly as you set it down on the edge of the plate. “I suppose you could say that,” you murmured. Your eyes closed as you shoved away the memories of distant screaming, the crackle of fire, crimson splashed across stone floors— “Or maybe toward something.” After all, you mused, there had been a reason you’d felt drawn to your grandfather’s homeland, and town in particular. And of course, you’d never been one to fight Fate too hard.

“Perhaps so,” he conceded. Then he stood. “May I take your plate?”

“Oh— please, let me help.” You stood, taking your dishes and starting towards the kitchen. “At least let me wash or dry.”

When you finally got back home, you sat down on the couch and buried your face into your hands. Seeing Morrigan and Lysander together had stirred up old memories you’d long since tried to forget. Old desires that you’d thought you’d given up on: hopes and dreams of a family to call your own.

You crawled into bed, everything inside you aching. After all, what could a Seer with a cursed fate possibly offer anyone?

The night the Dullahan rode into town, you’d just started closing up the pub on night shift duty.

They’d ridden in, followed by the famous Agent Blue clad in his dark robes and carrying his lantern over his shoulder. He strode in the door, followed by the Dullahan. At first, you hadn’t even noticed the other figure trailing behind them.

Your Boss, Dorian, had walked out of the back room to greet them. He, of everyone in the town, was the only one to know of your heritage, as the elected leader of the supernatural community in the town. He nodded to the group as they entered.

“Welcome, Dullahan, Agent Blue.” He nodded at them, shaking the Will-o-the-Wisp’s hand.

“Greetings in return, Chief Dorian,” Agent Blue replied, his face still covered by the hood. “Apologies for the intrusion. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Pricoli that’s been running amok all over the Isles.”

Dorian nodded. “We certainly have. I assume you’ve come on a hunt.”

“We have. And I’ve brought someone with me.” Agent Blue turned, motioning towards the back of the group.

You’d been distracted, still working on trying to finish clearing up and getting out of the way. If your boss had asked, you were ready to offer to serve the new guests as well, giving Lysander a glance that he returned with a small nod.

It wasn’t until you straightened and turned around, finished, that you heard a familiar, startled voice call your name. Turning, you looked up and saw, to your shock, a very familiar face staring at you. You froze as the figure lunged forward, wrapping you in a tight hug. After a moment, you awkwardly hugged him back, mind whirling.

“What are you doing here?” Your younger brother stared at you incredulously, holding your arms. “I didn’t even know you left home! Last I heard you were still there.”

You grasped his sleeves, disoriented. “O-Oh. Ray,” you gasped, processing. “I—“ You suppressed a flinch. “I just… moved into grandfather’s old cottage,” you stammered, then looked down. “I had to get away,” you said quietly. “It was too much.”

Of all your family, you knew that Ray would best understand. He’d been the only one to really stand up for you back home, try to support you as best as he could, being a younger sibling. When everyone else constantly reminded you of your Fate, your Destiny, Ray had been the only one who had encouraged your personal hopes and dreams, had listened to your fears and worries.

He sighed. “I mean, I can’t blame you,” he said, shaking his head. “Still… does anyone know?”

You scoffed slightly, turning your head away. “Only Grandfather ever cared about me besides you, Ray. There’s no one else who probably even asked.�� You shrugged. “How is school?” You’d been the one to support him when he decided to move to Scotland to attend University. He, too, had wanted to escape home.

He grinned. “Pretty great, actually!” Then he glanced behind him. “Turns out my best mate is actually one of Agent Blue’s sons, so when the whole Pricoli thing went down, I offered to be his in to the Faoladh Tribe here. For formality, y’know.” He shrugged. “I remembered what Grandfather had always taught us about how picky Faoladh are about tradition.”

You nodded. “Yeah…” You huffed slightly. “Technically only the people in here right now even know that I’m a part of the supernatural community,” you said dryly.

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s some dedication to keep it quiet. How has the local gossip train not found you out yet?”

You snorted. “Maybe because I’ve always been quiet and kept my mouth shut.” You rolled your eyes at him, though a smile twitched on your lips. “And we both know who never can.”

He playfully cuffed your shoulder. Then he grinned. “Oh, but guess what?” His eyes sparkled. “I found my Mate!”

Your eyes widened. “Really?” Your heart lightened for him, happy that your younger brother had finally found his Mate. “Does she know yet?”

He shook his head, face falling a little. Well, not yet. I mean, I’ve kinda only just met her and all, so… and it’s kinda awkward, cause…” He winced. “Well, she’s my best mate’s younger sister.”

You gave him an incredulous look, then sighed, shaking your head. “Well, good luck with that one, Ray,” you snorted. “You’ve gotten yourself into quite the situation with that one.”

He shrugged. “I know, but…” His grin turned goofy. “She’s so pretty. You should see her. She’s even pretty sassy, kinda like you are with me.”

You laughed softly, patting his arm. “Well, I’m glad I was able to catch up with you. If you need a place to stay, you know my house is always open to you.”

He nodded. “Thanks, sis. I should probably head back. I don’t know what else they might want me for.” He paused, then gave you an odd look. “Have you… found anyone?”

You blinked at him, startled. “What? Ray, you know what my Fate says.” You frowned.

An odd expression crossed his face, then he shook his head. “Yeah, I know. Just… don’t forget the promise you made me.”

You sighed. “I won’t, Ray.” As if you ever could, you thought with a hint of bitterness. He wouldn’t let you.

He squeezed your hand, slipping a piece of paper into your grasp. “Text me. I wanna keep in touch.”

You nodded, pocketing the note. “Thanks. Good luck, Ray. Stay safe.”

He nodded, then jogged back to Agent Blue with a wave. You were left to stand there, your heart sinking with every step he took away from you. Everything was lining up far too well. Though you’d vainly hoped to escape from the Fate that had hung over your head for so long, it seemed as though you’d just walked right into it instead.

Turning back to the bar, you quietly packed up your things. Bidding Lysander goodnight, you checked to make sure Dorian didn’t need you and headed back for home.

It was only a matter of time.

Rain splattered against the ground, heavy and thick like a curtain. Shielding your eyes from the drops, you pushed yourself to run, faster, as fast as you could. There was no time left to think.

The vision you’d had kneeling under the large Fae Maypole tree you’d found in the forest nearby kept flashing through your mind, insistent and horrific. Your Fate loomed, past and future meshing into the present in ways you could hardly stand. You’d thought you’d been running, cowardly but maybe safe from the Sword of Damocles—but now here you were, fallen headlong into the trap of the Fate you’d known since childhood would claim your life.

And yet your feet would not stop running, pushing you forward without hesitation. Was this not worth it? Was this Fate—this Fate that you’d feared for so long, hated and loathed and tried in futility to escape—was it truly so horrendous? Now that you were here? In this moment of truth?

You barreled up the steps, slamming your shoulder against the door without a pause. It broke, sending you headlong across the threshold to skid across the carpet. Ignoring the burn on your arm, you looked up as you heard a scream. Morrigan’s face stared at you, sheet white as she curled up in fear by the foot of the couch.

Jacking yourself up, you didn’t take time to glance behind you. “Mor, into the safe room,” you gasped, “your Daddy sent me, okay? I need you to get in the safe room, now.”

She nodded shakily, bravely scrambling to her feet and running towards the safe room that Lysander had made for her. Nothing would get through the doors, you knew, once they locked. You waited until you heard the lock click, then turned and scrambled back out the busted door.

In the empty area between your houses, out on the outskirts of the town, everything seemed oddly distant yet crystal clear. Your memories nudged at you, whispering about the deja vu that filled your every pore at the sight of the green, rolling grass and the relentless rain that poured over everything. In the distance, the red glare of a fire fueled by gas and undaunted by rain began to dominate the color of the sky.

It didn’t surprise you when cold fingers wrapped around your throat, leaving mottled bruises to bloom against your skin. You stood still, knowing that any movement might crush your throat. You may have been Fated to die, but not until you’d finished your task.

The enraged Pricoli snarled, hissing in your ear. “I know he sent you to hide her,” he sneered. “You helpless, pitiful Seer. For all your preeminence, did you not find a way to best me?” he barked a laugh, maniacal and loud. “You useless Seers and your cursed fates—and for what? A single moment of ruined glory?”

Your breath shallowed, airflow restricted. Agent Blue, several Dullahan, your brother, Dorian, and Lysander all emerged from the tree line, pausing as they saw you being held hostage. You closed your eyes for a moment as the icy hands constricted around your throat even further.

“Tell me where she is, and you get to live, Seer,” he snarled, his face nearing your ear. “She is my perfect match, my BloodSong. She is fated to be mine, my apprentice!” he howled. “Give her to me, my right!” His nails started to lengthen, turning into claws, digging against your skin. “Or I’ll drink you dry first and use you as fuel to take these maggots down.”

You brother’s face had gone ashen in horror, staring at you as though trying to deny his own eyes. His face twisted in despair.

“I’ll never give her up to you,” you answered, aware that everyone could hear you despite the rain. You tilted your head up, letting the rain wash over your face. “I am a Seer,” you declared, loudly, proud of it for the first time in your life. “And I embrace the Curse of my Fate. I pay the price gladly, if it means the power to make sure you never lay a finger on her.”

The Pricoli snarled, the rage almost audibly warping his voice into something demonic. “Then meet your Fate, Seer.”

Your knees gave out the moment his fangs ripped into your jugular. Strangely enough, the pain wasn’t even that bad, you mused hazily. Your eyes—were they blurred by tears or the rain?—rolled up to see your brother, mouth open as he reached for you. Even Lysander, white fur matted and soaked, had his maw open as his snout pointed to the sky.

Distantly, you could hear screaming. A roar, loud, tumbling through your chest, rattling into the ground. The crackling of fire. Everything started to get.. so… cold. Vaguely, as the hand shoved you forward and you landed against the ground, you could see out of the corner of your eye the Pricoli hunch forward. Despite the pain, the numbness… your lips curled in a vindictive smile.

The crimson eyes turned to you, a horrified anger sweeping through them as they landed on your twisted grin. A cold hand went up to his throat, and the Pricoli started to choke. His body lurched, tongue lolling as he gagged on your blood, his veins starting to light from the inside out with a toxic green. Slowly, agonizingly, he fell to his knees, his face contorted in a paroxysm of agony as he choked on your blood, your concentrated inherent magic tearing him apart from the inside out.

Your limbs felt sluggish as you forced yourself up, your ears ringing. Reaching up, you pressed your hand to your ruined neck and staggered to your feet, starting to lurch away from the destroyed corpse of the Pricoli. Warmth smeared across your skin, and every breath sent needles raking down your throat and into your lungs. Your feet stumbled, and before you realized it, you were leaning against something broad and firm.

Two icy blue eyes stared down at you, claws wrapping around your arms. Strangely enough, though, you didn’t fear that grasp. Lysander’s maw moved, you noticed faintly, but all you could hear was the persistent ringing in your ears. Vaguely, you reached up, your fingers clumsily landing on the side of his snout. Red smeared his fur, and your arm dropped down numbly to your side.

With the last of your strength, you forced your mouth to form the words that your shattered throat couldn’t say. Tell her goodbye.

The world spun into crimson.

Shivering, you shook your head as you curled into the corner that you’d pressed yourself into. Tears burned behind your eyes, and you heard your breath start to rasp and wheeze, rattling your throat.

Your brother’s face crumpled as he stared at you. “Please,” he begged, his voice wavering. “You need to drink.”

Agent Blue rested his hand on Ray’s shoulder. “Take it easy, son,” he said, voice firm but compassionate. “She’s understandably frightened. Even though she’s successfully gone through the change to being a damphyr, she’s had quite the scare and probably doesn’t want to feed.”

“But she needs to!” Ray exclaimed, frustration lacing his voice. “She’s already hurting.”

It was driving you insane. The pure power of the Will-o-the-Wisp’s blood was calling to you like a tempting beacon, and your brother’s hot blood practically screamed at you. The thirst flared in your throat, an ache so powerful you wanted to gag. It was like sandpaper. But you didn’t want to feed from them. You didn’t want to risk losing control, didn’t want to didn’t want to didn’t want to—

“I’ll take care of her.” Lysander stepped into the room. He turned to Ray. “She gave her life to save my daughter. This is the least I can do. I promise she’ll be in good hands.”

Your brother paused, then sighed, shoulders slumping. “I know you will, Sir,” he said, defeated. “I just…” He glanced over at you, eyes reflecting his misery.

Lysander reached out, squeezing Ray’s shoulder. “I understand,” he said quietly.

Ray nodded, then approached you again carefully. “Hey.” His voice softened. “I know you probably don’t want me around. But you have my number. Please, just… contact me when you’re ready, ok? You know I’ll be here for you, like I always have been. I’m gonna go back to Scotland, but you know how to reach me if you need anything. I won’t tell any of the family that you’re here.”

Swallowing back the drool, you tentatively reached out and barely ghosted your fingers against his cheek, hoping your eyes would convey your thanks. You just… needed space. Away from him, to control yourself, get yourself together.

But his expression turned a little more hopeful, and he nodded. “Love you, sis,” he said quietly. “Please… live.” With a small smile, he stood and followed Agent Blue out of the room.

With a quiet whine, you squeezed your eyes shut and tried to push past the unbearable, insistent pain scratching down your throat. Your throat roared for a drink. Your eyes snapped open when you heard Lysander approach. Though you didn’t know why, his presence always sent you into an absolute panic, though not of fear. Your thirst around him seemed to impossibly skyrocket. Like something about him drove you crazy.

He knelt, his blue eyes fixed on yours. He reached out slowly, giving you a chance to move away. Instead, your body froze, entirely fixating on the way his plaid shirtsleeve pulled tight around his arm, rolled up to his elbow. You swallowed thickly, his blood an absolute siren call. You could smell it, practically taste it. Dripping down your throat, into your veins, ambrosia sweet and thick— Drool slipped down the corner of your mouth, past the pressure of fangs against your lips.

Lysander’s eyes strained. “I know what it does to you,” he said quietly. “Just the fact that you’re not lunging for me right now is…” He sighed, his other hand raking through his hair. “I don’t know if I’m impressed or-“ His lips twisted as he cut himself off, as though conflicted. “There’s a reason why my blood calls to you.” He settled himself in front of you, making you want to scream as both relief and a frenzy of want roared through you.

“Of course, Mor is my daughter,” Lysander said, his voice low as he looked down at the floor between you. “But her Mother was… not my true Mate.” He sighed. “I didn’t really care, because I loved her. But she… well, she left me. Didn’t want Mor, didn’t want… me.” A self-depreciating smile passed across his face. “But it was okay, I had Mor and I only wanted the best for her. But still… somewhere inside me, I knew that my true Mate was out there somewhere.”

You almost couldn’t focus, his proximity almost painful because he was too far, and yet not close enough—

“And then you appeared, and Mor started to love you, and I—“ He sighed, hand reaching up to cover his face. “And I didn’t know if I wanted to run or stay.” His shoulders slumped. “Seeing you with Mor, working with you, talking with you… every moment I spend with you near is like agony, but when you leave it’s like you take a part of me with you and I can’t breathe.”

Abruptly, your mouth went dry, shocked almost clear out of bloodlust. Wait, was he saying-?

“I told myself that you’d be better off without me,” Lysander admitted, voice thick. “I’m… not young any more. You’re beautiful and— and you have so much more promise, a whole life ahead of you… I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. I’d gone for so long without my true Mate, I thought I’d be fine. But when I saw you lying on the ground…” He turned his face away, jaw ticking, a wild, feral light in his eyes. A low snarl rumbled through his chest, dissolving into a whine he quickly cut off.

He looked back up at you. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel… obligated to do anything. But you deserve to know the reason why my blood calls to you so strongly, and why— why I want you to drink from me. Why I don’t mind.”

Your mind whirled. The permission. The heady scent of his blood. The warmth he promised. The realization that he was calling you his true Mate. The way he looked at you, like you were the only thing he’d ever wanted.

Reaching up, you clapped your hand over your mouth with a half-sob of desperation. You wanted it. You practically ached for it, the kindness and love he offered. The promise of a family, a home, someone who had seen you at your worst and still somehow wanted you.

“Please,” Lysander rasped, his eyes laced with that same desperation roiling in his gut. “You don’t even have to accept me as a Mate. But you need to feed, and I—“

You were at your limit. You’d already taxed yourself as a newborn damphyr somehow trying to resist the frenzy of the first feed, and now that your Mate was in front of you, offering freely, practically begging you to feed from him, you could only take so much.

You lunged, a snarl dying on your lips as you lunged forward, the strength of your desperation actually knocking the seasoned werewolf down onto the floor. And still, even as you straddled his waist, your fingers curled around his shoulder, eyes fixed on the tempting expanse of his neck… you still tried to fight. Still tried to fight it, to control yourself.

But Lysander’s broad, warm hands gently wrapped around your waist, not fighting or pushing you off. The scar slashing across the left side of his face seemed to glow in the light streaming through the curtained window, and he gave you a smile.

“It’s okay,” he said, voice low and soothing. “I can handle it. I know you won’t hurt me.”

You shuddered, drool dripping down your fangs. Leaning forward slowly, you tried to keep yourself paced, tried to force yourself to some modicum of control. Mouth opening, you lowered your head until your fangs just barely grazed the crook of his neck and shoulder, not too close to his jugular but just enough.

The moment your fangs sank into his throat, Lysander’s fingers went weak around your waist. A deep groan pooled into the air, and a tremor ran through his body underneath you.

Heat pooled in your stomach, even as his blood slid down your throat with a satisfaction unparalleled. He tasted sweet and dusky, like fresh bread and sunshine, and freshly-cut grass after the rain. The pure heat and warmth he radiated soaked into you, and you felt the bloodlust slowly slake as you drank. Finally, you forced yourself to let go, vaguely aware with your instincts that you’d taken enough to not hurt him but probably still leave him a bit lightheaded for a moment.

The bite wound almost instantly healed over, and his grasp on your waist tightened again, fingers flexing as he regained his bearings.

You leaned your head against his chest, the gratitude and shame warring inside you. Grateful that he’d been so kind, so understanding and gentle. Ashamed of your own arousal, the way your entire being reacted to him.

Your name slipped from his lips, and a moment later his face pressed into your hair. His voice ached with the same torn desire that roiled through you. “I shouldn’t—“ He sucked in a sharp breath as you pressed your body flush against his. You could feel how tight his pants were, could feel the lines of his bulge pressed up against your thigh. A choked groan accompanied the way his hands spasmed around your waist.

“Mate.” The whisper slid from your mouth, the first thing you’d said aloud since your change. Your fingers clenched in his flannel shirt. “Mate… wants me?” Your voice cracked with your fear. Fear that he wouldn’t want to deal with you after all, that you weren’t worth it—

He pulled you closer to him, hand sliding to your hair. “So damn much, sweetheart,” he rasped, cradling your head to his shoulder. “You’re so goddamn beautiful and fierce— I don’t care if you’re human, Seer, damphyr. You’re my true Mate, my love.”

And you buried your face into his shoulder and let yourself shed a few tears of relief. He wanted you. Accepted you, in spite of everything.

“I know it’s not fair to ask you to stay,” his voice strained. “You gave your life for Morrigan, and I’m so much older—“

You reached up, your hands sliding up to cup his jaw as you slanted your lips over his, tears slipping down your cheeks. His mouth opened, kissing you back with a fervor as he splayed his hand over your lower back, pressing you into him. He let out a low growl, the sound rumbling through his chest and straight into your body. Your entire body flushed, and you let out a quiet whimper.

Almost before you could register it, he flipped you over onto the floor, hovering over you. His teeth bared, and he stared down at you with a heat in his eyes that scorched through you. His hands clenched around your waist, pulling your hips flush against his.

You whimpered, tilting your head to the side and exposing your throat to him, sprawled against the floor. Your chest heaved with breath, and a moment later his teeth closed gently on the arch of your neck. A soft breathy moan escaped your lips, eyes fluttering closed as his scent washed over you, his mouth marking your neck, replacing the memory of the Pricoli’s fingerprints mottled against your skin.

With an effort, Lysander wrenched himself away, though he half rutted against you. “Darling, I’m going to need you to tell me if you don’t want this,” he rasped, voice thick and half a snarl already.

“Lysander,” you whispered, lips caressing his name.

His hips stuttered, and he pulled you up against him before heaving himself up and staggering to the bed. He lowered you onto the bed, wasting no time before he practically yanked you to him, his hands hot and greedy. He kissed you, somehow still gentle and yet needy enough to take your breath away.

“May I?” He tapped your shirt.

You nodded shyly, letting him slide it off of you. You lifted your hips in an invitation, and he lowered his mouth to your neck as he slipped your shorts off. He groaned, hands sliding across your bared skin. His skin felt so hot to the touch against your chilled body, wholly satisfying. You practically melted into his hands like putty, malleable to however he touched you, moved you. He made you feel safe. Loved. Cherished. Wanted.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, voice hoarse. “So beautiful, leannen.” The Gaelic spilled naturally from his mouth as he slid his hands under your back, unhooking your bra. You let him slide it off, too desperate for the warmth of his hands to process embarrassment. His hands cupped your breasts, callouses rasping across your nipples in a way that left your breathless and aching.

You whimpered, a little encouraged by the way you felt his bulge throb against you at the sound. Fingers tangling in his shirt, you tilted your head for air, arching into his hands.

“Fuck,” Lysander hissed against your jaw, his hips rolling into you. His hands slid lower, and his thumbs hooked in your underwear. “Can I?”

You nodded, fingers clenching against his shoulders as he slid them off. His shirt was already straining at the seams, threatening to rip. At your tug, he took a moment to reach down and practically rip his shirt off, tossing it uncaringly to the side as he opened his mouth against your neck.

You were already dripping, just his touch and scent enough to arouse you. Breath hissed through his teeth as his fingers dragged through your slick, just barely brushing past your clit. A whine escaped your lips as you shivered, fingers slipping against his chest.

“You smell so good,” Lysander groaned, one finger slipping into you as his thumb rubbed circles around your clit. “Fuck, sweetheart, you’re wet. Can I take care of you?” he rumbled, teeth nipping at your ear. “You already gorged yourself on my blood. How about I fill you up with something else?”

You flushed, fangs sinking into your lower lip. “Please?” you whispered.

His ice blue eyes flashed, and his chest heaved under your hands. “Oh, are we a little desperate?” He smirked, sliding another finger into you, stretching you. “Want me to pull your legs up on my shoulders and keep you here all night?” He chuckled, feeling you pulse around his fingers. “Mmmm, I think your gorgeous body is being pretty honest, sweetheart. Well. I aim to please my Mate.”

You only had a moment to wonder when he’d managed to get his pants off. His fingers slid out of you, only for you to feel his cock rest heavily against your entrance. He slid against you, and you could feel a dribble of precum smear across your skin. One hand went to your waist, holding you, while his other found your clit again.

“Is this alright, sweetheart?” he asked, voice low and suddenly soft. “I’m a bit of a stretch. I’ll try to go slow.”

With how wet you were, you sincerely doubted that he would find much of a problem. Still, you swallowed and nodded, grateful for his care and the way he tried, every step of the way, to make sure you were comfortable. Then again, you could already tell he wasn’t lying about how big he was. You could feel him resting against you, throbbing against your thigh. Slowly, he pressed just the tip into you, his breath shuddering.

Your lips parted in a gasp as he stretched you open, sliding into you. Compared to the chill of your body, his cock practically radiated heat. By the time he completely bottomed out, pelvis flush against yours, you’d already come so close to the edge, drool slipping from the corners of your lips. He seemed to completely fill you, pressing up against every spot inside of you until you swore he’d stretched you into his shape.

Lysander slumped over you, his head tucking into the crook of your neck. His entire body shuddered, and his hands clenched around your waist. His chest heaved against yours, muscles flexing as though he were physically holding himself back.

“Thank you.” The shaky whisper pooled against your skin. “For saving her. Giving your life for her. Thank you. For choosing me.”

Your fingers slid into his salt and pepper hair, relishing the stubble against your neck and shoulder. “I love you.” The confession spilled from your lips, quiet in the room.

He shuddered, letting out a low moan. His fingers clenched, just as he pulled you down further onto his cock, pressing up into you. “Fuck, sweetheart,” he rasped. “Say it again.”

“I love you, Lysander,” you repeated obediently, wholly truthful. Your core clenched around him, and he hissed, pulling out to thrust back into you.

“I love you,” he groaned, starting to thrust in a slow but steady rhythm. He reached down, then pulled your legs up around his hips. The new angle made you pulse as he seemed to reach impossibly deeper into you, angling up justenough to hit that one spot inside you that had you gasping and arching.

“You’re so tight,” he growled, picking up the pace. “Feels so good, sweetheart. So good.”

He suddenly reached behind you and grabbed a pillow, then lifted your hips up to prop it under you. Setting you back down, he shifted himself up and pulled your legs up to his shoulders.

A cry left your lips, utterly wrecked and broken. His cock completely filled you, fucking any semblance of coherence out of you, going so deep you swore you could feel it in your stomach. He seemed to know exactly how to read your body, adjusting to every whimper you let out, not giving you a break as he kept pounding into you with devastating precision.

“You feeling good, sweetheart?” he chuckled, the sound raking down your spine. “Is this what you want?” He thumbed your clit, pressing a kiss to your lips. “You gonna give Mor a little sibling? Taking me so well like this, spread open for me?”

The thought of adding more kids to your life, together with Lysander, proved to be the last straw for your poor mind. You came, stars bursting behind your eyelids as you cried out his name and the wave of heat and pleasure washed through your body.

And Lysander just kept fucking you through it, going harder as he pinned you against the sheets under him, not caring that your fingers raked against his shoulders. He bent to kiss you, murmuring your name in a husky voice that just wrecked you even more. He gave you no mercy, his gaze predatory as he stared down at you, soaking in your ruined expression.

“That’s right, sweetheart. Cum for me,” he murmured, coaxing you through your high.

Even when you rode it out, he didn’t slow down or let up the pace. “You gonna make me cum, darling? Can I cum inside you?”

A plea staggered off of your lips, followed by his name. Your jumbled, blissed-out mind wouldn’t allow you to do anything else, barely recalling your own name.

“Fuck— gonna cum, sweetheart— gonna fill you up—“ He let out a moan before his hips slammed into you one last time. He ground against you as he came, his bruising grip not letting you move an inch away from him.

You melted back into the bed, eyes closing as you soaked in the feeling of his seed filling you, pouring into you. Your fingers slid up the back of his neck as you lay there, docile and welcoming to his every move. Even when he’d finally stopped spilling into you, your stomach full and hot, he slumped against you.

His lips slid across your throat, soft and almost reverent, and he pulled you into his body. He murmured soft endearments into your ear, his hands running over you with gentle, loving strokes, soothing you.

“I promise I’ll do my best to protect you, treat you the way you should be,” he promised. “I love you so much, sweetheart.” Then he chuckled, hand running over your stomach. “I wonder if Morrigan will want a brother or a sister. She’s already going to be so excited to call you Mommy.”

You gave him a shy smile, accepting his soft kiss. “Thank you, Lysander,” you whispered. “I love you.”

Perhaps the price of your Fate had been high, you thought, but it had been entirely worth it.

#elysiadjarinkinktober #elysiadjarin #x reader #my writing #mywriting #nsft #exophilia #terato #monsterfucker #xyou #smut #kinktober

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stardustprompts · 3 years ago

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what we do in the shadows -- season 3 sentence starters part 1 change tenses/pronouns as needed !! some lines have been edited for clarity / length / ease of roleplaying tw : nsfw , language , death , sexism

‘still, he should not have done so much slaughtering.’

‘well, I guess I should just shut the fuck up then.’

‘thank you for saving us, but sorry, you’re our mortal enemy-- you’ve got to die, babes.’

‘but how do you know he is not going to kill us? it is in his bloods.’

‘perhaps he is warning us of an imminent danger.’

‘now remember, do not look him directly in the eyes. we still do not know the depths of his power.’

‘so has there been any updates on my fate?’

‘I’m not trying to kill anyone either, except for you!’

‘you may speak but, remember, no bullshit from thy mouth.’

‘I love thrones! they’re my favorite chair.’

‘I became a vampire to suck blood and to fuck forever.’

‘you were shitting yourself for a moment there, weren’t you?’

‘is your brain fully operational?’

‘ (name) and I have agreed to work together as a team.’

‘ for now, I’m letting (name) think that we are ‘sharing power’.’

‘don’t monkey about with that!’

‘I’d go myself, but I can’t be fucked.’

‘these buns will be waiting for you.’

‘I am prepared to escalate matters to crazy levels!’

‘she’s angry, as women so often are.’

‘well, you started by calling me dipshit.’

‘you, my darling, have the high firm ass of an irish derby winner.’

‘it could be that he has feelings for you, too.’

‘you seem really into him.’

‘you have turned into a very very soft boy!’

‘me, personally, I don’t give a shit where he goes.’

‘the cat’s out the bag! your boy’s in love!’

‘I have no issue with (name).’

‘between you and me, I wouldn’t normally spend this much time with him.’

‘I figure the quicker he gets on with it, the quicker he’ll shut his mouth.’

‘agree with what? I didn’t say anything.’

‘I don’t really remember my mom anymore.’

‘we can have a girlie to girlie conversation.’

‘being a werewolf is not a crime!’

‘the only crime that my (name) is guilty of is stealing. stealing my heart.’

‘okay now look, we’re not here to cause trouble, we’re just here to, you know, be nice. and nonconfrontational.’

‘not only am I his bodyguard, I am also his heart guard.’

‘I always knew we couldn’t trust your kind!’

‘attention! the party bus will be leaving in a moment.’

‘no, I was just being polite. it’s obviously very shitty.’

‘holy shit! it’s just like ocean’s eleven!’

‘I mean, at every office I’ve worked at, they always say ‘we’re a big family here’. and it does motivate people to work harder and neglect their actual families and put up with all sorts of degrading shit.’

‘have you got a little secret, you little sick fuck?’

‘do you know what the most beautiful thing in the world is? fucking.’

‘you know how it is when you have the binge - watch blinders on. I got caught up in a show that i’m obsessed with.’

‘I can feel my powers fading!’

‘I need to borrow your credit card and not tell you why.’

‘fucking knicks. they’ll break your heart every time. but I can’t quit ‘em.’

‘listen, I trust you. you’re my main man, I’d die for you.’

‘I need to sort this, and I need to sort it now.’

‘and in a single instant, my world was turned upside down.’

‘this is science.’

‘I am all alone, floating through the cold, dark universe like a little grain of furry sand.’

‘I have never felt so small, and what is the point of anything?’

‘i’m pretty certain it might be this way.’

‘it’ll take awhile to play but I think if we start now we should be done by dawn.’

‘i’m in too deep.’

‘I could kiss you, (name)!’

‘it’s all a big game of chess. I just didn’t say who was playing whom.’

‘okay hear me out, if you tell me the rules, I’d be down to follow them.’

‘that was a shit response, wasn’t it?’

‘I guess I do fucked-up shit now. that’s just who I am.’

‘no one said that. please do not talk anymore.’

‘okay, fine, I don’t even care at this point.’

#rp memes #rp prompts #rp sentence starters #television prompts #television sentence starters #what we do in the shadows sentence starters #what we do in the shadows prompts

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athenamikaelson · 4 years ago

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Hey can u do a Elijah mikaelson x reader where he cheats on her with hayley more than one time and the mikaelson family knew expect kol and davina because she’s their best friend. Reader is hurt and angry and her and Hayley fights Elijah defend Hayley. Reader leaves New Orleans but comes back when kol ask for help. Elijah sees her and he feels guilt and tries to win her back. ( can u make the reader an ex assassin a deadly one two )

Elijah Mikaelson x Reader

Request- Hey can u do a Elijah mikaelson x reader where he cheats on her with hayley more than one time and the mikaelson family knows expect kol and davina because she’s their best friend. Reader is hurt and angry and her and Hayley fight. Elijah defends Hayley. Reader leaves New Orleans but comes back when Kol asks for help. Elijah sees her and he feels guilt and tries to win her back. ( can u make the reader an ex assassin a deadly one two )

Warnings- Swearing, cheating, bitchy Hayley, angst, reader getting hurt

Word Count- 1711

“You know you have to tell her Elijah. You can’t keep this a secret from Y/n forever. She’s been one of my closest friends for 4 years. I’ve watched you fall in and out of love with y/n, and then you fall for Hayley all in that time. It isn’t fair.” Rebekah says to Elijah as he closes the door to Haley’s room. Elijah turns around and goes to pass Rebekah. Rebekah’s hand grasps onto his arm before he can fully pass her, but is shrugged away by him.

“You don’t think I know that sister. Of course I feel horrible for what I’m doing to Y/n. I’ve loved her for four years.But-”

“But what brother, you say you’ve been in love with her for all these years but you still do this to her. Some man of your word you are.” Rebekah walks to the end of the hallway before turning around.

“You have until the end of the week, or I tell her myself. And when she finds out Hayley better not be anywhere around because I know not even a hybrid coils stand a fight with Y/n.”

I walk into the living quarters of the Mikaelson compound, Davina and Kol by my side.

“Well all I’m saying girls is that those shoes definitely don’t match her eyes.” Kol says, throwing his hands into the air.

“Well thank you love, but she still bought the shoes. Right y/n?.” Davina looks in my direction but is met with a blank stare. “Y/n?”

I shake my head getting me out of my thoughts, “Sorry. Ya. Shoes and all that right.”

“Y/n, are you ok?” Davina and Kol share a look, before returning their eyes to me. I run my hands over my face before facing them again.

“Have you talked to Elijah lately? It seems like everytime I try to talk to him, he always finds an excuse to leave.” Kol and Davina both shake their heads.

“Well I’m sure it’s nothing, my dear brother has always been a stick in the mud.” Kol smirks, but quickly stops when he sees my unimpressed face.

“Well um, here comes my bastard brother, maybe he knows.” I look over to the stairway where Klaus is descending while holding Hope in his arms.

“Brother have you happened to know what the bloody hell is up Elijah’s ass lately and why he’s treating my best friend like shit?”

Klaus’s eyes quickly meet mine and flash with what appears to be pity, or regret. But he quickly shakes his head and starts to walk into the kitchen. I’m definitely not dealing with this shit today.

“Niklaus Mikaelson you best as hell tell me what in the world is going on. I’ve seen the looks from you and Rebekah. The side eyes and the looks of pity. What the hell is going on.” Klaus doesn’t meet my eyes, “Please Nik. It’s killing me.”

“I promised Elijah I wouldn’t tell you. But, I can’t do this to you anymore. Go to his room.”

Klaus looks towards Elijah’s room. I don’t spare a second before I run up to his room stopping at the door. Standing there for a second I decide if barging in is a bad idea, until I hear giggling from what appears to be a woman. I slam open the door to see Elijah sitting up against his head board holding a woman. His hands brushing through her hair. Something he used to do to me. I make eye contact with Elijah who has stopped touching the other woman, and just stares at me. Not with pity, but with the look of a child who just got scolded by their mother. The woman quickly turns around and faces me. The woman who I would ask Elijah time and time again if he felt anything for her. God, how stupid I was. I saw the looks. Of course out of all the people he had to fuck behind my back, it had to be her. Hayley.

Elijah goes to stand up but I’ve already made my way through the door. I practically run down the stairs into the living space. Kol and Davina’s questions and yells are thrown towards me but I block them out. I’m about to make it outside before he speeds in front of me.

“Y/n please wait. Let me explain.” Elijah looks at me with such a sad look. That would make me feel for him, if he wasn’t such a two-timing whore.

“Explain what Elijah? That you’re a two-timing whore, slutting it up with another whore.” I throw my fist into Elijah’s nose, the crack loud enough that even a vampire wouldn’t need their hearing to hear it.

“Oh shit.” Kol yells from behind us. “Shut it Kol.” Davina throws back.

“I know you didn’t just call me a whore.” Jesus Christ.

I spin around to find Hayley standing there. All in her glory. Messy sex hair and a smirk on her face. I turn back around knowing that at least I’ll be the bigger person.

“Aw, well Y/n. It’s not his fault you became unlovable. I mean who’d want someone who can’t even go through a conversation without punching someone in the face.” Hayley’s snarking voice cuts through.

I whip around to see her staring at me with a smirk. Oh this bitch. I start to run at her with my hand on the knife I keep hidden under my shirt. Hayley starts to back away before Elijah steps in front of her, pushing me back. With the impact of his shove I land on my ass. Tears well up in my eyes as I look up to him. Elijah’s face covered in regret. I can see Davina holding back Kol from attacking Elijah out of the corner of my eye. And Nik holding Hope’s head towards his shoulder blocking her from the mayhem that’s happening in front of her.

Elijah goes to reach for me but I back away. Wiping the tears from my eyes. “So that’s how it is. You’d hurt me to protect her.” Elijah lowers his head. “I guess that’s my answer then.”

I stand up and walk out. Davina and Kol trailing behind me.

2 Years Later…

Music and laughter fills my ears as I swing along with a random group of people in the little irish pub I’m in. My laughter is drowned out by my phone buzzing in my pocket. I walk away from the group which gets me a bunch of boos. I laugh to myself as I press the answer button.

“Hello, Y/n here having the time of her life. And you’re messing it up. This better be good.”

“Y/n?,” Davina’s voice sobers me up, “I need your help.”

“I’m on my way.”

As I walk into the place I used to call home the memories of the last time I was here come back to me. My yelling, Hope’s crying, Elijah’s looks of disdain.

“Y/n?” Davina’s voice breaks me away from my thoughts. Before I can process anything she pulls me into a hug. I look into her eyes to see them welling up with tears. “I missed you too, D.”

“Is that who I think it is! Bloody hell!” Kol’s much more aggravating voice cuts through before I fell another pair of arms surround me.

“Group hug. Yay. I missed you too Kol. Now let go.” Kol and Davina’s arms reluctantly unloosen around me.

“Now, as much as I love you both and am enjoying this little reunion. What is the little problem you need help with?”

Davina and Kol bring me into a room where the rest of the Mikaelson’s are sitting. Most annoyingly Elijah. He looks at me trying to catch his eye, but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction. Hope is also there who seems to find me very interesting, coming over to me and trying to braid my hair after I sit down.

After what seemed like hours of avoiding staring at Elijah, they all finally tell me what the problem is and what they need me to do.

“Alright let’s get this done with.”

Stretching my neck I walk back into the compound with Kol by my side. “Ya, that definitely reminded me why I hate witches,” I look at Davina, “no offence.” She just shrugs with a look of understanding.

“Well, as much as this has been fun. There’s a little pub in Ireland calling my name. Goodbye Mikaelsons. Kol, Davina I’ll talk to you two later.” Nodding my head I grabbed my bag from the chair I placed it in before we went to fight the witches. Walking towards the door I’m stopped by him. Flashbacks from that day come back making me flinch away from him.

“Y/n can we please talk?” Elijah looks at me earnestly.

“Let me guess you and Hayley didn’t work out?” Elijah shakes his head, “She married another wolf.” I laugh in his face. Good. He needs to know the pain he caused me.

“Please Y/n. I know I messed up. After you left, I was miserable without you. I still am. I realized how much of a monster I had been to you. You never deserved to have been treated like that by me. I’m sorry. If you’d just give me another-” “Don’t,”

“Oh you poor baby. You caused the problem. You slept with her. And I’m supposed to feel sorry for you! You have no idea how many nights I stayed up crying myself to sleep asing myself why wasn’t I good enough? It took me months, Elijah, to finally find an answer. DO you know what that answer is? The answer was never that I wasn’t good enough, the answer was the you weren’t man enough to tell me that you couldn’t love me as much as you desired her. And as soon as I realized that everything changed. I’m living my life now. Not confined to the haunting life of the girlfriend of one of the Mikaelson brothers. I’m free.”

Elijah stares at me, tears falling from his eyes as I walk past him.

“Goodbye Elijah.”

#klaus mikaleson imagine #klaus x reader #klaus mikaelson #stefan x elena #Kol mikaelson #elena gilbert #elijah mikaelson imagine #elijah mikaelson #the vampire diaries #Author #the originals #thecwshows #the vampire diares imagine #athenamikaelson #kol mikaelson imagine #kol mikaelson icons #kol mikaelson x reader

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talesofphantombandits · 4 years ago

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Zero to Six ~ First Impressions Count - Edited Version. Part 4.

Characters: Four X Zero (OC)

Summary: Zero was the first person to be ‘saved’ by One, she was his first honorary Ghost. Her knowledge in tech meant she got the role of ‘Hacker’ she recruited new team members, looked for missions and locations and made sure every security measure was looked at. You know normal hacker spy stuff. But her tough up bringing meant that if needs be she could fight, she was maybe even better than some people on the team knew. But due to One’s protectiveness over her she had to stay hidden, she was more of an actual ghost than the rest of the team was. This didn’t mean she couldn’t have her fun though, over the months of being with the full team she had formed quite a passionate love/ hate relationship with the handsome Four. Who knows what sparks would fly if they were ever to meet. Warnings: Slight swearing, some suggestive flirting in later chapters.

Tagg list: (I know this is a edit of my original story but if anyone wants to be tagged let me know.) @raylan-c

“Earth to Lilly.”

Zero barley saw the hand in front of her face, she was too busy trying to not look around the room for Four that her assigned name for the mission didn’t register with her. But when she finally noticed the movement in front of her she looked up to see Five accompanied by the man she entered with.

“Hi, what would you guys like to drink?” She praised herself for saving it, the guy probably just thought she was having a bad day or something, it didn’t really matter as he stumbled away from the bar, probably too drunk to notice any thing that was going on.

“You okay?” Five leaned on the bar so she was closer to Zero. She looked towards the back of the room where Four stood now with a pretty blonde on his arm. “Scrubs up well doesn’t he?”

Zero looked from Four to the beautiful woman in front of her. “You nervous?”

Zero shook her head, letting out a short laugh. “Why would I be nervous? It’s not like he’s going to ever know who I am, even if he does come over to the bar. He’ll never know he talked to Zero, the infamous hacker.”

“You two clicked so easily the first time we all met, I’m pretty sure it’s going to happen the same way in person.” Zero picked up a glass and started drying it just to distract herself.

Suddenly more people came up and crowded the bar around Five, Zero stood up straighter and got back into character. “What would you like to drink Ma’am.”

“A Tequila on the rocks with a lime would do just nicely.” Five smiled at her, putting her arms onto the bar. Zero just raised her eyebrows but smiled and got started on the drink.

She finished the drink and slid it across the bar to which Five caught and took a swig, “Keep the change sweetie.” She winked as she threw a few dollars at Zero.

She scoffed as the woman pushed off the bar and made her way back to the sleazy guy who now had his arm around another woman.

“Hey Lilly, will you go change barrel 2, cheers darling.” Her manger for the night tapped her on the shoulder.

Maybe a trip to the cellar would clear her head of any thoughts of Four, she’d need a clear head to be able to concentrate on the mission in hand. And not to be drooling over Four.

This was the only time she wished she could have her coms on her, the sound of Three’s accent would definitely calm her nervous. She knew there was a chance Four would come up to the bar at some point and with only her and another dude working there was a 50/50 chance he’d come to her to be served.

As she reached the top of the cellar stairs and started to make her way down the hall, the sounds of party goers got louder, and as she turned the corner to go back to her spot behind the bar she stopped dead in her tracks.

Leaning against the bar right where she was suppose to be serving was Four, he was looking around the room analysing who was the best person to get information from no doubt. She couldn’t help but fight for breath as he ran his hand through his slicked black blonde hair, why did this man have to look so fine?

She only snapped back to reality when her bar mate slightly shoved her to move out the way so he could get to the liqueur behind her. She finally worked up the confidence to make her way over to Four so she could take his drink order, when a very beautiful blonde woman walked into his arms, wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his neck. Zero almost froze again out of shock but she was distracted by another man in front of her demanding a drink.

Guess you could say saved by the bell? Once she had served the man she finally made her way over to Four and the woman. She could tell as she got closer that they were flirting, she felt a sudden irritation that, that woman wasn’t her but shook it off when she remembered this was a mission and One would kill Four with his bare hands if he ever started any sort of relationship outside of the ghosts.

“What can I get you both?” The Irish accent was so foreign to her, one of the other things that her and Four had bonded over was that they were both British, so I guess you could say the change in accent was vital to not giving away her identity. She played it off though as Four placed his order without even looked her way. Too distracted by the blonde that was now sucking on his neck like a vampire, this made Zero gag in disgust.

She got to making the order of a big glass of rosé wine and a beer, it distracted her from the rated R scene unfolding in front of her. As she placed the wineglass on the counter the woman finally looked up and saw her alcohol was ready to consume.

“Are you trying to get me drunk sir?” She giggled and leaned into him again.

Zero just rolled her eyes, she placed the beer bottle a little too hard on the counter. A drop of beer flew out over the rim of the glass and splashed on his jacket sleeve and hand. Four’s eyes instantly snapped up to Zero’s, she was taken aback by how deep the green of his eyes were.

She had to take a step back. “Whoops.” She titled her head, raising a eyebrow as Four just stared at her in shock. Her eyes were momentarily directed to the blonde by his side as she scoffed in disgust at the interaction, or the loss of attention she was now getting.

Zero just smiled at the woman, then decided to let Four mull over the tiny interaction for a bit as she made her way a little down the bar to serve other people. All the time she worked she could feel Fours eyes burning into the side of her head, she couldn’t help but laugh at how she knew the blonde was reacting when she caught him staring. She knew there was definitely a connection between herself and Four, It was strong just talking over coms but here right in front of him she felt like she was on fire. The worst thing being that she couldn’t do anything about it, it pained her greatly that he was sat there, right in front of her and he didn’t even know who she was.

She wondered if he’d felt it too, the electricity between them. By the way he kept looking over at her she had a feeling he had, but she couldn’t rush to conclusions not when One wouldn’t hear any of her pleas to meet the team in person. He either shouted at her or just completely ignored her. As she made her way back to the couple she noticed the blonde woman walking off, she highly doubt she’d leave Four’s side for very long. She probably left to go to the little girls room, Zero took this as a sign to go see if he wanted another drink and if not this was her chance to talk to him without his annoying friend.

She’d only took two steps in Four’s direction when a hand grabbed her upper arm, she looked at it with a bored expression. Her eyes trailing up the arm to find a very drunk old man, with a red and blotchy face looking back at her. This is the one thing she didn’t miss about social interaction, the creeps that think they can just lay their hands on woman without permission, she was going to enjoy messing this guy up.

He leaned over the bar as far as he could. “Get me a drink wench.” He slurred.

She turned to face him calmly. “I suggest you get your hand off of me, and act a bit more respectfully. Do you know where you are sir?” She tried not to show in her voice just how irritated she was. This guy was so drunk he couldn’t even look Zero in the eye without going cross eyed.

She sensed movement to her right. “She asked you to let go of her mate.” She turned to look at Four who just winked at her. The cheek of this guy.

But Zero could handle herself, she’d had two years in seclusion with no fun what was causing a little chaos? Sure One would have something to say about it but she wasn’t scared of him. She suddenly covered the mans hand with her free hand and pulled his arm until his full body crashed against the bar, it was hard enough to shock the man back to his senses but not enough to make a big scene. He started to struggle and pant against the hard wood, Zero bent down so the guy could see her.

“When a lady asks you to let her go, you let go.” She let go of him, he shot up and gave her a cold stare. “Learn some manners, or the next woman you piss off won’t let you off so kindly.” He stumbled away but not without muttering a ‘Bitch’ in her direction.

She knew that Four was still off to the side, she looked over and saw the entertained look on his face. “I’d say thank you but I did all the work, so I won’t.” She said as she cleared some glasses to be washed off the bar.

“Hey, I was enjoying the show, plus I wouldn’t have stopped you from hurting that ass-hole. Besides, it looked like you had it all under control I was just going to jump in if things got ugly.” He sat back in the stool right in front of where she started cleaning the glasses.

“Still it wouldn’t be a good night in a bar without a fight would it?” She smiled up at Four only to find him already staring at her in awe, she didn’t know when they had lent in so close to each other. But the moment between them was ruined when the high pitched shrill of the blonde was heard over Four’s shoulder. Zero sighed and moved back again.

“Baby.” She slurred more than she had earlier, Zero was in no doubt she’d taken something in the restroom. “Grab me another wine and come cuddle with me in the booth.” She rested up against him again and give him the ugliest puppy dog eyes Zero had ever seen.

‘I hope she’s worth the information Four’ Zero thought to herself. The best way of getting information on old rich men was getting his sugar baby drunk and send in a younger more handsome man to seduce her, that was Four’s tactic anyway.

As soon as Zero put the wine glass on the bar the blonde snatched it up and took a big gulp, she then started to pull Four off to a booth in the back. Zero wished for more time talking to Four, hell she even wished it was her pulling him off to a dark booth in the back. She shook her head, she’d never have that but it’s okay because she knew One wouldn’t approve anyway.

Before the blonde could pull Four completely away from the bar he turned to Zero and mouthed a ‘sorry’ paired with a charming smile that made her heart sing. To her surprised the blonde also turned to look back at Zero, she gave her the slimmest of grins. Like she knew she’d ultimately won Four’s affections, Zero’s only response was to flip her off. To which the blonde scoffed and disappeared into the darker corner of the room.

Zero’s mind wandered to what Four thought she looked like, if he thought she was like the blonde he would be sourly disappointed. She wanted to ask One if Four had ever enquired about her but she knew the answer she’d get if she ever asked anything about Four.

Zero served for another hour or so, and it was just her luck that right as her shift was about to end a fight broke out. She thought this was suppose to be a classy place, but then again where there is booze there’s going to be fights.

She leapt over the bar to try help the other people break it up but in the process she got sucker punched by one of the guys who totally missed his mark. She fell to the floor but was quickly helped by a nice woman how offered to look at her wound, she declined. Convincing the woman she’d be fine and promising to put ice on it when she got home.

Zero was making her way to the back exit when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket, she stopped just outside the fire exit. It was One calling for a debrief in one of the hotel kitchens. The text must have been meant for only her and Five, so she made her way out of the exit and found the backpack with a change of clothes she’d hidden as she’d come in. She changed into some black leather pants, a black top with long mesh sleeves and a leather jacket. She took the wig off, ruffling out her naturally short hair and stuffed it in the backpack with everything else then tossed it into a nearby dumpster.

She set off and rounded the front of the building, entering the main lobby like a normal guest she was supposed to be. When she finally entered the back kitchen she was relived to only see Five, who turned and looked at Zero when she closed the door behind her. Her face soon fell to shocked, like she wasn’t expecting her to be there Zero was about to ask what that was all about but Five rushed forwards.

“Zero your lip!” It was only in this moment that Zero felt the wetness on her chin, she reached a hand up only to pull it away and see the crimson liquid on her finger tips. “Here take a seat.” Zero did as Five asked and hoisted herself up on a counter top.

Five turned and walked away, only returning in front of Zero when she had located the medical kit.

She was cleaning the blood off of Zero’s chin with what she assumed was a septic wipe when One appeared in the kitchen, he took one look at Zero then went feral. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!”

Taken aback at his sudden outburst, Zero held her hands up. “Woah! what do you mean what am I doing here? You sent me a text to meet in the kitchens!”

“What! no I didn’t, I only sent that to the rest of the team.” Zero held up her phone to show One he definitely sent her the text.

He swore under his breath and proceeded to barrel towards her. “You need to leave! right now!.” But before he could get her off the surface of the work top they all heard laughter and talking coming towards them from the hall.

One backed off, run his hand through his hair, nervous at the events that were about to unfold.

“I’m telling you! you should have seen it, it was like she was sucking the soul out of his body. She was literally eating his face.” Three laughed as he held the door open for Two and Four. “Poor Four didn’t know what to do with himself, the only action he’s seen recently is over coms with Zero!” Three poked a red faced Four in the chest while laughing at his discomfort. Both were blissfully unaware of the three people standing behind them panicked, this wasn’t suppose to happen, Zero was never meant to be the same room with the full team, she didn’t even have time to process how happy she was to see her only family finally in front of her.

As his laughter died down, Three and Four turned to the middle of the room. Three hosting himself up on a counter and Four leaning on the door frame. Two had been seizing Zero up the moment she stepped into the room, typical of an ex spy always fully alert. Zero thought to herself that she wouldn’t be at all surprised if Two knew exactly who she was.

When it finally registered, the whole room went silent the whole team just stared at Zero, even Five had stopped patching Zero’s lip up, she looked at her for help but Five suddenly found the floor to be extremely interesting. The only person not looking was One, who was leaning over a table most likely trying to come up with a solution to this disaster.

Out of everyone in that room she had expected Two to be the one to make the first move, she was however shocked when it was Four who spoke up. “Are we just not going to discuss the stranger in the room? Why is the bartender here?” So he recognised her, he tilted his head cutely as they stared each other down. This little shit also had the audacity to smirk at her. “and why is Five giving her first aid?”

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mytwilightimagines13 · 4 years ago

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Life (Part Eight)

Masterlist Pet Masterlist Rules

Headcanon requests: Open Imagine requests: Closed Taglist: Open

Taglist: @aro-is-gay-af @vamp-army @raindancer2004 @like-rain-or-confetti @volturidoll13 @kpopgirlbtssvt @avyannadawn @alexavolturisblog @alecvolturiswifeforever @imaginetwilight2704 @develin13 @wallwriterstuff @volturiwolf

All the vampires where gathered inside the mansion after Vladimir and Stefan informed them about Aro's witnesses. Maeve was sitting in a corner by the window feeling restless. "When Aro wants someone from a coven it's never long before evidence turns up, proving that coven committed some crime." Eleazer said. "So he has done this before?" Bella asked. "It happens so rarely, I never realised it was a pattern." Eleazer continues. "Apparently he Always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant." Carlisle filled in. "This person always has an ability. And they are always given a place with the Guard" Eleazer explained. "This all about Alice. And Maeve once he finds out she is with us. He has no one like them." Edward explains. "Which is why Alice left." Bella said. "Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett asks. "To spread the word that justice has been served. After he slaughters an entire coven" Maeve said sitting up slightly. She felt uneasy at this topic, remembering very well how her first coven was destroyed just because he wanted Heidi and her. "Benjamin, Tia, we are leaving." Amun said. "And where will you go? What makes you think he'll be satisfied with Alice? What is to stop them from going after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina or Kate? Or anyone else with a gift? Anyone they want." Edward said. "Believe me, living your life on the run is an awful life. Their goal isn't punishment, it's power. It's acquisition." Maeve said standing up from her spot and crossing her arms infront of her chest. "Carlisle might not ask you to fight, but I will. For the sake of my family, but also yours. And for the way you want to live." Edward said. Jacob stood up. "The packs will fight. We've never been affraid of vampires." The Denali's followed. "We will fight."Tanya said. "This won't be the first time I fought a king's rule." Garrett said. Benjamin stood up. "We'll join you." he said. "No." Amun spoke. Benjamin looked at him. "I will do the right thing, Amun. You may do as you please." Benjamin said. "We will stand with you." the amazon vampires said. "So will we." Siobhan from the Irish coven said. Soon everyone joined except the one nomad vampire that decided to leave. Carlisle looked at Maeve who smile gently. "I guess it is time for me to face my hunters. And protect my family." She said. "Thank you. All of you. But let's hope it doesn't come to that." Edward said. "Aro will want us incapitated before he attacks. Jane and Alec will try and take me out first because I can anticipate their moves."Edward said. Every vampire was gathered in the livingroom, discussing possible strategies. "Too bad we don't all have your shield." Garrett said looking at Bella. "Doesn't help me fight though." Bella replied. "No, but you could help the rest of us, if you could project it." Tanya said. "What do you mean?" Bella asked. "I mean shield someone other than yourself." Tanya said. "Is that possible?" Bella asked. "Gifts can be developed. Over time." Carlisle said. "At first mine was just in my palms. Now I can radiate it all over my body." Kate explained. "How do you do it?" Bella asked getting excited as she grabbed Kate's hand. "Tell me." "Ow." was all Kate said. While everyone was training their gifts and helping Bella develop hers, Maeve pulled Carlisle aside, far away from Edward's reach. Maeve took a deep breath. "If the time comes of a fight or a possible taking from one of us, I will trade myself." Maeve said getting straight to the point. "I am truly thankfull for everything you have done for me Carlisle, and if that might be the only solution for everyone to leave in peace than I will." she said looking at him. Carlisle sighed and embraced her like a father. Maeve returned his embrace. "Let's hope it won't come that far." he whispered. Maeve sighed. "We both know Aro won't stop until he has me or I am dead. I am growing tired of running. But I am not tired of life yet. This might be the only way out for everyone. Please? Let me do this." Maeve begged softly, feeling venom burning in her

eyes. Carlisle nodded his head. "But remember that you will always be a part of this family." "Thank you, Carlisle. I know how much danger I have brought upon you and your coven." Maeve said. Carlisle shook his head and gently kissed Maeve's forehead. "Never think like that. You are family, and we protect our family no matter what." Carlisle said and Maeve nodded her head, knowing his words where true. "Please don't let the others know. Especially not Rosalie and Emmett. They won't understand in the moment and I do not wish for an argument while lives are at stake." Maeve pleaded. Carlisle nodded his head as he sighed and Maeve nodded her head, thanking him. That evening a bonfire was made. Stories where told and songs would be sung. But everyone knew what the possibility was for tomorrow's outcome. And Maeve feared not just for her life, but for the lives of her coven. The vampires whom have treated her as family even though they knew the Volturi was hunting her down. MAeve shook her head slightly and continued listeling to the many fascinating stories of the vampires that where willing to tell their past, trying to push her worries for tomorrow aside. Renesmee crawled out of her tent to sit next to Maeve. Maeve looked down at Renesmee and smiled. "Hey there. Shouldn't you be asleep?" Maeve asked as she placed Renesmee on her lap. "Can you make me one last flower, auntie Maeve?" Renesmee whispered. Maeve nodded her head. "Very well, but afterwards I want you to crawl back into your tent and get some sleep." Maeve replied while kissing Renesmee's forehead. Renesmee nodded her head in agreement and Maeve closed her hand and watch Renesmee place her small hand ontop of hers and think about a flower. Maeve smiled and opened her hand showing a beautifull purple flower growing gracefully from her palm. Maeve took the flower and handed it to Renesmee. "Now go to sleep Ness. Tomorrow is a big day." Maeve whispered as she placed a gently kiss on Renesmee's forehead once more and watched her crawl back into her tent. Maeve sighed and knew very well that her decision would be the right one as it would hopefully spare Renesmee's life.

#alec volturi

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agentnico · 4 years ago

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Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) Review

It all started with Sonic’s teeth. Ever since fans successfully bullied a studio into reanimating their titular hedgehog character after the abomination shown in the first trailer, fans realised that rallying together (on Twitter) can make a difference. So you’d think it would mean we could all come together to restore world peace and get rid of racism, injustice, poverty, war and negativity of all kind? Nope, nope it does not. But at least we get a better version of a bad DC movie that came out in 2017. I mean, baby steps I guess.

Plot: Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes -- Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash -- it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

I recall my younger simpler self in 2017 at the early age of 20 soon to be 21, sitting down and watching the new Justice League film with zero to no expectations, as by that point the DC Extended Universe was a trainwreck and was a franchise that was literally falling apart before out unblinking red hay fever filled eyes. However, after watching Justice League I was baffled at the fact that I still managed to be disappointed after having zero expectations! With zero expectations this film took me into the minuses, and we all know I’m not great at mathematics so boy are we in the danger zone when we hit the minuses! Looking back at my review of the film back then, I used extreme yet fitting comments like “generic”, “predictable” “messy” and plain “dogsh*t”. Which is what it was. 2017′s Justice League is exactly how I’d imagine a dog’s poop would look if it was turned into an abstract film! It was truly abysmal. After that I thought I’d never have to talk about this film again. How wrong I was. But, in a rare turn of tables, I am glad that I was wrong...

A little history lesson first. Alright, settle down kids, settle down.... Rob, put the paper plane down, do not throw it, I said DON’T THROW IT! NO! Stop! Stupid child!! Headteacher’s office right now! Also, say hi to your mother for me, okay? I’m having brunch with her on Saturday and you better not be there as you should be doing your homework watching the 4 hour cut of Justice League and questioning your life choices!! Anyway, now let’s have ourselves a history lesson. The topic is - What In The Flying Fudge Happened Behind-The-Scenes Of Justice League For DUMMIES: Condensed Edition. A really condensed version as honestly none of us have the attention span to read loads and I’m probably losing the vast majority of you due to this overlong rambling session. So anyway, to the last couple of readers left, here we go! Following the success of Man of Steel, Warner Bros. gave Zack Snyder the reigns to oversee and create a DC cinematic universe to rival the success of Marvel. And so came Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, which turned out to be a bit of a hodgepodge, receiving mixed to negative reviews and though was a box office success, earned diminishing results to what Warner Bros. originally anticipated. However, by the time Batman V Superman released, Zack Snyder was already hard at work on the big superhero team up film Justice League (which was meant to set up many characters and future films for the DCEU) with a lot of filming already underway, so Warner Bros. couldn’t particularly pump the breaks on it by that point, even though they evidently lost trust in the Snyder formula. To be honest, at that point I too lost trust in Snyder’s vision and the DCEU as a whole, but my opinion doesn’t class for a single dime, whilst the opinions of Warner Bros. executives make millions, so there aren’t any hard feelings on my behalf for them not enquiring on my thoughts. Anyway, midway through production Zack Snyder was hit with a family tragedy with his daughter committing suicide, so Snyder naturally had to depart the project to be with his family during this grieving time. Warner Bros. had the option to pause production and await for Snyder’s return, or progress at their own accord. Naturally they decided to do their own thing cause they are a business and want that dollar dollar bill baby!! So they hired Joss Whedon who was riding fresh off the success of two Avengers movies and obviously had experience in cinematic universes and such, to rework the Justice League movie by condensing it into a 2 hour film (from the over 4 hour material that Snyder shot) and reshoot scenes to fit the smaller runtime. So you cannot particularly blame Whedon for taking out so many great scenes as he had a contract to fulfil with Warner Bros, but then you look at the many forced jokes and unnecessary reshot scenes and you realise how self-indulgent Joss Whedon was during filming, as he basically was spitting on everything Snyder did and was trying to do his own thing. Low and behold, the mess that is the 2017 movie is created, where its the visions and creative minds of two director with evidently different styles clashing and not really mixing well at all, and as such we have a messy movie that doesn’t really make sense and is a bit of a middle finger to DC fans and honestly everyone and all. Also, there was that little aspect of Henry Cavill’s deformed upper lip due to the fact that during reshoots he had a moustache that he’d grown and was contractually obligated to have for his Mission Impossible role, so the visual effects team had to digitally remove it in post production and the result is, well, see for yourself...

Yes, they made the dashing handsome my-sexuality-questioning Henry Cavill look stupid, and that is UNFORGIVABLE. Funny, yes, very funny but unforgivable!! So for this and many other reasons the 2017 film turned out horribly. Then after that many months later, Zack Snyder and cast and crew members began teasing of this mythical version of the movie that was befit of Snyder’s original vision. You see, apparently before he left the project, Snyder actually filmed everything he wanted and it was only awaiting to be reworked with visual effects and edited properly, but then Whedon came in with his scissors and cut everything mercilessly with a cheeky grin and his ginger beard. Speaking of his ginger beard, is Joss Whedon Irish? Or has Irish roots? Honestly, I would Google it, but wait, I don’t think I really care. So anyway, Snyder still had all of his filmed scenes saved on his ridiculously oversized hard drive just waiting to be looked at again. This is where the fandom did its magic by creating a Twitter hashtag #ReleaseTheSnyderCut and began spam posting for Warner Bros. to let Zack Snyder release what he originally intended to. Honestly, who would have thunk it, but this actually worked!! Warner Bros. allowed this, and not only that, but gave Snyder an additional $70 million to finish up the visual effects as well as to film a couple of additional sequences and gave it the prestigious honour to debut it on HBO Max, so as to boost the subscriber rating on Warner Bros. new streaming service. And here we are.

Honestly, I thought seeing this Director’s Cut of sorts wouldn’t bring much to the table as I didn’t believe that a film that was so broken had originally been in any way good. After finishing this 4 hour Snyder vision I must admit though that I was pleasantly surprised. Completely baffled by the studio and Joss Whedon, but really happy for Zack Snyder. The guy was fighting for it and finally was able to accomplish and bring out his true original vision, and though Zack Snyder’s Justice League has its flaws, its so much better than what we got in 2017, and in fact is a soaring science fiction sci-fi epic that literally feels epic!! It takes time establishing the characters and every single plot point as well as building out this rich mythology of this world of the DC Extended Universe, and so as you move into the second half of the film, there’s a feeling of pay off. You actually care about the characters and understand the plot points and it doesn’t feel rushed. Its truly astounding that there are producers out there who thought it was a good idea to get rid of all of that and instead bring out whatever the heck Joss Whedon did with the 2017 version. Look, I quite enjoy Joss Whedon’s work, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel to Cabin in the Woods and his work on Marvel, the guy obviously has a talent, but also he obviously does not belong to the dark and brooding style of DC. Zack Snyder on the other hand, though makes his mistakes, truly embraces the epic feel of the DC material. And it seems once you give Snyder enough time and space, he can actually bring out something like this:

The main characters are all given so much more to do, or at least those that got side-lined in the 2017 version are given more to do here. One of my complaints with the original was how pointless the League turns out to be. Basically in the theatrical version the main team all end up being useless and only once Superman shows up he saves everyone’s asses and literally does EVERYTHING. Might as well have called the film Man of Steel 2 (feat. Justice League). However in this new version, every main character serves a purpose. Well most of them do at least. Cyborg and Flash are much more compelling characters with more layers and backstory, and in fact are a prime reason to defeating the great evil in the end. You now understand why Cyborg actor Ray Fisher was pissed at Joss Whedon, as the guy literally got rid of his best stuff. Superman strikes a cool black suit and is still powerful, however as the finale shows, he isn’t all-powerful and does need the help of the rest of the team. Wonder Woman gets a lot more to do in this theatrical cut, and in fact this is probably Gal Gadot’s best performance as Wonder Woman and she really shows herself as a powerful female superhero! Aquaman’s role stays largely unchanged, however to be honest Jason Momoa’s character was one of the only ones who didn’t suffer in the theatrical cut. That’s unsurprising seeing as Jason Momoa is such a naturally cool dude! A big panda that is friendly in real life, but when necessary can turn into a roaring bear. To be honest, the only League member that ends up a bit pointless is actually Batman. He still serves a purpose in the film in that he’s the one who assembles the team, but otherwise the rest of the group is so overpowered compared to him that in the end you do kind of think that he doesn’t really belong there. Still, Ben Affleck is great in the role and it’s a shame we won’t see much of him past Flashpoint film that will be released in the next few years.

There are a lot of characters in this film and one can still say the movie is overstuffed, but also seeing as the movie was originally intended to spring board the DCEU properly, all these teases are actually welcome. There are an abundance of cameos, and to be honest so many characters are so well cast that you do end up wishing that Snyder was given the opportunity to make his entire Justice League planned trilogy, but nevertheless at least we have this. There are truly an abundance of cool appearances here, from the menacing villain Darkseid (played by Ray Porter) to Willem Dafoe doing what Dafoe does best, only in this case underwater and I’m certain that’s gonna span many comparison memes with The Lighthouse. Joe Morton as Cyborg’s dad is given a lot more to do here and in fact is pivotal towards building up Cyborg into the important character that he is. There’s also a cameo from Jared Leto’s Joker, who in some ways redeems himself after his appearance in Suicide Squad. Also, we need to talk about Steppenwolf, who’s the main baddie in this film. In the theatrical cut the guy was the most generic one-note villain who also looked like a PS2 character. It was honestly embarrassing the way he was animated. Luckily in this version he’s been put through enough Skyrim mods to looks much more intimidating and is also given a better motivation. As we find out, the reason he does what he does is because he wants to go home. He’s been banished and he simply wants to earn his place back home, so it’s actually kind of sweet. Steppenwolf is a sweetie. I mean, yeah, he wants to destroy half of the world to fulfil his dream, but hey, haven’t we all taken something extreme measures to get what we want?

The film is far from perfect though. At the end of the day, the movie is just about a guy hunting down a bunch of magical boxes. That was the premise of the theatrical cut and its the same here too. Yes, there is more substance and gravitas to the proceedings, but at the end of the day the story doesn’t really surprise much. And with the entire thing running at 4 hours, it is definitely too long and there is the element where there is simply too much in this thing. Also visually, though the movie has plenty of gorgeous shots and Zack Snyder’s signature slow motion sequences are on full display here, there are still many sequences where the CGI and green screen are super obvious and look really fake. That being said there’s still so much visual goodness in this, and also I have to mention Junkie XL’s new music score that does reiterate the epic feel of this movie, in comparison to Danny Elfman’s weak uninspiring notes in the theatrical cut.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a massive surprise and completely changes the perception of what we saw in the original 2017 theatrical cut. It’s a sprawling massive adventure that’s a dream come true for any comic book fan. It shows how vital film editing is, and how important it is to have a cohesive plan when making a movie. Gone too are the silly forced jokes, and though there is still some humour here, it feels more grounded and fit of the setting and scenario. This is Snyder’s vision through and through, and though at times it is clunky, it overall is incredible to behold, as it’s this one guy’s mind and his love for the DC lore. It’s a credible achievement, and I’m actually sentimentally happy for Snyder that he finally managed to complete this. He even during the credits dedicates this to his daughter Autumn that passed away, and I found that to be truly bittersweet. Justice has indeed been served.

Overall score: 7/10

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