#and then she chooses the choice opposite his. she chooses to let go and move on

[klausysworld]

Hey,I like your klaus mikaelson stories very much. Can you do one in which klaus and reader(yn) were in an arrange marriage and they cant stand each other?And they slowly fall in love and at the end he gets her pregnant? As in arranged marriage I mean,something like the marriage between hayley and Jackson. And if you can please add smut,fluff,jealousy and daddy kink. Thank you

An Alliance or a Marriage?

Y/n could not believe that she was doing this.

Y/n was Jacksons sister, they always had each others backs and protected the other. So when Hayley came into Jacksons life, had him falling in love while she had feelings for Elijah Mikaelson, Y/n knew they couldn't get married. The only reason they were actually getting married was to unite the werewolf clans and to share Hayley's hybrid abilities as part of the marriage ritual.

But it would come at the cost of Jackson's happiness and most likely his life. Y/n was not stupid. She knew the price of loving a Mikaelson and it was one that Jackson could not afford and one that Y/n would not let him pay.

So without thinking, she made a fast decision.

"What if Ione of the wolves married Klaus? That way Hayley gets to be with Elijah and Klaus doesn't have to be so wary of Jackson around Hope or whatever his worry is? Wouldn't it just be easier?" She questioned and she felt everyone's gaze turn to her, most genuinely considering the possibility while Klaus looked both pissed and amused.

"I wouldn't trust anyone with Hope and under no circumstances will I be marrying anyone." He answered before storming out without another word. Jackson was second to protest then some of the other wolves.

They all went back to the bayou and tried to forget about the day.

What the wolves were unaware of were the arguments in the Mikaelson compound. Mostly between Rebekah and Niklaus. Rebekah was telling Klaus that for once, he should think of Elijah's happiness instead of only being selfish yet again. She continued to go on about how it was for Hope, how he should be the one sacrificing for Hope, not Hayley as she had already given up so much. The fight went on for hours but by morning it was settled. Niklaus would marry a wolf of his choosing.

Y/n was his choice. She was quiet but smart. Small but strong. Which meant she would be the best of his options. He knew part of her feared him, unlike some of the wolves there. She may challenge him a little but she wasn't stupid enough to truly go against him. This was proven when she silently accepted his decision.

Jackson was entirely against the entire thing. His sister was getting married to the original hybrid, moving into the beasts den and becoming apart of his twisted family. But he too kept quiet after Y/n told him it was what needed to be done. It was the only chance for everyone to walk out somewhat alive.

That was why she was walking down the aisle, Jackson unwillingly giving her away to Klaus Mikaelson before Mary began the ceremony. As the words "you may kiss your bride" left her lips, their fates were sealed. Klaus stepped forward and pressed a chaste kiss to his brides soft lips and watched as her and every other wolf in the rooms eyes lit up with golden flames, united as one.

The compound remained busy for the rest of the day, Klaus and Y/n stayed in opposite sides of the room at all times. Elijah urged his brother to at least be kind, Klaus however ignored any and all advice and instead drank the night away. Marriage was not in the cards for him. It was not what he wanted and he now knew that he was tied to this girl, a girl he harboured no feelings toward and a girl who only looked at him with distaste, for at least one lifetime. He knew the likelihood of them every liking each other was slim and he also knew that there were lots of rules in this werewolf marriage that he would have to follow in order to have the wolves protecting Hope. So he got off his face drunk, to the point where he couldn't get himself up the stairs at the end of the night.

It wasn't the best way for Y/n to find him on their first night 'together'. When she gave him that look of uncertainty and upset when she found him at the bottom of the stairs slurring his words, he just rolled his eyes and told her to piss off. But she didn't. Instead she fought against his sloppy attempts of pushing her away and instead managed to get him up the stairs and to bed. He fell asleep in seconds leaving Y/n distressed and alone on her wedding night. Instead of sleeping she went back downstairs and cleaned up the mess left over from the wedding.

Klaus had come down in the morning to find her scrubbing the corner of the room. He glanced around and noticed everywhere was spotless, his eyes travelled to the stairs and he was hit with the memory of leaning against her as she struggled to carry him up each one. Guilt bubbled in the pit of his stomach but he ignored it and made his way into the room and past her.

Y/n just stared at the nonexistent spot on the ground and tiredly rubbed the sponge against it.

Rebekah came downstairs after a little while and frowned when she saw Y/n, exhausted and leaning against the wall while her arm moved almost robotically to scratch away at the floor.

“Y/n? Darling we have maids for this” she whispered softly, supporting her new sister-in-law and guiding her to stand up and walk toward the stairs.

“I was just helping” Y/n mumbled, “wine was spilt” she stated as she glanced over to the area she thought was stained with alcohol but when Rebekah glanced it was completely clean. She lead Y/n toward Klaus’s room but paused when she noticed the mess it was in and began to realise why Y/n hadn’t been to sleep. With a soft sigh she brought the she-wolf to her bedroom and helped Y/n out of her wedding dress.

“I suppose this isn’t the way you had hoped to get out of your dress” she joked gently but Y/n didn’t look amused.

“I’d rather you than your brother” she murmured and Rebekah gave a small laugh.

“One day you won’t think that” she whispered as she grabbed some of her pyjamas and passed them to Y/n. “He’ll become kinder after some time, it’ll be a difficult ride but you’ll get there. Besides he must already like you to have chosen you out of all the wolves” she convinced but Y/n just scoffed as she crawled into Rebekah’s bed and let her head hit the pillow

“Lucky me.” She quipped and Bekah hummed.

“I’ll get him to let you rest for today” she told her as she exited the room and let the girl sleep in her room for the day.

Klaus claimed not to care what Y/n did with her time, where she went or who she was with but Rebekah reminded him that she was his wife. Whether he was happy about or not.

“You either need to set her up a nice room for her to have for herself or you need to actually be her husband and have her feel comfortable enough to share one with you. My god Niklaus, it’s not like there’s anything wrong with her. It won’t give you a disease if you smile at the poor girl.” She scowled and Klaus glared but kept his trap shut.

Klaus knew Y/n was beautiful. She was delicate little thing, from what he had seen she could be very sensitive for a werewolf at times. But he knew she had a certain fire in her. He wondered what he would have to do to light that flame and have her snap at him. He wondered if her fear would override that anger.

It was much later in the day when he went to check on his new wife. Part of him worried she had ran away but he knew that she would stay, for the survival of her pack.

He found her curled up in his sisters pyjamas and bed. Reluctantly he picked her up and brought her to his room, tucking her into his bed and leaving her to rest there instead. After all, his bed was where she belonged now.

When evening came around, he made his way back to his room. As soon as he started getting ready for bed, Y/n forced herself up despite her still clearly needing sleep. He sighed as she left the room, ignoring his presence and going downstairs for the rest of the night.

Some days she would stay downstairs and behave almost zombie like as she tried to keep her mind running and eyes open, other times she just went to sleep while she knew Klaus was busy.

It annoyed him to no end but at the same time he was relieved that he never had to really see or speak to her. Still, whether either of them liked it, she was his wife and the fact that she wouldn’t stand in the same room as him was not something he appreciated.

So he did what he assumed to be best.

Forced her to spend time with him.

Often it would be in a painful silence as he stared her down and made sure she wouldn’t get up and leave. However after some time, she would have little conversations with him so that he would be sated and leave her alone for a little while later.

When in front of the other wolves, Klaus would become a different person. He would make sure to kiss Y/n’s cheek or head, hold her waist or hand. One because he had to make it seem as though they were some what happy so that the wolves would not turn on him and two because he liked to piss Jackson off. He took amusement in how the wolf would growl and scrunch his face up in distaste.

Y/n knew what Klaus was doing but didn’t see the point in arguing or getting all stressed about it, besides it only happened every now and then so it didn’t matter much.

However when Klaus began accidentally doing the little gestures when others weren’t around, as though it were his second nature, Y/n felt confused. She didn’t understand his motifs or what he wanted from her.

Rebekah told Y/n that he didn’t want anything, that he was just warming to her but Y/n was still skeptical. Even when Rebekah came into her room grinning and held out a piece of paper with a beautifully sketched version of Y/n’s face.

“He must’ve been bored out of his mind” Y/n mumbled dismissively as she handed the drawing back to Rebekah who rolled her eyes.

“He likes you” she argued and Y/n scoffed.

“He does not. He just wants me to do whatever he says”she countered and the mikaelson sister sighed

“He isn’t all bad, you know?” Bekah questioned

“Sure he isn’t. He’s quite lovely towards his daughter” she agreed and Rebekah hummed as she watched Y/n pretend to have no clue about Niklaus’s thoughts or feelings.

Klaus wouldn’t admit that he had become accustomed to Y/n’s presence and began to want it more often. He wasn’t too sure why but he had taken a fancying to her, he just had.

And he most certainly didn’t like when other people took a fancying to her as well. Not at all.

Now he knew that she would never peruse anything with anyone else, that would break the magical marriage binding the wolves together but it didn’t mean he didn’t get angry. Especially when another wolf could make her smile or blush better than he could. His teeth would bring, jaw would clench and his eyes would flicker gold.

It fuelled something ugly and twisted inside him.

Jealousy.

“Jealousy is a weak man’s disease” Niklaus had told Elijah many times over the centuries. “A man who knows his worth and his strength never had to fear that his girl would stray. Jealously means they are nothing. I am not nothing, I never will be.”

And yet, as soon as Y/n’s attention was given to an attractive werewolf, Klaus would feel as though he was nothing. He would feel that weakness that he loathed so deeply.

The only way to diminish that jealousy was to eliminate the threat. To pick away at the weakness piece by piece until only strength was left.

But that didn’t go well.

When Klaus killed a werewolf, Y/n went ballistic. It was the first time she had actually yelled at him, expressed her anger and threatened his position.

“It’s like you’re actually a fool! You hurt my pack and they will not protect you nor your child, this marriage will be pointless and finished-“ she ranted and his anger bubbled.

“This marriage will not end just because our pack says so” he growled and she glared at him, her pointer finger jabbed at his chest aggressively and it took everything within him not to snap it in half.

“It is hardly a marriage and it had only happened for the benefit of my pack and for your daughter. It is you that has a hundred enemies banging down the door at night and it will be you that suffers if you do not have the protection that I offer you.” She snapped and he sneered in her face. He wanted to kill her in that moment however at the same time, for whatever reason, he had never been more attracted to her. His wolf wanted to force her into submission. To spank and pound her until she admitted that she was his and wouldn’t ever threaten to leave him again. But he was also beyond furious at the possibility of his daughter’s life being on the line and so stormed past her before he would harm her.

He ignored her mutterings of how pathetic he was and locked himself in his arm room which was utterly destroyed by the end of the hour due to his never ending rage.

The next morning he had expected a pack of wolves to be stood at his door, angry and threatening. However he found them all sat at their long table, Y/n was at the head informing them that they had ‘found’ the pack member already dead and had brought him here so that they may take care of his body accordingly.

She lied for Klaus.

She let her family believe that it was someone else who had killed the wolf. When they accused Klaus, she snapped back at them that he was with her all day and had helped her take care of the body.

Y/n gave Klaus a look that dared him to contradict her words but he didn’t utter a word. He just stood at her side and placed a hand on her shoulder as he listened to the others discuss the traditional funeral that the wolf deserved.

Once they left, Y/n walked straight past Klaus and to her bedroom. She was unwilling to speak with her for the next few days. The only time she would was regarding Hope.

The small toddler had taken a strong liking to Y/n and often asked for her. Nobody could not love Hope once they spent some time with her so Y/n was always happy to have the baby in her arms.

Klaus too, very much enjoyed the sight of his wife holding his child. His mind began to spin together images of Y/n pregnant with his child. His wolf craved the thought. He could imagine how beautifully round her stomach would be and how he would press his hands to the bump while nuzzling into her hair.

And then he would think of how he would get her pregnant. She would be so gorgeous sprawled out in his bed.

Since their wedding day she had been in her own room but now Klaus desperately wanted her in his.

He wanted to be inside her. To claim her. To love her.

Never did he think he would love her.

Then again, never did he think he would be getting married or having a baby.

But all of those things had happened and he wouldn’t take them back. Perhaps he might’ve gone about them a little differently but he would have still wanted them to happen.

He told her that once.

One night when they were having dinner.

Somehow he had managed to convince her to share a meal with him and him alone. She couldn’t be bothered to fight over it so complied.

Y/n hadn’t expected him to actually make such an effort. Or to have been so lovely the entire evening. It was clear he wanted to impress her and to engage her, and he had but she didn’t understand why.

Until he told her of how he wouldn’t have changed things,not fully. He had admitted to her that he was somewhat happy with the fact that they were married. He didn’t say he loved her, he knew that would through her off but he made it obvious that he liked her much more than he had initially expressed.

She wasn’t so sure how to respond to him.

Y/n had thought that he was only nicer to her lately because he too was avoiding arguments but she hadn’t truly believed it was because he was being genuine.

Klaus noticed the frown on her face and looked down at his plate. “It’s a little silly I suppose” he muttered to himself, he couldn’t help the deflated feeling that travelled through him as he placed his fork down. “Neither of us wanted this marriage” he mumbled while standing up from his seat making his chair scrape against the floor with a painful sound.

Y/n felt the guilt sink in and she quickly got up also and rounded the table as he started to walk away. “Klaus,” she called softly, reaching out for his hand.

His eyes fluttered when she held onto his hand, he hadn’t felt the softness of her touch since their first and only kiss of their relationship from their wedding day.

He glanced to her and reluctantly shrugged her off. “No it doesn’t matter, I was being a fool” he argued and kept walking.

Y/n sighed to herself and rubbed her hands down her face in frustration.

The next morning Klaus ignored her, barely looked at her even.

It was later that day that she finally caught his attention and pulled him off into another room.

“Klaus” she murmured in annoyance when he went to open the door she had just pushed shut. “You’re behaving like a child” she tutted and he growled. “Would you just stop?” She told him and he glared at her.

“What do you want?” He asked, not bothering to soften his tone which made her frown again.

“I want you to talk to me” she whispered and he narrowed his eyes.

“You never want to talk to me.” he snapped, “you only want to because I made a stupid mistake”

“It wasn’t a mistake” she told him, her tone much gentler than his. “I just wasn’t expecting it”

“Why? Because it’s so shocking that I could possibly feel something-“

“God, Klaus no. You know I dont think you’re a heartless monster-“

“That strongly contradicts things you’ve said in the past-“ he argued and she made a sound of frustration.

“Well I’ve changed my mind” she told him and his jaw tightened. “Klaus I’m serious. I know you now, I’ve seen you”

“Then what is it about me that you cannot love?” He whispered and her eyes softened further. They stared at each other until Y/n stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. Her arms went around his midsection and his went over her shoulders.

“It isn’t that I can’t” she mumbled and he closed his eyes

“You just don’t want to” he whispered but she still shook her head.

“I just don’t know how to” she corrected and he hummed quietly.

“But I love you” he uttered and she nodded.

“I know that now” she agreed “and I’ll make sure that I take that into consideration but Klaus, you can’t just expect that I’ll suddenly be all over you and madly in love” she told him and he frowned.

“Why not?” He asked and she scoffed softly. For centuries woman had been falling at his feet but the one woman that he married wouldn’t?

“Because the world doesn’t revolve around you?” She whispered, a little laugh in her voice that made him a little annoyed at first but when he saw her face he couldn’t help but laugh a little bit with her. Eventually he sighed and looked down with a small smile and a nod.

“I’ll earn your affections” he promised, kissing her forehead before exiting the room.

And from that day, he tried his very best to do just that.

Though of course they still had their arguments and disagreements, now he would be the first to apologise or to admit his wrong doings.

And slowly, like he had hoped, Y/n began to love him too.

Rebekah, Elijah, Hayley, Jackson and all the other wolves began to notice the much softer side to them both when they touched to spoke to each together. Some were happier than others about the change in dynamics between the two.

Jackson for one, was very put off when Klaus kissed his sister in front of everyone. What was worse was that she kissed him back and asked him to grab her a drink. They behaved like a real married couple. The wolves didn’t like it.

Some of them went as far to verbalise their opinions but Klaus’s siblings were quick to shut them up before they could upset Y/n. They reminded them that it was in the best interests of everyone that the two got along rather than Y/n living a miserable life just for the benefit of the pack. Eventually the majority agreed and kept quiet.

Jackson was most concerned.

Especially when he came round to visit and found Y/n sprawled across Klaus’s lap while reading a book..

“Y/n” he called, his gaze hard as he watched her lift her head and smile before getting up and going out for lunch with her brother. He expressed his worries and she assured him that Klaus was much better now and that she felt that she could love him. Jackson knew that her using the word ‘could’ was solely for his benefit. She wanted to say that she did love him.

With a small sigh he nodded and told her to just be happy and thanked her once more for everything she had done for him and their family.

When Y/n came home Klaus had made her a bubble bath for her to relax in. She laid in the water for a while before getting changed into comfy clothes and wondering downstairs. Klaus was in the kitchen grating Parmesan cheese over two dishes of pasta.

She smiled and sat at the table quietly, smiling at him when he placed the bowl infront of her before sitting down opposite with his own dish.

Klaus twisted his fork in the spaghetti and asked how her day with Jackson was. They chatted while they ate before loading the dishwasher and heading upstairs.

Y/n had been sleeping in his room lately. Mostly because they would accidentally fall asleep beside each-other when watching a film before bed but then Klaus asked if she would feel comfortable sharing a room with him and she agreed.

So this time they naturally just went to Klaus’s room or rather their room.

His eyes watched as she disappeared into the bathroom, a soft hum left her and her hips swayed gently. The tap started running which meant she was brushing her teeth and he followed her in and grabbed his own toothbrush to do the same. He glanced at her in the mirror as she focused on her mouth. He cleared his throat and finished cleaning up before kissing her head and going into their room to get changed into his sleep pants which he had only been wearing because he wasn’t sure if she would be comfortable with him in only briefs.

Klaus was unaware of how Y/n would imagine his naked body against hers, pressing and sliding against hers while they panted beneath the sheets of their bed.

It was why she started wearing tinier pyjamas to bed, in hopes it would entice him that extra bit.

The little shorts would allow him a glimpse of her ass, as though it was teasing him. And the little matching vest top would wrap around her upper body perfectly.

Klaus sat down on the bed and watched as she walked back in. His eyes glanced to wear her taut nipples would press against the Cotten of her clothes down to her long bare legs that he desperately wanted to bury between.

She let out a yawn as she slid into bed beside him and beneath the covers. He pulled her closer so that their bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces and sighed quietly as though having her touch soothed something inside of him.

“Thanks for tonight” she whispered as she leaned up and kissed his lips before laying her head down on her pillow. Klaus hummed and laid down with her.

“Thank you for having dinner with me again” he smiled and she returned it, her hand moved to caress his gently and he held onto hers tenderly.

“You don’t have to thank me for that, I love having dinner with you” she told him and his eyes flickered between hers as he took in her words because they both knew what she was actually saying.

“You do?” He whispered and she nodded.

“I do.”

Klaus kissed her again, for a few seconds longer this time. Just as he pulled his lips away from hers, she pushed them back together with a little more force. He groaned softly, his hand sliding down her back and over the curve of her ass to grip the back of her thigh and lift her leg up so her knee slide over his hip. His hand slid up under her shorts to feel the soft warmth of her pussy against his fingers.

Y/n moaned quietly against his mouth. Both her hands caressed his neck gently before one moved lower. Klaus grunted softly and pulled away from their kiss as he felt her hand cup his erection through his pants.

Their eyes locked as both their hands moved slowly, teasingly.

A small whimper left Y/n as Klaus’s fingers rubbed over her clit. She brought her hand under the waistband of his pants and wrapped her fingers around his cock. Her teeth bit into her bottom lip as she felt the length and thickness of him. Klaus’s mouth fell open slightly as he breathed shallowly.

Her hand pumped his cock slowly as he slipped a finger inside her. His thumb glided over her sensitive little bud, his eyes urging her to please move her hand faster. She complied and stroked him quicker, squeezing as she went.

His hips thrust against her hand while two fingers curled inside her to find her spot.

The whole room became hot and dark as the night deepened and the blankets were pulled over their heads to make them feel closer. Their breathing mixed together and little moans left them both as their hands moved faster.

Their mouths moved together sloppily as moans vibrated from both of them and their body moved in time to meet the other’s hand.

Y/n went first, her neck arched making Klaus move his lips down to suck along her throat while his hips thrust and his fingers fucked her fast. He panted as her cry of pleasure left her and he felt her pussy clamp down and release. It only took a few more squeezes of her hand around his cock for him to cum across her stomach.

They both lay, breathing heavily and looking at eachother. Y/n’s eyes squinted to see him in the dark, his hands were moving her onto her back so he could slot on top of her. Her thighs were nudged open and a gasp left her as the head of his cock started to push into her.

Klaus leaned down and kissed her again, deepening it in seconds so he could taste her while his cock finally felt the soft, wet warmth that he had longed for.

A strained cry of relief left her and her back arched off the bed as he filled her completely. His hands slid up her body and scrunched her shirt up above her breasts so that he could lean down and wrap his lips round one of her nipples.

“Klaus” she whimpered as his hips thrust slowly and his tongue flicked teasingly. He moaned softly around the bud before sucking it between his teeth. He released it with a pop before kissing up along her chest and throat until he took her lips to his. She kissed him back hungrily, accepting his tongue into her mouth without any resistance as his hips rolled faster into her.

He only pulled away from her lips when her pussy went unbearably tight on his cock, he let out a loud groan as he fucked into her as quickly as he could.

The harsh slap of his skin meeting hers repeated through the room alongside her moans for more. Klaus could feel himself getting closer to cumming and he was determined to fill her up. He wanted her to carry his next child.

His tongue traced the shell of her ear as she cried out and his fingers reached between her legs to rub at her clit until she was crying to cum.

“Shh sweetheart” he purred to her, “let me fill you” he whispered and the realisation of what he meant dawned on her.

“Klaus” she whimpered as she felt his cock release inside her. His hips slowed but didn’t stop as his cock softened momentarily before hardening again inside of her still.

He grunted softly as he glanced down at her, his fingers gently rolled over her clit while watching his cock slide in and out of her. He could see his cum spilling out of her and he desperately tried to fuck it back inside.

“I want you to be full of my child” he muttered to her and she moaned softly, her hand lifted to cup his cheek to draw his attention to her eyes.

"I love you" she whispered and he groaned quietly as he kissed her lips just briefly so she could speak again, "and I'll love our children" she told him making his hips buck roughly into her. She moaned in response and wrapped her arms around his neck while resting her head against his. "You''ll be such a good daddy to them" she murmured and a low growl rumbled through his chest as he took the praise and thrived off of it.

Y/n felt his pace quicken and her pleasure heighten making her kiss across his cheek to his ear slowly, "Please daddy?" she purred while her cunt clenched repeatedly and her lower stomach twisted into a series of knots. "Please give me your babies" she begged and he couldn't stop from snapping. His mind and body went haywire making her scream his name. Her body was practically vibrating as her body met his for the hundredth time and her head went back allowing his mouth to reattach onto her neck.

Her eyes rolled back when his teeth sunk into her throat.

Bliss rolled through both of them until their bodies were a heated, sweaty mess amongst the sheets.

His hand held the back of her head holding her face into his chest as they panted heavily. Her eyes closed as she felt him stroke her hair soothingly while he slid his cock out of her and caressed her swollen clit ever so gently with his thumb.

Y/n whimpered weakly and he smiled as he glanced down to watch her brows furrow together while her hips slowly rode the pad of his finger until one last cry left her alongside another orgasm.

Once he had ensured she was finished, he cleaned them both up and then their bed before dropping her down onto the fresh bedding and taking warmth in her giggle when she reached out and pulled him to lay beside her.

Klaus kept her snuggled up to him all night and into the next morning before reluctantly getting up and going downstairs to join the rest of the family.

He knew that everything was finally working out.

[dumbkiri]

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋

χα∂єη яισяѕση χ ƒ! мαιяι! яєα∂єя

ησтє: 16 pages long. idk if that should be a warning or something. anyways this is the last part! thank you all for reading it. if you got this far in the note...you should check out my pinned masterlist, there's a surprise waiting for you, my dedicated reader <3

ρℓσт: waiting and waiting. this is Xaden's promise to you.

ιηѕρσ ѕσηgѕ:

Don't Give Up - Ursine Vulpine, Annaca

The One I Love - Bolshiee

Down - Simon, Trella

Without You - Ursine Vulpine, Annaca

^^ HIGHLY RECOMMEND LISTENING TO THESE SONGS FIRST

[NAME] 

Once the flames from the letter extinguished, you watched the ashes fly away in the evening breeze. Whisking away the threatening words of Varrish and his plans to capture and question you. You won’t become like your sisters, you won’t be chained up for years to give your enemies protection and power. 

“You know my answer, Xaden,” You wiped the ash on the tips of your fingers on your leathers. Smearing the inked letters on the dark black of your clothes reminded you that you might just fight alone if no one chooses to save the people running away right now. “I’m not running away from this fight. They expect us to die, but I won’t let it happen. As long as we have our air superiority, I can cloak us.” 

You all won’t have air superiority for long. The horde of wyvern chasing Lenin down in your vision prepares you for Violet’s fabled words. There is more than one and they are violent. 

“How many at a time without burning out?” Xaden looks at you, drinking you in because he knows this is the last of you. Probably the last conversation between the both of you and he wants to still save you. He wants more time with you and damn it all if you want the same. 

Does he always have to ask those important questions when you’re trying to convince your family to fight? You draw your eyes over to Lenin waiting to hit the skies and cloak him. It comes easily to you, cloaking your dragon. You move your eyes over to Glane right next to him and she dips her head in acknowledgement. You cloak her and she’s hidden completely in the camouflage. 

But something burns under your skin. An itch you can’t erase and you release the two dragons from the cloak. You didn't think Lenin’s size would impact your ability to cloak others. Usually you could cloak three dragons at a time. Now you can barely cloak two. 

“I can cloak two including my dragon,” You admitted with a defeated shake of your head and explained to them why you suddenly can’t cloak three at a time. “Lenin’s size takes up a lot, but I can cloak the rest of you by switching the focus.”

“And me?” Violet takes a step forward announcing her presence to everyone and questioning your ability to protect someone who is tied to Xaden. “Can you cloak Tairn while cloaking Lenin?” 

“You can barely cloak my mate and I at the same time, Dagger.” Lenin said and you can tell he is worried for you. If you tell Violet that there is no chance in hell you could do that, it would make you seem like a bad person. Especially with the Flier incident, it wouldn’t be hard to make yourself look like a bitch. 

“Tell them the truth, you cannot do it. My father is more than capable of fighting without your protection.” Lenin tells you, but you go the opposite direction. Tonight is the night your bond will break, this choice is yours to make. As will all the other choices you make in the future be for your benefit. 

Your family is going to live on. 

“Yes, I will do that if your life is in immediate danger.” The moment everyone heard your words loud and clear was the moment their thoughts rushed at you. Their waves crashed into you like a relentless tide. 

All of us were going to be in immediate danger once we take flight. 

Violet is so screwed. 

[Name] should just tell her the truth and say, no. 

She will cloak who she wants to save the most. 

Their doubtful voices echoed all around you and in turn you scoffed, standing against their tidal waves, “Wow, you guys are still doubting me.” If anything you need Violet Sorrengail to live until the end because she’s going to be your executioner. You’re going to protect her and Tairn with all you can. But no one needs to know that, just her dragon and yourself. So you point in the direction of the battle, “do you see the civilians running down there? Fathers carrying their daughters, sons leading their mothers?” 

Families that need your help. 

“They have nothing but gryphons and our dragons to evacuate them. Their life is in immediate danger. Don’t make me choose you over them, unprotected civilians over dragon riders. Now let’s move.” 

You turn your back on them and make eye contact with Lenin. He is the reason why you’re fighting. Liam is the reason why you’re fighting. You hesitate to look over your shoulder and look into Xaden’s eyes. The man you fell so hard in love with. You can feel him watching your every move, questioning you silently. 

Is this the moment she leaves me behind? 

Your shoulders tense up and you force your legs to move. He doesn’t know you can read him like he can read others. But you hope that he can feel your intention. Pray that he hears your silent answer. 

I am leaving, but I will come back. So just wait for me. 

You jog over to Lenin and mount up then without a word shared between the both of you he shoots up into the sky. His wings beat in a slow rhythm of two. Your hands brushed against his patchy scales and his warmth envelopes you the moment your cloak washes over you two. It’s not enough to keep you heated, but you’re used to the cold and he grew used to it as well. 

“The Fliers need your help securing the slowed ones.” Lenin relays and you nod your head. 

“First we need to find a high position where we are stable. There’s a cliff over there to the left. We rest there and I’ll move the cloak around. You let me know when anyone needs me.” 

“Of course,” Lenin flaps his wings and lands on the cliff. His talons dig into the ground and he straightens out his neck, keeping an eye out for his riot and your family. Quickly, you climb up his neck and settle down at the crown of his head. He is a great use for a vantage point. You can see everything, the fire dragons spew out, the venin, the citizens and the Drift. 

You cross your legs and close your eyes listening to everything around you. While Lenin listens to the Riot and the words his father relay, you hear Xaden’s voice loud and clear. He tells Sgaeyl that his shadows will work along with your cloak to protect the evacuating citizens. It’s a perfect plan. Then when you were going to dip out of his mind, you heard him talking about you. 

“Can you find them?” He asks Sgaeyl. 

She hums in response, “No. Dagger is hiding them very well. Not even his mate can find him. She’ll be fine, more than fine.” 

“Believe me, I want to trust in that as much as you trust that she’ll protect your son. But that's what scares me.” 

“You, scared?” Sgaeyl tries to make Xaden feel better. 

He doesn’t cave in to her sarcasm. Doesn’t even offer a witty comeback. Instead he remains regretful. “I’m going to lose her tonight. I can see it in her eyes. She doesn’t make eye contact with anyone. The only person she looked at was Violet.” 

“That girl questioned Dagger’s strength in front of her whole family. I would glare at her too if someone questioned me.” Sgaeyl growls and the next words that come out of her mouth only cements your resolution to save her son. 

“I have approved of Dagger ever since my Leninach chose her in Threshing. She has proven herself in challenges, on the Gauntlet, moved on to second year, got her team through RSC, continues to grow stronger and I still cannot fathom her ability to prove herself to my son. Leninach is enamoured with her and despite his change, I trust her with him more than I trust that girl with my mate. Because Dagger loves fiercely. She has a fire in her that will not burn out. She’ll do anything to save her loved ones. That includes you, Shadow.” 

That includes you, Shadow. Her last words made you question Xaden. Sure, you two had a very rough year, but does he think you don’t love him to include him in your list of people to save? You love Xaden, more than he knows and it pains you that he questions it. 

Were your heartbroken tears not enough to show him your love? 

“Dagger! Glane and her rider are in trouble!” Lenin’s shout breaks you from the conversation between Xaden and Sgaeyl. And you opened up your eyes, quickly looking for an orange dragon. You spotted her moving out of the way of a broken clock tower, her wings carrying her high into the sky. 

“Warn her!” You moved your hands over Glane, picturing a blanket covering her. Again, the itching under your skin came back and it irritated you. Instantly, the orange dragon disappeared in the background and the wyvern aiming for Imogen screeched out in annoyance. It missed its target and you called out to your friend down the new bond, “Imogen, are you alright!” 

Imogen’s fear greeted you like a smack to the face and she shouted back, “What the fuck! Did it try to grab me?” Hearing her brings relief into your system and you can feel Lenin humming in response to his conversation with Glane. 

“It did, but Glane reacted just in time. Please, pay attention to your surroundings. I have to help the rest evacuate the civilians in the mine.” You didn’t give her enough time to respond, but once Glane was in a good position you removed the cloak off of her scales and back on the civilians you were guarding. But in your moment of protecting Glane and Imogen, it allowed the venin on the floor to drain Soleil and her dragon. You blinked away your tears and closed your eyes again allowing Lenin to be the eyes you needed while you were the ears. 

After a few minutes pass, you successfully protected a lot of families and some of the Fliers in the Drift. So far no one in your group needed to be cloaked yet fate made you regret thinking like that. Because you hear Violet telling Tairn that Xaden was in trouble. But you knew he could hold his own as well as Sgaeyl. He has the power to wield shadows and- 

Lenin growled out in utter rage, his anger hitting you like a heat wave, “PUNY GIRL!” He held you down with lesser magic making you glued to the crown of his head as he shot up into the sky with no warning. 

“Violet, below you!” 

“She’s going to get him killed!” 

Xaden’s and Sgaeyl’s shout penetrate your mind making you open up your eyes to see in front of you. Blue fire from a wyvern is directed at Tairn and you watch Lenin move fast in the sky. The speed he accumulates shouldn’t be possible for a dragon his size, his father moves slower than him. Yet Lenin moves like a river down a mountain; fast as fuck. 

His moonshaped tail swings towards the wyvern who hunts down his father. The tip of it digs into the wyvern’s head with a squelch. Blood rains down to the earth and Lenin ensures the kill with a big chomp. Blood splatters onto you and Lenin, it eerily reminds you how he found you in Threshing. Bloodied and determined to live. 

“Stupid girls shouldn’t be on the battlefield.” Lenin roars out and you couldn’t help the glare you send at Violet. If she keeps putting Tairn in danger like this, you won’t know if she’ll be able to kill you. Her lightning strikes are out of control very much like her scattered mind. Then you cloak again when Lenin moves away back to the cliff. 

You help Xaden with as much as you can and suddenly you feel something creep up your fingers. You move your eyes away from him and spot a shadowy tendril as it loops around your ring finger. 

Stay.

You hear Xaden’s voice so easily tell you. You’re surprised he found you and Lenin while being cloaked. Was he searching for you this entire time? Why is he telling you to stay now? You move your eyes over to him, but Lenin’s voice eases into your head. 

“Dagger, it’s your brother!” Lenin jumps off the cliff and with two mighty beats of his wings, he’s off into the skies. “He fell off of Deigh!”

It’s starting. This can go one of ten ways and you want it to be the one where Liam and Lenin live. You steady yourself on the top of his head and your sister daggers come into play. Alani’s floats over your left and Sera’s over your right while the one you earned from Garrick rests heavily in your [dominant] hand. 

“Our priority is Deigh! Get me on his back!” You shout and Lenin roars out in agreement knowing full well that if Diegh dies, so will your brother. He passes by his father who guides his rider and Liam away from the death dance Deigh is entangled with the wyvern. 

The wyvern takes a bite at Deigh’s side, but Lenin’s roar catches its whole attention and it turns to spew blue fire at the both of you. Quickly, Lenin nods his head up and you jump with the momentum. You dive away from the stream of fire and cling onto Deigh who cries into the night with a strangle roar. 

“Go, Dagger! Do what you must! I will distract this one!” Lenin tells you and he banks right with the wyvern chasing after him. Meanwhile you pressed your hands onto Deigh’s red scales and looked at the bite marks on his side. The bleeding, you need to stop it. 

You closed your eyes and found the thread connecting Liam and Deigh. It’s beautiful, what the bond between them is like. You touch it and reach out to Deigh, cloaking yourself from Liam’s mind. 

“I’m going to stop your bleeding.” 

You opened your eyes and a trail of flames went from your hands to the wounds on Deigh’s side. Then your head felt like it was spinning out of control. Your skin started to itch. Your eyes unfocused and focused on your fiery hands. 

“Stop! You’re going to burn out!” Deigh shouts at you, but you don’t pay attention to his warning. No, you only press further and the fire burns Deigh, stopping his bleeding. You hear your brother shout at you, yet the blood rushing to your head drowns him out. 

“Fly now!” The command leaves your lips and Deigh senses the wyvern much like you did. They were coming after you and one with a staff has a cruel smirk on his face, standing on top of his wyvern. An abomination, Deigh growls and takes cover into the clouds. 

His wings carry him higher and higher into the moonlit sky. You can hear the sound of the flapping over the pounding in your head which makes you think it's a good sign. Then when you catch your breath you tell Deigh, “Liam has to jump. When he takes control, I need you to keep him seated. No matter what I say or do.” 

“What about you? You think I will be okay with-”

“You were supposed to die right there,” You stand on his back, balancing yourself with expertise. “That wyvern was supposed to take a chunk out of you, but since Lenin grabbed its attention, it didn’t bite hard enough to kill you. No, now it’s focused on my dragon, on the bond I worked hard on to keep with a loyal friend. My Cloak is fighting for his life and I plan on saving him as his Dagger. Your job is to protect my brother, Deigh. That’s all I want.” 

Deigh’s chest rumbles with resignation. He banks right then dives at a slight angle and you look up to see Tairn flying over. Your heart pounds and Liam jumps off the side of Tairn and your hands immediately find his warm ones. 

Warm. He’s warm and alive. 

“Don’t ever jump like that again!” Of course the first thing you do to tell him you love him is shout at your poor sibling. Your arms wrap around him and you can feel his heart beating through his flesh. It can bring tears to your eyes knowing you completed one of your goals tonight. 

You move away from the seat of Deigh and let Liam take the reins of his dragon. Liam shakes his head and shouts back at you, “Me? You jumped too and might I add over fire!” You want to laugh. Laugh because you did it. You saved Liam. He’s speaking to you, yelling at you. He’s on the back of his dragon. 

“I know what I’m doing, Liam!” You crouch behind him and place your hands on his shoulders. “Tell Deigh to climb a bit higher! I need all the air I can get!” 

Reach the moon, you want the sad gaze to lull you to sleep when you fall into the abyss. 

“Are you crazy? It’s hard enough to breathe already!” Liam shouts, but you sense the wyvern behind you. There’s a trio and the main one is being led by a smirking venin, power hungry and wanting to drain you. Then Deigh does as you tell because he won’t throw away the second chance you gave him and his rider. It’s not right. 

Fuck, this is the moment and you are so damned afraid. You’re leaving your family behind with nothing, but this memory of you. All they’re going to remember is how you left them. How you fought alone to save them. 

“Liam,” You began and swallowed the rock in your throat. You won’t show fear to your younger brother. He needs to see your strength. Your love for him. Liam needs to tell Sloane that you fought bravely for them. You grasped the floating dagger over your shoulder and stared at the green tint of the blade. “Give this to Sloane when she learns how to kick ass.” 

When you turned and made eye contact with Liam, he gave you wide eyes which made him look goofier with the goggles on. You couldn’t help, but laugh at his expression. It reminds you of how all of you made fun of each other when you tried on goggles for the first time. 

…

“Bodhi, just put them on!” Imogen shouted. 

He hasn’t stopped laughing at you or Imogen. 

“Hell no, you two look like mad fucking healers!” 

…

“Why the fuck are you laughing?” Liam’s irritated tone reached your ears and you rolled your eyes at how dramatic he is. You grabbed his hand and shoved the dagger into his grip, “Because you look fucking stupid.” You weren’t wrong, he did look ridiculous. 

But this is your last moment with him. You don’t want to spend it on sibling squabble. 

“They’re not after you now. They want me and if that’s what they really want, I’m taking them down with me.” 

“Down with you?” Liam asks and you can see the answer flash across his mind. In denial, he shoves the dagger into your chest. “No way. We can work together!” Not happening, you saved his dragon while putting yours in danger. There is no world where you work together with anybody right now. You will not stray from the path that will save Lenin. 

“So you can give this to Sloane yourself.”

Sloane. Thinking about her brings a smile to your face. Your little sister will understand when she reads the letters. She’ll know more about you than anybody else. It’s going to be her understanding of you that will create a connection. 

You stand up and rain begins to pour. You take one step back then another. Memorizing his features. The way his eyes crinkle in sadness, the frown that forms when he calls out your name. He moves to stand, but Deigh does as you asked him to earlier. 

Liam’s begs make your heart ache. “Don’t do this! I can’t watch my sister do this! Sloane would never forgive me! Let me fight with you.” Sloane will forgive him and maybe you’re being a little selfish, but you think this is the right choice. For him to live and to tell her the hard truth of how you went out. Better him to tell her than the other way. 

Liam is stronger than you and more empathetic. He will tell her what she wants to know. You wouldn’t be able to do it. 

You glare at the venin, his attention glued onto you entirely. You tear the goggles off your eyes and toss them off to the side. You want to at least look good when you fight this bastard. 

“[Name]! There has to be another way!” 

You sighed and fist the karambit in your hand, “This is the only way.” Taking off into a sprint, you make your way down Lenin’s back- No, Deigh’s. You abandoned Lenin a long time ago it seemed. “Don’t do this!” Liam shouts and you start to miss his kind voice. You start to miss his smiles. 

When Deigh flicks his tail upward and you jump with it, you cloak yourself into the night. The venin searches for you, but it has no luck. You landed right behind him and carefully watched him look for you. It twists and it turns, then he cackles. 

“Hide all you want, little witch!” It raises its staff and aims it at Deigh, “Let’s see if this will catch your attention.” 

Reacting quickly you knock the venin down on his ass with a swing of your leg. But the rain and the wriggling of the wyvern makes you slip yourself. Yet you focus on Deigh and cloak your brother and his dragon. Then you stab your dagger into the wyvern’s back making it screech in pain. 

The venin looks in your general direction and lunges at you. His arms wrap around your neck and he pulls back making you let out a choked sound. You struggle to hold onto your spot, your dagger digging downward into the wyvern’s flesh as the venin pulls onto you. 

“Fall with me! Let’s have our dance in the sky!” The venin yells and digs a sharp blade into your side. You cry out in pain and your eyes close in uncomfort when he twists it inside you. 

When he locks one arm around your neck holding you into a tight headlock, the rain pelts your face like soft kisses and you are suddenly reminded that you should not be struggling to live. You’re going to die. The point you wanted to make was dying for the ones you love. 

Showing them that even though they forgot about you, you never forgot about them. 

You raise your [dominant] hand up, taking the dagger out of the wyvern’s flesh. At once, you and the venin holding onto you slide down the wyvern’s body easily with the rain. Your breath gets knocked out of your lungs when you officially plummet. 

Yet the Venin holds onto you tightly and the both of you spin out of your control. He cackles and takes the knife out of your side. The blood that leaves your body paints the sky with a long trail quickly being washed away by the rain that falls. 

Lightning strikes in the dark sky light up the darkness and suddenly the venin flips you so you’re looking at the earth. You can see your friends still fighting against the wyvern this one venin controls. 

“To think you have this much power and you haven’t awakened yet. Such a shame, I really looked forward to draining you. But I guess I’ll deal with what I got right now and don’t rely too heavily on your beast to save you. He has his own problems to worry about.” 

Your eyes move over to Lenin as he takes on two, three wyvern on his tail. 

Tairn! The time is now! 

You shout in the connection the Riot shares together by accident only wanting to reach the black dragon. Multiple voices come back from Sgaeyl, Deigh, Glane, Cuir, and Chradh. They question what you mean, but Tairn silences them with a growl. 

She’s not ready. 

He replies to you and only you, making the connection between you and him a bit brighter than the Riot’s. You close your eyes and find it blinking in the darkness. Grabbing onto it, you open your eyes and tell him, “Tairn, you have to get as many dragons to fight the wyvern off for him. Show Violet how badly Lenin is fighting to get to me and that only she can save him by killing this venin. Everyone knows at this point the only way to kill them is to kill their riders.” 

Tairn’s only response to you is to end the connection. The light turns off and you clench your teeth in bitter anger. Then you focus on the venin who is still monologuing. Like he knows he has the upper hand while the both of you free fall. 

“I’m tired of listening to your stupid fucking voice,” You growl out and knock your head back. You hear the impact of its nose crunching and the venin curses at you. His arm around your neck weakens and you take this opportunity to get out of the headlock. Making quick work, you push his arm away from you and before his body can drift from yours, you grab onto his robe and tug him towards your chest. 

“I will kill you!” He shouts. 

You swing your head forward, headbutting into his already broken nose and he cries out in pain again. The poison from his dagger is working into your system. It burns into your skin and your fingers tingle with numbness. The lightning behind him, high in the sky, crackles with a silent announcement. 

An insane grin finds its way on your face and the pride you felt for Violet when she learned your technique kicks in. Because now she’s aiming at the venin. She has the shot. You hold onto the struggling venin tightly. “No, you won’t. But she will.” He looks up and struggles in your weakening grip. Not wanting to lose your hold on him, you wrap your legs around the venin and make him watch the lightning gather above the two of you. You hold him in a headlock and he shouts at you, “Stupid witch! You’re going to kill the both of us!” 

You laugh despite the poison in your body burning your insides, “That’s the fucking plan!” 

“I’ll kill you before anything strikes me!” He shouts and raises his arm with the dagger high into the sky. 

“Fuck you!” You grunted when he jabs the knife into your right thigh. He twists it so you could let go of him, but you’re not weak. You’re strong-willed, courageous, hopeful and your life is worth saving three others. You will not yield in the face of death. No, you welcome Malek with determination demanding that he take you along with the venin in your hold. Take you instead of Lenin, Liam and Deigh. 

The lightning came fast. Too fast for you to understand that it already hit you and killed the venin. Your karambit spun in slow motion above you, washed clean of any blood. You wanted to grab it, you had to grab it. 

“[Name]!” 

You barely heard Xaden yell your name in the storm. But you could feel the sadness all around you. Then you heard Lenin’s whine reverberate in the valley, it broke your heart and you coughed out a strangled sob. This is for the ones you love and the ones you left behind. The moon held you in his sad gaze and his song lulled you to sleep. 

“[Name]!” You opened your eyes and saw Imogen crying over you, “Stay awake! We’ll take you to Brennan, okay? Just stay with us!” 

When did she catch you? 

“You’re going to be fine, don’t talk like that!” She shouted at you. But you don’t recall telling her anything. You can’t even feel your lips moving, let alone form any thoughts to tell her anything. Although there is a lot you want to tell her. 

Yet your eyes felt heavy and any words that formed on your tongue were left unsaid as you took your last breath. 

……

XADEN 

“She’s still breathing! But the venin stabbed her and the poison is spreading fast!”

Imogen’s words, they gave me hope that [Name]’s vision was false. That her sacrifice didn’t need to come true in order to save her dragon or her brother’s life. She’s still breathing in Imogen’s arms and I have never dismounted Sgaeyl in such a desperate fashion. 

Shadows follow me wherever I go, very much like death and he stands next to me as Sgaeyl’s voice carries through the bond. Her sadness for the loss hits me enough to stop me in my tracks. 

“She’s gone, Shadow. Leninach confirmed it with Glane. Dagger is gone.”

Gone. 

[Name] left me behind. No matter what I tried to do, lessen the work to save the civilians, find her while she’s cloaked or even diving in to save Lenin. She left me behind to confront our enemy. She went by herself to save Liam, leaving me with the shit choice of either protecting the civilians or her. 

“Xaden, please!” Imogen begs. Her yearning voice for my help brings me back to the rain. The pitter patter sound against our surroundings grounds me now. 

“Imogen, she’s gone.”

These words that left my mouth, I never thought I would say them. Especially for the woman I fell so hard in love with. What am I supposed to do without her? How can I carry on knowing that she died because a Sorrengail ended her life with one strike. Am I supposed to be grateful that when I go back to Basgaith that I’ll be graduating so I don’t have to see her in Liam or Sloane? Or see her standing proud next to Lenin? 

Imogen’s denial only makes her spiral and the earth beneath us rumbles when Lenin makes himself known. He approaches Imogen with a sad look in his mismatched eyes. The shadow he cast over me lets me think as he has a conversation with Imogen through the mated bond connection. 

Something I share with Violet. 

“What’s the reason for killing her?” 

I can feel Violet reaching back to me, her voice regretful and soft, “Xaden, I didn’t-” 

“I wasn’t speaking to you.” I snap and Tairn lowly growls inside my head, his annoyance reaching to me like a coiled snake. “I don’t need to explain the reason.” His ignorance to my loss makes the shadows move frantically under Lenin’s protection. I want to challenge Tairn, to make him answer me, yet his voice comes back with an answer I was afraid to hear. 

“She asked me to do this before we took flight at the college. Dagger planned this all along to save my son’s life. She did this to save Lenin and The Silver One was the only way of doing this. Her sacrifice saved three lives, she did what she wanted to.” 

“Xaden.” 

I look up from [Name]’s back to meet with green eyes. 

“Lenin wants you to take [Name] to her resting place. He will light her fire.” 

Resting place. 

Imogen telling me this makes [Name]’s drawing flash in my memory. The pretty flowers and the trees surrounding the meadow of peace. Tairn is right. [Name] planned for this, all of it. I can’t just wrap my head around it and accept it so easily like the dragons do. They wouldn’t do the same if Lenin was lost to this battle. Sgaeyl would be hell bent on avenging her son. Like I want to be right now. I want to rewind time, kill the venin that threatened [Name]’s beautiful life. 

She’s my cloak of shadows and I let her slip through my hands. 

My love. I told you that I would come back. And when I do, you can bet that I will stay.

[Name] said it with so much passion. Hearing her voice echo in my head gives me some kind of hope that she would come back to me. That something in her witchly power will bring her back to me. But for now, I will do what Lenin wants and what she wants. To bring her to her resting place and have him light her fire. 

“We’re going home.” 

Everyone looks at me and I nod my head to their suspicions of what home I was talking about. Violet looks up at Tairn and her eyes widened in surprise when he tells her what I mean by it. When I walk back to Sgaeyl, I stop by Liam who stands up, wiping his tears from his blue eyes. 

“Your sister plans to rest in the meadow. I know this is the last thing you want to talk about when your sister is gone, but I need you to keep Violet away from him for as long as you can while I prepare for [Name]’s passing. Can you-” 

No. I’m done ordering Liam around. 

“Do you want to do it? If not, I can ask Bodhi to watch over her while he gets his arm mended by him.” 

Liam takes a deep breath and nods his head, “I want to do it. Just tell me one thing, and I need to know the truth.” He looks over at Violet then to Garrick who lifts [Name]’s body from the ground. Imogen cries some more watching her best friend stay limp. It tears another thread in my heart. Drops to my stomach and burns in the acid. 

Lenin is allowing you to climb him. He wants to have one more flight with her. 

I barely catch what Imogen tells Garrick and it hurts me to hear it. Lenin’s last flight with [Name]. 

“What is it?” I ask Liam, bringing his eyes back onto me. 

“It’s stupid to ask this, but do you think you can still love her after she’s dead?” Liam runs his hand through his wet hair and frustratedly speaks to me, “I mean she loved you so much that she fought alone to keep you alive. To keep me alive. To keep her dragon alive. All of it seemed like she planned this for months and she still did it despite knowing the outcome. She loved us enough to die for us. So I’m asking as her brother, will you continue to love her?”

He’s asking if I will love his dead sister or love Violet when time passes and I get over [Name]’s death. But this is something he will not understand. [Name] will come back. She made a promise to me in my room. I loved her when she was alive and I will love her in death. 

“She’s all I want, Liam. I don’t see myself with the Sorrengail that killed my girlfriend. I see myself marrying [Name], having the strongest dragons at our sides, winning this war and having a family. No one else can take that from us. Not even death.” 

[Name] will conquer death and while she does, I will wait for her return. No matter how long it takes for her to come back. 

I’ll wait. 

Wait. And wait. Days. Months. Or years. I will keep waiting for her to return to me with open arms.

..............

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[esamastation]

Here's the prologue of what I'm currently writing which I'm calling

Gamer girl gets transmigrated into a farm boy Ao3 link

-

If you could choose a world to be isekaied into, you probably wouldn't choose the videogame Age of Tales. It's not that it's too dark or gritty or dangerous, quite the opposite. Age of Tales is boring.

It's a painfully generic mediaeval RPG with a very generic "farm boy becomes a hero" storyline. Or farmgirl, if you go that route. There's some moral choices, but overall the story is very linear from start to finish, and no matter how evil you try to play it, the game inevitably ends with the chosen farmboy (or girl) saving the world. Age of Tales has a very generic cast of characters with very generic backstories, even more generic villains with very basic evil plots, and side quests right out of early free to play mmorpgs. Overall the game is just very… mid.

It flopped within a week of being launched, deservedly so. It landed without a splash and was forgotten within the month, and its only saving grace was that at least it wasn't a live service and as such didn't have to go through the indignity of being shut down on top of being a failure. All in all, the game was a massive flop.

And Katie had sunk nearly six hundred hours into it. 

She would have explained the appeal, if she knew what it was. The weirdly cosy art design in a game where you eventually end up leading armies in hopeless battles? The character creator that let her create a beautiful two meter hundred kilo blue-eyed wall of muscle as her player character? The weird charm of 80' and 90's fantasy novels, as depicted by the game's story? The glitch that let her literally duplicate gold bars in the tutorial section? The way you can trip the big bad down a staircase if you just happen to fill the boss arena with chairs, benches and barrels?

Katie has hundred percented the game twice, found all known Easter eggs and best glitches, and she still couldn't say why she loved it so much. Why, even as Valthor the Vile generically monologues about how he would fill the world with darkness before the final boss fight, she's already planning to play the game again from the start.

Van the Valorous - as her character this time is called - met the big bad with a big sword in one hand and tall shield in the other, his build a pitch perfect Paladin this time. Katie has played through the final battle so many times that she knows all of Valthor's moves, and Van is fully leveled at 120, so the battle isn't exactly a challenge. She spends most of it admiring the battle arena and Valthor's design. He's a classic long-haired pretty boy, with a rapier and elaborate long coat with enormous shoulders. 

Valthor takes the coat off for the final phase of the battle, which Katie had always rather appreciated. She usually takes the opportunity to take Van's clothes off for the final round too, just for the aesthetic. It's not like Van needs the defence offered by clothing at that point anyway. 

"So this is what you have chosen," Valthor says on the screen. "These people, with their puny concerns and petty squabbles. You, who like me, could've been a God!"

Katie is offered a final choice of dialogue. "You are no God, Valthor - a devil, at most," Van says and points his sword at Valthor. "And your evil reign ends now!"

"Fine. Let's end it," Valthor answers, and off goes the coat in a completely unnecessary bit of theatrical dramatics. "Have at thee!"

Katie sighs fondly, a smile stretched wide on her face as she plays through the final disappointing mini game of quicktime prompts while on her screen two shirtless men slash bloodlessly at each other.

Valthor loses and falls down. "I had… such plans," he rasps, reaching towards Van. "I was going to bring peace…and prosperity…"

"And yet you brought only war and devastation," Van says and kneels beside his fallen enemy - now, mysteriously, clothed again in his armour and cape. "Your reign is over, Valthor. It's over."

"So it is," Valthor sighs and lets his head fall to the floor. "I wonder… What kind of reign will yours be… oh Valorous one…"

And so Valthor dies and the game ends with the victorious player character walking determinately towards the camera with cape billowing behind them in the most dissatisfying sequel bait ending Katie has ever seen. It's supposed to imply what happens next, how the player character, now a General and Saviour, would probably go on to take charge of the land left behind by Valthor or whatever. 

Of course, the game never got a sequel, but there's something endearing about how hopeful they were, making an ending like that. The developers really thought they did something there.

"Ten out of ten, premium trash," Katie sighs with pleasure. "Would not recommend to anyone - except me."

She skips through the final credits and back to the starting screen, intending to start a new game. Maybe this time she'd make Van look older - a huge grizzled old man playing the part of an innocent farm boy should be hilarious.

She stops before hitting [New Game], because the starting screen has changed. There's a new option there, one she's never seen before. 

[New Game∞]

"What? I didn't know there was a New Game+," Katie mutters, confused. "Where was this the other times I finished the game, huh?" And why'd they use the infinity sign? Another of Age of Tales' weirdnesses?

Not sure if it would actually be any fun to play the game with a New Game+ but curious about what would actually transfer over with the save, Katie selects the [New Game∞]...

And is promptly sucked into her TV.

-

[Chapter 1>>]

-

Since some people were expressing interest, lmao. Still on a litrpg kick, pretty much everything I've tried to write lately has been litrpg. This one I'm more hopeful than the rest though. It has actual characters and stuff. Edit: replaced with version proofread by @nimadge, many thanks.

[leclerity]

just another stranger

Charles Leclerc x Ex-Girlfriend!Reader count: 1.4k words summary: After Charles's win in Monaco, he seeks you out, to mend things. a/n: everybody cried at the monaco gp but let's cry some more! (happy ending)

He wins in Monaco. You knew he would—it was only a matter of time—but you always thought you’d be by his side when he won.

Yet here you are, in your friend’s apartment, watching him as if you were just another stranger to him.

“He won,” your friend says, a moment too soon, and then: “CHARLES LECLERC WON IN MONACO!”

The room erupts into cheers and you’re watching half the race playing on the TV, half the track from the window, hearing the roars of the audience match those of your heart. Your friend hugs you and the rest of your friends are screaming, popping champagne as if they were the ones in the car, not your ex-boyfriend.

You feel an arm around your shoulders – it’s your best friend. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“You sure?”

“Promise,” you lie. “I’m fine.”

She goes away and you lean out of the window, hoping to catch the sight of his car passing by. If he drives slowly enough, if he remembers that this is where your best friend’s apartment is, if he looks up… You tell yourself not to hope, but your heart thumps in your chest, anyway.

The roars of the crowd come before the car, and then you see him – the striking red car with 16 stuck to the front. You’ve been here before—in Monaco, with him, in the paddock—yet now you’re watching him from a distance. It was his choice, all those months ago, but your final word.

He doesn’t look up.

Not that you see, anyway.

The victory lap finishes and your friends all rush to the couch to watch the podium, even though you can just about see if from the window. It’s not close enough to see anything more than tiny figures, dressed in splotches of colour, but it makes it just a little more real.

The podium comes and goes. You tear up, on the balcony, shifting between looking at the events in real life and on the TV. There’s the tiny voice in the back of your head, wondering if he’s wondering about you, too, but you try to push it down.

Still, on the podium, even with tears of joy in his eyes, you see him searching the crowd. They’ve already shown his family and most of his friends are down there and he knows it, and the voice suggests he might be looking for you, too.

“Let’s go out,” your friend says. “Celebrate.”

“I think I’ll sit this one out.”

“You don’t want to meet him by chance? Congratulate him yourself?”

You give her a look that tells her it’s just about the last thing you want.

Eventually, your friends leave, and you’re left by yourself, scrolling social media. He’s everywhere—all your friends from Monaco are posting about it, even those you haven’t seen since you moved away—and his face stares at you, guilt brewing in your stomach.

You’d made him choose.

He didn’t choose you.

When the door buzzes, you think it’s your friend who forgot her key—they’ve been out for a couple of hours now and they’d be at least a few drinks down—yet when you buzz them up and open the door…

It’s he who stares back at you.

“Hi, Y/N,” he says. “Can we talk?”

You let him in. He sits on the couch, still wearing his Ferrari shirt,

“I thought you’d have gotten changed by now.”

Charles shakes his head. “I, uh… I came straight here.”

You sit down, opposite of him. Through the open window, you can hear life from the streets of Monaco – loud, drunk people, celebrating the win as if it were their own. Your friends are there, amongst those people, but you…

“Why?”

“I know you moved away,” he says. “And I remember where your friend lives. And I hoped…”

He doesn’t finish. You see the cogs turning—the words flying around his brain, refusing to come out—and you smile at him. “Congratulations.”

He sighs. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re not happy?”

“No.” Charles looks at you, his eyes crystal clear, and you know exactly what he’s going to say. “How could I be, without you?”

“Charles—”

“How many times have we spoken about this? About the win, at home, with you by my side?”

Your body shudders as memories flood you: the nights spent together, whispering about it in the dark… The dream of him driving up the car and running up to kiss you, knowing that you made it… The promise of being there to watch him step on the podium as the anthem is played…

The guilt grows bigger, and you stifle a sob.

Charles shakes his head. “I wish you were there. I wish I hadn’t pushed you away. I wish I’d appreciated you more.”

But you didn’t, you want to say, but you don’t.

Old you would. Old you wanted to be the first, the priority, the number one to the great Charles Leclerc – only to always fall second, behind racing. Behind the car. Behind practice. Behind excercise. There was less and less time made for you, until you told him to choose.

He puts a hand on your knee. “I know this isn’t fair, but it’s been nearly a year, and I… I was wrong. I was wrong, okay? Coming home to an empty bed, not knowing how your day’s been, not seeing you in the paddock every race, Y/N, it’s killing me.”

It’s killing me, too, you want to say, but you don’t. You can’t—won’t—admit that out loud.

Someone’s laughter pierces through the night. Charles’s eyes dart to the window before they’re right back on you and he moves closer, and the part of your thighs touching shocks you to the core.

You try to remind yourself you’re just another stranger to him. You weren’t worth more than racing to him then, you’re not worth—

“You’re everything to me,” he whispers.

A tear falls down your cheek – he wipes it away before you can, and then he’s looking at your lips with water welling up in his eyes, too.

“Charles…”

“I wish I could—I want to go back to a time before it was too late. I want to fix things. I want to do it right, and not be a damn fool again.”

His hands are on your cheek and you can feel his breath on your lips – all it would take is for you to lean in. Just a little movement, just a little show of faith. You whisper his name again, this time no more than a breath.

You feel him sigh. “It’s not winning if it’s not with you.”

Your lips are on his, tentative then desperate, trying to make up for all the words you can’t bright yourself to stay. His hands are on your cheeks, then your waist, then your back, and you feel like he’s touching you all over just to make sure you’re real, that he’s truly holding you, and not a dream.

You don’t say that the past few months have been the worst of your life. You don’t say that you were selfish, and that maybe you failed to account for who he is, and always will be—a racer—and maybe you were the one who was asking too much from him. Maybe you’d rather be second to him, than be anyone else’s first.

And maybe you’ve known this all along, but admitting it was too much – until today.

Until now.

The kiss comes to a close and Charles pulls you into him, skin on skin, and you’re melting into his arms. He places kisses all over your hair, your face, your neck and your chest, not letting go of you even for a moment.

Later in the night, when you’re lying in your friend’s spare bed, you see the winner’s smile for the first time as he kisses you yet again. Monaco is alive outside, with the night still a long way to go, but partying couldn’t measure up to the electricity surging from his touch.

“Y/N,” he says.

“Mhm?”

His thumb traces your lips. You’ve been here before—a million times—but this time, it’s different. It’s old and new, fresh and familiar, and just a little, you start letting yourself hope again.

“Now, I feel like I’ve finally won.”

[vigilskeep]

what did ivar choose to do with loghain?

i went ahead with my plan to have alistair do the duel (in which case alistair immediately kills him)

i considered sparing loghain a lot while i was playing ivar, because ivar too was recruited at his lowest point in order to find redemption with the grey wardens. he then recruited sten on those same grounds. so shouldn’t he do the same for loghain? but i feel like... i feel like the point of ivar is that when it comes down to it, when it gets complicated, he’s not the warden that duncan was. he’s not capable of those hard grey warden choices and bold moves. he makes compromises, he takes easier options, he lets things slide for the people he personally cares about. i tend to limit him and not let him pull off anything extraordinary, kind of in opposition to my usual tendency to overpower my ocs a bit and make them extremely socially and politically capable of getting the Best Ending. i think ivar is more endearing and easier to empathise with because he never gets a clear uncontested win, he just kind of scrapes by. the point is that he’s not cut out for this; the accident of his birth simply gave him advantages in becoming an exemplary fighter & a reasonably charismatic speaker. otherwise—personally, intellectually, morally—he is not special. Just Some Guy

it felt more accurate to his character to follow the common course of the story and let alistair go ahead than it did to make this big dramatic move and win over the antagonist and sacrifice a friend for a principle. ivar’s choices shouldn’t be grand or surprising like that, they should be fairly “standard” and mostly okay but also lose a little on all sides. so he lets loghain die and thus keeps alistair happy, but now discomfort quietly seeps into their relationship bc would alistair have passed the same judgement on ivar as he did on loghain if they’d met under different circumstances. he makes anora queen like she wanted, but she has to stand up and take it over her father’s dead body. it was a really haunting moment because in my head i had fleshed out bhelen’s death and how ivar had to numbly express faith in a newly crowned harrowmont with his little brother’s savaged body right there on the floor and his blood on his hands, and i got this sense of deja vu watching anora basically play out the scene i had imagined. the way they have the blood spray over her face. he connected to her so much there and will never have the right to say it because he let it go that way. it certainly didn’t feel victorious. which is the intended ivar feeling i guess!

[julietcpulet]

Resentment vs. Change

The palace women vs. Jinshi and Maomao

(Spoilers) So much of the end of LN 4 focuses on the different ways people learned how to respond to the resentment and abuse that has built up since the reign of the former Emperor. It’s contrasting Jinshi and Maomao who have both grown up suffering consequences from that reign but are using it to make decided change vs the palace women from that time who decided instead on paths of revenge and self-destruction, often becoming abusers themselves.

We see Jinshi who has been compared to the former Emperor multiple times by the women who only would’ve known him then, unfortunately because no one knows Ah-Duo is his mother and that’s who he resembles. As such he’s been subjected to fearful resentment and claims of illegitimacy as well as the terrible weight of guilt from these women for an accountability of the past Emperor’s actions that is not his own, merely for his looks. Instead of making himself a victim though he’s tried to improve the lives of those in the rear palace, the women trust him and as evidenced by his speech to the fake Loulan, he knows all of them there, down to the smallest detail. We could say that’s a frightening thing but Jinshi has shown incredible restraint for a person of only 19 years of age. He knows their names and details in order to care for them as people and individuals. Later he makes it clear this system of “a garden of women” doesn’t appeal to him and his whole goal is to keep those he loves away from it (namely Maomao). The point here being that instead of letting the abuse and trauma he’s experienced of living a life of others looking at him as if he’s at all similar to the former Emperor just because he bears a resemblance, he took that chance to make the line between them clear, to do something wholly different than that Emperor and his own father.

The same goes for Maomao. She was a product of palace politics in that her father was taken from her mother due to what happened with the La Clan because of Luomen’s involvement in the delivery of the consorts children. This pulled Lakan away from the family and while it resulted in Luomen becoming her adopted father, Maomao suffered immense trauma from her mother descending into sickness and abusing her as a baby. She also didn’t have the best upbringing with the courtesans. But instead of letting these things sour her towards revenge or bitterness, she uses her knowledge to help others even if she can act like she merely wants to be a bystander. She doesn’t let the problems that have come about in her life be a deterrent to helping people going forward. Like when the opportunity presents itself she maneuvers things in such a way that her father and mother have the possibility be together again. Also she puts forward Luomen to come back to the rear palace even though he was banished and it’s at great risk to suggest him. She believes in Gyokuyou and even I would say Jinshi to accept him back without treating him as a criminal. These choices show that while Maomao has been through a lot she manages to find opportunities to improve the situations of those around her without making it about being a victim.

As for the palace women, many took the opposite path like Shinmei and Shenlu. Yes, we know and are shown that they were brought into the rear palace and taken advantage of by the former Emperor, that is a fact not to be diminished. But I believe the whole point here is about what a person chooses to do with their past. Can they move past it and make better out of it or does it just become resentment never to be changed? The palace women chose the path of never ending revenge that got them nothing but fear, destruction and sadness. It was disheartening to see these women blame Jinshi for appearing in a way he had no control over. Like him taking the blame on himself and being willing to take the scar from Shisui so her mother could get revenge on a man long dead. It proves that some people (Shenmei) will hold onto victimhood and grudges to the point of becoming abusers to others who shouldn’t shoulder that blame.

To me the story is meant to portray the importance of the choice to acknowledge the wrongs of the past but learn to put them in their rightful place. Not to keep dwelling on what has gone and harming those who had no part in it but to help those who can be helped now. And that’s the difference Jinshi and Maomao show for the present. Taking steps to try and root out the problems of the rear palace, to change it for the better for the women now in the ways they’re able. Maomao with her medical knowledge and Jinshi with the power he holds. From eliminating face powder, disciplining harmful ladies in waiting and being able to help a difficult pregnancy, to so many other instances, it’s things like this that have shown Jinshi and Maomao are about change and not about making themselves the victims regardless of what they’ve suffered. Because no amount of payback would make a person feel better for abuse but proving that good could come from choosing not to dwell in the past, that’s a worthwhile endeavor.

[moon-ttokki-x]

choose your own adventure - hyunjin ver.

pairing: hyunjin x 9th member fem!reader

summary: a choose-your-own-story where hyunjin asks you to be his plus one. based off this chan post.

genre: idol!au, fem!reader, 9th member!au, mentions of eating and drinking, this fic (if you can even call it that) is just super fluffy and playful. nothing much really but if i have missed anything comment and let me know !

a/n: we're switching it up and trying something new . . .

how it works: read until you get to a choice. pick one image, and then go to the number and description below it, and read that part. scroll down to the heart, where it says 'your turn' and keep reading until the next choice. i hope it's not too confusing but it seems pretty self-explanatory i think. hope you guys have fun with this one, if you enjoyed it comment below ! might make some other versions soon <3 this is a fic where you can go back and choose different choices to make the story just how you like it .

happy reading from ttokki !!

skz masterlist

A quiet sigh escapes your lips as you headed out of your vocal lesson. Shutting the door behind yourself, you began to head down the hallway, pressing a hand to your throat.

That vocal practice felt like it took ages, and your instructor hadn't been in the best mood this morning.

Oh well, you think. At least it's over.

Tipping your waterbottle up to quench your thirst and soothe your throat, you groan as nothing comes out. Sighing and tossing the plastic bottle into a bin, you turn down the hallway, intending to go to the cafe and buy a drink.

Staff members, trainees, and other artists take up seats in the JYPE cafe, laughing, chatting, having meetings, and walking around. You walk up to the counter, waiting in line, and then order a cold drink.

Taking your receipt, you turn and look around, trying to spot a place to sit. Someone taps your shoulder.

You turn around.

"Hey, Hyune," you say. "Thought you had a shoot."

He scratches the back of his head meekly. "I did, but I got out of it. Apparently something went wrong with their cameras."

You poke him playfully in the side as you both move to claim a table.

"Broke them with your beauty, huh?" You tease, sitting down.

Hyunjin flops down in the chair opposite you, grinning as he taps the edge of the table with two fingers. "Something like that."

You smile and thank the server as she comes and places your drink down in front of you. She nods back with a smile and walks away. You waste no time in taking huge, icy gulps of your drink, gasping in relief as the cool, flavoured liquid floods your body.

Hyunjin watches you intently. His eyes flicker to the ice in your drink, big, solid cubes clinking together as you stir the liquid around with your straw.

"Hey," he says hesitantly. You look up.

"Yeah?"

"Um, I had something I wanted to tell you."

You tilt your head and stir your drink the opposite way, taking another gulp. "Shoot."

"So, you know the Versace event I was talking about yesterday at dance practice?" Hyunjin says, sitting up a little straighter.

"Mhm," you say, fiddling with your straw in interest. "What about it? You got invited, right?"

"Yeah," he says. "And it's tonight, and I only just got informed I needed a plus-one to the event."

"Oh," you say.

Choice 1: How does Hyunjin ask you to be his plus-one to the event? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Iced coffee:

Hyunjin sits up suddenly then, laughing nervously. His fingers tap faster on the table.

"So, um... Kind of a long shot, but I was hoping you'd, um, sort of- Come with me?" He waves his hands frantically. "It's- Um, I know it's super last-minute and you might have something else to do, but I really wanted you to accompany me there... If you want to, of course."

"There's no pressure." He adds, rubbing the back of his neck.

(2) Fizzy blue soda:

Hyunjin sits up, pulling something out from his pocket. He slides an ivory letter across the table, delicate paper sealed with a little flower stamp. He nods for you to open it, so you do. You read the paper inside:

"Y/n,

This Versace event is a place where everything will glow, and I find myself longing to share the evening with someone who will shine the same way.

If you'd be willing, I would love to take you along as my plus-one, my esteemed guest. Only if you wish to, however.

RSVP with a single, affirmative word.

H.H"

(3) Strawberry ice:

"Yeah, um..." He stretches a hand across the table and presses it over yours briefly.

"It's a pretty formal thing," he says. "But I was really hoping you'd team up with me for the night? It's kind of a drag without someone to make things fun..."

He chuckles then, pink dusting his cheeks in a soft blush. "I think it would be more fun if you were there with me. But if you don't want to, then it's okay. I know it's on, like, super short notice, so I understand."

♡

Your turn...

"I would love to, Hyune," you say softly. "I didn't actually have anything planned for tonight. I think it'll be interesting. But I'll have to get my stylist on it as soon as possible."

"Yeah, no, of course," Hyunjin says, looking relieved. "That'd be great. I'll meet you outside the building at six tonight. The car will be waiting to take us to the event."

"Sure," you say, standing up. "I'll be there on time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find something to wear." You tap his nose playfully and begin to walk away.

You head down the corridors and hallways, taking turns until you reach the female artists' fitting rooms.

Your stylist opens the door as soon as you knock on the wood. She ushers you inside and you laugh, watching as she begins to pull out several dresses for you to wear. She holds each one up for you to see.

Choice 2: What dress are you choosing? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) White dress:

"I want to wear that one, please," you say to your stylist, pointing to a ruffled white dress. She nods and sets it down across the table.

"I'll get it sorted out for you, never fear," your stylist says, smiling. "It's a great choice, Y/n. It'll make you look absolutely stunning, and the colour is so simple and clean too. You'll look great."

(2) Cream dress:

"That one's pretty," you say. Your stylist picks up the soft, creamy dress and hangs it up on a hook so you can see all of it properly.

"Great choice," your stylist says. "The layers will look so pretty as you move about, like a bird. Soft but effortless, and it's light too, so you won't have much trouble walking around in it. Perfect pick, Y/n."

(3) Pink dress:

"What about this one?" You say, pointing to a puffy, pink dress.

"Lovely," your stylist says, brushing a hand across it as she lays it out for you to see. "The pink is a little extravagant, but it's perfect for you, and it reminds me of sakura flowers. Puffy is the best way to go, I think. Nice work, Y/n."

♡

Your turn...

"Thanks," you say, blushing at the praise.

"I want to look really good tonight," you add. "Hyunjin will look effortless as per usual, so I want to look just as beautiful. Thank you for sorting the dress out for me."

"No worries," your stylist says, hanging up your chosen dress on the wall. "You need some accessories, though... Can't have you wearing such a pretty gown with no jewelry."

She leads you to a jewelry display cabinet and unlocks it so you can take out different pieces and look at them.

"Take your pick," she says.

Choice 3: What jewelry set are you picking? Select one.

If you chose...

(1): Silver leafy branch set:

The silver branches catch your eye, and you hold up one of the earrings. "This set is beautiful."

"That one's pretty popular," your stylist says. "I can see why. It'd suit your outfit perfectly." She places it on top of the jewelry cabinet.

"I'll make sure it's specially reserved for you tonight."

(2): Diamond teardrop set:

You hold up the diamond necklace, watching it glitter in the light. "I like this one a lot."

Your stylist carefully takes the jewelry before holding it up to the dress. "It's lovely, and a perfect match to the gown." She sets it down carefully on the table.

"I'll get it deep cleaned for you so it sparkles."

(3): Gold flower set:

"Wow, I want to wear this one," you say, holding the necklace up.

"Lovely, isn't it?" Your stylist says. "The flowers will match your dress amazingly." She nods approvingly at your select choice.

"I'll have someone check over the clasps so nothing breaks or catches while you're at the event."

♡

Your turn...

After carefully selecting your jewelry and dress, your stylist sits you down in a chair and does your makeup just how you like it; not too much, but not too little either. Just enough to make you shine.

She adds eyeshadow the colour of your dress and puts a little glitter on your cheeks, complimenting you at every turn.

You thank her and stay as still as you can while she does your hair, trying not to scrunch your eyes and ruin the perfect makeup while she sprays hairspray over your hairstyle to set it in place. You admire it in the mirror, thanking her profusely.

You accept her help as you change into the dress, and clasp the necklace and earrings onto yourself. Turning side to side, you admire the look and smile at your stylist's dramatic praise.

You say a grateful thankyou and goodbye to her as two staff members guide you to the car waiting outside the JYPE building.

Evening is beginning to fall, the sky peachy and pink. You spot Hyunjin, leaning on the car's frame while the driver starts the engine inside.

Choice 4: What is Hyunjin wearing? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Charcoal grey suit:

Hyunjin lightly brushes off the shoulder of his grey suit jacket, adjusting the lapel as he holds a hand out to you. The light grey and patterned collared shirt is speckled with flowers and pretty designs. Your eyes wander over it as he smiles down at you.

"You look beautiful," he says sincerely. "Hope I didn't overdress."

"You could never," you say softly. "I think you look great."

Hyunjin smiles again, his eyes crinkling, and stands up fully, leaning off the car. The silver chain at his waists sways gently with the movement.

"Come on," he says, opening the door of the sleek black car for you. "Let's head off."

(2) Soft white suit:

Hyunjin looks like he's glowing in the setting light of the sun. It throws a little pink tone over his jacket, spotless and pristine, and he waves at you as you approach. His dark dress pants highlight his long legs.

"I love your dress," he says shyly, chuckling. "I feel a bit boring now. Are you trying to outdo me, Y/n?"

"I already did," you say jokingly, your eyes softening. "You look lovely, Hyune. We match, too."

He chuckles, taking your hand. "We do match. I asked your stylist what colour you'd be wearing."

He opens the car door and gently guides you in.

"We better get going."

(3) Black + silver suit:

"Look at you," Hyunjin says, impressed. "Pulled out all the stops, huh?"

You laugh as he takes your hand gently. The silver design on his shoulder stands out against the black, as do the buckles on the belts around his waist. They glint in the softening light of the sun.

"I did, but it looks like you did too," you say in response. "I like the silver thing."

"I know," he says dryly. "I do too. That's why I wore it."

You fight a giggle and swat his shoulder. He sways dramatically before opening the car door and placing a hand on the frame so you don't hit your head.

"Time to go," he says.

♡

Your turn...

The car journey isn't that long; by the time the sun fully sets, and the sky has turned a deep shade of blue, the sleek black car is pulling up the entrance of the event. You peer out the window and wait for Hyunjin to exit the car first.

He holds out a hand to you and you take it gratefully, stepping out. Your foot hits the ground and you brush yourself down, hoping you haven't creased the beautiful dress.

You and Hyunjin look around as you begin to head into the event and past the security guards. They just nod and let you through, Hyunjin's face a familiar one at these types of fashion events.

Choice 5: Where is the Versace event being held? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Outdoor soft-lit terrace

You and Hyunjin begin to make your way through, winding between tables and people. You tread over soft, green grass, and gaze up at the lanterns above you. They hang suspended by wire, almost looking as if they're magically floating on their own.

The tables are set for dinner, and everything is cast in a soft, romantic glow. People nod at Hyunjin as he walks by, and he offers you his arm as he begins to mingle. You take it and relish the soft comfort of his presence as he introduces you here and there to people.

Some are artists from other groups you recognise, some fashion designers, but all are distinguished members of society. You begin to feel a little nervous, but Hyunjin rubs his hand over yours as he blends in effortlessly.

After you both find your places and eat dinner, everyone moves to socialise and talk about the latest events. You stay quiet for a while and let Hyunjin do his thing.

Eventually, you begin to feel confident enough to talk and approach people on your own, Hyunjin always a step behind you. He claps his hands together quietly when an interaction goes particularly well.

Hyunjin's gaze flickers to you every now and then.

(2) Modeling show venue

You and Hyunjin both make your way to the front of the room, where the stage is. The lights begin to flash just as you both take your seats, and the host comes out to announce the event, its history, and the progress they've made with designing new items.

Everyone claps, and you and Hyunjin both watch in interest as the models begin to walk out, decked out in strange luxurious outfits. Music blares and the lights dramatically grow brighter.

The show goes by in sections; people chatter and socialise between runway displays. The designer next to you recognises you next to Hyunjin and strikes up a conversation with you.

You're a little awkward at first, still feeling a little shy and overwhelmed, but you look at Hyunjin for reassurance and he nods, chiming in occasionally to keep the conversation going.

Hyunjin's hand finds yours under the table.

(3) Gilded art museum

You and Hyunjin walk around the museum, where displays of fashion items are placed in glass cases. There's a staff member or a designer standing nearby.

Whoever approaches asks about the item, and you begin to really become invested in the history of the fashion, why certain shapes and fabrics are used, and all the rest of it. You never knew the depth of it before.

Everything is lit in a rich golden glow, and Hyunjin's teeth shine charmingly under the light as he effortlessly networks. He talks to all the right people, says all the right things, and keeps a hand on your lower back like the gentleman he is.

You try your best to talk a bit too, but you eventually become content with watching him do his thing. It's comforting to see him so in his element, and you start to feel more and more comfortable as the night progresses.

Hyunjin looks down at you and smiles gently.

♡

Your turn...

After several hours, you and Hyunjin retire to a corner, sipping lightly on drinks and observing. You needed a little bit of a break, anyway; it's surprising how quickly you got fatigued and overwhelmed. Your cheeks hurt, too. You've never had to smile so much in your life, but all in all, things have gone quite well.

You feel very proud of yourself for not messing things up.

You're busy watching several extravagantly-dressed figureheads talking in a circle when Hyunjin speaks up.

"What do you think?" He says. He smirks then, gesturing to the people you're observing in interest. "Of their outfits. But also of the night."

You chuckle. "I think it's very intriguing. This event has been very intriguing. It's a new experience, but I liked it."

His gaze softens. "I'm glad. Are you okay, though?" He gestures vaguely, the liquid in his glass swirling. "I know it can be a bit- overwhelming."

You swallow and nod a little. "I'm okay, it's just- It can be a lot. I think I've talked more in the past hour than I have all of this week."

Hyunjin laughs, a high, charming sound amongst the elegant din. Your heart almost explodes.

"Yeah, it can be a lot. But it's nice having you by my side." His face flushes slightly. "It feels... different. Better."

You smile a tiny bit. "I'm glad."

His tone drops then after a pause, low and confidential. "You know, I was kinda worried about asking you. It's a big event, and I didn't know if you'd be okay with putting yourself on the spot."

He adjusts the lapel of his jacket, cheeks pink. "I, um- I felt a lot calmer after you said yes." He chuckles quietly, a little sadly. "I guess I needed my lucky charm..."

"A lucky charm, hmm?" You start to feel a little shy, but you meet his dark, deep gaze. "And here I was, thinking I was your emergency plus-one."

"Nah," Hyunjin says, nodding in thanks as a waiter takes his empty glass. "I felt like, you know... Sharing this with you. Having you with me makes the overwhelming things feel a little bit more..." He pauses, searching for the right word. "...Right. It sounds lame, I know, but..." He trails off, a little embarrassed.

You smile and boldly touch his hand. His skin is warm and you pull back, not wanting any cameras to catch anything unwanted. His gaze is understanding as you press your hands into your sides.

"I appreciate that, Hyune," you say as sincerely as you can. "I don't think it's lame at all. I'm honoured you chose me."

His words hang in the air for a few moments, yours mixing with its undercurrent. You both go silent until Hyunjin's phone vibrates, a message from the manager.

"Time to go," he says, offering you his arm. "The car's waiting."

You nod and both of you begin to walk back through the venue, nodding goodbyes and waving to the people you talked to.

Hyunjin helps you back into the car and shuts the door. Both of you collapse and groan in your seats, then dissolving into giggles. The car pulls away and begins to drive, the partition up to give both of you some space and a break.

You close your eyes for a few minutes, processing everything in relief. You both looked great. You networked, did all the right things. And now you can relax. You can't wait to go home.

"Hey," Hyunjin says quietly.

You open your eyes to look at him.

Choice 6: What does Hyunjin say next? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Aura flower:

"You looked like an absolute masterpiece," he says softly.

Your cheeks heat up and you look at your hands in your lap, fighting the urge to smile as wide as your cheeks will allow.

"Thanks," you whisper, somehow able to form a coherent sentence despite the buzzing feeling in your chest. "I think you looked amazing too."

He exhales a little laugh through his nose and leans his head against the seat. His makeup is a little smudged but you almost think it looks better that way. "Thanks, Y/n."

"We made it through," you say after a brief pause, relieved.

He laughs out loud then, a little chuckle that sends a pang of affection straight to your soul. "We did, yeah."

He turns to look at you, his tired eyes fixed on your own.

"You looked stunning, Y/n. As always."

(2) Aura star:

"You shone brighter than anyone else there, you know," he whispers.

You chuckle shyly and lean your head against the seat, messing up your hair a little. You pull a little strand of it, hands shaking. "No..."

"You did," he insists. "They loved you. All of them. I think they were wondering why they hadn't seen you before. And I just know all of them thought you looked amazing."

"Hyune, stop."

"No," he says insistently, tilting his head at you as you laugh a little. "You did exactly what you were supposed to. It was effortless. Gonna have to tell JYP to make you go to events more often."

He stretches a little, his shoulder popping.

"You were amazing, Y/n."

(3) Aura heart:

"You were my favourite view tonight," he admits shyly.

You don't even say anything in response, too taken aback by his honest statement. You feel your face heat up and you smile shyly, fidgeting with the fabric of your dress.

Too flustered to do anything else, you shake your head.

"You were," he insists gently. "I couldn't stop looking at you, even when I was the one talking. You were talking and mingling so well, holding your head so high... You almost made me jealous."

You let out a short, disbelieving laugh, though it's laced with sincerity. "Almost?"

"Yeah," he says casually, crossing his hands behind your head. "Almost. But seriously, you did so, so well. Just perfect, you know that?"

He nudges you gently. "I couldn't take my eyes off you."

♡

Your turn...

After a while, some sleepy exchanged chatter in the backseat, and a couple of selcas later, the car pulls up at the JYPE building. Hyunjin gets out first and offers you his hand. You both thank the driver.

Night has well and truly fallen, and it's quite late.

Taking Hyunjin's hand and almost stumbling in your sleepiness, you pat down your dress and check off things in your head, just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

Hyunjin is busy messaging his manager on his phone, reporting that you both got back safely and that the event went well. The streets are quiet, and it feels like you're the only ones in the whole of Seoul.

Turning around, you're about to tell Hyunjin this, before you stop short.

He's holding something in his hand, outstretched to you. He budges your shoulder a little with it, shyly gesturing for you to take it.

So you do.

Choice 7: What did Hyunjin give you? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Rich burgundy dye:

You take the item from him.

It's a small, velvet box; much like the ones that people have their rings when the propose.

Opening the ring box, you're met with a dainty loop of silvery gold, a shimmering stone of your favourite colour set into the middle. Two little jeweled wings sit either side of the stone, and it glitters under the streetlight.

"Hyune," you gasp. "I can't accept this."

"Yes, you can," he says, stepping forward. "It's a thankyou. For always showing up for me. I would have been lost without you tonight."

You chuckle softly, fighting sudden tears. "You don't need to say thank you to me. I would have agreed no matter the circumstances."

Hyunjin shakes his head. "That's what I'm saying. You always show up for me. You're always there. So consider this a token of my gratitude, from member to member. Not just for tonight, for all of it."

He delicately takes the ring out of the box and slides it onto your finger.

(2) Dusty blonde dye:

You take the item from him.

It's a little gift bag, cream-coloured with the Versace logo embellished in gold on the side. You look up at him in question, but he just nods and gestures for you to open it.

Reaching inside, you pull out a little strip of white leather; drawing it out of the bag all the way, you chuckle as you hold the keychain up.

It's a little star-shaped Versace plush in white fur; it has a little pair of white sunglasses, the clasp golden and connecting the little furry thing to the leather strap.

"I love it," you say, giggling. "It looks familiar, too. You have one the same, right?"

"Right," he nods, grinning. "I have one in black. I thought we could be matching."

You step forward and pull him into a hug. "I'm gonna find somewhere to hang it as soon as possible. It's so cute and fluffy."

"Like you."

You splutter and thwack him on the arm.

(3) Icy blue dye:

You take the item from him.

It's a smooth, cardboard box; the rose-gold embellishment shines under the streetlights, highlighting the abstract sketches all over the packaging.

There's a pretty silver ribbon tied around its middle, and you look at Hyunjin in question.

He nods, so you pull the ribbon off and carefully pull out the smaller section of the box. A beautiful perfume bottle sits comfortably in a cutout of black foam.

The bottle is shaped like a heart, facets of it cut like a diamond. The liquid inside is a lovely light purple, and little bits of glitter swirl inside the bottle. The nozzle cover is shaped like a crown. Your name is engraved in fancy cursive along the top of the bottle.

"Hyune," you say in awe, dumbstruck by the loveliness of the gesture. "You didn't have to do this for me."

"I did," he says gently. "I wanted to."

♡

Your turn...

You give him a hug, holding the gift in one hand.

He smells like his familiar musky cologne, though it's faded and only just there. You pull back and swear you almost feel your heart burst. His eyes are alight with gentle affection even under the darkness of late-night Seoul.

"Thank you for asking me along," you say. "I really enjoyed myself."

"Ditto," Hyunjin says, eyes crinkling. "Better get used to it... I might drag you along to more events in the future."

You chuckle and turn to head up the stairs. Hyunjin waits until you're inside, but he doesn't follow. Knowing his schedule, he's probably not done for the night, and the thought makes your heart pang.

You hope he'll get at least a little bit of rest.

Heading up the stairs, then the lift, then down multiple hallways, you unlock the door to your dorm room. Stepping inside, you take your shoes off and sigh.

It's late, and all you want to do is collapse onto the floor and maybe sleep there for the next few days, but you have to sort yourself out first. You head to your bedroom and change into your favourite comfy set of clothes, their familiar texture and warmth making your eyes droop.

Choice 8: Which pajamas do you choose? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Casual sweatshirt pajama set:

You change into a white sweatshirt, baggy and comfortable, and a pair of black and white pajama bottoms. It's cold outside, and your feet are getting cold too, so you slip on a pair of fluffy white socks.

You sit on the bed to put them on. Your phone chimes beside you and you pick it up, flicking your messages open. There's a text from Hyunjin, so you open the chat.

Sleep well, Y/nnie! You did great tonight xx 💫

(2) Teddy-bear pajama set:

You button up a fleecy, cream-coloured pajama shirt with brown bears all over the fabric, and pull on matching bottoms. Heat floods through your body and you sigh, feeling cosy.

It's getting cold and your feet feel like ice, so you put on a pair of white socks too. Your phone buzzes as you stand up and stretch. It's a text from Hyunjin, so you unlock your phone.

I hope you get some rest, Y/n 🖤 You deserve it.

(3) Black silk pajama set:

You pull out your favourite set of black silk pajamas and slip into them, the smooth, clean material making you feel luxuriously relaxed.

You don't feel too cold at the moment, so you don't bother with a hoodie or socks. Or maybe you should... You don't want to get sick. While you're contemplating this, your phone pings, and you pick it up to see a text from Hyunjin.

Sweet dreams, Y/n ☁️ See you tomorrow!

♡

Your turn...

You smile and text a quick goodnight reply back. Turning off your phone, you set it on your bedside before stepping into the bathroom. You wouldn't dream of falling asleep without taking care of your skin.

Especially after such a long day.

You survey the countertops and then the drawers, trying to decide which of your products to use.

Choice 9: Which K-beauty products are you using? Select one.

If you chose...

(1) Pink skincare set:

You select several products.

Washing your face thoroughly with a cleanser, you dry it off with a pink towel and apply a soothing lotion on top. You use your gua sha and jade roller for a while and then apply your usual skincare overnight cream on top, as well as a few cute sticker patches.

Your skin feels refreshed and smooth.

(2) Grey skincare set:

You select several products.

After cleansing your face, you apply a face cream and your favourite overnight lip mask. Applying two grey jelly eye patches underneath your eyes, you use a little bit of your usual cream on your blemishes before screwing the lid back on.

Your skin feels clean and glowy.

(3) Beige skincare set:

You select several products.

Wiping down your face after cleansing it, you apply your favourite cream and then a honey-coloured serum, smelling of vanilla. Rubbing it into your skin, you massage your face gently before applying a lip balm and your usual skincare cream.

Your skin feels moisturised and balmy.

♡

Your turn...

Sighing and turning the bathroom light off, you close the door before slipping into bed.

The sheets and duvet feel so, so good after such a long and busy day. It was eventful and you enjoyed yourself a lot, but there's nothing like the comfort of being home, all cosy in bed.

You lean over and switch the bedside lamp off, throwing a blanket of soothing darkness over the room. Shifting a little to get comfortable, you wonder what Hyunjin is doing. Hopefully getting ready to rest for the night too. Your cheeks warm at the domestic thought.

Sighing cosily, you turn onto your side and close your eyes. You hope this 'emergency plus-one' thing happens a bit more often in the future, and as you begin to fall asleep, you think that you'd like to meet up with him under other circumstances too. Where it's just the two of you.

One day.

a/n: this better not fucken flop omg . anyway please comment and let me know what you think ! might do more of the members if this one goes well <3

ttokki's taglist: @emilyywhyy @galaxy4489 @hyuneskkami @justsomekpopstuff @wavetohannie @strayingawayy @its-stayville-forever @sillyseob @wickedbutlovely @headfirstfortoro @lov3yv4mps @possum-playground @bear8585 @astraystayyh @m-325 @gnabnahcbby @mbioooo0000 @akindaflora @tsunderelino @hhwangsmoon @crazyforthatbangchandude @bluebellsringinghereandthere @ladylexis @tillaboo @geni-627 @jsngprk-vhs @stellasays45 @de-uns-tempos-pra-ca @skzfangirl143

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[phoebeegreen3]

Capri Persson (F1) — The Ghost

🏎 SUMMARY: What if the best driver of recent years isn't actually him? What if the best driver is actually hiding something else? Would he still be the best? Or just a simple fraud? 📓 GENRE: secret identity / rivals to lovers / he felt first, she felt harder / soulmates / slow burn 📬 PARTS: book one (two parts) / CP9, book two (one part) 🏆 CAPRIPERSSON.MASTERLIST

FORMULA 1: DRIVE TO SURVIVE

SEASON 3, EPISODE 6 ❝ THE GHOST ❞

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"All the helmets on the track look the same, but there's one you can recognize instantly. One that moves faster than the rest. One that stands out. One that holds one of the brightest minds in motorsport. One, in particular, is completely different from the others. And when given the choice between making friends or building enemies, he didn't even hesitate. Capri Persson is probably one of the most disliked drivers among teammates and competitors, but that's the least of his concerns.

He started karting at four or five years old. The minimum age is six. By fifteen, he was racing in F3; by eighteen, in F2; and at twenty-one, he was behind the wheel of an AlphaTauri car. Persson did everything at the right time, making the most of every moment to reach his full potential. He could have raced in F3 at twelve, F2 at sixteen, and entered F1 a year older than Max Verstappen was when he debuted. And those are just the facts.

Capri Persson could have made history much earlier than expected. Christian Horner had him on his radar during Persson's final F2 season. Sauber did everything possible to sign him as a reserve driver this season. Even Mercedes took an interest when he was competing in F3, considering him for the junior program. But Persson refused.

'What do you mean by that?'

Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas:

"I asked his advisor in 2015 if we could have a conversation about Persson joining our junior program. F3 was one thing, but if Persson joined Mercedes' junior team, it would be a whole different story. And in some way, I think he knew that perfectly well. He always had something beyond 'potential.'

'What happened next?'

"I remember his advisor approached me at an event and, right in front of everyone, told me that Persson had declined. Capri Persson had said no to Mercedes."

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"Capri literally said, 'No, thanks' to Toto Wolff—who knew exactly what he was missing out on. Just like that. And just like that, he made a name for himself in motorsport. He simply declined when he felt it wasn't his time yet. And that is something crucial—probably the foundation of all his victories.

Persson knew when he was ready to move from F3 to F2 and from F2 to F1. He knew, and never took the risk without first being sure he could secure a seat year after year. Some rookies rush into it, letting excitement ruin golden opportunities. Capri Persson did the opposite. And this is only his first season.

'What about his teammate?'

"Pierre Gasly was hoping this season would prove to Red Bull that he deserved the seat they took from him last year. But then Capri Persson arrived—and took with him not just Pierre's hopes but those of many other drivers. It's terrifying because, being such a private person, you never know what his next move will be. You don't know how much longer he'll stay with the team. So when the silly season arrives, every driver is wondering: Where will Capri Persson go next season? Will Red Bull take him, or will they choose Gasly? Should we be worried about Persson's next move?

Pierre had a strong season compared to the last, but all of that was overshadowed by Persson's arrival on the grid. Christian knows Gasly is very talented, but there's something Capri has that he doesn't: the ability to handle any kind of pressure."

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

"I know that one day Capri Persson will be in Red Bull. Let's hope that day comes soon."

'If you had to choose between Gasly and Persson, who would it be?'

"(...) The one who proves that have what it takes to be part of the team. Even if that means going head-to-head with Max."

Pierre Gasly, Driver, AlphaTauri:

"I improved a lot this season. I know I'll return to Red Bull—that's my goal. As long as I stay competitive and keep that mindset, I know I have a chance, and the opportunity will come."

'What can you tell us about your teammate?'

"The real question is: what can you tell me? I know absolutely nothing about him. I met him during the AT01 test week, but it was just a fist bump, and that was it. We presented the car together at the launch event, but he never takes off his helmet. He answered a few questions using sign language. Have you even interviewed him?"

'He won't be participating in the series.'

"Of course. Should've figured. He doesn't participate in anything."

'How do you feel about that?'

"In what sense?"

'How do you feel about having Capri Persson as your teammate, given that Red Bull is now watching both of you?'

"I like to stay positive. I like to think that, despite Persson's arrival, Christian recognizes how much I've improved. Capri and I haven't spoken, but I'd like to believe he understands the situation I'm in. And I don't see him being interested in any team other than ours. But I can't speak for him. He's a ghost—literally."

Alexander Albon, Driver, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

"I heard they call him 'The Ghost.' No one knows if there's really someone inside that helmet and suit or just a spirit. They've also called him a machine, a robot, and many other things I can't remember. It's intriguing."

'Do you think Capri Persson could take your seat at Red Bull?'

"Well... I... Honestly? Yeah, I do. I know I should probably act confident about my place in the team and say that I deserve it. But I haven't performed well in Christian's eyes this season. I already know my seat isn't guaranteed for next year. And for this to be Persson's first season... I think I'm not the only one who feels intimidated. Even Sebastian could sense the rookie's presence."

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"When Vettel, Hamilton, and Räikkönen saw him walk into preseason testing, we all thought the same thing. They were practically devouring him with their eyes—it was obvious. Years of dealing with the press after every race, with paparazzi everywhere, with the double-edged sword of being a celebrity in this sport... and then Persson arrives, untouched by any of it. We all knew that sooner or later, being a ghost would come with consequences. Otherwise, Capri Persson might have had one of the best rookie seasons in history.

Vettel was the only one who dared approach him after practice. I think he complimented one of his late-lap maneuvers. Sebastian recognizes a great driver when he sees one, so it wasn't surprising that he reached out. What surprised us was the way Persson responded. I mean, it's Sebastian Vettel—he probably deserved at least a handshake or a private conversation off-track. But that didn't happen.

Capri Persson didn't bow to anyone. But that didn't mean he didn't respect them.

They stood in silence for a few minutes. Persson looked at him through his visor and simply offered a fist bump to the four-time world champion. Sebastian hesitated but accepted, though not entirely convinced. Everyone saw it. And everyone stayed silent about it.

They don't call him 'The Ghost' for nothing. He is one—literally. It's like there's nothing inside the helmet, the suit, the gloves. No driver, no person, no emotions getting in the way. Just a ghost. A brilliant, hardworking, incredibly talented one. A complete mystery."

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

'Do you think Capri Persson will go far?'

"I think Capri Persson will be great and will go very far. The real question is: how much?"

«PREVIOUS: First Day

»NEXT: No Victory

[velvrei]

can u write an angsty long triangle between robby and axel? u can pick endgame bc idk they’re both hot

i wrote an ending for axel & one for robby bc i fear i couldn’t choose

…

fighting for cobra kai has always made sense to you—until it doesn’t. with robby in miyagi-do and axel kovacevic in iron dragon, you find yourself caught between two boys who refuse to let you fall. but in the end, you can only choose one.

cobra kai made you strong. that’s what you always told yourself. every bruise, every broken knuckle, every time you pushed yourself past exhaustion—it was all for a reason. because weakness was unacceptable. because pain meant you were getting better. because if you weren’t fighting, then what else were you supposed to do? you knew who you were here. you knew what you were fighting for.

but then they happened.

robby keene. the boy who fights like water, smooth and controlled, a force of nature that never has to force anything at all. he’s the one who looks at you like he already sees all of you, like he’s memorized every crack in your armor and still thinks you’re worth something.

and axel kovacevic. the boy who fights like fire, sharp and reckless, burning through everything in his way. he’s the one who makes you feel alive, the one who tempts you with danger and makes it sound like a promise instead of a threat.

and now, standing outside the cobra kai dojo with both of them waiting for you—watching you like you’re the only fight that matters—you realize you don’t know who you are anymore.

it’s almost ridiculous, the way they stand on opposite sides of the sidewalk. robby, arms crossed, expression set in something between frustration and quiet concern. axel, leaning against his motorcycle, smirking like he already knows how this night will end. and you, caught between them.

you exhale, already exhausted. “please tell me you guys didn’t plan this.”

“i was here first,” axel says, running a hand through his hair. “so if anyone’s being a stalker, it’s him.”

robby doesn’t take the bait. his eyes stay on you. steady. unreadable. “we need to talk.”

you sigh. “i don’t have time for this—”

“make time.”

you blink. robby doesn’t usually push like this. not with you. but tonight, something in him is different.

axel chuckles. “look at you, finally growing a spine.” he pushes off his bike, stepping closer—too close. “but she’s not going anywhere with you, man.”

his fingers graze your wrist, barely there, but enough to send a jolt up your spine. enough to make you wonder if he knows what he’s doing to you.

robby moves before you can react. his hand wraps around axel’s wrist, grip firm but controlled. “don’t.”

axel’s grin widens. “why? scared she might actually want me to?”

the air feels thick, charged. you can hear your own heartbeat, too loud in your ears. then, finally, robby lets go. axel scoffs, shaking his head. “that’s what i thought.”

you clench your fists. “enough.” your voice is sharp, cutting through the tension. “if you guys just came here to start some stupid fight, then you can both leave.”

axel’s expression shifts—something like amusement flickering behind his eyes. “relax, pretty,” he murmurs, brushing past you as he walks back to his bike. but before he swings a leg over, he pauses, glancing at robby. “but i wouldn’t get too comfortable if i were you.”

and with that, he’s gone.

you let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, turning to robby. “what the hell was that?”

he hesitates. then, quieter, “you tell me.”

your chest tightens. because you know what he’s asking. he’s asking why you’re still here. why you haven’t walked away from cobra kai. why you let axel get close, let him pull you into something that you know isn’t good for you. he’s asking if he’s already lost you.

you swallow hard, glancing away. “robby…”

“you don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs. “i just… i don’t want to see you get hurt.”

you should tell him you can handle yourself. you should tell him that this is your fight, your choice. but instead, you just nod. because for the first time in a long time, you’re not sure if you believe it. and somehow, robby sees that too.

ending one: choosing axel

the night air is heavy, thick with something unspoken. you feel robby’s gaze on you, steady and waiting, but you can’t bring yourself to meet it. because deep down, you already know the truth. your body moves before your mind can catch up, turning away from him—toward axel.

axel watches you, amusement flickering across his face before it shifts into something deeper, something unreadable.

he holds out a hand, casual, like he’s giving you a choice. and you take it. his fingers curl around yours, rough and warm, and the smirk he gives you is full of something victorious.

“knew you’d come around, sweetheart,” he murmurs, pulling you just a little closer.

behind you, you hear robby exhale, sharp and quiet, like he already knew how this would end. but he doesn’t fight it. he doesn’t say another word.

because in the end, you made your choice. and as axel tugs you toward his bike, laughter low in your ear, you realize that maybe, just maybe, you made the right one.

ending two: choosing robby

axel’s bike rumbles in the distance, the echo of his departure still hanging in the air. but you don’t chase after him. you don’t move at all. because robby is still standing there, looking at you like you’re something worth saving. and you realize that maybe, just maybe, you want to be saved.

you take a slow breath, stepping closer. robby’s eyes flicker with something uncertain, something careful. like he doesn’t want to push too hard, like he’s scared of what you’ll say next.

so you make the choice for him.

your fingers brush against his—just barely, just enough to let him know you’re choosing this. choosing him. and robby—steady, patient robby—finally lets himself believe it.

his hand curls around yours, warm and certain, grounding you in a way that no fight ever could. “you don’t have to do this alone,” he murmurs, voice low, just for you.

you exhale, something in your chest loosening. for the first time in a long time, you believe him.

cobra kai taglist: @karmaswitch @mamasfavourite @justchillin13 @timotheechalametswifeys @jeonkoowife @yoyouourmum @astreiz @adv3rc1ty @yslbaeee @amnesique @yaya-1loveart @izzyelise11 @larussoslostdaughter

[reunionatdawn]

Weighing in on ATLA shipping discourse

Iroh: You're not the man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good.

Why did Zuko have a fever after decided to let go of his Blue Spirit mask? Well, the imagery suggested that he experienced a Kundalini awakening. A Kundalini awakening is a profound spiritual experience that involves the activation and rising of Kundalini energy, located at the base of the spine. In Hindu and yogic traditions, Kundalini is often depicted as a coiled serpent, symbolizing dormant spiritual potential.

Ida and Pingala are the two energy channels that run alongside the spinal column and correspond to the left and right sides of the body, respectively. Ida is associated with the feminine or yin aspect. It is linked to qualities such as calmness, receptivity, intuition, and nurturing. It is also associated with the moon, coolness, and the element of water.

Pingala represents the masculine or yang aspect. It is associated with qualities such as activity, dynamism, alertness, and willpower. It is associated with the sun, warmth, and the element of fire. In the yogic tradition, the balance and harmonization of Ida and Pingala are considered essential for achieving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Once the two energies combine at the crown chakra, a person's consciousness is supposed to transcend duality. What does that mean, exactly? It means to move beyond the perception of reality as consisting of opposing or dualistic concepts, such as good and bad, light and dark, right and wrong, or self and other. You understand that these apparent opposites are part of the same unified whole and are interconnected in a deeper, more profound way.

"I was head writer of ATLA, and this is exactly how I see it! There was some controversy that Zuko made the "wrong choice" at the end of season 2. A lot of fans were ANGRY! But it had to be this way… we wanted him to get everything he thought he wanted. The triumphant return. His father's respect, and a seat at his right hand. Only then could Zuko truly outgrow these things, and choose to do the right thing in a meaningful way." (Aaron Ehasz)

So, the symbolism definitely favors Zutara in that respect. Katara learned through Zuko that the Fire Nation is not innately evil. Even though he hurt her with his "wrong" decision, part of her character arc was understanding why he did it and being able to forgive him. And because he made that choice, she could trauma-dump onto him and that led to her gaining closure about her mother's death.

"I was head writer of ATLA. Azula and Zuko's relationship was not always well understood, even by the team internally. Azula loved Zuko, more than anyone save her father. She also felt competitive with him for their parents' attention of course, but since she had alienated herself from her mother, she focused her energy on pleasing dad… which of course meant acting in more and more intense and possibly evil ways." "By the end of the series, of course, her loss of her friends shatters the part of her identity that she could somehow control affection and love through intimidation. As a result she spirals… I did however intend to leave a kernel of humanity, and had we made a season 4 Azula would have completely bottomed and we would have explored the possibility of a path to redemption. True story!" (Aaron Ehasz)

But it's not even just Zutara. What I found interesting was that Azula was the blue dragon and Iroh the red dragon. Azula was crazy and needed to go down, right? By siding with his sister, you're meant to think that Zuko chose "evil" instead of "good". But it looks like some of the writers meant for it to be more complicated than that. There was no "good" or "evil" choice. Azula had a softer "yin" side, too.

Zuko wanted to get along with his sister. He did not want to kill her, even though Iroh thought that was the only option. The fact that Azula never got her redemption arc did a massive disservice to Zuko's arc as well. The fact that Azula had good in her is exactly why Zuko's choice in BSS couldn't truly be called "wrong" or "evil".

Azula loved Zuko and that idea wasn't conveyed very well in the cartoon. She was the one person on that beach who actually did understand him. She was jealous that Zuko chose the Avatar over her. And she knew that targeting Katara with her lightning was the best way to hurt Zuko. Katara found a non-lethal way to defeat Azula for Zuko's sake. Because after seeing how hard it was for him to fight her, she finally understood why he made his choice in Ba Sing Se.

"[Azula] had not bottomed in the end of season 3, she had further to go. At the deepest moment in her own abyss she would have found: Zuko. Despite it all, her brother Zuko would be there for her. Believing in her, sticking by her, doing his best to understand and help her hold her pain that she can no longer hold alone. Zuko — patient, forgiving, and unconditionally loving – all strengths he gained from Uncle Iroh." "And I always imagined that after coming out the other side, she would be one of those people who hilariously over-shares her own feelings all the time, and that she would be a bit over-apologetic. Like a Canadian version of Azula." (Aaron Ehasz)

The first episode of Book 3 was called The Awakening. Aang literally awakened to the energy twisted up in the middle of his back. He did not complete his spiritual transformation. The Kundalini energy did not reach his crown chakra. It was still blocked because he had an attachment to Katara that he hadn't worked through yet.

Zuko's awakening was figurative. Mai didn't understand how he felt. Symbolically, when she turned his head to kiss him, it showed the audience the scarred side of his face. When Zuko lied his sister, the unscarred side of his face was shown. I suspect that the writer for the episode, Aaron Ehasz, wanted to hint that Zuko did still feel a connection to Katara and didn't want Azula going after her and Aang.

Zuko in The Crossroads of Destiny was not supposed to be the same Zuko from The Avatar State. Both versions of Zuko still wanted to go home. But 201 Zuko was motivated more by selfish attachment. 220 Zuko was more motivated by love. He loved Azula unconditionally. Even with all of her twisted, ugly, and cruel behavior. His consciousness had transcended the duality of Iroh and Azula being opposites where one is "bad" and the other is "good". During The Beach he was fantasizing about a time when Iroh played with both of them as little kids. Back when they were all a family.

Mai: You know what will make you feel better? Ordering some servants around. I might be hungry for a whole tray of fruit tarts. And maybe a little palanquin ride around town. Double time.

I don't dislike Mai. I think she is an interesting character who was not a bad person or anything. I just thought she served a very specific narrative purpose. She was there to show how Zuko wasn't compatible with his old lifestyle anymore.

Mai wanted a typical socialite boyfriend. They really didn't get along too well or have much to say to each other during The Beach. She didn't like him when he started talking about his trauma and showed his uglier side. Zuko was insecure and jealous because he was not even sure if she really liked him. And she didn't even know the person he was after his banishment, only the person he was as a child. When he turned his head away from her, his unscarred side was shown.

Zuko: When I got to the meeting, everyone welcomed me. My father had saved me a seat. He wanted me next to him. I was literally at his right hand. Mai: Zuko, that's wonderful! You must be happy. Zuko: During the meeting, I was the perfect prince. The son my father wanted. But I wasn't me.

He walked out of that war meeting with the scarred side showing. Mai didn't love Zuko. She loved the perfect prince. The fantasy she built up in her head and the role Zuko was acting out at the start of the episode when he was ordering her the fancy fruit tarts.

Mai: I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.

Mai stood up to Azula to save Zuko, and she genuinely believed she loved him. But he left her behind to be with his new companions. If not for Ty Lee, she would have died. That should have been the end of that relationship. I thought it was very weird that they got back together. The NATLA writers should definitely find a different way to conclude Mai and Ty Lee's character arcs. Especially Mai. She deserved a more dignified ending than being left in prison and then threatening her ex-boyfriend to take her back.

"I love that even though Aang is sort of not in this story very much, to me, he's-his presence is in all of these scenes 'cause you know he's like the little angel on her shoulder [...]" (Bryan Konietzko)

The main reason I think the shipping discourse in the ATLA fandom is so toxic is because the creators Mike and Bryan saw the narrative differently than the other writers. They seemed to have a completely different vision for the story and characters compared to the head writer. So, there were two conflicting visions and fans who liked one over the other could argue their side indefinitely. Bryke saw things as more black-and-white and good vs. evil. You can see it in some of the interviews and commentary, particularly with Bryan.

IMO, there really was no "good" and "evil" side in The Southern Raiders. There was no "angel" or "devil" sitting on Katara's shoulders. To Katatra, what Aang said must have sounded like nothing more than a trite platitude. It's true that in the end, she didn't choose violence. But I don't think Aang's words were very pertinent to her decision-making when she finally faced Yon Rha, LOL.

It's understandable why Aang would come off as preachy, though. He was just a child coping with his own grief. The Air Nomads' philosophy was one of the only things he had left of them, after all. Such a teaching was no doubt his own personal coping mechanism.

Aang was right in the sense that Katara didn't need to resort to violence in the end. But ya know, maybe she would have if she didn't have someone by her side who understood her inner darkness and accepted her even if she had chosen violence. Just like how Aang might have killed the sanbenders if Katara hadn't been there. And Katara would not have condemned him if he had done so.

"Zuko and Katara might have shared some sparks, but sometimes there are people along your 'journey of love' who are there to teach you about yourself and what you really need, but don't necessarily end up being your partner. Come on, kids! 'Zutara' never would have lasted! It was just dark and intriguing." (Bryan Konietzko)

Zuko was a character of duality. Yin and Yang. Light and shadow. His two sides were represented by the scarred side and non-scarred sides of his face. I think Bryan viewed Zutara as a "dark" ship because a big part of Zutara was about Katara's shadow side.

Just like Mai did with Zuko, Aang built up a fantasy version of Katara in his head. The perfect, well, "waifu," I guess. The endlessly patient feminine maternal figure. The sweet beautiful girl with such manageable hair. But that's only half of who she was. There was another side to her that he never saw. One that used bloodbending. Angry, hateful. Yes, even ugly. And that's not a bad thing. It's human.

[placingglaciers]

Since we're comparing synopses, here are the Polish ones for the next two episodes: "Ep6: June is forced to go into hiding. As danger approaches from all sides, she makes a desperate decision." "Ep7: June’s world is turned upside down. The woman makes a surprising discovery and must face its consequences." It sounds like she's hiding alone. Maybe her and Moira will be somehow separated? Any idea what "the desperate decision" could be? Hiding in Nick's house? Also, "the betrayal" is 100% happening in two weeks, or even maybe at the end of next week's episode. Too late, imo…

It's so interesting seeing how different the summaries are in various languages! Do other translations have separate meanings about the remaining episodes as well?

It does seem like Moira and June sadly won't be together in hiding. I'm wondering how this plays out and if there will be any consequences. I'm sort of in denial about this because I don't want anything bad happening to Moira, especially after her showing true strength and bravery this episode. Most likely something will, let's be honest. :(

Based on the trailers, something/someone has to get June to the Boston Globe and put her in the red dress. I'm thinking her becoming a Handmaid again would definitely count as a "desperate decision," if this were somehow a choice for her. There's also Serena's wedding where the Handmaids are in attendance, and possible violence will occur. This could be seen as desperate as well.

I, as well as many others, have several ideas on what this "betrayal" could be. Based on what we have seen so far, it might simply be Nick not helping June in a capacity she hoped for. He seems protective of New Bethlehem by reuniting families and keeping them safe, and I don't think he wants to jeopardize this. This would certainly be an obstacle, considering the new trade route Mayday (well, Luke) was going to take advantage of. In this way, Nick could be seen as "choosing" the opposite side if he does something about this, and June will have to make do without his help for once. We'll see how far she gets and if she can understand Nick's actions/role/perspective in all of this.

I've expressed this before, and I agree, introducing a shift in character with Nick and his relationship with June this far into the season/series seems like a bad move. We have like, no time for this, the consequences, and any possible conclusion. Not to mention, I don't see how anything is being set up for The Testaments so far (which I have my separate concerns about as well). The stakes are so high now.

[c4ttheart]

let the world come to a halt !

mikage reo x gn!reader.

blue lock except the teams they choose for the nel = their unis, reader wears silver rings, the end of the world as a metaphor for falling in love, implied that reader is tipsy but not explicitly stated, i love him so much and im coping, not proofread. 1.1k wc.

mikage reo was clingy when drunk. this was a fact you would have never been aware of, had you not made all the choices you have made till now. it was a whirlwind of milestones and decisions that had led you to this special moment, and somehow, you could not find yourself to regret any of it. you silently thanked your mother for deciding to stay in the uk when she got pregnant, your dad for agreeing and getting you into football. you thanked the boy from the opposite middle school team for fouling you during a match, making you unable to ever play football again. you thanked your mother again, for letting you inherit her stubborn personality, because it made you choose to specialise yourself in helping players physically instead of being one. you thanked the admission officer for letting you into the manshine university as a physical education major. you thanked your professor for assigning you to seishiro nagi. you thanked nagi for letting you play games with him. you thanked the game maker for letting you become close friends with nagi, and you thanked chigiri hyoma for accepting you as nagi’s plus one to his party.

you know mikage reo. everyone does. he’s pretty, and rich, and an exemplary student, and a good football player, and he gets everything he wants. he’s nice too, and friendly, a fact you were not made aware of until now. just looking at him makes something bubble in you, in your left ankle, right where your ligaments tore and your bone fractured. mikage reo is a child who was forced to grow up too fast, a perfectionist constantly in search of his own mistakes. he has a distinct smell from a cologne that screams older, a stance trying to make itself known, and much more. mikage reo is everything you tried to be but better.

the music is a tad too loud but somehow, you can’t really hear it anymore. it’s going through one ear and out the other, heard, but not listened to. the lights are dim, constantly changing from purple to blue to red to pink to purple again, and people move in front of you at a speed you don’t think you can comprehend. everyone is going too fast, but not mikage reo. he’s staying, like a constant in a world full of variables, laid back against the singular couch in chigiri’s house, and looking at you with eyes so wide you could place all your burdens in them but also half lidded due to the alcohol in his veins. you’re laying down too, but you don’t face him. you think if you were to look into his eyes for too long, the world would stop. and for some reason, that doesn’t seem like a good thing.

he’s glued to your side, hair brushing against the nape of your neck, and you can’t help but hitch at the sensation. he laughs a little at that, a laugh that sounds like pebbles grating concrete, but it sounds so much better than the giggles you’ve heard him force out to other people during the night. blood rushes to your cheeks, and he chortles a little more, a little louder this time. god, is everything mikage reo does this beautiful ? you want to look at him, to take in the amethyst in his eyes, to absorb his laughs, to see what type of smile lies on his lips right now but you can’t. you can’t let the world end.

he takes your hand in his then, but he doesn’t hold it- mikage reo was born to outdo mundane things. he fiddles with your fingers, with the rings you’ve delicately placed on them, like it’s the most entertaining activity of his night. you close your eyes, slowly, in what was meant to be a blink. when you open them again due to the unfamiliar sensation of mikage reo twisting your ring upwards, as if to steal it, you miss the way people don’t pass by as quickly as they used to. you notice that he’s trying to take off the purple one, the one you usually wear on your left index. you let him.

he looks back at your face, and so do you. he smiles, that giddy smile that feels so easy it makes you smile too, and he repositions your ring carefully on your left ring finger. you do not notice the implication of it, just how you do not notice the world is slowing down.

you look away, quickly, as to not accidentally make the world stop, and you think he mistakes it for embarrassment because he laughs again. he never stops laughing. « i like your rings » he says.

you swallow. « thanks. » you want to look at him, want to paint every detail on his face into your brain, want to trail his jaw with your fingers, but you don’t. « s’it real silver ? » he asks, his words slightly slurred, like a feeble attempt to keep the conversation going.

you blink owlishly, because this is mikage reo you’re speaking to. he’s beautiful, and rich, and an exemplary student, and a good football player, and he’s so damn pretty and he gets everything he wants and he’s probably not impressed by whatever you’re wearing tonight. so you swallow again (and hope he won’t notice, but of course he does because you’re the only thing he’s looking at), and you say « yeah. » like it is the most obvious thing ever, praying he won’t see how the base of your fingers are tinted green from oxydation.

you can feel him smile besides you, you can feel the way the curves of his mouth curve upward into that wicked and evil grin that demands you to look at him. but you can’t, not when the world will end if you do. but mikage reo is persistent, and he’s clingy, so he lets go of your hand to angle your chin towards him, till your pupils are only staring into his. that’s when you realise that the world stops moving. it has been slowing down ever since you sat down next to mikage reo on this lone couch in the corner of chigiri’s house. it’s stopped now, like frozen in time. except for you and reo. you can still hear the soft breaths that come from his chest, and you can still feel your left ring finger, the one with the ring he replaced. and somehow, you don’t mind the world ending when it’s this still and quiet.

moral of the story: its ok to throw away your morals and let the planet blow up and die if it’s for mikage reo 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[epiphanyepica]

Thoughts on Prince's Gambit, Chapter 11

Woooweee, it's been a minute for me. I have been reading a little, but I've also been busy with other things, so I have a few chapters piled up again!

Without further ado...

...

I would like to announce that I stumbled upon a massive spoiler and I'm simply going to pretend I did not see. Denial is a river in Egypt and one in my heart. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Not let us begin.

Damen going on about how Ravenel probably wanted a more seasoned leader to oversee the disputes with them being so close to the border and not the annoying wasp that Laurent is. LMFAO.

Deep down, I know he's falling in love with that wasp.

I might be out of it because I thought it said ‘Lord Touars had the soldiers of a soldier’ LMFAO.

Oh god, Kastor has Akielon nearly attacking Vere?

Oh, how will we ever prevent this war?

That's it. Damen and Laurent must elope immediately to preserve the peace.

Oh? Laurent wants Damen in the advising hall with him? Does he want Damen’s input or at least him taking in the information shared there?

Laurent putting his foot down and saying, “this Akielon slave is mine and he will follow me if I want him to. Move motherfuckers.”

Well, he didn't say exactly that, but I feel that the sentiment is the same.

Damen you do have a choice not to follow, you just choose to follow anyways because he's your beloved prince 🥺.

Damen goes on and on about Laurent's nature being soooo off-putting, meanwhile, he's lowkey probably getting hot and bothered just thinking about that nature he's coming to love so goddamn much.

The call is coming from inside the house, Damianos.

Damen's first instinct really went from him being concerned about his own ability to escape any given situation to him being concerned about his ability to make sure Laurent and his men can escape any given situation. I love to see it.

DAMNNNN, Laurent saying it takes a man to handle Damen.

But like, no.

It takes a “cold” bitchy little blond prince to handle him.

WAIT A DAMN MINUTE–this man Damen knows very well, will he recognize Damen as Prince Damianos???

Oh, wait, it's just fuckass Guion. Nevermind.

Damn, fuckass Guion has a lot of titles.

I can't get over the fact that Laurent lets Damen question him at all. Like it's only in private, but he just lets Damen in and see parts of himself that no one else gets to see.

I'm falling in love with Laurent 😭.

Laurent subtly trying to keep the peace between Akielon and Vere. I can't tell if he genuinely doesn't want war between them or if he's softening up to Damen enough that he's leaning more towards considering Akielons differently.

Damen leaving when Laurent told him to is interesting, but what's more interesting is that he trusts Laurent to help diffuse things for Akielos and Vere. He TRUSTS him.

Oh god, is there going to be a problem between Damen and the sentries?

Oh no, they all think Damen and Laurent are fucking, again. I mean, I'm not complaining, I just think it's funny for Damen and Laurent.

Likeeeeee…

If you're doing the time, why not do the crime 😏?

Poor Damen. He used to look forward to being wounded and separated from his men and now that he literally has been, it sucks.

But it won't suck on its own for long, since he has Laurent 🤭.

Oh no, the woman's going to make a fuss, isn't she?

I get that she lost someone she loved to Akielons, but border people here can be, quite literally, racist.

Oh, Damen was making a circuit of the walls for Laurent? I didn't think his dumbass was genuinely lost, but I thought he was testing things. Which he was, but it was for Laurent 🤭.

Damen trying to imagine himself facing Laurent from the opposite side of a war, NOOOO 😭.

Don't imagine THAT. Just marry him and bring 🌈peace🌈 to the land.

Oh nooo, Damen feels bad for being at Breteau because he's Akielon.

But the fact that Laurent's men aren't even batting an eye at his presence or causing trouble means so much. They've come so far in trusting him 🥺. Laurent, too.

It sucks that Akielos chose to attack a little village for retribution. Even Damen doesn't like it.

Is Damen angry about the attack on Akielos or angry that the dying Akielon is so smug about having killed more people in the attack on Vere?

Naos saying how Prince Damianos would never have climbed into a Veretian bed like Kastor and I'm just like 🤨 give it time, my friend.

Damen used to think similarly to Naos, but now he's softening up to the Veretians around him. I'm just thinking about how if he and Laurent become kings, they could really bring some sort of peace.

[otp-after-dark]

Osblaine fan fiction: The Human Heart Remains a Factor - Chapter 1

I’ve been working on some fanfic last few days to deal with my heartbreak — the version of The Handmaid’s Tale that still honors the book, the characters, and the layered, brutal, beautiful love story that was never meant to be easy… but was always meant to be.

This is a five-chapter fix-it arc I'm gonna drop over the next few days through my ultimate ending — not because I need a perfect ending, but because I believe in an honest one. A version where June chooses herself and her love. Where Nick gets to fight with her, not just for her. Where forgiveness, rage, and love can live in the same breath.

This prologue picks up where 4x10 and 5x01 left off — with a goodbye that wasn’t final, and a choice that was always waiting to be made.

For anyone who still believes in Nick and June. Here’s the beginning of the story they didn’t let us have —but the one we always knew was there where first and foremost she says goodbye to that turd Luke for real. Side note: Let’s just say the writers haven’t given me a single thing I wanted from my season six wish list. Not one. So if next week’s episode ends with these two still pretending to co-parent a baby that is Nick’s, I’m going to scream. At this point, I’ve accepted that almost everything I’ve hoped for, they’ve done the opposite — which is exactly why this story picks up at 5x01. Season 5 and 6? Tossed. Deleted. Recycled into something that actually makes emotional sense. We’re starting fresh. The canon I care about begins here.

---- Chapter 1: Prologue - The Goodbye after Fred’s death

She went back to Canada, like she was supposed to.

After Fred’s murder, she stepped back into the apartment with blood still drying on her cheek and her daughter cradled in her arms — crossing the border like a woman who had walked through fire and refused to look back.

There was a brief calm. Shower. Clothes that didn’t smell like smoke. A crib. The faint hum of peace.

But the silence was unbearable.

And Luke felt it. Knew it. He watched her orbit the edges of their home like a shadow.

One night, after putting Nichole to bed, he found her standing in the kitchen, palms pressed against the counter, her shoulders coiled like she was bracing for something.

“You’re not really here,” he said quietly.

June didn’t turn around.

“I know.”

“You’re back, but you’re not here. Not with me. Not with Nichole. You’re somewhere else.” A pause. “With him?”

She inhaled. Not sharply. Just… resigned.

“I don’t know how to stop loving him,” she said. “I tried.”

Luke crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway like he needed the frame to hold him up.

“After everything… after what he’s a part of—”

“You think I don’t know?” she snapped, then softened. “You think I haven’t tried to move on? God, Luke. I wanted to. I wanted to come back and make it work. For Nichole. For you. For… everything we used to be.”

She finally turned to face him. Eyes rimmed with guilt, but not regret.

“But every time I close my eyes, I see him. Not in some fantasy — in reality. In the things he did for me when no one else would. The way he looked at me like I was still alive even when I wasn’t sure I was.”

Luke’s jaw tightened.

“So what? You’re going back to him?”

“I don’t know what I’m going back to,” she said. “But I know I’m not done. With Gilead. With him. With finding Hannah.”

“And what about us?”

June took a step closer, eyes glassy.

“I will always be grateful for you. For what we had. For what you gave Nichole when I couldn’t. But Luke—”Her voice broke. “You were my before. He’s my after.”

There was no yelling. No slamming doors.

Luke didn’t stop her.

He just looked at her for a long time — maybe trying to remember the woman he’d loved before all of this. Maybe seeing her clearly for the first time since she came home.

“Do what you need to do,” he said at last.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Later, before the sun rose, she kissed Nichole’s forehead and walked out the door with nothing but a jacket and a set of keys.

By the end of 5x01, she was behind the wheel, the highway stretching out like a promise she’d finally stopped running from.

And this time, she wasn’t lost.

She was going back to find the man who had survived in silence. The one who had risked everything — not for his country, or a cause, but for her. She wasn’t going back to finish the war. She was going back to start their life.

[pirate-hats-are-gay]

Nobody asked and nobody cares but here’s me associating Madoka Magica characters with Sonic characters

As the title says, I realized I don’t have to bother my friends with my musings when I could just ramble on tumblr :D !! I mean someone on this hellsite is bound to have the same interests as me. Anyways without further ado,

Madoka Kaname - Amy Rose

“Oh you just picked them cause they’re both pink!!” Maybe but also listen; think about Amy’s speech to Shadow in SA2

She says something along the lines of “people are basically good and as long as they keep believing in their wishes, they’ll always be happy!” (paraphrasing I can’t be bothered to find the script rn) Now compare that to Madoka’s wish to stop all despair and to “not lose hope and remember someone out there is always fighting for you!” (again paraphrasing). My point is that they both believe in the goodness of people/people deserve a chance and that they have love to spare.

The one digression I have with this comparison is that Amy said “if I had to choose between the world and Sonic I’d choose Sonic” which doesn’t feel like something Madoka would align herself with (but I do think she’d respect Amy’s choice) rather she’d choose EVERYONE none of this “person or the world” bs, instead this feels very in character for Homura but overall I think there are more similarities between Madoka and Amy + I think they would be friends <3

Homura Akemi - Agent Stone

Y’all are just going to have to hear me out with this one

Honestly it was easier to figure out who she wasn’t so I’ll start with that

Shadow - I know people would want me to put her with Shadow because of similar aesthetics and angst etc. BUT ☝️ there is one major digression between them that I fear cannot be overlooked for the sake of aesthetics and that’s that Shadow actually respects Maria’s wishes.

Consider these two scenes and how these images appear similar but ended VERY differently.

Shadow, quite literally, let’s go of Maria after he says “I will continue to fight with your wish in my heart, your wish for everyone to have a chance to be happy” He’s healing from his grief and moving forward with light and peace and hope

Homura on the other hand, does almost the exact opposite. She can tell that Madoka isn’t happy and goes against her wishes, quite literally rips apart space time, so her gf doesn’t have to deal with the burden of being God, even if that is what she wishes for.

So while yes, both Homura and Shadow are driven by their love and grief for another character Homura cares more about being with Madoka than moving on and living with her wish

Silver - this was the other character I considered for her but tbh Silver actually cares about the timeline, he’s not ripping apart the universe for one person 💀

So this brings us to my actual choice; whose character is defined by their association and loyalty to another? Whose character cares deeply about protecting and serving the other, and basically no one else? Whose character only exist as a response to another? My goat, AGENT STONE 🗣️🗣️🗣️

My main point is that yes, Stone would tear apart the universe to be with Robotnik if he knew he could (manifesting crashout Stone in Sonic 4🤞). Stone waited for months because he believed in Robotnik and when he failed he didn’t just leave him there, he scooped him up and nursed him back to health and built a hiding space for them, like WHAT . Homura went through countless loops trying to protect and save Madoka and Stone would do so too.

TL;DR Stone would do the same as Homura in the same circumstances and no other character would + I just think Stone would like her lmao, all in comment sections talking about “she did nothing wrong!!!”

Sayaka Miki - Shadow

Yeah this only makes sense to me,,

LISTEN!!! Listen,,, they’re both driven by love for another character.

The most important person to them was an ailing loved one and was the reason they were created: Shadow being made by Gerald to find a cure/be the cure for Maria’s illness and Sayaka, the magical girl, being “created” after she made the wish so Kyosuke can play violin again. I feel like this is where the very specific similarities end but there’s still some more to be compared.

For example they both fight because of their association with said loved one. I’ve already talked enough about how Shadow fights with Maria’s love and wish in his heart so about Sayaka

Sayaka was willing to, essentially risk it all just so Kyosuke could pursue his passion again and she could be there to witness it, she sees herself as the hero in this situation (evident by her white cape and how she kinda expected to be thanked/rewarded for her decision which imo was kinda valid but that’s another topic). Also small note about the hero thing is that Shadow after he realized Maria’s wish almost INSTANTLY switched sides, and despite some healthy rivalry has never been against siding with the heroes, and Sayaka was more than willing to become a magical girl even after seeing the risks, so yeah hero things

The last of my compassion ends with Sayaka’s ending and how she basically said “I guess I just wanted to hear him play for one last time” and how she was finally content (sort of) in her wish and how things played out. This is kinda similar to Shadow moving on from Maria in Shadow Generations and I guess my point is they’d both rather see their loved ones just, being, for one last time before deciding to let go and be the hero again !!

Kyoko Sakura - Knuckles

“They’re just both red and angry !!” Yeah that’s it ngl 💔💔

Jokes aside I do feel there are some general personality traits they share, having to do with their families

Kyoko makes a wish so people will believe her father and her own family can be better off while Knuckles has inherited the burden of protecting the Master Emerald. They both feel a sense of responsibility to their families and their role in them, which both end kind of tragically (going more off of Movie Knuckles here)

Aside from that they both prefer to do their own things and kinda be alone. I mean Knuckles does team up quite often but in his downtime he’d rather be pacing around the Master Emerald (going more off game Knuckles here) and obviously Kyoko is only doing things for herself by herself but in the end teams up and even grows close to her rivals (like the in the Rebellion movie)

Plus they’re both stubborn and a bit hot headed but ultimately will do the right thing (sorry this one is shorter I had to retype it cause Tumblr didn’t save it the first time </3)

Mami Tomoe - Maria Robotnik

(No pictures for them cause I hit the ten image limit on mobile and can’t access on a computer rn and honestly don’t feel like editing the whole post. You know what they look like)

And the crowd BOOOS cause this such a boring pick !!!!

Listen, there’s not a ton to go off for either of them so I’m working with what I have. Basically nicest sweetest blonde ally of main character (ish) dies as an inciting incident and that’s nearly it.

I do think frequently about Kyubey appearing very conveniently when Mami got into the car accident and it makes me wonder if Maria would’ve done the same. I mean we know she wanted to live on Earth and experience it as a whole so I don’t think it’s that much of a stretch to say she’d make a wish to live too? And Mami also mentioned about being lonely and I wonder if Maria felt similarly. Obviously she had Shadow and Gerald but she didn’t have any other super deep connections with others on the Ark.

So aside from dying and loneliness as shared traits, I think it also has to do with how they value human life, Maria wishing to save Earth and Mami fighting as a magical girl.

ANYWAYS thank you for reading if you made it this far lmao I didn’t expect to yap so much hope you enjoyed (??!)

[rise-my-angel]

i agree with your last post wayyyy too much. i can’t do jon snow haters or people who say that dany had every right to burn down kings landing because they k!lled her best friend. okay??? what about the thousands of innocents. she had a whole army, she could have just gone for cersei or been an actual leader and not taken revenge on her own ‘people’. like??? also if you support jamie lannister being a king slayer and k!lling aerys to save thousands of lives (which ill assume most of the fandom does) then jon did the exact same thing. yes they both ‘betrayed’ people they served but it saved thousands of lives.

my only argument in dany’s defense is she should have never gone ‘mad’. the writers should have never made her get on dragon back and burn down an entire city, but since she did, then she has got to GO.

The thing is, is that the burning of Kings Landing has been a LONG existing prediction by book readers of what Dany will do once she reaches Westeros. It has been theorized for YEARS before Benioff and Weiss were likely ever told about the books planned ending beats.

But, it won't be because she's mad. It will be a calculated move on purpose, no madness, just self righteous justification that because they didn't want her as Queen, they should die.

In the show, Dany has posed this multiple times. Dany in the show over the years does NOT hesitate to say she wants to burn cities to the ground, make her enemies die screaming, and has routinely posed situations where her options are literally bend the knee or die.

For example, this is a snippet of dialouge from season 8 after she burned Kings Landing and one million people with it.

Jon: "What about everyone else? All the other people who think they know what's good." Dany: "They don't get to choose."

This sounds extremely like something Dany says to Jorah in season 4 when he informs her that the masters have disregarded her laws almost as soon as she left Yunkai.

Dany: "He will tell the masters what has happened in Meereen. He will explain the choice they have before them. They can live in my new world or they can die in their old one."

This is the exact same scenario. You either live in Dany's world exactly as she dictates it, or you die.

There is no actual choice she is giving the masters, it is her way or death. Exactly like she plans to do to the rest of Westeros. Season 8 was not out of character.

Jorah says in this very scene that it is tempting to always see your opposition as evil, but that by always treating those who oppose you as such, it is the good and innocent who will get caught in the crossfire, and she says that she has no interest in entertaining what other people think is good and evil, she does as she sees fit.

One Barristan dies, she leads whats left of the leaders of noble houses to where her dragons are locked away, and lets one burn a man alive with abosutely no proof these men had anything to do with it as a threat that she will do the same to them. Again, with no proof that the masters or noble houses of Mereen have ANY relation to the Sons of the Harpy.

Upon a rewatch, one will find Dany says a LOT of very concerning things that foreshadow whats to come. This is going to happen, this was always going to happen. Dany was not going to burn the Red Keep, because thats the castle her family built with the throne her family created. Its the symbol of everything she wants and thinks she's entitled too.

But the people? These people who in the show and likely books, will not see kindly to this foreign occupier who uses her dragons to scare people into submission and will not yeild their Queen or King to her? Well, they are in her way. They refuse to join her new world, so they die in their old one. She doesn't need the people of one city to take the throne as long as theres still a throne to sit upon.

Dany routinely sees evil in her enemies with no grey area. Jon, otherwise is a man who looked his enemy in the eye (lord commander of the nights watch who betrayed them as a spy up against the wildlings he spied on and defeated in battle), and said (paraphrasing) "We don't have to be friends, but you, your children, and your children's children all deserve to survive. Let me protect you."

When everyone hated him for it. But he did it because it was the right thing to do. Jon has always given men at their worst chances at redemption. Thats what the Nights Watch is, so many of them were criminals, murderers, rapists, but Jon lets them prove they are better then their worst parts and only punishes with due justice when they commit the re offending behavior. Jon doesn't kill Karl Tanner in a brutal way beacuse he likes it, he only killed him like that when his back was turned, because Karl was about to kill the innocent girl who helped Jon by stabbing Karl in the back when he had Jon pinned.

Dany has no right to burn down Kings Landing, there is no excuse for it. But she will not beacuse she is forced too, or by accident, or through madness. No, it will be a calculated, purposeful decision that she will choose to do this, because thats how she has chosen to commit every atrocity she's ever done, which when you tally it up, is shocking and disturbingly high.

It was a massacre of extreme proportions that she was proud of. Wheras Jon felt extreme guilt for not saving every free folk when the army of the dead massacred Hardhome, when that was completely out of his control or power, and when he still in fact, saved over 5000 lives of what was supposed to be his greatest enemy.

The completely unbelievable joke of a romance aside, the Jon we know would not have hesitated to kill her. That is one million lives she murdered in the most brutal fashion because she didn't get what she wanted.

But we know why Jon would want to kill her for it, beacuse she answered the very question he posed in season five in the most terrifying way possible.

Jon: "Isn't their survival more important than your pride?"

Dany said no, and massacred the very same people Jon has been trying to save for years. I was being factious when I said Jon should've killed her harder, but it's still true. Dany in the show became exactly what the books are leading up to. But people were tricked through the framing that beacuse Dany thinks shes the world's main character, that she's always in the right, when she very often isn't.

It was always coming, and it was never out of character, beacuse Dany was always this way. At the burning of Kings Landing, she finally just allowed herself to be honest about it.

Jon was right to kill her for committing the exact mass slaughter that Jaime killed Aerys II for being about to commit.

The Targaryeans are fire and blood, and they paid the price for it.