#and being really damn angry and somewhat scared about it

[matchadobo]

Can I request Kid x reader (established relationship) where he and the crew find out the reader is a run away princess beacuse she was arranged to get married to a prince who was awful? You can expand on this concept as much as u want!!

KIDD; runaway princess

wc: 2003

warning/s: none, very fluff, kidd's being violent tho

"snap at me when you've taken down more than half of what i had done, cutie." he taunted, pinning down enemies one after the other that almost got to you. "so i don't gotta watch your back all the time."

"i'll point the gun at you instead, numbskull."

once the lot of you had reached a quiet alley, you all settled down. some had got a hold of their knees, sat on the ground with their backs on the cold, bricked walls, or face flat on the asphalt trying to catch their breaths.

but you were too occupied with thinking if you should out yourself because you are overflowing with guilt. some of your men have been injured but thankfully enough no one died. while some of your mates tended to their wounds, you couldn't take all the guilt so you stepped up.

"why are you standin' like that?" kidd looked at you funny. he stood tall with his back against the wall, his arms crossed, a puzzled expression on his face.

"i... have something to confess to you guys." you said with your head hung low, fists balled up. the others figured that it was serious, so everyone stopped lousing around and had their eyes on you. you took your time gathering your thoughts and words and they anticipated patiently.

"out with it, love." kidd nudged you, placing his human arm on your shoulder. he donned a gentle smile which cheered you on. a smile only known to you and for you.

"the real reason why we're being chased by the royal guards of my village is not just because we're pirates. it's mostly because i-i'm the lost princess who ran away on her wedding day." you spat bitterly, bile rising across your throat.

you pulled out a bounty poster of you that you snatched from the pub you lot were drinking at earlier. "i colored and grew out my hair so i wouldn't be recognized." you placed the poster side by side. the utter astonishment in their eyes as even the littlest resemblance was not evident. you got too careless that your hair later grew out and your roots were showing. even with the make up, the people from your village were able to recognize you.

you took a look at them and they all had the same expression, jaws dropped on the floor. but you especially took a long glance at kidd, his face was unparalleled and you couldn't read him. was he angry? shocked? sad? amused?

he sucked in his teeth and tsked, "sounds like my little rockstar." he looked at you, eye-to-eye as he watched how tears pooled by your eyes. "kinda figured you're somewhat of a princess though, you're too damn pretty to be in my world."

"yeah?" you placed your hand above his which was clutching your cheeks. "i-i'm sorry i lied... i was... scared."

in a millisecond, kidd pulled you to his grasp by the back of your neck. he stroked at the back of your head, combing his fingers through your locks. "that ain't a problem, alright? i'm more than happy to take you away whatever reason you got going on." he pledged by your ear, his embrace tightening. "you better tell me all about it though, aye?"

"i'm really sorry, this is all my fault you guys got hurt." you sobbed silently yet you don't even think deserve to cry. "i-i'll just surrender so you guys can get off the hook-"

"name, no! what?!"

"now that's going too far, name!"

"don't even think about it, name! as if we'd let you!"

"what the hell do you think you're talking about?!" kidd fumed, eyes furious alternating between your glassy ones. "you do realize that when you became part of the crew, you're stuck with us, aye? whatever bullshit you're planning, get it the fuck outta your mind." he kicked a lone rock by the asphalt before turning his back to you. "don't go dropping shit like that like it's some normal fuckin' thing. think about what you really want, and maybe consider my goddamn feelings along the way, why don'tcha." kidd strutted deeper into the alley, with each click of his heel you felt guilt boring through your soul. you couldn't see it but his eyeliner was starting to fuck up because of the forming tears.

you fell to your knees, frustrated. some of the crew members gave you a hug as you started crying your heart out, remembering all the excruciating days of royalty. it was tormenting. but you wanted your crew to go free. if it means to save them, you'd do anything. so you made your way to consult your lover by the corner.

"if you want to surrender. you're just being selfish at this point, name." kidd said through gritted teeth, bitter words making your heart break. "you don't even think about what we want? what i fuckin' want? i know for goddamn sure that you don't want that, why else would you run away then? so let me ask you, what do you really want?" he looked you in the eye, both hands on your shoulders.

"i-i want to be with you. i feel the most free when i'm with you. i want you to be the one i marry. i don't want to be shackled by these posh shit, i want to sail the seas with you. i want to celebrate every birthday with the crew. i want to see everyone reach their dreams, especially you. i want to be with you every step along the way. i-i want to have that, b-but if this princess thing-"

"no buts, i heard you loud and clear, baby." he interrupted with a kiss on the forehead. "you wanna settle this the kidd pirate's way or what?" he suggested with the most manic grin against your ear. "i'm tempted to hunt down that moron prince who had the nerve to marry you. gotta teach 'em to not meddle with someone else's treasure."

"don't tell me you're burning the whole village down..." you looked up at him, though there was no shred of empathy in your eyes. seems like he and the crew had rubbed off on you.

"you bet i will."

hiii thanks for the request! very sporadic updates bc i'll have exams in a week 😞

[seiberries]

loving blue lock boys as ts songs : hcs

includes: isagi, bachira, chigiri, kunigami, nagi, reo, rin warnings: none really! just light swearing. let me know if you guys want a part 2!!

isagi yoichi - lover

isagi yoichi who loves like he came straight out of a classic romantic comedy. he says the right things, he does what he needs to and more- he loves you completely. he’s absolutely perfect, so what could you do for him?

at night, the feeling of insecurity would creep up to you- even with him on the other side of the bed. you were sure he wanted you, but sometimes, you just couldn’t understand why.

fortunately, your boyfriend is incredibly observant. he had been watching your actions, how you were somewhat distancing yourself. he spoke up after a few minutes. you told him why, and he just couldn’t comprehend it. how do you feel like exact same way he feels about you?

he held you close all evening, not letting you out of his grasp. isagi loved one person, and he was gonna make damn sure you knew it was you. just you, his lover.

bachira meguru - fearless

bachira meguru who makes you feel free. you can do anything with him by your side, even wilder things you’d never do beforehand, even things you would’ve found ridiculous in the past. he brings out a stronger side of you.

on your first date, it rained and poured all of a sudden. you were upset at the unfortunate happening, but bachira saw things differently. that evening, you two danced in the rain- laughing and giggling as you twirled each other around. it was going to be a core memory of yours, for sure.

bachira even gave you a piggyback going home to your place, he helped you dry off before taking his leave and thanking you.

it was then that his fearlessness affected you, as you leaned in to give him a peck on the cheek. only he could encourage you to make such a bold move.

chigiri hyoma - gorgeous

chigiri hyoma who is frustratingly pretty. seriously, how much time did the gods spend on him? it annoys you. his red hair, his soft skin, his perfume that’s vanilla scented- it pisses you off.

that’s why, when you made eye contact with him during his team’s celebration, you cursed mentally. to distract yourself, you went around the room, talking to everyone but him. you couldn’t bring yourself to speak with the panther-like boy.

in a few hours, having too much to drink, you swayed around the crowd with a pink face. chigiri caught you in his arms then. until when were you going to ignore him? your boyfriend, who you argued with before the party. he wouldn’t accept your comments on how attractive he was, and you got... angry? you showed said anger through avoiding him. how could he deny your compliments? it genuinely upset you.

spitting half-meant insults at him, the red-head rolled his eyes as he bid his teammates goodbye, taking you to the car. if being with him meant seeing his stupid, gorgeous face everyday, maybe you wouldn’t mind.

kunigami rensuke - hey stephen

kunigami rensuke who is so easy to adore. though initially intimidating, it’s obvious to all how good his heart is. you’d call him an angel, and he’d call you one in return.

he’s so good, you can’t help but hold back sometimes. with his career on the rise, you don’t want to distract him. you don’t want to be in the way. as a result, you start subconsciously avoiding the love of your life. he doesn’t approve of it one bit.

kunigami worries, did he do something? he knew he had changed since wildcard- but his love for you never did, ever. you were his motivation. he confronts you about it, terrified you might not want him anymore. the possibility scares the shit out of him.

but it wasn’t the case, you still want him more than anything. you explain how you much you love him, the way he walks, talks, and says your name. you could write songs. in your rambling, you fail to notice how close he gets to you- until he presses his lips against yours. you really are an angel to him.

nagi seishiro - sweet nothing

nagi seishiro who is the definition of comfortable silence. neither you or him expect much of each other, even being in the same room is a love language you two share. he lies his head down on your lap, while you watch tv or read a book. moments like that are priceless to you two.

the outside world is noisy and messy, you’re reminded of it quite often. whether through the news or from personal experience, you know how frantic life can become. sometimes, the chaos becomes too tiring for you, who’s too soft for it all.

you come home, exhausted, to see your boyfriend in the kitchen. he knows, he always does. wrapping his arms around your figure, tears start falling from your eyes as he silently pats your back in comfort.

though nagi is quiet, you can hear the sweet nothings from the way his heart beat with yours. you wouldn’t have it any other way.

mikage reo - mine

mikage reo who has had everything handed to him on a silver platter, besides his career- and you, of course. you were an incredibly careful person, and he was a person who could be reckless if he wanted to be. you walked slowly, and he ran through as many obstacles as possible. you hated the taunts of life, while he found them exciting.

those differences were but minor factors to the two of you, though. they brought you closer despite the fights, despite the arguments. you were both meant for each other, connected by the universe.

reo was sure of all this, but was especially reassured when he saw the moving trucks approach the house he had purchased. he watched as the workers unloaded an assortment of furniture from the vehicles. a new beginning was to start, with you next to him.

you sat down next to each other, positioning yourselves on a red couch temporarily placed on your driveway. this new beginning relied on you both.

itoshi rin - ours

itoshi rin who thinks of you even as he gets on the plane for another game abroad. he hates leaving you, he truly does- and you hate it too, it was mutual. but you couldn’t stop him from leaving every other week.

your days go by slowly without his sharp remarks and icy glares, you even start to miss the word “lukewarm”. but you’d wait, there was no way you wouldn’t. he was more than worth waiting for, no matter how many times he had to go.

you’re laying on your bed when you hear the door of your apartment open, footsteps can be heard running towards your bedroom. the door is briskly opened to reveal your boyfriend, seemingly out of breath. he wasn’t supposed to be home yet, but you were ecstatic to see him.

after a moment of eye-contact, he knelt before you. it was then that he promised to marry you, he wasn’t gonna leave you alone ever again. fuck, he couldn’t bare it. the life rin lived was no longer just his, but yours too.

[goodolddumbbanana]

WHOOOOO, SOLAR DIDN’T FALL FOR THE BULLSHIT NEXUS TRIED TO SPEW-

I am so happy!!!!!

Damn Nexus delulu really went off the cliff, am I right? Become a God???? That dude is not only trying to be worse than the person he hates, but he also wants to compete with his God Complex with his Dad.

Solar heard so desperate. I bet he really got triggered back to his Moon, and his Sun.

Solar be like if I have 1 dollar for every person I care about because of me went crazy, it is weird that I will have 2 dollars.

And the way he stabbed Nexus and realized nothing worked? That Nexus turned worse because of himself, not because of someone else? Haha, that dude went straight to murder. Guess he has learnt his lesson with his Moon somehow. Once my boy tastes blood, it just keeps going like that I guess...

But... Seeing Nexus to be this cringe and ask Solar to come and work with him... And just flushed away his family and blamed Sun for being scared of him and pushing him away while in reality, Sun rarely mentioned Old Moon anymore and that is just Nexus being self conscious?

I want to say I am surprised but honestly, I had guessed this for like several days before. It actually turned out better than I expected though. I guess I just expect the worst, that Solar will be captured or such or he is too weak to kill Nexus - his used to be friends, family once again.

Although it is really a concern that Nexus can talk into Solar's head. God knows if he will whisper something really stupid for Solar to do something stupid... And I guess the shards things Sun can detect properly related to Star power.

Cuz even the Astral Bodies couldn't realise Nexus is here, but Sun can, so I guess... Sun will be more in danger than he is now, especially after Nexus stops avoiding him.

I still don't get it. Why does Nexus keep threatening everyone but leave Sun. He wants to hurt Lunar, Earth (again), bashing off Moon's head, Dazzle and Jack, but he never mentioned what he would want to do to Sun? Maybe it is the mercy for someone who is used to his brother?

Cuz the way Nexus keeps repeating himself that Solar is his brother, Solar is the only one he cares about is bull. We both know it is bull. And also weird.

Because in the dream he had, he lost Sun and he just totally wiped off Solar's existence. He was screaming his lung out that he wanted his brother back. And while with Earth and Lunar, their sins were wanted to do nothing with him, then with Sun, he mentioned Sun only liked him because of pity.

I guess in some twisted levels, Nexus really understands Sun, and still misses Sun, somehow. But he feels bitter towards Sun too, like he is never enough for Sun.

While Solar still very couldn't accept the fact that Nexus becomes this egomaniac, and the conversation was just end ups with Nexus laughing and mocking Solar runway. With Sun, they understand each other too well which leads them to really don't need to say anything, and just accept the fact that Nexus is already gone.

And.... If before it is Sun and Solar hopes to somewhat bring Nexus back, now in that boat the only one person left is Sun.

Sun seems not surprised when hearing what Solar says is really sad. He also seems like he wants to say something more... I really hope this Endgame will be Sun stop Nexus because for real, right now, it is only Sun does not totally give up or want to kill Nexus.

Surely he is angry at Nexus for stabbing him in the back. But like Nexus used to say when approaching Dark Sun, even Sun in his head isn't that mean.

Please Tsams, let Sun and Nexus have one big fight!!!! Please Sun!!!!

Note: it is really hard warming to see how Sun and Solar get along really like siblings. Solar pouring water on Sun's head and both three of them hang out? Peach!!!

And... Nexus really calls Dark Sun his partner huh? Guess he still feels lonely somehow with his new shiny self destructive power.

I wonder what kills him faster, his negative star power or Dark Sun will betray him in the end or Solar and Moon and the Astral Bodies will come to get his ass.

It's really just screaming Eclipse-has-star-power-v2.

I feel bad for Nexus, that dude has none of origin thoughts in his head. Becomes God? Creator. Consuming Star power? Eclipse. Pushing everyone away and becoming the biggest ass of yourself and doesn't even care if it kills you or not because you to blind on hating yourself? Old Moon.

He just continues to do what he has seen. For someone who doesn't like to be a puppet on strings, he really let himself play like a fiddler a lot.

He rather let himself drown in his delusional freedom (thinking he is the one who controls when in fact he knows Dark Sun is just using him. And maybe this is better because Dark Sun doesn't care about him. He doesn't want anyone to care about him...) than let himself be loved.

And that's really sad and like Solar said, pathetic.

Solar: Is there anything this situation can get worse?

Life be like: Bet.

I really think it is foreshadowed for something really bad will happen in the future.

[vitzi9]

I'll be patient, just for you.

Masterlist if you want to read my others things. Prequel of Patience is the key to sucess.

TW/CW: breaking in, voyeurism, ghostface

I feel like this is weird? Or cliché ? I can't tell but I don't really like it. (8/07/2023) (1678)

Ethan has always been a lonely man. Even in his own family, he wasn't loved. His father was talking about his lost son every hour of the damn day, his sister was too. Both of them had spent years trying to find the perfect revenge plan. It was the only thing in their mind. Their plan still wasn't finished yet and for the moment all he had to do was befriending some dumbs students for him to get closer to.

It was a long and boring process. Playing the embarrassed nerd every second, faking being insecure and everything. It was boring. Deadly so.

But it wasn't that much of a waste of time since it's then and there that he discovered his passion; killing and frightening people. In pair with lying. He always think: how many times can I lie to someone before they see it ? How big can my lie be and still pass ? It was his hobby now. The adrenaline he felt while taking the life of someone was exhilarating. He was Ghostface, now. It was beautiful !

So he joined a college and started to blend in. To others, he was the shy dorky nerd without friends, too stupid to hurt a fly. And it was perfect. Ethan was smart, incredibly so. And he was competitive. He was a genius and no one could challenge him, he was the first of every one of his classes. And if someone dared surpass him, he would get angry, really angry.

And no one was suspecting him, too ! Chad just wanted for him to get into a relationship, Tara, Anika and Sam weren't paying too much attention to him, sure Mindy found him weird but that was all.

His cover was perfect.

One day, paying attention to the lesson. He doesn't notice how his pen fell on the ground. Nor when you grabbed it for him. He felt someone tap on his shoulder. Turning his head, he's face to face with you.

You were plain, somewhat of a background character. You didnt't look like you'd be fun to play with, like you'd just cry if he'd chase after you. So he didn't really paid attention to you. Staying in his role, he smiles and thanks you. You smile back.

He didn't even know your name, in fact, he didn't know the name of the majority of people in the class. There were too much persons in this big room. He never noticed you, until now. Why were you seated beside him ? And when did you sit here ? One quick look at the room gave him the answer; there wasn't enough sits.

Chad nudges his side, Ethan moans from the pain. His roomate gives him a pointed look, smiling slyly. Ethan just shrugs. He was terribly annoying, not even funny. If he had any choice in the revenge plan of his father, this dumb guy would be his first victim. Seriously, his name is Chad ? What the hell ?

Ethan glances back at you briefly when he sees a pins on your pencil case; on it, the head of the puppet from the movies Saw. He was intrigued. He liked horror movie as well, and challenge even more. Saw could be really trash for some people, with physical and psychological horror. At first, it was just a game for him really.

He wanted to see how much time he needed to scare you off.

How much time he needed to make you cry, shake and beg for your life. He wanted to speedrun ruining you.

For that, he needed some material. Ethan was a theater kid at heart. He liked to make things dramatics. He grabbed a rope and a black spraypaint. That's all he needed for now. He went to the cash register and gave his 5 dollars note. The cashier told him thirty cents were missing. He was going to bargain, even going to break his character if he needed to, but someone was quicker.

One coin of twenty and one of ten had been put on the counter next to his hand. Surprised, he follows the arm that laid it until he sees the owner of it. You. You smiled at him politly. You, who was the reason he was buying this in the first place. You were nothing like the you from school. You were even pretty. He couldn't even proceed the information but he just stuttered something, a thanks maybe, he can't even remember. But he left with his articles, head low and cheeks red.

Two days later, (the time he needed for him to understand the reaction he had at the store), he was ready. He would follow you at school, for the sole reason he wanted to scare you, of course. He'd write threats to the sit you usually sit on. But you always brush them off, thinking it was just some aweful joke from another student. Even if he wrote your name on it, you wouldn't budge.

He hang up a doll to the ceiling once, to get a reaction out of you. Didn't work either. He tried a lot more things before he realized he had stepped down the creepyness. His creepy jokes were similar to one a kid do. The more he wanted to scare you, the less he was doing. But he was doing it on purpose.

He knew he was doing it on purpose, the pictures of you on his phone were giving him away. Pictures of you in your room, changing clothes, sleeping, walking. Everything. But everyone do that, right ?Every man his age had a crush, after all. But Ethan never had one. He didn't have a normal life after all, nor a normal family. So it's not surprising.

Is that what men feel ? Surely, yes. He couldn't, and wouldnt anyway, ask his dad on the matter. He soon realized it wasn't normal to obsess over someone this way. But at this point it was too late. He killed people, he could deepen in the uncontroversially. A Polaroid of you talking to you friend was well hidden in his nightstand. Your friend's face was crossed out.

This picture was his favourite because he got to be so so close to you that day he thought that wasn't real. You weren't even smiling on the picture, your friend was probably telling you sad things but he didn't care. He spent countless night staring at this picture.

He craved something else. He didn't know what exactly but the more he was looking at you, the prettier you were becoming. And you were nice to him too. Well, the two only times both of you talked, you were incredibly nice to him. And he discovered you had similar center of interest ! You had scary books in your room, you listened to artists he liked, or learnt to like, and like him you hadn't a lot of friends !

But there was that thing, you weren't scared. But on another side, Ethan is not sure he wants to see you just scared now. He wasn't satisfied anymore.

No, his need was stronger now. He wanted to scare you, but mostly detroy you. It was something really simple in his mind. Something quick to understand but hard to plan. Human is gregarious. Human needs to be in a group or in a pair, it's a fact. But what if an human is left alone ? Then, he'll seek refuge with someone else. Even if it's not truthful. Even if it's a fake relation, because human need compagny. It give them a sense of safety.

And that now, was more terryfing that any stupid movie. Because Ethan was controlling everything in this plan. Because he get to see you scared shitless, to see you cry and beg for you life, he get to destroy you and you'll still come back for him for comfort.

In this plan, Ethan was winning on every fronts. He had everything and you nothing.

Though, he had to control himself at some point. He couldn't act too quickly. It wasn't something you can do in a blinking of an eye. Plus, you still exerted a force on him.

That he wants it or not.

That persona he was sick of playing with his so called friends, weirdly enough, he was really getting into it when you were around. When you looked at him, even for a brief second, he was the embarrassed nerd. When you looked at someone else, he was insecure.

But he'd overcome that, eventually.

Often, you'd come to your friend's apartment and he would love these moments ! Because he could hide in the bathroom and listen to your conversation. At first, his audacity had him doubt about his plan. But your friend was so so stupid ! Since he already locked himself in the bathroom multiple times before, she was used to it by now. Just thinking that it was stuck sometimes and she wouldn't insist. Ethan was free to do what he wanted.

After that, he decided he needed more. He knew your bedroom window was giving to a little street below. And it became a habit for him to go there every night. You couldn't see him, less hear him. But he was talking to you, every time. Most of the time, he was seated on the ground, head glued to your room.

'You're so pretty' he'd whisper after a long day. 'Good night lovely' he'd say when you turn off the light. And once deep asleep, he'd enter your apartment. He already duplicated your keys; his most prized posession. He would just stare at your sleeping form. Sometimes, he'd watch the TV without sound on your couch. Wanting to create a domestic feeling in him.

But each time, once the night is over, you'd see each other at school and you would act as if you don't know him.

And he really, really hated you for it.

[veliseraptor]

Remembering my first introduction to Xue Yang and thinking about how methodical he seemed to me vs fanon version that is basically evil Wei Wuxian on speed.

No really you're so right he's normally calm and methodical. Just sometimes the universe tells him he fucked up and he's like "would you say that if I did this? *makes an utterly insane choice*"

ohhh this is something I have Thoughts on for sure. don't get me wrong! I think xue yang does have manic periods and will get into a mode where he's not sleeping for three days because he has a project to work on and sleep is boring, a-yao, leave me alone. but I think the degree to which xue yang is - prior to xiao xingchen's death - actually as unhinged as he's sometimes painted is...it's not pretending but it is playing up an aspect of his personality to make people uncomfortable or nervous or scared, both because it's how he makes damn sure he's not going to be forgotten or ignored (have talked about that elsewhere) and because it's what people expect from him, so why not.

(it also means people underestimate him and while I think xue yang has a kind of complicated relationship with that it is useful sometimes.)

I do think a solid 30% of xue yang's behavior is looking at what people expect from him, going "oh you are like a little baby. watch this" and doing worse. i.e. if people are going to assume he's basically a wild animal then he's going to be the meanest wild animal they've ever seen. I think the fact that he settles relatively easily into playing a role where that's very much not the case, where nobody is looking at him like that (or at least nobody who is in a position to look down on him, qingqing is too short), is somewhat indicative.

he has more control over himself and his behavior than most people realize; I think the perception (both in universe and in fandom) is that he's sort of a creature of id, driven purely by impulse and almost instinctual reaction, and I don't think that's actually accurate to what we see of him most of the time. he's certainly very clever, and good enough at what he does to attract the attention of powerful people. jin guangshan finds him valuable enough to alienate and anger another sect leader about it. give Xue Yang a puzzle and if he's interested he'll sit down and pick at it until he figures it out, unless it's too easy, then it's just boring.

it's also notable to me that when xue yang is angry at someone, he doesn't actually act immediately. he's very willing to wait and plan to figure out how to really twist the knife in someone. the choice to go after song lan's temple, and song lan himself, rather than directly targeting xiao xingchen, might be a practical one, but it's also a very deliberate and targeted attack that's aimed right at xiao xingchen's stated purpose: "you say you're here to protect people? look, you can't even protect your friend and his temple, and now they've suffered because of you." that's not, like, an immediate and explosive reaction, it's a very purposeful act that has thought and planning behind it.

now, does xue yang make impulsive snap decisions, frequently involving violence? sure. but the most notable of those is, I would argue, at the two absolute nadir moments of xue yang's life. the first one being when xiao xingchen finds out who he is and vehemently rejects him - xue yang's reaction there feels like much more of an instinctive lashing out, and it's happening because for the first time in his life since he was very young, someone who actually has the ability to hurt his feelings has hurt his feelings and it feels real bad! doesn't like that! so he reacts to make it stop, and then keeps going and pushing until xiao xingchen breaks, and then after that it's pretty clear to me that he sort of shocks back to reality and spends the next eight years going "no, wait, I take it back." or, well, trying.

and then also when he dies. when wei wuxian goads him about what he did to chang ping and the implications thereof regarding xue yang's own feelings of (unnacknowledged, unrecognized) guilt, xue yang absolutely loses it, gets reckless and careless and ultimately it's that, with a-qing's help, which gets him killed.

oh, wait, one other place I think xue yang loses control of himself and acts without really thinking it through, and that's killing a-qing. I have less textual evidence for this (though I don't think it's completely absent), but it's definitely my headcanon.

outside of those moments, though - aka the ones that get really bad - I don't think xue yang is as off the chain as he sort of...gives off the air of being. I don't know that I'd call him calm, but I would say that he has the ability, most of the time, to exercise at least a modicum of self control.

at least, before xiao xingchen's death. frankly, after that I think he does very much lose his mind a little, but, you know. I think that's understandable, under the circumstances.

[gwaaaaar]

Black Butler racism (or just overall bigotry) is the funniest shit ever (no it isn't. It's awful) because. Black Butler somehow got better. And worse. Spoilers under the cut for Baldroys backstory btw.

Please try not to take this as an entirely anti-black butler sort of argument. I was thinking about this in passing and thought it was something worth discussing. So DON'T COME AT ME!!!

I'm gonna start off with the easiest and earliest examples of racism.

Soma and Agni-! Wow... so I'd argue in the beginning Soma was based off of, I wouldn't say harmless stereotypes, but stereotypes that weren't applied with malice. He's a prince with like. 26+ siblings so he never really had a chance for the throne.

The 26+ siblings is... an unfortunate common stereotype applied to brown people, more specifically muslim. Soma is from Bengal and depending on where, there could be a high muslim population. But Soma is hindu. Either way, it's not. Good. To portray brown people like this. Like having 20+ kids that is a bad look. Indians do have big families, I should know, but not to that extreme and it has weird implications. Also when Soma tells Mey Rin to strip because painting naked women is better... yikes

Here is the harmful part: his and Agni's worship of Ma Kali is treated as a joke. Like ohhh look at this scary demonic hindu goddess!!! Even sebastian is weirded out and he's a demon!!! LIKE WHAT THE FUCK. :/

BUT. but. This. PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE SINOPHOBIA. Holy shitttt Lau... oh my god he is like a stereotype from mf Tintin. The opium den and the Chinese girl in skimpy clothing is crazy (and the implied incest??? What is ran mao to him again??? Theyre like siblings right???)... It really fucking sucks that the way hes portrayed almost implies that Chinese people wanted the opium crisis rather than you know. Having it pushed onto them by the British . I can be upset about Soma all I want but damn... maybe indian people did get the good end of the stick.

And, it's weird right? It's weird how one minority that normally isn't treated seriously can escape with relatively minor stereotyping compared to. TO THE SHIT TON OF OPIUM. Of course there's a lot of historical things going on, but wow the sinophobia is nuts.

I do think the main problem is somewhat classism. Victims are treated brutes for retaliating. Like that one miniarc where indian immigrants were tying up British nobles that visited India because they were angry that they were used and tossed aside and can't go back home. Soma, one of the few indians treated with sympathy, is a prince. I WILL NEVER FORGIVE WHAT THEY DID TO MINA... she was rightfully upset. The caste system is a terrible thing and she wanted to escape that, and she's the bitch? She isn't gentle to Soma, but she's in the right.

Black Butler has evolved as a story significantly since the beginning and when I say it's kind of gotten better I mean, the characters have evolved so much they can no longer rely on stereotypes. We have to take Soma and Agni seriously, they are no longer just some funny foreigners. LAU DOESN'T EVEN DO OPIUM ANYMORE AFAIK... that was like 50% of his personality and she got rid of it lmao.

edit: i lied he still does opium its just that isnt his personality anymore.

And that's a good thing! They shouldn't have been portrayed in such ways in the beginning. Stereotyping is just objectively shit writing. But also yeah shitty thing to do to minorities.

I think one of the most beautiful cultural references made later on is post Agni's death, when Soma has had enough and finally snaps. The panel that says "he has gone down the path of Maa Kali" is so poetic and my roman empire . It's a good reference back to the deity they worship, but instead of her being treated as something to ridicule or be scared of, it shows how Soma's personality, and background has lead him to who he is today. I think it's beautiful! I'm happy Soma is in the story because of that.

The same can be said about the slight transphobia with Grell in the beginning. NOW I know in the beginning, there wasn't a particular word for trans women or people in general so a word referring to effeminate/gay men or crossdressers was used. This isn't about that, language changes etc etc. Its moreso how she was portrayed as like, a sicko serial killer. Like yk, negative trans stereotypes. But over time she was recognized as a woman and gets to be her own character. Which is awesome! It's good that shes been viewed more postively over time.

Now... here's where things might be getting worse.

Baldroys backstory pisses me off. The idea that native americans were like ravaging his hometown and killed his innocent family. He even says something like how he knows their land got stolen so their reaction was probably justified but he doesn't care. It just. It just feels like siding with the colonizers you know? Like perpetuating these stereotypes to give people a reason to be "afraid". I know conflict was pretty rampant back then but there's just certain things people should be careful with when portraying... and I don't think Black Butler did a good job. I was really surprised to see that it was from a recent chapter bc it honestly read like something from the older ones.

AT LEAST we finally got a black grim reaper wooo mama

[starsaviour48]

For a request how about Arcee and June hanging out with each other?

Two girl bosses coming right up.

The space bridge opened and a clearly upset and muddy Arcee stepped through it.

"Wow soooo the scouting didn't went well." said Wheeljack while jumping out off Arcee's way.

The blue femme turned around slowly and looked at her team with a murderous glare.

"You think?!? I had had enough doing you guys dirty work!" said Arcee and pointed to Bulkhead and Bumblebee who were the original team that should have done the mission.

"I'm also tired of your remarks like do you always feel the need to point out the obvious?"

It was Ratchet's and Wheeljack turn to be the target off Arcee's rage.

"And you..." Arcee turned to Smokescreen but realised that this time she has nothing on the rookie.

Smokescreen just lifted his servos in defence.

"I will just cross something off the list "Why Arcee is angry at me this time""

"Good."

Optimus turned to Arcee to offer her an olive branch as the human saying goes.

"You should take this day off. You deserve it."

"Damn right I do."

Having the day off is one thing, doing something with it is another. After a good oil bath provided by Bee and Bulk as apology for their overworked teammate she had no idea what to do. She tried to go to the training room but Smokescreen stopped her saying that she has the day off and training isn't the way to spend such a rare opportunity. On one hand she agreed with him but still...

"I heard of a human activity that you should try!"

"You having an idea? You scare me Smokescreen."

"Ha ha ha. I'm starting to think you enjoy bickering with me."

"Believe me I have a better way to spend my time than being in your company."

"Yeah? Like how?"

Arcee opened her intake to answer her teammate but closed it the moment she realised that she had nothing worthy to mention. Still she tried because she was stubborn after all.

"Watching cartoons with Bee, you and the kids. Have you forgotten?"

"No but you must have forgotten that me and Bee literally dragged you with us to watch anything. So no that doesn't count."

Arcee sighed.

"Fine. You win this time. What is that activity you mentioned."

Smokescreen smiled before explaining Arcee the beauty of slumber parties.

"I will...think about it." is all Arcee said before waving goodbye to the younger bot.

June was looking at Arcee who seemed to be out off it. The nurse thought that although Arcee was Jack's guardian they didn't really spoke a lot. Maybe it was time to change that.

"Everything's okay Arcee? You look...lost."

Arcee stopped walking in circles and looked at June.

"Yes of course Miss-"

"Call me June."

"June. Everything's fine. It's just... This will sound weird but do you know how to have a slumber party?"

June blinked up at the femme. Yeah something is definitely up with the serious bot.

"Do you know what a slumber party is Arcee?"

"If I can trust in Smokescreen than yes I know. He said it would be a great way to relax."

June weighted the pros and cons of having a slumber party with a giant alien robot before answering.

"I think I can help with that!"

Arcee looked a little bit confused. At that June raised a brow.

"I was young once too you know."

The Darby house wasn't really unknown for Arcee especially their garage. However all this colorful and eye catching human things made a place look somewhat foreign.

"What colour do you want for your nails?"

"Let's go with pastel pink." hummed Arcee after a little thinking.

June carefully started painting her digits. Arcee didn't really have nails but she said it was okay to paint the end off her digits.

"Sooo do you have a bot you like?"

That question took Arcee off guard. Although Smokescreen told her that human girls mostly talk during this custom but she didn't expected June to ask something like that out off the blue.

"Not really. I mean I had a little crush on Cliff, nothing serious. And you?"

June chuckled at that.

"Well to be honest Mr. FBI agent is quite the looker but I don't think Jack would approve."

"Just give him time. He will accept it."

"You think?"

"He will understand. He loves you more than you can imagine. If you are happy he won't stand in the way of that happiness." smiled Arcee softly.

It was a rare moment they shared and the femme has to admit it was nice. Really nice.

"What do you think off your teammates? You can tell me anything. My lips are sealed." smiled mischievously the nurse.

"Good question."

"Who's your favourite?"

"I have to say Bumblebee. He is like a little brother to me. He has quite the temper and can be childish from time to time but he is a great bot with endless potential."

"Who would you spend a week with?"

"Hmm... Bulkhead I think. He is a good travelling partner and he has a lot of stories. I have to admit that he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed but he means well."

"Who would be your shopping partner."

"Definitely Ratchet. He knows what he needs and he will do it swiftly. He is a really grumpy and straight forward bot but he puts life above all else and I respect him a lot."

"Who is your bff?"

"You wouldn't believe it but after the whole you aren't fit to be an autobot fiasco I would say Smokescreen."

"Really? I thought you guys are... you know...have bad blood between you two."

"Not really. After a long talk provided by Optimus we came to terms with eachother. Since than we like to goship, you wouldn't believe how much info the kid has it's honestly entertaining to listen to all the "beef" in the elite guard. He can be annoying sometimes but he is just a kid after all."

"Who would you live with?"

"Can I say humans too?"

"Sure."

"Than Jack. It's kinda obvious why."

"I'm glad my son has such a great friend like you." smiled June.

"I'm also happy that I met him."

"Next question. Who would you go on a vacation with."

"Wheeljack. He knows how to party and relax. He is also fun to be around. We are the lone wolf companions. Also he has a spaceship so we could visit some interesting planets too."

"What about Optimus and Ultra Magnus?"

"Well they are like the bosses of me so I wouldn't be that comfortable with them as I'm with the others. Although I would definitely go to a museum with Optimus. He has great knowledge on Cybertron after all. But I think I would drink the Cybertronian equivalent of coffee with Magnus."

The rest of the night went with decorating Arcee with various colorful items and chatting. If Arcee showed up tomorrow with a flower crown on her helm and pink digits nobody said a thing.

Bonus:

"Pink is soooo your colour. Have you ever thought on a new paint job?"

"I would paint myself pink but than I would have to constantly explain myself to Ratchet and Optimus as to why I have so much energon on me."

"So you have been walking around the base coverd in energon but because of your base colour we could see it?"

Arcee nodded and Smokescreen chuckled.

"Savage."

[the-eggplantblog]

Mr. Stone a large stone golem. He resides high up in the Blue Mountains one of the many large mountains that the Glade of Dreams has.

Overall a secluded and cranky Stone golem who’s a little territorial and may try to chase you out his area. When Mr. Dark stole the Great Protoon, he was easily convinced to go after Rayman and was quite the stubborn one to change his ways. A proper ol punch from Rayman knocked some sense into him or was it the new head he just got?

Either way he has been trying to be much more friendlier to the Musician family and other inhabitants who lives on the mountain

mr stone: AAGGGG THEY FOOLED ME

Rayman: Yes, big guy… they tricked you, I've been trying to tell you all this time… (annoyed face plus angry noises)

mr stone: AAAAACKKKK, LOOK LIKE A STUPID FOOL, DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THAT DAMN WITCH WILL GET AWAY WITH THIS AFTER THIS???? (breaks a wall)

rayman: EEEKKK (dodges the blow and the pieces of rock that almost fell on him, I would be lying if I said that he almost had a cardiac arrest right there) uggg…hem I think you have serious anger problems, you should really solve that, I say Look, you almost killed me (poor Rayman would say, somewhat scared looking at him) I know they tricked you and all that… but seriously… you have things to solve.

mr stone: AAGGGG I KNOW I KNOW, BUT I CAN'T AVOID IT…..agg I just don't know how to deal with my anger, any provocation or stressful situation brings out the worst in me, especially now with all this shit happening in the mountains, everyone tells me I should control myself a little, BUT I CAN'T, I'M JUST A ROCKING MOUNTAIN BUILT TO HIT… (sighs showing frustration)

Rayman: (looks at him carefully)

mr stone: really sorry for this…no I can't control myself and I almost killed you I'm really horrible…that's why I hide here and avoid everyone to avoid these things…but I can't…I always explode at least I'm sorry and I hurt everyone, I think that makes me even more angry.

Rayman: Today…I see, I think it's difficult to be a great rock being, right? Hmm, have you tried meditating or looking for hobbies? That helps with stress and I think that maybe looking for other activities could help, maybe also take therapy, you just need some help that's all, (smiles at him)

Mr Stone: Do you think so?

Rayman: Yes, I think I can help you, you know? I also have problems with my anger sometimes hehe, I know it's difficult to control your anger…especially when you have a short fuse, but my mom always helped me with that and now I can control my anger, well most of the time hehe

Mr. Stone: Really? (His face lights up) No one has ever cared so much about me (He starts to cry) THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Rayman: Damn, you don't have to cry big guy (he pats him on the back), I promise you that I will defeat Mr Dark and everything will return to normal and then I will come with you and we will work on your anger control, I promise you as a promise pinky

Mr Stone: (smiles) hehe, thank you kid…promise me that you will take care of yourself AND THAT YOU WILL DEFEAT THAT FUCKING WITCH AND HIS FUCKING ARMY.

Rayman: haha ok (smiles a little nervous) ​

I don't know, just the idea gave me inspiration to write this, Rayman after defeating Mr. Stone and explaining the situation to him, Mr. Stone gets very angry, Rayman realizes his problems, he angers and sympathizes with him, as he says, he has also had some problems. of anger, but his mother told him how to handle his anger, he has always been a stubborn child who can get angry at provocation or situations that he does not like, that is why he sympathizes with Mr. Stone, understanding his situation.

So he proposes to help him after solving this whole disaster caused by Mr Dark, so Mr Stone happily accepts this offer.

[zivliveblogsop]

One Piece Reread Chapter 3: Enter Zoro - Pirate Hunter

(prev | index | next)

Sometimes you can practically taste the rapid readjustment of someone's point of view coming. The first page of this chapter might as well be a flashing neon sign warning of the death knell of Koby's overly simplistic view of the world.

(We can also see that Luffy's tendency to sit on the prow is already well-intact. Cute.)

Another contrast in Koby and Luffy shows in Koby's preparedness (and ability to navigate at sea) contrasted with Luffy's tendency to just float around. The dark side of free spirits, one supposes. Either way, in their relatively short time together, Koby has advanced to the point where he can fearlessly nag Luffy about needing to hire a navigator. They've developed camaraderie enough that Koby is already teary at the prospect of their parting ways, though the matter is postponed by their fascination over the townspeople's equal fear of Zoro and Captain Morgan.

Speaking of, we finally see Zoro, and the first thing he does is try to mess with Koby and Luffy. It's interesting that the story pulls a fake-out like this, one which, at first, seems to confirm Koby's initial suspicion, before being immediately disproven by Rika's arrival. Given I have an insider's perspective on Zoro's sense of humour, I consider it to be fairly likely that he only pulled this because he could see Koby was already scared, even at that distance. But it makes you wonder - is this a small commentary on assumptions being a self-fulfilling prophecy?

(The fresh blood on Zoro also suggests that he's probably being beaten by the Marines, in addition to the starvation and dehydration, which is a pretty damning early indication of the ethics of the organization.)

Following the interaction with Helmeppo, we see the first of what I call the "Luffy contemplation" panels. This is something I noticed even on my first read-through, that Oda has a tendency to show a panel of Luffy with a thoughtful expression after something has happened. He's clearly thinking about something, though we aren't told what - we're left to infer by what has just happened, and by what immediately happens next.

Luffy is an instinctual person, but not a thoughtless one. He tells Zoro in the ensuing panels "I haven't decided if I'll ask you yet... You've got a pretty bad reputation, you know?" It's clear that he's already taken somewhat of a liking to Zoro (one which is quite obviously solidified after the following incident with the rice ball), but he also respects that Zoro has his own plans, and his own path to follow.

This first conversation of theirs is an interesting one - they're clearly sizing each other up, asking questions that they either allude or sidestep answers to. In the end, neither of them are really interested in each other's pasts. Luffy, on his end, is more compelled by Zoro's present actions - that dig at his reputation reads as more teasing than anything else. He's not taking it seriously, and he and Zoro are both all smiles, bantering back and forth. It's clear that, on some level, they already get each other.

Koby, in following with his status as Luffy's foil, begins to shift in his estimation of Zoro after hearing the why of his imprisonment - once he establishes the line of logic in his mind, it doesn't make sense that Zoro is locked up, it isn't a just action, he's immediately against the idea. Helmeppo and every Marine in the 153rd falls squarely on his shit list.

More dramatic, however, is Luffy's reaction to Helmeppo's declaration that Zoro is slated for execution. This is no Devil Fruit-enhanced shounen-type move; this is a pedestrian punch. Luffy was angry enough to grab Helmeppo by the shirt and lay him out the old-fashioned way, no preamble and no pizazz. It's the type of anger that's actually quite rare to see on Luffy.

Koby has rapidly reconciled with the fact that Helmeppo is scum, but he still advocates against the idea of rocking the boat. Luffy, however, has no such scruples - the combination of his estimation of Zoro's true nature and the revelation that he's honour-bound to a promise that's not intended to be upheld makes up his mind about his very first recruit.

[idyllic-musings]

i didn't feel like formatting this one so....... 🙏🙏🙏 ambrose enjoyers, here is a random unformatted minimal dialogue drabble of yaoshi being an attentive parent and easing ambrose through an episode of mara 🫶 i love writing about characters who have said less than ten lines canonically fr /lh

a thick, impenetrable haze had settled in ambrose's mind.

it happened sometimes, generally after injuries or stressful encounters; they weren't unfamiliar with it, and if they really focused on it, really thought about what may have caused the hazy episode, they could feel a dull, pulsating throb in their side. that was undoubtedly what had caused them to fall into such a poor state. a nasty hit from one of the anitmatter legion's elites... right. they'd almost forgotten about the encounter, really. they were somewhat surprised by the fact that it still hadn't healed. it should have. the child of abundance themselves should have healed by now.

a scalding, burning sense of frustration boiled in their chest. the destruction, damn the destruction—how could nanook be so careless? how could they stand to live with themselves, knowing the kind of pain and suffering they have plagued the universe with?

(some would say the same about yaoshi. the thought only made ambrose's blood boil further.)

nanook, nanook, what a vile aeon...

the gentle drag of nails on their cheek lovingly guided their mind back to where it should have been—far away from the festering fury and unrest.

to be so angry was unbefitting of the child of abundance.

(although...

would it be unbefitting for them to have an abundance of rage, just as they do love? there was no clear answer. it didn't matter, because that rage was not a product of them, but a product of the mara they suffered from.

they were not an angry person. they sincerely weren't.)

newfound peace bloomed in their chest. the fog thinned slightly, and they subconsciously leaned towards the source of their respite.

two of yaoshi's hands reached out to cup ambrose's face, a fond coo dancing on their lips as they observed their child and the way they immediately sought out the aeon's comfort the second it was offerred to them. ambrose looked as if they were about to cry.

'poor thing,' yaoshi mused, thumbs brushing away the beginnings of tears pricking at their emanator's tired eyes. still... a little smile pulled at their lips. they couldn't help but squish ambrose's cheeks ever so slightly. such a delicate little thing ambrose was.

(of course, the child of abundance noticed. it made them pout a little. they almost wanted to tell the aeon to take them seriously! they really weren't some defenseless, scared little kid with separation anxiety anymore. they had long since gotten over it!

...

they also noticed, however, that yaoshi's fond attention was dulling their pain, so they supposed it was tolerable to be cooed at...)

the aeon wondered how it was possible for a single being to be so unbelievably cute, so unbelievably fragile in their hands. perhaps this was how mortal parents felt towards their own children—an indescribable warmth towards their fragile and weak offspring, an unearthly pull, some comeplling need to tend to the needs of their children.

then again, perhaps not.

the intricacies and complexities of immortal bonds were far too complicated to be put into mortal terms. the lord of longevity's feelings could not be described in such a simple way.

ambrose sniffled, fingers gingerly clasping onto yaoshi's wrists. the aeon took that as their sign to gather their child into their many arms, as if to shelter them from the threats and dangers of the universe.

yaoshi leaned down slightly, kissing away what remained of the emanator's tears, as if to whisper kindly reassurances.

'shed your tears no longer.'

'i am here.'

'you will get through this, little one.'

to those with a bond that transcends space and time itself, words were trivial. unnecessary.

the aeon of abundance and their child had no use for words.

[godlyborn]

* * * * * *

ONE WEEK EARLIER

“Willow, Willow, calm down,” Goldie said, answering her phone to her frantic youngest sister, early that morning. She knew that back home in Vermont it was three hours later and her siblings were all getting through their work on the berry farm and in the apple orchard that day, while Goldie was just waking up after a long night on working on her newest album. Goldie ran her hand through her hair, her sister too hard to understand this early in the morning, with her quick words and jumbled sentences, but the tone of her voice had an urgency in it, one of which that scared Goldie. 

Willow kept talking, her rambles still misunderstood, words that Goldie could only point out somewhat like “River” and “Bees” and “Weird”. Marigold had heard a voice in the background also telling Willow to speak slower, a voice she recognized as their other sibling, Bear. 

Hearing Bear gave Goldie an out from trying to decipher her youngest sister before coffee. “Willow, put Bear on please,” Goldie said, stopping the other, mid-sentence. There were murmurs between the two youngest, before a loud huff from Willow and then Bear was on the phone. 

“Goldie?” Bear said, as if he had expected it to be someone else. While Bear was close and open with the Evans’ siblings, they still had a level of anxiety, especially over the phone. She knew he hated not being prepared for it, but she also knew he'd make exceptions for her and their other siblings. 

“Okay, now what’s going on, I could not understand Willow, like at all,” Goldie told them. 

“River’s missing,” Bear said bluntly, not daring to exaggerate anything like Willow would’ve. “He was acting really weird this morning and he just left. We thought that he was just getting an early start on the bees, but when Reed went to go get him for lunch, he was no where to be found.” 

Goldie’s heart dropped at the news, and for a moment, time slowed. She knew that was out of character for River, he always took care of the bees, the bees were basically his children. She took a moment to look for anything that mentioned what River was going to be up to today, but she came up with nothing but a series of memes (mostly from her) between them from late the night before. 

Goldie must’ve been silent for longer than intended because there was a hesitant, but nervous, “Gold?” that came from the other line. 

She closed her eyes. One breath: focus. Two breaths: go. A technique she did often before shows. Then she finally spoke, “How long ago was this?” 

“Early this morning, Willow had to wake him up, and we haven’t seen him since, and he’s not answering anyone’s calls or texts. Has he texted you? He always texts you more.” 

Goldie shook her head, then remembering they wer eon the phone and Bear couldn’t see her. “No,” she said, and then optimistically said, “but he knows I was up late last night and figured I was still asleep. Okay?” Goldie tried her best to reassure Bear. It was times like these she hated to be so far away from her family. “We shouldn’t panic, tell Willow to go pick some strawberries or something. I’m going to try to get a hold of him, maybe he had something to do this morning and just forgot to say something. If we don’t hear back by tomorrow morning, then we’ll panic, okay?”

There was silence on the other end, and then finally, Bear responded with, “Okay.”

“I’m going to hang up now, okay?”

Pause. “Okay.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

With that Goldie hung up the phone. She stood in the silence for a minute, trying herself not to panic about her older brother. She dialed River’s phone number, and it went to voicemail. She dialled again and again and again. She let out a groan, before finally resorting to leaving voicemails:

“Bitch, where the fuck are you?!”

“River, answer the Gods damn phone before I sell your bees!”

“I’m going to fly home now and do it!”

“RIVER!”

As she went on, tears started to well up in her eyes, and the angry voicemails turned into tearfilled ones.

“River, please answer your phone, please tell us where you are.”

“I won’t sell you bees, I’m sorry, just please answer one of us.”

She then resorted to going to her girlfriend’s apartment, maybe she had heard from River. She let herself in with her key. It was late morning now, and it seemed like Alexa was still in her room. She knocked before opening the door, tears already still running down her face. “Lex, River’s missing, no one kno—” she stopped mid-sentence when she heard Alexa curse and Goldie’s eyes settled on the woman naked in the bed next to her. Goldie was in shock for a moment before going, “I’m sorry, I…” Goldie turned to leave the room.

Alexa jumped up, “Goldie, wait!” she called as Goldie left the room, closing the door behind her. Goldie stood outside the door for a moment, trying to figure out what just happened, for a moment she forgot why she was even here in the first place.

One breath: focus. Two breaths: go. Goldie remembered the more important task in front of her, her brother. She had to focus on River, no matter how many pieces her heart was shattering into. Goldie started her way toward the door just as Alexa ran after her. “Goldie, wait… what happened with River?” she asked.

Goldie shook her head. “I’m not doing this with you, not right now,” she said. 

“I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry,” Alexa begged, knowing that Goldie would’ve forgave her, would’ve worked things out, but Goldie was focused. Her world was falling apart, and Goldie didn’t care about the part of her world with Alexa, she worried about the part with her brother, with her family. Goldie realized that the person she needed in this second was River. 

“Alexa, stop,” Goldie said with a harsh tone to signal she couldn’t handle any fights or apologies. Maybe she should’ve been yelling, crying, anything, but Goldie felt numb, devoid of emotions over what just happened, at least with Alexa standing in front of her.  “I need to find my brother. Please… just don’t say anything else. Please don’t talk to me.” 

“Goldie… please,” she begged. Marigold didn’t answer, instead she left the apartment, walking at a quicker pace as she got closer and closer to her car. When Goldie started driving, she found herself not even heading back to her apartment, rather just driving. She had to create a plan, and she pulled into a parking lot. She turned off her car, slamming her hands on her wheel, as her emotions rushing toward her all at once. Tears flew steadily down her cheeks. She tried her brother’s phone again:

“River, please answer your phone.”

Another moment before she called again, crying even harder.

“Riv, Alexa cheated on me, I need you, please call me back.”

She waited again, no answer or call back coming from River. She tried one last time. 

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.

Voicemail.

Goldie let out a sigh through the phone, putting her head on the wheel. “River, please, just let me know if you’re alright. Please.”

The next person that Goldie called wasn’t River, but her eldest brother, Forest. “Goldie? Did you hear from him?” he asked, answering on the first ring. Goldie let out a sob through the phone. Forest and River were always the only two who could see Goldie break down like this, after keeping a level head for most. “Goldie you’re scaring me.”

“No, I haven’t,” she finally said in a mid-sob gasp. “I’m coming home.”

“Goldie… are you okay?” 

“I’ll tell you when I get home. I’m fine. I’ll keep trying to get a hold of River. Let me know if you hear anything. “

“Okay, love you.”

“Love you too.��� She hung up the phone, and sitting in the parking lot she booked a plane ticket home and texted Alexa.

To Baby 😊❤️😍❤️ I’m sorry. I can’t do this. Please don’t contact me.

With that, she muted Alexa’s notifications so she couldn’t see any answer to her, at least not right now. Maybe tomorrow, but right now, her thoughts were on River and flying back to Vermont.

[bunnyluvs-blog]

My Experiment (Donnie x Reader chp5)

since im gonna disappear for a week im gonna write a mini chapter for advance the plot to where i want it and chp 6 is gonna be the finial i think. yippy !

As you and Donnie danced, you could feel the build up rising in you. You were so scared to kiss him. The dance was going well but lord, what if this kiss ruined y'all friend ship. You couldnt let happen. You didnt need to be his partner, being his friend was enough. When the kiss finally came, you tilted your head to the side, so he would kiss your cheek and not your lips. The was too much anyways. You turned red, but you couldnt tell if it was because of happiness or embarrassment. You left the room before anyone could say anything. Holding back tears, you didnt want to kiss Donnie because you had to, you wanted to do it because you wanted to.

Everyone just watched you leave. "Ok spill it, what was the point of this" Donnie said with a somewhat angry tone. April and Leo looked at eachother and looked away. He knew it, he knew they had planned something. "We didn't mean any harm, we just wanted to, speed the process along..??" Leo said with an anxious tone, trying not to piss his brother off more. What process? Just because he liked you doesnt mean you liked him. "Leo they dont like me like that, dont force it." Donnie said taking a deep breath and he left the room.

You were hiding from everyone. You were embarrassed, upset, confused, and just plain, stupid. God you shouldve just kissed him. Maybe you shouldve just said no to the kiss. Either way, you were filled with emotions. You didnt wanna talk, see, or just think about anything. You just wanted to be by yourself.

Its been a whole 3 days. And you havent left your corner. Execpt for a few times for the restroom, and food. And donnie has had enough. He missed you, your smile, your laugh, hell even dancing with you was the most fun thing ever to him. He was so worried about you that he hasnt even spent a second working on finding you a way home. He went to your entrance to your 'room' and called out your name. "what" you responded. "I need to talk to you, it's important." He said, it was so soft, yet strong. You poked your head out and came out. "What is it" you asked him. "Why?" He said "Why..? why what" "why did you turn your head, why did you run away, why havent you been out here with us, with me?" he said, he sounded so hurt. You had your reasons for locking and hiding yourself from the world, but the main reason, was him. "Because" you said quitely. "i couldn't have you kiss me infront of everyone, i wanted you too kiss me because thats what felt right to us, not because of some dumb dance! I wanted you to kiss me, because you liked me!" You poured your heart out to Donnie, while he just listened. You didnt know how he would react, or if your friendship would last this after this practical confession. All you knew was that you couldnt keep on rotting like this. "I dont know what going to happen after this but god damn it Donnie i really really like you!" You said semi-loudly and just like that, he kissed you. God, it was just, lovely. You slowly kissed him back. You didnt know how long the kiss lasted but you didnt care. once y'all finished your half makeout session, you both turned bright red, it just clicked that you two kissed. You didnt know if you guys should talk about whats next or not, or if this was just a one time thing, until Donnie spoked up, "I really really like you too"

Chapter 5: complete !

Click here for chapter 6

[kiroonsmoon]

😭, 🌋, 🕷️, 🙈, ✂️, 🔪, 🔫, and 💧 for Fate and Calamity.

Christ that’s a lot you weren’t lying lmao. Tbh I deserve it after all the angst I put your ocs through lmao. Edit; I totally didn’t forget to put a read more on this long post haha idk what your talking about.

😭- What makes them cry? Do they cry easily?

Fate’s definitely a crier, her friends, family or pokemon getting hurt will make her burst into tears. She couldn’t even cry at all at one point after Nancy’s death, she’d cried herself to exhaustion to the point she couldn’t cry anymore. On a less angsty note she definitely the person who cries at the end of happy movies / shows.

Calamity on the other hand doesn’t really cry. Only thing to get him to cry will probably be Fate or someone else close to him dying. Even then that’ll only be after an extreme surge of anger.

🌋- How bad is their temper? is it a slow boil, or a instant explosion?

Fate probably wouldn’t blow up at someone, worse she’ll do is probably say something snarky as a response to her emotions and then feel extremely bad after word. If you actually make Fate angry you done fucked up.

Calamity? Oh yeah he gets angry a lot, especially under high stress he can easily snap at others. If someone was being a dick and that’s why he’s angry said person will probably leave with a broken nose.

🕷️- What is their biggest fear? do they have any irrational / mundane

Both are afraid of poison and steel types to an extent. They’re both fairies after all haha. Calamity is better at controlling it compared to Fate though. Where’s Calamity would probably just eye them suspiciously Fate will straight up scream. She’s gotten somewhat better at handling her fear due to being friends with Venam and Saki. Still, she nearly broke down to tears in Saki’s gym and actually cried in Venam’s rip. She also still screams whenever Venam begins to use her Serviper as a damn knife, but honestly, who wouldn’t be scared when some punk looking girl began using her snake as a knife?

Fate’s biggest fear is wether or not she has to return to her own world or not and leave behind her friends (or if she even can in the first place(. She doesn’t want to leave them but she also doesn’t know if she’s allowed to stay. She also knows Calamity is extremely worried about her. She’s not aware Calamity made his way to Aevium yet. Questions like this haunt her along her journey.

Calamity is biggest fear is the possibility that Fate is dead or badly hurt. Which, has technically happened like twice? Boy is not going to have a good time once he’s learn what his sister’s been through. He’ll probably kill someone tbh.

🙈- Whats a side of your oc that they don't want to show other people?

I don’t particularly know for Fate. Maybe telling the fact she’s a fae to her friends? But honestly they’ve learned she is an otherworldly being with the souls of 7 different people and is stuck in the body of someone who died 4 decades ago. At this point telling them she’s fae everyone will probably just be like “after the shit we’ve been through this is the least shocking thing”.

As for Calamity, maybe about how aggressive and cold he can get when pushed to the breaking point.

✂️- What is the "last straw" for them to cut someone out of their life? how easily do they let go of people?

Fate doesn’t let people go easily, she could honestly very easily fall into a toxic relationship. Last straw would have to be very extreme, like killing a friend or something.

Calamity doesn’t really hold onto people he’s not especially close with. He knows that relationships come and goes with time. He’s more willing to cut off people, if you start disrespecting him or his interest he’ll cut you off quickly.

🔪- How do they react to injury / misfortune befalling their loved ones (significant other, family, friends)? do they put themselves at blame?

Fate would begin to cry (see my first answer) and she would absolutely blame herself. She could be stuck on an island in the arctic and she’ll STILL jump through hoops to blame herself.

As for Calamity… well depends on how the injury / misfortune happened. If it was a natural disaster or mistake (broken bone, landslide, etc). He’d curse himself for not keeping a better eye out. If someone harmed a loved one? They are either dying or barely surviving.

🔫- Do they trust people easily? how easily will they turn their back to someone? have they been backstabbed before? will they betray someone if given an ultimatum?

Fate definitely trust people easily, to much for her own good. It’s one of the reasons she was so quick to accept Ren back (though their friendship definitely helped) despite the fact he’d backstabbed them and work with Team Xen during the whole Pyramid thing. You’d really need to give Fate a good ultimatum to betray someone, like going to destroy the whole world level ultimatum.

Calamity is more cautious, he hasn’t personally been backstabbed yet (major emphasis on the yet given he was found by Clear and Kieran, that shit ain’t gonna end well.) He won’t fully trust people, especially with his goals, if you don’t give him a good reason. Calamity absolutely would betray someone if he needed too but he wouldn’t enjoy it unless he absolutely despises the person he’s betraying.

💧- Random angst headcanon.

I keep telling one of my discord friends this, but if it’s your oc it ain’t a headcanon, it’s canon baby!!

Fate sings songs to herself that Calamity used to sing to her when she was younger when she’s upset or missing him </3.

The reason Calamity is so protective of Fate is because their parents died soon after her birth (their mother dying due to birth complications and their father sickness) and asked him to protect her.

[tumblunni]

Actally, that reminds me, that was an underrated addition they made in Platinum! It was a shame they never actually really did anything with that potential plotline, but that kinda worked effectively in its own way?

Like, there’s a lot of stuff to think about in a villain who sees himself as a mentor to you, sees something relateable in you, desperately DESPERATELY tries to corrupt you into his successor and then absolutely fails. That’s.. really rare?? How often does the ‘villain tries to corrupt you’ plot end in such a way where the hero has 100% of the power and them actually considering becoming evil is just Never Even An Option. Cyrus is basically batting at a screen door ineffectually like ‘nooo how can I defeat this’, he’s this giant scary super intelligent nihilistic monster villain who’s repeatedly outwitted just by a small ordinary child who says ‘yeah, actually, I don’t really wanna betray all my friends and destroy the world. Want a cookie?’ And this drives Cyrus absolutely mad. This is the only thing able to break through his years of surpressing his emotions, the only thing able to make him explode into anger for the first time in so long is when he’s DEFEATED BY SUCH A FRIENDLY FRIENDER AND HER FRIENDS

Its oddly pitiful, I wanted to give the guy a hug and try and help him talk through what seemed to me like a guy who’s purposely isolated himself from all human contact yet some part of his subconcious is screaming ‘PLEASE. LET ME BE FREE.’ It feels like he doesnt even realise that he wants to be friends with you, so it manifests in this weird messed up way?? And I also totally headcanon that he also subconciously sees all his evil minions as like a substitute for the non-abusive family he wishes he had as a kid. "ha ha, they are but pawns”, says local villain, as he builds the ‘Official Team Galactic Nap Room’ and puts ~uwu take care of yourself~ posters all over the walls of his HQ...

So i think it would be cool if it was less of just one vague line at the end of the story, and they actually tried to do something more with this idea. And I liked how the Pokemon Special manga and Diamond And Pearl Adventure manga both tried to do this kind of plot in their own unique way. I preferred Pokemon Special because I think Dia was more believeable as an innocent symbol of goodness, and its not like he stayed oblivious forever or anything. He had a whole character arc of coming to grips with how the world is darker than he expected, and sometimes you have to fight in order to preserve peace, and like.. it seemed more effective to me that he faces darkness and doubts himself and still decides to remain optimistic and good even in the face of all of that. Its more badass when a positive character is like someone who chooses to fight against cynicism WHILE UNDERSTANDING CYNICISM, not like just ‘oh theyre only optimistic cos they’re too stupid to know otherwise’ or whatever. Also, he had a cuter dynamic with Cyrus as like a lil brother big brother thing but also Cyrus respecting him as like His One And True Only Enemy and then seeing this tiny boy almost as a mentor in the end once he switches sides to join the heroes. It was nice to see super scaryman elevating our tiny goofy hero up on a pedestal, when he’d been like just the comic relief to everyone else for so long. I like how all three heroes got their own moment of ‘Yes, I’ve proved I’m the protagonist!’, and there’s never really an actual answer to who’s The Official Leader or anything. Its the best handled example of a multiple protagonists story I’ve ever seen that wasn’t like a thing with perspective changes between multiple jrpg parties. Like usually its all ‘each of them is a leader to their own smaller group’ instead of just a group without a leader. Anyway, I think Dia had the best one of these moments cos his was connected directly to redeeming the main villain through just being So Damn Powerfully Cute, Holy Shit. i think Dia could probably convince a HP Lovecraft monster to stop destroying the world if he just offered it one of his cakes!

MAN now I’m getting nostalgic again for this game and that one random comic adaptation!!!!!

[becca-e-barnes]

thinking about bucky wanting to ask you if you could peg him.. but he's scared & nervous, so he blushes while trying to build up the courage to ask.

when ur both in the mood for it, ur super gentle & the moans & whimpers that comes out of his mouth are angelic. so soft and pretty.

I absolutely adore the thought of a really gentle, romantic pegging and I don't talk about it anywhere near enough. I love the thought of making love like that and knowing your partner doesn't feel scared or embarrassed. I feel like that's my whole thing these days though, I think it's usually quite intimating to articulate your needs in the bedroom so being with someone who lets you feel free to do that makes everything that little bit better.

Because I think no matter how safe and secure Bucky feels in a relationship, he's always going to feel a little insecure asking to be pegged for the first time. I'm sure he'd stumble across pegging videos on the internet and he'd be so damn intrigued but he'd try not to think too much about the way he can't last more than 5 minutes when he jerks off to a video like that.

Maybe eventually he starts to do his research and he tests the waters a little for himself. He's not really surprised at his own high whines the first time he jerks himself off and lets one finger of his other hand ghost so lightly over the tight little ring of muscle. Without even pressing in, it gives him the introduction he needs and probably never even considered before and he swears it has to be wrong because it feels so good.

He'd work up the courage to ask you to peg him eventually though. It'd take him a while but ultimately I think he'd be so keen to see how the intimacy you share translates when you're the one fucking him.

But once you both get started, he slips into it so easily. You've talked about your boundaries and bought all the necessities and you've fallen so naturally into the more dominant role that he normally takes and it makes him feel surprisingly safe.

"Oh that's nice." He gasps, his breath catching in this throat just at the feeling of you trailing your finger over his tight hole. You're even more gentle than he was with himself but just the feeling of you touching him there makes his achingly hard dick twitch delightfully.

The lube keeps the glide nice and slick as you press the tip of your first finger into him and it takes everything in him not to embarrass himself by sobbing softly into the pillow. He's never went as far as putting anything in yet and it already feels like a stretch.

"That okay, baby?" You ask quietly, almost scared that if you talk too loud, he'll snap out of the beautiful little trance he seems to be in.

"Feels great, I promise." He whispers in reply, his cheeks blazing, his dick throbbing and God, he looks breath-taking like this.

Working him up is a slow process. It takes an age even just to slip your first finger all the way into him and even longer when it's lined up beside a second. Slipping the strap into him is even more difficult because he's asking you to pause with almost every inch, scared he's going to blow his load and not get to fully enjoy the experience.

"O-Oh my God, y-you've got your dick inside me." He pants, somewhat blissed out when you're finally fully seated inside him. The tip of his own cock is dark and angry, leaking pre-cum and frustrated at having been neglected for so long yet totally invested in the new sensations.

"It's all inside you, Bucky. Splitting you open and you're taking it so well. Bet you couldn't take any more. Got you stretched around me and you look so perfect." The way he whines at the praise is delightful but the gentle kiss that follows is one that makes your head spin. It's all passion and need, an almost perfect encapsulation of the love and trust and devotion you've expressed towards each other. You know he feels safe in that moment. He knows he's worth the love you so willingly offer him and it only makes this better for him.

"I'll take everything you give me. P-please just let me feel you." There's a desperate edge to his voice and it's hard to ignore. He's always put so much of himself into your love-making, hoping every touch and every thrust into your body demonstrates more than a physical attraction and now he needs that to be reciprocated.

There's something so rewarding for you too though, seeing him totally dependant on you for pleasure and knowing that he doesn't want this with anyone else. He couldn't surrender himself to another's touch the way he does with you and knowing that only you can get him like this is a thought so overwhelming, you almost worry you're more into this than he is.

He's practically writhing under you as you begin to fuck him with short, shallow thrusts. It's everything he hoped for but with all the care and tenderness he's so used to with you and he knows it's going to affect his ability to last. That's more than okay though. It certainly won't be the last time you try this.

[piratesfromspace]

Finance Management (Deckard Shaw/Reader)

Deckard Shaw (Fast & Furious) x Reader

Word count: 1.9k CW: mention of food & alcohol, smut

Female reader

Note: This short fic has been inspired by a friend of mine who created the character of the financial advisor of mister Shaw.  Also there is not enough fics with Deckard Shaw so here we are. 

Read on Ao3

MASTERLIST

“Mister Shaw, it’s me again, I’m so sorry but I really need you to call me back please. It’s important. Thank you.”

You let out a deep sigh as you hang up. Handling the finances of rich people is a lucrative and thrilling job, but damn it sometimes those clients of yours are annoying. Especially Mister Shaw.

First, he’s annoyingly busy and unreachable. Most powerful people are, but he can disappear for weeks on end without so much as sending an email.

Second, he’s also infuriatingly handsome and smart and funny. And he has an impeccable sense of style. He has nothing in common with the other clients of your firm, mainly old and boring men, whose only conversation subject is their money and how they hate their wives.

And finally, the worst thing about him is how good of a lover he is. You found out half a year ago, when you ended up in his bed after what should have been a regular business dinner. It was a mistake of course. One that could have cost you your career because it was a very serious breach of contract to sleep with a client.

You never told a soul, and you promised yourself to never do it again. But it was still hard to forget the feeling of him pressed against you, of his hands holding your waist, of his mouth between your thighs...

You try to focus again on your task and stretch your legs, kicking out your high heels. Feet bare on the soft carpet, you walk to the floor-to-ceiling window of your posh office, taking a second to admire the view, as the final rays of the sun disappear over the lake, and Geneva lights up under you. It’s breath-taking, really. But it also means you’re once again staying way too late at the office. Your assistant has gone home a couple hours ago, and your colleagues are either on vacation or on business trips, making you the only person on the building’s 7th floor. You still have a few things to finish so you plop on your leather chair and get back to work, hoping to make it home before 11pm.

That’s when you hear it: the familiar *ding* of the elevator’s door, at the end of the corridor. You tense immediately. You’re not waiting for anyone, and the security guards always use the stairs when completing their patrol.

Steps are coming down your way, and you grab your phone, ready to dial for the security team. And then you recognize his silhouette through the polished glass wall. There is a knock on your door before it opens to reveal Deckard Shaw himself. He’s wearing an expensive suit and an even more expensive watch, a very light stubble is highlighting his perfect jawbone and his deep grey eyes bear a mischievous glint. Handsome, as always.

“Mister Shaw…” you stammer.

“You know you can call me Deckard.” His stupidly sexy British accent and cocky smile will be the death of you.

He’s been in your office for two seconds and you already want to slap him in the face - or climb him like a tree, you can’t really decide.

“It’s quite late, Mister Shaw, you scared me. Anything I can do for you?” you insist on saying his family name, in a feeble attempt to maintain a professional façade.

“You needed to see me.” it’s more a comment than a question, and you’re suddenly reminded of the dozen of unanswered phone calls you made trying to reach him.

“Yes… yes, that’s right, but honestly you could have called tomorrow morning.”

“I’d rather see you in person.” he answers, looking you straight in the eyes. You can feel yourself blushing under his gaze. “Wanted to make sure you’re alright. You’re working too much you know.” he says with a soft smile, as his eyes drift down to your sore bare feet and then to the discarded heels under your desk.

What a condescending prick, you think. But at the same time, he’s right and his care seems somewhat genuine. It will not make you forget you almost lost your job because of him though.

“How did you know I was still here tonight?” you purposely redirect the attention on him, rather than you.

“Well, let’s say I would not leave the woman in charge of my assets without any... supervision.”

“Is that a polite way to say you’ve been spying on me?” you retort dryly.

“Oh I love when you’re getting all angry and snobbish, your French accent is even cuter.”

You’re gonna murder him. You really really want to tell him to go fuck himself, but he’s the one responsible for a very generous part of your paycheck, so you have to keep quiet.

“I would be more comfortable if we keep our conversation strictly professional, Mister Shaw.”

“Everything you want, dear.”

-----

“Mmph, fu-ck... Deckard, don’t stop”

The professional attitude has been long forgotten, since Deckard has pulled you onto his lap on the velvet couch of his presidential suite at the Four Seasons hotel, where you were supposed to only review the important documents he needed to see. But when the room service had brought a very nice bottle of Scotch, you knew you were screwed. You could not refuse a drink, and the warmth of alcohol combined with the warmth of his hand slightly brushing against your thigh had overcome all your resolve.

You are now sprawled on the king-size bed, moaning his name as Deckard Shaw is destroying your sanity very methodically. One foot on the floor, one leg bent on the edge of the bed, he’s pounding into you, holding your hip with one hand, and circling your clit with the other. His pace is calculated, not too fast so you can feel every inch of him, but not too slow so your nerves don’t have any respite, and it’s driving you crazy. Hands tangled in the dark silk sheets beneath you, you try to catch your breath to no avail.

“I won’t stop darling. Not until I can feel you coming again all over me.” His voice is like heavy honey, dripping all over your senses, drowning you in sweet and sinful promises.

You want to close your eyes to focus on the overwhelming feelings, but the view in front of you is too good to be missed. He looks like some demi-god, bathed in the subdued light of the room, broad and muscular chest, abs perfectly drawn. What is his job again? You vaguely remember him talking about serving a few years in the military when he was younger, but he is still definitely hitting the gym on a regular basis.

His muscles flex when he brings you down on his thick cock a little more sharply than before, and you keen as he hits that perfect spot inside of you. You can feel your orgasm build again, and so can he.

“You’re close, princess, aren’t you?”

You mewl in response and he chuckles darkly, keeping up with his ruthless assault on your most sensitive parts. He angles his fingers just a bit differently on your clit, and keeps thrusting into you, stretching you so perfectly you can’t remember the last time someone fucked you this good - wait , actually you can, it was a few months ago and it was by mister Deckard “annoyingly perfect” Shaw.

“Come on, I know you want to, I’ll keep going until you give me one more anyway princess…”

And that's it. You’re gone. Back arching off the bed, you come hard, harder than the first time, clenching around him. You barely hear him hiss in pleasure as you spasm helplessly on the soft sheets, the silk feeling almost cool against your burning skin.

----

“Good morning darling."

You open an eye, natural light is flooding the room, as is the delicious smell of fresh coffee and tea. At the foot of the bed, you spot a room service trolley loaded with breakfast treats and through the open door of the bathroom, you can see Deckard is looking at you in the mirror reflection while buttoning a crisp white shirt.

"Your tea is ready. Black, no milk, right?”

He's right and it's annoying because is there anything this man messes up?

"What time is it?" You ask, suddenly remembering you have a busy schedule today.

"You have 27 minutes to eat and get ready, so I can drop you off at your office in time for your first call of the day."

He knows about your tea preferences and your professional agenda, of course he does , he was not joking when mentioning the whole "spying-on-you" situation, or "supervision" as he liked to call it. He needs to stop it, but you decide to keep this discussion for another day.

You stretch, and rise to put on the hotel bathrobe, sighing at the thought of having to wear the same clothes as yesterday. Last you saw them, they were scattered on the floor all over the room and your underwear were positively ruined.

"The concierge was very helpful this morning, thanks to him I got you a few clothes delivered for today." Deckard adds as he pours himself a cup of coffee from the cart and gestures to the leather armchair where a couple of bags doning logos of luxury brands are perched.

You make your way to the packages, and open the first one to reveal a sophisticated dress, fitted and sexy, but not too much that it would be inappropriate as office wear. The second bag is a thoughtful selection of high end make-up products. And the last one contains a gorgeous set of lacy lingerie, nothing too raunchy but sexy nonetheless. Of course everything is in the right size.

"Thank you..." you whisper, a little stunned. The assortment must have cost him a couple grands at the very least - not that he can't afford it because you're well placed to be sure he can, but still, he did not have to do this.

You have to suppress a smile, because damn he's being annoyingly perfect once more, but you don't want to give him the satisfaction to reveal he was right when promising you could stay the night instead of going home and still look fresh for your day at work.

"I was thinking, I'm free tonight, so maybe we can finally review those documents, you know the ones you were supposed to show me before you jumped on me on the couch last night?" Deckard states as he bites in an apple in front of the window, casually looking at lake Geneva glinting in the bright morning sun.

You blush unwillingly, struggling to find a reply that would save you from admitting you had failed at enforcing your usual work ethic.

"I'm kidding dear!" He barks in a laugh. "I know enough to trust you on this venture, you have my approval to go on with the investment." He continues more seriously.

You open your mouth to answer but he's quicker.

"I'm not kidding about being free though, so what about dinner and then we can see where this takes us…"

When you don't answer immediately, he turns to look at you. Maybe he's realizing the situation can be awkward and precarious for you since you're technically working for him.

"You can say no, I won't take any offense." He adds without irony.

"Yes..." You finally answer, tip toeing toward him until you can snatch the apple he was eating from him. He protests but you shush him.

"...Yes, I would like this very much..."

As he starts to protest again, you take a big bite from the fruit with a knowing smile.

"...but only for dinner. Nothing more."

"You'll be the death of me." Deckard says, falsely irritated, his voice dropping lower.

"At least the feeling is mutual, mister Shaw ..."