#and I declare myself a god cut off my head so!

[prettywitchybabykitty]

all of the things that you love,

were lost when your hard drive was burst

all of the love for your child,

will end up in folders and files

[burntsaltsblog]

tw: death and blood

Chapter Eight

"Stay here," Butcher instructed sternly as he hastily pulled on his clothes and checked that his gun was fully loaded.

"No," I argued, rising from the bed to slip on my jeans that had been previously abandoned on the floor.

Butcher whipped around to face me, his brown eyes blazing. "Jo, I swear to god, if ya try to follow me, I will handcuff you to the bedpost."

"I'd like to see you try," I challenged, crossing my arms.

Butcher pinched the bridge of his nose before crossing the room in a few long strides and placing his hands on my shoulders.

"What did I tell ya earlier?" He shook me gently.

My brows creased in confusion. "Billy, what are you talking about?"

"Blimey, petal, what did I tell ya earlier? What did we talk about?"

"Uh, I don't know." I shook my head as I wracked my brain for Butcher's words from earlier that night. "Our future? The fucking house in the country? How you want me to have your babies-"

"Exactly," Butcher cut in, his voice earnest as he gazed at me intently. "Why, on God's greenest and bloodiest earth, would I send the future mother of my children into a possibly perilous situation?"

I opened and closed my mouth several times as I tried to summon different angles from which to dispute his point of view.

"No, love. You ain’t fightin’ this. Now, are ya gonna be a good girl and lock yourself in the bathroom, or am I gonna need to get out the cuffs and do this the hard way?"

I knew Butcher's threat was legitimate. Not too long ago, he’d nicked a pair of handcuffs off a cop and kept them should he need them in a hostage situation.

"Fine," I grumbled, having to restrain myself from giving him both middle fingers as I pivoted toward the bathroom.

"You'll be gettin’ a reward later, princess," Butcher declared as he followed me on my heels.

"Yeah, whatever." I glared as we stood on opposite sides of the bathroom threshold.

Butcher couldn't hide his amusement from my displeasure. "Dontcha pout, doll, or your mouth will stay like that," he teased, tracing my frown with his finger, but that only made it deepen as my eyes narrowed at him.

"Fuck off and find out what the noise was so I don't have to play stow away all day long," I snapped, shutting and locking the door in his face.

I could hear his continuous snickering on the other side of the wood as he exited the room, no doubt shutting the door behind him.

I paced the length of the small washroom, swearing at Butcher as I spoke to myself to pass the time. Who knew agreeing to be that British asshole's girlfriend meant that I'd be running from danger instead of embracing it head-on as I'd always done since joining The Boys.

There wasn't a clock in the bathroom, so I had no way of calculating how long Butcher had been gone. But after what felt like an eternity, I heard someone burst through the bedroom door as Butcher’s voice rang out, and his fist pounded on the bathroom door.

"Open up, doll. We gotta go!"

"What are you talking about? What's going on?" I panicked as I unlocked the door and swiftly swung it open.

"No time for a fuckin’ Q&A, sweetheart," Butcher said gruffly, taking me by the arm and hauling me back into the bedroom. "Pack your shite."

I watched in perplexity as Butcher yanked open his drawer of the white wood dresser and haphazardly bunched his clothes in his fists, hurling them into his duffel bag.

After tossing in his extra guns and a few hand grenades on top of his clothes, he zipped the bag shut before turning to look at me, surprised and clearly distressed due to the fact that I was just standing there, observing him and not packing like he had instructed me to do.

“Oi, what the hell are ya waitin’ for? The second comin’ of Christ? We’ve gotta get the fuck outta here.”

“I’m not moving a single muscle until you tell me why,” I asserted ardently.

Butcher breathed out a laborious breath before retrieving my bag from under the bed, opening up another drawer of the dresser—the one filled with all of my belongings, and dumping the entirety of its contents into my bag.

“We’ve been burned,” he informed me before striding into the bathroom, returning momentarily with our hygiene products, most of them being mine.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” I grabbed my moisturizer, toothpaste, and mouthwash from Butcher, taking over the packing process. “How could we have been burned again? We haven’t gone outside in weeks. I’ve barely even looked out the window.”

“How should I know?” Snapped Butcher, slamming both dresser drawers shut.

“Ok, Butcher, walk me through what happened down there. How do you know we’ve actually been burned again?”

Butcher marched the length of our room, making sure nothing was left behind before he faced me, looking somber.

“Ed’s dead.”

All the blood drained from my face as I looked at Butcher in shock.” What are you talking about?”

“I found him in his chair behind the front desk. His back was facin’ the door, so he didn’t know they was aimed at him.”

“That what was aimed at him?” I asked shakily, not entirely sure that I wanted to know the answer.

“The lasers.”

My stomach dropped, and I fought the bile that rose in my throat. “Do you think it was Homelander?”

“If It wasn't the blonde cunt, then it was somebody else with the same vile mutation.”

My breaths shortened as Butcher continued. “But I guess that our favorite bloody bimbo has found us, and that’s exactly why we have to get the fuck outta here.”

I nodded, wiping away a stray tear that cascaded down my face. I swung my bag over my shoulder, and Butcher quickly did the same. We walked towards the bedroom door before I stopped short, dread filling me. “Wait. How do we know the psycho isn’t still here?”

“I searched every room after I found Ed.”

I bit my lip as my nerves simmered just under my skin.

“That doesn’t mean he’s not here. We might find him levitating over the roof when we get outside,” I muttered as I threw open the door, but not before pulling out my pocket knife, freshly polished and sharpened for a fight.

“Well, that’s why we have these, aye?” Butcher referred to my knife and the gun that he held steadily in his hand.

“It’s not like they’ll do much damage.”

We shared an uneasy silence, but I was convinced it wasn’t because Butcher was purposefully ignoring me but more like he was purely focused on sweeping the hallway and eliminating the idea of a potential threat.

“Get behind me,” Butcher demanded.

“You’re the one who implied Homelander wasn’t even here anymore, so I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

“I don’t give a flyin’ fuck whether or not the stupid twat is here—you should still let me go first,” Butcher insisted as I beat him to the staircase, descending the single flight ahead of him.

I heard his displeased rumblings was about to make a snide comment to shut him up, but every snarky word I had died on my tongue when I caught sight of Ed behind his desk.

As Butcher had said, he was sitting down, facing away from the door, and the hole in his throat, courtesy of Homelander’s lasers, was evident.

“Come on, love. We got to go,” Butcher urged me impatiently, placing an arm around my shoulders as he tried to guide me out the door.

“We need to bury him,” I said, trying to walk over to Ed’s lifeless motionless body. But Butcher’s grip tightened, holding me back.

“No, sweetheart, we don’t got time. Homelander could be blowin’ this place to bits any moment.”

I finally struggled out of Butcher’s clutch and ran behind the front desk, walking around Ed’s chair until I was in front of him.

I shoved my knife in my back pocket and clenched my fists. My nails dug into the palms of my hands, and I welcomed the blood that trickled down my wrists. It was a much-needed distraction from the lifeless look in Ed’s eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

My voice was hoarse, but I forced the words out anyway.

“You were so kind to us. And this is how we repaid you.”

We weren’t the ones to sear a hole in his neck, but we had drawn Homelander here. So, as inadvertent as it was, we were still responsible, and the guilt was all-consuming, rocking me to my core.

I knelt on my knees, and I reached to grasp one of Ed’s hands. It was still warm.

“It’s all our fault, and I’m so sorry we weren’t here to protect you. Because that’s what you deserved. You deserved to have us take care of you after you spent so much of your time taking care of us.”

My shoulders shook, and I could no longer hold in the sobs that clawed their way out of my mouth. Boots thumped on the floor behind me before I felt Butcher's warm embrace as he lifted me to stand, murmuring in my ear.

“Hey, I’ve got ya. It’s ok, I’ve got ya.”

My legs felt unusually weak, and I was grateful Butcher was there. If it weren’t for him, I would’ve collapsed on the floor by now as grief and self-reproach infiltrated my body.

“I’m sorry, petal. I know you’re upset, but the longer we stay here, the longer we put our own lives at risk.”

With shaking hands, I wiped my tears and mumbled “Ok” so Butcher would know I’d heard him. But I had one more thing I had to do before we left. If we couldn’t bury him, I needed to make sure someone else would.

I stumbled to the desk behind Ed’ slumped form and reached for the small landline he’d kept there. I dialed 911, and put the phone to my ear, listening to the steady ring.

“What the bloody hell are ya doin’?” Butcher growled as he tried to wrench the phone from me.

I swatted his hand away and cleared my throat as someone answered.

“911. What is your emergency?”

I lowered my voice and prayed the person on the other end of the call was competent enough to catch everything I said as I quickly spoke.

“I need to report a death. 306, Webster Rd. Haverhill, New Hampshire.”

I pressed the End button, cutting off the connection, and avoided looking at both Ed and Butcher as I readjusted the bag on my shoulder and headed for the door.

“Let’s go.”

The late November air stung my face, and I felt Butcher’s all-encompassing presence right behind me, no doubt mentally cursing me for not allowing him the chance to venture outside first.

I retrieved my knife and held it firmly as my eyes raced over the side street on which the small bed and breakfast sat. The ground was coated in a thick layer of snow thanks to the blizzard from earlier in the evening, and there was a sense of peace that floated around this part of Haverfield. If only the other residents knew of the horror that had ensued inside this picturesque bed-and-breakfast.

After determining that no supes were lurking in the shadows, I inched down the narrow sidewalk, and that’s when my eyes landed on Butcher’s old Cadillac. To the naked eye, the vehicle looked untouched, but that wasn’t enough to convince me.

“Stay here,” Butcher barked, already passing me on his way to the car, not giving me a chance to rebuke his command.

I scowled, but it didn’t hinder my ability to be alert as I watched every single one of Butcher’s movements as he trudged through the dense snow.

With his gun at the ready, the safety lock having been already flicked off, Butcher peered through each window, circling the vehicle as if it was a ticking time bomb. But knowing Homelander, it very well could be.

Butcher pulled his keys from the pocket of his trench coat and unlocked his Cadillac before easing the door open. He ducked his head inside and then settled the rest of his body in the driver’s seat.

I was about to call out with the intention of warning him not to start the car, but I was too late, and the engine roared to life. The headlights blinded me, and I threw an arm over my face to protect my eyes.

“Come on then, love. We don’t got all night.”

Unsure, I tip-toed through the snow and reached the passenger side, hesitantly opening the door.

“Are you sure it’s safe?” I asked, untrusting of the vehicle that could’ve easily been tampered with.

“Yes, doll. M’sure.”

“But what if it explodes while we’re both inside? For all we know, Homelander could be behind a tree somewhere, waiting to press the button.”

Butcher opened his mouth to respond, but both of our attentions were pulled towards a siren that wailed in the distance.

“Marvelous, that’s the authorities.” Butcher groaned before rolling his eyes. “Look, love, unless you wanna be caught at the scene of a crime, then ya better climb in.”

I eyed Butcher as l gnawed on my lower lip, feeling the dry skin rip away.

“I promise you, it’s safe. I’d never put ya in harm’s way.”

I still wasn’t convinced, and my neck craned over the roof of the Cadillac as I caught sight of the unmistakable red of a police cruiser’s cherry.

“Fuck me,” Butcher swore, having enough of my reluctance, and tugged me into the car without a thought of my feelings.

“Butcher-“

“Shut your trap. I just saved us both from bein’ taken into custody for a murder that we didn’t commit.”

With some difficulty due to the road that had yet to be shoveled, Butcher put the car in reverse and backed out before turning the wheel and zooming forward down the street.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, they’re gonna pass us,” Butcher noted as the police car sped down the opposite side of the street.

I leaned forward, but Butcher placed a hand on my head, gruffly pushing me down.

“Oi, scoot your bum down, or else they’ll see ya.”

I whined in protest but didn’t fight him and stayed tucked down in the seat. The scarlet lights flashed aggressively, filling the otherwise dark Cadillac. The bright hue danced over Butcher’s face, but he stayed stoically staring forward, apart from when he glanced in the review mirror to watch the car as it was now behind us.

“They’re pullin’ into the Inn.”

“Good. They’ll take care of Ed.”

“That’s what you think. In reality, they’ll open an investigation for a murder they’ll never be able to solve.”

I furrowed my brows as I sat up straighter. “Well, what was I supposed to do, huh? Just leave him there to rot? He deserves better, and you know that. Besides, he mentioned having a great-niece who lives in Idaho, so this way, he’ll be laid to rest by family.”

Butcher sighed, shaking his head as he slammed his foot down on the gas, throwing me against the dashboard as we sped through a yellow light and entered one of the main roads in town.

“For fuck’s sake, put on your seatbelt,” Butcher scolded me, reaching across my body to draw the protective material across my chest.

“I can do it myself,” I complained, yanking the seatbelt from him and latching it at the bottom of my seat. “Where are we going anyway?”

“Wherever the highway takes us, doll.”

“How terribly specific of you.”

Butcher snorted, not bothering to use his turn signal as he turned onto the first highway entrance ramp he found. “We’re going to Canada, alright? The best thing to do right now is hide out with MM and Hughie.”

“Do you plan on whipping up some fake passports so we can get across the heavily secured border?” I asked skeptically.

“Actually, I already have ‘em right here.” Butcher patted the breast pocket of his earthy green Hawaiian shirt.

My face must have been full of surprise because Butcher chuckled, placing a hand on my thigh, squeezing gently. “You should start trustin’ Daddy more, love. He’ll always take care of his girl.”

I was about to spread my legs, inviting Butcher to move his hand up to a more desirable location, but then his phone rang, and he pulled his hand away to shove it into his pocket, quickly retrieving the device.

“Speak of the devil,” Butcher said before answering the phone. “MM, how lovely to hear from ya. As a matter of fact, we was gonna come visit-“

Butcher was cut off, and I didn’t miss his slight intake of air as he listened to MM chatter on the other end of the line.

“Fuckin’ hell.” Butcher swerved the vehicle, taking us over the small chunk of grass onto the other side of the freeway while the tires squeaked in protest.

“Butcher, I don’t think you’re supposed to do that,” I warned as we rocked back and forth, going over the soft terrain. One hand was braced against the window, and the other squeezed Butcher’s bicep, both in fear and anguish.

“Hold on to your tits, love,” Butcher announced as the car plopped down onto placement, and he ignored every speeding sign known to mankind, going close to 90 miles per hour.

“Yeah, ok,” Butcher said as he resumed his intense conversation with MM. “Yep, I agree. We’re headed there now. Oh, us? We’re fine. Cool as cucumbers we are.”

“Butcher, what’s going on?” I asked, worried. But he disregarded my question.

“Do whatever you have to do to get across the bloody border, aye? Nuke every single guard there is. All that matters is getting you and Hughie back to the city so we can finish this once and for all.”

With that, Butcher hung up and tossed his phone into the backseat.

“Billy, what the fuck is going on?” I asked again, with more urgency.

“Turns out, they’ve all been burned as well. Even Frenchie and Kimiko.”

Butcher’s voice rose as he cursed several times, hitting the steering wheel and making the car swerve into another lane.

I yelped as I grabbed the wheel myself to steady the car, my heart racing at Butcher’s outburst.

“Christ, I’m sorry, darlin’. M’sorry. Didn’t mean to lose me temper like that,” Butcher apologized, drastically slowing down until the Cadillac was going a reasonable 65 miles per hour.

“It’s fine,” I mumbled, peeling my hand off of the wheel as Butcher regained control of himself and the car.

Butcher’s eyes bounced between my face and the road ahead as he continued his apology, dwelling on his loss of temper. “I really didn’t mean to do it, doll.”

“Yeah, I know, I know.” I waved my hand dismissively.

I didn’t speak again until the feeling of Butcher staring at the side of my head became too much.

“Honestly, Butcher, it’s fine. I promise. Besides, it’s not like you’ve never gotten angry before.”

“But that’s just it,” Butcher replied, despair lacing his voice. “I don’t wanna get angry no more. I don’t wanna be known as some manky wanker who loses his shite at the drop of a hat or drowns his sorrows in whiskey.”

Butcher slowed the car even more so he could look at me.

“I wanna be someone who is deservin’ of you. When we go out together, I don’t want ya to be ashamed to be seen with me.”

“Butcher, where is all of this coming from?” I inquired, concerned as I shuffled in my seat to better look at him. “Why on earth would you ever think I’d be ashamed for people to see us together?”

When Butcher didn’t respond and instead plastered his eyes on the yellow and white lines ahead, I resumed talking in an effort to convince him of his delusions.

“Butcher, I love you, ok? I would be proud to be seen with you. In fact, all I want is to go out with you and watch every girl as they glare at me with jealousy because they know you’re mine.”

Butcher kept up his silence, but I didn’t blame him. He wasn’t very good with expressing his emotions, and after everything he’d shared with me lately, including in this conversation, I knew he had reached his limit on disclosing his feelings.

But in his own way of accepting my declaration, he placed his hand back on my leg, and I placed my hand over his, running across the prominent veins that I loved so much.

I turned on the radio, and the speakers roared to life— producing a song that felt a little too relatable at the moment: Living on a Prayer by Jon Bon Jovi.

The irony was too intense, and I was thankful when the melody changed, transitioning into Piano Man by Billy Joel. A smile crossed my face as the familiar sound of the harmonica filled the air, reminding me of my closest friend, Hughie.

It felt like an eternity since I last saw him, and I was anxious to end the streak. I desperately needed someone to talk to about everything, and Hughie was always so willing to listen and offer advice that he hoped was helpful.

“So, where exactly in the city are we meeting?” I ventured, hoping to get a little bit of information about our destination.

“Don’t know yet, but MM said that since Frenchie is the closest, he’ll be the one to scope some places out.”

I made a simple noise of acknowledgment before focusing on Billy Joel’s voice as I leaned my head against the headrest, staring at the dark pavement that was illuminated by Butcher’s headlights.

According to my phone, it was almost three in the morning, and I couldn’t ignore the intense Deja vu I felt. It was only a few weeks ago that Butcher and I had jumped in the car and headed to an unknown location in the middle of the night.

“Everythin’ will be ok,” Butcher pledged quietly.

“I know.”

I let my eyes shut, falling into a light sleep as the wind blew outside the window, and I hoped that whatever safe house Frenchie found this time wasn’t below a pawn shop.

₊ . ⋆ ⁺ ݃ ⁺ ⋆ . ₊ ₊ . ⋆ ⁺ ݃ ⁺ ⋆ . ₊ ₊ . ⋆ ⁺ ݃ ⁺ ⋆ . ₊ ₊ . ⋆ ⁺ ݃ ⁺ ⋆ . ₊ ₊ . ⋆ ⁺ ݃ ⁺ ⋆ . ₊

tag list: @weallhaveadestiny @im-nowhere-but-also-somewhere @mandossillyriduur @bluemerakis @karlurbanism @vavafaure1994

comment to be added to the rag list!🖤

abandoned masterlist

[chronicsyd]

so I WAS going to post another long winded rant about Disney's Wish (I'll post that later) but Arcane decided to post another 30 second Teaser for us; and announcing the Trailer (yes, FULL Trailer AHHH! *ahem* sorry) is going to be releasing on September 5th! But let's get into what they showed us in this little teaser shall we? (go check out the teaser first it's only like 30 seconds and as usual, leaks will be blocked and deleted)

With this one frame they've already showed us several things. they've confirmed everything that was talked about Vi at the Annecy festival (some people were kinda skeptical if this was something that was legitimate for a while, myself included), and they've confirmed for me that Vi and Caitlyn are going their own ways at the beginning of the season (for a little while, at least). Vi tries to figure herself out in Zaun while Caitlyn's still an Enforcer up in Piltover. They also seem to be confirming the idea that there's some kind of time skip happening in s2 (not as large as s1 but there's something). And why I believe this is because Jinx is being painted in the same light as Vander, as someone that's respected in Zaun. People have already started rallying behind her at this point in the story.

Now, the bigger meat of the teaser:

I put Caitlyn and Jinx side by side for a couple reasons. Not only are these two taking on more of a leadership role this season, they're enforcing the idea that these two are the two sides of the same coin they hinted at in season 1 (they just both seem to be heading in the opposite direction the other was in season 1, if that makes sense), but they both have a figure explaining to them what they need to do for the better of Zaun/Piltover: Ambessa and Sevika. However, each of these characters are being told different things. Ambessa is a War general, she believes that in restoring peace Caitlyn needs to declare Martial Law aka military government and it seems that Caitlyn not only does this but she allies herself with Ambessa and Noxus in order to do this. On the other hand, Sevika's explaining to Jinx that she's the one that can rally Zaun together (and it seems that Ekko might actually be joining her on this). Because under both Vander and Silco there were still people opposed to how the Undercity was run (Under Vander, he was playing it safe with Piltover but Piltover was treating the Undercity badly but under Silco he was a kingpin and several people were still suffering under the effects of Shimmer and the only reason the Enforcers weren't as hostile because of Silco's allyship with Marcus, until Jinx steals the gemstone and Piltover retaliates). But with Zaun actually being at war with Piltover now, Jinx needs to be seen as a symbol for Zaun for people to rally behind, because to them Topside is the bigger enemy.

(I just had to add this pic of Sevika because like God Damn she looks so attractive here like step on me! *ahem* sorry, had a bit of gay panic there...moving on...)

Now, I'm going to hold off on giving my overall thoughts until the full trailer drops in a couple of days. just so that I can gather some more thoughts about where season 2 is going as a whole and when I'm given some more information to glean from, granted I'm SURE that the trailer won't give us any clear cut information because Arcane is great at that.

Oh one last thing:

Jinx's poster in for S2 has her being strangled by Vi's gauntlet, and Jinx is faced upsidown (with the caption "Time to turn things upsidedown") which i presume is just how different everyone/everything is going to be different compared to the last season. but i do wonder What Happens between Vi and Jinx that gets them like this? Because there Has to be a scene between the two that ends badly (probably before we see Vi with her black hair and leather, because in the earlier pic i showed Vi's already seeing Jinx pained alongside Vander)

ok NOW I'm done.

Anyways, I'll post again in the next couple of days when the trailer comes out. Bye!

[strawbeaniie]

⛧ SELFSHIPTOBER 2024 Day 1 Confession

( > v <)b Excited for the chance to go all in with some of my selfships this month !! Under the cut, is the original fic I wrote a while back that inspired the image!

"I'll go out with you," the statement was a simple one, one that shouldn't have taken too much to register. As clear as a sunny day in the human realm.

Solomon can't quite wrap his head around it though. Maybe it was the laugh that accompanied Emeri's statement that made his train of thought fuzzier. Or the way it seemed like the half-demon before him was making the statement without batting an eyelash. Never in a million years would he ask Emeri out, not to say he wasn't interested.

He was interested.

Very interested.

He just figured... Emeri would never feel the same way. Yet here Emeri was, disproving everything with a single sentence.

“You look even more caught off guard than I do,” the half-demon noted with another giggle, a faint blush settling on his cheeks.

“Sorry, was my answer too bold?” Emeri asked, scratching the back of his neck. “Or….I completely misunderstood what you were saying and made myself look… really fucking stupid.”

“I… I didn’t think you’d accept?” Solomon blurted out hastily. He couldn’t have Emeri back down now. The opportunity might not ever arise again. Sure, this wasn’t the direction Solomon expected when asking Emeri to protect the human realm as partners… but he wasn’t going to let it slip his fingers now.

“I didn’t think I’d accept either,” Emeri admitted, cringing at the way the words sounded coming out of his mouth.

“Shit…! I just meant… I didn’t think you’d ask me out?” “I always imagined I’d be the one confessing to you. Granted…” Emeri furrowed his eyebrows for a moment. How would he have asked Solomon out? Someone with so much experience… He shook his head.

“The point is… I do really want to go out with you.” He confessed scratching his cheek lightly.

“Does this mean you might consider moving back to Purgatory Hall with me again?” Solomon teased a grin gracing his lips. “Or do you think Reina would kill me for stealing you away again?.” He questioned with a chuckle.

“Some people would consider that moving too quickly into a relationship,” Emeri countered playfully nudging the wizard's shoulder.

“Don’t be like that Emi,” Solomon said with a pout, “We’ve lived together in Purgatory Hall before...and the Human Realm. If I remember correctly you’re the one who approached me both times,” Solomon said, tapping Emeri’s nose causing the shorter of the two to snort.

“You would use that against me?” Emeri exaggerated putting his hand on his chest. “Y...You’re important to me just in case that wasn’t clear.”

“You did just accept me asking you out,” Solomon responded, “I think you might be a little bit into me but the clarification helps.”

Emeri stuck his tongue out in response, earning another snort from Solomon. “Here, I’ll make it up to you,” The sorcerer guaranteed, stretching his arms out.

Tilting his head in confusion, Emeri reached for Solomon’s hands. Taking the sorcerer's hands carefully into his own, Emeri gave them a gentle squeeze.

“Emeri..” The sorcerer said trying to hold back his laughter.

“Yeah, Sol?” Emeri questioned with a tilt of his head.

“I was trying to hug you, silly,” Solomon explained, watching Emeri’s expression change. From the realization subtly hitting, to the way his eyes widened and how red Emeri’s face got. Only to try to hide his expression behind his hands.

“Oh my god I flopped our post confession,” Emeri groaned, muffled from his hands.

“That’s the nature of boyfriends I think,” Solomon offered simply.

“Holy shit we’re boyfriends,” Emeri declared in awe, removing his hands from his face. “We’re dating. You like me!”

“Yeah, you like me back. You accepted my feelings. We are in fact boyfriends,” Solomon said fondly.

[theostrophywife]

Can you do for 6,13,16 plzzzz 😩 I’m begging 🙏 🥺

obsession.

a/n: more of az because we're all horny on main for him. warning: smut under the cut.

Azriel loved staking his claim on you.

You often teased him about his possessiveness, but any playful remark you might've had in your arsenal died in your throat as he pressed you against the glass inside one of the private rooms at Rita's. The window was a two-way mirror, which meant that you could see everything happening within the pleasure hall while you and Azriel remained hidden to the crowd beyond.

The back of your head fell slack against the glass as Azriel fists the hem of your scarlet dress in his hands, using the fabric to coax you down onto his length as he watches his cock disappear into your pretty little pussy. You've really gotten him worked up tonight in this tight, form fitting dress that hugged every curve of your body. The fabric showed off your generous cleavage at just the right amount and Azriel hasn't been able to think about anything but burying his face in your tits since the minute you walked into the pleasure hall.

The shadowsinger wasn't the only one who'd noticed and he clocked the attention that your dress garnered throughout the night. He couldn't blame them. Azriel didn't have a problem with males staring at you as long as they kept their hands to themselves. You were his mate—his to ravish, devour, worship and that's exactly what he was doing now.

"Only I get to touch you like this," Azriel declares, cupping your ass as he fucked you from behind. Your hands braced against the glass, barely containing your moans from the sheer pleasure that your mate was eliciting out of you.

There was something so depraved about having sex with your mate while a crowd of unsuspecting patrons danced and drank on the other side of the glass, but you loved every second of it. The possibility of getting caught made this so much hotter.

"You're getting off on this, aren't you bunny?" Azriel says with a dark chuckle. "Tell me angel, does it turn you on to know that I couldn't even fucking wait until we got home to bury myself in your sweet cunt? That the sight of you in this dress aroused me so much that I dragged you in here for a taste, not giving a single damn that our friends are just on the other side of the wall?"

He wrapped his hand around your throat, his teeth grazing the shell of your ear while he kept thrusting in and out of you. "I don't fucking care," you managed to choke out. "We could be out on that dance floor and I'd still beg you to fuck me."

Azriel's hips stuttered behind you as he cursed. "Fuck baby, you're a godsdamned dream." He tilted your chin up towards him before parting your lips with his tongue. "I'm so fucking obsessed with you, bunny."

"I am too. You're perfect, Az. Gods, I love you."

The shadoswinger groaned, shifting you over to the table as he kissed the back of your neck. "I love you too, angel."

You murmured in appreciation, bracing your hands against the rickety table. It squeaked underneath your combined weight and you giggled as Azriel struggled to hold onto the wood to keep it from making such loud noises. His forearms came down to your sides and kept you in place, making sure to support you as he hoists you up.

"For your safety, I'll be gentle," he states with a cheeky grin. "But just know that I don't plan on holding back when we get home. I'll give it to you hard and rough, just like my bunny likes it."

"Have I mentioned how much I love you?" you teased as Azriel smirked. He flipped you on your back, caging you in with his forearms as he thrust at a steady pace.

"Once or twice," he says with a grin, shielding the top of your head from hitting the glass.

Azriel's hips rutted against yours, his cock driving deep within your walls and hitting that sweet spot that had you moaning his name. Your mate clamped a hand down over your mouth, silencing the vocal praise falling from your lips as he pulled out and slammed back in again. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head in pleasure, tears streaking down your cheeks as your nails raked across Azriel's back. He groaned, loving the mixture of pain and pleasure.

There was nothing he loved more in this world than pleasing his mate. Azriel considered himself lucky to have found his match in you. He never expected a partner who had a sex drive that rivaled his own, but whether you were having sweet or kinky sex, neither of you seemed to get enough of one another. The shadowsinger knew your body like his own, knew which buttons to press to make you sing, knew when to give and take to make the experience that much better for you and you fucking loved him for it.

"Oh gods, Az—"

Azriel flicked his thumb over your clit and kissed you, smiling all the while as he swallowed your moans. "You're so cute when I make a mess of you, bunny."

[seokmthw]

a little jealousy | kim jiwoong

⇢ pairing: jiwoong x reader

⇢ warnings: angst, insecure!reader, a smidge of fluff at the end

⇢ word count: 1.1k

prompt #27 "so why are you avoiding me?"

⇢ note: i have been in an awful jiwoong brainrot lately and saw this request in my inbox, so i knew i had to do it. i know one of the more recent-ish things i've posted was for jiwoong, but i just couldn't help myself lol. enjoy!

JOIN MY TAGLIST!

god, were you stupid?

this was the nth time you’d gotten jealous over one of jiwoong’s co-stars, and it surely wouldn’t be the last. you knew it was part of his job to kiss her, you knew it was part of a script, but you couldn’t help but read into this time. the way he was a little more touchy feely with her for your taste was enough to send your mind reeling, causing you to overanalyze every single little interaction they had, because what if your gut feeling was right? she was absolutely stunning and could easily score someone like jiwoong.

your head was spinning; were you not good enough? was he starting to fall out of love with you? did you need to do something else to make his feelings for you reignite? to say that you were feeling a little insecure was an understatement. you felt silly even considering something so absurd, yet here you were, fully prepared for him to dump you within the next couple of days so he could be with her instead.

you tried your best not to let it get to you, really you did. but going home with him that night felt different, almost as if he wasn’t enjoying your presence all that much. maybe it was because his face slightly fell when he came off set to be excitedly greeted by you, or how he didn’t rest his hand on your thigh the entire drive home like he always did. somehow, you managed to keep yourself together, but the moment he declared he wanted to retire to bed early and didn’t shower with you, something snapped, and you were sliding down the back of the bathroom door choking on your sobs so he didn’t hear you. 

instead of immediately crawling into bed with him after your shower, you decided to pad out onto your balcony, plopping down onto one of the plush chair cushions as the crisp air of the night sent a shiver racing down your spine since your hair was still damp. you fixed your gaze on the glittering stars in the sky, a single tear slipping down your face as you thought back to the night’s events. your shoulders slumped, and you curled your legs up into your body as you wiped at the tears that were not flowing freely. 

you didn’t hear the glass door gently sliding open and had no idea that jiwoong had come to see where you were, worried you’d left the apartment without informing him at all, until he made his presence known by quietly saying, “y/n?”

you sniffled softly, wiping the rest of your tears before finally glancing up at him, “hm?”

“what’s wrong, baby?”

“oh, so now you want to ask that?” you scoffed, “took you long enough to even notice something was wrong.”

jiwoong’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, the confusion on his face hard to miss as he was finally able to muster up his sentence, “what are you talking about? i noticed something was up the moment i was done filming today.”

“so why have been avoiding me?” you challenged, your voice firm, “you know, since apparently you’ve known something was wrong this whole time?”

“i just figured you wanted some space, is all. i decided to come out here now so i could talk with you and see what was bothering you,” he attempted to explain, but you just shook your head at him, “y/n, i really don’t understand what’s going o-”

“do you have feelings for her?” you cut him off. 

jiwoong blinked at you, trying his hardest to register what you just said, “what?”

you rose to your feet now, starting to pace within your little bubble. you knew this was probably going overboard, but you just needed to know so you could prepare your heart for whatever was to come in the future, “do you have feelings for your co-star?”

“absolutely not,” was his immediate answer. you felt relieve wash over you for a moment, only for it to be replaced with panic the moment jiwoong opened his mouth again, his brows furrowed and a look of betrayal evident on his face, “i’m hurt that you would even so much as accuse me of such a thing. i have been nothing but good to you.”

“jiwoong, i need you to understand it from my point of view, please,” you begged, taking a couple of steps toward him, hands outstretched in a futile attempt to grab his, “you were just so handsy with her, and then afterward when i felt like you were avoiding me, it just put a little bit pf doubt in my mind.”

he yanked his hands from your grasp, the frustration with you fully settling in by now, especially as he barked, “it’s called acting, y/n! maybe you should give it a try sometime, yeah?”

tears burned at the corner of your eyes, threatening to fall at any given moment. it was rare for jiwoong to ever raise his voice at you, so you honestly never knew how to handle it when it did occur. it took a lot for him to get angry enough to resort to something like this, so you were feeling awful about yourself. your voice cracked as you answered him, “you don’t have to be so aggressive.”

“i’m being aggressive? you’re the one who barely said a word to me when we left the set. you’re the one who accused me of having feelings for someone i barely speak to when you know damn well that i love you. do you know how badly that hurts?” it was jiwoong’s turn to shed a few tears, his posture rigid and any attempt you made to touch him being rejected almost immediately. guilt flooded your entire body as you processed his words.

he was right, and you knew it. 

“i’m sorry,” you whispered, feeling yourself relax at the way his eyes softened upon hearing your words, “i really am. i was just feeling a little insecure and i shouldn’t have assumed something more was going on.”

“oh baby, come here,” he stretched his arms out, allowing you to fully melt into him as he secured his arms around your shoulders and planted a sweet kiss on your forehead. he sighed, “i’m sorry, too. i shouldn’t have gotten so into my own head and i should have listened to you instead.”

the two of you stood like that for a while, the chill of the air unable to be felt because of the warmth radiating off of jiwoong. the delicate chirps of the crickets and the distant calls of the owls was the only thing able to be heard other than his heartbeat, and you felt more content now than you did earlier.

you knew as long as you had jiwoong, everything would be okay.

[shannaraisles]

Still Yours - for @50sjello

For @50sjello, who has been incredibly patient - this has been sitting in my finished folder for almost a month, due to various of my own issues, but finally, here it is! Thank you so much, lovely!

Still Yours

The mood in the camp was ... awkward this morning, to say the least. It isn’t every night you wake up flooded with physical ecstasy, only to discover it isn’t actually yours, and you’re feeling it secondhand from the nominal leader of your group as they couple with a mindflayer in their shared dreamscape. Sylvana was fairly sure none of the party was ever going to look at them the same way again. 

“Well, that was quite the wet dream we all shared last night, wasn’t it?” Astarion declared in a surprisingly innocent display of avuncular good humour. “I do hope it doesn’t become a regular thing. I prefer my intimacies ... intimate.”

The look that flickered in the direction of a certain purple tent spoke volumes of both judgement and unexpected concern, underscored by the faintest hint of a smirking smile as Karlach took up the theme.

“Gods, I never want to look at another octopus ever again,” she said, shuddering as her flames intensified for a moment. “That was ... no. Nope, I am not thinking about it.”

“It was a very stimulating evening,” Shadowheart interjected, straightening from her morning stretch. “Who would have thought the Emperor would have such creativity when it came to such an unconventional coupling?”

Face flaming red, Sylvana focused on fastening their bedroll, trying to ignore the spirited debate now being undertaken by three members of their party, all of whom were dying in equally creative ways in the secret, hidden pathways of their mind. A prickle of fur brushed their calf, drawing their attention to the sharp eyes of a tressym standing entirely too close for comfort. Nothing can judge you for decisions made in the heat of the moment quite like a feline with a bone to pick. 

“Good night, was it?” Tara asked, and Sylvana only just suppressed the flinch at the ice in the tressym’s tone. 

The young rogue steeled themselves, setting down the bedroll to turn and face the closest thing to a mother Gale of Waterdeep had handy. Tara’s yellow eyes were hard in the morning stillness, more than a little resentment stirring within the magical feline for the harm done to her young Mr Dekarios in the night. Sylvana swallowed, taking a moment to clear their thoughts and their throat before addressing the acid remark.

“I know I have made a terrible mistake,” they informed Tara. “I know it’s worse because everyone is aware of it. But the shockwaves of that mistake are between myself and Gale, and while I appreciate that you love him and want only to protect him, he is a grown man and we should be able to discuss this like adults, without others inserting themselves into our dynamic.”

The tressym considered them for an excruciating moment, that sharpness in that gaze almost enough to draw blood. Then she ruffled her feathers, her tail rippling from straight to just slightly curved.

“Then I suggest you begin this adult discussion of yours,” she said primly. “Mr Dekarios is a great man, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he is a teenaged nightmare with all the social skills of an erotically charged goblin. Good luck to you.”

Even as Sylvana raised their brows at this rather brutal description of the man they loved, the two of them heard a choked objection abruptly cut off from within the tent. Ah. Well, that made sense of Tara’s comment on his emotional maturity in this matter. Apparently hiding in his tent and listening to everyone else was Gale’s idea of dealing with this. Sylvana could not entirely blame him. He must have decided he was being set aside yet again by the beloved of his heart, something he had still not truly come to terms with when it came to Mystra. 

With Tara flicking her tail and heading toward the campfire to ply her wiles on Wyll for breakfast, Sylvana straightened their shoulders and ducked through the thick purple fabric. Their eyes found Gale near instantly, stumbling back from the curtain they had just stepped through as though he had not expected them to make their entrance so soon after speaking with Tara. His eyes were red, betraying tears he would no doubt be horrified to know were so easily discerned in his weary face; his gaze pinned to Sylvana’s face with wide-eyed trepidation. 

Yet before Sylvana could so much as open their mouth, he held up a hand to still any words that might be said. 

“If this is to be the end of us, then land the blade sharply, I beg you,” he said, each word ringing with a certainty that could only have come from practice since he had woken. “No excuses, no softening of the blow. Tell me, once and for all, if this truly is the end of the love I have come to trust so wholly since we met.”

Sylvana narrowed their eyes slightly at these last words, not particularly liking the attempt at emotional manipulation but understanding that, as Tara said, he was emotionally an angsty teenager still. 

“It’s the last thing I want, Gale,” they said, voice trembling just a little now they were faced with the consequences of their curious interlude the night before. “But if we are to continue, we need to talk about what happened last night.”

“You chose to betray my trust with a mindflayer,” he snapped. “In a way that broadcast my humiliation to the entire camp, to these people who have become our - my - friends. People who know my history have seen me cast aside a second time, for what? For sport?” His gaze hardened as he stared at her, brows furrowing in pain. “Tell me it meant nothing.”

“I can’t do that.”

The answer was honest. And in all honesty, they could not blame him for the faint cry of misery that left his lips, the way his knees seemed to buckle and toss him down upon the makeshift bed he had not yet packed away. Sylvana forced themselves to step closer, to crouch, to kneel at his side, not daring to offer a touch in consolation. They only had words, but it was a language that this man certainly understood. 

“Let me tell you why,” they said, each word soft but firm in the pain-filled silence of the tent. “And when I am done, if you still wish nothing more to do with me, then I will accept that. I have wronged you, but not with malicious intent.”

Knees drawn to his chest, hands clasped and twisting anxiously together, Gale drew in a staggered breath, seeming to force away fresh tears as he nodded. Whatever else happened now, he needed to know. Taking the invitation, Sylvana twisted themselves to sit beside him on the padded bedroll, staring at the star-filled constellation of Mystra they had never once asked him to remove from his sleeping place. 

“I don’t know everything about you,” they began, careful to keep their tone light, conversational. No blame or implication of guilt; nothing to provoke an emotional reaction from him. “I don’t know every fleeting thought that pulses through your mind; every impulse you restrain, every judgement you make on those we pass by or interact with. I only see what you choose to show me, and I love every part of that man, even the parts you are perhaps ashamed of.”

They felt him shudder beside them, felt the unspoken acknowledgement that no mortal truly knew another in the way they were describing. Felt the realisation of where this was going even before they continued to explain. 

“The Emperor knows everything about me,” they told him. “All of it. Not just what I choose to show, but everything I intentionally hide. Every unkind thought, every urge toward pain and destruction, everything that I know would sour the affection of the people I love toward me ... it knows all of it. Can you truly blame me for doing as I did, at a moment when I felt seen in a way no one has ever seen me before? For just those few moments, I could finally understand why you remain so devoted, so loyal, so tender toward Mystra. She knows you, the way he knows me. And yes, perhaps I wanted to even the score in that regard. Perhaps I knew it would hurt you, the way it hurts me each time you say her name with such fondness. The way it hurts to have to see her celestial face each time I come to you in privacy. But am I so unforgivable?”

There was a long silence, still wracked with pain but now peppered with understanding, the words he loved and needed so much guiding him down the path to truly understanding the why of what had gone before. 

“It felt ... clinical, to me,” he said finally, his tone calm, almost detached. “I could feel your curiosity, your physical pleasure. Where was your heart, Sylvana?”

“In your hands. Always.”

They felt him suck in a breath, a sudden change in the turmoil radiating from him softening to their words as this commitment was made. A moment later, his fingers found theirs, hesitant but warm, daring to cross the divide between them. 

“Had it been me in your place,” he said, each word tremulous but firm, “I do not think I could have gone through with it. Not that the temptation would not have been great, but ... I have been set aside by those I adore too often to willingly do it to another. To you.”

For the first time since waking, Sylvana felt the shard of pain they had been holding at bay slice deep. They knew this, of course they did. Some things could not be retracted or forgotten. But perhaps they could be forgiven?

Gale’s fingers tightened about theirs, drawing their palm to rest over his heart. 

“My heart is yours,” he said, whispering painfully into the stillness. “Still yours. Always yours.”

Sylvana tilted their head toward him, finally finding his eyes on them with the by now familiar adoration back where it had always been. An adoration that was now just a touch guarded, but still there.

“Can we come back from this?” they asked, eyes burning with the urge for tears they did not feel they had earned the right to shed. “Can you forgive me my weakness?”

His brow pressed to theirs, and they shuddered together, each one fighting back those tears, knowing that such a display here and now would do neither of them any good. Hands gripped hands, breath mingled in staggering gusts, both wizard and rogue breathing together to eradicate the harsh reality of their painful morning. 

“If you can forgive me for mine,” Gale said finally, lifting his eyes to theirs. “I have held onto the memory of her affection when I should have given you all of my focus. I swear this to you, my beloved heart, I will let her go. And when the time comes that the Emperor has no further need of us, I will stand by your side as you let him go.”

The relief was palpable - audible, even, as they heard Astarion suddenly declare that the fun he had been expecting wasn’t even going to start now. Sylvana let out a rueful laugh, joined by a wry chuckle from Gale as they wrapped themselves in each other’s arms, squeezing close to chase away the last of the uncertainty the morning had wrought.

“As long as you are mine, I could face anything at your side,” Gale murmured, at last pressing a tender kiss to his lips. 

“I’m yours,” was their answer, heartfelt and unshakeable. “I’m still yours.”

[amplifyme]

Sandor in the tub...

"Sansa," he calls out a few minutes later. "Come here, girl." Before long she is poking her head around the edge of the screen, eyes politely averted – a courtesy he finds amusing, considering the circumstances. "Have you ever shaved a man?"

"No," she tells him. "I've seen it done but have never attempted it."

"More's the pity," he grumbles, "I've no wish to be your first and end up bloodied for want of a shave. Can you trim a beard, at least?" She agrees to meet his eye and nods. "Pull up that stool, then, and do what you can."

She is soon perched at the side of the tub and wielding scissors. He lifts his arms from the water and drapes them over the tub's edge and she freezes. "Your arm. What's happened to it?"

He lifts and studies it, the scars still pink with new some two years after the fact. "It's a burn," he tells her, though he thinks it should be obvious.

She clucks her tongue. "I can see that. But how did it happen? It's not from Gregor."

"No. This was a gift from a lightning lord and his bloody god of fire." Seeing the question on her face, he shrugs it off. "A story for another time, bird."

She gets to work with the scissors, thumbing his chin to turn his face toward her as she combs through his beard with her fingers and snips at it, casting appraising eyes at her handiwork. Meanwhile he watches her, and their gazes lock for brief moments before she'll look away again. Finally she sets the scissors aside and folds her hands in her lap.

He scrubs his hand over his cheek and jaw. She's trimmed it short and close to his face. "How do I look?"

She moistens her lips. "Like a Northman."

"Half of one, anyway. Not much to be done for the other side."

She looks at him for a long time then, and he has the sense that she is collecting herself to do something. His hunch proves true when her eyes begin wandering across his arms and shoulders and then to his chest, exposed above the dingy water. He is not a vain man by any measure, but he knows he's strong and that his body is not unpleasant to look upon, despite the horror of his face. And so he accepts her silent consideration and waits for whatever may come.

Soon she is peering up at him, declaring, "You're quite hairy."

He shouts in laughter and then breaks into a verse of The Bear and the Maiden Fair, and she laughs along with him and joins her voice with his for the last few lines.

I called for a knight!

But you're a bear!

A bear! A bear,

All black and brown,

And covered in hair!

Their laughter fades and she goes back to her study, but this time hesitantly reaching to lay her hand on his unburnt arm. "You have so many scars," she whispers, tracing the closest and most notable with a fingertip. "So many. Do you remember where they all came from?"

"No. I stopped keeping count a long time ago."

"I remember every one of mine. I used to worry so, when I was young and would fall and scrape my knee or accidentally cut my finger. I didn't want to have scars. I thought they were ugly and no true lady would have them. But then I left Winterfell and found myself in a place that scarred me far more deeply than any blade might. Those are the ones that can't be seen. You have them too."

She dips a cupped hand in the water, brings it to his shoulder and empties it there. Her hand follows the water down, smoothing over the flat pad of muscle that covers his breast and then draws it back up. She fingers the scars along his chest, leaning in to follow one that begins above his heart and trails off beneath his arm and down his ribs.

He shivers at her touch, light enough that it is both tickle and caress, and follows the graceful line of her arm to the open neck of her gown. He watches the rhythmic pulse of blood beneath the skin and his memories of his small tastes of her flood his mind and begin racing through his veins. He can feel himself growing hard, a perfect and primal dichotomy to the softness of her hand against his skin.

"I have other scars too, now," she is murmuring as she pets him. "There are those on my thighs and back, no more than welts really, from Joffrey's games." He flinches, blinking hard, but she does not seem to notice, lost in her own thoughts. She looks sad and yet wears a faint smile as she talks, and he knows what it is to feel both emotions at once. "And more I've gained along the way. They are not ugly, as I had once thought; they are simply reminders of where we have been and what we have endured. And some of them," she reaches and cups his face with both hands, "some of them can even become beautiful, to eyes that know how to look."

A dozen things spring to his mind to say to her but only one comes out, ragged and low. "Why are you crying, little bird?"

These Scars We Wear - Chapter 19

[cannibaleather]

Damn you know they really weren't lying it is worth taking the chance and shaving all your hair off/doing something equally noticeably harsh with your appearance. I wasn't originally trying to, i was going for a different style but i'm still early days at learning how to cut my own hair and scissors are a nightmare in the mirror (how do you co-ordinate your hands mirrored???? i cant do it fucking un-mirrored???), so when i fucked up i just took the number 4 shaver head and buzzed it all off and like. I felt the fear right before doing it of 'oh my god people are going to see me like this. people are going to comment on it', i felt 20 years of thoughts people have implanted in my head of how i have to look, of the pressure of femininity and ideals i never ever wanted to partake in and yet still feel shackled by even now as a man.

But then i did it and it took under 30 seconds to have it all gone, no going back, and it looked fine. It looked good! And it felt good! It's not the style i was going for but what it is is a declaration more than anything; it runs completely against all that horrible intrusive self hatred and self policing, it runs against the expectations of the world around me, it feels like making a more concrete statement of my manhood than i have done before. I've had my hair short for years, but shaved OFF feels so much more drastically masculine in the eyes of the cishet world around me. It makes me more noticeably different.

I was so braced too for comments but the people in my life told me i look good, even people who'd been too nervous previously to shave my head for me. I know as well that i can get the style i originally wanted way easier now by just controlling which parts of this grow out, i get to have my hair grow out like my siblings got to as kids, the way i always wanted to; shaved down to nothing and slowly built up into a style. I look good because i did something I've been too afraid to do, i look good because i let myself be confident in a choice for once. It's so easy to spend so much time softening a version of yourself down to be more palatable to others, picking a hairstyle or clothing style that is balancing between masc enough for you but not masc enough for the world, being just loud enough about who you are to keep dysphoria at a minimum but not so much to make people uncomfortable. But FUCK that, go all the way. You deserve to do what makes you feel the MOST like you, what feels the BEST. Don't settle for half measures anymore, be fucking loud, take up fucking space, the people who matter will love that version of you and anyone who doesn't isn't worth your time. Cannot recommend taking a pair of dog trimmers to your hair enough, just shave that shit it's your hair, fucking do what you want.

Also hey people have gotten out of my way WAYYYYY faster in the supermarket today, people fucking shift now lmao. Win.

[vavuska]

Stephanie Meyer in her“The Twilight Saga: Official Illustrated Guide” wrote that vampire pallor is part of the transformation new vampires undergo that beautifies them as their melanin drains away, resulting in their white skin.

In fact, in the first chapter, in which she describes the physical characteristics common to all vampires, Meyer wrote:

In the Twilight universe all vampires were originally human. As vampires, they retain a close physical resemblance to their human form, the only reliably noticeable differences being a universal pallor of skin, a change in eye color, and heightened beauty.

More orver the typical vampire pallor is not attribuite, as traditional thrope impose, to the fact that vampires are dead, recalling the repulsive look of a corpse, but to an element of crystalline, supernatural form of beauty, which is described as following:

The common factor of beauty among vampires is mostly due to this crystalline skin. The perfect smoothness, gloss, and even color of the skin give the illusion of a flawless face.

So, dark skinned or deeper skin toned people will have very light olive skin as vampires. In fact the only creature who keeps a natural dark-skin is Nahuel, the vampire-human hybrid (born to a white European vampire and a indigenous woman), who is described having “dark brown skin”, while his Aunt Huilen, a full-indigenous woman has “an olive tone to her pale skin” due to being a vampire. Let's see more examples in the book where this “white washing” effect of vampirism is more explicit:

Vampires in Stephanie Meyer's books are white and pure because Mormons believe people who are not white will be white in heaven. I can't 100% remember the reason or events but during some event they think God turned some people black because they either betrayed him or Jesus. So when you are a good person and go to heaven he will remove that. If you look into what Mormons believe it's almost as crazy as scientology.

Ok, apparently, Mormons think black and dark-skinned people are in some way descendants of Cain, who was banished from human community and condamned by God to a nomadic life. However, God was pleased by blood sacrifice (God favored Abel who killed animals for God, while Cain offered the products of earth he cultivated) and gives Cain a mark, known as “Mark of Cain” (Genesis 4:15). This mark of Cain is God's promise to offer Cain divine protection from premature death with the stated purpose of preventing anyone from killing him. Bible does not identify the exact nature of the mark God put on Cain. Whatever it was, it was a sign/indicator that Cain was not to be killed (but also a warn that helped others to spot him as a murder to not trust). Some propose that the mark was a scar, or some kind of tattoo (Maybe this is the source of Tattoo Prohibition in Leviticus 19:28). Whatever the case, the precise nature of the mark is not the focus of the passage. The focus is that God would not allow people to exact vengeance against Cain. Whatever the mark on Cain was, it served this purpose.

However, Brigham Young, one of the founders of Mormons and one of the earliest leader, described black people as cursed with dark skin as punishment for Cain’s murder of his brother. “Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him cannot hold the priesthood,” he declared in 1852. Young deemed black-white intermarriage so sinful that he suggested that a man could atone for it only by having “his head cut off” and spilling “his blood upon the ground.”

For more information about the racial question among Mormons, I suggest this article of New York Times:

[bellarkeselection]

Hey i was wondering if you could do a tyrion one short. Where y/n was feeling that tyrion was rethinking on marrying her but he talks her down. And that hes deeply in love with her no matter what

We're The Others Dream

Most women didn't get the chance to marry someone they loved. Get to really know the person before the two met at the alter and be married before the gods. Because Westeros weddings were not meant for love but for duty. Running my fingers through my hair I felt my chest tighten at the thought. Tyrion and I had fallen in love despite what his family had done to mine. Everyone always mumbled that a Stark and Lannister would be powerful together. I wasn't concerned with power but my stomach was twisted in knots thinking that he might not really want to marry me. If he was married than his life would change and he probably wants to marry someone else. "Y/n, can I come in. I have something to tell you." Lifting my head up I recognized his voice through the other side of the door. Wiping away tears I sniffed a little slowly opening the door for him.

"My father won't give me Casterly Rock but I have another idea. I could take you home back to Winterfell. What's wrong. Why are you crying dear?" He stopped talking spinning on his feet before I raised my hand trying to wipe the tears away thinking that I had stopped crying. Wrapping my arms around myself I avoided his gaze unsure what to say. "It's nothing Tyrion. What were you saying about taking me home?" He takes my hands in his having me sit down in the chair by the window squeezing his hands holding mine. "It's not nothing Y/n. I hate seeing you upset so tell me what happened to make you cry. I want to help you be happy again. As your soon to be husband it is my duty." His green eyes pouring into mine where I croaked out almost not believing him. "You still want to marry me, Tyrion?"

He tugs me over to the bed slumping his shoulders while he sat on his knees on the bed having me stand on my feet in front of him. "Of course I still want to marry you Y/n. I never stopped loving you. Whoever made you think that I didn't want you to be my wife. I love everything about you. My feelings have not changed and never will." He declared green eyes staring intensely into mine. I blushed lightly at his words knowing he always knew what to say in almost every situation. "I just keep picturing that you want a wife that follows the traditional rules and doesn't wear trousers or speaks out of tounge-" He cuts me off crashing his lips onto mine where I leaned into his touch until he broke it. "I love every part of you. We are the other's dream lover. There's nobody else I want to marry." I smiled hugging him gently and he hugs me back.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[babylovepresley]

thinkin’ about you — elvis presley x reader

summary: you are elvis presley’s former lover… at least you think you are. the year is 1960, and he is finally returning home from the service… but you haven’t heard from him since the day he left memphis and got on that plane nearly two years ago. what is left of you both?

word count: 2k

content warnings: 18+ sexuality mentioned, ANGST, possibly an unhealthy relationship, references to religion and god

read & listen along: https://open.spotify.com/track/1fDFHXcykq4iw8Gg7s5hG9?si=c2I7yoRJQMOSZEIrxLHCsg

writer’s note: hiya lovebugs! this is just a little something i conjured up when i was supposed to be doing homework (hehe), and i thought perhaps you’d all like to suffer with me. it’s not my best work, as i have had quite an overwhelming day and this is the best i could produce. this is my first fic posted, and i truly hope you all enjoy! remember requests are always open, and i am forever sending you all plenty of love and light!

dedicated to: my darling friends that promote my obsession with writing angst, though it hurts them in the end <3 (@eliseinmemphis my sincerest apologies lover)

It’s a cold day in March when he comes home; his hair wispy and long, touching the tip of his forehead beneath the large issued cap. When he first went away, the cap seemed to swallow his sleepy head and make him seem like the boy I first met all those years ago— when life was kind and he smiled with his tongue between his teeth. A patron moves to turn the television up, standing on the counter and nearly knocking over a young man’s grits that sat untouched on his plate. The soldier huffs and puffs as the camera follows him; his lean figure cutting through the tv and leaving an ache in me heart. Did the scars from our childhood playing wear off? Did the inside of his left pinky still glow red and raw from the movement of his ring? Does he still think of me?

He swallows, and my own throat constricts watching him. Life had become so difficult after he left— the beginning of us did not matter, I only wanted to get through to the end. And now we’re here, or rather he is. All I can do is stand and watch in our hometown diner, as he glows for the entire world. My coworker comes up beside me, placing her tray down on the crowded counter and side eyeing me.

“Yes Minny?”

“Sugar, I hate to do this… ‘specially today of all days… but—“ always walking on eggshells, Minny was. In fact, I’ve noticed that every other waitress today has been side-eyeing me with pity; wondering what I must have done to him to be here instead of greeting him with open arms, perpetually on my knees for him. The truth is I never did anything to him… and I guess that’s why he never found it important to write to me.

“You need me to close… don’t you?” I smile. I didn’t have it in me to be cruel right now, though I wanted to scream and cry can’t you see I’m busy lamenting a man I don’t know anymore?

“I’m sorry y/n, it’s just that my daughter wanted to stop by the Graceland gates tonight to.. well.. you know…” she trails off, itching an imaginary scratch behind her neck. It isn’t her fault that her daughter looks at him the same way I did, or still do. It’s been a long time since I’ve laid my eyes on him, and I wonder if they still fill with the warmth and affection I once saw him have for me.

“It’s okay Min, I don’t mind at all! I’ll probably just make a cup of tea for myself and clean the jukebox tonight… have a feeling I finally wanna clear out a certain someone’s records….” I giggle, though I’m laced with a bitter agony in my throat; I never wanted to hear his voice again, but I know one sound falling from his pouty lips would cause me to stare in adoration and declare my god, where have you been?

I turn my head back to the television, because I simply cannot bear not looking at him… not after three years of staring out the window and praying to God that he’d somehow be sitting outside my door, waiting for me all the while. He has changed so much; poised and gifted with the confidence that can only affect a young boy who dreamt of the strength and masculinity he exudes. He left me a scared boy, with heavy shoulders that I ached to massage into a restful stature, and came home a man; broad and unashamed. I simply can’t wrap my head around it as the camera pans to his face, spotted with the cold sting of snowflakes as he nods his head in thanks. It’s ridiculous.. I feel jealous of a force of nature simply because they get to live and die on him; when I have faced far more triumphs and little deaths as a result of his person.

Still, he looks afraid as he shuffles through the crowd of women waiting to grab at him. I feel nauseous just looking at it, and I find myself tugging at my uniform in an attempt to deflect from the obvious want situated in each woman's eyes. Many years ago, I would’ve moved through the sweaty crowd gathered by the gates of that airport, and used my handkerchief to wipe the nervous sweat on his eyebrow; my hands ever-so delicate on his cold cheeks. And he’d look up at me and smile, the apples of his cheeks pressing his eyes into a squint; “you miss me lil?”

But now I stand here, as unknown to the world as the words he said to me the first night he pulled me by bare chest to his and mouthed a sonnet only he could tell. Memphis has changed, he has changed, but I haven’t. Maybe that’s why he didn’t write. Maybe that’s why I’m living in the in between; Elvis’ girl or not? Lover or former flame?

The hours pass by with the creaking stools signaling the end and beginning of each meal, my nails making a dull clack against the cracking counter. Before I knew it, the street lights flickered to life, and my coworkers' cars pulled out of the lot, blowing kisses out their windows in a silly “goodnight!” gesture. The diner is lonely without the murmuring of the town, but I find it to be deeply comforting while I clean. The TV has been turned off, and the jukebox unplugged, leaving me with nothing but my pitiful thoughts and slight hiccups as I cry and clean the corner booth.

In the midst of my cry, for him, for me, for his Mother, and for any semblance of a future I had once dreamt of, I failed to notice the front door being pulled open and the slight ting of the bell. The wind from outside climbed my bare legs as I wiped, shouting out a quick “We’re closed honey, I’m sorry!”. Why look up when I always know who it’ll be— whether it be a neighbor, the town drunk or a church choir member.

“Oh… ‘m.. ‘m sorry” the stranger stumbles out, and I can physically feel the soft tapping of his loafers on the sticky linoleum floor. I’d know that voice in death, when the grim reaper kisses me goodnight, I’d be begging him “please.. let me hear his breath one last time”.

With all of my strength I turn to him, staring down my old hero. My spray bottle has long been abandoned, spilling on the floor beneath me and wetting the tips of my white shoe. I couldn’t care less. Nothing could’ve stopped me from following his voice— nothing could have prepared my heart for the sight of him in front of me. I feel the ache of my brows pulling down on my face, and the cold air drifts through my parted lips to remind me that this is real… he’s here. After all this time, he’s here. I’m silent as I watch him distribute his weight; left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.

“Ya see me on TV today lil?” His thick voice cuts through the air; still gravelly from the cold morning air he sucked in earlier that day. A part of me wanted to coddle him; coo “oh poor baby” for the pain in his throat. But the other part of me wanted to laugh in his face at the incredulous question. In the end, that’s just what I did.

“Did I- Did I see you on TV Elvis?” I barely manage to get out, as my throat begins to constrict with sobs. Bastard. At least we both are in pain from the words we can’t say, I think to myself.

“W-well I noticed the TV ain’t on.. so I thought I’d ask…”

“You thought you’d ask me if the TV was off because you wanted me to watch you come home today?”

“Baby I know it ain’t been that long,” he chuckles, his hands digging deep into the pocket of his black slacks. I once sewed a hole he tore in those slacks, and I remember the way he kissed my cheek in thanks— I still feel the burn of his lips. “know my girl hasn’t gone all dumb on me”.

My girl. As if he had any right to call me that anymore. My anger bubbles to the surface, as the chemicals I dropped sting my nose. We stand polar opposites of one another. On one end of the diner, we have a lowly waitress who dreamt of a family and a small life but now spends her days covered in bacon grease for the creepy men in town to ogle at. On the other end, with hair still blown back from the influx of winter wind coming through the corner window, stands a god amongst men. He has the world in his hands, and it dawns on me that he could have any family or anyone’s life that he could ever want— small or large it wouldn’t matter, it’s all small to his strong flesh.

Unchanged in my agonizing swirl, I threaten, though no matter how hard I try I could never be crossed with him in tone, “You don’t get to call me that no more Elvis”.

He shuffles uncomfortably, and his lips curl inward with a tremble. He has taken an interest in the floor, and I wonder if he remembers the time he stayed here until 4 am with me scrubbing them down. He looks at the tiles just as intently as he did then, though now it seems like he feels just as dirty as them.

“I ain’t… I m-meant to write you y/n honest—“

“Oh you MEANT to write me, huh?”

“Yes! Yes I-I-I did I just got caught up ‘s all…”

“Caught up?”

‘Yes Lil! Caught up!” he extends his arms out to his sides; desperate for a positive response.

I can’t hold back the building sobs anymore, it hurts too much— makes me want to reach my arms out to him like a child and cry for help. I’ve bared my soul to him in far too many ways, and he deserves to see the mess he’s made of me.

“For two years E?” the tears sting my cheeks, as I hiccup in a breath.

For a moment, I see him take a step toward me. Ever the holder, Elvis always showed love through his touch. There would be nights I’d wake up sobbing and afraid at the idea of never getting to feel the velvety touch of his fingertips in or against me ever again. Those nights still haunt me, and the idea of him touching me is almost too much. No man has touched me since him, and I’ll never want anyone else to ever again. I move from his reach, and walk beside him with a wipe of my nose as he panics.

“B-Baby I tried! T- The Colonel”

“The colonel,” I stop in my tracks and smile spitefully with a small shake of my head “It’s always the Colonel E, isn’t it?”

“Oh c’mon y/n whas’ that supposed to mean?'' he follows behind me as I stomp past him and behind the counter, desperately grabbing at anything to appear unaffected; but he knows me. Elvis knows me more intimately than I know myself, and I’ve come to resent him for it. I can’t bear his cluelessness, and I can’t live with all of this hurt inside of me for any longer.

“ELVIS! He has taken EVERYTHING FROM YOU. Money, your Mother, your life, me! You’ll just let him take and take and take,” I throw the bulk of napkins across the counter and into his chest in anger, though I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I hurt him. Strange how he seemed fine all the while I was dying for a single word from him. “until there’s nothing left of you— of us!”

I move around the counter, and it feels as if I don’t keep moving I’ll collapse in a heap of tears. My finger jabs into his chest, and he flinches with the intrusion. For the first time tonight, I see tears forming in his eyes, yet his stained cheeks indicate they have been falling for a long time as he struggles to inhale from his own pitiful, silent sobs.

“One word from you Elvis, that’s all I wanted.” I sob, barely coherent as I lay my hands on his chest. He grabs them, and the shift in my stomach nearly makes me lurch in pain. I feel him now, so real and warm and so mine. I could never forget his touch, and now that I have it again I doubt I’ll be able to breathe without it. We cry quietly for a moment, holding one another as if we were foreign to each other; like he hasn’t consumed by body and soul whole and left it to rot in his chest.

It’s silent save for his uneven breathing and the gentle scuff of my feet; unable to stay still as my body betrays itself. I pull away, and he mumbles a “no, no honey stay” as I wipe my eyes and regain my strength. He paws at my apron, trying to pluck me closer before I scold him for his mistakes.

“Elvis, please just go. I-I’ve lived without you, I’ve cried each time I saw your house, or-or heard your records. I’ve grieved you before you were even gone, and I know I can do it again. So please baby, please just go” I whimper out, smoothing down my skirt and pinching my thighs beneath the frilly mess. I can’t look at him, though my eyes thirsted for the pinch of his brow for so long.

There are very few women who can say Elvis Presley laid himself in front of her and wept. I’ve seen him cry before, in fear and anger, and each time I have taken him into my arms and quelled him into relief. But nothing could prepare me for the sight laid out before me.

My man, a god, falls to his knees in front of me and cries with outstretched palms, “Do ya think I’ve forgotten ‘bout you?”

His eyes appear to burn as they flutter closed with a gulp, his large hands gripping onto the bottom of my skirt, “Oh God baby, ‘ve messed up somethin’ awful, I know.” he cries out, wiping his nose with his sleeve like a boy. A chuckle builds in my chest at the antic, as it reminds me of the boy I’ve cried for all along. He licks his lips, panicking at the thought of rejection. “ ‘ve always tried to be so good for ya and look what I’ve done now… look what your satnin’s done now…” He chokes out, ever the fallen angel.

His arms wrap around me, and I stumble forward with the force of his pull. It’s no use in fighting, I think to myself, I can never purge myself from the feeling he gives me. I don’t think I’ll ever want to— I can never shed the feel of him. The feel of Elvis; an irrevocable heartbreak. My upper body falls on top of him, my breasts pressed against his strong shoulder as my hands slide flat down his back; the wool of his jacket slightly burning my wrists. I feel his cries against my hips, as his arms lock around the backs of my legs; hands clasped in fear that I’ll soon pull away. His shoulders shake as I lean over him, and chills run down my flesh as his thumbs soothe the backs of my thighs.

Against my skirt he wails, “Kiss me. Please God, kiss my sins away. ‘ve done so bad by you baby— let me know I ain’t the devil incarnate..” his nails dig into the thickness of my thighs in desperation.

Who am I to deny him?

[idkyetxoxo]

Twenty | Vagabond | The Last Kingdom

"Lighten up husband you know you're the only one I like touching me"

"Just you wait till we're out of here woman"

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─── ✦⋅ ☆⋅✦ ───

As we braced ourselves to depart from Eoferwich through sheer force, a silent plea escaped my lips, directed towards any god willing to listen. The last thing we needed was a spatter of bloodshed so early in our mission, especially if we aimed to conquer Bebbanburg and save Aelfwynn.

As the imposing gates parted, revealing Edward and his assembled army on the other side, I finally released the breath I had been holding. Uhtred allowed Edward his moment of triumph as the satisfaction of marshalling such forces washed over him, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the spectacle.

"To Bebbanburg" Finan's cry pierced the air, rallying the soldiers as cheers erupted around us. He shot me a knowing wink, to which I responded with a grin.

As we journeyed northward, our path was suddenly intercepted by Cynlaef, Aethelstan's closest companion. "What of Osferth?" I exclaimed, swiftly dismounting to warmly embrace him.

"Osferth is alive and well," he reassured me, his words washing over me like a soothing balm. With a sigh of relief, I turned back to Finan, nodding in gratitude. His smile mirrored my own, acknowledging the weight that would have burdened me had Osferth's fate been uncertain.

"I've been wandering" Cynlaef began, only to be abruptly cut off by Finan's terse interruption. "Now is not the time," he interjected, effectively silencing him.

Nevertheless, Cynlaef managed to relay the news of King Constantin's movements, his arrival at Bebbanburg by sea alongside his retinue while his main army marched overland. Despite doubts about Constantin's maritime voyage, we dismissed the notion, focusing instead on our pressing objective of rescuing Aelfwynn.

"We cannot besiege Bebbanburg while Aelfwynn remains captive," I asserted, finding agreement in Uhtred's proposed plan. He outlined a daring scheme wherein he and a select few men would infiltrate the fortress via a cliffside path to liberate Aelfwynn.

"When you say men I am going to assume you included me," I remarked, arms crossed, prompting Uhtred to exchange a glance with Finan "Don't look at him" I warned, steeling myself for the peril ahead. "It's going to be dangerous," he cautioned, to which I responded with an exasperated eye-roll.

"I am the one that swore the oath so I will not rest until that girl is safely in my arms, anyone with objections can handle them on their own," I declared resolutely, mounting my horse and riding ahead. 

Uhtred's plan hinged on Haestan, whose supposed reformation still left me wary. Haestan would feign shipwrecked traders to lure Wihtgar onto the beach, then signalling Edward to initiate the attack.

── ✦⋅ ☆⋅✦ ──

Scaling the rocks to reach the fortress proved to be an arduous feat, pushing the limits of exhaustion to new heights. Yet, my smaller stature in comparison to the men granted me an unexpected advantage, allowing me to manoeuvre more easily among the jagged terrain.

"Ah," I muttered, my gaze fixed on the seemingly insurmountable rock face before me. "What's the matter?" Sihtric inquired, concern etched across his features as he peered up at me.

"There's no way forward," I replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "The path is gone."

"Is there another way around?" Finan's voice trembled with apprehension. "Can we go back on ourselves?" His anxiety, palpable in the air, mirrored my own, perhaps tinged with an added layer of concern for my safety.

"There's no time the tide will be turning and men will be leaving their posts" Sihtric interjected, his tone laced with urgency. I glanced back at Finan, who rested his head against the rock in resignation. "You always said you wanted to die at Bebbanburg" he grumbled, a hint of gallows humour threading through his words.

"No one is dying" I retorted firmly, quelling any hint of fatalism. "Less talking let's go" I commanded, forging ahead as we ascended, each step a precarious dance with gravity.

Silence enveloped us until Finan's hand slipped causing him to let out a scream, his fingers barely clinging to the unforgiving rock face as his body hung below.

"Finan!" I cried out, panic seizing me as my heart raced with dread. "Give me your hand!" Sihtric's voice rang out, urgency fueling his movements, while I scrambled down toward them. "If you let go of him Sihtric I'm pushing you next" I barked, my own fear translating into a fierce resolve.

With a herculean effort, Sihtric managed to haul Finan back up, the tension easing as relief flooded through me. Sihtric erupted into laughter, momentarily eclipsing the gravity of our situation.

I slapped the back of Sihtric's head a mix of irritation and gratitude swirling within me, before pulling Finan close, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're an idiot," I whispered, my eyes glistening with unshed tears, as he cupped my face tenderly.

"You're not getting rid of me that easily," he quipped, his lips brushing against mine in a fleeting kiss.

"We're almost there," Uhtred's voice broke through the moment, "carefully" I cautioned Finan, casting a wary glance at the treacherous path ahead.

"This is a much better view than Sihtrics arse" Finan's irreverent remark echoed through the air, drawing an exasperated eye-roll from me.

At last, we reached the summit, relief washing over us like a gentle tide. I seized the opportunity to pull Finan into a kiss, savouring the fleeting moment "Maybe we should be doing that more often" he mused, his words tinged with playful warmth as I pulled away, shaking my head with a smile.

Sihtric skillfully hacked away at a weakened section of the wooden wall, creating an opening for us to slip through before discreetly covering our tracks. The moment we stepped into the fortress, distant voices pierced the air, sending us scrambling to hide.

With Uhtred donning a helmet as a disguise, we embarked on our mission to locate Aelfwynn. As we cautiously traversed the grounds, my thoughts raced with the dire consequences if any harm had befallen her. 

Spotting King Constantin in the courtyard, a surge of anger welled within me. "If he's so much as even touched her I'm gonna turn him into Sigefrid" I muttered under my breath, my words tinged with venom.

Before I could react, Uhtred ventured toward his cousin, "Uhtred" I said in a harsh whisper but he didn't stop walking, ignoring my warning with ease. "You, stay in the courtyard" a voice commanded, prompting me to swiftly retreat behind Finan.

"Why does Constantin place his men here?" Wihtgar's inquiry hung in the air, met with Finan's attempt at a Scottish accent, I almost laughed out loud after Sihtric's imitation and attempt at the word "aye."

It didn't take long for Wihtgar and Constantin to discern the ruse, their suspicions falling upon Finan, Sihtric, and eventually, me. "Are you also shipwrecked Danes?" Constantin's query sent a chill down my spine, though it offered a glimmer of hope that Hild and Haestan had successfully infiltrated the fortress.

"Torture them for answers, show them the fate of any sea raider," Wihtgar commanded, his words dripping with menace.

"Gently," I interjected a futile attempt to temper the impending brutality as a guard shoved my arms behind my back. "I can cooperate if you ask politely," I offered, earning a silent rebuke from Finan's glare conveying 'Shut up before you get us killed.'

As we were bound to posts, I exchanged a glance with Uhtred, the only one among us still free. Wihtgar's piercing gaze bore into us, and I feared he would recognise our true identities. Mercifully, he was called away, diverting his attention elsewhere.

Turning my focus to our captors, I summoned what charm I could muster. "Excuse me," I addressed one of the men, feigning vulnerability.  "What" he spoke gruffly and I forced a smile onto my face and then pouted "I think I injured my shoulder during the shipwreck," I said and he stood there looking at me like I was a foreign alien.

"Would you mind checking to see if there's a wound?" I inquired, attempting to infuse my voice with a hint of vulnerability. The guard's disinterest was palpable, but I pressed on, resorting to a flirtatious approach. "I could offer you a reward," I teased, my words laced with a promise that seemed to catch his attention.

"How's that?" he responded with a smirk, his demeanour suggestive of a man accustomed to such advances. Glancing at Finan and Sihtric, I noted their understanding of my ploy, though Finan did not look amused at all.

"Come closer, and I'll give you a clue," I murmured seductively, drawing him nearer with a subtle sway. As his fingers grazed the skin of my neck, a shiver ran down my spine, but I maintained my composure, knowing our freedom depended on this ruse.

His touch lingered, tracing a delicate path down the curve of my neck, his fingers deftly pulling at the fabric to reveal the vulnerable expanse of my skin. His hand slipped into my shirt feeling around and groping with a curious and unnecessary intent, I nodded at Finan and Sihtric silently conveying our plan, before bringing my head down forcefully onto his, catching him off guard.

Staggering back, he became the unwitting target of Sihtric's swift retaliation. A shard from Finan's boot found its mark, freeing us from our bindings in a flurry of action. Sihtric deftly cut the ropes, liberating Finan and then myself from our constraints.

The other guards were skillfully and quietly taken care of.

"How was that?" I grinned, revelling in our triumph, though Finan's eye roll hinted at his lingering exasperation. Sihtric's thumbs-up offered reassurance, as I leaned into the banter, seeking to ease the tension. 

"Lighten up husband you know you're the only one I like touching me" I whispered as he passed me a weapon.

His smirk mirrored my own determination "Just you wait till we're out of here woman" he grinned. With resolve in our hearts, we dashed towards the stairs, fueled by the prospect that fate lay within our grasp.

─── ✦⋅ ☆⋅✦ ───

so close to the end making me sad iwl 🥹 also unread

Tag list - @jasontoddorjasongrace

[revserrayyu]

2.2 Penacony thoughts [part 1]

**Mild spoiler warning** in place as I didn’t reach that far into the new update as of yet. Stopped right after seeing Sunday being a holy man listening to the troubles of others, so if that scene doesn’t ring any bells, then please refrain from reading further. As always, don’t spoil anything that happens afterwards, not only for myself, but for anyone else who hasn’t finished the new story yet.

First things first, I’m so pleased that we start off with Boothill. It feels like it’s been forever since he was first drip-marketed and when we heard that phone call of his with Black Swan, so finally seeing him in game is pretty nice. Still love that design in his eye too.

I’m also happy that the jade abacus was brought up again. Once we saw DHIL & Jing Yuan team up in the 2.2 livestream trailer I figured that Dan Heng was gonna call upon our beloved general with this item. At present, I don’t know if it’s actually used or if we head to the Xianzhou instead and request for help. Either way, I’m a bit surprised the general lends a hand. Of course he’s an ally and promised to help us with any troubles, but.. last time we saw him, he had just encountered Luocha and Jingliu, right? Could Jing Yuan really have left that confrontation behind so easily? Are we ever going to learn about what happened during that conversation? Who knows, but I hope we find out one day if this story doesn’t mention the matter further.

Anyways, who do you think the Elation Emanator that Boothill is? Naturally, I first thought of Sparkle solely because of her “I AM Elation!” declaration during her character trailer and her being a Masked Fool, but seeing how Boothill is having issues accessing Penacony in the first place, I doubt the two have officially met. They could’ve met elsewhere, sure, but I still doubt it’s Sparkle. Still haven’t a clue on who else it could be though but whomever it is certainly can’t hold their liquor.

Then we cut to Acheron being cornered by a bunch of npcs who are apparently all part of the “Dreammaster,” but let me just say that I love how literal Acheron can be, like correcting how many slashes she actually used. It’s also a bit scary for her to mention, as I don’t even remember a second blade either.

She’s just.. ironically funny to me. Acting all threatening but being completely serious with her grammar.

It was humorous when we switched to Robin for the first time. I didn’t manage to get a screenshot of it but how the screen even questioned it like “switching to Robin’s POV?” was hilarious. And rightfully so because this certainly isn’t our beloved idol. Sparkle, please, stop handing out bombs to everyone!

It was a short switch, but we finally jump back to where we personally left off. I know the journey Firefly is referring to might be our time hanging out together in Penacony, but somewhere deep down I imagine it could also be about our possible time with the Stellaron Hunters before the entire story even happened. I’m sure we have some sort of past with them but who knows if and when we’ll touch upon that.

Firefly goes into detail about her actions, about how she informed Silver Wolf to contact us and the plan she wanted to share with us before “Death” acted out. I guess it makes the lies and secrets a bit more bearable? All according to the script and at least she originally intended to tell us everything before the monster lashed out.

Then we get scene with her and Blade and oh my god, they both look so good?? Learning that Blade actually owns a driver’s license is comical too. Who would’ve thought our edgy man could be so reliable.

I’m so thankful for this scene as it gives us a taste about how Firefly acts around the other Stellaron Hunters. Since the rumors about her being Sam started, I couldn’t imagine how this sweet girl could’ve been one of them, but it seems she gets along just fine, even teasing Blade a bit.

Now correct me if I’m wrong but this is actually a flashback that happens right before Kafka destroys the Jepella Brotherhood during that one Myriad Celestia trailer, yeah? That’s pretty cool. Confirms that Firefly has been here the entire time and Bladie is even wearing the same suit.

I never thought of a decent acronym for what Sam could really mean, but we finally got our answer: Strategic Assault Mech. Makes me wonder if Firefly is even her true name, since that also seems to be part of the suit’s name.

Rejoice, someone other than ourselves can actually see Misha and Clockie. Would’ve never guessed that person to be Welt though. I guess he really is a child at heart. I know he gets excited whenever mechs are involved, such as the Engine of Creation, but this also reminds me of how his E6 depicts him as a child.

It’s unsettling that Misha calls “Death” something so innocent as “Sleepie.” Also claims that the monster isn’t aggressive and sometimes fetches the wrong guests to bring here.. uh huh, right. Sure. But of course Gallagher controls it! I know we learn more about him during this patch but I still don’t trust him.

So it’s clear that Misha is still a giant mystery. It’s good that us and Welt can see him, but the kid still isn’t perceived by everyone here. That one pepeshi we found alongside March thought we were talking to someone invisible and it appears Micah and Himeko can’t see Misha either.

During that flashback with the siblings as kids, I sorta feel like Sunday is also talking about Robin here. I know we’re chatting about the injured bird they found, but all the caged bird metaphors that Robin has, from her splash art and trailers, is hard to ignore.

Then we learn Gallagher is a History Fictionologist that’s in charge of this new place, which is all fine and well I suppose? Great to know who he really is but chalk it up as yet another person who lied to us. Of course I don’t believe much of anything any non-Express family says but whatever. He’s using fancy words that went over my head.

And now it’s all started to make sense in my head. Inviting different parties that have experience handling stellarons or at least have capable means of preventing a disaster. The Express and the Stellaron Hunters themselves are an obvious and reliable choices when it comes to stellarons, the IPC certainly has impressive power if Aventurine is anything to go off of, and I don’t doubt the real Galaxy Rangers are strong fighters too. I’m sire Black Swan and Sparkle have some tricks up their sleeves too, as would Ever-Flame Mansion.. if they’re alive. Also, the fact that the meme is named “Dormancy”.. Ratio stated in his note to Aventurine that “Dormancy” was the impossible in the dreamscape instead of “Death,” but I figured he just meant it as the word’s true meaning, not referring to the monster itself. That’s clever.

Sir, don’t give me hope like this by saying you’ll fight with us. Do you know how many people are wishing for you to actually be playable?? I’d love it if he was, I’d even take him as a four-star at this point (even though he clearly has five-star energy) but something tells me he isn’t. He gives me Cocolia vibes a little, like he’s certainly an important figure but I would not be shocked if he turns on us somehow and ends up as a boss of some sort either.

Aventurine’s status is truly a mystery that I definitely need to know! Is our beloved gambler okay?? Preferably alive somehow?? It hasn’t been long but I miss seeing/hearing him in the story already! But I do love that the chip he gave is when we first entered our hotel room turned out to be a transmitter. I’m not sure if it’ll reach his place in that momochromatic world he’s in, but perhaps we can use it to call upon Topaz and the rest of the IPC chilling in the hotel lobby? After Topaz noticed one of the broken Aventurine stone pieces lost its shine, I can imagine that our gambler had several spare transmitter chips to hand out to those he can depend on.

Stuff happens in a quick cutscene and we climb up many stairs to encounter another Nameless who has certainly seen better days. He sorta looks like that one white-haired dude on that new light cone that they showed briefly during the 2.2 livestream. And since it isn’t much of a spoiler anymore considering the official HSR yt channel already put out a video on it.. yeah, harmony hat.

Pfftt there’s something so funny to me about hearing Himeko call that fierce monster who has already “killed” several people a mere pet. Show no fear mother!

I absolutely LOVE that this man canonically can’t swear! They can switch all the words they want but I know exactly what Boothill wishes to say and it is hilarious. This quirk alone makes me want to pull for him.

My memory isn’t the greatest, but this shot made it so clear for me to remember that the Forgotten Hall mirror is a sort of Garden of Recollection thing, so having Black Swan appear from it was simply perfect.

The girlies working together once again, oh my~

After the things you personally witnessed sweetie, I’m glad you think so. Gotta love strong women!

Whose?? The only relics that come to mind are the Ashblazing Grand Duke set which I’m fairly certain isn’t what Acheron is referring to. I only thought of it due to the memes about how she killed him and turned him into said relics.

There’s another cutscenes with Acheron and that old dude we heard last patch, but I don’t remember much aside from him reminiscing about his companions once being Galaxy Rangers and more chatter about Nihility. This scene however, with Sunday looking all handsome and holy.. OH BOY. He’s gorgeous with the light shinning on him like that. I feel blessed to have witnessed such beauty.

I never thought of him to actually listen to people’s sins, but it suits him rather well. Doesn’t seem like most people recognize him doing so either? Aside from this one pepeshi of course.. either that, or everyone clearly respects Sunday too much while this person could care less on how to act around him. I was gonna make fun of the merchant for having such trivial sins, but if you’re living a life where that’s all you have to worry about, then sign me up.

The confession isn’t all fun and games though as some disbelief about the Family is brought up. Yet another reason for me not to completely trust this holy hot handsome man yet. Looking forward to continuing more later tonight.

[myyandereblog]

My first attempt at writing yandere non-con TW: Non-con

“Why, hello, Kachan,” I said slowly, walking towards him. “D-Deku, what are you doing here? I thought you were dead,” Kachan said fear in his eyes as he backed up into the wall of the alleyway. “Oh, but I was, and what a cruel fate that had been until my friends came to save me,” I reply with a smirk on my face. As soon as I said friend it seemed to snap him out of his fearful daze and sober him up. “You’re with them of course you are all you were was a  spineless Deku not even able to handle a couple of villains,” He spits out at me with such venom in his voice I would be wounded. If I hadn’t lost all emotion all those years ago. He gets into a fighting stance and lunges at me but right before he makes the hit. I sidestep out of the way, grab the straps on the back of his hero costume, pull him in, and quickly put the damp cloth over his to sedate him. “Nighty Night My Kachan,” are the last words he hears before he blacks out.

-A Few Hours Later-

I watch him wake up in the basement from the monitor, I guess the drugs wore off that was quick. After years of not touching his soft face, I can finally see him and feel those beautiful lips on mine. I ache for his touch and the way his explosive hands mark my body. God I want to fuck him senseless I want to feel his cock as I ride his thighs. I want to make him mine and mark every inch of his body. I want to see his beautiful face cry out in pleasure as he rides my thi-. I shake my head to cut off my train of thought I must see him. As soon as I get to the door I push it wide open revealing myself. The second Kachan sees me he growls and continues to try and get out of his restraints. I giggle at his growl if he was trying to be intimidating it wasn’t going to work. I’ve grown used to his antics by now. 

He glares at me when I giggle and continues to struggle. I walk up to him and cup his chin with my hands, “Oh Kachan there’s no need to be hostile you are safe here I wouldn’t dare harm a single hair on your body.” “Oh yeah then why am I here tied up in a basement,” he snorts while still glaring at me. “You’re tied up for your safety Kachan,” I tell him and eye him slowly, “besides you look amazing tied up for me like this.” He recoils in disgust, “What is wrong with you, you used to be so different, and now-.” “And now what Kachan,” I snap, “I grew up I became different I’m not the same weakling you used to beat daily I’ve changed and now you and everyone will see.” “So what’s your plan now kill me and everyone who gets in your way because someone will stop you, you can’t hide forever,” Kachan declared. 

I chuckle, “Whatever gave the idea that I would kill you no one will find me or you for that matter it’ll be us together forever until the end of the world Kachan.” “What in the fuck are you talking about Deku,” He shouts. “You know exactly what I’m talking about Kachan I love you and I’m never letting you go, you will be mine and mine only until the end of times,” I reply while stroking his cheek with my right hand. He tries to jerk away from my hand but I keep a firm grip on his face. “Also since I know you’re wondering what happened to your quirk you are wearing quirk suppressant bracelets to keep you from escaping,” I explained. This is when I started to see true fear in his eyes realizing how powerless he was in this situation. He shakes it off and looks back up at me. 

“You're a monster,” Kachan said staring at me in fear and disbelief. “I’m not a monster Kachan I’m just a fool in love,” I say with a sigh and pull something out of my pocket. “What are you going to do now,” he says with renewed determination. I don’t answer him but instead, pull out a long rectangular velvet box and open it up. To reveal a black chocker necklace with a bell in the front. I smile brightly and put it on his struggling body. “Get this shit off of me,” He yells as he struggles to get away. “Don’t worry this isn’t going to hurt you Kachan this is just to make sure I always know where you are,” I explain to him as I tighten it around his neck. “Finished,” I exclaim as I step back to admire my work. Kachan is tied to a pole in the basement still in his hero costume, and now wearing wearing a choker with a bell in the front. He looks perfect except for the hero costume, but we can get rid of that soon. While I was daydreaming Kachan was yelling a string of curses at me all ignored though; not that that would’ve mattered. 

“Now that that’s done,” I say eyeing him hungrily. The room falls dead silent the only thing that can be heard is heavy breathing. I walk towards him slowly eyeing every inch of him making it very obvious what I want. I can hear an audible gulp come from Kachan as I grow closer. The second I am by his side I drag my finger across his waist and place my other hand on his cheek. He cringes in disgust but I can’t hold myself any longer. I immediately go for his neck and work my way up. Kachan groans in pleasure but tries to cover it with a cough. “It’s ok baby I know you want it just let me make you feel good,” I whisper seductively into his ear. 

God this isn’t enough I want him here and now. I want him underneath me begging for release I want to feel his plump ass as I pump in and out of him. I want to mark him bruise that pretty pale skin. I want to choke him as he climbs for a release while trying to find the needed air. I need him like I need to breathe. I need to feel every single beautiful inch of him. I want him to feel like I am the only one out there who will care for him and I will be. I need to feel his cock in my hands throbbing in pain as I withhold pleasure for trying to fight me and curse me out. I rip his shirt off leaving him bare and exposed to the sole person who shall ever see him like this. 

I grab his face and put my lips on his. I then snake my hand into his pants and start stroking his cock. I want him to moan my name I want to be the only name this pretty mouth ever utters. I keep trying to gain entrance to deepen the kiss but he is resistant with a few strokes I have him buckling and moaning just enough to give me entrance. He tastes amazing and smells just delicious. I want life to be like this forever.

[captainlunaxmen]

The Lady and the Lord

Chapter 11

Eddie munson x fem!reader

This is a repost since the old blog doesn't work anymore. 🥰

Chapter summary: some domestic (well deserved) time for our heroes.

Chapter warnings: spoiler season 4, cuteness.

I don't think there are words to describe what I'm feeling right now.

Hopper, El and I sitting on the floor of Hopper's cabin, because they didn't have time to fix everything else properly yet, eating some pizza.

"God... I missed pizza" Hopper basically moans as he eats a slice.

"I bet" I nod. "Now we gotta get you back to your previous form"

"Don't worry. I'll get there in no time. Gotta make up for all that... well...whatever they fed us" he says with a chuckle.

I can't imagine what he's been through all this time... he deserves to rest... well deserved.

"I missed you" El suddenly says and we turn our head to look at her.

"I missed you too... both of you" Hopper smiles "even if you were a real pain in the ass sometimes"

El and Hopper laugh.

"That's not true!" I defend myself.

"You're right, you're right... you were a real bane" he chuckles and I open my mouth shocked by his words, but amused at the same time.

"You're really not the one to make that argument?!" I challenge.

"What? What did I do?" He laughs.

"You weren't that better" El agrees with me.

"Ah!" I exclaim.

"You two are trying to make me regret the Russian prison? Is that what this is?" He jokes taking another big bites of pizza.

"Never. We don't want to lose you anymore" I say with a smile, looking at El who nods.

"Neither do I" Hopper smile is genuine.. Happy and relieved. As if now he can finally take a break.

I feel my eye getting wet from happy tears so I just blink them away with a chuckle.

"Okay, I don't need any more crying. Let's talk about something else" I declare eating my own slice of pizza.

They nod laughing with me.

"Who... who's Eddie? Dustin talked a lot about him" El softly asks.

Oh god.

"Yeah" Hop take advantage of her question "who is Eddie? Uh?"

"I'm so happy you're here I-" I try to change subject again, but Hopper cuts me off.

"Oh no, no, you won't get away with it now. No Harrington to save you this time either. Who. Is. Eddie?" He says with the most triumphant grin I've ever seen.

"Fuck..." I mutter, I look at El, she sends me an apologetic, yet teasing smile so I take a deep breath "he's my boyfriend... since, uh... today"

"Wait... is this Eddie Munson? As in the drug dealer?" He suddenly asks.

"Yeah..." I say, ready to hear him say I shouldn't be with him.

"He better be treating you right, then" he simply says, catching me off guard.

"Wait... is he okay to you? Like no 'you shouldn't associate yourself with people like him' or something?"

"He's always been a good kid, okay? Not a Saint... far from it. But... he did what he had to do. His father wasn't the best person out there" He explains.

"Yeah.. I know" I sigh.

"So... as long as he treats you right and doesn't do anything illegal... he's alright to me" he gently smiles.

"You love him?" El asks. I look at her smiling at me, I nod.

"He better not break your heart"

"Yeah yeah, Steve already gave him the speech" I wave him off.

"Harrington?" Hopper asks sceptically "Cool-Hair? Really?"

I nod, holding back a laugh.

"Okay.." he sighs "I will have to give this Eddie the actual speech, then"

At that El and I burst out laughing, loudly. Hop looks at us with a warm smile before laughing with us.

The evening goes on like this, laughs and catch ups.

Hopped told us about his time in Russia, how he managed to befriend one fo the guards and then escaped with Joyce and Murray's help.

El told us about her experience in high school in California. Which made my blood boil after hearing about this Angela treating her like shit. She then told us how she got her powers back, about Brenner being alive and about what she discovered about her past... how she first defeated One.

I gently grab her hand after she finished talking and she smile at me, grateful.

I told them about Chrissy, how Eddie had to hide because the whole town thought he was the killer. I told them about us being stuck in the Upside Down, our plan and how Eddie almost died to help us.

When it got late Hopper offered to drive me home so I wish El goodnight and go to get in the car with Hop.

"You sure he treats you right?" Hopper asks while he drives.

"I'm sure, Hop. He's really nice" I tell him.

"Gotta meet him.. I mean.. it's my job, now" he says seriously, but I can tell he's smiling.

" you will, I promise. Just don't be too harsh on him, uh?"

"I'll try. No promises."

"So..." I start, after a while, with a teasing tone.

"So?"

"You and Joyce?"

"What about it?" He asks trying to sound casual about it.

"You needed a year in a russian prison to grow some balls?" I tease.

"For the record... I asked her out before being captured. I just got held up" he defends.

"Mmh... I'll ask her" I declare.

"Go ahead" he invites proudly.

I laugh.

"I'm happy for you, Hop" I say "like.. really happy"

"So am I" he replies. "I'm also very proud of you"

"What for?" I ask confused.

"You grew up so much from last time. Not only physically, but you are braver, more confident. Not that you weren't before... but you know. I know how you defended them. From monsters and from these jocks that hunted your boyfriend down, gotta give me the names by the way, I'm proud of you"

"How do you know about that?" I ask surprised.

"Dustin" he simply answers.

Oh Dusty..

"I got it from you" I shyly say after a moment. "The bravery"

"Nah, you might be a Hopper now, but that courage has always been there. You just needed to believe in yourself a bit more" he chuckles.

"Maybe" I shrug.

"No, no, it's always been there. Trust me. Stop putting yourself down." He gently scolds me.

"I'm trying"

"You better be"

He pulls up to my house and stops the car.

"Thank you" I tell him.

"No problem. It's good to be back to the old habit" he says.

"I..." I start "Uh... when El won't need to hide anymore... maybe.. uh..maybe you two can live here..?"

Silence falls in the car.

"What about your independence, uh?" He tries, to check if I'm messing with him, I think.

" I know how being independent feels like... I think I want to find out what having a family at home feels like.." I look down playing with my rings as I keep talking "there's enough space to gain two more bedrooms... and, uh... it's close to the police station too."

There's silence again so I turn my head to look at Hopper... wiping away some tears.

"Are you crying?" I ask surprised.

"Of course I am!" He replies as a matter of fact and I softly laugh.

"Should I take it as a yes?" I then ask, rhetorically.

"You should. Yes" he tells me with a proud smile. "Now go get some sleep. It's already very late"

I get out of the car with a smile.

"Don't start being the strict father you tend to be!" I warn him.

"You signed the papers, I can be whatever father I want" he jokes.

"The best one. I know" I tell him walking away, not before noticing a surprised and tender smile growing on his face.

I got home and for the first time in a long time I slept like a baby.

No monster to fight, no douchebag to avoid... just a peaceful night of sleep.

"Thanks again for driving us, Argyle" I thank Jonathan's friend, who gently offered to drive me to get Eddie from the hospital.

I'm sitting in the back with Dustin, while Jonathan sits in the front, he and Dustin helped me look around Eddie's destroyed trailer to see what survived and what could be fixed.

One thing in particular seemed to survive just fine. Can't wait to show it to Eddie.

"No problemo" Argyle answers.

"And thank you Jonathan for helping us this morning" Dustin says.

"Don't worry about it, Dustin. Glad I helped." Jonathan smiles.

"You're curious to know Eddie, aren't you?" Dustin asks with a proud grin and I roll my eyes with a laugh.

"Gotta say yes" he laughs.

"I knew it!" Dustin exclaims.

"Why?" I laugh.

"Because one Dustin and Lucas can't seem to shut up about him and two you're family, I need to be sure he's good enough for you" Jonathan explains.

I smile at that, we really are family.

"Are you too gonna threaten him? Get in line I'm afraid" I tell him.

"Who else?" He asks taken aback.

"Well... Steve already gave him the speech, Dustin here wants too, Hop 'gotta meet him'... so... yeah, get in line" I chuckle.

"Can I get in line too?" Argyle asks, as if he asked if the sit is taken or something "you seem cool, dude, and if you're Jonathan's friend, you're my friend too"

"Thank you, Argyle" I laugh.

"Also... Steve doesn't count" Dustin comments.

"Oohh I'll tell him you said that!"

"You won't!"

"I will" I laugh.

We finally get to the hospital and Dustin and I go get Eddie while Jonathan and Argyle stay in the parking lot.

Dustin knocks at the door and when we hear Eddie's voice telling us to come in we enter.

"There he is!" Dustin announces.

Eddie's standing up putting putting on his shirt and smiles brightly when he sees us.

"Thought you never came" he jokes.

"I tried to leave you here, but Dustin missed you too much" I joke walking to him.

"You tried, uh?" He grabs my waist to pull me to him.

"I did, he didn't listen... now I'm stuck with you" I say feigning annoyance.

"Oh poor lady" he mocks.

"Uh... guys" Dustin speaks "do you mind? Not in front of me? Please?"

"Sorry" I say with a small laugh.

"I'm not sorry, but fine" Eddie shrugs and lets go of me.

"Ready to go, then?" I ask him.

"Yeah" he says grabbing a small bag with some clothes we brought him.

We walk to the exit and I feel Eddie walking as close to me as possible.

I notice some of the people there sending him hatred and scared looks. Even if both the chief and police officers dropped any accusations towards him, and even apologised to him, people in this town can't help but still blame him.

Eddie walks looking down, afraid of what he might see if he met one of those stare, so I grab his hand, squeezing it as we walk, and finally I feel him relaxing as we arrive at the parking lot to Jonathan and Argyle.

We all planned a small dinner with everyone, both to have a real first moment of relief and also to give Lucas an excuse to take a break.

We stop to grab some pizza in this little place close to Family Video, so we can pick up Steve and Robin and then go to the Wheeler's house.

As we wait Robin and Steve joins us.

"Hey there!" Robin and Steve greet us.

"Hey, man. How do you feel?" Steve asks Eddie.

"A lot better" Eddie answers.

"That's good because..." Robin starts walking up to Eddie "because if you dare, or even slightly remotely think about hurting my friend... you are completely and utterly done"

"She skipped the line!" Argyle exclaims.

"Trust me... that's definitely not in my plans.." Eddie replies, taken aback.

"Oh god" I mutter "Guys, can you please stop threatening my boyfriend?"

A chorus of 'ooh's emerges from the group and Eddie turns to me with a proud grin.

"Yeah, guys, and stop getting my girlfriend all flustered" he pulls me to him "that's my job"

A fake gag sound escapes Dustin mouth at that, but I know he's the happiest about it.

After a while of chatting as we wait some people come in, we simply acknowledge them and get back at listening to Jonathan and Argyle talking about California, but I can still feel them staring... and unfortunately I know who they're staring at.

I stay close to Eddie, knowing he feels their stare too, and I try to give him as much comfort as I can.

I lock eyes with Steve who looks at me with a questioning look so I slightly nod at the people staring at us.

Surprisingly Steve turns around to look at them.

"Got a problem?" He asks making them jump taken aback. "Go mind your own business, uh?"

He turns back around and motion Jonathan to go on, and I see him sending Eddie a supporting nod to which Eddie answers with a thankful one.

When we finally get the pizza we immediately head to the Wheeler's.

"No way!" Eddie exclaims " the neverending story song? Really?"

He sits with Lucas, Dustin and Will on the floor and they're telling him about last summer. Dustin tries to hid himself, embarrassed.

Me and the rest sit on the couch and armchairs around them, Mike is with El in Hopper's cabin.

"And he sang it beautifully" I chime in.

"Yeah, Henderson, should've recorded it" Steve joins.

"Ooh I wish I could have been there!" Eddie jokes.

"Oh, no, trust me, you don't" Jonathan tell him, with a small chuckle. "It was messy"

"Yeah, I was just acting tough, man" Eddie replies.

"Just like you pretend you're that big coward, when in reality you're not." Dustin tells him.

"Yeah, Munson you're a hero. Take some credits" Steve says with a shrug.

"The whole town thinks otherwise" he sadly mutters.

"We think you are. And we're the smartest persons you could ever meet so... we're right" Dustin states.

"You do?" Eddie asks.

"Of course, love" I rub his shoulders to comfort him, making him turn around.

"Thanks" he sweetly say, then turn to everyone "really, thank you"

"Plus... I guess we are all freaks here. We stick together" Robin states.

"Exactly!" Dustin exclaims ecstatic.

"Always" Lucas agrees.

"Hey, guys" Karen enters the basement. "Can someone come up here and help me bring down some snacks?"

"We already got pizza, mom" Nancy tells her.

"Can't eat that all night, c'mon" Karen encourages.

I look at Nancy rolling her eyes and getting up.

"I'll come too" I say getting up as well.

"Thanks" she says as we go upstairs.

We arrive in the kitchen and start helping Mrs Wheeler with the snacks.

"It's so nice having you all back to hang out like that" she comments "helping each other out, supporting each other"

"That's what family does, isn't it?" I shyly say.

"Exactly" she replies with a big and warm smile.

I look at Nancy, who's also smiling.

"We also got two good additions I think" she jokes.

"Oh yeah, that.. Argyle seems very nice, a bit in his own world, but nice" Karen says "and Eddie" she looks at me.

"Yeah?" I ask confused.

"Is he nice?" I can hear the teasing in her tone.

"I... well.. yeah.. I mean, everyone loves him" I nervously chuckle.

I see Nancy and her mother sharing a knowing look.

"What's that look?" I ask, half amused by their teasing.

"Oh nothing, nothing. Is he nice... to you?"

I look at Nancy, knowing she already told her mother about me and Eddie, but she shrugs innocently.

"Yeah, Mrs Wheeler. He is" I say, with my cheeks heating up when she gives me a knowing look.

"I'm glad to hear it, sweetie" she gently says, as she puts some peanut butter on a piece of bread.

"He can't seem to have eye for nothing else" Nancy chimes in.

"Yeah, okay, stop teasing me" I jokingly complain.

"Alright alright, c'mon there you go, girls. Have fun" Karen hands us the rest of the snacks she made and me and Nancy walk back downstairs.

"We got food!" Nancy announces and we pit all the food on the table with the rest of the pizza.

"Whoa, does she think we're gonna starve to death?" Steve comments.

"Well, I'm not complaining" Robin replies as she grabs one sandwich.

I walk back to sit on my spot behind Eddie, who still sits on the floor.

"I missed you" he says to me and I tenderly smile at him, still shy from his affection.

We went on chatting and telling stories about the Upside Down so both Eddie and Argyle, who is surprisingly excited about it asking the most absurd questions. For example he asked if we used actual dog snacks to catch the demo-dogs... he definitely is the funniest addition to the group.

"Okay guys it's getting late, I hate to kick ypu out, but you're parents would kill me" Karen says as she enter the basement.

"Yeah, we better go too. We got a shift at Family video tomorrow morning" Robin explains.

"Alright, let's go then" Jonathan declares standing up and kissing Nancy goodnight.

We all wish Nancy and her parents goodnight before getting into Argyle pizza van.

The first stop is Dustin house.

"Goodnight guys!" He jumps out.

"Goodnight Dusty" I say.

"Oh! Before I forget.." he turns back around pointing his finger at Eddie.

"Oh god..."

"Yeah?" Eddie pays attention.

"She's my sister, Munson. Okay? You hurt her and I'm gonna, personally, shave your hair, then I'm gonna revive one of those bats and cage you in a small closet with it" he seriously tells him.

"Does anyone else want to threaten me?" Eddie asks.

"Well..." Jonathan starts.

"There's a line, dude" Argyle explains.

"You had to be so nice, uh?" Eddie sarcastically says to me, smiling amused.

"It's not my fault. I tried to make them stop" I defend.

"I'm serious, Munson" Dustin repeats.

"I know, Henderson, I know. And trust me, for the millionth time, I have no intention of hurting this lovely lady" Eddie simply says.

"You better" Dustin glares at him before walking to his house.

"Okay, guys, seriously, now stop threatening him, thank you very much." I chuckle.

"Okay"

"Yeah"

"Sorry" Steve mutters.

"Let's go, please" I ask laughing, basically. They're all so sweet, of course, but poor Eddie.

Once we arrive at my house me and Eddie get out of the van.

"Goodnight" Eddie says grabbing his bag.

"Goodnight and thanks for the ride"

"Y/n, one more thing?" Steve calls "Uh... if you hurt him, I'll... uh... hurt you"

Really?

Everyone laughs.

I think he's trying to make Eddie feel really apart of the group, he gave up on his "non-jealousy" and he wants to make him feel included.

"Ooh.. I'm so scared" I sarcastically say, with a chuckle.

I walk back grabbing Eddie's hand and leading him to the house.

"I appreciate the effort though, Harrington!" Eddie yells at him.

"Anytime!" Steve yells back as they drive off.