#and shall it never grace my dashboard again

[whatdidtheydotomygirljinx]

Why Episode 7 is the worst episode in all of Season 2.

This fuckass Timebomb ship is the worst thing to ever happen to Jinx's character.

Ok so finally we're gonna talk about Boy Savior Complex and AU Girl Next Door Powder

This is gonna be long. Also, we're not only talking about Episode 7 and Timebomb, we're also discussing Jinx's suicide attempt and how her character's resolution is actually really sad.

First of all, Jinx never liked Ekko back. Season 1 makes it pretty clear that they're friends, and that Ekko has an unrequited crush on her. His feelings are clear, but she never shows any reciprocation. And, no, the art book that came out after season 2 concluded doesn't count. You can't just put "the boy with the unrequited crush" trope in your story and then retract it.

And now to get to the serious part... who the fuck is AU Powder?

Ekko gets transported into this alternate timeline where we the audience soon realize everyone is happy and none of the conflicts that plague the original story exist and everything is perfect and "as it should be". So this is the ideal world and the one where all these characters reach their highest form of happiness. Even Silco is back with Vander.

And in this ideal world Powder is... a waitress at The Last Drop? I rewatched this episode and I genuinely tried to pay attention to see what does she actually DO. Like what occupies her time in this universe. And between Vander's line about how she's "too smart to be spending her life in a bar" and the fact that she is at one point behind the counter (while Ekko is studying his books... imma get back to that) and the fact that we never see her in any other places besides the bar and her hideout and that one time Ekko takes her out... this seems to be it.

So in the perfect timeline, Powder has decided to stay back with her family once she's grown up, to remain with Vander and help him run his bar, and implicitly has no big ambitions of her own, and definitely no ideas that she would sacrifice her family life for.

Now... Powder/Jinx as a family person is not actually wrong characterization. This is pretty congruent with her character in season 1. Her entire story and literally everything revolves around her family and not much else. When she's Powder she's attached at the hip to Vi and when she's Jinx she doesn't seem too interested in the world outside of her hideout and Silco's office. So considering all we know, yes, Jinx does place family first.

And this is pretty assumed by the show. Now, I also characterized her like this in season 1! She is a family girl. And Jinx happens to have all these people with big revolutionary ideas around her, be it Vander or Vi or Silco or Sevika, but she herself never actually seems much interested in that. She has a small moment in arc 1 of season 1, which i think it's significant to mention comes right after Vi plants the idea in her head. It would've been one thing if these ideas stayed with her, but post time-skip she doesn't bring anything like that up again. She mostly acts like a bored teenager whenever Silco drags her to the river to tell her all about his tragic past that radicalized him. Overall, any time she exhibits any revolutionary spirit, it seems to actually be more of a personal vendetta for her.

So, okay, Jinx is a family girl and she's never really actually been about all these big ideas, I can agree with the writers that this represents her character.

It's just that... this much?

Man, COME ON. There were people making "Everything's Perfect" AUs since season 1, and they almost all had Powder be a student at the Academy. This girl was clearly passionate about her little inventions, her bombs didn't work but she kept and kept trying. You're telling me she would be completely uninterested in learning more about engineering, in getting a formal education in that, in doing anything with it? Since in this world, there's peace between Piltover and Zaun, we can't talk about any barriers to her becoming a student. And, for that matter, in League lore there's an academy in Zaun, too, that she could have attended.

Even Ekko points it out, man. Now, to the writers' credit, the story acknowledges quite clearly that Powder choosing to stay with Vander and help him run the bar is weird. It just... never explains it. Like why is she like this, though? Let's throw out some possibilies:

(1) in some scenes, there seems to be a little "jinxiness" in this Powder, too. maybe she's aware of that side of her, and doesn't like it, and fears that if she went off and did what she wanted, and was truly herself, it would ruin what she has, "things are good now" (in this case, this Powder is actually a tragic character. nowhere near ideal timeline stuff.)

(2) in act 1 of season 1, the reason Vi makes Powder stay back is because she fears losing her, after Vander tells her that she might lose Powder in a confrontation with Piltover. since Vi dies in this universe, on a job, maybe in that moment Powder internalizes that rocking the boat in any way is bad. Vi was spirited and had big ideas and wanted to be someone and it led to her death. so maybe this Powder gave up on all of that then. Vander seems like the type to give her a "look what happens" speech, too.

But these are just my theories. This doesn't ever get properly explained in the show. So then maybe Powder is actually content like this and likes this and maybe these people constantly pestering her that she could do and be more are just annoying nuisances to her, same as Sevika is an annoying nuisance to Jinx in the original timeline (although there it makes significantly more sense).

(Also, why is Vi even dead in this universe? They could've easily found another way for Piltover and Zaun to make peace. Guess Jinx doesn't even get to be happy in the Perfect Timeline, goddamn, girl really is cursed after all.)

If you're gonna spend an entire episode on fix-it fanfiction that is supposed to pander to fans and give them, on screen, what they always wanted to see, why didn't we get grown up Powder in a cute academy uniform, being a top student and working on school projects and being loved by her professors cause girl was a prodigy.

Instead... this is Ekko in this universe, actually.

Ekko is the "big idea guy" and he's working on an entry to the innovations fair and he gets to be Heimerdinger's pupil. To her credit, this Powder still seems to be very smart, Ekko comes to her for help cause he can't actually build his invention alone. But she only uses her intellect to help Ekko. I always thought it would be Powder who would be Heimerdinger's pupil. Instead, here, she's hanging off Ekko's arm, and being all cute, as he discusses Important Stuff with Heimerdinger, stuff that she doesn't get to be privy to, but that she is expected to help them with anyway.

So AU Powder is this very smart girl who is helping her boyfriend build his entry for a contest because he can't actually do it himself but it's okay she'll help him of course and no he can take all the credit she doesn't want to be recognized or anything or to go to like University that would be crazy she's doing it cause she loves him and she's sweet like that and she likes to help others and she doesn't have any character traits that make her difficult she's just a cute funny and relatable down-to-earth girl and she pokes fun at Ekko but like in a loving way and she likes being a waitress and she'd rather be recognized for her dancing skills and................ I'm sorry.....................

So you're telling me Ekko gets transported into an alternate timeline in which his childhood crush who never liked him back is stripped of all her personality, has no goals or ambitions of her own and has no interests besides being his supportive girlfriend, is devoid of all the traits that might have made a relationship with her difficult, and despite the fact that she never showed interest in him in the original world, here she is head over heels for him, always acting all lovey-dovey with him and being nothing but a cute and affectionate puppy.

This is every little boy's with an unrequited crush dream right here. Man, Ekko won more than any other character in this show. And she's mentally ill, too! He's hit the jackpot. Y'all what the fuck am I watching.

I'm sorry but literally ALL I COULD FUCKING SEE WHEN I WAS WATCHING THIS STUPID DANCE SCENE was that in this universe Powder is a good christian girl who stays home with her dad and loves her boyfriend and is always happy to help WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS GOOD GIRL PROPAGANDA get this bullshit OFF my fucking screen I cannot fucking believe what I'm watching here

Moving on.

Ekko has hurt Jinx more than any other character in the show.

Physically speaking.

Ekko is the one who does this.

Which leads to this.

Which ultimately leads to this.

It has always confused me and it continues to confuse me why no one in this fandom treats Jinx being injected with shimmer as a big deal, when this is the worst thing that happens to her post episode 3. And it's a point of no return for her character, she can't undo this. And yeah I know everyone thought Shimmer Jinx was cool in season 2, but her being turned into a half-dead monster is not a good progression for her character. She also goes through agonizing pain in the process.

Singed agrees.

It's Ekko who forces Jinx between death and being turned into a half-dead corpse. It's actually insane to me that no one in the fandom considers this and that this is never brought up in the show. If they wanted Jinx and Ekko to be a thing, you'd think this would be a big deal in their relationship. Ekko has changed her irreparably, for the worse.

Idk, is the guy who beat you up and left you for dead really boyfriend material?

This is the first moment Jinx shows any interest in Ekko. Interesting timing.

I'm pretty sure she doesn't even mention his name post act 3 of season 1. She doesn't wonder about whether he's alright after the bridge fight (for that matter, neither does he). The first time when Jinx looks at him with any hint of affection is when she's standing on a ledge, ready to throw herself off.

Jinx has no one anymore at this point. Her old family is long gone. Silco is dead. Isha is dead. Vi has decided having a good time with Caitlyn is more important than her. This is Jinx at her lowest moment. Does she like him back or is he just the only one who showed up?

Ekko is a winner once again. His crush has been abandoned by everyone, and he is the only one left to comfort her. Luck like this is hard to come by. And of course, she's gonna be super impressed and touched by any sliver of affection now. Probably gonna look at him with big, grateful eyes, and see him as her savior. I'm disgusted.

By the way, this should have never been Ekko. If Vi was too busy with fucking Caitlyn, this should have been Sevika. Sevika is the only character who has known Jinx since she was a child, and who has been with her through every iteration. And she's the only character who has never cared whether she's Jinx or Powder or any other persona she decides to take up, to her she'll always just be an annoying kid. And to Jinx this might actually be comforting. Sevika is the only one who has a realistic perspective on Jinx, and recognizes her flaws, so her talking her down might have actually been very touching, and there are things she could tell her that neither Vi nor Silco could.

(The fuck could Ekko tell her, honestly? That he went off to an alternate universe where she was his perfect girlfriend, so she shouldn't kill herself actually? What the fuck.)

I also wanna talk a bit about Jinx's resolution as a character. Not her fake-out death, but her in the last episode. I think it's interesting that everyone who had a connection to Jinx is gone, namely Silco and Isha. Silco and Isha are both people she chooses, actively, and she is herself around. Instead, now, she's back to Vi and Ekko, the same people that were with her in her childhood. This is a full circle moment for her.

This is Powder right here, guys. Powder was a little girl who made a mistake and then she went off on this journey where she met new people and she was someone else and it was fun for a while but ultimately she realized what she was doing was bad and she came back to her family and is ready to be that little, sweet girl again. The problem with the Powder-Jinx dichotomy is that Jinx, as much as she represents all this bad stuff that the show has made clear, also represents Freedom and Power, two things that Powder definitively lacked. Her coming full circle, coming back to Powder, is not actually a good resolution for her. She's right back where she started, with Vi and Ekko. Her venturing off on her own and making her own decisions was ultimately a mistake that only lead to her suffering. We can take this all the way back to when she decides to venture off on her own with that bomb, despite Vi's disagreement, and the consequences plague her for the rest of the story.

I know everyone thought it looked super cool when she lifted off that hood, but I could only think it was tragic.

[caseythebunnyboy]

Howdy!

Thank you so much for the drawing! It's amazing. I love your art. I apologize for bringing down the mood I know it bothers you not but last thing I want to do is make you sad! From now on I will only grace you with pure nasty truly deplorable thoughts from a lonely cowboy and my day to day life (aka more deplorable thoughts)! I'll fill you in (full pun intended) as my work will keep me busy soon. I'll describe myself more so you can have a general picture of me :] I'm 6'2 I have no clue on my weight but I am a large man. My thighs and calves are like tree trunks. My hands are incredibly calloused from working for 6 years nonstop. I am very skilled with my hands and fingers tying knots all day and playing the banjo (you can take a man out the south but you can't take the south out of the man) and I have no better way to describe it other than my hands are huge. I have short-ish curly hair and I have a tan almost all of the time when it's not winter. If you want to know anything more about me I am more than happy to oblige your request.

I must admit that while it may sound a bit creepy. I lay awake at night I have thoughts of you. I make up scenarios in my head. I look at your kink list and see how similar we are and can't help but imagine using you in thousands of different ways. Tying you up. bending you over and pounding your little boycunt over and over again until your brain is mush and you're full of cum. Then I untie you and hold you in my arms. Singing to you softly as we drift off.

I'll leave the fantasy there but I hope to hear from you soon. 🤠

thank you so much! but wuh 🥹 please dont feel restricted to only being horny on here! im fine with people talking to me about other emotions, since i know people arent just horny 24/7. its fine!! i wont hate you forever if you show any other sign of feeling that isnt being sexual, i promise.

(rest of the response is under the cut because again, dont wanna clog peoples dashboards 😵‍💫)

i shall also paint you a picture of me in exchange!

im 5'4, last time i checked i was 81 (?) kg, i dont remember the specifics but i was around that weight. my thighs are also big but in more of a marshmallow pillow-ey way than a tree trunk way! my hands are very small, clumsy, soft and frail, with my entire hand from palm to my longest finger (the middle finger) being around 7 inches 😊 the only "toughening up" they got is when i would practice my countrys martial arts, i still practice every once in awhile but very occasionally so they never made my hands calloused 🥹 iam... not skilled at all with my hands. my arm starts shaking and hurting if i draw for too long with no breaks 😵‍💫 i have black fluffy-scruffy hair that can never calm down or stay in one place, and my skin is just naturally always tan since im a person of color 🐇

if youd like to know more about me, id also be happy to oblige! what i want to know about you, is if youve ever cum to the thought of me, hehe 💜 just curious! you dont need to answer if youre not comfy doing so 💜💜 and also! can you claim an emoji and put it at the end of your asks? so i know its you and so you can have a little hashtag, like how 🗝️ anon has one!

anyways! i hope to hear from you soon as well! youre so sweet, cowboy anon 🥹 id love to kiss you all over your face, but thatll just have to wait 🥲 see you soon! (hopefully 💜)

honestly, it doesnt sound creepy at all to me... would it be creepy for me to say im flattered and slightly aroused that you think about me so often? if so, then i guess we're both "creepy", hm? 💜 and jeez, id actually really like that. i love people who can be rough and fast during sex, but the moment its all over theyre back to being sweet and caring 😊 would love to doze off on top of your chest, humming along to your song after you finish breeding my boypussy over and over 💜💜

also side note, ever since i read your ask i cant stop thinking about how nice it would feel for your rougher hands to rub and touch my softer skin... the contrast between their textures would made my head so much dizzier whenever you grab my parts 😵‍💫😵‍💫 make of that what you will...

[avatarinspirations]

Avatar Kyoshi music

Here are some songs I like for Kyoshi’s story. It’s gonna get random XD

Angst

“Again” by Flyleaf.

“Anything” by Mae.

“Are You With Me” by Trapt.

“Baby you wouldn’t last a minute on the creek” by Chiodos.

“Bionic” by Christina Aguilera.

“Bite To Break Skin” by Senses Fail.

“Breath” by Breaking Benjamin.

“Breathe” by Michelle Branch.

“Broken Crown” by Mumford & Sons.

“Build your own Disaster” by Ice Nine Kills.

“Calling All Angels” by Train.

“Calls Me Home” by Shannon LaBrie.

“Carry On” by Fun.

“Change” by Taylor Swift.

“Change your mind” by All-American Rejects.

“Coffeeshop Soundtrack” by All Time Low.

“Cold” by Crossfade.

“Colors” by Crossfade.

“Crawling” by Linkin Park.

“Dare you to move/Meant to live” cover by Anthem Lights (original songs by Switchfoot).

“Dead in the Water” by Ellie Goulding.

“Demons” by Imagine Dragons.

“Don’t Tell Me” by Avril Lavigne.

“Dust & Gold” by Arrows to Athens.

“Everybody’s Fool” by Evanescence.

“Evil Angel” by Breaking Benjamin.

“Explosions” by Ellie Goulding.

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

“Fix You” by Coldplay.

“Fly from the Inside” by Shinedown.

“From Yesterday” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“Fully Alive” by Flyleaf.

“Gives you hell” by All-American Rejects.

“Headstrong” by Trapt.

“Helena” by My Chemical Romance.

“Hero” by Skillet.

“Heroes” by Alesso.

“Hit me with your best shot” by Pat Benatar.

“Hit the Floor” by Bullet for my Valentine.

“Hit the Floor” by Linkin Park.

“Hold Me Down” by Halsey.

“HTML Rulez Dood” by the Devil Wears Prada.

“Hurricane” by Bridgit Mendler.

“I’m So Sick” by Flyleaf.

“In the air Tonight” by Nonpoint & Phil Collins.

“Innocence” by Avril Lavigne.

“It Only Hurts” by Default.

“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi.

“Justify” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

“Karma” by Alicia Keys.

“Kings & Queens” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“Monster” by Skillet.

“Move Along” by All-American Rejects.

“My Hero” by Foo Fighters.

“Never Too Late” by Three Days Grace. 

“One Girl Revolution” by Superchick.

“One Woman Army” by Porcelain Black. 

“Only One” by Yellowcard.

“Over & Under” by Egypt Central.

“Papercut” by Linkin Park.

“Prelude 12/21″ by AFI.

“Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande.

“Ready to Fall” by Rise Against.

“Rebirthing” by Skillet.

“Reverie” by Megan McCauley.

“Savior” by Skillet.

“Shake It Out” by Florence & the Machine.

“Shattered” by Trading Yesterday.

“So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin.

“Somebody that I used to know” by Mayday Parade.

“Sorrow” by Flyleaf.

“Supernatural” by Flyleaf.

“Tears don’t fall” by Bullet For My Valentine.

“The Cave” by Mumford & Sons.

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

“The Greatest” by Sia --> I especially love Madilyn Page’s cover.

“The Rescue” by American Hi-Fi.

“This is Gospel” by Panic at the Disco.

“To Hell & Back” by blessthefall.

“Waiting for the End” by Linkin Park.

“What have you done” by Within Temptation. 

“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park.

“Whisper” by Evanescence. 

“You’re Not Alone” by Saosin.

Score Music (Mostly epic)

“A Building Panic” from the Titanic soundtrack.

“Air” from the Angels & Demons soundtrack.

“All or Nothing” by Brand X Music.

“Antrozous” by Hanz Zimmer (Batman Begins soundtrack).

“Attack at the Wall” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“Battle on the Tower” from the Beauty & the Beast soundtrack (the Gaston vs Beast half).

“Birth of a Hero” by Soundcritters.

“Blossoms” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“Bonded for Life” from the Indian in the Cupboard soundtrack.

“Bring the Pain” by Brand-X Music.

“Bumblebee Captured” from the Transformers soundtrack.

“Caeser’s Home” from the Rise of the Planet of the Apes soundtrack.

“Call to Arms” by Two Steps From Hell.

“Chatting with Clark” from the Supergirl Season 1 soundtrack.

“Coffey on the Mile” from the Green Mile soundtrack.

“Destiny” by Filip Olejka.

“Destroying the Corpses” from the Haunting in Connecticut soundtrack.

“Evolve Nation” by Sub Pub Music.

“Farewell” from the Pocahontas soundtrack.

“Firebird Suite” by Igor Stravinsky.

“Floating Away” by Epic Score.

“Glory Seeker” by Immediate Music.

“H2O” from the Angels & Demons soundtrack.

“Here comes the King” by X-Ray Dog.

“Heroes” by Randy Dominguez.

“Jim Saves The Crew” from the Treasure Planet soundtrack.

“Kill ‘Em All” from the Carrie 2013 soundtrack.

“Lacrimosa Dominae” by Immideate. 

“Legion” by Randy Dominguez.

“Like a Fire” from the X-Men: Apocalypse soundtrack.

“Love & Loss” by Two Steps From Hell.

“Marriage Proposal” from the Young Victoria soundtrack.

“Neodammerung” from the Matrix soundtrack.

“Person of Interest” by Immediate Music.

“Prologue” by Jeremy Zuckerman from the Legend of Korra soundtrack.

“Ready for the Fight” by Epic Score.

“Redemption” by Andreas Christodoulou.

“Red Sea” from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack.

“Remember the Titans” by Audiomachine.

“Return of the King” by X-Ray Dog.

“Rise of the Abyss” by Two Steps From Hell.

“Sands of Time” by “Audiomachine.

“Shenzhou” from the Gravity soundtrack.

“Short Hair” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“Silver comforts Jim” from the Treasure Planet soundtrack.

“Superhuman” by Baby Rattle.

“The Age of Man” by Fringe Element.

“The Battle” from the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack.

“The Burning Bush” from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack.

“The Doll Survives” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“The Fall of Man” by Groove Addicts --> this is the music I imagine when reading the Kyoshi vs Xu Ping An <3

“The Great Eatlon” by James Newton Howard.

“The Huns Attack” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“The Master Plan” from the Mulan soundtrack.

“The Moon & the Superhero” from the Hancock soundtrack.

“Their War Here” by Hanz Zimmer & Junkie XL (Batman vs. Superman soundtrack).

“The Ultimate Gift main title” from the Ultimate Gift soundtrack.

“Tornado” by Hanz Zimmer (Man of Steel soundtrack).

“Trilogy” by ATB.

“War is Coming” by Epic Score.

“We Shall Rise” by Epic Score.

“World on Fire” by Ninja Tracks.

Love

“All I Need” by Within Temptation.

“Arms” by Christina Perri.

“Beside You” by Marianas Trench.

“Back to Life” by Hailee Steinfeld.

“Boom Clap” by Charlie XCX.

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by A*Teens.

“Crazier” by Taylor Swift.

“Everything” by Lifehouse.

“Falling in Love” by Falling Up.

“Fearless” by Taylor Swift.

“Flashlight” by Jessie J.

“First Time” by Lifehouse.

“For you I will” by Teddy Geiger.

“Hands on Me” by Vanessa Carlton.

“Here in your arms” by Hellogoodbye.

“How you get the girl” by Taylor Swift.

“I’d rather be in love” by Michelle Branch.

"Impulsive” by Wilson Phillips.

“Juliet” by LMNT.

“Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding.

“Salvation” by Gabrielle Aplin.

“She is the Sunlight” by Trading Yesterday.

“She looks so perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer.

“Smile” by Uncle Kracker.

“Starving (feat. Zedd)” by Hailee Steinfield & Grey.

“Start of Time” by Gabrielle Aplin.

“Stolen” by Dashboard Confessional.

“Stuttering” by the Friday Night Boys.

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.

“Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira.

“Wish you were here” by Avril Lavigne.

“With Me” by Sum 41.

“Yellow” by Katherine Ho.

“Your body is a wonderland” by John Mayer.

“Your Guardian Angel” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

Other

“I Lived” by One Republic.

“I’m Alive” by Celine Dion.

“I won’t give up” by Jason Mraz.

“Part of Me” by Katy Perry.

“Release Me” by Agnes.

“Superheroes” by The Script.

“Undefeated” by Jason Derulo. 

“Wild Heart” by Sabi.

“You’re a god” by Vertical Horizon.

Please, feel free to add to this list!

[exosmutfactory]

How I Look On You 003

Chun-hei is stuck between feeling too busy to commit and too young to settle down. And with her bustling book publisher business, bachelors and alike are all swarming around her for a chance at publicity. She’s doing a good job at keeping the men at bay—until Byun Baekhyun, that is. Doesn’t mean he’ll have it easy though.

Part 1 |  Part 2 |  Part 3 ✓ |  Part 4 |  Part 5 |

•⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •

The Struggle

---

Uh, I make my money, and I write the checks

So say my name with a little respect

All my girls successful, and you're just our guest

Do I really need to say it?

Do I need to say it again, yeah?

You better stop the sweet talk

And keep your pretty mouth shut

---

“Fuck,” I pant, leaning back into my seat. “Mmm god, Baekhyun.”

The raven moans from between my legs, sucking harder on my clit as I tug on his hair in abandon.

“You’re so fucking good,” Purring lowly while running a hand through his hair, I tighten my grip again; arching against his mouth when he lightly drags his teeth across the sensitive bud. “I’m close.”

“Mmm.” He slides a finger inside, slipping in another one when he receives no resistance from my sopping core.

My moans grow louder in volume as he repeatedly hits my g-spot; that familiar knot in my stomach getting ready to release with every suck and swirl of his tongue on my clit. When my orgasm hits a loud ringing fills my ears; black dots circling my vision as I stare up open-mouthed at the ceiling. Thighs quivering around his head as he keeps lapping at my aching folds.

“You taste so fucking good,” He growls, moving between my parted legs while I look up at him in a daze. His hard member sliding along my soaking core causing both our breaths to hitch.

“Baek,” I panted, gripping his shirt. Please.

He slips inside; all hot, rigid and raw. I can feel every vein on his cock as I tighten my greedy walls.

“Look at you,” He grunts, snapping his hips and bottoming out with every thrust; the painfully good pressure at my cervix leaving me breathless. “So needy for my cock, baby. Have you missed me?”

Digging my nails into his leather seats, I can only moan and gasp with his every move; that familiar feeling of blooming pride swelling in my chest. My back arches to new heights when he roughly rubs my recovering clit; a cry pulled from my lips when he speeds up his rough movements. Sex is always good, but fuck, Baekhyun’s sex is out worldly.

“Fuck you look so beautiful like this,” He breathes; hair dangling in his brown eyes that are filled with an emotion I’m too blissed out to decipher right now. My grip on his back deepens the more that all too familiar knot forms in my stomach.

“Chunhei.”

It takes all my effort to open my eyes and meet his again; a flow of pleasured noises I haven't made in years falling from my lips when he tilts my hips at a higher angle and slams right into my spot. I can only describe the look in his eyes as fondness as I tip over that blissful edge.

“God.” Baekhyun groans, hips stuttering at my spasming walls gripping his cock. His head snaps up from our joined parts, “W-Wait where can I cum?” The breathy tone of his voice has me tightening even more around him, pulling an almost pained moan from his thoroughly kiss-swollen lips. “Fuck baby, I can’t-”

“I-Inside.” I gasp, wrapping my thighs tightly around his waist, “Fill me up, Baekhyun.”

The whiny moan from his lips as he cums is devastatingly adorable, although I’d never tell him that. Or how right it feels to have his warmth filling up my walls. Can’t have him getting too attached now, can we? 

Our heavy breaths mingle in the heat of the fogged-up car as I move to reach for the tissue box on the passenger’s seat. “My meeting is in 30 minutes,” I sigh, trying my best to ignore his tempting kisses on my neck.

Baekhyun pauses, making a noise in protest. “10 more minutes with me?”

“Baek, after all that you’d be lucky if I came in 40.” I chuckle breathlessly, checking my Rolex. “Didn’t you say you had somewhere to be as well?” Quirking a brow, I turn back to him, blinking at the odd look in his eyes. He shifts his brown orbs away before I can identify it. “Yeah.” He clears his throat, leaning back to help clean up the mess. “I have to show an intern around.”

“Ooo that sounds like fun,” I smirk, laughing at the sour look on his face. “Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.”

“Imagine having someone ¾ s of your age following you around,” He grumbles; nose adorably scrunched as he gently wipes our aftermath from my inner thighs.

Ugh. Accountants and their ways of math—but wait. I tilt my head, “How old are you?”

Baekhyun freezes, hand right over my mound before mumbling something under his breath.

“Hmm?” I tuck a red manicured finger under his chin, looking into his sparkly brown orbs.

“I..” He hesitates, gulping. A red hue covering the tips of his ears. “24,” He mumbles.

“..Huh,” I lick my lips, grinning; keeping his gaze locked on mine. “And you’re just telling me this now?”

“Y-You never asked,” He looks off to the right before meeting my eyes with his defensive ones, “What? Is it a problem?”

“No,” I insist, shaking my head with a coy smile. “Just making sure,” My finger lightly traces down his neck to his delectable collarbones; his gulp adding sparks to a cooled down flame, “I’m not corrupting you.”

Baekhyun looks up at me then in all his unbuttoned shirt and sex tussled hair glory, biting that damn bottom lip of his, “And what if you are?”

I scoff, snarling playfully and giving him a light shove, “You wish. Come on before we ruin your seats.”

Together we finish cleaning off ourselves and the driver’s seat. Throwing used tissues in the trash bag under the passenger’s seat and looking all over for my earring and his tie. “Here,” I gently take it from his hands, straightening it, “You’re looking a little crooked there.”

Baekhyun says nothing as I end up retying the knot; his gaze burning on my concentrating form.

“There,” I smooth it out with a small smile, reaching for my purse while he runs a hand through his hair and steps out the car. The cold wintry air feels amazing on my heated skin.

“So,” He clears his throat, avoiding my eyes. I lightly tap my nails on the dashboard, very aware of the ticking on the clock. “Can I...see you after this?” He falters, peeking meekly over at me.

“I need to be able to walk tomorrow, Baek,” I mumble, reapplying my lipstick in the mirror.

“T-That’s fine, I mean...” He rocks back on the balls of his feet, “Do you.. want to go out for dinner or some-”

Wincing a little, I murmur, “I’m staying later to monitor everyone during overtime tonight.” My chest tightens uncomfortably after I utter those words. And even more so when I see the crestfallen look on his face.

“Oh..” He rubs the back of his neck, looking down at his shoes before meeting my eyes. “Are you free anytime this week?”

I don’t say anything—I can’t bear to as he looks at me with those damn sad puppy eyes that tug at a deep place hidden inside my chest. So I lightly shake my head, clearing my throat before returning my focus back to the purse in my hands. And the vibrating phone in my lap. “I’ll have to sprint if I plan to make it on time.” I note, eyes wide at the “2 minutes to spare” reminder flashing across the screen.

Baekhyun merely nods, moving out the way as I step out into the cold. The temperature is nearly unbearable as I take a step away from his warmth.

“I’ll text you the next time I’m free,” I mumble, throwing him one last look over my shoulder. I pat his arm while walking pass, trying to ignore the dejected look on his face. “See you ‘round.”

“Yeah,” He murmurs, the rest of his words taken away by the mid-December wind.

I huddle further into my wool coat as I round the corner. Quickly making my way into the building despite the light layer of ice covering the sidewalk before my gloveless fingers go numb. The gust of heat greeting me once I step through the door doing little to warm me up on the inside.

“Chun-hei!” Snapping my head up, my eyes widen at the frazzled secretary near sprinting across the floor, “Jihun, what-”

“You’re 10 minutes late!” She hisses, grabbing my wrist before bolting back over to the elevators. “Thank goodness the illustrator was able to distract the reviewers and the author with a selection of book covers. Your ass needs to be in there now.”

I give a speedy reply, thankfully making it to the meeting room in one piece despite our haste through freely cleaned, (and slippery,) floors. It takes everything in me to stop Jihun from literally bursting through the door before quickly checking over our appearances and walking through the entry with the expected swiftness and grace.

“Good morning everyone, sorry I’m late.” Briefly glancing over the blank and slightly irritated expressions on their faces, I drape my coat over the back of my chair, swiftly moving to start the presentation on the whiteboard. “Let’s get down to business, shall we?”

➽➼►♦⇔♦➽➼►♦⇔♦➽➼►

“I know you’re happy getting dicked down on the regular, Chun-hei, but fuck.” Jihun paces the empty room, running careful mint-green manicured fingers through her hair, “You’ve never been late to a meeting before.”

All I can do is press my forehead to the table and groan. Please don’t remind me. Thinking about all the nonsense I spluttered to Baekhyun in my hurry to escape makes me wince. Overtime? Being busy for the rest of the week? I just sent my workers off on a mini-vacation for being so diligent these past 3 months.

“Really, I know it’s doing you some good, but you’re really distracted now too.” I know she’s only speaking the truth, but it still hurts my pride knowing that someone—a horny man none the less—has managed to cloud my judgment again. To knock me off my tight-knit schedule and mess up a little of my reputation. And only with keeping my bed warm every now and then? Has my self worth stooped this low?

Or is it my guard being let down around him; my subconscious muses.

I shove that thought down fast.

“Jihun,” Her name comes out more whiny than intended. Though it stops her right in her tracks. “What?”

“I need help,” I mumble. In more way than one if I’m being honest. 

“With what—Baekhyun hasn’t done anything has he?” Her heels click rhythmically as she approaches the table, taking the seat next to me. “If he fucked you over, I swear-”

“No, no,” I shake my head, waving my hand around, “None of that. I need a drink.”

“..A drink?..”

“Straight up vodka,” I lift my head, nodding to myself, “And five shots.”

She gives me a pensive look, sharp eyes quickly picking up on the situation. “I’ll call the girls.”

Giving an appreciative hum, I let my head drop back to the table with a sigh. Willing away the thoughts of black hair and hypnotizing brown eyes. What the fuck have I gotten myself into.

“Let me get this straight,” Minji taps her chin, a glass of mojito resting between her fingertips, “You’ve been sleeping with this guy for a few weeks-”

“Months,” I mumble petulantly, nursing my own glass with shaky hands, “Over two months.”

“Over two months,” She repeats, “And when he asks you on a date, you freak out.” She concludes, setting stunned eyes onto me.

I shrug despite the lump in my throat; tugging uncomfortably at the neck of my crocheted long-sleeved black dress, “Pretty much.”

“Girl!” There is no time to avoid a snack to my arm. All I can do is cover the throbbing area and whimper at the pain. “He likes you, dummy!”

“Sure he does,” I roll my eyes, ignoring the fast pace of my heart; leaning against the counter when the room starts to spin. “We could say the same about-” I hiccup, “-Seojun.”

“Seojun has been far up his own ass since day one,” Jihun’s voice manages to float over the headache-inducing bass of the club. Perfect nails sticking out like sore thumbs under the neon lights, “It’s our fault for giving him the benefit of the doubt.” 

“How nice of you,” I murmur, taking my last shot glass with a sigh.

“Anyways,” Minji perks up, energy cranked up to 100 as she drunkenly sways to the unfamiliar dubstep, “I think you should totally give this Baekhyun guy a chance.”

An unwanted warm feeling blossoms in my chest at the prospect. I shove the drunken hope down quickly and make a noise in protest, “But-”

Another smack. “No buts!” She huffs. Jihun stands behind her covering up her snickering with a shot glass. “If you keep going on like this you’ll have too much money and not enough kids to help with college tuition—and I know you want to pay that college tuition-”

“But if said college tuition didn’t exist-” I almost trip over a stool trying to lean back from her raised hand and narrowed eyes, “Okay okay, you’re right!”

“Damn straight.” She huffs, turning to Jihun. “I can’t believe Seoyeon isn’t here.”

“Nah, it’s alright,” I drape my head over my folded arms, closing my eyes. Instantly being greeted by the sight of pink pouty lips and brown kicked puppy eyes. “She’d ruin the mood.”

“True, she gets all stiff when you mention men,” Jihun murmurs; cheeks already rosy as she throws back another shot. Sighing while taking a look around, “But why isn’t she here? It’s not like her to miss the opportunity.”

Minji starts to say something but makes a gagging noise.

My eyes shoot open as I quickly move out of her range, looking her over frantically from a safe distance. “Min!” Jihun pats her gasping form on the back, carefully setting down her mojito before resting a hand on her shoulder, “Are you okay?” Our petite friend refuses to respond, an action that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand as she gazes with an open mouth somewhere behind us; face turning pale. Curiosity getting the best of me, I slowly turn around to follow her line of sight.

I honestly can’t say that I’m surprised.

Seojun eyes me from across the room; brown hair messily swiped across his forehead. Seated in a booth with his shirt unbuttoned and two attention-seeking women pressed to his side. Dark brown eyes sweeping over my form. It’s sad to admit that that is how he won me over a year ago. There’s no denying his genuine model-quality looks, I’m just pissed that he used my name to get the career and the girls... And everything else he wanted. That familiar shit-eating grin on his face making my blood boil.

Someone blocks him from view; a woman with peach-colored hair that causes a spark to light up in his dark brown eyes. All I can determine is her familiar stature before a gag rings in my ear and the fluid I wanted to avoid the most falls down my dress.

I squeeze my eyes shut as Jihun pulls a sick Minji away, using all my willpower not to yell at the drunkenly swaying woman while bidding them a gruff goodbye and heading out to call a cab.  A few tears escape my eyes when the disgusting substance starts sticking to my skin. Great, this is exactly how I pictured my night to go. I manage to give the driver an address before curling up on the backseat, mindful to keep the mess from spreading to the back of the cab. The last time I rode in one of these vivid in my mind while idly running my fingertips over the back of the leather seat. A small smile curling at my lips. Huh, one night stand turned into something more, hm? 

I’m startled awake by the driver, leaving him with 5 dollars extra before stepping back out into the cold night. The apartment complex in front of me making my eyes widen in realization. Have I seriously memorized his address after riding in a cab with him about two...three times? I’d call another cab if I could remember the password to my own phone.

Next thing I know, I’m swaying a bit in front of his door. Second-guessing myself a moment too late when he’s already pulling it open; yawning like a baby lion and sleep-dazed brown eyes widening significantly. “Chunhei?” He breathes, face painted in disbelief.

I stiffen, suddenly sobering up and turning red in realization. Showing up at his doorstep at who knows what hour after practically running out on him this morning? I look down at my ruined dress, feel the sticky streaks of mascara on my cheeks and gag at the overwhelming smell of sweat and alcohol now that I’m out of that stuffy environment. Am I out of my fucking mind!? I gulp, palms getting ridiculously clammy. “I...” His sparkly brown eyes aren’t helping either. I turn away, already heading back to the elevator, “I-I’m sorry, I must have sleepwalked-”

“Stay.” He utters; soft and inviting.

I look down at his hand circled around my wrist, hoping he can’t feel my heartbeat as I follow it up to his cute face. Sleepy brown orbs eyeing me knowingly. There’s no use trying to hide how my gaze sweeps over his fluffy bedhead and pouty lips swollen from sleep before meeting his again. Even in nothing but a wrinkle white t-shirt and flannel pajama pants, Byun Baekhyun is the most stunning man I’ve ever seen.

“Okay,” I whisper. Stiffening again when he gently smiles, sliding his hand down to hold mine. He giggles—actually giggles—at the unsure look on my face before leading me into his home. And really, if I wasn’t so messy I might even give him a... hug.

•⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •

Part 1 |  Part 2 |  Part 3 ✓ |  Part 4 |  Part 5 |

Hi yes this chapter is late because I was 2 seconds away from scraping the whole thing, but I think I managed to finish it okay? It's not what I originally planned but when does a plan ever go perfectly? XD I hope you liked it anyway♡♡

Thank you all for supporting this story, have a good weekend! 

[the-light-finds-its-way]

Shartok’s Rescue

“Follow my lead!” Gadrax called, fire swarming beneath his ship. He dragged Shartok, Kell of Domination, along the dock, but the pull did not move him.

Shartok narrowed his gaze to the Eliksni, barely hanging onto his hand while dangling into the nothing of space below. “You dare command me, Dreg?!”

“I can live again but you will not!! LET GO AND YOU DIE!!!” Gadrax screamed.

Shartok hissed lowly. “I have lived long, traitor. There is nothing but disgrace in being saved by the likes of you!”

“IF YOU EMBRACED DEATH TRULY YOU’D HAVE LET GO BY NOW!! GRAB MY FUCKING HAND!!!”

Shartok’s eyes widened and his mandibles fell open.

Gadrax snarled. “CLEARLY YOU AREN’T WILLING TO DIE OR YOU’D BE FALLING INTO THAT TRAVELER-FORSAKEN BLACK NOTHING BY NOW!! COME WITH ME!!!!!”

Shartok gazed below himself to the abyss of stars, ships swarming rapidly between each one, and he gulped. Slowly did he switch the gaze to Gadrax, examining the Titan mark swaying in the gusting wind--glistening before the Traveller’s light. Then, he looked to his own hands and body, swaying within the wind, reaching into the nothing of space, took one deep breath, and reached up for Gadrax who bent down and grabbed every hand with his own.

Gadrax yanked the Kell onto to the ship dock and pulled the door open with one hand, then let Shartok go and slipped inside.

Shartok stood motionless outside the door.

Turning around, Gadrax groaned and snarled at the Kell once more. “Lord Shartok! Do you want to die?!”

“Death is honor amongst the Fallen. Betrayal is nothing but dishonor, and I’d rather meet a worthy end with dignity than fall in disgrace,” Shartok told. He grasped handles on either side of the door to balance himself, then turned around to face the outreaches of space. “I cannot traverse the galaxy with a Guardian. I have no need to follow the commands of a Dreg, for you are but scum of the galaxy, and even further beneath that as the most wanted traitor of Fallen-kind.”

“THEN FALL!” spat Gadrax. “LET YOUR PEOPLE MOURN YOU FOR ETERNITY!” His eyes narrowed as he took heavy breaths, staring the Kell directly down. “I once thought you to be a noble man--a hero! But now I see you’re nothing more than a bastard swallowed by his own pride! If you truly care about being a leader for your people you’ll come with me and live long enough to continue leading them!! What is a kingdom of millions to one moment’s defiance of a worn-out code?” Gadrax promptly turned his back to Shartok and stomped down into the cockpit, then sat in the pilot’s chair, door still open.

Shartok’s mandibles spread open as he stood silent, eyes slowly yet solemnly closing. Taking a deep breath, he forlornly gazed beneath himself to the swarming ships now rising closer to Gadrax’s ship, their firing grazing its sides, then he turned toward the cockpit and stepped inside, pulling the doors shut.

“Sit down so we can take off,” Gadrax said, not looking to the Kell. He pointed to an empty seat beside his own.

Slumping forward with slow, ancient steps, Shartok made his way cautiously toward the seat and sat within it, strapping himself inside as he glanced to the Guardian.

Gadrax yanked the steering handles downward and launched the ship forward, furthering both Eliksni from the firing and madness inbound. He did not look to the Kell, but simply focused ahead while navigating through debris, rocks, and stars.

Shartok glanced away from the Dreg and closed his eyes. “Why would you save me?” he asked.

“Because it’s what Guardians do.”

“But you have just as much reason to let me die, here and now, as I do you.”

“Guardians don’t let innocent people die,” said Gadrax. “We live to protect the citizens of the galaxy.”

Shartok shook his head, hanging low as he released a deep, low sigh. “I am far from innocent, Dreg. And with my actions I shall have more crime upon my hands than is worth living for.”

“Then consider it a courtesy,” said Gadrax. He glanced toward the Kell. “It’s… only right for a Dreg to protect his leaders.”

Shartok sneered and scoffed. “You are not of our people!”

“Maybe not. But then I place it back on Guardian ideology,” Gadrax argued. “Do you see the predicament here?” He sighed and returned his eyes to the stars ahead. “It was the right thing to save you in the end, milord. I wouldn’t let you die without trying to save you first because that’s just wrong. It’s called having a conscience.”

Shartok sneered once more, but otherwise remained silent. Turning away from the Dreg, the Kell nodded once and crossed his arms. “You have changed far beyond what anyone knows, Dreg,” he said. “I have learned much in my time, but the greatest is that the different ones--the revolutionaries--the defiers--are the only reason a future can happen and become reality, whether for better or worse. Judgment through experience is the only true way to gauge which way it shall unfold. Yet somehow… I feel that the actions you take will create a great one.”

Gadrax pressed his mandibles together for a moment, shoulders against his cheeks, then released everything. “Then I won’t let the future fail,” he said. “If it truly depends on people like me, I’ll be a beacon for everyone to follow.”

“You already are,” said Shartok blankly. He raised one arm and pointed to Dexo who floated beside Gadrax, still turning himself away from both. “Is your Ghost not the Light which you carry? And are you not your Light? Shine across galaxies, Dreg. But beware the many who will attempt to extinguish your shine.”

Nodding once, Gadrax cautiously turned to Shartok. “Many have tried before. I’m surprised you haven’t yet.”

Shartok turned to meet Gadrax’s eyes. “A beacon cannot die without grace. If there is one thing I have learned, it is the importance of a glorious end, and crushing you would not be one, for I know when I have been bested.”

Neither Eliksni spoke again from this point. Not for many hours, at least.

--------------------

Navigating through various debris, Gadrax looked to the Kell after a long while. “I’ll take you to wherever your armies have convened,” he said. “Let’s make it quick, though. Ikora is probably wondering where I’ve gone.”

Sighing, Shartok nodded. “Third sector of Saturn,” he told. “The largest moon within that area is where I have sent the survivors.”

Pulling the steering handles harshly toward himself, Gadrax’s ship warped as the infinity of space tunneled around it, and suddenly he released them, ship slowing as Saturn appeared ahead, spanning the entire navigational view with moons orbiting within just meters. Gadrax shifted the ship rightward, and between the many moons he navigated toward one far larger in width than those surrounding it.

“I will never fully understand your intentions,” said Shartok solemnly. “But perhaps… that is because… some things are not meant to be understood.”

Dexo, hovering above Gadrax’s left shoulder, nodded. “That makes sense. And being the wisest of Fallen, a Kell, I agree. And I never thought I’d agree with a Fallen.”

Gadrax hissed at his Ghost. “You’ve agreed with me plenty of times!”

“Ok, but you’re different,” Dexo said. “Anyway, I’m preparing the area for transmat.”

Gadrax hovered the ship directly above the wide moon and pressed one button on the dashboard. Transmat bursting alight with golden beams, he looked to Shartok and pointed to it. “It’s time to leave,” he said bluntly.

Rising slowly, pushing all four arms off the armrests, Shartok stood upright and slumped toward the transmat, not looking to Gadrax. In silence, he carefully made his way toward the transmat, then paused with one foot above the light. “I owe you nothing for this, Dreg, as you have betrayed and killed your former leader, then the order of Fallen society,” said Shartok. “And now you have convinced me to follow in your crooked footsteps and tarnished my reputation! My mercy in letting you go and saying nothing to the other Kells, to my commanders or follower, is my payment, however, for… like you…” The Kell hung his head low, clacking his mandibles softly. “I feel the need to do the right thing…”

Gadrax gave one nod. “Then farewell,” he said.

“Farewell.” Shartok walked onto the transmat and the glow surrounded him, and he disappeared entirely.

Transmat light disappearing, Gadrax pushed the steering handles forward and turned the ship away from Saturn, then disappeared into the distant stars, silent.

[shurisneakers]

espresso [4]

Summary: In which your best friend’s brother begins to set you up on dates when you mention that you haven’t been in a relationship in years, but things don’t go as expected.

Warning: swearing, dating, anger issues

A/N: this is my entry for the beautiful @bithors writing challenge!

hey hey big shoutout to @samingtonwilson because every time she betas this and sends me the revised copy im like!!!! a QUEEN!!!! holy shit!!!

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing <333

Previous part- Part 3 || Espresso Masterlist

“No. Fucking. Way.”

“Yes fucking way! Ain’t she beautiful?” Bucky beamed, running his hands gingerly over the door of his new ride. An old muscle car, a sleek black with a few scratches and dents, but proudly glinting in the moonlight.

You let out a low whistle, glancing up at Bucky as you crouched beside the car for a better look. “Gorgeous. She got a name?”

“I was debatin’ Grace, but now I’m thinkin’ she’s more of an April. What do you think?”

You would have teased him, but this was genuinely the happiest you’d seen him in a long time. Alight eyes were crinkled at the corners and his grin was one of the largest you’d ever seen, and heck, you wondered why he couldn’t be like this more often.

“Shits, that’s perfect.”

You sent him a pair of finger-guns when he opened the door for you and he rolled his eyes in feigned exasperation, smile still stretched over his lips.

In an empty threat, he replied, “Say shit one more time in plural and you’re walking there on your own.”

“Well, God forbid a girl has funs,” you joked only to be met with a groan of annoyance. “Oh, calm down.”

Once in the car, you immediately went to set your feet on the dashboard, legs crossed at the ankle, but received a deadly glare. You slowly lowered your feet, never breaking eye contact with him even as your features twisted in playful fear.

As you tugged your seatbelt on, you asked, “When’d you get her?”

“Two days ago. Couldn’t afford the payments on the other one. Sold it to some frat guys ages ago and took whatever was left after payin’ off the bank to get this one.” He sighed contentedly as he turned the key in the ignition so the engine roared to life. “DMV shit got delayed. She’s probably, like, a third-hand vehicle and needs the upholstery totally ripped up and replaced– but I think she’s pretty great.”

With a soft sound of disagreement, you shook your head. “She’s a ten out of ten, no need for anything. I’m happy for you.”

You tucked your hands behind your head, leaning back into the worn out leather seats which had turned soft over years of use, and a soft sigh of comfort left your lips to prove your point.

“How are your classes going?” he asked after a moment, still smiling softly at your previous statement.

“Getting fingered by Wolverine would be less painful,” you replied casually so Bucky choked and coughed on an inhale. You laughed quietly. “How’s engineering going?”

The indicator made a clicking noise you thought must have sounded less out of tune years ago as he took a left turn. “Shitty. Fuckin’ hate it.”

Eyebrows furrowed, you tilted your head with an agape mouth. “Shitty? Two days ago it was the shit, you said you loved it, that you elected to major in it.”

He gave you a tight-lipped smile and half a shrug and, immediately, you knew something was wrong. While you and Bucky didn’t often discuss your respective career choices and plans for the future, each time you did manage a conversation adjacent, he’d mentioned it was something he’d wanted to do– hell, had he not mentioned it, the number of shitty jokes and puns he made in its reference would have convinced you alone.

“Didn’t want to at first. But Becca advertised wanting to go into journalism all throughout high school and it’s not– it’s not a traditionally lucrative job, at least for the first few years.” He shrugged again, this time in a bit of insecurity, nervousness, but his eyes remained trained on the road. “Figured one of us should be able to embrace that nontraditional job so I picked up something more secure. Something secure because things at home are, you know…”

He had trailed off, but you knew what he meant. Money was a sensitive topic for both, Rebecca and Bucky and, although they could never be ashamed of their family, their pride kept them from asking for help from you despite your continued offering.

“Anyway, she ended up choosing poli-sci for law school for the same reason, so that was pretty ironic,” he grinned and you could see it didn’t reach his eyes, maybe hurting his cheeks as much as it hurt you just to see it.

You remained silent and your teeth wreaked havoc on your lower lip as he continued, “Can’t do anything about it now, though. But, if I could, I’d change my choices in an instant.”

Toying with your fingers in your lap, you asked, “What would you major in instead?”

“I don’t know, it’s kind of stupid really–“

“Didn’t you wanna write?” you added softly, eliciting a look of surprise from him.

He glanced at you quickly. “How’d you know?”

“You were always writing in high school. I saw you with your little notebook every lunch, Bucky,” you laughed, images of an acne-covered Bucky with shoulder-length hair bent over a tiny journal, scribbling for the life of him.

He groaned in embarrassment, a light pink dusting over his cheeks. “I can’t believe you noticed that, Christ. The emo phase was strong.”

“Well, if it helps, I think you’d be a kick-ass writer. I’d be first in line to buy your book. Wouldn’t even sell it on eBay after getting you to sign it.”

He fell silent at that, choosing to bite his lip in place of a response. You’d begun to wonder if you’d said something wrong when he whispered, “Thanks, Mario.”

You didn’t say much more, only turning to look out the window. It wasn’t too long before you heard him chuckle to himself but before you could ask him what he was laughing about, he spoke up, “This is so sad. Alexa, play Despacito.”

You snorted. Fuckin’ dork.

Bucky was leaned against the door of his car as he waited with you until your date for the evening arrived, keeping you engrossed in the utterly ridiculous nonsense you both spoke about.

“I’m just saying, if you made coffee with Gatorade and injected it into your bloodstream, you’re basically God. Like, who the fuck would need heroin then?” you tried explaining for the fifth time, unable to keep the smile off your face. You had your arms crossed over your chest in an effort to keep yourself warm whilst Bucky’s hands were shoved into the pockets of his sweatpants.

“Gatorade is for cowards, we use only Red Bull in this holy house– it actually does something. How about if you mixed vodka, ground espresso beans, and protein powder, then snorted it–”

You clicked your tongue. “Intravenous is more effective–”

“Didn’t realize the offer of a date included you, James.”

In a bit of a laborious task, you looked away from Bucky to the guy who came to a stop before you. Dark hair gelled back and darkness which wasn’t hidden by his glasses surrounding deep hazel eyes, he wore a simple black sweater over a pale blue t-shirt. “But I’m not complaining. Love me some three-way action.”

“Tony,” Bucky sighed, smiling nonetheless. “This is–“

“Mario? I figured.” Tony flashed a quick smile at you.

Immediately you could hear loud sniggering from beside you, making you spin to face him in annoyance. “You have got to stop doing that! What the fuck?” you exclaimed, punching a laughing Bucky on the shoulder as he feebly tried to defend himself.

“My name’s Y/N, not Mario,” you stated to clear the confusion, rolling your eyes at Bucky who burst out laughing again, clearly showing no remorse.

He looked from his watch to you, not fazed by your exchange with Bucky. “Ah, I see. Well, shall we get going? Game’s about to start.”

“See ya later, Mario. Have a good time, guys.” Bucky ruffled your hair as you tried to swat his hand away, taking a step towards Tony as he looked at you with a small smile on his face. “I’ll be on the other side of the court if you need me.”

“D’you want to get some food during halftime or before the first quarter?” Tony asked once Bucky waved a goodbye and jogged to join his friends.

“Halftime sounds good, I think the game’s about to start,” you answered, sending him a half smile.

He only nodded and adjusted his glasses, beckoning for you to join him.

You both made small talk and it turned out he wasn’t nearly half as bad as Peter. He rarely spoke of himself and only mentioned he would be looking for a sustainable source of energy in the future, something about wanting to lessen the environmental burden of current energy dependencies.

It started out well enough, the both of you commenting on the players who you knew. You waved at Sam from your place on the bleachers and he shot you a wink in response

“Sam’s starting tonight and it’s against the Gotham Jokers. S’why Bucky and everyone else is here,” you explained, leaning forward to rest your elbows on your knees.

“Wilson? Number seven? He’s your friend?” Tony asked, squinting at the ball as it was tossed into the air, soon taken by one of the Jokers.

You didn’t bother sparing him a glance as you watched Sam quickly steal the ball back and passing it to Rhodey. “Yeah. Why d’you sound so surprised?”

“Think he’s a bit overrated, that’s all,” Tony mumbled, making you reel back and stare at him disbelievingly. “Got the whole school worshipping the ground he walks on.”

“Captain of the team, MVP last season. He got scholarships to three different prestigious universities, too,” you recited, jumping to your feet as Sam made a shot from the three point line, the ball going in effortlessly with a swish. You looked over your shoulder to raise an eyebrow at Tony, “Still think he’s overrated?”

He only shrugged. “Guess not.”

The next few minutes flew by quickly, Tony progressively getting more invested in the game as it went on. He occasionally let out a cheer when you did, but other than that, he was more observant than anything.

But just as the Jokers were about to pass the ball, Tony jumped to his feet with a scowl, “Double dribble! Double fucking dribble! He stopped! What the fuck, why isn’t anyone calling that out?”

“Tony, he didn’t hold it. There was no double dribble,” you urged as the people surrounding you turned to glare at you both.

“Jesus fuck, this entire crowd is ignorant. Uneducated,” he stated angrily, sitting down in a huff.

You patted him on the back in attempted consolation, but he only ignored you, continuing to glower ahead.

Everything was fine and dandy until the Jokers’ defense pushed one of your team’s players when the referee wasn’t watching. In Tony’s defense, everybody reacted loudly to that. But no one had the passion Tony had when he leapt up like a fucking Jack in the Box, fists thrown in the air. “What the fuck!?” he screamed to no one in particular.

“Yeah, what the fuck!?” you echoed, cupping your hands around your mouth.

“You fucking blind ass, stupid piece of shit, punkass bitch!” he raged, pupils dilated and eyebrows furrowed.

“Okay, never mind.” You promptly sat down, trying to pull Tony with you but he shook you off fervently. You thought he resembled the fucking Tasmanian Devil from Looney Toons.

“That was a foul! Why don’t you use your fucking whistle, you trick ass little bitch?! Try blowing something other than your own dick for once!” he screamed at the referee, shaking his arms around wildly.

“Jesus Christ,” you whispered, putting your head in your hands as he ranted on and on for another ten seconds before finally sitting down, cursing steadily to himself.

When your team made an effortless basket, you prayed it would calm Tony down. And to some extent it did work and he kept quiet until the first quarter was up, only rolling his eyes when people turned to look at him.

Ignoring them from that moment on, he tilted his head as he watched Sam send a wink to a girl who only rolled her eyes playfully in response. “Who’s that?”

“Sam.”

“I know that’s Sam, I’m asking who the girl is.”

“Sam’s girlfriend, Sam,” you replied as you laughed at his expression of confusion.

“Sam has a girlfriend… named Sam?” You nodded as he sighed, smiling despite himself. “Fuck, what would their couple name be?”

“Well, they’re Sam and Sam. Or as I like to call them,” you dropped your voice as he raised an amused eyebrow, “Sam.”

“That’s so fucking creative, how did you ever think of that name?” he asked, a smile on his face that made him look ten times less stressed than he’d been mere moments ago.

You actually didn’t mind Tony at that moment. You might have even considered him to be fun.

That was until the next quarter started and the referee called a foul on Sam for apparently no reason and Tony was back on his feet, face red like one of those ugly Angry Birds. He then started in a shrieking voice, “Oh, so now you want to blow that whistle, you piece of utter shi–“

Tony gave you a ride back to your apartment after the game which had ended much later than you thought it would. You knew Bucky had left after the third quarter when he sent you a text saying he needed to get up early for his shift, but he asked you to call him when you got home safe.

You wondered if he was still awake but, as you’d promised, you called him the moment you crossed the building threshold.

“Hello?” his rasped in an infinitely exhausted voice– you instantly regretted calling him.

“Hey, fuck, sorry. I didn’t think you’d be asleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, get some rest,” you said hurriedly, guilt seeping through your words.

“No, no, it’s fine,” he paused and you could hear him yawn despite the muffling over the line. “Is everything fine, baby?”

“Yeah everything’s– wait, what did you just call me?” you asked as you bit your tongue and your eyebrows shot up in surprise.

The silence you were met with was quickly followed by a string of curses, presumably since he perceived what he’d said. His voice was clearer as he replied, “Shit. Sorry, Mario. It just slipped out. I’m, like, half dead. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah. Just called to talk about the king of anger paralysis, clone of Charlie Sheen, Tasmanian Devil embodiment–”

Bucky cut you off with a sigh. “Tony?”

“Oh, yes. Wanna hear all about my super great time with dear Squidward or should I save it for tomorrow?” you asked as you jogged up the stairs to your apartment.

You could hear rustling on the other end before he yawned once again, saying lightly, “I’m ready. Go on for as long as you want.”

“It all started when he called the referee a ‘fucking blind ass, stupid piece of shit, punkass bitch.’”

Bucky sighed. “Oh, shits.”

PART 5

TAGLISTS ARE CLOSED

[joiesomer]

Rainling monthiversary 8/10

Who: Somer & Jeff ( @xjefferxx​ )

Where: a trampoline park, a cliff overlooking the city

When: 10 August 2019

Notes/Triggers: nsfw

Had it really been a month since he and Jeff had started dating? Somer could hardly believe it -- it seemed both like forever, and like no time at all. He checked himself in the mirror again, trying to make sure there was nothing in his teeth, that no parts of his hair were sticking out stupidly, anything like that. Jeff had said dress comfortably, so he had on his favourite Zelda tshirt and loose shorts, and he ran his hand through his hair again.

If he stared at himself any longer, he was going to be late meeting with Jeff. Somer squared his shoulders, nodded sharply, and walked out the door. Making his way to the student parking lots, he looked around for his tall, handsome, blond boyfriend, and waved his hands over his head. "Jeff!"

Jeff was excited. They were going out, going on a date and just going to have some pure fun. He  had wanted to do this date before, but now it just seemed fitting to do it for their one month. Dressed in his shorts and a button up, Jeff waved at Somer.

He leaned against his car, smirking. His hair was falling just right into his eyes and over his sunglasses. Somer hadn't seen his car yet so this was going to be fun. "I'd like you to meet Esmeralda. She is my baby, I rebuilt her."

After a month, most of the time Somer wasn't stunned by how hot his boyfriend was. Most of the time. But the way Jeff looked today, and the car he was leaning oh-so-casually against, stopped the redhead dead in his tracks. "Shit," he breathed. He stepped forward, fingers reaching out to brush against that glossy black surface. "Is this ... this is ... what model year is this? It's amazing!" Only then did it actually connect that the blond said he'd rebuilt the car, and the images Somer had made his mouth dry.

"'67, my dad finds them all rusted up and then we start at 13, working on them and building them, they become ours at 16 when we have our license. I may come from money but my father believed in keeping us grounded," Jeff said, opening the passenger door for him. "Shall we?"

"If you don't stop getting more sexy," Somer said, only half joking and sliding into the passenger seat, "I'm going to need -- I don't know but I'm not going to be able to handle it." His eyes were wide, and he touched the dashboard with gentle fingers, then the gearshift. Trying for composure, he asked, "So where are we going? And has it /really/ been a month? When are you even counting from?"

Jeff slid into the driver side. "Does that mean you don't want to be there when I change the oil or anything?" He smirked as he put it into gear and took off. "Yes, it's been a month. I'm counting from the party ... you know ... the pool one," he replied. "And you'll see, be patient but I promise it will be fun." He took Somer's hand.

"It means it's going to take me some time to get used to it!" Somer laughed back. "You're already the hottest guy I know, tall and sexy and elegant and, and graceful. Now I'm picturing you shirtless with a smear of grease on your face, and just wow." He lifted Jeff's hand to his mouth and kissed each knuckle.

Jeff grinned softly to him. "Yeah, something like that." He parked at what looked like a warehouse. "You ready?" Getting out of the car, Jeff took his hand once more as they walked in. Inside there was a floor that dropped down and was all trampolines. "I thought we could have some good old fun and hops."

The redhead gasped with joy, hands to his mouth. "Jeff! Oh, Jeff, blondie ~!" He threw himself at his boyfriend in a hard bear hug. "Oh my god. I've always wanted to come to one of these places but I just never -- and you -- and --!" Kissing Jeff hard, Somer smiled so much he thought his face might split.

Jeff kissed him back, so happy to see that Somer was happy about this idea. It was only the beginning though. "Glad you like it, now let's go get our non slip socks so we can jump," he said, keeping his hand in Somer's as they joined the line.

There were a couple glances that might have been vaguely disapproving, but Somer didn't even notice. He held to Jeff's hand tightly, swinging their joined fingers and occasionally headbutting his boyfriend's shoulder. Every chance he had to see what was actually going on on the floor, he was craning his neck and peering, eyes going round with some of the things he saw people pulling off. "Can you do that?" he would ask, headbutting Jeff.  "Or that?"

Jeff looked around as well when Somer asked him about things he could do. He only chuckled some. "Yeah, I can and I'll show you. Now shoes off." Handing him his socks, "let's go put these on and it's jumping time." Jeff found them a bench to use and quickly traded one pair of socks for another. "Ready?" Stepping closer to the trampoline floor.

Hastily Somer ripped his tevas off and pulled on the socks, wiggling his toes in the fabric to get used to it. He looked around, checking where everyone else was, and hurled himself onto the springy floor with a whoop. It bounced him back up, flailing, and he giggled.

Jeff jumped on as well, laughing as he went up in the air. It was something else, the tramps were made for gymnastics to make it give more of a jump. "It's like being back in gymnastics, I haven't been on one of these in some time." Though there were people there, it wasn't packed, so Jeff kindly asked for people to step back and winked to Somer. "You wanted to see this." He took three running small jumps then did three back hand springs before doing a twisting backflip in the air and landing on his feet. "Tada."

Somer hardly noticed the way he bobbed up and down with the motion of the tramps, watching Jeff with wide eyes. He applauded his boyfriend's tumbling pass, then gave a couple experimental bounces himself. "I wonder if I could do something like that?" He'd done tumbling kind of dives before, playing at swimming pools. With a harder bounce, he tumbled forward into a roll, coming back up onto his feet with a happy yell.

Jeff watched and smiled big to see Somer trying and doing his best. "Yay!" he cheered, bouncing over to him and pulling him in close. "What do you say we bounce together?" he asked, as he already was doing that with him softly.

It took a second, his heart still pounding with the excitement of turning a flip, for Somer to synchronise his bounce to Jeff's. He looked up, eyes still alight with laughter, and said, "So you just want to hold me and bobble here?"

Jeff shook his head. "Well no, but I did want to bounce with you, so hold on." Holding his hands, he crouched down with Somer and one big push threw them into the air, "let go," he announced, letting them fly away from each other with a laugh.

Somer hadn't quite expected that, and flailed in midair, laughing and landing on his butt. He managed to gain his feet on the second bounce, hurling himself at Jeff. They collided with a soft thunk.

Jeff laughed, jumping and letting out an omph when they hit each other but still finding it all fun and games right now. "What do you want me to show you next?" he asked, still bouncing and talking to his boyfriend as he did.

The redhead bounced more slowly, glancing around. He pointed, at a pit surrounded by tramps and full of soft blocks. "There. I want to play in that." Bending his knees, he pushed off and bounced his way across the tramps to the pit.

Jeff followed behind him. "Oh this is used to do like flips into and know you won't get hurt. Let's see your best flip." Bouncing in one place but out of the way of Somer, he got his phone out, ready to take photos.

"You mean the one where I don't land on my face?" Somer laughed. He did a couple experimental bounces, feeling the way this tramp reacted to his weight. Brushing his hair out of his face, he dove forward in a low roll, and forgot to bring his knees up, leaving him in a gangly flop in the midst of the blocks. He lay there giggling and breathless.

Jeff laughed. "Yes, but I mean, if you're talented, you still will." He recorded now as Somer tested then tried it out. Of course his boyfriend went flying in all the wrong ways and Jeff had recorded it. It was funny and perfect for the memories he wanted to hold onto.

Tipping his head back, Somer saw the phone in Jeff's hand and yelped. "You recorded that?!" He tried to scramble out of the blocks and failed, ending up swimming more than anything else, and fired one at Jeff. "Noooooo!" he protested, laughing. He managed to get onto the ledge and grabbed for the phone, bouncing and wobbling and laughing himself breathless again.

Jeff laughed as the block came at him and was quick at getting the phone out of Somer's reach. "Nope, not for boyfriend eyes just mine," he laughed, though he pulled him close and kissed him now. Kissing him slowly and in a teasing manner to distract him.

Somer started to try to climb up Jeff to get to the phone, even though there was no way he was going to be able to reach it. Except then Jeff was kissing him, and the redhead quickly forgot what he was doing, melting in his boyfriend's arms.

Jeff grinned, glad to have him melt and glad that he was doing it in the middle of a place like this. "What do you say we get to part 2 of our date?" he asked him, fingers lacing with Somer's.

The redhead made one more abortive grab for the phone, trying to use the bounce of the tramps to help him get high enough. "I want to get the flip right, though. One more try?"

Jeff smiled. "Alright, one more try and this time I won't record, I promise." Though he was fully tempted to do just that.

"Liar," Somer whispered, eyes sparkling. He kissed Jeff's cheek, perilously close to the corner of his mouth. Then he tossed his head, turning a serious face on the block pit. He was going to do a good flip. "Up, and then out," he muttered to himself, then licked his lips and tumbled into the pit again.

Jeff grinned, putting his phone away and smirking when Somer kissed his cheek like he did. He watched, cheering him on softly as he didn't want to distract him.

Climbing out again with a big grin, Somer whipped his shirt off and did the back double biceps pose. He laughed over his shoulder at Jeff, waiting for, he was sure, his boyfriend to fumble his phone back out.

Jeff grinned; now that was a photo. He pulled his phone out and took the photo, seeing and knowing his boyfriend wanted him to. "That is so getting posted to everything. Yep it's happening."

Instantly the pose dropped, and Somer yelped. He was still laughing, not actually that bothered by the photo, but he wasn't really sure about posting it anywhere. Once again he tried to get the phone from his taller boyfriend, laughing and grabbing.

Jeff held it up, knowing how to distract him. He kissed him once more; this time, though, he was a bit meaner. His phone put away, he stole Somer's shirt and took off hopping with it with a laugh. "Come get it baby," he teased.

"Jeffrey Sterling!" Somer exclaimed, laughing, torn between which of three things he should pursue: his boyfriend's mouth, his shirt, or the phone. He gave a mighty bounce, sent himself flailing into the air, and missed Jeff completely, tumbling in an awkward roll across the tramps. He might have banged something, he wasn't sure, but he was too high on laughter to even notice. "Give that back!"

Jeff was out of the pit of tramps and could really move now. He laughed as he swung his boyfriend's shirt around. "You want it, you have to pay the toll and come get it." Winking and teasing his boyfriend.

The redhead scrambled out of the bounce pits, running after Jeff, but he couldn't run very fast for laughing. "Toll?" he gasped, fingers flailing to grasp a bit of fabric. "What toll? I ain't payin' no toll!"

Jeff pulled him in tight, slipping the shirt back on him. "This toll." He kissed him softly then, cupping his cheek the whole time. "Come on, shoes and time for part two," he whispered. "Also, I love you."

The second Jeff's lips met his, Somer fell still and silent, and clung to his boyfriend. When the blond finally let him go, his green eyes were starry. "Love you," he whispered back, reluctant to let go. Finally he unlocked his arms and sat down to peel off the socks and put his shoes back on.

Jeff changed out his socks for his original socks and shoes. Once they were back on, his hand in Somer's they went back to the car. He held his hand as he shifted and sped them out of town but not far, finding a dirt road that took them up to a look out over the light city below.

Somer was surprised to realise how much time had passed while they were in the trampoline park. He couldn't hold Jeff's hand while they were driving, which in his mind was a mark against a manual drive. He watched the road slid by as they sped out of the city, and climbed from the car with his gaze fixed on the lights of the city spread out. "Wow," he said softly.

Jeff grinned, making sure the car was in park and grabbing the picnic basket from the trunk as he set it all up, including a propane lantern for light. "Come eat baby." Some of Somer's favorite food were in the basket, thus explaining why Jeff asked about them.

Ignoring the basket for the moment, Somer knelt up in front of Jeff, taking his boyfriend's hands. He leaned forward to kiss him softly. "Thank you," he murmured, eyelashes low. He settled himself on the grass, nestled close to the blond, and started to unpack the basket.

Jeff kissed him back, wrapping his arm around his waist. "You're welcome. I want to make tonight fun and just about relaxing as well." Kissing his cheek as he unpacked it, Jeff grabbed a soda to crack open.

"All alone out here, I feel very relaxed," Somer teased. He wasn't quite hungry yet, and just spread the food out, peeking at various containers to see what was in them. "So this is what you meant when you were asking about my favourite foods."

Jeff nodded some, kissing his jaw. "Yeah, I wanted to make this perfect for you, all about your favorites and all that. Also I know I already got you some gifts but I have one more." Jeff pulled a box from his back pocket.

"Do I get to spoil you like this at some point?" Somer asked, his smile turned up a little more at one corner. He started to kiss Jeff, but paused, eyes fixed on the box. "Uh, blondie, you know my birthday is two weeks from now. Why are you giving presents?"

"Sure, for my birthday and yes, I know, also it's only one week, it's next weekend because it's the 10th, silly." Jeff smiled. "You're getting spoiled twice this month," he said, handing the box to him. Inside was a old-fashioned feather quill and ink well. "For your writing."

"Shit, is it really that close?" Then Somer actually looked at what was in the box and blinked. "Oh ... " He swallowed, and shyly asked, "... will you teach me how to use this?"

Jeff nodded. "Yeah, it is and I think I can try. I don't really know but I know it's very cool to use and well, I thought you'd like it ... "

The fact that Jeff had given him a thoughtful gift, that nevertheless neither of them knew how to use, struck Somer as funny. With a chuckle, he closed up the box, fingertips lingering on the top. "Would it be okay if it sat on my desk? I don't want to mess it up until I know how to use it." Then a thought occurred to him, and colour leaped into his cheeks. "I mean, how to write with it."

Jeff cuddled him close, kissing his cheek. "I'm glad you like it and yeah, it can sit on your desk." He was just glad that Somer at least liked it some. Jeff had been worried he wouldn't enjoy the gift. "You feeling hungry or do you just want to watch the stars a bit more?"

"Is it okay that I'm not really that hungry right now? At least, not for food." Somer snuggled in closer to Jeff, looking up into his eyes. "I like looking at the stars right here."

"No it's okay, just wanted to have it." Looking up to the stars as well as they sat there. "I love coming up here, it's nice and quiet, it's a bit like the beach house ... "

The redhead bit his lips in an amused smile. Then he turned Jeff's face until he was looking into hazel eyes. "There, now I can see the stars," Somer said softly. "Much better." He felt that spark inside him, low, that Jeff seemed to always cause, and kissed him. "Thank you," he said against his boyfriend's lips. "For this. For putting up with me for so long. For everything."

Jeff blushed. "Dork," he whispered against his lips. "No need to thank me, I want to be here. I want to hold you and I do love you ... this is just the start to so much more." His hand cupping Somer's cheek. "Thank you for being with me."

"Your dork," Somer murmured back. He loved that blush. Jeff could seem so worldly and knowledgeable, and Somer still had the power to make him turn that delicate pink. He kissed Jeff again, more sensually this time, with intent. "Since we've been together a month, is there anything else you want to do to ... celebrate?" the redhead asked coyly.

Jeff smiled. "Yes, my dork. My gingerbread that stole my soul and my heart," he whispered against his lips. "Hmm, well yeah, I can think of a couple of things ... love to get my lips on your skin some and hand in your pants ... yours in mine too," he whispered, kissing his neck now.

The corners of his green eyes crinkled with his smile. "Got no use for your soul, blondie." He shivered at Jeff's words, letting out a soft, wanting sigh. "You can do anything you want ... "

Jeff grinned, laying Somer back on the blanket as he sucked on his neck more. "Saving most of the fun for your birthday ... wanna try some new things with you," he whispered there, palming Somer through his jeans a bit.

Somer's hips bucked up involuntarily into Jeff's touch. "Don't want to wait," he mumbled, poking his lower lip out. It was hard to pretend to be sad or annoyed with Jeff sending sparks all through him, though, and Somer's expression softened into desire very quickly. "Gonna have a permanent hickie there ... "

"I promise, when we go there it will be worth it but taking our time," he whispered, tuggin his earlobe as he palmed him a bit more. "Unfasten your pants and push them and your boxers to your knees for me ... "

Softly Somer cried out, arching into his boyfriend helplessly for a moment. "You ... " he panted. "You have no idea what that spot does to me." He reached up, wrapping his hands around Jeff's biceps, then rolled the blond away just a bit. It took him a moment to let go, not wanting to be away from touch for even a second. But he thought ... he hoped he knew what his love had in mind, and with trembling hands he shoved his clothes down.

Jeff smiled, watching him push his clothes down. Jeff did the same to himself. He stroked his own cock a bit, then leaned up to kiss Somer. "Hmm I wanna know what that does to you." Still touching himself as he tugged on Somer's ear. "Touch yourself baby."

The redhead could almost literally feel his cock get hotter, harder, when Jeff nibbled his ear again. "Makes -- makes me want you so bad," Somer gasped. "Your hands ... your mouth ... everything. So bad." He couldn't find a way to split his attention between his own hand and what Jeff was doing to him.

Jeff grinned, taking them both into hand at first, Then he just focused on Somer. His thumb teasing the head as he worked his way down Somer's body with kisses. Coming between his legs, he smirked and licked up his cock. Sucking the head, Jeff looked up to Somer with lust-blown eyes.

"Oh, Jeff," Somer whimpered. A slight breeze blew over them, and he shivered, skin coming out gooseflesh all over. "Jeff, oh ~ oh." When the blond finally took him into his mouth, Somer's head fell back with a soft thump, and he moaned, heedless of the volume of it. "Baby. Blondie. Oh, god. Fuck ~ that feels so good. Sogood."

Jeff grinned, hand on Somer's thigh as the other massaged his balls. Jeff sucked up and down his length some, slipping out to the tip to run his tongue over it then relaxing his throat to deep throat him once more. He hummed a song as he winked up to Somer, loving the noises he made.

There was input from his other senses, Somer knew that. Had to be. But it wasn't making it through his sense of touch, ramped up to the highest level. "Oh god," he moaned helplessly. And things -- sex -- got better than /this/? How? He barely realised he was lifting his hips into the heat and fit of Jeff's mouth, one hand resting on the blond hair.

Jeff was glad to feel Somer get more into it. He focused on just bringing him to his edge and over. Focused on his climax and knew his own would come as well from just seeing his boyfriend so wrecked. Sucking down hard, he gave him all the attention he needed, still looking up to see Somer's reaction.

He could feel his climax coming, like a great cresting wave, and there was the vague idea that he should do something now. Something to do with Jeff, but he couldn't get the idea to resolve. Somer's hand clenched in the fine silky strands of Jeff's hair, and a ragged cry burst from him. He thrust deeper into that welcoming warmth, heedless, and came hard.

Jeff swallowed around his cock. He took it all, smiling as he pulled off with a pop. Moving back up him, Jeff kissed his cheek and wiped his hand on the blanket as he had come just from seeing Somer cum like that.

Somer lay panting, feeling boneless and good. He rolled his head in Jeff's direction, one hand limply lifting to brush against his boyfriend's skin. "Kiss?" he murmured.

Jeff chuckled. "Sure but you're going to taste yourself." Pressing a kiss to his lips softly. "You are gorgeous," he whispered against his lips.

The redhead did his best to kiss back. There was a different taste to Jeff's mouth, not bad, but different. "'d return the favour but I can't move," he breathed with a soft chuckle. "Wh-what did you just do to me?"

Jeff smiled, helping him to put his pants and boxers back on along with his own. "It's a blowjob, baby."

Somer laughed quietly again. "No 'm pretty sure you just sucked my brain out through my dick," he said. He still felt very limp -- or maybe languid was a better word? maybe this feeling was what that word was for -- and pulled Jeff down to lie beside him. "Love you."

Laying back down by him, Jeff smiled and caressed his cheek. "I love you too," he whispered, pressing soft kisses to his lips over and over again. Just getting lost in the peace and quiet of them being up there together and spent. "Hmm we should get back soon, baby."

"Noooooo," Somer said dramatically. He rolled over on top of Jeff, then went completely limp. "I can't move. We can't leave. We're trapped here. Doooooooom."

jeff chuckled, letting Somer lay over him for the moment then he sat up and picked Somer up. Setting his boyfriend in the car, he cleaned up the picnic, knowing they could eat later. Now in the driver's seat, he kissed Somer's cheek. "Still doomed?"

Somer turned his head quickly, in an attempt to catch Jeff's mouth. "You cheat," he said, smiling. "Always picking me up when I'm trying to weigh you down. One day, one day I'm going to just make you carry every single bit of my weight and see how you do then."

Jeff chuckled. "Even if you were dead weight, I'd still pick you up and carry you." He kissed his hand and driving them back to school. Jeff held his hand in one hand the basket in the other. "So do you want me to stay over tonight or should I kiss you at the doorstep, leave you with your food and say have a good night?" Swinging their hands some.

A little shyly, Somer confessed, "I don't sleep so well when you aren't there." He clung to Jeff's hand tightly, unwilling to let him go. "So I always want you to stay over -- but I understand if you want to go home and sleep in your own bed."

Jeff shook his head. "I sleep better with you too." he whispered, kissing him softly again. "Come on, up to your room and into cuddles. Maybe we can watch Princess Bride again for fun?"

Somer snorted. "It was fun the first time, too, dork." He reached up and ruffled Jeff's hair, pulling the blond strands over his boyfriend's face, then laughed and ran up the steps to his dorm.

Jeff blew the hair out of his face. He laughed as well, chasing after Somer as he ran too. Catching the boy, he picked him up from behind. "Gotcha!"

"One day," Somer said, laughing, "one day I'll race you in the pool, and then it won't be so easy for you to catch me. Let me down, I can't reach the lock."

Jeff set him down, kissing his cheek. "I can't wait for that day. I love seeing you in the pool, watching you swim."

Slyly, pushing his door open, Somer said, "You mean you like seeing me with hardly any clothes on."

Jeff smirked. "I like both." Scooping him up again, and carrying him to the bed as he kicked the door shut.

[mythaura-blog]

Hey all! Welcome to our monthly development update, apologies for (another) late post! Here is what lies under the cut.

What’s new?

New Special - Python!

The Dashboard - Your home page.

New Monsters and New Item Patreon Illustrations.

Community spotlight - Lorehounds.

What’s new?

February has been a busy month for us behind the scenes - We had hoped to launch an updated version of the Beast Demo along side this update, however we have found some significant bugs that need to be squashed before release. Our talented front-end coder is working hard to get the updated demo into your hands soon, some of the features you can read about in our last development update.  But here is some good news - A new Special marking has been created and is ready to be played with on our current demo! The Python Special was created thanks to our lovely Patreon supporters who voted on the topic and design, thank you guys! The design of the special itself is the work of our resident artist Gelly. Python applies a marking similar to that of a Python snake, and works quite well with it our other reptilian inspired Special, Skink. I can’t wait to see what new designs the community comes up with.

Python is now live on the current demo! -> Click here to play!

Other game play elements are progressing this month - right now we have a focus on building social elements of Mythaura which includes the forums and their related functions. We’ll have more to share on that by March. We’re also developing and conceptualizing the Dashboard..

The Dashboard - your home page

* note that the above image is conceptual and subject to change!

Upon logging into Mythaura, you will land upon what we are currently calling the Dashboard.  The Dashboard will contain all the current events and snapshots of current events happening within the game. Each container will contain clickable links that will bring you to the updated areas. 

The upper container will show the latest news updates, clicking on this will take you to a news post on the official forums where you can read the entirety of the news as well as share your comments or read comments by others. 

The containers below the news will contain different topics depending on what is new or recently updated. For example they could show lore updates, current faction leads or status, or new items.

Below those containers again will live four others. Here there will be a randomly featured Beast from the community, trending forum topics, site tickers or current status and custom bookmarks. Custom bookmarks are any page on Mythaura that you can save to your dashboard to make it easier to navigate to your favorite pages. They can be changed at any time. 

We are still thinking of other ideas and features for the Dashboard - if you have any ideas or what you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to voice them! 

Mythic and Artisan Patreon rewards have the opportunity to work with the artists to create their own Monsters and Items that will appear in-game. Here are the illustrations that have been created this month. Many thanks to our incredibly creative supporters! Mythaura would not exist if it wasn’t for your amazing support. Monsters: Avakiru - Created with Malis! Armored Dale Wanderer - Created with Fizzywits! Celestial Stalker - Created with Mezzo!

Items: From left to right: Black Moonlily - Created with Keith Winn! Fish Spirit Pearl - Created with Sungmin Kim! Magic Obsidian - Created with Kirkeyressa! Geode Locket -  Created with TwinFishies! Dunkleosteus Skull - Created with Frillshark! Red Rose - Created with Aku!

Community Spotlight

There are so many awesome creations that the budding Mythaura community create every single day, I really wish I had more room to include every piece here! In the future, there may be a separate post showcasing both the art talents and the writing talents. For now, this month’s community spotlight will be directed upon the incredible lorehounds. Check out these fantastic head cannons and pieces of fiction inspired by Mythaura!

Created by Discord user Fimbrethil - A map of their own Port Damselfly built near Dawn Ruins and the Sleeping Waters.

An inspiring piece of writing by Discord user kevin!  

Feathers blessed by the stars, one often finds the beast conjuring charts between her claws. Those who hold the galaxy on their bodies are often found in this manner, the female being no exception. Much like the celestial bodies that drift from their pelts, the hippogriff's wings can't seem to take her close enough to the skies above. Mapping the marks on her wings sates the need to take on the sky, as even the dullest birds know that the universe is too vast for one chart. Yet this doesn't stop her from trying, eyes longingly gazing from her deep blues and blacks to the light-constructed diagram. Someday, a perfect map of the painted dome will be complete.

Discord user BettaSenpai’s poetic head canon on Hippogriffs! A beast of bird and steed: noble, graceful, and strange. A wing beat and the galloping of hooves. Never a day goes by I wonder if they live here, in this land filled with magic and dreams. Perhaps somewhere I am in my bed asleep, and my mind and soul found this place. Maybe I am daydreaming about magic and adventure strong enough to see this beautiful place. And yet, dream or not, the reality is I have never felt more alive to see their grace and power before me. I am humbled. Mighty beast, if you may hear me, know that I admire you. Know that I wish to understand you and that if this is a dream, I pray to return to you. To this world. Fly now dear beast; I shall awaken, and remind the world of your beauty again. There they are again. This time they soar and dive above me in some acrobatic show that dares you to look away. They move through the sky so effortlessly. Such fantastic beasts... They are closer now as if they have become used to me being here and now as they slowly get more comfortable with me I realize how much I admire them. Before I might have just looked on in awe but now as I return again and again it gets harder for me to leave them. I can hear them call, perhaps they are saying my name? If only I could decode such a melodic sound. Would it lose its magic if it was understood? Could it still be a mystery? Whatever they may be saying as I feel myself leaving their world I find it harder and harder to go. Rest now beasts of land and sky, noble, fierce, and graceful. I remind myself of who I wish to be. 

Discord user and Mythic Supporter Fizzywits description of the Armored Dale Wanderer Monster!

The Armored Dale Wanderer is what appears to be a peculiar cross between plant and animal. This hybrid of sorts has been known to consume insects of every shape and size, but evidently can also survive exclusively through photosynthesis. Armored dale wanderers are heavily dependent on intraspecies symbiosis, and will inevitably perish if separated from others of its kind for at least half a season's worth of time. 

 These strange beasts are named (rather uncreatively) after their characteristics: they possess tough scales that serve effectively as armor. Composed primarily of bark and chitin, these scales are difficult for insects to chew through. Furthermore, they often reside in or along valleys - though they begin their lives as sedentary creatures, when they mature a few years after birth, they migrate seasonally in massive herds from one side of their local valley to the other. They dig deep holes to lay and bury their eggs in; they stop to dig only when confident in the quality of the surrounding soil. They breed in the summer, and healthy saplings tend to emerge come early autumn.

 Little is known as to how these blind creatures are able to navigate - despite possessing what appear to be a heads, each wanderer has at least one pair of orifices and one mouth-like structure per head, none of which serves as a sensory organ for sight. They will lie dormant in the spring and autumn until a dramatic shift in temperature instigates movement. Although they are not hostile creatures, they will travel without rest during migration period, and feel no remorse for trampling anything that happens to be serving as an obstacle between themselves and their destination. As much as they depend on numbers for survival, groups do not seem to exhibit any defined social hierarchy with the exception that the eldest wanderer is the first to wake and thus leads the rest in migration. Skirmishes with these beasts are rare. They are neutral to other organisms who decide to inhabit their bodies. 

 Anatomically, armored dale wanderers resemble hydra. They are hermaphrodites and boast flowers and vines decorating their bodies. These floral arrangements may differ depending on region.

The official Discord has added some fun little emoticons of our favorite faction leaders - Esris and Reine. Click here to join in on the conversations! 

That’s it for now! Thank you all for being so patient, we will have more exciting things to share very soon. 

❤ Grif

[glamoursarusrex]

Mama Dick feat. Titans: What Makes a Hero

Grab your popcorn kids! This one’s a long one. Thank you to @raventrigonsdaughter for giving me this prompt based on “Listen to me, it’s going to be okay.” It’s not exactly what you wanted but I hope you enjoy it anyways. It’s a long one, but I enjoy heavy plots. Fill up my asks if you want anymore sappy Mama Dick adventures! Anyways enjoy!

Nightwing breathes heavily as he looks to the smoldering ashes of a building. He angrily shoves the arsonist to the police officers standing by.

“The school teaches the kids to be drones! I saved them! I saved them!” shouted the criminal as he was cuffed and stuffed into the cop car.

The scene around the building was chaos. The kids were divided by grades. Teachers and the students were covered in burn marks and bruises. Those with the heaviest burns were being taken care of by the emergency medical teams. Parents were trying to push behind the police perimeter to find their children.

Hawk and Dove carries the last of the kids from the ashes to the ambulances. It’s too soon to tell but luckily as of yet were no fatalities. Nightwing looked up to where Starfire and Beastboy, as a hawk, are circling the school to look for survivors. Nightwing puts a finger to his earpiece, “Anyone else?”

Starfire answers, “None that I can see.”

“Negative on my end too,” Beastboy adds.

Nightwing was relieved. He wouldn’t go so far as to say the mission was worth celebrating but he was glad the team got there on time. He looks to the final member of their team, Raven. He was most worried about her. Her job was to heal the victims that the medical team can’t help. As an empath, he’s worried that taking in a high volume of pain could be harmful to her.

When he approaches her, she is working on healing a burn on a boy’s leg. Nightwing notices that she is visibly shaken. “Hey, kiddo, are you okay?” he asks quietly.

Raven eyes dart around distracted. “Hey,” tries again. She still doesn’t hear him.

“Raven,” Nightwing pokes her shoulder. She jumps startled causing the boy she’s holding to yelp. She quickly puts him down. “Earth to Raven?”

“Yeah, sorry?” Rachel says unconsciously. Her eyes are still darting around as if she’s searching.

“Is everything alright?” Nightwing asks concerned.

Raven stands up and Nightwing studies her. “Yeah. Well- uh- I don’t know. I just can’t shake this feeling that something’s off.”

“Like what?”

Raven looks around, “like something’s miss-“

Raven’s eyes stop on the bare remains of the burnt building.  Her eyes widen and glow.

“Raven, what is it?” Nightwing asks. Raven takes off towards the building. He follows her.

“We missed one!” she calls.

“Raven, wait!”Nightwing makes to pursue. He can’t let her go in alone. What structure remained was on the verge of collapsing. Before he can go further a mother roughly grabs him.

“Where is my son?” she screams. Her face is red and puffy from crying. “He’s not with his class! Where is my son?”

Nightwing looks over the mother’s head and sees Raven disappear into the charred door way. He wants to pursue Raven but he can’t get out of the mother’s death grip without harming her.

“Ma’am I can’t-,“ Nightwing starts. She shakes his shoulders.

“You’re supposed to be the heroes and you can’t save my son?” she cries.

“Look ma’am we’re trying to-“

Nightwing quickly throws his body over the woman as the structure of the building collapses sending ash and debris everywhere. Nightwing covers his nose and coughs. He screams with a hoarse voice towards the fallen building, “Raven!”

“Nightwing!”

As the dust settles he can see Raven running towards them from the fallen building. She is carrying a dirtied mass in her arms. As she got closer, he could make out it was a small boy covered in ash and burns.

Raven seemingly falls on her knees. She quickly sets the boy on the ground. She is gasping as she feels for his heartbeat. “He was hiding under a desk. He was in there awhile. I should be able to take the ash out of his lungs and stop internal bleeding. He’s in so much pain.” Raven rambles hurridly.  

Her eyes and hand glows as she sets to work. The boy’s eyes glow as well. Nightwing is so relieved that Raven made it that he didn’t notice the Mother running up and shoving Raven off of the boy. Raven and the boy cry out in pain as their connection is severed. Tears stream down the mother’s face as she glares down at Raven. She pulls out Rosary and holds it menacingly in front on the hero’s face.

“Stay away from Matthew, Witch!” the woman growls.

“He needs immediate help! Please he’s in pain!” Raven pleads.

Nightwing places a hand on the woman’s shoulder trying to calm her. The other titans begin to gather but don’t interfere. Nightwing reasons, “Ma’am, she’s just like the rest of us. All she wants to do is help!”

The woman jerks her shoulder from under his hand. She takes a menacing step towards Raven holding the rosary like a shield.

“This thing is an abomination! My son’ll get help from good doctors. I’m not gonna owe anything to the devil!”

“You’re not going to owe me anything! His body is under too much pressure! If I don’t relieve, he’ll die no matter how good the medical attention! Please let me help!” Raven begs.”

“If he dies, it will be good and right and because God decrees it. I will not let him live by the hands of satanic evil!”

Raven for a moment looks speech less and on the verge of tears. Nightwing’s gut is boiling with fury. How could this woman look a 13 year old girl who just saved her son in the eyes and call her evil? Tears finally break from hiding. Raven pleads, “Please!”

The woman whispers “I am child of God.”

Raven whispers, “You can’t feel his pain!”

Raven extends a shaking hand towards the boy. The mother takes a violent step towards Raven forcing her to scoot away.

“I will not allow the hand of evil to caress my child!” the woman preaches.

“Please,” Raven begs through choked tears. The shadows around her dance. “I can save him! Let me relieve his pain, please!”

“I am a child of God. I do not give into Satan!” the mother calls.

Nightwing notices that Raven is on the verge of losing control. He needs to get her away from the civilians. “Starfire. Beast Boy get Matthew to the ambulance! Hawk. Dove. Help me!”

Starfire scoops the boy up. Beast Boy turns into a grey hound and they head towards the medical area. The mother doesn’t notice as her efforts are focused on Raven. Nightwing grabs Raven’s arm but her eyes are set on the retreating boy. She strains against him as she tries to follow Matthew.

“No! He’s going to die!” Raven screams. She tries to break free but Nightwing is keeping a firm grip on one arm. Hawk takes the other and they pull her away from the mother and the civilians. Raven’s demon strength is proving to be a challenge for both of them. But they are able to wrestle her away despite her struggles and protests.

Dove grabs the mother by her arm and guides her back to the medical area. The mother continues to fume, “I will follow the words and grace of the Holy book! And shall never fall prey to the temptations of the devil.”

Dove snaps, “We get it you’re a Bible toter! Too pure for this world! Good for you!”  

Hawk and Nightwing drag a stuggling and crying Raven to Nightwing’s car. Her shadows are going crazy. Her eyes are glowing a dangerous white. Nightwing finally pulls Raven to his chest as he whispers into her ear. “Rachel, things are gonna get so much worse if you lose control just breathe. Raven takes shuttering breaths in and out and Nightwing sways with her as Hawk opens the door on the passenger side for her.

As they head to the door, Raven makes a final plea, “Please, he’s hurt.”

Nightwing shakes his head as he helps her into the car. He closes and locks the door. He turns to Hawk, who’s fuming. “Hawk?”

Hawk growls, “that woman is a bitch! The way she spoke to Raven-“

Nightwing places a firm hand on his shoulder. “I agree. But unfortunately, what she says, goes.”

Hawk calms a bit, “Are you gonna be alright?”

Nightwing looks solemnly to the car, “Yeah. She needs me. Go to the others. Tell them Kori’s in charge.”

Hawk gives a curt nod and jogs away. Nightwing climbs into the driver’s seat of his car. He glances to Raven who is staring intently at the stitching on his dashboard. Her tear streaked face is heavy with fatigue. For a while they sit in heavy silence.

Dick slowly removes his mask. He looks over to her again. During their time together, he learned many things about her, one of the lessons was time. If she wants to open up, she’ll open up. That’s normally after she processes her emotions versus the chaos of the world around her. He also knew that despite his urge to hug her and tell her everything is going to be okay, he needed to be patient and wait for her make the first move of touch.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity she speaks. “I felt it.” She whispers. Dick had to strain to hear her.

“I felt his pain,” Raven continues. “I felt his physical wounds. I also felt his fear. He couldn’t communicate that he was hurt. He could hear every word we said but couldn’t speak. He was so scared of death. He didn’t want to die. He begged me to save him. He begged and begged. I never felt so much desperation and fear and-”

Raven chokes back some tears. Dick processes every word she is saying. His gut burns with a hollow pain at her experience.

“I couldn’t save him because of- “ She looks at her hands that are outlined by dancing shadows. They’re not as violent as before but they are still in tune to her emotions. “Now he’s going continue to suffer into death because of me.”

There was no center consul to obscure his path to her. So Dick closes the space between them and takes her hand. “Rachel, look at me.”

The girl looks into the eyes of her mentor. “Nothing you did had or will cause that boy to suffer.”

“But the mother-“

“-is a stubborn woman who decided to take her anger out on a 13-year-old. Not exactly a figure who I would base my self-worth from.” Nightwing says with a wry smile.

“But she said that I couldn’t save her son because I was evil.”

“What you did today was the furthest thing from evil. None of us even knew there was a survivor still in there. You did! And you risked a building crushing you to save him!”

“He’s still going to die in the end.” She says. Tears well up as she looks away. Dick squeezes her hand to pull her focus back to him.

“Do you think heroes are defined by how many people they’re able to save?” Rachel slowly shakes her head. Dick smiles. “Me neither. I think their defined by their commitment to doing good and the kindness in their hearts.” He places a hand on her shoulder. “I’ve never met anyone more committed to heroism than you. It shows. Even if that woman doesn’t see it, I see it. Kori, Gar, Hank, and Dawn see it. We’re beyond lucky to have someone like you on the team. I’m lucky to call you my family.”

Tears stream down Rachel’s face. She wraps her arms around Dick’s torso and buries her face into his shoulder. The fabric muffles her heavy sobs. Dick pulls her slightly onto his lap and rocks her as he soothes her.

He wishes his arms could guard her from the hate and fear that the world throws at her for who she is. Unfortunately, he knows he can probably never change the opinions of people like the mother. But for now, he can make sure he is there for Raven. To let her know it’s alright to confide in him and to trust him. He rests his hand on her hair and pulls her closer to him. He whispers with quiet strength, “Listen to me, it’s going to be okay.”

[ladye11e]

I believe you have a 'thing' for the strategist as well..? Would you consider writing a fic from his perspective? Something tantalizing would be awesome because I have a feeling his thoughts aren't always squeaky clean but it isn't absolutely necessary.. I'm thirsty ok??

Ah my lovely GG! Just as I think my thirst has been quenched for the wonderful strategist, you slide up in my askbox and drop this bombshell! I hope I’ve done your ask justice ♥️

Slightly NSFW (of course)

Ignis rubbed his temple with his free hand, his nerves fraying at the bickering that was coming from his companions. They had been at it for the last several miles, and his usual calm demeanor was becoming more and more difficult to hold onto.

“You cheated Noct, you know you did! Your game didn’t crash at all!

“Prom, I don’t need to cheat to beat you. Never have, and never will!”

“Enough!” Ignis roared before he could stop himself, making the retinue silence immediately and stare at the strategist wide eyed in shock.

They knew they had crossed the line when they saw Ignis’ knuckles go white from gripping the steering wheel so hard, so they slumped back down in their respective seats and lowered their heads, mumbling apologies to the floor.

“There are worse things to be quarreling about than Kings Knight. If you two had put as much energy into our last hunt as  you have to that persistent bickering, we would already be at the haven and set up for camp by now.”

Gladio let out a small grunt in agreement with him, only just noticing that the prince and his best friend were being scalded. Ignis couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of envy at the Shields ability to block out the idle pratter, completely engrossing himself in the novella he happened to be reading at the time. His exasperated thoughts had distracted him so much, that he didn’t even notice that Gladio was tapping him on the shoulder from the back seat, until he leant over and pointed to the dial in front of him on the dashboard.

“Um Iggy, don’t you think we had better stop for fuel?”

Ignis let out a heavy sigh as he saw that the Regalia was literally running on fumes, silently cursing himself for not noticing it sooner.

“My apologies. I had not taken into account Nocts map reading skills, and allowed sufficient fuel consumption for the extra hour driving around locating the wasps nest. There is a stop further down this road, we shall resupply there.”

“Yesssss! Pit stop, pit stop!” Prom singsonged from the seat next to him, his cheerful ways returning quickly at the prospect of getting out of the car and finding a snack.

Ignis leaned back into his seat and let his foot off the gas slightly to preserve what little fuel he had left, a glimmer of a smile appearing at Prompto’s contagious enthusiasm.

As soon as they had pulled into the service station, Noctis and Prompto scrambled out of the car and headed to the store in search of food, while Gladiolus stayed in the back seat reading his book, leaving Ignis to refuel the Regalia. Just as he slid the nozzle into the tank, he suddenly froze as the hairs on the back of his neck stood to attention, something which usually happened when he sensed danger close by. He looked about furiously in search of an imminent threat, slightly bewildered when he saw that there was none. Dusk was looming, but it wasn’t going to be dark for another hour so there were no deamons about, and no sign of magitek soldiers or suchlike in the vicinity.

He was just about to chalk it up to being tired and still slightly annoyed with the consistent arguing from his companions on the way over here, when something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. His stomach immediately started fluttering and his breath caught in his throat as he slyly turned his head towards the vendor, who was serving the most exquisite creature he had ever seen.

You.

The world seemed to stop as he continued to strain glaces in your direction, drinking in every little detail that he caught. The way that the clothing you were wearing was hugging every one of your curves to perfection, your elegant grace as you moved to pay the vendor for your purchases, enthralling. He had no idea how long he had been watching you for, until he heard a gushing sound from close by. He jumped out of the way when he suddnly looked down and saw that he had overfilled the tank; the fuel spilling onto the floor and down the drain, calling Gladios attention to him from the back seat.

“Hey Iggy, you alright?”

Ignis cleared his throat and returned the nozzle to the pump quickly, his stomach feeling like there was a lead weight inside it when he looked over to where you were stood, noticing that you had left.

“I’m, fine. I must be more exhausted than I thought. We must make haste to the haven, it will be dark soon.”

Somewhat satisfied with Ignis’ explanation, Gladio slumped back into his seat and picked up his book again, making a quick mental note to keep an eye on the strategist. Today had been a long day, that wasn’t even debatable, but it was very unlike the straight laced man to falter like that, even as fatigued as he was.

Ignis climbed back into the front seat just as Prompto and Noctis emerged from the store; whooping and cheering at the amount of junk food they had procured for the ride, earning themselves a scowl as they took their seats.

“There will be no eating of any of that until after dinner. Do I make myself clear? Especially you Noct, do not think I didn’t see you scrape your vegetables into the bushes last night.”

Glaring at Noctis throught the rearview mirror when he stuck out his tongue and mimicked wearing spectacles, Ignis started the engine and pulled out onto the main road, his thoughts immediately returning to you. He didn’t even know your name, yet the notion of you stood close to him stirred something up in his chest, as well as… other places. He wondered how soft your skin would feel under his fingertips, tracing them over your cheek and down your neck, hopefully making you shudder at his feather like touch. Your lips, from what he saw were far more delectable than any recipe he could dream of concopting, swaying him towards the heavens as he pressed them against his own and savoured your taste.

The whole car juddered as Ignis slammed on the brakes and came to a gut wrenching stop, suddenly noticing that he had just missed the turn off to the campground.

“Specs! What the hell!?”

Ignis reversed the car slightly shame faced as he saw the mark sporting Noctis’ cheek where he’d banged it against the headrest due to his abrupt stopping, mentally chasting himself for becoming so distracted. Finally making it to the haven, Ignis turned off the engine and jumped out of the car first, popping open the trunk and loading Noctis and Prompto up with camping gear, making them unable to barrage him with questions about what just happened. He was no so lucky with Gladiolus, who had ladened himself with the heaviest equipment with ease and was waiting for the others to walk down the hill, so he could speak to him alone.

“Come on Iggy, spit it out. What’s eating at ya?”

He had quickly prepared an explanation in the last few moments drive here; he hated lying to his friends, least of all Gladios as the man had a sixth sense for knowing when something was amiss, but he had deemed it appropriate given the acual reason for his distraction.

“I admit that I have not been feeling myself of late Gladio. I have narrowed it down to the last hunt that we were on. The wasps excreted some kind of noxious gas whilst they were attacking us, I must have inhaled it.”

“So, not that cute girl that was checking you out at the station then?”

Gladio stared at the advisor intently as he said this, looking for any hint that his suggestion was the reason for his distraction as they made their way down the rocky incline towards the haven, but if it was, he was hiding it very well, as he never even faltered.

Ignis’ heartbeat doubled in speed at Gladios words, to hear that you had been looking at him the same way he was you. But years of surpressing his emotions and keeping a calm demeanor; even in the face of disaster, had allowed him to keep his composure in front of his friend, and let him continue with his charade.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, I did not see any ‘cute girl’ as you put it. Like I said, I surmise that I inhaled the toxic gas from the wasps.”

“Hmmm. Well I think you better use an Elixir, before it gets any worse.”

Ignis placed the supplies down onto the platform next to where Noct and Prom had dropped what they were carrying before running down to the fishing spot at the waters edge, and stared blankly at the runes that protected the site as they started to emit a faint blue glow in tandem with the sunset.

“We only have one left, and best we save it for a dire circumstance. They were far too expensive at our last stop, I shall procure more tomorrow.”

Satisfied that Ignis was telling the truth; his logical reasoning and placid temperament much more like he was used to, Gladio began setting up the tent for the evening, calling out to Noctis for him to catch something decent for dinner.

After serving up a meal of wild travelly and vegetables for the group; much to Noctis disgust, Ignis had gone back to the car and retrieved a hidden book from the trunk that he had taken from the Citadel before leaving Insomnia. Usually they weren’t permitted to do such things, bit he had persuaded the librarian that it would vastly aid them in their travels. He sat cross legged on one of the camp chairs and flicked through the pages, quickly reading through the descriptions of known daemons, in search of one that would, or could, make him the way he was feeling now. The emotions weren’t unwelcome, but they were distracting him from his duties, and that was not acceptable. Not once had you left his mind, the exact moment he saw you replaying over and over in his thoughts. He had uncharacteristically shed his gloves when his palms had become sweaty, his jacket soon following as his temperature rose to unbearable heights, even though the night air was decidedly chilly.

Ignis snapped the book shut when he found no deamon or entity that could subdue him like this, so he backtracked to his original idea that the poison from the wasps had caused this, and that he needed to sleep it off. He collected up his things and headed towards the tent, glancing about the camp to see Noct and Prompto playing Kings Knight yet again; looking like they were about to re-enact their last battle in real life, and stopped at Gladios side to inform him of his decision.

“Gladiolus, I’m afraid I must retire for the evening. Would you mind keeping an eye on those two? We are not equipped for anymore bloodshed today.”

Gladio peeked over his book to where his friends were squaring up to each other, shaking his head and chuckling as he gave Ignis a thumbs up, before returning to the chapter he was currently engrossed in.

Ignis crawled into the tent and carefully folded his jacket and placed it to one side, getting changed into his sleeping clothes and plcing the rest of his garments neatly onto the pile. He let out a heavy sigh as he took off his glasses and climbed into his sleeping bag, the backflips in his stomach getting worse as he closed his eyes and attempted to sleep.

**His eyes flickered open a few hours later to see the rest of the group sleeping soundly next to him, the only sound coming from Prompto, who had a habit of mumbling in his sleep. Stealthily creeping out of his bag and to the door of the tent, he opened the zipper inch by inch as to not wake his companions, and slipped out into the camp. Still, not a sound was in the air, so what had woken him? Even though he had forgotten his glasses, he scoured around for something about, his hand twitching when he spied movement in the trees not far away. Summoning his daggers in a flash of blue, he jumped down off the platform and ran to where he saw the disturbance, the all too familiar prickle at the back of his neck erupting again. He exhaled through his nose to control his breathing when he lost sight of whatever is was that was out here, freezing to the spot when a soft voice rang through the air.

“Hey, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Ignis turned around slowly to face the person that had called out to him, instantly dismissing his weapons and staring wide eyed when he saw you leaning up against a tree, wearing a simple cotton dress. His hands began to tremble as you took several steps towards him, his mouth agape as if he wanted to say something, but words seemed to have been lost to him as you stopped about a foot away, close enough that your perfume tickled his senses in the most seductive way he’d ever felt before.

“Not a big talker? That’s okay, I’m sure that there are plenty of other things you can do with that mouth.”

Ignis swallowed hard as you closed the gap between you, trailing your fingers up his torso through his black t-shirt until you reached his neck, curling your forefinger under his chin. His mind felt dizzy at the contact as his eyes drifted over your sensual expression, the growing fire deep within him becoming harder and harder to contain when he could feel your breath against his lips, every part of him tensing up in anticipation. The second he felt your mouth brush up against his, every ounce of self control was thrown out of the window as he wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you firmly up against him, quivering as he deepened the kiss, his tongue probing your mouth; the taste of you more exquisite than anything he could have possibly imagined.

In the flurry of kisses and nibbles, he ducked down and curled his hands around the back of your thighs, lifing you up and walking you back to the tree that you were leant against, pinning you between him and the trunk. The nervous apprehension he was feeling had long since been forgotten as he used his hips to hold you up against the tree, freeing his hands to explore the silky skin he’d been agonising over of late. He could feel you shaking as he slid his hands over your legs, slowly pushing up your dress over soft thighs, his thumbs massaging little circles as he edged closer to your heat. A gasp caught in his throat when you broke away from his kiss and let out a soft moan into the sky, his own arousal spiking when you grabbed ahold of his shoulders, using the leverage to grind yourself against his groin.

The handful of experiences Ignis had participated in manners such as these made him want to ask permission to take things further, but one look at the fervent expression on your face told him that he didn’t need to. Snaking his hand between you, he stroked your mound through your underwear, not quite believing how wet you were even though all you had done was kissed. Emboldened by the gentle whimpering you were doing in his ear, he pushed the fabric aside and slid a singe digit through your crease, liberally coating it in your arousal before plunging it deep inside you, savouring in the feeling of your walls clamping around it…..**

Ignis sat up with a start and cluched his chest as it felt like his heart was about to pound out of his ribs, bringing up his other hand to wipe the sheen of sweat off his brow before it dripped down his face. He managed to slow his ragged breathing as he kicked away his sleeping bag, scowling at the hot, sticky mess that was now in his jogging bottoms. Without a second thought he grabbed a set of keys out of his jacket and fumbled his way out of the tent, hoping that his shuffling didn’t wake any of his companions, and ran as fast as he could barefoot to the Regalia. His heart still racing as he finally managed to unlock the trunk, he finally located the last Elixir from their supplies and crushed it in his hand, slumping down against the door as he waited for the potion to work. After several nerve wracking minutes, he realised that the curative had no effect on him whatsoever. He dropped his head in his hands and rubbed his face briefly, knowing know there was only one thing that he could do to sate his desires.

He must find you.

Tagging one or two that might like dis 😊 @hypaalicious @insomniasix @obsidianbutterfly @birdsandivory

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[sailorsaigas]

“Substitute Guardian” (a Morgan Lives AU) Chapter 2

Author's Note: Chapter is after the Read More, so as not to clutter folks' dashboards.

A year ago, I wrote the first chapter of an AU fic about Morgan surviving the events of Turn Coat. Well, I know it's been a long time in coming, but here is Chapter Two of that AU, the title of which has been settled on. I only hope you will find this entertaining, and that it might help some of you stave off the boredom of having to continue to wait for Jim to finish Peace Talks. Enjoy. ^_^

Being in Chicago again was...odd.

I wasn't entirely certain how I should feel about my return to the states, having spent the better portion of the last year under house arrest in Edinburgh. The early months saw me hospitalized, recovering in an infirmary bed after pushing my already wounded body too hard apprehending the man who'd framed me for murder. A grueling process of rehabilitation eventually began when my mandatory bed rest order was lifted, though after regaining my previous strength, I continued with physical training as a means of self-improvement and killing time. One might be surprised how utterly boring being confined to a centuries-old castle can be. So I trained - trained and studied like a newly minted apprentice one-hundred and fifty years younger. I had no intention of being bested again by my enemies.

Over the course of my time under lock and key, I had a few brief but important conversations with Harry Dresden, who made it a point not to interact with the Council more than absolutely necessary. I understood that mentality far more easily, now, after having my eyes opened during the events of that last year. We discussed where we stood as associates, swallowed what we could of our pride, and made something of a halfhearted but honest attempt at reconciliation. There was a lot of bad blood there, and neither of us could really get over some twenty years of animosity overnight, but it helped that I'd been made aware of the unfortunate truth. The Black Council, a hidden force seeking to tear apart the wizarding community from within, was real...and it was high time somebody did something about it. And so, despite some reluctance from Ebenezar McCoy, I was brought into the fold of the Gray Council, a nearly treasonous body of our own that sought to prevent the enemy from gaining the upper hand in our shadow war.

Stuck as I had been in Edinburgh, I didn't have much to offer of my previous talent as a Council enforcer, but my copious free time gave me opportunity to put my experience to good use in other ways. I was permitted supervised free range of the hallowed halls, and since the only individuals experienced enough to be trusted to watch me were Wardens I'd had a hand in training, they'd rarely challenge me regarding what I did or where I went. Thus I made my primary purpose one of study and documentation, becoming something of a writer for Dresden’s project, the Paranet. The idea of networking the minor talents of the world so that they'd be educated enough to protect one another had been risky in many ways, but had so far been more than worth the risk. However, their information had been limited primarily to what Dresden and a few of his friends were capable of offering, so I made it my goal to expand upon that.

Such was how it became my job to transcribe my personal knowledge, alongside those of Edinburgh's ancient libraries, to create tools for use by the Paranet. To speak plainly, they were mainly pamphlets with a few illustrations, but Dresden and Anastasia said so earnestly that they could prove invaluable to the lesser talents of the world that I started taking pride in the work. It helped that there was little else to do, of course.

Now I stood back on the streets of Chicago, a free man of a sort, though the Doom still hung above my head. These were my old stomping grounds long before they had been Dresden's, and they'd been my area of responsibility as a Warden up until the war with the Red Court of Vampires. I'd hounded Dresden through these streets as I observed his own probation beneath the Doom, and now the shoe was on the other foot. Dresden, if he yet lived, was a Warden of the Council, while I was the one with a single mistake keeping me from summary decapitation. I'm certain there was a lesson in that, and it was one reason I strived to put aside the more petty and miserable aspects of myself.

Shaking off my reminiscences, I examined the building where I'd be staying for the duration of my time as a mentor to Dresden's young apprentice, Molly Carpenter. I knew the building, of course. Only a few blocks away from the ruins of Dresden's own home, the address on my note had directed me to what had once been a boarding house that had been converted into apartments. During our time trying to prove my innocence, a mortal private investigator had set up an observation post in this very building to stake out Dresden. I don't know when the Council had found the time or money to empty the building and remodel it, but they'd done so. It looked pristine, at least from outside, and I knew nobody lived here anymore from a notation on Ana's scrap of paper. The Council didn't want to risk more collateral damage after whatever destroyed Dresden's place nearly killed several mortal bystanders.

I headed into the building and opened the door to the ground floor apartment, though I had keys to all of them. I wondered if they expected me to house Miss Carpenter here while I trained her? That would be practical, but Ana had mentioned the girl would be at her parent's house, and I imagined she'd be more comfortable there. Undoubtedly so, considering what had apparently transpired over the past 48 hours or so.

The apartment was sparsely furnished, though it had necessary amenities like an ice box and a wood-burning stove. There was one bedroom with a bare twin mattress against a wall, connected to a small bathroom with a standing glass-door shower. A single recliner occupied one corner of the living room near the fireplace, and a small dining table that had no accompanying chairs filled space in the kitchen. On it rested a plain white envelope labeled 'Donald.' Inside the envelope was a crisp stack of bills, the first installment of my new monthly stipend. I noted with a small smirk that it was the same monthly amount I'd be making if I were still serving as a Warden. Though I wasn't a Warden anymore, and likely never would be again, I supposed that my time in-service had earned me something. I'd have preferred my blade to the money. Warden or not, Ana made the sword for me. Practically speaking, nobody else would be remotely capable of wielding it effectively. Sentimentally speaking, it was probably my dearest possession.

Placing the envelope of cash in the pocket of the overcoat I wore with today's ensemble of a well-tailored, tan three-piece suit (why couldn't Dresden see the obvious social benefits of not dressing like a hoodlum?), I decided to set aside all other thoughts in favor of the most immediate concern. I couldn't put it off any longer. It was time to pay a visit to my new apprentice. I stepped outside, hailed a cab, and was shortly on my way.

-----

The house I arrived at looked like something out of a Hallmark card, something I wouldn't have thought possible in this part of Chicago. Complete with finely manicured lawn and white picket fence, it was the absolute model of idealized American suburbia. I could feel a kind of power emanating from within the borders of the property, and I knew immediately that this was indeed the correct residence. Michael Carpenter, Molly's father, was the only living retired Knight of the Sword, an ancient group of warriors who served to maintain the balance between Good and Evil on behalf of God. I could only imagine a retirement package from such an occupation would be graced with ample benefits from the Lord.

I was cautious as I approached the front door of the home, being careful not to offend whatever sort of divine bodyguards might watch over the place. I knocked politely, three times, and awaited a response from within. A woman promptly answered, and I could recognize in her face that this must be Molly's mother, Charity. I could also see in her general stance and demeanor, a woman of fierce physical and mental fortitude. I'd hazard to guess she'd once served as the sparring partner for her husband, and Ana had mentioned to me before my departure that the woman was an accomplished smith, likely as a means of indicating someone from whom I could commission a sword. I bowed my head politely, and introduced myself.

"Mrs. Carpenter, I am Donald Morgan," I spoke. "I am a wizard of the White Council. I am here on the Council's behalf to speak with your daughter, Molly, regarding the disappearance of her mentor, Harry Dresden. And, if necessary, continue her training in our arts in his absence."

Mrs. Carpenter looked at me, her right eyebrow arched upward.

"Morgan?" she asked. "The Warden? Harry spoke of you before. Not nicely, either, I should say."

I sighed. I should have known one of Dresden's friends would know my name and my reputation, colored though it might have been by his own perceptions. I could believe she did not think very highly of the man I once was.

"Former Warden," I explained. "I am no longer a Warden of the White Council, Mrs. Carpenter. After a political incident about a year ago, I was removed from my position and consigned to the Doom of Damocles, much like Molly and Dresden before her. That being the case, Dresden has gone missing, and is presumed dead. The Council has but two options regarding your daughter's future: execute her under the order of the Doom, or send me to mentor her in Dresden's stead. I shall see her through to her graduation into a full wizard of the Council, or merely until Dresden returns."

I held my arms out to the side, palms up in a non-threatening gesture of sincerity. I don't do those much, so I doubt it looked very convincing.

"I'm not here to hurt Molly, Mrs. Carpenter," I said, plainly.

Charity continued to stare at me for a moment, sizing me up, gauging my honesty.

Then, her voice firm, she said, "I won't invite you in. Prove to me that you mean no harm."

I understood her meaning immediately. Wizards, and other supernatural entities, cannot pass through a threshold (the magical barrier that separates a home from the outside world) without giving up a significant portion of their power. Certain creatures, like the Vampires of the Red and Black Courts, cannot pass through a threshold at all without first being invited. The threshold of this home was one of enormous potency, and stepping through it would mean leaving nearly all of my magic at the door, making me incredibly vulnerable. It was a common and reliable practice among those who were 'in-the-know' supernaturally, and I applauded her in my mind for thinking ahead. She was clearly a sharp-minded and no-nonsense woman, and having apprenticed under Anastasia Luccio, that was something I could most certainly respect.

"Very well," I replied, and stepped across through the doorway.

It was an odd sensation, leaving my magic behind me. Stepping through the Carpenter threshold was like stepping through a wall of gelatin and coming out the other side disrobed. I felt diminished and exhausted, as if I'd dived into a pool of ice water. I bowed my head politely in her direction after crossing, and she nodded at me. Had I been one of the few harmful supernatural entities that might have crossed a threshold uninvited without trouble, I'd likely have been pulverized by whatever security force watched over the household if I'd intended harm.

Charity motioned to the staircase with a wave of her hand.

"Molly's sleeping upstairs," she explained. "She was wounded when she went to help Harry at Chichen Itza."

I didn't have many of the facts, but if Dresden had been at Chichen Itza, he'd been at one of the most powerful domains of the Red Court. I could only assume it bore some connection to his supposed demise.

"Would it be a problem if I woke her?" I asked. "It's important we get this settled as soon as possible."

"It won't be a problem, but she's not in any condition to talk for very long," Charity stated, matter-of-factly. "She's heavily medicated, patched up on a helicopter and brought here by some of Dresden's associates afterward."

"Field medicine? Why not a hospital?"

"Her wound wasn't severe, she'd mostly overexerted herself after being wounded on the battlefield."

"Well, I am relieved to hear that she is alright, but I will need to speak with her right away so that she understands what is to be done."

"Alright, then. This way."

Inside a room cramped with sewing equipment, Molly slept soundly in a small bed, an IV in her arm.

Charity gently shook her awake as we entered, saying, "Molly, Morgan from the White Council is here to see you."

I didn't miss how Molly's eyes shot open with fear at the mention of my name. Once again, my old reputation preceded me. Swiftly, Mr's. Carpenter calmed her daughter with soft, gentle words explaining that I wasn't there to hurt her, and that I just needed to inform her of some changes regarding her apprenticeship since Harry was missing. Molly was still groggy from sleep and pain medication, but the initial adrenaline rush had cleared her head enough that she acknowledged her mother's words and nodded at me to proceed.

"Hello again, Miss Carpenter," I began. "Your mother is correct that I'm not here to do you any harm. I can only assume the medicine is to blame for you forgetting I'm no longer a Warden."

I tried to smile to show I was being lighthearted, but I was long out of practice, and Molly got a somewhat sour look on her face. I awkwardly tried to recover momentum.

"Ahem, anyway, I have just been released from house arrest. I'm here because Dresden has gone missing, and is presumed dead. Whatever Dresden and the rest of you did at Chichen Itza has thrown the supernatural world into a frenzy. I couldn't begin to tell you even half the things I've heard, and my situation left me fairly out of the loop to begin with. Whatever it is, the Council is preoccupied with damage control, and wasn't sure what to do with you. After much deliberation, rather than have you executed under the Doom, I was chosen to act as your mentor until such a time as you graduate or Dresden returns. I was already under the Doom, myself, so it is no great loss to the Council, and it spares any needless bloodshed."

I paused to let Molly absorb what I had said, and then continued.

"It will only be a temporary arrangement, of course. Under my tutelage, barring Dresden's return, I imagine it would not take longer than a year or two to get you to full wizard status, in which case you would no longer need a mentor. And, of course, should Harry come back, he will be granted the opportunity to once again take over your training. As it stands, however, none of us has any idea what has become of him."

I looked at Molly sternly, though not bluntly intimidating, trying to put a kind of gentle, grandfatherly rebuke into my demeanor.

"What in the world was Dresden doing on the vampire's boat at the time of his presumed death?" I asked.

Molly let out a huff of indignation. "I should have known the first thing you'd do is be suspicious of Thomas."

"Why shouldn't I be? He is a member of the White Court--"

"He's more than just a White Court vampire," she interrupted. "There's a reason Harry was on the boat, and Thomas' offer to let him use it was made in good faith."

"You're the second person today to tell me that," I responded. I tried giving the girl a small smile. "I guess I'll take your word for it, for now."

"Thomas isn't responsible for Harry's murder," Molly said. "I know that for certain."

"You do?" I asked, arching an eyebrow at the remark. "That implies a great deal. If you know for certain that Thomas Raith isn't involved, do you know who is responsible?"

Molly sighed and shook her head. "No. But whoever did it didn't use magic."

"Captain Luccio was able to confirm as much to me before I came out here. Regardless, such discussion has no bearing on my purpose here. I won't trouble you with more questions. Get some rest, and I'll be back tomorrow so we can go over the details of your training."

Molly nodded, and promptly returned to sleep.

Afterward, Charity saw me to the door and wished me luck getting situated in town. She gave me the number for the house, as well as their cell phones, and told me that if I intended to continue investigating Harry's disappearance it would be good to get in touch with Harry's associates in town. A good place to begin would be with their mutual acquaintance Father Forthill at Saint Mary of the Angels, and Karrin Murphy of the Chicago Police Department, in particular. I thanked her, and made my way out the door.

No sooner had I closed the gate to the front yard behind me than I was very nearly run over by an emerald green stretch limousine that sped up to the curb in front of the Carpenter home. Immediately after parking, the driver walked around to passenger side rear door, opened it, and gestured for me to enter. I knew him for what he was the moment I set eyes upon him, and the voice that beckoned to me from within the limo only confirmed my suspicions.

"La! Mortal magi, always so paranoid," called a beautiful singsong from the dark interior of the vehicle. "You have my word of safe passage for the duration of a conversation, Wizard Morgan. On behalf of my Queen, I must needs speak with thee regarding the matter of Harry Dresden."

I looked from the driver holding open the door, and back to the waiting interior of the car. Stepping into the vehicle would be stupid, even with word of safe passage from one of the Fae. Then again, it was about Dresden. Considering that, I thought to myself: what would Harry Dresden do in this situation? The town, after all, needed someone to fill his boots for a time.

I got into the car.

[creative-frequency]

Cinderelia Ch. 5 FINAL: The Search

Rating: SFW Pairing: King!Noctis x OC-ish (Evelia Orelia as Cinderella) Categories: Romance

It’s the last chapter! Thank you for everyone who has read this story. Hopefully you have enjoyed it. I really loved writing this and your kind comments concerning this fic have made my day on multiple occasions.

@singlebecauseofthechocobros enjoy your stay in Noctis hell ;) @lucianhuntress my bae ❤️ also go check out her blog, she is a new writer to the ffxv fandom! I except great things from her. @bleucommelhiver thanks again for your help, it was truly invaluable!

Previous Chapter

The Monday morning graced Insomnia with its warm rays of light. After a poorly slept night, King Noctis dressed in an inconspicuous pair of hoodie and jeans. He headed out with the intention of visiting the café where Evelia worked. He knew it was a very slim chance that she would be on shift at the moment, but it was the easiest place to begin. With any luck, Noctis would actually be able to conclude the search there.

The café wasn’t open yet when he arrived. He peeked inside through the glass door, trying to distinguish Evelia’s form behind the counter. There was someone, so with a trembling hand and a heavy heart he knocked on the locked door.

Caitlin raised her gaze from the cups she had been setting on their place. A dark figure waved behind the door. She glanced at the time; it was still five minutes until the opening time, but since there was someone so caffeine deprived already knocking, she decided to make an exception.

“Good morning,” Caitlin said as she opened the door for Noctis. She didn’t give two glances at him before walking back to behind the counter.

“What can I get for you?” she asked with her working-smile plastered on her face.

Noctis lowered his hood and Caitlin’s jaw dropped. She bowed hastily. “Y-Your Majesty!”

“Please, none of that. I don’t wish to be recognized,” Noctis shushed with a finger on his lips.

“Oh, of course, I’m sorry! How can I help you?” Caitlin said a tad embarrassed. Her eyes travelled curiously over the King, taking in his good looks.

“You’re Evelia’s colleague, right?” Noctis asked desperately.

“Yeah, but she called in sick this morning. She won’t be in for the whole week,” Caitlin said apologetically. She was itching to ask what this was about and why would the King of Lucis ask after her co-worker.

“Damn it,” Noctis hissed quietly. So much for that good luck. A week was too much to wait to catch Evelia at work. “Uh, this might sound strange, but what is her last name?”

Caitlin’s eyebrows rose up and she folded her arms on her chest. “Orelia? May I ask why are you asking me this?”

Noctis studied Caitlin’s face deep in his thoughts. Caitlin was still cocking a questioning eyebrow at him. “Maybe she’ll tell you someday. You wouldn’t happen to know her address?” Noctis said finally.

“No, sorry. I could find it from the office, but the manager is away for the week and she forgot to leave the keys. The door is locked. It’s just me here, all week by myself,” Caitlin said apologizing, but with a bitter undertone.

“Of course. I’m sorry, that must be troublesome. I don’t wish to add to your difficulties,” Noctis said with a sigh.

“Don’t worry about it. But, I know Evelia came to work by the second west subway-line if that helps.”

“I suppose it might. I’m sorry to having bothered you with this. Thank you, uh”–Noctis’s eyes darted on the nameplate on Caitlin’s chest–“Caitlin.”

“No bother at all. You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”

Noctis was back at the Citadel so fast that he might as well have unconsciously warped the whole way. He slammed the doors open into the Council Secretary’s office and made all the workers startle and turn in surprise.

Office workers bowed as he rushed past them to speak with the Council’s main secretary. Noctis gave instructions to find Evelia and offered all the information he had on her. He hesitated a moment before mentioning the unique glass shoe, but it only prompted a raised eyebrow from the secretary as he made notes hastily.

Then it was time for him to play the waiting game. He paced around in his quarters, eyes darting to the door at every sound of steps in the hallway. He had sent everyone, including his Shield away. He couldn’t concentrate on anything at hand. The image of Evelia was spinning through his head; he could almost feel her touch on his hand, smell her perfume and see how her lips curled into a sweet smile. His heart ached.

Fortunately it didn’t take long until Ignis came to deliver the bad news.

“What do you mean there’s no-one by the name of Orelia in the guest list?” Noctis asked shooting up from his work chair.

“What I’m saying is that maybe she doesn’t share her last name with her family. The invitations were sent on family basis,” Ignis said with a voice that spoke volumes about how he was getting tired of this charade.

Noctis frowned. “But that could mean–“

“That she is actually married, yes, or has been. It also means we have really no other way to track her down than to visit all the families in the West side of Insomnia. For starters.”

“Let’s do it,” Noctis said with a stern look.

Ignis paused for a moment.

“Are you that taken with her?” he chimed carefully. He was holding back a fond smile. It was about time the King would become enthusiastic about a lady, though the object of his affections was making them go through some extra effort.

“I guess I am,” Noctis said and a blush creeped to redden his ears.

Ignis sighed. “Very well then, I shall do everything I can. I will arrange for a search party–“

“Wait, I want to be there,” Noctis said walking up to him.

“If that is what Your Majesty wishes. Though it will require more time that way,” Ignis said slowly.

“I don’t care. I want to make sure we find her, and I’m probably the only one who will recognize her,” Noctis said thinking about Evelia behind the café counter. Of course he had then noticed her beauty, but hadn’t thought much about it. He had been too occupied with the upcoming ball to even think about ladies in that moment.

“Very well. I shall call Gladio and Prompto to meet us at the garage.”

A minute later, Noctis tapped his foot anxiously on the elevator floor. What if they wouldn’t be able to find Evelia? What if she had left the city for some reason? No, that made no sense at all. But, what if she didn’t want anything to do with Noctis? Maybe he indeed had misread the whole situation and his advances had been unwanted.

Noctis felt the pinch of desperation in his chest. In any case, he had to try at least, or he would never be able to stop thinking about her. If Evelia never wanted to see him again, he wanted to hear it straight from her. It would break his heart, but it would be better that way.

“Is everything alright?” Ignis asked, sensing his distress.

“Yes, I was just thinking where we should start the search,” Noctis lied. He was not alright before he could lay his eyes on Evelia again. He held the address list of all the families invited to the party in his hand. They would just have to go through them all, starting with the ones living in the west-side of Insomnia. There were over five-hundred names in the list.

“I can’t believe you missed old Cid’s visit,” Prompto whined as he and Gladiolus walked up to Noctis and Ignis.

“Well, you can call him and tell him that he is invited to the wedding,” Noctis said.

Ignis cleared his throat; Gladiolus leaned his hand off the car hood and almost fell. Prompto let out a long whistle.

Gladiolus and Prompto stared at their friend in unexpected awe and Ignis turned his head to his general direction.

“Wow, you’re really serious about her,” Gladiolus said with admiration in his voice.

“Whew, dude. Though I must say those longing gazes between you two were making my teeth hurt,” Prompto said.

“A younger bride is a good investment into the future,” Gladiolus grinned.

“Shut up, Gladio,” Noctis muttered.

Not a moment later, the trio was sitting in the new Regalia while Ignis stayed behind to oversee the Citadel. The black car had been a gift from Cindy and Cid to the Crown, and Noctis still had no idea that his best friends had had part to play in rebuilding it from a scratch.

Prompto was fondly caressing the dashboard in the front passenger’s seat, whereas Gladiolus was driving.

“Man, I love this car maybe even more than your dad’s old one,” Prompto said, but Noctis could barely hear him. He was too anxious. His heart was thumping so loudly it was blocking out all other noises like Prompto’s voice.

Noctis was staring at the guest list, trying to mark down which of the names were surely dead ends and which ones lived the nearest to their location.

“Just tell me where to drive,” Gladiolus said as he saw from the rearview mirror what Noctis was doing.

“Right,” Noctis said and gave the first address.

Hours, many stunned ballguests and as many polite declines for coffee, tea or whatever each household offered later, Noctis was getting desperate. They had not been through even tenth of the list and nobody seemed to know who the girl in the lilac dress on the third evening had been.

Prompto was trying to cheer up his best friend. “C’mon Noct. We’ll find her. She can’t possibly stay away from you and your… charms.”

Gladiolus snorted.

“Thanks Prompto. I feel so much better now,” Noctis deadpanned.

“Who would’ve thought that the King of Lucis would be funny when he’s lovesick?” Gladiolus said.

“So what are you gonna do when you find her? Give her that shoe back?” Prompto snickered.

Noctis glanced at the glass shoe resting on the leather seat next to him. He hadn’t really thought about what to do or say, and now that Prompto had mentioned it, maybe he should have.

“He will confess his undying love for her of course,” Gladiolus said.

“Maybe I will. At least I would beat you two to it,” Noctis’s mouth curled into a sly smile.

Gladiolus stopped the car at the next address. “Hmph. We’ll see about that at this rate. Let’s go.”

Meanwhile, Evelia was nervously fidgeting with her stuffed moogle toy, sitting on her bed. She had called in sick at work first thing in the morning and leaving Caitlin in trouble made her only feel worse than the initial white lie on the phone. She needed the week off to find someone who would take her as an apprentice. It would be a tough break, but she was determined to succeed. Even without the support of her so-called family.

Encouraged by Noctis’s words, Evelia had decided to finally grasp the nettle and tell her stepmother she wanted to study.

Naturally, she had been most surprised at the decision and attempted to laugh it off.

“You’re silly, Evelia. People go to school to get smarter, so they could get a job. You already have a job so it’s like skipping a step.”

“I know, mother, but I really want to follow in father’s footsteps one day,” Evelia had pleaded, trying so hard to make her understand why beginning medical studies was important to her.

Finally, her stepmother had lost a bit of her temper and snapped.

“There’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you, Evelia. You’re not very pretty or smart. People like you should be content with their place in the world, since you obviously have no chance for a better life.”

At that, Evelia had left and called to work, not at all ready to give up yet. As she was contemplating on her next step, Anastasia and Drisella came knocking by her door.

“Oh, poor Evelia! We heard what mother said about your dream of becoming a doctor!” Drisella said sympathetically and sat down on the bed next to Evelia.

“That was so unfair of her to lay it out for you like that!” Anastasia continued.

Evelia blinked in surprise of the uncharacteristic kindness from her stepsisters. “Why, thank you for understanding. Maybe you could talk to her then? Please?”

Anastasia and Drisella exchanged looks. “We could, of course!”

“Yes, anything for our dear sister!”

“Really? Thank you so much! I mean, it would mean a lot to me,” Evelia said with a spark of hope in her voice.

“But it wouldn’t change anything,” Anastasia said carefully. Her too darkly painted mouth curved into a mischievous smile.

Evelia frowned at her and pulled the moogle plushie closed to her chest. “What do you mean?”

“Mother is right, naturally, you’re just not smart enough to pull something like that off,” Drisella explained matter of factly.

“You, becoming a doctor? Patient death statistics would spike!” Anastasia said, barely biting back her malicious giggle.

Evelia’s eyes fell on the floor.

“Maybe you should set some more achievable aspirations, like getting a promotion to a manager at that café you work in.”

“A manager? Her? It would go bankrupt in the matter of days!” Anastasia laughed.

“I would like to be left alone now, please,” Evelia said firmly, holding back the tears welling in her eyes.

“Whatever you wish, Cinderelia,” Drisella cooed and stood up from the bed. They left the room, snickering cruelly.

Evelia threw herself on the bed. She took the flower necklace from under her pillow to her palm and stared at it in longing. Her heart was aching after Noctis. She felt so silly for pining after the King of Lucis. A single tear fell on the flower, making it glow hardly noticeably, but at the same time Evelia closed her palm around it.

She cried inconsolably until her stepmother would come to yell at her because she had not left for work.

If Noctis had not been desperate earlier, he surely was now. The day was turning into evening, and still they had not the slightest clue about who Evelia was or where she lived.

Prompto and Gladiolus did their best in trying to reassure the King that matters would turn out alright, but Noctis was inches away from falling into the dark pit of regal sulking.

They were already in the neighborhood where Evelia lived, looking around, seeking out the next address on the list. Prompto was still trying to encourage Noctis with words which were already starting to fall on deaf ears.

Then Noctis felt something stirring within him. It was a sudden rush of sadness. The emotion was so strong it felt alien. He felt many things in that moment, but deep sorrow was not one of them. He straightened his posture in the back seat so quickly that Gladiolus and Prompto turned to look.

“What now?” Gladiolus asked. He knew the look on Noctis’s face. He was unto something, probably something to do with magic.

“You okay there, buddy?” Prompto asked concerned.

“Stop the car,” Noctis said, looking wildly around to outside. The streets were empty.

As soon as the vehicle halted, Noctis was out.

“Dude!” Prompto yelled after him, but he had already dashed towards the alien pull in his chest. Prompto and Gladiolus followed as quickly as they could.

Noctis’s insides were coiling. What was the strange feeling? Could he possibly feel Evelia’s presence? Even the concept was ridiculous. Besides, why would he feel so crushingly sad if she was near? Fear and excitement were building up in his stomach.

Led by his intuition, Noctis soon encountered an iron gate leading to the backyard of one of the grander houses in the area. A single maple tree was lightly shaking its branches in the wind. He was about to step in, but Gladiolus’s hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Noct, you can’t just barge into someone’s backyard,” he said with a grimace.

“Right,” Noctis said distantly, letting Gladiolus pull him back and lead them to the front door.

Noctis’s hear was racing. The pull of magic was strong, almost urgent inside him as he stood before the wooden front door, staring at the label on it.

“Prompto, is this address on the list?” Noctis asked.

“Yeah, I think so. How did you know?” Prompto replied.

Noctis’s pulse spiked higher, before he forced himself to calm down by exhaling slowly.

“You sure this is the right place?” Gladiolus asked with a frown.

Noctis nodded once and inhaled deeply.

“I-I’ll go grab the shoe!” Prompto said and ran back to the car.

“You sure about this?” Gladiolus asked.

“Yeah. More sure than I’ve ever been about anything in my life,” Noctis said breathily.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Gladiolus smirked and rang the doorbell.

They heard the soft chime echo from inside the house.

Noctis was going to protest for not having enough time to mentally prepare, but the sudden rush of footsteps from inside and a familiar-sounding “I’ll get the door,” made the words hitch in his throat. He gave Gladiolus a wide-eyed glance and braced himself.

Noctis saw in slow-motion as the door opened before him. In the doorframe was standing entirely dumbfound Evelia. She gasped.

“Who is it Evelia?” her stepmother asked on her way to see who the guest was.

“It’s–“ Evelia could only say before her stepmother let out a scream.

“Your Majesty!” she gasped and pushed her away from the doorway. Evelia stood back, her eyes locked with Noctis, both pairs thoroughly stunned.

Prompto came back with the shoe, huffing out of breath. Mechanically, Noctis reached out to take it from him. “Good evening,” Noctis said, his eyes quickly darting at the woman standing in front of him, trying to hide Evelia behind her.

At the combination of the doorbell and the scream, Drisella and Anastasia flew down the stairs.

“Mother, what is it–“

“Who is there–“

Both sisters stopped on their heels after bumping Evelia’s sides in their rush to get past her.

“Oh, good evening, Your Majesty,” their mother purred, while shooing the girls away from gawking, “What brings us this unexpected pleasure?”

Evelia had fallen back to lean on the railing of the stairs. How on Eos had Noctis found her? What was he doing here? And what was with that shoe in his hand? Evelia could not think straight and her heart was beating in her throat.

Noctis coughed to clear his throat. “I’m looking for her.” He nodded behind the stepmother who was effectively blocking the doorway. She quickly stepped aside to offer the King a clear view at her daughters.

“Oh, what a lovely surprise! Which one of my girls you wanted to speak with?” the mother sang in excitement.

Drisella and Anastasia quickly smoothed their clothes and swiped any stray locks from their faces.

“Uh, actually, I meant her,” Noctis said motioning towards Evelia, who had sat down on the second lowest stair.

Drisella, Anastasia and their mother looked at each other in confusion. “Her? Your Majesty must be mistaken; she is just our simple-minded servant girl. I let her live in the house, because she has no other place to go. I always try to be kind to those less fortunate, don’t you agree, Your Majesty? Hmm, Your Majesty?”

Noctis had stopped listening before halfway through to her monologue and stepped inside the house. Drisella and Anastasia stepped away from his path, confused gazes still darting between their guests and their mother.

Noctis crouched before Evelia, who was staring at him at loss of words and biting her lip to keep away the tears threatening to well up.

“Hey,” Noctis husked.

“Hey,” Evelia managed to whisper in a dry voice.

Prompto and Gladiolus were curiously peeking inside to see what was happening. Drisella and Anastasia were being shooed away by their mother, to whom the obviously occurred events were starting to make sense. Evelia had disobeyed her and managed sneak into the ball to seduce the King somehow. There was no other reason he would’ve possibly wanted to see her and disregard her two lovely daughters so coldly.

“I believe this is yours,” Noctis said, offering the shoe for Evelia.

She stared at it, completely stunned. She had kicked the shoes away so she could make her escape without tripping, and there the glass-made heel glinted at the King’s hand. Shouldn’t it have disappeared like the rest of her attire at the stroke of midnight?

Evelia tilted her face up to see Noctis’s eyes and the hint of smile playing on his lips.

”I’m sorry it was such a stupid thing to do!” she yelped, “Leaving my shoes behind…”

Noctis chuckled. “No, it was not stupid at all…” his eyes seeked Evelia’s in a tender gaze, “It led me back to you.”

Evelia didn’t say anything. With a shaky hand, she took the shoe, wondering where the other one was.

“Evelia!” her stepmother almost screamed, “Would you care to explain what is going on with our charming guests here?” The furious undertone in her voice made Evelia flinch and turn her eyes at her from Noctis.

Her stepmother’s eyes bulged from restrained rage. Evelia had never seen her looking so enraged. The sight froze her blood.

Noctis turned to look at her as well and as fast as the rage had risen on the stepmother’s face, it disappeared just as quickly as she got her emotions back under control. However, the inviting smile never returned and still traces of extreme irritation laced her features.

“Could we talk for a moment? Alone,” Noctis said standing up. He offered his hand for Evelia, who took it a bit shakily.

“Let’s go out to the garden,” Evelia said, taking one final glance at her stepmother, who was glaring at her murderously.

“Just–, give a holler should you require me,” she said desperately.

Anastasia and Drisella stared in disbelief when Evelia led Noctis to their backyard, still holding his hand.

They stopped under the maple tree. Noctis was chasing Evelia’s gaze, but she persistently kept looking elsewhere.

“So, uh, Ignis is going to be either pissed or impressed,” Noctis said awkwardly to fill the silence.

Evelia’s eyes snapped into his. “Yes, he should be. You shouldn’t consort with someone as lowly as me–“

“Please don’t talk like that about yourself,” Noctis pleaded, making Evelia fall silent. She was still holding his hand and gripping the glass heel in the other.

The light touch had made the coil of emotions unwind inside Noctis and he felt like he could finally breathe again after a long time. As he inhaled, the familiar smell of Evelia’s perfume filled his nostrils.

“I, uh, I’m sorry for deceiving you,” Evelia said quietly.

“You did not deceive me, someone as gentle as you couldn’t possibly manage something like that.”

A hint of a smile played on Evelia’s lips. “Well, I’m obviously not a princess,” she said gesturing towards her old t-shirt and leggings.

“I never expected you to be, Evelia, even though you dress like one,” Noctis said calmly and finally got a proper smile out of her.

“Well, I had help,” Evelia confessed, biting her lip.

Noctis’s brows shot up. “From who?” As the question hanged in the air, he realized he already knew the answer. It was obvious now that he thought about it.

“There was a spirit, called Gentiana. She magically transformed my clothes into those beautiful gowns,” Evelia explained with a trace of sadness in her voice.

“Gentiana… I see,” Noctis said. His tone was so even and not at all surprised that it piqued Evelia’s curiosity.

“Sounds like you’re familiar with her,” she said carefully.

“You could say she is… a family friend.” Noctis made the mental note of summoning Shiva soon to thank her for what she had done for him – For them.

“Oh, I see. Well, maybe you could thank her for me then?” Evelia said sheepishly.

“I’ll make sure you can do it yourself one day,” Noctis said with a smile.

A moment of silence followed.

“So what happens now?” Evelia asked, afraid of the answer, “I mean, you found me.”

Noctis inhaled before talking. He was very conscious of his pulse rising again and Evelia’s insecure stare did nothing to soothe it. He wanted to comfort her, to tell her she had nothing to be afraid and that she would be alright. Noctis wanted to offer everything he possibly could for her, but realized he should hold back a bit for now, lest he might scare her away.

”Evelia, would you give me the honor of going out with you?” Noctis asked carefully. From the way Evelia’s eyes studied his face, the sudden fear of her declining tightened into a lump in his chest.

There it was. The subject Evelia had been dreading for. The exact reason she had been afraid to see Noctis again.

“I’d like nothing more, but…” Evelia said, tears forming in the corners on her eyes, “I can’t.”

“Why not?” Noctis asked softly, searching her eyes.

“Mother would throw me out on the street and my sisters would love to see me dead if I did that,” Evelia said and sniffed.

“Is that what you’re concerned?” Noctis asked incredulously. He stroked Evelia’s cheek and lifted her chin to see her eyes. A tear fell down on her cheek.

“We’ll figure something out for you,” Noctis continued and wiped the tear with his thumb.

Evelia swallowed. “No, I couldn’t ask–“

Noctis shushed her to quiet. “I’ll help you find a place to stay. In the meanwhile you can come live at the Citadel.”

Evelia laughed at his surreal suggestion, but was at loss of words.

“Just one proper date. And I’ll help you out of this place even in case you don’t want to see me anymore after today,” Noctis said softly, “Please.” His hand still rested on her chin, tilting her head up to meet his eyes.

Evelia’s heart melted. “I-if you’re sure,” she said in a shaky tone.

“I am, don’t worry about that, Evelia.”

Evelia breathed out lightly and tried to muster a thankful smile. Her body relaxed and she squeezed Noctis’s hand lightly.

“May I kiss you?” Noctis asked quietly and tugged a few strands of hair behind her ear.

Evelia blushed heavily, well conscious of the possible prying eyes, and nodded.

Noctis cupped her cheek and his lips gently pushed against hers in a chaste kiss.

The End

Writing Masterlist

[burmecianblackmage]

Today marks this blogs third anniversary

Time sure flies, huh? Who’d have thought that what started out as a small little idea way back when would eventually grow to become such a grand and complex character, with a long and detailed backstory and even a very important NPC spawning off said story?

I sure didn’t.

To be quite honest, I was back then not sure whether or not Sceada would ever catch a hold in the rp community, and there have been periods where it felt like his foothold was vanishing, but he endured, and now I am still here after 3 years. And you know what?

None of that would have been possible without you guys.

A roleplay character and his story are, if you ask me, to an extent also only as good as their partners make them. The growth of a character comes through interaction, and without partners there simply is none. And with them, you sometimes don’t know just which way they might push your muse to develop - ain’t that the most exciting part about this our hobby?

So, in order to honor these three exciting, heartwarming (and heartbreaking at times), dramatic and simply awesome years, I wish to honor the people that made it possible!

~~~~ My dear friends ~~~~

@burmecias-protector

It seems fitting to start with you, cause after all, you were the very first person to ever give this blog a chance and play with me. And quite frankly? You never stopped being my go to person when it is about Burmecia and it’s inhabitants. You helped me shape my backstory and headcanons, allowed me to make your Freya a part of them somewhat by acknowledging the characters it introduced and their connection to her, and what I appreciate by far the most, even three years in you still play with me every now and then.

Thank you so much for everything. I know we may not converse much outside of rp but I still feel I got to know you a bit over the years and so I also want to say that I think you’re a great person and someone people greatly enjoy having for a friend. Stay awesome, and may your endeavors be crowned with success!

(Also, I’m still “sorry” for throwing Skadi at you like that, but I love what a good sport you’ve been about it and wanna thank you for dealing with her! I promise, she’ll eventually be less obnoxious)

@containyourmainposure

Oh Gwenny, if I were to list all the nice things I can say about you, I’d probably need a separate post just for you. You’re such a warm and kind person and you’re never afraid to voice your opinion, and I really admire that. And the same goes for the big changes you’ve made in your life, I am both so very happy for you and proud of you for making that leap, and at the same time a bit envious. Maybe one day I’ll have that strength too.

And your Leonora, my, she’s just such a wonderful sweetheart, I cannot fathom how one could not adore her. Reading you write her is not only a pleasure, no, it has also fundamentaly changed my perception of her when I replay TAY - I gotta admit, I at first considered her to be a bit boring in game, but I see now that I was mistaken, and not just because of how much depth you gave her. By now Leonora has actually become part of my extended list of favorites, and I feel you are to credit for that.

I always adore our plays, and am a bit sad to see them having become so scarce lately. Not only Sceada misses you and Leonora, I do too. I understand why the situation currently is as it is and let me assure you, it’s okay, but allow me at the same time to say that yes, I do miss these plays. And we don’t even need to go into detail about how much Sceada misses the sunshine to his rain... My poor lovesick fool. So I really hope that the day will come when we can play more often again. Until then, please stay as wonderful as you are and may you continue to succeed in all you do! You deserve all the happiness.

@artemisxbow

Maria oh Maria - no, I’m not gonna break into signing the opera from FF VI right now, behave Patrick - it feels like I’ve known you forever, though we only met through Pledged Prelude back in the day, and only rarely really spoke outside of plays. Curious how that sometimes goes, huh? But be that as it may, yours is a presence on my dashboard that I wouldn’t want to miss. I really adore your style of writing, the way you picture a scene and how you describe Maria and her inner struggles. I know out plays tend to get quite slow, curtesy of both our lives, but by the gods they are always, always worth waiting for. And seeing a reply after a long time has more than once felt like an exciting little present waiting to be unwrapped and discovered. Really, I love writing with you.

And Sceada is not in the least against it either. After all, if you would ask him who his closest friend is, who would he name other than Maria? He cares deeply for her and wants her to be happy, and he will never forget the kindness she showed him back in the day. I feel these two have a nice chemistry together, one of understanding and respect, and I shall with joy await just how that will develop over time. I for one hope that they both can learn to open up more to each other, both could really use it. But in the end, that’s not really up to us, right?

That said! I’ll also never forget the wonderful dynamic we had going when you played Victoria for a while, and she befriended Sceada, planning to use him for her own goals and played him. How he struggled with the path he saw her lay open for him to walk and it’s consequences, and last but definitely not least, their epic confrontation. Ah, good times...

Anyhow... what I want to say is Thank you Maria, for being such a consistent presence in my little Sceada’s life and for the many plays and deep conversations our muses shared. I shall gladly look forward for more to come, and I hope you do too. And who knows just where they’ll take us, hmm? ;)

@burmecianknight

Ah, Calisto... It’s been well over a year since you last graced our dashboards and we got to enjoy your presence, but don’t think that I’ve forgotten about you! Back in the days when I got to play with you it was always fun seeing your writing and the few threads we had always felt a bit special. I dunno why... but for Sceada you somehow felt like a sister, or probably what he would imagine it to feel like.

Kinda curious that it never occured to me back then that maybe they could be a ship, what with her being the only female Burmecian in his age group that he knew... - who knows if that would have worked though xD

Either way... I know you might not read this but if you do? I’d like you to know that I’m thankful for the time we played together and the plays we shared. And should you ever feel like returning? I will gladly play with you again right away.

@sharlayanmistress

My dear lady Minfilia, how long has it been? Too long. So I know you may not get to see this for a long time - if at all. But sadly that too is the nature of roleplaying, over time we are bound to say goodbye to many a player we liked.

You’ve been one such player for me. My Eorzea verse was pretty much centered on you, even thoug that was not the original intention. But Sceada felt so safe in her company and understood too, that actually she is to this day the only person who has seen his mark. Unbelieveable, right? But for him she was one he could trust - and apparently, he for her too. And I really liked that.

It is a pity that the canon story ended up ruining your muse for her, alongside your real life. I understand how you feel though, yet still... I’d have loved to play with you more. You had a very nice writing style. Maybe one day again. Maybe on another blog. Only time will tell.

@ladyofgentlebreezes

First things first: I always have and I still do love the concept of your Garuda. What with her memory loss and her Garuda-Egi trying to whisper into her ears - I found that briliant. But I also liked her personality. The sometimes shy, sometimes insecure she displayed, along with her kindness... She was a sweetheart with a troubled mind, and by the gods can Sceada relate to that. He truly wanted to help her and understand her.

And who knows, maybe even more could have come of it, we had some intriguing prompts that never failed to make me smile. I suppose we’ll never know.

But be that as it may... I wanna still say thank you Garuda, for you were a partner I adored and I always enjoyed your writing of your muse. I’d have loved to play more with you, but alas it wasn’t meant to be. Still I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared as rp partners.

@thepricewasright

Locke Cole! Boy, what a pity it is that we have not yet been able to play more. I always liked your muse in the games, and you play him so faithfully! And no, I don’t mean the fact that just like Locke you sometimes come and go ;) But really, jokes aside, I really like the way you play him, and even before we started playing I’ve enjoyed reading you on my dash.

And to think of the possibilities our muses have, the potential scenarios that might yet unfold! I’m so very eager to explore them and truly hope we get to do so one day. I mean, it’s not often that Sceada gets to have a “rival” so to speak, though we both know that their rivalry would be unneeded as their beloved loves them both. And the notion of them adventuring together! Whether it is pursuing some legends or rumors, or even looking for that cure, I feel these two can become quite close if things go well.

So, uhm, yeah. What I wanna say is, I’m very excited to play with you and I hope we get to do so again soon. I like the way you write and your presence on my dash, and I’d like to thank you for playing with me. May we have more fun plays to come! Or angst, muahahaha....

@ladyoflindblum

Did you know that ever since I first came across your blog I’ve been wanting to play with you? I’ve always adored Eiko, and your adult take on her is delightfully refreshing. I also fondly remember that time we both individually had the same headcannon, and how the idea still lives on on your blog. The concept of it will probably never stop interesting me.

And well, we did play. But for the longest time, it was only small interactions in groups, some even in distinct verses and so they never really met in their main verses. Until we started a thread over a year ago - and then life got in the way.

When you recently came to me and said you’d love to play together again, I was delighted - and surprised. Reviving the old thread? I’ve never had that happen before, but you know what? I love the idea. Especially since the setting’s so nice for these two to meet a first time proper! And you can bet I’m excited to see where this will go. So thank you, thank you a lot for returning and still being interested in this mine little creation!

@avaliantqueen

I’ve always liked Garnet (though for me she’ll always be Lilli, her german pseudonym) and so when I found your beautifully written take on her I could not help but want to play with you. But unfortunately, we somehow never got over the starter and maybe a reply or two before they died down. I gotta admit I still don’t know why... - but it is what it is. Maybe I’ll try again in the days to come, we’ll see ;)

What I can say here though is that the Mun here, Asuka, yeah? She’s an absolute sweetheart. And very talented. Seriously, have you seen her videos or her cosplay of Garnet? I am time and time again in awe when I see her works. Also, she is very kind and likes to help people, and is not afraid to stand up for those she holds dear, which I find quite admireable. So yeah... you keep on being your impressive self, you hear me? 

@beyondtheflyingbird

Mary! Have I ever told you what an absolute sweetheart you are? Well, yes, I know I have, but don’t think that’ll stop me from doing so again! Because really, you are such a nice and caring person! I still dearly remember talking to you when things were really rough for me and you even went so far as to offer me an alternative, a path out. I couldn’t take it back then, but I will never forget just how much it meant to me that someone cared so much. I know we haven’t spoken all that much in the past year because life has a tendency to get in the way, but I still feel that if things went extremely downhill and I needed someone to talk, you’d have my back - and I want you to know that I’d have yours, anytime.

Also, it’s so refreshing sometimes to just be able to talk with someone in your native language xD

That said, now that you recently returned I’m really hoping that we get to play together again! I love your Garnet and I especially loved her caring nature in certain threads and prompts. And you’re so full of great ideas! Like when I sent in that Kiss in the Rain thing and instead of just going small with a smooch or such in a rainy city, you had it have an emotional build up, a deep sadness over what was lost and a kiss meant to comfort an aching soul standing in the ruins of what once was his homeland - just how amazing is that? Seriously Mary, I’d love to play with you again, it’d be both an honor and a pleasure.

@sunny-explosions

Selphie is at times bubbly, usually quite cheerful, sometimes a bit too friendly - and eerily fond of blowing things up - and you convey that perfectly my dear! I always enjoy seeing you on the dash, and often can’t help sending in memes or prompts - even if my own muse is at times upset with me because of the results. And we’re still trying to whip up an actual, bigger thread so here’s hoping!

@feralstriike

Ah, the lovely Fran! We have had the pleasure of some small threads a few times so far, and I gotta admit I always liked the dynamic we had between our two not-quite-standard-human Muses. Fran is a mystery and apparently enjoys that fact, and if Sceada is one thing then it is fascinated by mysteries. I was always curious how they’d get along, and as we saw from some of the older threads they could well have become friends - and hey, who knows? Seeing how you came back a while ago, maybe that is still a possibility.

Either way though, I quite like your writing and I enjy seeing you pop up on my dash every now and then.

@briidunviing

Brii, I know we haven’t played much yet. We have that one thread, and a short thing from a prompt, and that’s it. And I also know that you more often than not feel your replies don’t live up to mine. Now... let me tell you something..

That is not the case.

Brii, you write your character well and convey what she feels or goes through clearly enough. You have an unique writng style, which sets you apart from others and on top of that your muse is quite the interesting concept. So believe me when I say that it is all fine, okay? Don’t worry about your roleplaying. Aren’t you, like most of us I believe, rp-ing because you enjoy it? Because it helps distract you, focus on something else for a while?

Also I’m so sorry about everything you have to deal with irl. I wish I could do more than just talk to help you but sadly, I cannot. So at the very least... allow me to offer you an open ear whenever your need one. To qoute one of my all-time favorite scenes in FF history: You Are Not Alone. Okay?

@dancing-dagger

I’ve been following you for a while already, but I don’t think we ever had much interaction before, which is a pity. I’ve quite liked both your Leila and Milleuda for some time now, but found myself struggling to find a way to initiate interaction. And then Sceada decides he wants to send that prompt in. Boy oh boy, did that turn out in an interesting way... I’m honestly quite curious whether we’ll continue with it, and just where it’ll go - depending on the result Leila will truly steal something from him xD

But either way, I’d love to get to know her and/or Milleuda better and interact with them, so I’ll try to come up with something for at least one of them! 

@the-shadow-of-a-wielder

You know, it’s kinda weird. I’ve known you and your muse for but a short time now, our first actual interaction having been the advent calendar I had made. And look at it now: We’ve been talking quite a lot, Amina has become a close ally to Sceada in the group verse and we’ve even discussed possible ways for it to extend beyond the group should the need arise. Granted, the fine tuning between our muses needs improvement yet, but I feel it works fine between us Muns, don’t you agree? And there is absolutely no denying that Amina is an interesting OC, so yeah... I’m really looking forward to continuing our plays^^

@losteidolon

Now we’ve barely known each other for a few days now, but when I stumbled over your OC I almost cried from joy. A FF9 OC! Well written! Interesting concept! And active! - Honestly, from my experience those are rare to come by! I am very excited to see just how our two OCs will get along - even though that one prompt already was a bad start in Sceada’s eyes. This is not how he likes to meet people xD

@colourfulvirtuoso and @elderinwhite

You two I’ve only recently started interacting with, but I have so far really enjoyed it! You have lovely writing styles and from what I can tell so far some nice ideas, so I am truly looking forward to playing more with you as time goes on!

I’d also like to give a big thanks to the groups I was part of in these 3 years, for I met many a wonderful person in them and enjoyed many an interesting and fun play thanks to them. So thank you Pledged Prelude @pledgedprelude, Crystathereum @crystathereum, Fate Cipher, Crowned Reveries and Crested Fantasia @crestedfantasia, it’s been a pleasure being part of you!

And lastly, I also want to thank my lovely girlfriend @pandoragu. We may have never actually played together on this account, with her Melly usually dealingwith my Kamiizumi, but she has helped shape this muse immensely in the two and a half years we’ve been a couple. Several ideas and headcanons have been bounced off her and adapted, leading to my Sceada’s backstory becoming more and more fleshed out, turning him into who he is today. Even if he himself does not yet know wholly who he is... So yeah, thank you my dear, for all your help with my little fool. I love you.

And that’s it! Thank you everyone for 3 great years! May many more plots and shenanigans  and threads come to life through our words! May we always find someone willing to listen to us and support us.

Thank You.

Patrick~

[sportsandsongs]

Best Songs of 2007

1-All My Friends-LCD Soundsystem 2-Umbrella-Rihanna 3-No Cars Go-The Arcade Fire 4-Paper Planes-M.I.A. 5-Our Velocity-Maximo Park 6-Read My Mind (PSB Stars are Blazin Edit)-The Killers 7-What Goes Around… Comes Around-Justin Timberlake 8-Golden Skans-Klaxons 9-Fluorescent Adolescent-Arctic Monkeys 10-I Get Around-Dragonette 11-Jesus Christ-Brand New 12-Someone Great-LCD Soundsystem 13-None Shall Pass-Aesop Rock 14-1 2 3 4 -Feist 15-Stronger-Kanye West 16-Dashboard/Little Motel-Modest Mouse 17-The Underdog-Spoon 18-Who Knew-Pink 19-Like a Boy -Ciara 20-Tonight I Have to Leave It-Shout Out Louds 21-Song 4 Mutya-Groove Armada f/Mutya 22-Lazy Eye-Silversun Pickups 23-Keep The Car Running-The Arcade Fire 24-Catch You-Sophie Ellis-Bextor 25-You! Me! Dancing!-Los Campesinos 26-Thrash Unreal-Against Me! 27-2080-Yeasayer 28-The Sons of Cain-Ted Leo and the Pharmacists 29-Back to You-Pleasure f/Brett Anderson 30-To The Sky-Maps 31-No More Conversations-Freeform Five 32-Stuck Between Stations-The Hold Steady 33-LoveStoned-Justin Timberlake 34-Famous Last Words-My Chemical Romance 35-Flashing Lights-Kanye West 36-Famous in a Small Town-Miranda Lambert 37-See a Penny (Pick It Up)-YACHT 38-My Piano-Hot Chip 39-Piece of Me-Britney Spears 40-UFO-Sneaky Sound System 41-Ali in the Jungle-The Hours 42-Gotta Work-Amerie 43-Stranger-Hillary Duff 44-Phantom Limb-The Shins 45-Myriad Harbour-The New Pornographers 46-Me and You (I'm Like a Lawyer)-Fall Out Boy 47-I Could be a Real Winner-Superfamily 48-Brand New Kind of Actress-Jason Isbell 49-Go Getta-Young Jeezy 50-Objects of My Affection-Peter Bjorn & John 51-My Moon My Man-Feist 52-Marble House-The Knife 53-Do It-Nelly Furtado 54-The Sweet Escape-Gwen Stefani 55-Hearts on Fire-Cut Copy 56-Missed the Boat-Modest Mouse 57-Shame For You-Lily Allen 58-Amazing (Thin White Duke Remix)-Seal 59-Take it Like a Man-Dragonette 60-Don't Stop The Music-Rihanna 61-Your Touch -The Black Keys 62-See You at the Lights-1990s 63-Flathead-The Fratellis 64-Mistaken for Strangers-The National 65-Berlin-Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 66-It's Not Over Yet-Klaxons 67-Hang Me Up to Dry-Cold War Kids 68-First Class Riot-The Tough Alliance 69-Thanks Fr Th Mmrs-Fall Out Boy 70-Straight Lines-Silverchair 71-Absolutely No Decorum-The Ark 72-Big Casino-Jimmy Eat World 73-Music is My Hot Hot Sex-CSS 74-No Emotion-Idlewild 75-Like a Child (Carl Craig Remix)-Junior Boys 76-Potential Break Up Song-Aly and AJ 77-Let Me Know-Roisin Murphy 78-Never Again-Kelly Clarkson 79-Teenagers-My Chemical Romance 80-Body Baby-Pharoahe Monch 81-Grace Kelly-Mika 82-Direct Hit-Art Brut 83-Right Moves-Josh Ritter 84-Civil Twilight-Weakerthans 85-Men's Needs-The Cribs 86-The Good Life (f/T-Pain)-Kanye West 87-When Did Your Heart Go Missing-Rooney 88-ROC Boys (And the Winner Is…)-Jay-Z 89-Last Night-R. Kelly 90-Rehab-Amy Winehouse 91-D.A.N.C.E.-Justice 92-No Pussy Blues-Grinderman 93CoffeeAesop Rock 94-Wonderful-Chantal Kreviazuk 95Run-AwaySuper Furry Animals 96Yellow Brick RoadRaine Maida 97-Glorious-Natalia Imbruglia 98-Young leaves-Attack in Black 99-23-Blonde Redhead 100-From Nothing to Nowhere-Pinback