#and its nice seeing a story completely centered around a womans pain and dealing with it

[mejomonster]

drakengard 3 is for problematic complex women lovers

you got Zero. who is a godess trying to kill her goddess sisters (and to say why is to spoil it)

you god Zero's many sisters, who are also assholes in their own unique ways, exploring the many ways a woman can be fucked up and complex

and you got some guy mascots (and to say more about them is to spoil) and a very sweet adorable loving baby dragon

and then to top it all off, if you like action combat it's a fun system with the same base elements Nier and Nier Automata have in their combat system. The difference being that Drakengard 3 is yes, made cheaply, so the level design and enemies are basic, and there's more repetition. But if you enjoy the combat its fun to do more. The most unique element of the game (besides a whole cast of fucked up women which is rarer than it should be in games) is there's TIME TRAVEL and TIMELINES. There's an android who will tell u eventually that you're going through a few different timelines until something works out. It switches up what's happening in levels, what's going on in the plot, what's going on with the characters and who's alive/dead.

[apparentlyaswarmofbees]

please do make a list of Korean Isekai you’ve read, I’ve been wanting to get into them more 👀

And the word has been spoken

I was going to use images for each but tumblr only allows 10 or them 😑. Imma list all isekais/re incarnation webtoons that I personally recomend, a note though that last night I actually opened just a few more tabs with new ones to read so I may give this list an update later lol.

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Long list bellow!

Doctor Elise

Not exactly my best recomendation seeing I kind of dropped reading it but I still go back from time to time. Main character is currently on her 3rd re incarnation and set on being a surgeon and making use of all her knowledge on earth. It's actually really interesting! Reason I dropped is more related to the romance, but that is simply out of my own personal preference and I don't consider it bad at all.

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The Justice of Villanous Woman

Also dropped but it was actually because I missed too many updates and now I need to re read it jajdjxkwhdjskaj, it's not a WOW story but it's good, specially since the main character is pretending to act like a villainess (two faced on purpose) against the ACTUAL villainess who was just pretending to be nice. It was a really good twist.

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La Dolche Vita di Adelaide

This one is actually completed! And it's really good too!! The female lead is very assertive and the male lead is one or those that can be pretty shy lol. It's a really nice read.

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Reminiscence Adonis

Badass female lead that I would gladly let step on me. It's really good but I also dropped due to missing too many updates lololol. The main character and the male lead basically flirt with each other all the time later in the story it's ridiculous l o l o l o l.

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The Abandoned Empress

Though I dropped due to it not being my cup of tea it may just be yours since although not my preference I can't deny the story is actually good. Female lead was done so much wrong to her in the past and is trying to change her destiny even against God.

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Survive as The Hero's Wife

One of my favorites big time!!! Female lead is amazing and male lead is so. damn. cute I can't even. Also ART????? It's so damn pretty. Female lead re incarnated inside a novel, she makes a REALLY good use of all her knowledge.

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They Say I Was Born a King's Daughter

Not gonna lie this is just one I read to pass the time. Entertaining enough though the story itself is, ???????. It takes a while to get used to the art style. Though I only find it mildly interesting, it can be really good to someone else. And I really cannot say that this one is in any way bad because it absolutely isn't. Prepare for frustration directly related to strong mysoginy though.

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The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion

Another one I dropped because I missed too many updates jshbdcjshejcksjenfoskjfjoa but it's really good and the main character basically takes to shit. Her main goal is scape death.

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Miss Not-So Sidekick

This one is a very comedy centered one , I dropped due to the fact because updates are pretty damn slow I ended up loosing the track of the thing, what I am doing now is waiting for it to basically end so I can read it all in one sit. It's actually pretty good and the art style is very unique!

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Suddenly Became a Princess One Day

ALL TIME FAVORITE OH MY GOD WITH EVERY UPDATE I LOSE ANOTHER YEAR OF MY LIFE SPAM. Just, just give it a go. The art is BEAUTIFUL, the characters extremelly well made, and the main character is just fucking great I love her.

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I Was Born As The Demon Lord's Daughter

Another one I dropped due to slow updates that caused me to lose track;; But it's actually good! And the autor did the thing many don't do in these stories: have the main character actually be someone and give her a story that actually becomes reason of many of her actions and feelings in her current life. Also soft good Dad uvu.

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The Emperor's Companion

This one was too frustrating so I ended up dropping but I can't deny it's good so I will recomend it. To wake up in a body of someone who was supposed to have a lot of responsability but has been in a coma basically all her life which resulted in her underlings going ape shit under corruption and now that she's awake she gotta fix it.

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The Villainess Reverses The Hourglass

ANOTHER ALL TIME FAVORITE AND THE ART IS SO GOOD TOO. The main character is NOT pretending to be a villainess, she is straight up made of wrath and spite and is set on ruining those who ruined her first in her previous life.

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The Duchess With an Empty Soul

So. Damn. Interesting!!!! The way the main character is portrayed wasn't something I have seen many do, and she's a badass!! Male lead is a good man uwu. Also it's one of those with 'marry me but don't expect love'.

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A Stepmother's Marchen

One 👏 More 👏 Favorite 👏 the art is BEAUTIFUL, the characters are WELL MADE, and I just LOVE the interactions between them, be it from interactions I want to punch one of them in the face to interactions where I just am in love. Also OLD PEOPLE ARE DRAWN SO BEAUTIFULLY. The art in this one is just BEAUTIFUL and I really can't even-

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Beware of The Brothers!

Same creator as Suddenly Became a Princess One Day, only this one is actually deal with a lot more, serious (?), subjects in which one(just a single one) of them was the reason I dropped. But in fact, said subject is currently being really well fucking written, so although not my cup of tea, it definetelly deserves a chance.

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Beware of The Villainess!

I KNOW many of you know this one and I KNOW all of you also love the female lead, the blue werewolf, the *cough* lesbian *cough* heroine and the maid. I love them too. It's a REALLY good one and it also is one of my all time favorites. Be ready to want to kill some guys though lol.

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Lucia

Just- just read it. It's GOOD. And recent updates just started going deeper. Please. It's good, I promise-

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The Evil Lady Will Change

It's also pretty damn good and also has the thing with 'marry me but don't expect love'. Both female and male lead are actually pretty good guys but their reputation was twisted so now they are seen as villanious like in public eye.

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Priscilla's Marriage Request

Powerful female lead that is set on avoiding the outcomes of her previous life. But of course, once one manages to change the course of the previous story a new one starts, and in that new one she won't have her previous knowledge for it. Also she has a crush on the male lead ever since her previous life l o l.

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This is an Obvious Fraudulent Marriage

Female lead is quite oblivious and the male lead only becomes better with time. The female lead may throw a few tauntruns but they're never annoying. I really like this one.

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I Became The Villain's Mother

Also dropped because of slow updates, to be reborn as the mother in a family of villains and trying to give them the love they lacked. Both father and son and little shits.

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The Villain's Saviour

Though the fact that the female lead cries way too much is a bit annoying, the story is so damn interesting. Male lead is basically a literal psychopath. The drama is off the charts too, specially since this one also makes use of Soulmate Marks.

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Beatrice

One more on the list of dropped because of slow updates so now I am waiting for it to basically end so I can read it all in one sit. The fact she is insekaid is only shown at chapter 4 nsksjxksnekxjasfo, it's a good one though.

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IRIS - Lady With a Smarthphone

Although I wish they would have actually focused more on the fact that she has a phone and put it to more use, it's actually a really interesting story in which the female lead is aiming to destroy everything related to all the pain she faced in her past life, and she is being very through with it.

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The Youngest Princess

Badass female lead re incarnated in the same world so it's not isekai but it's very much re incarnation. Family interactions are great in this one lolololol, female lead is really good as a character. I have re read this one quite a few times though it's still very much only on the beggining of the whole thing.

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The Duchess' 50 Tea Recipes

Came for the isekai, stayed for the female lead's obsession with tea to the point you could make memes about it. Poor male lead losing his position to TEA. It's in all honestly one of my all time favorites and though it is very focused on tea, it's very entertaining as it deals with other subjects too. It's so amazing how some problems were actually solved with tea. Very recomended.

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Chitra

When you are reborn in a world that of all game functions it has decided to be GATCHA. It's really damn good though and the art is hella great, extra plus for comedy material lololololol.

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The Villainess Lives Twice

Female lead is very particular, she isn't nice but she isn't necessarily evil, her actions are pretty manipulative due to it being all she has ever known and she uses herself as a mere tool to have others achieve their goals, automatically achieving her own goals. I just find the way she works really interesting as she goes against those who ruined her in the past.

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A Capable Maid

Not really isekai nor re incarnation but I felt the need to put it here due to the fact that not only it is great but also due to the fact that the female lead had visions of several times in history that has helped her in many tasks.

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A Returner's Magic Should Be Special

Now I'm not sure if it's korean but I love it so it's here. This time we have a male main character, it's really damn good and I read it all first in one sit. Main character went back in time before apocalypse right after he just destroyed the cause of said apocalypse in the future. Now he is aiming to avoid the apocalyspe alltogether and make sure his loved ones stay alive and well this time around.

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The Pet of The Villainess

This one is so damn interesting, seriously. It destroyed so many too often used tropes in these kinds of webtoons and its PERFECT. I seriously recomend it just from the fact it takes a completelly different approach to many now "cliches" in these kind of webtoons.

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Please Throw Me Away

Another interesting one, male lead is a huge puppy in love with a distrustfull cat female lead. Her family is shit and I would pay to have them destroyed. Have I said the male lead is a huge fucking puppy.

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Actually, I Was The Real One

When you are accused of being fake and sentenced to death only to be told by the fake herself that you were actually the real one all this time. Main characters has no socializing habilities and it's cute lol, she is doing her best. This time she is making sure to try to avoid the same ending, and searching to know why she was brought back in time.

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I Became The Hero's Mom

This girl took stanning to the next level and decided that no, since now I have the chance I will make sure my favorite character grows up as a happy child being loved and smiling instead of suffering. Male lead is the dad and he is so fucking great.

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A Young Lady is a Royal Chef

This one is pretty centered in food as the title says, it's pretty new so the story hasn't gotten a chance to fully develop just yet but it's still interesting enough to keep me hooked.

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When The Villainess Loves

B O I, I DIDN'T EXPECT TO LOVE IT BUT I DID AND HAVE RE READ IT MANY TIMES AND I NEED MORE UPDATES AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Anyways this can actually manage to hurt your feelings with "fake angst" and I give kudos to that lolololol. The male characters are killing me seriously, they're too cute, then too hot, then too cute, THEN TOO HOT, BUT THEN S O C U T E-

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I've Become The Villanious Empress of a Novel

Also one fairly new to the point the story hasn't fully developed yet, I really like it solely for the fact the female lead is now on the road to fix the bullshit around her. She's also a badass I would gladly let step on me.

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Shadow Queen

A big FUCK YEAH to this one because the main character deserves it. After dying to a very thought out plan and even having her son killed, she is now planning on turning the tables and ruining the ones making the plan from inside. She is amazing and I love her pls read.

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The Lady and The Beast

Honestly this one is both comedy gold and angsty at the same time the mix of feelings makes me go jshejdhsowjebfoshexiwnnfso, it's so hella great though, it's also basically new but it has developed it's story quite a bit.

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This Girl is a Little Wild

And to finish this list on a gold but sad key, this one is also one of my all time favorite, the female and male lead are adorable and ridiculous together and I love them, the main character is so likeable and the plot has so many puzzles but, rumor says the original creator has dropped this, thought it is sad I hope said creator is okay, even incompleted it's still a really damn good read.

[xbellaxcarolinax]

Forging A Heart (Ivar the Boneless) 22- Queen

Pairing: Ivar x Artemis

Word Count: 3816

Warnings: Corny fluff.

AN: As always, thanks for reading.

21- The Seer

...

Beads of gold and small pearls were threaded into her hair, weaved into one large plait perfected by Geirdis's thin fingers.

"You look lovely, my lady." She says, placing the pendant of Mjölnir over Artemis’s collarbone, securing it at the nape of her neck.

The lady in question did not recognize herself. The lavender water in the large bronze bowl ripples at the slight touch of her small fingers, her distorted reflection revealing kohl lined eyes and rouge colored lips.

"She's quite right, dear sister-in-law, as lovely as Frejya herself." Hvitserk smiles as he walks in past the leather divider, hands clasped behind his back. Artemis turns around to look at him, smiling happily at his arrival.

He too was dressed extremely well. His golden hair was braided neatly in an intricate style, pulled back into one singular braid. The silken green shirt brought out his eyes and his dark breeches looked soft to the touch. He steps closer, pulling from behind his back a thin silver coronet shaped as vined hollies with small rubies in between.

A traditional northern bride was to wear a crown of wild flowers. A summer wedding meant an abundance of beautiful flowers, but with the coming of winter, they were dying with the slow passage of the winds. There was nothing traditional about this particular wedding.

"Hvitserk..."

"It was our mothers. Ivar would like you to have it." Her eyes focus on the shining coronet, a delicate symbol of power.

"Would you not like to give this to your woman someday?" She questions.

"Ivar is king, and these are his wishes. He was always the closest to our mother, and besides," Hvitserk shrugs, "I've no interest in such things. Today you become Kattegat's queen, it is only right for you to wear a queen's crown." She takes the thin coronet from Hvitserk's outstretched hands, the delicate silver feeling heavy in her hands. It was a thing of beauty with remarkable detail despite its simplistic design.

"I cannot accept this." She says suddenly, catching the way Geirdis's eyes followed the shining metal in admiration. Artemis stubbornly gives back the crown, waiting for Hvitserk to grasp it, but he never does. He only smiles, shaking his head as if dealing with a rowdy child.

"It is rude to deny something as significant as a family heirloom," He jokes, moving forward to grasp the coronet, "I've never known a woman to deny jewels." Carefully taking it in both hands, he gently places it atop her dark hair, sinking it into place. He then steps back, smiling bashfully.

"If anyone is to wear my mother's crown, it should be you." He says warmly, adjusting a piece of hair over her still healing ear, "And Ivar wouldn't have it any other way."

She smiles back just as warmly, turning back towards the bronze bowl to scan her eyes over her reflection once more. The silver coronet gleamed in the natural light coming from the window, and the rubies sparkled vividly, like the reddest roses on a fair spring day.

"Thank you, Hvitserk." He nods with a smile, head turning back when he hears the guard call for him.

"Prince Hvitserk, My Lady," Dafi steps in with a slight bow, "Heahmund has informed me that the king is ready."

"Very well," Hvitserk replies, looking back at the nervous bride, "It is time. Let's go show Kattegat its new queen." He stretches out a hand for her to take, and she does, albeit very nervously. She gives Geirdis a quick glance, and the girl waste no time in offering her mistress a smile. Artemis smiles back, standing up, and linking her arm with Hvitserk.

"Artemis?"

"Hmm?"

"You're shaking." She could hear the teasing his voice, whispering for only her to hear.

"I'm nervous, do not tease me." She whispers back, swallowing the lump in her throat.

They step out from the great hall and into the sunlight. Already the people crowded round the entrance, waiting to see the bride and their future queen. There were so many eyes on her, and all she wanted to do was shrink away from the attention. Gripping the side of her blue dress she intakes a harsh breath, willing her feet to guide her.

"Hold your head high." Hvitserk says, patting her arm with his other hand in reassurance. Releasing the breath, she squares her shoulders as if readying her bow, and slowly raises her head, directly meeting the gazes of many onlookers. Some looks were kind and warm, some were indifferent, but she did her best to pay them no mind.

Ravens cawed from up above, and Artemis looks at the sky to see a small cluster of the black creatures, perching themselves in the trees nearby as if to watch the procession. One tilted its head, gazing at her knowingly before cawing and taking flight. Its black wings soared ahead of them as if leading the way.

They walked farther away from the great hall and closer to the center of the city where the crowd was even larger. The people part to make way for the bride, her head now held up in confidence. Her eyes searched the crowd, and what a relief it was for her to see familiar faces. Aria's fiery hair was unmistakable, peeking out through the sea of town folk, and beside her was her master dressed in all his finery.

Heahmund comes into view, tall and a bit less brooding, nodding at her. He struggles to grasp tightly onto a leather cord holding back her massive beast who longed to be by her side.

King Harald steps forward, surrounded by his Vestfold men, taking Artemis's hand and placing a chaste kiss on her lavender coated skin.

"How far you have come, little Artemis." He says to her, his eyes sparkling in the way they used to before so much misfortune had befallen him.

"I shall miss your mirth, King Harald."

"We will see each other again, young Queen."

"You keep her from her husband," Hvitserk interjects, "You know he hates to be kept waiting," He smirks, a glint in his green eyes as they turn to look at her.

"Quite right." Harald chuckles in agreement, moving his large form away from the bride to give her a perfect view of the figure behind him. Suddenly, nothing else mattered. Not her nervousness, not the people waiting for the ceremony, not even Hvitserk who stood close beside her.

Whatever anxiousness she felt had completely melted away, replaced by the warmth of Ivar's eyes, like twinkling stars gazing at her.

He smiles, his eyes falling to his mother's coronet placed upon her hair, right where he intended it to be. It was fitting, really. He holds his crutch tightly in his hand, extending the other for her to take her place beside him, and she does so with no hesitation. Ivar pulls her away from Hvitserk's light grasp, bringing her to his side in a fluid motion. He places a tender kiss to her hand, placing his brow against her and breathing in her lavender scent.

Her eyes move over his handsome features, taking note of his nicely braided hair and silk shirt the very color of her own dress, the blue catching the gleam of the sun and the silver embroidery shining as brightly as his own eyes. She smiles at him happily, feeling how her heart pounded profusely. She thought it would beat right out her chest.

"You shake like a leaf in the wind." Ivar chuckles.

"I am nervous." She says to him, "This is unreal."

"Of course this is real, baby bird. Just look at me," Ivar says to her, "Nothing else matters but you and I, hmm?" He nudges her nose lightly with his own, emitting a laugh from her before she nods.

"The ceremony!" Hvitserk speaks out, reminding them of the affair. Heracles barks at the outburst, and the people murmur in anticipation.

"Are you ready?" Ivar asks. It did not show, but he too was apprehensive, looking down at her with the eyes of a child. Artemis takes a breath and nods, gripping his hand tightly.

"I am ready."

They both turn to face the gothi, and Ivar motions for the ceremony to begin. A goat was brought once a dagger was produced from somewhere in the gothi's robes. She closes her eyes, awaiting the cry from the animal and the sprinkling of warm blood over her face, something she was still unaccustomed to. She felt Ivar squeeze her hand, knowing exactly of her thoughts and fears, and the action alone gave her comfort. She didn't catch him grinning despite the ache in his legs from standing far too long.

He would suffer through the worst of pains just for her.

And now she would finally be his queen.

...

A Viking wedding was to last a minimum of 3 days, and the festivities were only just beginning. The music was lively, the food in abundance, and the mead flowing.

Wild chatter filled the great hall, along with boisterous story telling of lands farther than the West, and the shining cities of the East. There was dancing and performances to entertain the mass crowd, already too intoxicated to focus on anything but the drink in their hands.

The fire was roaring in the center, its flames licking at the juicy meats that hung above them. Thralls walked about, handing out dried fruits and foreign wine for all to taste.

Ivar sits in his throne, content to rest his legs, a grin on his face as he hears the stories told by Hvitserk of his adventures in Spain. Hvitserk, always an animated speaker, uses his hands, already drunk off whatever was in his cup. Harald jokes and laughs along with the rest of the men, the tattoos on his face creasing with the lines of his aged face. Heahmund too bore a smile, his lips stained with wine.

Ivar turns to gaze at his newly crowned queen, finally sitting beside him in her designated throne for the first time. In her lap was an oud, a gift to her from Hvitserk. It was beautifully crafted, with dark blue spiraled designs painted on its light brown surface. Her fingers pluck at the stings, a smile on her face as she creates the smallest of tunes from her homeland.

Her hair was now loose from its plait, the long strands hanging carelessly down her back, falling over her shoulder as she bent forward to watch the clumsy movements of her small fingers.

In that moment Artemis reminded Ivar so much of his past. He imagined Sigurd, plucking at his oud as enthusiastically as she did. There was a fleeting ache in his heart, but it passed as he reached over to brush his fingers softly against her arm. She turns to him, his mother's coronet gleaming in the fire light. She looked just as beautiful as his mother did when she wore it. That aching feeling returned, pulling at his heart strings whenever he thought of both his mother and Sigurd, but his queen's eyes had him coming back to their reality as her face twisted in concern.

"My love," Artemis says to him sweetly, "Are you unwell?" Her obedient beast lay between them, his floppy ears perking up at the sound of her voice, but his alerted eyes watched the meats being passed about by the thralls to feed the hungry guests.

"I was just admiring you. You look beautiful, just as a queen should," Ivar replies, reaching over to grip her hand most lovingly. She smiles at him shyly, rubbing her thumb gently over the surface of his hand.

"I have a gift for you." He announces suddenly, motioning for Geirdis to fetch whatever it was that he had waiting for her.

"More gifts? You've already given me enough."

"Yes, well, jewels and a new quiver seem silly now. You can make them yourself." Ivar mutters. He scratches the back of his neck as if he had committed some form of crime and Artemis rolls her eyes.

Geirdis returns with a large basket, its contents covered by a white linen sheet. The young thrall holds it over her queen who had a questioning look on her face. She glances at Ivar, who motions for her to look inside.

Peeling back the linen, she grins at the sight of four mewling kittens, all in different shades of white, black and brown.

"Forest cats. It is important for any Viking bride to have kittens in her household." Ivar tells her, smiling in satisfaction as Artemis reaches over immediately to cradle a kitten in her hands. It was a tiny thing, big eyes and large tufts of hair on its pointy ears. Its tiny teeth barely pierced the skin of her hand as it bites down in a weak attack.

"Now you have your own little cats as Frejya does." Ivar continues, watching in content as she coddles the mewling thing. His hand goes to scratch at Heracles ears, the jealous mastiff now sitting to attention, his nose detecting the smell of the tiny things.

"Thank you." She lowers her head with a smile, informing Geirdis to attend the kittens in their chambers. The young blonde girl bows, waiting for Artemis to place the kitten back in the basket with the others before hauling them towards the back of the great hall.

"Are you enjoying the festivities?" Ivar asks, bringing his drinking horn to his lips and taking a large swig of the bitter liquid. She nods, her fingers going back to pluck at the strings of the oud, and Ivar makes a mental note to hire a suitable instructor for her in the future.

"Very much, husband." The term makes him swell in pride, his chest puffing out and a smile breaking out on his lips. He had finally accomplished what no one thought he could, and now here he sat, a king with a beautiful wife on his arm.

Many men moved forward to pay their respects to their new queen with gifts of scented oils, rich fabrics, and shining gold. The women bow, offering precious trinkets and jewels, as well as their rouge colored smiles.

Ivar could already tell Artemis was overwhelmed, unaccustomed to praise, gifts, and attention. In time she would gain familiarity, but until then, he took quiet joy at the reddening of her cheeks and her fluttering lashes as she shyly thanked all who offered their best wishes, as well as allegiance to their new queen.

When all gifts were collected and put away, Artemis puts her oud down, motioning for Heahmund to come forward, who now held in his hands a large object wrapped in similar white linen placed over the basket of kittens.

"Your gift." She says, watching Heahmund place the large object in Ivar's waiting hands.

By the shape, Ivar immediately knew what it was. A sword, and a large one by the looks of it. Pulling at the linen his eyes meet with a beautifully crafted war sword, heavy yet powerful in his hands. The handle was slim, with a decorated pommel at the end in the style of the northerners. The steel shined so brightly it hurt his eyes for a moment, reflecting the vivid colors of the flames. What was unfamiliar to him was that the sword was curved.

"It's called a paramerion, used by soldiers of the Byzantine army," Artemis explains as if reading his thoughts, "Sharp and deadly in battle, you should have no problem cutting an enemy down." Ivar ran his thumb over the edge, and it was indeed sharp to the touch. Its sleek design intrigued the king, as it was nothing like the swords he's seen or owned.

"So this is what kept you for weeks, hmm?" He smiles, gripping Artemis's hand to place a soft kiss upon her sweetly smelling skin. "Such talent you have, my love."

She hums in agreement, smiling tiredly as she watches Hvitserk grab the sword, inspecting it with glittering eyes.

"Use it well." She tells Ivar, grabbing at her oud again and playing the soft tune she had been practicing moments before. The festivities continued well into the night until morning when the birds sang their song and the sun began its journey across the sky.

...

She awakens in comfortable warmth, the furs beneath her creating a cocoon of comfort. The mewling of the kittens and Heracles's soft whines for his breakfast could be heard in the distance beyond the leather divider. She turns over, eyes still closed, burrowing further into the worn out bedding. Gentle touches fall upon her cheek, and her eyes flutter open to see Ivar's equally tired features. He continues to stroke her cheek, his sleepy gaze focused on her despite the lateness of the day. She breathes out a content sigh and leans into his touch.

Quiet mornings such as these were Ivar's favorite. The comfortable silence and their sleepy haze was all he could want. He yawns, draping an arm over her waist, pulling her closer to him so that he may bury his face into her messy hair. She giggles, feeling him grip her tighter.

"Good morning, my love." Ivar says, muttering into her hair as he places repeated kisses over it.

"Good morning."

"How is the Queen?"

"Very content," She says to him, reaching up to place a kiss under his jaw, "And the King?"

"Mmm, I'd like it if we could stay right here for the rest of the day." She snorts, pushing at his tattooed chest. She sits up, stretching her limbs and yawning the sleepiness away.

"You have a kingdom to rule." She says to him as if he were unaware of his duties, and he in turn snorts back, resting his weight on one arm while the other traces the planes of her shoulders exposed by her nightdress with the tip of his pointer finger.

"The people can wait."

"Then who will they petition their grievances to?"

"The dog, of course." He says, almost sounding serious.

"You speak too much nonsense."

"And you speak very little," He counters back, moving to sit up, "Why haven't you told me of the seer?" He did not have to see her to know she pulled a face.

"Because I did not want to dampen the mood of our wedding." His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Has he given you ill words?" She flops back down against the furs, curling her body against his. She waited a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking.

"He said a child is to be born."

The silence that followed after wasn't long, but it was enough for her to peer up at him, his expression beyond what shock could be. His eyes were blown wide and his brow wrinkled further into confusion.

"Ivar?" She says his name tentatively, wondering if perhaps the subject was far too sudden to be discussed.

"A child." He repeats, his mind already drifting off at the prospect. Artemis watches the emotions flicker across his eyes. She herself never thought of producing a child, let alone marrying. The idea of bringing a child into the world frightened her, it always had. She had known many women in her village that had passed due to the struggles of labor and birth, and she did not envy such a fate.

She watches him for a moment more, not sure of what his reaction would be.

The rumors had always eaten Ivar alive, the ones that ridiculed him. Impotency was what the people whispered and Artemis herself had heard it time and time again. She never cared for such talk, of course, why should she let something of such irrelevance affect her?

One night of passion was enough to dispel such idle talk.

"Is that what you want?" She asks him softly.

Ivar suddenly let's out a short laugh, grabbing Artemis into a tight embrace. She rests her head in the crook of his neck, smiling against his skin as he let's out his rare little bursts of joy.

"A child!" He says again, pushing her back at arms length to look directly into her eyes, "A child born of our union is a wonderful blessing. Of course it is what I want." Ivar pauses, the look of emotion passing through his eyes again as his mind filled with thoughts. Ivar was always so sure of himself, but for once it was he who was the pensive one.

"A child should have been conceived by now," He says, "We've had so many nights together..." Ivar pauses, looking away from her to gather his thoughts.

"I thought it was impossible." He says finally, looking back at her with glassy eyes.

"Perhaps it will take time. Perhaps...we must invoke the gods," Her words were spoken so softly, Ivar just barely made them out. There it was again, that small hesitation he saw in her whenever she spoke of the gods. It made him smile, because he knew she was making an effort.

"I do not know whether to trust the words of such a man," She continues, "But the seer foresees danger, and if a child is born, then it will be at risk," Ivar's joyous smile dropped into a tight line.

"What do you mean?"

"He said a shadow looms over me but was unable to detect whether it is good or bad." Ivar frowns, scratching at his lengthy hair before dropping his hand to his lap.

"A child shall be born, the eye of the raven. Winter draws near and so will the enemy, lurking like a pack of wolves in the dark night. They wait for Sòl to set," Artemis recites the words of the seer, she could not forget them, "Lagertha may be dead, but her spirit lives on."

Ivar let out a frustrated breath.

"I've always believed she'd come back to haunt us." He mutters.

"How am I to bring a child into this world and already worry for its safety when I can scarcely protect myself?"

"The gods will protect you. I will protect you," Ivar speaks gently, "I will always protect you, baby bird."

"I know." She says, "I know you will, but it still does not keep my worry at bay."

"If our love produces a child, I will fight to protect you both, do you hear me? No one will dare hurt you." There was so much emotion behind his words, Artemis thought he could cry. His eyes shone with determination and perhaps, a bit of hope. She nods, drawing back to rest her head against him again. It was a promise she hoped didn't need to come into fruition, but she knew it was a promise he'd keep.

...

@heavenly1927 @didiintheblog @rastakami23 @inforapound @leilabeaux @a-mess-of-fandoms @ostra814 @zumzum96

[jabbajambler]

PROLOGUE

Human

The Mandalorian/Din Djarin x f!OC

Word Count: 1,250

*GIF NOT MINE*

        "I think it's time I return this."

         The room was dim and empty except for the two women. One clad in armor and fur while the other stood in nothing more than a loose shirt, pants, and a pair of worn boots.

         A fire crackled in the center of the large room. It was a soft, comforting sound that seeped through the chatter that filled the cavern. The smell of melted beskar in the large furnace masked the horrid stench of mold and something rotten.

         It was the first time Myrah fully embraced these surroundings. She let the environment spill and flourish around her, filling her senses till she was dizzy.

         "Myrah... You-"

         "I know." The bare woman interjected, staring down at the red helmet in the others gloved hands. "I've betrayed the clan. You've been nothing but gracious and welcoming yet I tossed your traditions in the garbage."

         "Not at all." She spoke calmly. "We are glad you're safe."

         A relieved breath escaped Myrah while the corners of her mouth quirked into a grateful smile. "Vor entye." She whispered.

         "Ba'gedet'ye. This is the Way."

         "This is the Way."

         Myrah spun and left the drab sewers, the helmets of every Mandalorian following her as she left. Everything she had known for the four years would remain down there. It was time to restart once again.

       The bright sun peered into her eyes once she reached the clear and somewhat clean air, forcing her to squint. She held her hand over her eyes in an attempt to block the beaming rays while she glanced about the gray planet.

         Nevarro was a relatively peaceful place. Even during the Galactic Empire's control, there was never too much chaos.

         Much like her armored friends, its beauty was concealed by the desolate, gray appearance.

         Weather was never awful, only a bit hazy when there was a nearby eruption. Of course, it was always foggy, but it usually covered up the blazing sun and kept a nice breeze through the volcanic terrain.

         The people were sort of friendly. Everyone stuck to themselves and their family, never caring to be involved in someone else's business.

         They had plenty of their own problems to deal with.

          Most everyone was poor and did what they could to survive. Somehow, they found their own ways to enjoy life. For some, they found their happiness hunting for the bounty guild that resided on Nevarro.

         Myrah tugged her hood over her head, keeping it low as she navigated through the crowded streets and alleys. Her dark brown hair managed to escape the low bun at the base of her neck, swarming her face and sticking to her damp skin.

         She did a good job of hiding herself. To her, it was exhilarating to be free and have no one know who you are or where you're from.

         She was young. Only twenty-three years old but her glimmering brown eyes told stories of tragedy, loss, and pain.

         Being on the run was hard. She was always watching her back since she had no one else to do it for her. Even in the clan, they only looked after one another to a certain extent. Even if she had a partner, who knows if she could trust them.

         Myrah was constantly on edge, glancing over her shoulder every other second. Someone always seemed to be hot on her trail no matter how much she hid. Even with a helmet and no sense of identity, there was a continuous game of cat and mouse.

         Now that the Empire was gone, she didn't have to hide anymore. Even so, she never let her guard down.

         Citizens of the planet stared at her while she walked past. She was quite an intriguing sight, not to mention a complete stranger to their lingering eyes.

         Despite the diverse population, humans never tended to congregate on Nevarro. Those who did choose to live on the poverty-stricken planet were nothing like the woman that stood before them.

         Myrah had this spark to her that no one could not quite comprehend. She radiated a rare, bright energy. A warm aura surrounded her and the people either loved it or hated it entirely.

         She found herself at the entrance to a tucked away, quaint bar. She'd heard rumors about the people who gathered there. Each whisper drew her closer to it, desperately wanting to find out if what they said was true.

          A local hangout to some, but to bounty hunters it was so much more. People of all kinds crowded the area, making back-alley deals and exchanging goods. Most importantly, the local bounty guild conducted business in the bar. That was what fascinated Myrah.

         After a few moments of hesitation, she pushed through the door to reveal the dark room. She was shocked to find the space filled with aliens and humans alike, all talking and laughing with one another.

         The clinking of glasses and the loud, joyous music filled her ears. It was obvious with her tense, strict posture that she was a bit overwhelmed. The place was nothing she expected. If it was indeed home to the Guild, they were all awfully friendly for a bunch of ruthless hunters.

         "Ah! A newcomer!" A voice boomed from the back of the bar. Her eyes darted in the voice's direction, hiding behind the shadows of her hood. A dark skinned man sat in a booth and raised a half-empty glass in her direction. "Come sit!" He beckoned.

         Myrah glanced around once more before she obliged to his request. She sat across from him, watching as the people continued carrying on their conversations. No one even stopped to see who the man was talking to. They were all stuck in their own world.

         "I haven't seen you around here before. I'm Greef." His voice was deep and powerful. "What's your name, Kid?"

         "Myrah. Koor." She spoke softly.

         "Well, Myrah. What brings you to Nevarro?"

         "A getaway."

         "And just what are you hiding from?" He laughed. Even his laugh was jolly and filled the room with the rich sound. "Can't imagine someone so young getting in so much trouble that they can't show their face."

         He gestured towards the hood that hid herself from any onlookers. The irony of his words brought a small smile to her lips.

         "I'm afraid I can't disclose any more information."

         He hummed. "Then perhaps I can offer you a job." He leaned forward with his arms crossed on the table. It was then that Myrah noticed the Guild symbol that decorated his chest.

         "What is it?" Myrah perked up, her cold stare meeting his.

         "I run the bounty guild around these parts." He spoke in a low whisper. "I can make sure you're safe while you're working with me."

         "I need a place to stay."

         "You can stay with me!" He bellowed. "There's no reason a kid should be sleeping on the streets. Come with me." He slid out of the booth and walked towards the door. He looked behind him to see that she was still sitting in her spot, blankly staring at the seat across from her. "Are you coming?"

         Myrah hesitated, but nodded and followed after him. Her hand rested loosely at her side, fingers draping over the gray and gold hilt on her belt. It was dangerous to accept an offer from a stranger, but she was out of ideas.

         Besides, maybe this is the beginning of something new and exciting; a fresh start.

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

Mando'a Translations

Vor entye - Thank you

Ba'gedet'ye - You're welcome

[thejakeformerlyknownasprince]

Disability and Loren

@zarohk asked for my thoughts on a Disability Studies/Media Studies perspective on the disability depictions in Animorphs.  Which was foolish, because I’m teaching an entire dang class on the subject of superheroes and mental health, so I have Many Thoughts.  [PLEASE NOTE: I am nondisabled, so if I err, please tell me so.]

Loren’s role in #49: The Diversion does a lot of things right, and a lot of things wrong.  She incurs a traumatic brain injury that results in memory loss and blindness a couple of years after Tobias is born, and lives with said injury for about ten years before Tobias finds her and gives her the ability to morph, which restores her sight but not her memory.

A few places where I commend the depiction of Loren:

It gets into the massive underemployment of disabled Americans.  Loren is smart, canny, athletic, compassionate... and working a call center job in exchange for state benefits.  Said state benefits do not afford her a decent standard of living; Tobias notes that she has few possessions and almost no time for leisure activities.  Americans with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as those without, and those who do have jobs are ten times more likely to be paid less than minimum wage, e.g. in sheltered workshops.

It shows how inaccessible a lot of systems are in the U.S.  Tobias notes that Loren accidentally grabs an expired quart of milk — because nothing on the label is printed in Braille.  Putting raised text and/or Braille on food packaging is a health and safety issue, one that the U.S. ignores even though it violates its own laws (e.g. the ADA) because companies tend to do what they want and “what they want” is usually not to spend more money on packaging.  The call center and bus system are both marginally more accessible, especially when Loren has Champ to help, but they’re still clearly spaces set up for sighted people that don’t take blind users into account very well.

It shows some of the workarounds that help deal with accessibility problems.  Loren’s house is set up so that there are clear paths to and from all of the relevant spaces.  She’s doing that to allow herself to move around comfortably in that space, because she’s made it accessible for herself.  She memorizes the layout of the local store, and uses that to get around as well.  All of those details help show that she’s adjusted, and actively interacting with her own circumstances.

It drives home the difference between service dogs and pets.  This distinction is extremely important, and it gets ignored all the time by entitled ableists who want to bring their pets into stores.  Tobias and Marco both assume from the outside that it can’t be that hard to become a service animal — just do what Loren says to do, right? — but it takes Tobias 0.02 seconds to realize that it’s not that simple and that he cannot imitate Champ’s lifetime of training on the fly.  He says that he manages to get his mom home in one piece, and that that’s about all that can be said for his sad performance as a guide.  Champ has skills like ignoring interesting smells and applying exactly the right amount of pressure to the harness that most pets don’t have and also most pets can’t learn.  Champ is not a pet, at least not while he’s in that harness; he’s a gainfully employed expert assistant.

It rounds Loren out as a character, and definitely does not just make her into a lesson or problem for Tobias.  Loren is gently humorous, tolerating her coworkers’ teasing and Ax’s attempted juvenile delinquency with an eye-roll.  She’s compassionate, listening to other people’s problems on the phone with genuine concern and not swatting flies if she doesn’t have to.  She’s tough-minded and stupidly brave, chucking rocks at Visser Three’s head and flying at attack helicopters as a three-pound bird.  She’s fallible, unable to support Tobias emotionally even when he asks her to do so and unwilling to check in on him after leaving him with her sister.  She’s a fully rounded person, one whose personality is informed but not defined by her disability.

It talks about some of the unromatic aspects of a Traumatic Brain Injury.  Too often in other works of fiction, we see a person get bonked over the head and wake up with no episodic memory but all other brain functions intact (*cough* Rachel in MM1 *cough*).  Loren actually gets into the fact that she forgot huge chunks of language, forgot how to brush her teeth, forgot how to walk across a room.  She obviously lost her sight as well, and she mentions lifelong balance and coordination problems.  Even her amnesia isn’t absolute — she has some traces of recall, but can’t make anything coherent of her impressions.  Her injury isn’t 100% realistic, but it’s more so than many TBIs we see in fiction.

It focuses on the intersection of disability and social class.  Tobias notes that Loren is under a compounded threat because of her inability to move to a more secure neighborhood and her obvious vulnerability.  He feels a lot of disgust with himself when he and Marco and Ax are harassing Loren, because it’s so clear that this isn’t the first time she’s been harassed.  Tobias understands that his experience with poverty as a nondisabled male minor is different from Loren’s for those reasons.

A few places where Loren falls into the common traps of implied ableism creeping into fiction, as written about in Narrative Prosthesis: 

She gets “cured.”  Loren falls into the “kill or cure” dichotomy, like most of the other disabled characters in Animorphs.  In her case, it’s that she gains the power to morph and in the process regains the ability to see.  It isn’t a complete cure, true — she still has no memory — but it means that she’s no longer blind for the rest of the series.  Having the occasional character no longer be disabled sometimes isn’t automatically problematic; having every disabled character get either “fixed” or killed off inherently treats the disabled body as a problem that needs to be solved, through sci fi nonsense if no other way is available.

She implies that she’d rather die than continue to be disabled.  When injured by dracon burns, Loren initially refuses to morph out even though Tobias tells her she’ll die if she remains a bird, because (they both assume) to morph out is to return to her blind human body.  This moment buys into the stereotype that it’s better to be dead than disabled, again inherently devaluing the lives of actual blind individuals.

There’s a certain amount of mystery around how she became disabled.  It’s interesting that we never actually get a definitive answer on that one — Loren says she was told it was a car crash, but there’s also an implication that she was attacked by controllers, and we don’t know for sure.  However, the fact of her disability is treated as an aberrant state that needs to be explained, the book inherently asking “why are you like this?”  By contrast (for instance) she doesn’t ask Tobias “why are you in the body of a hawk?”

She views herself as a burden, and the narration doesn’t do enough to contradict her.  Loren says that she couldn’t possibly be expected to raise a child while also blind and coping with a TBI.  Real blind people raise kids all the time, however, including blind single parents, and it’d be nice to see some evidence in the story that Loren’s assumption is wrong.  Loren also apparently assumes that she can’t begin to play a role in Tobias’s life even now that Tobias is more self-sufficient, again because she views herself as relatively helpless and non-contributing due to her disability.  There are some hints that she’s wrong, but we don’t really see her either begin to contribute to the resistance or build a relationship with Tobias until after she’s become un-blind.

Tobias’s view of Loren is often pitying.  As much as Loren doesn’t initially view herself as a potential maternal figure to Tobias, he doesn’t view her as a potential mentor either.  He repeatedly expresses horror or sadness at her life circumstances, and assumes that her life must be barren due to the spartan nature of her home.  (Of course, that begs the question of why the hell a blind woman living alone would ever bother hanging pictures on her walls or putting doilies on her coffee tables, but Tobias doesn’t consider that angle.)  Again, Tobias is allowed to assume that her life must be meaningless if she’s disabled, but it’d be nice to see some contradictory evidence in the form of her having close friends or inane hobbies or some other proof that to lead a disabled life is not to automatically lead a lonely one.

Loren expresses bitterness and desperate desire to be nondisabled.  Again, it’s fine for any character to say “I wish my life was different,” and it’s a common consensus among blind writers/bloggers that being blind is often a pain in the butt.  However, views as extreme as “you need vision to have a fulfilling existence” or “vision is part of what makes us human” are ableist crocks of shit.  Loren doesn’t go so far as to espouse those extreme views, but she also doesn’t seem to view herself as having a well-rounded life in spite of her disability.  It’d be nice to see Loren talking about sight as handy or enjoyable or a thing that the designers of 99% U.S. environments assume everyone must have, rather than a necessary precondition for a minimum standard of life.

Loren’s disability is somewhat medicalized.  Same caveat as above: disabilities are by definition medical things that some bodies do or have that other bodies do not.  However, discussing disability primarily through “this is how your body is different from Implied Normal of Nondisabled Body” and focusing on doctor’s notes, diagnoses, physical differences, etc. can serve to disconnect the lived experience of the individual from their body.  It also tends to focus on the ways that the body is “the problem” rather than focusing on the ways that environments and attitudes are problematic, which then prevents anyone from asking hard questions about the environments and attitudes.  Loren’s doctor’s note, discussion of scarring and loss, and repeated physical descriptions are somewhat more medical than social.  It’d be nice to see a little more emphasis on the social factors that make blindness a disability (e.g. improperly labeled milk), and less on “your eyes are different from those of Implied Normal Nondisabled Person.”

[lizzybeth1986]

What are your overall thoughts on Madeleine as a character including what transpired between her and Hana? I've felt iffy about her, but I'm not sure how to phrase that. I think you can better articulate and explain than I could 😅

Not to boast…but you’ve come to the right person (besides @callmetippytumbles who has made excellent points time and again about how the writing centers Madeleine in ways that they should have been centering Hana). I have written A LOT about that issue especially. Here are some of my meta on that if you’re interested:

Brushed Under the Carpet: Madeleine as an Alternate LI (this was written after TRR Book 3 Chapter 9, where they were subtly hinting at making them a ship).

QT on Book 3 Chapter 16 (Tbh thankfully the bit I was predicting here - Madeleine getting the coming out story that should have been Hana’s - wound up not happening, though part of it could have been from them having to scrap the entire idea after the backlash).

How Do You Fix Hana’s Characterization in TRR? (this essay listed a whole set of changes both to help strengthen Hana’s storyline and to give her the attention and validation she deserved but didn’t get in the actual story)

This replay to an ask posted after 3 of the 4 writers on the team claimed Hana was the kind of person they would marry.

A lot of this illustrates my problems with Madeleine on a level of characterization (and Tippy covers the aspects that deal not with Hana, but with Madeleine's half-baked redemption arc and how the narrative tries really hard to convince us that she does her job well, even when she isn’t doing it properly).

With regards to Madeleine herself, I feel like they started out fully intending that the reader hate her and view her as a rival, before turning the tables and establishing her as “innocent” of the conspiracy (though still extremely unlikeable). In narrative structure, the bachelorette chapter had a lot of striking similarities to the Lythikos chapter where you found out about Olivia’s painful childhood before she mocked Drake about his missing sister. I feel like the aim was to make us see Madeleine in a different light, while still remembering why we dislike her.

Somewhere along the line (with Hana’s chocolate scene) they went too far, and Madeleine went from unlikeable to completely repulsive. After that, the team attempted to completely backtrack, by cramming in a sympathy arc for her and after the “hazing process” excuse, what she did to Hana especially was never addressed again. Suddenly she was the patriot who would sacrifice her life and happiness for Cordonia, a figure to be admired and pitied. A woman who was immensely talented and did her job well [even when she actually didn’t]). Most of her characterization, really, consists of retconning.

But I have no interest in Madeleine, or her characterization. I just don’t. No, what I’m going to touch upon today is narrative treatment.

–

Rival figures are important in a story. They’re a foil to the main character: sometimes they exist simply to make the MC look better (ew), sometimes they’re there to show the MC what the larger society in their world is like, and what challenges they may face, and sometimes they’re an unexpected ally after the MC figures out the problem goes way deeper than the rivalry with them. So if you have a rival who behaves badly, treats the people around her badly? That in itself is not really a bad thing.

It makes me hurt for the characters at the receiving end, but as long as long as the narrative validates their experience on its own initiative, and allows them space, I will be fine. If I’m shown bullying and abuse in a narrative towards a character, I’m going to want to see the person hurting from this:

1. have support. Immense support

2. have a friend circle that will protect them and put them first

3. have opportunities to talk about what this is doing to them

4. have opportunities to push back against the bully

Personally the bully’s journey or whatever is of no importance to me. I simply don’t care. As much as possible I would not care about what grand monumental realizations they get behind the scenes, or what their rotten-egg-smelling guilt looks like. What matters to me is the person bullied. I need to see them win. I need to see them thrive. I need to see them receive support and validation.

One example I can give in terms of that being done well, is Penelope. Penelope is treated like a servant by Madeleine, called names, forever reminded she is good-for-nothing and useless and can’t do anything right. The bullying is constant and puts an already anxiety-ridden Penelope under additional pressure, to the point that when we meet her at Portavira in Book 3 she is VERY reluctant to return to court, and panics when certain things remind her of Madeleine’s behaviour. You have to coddle and cajole her with promises that Madeleine would never be able to do anything to her, and that she can bring her Emotional Support Animals with her to court. If we choose not to address her concerns, our friends will do it on our behalf. Drake Trauma-Minimizing Walker himself, is shown reassuring her the moment they meet in Portavira:

So it is very possible, even if the rival/bitchy character is expected to not feel remorse, and still retains a huge portion of her bitchiness, that we can still get a satisfying arc where the person in pain has support and care, and can thrive.

In Penelope’s case, perhaps the only downside may be that, while the narrative is clear about Madeleine’s bullying and its impact on Penelope, it still keeps Madeleine comfortably away from this narrative so she doesn’t even have to engage with it. She herself doesn’t exactly face consequences. The truth doesn’t even touch her.

But we don’t feel the pinch of this, so much with Penelope… precisely because PENELOPE is validated, given support and is given the space to completely refuse to even go with them if the MC doesn’t make great efforts to support and be nice to her (this, even though she has herself harmed us). She is allowed to get upset if we even question her on not following the dress code of our bachelorette, because it reminds her of Madeleine’s. She is even “rewarded” with a guy, no matter which playthrough.

And not every character is going to be a Penelope who will require that level of coddling from other people. So it’s not always about the MC and others needing to constantly protect and reassure such people. Sometimes it’s just simply about whether said character is allowed to push back against the bully. Hana gets a small measure of this when she’s allowed (but only on one occasion, that too a 30 diamond scene that wasn’t even coded properly later) to tell Olivia exactly what she thinks of her (and Olivia is allowed to say shit about her even after that, without Hana ever being allowed the same space again).

Now the thing with Hana (with regards to Madeleine) is…that they could have easily given her space to push back. Easily given the MC opportunities to protect her. Easily ensured that Hana didn’t have to engage with Madeleine if she didn’t want to. Have her whack friends fucking remember what she was put through at least!!!

Let’s go through how that could have been done one by one:

Pushing Back: One of the most bizarre choices the TRR team made was the give the scene about Liam telling Hana he would get her back to court (ergo, that Hana returned through Liam’s help, not Madeleine as the latter kept claiming) to Drake! He gets to narrate this story to the MC, but Hana herself is never allowed to acknowledge the fact or even talk about it. If she were, she would have at least (at the very least!!!) been given chances to hint at Madeleine twisting the truth, implied as much to Madeleine or to the MC, pushed back in her own unique way. The narrative not only pushes the truth of her return in DRAKE’S scene…it also never gives HER the opportunity to do anything actively against Madeleine’s very obvious twisting of the truth. Just so that Madeleine would continue to have way more power over Hana throughout. The bullying occurs much before the incident in Italy, but Hana herself is expected to stay silent.

Support: Now it’s not as if Penelope gets to push back on her own to Madeleine during this time either (except for a few comments here and there). But Penelope does get plenty of support and eventually protection. Does this apply to Hana as well?

Technically, you could view the fondue party scene that took place after the “chocolate allergy” incident as “support” - but at best it’s very weak “support”, and at its worst it really just a scene revolves around all the other characters (especially around gaining Olivia’s friendship), with a hurt, frightened Hana hovering in the background of the scene.

The MC has the option (option!!) to “call Madeleine out” on the events of the previous night when they’re in Paris, but it mostly results in Madeleine pretending it was a test of some sort (which the MC never bothers to contradict even though she knows better). The best case scenario is, well, that…and the worst case scenario is that Hana never really finds out even that, up until the end.

Speaking Out and Validation: Not only does the narrative not address the bullying after it has happened (until the very end of the series), it uses Hana - the woman who was harmed - to minimize its impact as well. On the one occasion you actually do get to talk to her about the night of Madeleine’s bachelorette party, they make Hana say (if you state that you don’t remember anything from that night), that "the tequila brought out Kiara's mean side, and Madeleine's fun side". Madeleine’s “fun side”, presumably, involves her laughing over targeting, torturing and breaking the vulnerable women in her court I suppose. (also, way to do Kiara dirty while forgetting what Madeleine did, PB!)

Further ahead, the MC and her friends promptly forget about this - Hana is expected to help the MC extract important information from her without even bothering to find out if she is comfortable or not, for instance. The forgetfulness gets to the point where, in the epilogue, (when Madeleine repeats to Hana what she’d told the MC back then) the MC acts like it is the first time she is hearing about Madeleine’s intentions to break Hana.

So forget about getting validation, for a large chunk of the narrative Hana wasn’t even allowed to view her own experience with bullying as painful. And if anything, her friend circle didn’t mind putting her needs and comfort last when it suited them.

The biggest problem about the storyline that involves Hana and Madeleine is the question of who should be getting more space and development, and who actually does. The time and energy spent on Hana navigating a court like this which such threats over her head…is spent instead on literally everything else. The time that could have been spent working on Hana’s background and childhood history…was spent to build Madeleine’s redemption arc instead (ironically, Adelaide starts feeding us with that sympathy arc in Shanghai, Hana’s home).

Effort was spent on extolling Madeleine efficiency and great work, even though there was very little of it to be seen. Effort was spent on making Madeleine look patriotic and not power-hungry, in making it clear to us that her father’s rejections left an impact on her. Even the story involving her attraction to Hana revolved more around HER, not around the woman she hurt. Was the same effort put into exploring Hana’s own struggle in court? In how she feels when people hurt her? In whether she is comfortable doing certain things? I think we all know the answer to that.

The key to why I hate Madeleine’s story so much isn’t that she’s a horrible person. You can be a horrible person and still have a compelling story. You can be a horrible person, and unapologetic about it, but still have the narrative validate what the people you had harmed went through.

It’s that the narrative and team knows and acknowledges her toxic behaviour, but only for a character that they like. They conveniently decided to cherry pick who would be comforted and given reassurance, and who would be forced to praise her bully for her ‘patriotism’. I should have been spending way less time on Madeleine’s redemption and coddling Penelope, and more time on making Hana feel safe in a largely alien place where she has no one but us - and where she is staying only for our protection. My problem is that they didn’t consider Hana’s pain important enough to even address, much less validate.

[fluffyunicornofdanger]

Her Royal Highness

A/N: Okay, so I really love the overall plot of this, but I feel that I didn’t do that great of a job getting my thoughts out. So, I’m sorry. I am thinking of making a second part but I’m not sure. Just depends on if you guys like it or not. So, let me know if I should. Thanks so so much to @waymorecake4me , who is like the loveliest human around, for helping me edit. I will have a few more one-shots out soon. Requests are open as always, so feel free to send them in.

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Masterlist

Brian May x Reader

Part Two

Summary: What’s the difference between lying and keeping things to yourself? A question that Y/n has to ask herself when the truth of about her family comes to light. And the answer may not be one that Brian wants to hear.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: Language

(Disclaimer: Andorra is a real country in Europe, landlocked between France and Spain. It may be real, but it does not have an existing monarchy. So, please remember that this is a work of fiction. And I would appreciate it if you guys didn’t go around telling people that Andorra has a monarchy, it wouldn’t make you sound very smart.)

A light breeze blew through the second story window, gently tossing up loose papers that were stacked on a desk in the corner of the large bedroom. It was a lovely day, the sky a brilliant blue in the early morning with the warm sun beating down. A nice contrast to the cloud covered skies from a few days before. On a normal day like that, Y/n would be outside, either reading on the patio or gardening. But it wasn’t a normal day. Instead, Y/n found herself lying on her stomach, wishing the world would just swallow her whole.

In her hands, rested one of the many gossip magazines that London had to offer. It was one of those that could be found near the registers when going for groceries. She generally never cared for them, all being full of lies, as it was. But what donned the cover of the one in her hands was no lie. It read in large white letters, “Queen and the Princess: Is Andorra’s youngest princess really away at school?” Under the title was a picture taken a few weeks back of Y/n walking hand in hand with Queen’s guitarist, Brian May.

Y/n groaned, looking at the photo. What was she going to tell him? There was no doubt in her mind that he would catch a glimpse at the cover. He was sure to ask about it and it would do no good to keep hiding things.

Y/n and Brian had been dating for a little under a year, taking things nice and slow as Queen started to grow in popularity. She didn’t mind the pace, it gave her plenty of time to mull over information that was bound to come out. And she was used to a slower way of life, one where the media didn’t get in the way, something that was becoming a problem for Queen.

Brian had been afraid when they first started dating, that she would be thrown off by his rock star life. That she would think it was too overwhelming, too loud, and too wild. But only on occasion did those things ever cross her mind and it was generally at an after party when everyone was completely wasted. She was never allowed to be wild and free, never allowed to be more than a pretty face. So, she enjoyed being able to let her hair down every once in a while.

Therefore, she didn’t share his fears.

Above everything in her life, she feared the truth. Brian may have worried about how she would deal with being with someone in the spotlight, but he didn’t know who he was talking to. Her whole life, she had always been the center of attention. She couldn’t go anywhere or do anything without multiple people being by her side. She couldn’t be a normal person, live a normal life, without someone doing everything for her. And so, she feared that he would find that out.

With that large white heading, she feared that he would finally learn the truth and be hurt over the fact that he didn’t learn it from her. But what would it matter? He would probably be hurt either way. Being kept in the dark about something that big, that important, always brought along pain. But Y/n wanted to be more than her title. She wanted to be more than Her Royal Highness Princess Y/n L/n. She wanted to do more than what she was born into. She wanted to be a person, judged by her actions and her attitude rather than her money and standing. So, if she had to lie to get that, then so be it.

It’s not that she didn’t want to tell him when they first started seeing each other. Y/n had moved to London to study medieval history and experience the life of a normal college student. Her parents had allowed it, under the condition that she kept her heritage in the dark until she graduated. They were afraid that someone would try and take advantage of her because of her title and money. But Y/n knew that Brian wasn’t like that. And after a couple of dates, the thought of telling him the truth had crossed her mind. But she had yet to act on those thoughts.

Y/n tossed the magazine on her nightstand before slowly rolling out of bed. Throwing her legs over the side, her eyes met the warm spring day outside her window. She was supposed to go to lunch with Brian and the boys, something she had been looking forward to earlier in the week, but now came to dread. Standing from the bed, she went to the window, opening it slightly to allow more air in. The smell of lilies and orchids greeted her nose while she pulled clothes out of her wardrobe.

Once dressed, wearing an olive green skirt and a white blouse, and ready for the day, she made her way down to the kitchen. Putting the kettle on the stove, she decided to clean the kitchen, waiting for it to boil. As the kitchen was her favorite place to work in the house, with the most windows, all her notes and textbooks were strewn out on the counter. Gathering them up and stacking them in a neat pile, she simply moved them to the end of the counter. They were bound to be scattered along the surface later, so there was no use in putting them elsewhere.

Y/n gazed out the window, watching as the wind caught some of the flowers in her garden, tossing them around. Just then, the kettle came to a boil, the harsh sound stealing her attention away. She grabbed a cup and poured the steaming water in it before looking for a packet of tea. Once her tea was made, she made her way to a little window seat at the end of the hallway between the kitchen and the parlor. Settling down on the soft cushions, she was given a great view of her back garden, her peaceful refuge.

                                                       *~~~*

Long fingers ran through the thick black curls before getting stuck on a knot. Brian let out a sigh as he attempted to tame his hair. But it was no use, it had a mind of its own. And he really didn’t care anymore, not after Roger tossed him a magazine with a picture of him and Y/n on the cover.

“It can’t be true,” John stated, trying to assure his friend while tuning his guitar. It was an outlandish statement, they could all agree on that whether they believed it to be true or not.

Brian knew that it couldn’t be true, Y/n would never keep a thing like that from him. They told each other everything. He knew more about her than he did anything else. She probably just shared many of the same features as Andorra’s princess. A simple case of mistaken identity, that’s all it was. That’s all it could be.

Roger twirled his drumsticks around, looking to his friend, “But what if it is?” Freddie gave him a dirty look from where he was standing against the door frame before he continued. “I mean, would you go around telling people something like that. And we can’t know for sure unless we ask her. “

Everyone nodded. Believing that it wasn’t true and knowing for a fact that it wasn’t, were two different things, but Brian didn’t know what he would do if it was. Y/n was his best friend, sure he had his bandmates, who were like brothers, but he shared everything with her. It was easy for him to be open with her, she was kind and accepting. She never put down his feelings or overlooked anything he said. She was always listening and was always there for him. She made it clear through the tiniest of things that she loved him. And he thought that she wouldn’t keep something of this magnitude from him.

“What do I do if it is?” he asked, leaning back into the couch. They were supposed to be recording, but once Roger walked in, that became the last thing on their mind. Now, all the four men could think about was Andorra’s youngest princess and the woman that was claimed to be her.

The room went silent, all except for the sound of Roger’s drumsticks flying out of his hand and clattering on the ground.

No one was sure what to do if it was true. All they knew for sure was that if it was, everything would change. That was information that couldn’t just be glossed over. You couldn’t forget about it, only coming to mind every now and then, and you couldn’t change it. You could do nothing about it but accept it.

“Even if it is true, this doesn’t change anything between the two of you,” Freddie tried to sound encouraging. But what else could he say? If he said that everything would be in ruins over it, he would sound like a horrible friend, even though it was a possible outcome. “You darlings are clearly in love.”

John snickered, “Yeah, more in love than Roger is with his car.”

Roger chucked his drumstick at the bassist, missing by an inch and hitting the wall behind him. Freddie laughed at the comment, causing a drumstick to be thrown in his direction as well, missing once again as Roger didn’t have the best aim. It was a good thing that he was a drummer and not a baseball player.

Brian cracked a smile, the first since Roger flung a gossip magazine in his face. He always tried to stray away from them, always full of nothing but lies. They were cheap entertainment and why read one when he could afford better forms of entertainment? But just because it was cheap entertainment, full of lies and exaggerated truths, didn’t mean that the bold white heading didn’t hold some truth.

                                                      *~~~*

The light breeze from the early morning had grown stronger, blowing Y/n’s skirt around, making it difficult for her to walk to the restaurant she was supposed to meet the boys at. She prayed to god that Brian hadn’t seen a copy of the magazine that she had stuffed in her bag before leaving the house. Mentally, she wasn’t prepared to have a conversation on the subject, whether he found out from her or a stupid gossip magazine. But she knew that she would feel worse than she already did if he found out from someone other than her.

Y/n pushed the doors of the small corner restaurant open, her eyes wandering around before catching sight of Brian’s wild curls near the back. The place was nearly empty except for a few tables that looked to be finishing up breakfast. It was noon on a Thursday, not the ideal time for people to be out and about.

John was the first to notice her arrival as she neared the table, everyone else followed his gaze. As much as they tried to look happy and thrilled to see her, she could see that their eyes were weighted down by something.

Brian stood from his chair, pulling out the one next to him for her to take. Y/n gave him a smile before sliding into her chair. After pushing it in, he took his seat, causing a stiff layer of tension to overtaken the group.

He had seen the magazine.

She didn’t need him to say anything to know. She had grown up with that tension. It was always lingering when she would sit down for dinner with her family after doing something that her parents clearly said was off limits. Or when she would wear a dress that was just a little too short or the wrong color. There was always something and it was always her fault.

“We, um, ordered some tea,” Roger tried to ease the tension that everyone could feel. Y/n nodded, tea would be good. Maybe relieve some of the stress that was starting to build up.

“Y/n,” Brian turned to her, his tone stern. It was the one he often used in public when Roger would do something the rest of his bandmates disapproved of. Y/e/c orbs stared into his and he found himself at a loss for words. He cleared his throat as Roger, Freddie, and John waited for him to continue, sitting on the edge of their seats. “I-um… I saw a magazine cover this morning that was rather odd.”

Y/n sucked in a breath. Even though she knew he had, it was probably hard to miss, she still wished different. She ran her tongue over her teeth, thinking on whether she should pull the magazine out of her bag or not. It’s not like it would get her anywhere, he had already seen it. But she could play dumb and pretend that she hadn’t, but what good would that do? The truth always comes out in the end.

But what would was she to say? What was she to tell him? That it had slipped her mind? That she had meant to tell him from the start but was afraid of his reaction? How could she tell him any of that when she didn’t think he would understand?

Against her better judgment, she reached down to the bag that had been placed near her feet minutes before. Rummaging through it, her fingers grazed over the pages of the magazine before she pulled it out. Y/n took one look at the cover before placing it on the table in front of her boyfriend. “This magazine?”

Brian nodded, raising a brow. He hadn’t expected her to have seen it. Not when she always spent Thursday mornings at home as she had no classes. “Uh, yeah. That would be the one,” he pointed at it, taken back by her actions.

Before any more words could be exchanged, a waitress came over with a tray of tea, setting a cup in front of everyone. No one said a word as everyone filled their cups with their desired amount of sugar and cream. While Y/n spooned sugar into her cup, Roger eyed Brian, silently asking what he was going to do know.

And the answer was, he had absolutely no bloody idea.

Y/n took a sip of tea, tasting it to see if she put just enough sugar in, she set the cup down and looked at the pieces of paper that laid between her and the man beside her. “It is rather odd, isn’t it? I don’t remember seeing anyone in that generally direction with a camera,” she recalled, remembering the day the photo had been taken.

Brian rubbed the back of his neck, not quite sure what to say. He glanced at Freddie, looking for help, who only shrugged in return. Y/n seemed to be deflecting, but who could blame her?

“I don’t think that’s what he means, darling,” Freddie commented. Y/n gave him a small smile, she knew exactly what he meant. She knew what he was looking for her to say, but she wasn’t sure if she could. Once he knew the truth, she feared that he would treat her different. Act stiff and formal around her like so many other men that she had attempted to date. Y/n couldn’t have that. Not again. Not ever.

Thin, long fingers stole her hand away from the warmth of the cup in front of her. Her eyes trailed up to meet a pair of hazel ones and at that moment she could see the hurt building up in his eyes. She wasn’t even sure anymore why she didn’t tell him from the beginning. What would it change? It wasn’t like she held any power. She was only a figurehead in her family. She wasn’t next in line for the throne, she wasn’t in charge of any commodities or programs. She was just the youngest daughter of the King of one of Europe’s small countries. She was no one of importance. But she was important to him and knowing Brian, he would simply look past her title. She was a fool for thinking otherwise.

But she took into account the actions and behaviors of everyone that she had grown up around, the people that served her family and those that they interacted with during visits. Those people always acted stiff and proper, therefore, it was drilled into her mind that everyone acted that way around her when they knew who she was. But when she was a small child, going to a private school where people only knew her as Y/n, everyone was different. They were kind and open and treated her as they would treat anyone else. She craved that. She craved that type of interaction and that is what lead her to be sitting in a restaurant with the world weighing down on her.

Y/n sucked in a deep breath as Brian started to rub circles over the back of her hand with his thumb. “I-I, um… fuck,” she mumbled, trying to find a way to formulate the correct sentence. Was there even a correct way? In the end, she would still hurt him. She leaned back in her chair, the pressure of having four pairs of eyes trained on her wasn’t helping her think. “Okay, okay. What do you think of this?”

“Well, I think it’s wrong,” he drawled, clearly unsure where she was going with it.

Y/n nodded, grabbing the magazine. “And did you read anything besides just the cover?” He shook his head, causing her to flip through the pages before landing on two pages all about the topic on the front cover. She skimmed over the pages then set it in front of him. “What do you think now?”

Brian grabbed the magazine, his dark eyes analyzing the words in dark ink that were adorning the white, glossy finished pages. At the top corner of the first page was a portrait of what looked like Y/n in a baby blue satin dress and a tiara with dark blue sapphire gems. Underneath, it had a paragraph about the youngest princess of Andorra, who was supposed to be studying in London. Then beside the small paragraph was another picture of Y/n and Brian. The second page was full of more pictures of the two of them from different events they had gone to together.

“This is you?” he pointed to the portrait at the top of the page, getting a shy nod in response. “And why am I just finding this out?” As much as he wanted to be angry, his voice trembled slightly. He was afraid of the answer. Afraid that it would break his heart.

“Because it didn’t really seem to matter before.”

Brian released her hand, running it through his curly, slightly tangled locks. That was not the answer he was expecting, making his blood boil. “It doesn’t matter?” he seethed. “Because being honest doesn’t matter, does it?”

Y/n could see his glare out of the corner of her eye as she stared in front of her, trying to find the right answer to his questions. She hadn’t really lied to him. When he asked what her parents did, she told him that both her parents were in politics, which was true. When he asked about her siblings, she told him that they were in politics as well as that was the family business. That she grew up in the countryside, a true statement in the summer months when there was no school, and that she had gone to private school, as her parents could afford it. Everything she had told him was the truth, she had just left some bit and pieces of information out.

Roger gave Brian a sympathetic look. All the boys loved Y/n. She was a joy to be around and they saw the effect she had on their bandmate. She brought a smile to his face even when she wasn’t around. They couldn’t lose her. Brian couldn’t lose her, not like this.

Brian simply shook his head, waiting for his girlfriend to answer.

“A better question would be: did I lie to you or simply leave something out?” She gripped the handle of her teacup, bringing it to her lips. He was already angry and hurt, anything else she decided to add was just shoveling dirt onto her already sealed coffin. That’s the conclusion she came to.

“Which is it, Y/n?”

She brought the cup down, turning to face him. She could see how tense he was, and as much as she wanted to reach out to and cup his face, she knew that he would pull away from her. It pained her to see that she had caused such pain that was clearly written on his features. “I would never lie to you, Brian,” she stated, grabbing her bag and pushing her chair out. On the brink of tears, she was not going to continue this in a restaurant. Not when she knew that nothing she said would make it any better. There were many conversations that were meant to be had in private, and one about her family was one of those.

“Where are you going?” Brian stood, watching her walk away from the table.

“Home.”

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[vivipixels-notepad]

Desperation for A Dream, part 1

SFW

CW’s

Strange Reality

Falling 70+ feet (No injury)

Embarrassed in front of a crowd

Light themes of horror

Abrupt ending

Aes seldom dreamt. When she did, it was usually elaborate blueprints, which were highly boring to explore. But tonight, tonight was different. Tonight, she was speechless. She stood on a path made of polished, white granite cobble. Emerald waters lapped at the edges of the path, gently rushing in. The path led to a large wall, constructed some red stone. A large moon hung in the star speckled sky. Aes realized she was holding a lantern, which was lit with a blue flame. She held it aloft, and saw the spectral images of thousands of other people, walking this path. She took a breath in, and started to walk.

“You’re finally hear, dear friend.”

Aes jumped. She began to look around wildly.

“Hehe, you’ll not see me like that. The lantern, I’m in the lantern.”

She looked into the lantern. The flame itself was speaking.

“Hello! Hi!”

The fire pulsed warmly as it spoke. It’s voice was cheerful, feminine, and softly doubled over itself.

“Greetings! I am a fragment of Verlatiir’s Guiding Light. I’m your fragment. You are standing outside the city of Verlatiir, The Realm of Those Who Slumber. I’m more or less your guide.”

“Where.. where am I? How’d I get here?”

“I just told you, you’re outside Verlatiir! The Land of Lights? The City of Colors? The Great and Wonderous Dream Shared by All People? Any of these ring a bell?”

Aes shook her head.

“I’ll explain it the long way then. Magic magic shared dream demiplane magic magic.”

Aes scowled.

“That’s the long way?”

“I omitted most of the details. You’re in a shared, living dream, that exists within a demiplane, ruled by the Council of Sevens in their Stone Spires.”

“Okay, well this is a lot to take in. I assume that’s why you’re here.”

“Yep!” The flame chirped happily.

“Uh... do you have a name?”

“I... don’t.”

“Would you like one?”

“Yes, but remember.. names are powerful.”

“Names are powerful?”

“Yeah! Like.. if someone knows your true name, they have power over you. So me letting you name me is me giving you power over me. Remember that, and treat me fairly.”

“Oh, okay. Uh... I’ll name you... Lumetta?”

“Lumetta the what? Or the who? My name isn’t complete. All the names here have some kind of... descriptor.”

“Um... Lumetta who Lights The Way?”

The flame was silent for a brief moment.

“I really like it, Aes, Builder of Paths.”

A shiver went down her spine.

“Now, lets get you into Verlatiir!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took her much longer to approach the great walls of the city than she was expecting. All the while, Lumetta was explaining the intricacies of Verlatiir. For example, it’s illegal to drink the water.

“Do not drink the waters of Verlatiir,” Lumetta warned, “It reveals that which the eye cannot see, the ear cannot hear, the skin cannot touch, the nose cannot smell, the tongue cannot taste, and the mind cannot comprehend.”

“So it’s some kind of hallucinogen?”

“No no, my dear Aes! The things you would see are not hallucinations. You would wish they were. You will not get thirsty here, but your thirst for knowledge would be your downfall. Some people bottle it, and bring it back with them, hoping to return here. It doesn’t work, Absynthe is poisonous.”

“Ohhkay then.”

“You also can’t feel physical pain here. If you do, at any point, actually get hurt, run. The things that can hurt you here are highly dangerous, and can kill you.”

“That’s... wonderful.”

“Don’t worry, those things aren’t *supposed* to be here, so you’ll be fine!”

The gates to the city were open. The white granite cobbles continued into the city, melding into the white paths. She hesitated to continue when she saw the stream of people, seemingly appearing from the threshold.

“Why are you stopping, we’re almost there!”

“I.. crowds make me nervous.”

“It’s okay, I’m here, I’m with you, you can’t loose me. Most people won’t even be able to see me, let alone take me from you.”

Aes took in a deep breath, and walked though the gate. Reality subtly shifted. The sounds and smells of the city assailed her all at once, colors brightened, the very air became charged. It was overwhelming, and Aes fell against a nearby wall.

“Are you alright?” Lumetta seemed to press against the glass of her square lantern.

“It’s... a bit much.” Slowly, Aes got used to it. Or the sensations died down. She was thankful for it, which ever way it happened. A few passers by had turned to look at her on their way into the city. Not a single one was human. She stood upright, and shakily kept walking. Aes marveled at the site of the city itself. The outer walls seemed to be about seven stories tall.

“Uh.. Lumetta, where do I go?”

People pushed past Aes, who simply stood, dumbfounded. The city looked vaguely medieval, large stone walls on either side of the street. From the gate, one could walk left or right, as another large wall stood not far from the entrance.

“Anywhere you want!”

“That.. doesn’t help. Can I get off this street please, it too crowded.”

“There’s an alley on your left. Duck in there, I’ll tell you a secret.”

Aes quickly made her way off the busy street, into a narrow alleyway.

“Alright, what is it?”

“The streets are too cluttered for you, right? Well, why not traverse somewhere less full of people?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Flying, silly! Physics are malleable here!”

“This place is a shared dream, right? So... we’re not playing by normal rules.”

“Exactly! Just... sorta will yourself to do it!”

Aes closed her eyes, and focused on the distant sensation of gliding through the air. She imagined herself slowly rising up, away from the crowds, past rooftops.

“It’s working!”

Aes opened her eyes, and was shocked to actually be floating off the ground. She was nearing the top of the outer wall, and the sight of that caught her so off guard, she lost her focus. Aes began to plummet back to the ground. She couldn’t tell if she was screaming, the air rushing past her head drowned out all noise. Lumetta had said that nothing could hurt her, so on some level, she knew this wasn’t instant death. But it was the fear of not knowing what it would feel like that terrified her to her core. Almost as quickly as she had taken off, she came crashing back down with a meaty thud.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remarkably, Aes never lost consciousness, and managed to keep a grip on her lantern. She did, however, draw a crowd. Flying wasn’t illegal, and she had broken no laws. But the guards still showed up, because of the screaming. Aes hadn’t moved out of embarrassment, but some thought she was dead. Because of this, no one dared get close. If something killed her, it might still be over her body. It was a solid ten minutes before some stepped forth. A pale woman in a white dress, with a red sash. She was in a huff, upset with the goings ons of the day. This incident did not help, and frankly made her quite angry. Fools who cannot keep their cool should not try to do something they cannot handle. She briskly walked over to scene, grabbed the body by the scruff, and hoisted Aes to her feet.

“Would you *please* stop making a scene! You’re beginning to attract the attention of the Seven!”

Aes, trembling, with ears folded over her face, squeaked out a weak, “Sorry.”

The crowd dispersed quickly, the person who fell was alive, and the Seven were watching. No need to linger. The woman in the white kept a hold of Aes.

“Just what do you think you’re doing!? You’re in the city for not even five minutes, and you go and cause a ruckus! Why, I ought to bring you straight up to the Court my damn self! I should... wait.. are you.. crying?”

She turned Aes to face her, revealing streams of tears running down her cheeks.

“Hey, I-I didn’t mean to-you should really-uh-hey, can you please stop crying.”

Aes did her best to regain composure, apologizing between sobs. Eventually, the woman set her back down, and knelt beside her.

“Look, I didn’t mean to come off so strong on ya. Its been a rough day, and well, I’m sure you know how it feels to deal with one incident after another.”

Aes slowly nodded. One of the nearby guards let out a small laugh.

“Is the Captain of the Ruby Guard going soft?”

The woman in white rose to her feet, and grabbed the guard’s shoulder.

“You mistake compassion for weakness, perhaps I should have the Seven review the tenants of our order with you.”

The guard stiffened up.

“Apologies ma’am, that won’t be necessary.”

“Good.” She turned back to Aes, and held out a hand, “My name is Sylvia, what’s yours?”

“Aes.” She took Sylvia’s hand, and pulled herself to her feet.

“Well, Aes, as long as you don’t go causing any more scenes, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine. Is there anything else you need? Directions, advice, newcomer’s welcome?”

“I.. I wouldn’t mind some general directions.”

“The city is separated into four districts, along the four main gates, with the Court of Sevens in the center. What is actually in each district varies wildly, but they’re separated for organizational purposes. Welcome to Verlatiir.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The city was a blur beneath her, as she soared through the air. Aes clutched her lantern, and focused solely on the feeling of the wind.

“I told you you’d get the hang of it!” Lumetta chirped happily.

She was right, it wasn’t very difficult. Aes wanted to throw in the towel after the first attempt, but Lumetta encouraged her to try again. And again. And again. After two hours, she was finally flying. Aes slowed down, bringing herself to a hover.

“So.. what now, Lumetta?”

“Well, I figured we get you some currency, and find a nice souvenir for when you wake.”

“Oh.. right. I have to wake up at some point, don’t I?”

“You don’t want to, do you?”

“This place is so.. beautiful. And strange. And I want to explore more of it. But I don’t want to leave.”

“It’s okay, most people are like that the first time. Everything will be right here when you return, I promise.”

Aes hugged the lantern.

“Okay. Where do we go to get whatever passes as money here?”

“Well... you can do a couple of things. I assume you don’t have any memories you want to get rid of. In that case, you can more or less rent some out.”

“Rent out my memories?”

“Yeah, like, let other people experience them. I know of a place, let me lead you there. We’re actually pretty close.”

The lantern began to pull Aes forward, then down into an alleyway. Lumetta was right, they were practically just above it. The sign over the door depicted a small crystal, sitting in a glass of wine.

“Go on, get in there.”

Aes hesitated briefly, before grabbing the handle, and pushing her way inside.

The room wasn’t amazingly large. It looked a lot like a tavern, with wall sconces, a hearth, a bar, and a number of patrons in various states of consciousness. Soft string music flowed through the room.

“Welcome to the Merry Glass, are you giving or taking?” The young man behind the bar called to Aes as she walked in.

“Um. Giving?” She approached the bar, and hopped onto a stool.

“Great! I haven’t seen your face before, so I’ll explain our rates. You get one pouch when you first drop off your desired memory, of course, you also get however much it’s worth, but you also get another pouch per person that uses it. There are no limits on what you can and can’t leave with us, and you can have it back whenever you wish. Here is a small ‘contract’ with more detail on your protections as a renter to the Merry Glass, as well as a more detailed explanation on rates.”

Aes’s head felt like it was spinning.

“This is.. uh. A lot.”

She set her lantern down next to it. Lumetta cleated her throat.

“Here, I’ll explain it for you...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All told, the paperwork only took thirty minutes. The explanation was slightly longer, but Aes understood it all after Lumetta had broken it down for her. The last thing left to do was to choose a memory to leave behind. The empty, quartz-like crystal sat before her.

“I think I know which one I want to do.”

“Great!” Lumetta exclaimed, “You don’t have to say specifically what it is, all you have to do is picture it in your mind, and put your hand on that little crystal there.”

Aes put her hand on the crystal. It was no bigger than a quarter. She closed her eyes, and remembered. Remembered the first time she had worn the collar she made for Dizzy to test. The pleasure swirled up inside her again, as she relived those blissful moments. They faded as quickly as they appeared, until the memory was over. Aes opened her eyes, face cherry red.

“That’s... that’s going to be a popular one,” the barkeep said, picking up the crystal. He put it on a golden scale, and began adding small, brown leather pouches to the opposite side. It took ten pouches to balance it out. The barkeep coughed. “Wow, okay, damn.” He picked up the now pink crystal, and set it in a box, with Aes’s name on it. Then, he scooped up the pouches, and handed them to Aes. “You uh, you got some expensive memories. Don’t come back too soon, this little thing might just become a hot commodity.”

“Um.. okay.”

Aes picked up the pouches, and left. They were strangely heavy.

“What’s in these pouches, Lumetta?”

“Refined dream dust!”

“Oh.”

“Yep! Sometimes it just kinda... shows up here. It’s basically gold dust. Try not to think about that too much. Anyway, now it’s time to get you a little somethin’ somethin’! There’s a trinket shop further down the alley to your left.”

Aes cautiously followed Lumetta’s instructions. She was hesitant around alleyways, as she had a small history of getting pulled into them. Her ears were sitting straight up. She was in the verge of tripping her fight-or-flight response.

“..es..” a whisper found it’s way to her ears.

She stiffened.

“..aes..”

Her face went pale. Someone was near.

“..what’s a lamp-lighter like yourself doing here..”

Lumetta seemed to dim, almost hiding.

“Wh-who are you? How do you know my name?” She called out.

The voice responded with laughter, and in a sing-song voice, called out, “..little lone lamp-lighter, lost and languishing.. why don’t you give me that little light of yours?”

A spindly, inky black hand reached out from in front of her. She felt another hand on her shoulder.

Aes screamed.

[genderfreezone]

Do you like the Evil Within 2?

Yeah! Certainly not as much as the first one (i was not immune to being sad they left out fan favorites Jojo and Ruvik's Cube)

The rest of this post is me rambling about things i didnt like about the game, and then things i did like (most of my issues are how they treat the female characters tbh)

Its missing kind of the action-noir-gone-horrifically-wrong feel of the first game. The scare factor also suffers bc our player character has been through this before, hes a veteran at dealing with this crazy shit, it doesnt phase him anymore and by extension it doesnt phase the player. They really like tripled down on the Evil Corporation thing and both the intrigue and horror suffer for it.

This game did not drink its respect women juice (the first one didnt really either, case in point: Everything About Kidman) Sebastian is surrounded by 5+ female characters and only 2 of them survive (and one of them is his 7 year old daughter hes spent the whole game trying to rescue... and yet they never bothered to give her any kind of characterization or agency. A highly empathetic and supernaturally powerful little girl in a monster-infested hellscape?? HELLO???? Lily really had the potential to be the most interesting, sympathetic, and complex character--especially as she slowly lost her innocence--in the WHOLE GAME, but she was just sort of relegated to Plot Device McGuffin) The rest of the female supporting cast are killed off for Sebastian's Man Pain. In fact, THIS ENTIRE GAME IS CENTERED AROUND SEBASTIAN'S MAN PAIN. Torrez is a walking stereotype, shes literally just Vasquez from Aliens. Hoffman was the most likeable and believeable, except when it Turns Out She Was In Love With Liam Or Whatever (psst, guess what, i dont care. Also O'neal was kind of a dick anyway? I dont care x2)

And you know who i SUPER dont care about? Bland-White-Bread-And-Mayo-Sandwich Myra. Where's the no-nonsense firecracker of a police lieutenant Sebastian married? Not here, thats for sure. Her entire personality is "mother" and "worries about stressed-out husband". We got more characterization of Myra in seb's jornals from the first game, where she never even made a physical appearance! Horror media does this SO MUCH, women are either A. Sexy Lamp B. Hurts Men (Sexily) C. Mother or D. Innocent Virgin. It sucks. Do better.

The story lacked the "digging up old buried memories" and "theres more to this than meets the eye" of the first game. It felt too...... Straightforward. Everyone told Sebastian the truth. EVERYTHING WAS EXACTLY WHAT IT SEEMED. It all felt too simple, too easy, like there SHOULDVE been something else beneath the surface. And yet there wasnt. (I watched markipliers playthrough and i loved his theory that Kidman was actually Lily. It had such potential. Kidman's entire resume for the police station was fabricated, who's to say the rest of her past wasnt fabricated as well? It would retcon a lot of stuff and like 80% of her backstory from the DLC, but you know games like this arent above retconning important shit, and at least it wouldve been sacrificed for something with actual intrigue. Maybe it wouldnt even retcon anything! Consider: tiny Lily is taken by Evil Corporation and dropped off in a non-nurturing environment that would lead her to become the kind of person who would willingly join & work for an organization like Mobius. At least wouldve been a nice excuse for why Kidman and Lilys face models looked so similar... other than... yknow.... "WomEN ARe hArD tO DRaWwwwwee")

Okay okay ive been ranting for long enough. It probably makes it sound like i kinda hate this game, but i dont! It certainly doesnt hold the same place in my heart as the first one (which i still have very glaring issues with lmao Kidman deserved WAAAAAAY better), but i do like it! It brings back salty, grizzled, tsundere Sebastian Castinellos. It brings back spooky monsters that kill you dead. It brings back having a fun theatrical over-the-top villain who takes himself a litte too seriously.

I love Stefano. Probably not in the way some other fans do, but i love him as a ridiculous theatrical over-the-top villain. He sucks! And i love that he sucks! I love him BECAUSE he sucks! Hes terrible and exaggerated and completely up his own ass and ITS GREAT. He isnt as ACTUALLY THREATENING as Ruvik was (even in his bad assassin's creed cosplay. I could go on and on and on about why Ruvik is simultaneously a ridiculous AND frightening antagonist and how much i love it but uh..... maybe later) but hes such a FUN villain! Hes the kind of pretentious art snob shitheel i cannot STAND irl, but in this game i LOVE to HATE him. Hes just SO over-the-top you kinda wonder if he actually subscribes to the pretentiousness he spouts, or if hes just being Exceptionally Extra.

The other villains? Theodore was.... forgettable. His monsters were forgettable. (Its like how i completely forgot that Frank Manera was a character in Whistleblower for like... 5 years lmao i guess this game also kinda followed that "having multiple named/characterized antagonists in one game" thing that Outlast did) Myra, i just didnt care. Her final design was kinda cool, i liked the red clusters of insect eyes. Her monsters werent really gross enough to be memorable. The only reson theyre gross at all is bc they kinda look like theyre made of semen. (I checked the wiki and apparently Myra's white goo is "psychoplasm" and her monsters lost 99% of their gross factor. I just dont care.) The Administrator literally just looked like a 3D human model of Maxwell from dont starve, and i have to laugh every time i see him. Hes not terribly threatening, all he does is threaten characters to work faster and doesnt actually follow through on those threats. He doesnt even make fun threats like HABIT or anything. He thinks hes so powerful and ominous that his mere presence will frighten the player but hes just kinda all bark and no bite. Hes The Big Bad Company Man so you know hes gonna get whats coming to him, and you know Kidmans gonna be the one to do it to him, so hes not even that much of a threat. Hes whatever.

Stefano definitely got all of the coolest monsters. Many Arms Buzzsaw Lady was terrifying and i love her. And OBSCURA was just *Chef's Kiss* Anima was cool, she kinda looked like a mix of Laura and Samara. The Harbingers were neat, but really only bc ive got a thing for gas masks. The rest of the monsters werent really unique or weighty/threatening enough to be memorable. Now the first game is a fucking TREASURE TROVE of unique monsters *muah* you got Sadist, Sentinel, Keeper, Amalgam, Heresy, Laura, Shigyo, the Twins, Alter Egos, and im probably forgetting some!! But holy FUCK!!!!! And if we're includong the DLC?? MOTHER FUCKING SHADE. SPOTLIGHT LADY. LIGHT WOMAN.  SEXY LEGS.  Whatever you call her, i fucking love her. Her design is so simple. Helmet. Sheet. Legs. Her voice? Unnerving as hell. Love it. (Also i just personally love the diving helmet. Also like you know how a lot of games have a spotlight mechanic where you have to avoid the light and if it lands on you, you're fucked? LET'S MAKE AN ENTIRE MONSTER OUT OF THAT. She's PERFECT.) Oh and also those weird crawling exploding dudes. They made gross sounds and it was great. (Tbh Keepers still probably my favorite, if only for horny reasons)

TATIANA HOW HAVE I NOT FUCKING TALKED ABOUT TATIANA. Shes like the ONE female character that i fucking LOVE in the sequel. I love how they finally gave her a personality, and that personality is literally just "fuck you, Sebastian" Oh GOD its great shes SO FUNNY. I just.... god i love Tatiana lmao. I love how she makes you kinda uncomfortable too, like she knows something, but she wont tell you bc youre stupid. I didn't like the kind of "all-knowing guide" thing they did to try and make her creepy (like she's a "guide" but then also turns around and is like "no i wont tell you what you need to know bc you """have to discover it on your own""" or whatever") it serves no purpose since she never gave you any actual information, and it didn't succeed in making her creepier, all it did was frustrate me. She was at her creepiest when she IMPLIED she was doing something behind the scenes or knew something you didn't know and then didn't elaborate (not REFUSING to elaborate, just... stopping talking and leaving the statement to hang in the air, like the "getting her nails done" and "its been a long time, detective" and the "now what makes you say that" from the first game) and she was at her funniest when she was interacting with Sebastian from the sidelines, her snide little comments and sarcastic clapping cracked me the fuck up. Tatiana not treating Sebastian seriously was a fantastic touch for a game that otherwise would probably take itself so seriously it would double back around to being silly. Without Tatiana, it would've been just another male-centric gun-toting "survival horror" game, and for the most part, it was just that. She was definitely a much-needed source of slightly derisive comedy and a definite high-point for me, even if they didn't so a great job of making her creepy or fulfilling her "purpose."

Oh I also really love the COLORS in TEW2. The first game fell into the trap of having the colors be totally washed out that a lot of horror stuff does, but it also kind of worked for it. Especially with the color pallette of our main villain and how the whole thing was His World. The saturation of the colors in the second game is a breath of fresh air and gorgeous to look at, and you can even see the color motifs of the game change with each new villain: the game starts out with Stephano has lots of blues and purples and dark reds, when Theodore takes over we get bright orange and yellow contrasted with black and brown, and in the climax with Myra the game goes back to having washed out colors and white (and with her villain design? Let's face it: they were kinda just trying to do Ruvik again) We did get portions that were still kind of wahed out whites and greens and greys, but it wasnt the ENTIRE game, even the big blood-and-brains splatterhouse sections of the first game kinda had their colors weirdly muted for that "Horror Aethetic."

In conclusion, i do like the evil within 2, but i also had a lot of problems with it. And i complain about these problems because i like the game and know it couldve done better, tried harder, and been a LOT more than it was (the wasted character potential is my real overarching pet peeve, probably becuase i loved the characters in the first game, and character development is kind of my whole jam) . But all in all, it was still a fun monster-zombie romp with at least one entertaining villain and fun-to-look-at designs and environments. It wasn't character or horror or even REALLY story driven in the way I know it COULDVE been, but i still had a fun time and enjoyed myself.

[elo-kuvat]

Fleabag (2016-) and the ‘likability’ of women

What I love about Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is its portrayal of an awful, garbage human being who is just trying to get through the day.

The concept of a ‘likable’ character is a highly contested one. Watching a film or show, the audience needs to root for their protagonist which tends to lead to the idea that the protagonist needs to be ‘likable’ and ‘relatable.’ This makes sense because no one wants to root for someone they dislike. 

This being said, in the past we have seen hugely successful films and shows kill box offices with just completely unlikable characters. Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, even Ross in Friends. 

Possibly the best example of recent years is the critically acclaimed drama series: Breaking Bad. The protagonist of the show, Walter White, descends with the show’s progression into a self centered, morally corrupt and generally unlikable person. And yet the worse he becomes, he still managed to get the show renewed for a good five seasons.

It seems like the concept of likability and being relatable are loosely applied when it comes to male characters, but can be detrimental to female characters. 

This summer I attended the LES Film Festival’s “Crafting the Female Protagonist” with a panel of amazing female writers, directors and filmmakers. One of the difficulties that Radha Blank (Empire, She’s Gotta Have It) discussed facing as a female writer of color in the industry was that her experience and creativity was often restricted by this idea of being relatable. She found that her projects and ideas were consistently being shot down because execs feared they would not be relatable. One can imagine pitching a film or show to a group of white male execs who see the divide between male and female or white and black as detrimental, especially when it comes to the box office. 

They don’t feel the need to relate to the experience of a woman or a person of color as they don’t see them or their experiences as universal, at least not the way in which being white and male is considered universal. This is where we see the problematic effect of placing the characteristics of white, male and straight as the status quo. The story of a white straight man is not universal, however to the white straight male (who wields great power in society and Hollywood) it is assumed that his story is universal because he has been set up as the status quo.

That being said, as a female in my twenties I don’t find it disorienting trying to relate to a man with cancer in his sixties or even to his drug addict partner in crime. Similarly, I didn’t find it difficult to relate to an indigenous domestic worker in 1970s Mexico in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma. 

Relatability does not arise from having experienced the exact same story, life or struggle, but from basic human emotions and needs. Walter White is afraid of death and leaving his loved ones, he is also ashamed that he has failed in his career and is bored with the banality of everyday life. All of which fuels his greed to conquer the meth business world. This is how we relate to Walter, not because his status as a white American man makes him universal.

Likability is something women have to deal with off screen as well as on. When women present themselves to the world they are told they must be sweet, pretty and accommodating to the needs of the men around us. We can see this from the way men expect women to smile when they walk down the street or to the way in which women are harassed for not looking ‘womanly’ enough or to a myriad of other awful examples. Women are expected to act ‘nice’ and be likable to the male population. So one can imagine how difficult it would be to green light a (multi million dollar) show which portrays a real and ‘unlikable’ woman when it is already hard enough just to walk down the street as an ‘unlikable’ woman.

This is what makes Fleabag so special. The protagonist, who is only identified as Fleabag, is a deeply flawed human who is dealing with her mess of a family and the traumatic death of her best and only friend. Throughout the two hilarious and heart-breaking seasons of the show, she manages to do some quite horrendous things that begs the audience to dislike her, however, we also see her struggle with shame, humility and caring deeply for the people in her life.

The show uses a fourth wall breaking technique so that Fleabag can speak directly to the audience. While this technique has lost its effect in the past decade and become a bit of a cop out, here it has been revitalized as something new and beautiful. It is used as a special connection only the audience and Fleabag share within this dark world. Almost like a secret language between best friends. 

This wall breaking not only makes us easily sympathize with our protagonist, but also adds to this idea of imperfection. We see the way in which she prides herself on predicting how the people around her will act, but we also see her surprise when she is wrong and the other characters act unpredictably. 

Additionally, like any good wall breaking, we see her lie to the audience as well as to herself. This is common in wall breaking and generally through character action and development because it creates a rich and complicated tapestry in which the character functions and grows.

Fleabag uses sex as a distraction, saying herself that “I spent most of my adult life using sex to deflect from the screaming void inside my empty heart.” She even admits that it isn’t the physical act of sex that she is interested in, instead stating:

“I'm not obsessed with sex, I just can't stop thinking about it. The performance of it. The awkwardness of it. The drama of it. The moment you realize someone wants your body. Not so much the feeling of it.”

Her sexual expression and outright statement of her enjoyment with it, technically speaking, makes her unlikable. Doing so is still quite taboo for a woman and is often received with great criticism and shaming. We do see throughout the show how people react to Fleabag’s nonchalant sexuality and how they make assumptions about her, but ultimately it is an aspect of the character that is embraced.

Additionally, we see Fleabag struggle quite generally with facing issues, usually choosing instead to avoid or seek out a welcomed distraction. However, compared to the rest of the people in her life she is considered the black sheep who pops everyone else’s bubble of denial. 

Her father, sister and godmother all try to passive aggressively talk around their issues or generally act be two faced. In this way, Fleabag sees through them and calls them out. This usually causes great backlash and places Fleabag as the ‘bad guy’ in the situation since no one wants to deal with their real issues. 

The show brings up an interesting concept of being a bad feminist as well as a bad person. Fleabag is highly critical of herself, feeling shame and guilt with herself saying things such as:

“I have a horrible feeling that I'm a greedy perverted, selfish, apathetic, cynical, depraved, morally bankrupt woman who can't even call herself a feminist.”

Often when Hollywood wants to portray a feminist character in a ‘feminist’ show we depict them as perfect role models to look up to. However, those characters are often represent extremely simplified feminism as well as make for very bland characters. We don’t learn from just seeing an ideal feminist, instead we learn from passively watching a character trying and failing to be a feminist. 

Because that is what feminism is at its core, looking inward and being self critical as well as making mistakes and learning from them. Additionally, isn’t a perfect feminist, as well as a perfect person, just someone who makes the effort and fails a thousand times, but still gets up to try again.

Ultimately, watching Fleabag struggle with herself and her seriously dysfunctional family is a breath of fresh air. Audiences can relate to dysfunction since we all feel our lives in someways and to some degree are dysfunctional. Seeing someone on screen struggling similarly or a hundred times worse than us, reminds us we are not alone. We also see a character facing great adversity and conflict and choosing everyday to keep fighting. 

Surprisingly, no one is perfect and therefor watching other imperfect characters is always relatable, even if the protagonist is a woman.

Fleabag’s success will hopefully be used as an example to point to when trying to push for not only more female led shows and films but also to push for more ‘unlikable’ female characters. 

I will leave you with possibly the two best quote from Fleabag:

“Women are born with pain built in. It’s our physical destiny. Period pains, sore boobs, childbirth, you know. We carry it within ourselves. Men don’t. They have to seek it out... And then they create wars, so they can feel things and touch each other, and when there aren’t any wars they can play rugby. And we have it all going on in here, inside.”

“Love is awful. It’s painful. Frightening. It makes you doubt yourself, judge yourself, distance yourself from the other people in your life. Makes you selfish, makes you creepy, makes you obsessed with your hair. It takes strength to know what’s right. And love isn’t something that weak people do. Being a romantic takes a hell of a lot of hope.”

Further reading:

How ‘Fleabag’ Seduces Us, Then Accuses Us - The New York Times

Season 2 of “Fleabag” Is All about Fessing Up - Bitch Media

Men Invented 'Likability.' Guess Who Benefits - The New York Times

Bad Feminist - Roxane Gay

[screamingatanemptyroom]

Cassandra Pt 2

Hi everyone! Here is the second part of the Cassandra story!

Highly recommended that you read the previous parts before this one:

Cerberus Prequel

Part 1 

Enjoy! 

I was pretty sure I was going to die. 

… Well, not really, as I had already seen the future, but still, it was not looking good for me at the moment.

I rolled, cursing loudly as an axe came crashing down beside me. The monster trying to kill me paused as it struggled to pull its weapon from the ground. I used the moment to catch my breath, this was hard! The Minotaur stood up, utilizing all eight feet of muscle it possessed. Its red eyes glared in my direction as steam poured from its snout, misting the cool autumn air. It hefted its axe a few times, and, seemingly convinced that it was in good enough condition to continue to use, started to move in my direction once more. The creature sensed my struggle as I tried to crawl away and laughed, a low, ugly sound. It irritated me.

“Hey buddy, just because I’m a little out of shape does not give you the right to laugh at me.” I grinned. “Besides, I’ve already seen your future, and trust me, it isn’t pretty.”

It ignored my words and charged towards me once again. I let out a sigh, rolling on the ground out of the way, waiting for an opportunity to strike. I hadn’t expected it to believe me.

After all, no one ever did.

My gift was also my curse, a present that turned out to be my doom, and also interestingly enough, the reason I was currently here, fighting the Minotaur.

“Please help me defeat Apollo.’’

It had been my last desperate cry for help. I was at the end of my rope. One too many times I had seen the future but been unable to save anyone. One too many times I heard a friend die while I stood by, powerless.

No more.

“…” There was only silence. I started to break out in a cold sweat. Deals with the gods were tricky business; my life was already ruined by one god, if I offended Athena as well…

“What an… interesting request.” The voice came from right behind me. I spun around, still clutching the amulet in my hands. Feeling the slight overwhelming sensation that comes from being in the presence of a god, I suppressed the urge to run away, and settled for a polite bow.

“Athena, I’m honored.”

Athena looked almost like a mortal woman at first glance, albeit with overly sharp, defined features that seemed too regular to be natural. Her intense gaze pierced me through, making feel as if she could see anything and everything. I unconsciously backed up a few steps, trying to put a little distance between us.

“I’m sure you are.” She seemed amused. “So why is Apollo’s little rebellious priestess calling my name?”

“I’m not his priestess anymore.” I cleared my throat nervously, trying to stand up straight. “I haven’t been for a few millennia, not since he cursed me.”

She chuckled, the sound sending cold chills down my spine. It carried with it the sound of war drums, of thunder and rain and unimaginable power. “Oh, little seeress, you will always be a priestess. You made an oath upon your soul to dedicate your life to serving Apollo. His… peculiarities… do not invalidate that.”

I… was not expecting that answer. I sat down on my couch, putting my head in my hands.

“So is there no way to free myself from this torture?”

“You could always agree to sleep with Apollo… he may lift your curse.” Athena suggested casually, her face coldly indifferent.

“I’d rather die.”

“Not really an option, considering he’s made you immortal.”  She smiled, the expression strangely out of place on her severe features. “Although I admire the strength needed to reject a god continuously for thousands of years.”

She sat down next to me, stretching languorously.

“You wish to be free from your current fate?”

I nodded.

“What price would you be willing to pay?”

“…” Staring at the goddess silently, I thought over the question. My current life was hell. This never ending cycle of foreseeing a terrible future, warning those around me, only to be mocked, disbelieved, until I am forced to watch them die. The terrible irony of knowing the future but being unable to change it. I wanted it to end. 

But I knew more than anyone that trying to make a deal with a god was a risky move. There were many tragic figures in worse situations than myself.

“Can you kill him?” I almost didn’t recognize my voice, it came out flat and angry.

She laughed, throwing her head back  and holding her stomach. Wiping tears from her eyes, she answered “Perhaps, I’ve never tried, but you couldn’t afford it.”

“Can you help me change my fate? Sever the connection between me and Apollo, remove my curse?”

“Much more likely, and possibly fun.” She seemed to be considering it, staring intently at me. “But it’s going to require not a small amount of work on your part.”

And so I found myself in my current situation, fighting the Minotaur to the death. I kept dodging, allowing it to run past me. We repeated this over and over, I was betting on it losing stamina and showing me an opening to strike. In one hand I clutched a dagger. Once a ceremonial knife used in sacrifices, it was the only possession I kept with me since leaving the temple of Apollo. After millennia, it was still razor sharp. 

If I could just get close enough…

My foot caught on a pile of rubble, and I lost my balance. The Minotaur laughed, throwing its head back with a roar of victory. It stepped forward, blocking any escape, and raised its axe…

“My dearest Cassandra, whatever have you gotten yourself into now?”

A casual voice spoke out, completely out of place in this bloody atmosphere.

I looked up, surprised that the axe hadn’t come crashing down on my face yet. The Minotaur was frozen into place, unable to move a single muscle. Perfectly poised in a position to strike, like a living statue. Only its eyes moved frantically, the white dominating as its pupils constricted with fear.

I, on the other hand, was free to move, and did. Without hesitation, I stood up, and quickly drew my dagger across the creature’s neck. Blood poured over my hands, and the bull head slipped down, falling to the ground with a meaty thud. The knife hadn’t even paused when cutting through bone. The body was still frozen in place, axe held aloft.  It matched perfectly with the vision I had seen of its death on my way over here.

Another prophecy come true.

“How vicious!” A dark chuckle raised the hairs on the back of my neck. “Using such an unfair advantage, not really the proper action of my priestess, is it?”

I turned to face the being I hated the most in the world. “I’m not your priestess, Apollo.”

His smile made my skin crawl, as he took slow deliberate steps towards me. I wanted to run, but found my feet rooted into place. “You are whatever I say you are.” His voice was nothing but a whisper, but it blocked out all other sounds. “Your life is bound to my will, secured there by your own oath and blood.” Only centimeters separated us, I could feel his breath on my ear, but couldn’t flinch away. “You. Are. Mine.”

I felt his power holding me in place fade and immediately tried to kick him between the legs. Instead I was thrown against the nearest wall of the labyrinth, my ears ringing with the impact. Apollo sighed with disappointment.

“Your life would be so much easier if you would just give in, my dear.”

I glared at him, spitting out blood. “Death. first.”

“How quaint.” He looked around, his expression becoming bored. “What are you even doing here? The Minotaur no longer guards any treasure, just an empty labyrinth.”

“Maybe I hoped it could kill me.” Trying to hide my panic, I struggled to my feet.

“Nice try, but then you wouldn’t have killed it the second it was caught in my power.” His gaze lazily crawled over my skin, making me want to hide. “Are you scheming against me, Cassandra?”

I tried to shake my head, but he held up a hand, stopping the movement. “No, don’t lie to me, dearest. It will only disappoint me.” He tapped a finger thoughtfully to his chin. “Well, perhaps I will leave you to it.”

“What?” I couldn’t disguise my shock.

“You haven’t looked this lively in ages, my love.” He grinned. “I want you to try your hardest, so that you’ll feel that much more despair when I pull all your clever plans down around you.”

“No…”

“And then you’ll come crawling back to me.”

“NO….”

“You’ve seen the future, Cassandra.” His smile turned cruel. “We both have. You will lose, I will win. But keep delaying the inevitable.”

I fell to my knees.

“Do your best, Cassandra.” His form was gone, but his voice whispered in my ear. “I’m looking forward to it.”

And then he was gone, leaving me alone with my despair.

I wasn’t sure how long I knelt there, tears running down my face. I knew this feeling of hopelessness well. It had been a constant companion over the thousands of years that Apollo had been playing this game with me. I had resisted for so long…

I shook my head. I would keep resisting. If there was even only one breath left within me, I would use it to curse him on my way to hell. It may be hopeless.

But I was not going down without a fight.

I moved forward, working my way through the labyrinth. I counted turns, keeping  track of my location as I made my way to the center.

Apollo had been right, there was no treasure here. It had once been a prison for the original monster. Then it became a holding place for great treasures. But over the years, they had been plundered by the gods or their human heroes, and there was nothing but blood and violence left. No one came to the labyrinth anymore.

But I wasn’t looking for treasure. 

I came to find someone.

I finally reached the center of the labyrinth. In it, a simple, lovely cottage rested. Surrounded by a beautiful garden of flowers, it wouldn’t have been out of place in a fairy tale book… if it weren’t for the statues.

Guarding the house, horrible twisted stone statues stood all around the perimeter. Humans, monsters… all trapped in a moment of indescribable pain, in incredible lifelike detail.

As I looked on, shivering with fright, I felt a darkness take over my vision.

No! NOT NOW! I silently screamed but it was too late.

It was a vision of the future, but not one of me. Before me stood a beautiful woman, her appearance only marred by her waist long hair being made entirely of living, writhing snakes. Dressed in black with proud eyes and an arrogant smile, she extended a hand holding a blade. A young, handsome man stood before her, carrying a large, mirrored shield. It was cracked, broken. He was thrown to the ground, about to be defeated… She was laughing with delight, not paying attention to her surroundings. I screamed a warning, but it made no sound.

An unseen hand stabbed her from behind.

The woman stumbled, confused, and the young hero stood up, his sword raised. I ran forward, wanting to grab his hand, but I passed right through him as the blade came down, chopping through her neck. Her head rolled off her shoulders, her mouth stretched in a silent scream, her eyes wide open and afraid.

NO!

As I cried out, the blackness faded, and I woke up in unfamiliar surroundings.  I looked around. I was on a soft bed, surrounded by warm, colorful furnishings.

Where was I?

“I presume you are lost?” the sentence was lazily drawn out, as if the speaker were too bored to bother to get the words out faster.

I jumped to my feet, searching around the cottage, but seeing no one. “Hello?”

Stepping out of the shadows, the woman from my vision frowned as she continued to question me. She looked exactly how she had when I had seen her death, except now she was wearing dark sunglasses over her eyes. I was grateful, I didn’t feel like spending the rest of my life as a stone statue. Apollo would probably use to it decorate his bedroom or something equally distasteful.

“Why are you here?” The impatience in her voice brought me out of my reverie.

“Medusa?” I stepped forward, a smile on my face. “I’m looking for you!”

Her blade came out, pressed against my throat. “You found me.” her face was stoic, without seeing her eyes I could only assume she was angry. “Now who told you where I was?”

This… was not going well. “It was Athena. She said she was calling in a favor?”

“That stupid witch. I thought we agreed to leave each other alone?” Medusa was muttering under her breath, as she turned away from me to pour herself a drink from a bottle of clear fluid.

Definitely not going well. “She also said, if you come help us, she will give you what you are searching for.”

THAT got her attention. She finished her drink in a single gulp and her face stretched out in a grin. “Why didn’t you start with that?! Let’s go.”

It took two flights and a cab ride  to get to the location Athena had told me to meet her at. Throughout the whole trip Medusa stayed silent. Not wanting to force her to interact, I thought carefully through the vision I had had of her death. I knew that simply telling her about it wouldn’t work. She wouldn’t believe me. I could only look for the people around her, to see if I could identify which person would betray her and stop them.

I hoped she wouldn’t join the list of tragedies I couldn’t prevent.

We finally arrived, to a broken down hotel surrounded by a lake. As we stepped onto a boat driven by a hooded man, I felt our environment change. We were no longer in the realm of humanity. This place was different. I shivered in the cold and wind, hearing the screams of the damned. I knew where we were now.

The Underworld.

I wanted to run away, but before I could lose my nerve…

“Welcome to our home!” We were greeted by a smiling couple and dragged inside for tea.

“Athena should be here any minute.” The young woman guided Medusa and me to sit down on a couch and sat in between us, grinning from ear to ear. “In the meantime, let’s get to know each other!”

“They may not want to talk about themselves, Persephone.” The man pouring the tea gently corrected the woman. “Please excuse my wife.” He handed each of us a cup with an apologetic smile. “She tends to forget that not everyone wants to be her new best friend.”

I stared at him, confused for a moment. The smiling, polite man was HADES? God of the dead? And this bouncing smiling woman was Persephone, Queen of the Underworld?

“Shush, they will if you don’t talk them out of it! Then what am I supposed to do with the friendship bracelets I made?” Persephone grumbled a bit, before turning to Medusa. 

“I already know who you are, dear, and I’m glad to see you aren’t dead.”

Medusa grinned, seemingly despite efforts to keep a straight face. “I’m glad to not be dead.”

“See!” She turned to Hades with a smile. “We already have something in common!” As she spoke, a large three headed black dog jumped onto the couch, licking my hand with a whine. “Cerberus! No licking the guests during tea!”

The dog ignored her reprimand, and I couldn’t help but pet it in response. It was just too cute!

“Anyways, Medusa, I’m sure Athena has been up to her shenanigans, but I’ve heard what you’ve been through… if Poseidon or that pipsqueak Perseus ever show up near you again… just call out to me, dear. I’ll cut their man parts off and feed them to Cerberus.”

“PERSEPHONE!” Hades interjected, shocked, but his wife simply waved off his concerns.

“Oh don’t worry so much, I can take them.” She then turned away from the stunned gorgan and looked at me with a smile. “And I assume you are Cassandra?”

“Yes.” She had surprised me at every turn, but still the giant hug caught me off guard.

“THANK YOU!” She actually had tears in her eyes. “You sent me those seeds, right? If you hadn’t, my husband and I might not be back together.”

“Oh… it wasn’t a big deal.” I had been acting on impulse, a vision of a young woman eating seeds and becoming happy. I was glad that it had worked out so well.

“Oh it is a big deal! You are such a wonderful girl….” Her eyes squinted, as she seemed lost in thought. “You both are…”

“Persephone…” Hades had a warning tone.

“I’ve got it!”

“Don’t…”

“You’re both adopted!” With that she hugged both of us, and shocked into silence, Medusa and I simply looked at each other with confusion.

Hades groaned. “I’m sorry, she does this a lot.” He pulled her off of us and sat her next to him. “Sweetheart… you can’t adopt every person that you like. They are fully grown women… surely they don’t need…”

“Are you trying to separate me from my lovely daughters?” Persephone was pouting. “Of course they’re grown women! Doesn’t mean they don’t need a good mother now and then!” She turned back to us with a smile. “You two are okay with being adopted, right?”

Who could turn down the puppy dog eyes she had?

I found myself nodding, and to my amusement, saw Medusa mimicking the gesture.

“Great! That’s settled. Just so you know, I don’t tolerate others who bully my children. If anyone ever bothers you…” She cracked her knuckles, and the whole realm seemed to shake with power. “Let me know. I’ll kill them and hide the bodies.”

Hades sighed. “She’s like this now, what will she be like if she actually gives birth?”

“I’d start preparing soon…” The words escaped before I could hold them back.

“What?”

“Never mind!” I shook my head. But I could see it. Not a full vision, but a glimpse into their future. A tall, handsome man, with his father’s dark hair and kind eyes, but his mother’s mischievous grin. Wow.

I didn’t have long to contemplate the view, however, as a new presence joined us.

“Welcome everyone.” Athena walked forward her eyes taking everything in. “Let’s talk about what needs to be done.”

“What is this all about, Athena?” Persephone looked curious.

The goddess smiled. “Not much, We are just going to break into the realm of fate, and change Cassandra’s thread of destiny.”

I felt my jaw drop. Wasn’t that a little much to ask of strangers? To my surprise, Persephone was already nodding.

“Anything for my daughter. Count Cerberus and me in. Hades has to tend the underworld, though.”

Medusa agreed quickly as well. “If you pay me with the information you promised. I would go to Olympus itself and cut off Zeus’s beard.”

They all turned to me. I was overwhelmed. Just earlier today I had been caught in despair, hopeless, without a way out. Even with their help though…

I sighed, feeling obligated to warn them. “You should all know, I’ve seen a vision of a future, where I face off against Apollo.” I looked away, not wanting to see their expressions. “I lose.”

“…” There was a moment of silence. I felt my shoulders hunch over, my head hanging low.

“You really are cursed.” Persephone reached out and lifted my chin, smiling brightly. “I don’t believe a single word of that prophecy.”

“W-What?”

Medusa snorted. “Don’t worry so much. The future is bad? We’ll just change it.”

I felt tears run down my face. “Everyone… thanks.”

Persephone’s grin turned vicious. “Thank us after you stomp all over that twat Apollo’s face!”

Laughing out loud, Athena raised her hand. “So can I assume you are all willing to join in this plan?”

We all nodded.

“Then let’s get started.”

[fourtrisheafanfic]

Money Well Spent (complete fic)

Rating: Mature

Summary: Money Well Spent is a modern-AU, jonerys one-shot written for the 2018 Jonerys Valentine’s Week. I selected the Prompt Dark!Jon or Dark!Dany for day one (2/14/18). While meeting the prompt for day, I think it’s pretty obvious that both Jon and Dany are portrayed OOC. :)   This short story is about a man who is obsessed with power and his career. He has found that part of getting ahead relies on maintaining a certain image. Rather than deal with the hassles of dating, he makes sure the high end escort agency sends him the right type of woman he needs to have on his arm. He feels it is money well spent, getting exactly as he demands. Will this new one be more than he bargained for?

**I have no rights to these characters, all belong to HBO and Author, George R.R. Martin**

Chapter Summary: 2018 Jonerys Valentine’s Week on Tumblr. 2.14.2018 Prompt: Dark!Jon or Dark!Dany.

Read it on Ao3: (X)

~ Night of the Westeros Industries Gala ~

Sitting in the back seat of the town car her agency set up for her, Dany adjusts the top of her strapless black gown. She knew the moment the stylist in Wardrobe had suggested this dress to wear that this evening’s event was going to be highbrow and fancy. The gown material clinging to her body in all the right places, the plunging neckline showing off Dany’s full bosom.

Biting the inside of her cheek anxiously, Dany reviews the fact sheet the agency sent over earlier that day. She has a very specific role to play this evening, as the date of Mr. Jon Snow.

Currently in her second year of law school at the University of Chicago, Dany recently started working for a high end Escort Service in the city. Thanks to her pretty looks, and well educated demeanor, she was only given high end assignments for the agency. The money is incredible, it’s not something Dany could overlook when this opportunity presented itself.

Having been recruited by a few agencies, Daenerys Targaryen was very careful when selecting which company she would sign up for, making it very clear she would never get paid for sex. Dany is the furthest thing from being a prude, but she draws the line at being paid for sex or any type of sexual favors. Sadly between being in law school fulltime and then this job, Dany has had zero time for dating. She misses sex a lot. Masturbating just doesn’t cut it, but at least she can get some relief on her own.

Diving back into the fact sheet for tonight’s event Dany chortles with a roll of her eyes. She was supposed to have a quiet dinner with one of her regulars this evening, but then forced to cancel on him as she was needed for this assignment. Tonight’s client sounds like quite the pain in the ass. His detailed list of demands on the fact sheet, leads Dany to believe he sounds like an old, pretentious, fart.

Fact sheet (excerpt):

Female must be no taller than 5’3 in height (Dany is 5’2)

Blond strongly requested

Good teeth/ smile

Heels no taller than 3 inches in height

Articulate

Black ball gown

Her understanding is that Mr. Snow is a Tier One client at her agency, meaning he has a ton of money and pays for the absolute best. Supporting that is the fact they cancelled Dany’s previously arranged evening with the sweet old widower who sees her once a week for dinner and a movie.

As her car pulls up to the event Dany opens the Escort company’s management app on her phone and checks in. The app tracks the locations and time of the employees, for safety and billing purposes. Dany steps out of the town car in front of the McCormick Place Convention Center, Westeros Industries is hosting a huge awards gala and charity event this evening. Dany remembers Jon Snow’s resume while entering the front lobby of the center.

Mr. Snow is the senior vice president of acquisitions and mergers, he has roughly two thousand employees reporting under him. He sounds very accomplished and career driven, which Daenerys can appreciate. She can only imagine just how old and hideous Mr. Jon Snow is. Why else would he need to spend money for a woman’s company?

Speaking of old and hideous, scanning the room Dany’s spots the polar opposite in the form of a gorgeous young man that is extremely handsome. Her eyes lock with the handsome man that is standing by the bar and speaking with a small group of men.

The upper half of his gorgeous ebony black hair is tied neatly into a man bun at the back of his head, he has the sexiest short trimmed beard surrounding his luscious lips. The intense look he gives her makes her pulse race, her body reacts instantly to him. He is the sexiest man she has ever seen. Dany’s mind conjuring images of what he could do with that mouth.

Quickly Dany remembers where she is and why, immediately looking away and breaking their shared eye contact. She can’t be caught checking out some young hot guy at this event. She is here for a job. Knowing her luck, the handsome young man will be introduced to her later as a coworker of the old man that is to be her ‘beloved date’ for the evening. That would be disastrous and extremely unprofessional.

Walking further into the lobby she stops by the coat check room to hand over her things. Per the directions she is to stand at the bar and order herself a gin and tonic and then wait until Mr. Snow finds her.

Per instructions she heads towards the bar, she notices the young man’s eyes still intently on her. His peers are speaking around him, but his attention is fully on her. She needs to nip this in the bud, she can’t allow silly complications this evening. Dany forces herself to look at him coldly, as if she sees right through him and then goes to the separate bar area. Ordering a gin and tonic, per orders so her evening’s date can find her.

“Hello, Daenerys,” a deep voice murmurs behind her. Dany turns around, shocked to see the handsome man from earlier. For a moment she worries that he is just some guy who likes a challenge and is stepping up his game after her earlier dismissive look. But the fact he knows her name makes her consider that he could be her date for the evening. Could this young man be Mr. Snow?

Looking her up and down, even glancing at her heels, Mr. Snow leans closer to whisper in her ear. “Isn’t this a pleasant surprise, your agency finally sent someone that meets my requirements.”

Dany is put off by his coldness while also remembering this is a job for her, and something this man is paying a great deal of money for.

“Hello, Mr. Snow,” Dany quietly says, before taking a small sip of her drink to calm her nerves. She has been on dates with a dozen different men, no one having this kind of effect on her. Why the hell is she nervous? She knows what she needs to do this evening. Be the pretty girl on his arm, and that is it.

“Call me Jon, It’s nice to meet you,” Jon speaks softly so that he is not overheard. “And you ready to get the show started?”

Gazing into his eyes, Dany smiles beautifully and nods.

Jon Snow is a successful business man that has no personal life to speak of, and he likes it that way. His job is extremely demanding and something that he welcomes. Jon Snow has been closed off from his family for many years since his father passed away. A terrible relationship with his stepmother and distance had made it easy to lose that close relationship. Jon will exchange the occasional email with his brother Robb who now lives in Jordan after falling in love and starting a new life there with his new wife.

Jon’s greatest joy is paying for the education of his two younger sisters that are college students out of state. Aside from helping them, he knows it drives his stepmother insane that his great success allows him to help where she fell short. It’s a double win.

Appreciating everything about her, her smile, her incredible breasts, even her platinum blond hair, Jon can’t believe how stunning this gorgeous woman is. He noticed her the moment she entered the lobby, immediately hoping she was the date he had paid for.

Jon is not some creep that pays for sex. Although having previously worked with other escort service companies, whose dates had aggressively offered him sex, he always kept it professional and declined. He has a very important image to protect at work and even for his personal life, nor is he one to mix business with pleasure. It’s one of the reasons he is so pleased with the current escort company he uses, there is a strict no sex policy in place for each of its employees.

The moment he saw Daenerys he prayed she was his date for the evening, he can’t wait to play the role with her. He wants to know what she smells like, what she feels like on his arm. Jon is ready to get started. For the first time he truly believes a date with this woman will be money well spent.

Leaning over slowly Jon gives Dany a gentle kiss on the cheek before whispering in her ear. “Because of my position there will always be someone watching and judging us at tonight’s event.”

Feeling her heart race at the contact, Dany needs to remind herself that Jon is acting. Posing as a romantic couple is part of the deal. Dany leans closer to him, running her fingertips along his jaw and smiling.

Jon’s eyes darken as he studies the beautiful woman that is touching his face and watching him. Shit, it is crazy how drawn to her he is. He is tempted to grab her by the hand and sweep her off to have a private romantic dinner so he can really get to know her.

But what would I learn? This is work for her, she could have a serious boyfriend for all I know. Ugh!

Jon ushers her through the lobby to greet some of his peers. Dany smiles politely, as she is introduced as his date, Daenerys. Their story is that they met through mutual friends and had just recently started dating. Jon’s arm always around her possessively with his hand on her lower back, but never too low. Dany finds herself shamelessly fantasizing what it would feel like to have his hands gripping her ass.

As cocktail hour continues the couple work the room. Jon notices that a few of his coworkers are gawking at Daenerys’s loveliness. It doesn’t hurt that her amazing cleavage is on display thanks to the cut of her black dress. The contrast of the black gown and her creamy skin shows off what amazing tits she has. Jon has to actively control himself from looking or even thinking about them. He doesn’t want to get a huge boner while in the middle of a work function. He has never been turned on by one of his escort dates before.

Right before the silent action portion of the evening starts Dany smiles at Jon and tells him she needs to use the ladies room. Jon nods and offers to walk her over. Turning down his offer so he can continue his conversation Dany leans up and kisses his cheek before walking away. She can feel his eyes on her as she retreats.

Once in the restroom stall Dany takes a moment to calm her nerves. She purposely walked to a restroom further away so that she could take a moment to be by herself. Posing as Jon Snow’s date this evening has left her confused, his sarcastic wit and snarky tone has given her butterflies more than once. She was tempted to kiss him on the mouth before escaping to the bathroom. She’s now intrigued as to why such a young, handsome, successful man needs to use an escort service. Not being completely blind, Dany recognized the cold glares of quite a few women at being introduced as Jon’s date. He is obviously highly desired by numerous ladies.

Before Dany can ponder it any further she hears peels of loud laughter erupt as a small group of women enter the restroom. She is about to leave her stall when the foul language and complains about this evening’s event stops her short. The stalls in the restroom are little rooms with a true door, the group probably thinks they are in here alone and thus acting so unprofessionally.

Part of her role at these events is avoiding conflict whenever possible. Dany cringes remembering the time she literally bumped into two women talking about giving their boss a blow job at the same time under his desk, and then later that evening realizing they were talking about the man that was her date. It was horribly uncomfortable for all.

Dany makes the quick decision to stay put and hopes they will leave soon. As the women continue to chatter Dany determines there are three women in the restroom with her.

Conversation:

Woman 1: Joffrey is such a little prick! He knew this event was on the calendar when he told his assistant to schedule us for the red eye flight tonight. What an asshole. I don’t even know if I should have left my things in the coat check room, it may be closed when we need to head out.

Woman 2: Relax, Val. I already tipped the coat check idiots, they will keep our things right by the door so we can just grab it and leave. Our car to the airport will be here at 9:30PM, so the coat check room will be unmanned at that time.

Woman 1: Good thinking. Ugh, 9:30! The awards presentation won’t be even be done by then! I really wanted to see it.

Woman 3: Oh just shut the fuck up, what do you care? It’s not like you’ve been nominated for anything.

Woman 2: Don’t be so nasty, Ygritte. I know you are pissed because Jon Snow is here with a hot date!

Woman 3: Fuck him. He obviously has no taste! Stupid asshole, I have offered to fuck him so many times just for him to say no. I even heard a little rumor that he is into kinky shit, and I offered him that too. Prick still turned me down.

Woman 1: Well, his date is really…something.

Woman 3: His date looks like a bleached-head prostitute, with her huge tits on display.

Woman 2: She does look trashy, maybe that is just his type. Although then I think he would have given you a chance, Ygritte. (The group laughs, even Dany smirks from her stall)

Woman 1: I wouldn’t worry about it, Jon looks miserable with that tramp as his date.

Woman 3: I’m not worried. Jon Snow can do so much better that that trashy skank on his arm tonight. I doubt we will ever see her after tonight.

Dany is now thoroughly pissed off. Normally she would laugh off such catty behavior, but the comments about how Jon looks miserable (WTF – does he?) and how she isn’t good enough for him have struck a nerve. She is offended, even though she isn’t quite sure why she cares so much.

Flushing the toilet, signaling to the three women that they are not alone, Dany hears a gasp. Walking towards the sinks with her head held high Dany begins washing her hands. Two of the three woman immediately step away and look mortified. The third woman, a fiery redhead stands her ground and glares at Daenerys while also standing at the sinks.

After drying her hands with a towel Dany purposely looks down to fix the top of her dress. Feeling all eyes on her, she makes sure her beautiful cleavage is still correctly displayed as designed by the dress. Dany notes that the redhead, who she recognizes as being called Ygritte has no tits and her body looks like that of a twelve year old girl. How sad for her, Dany looks directly at her chest area and smirks before walking out. Leaving Ygritte looking furious and her friends gawking at her nerve.

Dany is furious as she charges back the area where she last left Jon, knowing she needs to calm herself down. It would be completely unprofessional for her to act upset with him. Plus, it’s not his fault that women can be so mean.

Jon is getting more and more irritated by the minute. His date has been gone for a really long time, and he doesn’t like to wait for anything or anyone. Finally seeing her, he pushes aside the urge to just admire her gorgeousness. “That took much longer than expected,” he snaps at her, letting his displeasure be known.

Daenerys smiles sweetly at him and slips her arm around him before pulling closer to him. She completely ignores his grumpy mood and treats him as though he had just paid her a compliment. They finally lock eyes, both knowing what she is doing. He has to admit, he likes her sass, and he is very drawn to her.

Jon finally smiles at her before rolling his eyes at her playful demeanor and she bursts into a genuine smile that lights up her entire face.

“Come on, dearest. We must work the room for the silent auction portion,” Jon talks near her ear, making it look as though he is whispering sweet nothings into his would-be lover’s ear. Dany smiles eagerly and looks forward to spending more time with him.

They enjoy their time talking when they are able to be alone, which isn’t often as it is obvious that Jon is often the center of attention at this event. There are a couple of times that Jon is pulled away for a brief work discussion, some of the older gentlemen making it a point to tell Daenerys what a stunning beauty she is and how much they love her dress. Complimenting her dress while staring at the top part. Dany smiles politely, while also making it clear that she isn’t interested.

Jon always returns to her side, immediately pulling her close to him. He has never been so touchy-feely with a date. Everything with her feels different.

“I’m going to have to beat some of my coworkers off with a stick. Am I correct in noticing that it is the really old ones that are being the most forward,” Jon teases Daenerys as she laughs.

“You would be correct, I am pretty sure old men think they can play the age-card and get away with saying just about anything!” Dany giggles before Jon reaches down to brush his lips against her bare shoulder, both of their hearts racing at the contact.

“I better watch my back then, some of these old men may steal you away from me!” Jon jokes, enjoying their banter.

Playful, Dany laughs and assures Jon he has nothing to worry about. “I won’t be taking any of the offers from these old folks. I need a man who can keep up with me in the bedroom!”

Jon’s eyes immediately get dark with lust as he watches her closely. Dany blushes slightly, realizing what she said. But then shrugs it off since it is true, so why apologize?

Jon pulls Dany even closer to his side, he is going crazy with appreciation and desire. As his hand glides lower down her back a sudden booming voice stops him in his tracks.

“Dany Targaryen! Wow, you look gorgeous this evening. That dress, holy shit. What are you doing wasting your time with this loser?” Ramsey, a lawyer from one of the firms they use as outside counsel, jokes as he moves to stand in front of the couple. Jon feels Daenerys jump in his arms, probably caught off guard at hearing her last name rattled off.

Jon’s hold on Daenerys tightens slightly, he can’t stand Ramsey Bolton. He is obnoxious and a pain to work with. “How do you two know each other?” Jon asks coolly.

“The lovely Dany was a summer intern at my firm last summer. How is school going, Chicago Law correct?” Ramsey questions while his eyes blatantly roam up and down Dany’s body. Dany fights the urge to squirm, especially as she is in Jon’s arms and she doesn’t want him to know she is being affected.

“Yes, school is going well,” Dany says calmly. Feeling Jon’s eyes burning into her. She wonders if he is just annoyed at the intrusion or actually jealous.

Ramsey and Jon have a tense exchange about a work issue, it is obvious they don’t particularly get along. Jon hates that his company always invites members from outside counsel to this event. Especially when it is someone he doesn’t like. The men begin to get heated in their discussion, Dany noticing that they are drawing the attention of others around them as their voices begin to rise.

“Jon, my darling. I’m parched, let’s get a drink at the bar before the banquet starts,” Dany says pleasantly, placing her hand on Jon’s arm to break his attention away from Ramsey.

Jon is thankful Dany broke the moment, he was about to throttle Ramsey in the middle of this charity event, and that would have been a problem. “Yes, babe. Let’s go,” Jon then looks at Ramsey coldly before saying goodbye.

But Ramsey isn’t done there, he makes it a point to lean close to Dany and loudly whisper in her ear so that Jon can hear, “You are way too good for Jon Snow, you should give me a call.”

“Don’t hold your breath, Ramsey,” Dany retorts charmingly, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. Dany makes it a point to wrap her arms around Jon and pull him close. His eyes are blazing mad as Ramsey smirks and walks off.

“And that asshole is still checking you out,” Jon hisses, his fists clenched with anger. He and Daenerys walk off the side of the crowd as Ramsey’s leering gaze follows them. Jon is tempted to walk back over to Ramsey and break his nose for looking at his date as though he is undressing her with his eyes.

“Then let Ramsey watch as you kiss me, and hard,” Dany smiles coyly at Jon, then grinning while he pulls her body tightly against his. The idea of that asshole watching them is a turn on for her.

Jon’s mouth crashing down to capture hers in a kiss. With Jon’s back to Ramsey Dany vigorously wraps herself around Jon, pulling him even closer. One of her hands around his lower back and her second hand entwined in Jon’s gorgeous curls that falls against the back of his neck. Mouths open as their tongues move in sync for a passionate kiss.

Finally breaking apart, although it was supposed to be a fake kiss both seem to know that is not the case. Jon rests his forehead to Daenerys, both panting. Finally Dany can take no more, she leans up and kisses Jon for a second time. She doesn’t even care if Ramsey is still watching or not.

Her second kiss catches Jon by surprise, both knowing that it this is not for Ramsey’s benefit alone. Jon leans in, pulling her even closer than before.

++o++ ++o++

Jon and Dany enjoy flirting while at their table in the ballroom. Thankfully Ramsey seems to have gotten the message as he will not even look in either of their directions. One of Jon’s hands always touching or near Daenerys at all times. It gives her a rush to feel so close to him, although she wonders if he is like this with all of his paid escorts. Deciding to push the thought away, Dany tries to enjoy the remainder of the evening. She is with him tonight, not anyone else.

Dany always has a quick witted answer for Mr. Snow, especially when he tries to get grumpy with her. One of his peers casually mentioning that he has never seen Jon look so happy and at ease. Dany smiles graciously, reminding herself that she is being paid to entertain Jon. That’s all.

Later in the evening Dany gets goosebumps, sensing that someone is watching her. She notices that the three women from the bathroom are seated a few tables away and have been watching her and Jon intently. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, Dany feels invigorated. The idea of those mean-girls watching her and Jon enjoying their date is a turn on to her.

While Dany and Ygritte have locked eyes in a glare, she suddenly feels Jon’s breath on her bare shoulder. Jon whispers in her ear, “I really want to kiss you again, with or without Ramsey watching.”

Dany smirks and tucks her hair behind her ear. “Maybe later,” she says with dismissive tone, fighting to hide her grin as Jon huffs in annoyance.

Jon doesn’t like to be teased. But he has to control his urges, his hand twitches. He would love nothing more than to smack her bare ass while she is bent over his lap. Gods, he is crazy about her.

“Daenerys, I need to go backstage and get ready to present an award for the internship program,” Jon says softly. “I’ll be back soon, love.”

“Good luck,” Dany says before giving him a rushed peck on the lips. “There you go, the kiss you wanted.”

Jon’s eyes narrow at his lovely date, she seems to enjoy toying with him. And he is loving every fucking second of it. With other attendees smiling at him, Jon is forced to accept her taunt of a brief kiss with a smile.

Once Jon is gone Dany picks at the dessert on her plate while politely watching as the awards ceremony continues. When Jon is on stage and talking about the internship program Dany gets lost in thought while admiring how attractive he is. It’s more than his looks that have drawn her in, there is something about his personality that excites her.

Her thoughts are suddenly interrupted. Gasping with shock, suddenly Dany almost jumps out of her skin as she feels ice cold liquid fall down the front of her dress, wetting her breasts.

“Oh, no! I am so sorry ma’am. Look at how clumsy I am!” Ygritte cries while standing right behind Dany’s chair with a large glass of ice cold water in her hand. “I hope you can forgive me…”

Dany is seething but realizes that all eyes in the vicinity are on her. Glancing over she sees that the two other girls are sitting at their table and laughing hysterically. This was no accident. This bitch calling her ma’am was an extra nice touch.

As much as she would like to explode. Dany handles it graciously, which awards her with many onlooker’s smiles. Using a napkin to pat her chest and dress dry of the water and even some ice chunks. Ygritte looks disappointed that Daenerys didn’t lose her cool. Dany looks at her watch, it had just turned 9:00PM, she remembers these women need to leave early to watch a flight. Dany smirks to herself, remembering that timing is everything.

Not long later Jon returns to his seat and notices that Dany is getting sympathetic looks from some older women at their table. He asks, Dany if something happened.

“Someone accidentally spilled their drink on me, I thought I got it all, but…” her voice trails off, she notices that Jon looks concerned. “Actually, would you walk with me to the restroom? I think I still need to get cleaned up.”

“Of course,” Jon immediately agrees, he doesn't like to see her distressed. What’s up with that he wonders?

Exiting the ballroom Dany pulls Jon towards the empty coat check room, telling him she has something in her coat that will help with her clean up.

They get there – as she expect the coat check is unmanned because not prime time arrivals or departures of the event. Dany pulls him in any ways and asks him to help her with her dress. Jon follows obediently, having no idea what help she may need but willing to do whatever she asks of him.

Dany purposely leans against a table so that Jon will be facing away from the door. Jon’s eyes brighten with anticipation as Dany pull him close. She bites her lower lip teasingly and enjoys how his eyes don’t leave her mouth. She knows he wants her, just as much as she wants him.

“I was a little mean to you earlier, with that tiny little kiss,” Dany whispers as he moves closer to her, pressing her back against the table.

“Yes, you were. You were being a little naughty,” Jon groans as Dany runs her fingers through his hair and gives it a little tug.

“Just a little, but I hope I haven’t made you angry with me,” Dany says while eyeing him hungrily. She literally wants to devour him.

Jon briefly kisses her mouth, biting her lower lip as she had done before. “I was angry with you, but I am working on forgiveness,” Jon hisses into her ear and his hands tighten around her petite waist.

“Here is the kiss I believe you initially asked for,” Dany says as their mouths crash together before she can finish her sentence.

Their kisses are rough and passionate, Dany completely forgetting about the world around her as Jon holds her closely. Jon presses her harder against the desk as both are panting and making small noises to voice their enjoyment of the physical connection they are sharing.

Suddenly Dany hears horrified gasps coming from the room’s entrance. In her highly distracted state it takes her a couple of moments to realize that is the three girls that had been irritating her all night long. Dany got so caught in the moment with Jon she forgot all about them. She smiles sweetly at them as Jon peppers kisses along her jaw.

Jon doesn’t even look to see who it is, because he doesn’t give a fuck. “We are busy in here, get the hell out,” he snaps over his shoulder while running his hands up and down the outside of Daenerys’s thighs.

“So rude,” Ygritte hisses as she slams the door shut behind them.

Once alone again, Dany laughs as Jon buries his face in her neck to resume kissing her soft skin. She is thrilled that those dumb bitches got to see them fooling around. There has always been a dark part of her that enjoys people watching her in these sexual moments. Dany kisses Jon’s lips hard and slides her hands all over his built chest before sliding her hand to grip his tight ass.

“I thought you needed some help because your dress got wet,” Jon murmurs while kisses down Dany’s collar bone. Going a little slower he begins kissing down her cleavage as she whimpers with anticipation.

Dany guides his hand to the top of her dress where the material is still moist from the water bath she had endured. Jon buries his head in her chest as he kisses the soft flesh in between her beautiful tits. His hands kneading her breasts as he kisses and licks between them. He is rock hard and wants to do things to Daenerys Targaryen that might scare her. There is a darkness in him that he has always denied himself, he wants it with her. He wants it with her right now.

Jon slowly moves his hand from the outside of her thigh to her knee and then kisses her mouth while slowly moving his fingers up her dress. Dany kisses him harder, her heart racing as he gets closer and closer to her core. Jon’s fingertips caress over her thong, he groans at feeling her wetness through the thin fabric.

“You’re wet here too, baby. What can I do to help you with this?” Jon croons, he wants to touch her, to pleasure her.

Dany gasps with desire, but then reality comes crashing down around her. She quickly grasps his wrist and moves his hand away from her aching pussy. Jon immediately lets her guide him away from her.

“Jon, stop. We can’t,” Dany pants, feeling regret but also knowing that she can’t do this. “We need to remember what ‘this is’, please.”

Jon nods in agreement and knows she is referring to the fact that he is paying this gorgeous woman to be his date tonight. On the other hand the connection they share is something he can’t ignore. But he also knows she is not a prostitute that will be paid for sex. This is a high end agency that does not tolerate money for sex. Nor does he.

But he still feels drawn to her and he won’t ignore it. He has never felt this way about another woman before.

“Let’s get out of here, baby,” Jon whispers before nibbling on her earlobe. “My driver can pull my car around and take us anywhere, let’s just go for a ride.”

Dany knows she should say no, but with his arms around her and his lips pressed to her neck she has lost all restraint and common sense.

“Okay.”

++o++ ++o++

“I am serious, Daenerys,” Jon says for the second time. His driver is taking them for a long ride around the city of Chicago while they talk things out. “I want you to quit your job, no more dates with other men.”

“I know you are serious,” Dany says calmly, but she is not the type of woman that is going to be told what to do. “My answer is still no, Jon.”

Jon scowls, this is not what expected. He can’t stand the thought of Daenerys going on other dates through her job as an escort. He fucking hates the idea. Jon’s eyes flash with anger, he is getting more and more upset.

Why is she fucking fighting me on this? Shit, what if she has an actual boyfriend?

Oh well, fuck him. I am not giving her up without a fight.

“I don’t want to keep discussing this in the car. Come to my condo, so we can work this out,” Jon demands of her. He can’t imagine saying goodbye to her for the night, or forever “The night isn’t over.”

Dany can sense his desperation, his passion right below the surface of his cold demeanor. She also knows that her resolve to avoid getting physical with Jon is quickly faltering. Dany know that she wants him, badly.

“Okay. But just to talk,” Dany mumbles.

Jon smirks and agrees before instructing his driver to take them home.

As the ride continues, Jon pulls her nearer. She melds her body next to his, her heart races. She longs to be close to him. Jon traces patterns on her knee with his fingertips, Dany sighs happily in response. As the car nears his home Jon begins to plant wet kisses on her neck, going lower with each kiss. Daenerys moans his name, squeezing her legs tightly to help ease the ache she feels.

The couple pause to stare at each other, with no words needed between them, their lips meet in a passionate kiss. They kiss and hold each other until the car is parked in the underground garage of Jon’s building.

Thanking his driver and asking him to keep his cell phone on, Jon tells him it is possible that his guest will need a ride home this evening.

“If you choose to leave, of course. I want you to stay,” Jon tells Daenerys confidently.

Dany blushes but says nothing. She isn’t sure what she really wants or what will or won’t happen this night.

Jon takes his date on a full tour of his home, which he knows is impressive. Dany is polite as Jon leads her through his high end condo. They continue to flirt as the evening progresses, finally settling on a game of pool in Jon’s game room.

As Dany bends over to line up her shot, Jon places his hand on her back for the sole purpose of touching her. The couple has been very touchy-feely throughout the night. Dany takes her shot and pockets two, she laughs as she has finally caught up to Jon. Standing up, she feels him directly behind her as he plants a firm kiss on her bare shoulder.

“Daenerys, I want you. I want to lay you down on my bed, be rough with you while giving you extreme pleasure,” Jon admits, he can’t take it much longer.

Daenerys hears his words, frowning. She can’t blame him for saying or thinking these things. But she just can’t get over feeling like it would be wrong. It is one thing to be a paid escort that goes on fancy dates that says goodnight at the end of an event, it is another to be paid while having sex with a man. Even the physical things that Dany has already done with Jon this evening has her feeling embarrassed, ashamed even.

Jon Snow has completely put her into a tailspin.

“Say something,” Jon pushes, seeing her internal struggle.

“Jon, part of me can’t even believe I am standing here. I am twenty four years old, a college student…this is a job for me. That is all,” Dany says bleakly, making Jon visibly cringe. “To be clear, I have never been physically affectionate in this job. I certainly have never been paid for sex!”

“I understand, Daenerys. I get it because I’ve never paid for sex, period. And yes, I’ve used the escort service numerous times...but only for public events,” Jon admits. “I hope you believe me.”

Dany nods softly, she is somewhat relieved to hear this isn’t a regular thing for him but it still doesn’t solve her internal dilemma.

“I would do anything...to have you, right now,” Jon says while pulling her closer and kissing her neck. Jon’s hands holding her closely. “I want you, baby. Only you. Tell me you don’t have a boyfriend or somethings like that.”

“Would you please hand me my purse,” Dany says softly, ignoring Jon’s confused look as he does as she asks.

Thanking him, she pulls out her cell phone. Opening the phone app for the Escort Company she pulls up her user account. Jon’s eyebrows furrow as she ignores him and begins selecting buttons. She positions the phone so that he can see what she is doing.

Daenerys signals that her in progress date with Mr. Jon Snow has ended. Effectively clocking her out.

And then she flags Mr. Jon Snow as someone she will not see again as a client.

Jon is crushed, he takes a step away from her. He is surprised at how much her rejection hurts.

“Okay, if that is what you want. I will call my driver, he will get you home safely,” Jon says coolly, he is upset. Jon gets his phone out of his pocket, shaking his head as he scrolls through his phone to call his driver.

Dany is confused by Jon’s actions for a second before realizing what Jon must be thinking. He actually thinks that was her way of letting him know that she was done with him. He couldn’t be further from the truth. “I have a better idea, Jon Snow. How about instead you kiss me and take me to your bed. Since I am no longer getting paid for this evening. You made some pretty big promises earlier….the words extreme pleasure and rough were used.”

Jon’s mouth falls open and then he sees the laughter in Dany’s eyes, she is actually amused at his distress.

Jon frowns, pulling her close and kissing her before speaking. “But you flagged me as someone you never want to see again?”

“Yes, I did,” Dany laughs at his cross expression. “From now on, if you want to spend time with me - you can ask me out the old fashioned way. And take me out on a real date.”

Two can play this game, Jon thinks to himself.

“Look Daenerys, that is great and all. But now that you have flagged me as someone that you don’t want to see again, that may impact my overall customer rating...what if that influences access to all the other woman I can date at your escort agency…” Jon says seriously, looking concerned while not really paying attention to her.

Dany realizes he wants to keep seeing other women through the escort service and gets pissed. “Screw you, I am out of here!” she hisses while pushing past him. She can take a cab she decides.

“Now, now. Don’t be hasty, the least I can do…” Jon scoops the petite beauty into his arms as he walks her to his bedroom. “Is make you come before you leave.”

Dany’s mouth falls open at his nerve, she is about to demand he release her when his mouth finds her earlobe and nibbles on it sensually. Sighing, she allows him to pull her closer to him. She is upset, but her desire for him is overwhelming.

“Fine, you can make me come. That is the least you can do,” Dany huffs as Jon places her gently on his large bed.

“You are so fucking hot when you are mad,” Jon says while flipping Dany to lie on her stomach, his hand finding the zipper at the top of her dress. “Really, you are fucking hot at all times...but your wrath excites me, love.”

Dany gasps quietly as Jon slowly lowers the zipper of his dress, leaning over her he kisses down her body as the opening zipper reveals more and more of her bare flesh. She closes her eyes as the zipper nears the top of her thong, her heart racing with anticipation.

Jon groans appreciatively when he sees that she is wearing a bright red thong, a contrast to the black dress that has enticed him all evening. Feeling the blood rush to his cock he can’t take it any longer, he bends down and slowly licks behind the trail the opening zipper leaves.

“I was just joking about my rating, I don’t want anyone else but you,” Jon says while pulling her dress down and off. “But your fiery temper was a complete turn on.”

“Is that so?” Dany murmurs as she turns over to lie on her back, enjoying the way Jon’s eyes darken at seeing her now exposed breasts. “I think you better get to work, Jon Snow. I am expecting ‘extreme pleasure’ - I’ve waited long enough.”

Jon frowns, “You being a little naughty still. I told you I was joking, that I only want you, and you still seem cross with me.”

Sitting up on her elbows Dany raises her eyebrows, “And what if I am still cross with you? What are you going to do about it?” She challenges him.

Pulling off his shirt to toss aside, he studies her face to ensure she knows what she is asking for. The things he wants to do to her, he is hungry for her.

Jon roughly pulls her off the bed to stand in front of him, she is absolutely stunning. “I am going to start by kissing the shit out of you, and then I am going to fuck you.”

(Photo credit: Edit made by Tumblr user  @motherdragons86 - check out her awesome work)  @motherofdragons86

Dany throws her arms around his neck as Jon’s lips crash to hers. His hands sliding up and down her bare back before resting on her ass. He squeezes and kneads her plump cheeks before pressing his hard bulge against her. As their kisses intensify Dany moans loudly, Jon kissing down her neck until he reaches her tits.

Licking and sucking Jon explores her breasts as he has fantasized about all night long. Dany pulls the hair tie out of his hair to release his dark curls, then running her fingers through his hair in order to move his head closer to her body.

Jon sits on the bed, moving her to stand in front of him. He begins kissing lower and lower, until slowly pulling down her thong. “I need to taste you, I want to make you scream,” he tells her.

Dany whimpers, she is desperate for him. Jon guides one of her feet to rest next to him on the bed, effectively opening her legs to him. With her legs spread open, Dany gets excited at being fully exposed to him. Jon leans in and kisses her sweet pussy, his hands holding her waist steady as she shakes with arousal. The flicker of his tongue sending her waves of pleasure through her entire body.

Jon licks, and sucks until his darkness intensifies, testing her comfort level he gives her a small bite at the fleshy side of her pussy.

“Oh, Jon! Fuck, yeah…” Dany groans as his teeth nip her again, she can feel her body about to peak.

Jon’s mouth is all over her, his tongue fucking her as his fingers circle her clit. Dany screams out and releases, her body shaking as he holds her tight, helping her not to fall.

Lapping her juices as she calms down from her orgasm Dany trembles in his arms. She is a little sore from his bites, but she also really likes it. He didn’t overpromise. The pleasure he just gave her was incredible.

“Jon...I want more,” she whimpers with longing.

In record time Jon pulls Daenerys down to be bent over the bed, her bare ass taunting him. Jon gives into his desire and smacks her right ass cheek hard. Dany yelps in surprise before squeezing her thighs closed, she is so wet with arousal. Her juices of desire flowing again.

Jon undoes his pants and begins stroking his hard cock. Watching his hand print bloom on her creamy white skin excites him tremendously. He has never felt so comfortable with a woman, this girl is making him crazy. He traces his hand print on her ass cheek, she whimpers with longing. He knows she wants more, he knows she wants him.

Jon curses under his breath.

“Baby, what is it?” Dany asks quietly, still recuperating from her orgasm and the slight sting of his last smack on her ass.

“It’s been a really long time for me, I don’t have any condoms. Do you?” Jon asks as his fingers begin pleasuring her slowly.

“I don’t, but it’s been a really long time for me too. Oh, no boyfriend by the way. I’ve had the birth control shot, and I’m clean...I mean if...well…” Dany’s voice falters as Jon’s fingers increase their speed.

“I am clean too, I want you. I want to fuck you hard,” Jon groans while tugging and pulling at his own dick, rubbing it along the crevice of her ass.

“Then do it, now!” Dany hisses. “Fuck me!”

Jon’s free hand slaps her right butt cheek again, Dany cries out in response as he feels her clench around his finger that is still working her. He knows she likes it, it makes her aroused.

Both breathing hard Jon leans over her, his large hand clutches her throat gently. He is testing to see if she is okay with it. She doesn’t protest as he pulls her up to arch against his chest. Daenerys breaths in quickly, her head falling back on his shoulder in submission. She wants him to take her, she wants him to be in control.

Jon groans in appreciation, he wants to dominate her and take care of her at the same time. He wants her to be submissive, he needs her to trust him.

Jon wets his shaft with her wetness, she is so aroused it makes him groan with excitement as he remembers her taste on his tongue. Jon positions his tip at her slick entrance, she is so wet, he thrusts forward. His cock sliding roughly into her, making her gasp loudly at the intrusion. There is a slight sting as he completely fills her. Jon pushes every inch of his cock into her, holding her as she shudders against him.

Once Dany signals that she is ready, Jon begins frantically fucking her, and hard. With his hand still around her neck he places his other hand tightly on her hip to hold her still as he pounds into her from behind. Daenerys gasps as he pushes in and out, his pace frantic. The sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room.

“Oh fuck...yes, yes, please fuck me harder!” Dany cries as she clenches tightly around him, her ass pushing into his body.

Jon releases a short guttural sound, his hand tightening on her hip as he bends her over the bed again. This time his hand moving from her throat to hold her hair. “Your fucking amazing, Daenerys. God I love this,” Jon grunts with lust, his eyes closed tightly as his body strains to take her.

Dany gasps as he resumes taking her, the different position allowing him to fuck her even harder and faster.

“Shit!” Dany screams. “Just like that, don’t stop.”

Jon watches his thick cock slide in and out of her body, the sight is enough to make him cry out as he continues to move. He feels himself about to release, he wants her to come with him. Moving his hand from her hip he leans over her, reaching around to stimulate her clit.

Dany moans and whimpers as her orgasm rolls over her. Jon lean over and bite her shoulder as she climaxes, her pussy spasms around his cock as Jon holds her sweet flesh gently in his teeth. Jon resumes pounding into her until his orgasm rolls through him.

He pushes in deep as his seed spills into her, holding her tightly against him. His balls snuggly pressed between them.

Both crawl up the bed as Jon pulls her tightly into his arms. Dany is panting softly as she tries to control her breathing. Jon’s heart still racing as he caresses her skin.

“Jon?” Dany whispers.

“Yes, love?” Jon mumbles, kissing her forehead.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Dany smiles into his chest, her body still enjoying the delicious ache from the proper fucking he just gave her. “I will stop seeing other clients, I will quit my job as an escort.”

Jon smiles broadly, he is thrilled and relieved all at once. He really cares about her and doesn’t want to share any part of her.

“This evening with you, just getting to meet you, to know you...was money well spent. Thank you for quitting that job, it means a lot to me,” Jon tells her with a smile on his face as he cranes his neck to look into her eyes. “Now I won’t have to spank you again.”

Daenerys just laughs before kissing him tenderly. She also knows that there is no way in hell that was the last time Jon Snow will spank her, the thought exciting her.

++o+ Story End +o++

Part II: Money Can’t Buy Me Love - Read here (X)

[boredstudent-blog]

KakuSaku SmutoberFest 2017: Tempted

Summary: Kakashi has a crush on married woman, friend, and former student, Sakura. He’s also dealing with an ethical/moral conundrum, in that Sasuke has been less than faithful to Sakura and Kakashi knows it. Should he tell her she is being cheated on? Should he tell her how he feels about her? Temptation is hard to resist.

Rating: Adult, as there is an almost sex scene fantasy thing.

Author’s note: I hope to use this story as a precursor to a story for the prompt “Jealousy,” so keep an eye out for that story in the next couple of days, and let me know how I do! Please and thank you!

Kakashi looked from his book, down from his perch in the tree, towards the training ground. In the center of the area stood Sarada and Sakura Uchiha. He could not hear what the pink-haired mother was saying to her daughter, but he had just watched them practice hand-to-hand self-defense, and he would not have been surprised if Sakura was telling her daughter to work on her reflexes. The girl seemed stiff and hesitant to block or stop her mother’s movements, and Kakashi could not blame her, remembering the few lessons his father had been able to give him, and feeling hesitant to hit or raise his hands against Sakumo. Then again, he had grown hesitant around Sarada’s mother.

Sakura Uchiha. She was the wife of the famed Sasuke Uchiha, sole surviving member of the Uchiha family, raising the next generation line of that family while her husband went and worked on eradicating evil in the world (or so he said… Kakashi had suspicions…). She was friends with the Hokage of Konoha, who rarely made serious decisions without asking either Sakura or Kakashi himself. Sakura was herself a legendary figure, one of the heroes of the Fourth Shinobi World War turned doctor. Sakura had always been a medic and Kakashi knew she would turn her attentions to some form of medical work. What he did not know was that he would develop an attraction to her.

When he first met Sakura, Kakashi thought she was a silly, boy-obsessed child, someone who would likely drop out of the shinobi lifestyle and be a stay-at-home mother.  Sakura had grown both as a woman. She surprised and earned his respect a couple of times in the early years, and her stubbornness and dedication to her teammates impressed him, especially given how cruel Sasuke could be and how hard it was for Naruto to not be self-absorbed in the early years of their teammate-ship. On top of her inner-growth, Sakura had grown physically as well. She was strong, strong enough to punch craters into the ground without breaking a sweat. Kakashi once watched her wrestle an enraged Anbu member into a cot at the hospital. When she left Konoha to travel with Sasuke, Sakura was cute, innocent, but not quite developed as a woman. She was also seventeen.

At that point, Kakashi regarded her as a strong, young woman, but not a physically attractive one. When Sasuke brought her back to Konoha, she was carrying a tiny bundle named Sarada, and Kakashi saw in her the beauty of a happy mother. She was nearly nineteen, then, and had filled out in a way Kakashi had not expected. Her slim hips and breasts had become curvy, and no matter what was going on around her, she seemed to glow. Despite being left to support herself and a newborn (while her husband went out into the world and did whatever he wanted), Sakura never seemed lost or scared. Kakashi knew he would never be sure of where the cute but slightly awkward girl Sakura once was went, but he was fine with that. He loved the new, sexy, confident Sakura. He was in love with her.

If he could, if he thought he would make a difference without causing drama or pain for her, Kakashi would go to Sakura. He would go to the Uchiha compound and find their house, on some night when Sarada was away at a friends’ party, and he would tell Sakura everything. He would tell her all about what his Anbu buddies had said about Sasuke’s infidelity, about how he had caught Sasuke with someone in June, and how he agonized on what he should do. He would apologize for his hesitation in telling her about her slut husband, and then he would take her in his arms and hold her as she cried, or he would sit back and let her scream and rage at him, or help her with divorce paperwork, or… he would make love to her.

He would pull her body towards his, cup her face with one hand and wrap his unoccupied arm gently around her shoulders, and kiss her. Sakura would gasp or maybe try to move away, but he would push forward, deepening the kiss. She would realize that she loved it, loved him, and start kissing him back. Her tongue would meet his, and he would moan into her mouth. He would pull her up, into his lap, and she would straddle his lap, bringing her clothed center against his equally clothed erection.

They would have difficulty with breaking the kiss, but Kakashi would manage and pull her shirt and bra off, exposing her hard nipples. She would grind down on him in response, and he would buck up, making her moan. Kakashi would lick one nipple and use his fingers to stroke and flick the other. Sakura would gasp and squeal, ripping his shirt with her hands. He wouldn’t care, how could he care about a damn shirt when the woman he loved was grinding on him, was—

“I said, what are you doing up there? By your lack of response, I would guess you are napping.”

Kakashi blinked out of his erotic daydream and looked down from his perch in the tree to the smirking face of Sakura.

“Sorry. I was… enjoying the day. Its nice out,” Kakashi responded, thankful that he was sitting above her, and she could not see the outline of his hard cock through his pants, as she surely would have, had he been on the ground with her.

“Ah. I could have sworn I saw you up there, watching me help my daughter with her aim. Am I a good teacher?”

“Excellent, from what I saw,” Kakashi answered honestly. “When she first started throwing those senbon, I was afraid one would stray and hit someone in another field.”

Sakura chucked, green eyes sparkling.

“By the time you two finished, her aim was much better.”

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment. You can tell her how impressed you are with her progression herself, next time you see her.”

Kakashi looked around, slightly surprised at Sakura’s words. “Where did she go?”

“Oh, she had to meet a friend for some sleepover. I thought I would come chat with you for a minute, then head home for a quiet night.”

Kakashi’s heart pounded at Sakura’s admission that she would be alone. This was his chance, his opportunity to tell her how he felt about her, what he saw in September when he went and check on him, he could—no. No, he couldn’t.

“Well, it sounds like you’re in for a nice night by yourself. You haven’t had one of those in years, I bet.”

“No, I haven’t. Actually, I was a little irritated by it earlier. I’m just not used to a quiet house. I asked a couple of friends to come hang out, but they’re either on their way to complete a mission, or they’re spending time with family. I don’t want to impose on another person’s time with their family.”

“Ah. Understandable.” Kakashi waited, hoping despite his resolution to resist his temptation.

“Well, I just wanted to see how you were doing. I’ll see you later, Kakashi. Have a good night!”

“You too, Sakura.”

As Sakura walked away, Kakashi tried to ignore his feelings of foolishness and guilt. He wanted to chase after her, wanted to say something, anything to her, but his stupid morals got in the way. Part of his brain kept saying “It’s none of your business,” while the part of his brain that seemed in touch with his heart kept saying “She deserves better, and you can give her that.” He felt terrible, though. It was taboo to have lustful feelings and thoughts towards his former student, especially one who was already married. Of course, she was married to an adulterer, but Kakashi never found it appropriate to get involved with others’ relationships, unless he saw abuse. His heart-connected brain kept trying to justify his temptation, telling him that cheating was a form of abuse, and that Sasuke was being neglectful to his wife and daughter, and Kakashi would be much better as both father and husband.

Kakashi knew he shouldn’t say something, and he reminded himself that it was not his place to say something as he jumped down from the tree. He knew it was not appropriate for him to go to Sakura and say anything about his attraction to her, and he knew he hated what Sasuke was doing to Sakura and Sarada by not being faithful to his wife and dedicated to his daughter’s wellbeing and upbringing. He couldn’t stand himself for being this week and giving into temptation like this, but he couldn’t stand the actions of Sasuke even more. He had to make things right for Sakura and Sarada.  

[lewyn-martell]

This article contains spoilers for the final season of BoJack Horseman

From the beginning, BoJack was always drowning. Even though the BoJack Horseman credit sequence was tweaked from season to season, the coda remained the same. At the end of the day, BoJack stumbles, backwards and expressionless, into his pool. He sinks to the bottom as his friends gawk in wonder at his predicament. What initially seemed to be a comedic pratfall was actually a meditation on the universal struggle to change and grow.

As an addiction therapist, I have long been a fan of comedy as a delivery device for complex issues. There’s so much misconception, judgment, and shame surrounding mental health issues—especially addiction—in today’s society, and opening a discussion about those topics without deploying a heavy hand helps to break down preconceived notions. In 2014, BoJack debuted alongside CBS’s Mom and FX’s You’re the Worst, all of which used humor as way to encourage frank and honest discussions about mental health and addiction issues as a relatable part of the human condition. BoJack soon became the stealthiest Trojan (talking) horse of them all. As both a comedy and a cartoon—two formats that hadn’t generally tackled such topics before—the series made its mark as the most delightfully unexpected place to find connection, understanding, and catharsis on TV.

Over the course of six seasons, BoJack used animation to stretch the boundaries of reality and cram the screen with freeze-frame gags, but the medium also made it surprisingly easy for viewers to find themselves in the show’s characters. Instead of a human man at the center, there was BoJack, a talking, depressed horse, and the supreme weirdness of that contrast invited viewers to make personal connections to the series in ways that would prove to be both meaningful and lasting.

However, even though the series sympathized with psychic pain, it never let its characters—and, by extension, us—off the hook. Where most TV cartoons use giddy resets to undo dramatic plot twists (Homer doesn’t age; Kenny never stays dead), BoJack forced its characters to deal with the ongoing ramifications of their actions, in ways both large and small. In the first season, a drug-tripping BoJack set fire to an ottoman, and it stayed crispy until he replaced it. In Season 2, the stakes were raised when BoJack was caught in bed with the teenage daughter of an old crush. BoJack, and the show, seemed to have put that experience behind him, but it became a key part of the series’ final arc, in which decades’ worth of bad deeds finally catch up with him. Actions have consequences, even in cartoon form.

For six seasons, viewers witnessed BoJack flirt with real change, only to backpedal when it came time to truly confront the painful memories and experiences that fueled his maladaptive behaviors. In the first half of Season 6, which Netflix released last fall, BoJack finally seemed ready. He went to rehab, worked at making amends, and embarked on a new career as an acting teacher. But as he made his way back into the world in the show’s final eight episodes, BoJack made one of the cardinal sins of recovery. While he faithfully continued to attend 12-step meetings after he completed inpatient rehab, he neglected to fully contend with all his past traumas, both those that he had created for others and those foisted upon him in childhood by his damaged parents. “Acting,” he tells his students, “is about leaving everything behind and becoming something new.” But he was running from his past, not reckoning with it.

BoJack’s long-simmering traumas came to a head in the penultimate episode of the series, “The View From Halfway Down.” In a surreal sequence that plays like This is Your Life meets Intervention, he attends a dinner party at which all the guests are dead, and who have either wronged or been wronged by him. Eventually, it’s revealed that this deranged fever dream is BoJack’s version of life flashing before his eyes. While he was metaphorically drowning for so long, now he’s physically drowning. As BoJack floats, passed-out and nearing death in his own pool, a mishmash of memory and oxygen-starved hallucination brings all of his history to bear in a way that underscores his conflicting feelings of guilt, confusion, and sorrow.

It’s of note that BoJack doesn’t make a conscious decision to confront his past; it’s just as the former mentor he betrayed tells him, “your brain going through what it needs to go through.” A supervisor once told me that clients must rip out the roots of trauma, otherwise the weeds will continue to sprout and choke any progress a person is attempting to make. However, in my experience, often clients have set up barriers to prevent them from accessing their traumas, because they’re just too much, man. The only way they have survived is to compartmentalize and numb whenever the feelings got too big. And while this may seem to be an effective coping skill, it is also one that is not sustainable. The way out is painful, but it’s a different kind of pain. It’s an unfamiliar pain. Most choose to stick with the devil they know rather than confront the source of their continued substance abuse. Who can blame them? Change is hard.

Yet, within his rapidly darkening mind, forced to confront his demons, BoJack does indicate willingness to change. He expresses sincere regret about his damaged relationships with both Sarah Lynn and Herb Kazzaz, and he actually experiences a genuine connection with his father. (That the latter is also Secretariat “for some reason” doesn’t make the moment less touching.) BoJack Horseman illustrates that harboring unresolved trauma can be deadly and, in doing so, brings viewers to that dark yet somehow hopeful place that’s long been a hallmark of the series. As long as we’re breathing, meaningful change is always possible.

In contrast to the immersive trauma of “The View From Halfway Down”, the series finale, “Nice While It Lasted,” reunites BoJack with the four people who made the most impact on him during this transitional period of his life. In turn, he gets a chance to reconnect with Mr. Peanutbutter, Todd, Princess Carolyn, and Diane. And, shocker, they’re all processing their own issues as well. Change can’t happen in a bubble. We all help one another. The series works to drive that point home as BoJack shares a final emotional moment with each member of his support system.

Despite the horrific things he’s done, BoJack is not beyond redemption. He returns, time and time again, to Diane Nguyen, the woman who he first felt comfortable sharing his childhood trauma with. At times, Diane and BoJack have been each other’s worst enablers, but at other times they have connected in deep, personal ways. They share a complex relationship, and the end of the series concludes on a picture-perfect note, leaving us to contemplate the wide-open future. Will they stay friends? Will BoJack relapse? The emotional generosity of the series extends right up until that final, lovely, lingering moment. It’s one in which we can imprint our greatest hopes for these two characters, but also consider the potential pitfalls that may line the road ahead. In allowing viewers this latitude, the series drives home the idea that recovery, like life, is an ongoing process in which the future is never quite clear.

In reaching out so personally and daring to tell such raw, human stories, BoJack Horseman has generously provided years of much-needed catharsis for viewers around the globe. For that, I’d like to echo Diane’s words by saying: Thank you, BoJack. Thank you for choosing to tell this story, for seeing us, and for letting us know that it’s always possible to try for a better tomorrow.

[its-love-u-asshole]

hopping into puddles [Ch. 1]

Pairing: Tsukishima Kei/Kuroo Tetsurou

Summary: Tsukishima Kei has bad luck when it comes to a lot of things, mainly when it comes to love. In fact, if it were up to him, he wouldn’t be looking in the first place. But because of a curse brought upon him by his idiotic ancestors, his only hope for a normal life is to find someone who accepts him and his…particularly abnormal nose. Not that it’ll ever happen…

Or at least, that’s what he’s accepted.

Then Kuroo Tetsurou shows up.

Rating: T (will change later)

Warnings: None

Notes: FFFF Okay so I'm really excited to post this, I've been working on it for a few months *_* It's my first multichapter kurotsuki for this fandom so I'm nervous and proud lol. This fic is a Penelope AU, but you don’t need to have seen the movie to read it ^^ It’s also completely written, so it’ll update every Thursday! Please enjoy! Big thanks to @emeraldwaves for reading this over!

AO3 Version

Love wasn't a reality. Not for him anyways.

He'd learned that a long time ago.

Tsukishima Kei watched through the peephole in his room as laughing men piled into his grand home, taking seats in the spacious living room while his brother greeted them with paperwork and refreshments. Pens were passed out, and his dad gave the usual spiel about secrecy, and legal consequences, and blah, blah, blah. Kei squinted as his father finished talking, allowing the room to erupt into conversations that disrupted the familiar serenity and peace of his home. Obnoxious. Still, he looked. He always looked and listened. The edges of Kei's vision were curved and hazy due to the small opening, but it wasn't like he was nervous or unfamiliar with the sight on the other side of his door. He'd been doing this for years. He glanced down at his watch in disinterest, noting he had two minutes left.

Can we get this over with?

No, he knew his mother was strict about the schedule. Can't risk starting too early and missing out on any potential matches.

Ha fucking ha.

Kei watched in boredom as people began to talk amongst themselves, catching the occasional muffled phrase every now and again, hushed so as to not attract his own family's attention no doubt.

"How bad could it be right?"

"Marrying a Tsukishima is worth anything!"

"I'm curious."

"He'll be charmed by me in no time."

Boring. Stupid. Arrogant. In the end they would all run or curse in disgust when he finally did step out. They always did. Besides, even if they did stay, it wasn't like there was a high chance he'd actually like any of them. Cocky, selfish, that's how they all were. All the men from rich families.

Why did they have to do this anymore? He was twenty-two years old, obviously this method wasn't working. As much as he'd grown used to it, it was exhausting. To get up and get ready once a week, only to be rejected, and then spend the rest of his week cooped up in his house by himself. He wanted it to stop, there was no point anymore. Men and women alike had made it quite clear.

Tsukishima Kei was hideous, a monster. Love wasn't in his cards, and he didn't much care if it wasn't.

At the thought however, he caught sight of his mother through the hole, her head nodding in excitement and her eyes alight with a hope that never seemed to diminish even after so many failed attempts. She had faith someone would stay. She thought someone would look past his appearance and love him for who he was. She believed Kei was more than his face. Oh how wrong she was.

Kei loved his mom, really he did. He wasn't the most affectionate son or brother, but his family was important to him. It was just...they were different from him. They couldn't seem to let these things go. He didn't need someone to complete him, to save him. He wasn't helpless. He'd never fantasized about someone finally giving him the time of day and sweeping him off his feet.

Such thoughts were childish, unreliable.

So instead, he went along with these meetings for his family's sake, having to watch each time as their smiles dropped in sadness and disappointment while his stayed neutral, not surprised in the slightest. Kei looked away from the gathering as he watched his mother turn on the speakers in the living room, connecting with the mic in Kei's room so he could talk to everyone. He no longer wished to see the enthusiasm his parents and brother were parading around the room, so he pressed his face against the door, closing his eyes in frustration as the seconds ticked away. Already he was tired, and he pressed in harder, as if wishing for his face to flatten and for his problems to be gone.

He hissed when the hard, chipped wood irritated his nose, another reminder of its presence as a thorn in his side, in his life. At least if it was gone, he could go outside. He could see the world, romance be damned. I just want to go outside.

Slowly, he reached up to massage his nose, feeling along the ridges he'd become oh so used to, feeling along the unnatural curves. He could count them, one, two, three...

"Kei honey! Your guests are ready!" His mother's chipper voice reached him from the other side of the door, and he heaved a heavy sigh as he picked up the microphone. Her excitement almost made him feel like something would change, that today would be his turning point. But...

As he fumbled with the mic, flipping it on reluctantly, he caught his reflection in the mirror hanging on the left wall, and knew the day would be no different than any other.

See, love really wasn't a reality for him. It hadn't been from day one, all for one singular reason.

Tsukishima Kei was cursed with a lot of things; an unpleasant attitude, a smart mouth, general apathy...but perhaps the biggest was that everyday when he woke up and looked in the mirror, he was greeted with the face of a pig.

--

Kei didn't know his great grandfather. The man had been long dead when Kei was born, but Kei was pretty sure he hated the man.

This was his fault after all.

The Tsukishimas were a proud, esteemed family, they always had been. With an ample fortune and generosity, they were beloved by the public and held in high regards by other prominent families. Despite his large mansion and nice things though, Kei never felt like his family fit the common mold of blue bloods. They were too kind, altruistic, and enjoyed cooking, watching dumb movies, and spending time with their children. It was more than he could ask for really, since he wasn't one for lavish parties or socializing in general. They'd encouraged Akiteru in the same fashion. Kei's older brother had made a pretty good name for himself in the field of literature, befitting someone of his class, but it was his passion since childhood, and his parents had let him pursue it no questions asked, despite chances of failure. With Kei too, they were no different. His family accepted his reclusive nature, his love for reading and botany, and didn't push him to meet any of the expectations which were usually thrust upon young men from affluent families.

However, that didn't mean it had always been that way for the Tsukishimas.

Kei's great grandfather had been a noble through and through, popular with the women from rich families and the center of attention. He was subject to societal pressures and the scrutinizing eyes of his parents, and it had ended up being his undoing.

Or no, it hadn't. It had ended up being Kei's undoing. The old man himself had died in his sleep with little worries, despite his vices, and Kei couldn't help but resent the man.

When his grandfather was in his prime, he'd been one of the most eligible bachelors in society, handsome and charismatic, with many attractive prospects in regards to marriage. However, he'd been greedy.

His grandfather had decided to fool around with one of his servants, a young, poor man with an ill mother to support. Kei's grandfather probably thought it was no big deal, sleeping around and stringing along a poor worker, but he'd forgotten somehow that revenge favored no one, not even the rich. Short sighted, a trait Kei truly detested.

In the end, the servant expressed his love for the noble only to be rejected, and soon after, Kei's grandfather married a high class woman from the neighboring city, and the servant succumbed to his heartbreak and depression. In a fit of agony, the servant's mother plead with the gods and may have even dabbled in the forbidden arts (though that was probably some stupid rumor from the newspaper), in order to lay a curse upon the house of the Tsukishimas.

Of course, it was a myth. There's no telling whether or not Kei's condition was from a spell or a simple birth defect, but well...it was strange. The story itself was pretty tragic, and he'd thought so when he'd first heard it. Though, Kei couldn't say he understood the emotions behind the servant's actions. In the end, his love wasn't returned, but why let something stupid like rejection affect him so much? Emotions were reckless, Kei reasoned, and it was why he tended to shun them.

Further proof of why emotions were the root of evil was what happened after the servant's death.

Fueled with the pain of her son's rejection and scorned love, the old woman willed that the next son of the Tsukishima family be born with the face of a pig.

Simple really, and consequently the reason for Kei's current suffering, almost four generations later. Because life was a bitch and the universe seemed to hate Kei, who'd done nothing wrong, the Tsukishima family was blessed with a long line of girls. Daughters after daughters after fucking daughters.

Well, at least until Akiteru. The issue there was that Akiteru wasn't really a Tsukishima. At the time, Kei's mother and father had been struggling with getting pregnant, and the issue was traced back to Kei's mother. Rather than adopt, they opted for a surrogate in order to keep some of the bloodline in tact, and later on, Kei himself ended up being a happy accident.

Or, it had been happy, until he was actually born. With Akiteru not having a drop of Tsukishima blood, the first boy born to the family in several generations was Kei.

Kei, who inherited the curse as soon as he'd come into the world.

And so started his life of fruitless struggle and letting down his parents. Of course, his family had never made him feel different. They loved him. But...they tried in their own way to remedy the situation, never fully accepting it as the end all. After finding out that plastic surgery was out of the question (thanks curse), his family had resorted to actually giving into the stipulations of the legend.

According to the myth, the only way to break the spell on him, to get rid of his problems, was for one of noble birth to marry Kei.

Well, the actual wording was for "one of your own kind to accept you as their own," but same thing, put less cryptically.

Either way, Kei hated it. All this life, he'd been confined to his room by his parents, given that photographers and magazines everywhere had gotten wind of his supposed abnormality, and were all fighting for a picture, their big payday.

His parents were being protective, too protective for his tastes. In all honesty, Kei didn't care if people took pictures or saw him. What was the difference in being ridiculed by the general public, and being ridiculed in his own home by fleeing men who couldn't stand the sight of him? Which was worse? Kei had spent his whole childhood playing indoors, learning new languages, playing with old dinosaur figurines...alone. Not like Kei loved people, but...

Fresh air, gardens, parks, trips to the planetarium and the movies...

They were things he'd never been able to do, and that stung more than the rejection of a thousand suitors.

--

The first time his mother had brought up a matchmaking session, Kei had been only sixteen, and he'd been rather perplexed with the whole thing. He was still so young after all, way too young for the marriage the curse called for, but his mother wholeheartedly believed in building connections early, weeding out unlikely individuals and getting a sense of what Kei liked. Besides, his parents weren't against him making friends, they just wanted to supervise to make sure no one would be cruel to him.

Embarrassing really.

Back then, the matchmaking sessions were only comprised of one suitor, since his mother insisted it made things more intimate, and allowed people to get to know the real Kei, whatever the hell that meant.

"You're not your nose sweetheart, you have to show them that!" His mother exclaimed happily as she pulled out the clear file on the noble young man.

"But...it's my nose, it's part of me--"

"Honey please, that's nonsense! Now come on, he'll be here soon!"

When the day had actually arrived, Kei hadn't been too concerned with his suitor running away. He was naive then, not nearly as jaded and closed off as his personality was currently. He actually had hope at that point. Sure, he anticipated that the potential lovers would be somewhat surprised but...it was just his nose, or snout really. He didn't think his face was that bad, so surely he'd have to talk to some of them who managed to look past it. He hated to admit it, but he'd actually been nervous. Kei's palms had been clammy as he'd grasped the microphone that day, ready to greet an attractive stranger and possibly his future spouse from behind a door with a peephole in it. Really, the fact the he couldn’t introduce himself directly should’ve been his first indication things wouldn’t go well.

It was dumb, he had reasoned, to put so much hope into the first person, not to mention unrealistic. But...as much as he hated to admit it, all he'd wanted was to break the curse. So, naturally, part of him (the part that wasn't overly standoffish and uncaring), hoped someone would take a shine to him, despite his unpleasant nature.

Kei learned a lot of things that day. The first, was that people weren't genuine in the slightest.

The man was handsome, but he was quite boring in Kei's opinion. Kei wasn't the most socially gifted, he tended to snark, and his jibes often put people off, but he couldn't help his demeanor. He liked to be playful, to argue, to talk about science and music and weird movies, and be presented with a verbal challenge. Finding someone he could hold a decent conversation with was hard, especially with his standards and awkwardness, but this guy wasn't even trying.

It was like he was reading from a script, ignoring any attempt Kei gave him to engage in ways which made the blond actually happy.

"So, are you always this proper?" Kei snorted.

"What? Of course, as I was saying..."

Honestly, he should've known it would be a flop right then and there, but his mother was undoubtedly in the kitchen listening, smiling hopefully. He just had to try a little more.

"I saw that new horror movie online last night and--"

"You have time for that sort of thing? How...quaint, anyways..."

And he did try.

"I like gardening I guess, I have books on--"

"Gardening is usually done by the grounds workers, it's filthy work in my opinion, certainly not suitable for your hands, which I'm sure are lovely."

And tried.

"Have you ever been to an amusement park?"

"What? With all those common people?"

And tried some more, until he wanted nothing but to go back to bed and curl up with a book, because surely that would be better company.

It seemed hopeless, but something churned in Kei's stomach regardless, an emotion he wasn't used to feeling at all and that kept him going throughout the one sided conversation. He was a disappointment, surely he was. He was unable to pull in anyone with his cutting humor and quirks. Logically, Kei knew it wasn't his fault that he was incompatible with the other boy, but he still couldn't help but feel the telltale stings of rejection, and he was the one who was holding the matchmaking session. He held the cards, and yet he felt like garbage. Pathetic, as if this guy mattered at all. God, he should've given up after his fifth attempt to make a connection. But Kei was foolish at sixteen, still had false hopes and vestiges of romantic ideas. So of course, he reasoned and reasoned that things could work out. The guy could break the curse, could maybe learn to like Kei if they talked more, so...

"Have you ever felt trapped?" Kei hated the way his voice cracked, but really, his mother always did say he needed to be more relatable...maybe if he opened up in the slightest...

It was uncomfortable, oversharing, Kei rarely had the strength to be personal with his own family, and this was some random guy.

The other boy's blue eyes lit up at the question, and Kei thought he saw a brief trace of annoyance at having been interrupted again, but he quickly masked his face into a rehearsed, sympathetic expression. "Why Tsukishima," he began, voice soft and touched, "of course I have. I understand you completely, we're quite similar."

"Oh?" It was doubtful, it had to be bullshit, everything in Kei was screaming that it was. This was like one big joke, but he persisted, because he was a fool. Kei, despite his uneasiness, grabbed the thread offered. Maybe the guy wasn't lying after all, maybe he felt bad for Kei, being trapped in the big house, imprisoned by the curse. The prospect of having someone who understood him was so attractive to him and his naive heart. For someone to accept him as one of their own..."How so?"

The guy laughed at that, putting a hand on his neck as he searched for an answer. Another indication of a liar, but Kei ignored it. Idiot. "Well, obviously by my good name and standing."

Oh you've got to be kidding me. "Um..."

"No one can ever seem to look past the rich noble stereotypes, I'm much more than my name and face." The man smiled softly, peering through the peephole as if it would communicate his sincerity better. It was a good answer, Kei would give him that. Hesitantly, Kei looked over to his vanity mirror, catching a glimpse of his reflection. More than my face...

"And surely, you are more than your face. I'm sure there's beauty lying underneath, and I'd be honored to bring it out." The other continued, and Kei's breath caught at his next words. "Let me see the real you, Tsukishima."

Maybe it was his immaturity, his desire for the curse to be broken, or some deep down desire to be wanted, but either way, Kei found himself reaching for the doorknob. The other boy stepped back, seemingly pleased with himself, and Kei felt right then and there that something wrong was bound to happen. But, if he could break the curse, if there was just a chance...

And there was. So, Kei wiped his sweaty palms on his shorts, and opened the door.

The second thing he learned that day, was that people were shallower than he thought. That or, he looked worse than he'd originally thought.

It took all but two seconds for the suitor to gag at the sight of him, and run, taking any last inklings of hope for freedom and romance along with him.

--

Now of course, he had the routine down, knew what to expect. Nothing would change, and he had learned how to let the insults and cries of disgust bounce off of him with every new matchmaking session.

Some things had changed though, as he now also had a one way mirror built into the wall so he could look out into the meeting room and interact with the suitors without having any of them see him. He rarely used it though, it was a bit overwhelming, feeling like he was the center of a large crowd, with everyone staring, even though they really weren't. So, he stuck to the peephole. In addition, all the suitors had to sign forms now, swearing them to secrecy so they couldn't run and tell people about the terrifying pig-faced boy.

Stupid.

Tsukishima clicked his tongue, resigning himself to yet another wasted weekend, and greeted his guests.

The day ended as it always did, with him holding his mother as she cried at another unsuccessful meeting, and himself wishing he hadn't been born.

--

Kuroo Tetsurou had hit a new low.

The suit he was wearing was itchy and a tad too fitting on his broad frame, and he fidgeted awkwardly, unsure of how he was supposed to look. He never wore suits, or at least, he hadn't in a very long time.

The thought reminded him of his current predicament.

He watched as a crew of journalists, many of whom looked like they hadn't showered in some time, fiddled with his coat lining, sloppily sewing in a hidden camera. Next to them sat a stained, yet crisp envelope, with Kuroo's name scribbled on it. It was all that was keeping Kuroo from hightailing it out of there.

Definitely a new low.

"Alright, raise your arm," the main journalist advised him, stepping back and sparing Kuroo's nostrils of his foul cologne. Kuroo did what he was told, and he heard a faint click, the telltale sign of the camera going off.

Ah, clever.

"Alright, its works!" The journalist exclaimed, handing Kuroo a brush and some mouthwash. "Now, you remember the plan right?"

Kuroo nodded, not bothering to grin or make unnecessary conversation. Usually he was a very friendly guy, but these guys just rubbed him the wrong way, and the fact that he was associating himself with them didn't make his conscience happy. He grabbed the brush and mouthwash in confusion. Did he look that much like a bum?

"Good, now would it kill you to look presentable? What's with that hair? You're supposed to be playing the part of a noble..." The crew gave him the once over, clearly not pleased.

Huh, guess I look worse than I thought.

Don't get him wrong, Kuroo thought he was a pretty good looking guy. He was fit, had clear skin and good height, not to mention he could really lay on the charm when he wanted. But...well, he also knew his hair looked like a bird's nest on the best of days, and his strong smirks and general demeanor could make him come off as a delinquent. Not to mention his wardrobe wasn't in the most tip top shape lately.

Which coincidentally, was what got him in this situation in the first place.

"I am a noble, and I even wore my best pants today!" They were the ones without holes in them. His joking tone went ignored by the other men, who reluctantly took back the brush upon seeing how Kuroo's hair was a legitimate lost cause.

"A down on his luck noble, unless you've forgotten," the journalist shot back, waving Kuroo's agency file in front of him. Kuroo winced. "You might be from a prominent family, but you're no richer than a McDonald’s worker, so don't test our patience. We can find someone else."

"N-no!" Kuroo laughed nervously, waving his hands in a flurry. "I'll do it, no worries."

"Good, you seem like a smart guy," one of the other man said while flicking through his phone. "Smart enough to not pass up 50,000 yen at least."

Right. The money. That was why he was here. Kuroo felt gross and pathetic all over again, but damn he really did need that money. The rent on his apartment was covered by his job, but if he wanted to be able to put a down payment on his new place, he needed a boost, just for the month. When he'd been a teenager, he'd had all the money in the world, but when his parents had found out about certain...preferences of his, he was deemed unworthy of the Kuroo family fortune, and was on his own.

It wasn't that bad of course. He had his friends, he had a job he loved, even though it didn't pay super well. But, getting back on his feet continued to be difficult from time to time.

Which was why he was currently standing next to a shifty van across the street from the Tsukishima mansion, getting ready to go in with a large group of nobles way more desirable than him, in order to get a picture of the youngest son of the Tsukishima household.

The youngest son, who apparently was cursed with a hideous appearance, to the point where his parents had to hold these matchmaking parties just to set him up. It seemed almost ridiculous, Kuroo thought as he watched more smartly dressed men enter the house, stopping at the front door to receive some sort of paperwork and have their IDs checked.

It just didn't seem real, but oh well, Kuroo had a job to do. Part of him sort of hoped the young Tsukishima would be snobby or rude, then Kuroo wouldn't have to feel so bad about what he was about to do.

You're going to feel bad anyways, you loser.

Kuroo cringed at himself. Yeah, probably.

Damn his niceness, was it too late to back out?

"Alright, it's time to go in." The journalist's voice shattered his hopes of that, as did the weight of the camera in the secondhand suit jacket. "Now, when he reveals himself, no matter how ugly he is, you need to stay and get that picture. Got it?"

Make me sound worse why don't you.

But well, Kuroo had been the one to respond to their ad. He had no one to blame but himself. He sighed one last time, buttoning the suit as best he could, before turning towards the mansion in front of him. Let's get this over with.

"Got it."

--

It was easy for him to avoid signing the secrecy agreement when no one in the Tsukishima family seemed to be paying him much mind. They had his file, naturally, so they probably knew he wasn't the most upstanding noble these days. Certainly not a good fit for their son, they were much more focused on buttering up the other rich pretty boys in the room.

It didn't much matter to him, in fact, it made his job easier. Of course, it didn't make him feel any less shitty about what he was doing.

"Alright everyone! I'm Tsukishima Akiteru, and I'd like to thank you all for coming." The tall, dirty blonde seemed easy going for a noble, his smile kind and bright, and his dress less fancy than that of his parents. Just having him stand there made Kuroo feel at ease. "It means a lot to have so many people willing to help my brother, he's very important to me."

Aaaand there's the guilt again.

God, Kuroo would've been better off at a McDonald’s honestly.

"He'll be out shortly!" And with that, Akiteru exited the room, which made Kuroo confused more than anything. The family didn't stay to see how things went? He wondered how long they'd been doing these things...

Long enough, if journalists knew about it.

Man, Kuroo was a sleaze ball.

Part of him couldn't help but be curious though. He'd heard the rumors of the Tsukishima bloodline, naturally, how a witch had cursed them and now the only way to break it was for the youngest son to marry rich. Kuroo wasn't sure he believed all of that, not that he didn't believe in the supernatural at all, this just seemed sort of out there.

Well, you'll have proof by the end of the day won't you? The whole world would.

Yup, Kuroo thought as he frowned at the floor, total sleaze.

--

"Kei? They're ready." Akiteru's voice carried into Kei's room, obviously excited with a hint of anxiety mixed in. His brother never stopped worrying about him. Kei always complained about how obnoxious it was, but really his brother was all that kept him grounded sometimes. He was the only one who made him feel better on days like this, even if it was obvious how much his brother was on his parents' side.

"Mm, give me a minute," Kei said, watering the orchids sitting on his shelf and making sure they had enough soil.

Usually, his brother would leave after he said this, but he felt Akiteru's presence hovering by the door, hesitating, and Kei clicked his tongue. "What is it Akiteru? Did mom say something?"

Kei swore, if his mom wanted him to change his outfit again...

"No, she didn't, I just..." Akiteru sighed, and that got Kei's attention. It wasn't like his brother to doubt himself when talking to Kei, they didn't have that kind of relationship. Kei turned to face him, setting down his watering can carefully and pulling his coat around himself.

"Spit it out," Kei said, very aware of the muffled sounds of conversation on the other side of the wall. Maybe he'd made a mistake, requesting for so many suitors come at once this time...

"Kei, are you sure you wouldn't rather meet them one at a time? Like you used to?" Akiteru approached him, putting his hands on Kei's shoulders in a show of support. "I mean, what's the point of this? They can't possibly get to know you when they're in a group."

Kei resisted the urge to sneer.

Getting to know me, don't make me laugh. It's obvious what they're after, and it's not that.

There were so many responses to his brother's questions, all equally cutting and unfair. It wasn't as if this was his brother's fault. He didn't understand, he wasn't the one with the goddamn pig snout.

These wretched nobles were only after one thing: the money. They didn't care about Kei, and they'd all run. That's why Kei had started holding group sessions, it was why he made today's group extra large. He wanted so desperately to prove a point, to stop this. They always leave. There's no one who will stay, so let's give up. Give up, and let me go outside.

Kei didn't care anymore about the suitors. No matter how much his eyes began to sting, he pushed those traitorous emotions down, walking away from Akiteru's worried gaze.

He had been doing this for years, he could handle it.

Kei walked towards the door, taking a deep breath as he pushed up his glasses with shaking hands. "This way, it wastes less time."

His brother made a noise of protest, but Kei wouldn't look at him, wouldn't let the other see the emotions he himself didn't want to acknowledge. When the door finally shut behind him, Kei released the breath he'd been holding.

--

Kuroo was an idiot. He couldn't even be a successful sleazeball. Just my luck.

He ducked under the couch, luckily unnoticed by the other nobles as they waited for the young Tsukishima to introduce himself. Meanwhile, the camera in his pocket was going haywire, taking twenty pictures a minute, and Kuroo tugged at the cords unintelligibly, willing them to fix themselves. Holy shit why are there so many wires, we’re in the age of technology!

As he was about ready to give up and kiss the money goodbye, the camera seemed to stop taking its flurry of pics, but Kuroo didn't get to feel relieved or get up from the floor. It was too late.

Kuroo heard the whoosh of a door behind him, and the whole room went quiet, only interrupted by the softest voice Kuroo had ever heard. "Hello, I'm Tsukishima Kei and--"

There was a cacophony of screams and a crash as a book table was knocked over, and before Kuroo knew it, people were jumping over the couch and past him like their life depended on it. He had the good sense to tuck his feet in as the stampede raced by him and out the door, leaving him sitting there alone like an idiot, surrounded by papers and coasters.

The loud footsteps faded in the distance as he heard the suitors flee the house, bringing back an unnatural silence to the room. For some reason, Kuroo's heart clenched, and he cursed his own empathy.

He blinked a few times, hearing a distinct and shaky breath from behind him, before a door slammed shut.

[eienias20]

First Meeting

A short story following @love410s Rosetta as she meets another Interceptor: Jaynix, the Fiery Corporal.

First Meeting

Noctilum was a wonderful region. Trees, streams, glorious waterfalls and the night brought a unique glow. Today, the region was being visited by a dark haired Interceptor, Rosetta.

She found herself at one of the many FN Sites in the region, this site being her current objective, the data probe planted here was sending back wonky information so she took it upon herself to head out and give it a quick look. The Indigens nearby were rather rowdy so she figured it’d be best to take on the task since she knew she could handle herself if someone wanted to start a fight.

At the same time, she always appreciated some alone time. BLADE work was stressful and without a calm environment to relieve some of that stress, it would pile on and she knew that as a BLADE she had to be at the top of her game. Occasional missions on her own helped with that. A breeze blew by, bringing a smile to her face as the comfortable sounds of the region, rustling trees and rushing water filled her ears.

Looking back down she continued tapping away on her data pad, rereading all the fixes that had to be applied to the Probe, once she was sure it was all correct she began uploading the patch. There are other Divisions more adept to these types of tasks, but Rosetta sought to learn a little bit of everything so that she could help tackle whatever task needed doing. With the relatively hard part down all that she needed to do now was wait till the probe communicated with New LA and she got the call that everything was good to go.

Crossing her arms, she took a deep breath. Closing her eyes she continued enjoying the peace and quiet. A few moments later she heard a beep from her comm device and brought it up expecting a message from BLADE HQ personnel, instead it was from her friend, Kruse.

“I’m done with my tasks for the day, if you need some company, shoot me a request.”

She smiled, they’d grown close since their little heart to heart but sometimes she couldn’t help but notice…

“Your messages still sound so formal.”

“Sorry. I really don’t sound like me when I write, do I? It’s a problem I have. No need to be professional all the time, yeah?”

“No need at all…regardless, I just about wrapped with my tasks, I’ll be returning to NLA soon for a short break before coming out again. If you’re free then, we can work on some missions together.”

“Sounds like a plan! In the meantime, I should track my sister down…haven’t seen her in a bit.”

Kruse mentioned his sister every so often, yet Rosetta has never met her. Was that rude? It felt rude. But she was always so busy and from what she could gather from Kruse’s statements, his sister was even busier.

She wasn’t staunchly against meeting new people but…

Before she could continue with her thoughts or send a reply she heard a yell followed by the guttural growls of several Indigens.

Putting her comm device away she turned in the direction of the yell. Drawing her blades she began running, all the while she heard more roars and screams.

Coming to a stop at the top of a rise she looked down to the riverside, spotting a woman engaged in battle with a Falsaxum. With incredible speed the woman darted through the beast’s legs, avoiding its stomps and slicing through the appendages. Hearing more roars, Rosetta’s gaze moved to two more Falsaxums behind the one currently being engaged and four Diluses behind the woman.

“Is she fighting them all on her own?”

The Falsaxum stomped on the woman only to find her gone, the flash of a blade resulted in the Indigen falling over dead as the other two moved over the dead one and began attacking.

Rosetta then noticed one of the Diluses roaring, snapping its jaws and charging at the woman’s vulnerable back. There was no hesitation as Rosetta shot off the cliff, closing the gap between her and the Dilus with blazing speed. Sliding into range and bringing her blades up, stopping the Dilus’ jaw.

Angered, the Indigen growled and tried to bite down, Rosetta was unflinching, holding back the gaping maw. Turning, Rosetta found the other woman observing her. Rosetta’s attention was drawn to her eyes, burning red with a yellow glow in the center. Her gaze could only be described as fiery.

The two watched each other for a few more moments before a Falsaxum roared. With determined nods they returned their attention to the Indigens. The woman swung her blade, a flaming aura covering her body as she charged at the Falsaxum.

Rosetta gripped her blades and followed through with her attack, ripping through the Dilus’ jaw and into the beast’s head. As it fell dead she rolled aside, avoiding the other two as they charged her. Noticing one of the wildly thrashing tails, she reacted, the tail striking nothing but air.

The Dilus turned fully, searching for its target as Rosetta leapt up behind it, a savage Shadowstrike ending the creature.

The battle didn’t last long from there, both women sheathing their blades and approaching each other, the fiery woman smiling as she dusted off her hands.

“Thanks for the assist beautiful.”

Rosetta opened her mouth to respond but wasn’t sure how to. She knew she had to blushing as she spoke quietly.

“D-don’t worry about it…”

As the other woman chuckled, Rosetta looked her over. She had bright red hair with purple trims, both eyes still shone brightly, a lightning bolt running across her right eye. She was armed in the Reginal Raim gear, the jewel on her chest polished, reflecting the light that hit it.

“Staring at me already? That’s a new record.”

“I-I was just…”

Jaynix waved it off, clearly she wasn’t offended.

“You’re quite the looker yourself.”

Another compliment. Rosetta knew she was blushing even more.

“Thank you…”

Rosetta appreciated the comments, deep down she felt herself begin to question their authenticity but pushed it aside. Instead she gave her surroundings a closer look and noticed even more dead Indigens besides the ones they’d killed, at least a dozen.

“You did all this by yourself?”

The woman pulled out her comm device, nodding as she checked off several missions.

“Yep yep. Busy, busy I am. See?”

Rosetta leaned in, looking over the woman’s comm device. She seemed to have 23 missions, 18 completed, leaving five still open.

“Ah, sorry beautiful, should’ve asked this sooner but I didn’t get your name.”

“Rosetta.”

“Rosetta? That’s a gorgeous name! Somewhat…familiar too…”

Rosetta remained silent as the woman put her comm device away.

“Anyway, I’m Jaynix. Nice to meet you.”

“Jaynix…I think I’ve heard your name around the Interceptor Hangar...I take it you are an Interceptor.”

Stretching, Jaynix nodded.

“Yep, that I am. Nice moves in that battle, I can tell you’ve been in many.”

Jaynix moved over to a rock and sat down, letting out a comfortable sigh as Rosetta gestured to the bodies around them.

“I can say the same about you.”

Jaynix smiled, looking over all the carnage.

“When I stopped by mission control I took on whatever was available in Noctilum. Been at this all day. Nonstop.”

“All by yourself?”

“Yeah. Is that weird? I mean, you’re out here on your own.”

Rosetta nodded, looking Jaynix over again. She was doing a very impressive job hiding it but Rosetta could tell.

“You’re exhausted.”

Jaynix gave her an odd look.

“Me? Tired? Hell no. I could keep going for hours, I do this every day.”

“Every day?”

“Well…every day that my brother doesn’t step in and stop me.”

Rosetta crossed her arms.

“From the looks of it, he’s right to be worried.”

Jaynix waved her off, still smiling and trying to play this off as not a big deal.

“More importantly, what are you doing out here on your own Rosetta? Looking for a few Indigens? A Tyrant? I can help with that.”

Rosetta shook her head.

“Just fixing a data probe…”

Rosetta continued observing Jaynix, the woman was holding herself together through sheer force of will. It was impressive but if she kept it up, she’d collapse…or everything would blow up in the worse way. They did just met so it shouldn’t be any of her business…but if she let her walk away, who knows what would happen?

Another beep pulled her attention to her comm device. Two messages.

One from NLA giving her the all clear on the Data Probe repair task and the other was from Kruse.

Apparently his sister was out in Noctilum so he’d be heading there sometime soon. She messaged him back telling him she’d be up for helping him look for her. She then asked for a name and picture, just in case.

Kruse sent her a picture of him and his sister smiling with their arms around each other’s shoulder and she immediately recognized the woman.

“Jaynix?”

“Hm?”

“Your brother…is Kruse?”

The fiery Interceptor nodded “Yeah. You know him?”

Rosetta couldn’t help but chuckle “What are the odds? All this time…he’s been telling me that he’s worried about you, hasn’t seen you around.”

Rosetta saw pain in Jaynix’s eyes. Sadness. Looking away, Jaynix remained silent.

“Tell him I’m fine. I’ll be back soon…”

“I think it’d be better if you called and told him that yourself.”

“It would be…but I…”

Rosetta watched as Jaynix clenched her teeth, biting back her pain and exhaustion, she forced herself to stand.

“Thanks again for the assist, Rosetta. I should go, these five missions aren’t going to complete themselves. Let my Brother know I’ll be heading back in about an hour.”

Jaynix began walking away, waving to Rosetta.

They were strangers, she knew very little about her…but her behavior had her concerned.

“I’m out here…because I like the silence. It helps me. Keeps me calm. Allows me to clear my head. That’s why I’m alone.”

Jaynix stopped, turning back around, eyes locking with Rosetta.

“Why are you out here? Why are you alone?”

Jaynix could tell that holding out her comm device and stating that she was only out here to complete an exorbitant amount of missions was not going to fly.

“…it’s a long story and I don’t want to bore you with it, I’m sure you’ve got a busy schedule of your own, no time to waste on strangers.”

“We may be strangers, but we’re both Interceptors. Protecting people is our job. Our duty. I don’t think you can accomplish that task in your current state…I know you can’t…”

Jaynix smirked.

“Heh. Not pulling any punches are you?”

“I’m being direct.”

“I can see…then what would you suggest I do?”

Rosetta gestured across the river.

“There is a base camp close by. In your state, a nap would do wonders.”

Jaynix approached Rosetta, pain evident in her face. Stopping in front of Rosetta, she stared at her.

Rosetta knew she was nervous around new people, getting to know them was a test, but right now she didn’t feel that. She felt resolute in her words. If Jaynix was to continue protecting others, she had to take care of herself. If one can’t protect oneself, how can they protect everyone else?

Jaynix could see this in Rosetta’s gaze.

“Alright…as much as I hate to admit it, I don’t think I can stand for much longer…”

Rosetta let out a sigh of relief.

It worked. She did it.

“I’m glad. We lose enough BLADEs as it is…if I can stop that from happening with my words, I will.”

Rosetta moved forward, acting as support for Jaynix the pair began walking.

“Earlier, you couldn’t even look at me and your face was flushed…it was adorable and endearing.”

Rosetta felt a burn in her cheeks as Jaynix continued.

“But now? Those eyes you have. Your gaze…I can tell that you’re an interesting person, Rosetta.”

As they continued walking, Rosetta looked up to her.

“I don’t think I’m all that interesting…”

“Hmph. That’s definitely a lie. Your friends with my brother and…oh, Rosetta! I have heard that name before! How could I not notice?”

Rosetta tilted her head “Does he talk about me?”

“Yeah, he likes you. Considers you a good friend. He insisted I meet you but…well…I keep pretty busy.”

“Of that, I’m aware.”

“Don’t sass me.”

Rosetta saw the joking light in Jaynix’s eyes and smiled.

“I’ll let you decide how interesting I am, Jaynix…in turn I know for certain that there is a lot to you. Kruse reminded me a long time ago of how difficult we all have it. Of the problems everyone has. I have my fair share that I struggle with from time to time…and you do as well…”

Jaynix sighed.

“Yeah…geez, most people don’t notice but you just…you’ve got an eye for this. Ever consider Mediator work? You’d ace it with no problems whatsoever that’s for sure.”

As the Base Camp came into sight, Jaynix continued.

“Sorry for making you lug my worthless ass around…I’m sure you’ve got your own priorities so feel free to leave me here and head back to NLA or what have you. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

“Can I trust you to stay here? Sleep? Regain your energy?”

Deep down, Rosetta was convinced that if she left, Jaynix would get up and take off back into Noctilum on her own to finish her last five missions. The look in Jaynix’s eyes as the woman struggled to find her words made it obvious that she intended to do that.

Reaching the camp, Rosetta let go of Jaynix who was panting.

Rosetta recalled the fight against the Indigens, Jaynix was fast, powerful, fearless. Terrible destruction was left in her wake, evident by the dozen or so corpses lying around the riverside. The woman she saw before her seemed incapable of any of that. A single Grex could fell her in her current state.

“Jaynix. I’ll be waiting right here in the camp for you to wake up.”

“Hm?”

“I can’t stop you from pursuing your missions. From pursuing whatever it is that draws you to…do this to yourself. But I can be there to make sure that you return to NLA in one piece.”

Rosetta gestured to the camp.

“Sleep. I’ll be here and we can handle the rest of the missions, together. Then go back to NLA so you can see your brother.”

Jaynix stood up straight.

“Nothing I say will change your mind, will it?”

Rosetta didn’t even have to speak, Jaynix could see the answer in her eyes.

“Alright then. I hope I haven’t made a horrid first impression on you Rosetta. I’m not always like this…but I am like this a lot…on a more regular day I’m much more bearable, I promise.”

Rosetta let a small smile come to her face and nodded.

Crossing her arms, she waited as Jaynix walked into the camp.

“A rover?”

“Yeah.”

The pair stood in front of Jaynix’s personal transport, an amphibious rover she named Isaiah.

“Without her getting around would be much more difficult. Not impossible mind you.

Rosetta’s first thought was why not just pilot a Skell? Clearly there was a reason for this, one she’s sure would come up eventually. No need to force it.

“Thanks for helping me with the rest of my missions and everything, Rosetta.”

“Don’t mention it. You look much brighter now. I’m glad for that.”

Jaynix smiled.

“Aww, thanks. I guess you’re my guardian angel, certainly beautiful enough to be one.”

Rosetta blushed again, turning away as Jaynix laughed.

“Cute! Too cute!”

The blushes grew fiercer.

“Say, Rosetta…need a lift back to NLA?”

Rosetta shook her head, “My Skell is parked not too far off. Short walk and from there I’ll fly back.”

Jaynix looked to her rover then back to Rosetta “You sure?”

She could tell, Jaynix had gotten used to her presence and didn’t want to return to NLA alone.

“I can’t very well leave my Skell unattended, it’s been sitting where it is long enough.”

“Y-yeah…you’re right.”

“But maybe…next time. If we run into each other again.”

Jaynix smiled and nodded.

“We will. No doubt about it.”

Jaynix hopped into her rover, placing her weapons in the backseat before looking at Rosetta one more time.

“Thank you.”

With a wink she put her rover in drive and took off.

Rosetta stood there until Jaynix and her vehicle were out of sight.

Turning around she began walking towards her Skell, thinking. Taking the time out of her day to assist Jaynix was a very good call. The idea of coming across her again was intriguing…maybe she should ask Kruse for more information about his sister, learn more about her…or they could just bump into one another and see how things go from there.

Regardless of what was to happen, Rosetta was sure of one thing, her first meeting with Jaynix was interesting and she wouldn’t mind seeing her again.