#as for the other potential Chapter Three-- i could see her leading into either The Cage or Happily Ever After :0a

[chantillyxlacey]

after writing that analysis post i kinda want to make a cheeky meta variation of The Princess based on the ideas of "the game Slay the Princess is a narrative about the nature of narratives" and "the Construct is what happens if you turn a narrative into a literal physical cage"

a Princess who somehow is made aware of the loops in Chapter One and in Chapter Two becomes fixated on documenting everything she can about the different routes of the game, the different ways things can play out-- how to get different "bonus" voices to spawn in Chapter Three, how different Chapter Two's can lead into the same Chapter Three, etc.

she's determined that if she can just amass enough information, then surely she'll be able to figure out what it all MEANS, and if she figures out what it MEANS and what it's FOR then she'll figure out how to escape it!! she'd be paired with a new voice-- the Voice of the Curious? Voice of the Obsessed (wildly different from the voice w this name from the first demo tho)?

In one of her potential Chapter Three's, she takes this a step further and is determined to assimilate as many "routes" into herself as possible in an attempt to transcend the narrative all together. She attempts to out-Shifting-Mound the Shifting Mound; to become her OWN story rather than part of someone else's

you can slay her like usual, lead her to the peaceful resolution of realizing that being folded into the Shifting Mound was never being erased-- that not being the Only Part of the story never meant that she wasn't part of the story to start with, or that she didn't matter

OR you can help her achieve her goal, which nets you a new ending to the game (no matter how many or how few loops/vessels you've done at that point)

How are these for Princess/Chapter titles:

The Archivist and The Archive :3

[oneoftheextras]

lockjaw | j.t

masterlist | tip for the author?

paring: hybrid puppy!jayce talis x f!reader

request: after a recent breakup you find yourself adopting a hybrid to keep you company, but he's more feral than you can handle

series warnings: 18+, hybrid jayce (ears and tail), slight a/b/o traits (could argue alpha jayce), eventual smut, protective jayce, size difference

words: 2.7k

chapter warnings: a lot of exposition, but trust me

chapter notes: first time writing a hybrid, let me know how i did, this will be multi-chaptered

part one | part two | part three | part four | part five

want a handwritten letter from a character? / join the discord

When your friend had suggested you get a pet, this is not what you imagined. 

A cat or dog perhaps, even a fish would've made more sense, this whole thing started with you coming into the shelter asking for just that.

You’d asked about their cats or even their smaller dogs, but they’d all either been adopted or were reserved by potential owners.

“Have you considered a hybrid?” Those five words, and your inquisitive “A hybrid?” Is what landed you in this situation.

The lady excitedly lead you through a few different doors until you were in a room that overlooked a large spacious area.

“There’s so many of them,” you muttered to yourself, but it was clearly loud enough for her to hear you.

“Not many people want a hybrid, they prefer a traditional cat or dog,” her tone was melancholic, and a pang of guilt hit your chest. That was exactly what you’d done.

“Chances are the majority of these guys will spend their whole lives here,” she sighed sadly.

A high pitched yelp interrupted her train of thought as she perked up to see who the culprit was. It seemed to be a pink haired girl, her matching feline ears were pressed back against her head whilst another hybrid had their hand raised into a fist.

“Jinx no!” Your guide leaned over the small balcony to scold her. All the hybrid’s snapped their attention to where her voice was, but the blue-eared one slowly lowered her fist and skulked off to another corner; content that the conflict was over the rest of the room relaxed and continued what they were doing previously.

However, one pair of eyes remained on the balcony.

You couldn’t place it at first, but then you spotted him. His eyes were so piercing that you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Who’s the one on their own?” You asked quietly as if he could hear you. The vet leaned into you and the excitement was radiating off of her.

“That’s Jayce, our chocolate Labrador hybrid,” she paused for you to ask questions, but continued quickly anyway.

“He’s been with us for about 3 months, he was completely feral when we found him. He’d been abandoned by his previous owner when he was a puppy and was surviving on his own for so long,” her voice lost its usual joyful lint the more she spoke.

“When he arrived he was practically uncontrollable, we thought we’d have to separate him from the others entirely,” she paused as she realised her voice was getting louder, “But he bonded well with one of our felines, Viktor his name was, but he was adopted quite quickly-“.

The entire time she was talking your eyes kept darting back to who she was talking about.

He was sat in a chair with with his leg on his knee, away from everyone else, his annoyed gaze continuously on the balcony as if he knew he was being spoken about.

“-We encouraged them to adopt the two of them as a pair, but they didn’t want a canine, so he stayed with us. Unfortunately, some of his feral habits returned but he mostly keeps to himself now,” she finally finished her monologue.

You furrowed your eyebrows with empathy and glanced towards her, "He's lonely, like me," you commented and put your elbows on the railing to rest your chin on your palms, overlooking the space again.

His eyes were still on the two of you, you could feel it.

"Do you want to meet them?" the vet asked a little too swiftly.

The thought bounced around in your mind for a moment, contemplating if you should even entertain this idea; but as you looked around the room you felt your heart ache for them.

You sighed as a sign of conceding to the idea, "Yeah, why not?" you pushed yourself up off of the balcony and turned to the vet, waiting for her to start moving.

The smile on her face was one of relief and joy. It was clear that not many people were jumping at the opportunity to adopt a hybrid, let alone even entertain seeing them.

It didn't take long to get to the 'sanctuary' door - that's what she called the main communal area for them - she swiped her key card and the door beeped open.

For some reason your heartbeat increase slightly as you stepped over the threshold and into the room.

"Hello everyone!" she said in a slightly elevated voice, not loud enough to be shouting but loud enough for it to carry throughout the room. "We have guest today, she's very nice so don't worry," she warned them.

Although the atmosphere didn't feel hostile, it didn't feel welcoming either. The majority of them observed you from a distance.

There were so many questions you had, but you didn't know where to start.

"If we take a seat over here we can let them come to us," she lead you to a sofa in the middle of the room, but as you sat down she moved away to a cabinet to retrieve a big folder.

The time you were alone was minimal but a spike of anxiety went through you, some of the hybrids moved closer to observe you but never close enough to speak to any of them individually.

The vet returned and sat next to you on the sofa, placing the big folder onto the table, "We have all the information on the residents in here," she didn't open it but left it for you, if you felt inclined.

It didn't take long for the blue haired feline from before to bound over and sit next to the vet, "Hello sweetie," the vet said as the feline put her head on her shoulder and started playing with her hair.

"This is-" she started, but this time you interrupted, "Jinx?".

Both the vet and Jinx looked up at you when you spoke, "Yes! She's quite the troublemaker, especially with her sister Vi," she pointed at the pink-haired feline that was being bapped earlier.

"I see," you spoke slowly as you opened the folder to their joint page. 'Must be adopted together', it read in bold under their photos.

"As they're actually siblings, we can't have them separated, it wouldn't be healthy," she explained as she started to tighten one of Jinx's braids.

It reminded you of her story from before and you instinctively raised your head from the folder to where the Labrador hybrid was sitting before, he was still staring at you.

"What type of space are you working with?" you were thankful she was asking you questions, you felt completely out of your depth.

Your eyelids fluttered in surprise, he must be territorial, you thought.

"Just a one-bed apartment," you eventually answered. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the vet lean back to glace at Jayce and her lips curled into a smile again.

"Ah," the noise of disappointment, "That's not a lot of space for play, if you were to adopt it would need to be someone more relaxed,".

She leaned forward and started flipping through the folder, unclipping certain pages and laying them in front of you.

"Unfortunately, they're all a little rambunctious here, but these are who I'd recommend," she'd placed two folders on the table.

"Caitlyn', and 'Ekko", she said aloud even though their names were written down in front of you - Jinx stuck her tongue out and made a 'Bleh' noise when she said Caitlyn.

You spent some time reading their files, they seemed nice enough, two felines; but the whole time you were reading your mind kept drifting back to the one who's eyes you could feel in the side of your head.

"What about-" you started, pausing for a moment to reconsider if you actually wanted to suggest this, but before you could get the courage to complete the sentence the vet interjected with a surprised "Jayce?!".

You glanced up from the pages to ask her how she knew what you were going to say, when you realised there was a large figure basking you in his shadow.

Immediately, your heart started beating quickly again and a nervous rush went through you. "Oh, hello," your voice shook as you spoke.

Now that he was closer you could see that his eyes were a golden yellow, which complemented his chocolatey brown hair pretty well. His nose twitched as if he was also rethinking his approach, or he was catching your scent.

"Jayce, this is..." the vet started the introduction and waited for you to say your name out loud for him, which you did.

His eyebrow raised slightly as he seemed to look you over; from your shoes to the top of your head.

Before, it felt like you couldn't make eye contact with him, but now you were struggling to look away. There was a sadness in his eyes that you recognised all too well, he was lonely too.

Unsure of how to manage the situation, you stuck your hand out for him to shake. He studied your hand silently and without movement, you were starting to think you should put your hand down when he slowly took it.

His hands were large, much bigger than your own and very warm. Although he didn't move his hand, he held a gentle grip on yours and watched where they connected.

"Nice to meet you, Jayce," you tried to say as softly as possible and timidly shook his hand up and down. His brown ears twitched slightly at the mention of his name.

After a few long seconds he let go of your hand and with a quick exhale he walked away.

You blinked a few times and lowered your hand, "Did I do something wrong?" you asked the vet, she chuckled to herself "Not at all, I'm actually surprised he showed any interest at all, he normally never moves from his spot,".

"Oh," was all you could say.

After some time, the vet stood and gestured for you to do the same, leading you towards the exit, "We should leave them to it, we try not to overstimulate them with new people too often,".

Once you were out in the halls again, you asked "Why's his hair so long?". Whilst it wasn't an unmanageable length, it was certainly dishevelled and outgrown.

"He doesn't really let people near him, let alone people with scissors and a razor," she laughed, "Like I said, he still has some feral tendencies, nothing that we're concerned about but it does mean he's a bit scruffy sometimes." she explained.

You nodded slowly to show your understanding. Whilst you felt yourself being drawn towards Jayce, the more you heard about his behaviours the more you were thinking that you weren't cut out to have a hybrid.

"I don't think I’m capable of looking after someone like him," you confessed even though it physically hurt your chest to say.

The vet chuckled again, "When it comes to hybrids, they look after themselves. All you really need to do is feed them, give them a home and attention when they want it.".

She picked up the folder again and flipped through the files, "I know it might seem overwhelming, but we don't just let anyone adopt our hybrids, there's a vetting process to it," she said as she handed you another file.

"What about my apartment? It's only one bedroom, and he's quite..." you didn't know what word to settle on, "Large,".

She nodded at your concern, "Ordinarily, I'd say it was an issue, but for a canine like Jayce, he just needs companionship and intellectual stimulation.".

You took in her words, you were hoping she would agree and tell you that it wasn't possible, that it wasn't meant to be. Then you could let this go and move onto something less demanding.

"Take this home, have a read and see how you feel. If you're still interested we can set up another meeting," you took the file from her and held it close to your chest.

Over the next couple of days, that's exactly what you did.

You read the file over and over, it felt like every detail was engrained into your brain, along with those piercing yellow eyes that were so full of sadness.

He was like you. As much as you hated to admit it, he was your reflection.

"Hello?" you spoke into you phone, the voice on the other end greeted you and asked you to verify your name, which you did.

"How can I help you today?" the receptionist was characteristically bubbly, "I'd like to set up a meeting, please?" you asked hesitantly.

The line was quiet, save for the tapping of her fingers on the keys, "Of course, is that for Jayce?" she eventually said and you felt a bolt of excitement charge through you.

"Yes, please," you confirmed. A few more details were exchanged and the meeting was set, "Perfect, we'll see you tomorrow at 1pm!".

The evening went by too quickly and too slowly at the same time.

Luckily, you worked from home so you were able to be fairly flexible with your availability, despite your morning being relatively unproductive.

Instead of doing your job, you'd spent the first three hours of your shift researching canine hybrids; their needs, requirements and any medical issues.

You'd only just started researching about feral hybrids before you realised the time, 12:30.

When you arrived he was sat in the same chair as before, but this time he wore a black tunic with the sleeves rolled up.

If not for the fluffy ears and tail, you'd think he was a business man or politician of some sort.

As you approached him - with the vet in tow - he stood.

It took you by surprise and your steps faltered. He blinked a few times and his eyebrows softened slightly for a second, before putting his hand out the same way you had a couple days prior.

A soft smile came across your lips as you tentatively took his hand and shook it, he’d copied your gesture to make you comfortable. His touch felt familiar, as if he was someone you’d known for years.

Despite the gentle nature he was showing you, his eyes still bore into you like he was trying to figure out if you were a threat or not.

When he eventually let go of your hand, he sat down and his eyes looked between you and the chair opposite him. He wanted you to sit as well.

You glanced at the soft armchair behind you and side stepped until you were in front of it; before you lowered yourself down, you turned your head back to Jayce to check this is what he wanted.

When there was no change in his demeanour, you plonked yourself into the soft cushions less than gracefully, it was a lot lower and bouncier than you’d anticipated.

“He got this out when he heard you were coming today,” the vet said from behind you, honestly you’d forgotten he was there.

You’d somehow failed to notice that on the table in between the two of you was a chess set, set up and ready for a game.

“I’m sure you’ve already read his file, but Jayce here is very intelligent, he loves these types of games,” the man sounded so proud.

Meanwhile, Jayce stared at him with a displeased facial expression, like he was waiting for him to stop talking.

“I’ll leave you to it, but I’ll be over here if you need me,” the man gave you a small wave as he moved to the other side of the room.

This was the first time you and Jayce were somewhat alone, there was a spark of excitement as well as nervousness.

You just hoped he liked you.

[emee-ems]

Okay so the inclusion of Tarot cards/reading really intrigued me this chapter. I'm familiar with tarot reading so I tried to figure it out although they only said three cards. I didn't see anyone else try to pick this apart (there could be! my tumblr has been having trouble loading). So I wanted to try and pick it apart in the simplest terms.

I'm not the best with interpretations and I'm still learning myself.

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

-The 4 of Cups (upright) means disconnection, boredom and waiting. This card was supposed to represent Anya's present so I guess it makes sense: Anya is trying to overcome the disconnection with Damien to help in the mission. It could also point to her studies, which she finds boring. As for the waiting aspect, the entire mission is a waiting game. I've also read that the card can be about the person in question not seeing or focusing on opportunities in front of them. The Cups in the Minor Arcana usually deals with emotions, relationships, love and intuition.

-The Death card [people always take this one literally]. The Death card can mean the end of something but that also means the beginning of something else. It can also mean transformations. This change can lead to growth. I think Melinda said this represented factors around Anya. Perhaps it pertains to her growth in general (rather than the joke of Yor as the grim reaper).

-The Star (reversed). This is the only one of the three shown to be reversed. If it was upright, it'd mean hope and inspiration but reversed means the opposite: hopeless, losing trust [in the universe] and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I think this was supposed to represent Anya's future (pretty vague and I'm not sure if Melinda was guessing about that)

Now the rest of the cards in the reading were shown too in the first shot. Again, since I don't know what spread this is so I can't tell what each card/spot represents in the reading. I can only tell what each card can mean on its own. The other ones I can see are: the Ace of Cups [reversed], 10 of Pentacles, and 3 of Swords (the last one is a Wands reversed but her hand blocks most of it out. I WANT to say 3 of Wands but I'm not sure).

Ace of Cups (reversed): feeling emotionally drained or blocked. Missing out on new emotional beginnings or connections. Aces can mean potential.

10 of Pentacles: long-term success and legacy, wealth and stability. Pentacles in the Minor Arcana can represent finances, home, physical body and practicality. Tens in the suits can mean manifestation.

3 of Swords: heartbreak and sorrow, a painful but necessary revelation or separation. Swords in the Minor Arcana represent intellect, thoughts, ideas and communication (I've also seen mind, ambitions, conflict and change). The number three can mean beliefs. The 3 of Swords tends to always be seen as...not great.

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

I can't really imagine that Endou Tatsuya put out a bunch of random cards as a joke. At least I don't think so. I just find it interesting that he included it, even as a joke on how little Melinda understands it. It can't just be for that joke, right? Regardless it was interesting to inspect. I'd like to think that this hints that Anya's growth will either lead her towards something or what that other factors will contribute to said growth (or both). These other factors don't sound so good though (heartbreak, and sorrow as well as hopelessness). But, it could also pertain to Damien since that was part of the reading (becoming his friend).

[madschiavelique]

hii my love! would u mind doing a little blurb on miguel finding out the woman he has been seeing is a stripper? she just feels so embarrassed to admit that and scared It would drive him away but instead he’s pretty much more open about it and become far too protective too. thank you:))

OMG ANON YOU DON'T KNOW HOW OUR BRAINS CONNECTED because listen : i have an au in mind where my spiderpersona is a succub in a strip club, and basically when Miguel is brought there by his friends, they meet

SO YEA i'm living for stripper!reader x miguel (also this was supposed to be a blurb but i got carried away fdkzefrgd - the club scene from Closer really inspired me for this)... now i want to make a multiple chapter fic on stripper!reader x miguel hELP

summary : miguel discovers you're a stripper

content warnings : NSFW, stripper!reader, reader gives a little private show to miguel (just removes the top though, doesn't reveal the cunt), fem!reader, no use of Y/N word count : 2k song mentionned : world outside - the devlins

tag list : @fandom-ash

Up until now, you had decided to keep your professional occupation to Miguel, for one simple reason: fear.

Fear filled your stomach at the thought of telling him you were a stripper. You and Miguel had been dating for some time, and had quickly become close. The bond was shaping up to be strong, and you were worried that the information about your job would ruin everything.

He'd already asked you a few times what you were doing, but you'd always managed to deflect the subject elegantly. Yet there's no stopping Miguel's determination and curiosity, least of all when the topic of conversation turns out to be you.

So he did something he wasn't particularly proud of, but couldn't resist: while you were out working, he asked Lyla where you were.

She'd given him an address, and some information about it...

"A club?" he'd asked, looking at the street information for the address. "A strip club," Lyla had corrected. "There's no mistake? Are you sure?" he'd questioned, taking a closer look at the establishment's hours and information. "Have you ever seen me calculate a lot of errors?" sighed the artificial intelligence.

Never. Hardly ever had he seen her fail in this area. Maybe you weren't really a dancer there, maybe you were a bartender, or a waitress, who knows. Only, the idea of seeing you wearing a fine outfit and swaying on a stage was strangely appealing to him.

Without missing a beat, he made his way to the address. It wasn't far, which surprised him as much as it reassured him. The very idea that your place of work wasn't far from home appealed to him, as it ensured that if you ever needed to be picked up for any reason, he'd be there.

He arrived at the entrance, breathing in, passed the bouncers who joked that with his build he could get into the business, and entered.

Blue light from two corner spotlights illuminated red velvet-covered staircases leading downwards. He moved forward, the mirrored walls reflecting him. The room's bass could already be heard from outside, but now he could hear the music more clearly.

You light up my dreams, light up my skin. You're so far away, you're holding it in.

The place was quite crowded, and Miguel noticed a fair number of men in suits and ties. He wouldn't have cared in any other context about the consumption habits of these men here, but suddenly the very idea that there were potentially regulars coming to see you displeased him enormously.

As for the place, it smelled of violets and lemongrass. The ceiling was high, revealing a second floor from which hung three chandeliers surrounded by red cubes.

Spotlights were placed here and there, illuminating the important places: the round tables, like the one next to Miguel on which two women on their knees were swaying, undressing each other under the watchful eyes of all the men around the table; the U-shaped bar, from either end of which women were dancing in wisps of sinuous white smoke; and pole-dancing pedestals on their red-lit floor that emphasized the curves of the dancers placed on them.

And he recognized one of the dancers: it was you.

It was an evening like any other, your garter belt was already generously stuffed with bills of various colors against your thigh and you'd already put on a private show. You were on the pole bar, dancing and undulating your body against it under the round, adoring eyes of your little audience.

You'd been in the business for a while now, and you'd managed to make more friends than enemies in the club, enough so that your colleagues became your buddies.

In fact, your friend right next to you softly called your name, and you turned to her as you danced.

"Did you see the one that just came in? He's huge," she pointed out, smiling at the customers around you. "And pretty good looking too."

As you continued your endless choreography, you glanced surreptitiously at the said customer. But your heart dropped into your stomach for a moment as you met Miguel's gaze.

You hesitated between freezing on the spot and running away, but instead tried to keep your cool and your professionalism and continue your dance until he arrived near the pedestal.

"This one," you pointed out to your friend, "is for me."

She gave a little laugh as you motioned for another dancer to take your place and gracefully stepped off your pedestal, advancing towards Miguel as you would a normal customer

"So this was where you were hiding?" asked Miguel a little above the music, tilting his head to the side as he looked you up and down.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, as inquisitive as you were nervous.

"Curiosity got the better of me, and I was right to give in to temptation."

He was watching your outfit, which emphasized your body, your curves highlighted by the glitter and rhinestones mixed with the laces. You were close to him, almost to the point where a simple movement on Miguel's part would allow your two bodies to meet.

"But I'd prefer to discuss this somewhere else...?" he says.

"I'm in the middle of working hours, but... how about a private show?" you offered, drawing even closer to him as your eyes seemed to him irresistible through your lashes.

He shuddered.

"I'd like that."

You smiled softly, taking his hand to guide him towards one of the Paradise Suites. You guided him a little further until you came to a door you knew well and opened it to let him in.

A round sofa circled a round table at its center, the latter illuminated in pink. A strip of light circled the sofa, another path laid out to encourage strippers to be creative and use the room as they saw fit. You weren't expecting to give Miguel a private show tonight, but fate had played a nice trick on you.

You guided him to the sofa, letting him settle there as you climbed up on the table, looking at him with eyes that were usually calculated to convey desire, but this time really felt it.

And he looked at you with, his were dark, pools of ink attentive to your every move.

"How long have you been doing this?" he'd ask, his attention unwavering.

"Five months," you toyed lightly with one of your shoulder straps as you let your other hand roam your body.

He was going to be able to ask you all the questions that came to mind, only if he didn't get too distracted by your beauty.

"Are you allowed to flirt?" he asked.

"Yes, I am." you replied, letting your hand slide down your chest.

"Do you have any regulars?" he leaned forward, his head tilted back to watch you dance.

"Yes, I do. Private clients as well." you turned, your back to him to loosen your corset behind your waist, undulating your body.

The idea that you had regular clients here wasn't disturbing, but the fact that you had private ones displeased him a little more, for the fact that your security was much less framed than it was here.

"I want names."

You let out a small laugh as you turned to face him again.

"You want to make me lose my job?" you knelt on the round table to get to his level.

"No, I want to replace them." he said, his eyes moving from yours to your fingers removing the first strap.

"I'm not allowed to have relationships outside of the club with clients," you countered, tracing the skin of your bare thigh sensually.

"And what do you usually do?" his chest puffed out as he inhaled, feeling a little hotter little by little.

"I dance, I talk, I laugh, I strip, and that is all." you confirmed as you removed the second strap, and with a simple movement unhooked the little clip between your breasts to reveal them.

His eyes were eager, watching your perfect breasts as he parted his lips, mouth agape.

"No touching?" he questioned, eyes still on your body.

"No touching, you can just slide the tips in the garter belt" you advised, your hand sliding against the latter where a few bills were lodged.

"What would happen if I touched you now?" he asked, moving a little closer to the edge of the sofa.

"I would like it," you said, shifting your legs over the front to stand up again on the table gently, "but the security cameras would notice, and probably get you out of here."

Miguel looked up, just above the table, on the ceiling, was a small half globe with a small point of red light.

"Pays well?

"Very well." you smiled, your hands playing dangerously with the string of your thong.

"How much will it cost me to be here with you?"

Miguel wasn't afraid of going broke here, especially for you, he was plenty rich enough for that.

"Depends on what you want." thinking that maybe Miguel didn't want to make you work right now, you got off the table and climbed onto the sofa and then its edge instead, sitting there.

"How high are the prices? I haven't seen the menu of services."

"Our VIP options can go up to 1500 dollars." you say wearily, pretending to walk your index and middle fingers in his direction on the strip of light.

"1500?" he almost exclaimed, raising his eyebrows.

"Mhm," you hummed, "two hours with two dancers and a bottle of Don Perignon."

He turned towards you, coming closer, his head level with your thigh as his eyes inevitably fell on the bills you'd been given.

"And what's the price if I only want you and nothing else with me?" he questioned as his gaze returned to yours.

"Here, from 80 dollars I can give you a 10-minute air dance." you said as you leaned towards him, your faces close but not yet touching. "Outside, nothing."

A small, proud smile appeared on his lips. However, you being far too hot and gorgeous, he was beginning to feel tight in his clothes, especially his pants.

"What time do you get off?" he asked, sitting up differently, your eyes falling on his crotch and smiling as you bit your lip.

"Five o'clock. Will you last until then?"

He sighed, his eyes falling on your lips, eager.

"I just don't know if I'll be able to keep my hands to myself."

You smiled, then straightened up, reaching for your top. But Miguel took his wallet out of his pocket and slipped a bill under your garter belt. To be deprived of a view like this? Never. You smile a little more, and sit back down on the table, kneeling upright to let him get a good look at you.

He leaned towards you again, intertwining his fingers as his gaze softened slightly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

You sighed, biting your cheek as you looked down at your hands carefully placed in your lap.

"I was scared," you admitted with a sigh. "Scared that this would end what we have."

You knew that not all men or simply partners were comfortable with their halves being strippers, and the idea that Miguel shared that opinion terrified you.

"Nena," he called your nickname.

Your head was still down, and you felt the soft sensation of money paper under your chin. Miguel straightened your jaw with a bill, bringing his eyes to yours.

"This isn't a problem to me." he smiled, lowering his hand to place the bill under the elastic of your belt. "This is actually really good."

Confusion seized you along with relief, causing you to frown while sporting a grin.

"Why?"

He tilted his head to one side, smiling proudly.

"I get the satisfaction for everyone to see how gorgeous you are, while being the only one who has the right to touch you."

You let out a small burst of voice somewhere between a laugh and a sigh, the relief of his answer washing over you like a wave of comfort.

After that, he'd deserved more than just a show.

[mvltixcc]

Girls Like Girls - Robin Buckley X Cheerleader!Reader

Summary: Robin has a crush on the new girl in town. Y/N is also a new member of the cheer squad, which means Robin sees her all the time at games and other school events. Unfortunately, Robin is put in a tough situation. She's scared to talk to her because the cheerleaders have a reputation of being mean girls and she fears that Y/N may not feel the same. Little does Robin know that Y/N does not appear as she seems. Y/N becomes best friends with Eddie, which seems unlikely at the surface due to different social circles. This leads to rumors of course and word spreads like wildfire here at Hawkins, which then makes Robin's feelings even more confusing. After hanging out with Steve and the gang, Robin starts to see a different side to Y/N. Will they end up together or will they just remain friends?

Word Count: 4.4k

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Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Things had been a little peaceful at school since the night of prom. Chrissy and everyone else involved in the paint prank got suspended for some time. Eddie was the happiest about this as the ones that were suspended picked on him more than anyone. When they were finally able to come back, they had to issue an apology to you and Robin, anyone that was hit with the paint, and the janitors as well. Their parents also had to pay for the banners to be replaced as some were splattered with paint. Everyone dreaded the day they were coming back to school. No one knew how things were going to be once they came back. Would things go back to the way things were? Would things change for the better? No one knows and that thought alone scared a lot of people. 

You knew that people could be cruel just for the fun of it or because they could be. But for Chrissy, you knew it was deep rooted. You never excused her behavior because she still treated people horribly and you always stuck up for those she picked on. Chrissy picked on people because she wanted others to feel just as miserable as she was at home. You knew of this secret, but never told a soul. While you were on the cheer squad, everyone thought you were like her and the other girls that followed in her footsteps. But the difference between the two of you, is that you would have never stooped to the level that Chrissy did by using a secret against her. While she should be punished for her awful behavior to others, it wouldn’t be by your hands. Her karma would come and that day came sooner rather than later.

A few weeks had passed before the big day that no one looked forward to. You and Robin had walked into school and were immediately met by Principal Higgins. 

“Good morning to you both, I need you to follow me into my office please.” He said sternly. You and Robin followed hesitantly. 

“Here we are.” Higgins said as he held open his office door. “Please take a seat.” You entered and saw Chrissy sitting there. You sat down and Robin followed.

“I think you both know why I’ve called you in here.” He stated looking at the three of you sitting before him. You all nod in response. “The floor is yours Ms. Cunningham.”

Chrissy let out a sigh. “I’m sorry for potentially harming you and trying to ruin your prom night by dumping a bucket of paint on you Carrie style. It was immature of me to do and it will never happen again.”

“Now that wasn’t so hard was it?” Higgins asked.

“Is that all you needed us for?” You asked. You didn’t want to hear anything from Chrissy and Robin sure as hell didn’t care either.

“Uh yes, that’s all.” He said taken a back.

“Okay then, well we better get to class. Our exams are coming up and I don’t wanna miss anything.” You say standing up. Robin followed after you as well as Chrissy. “Hey, I’ll meet you there.” You told Robin, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“What are you-” Robin began to ask but then soon caught on as she saw Crissy at her locker. “I’ll see you in class, just be careful.” Robin gave your hand a gentle squeeze. You nodded and parted ways.

“Cunningham, wait up.” You said making your way over to the girl.

“What do you need?” She asked softly.

“I need you to do me a favor.” You stated. She nodded for you to continue. “Chrissy, I know you have shit going on in your life, but it’s no excuse to treat people the way that you do. Maybe this will teach you to be kinder to people. Now, I want you and your friends to also apologize to Eddie for they way you’ve treated him and leave him alone for good.”

“Yeah I can do that. I’m sorry once again.” She said with sincerity in her voice.

“Oh and one last thing.” You said, moving closer so that only she could hear you. ���Stay the hell away from my girlfriend or else we’re gonna have some serious problems.” She nods to you and you make your way to class.

“Everything okay?” Robin asked as you walked into class. 

“It should be now.” You say giving her a small smile.

“What does that even mean?” She asked with concern. 

“Good morning class! Today we will be doing more study packs to prepare you for your final exam! This time you can pair up in a group, just make sure you are actually studying this time!! The final exams are a big portion of your grades!” The teacher stated. 

“Yeah Eds!” You joked to him. 

“Hey!” He laughed. 

You, Robin, and Eddie grouped up and started to work on the packet for the rest of class.

“Hold on, why the hell does Greg have so many damn apples?” Eddie asked jokingly. 

“Really Munson, THAT'S what you’re worried about?! Not even finding the root of X to find out how many apples he ate?” Robin laughed.

“Oh I‘m sorry, are you telling me that if someone had THIS many apples you wouldn’t question it?!” He replied.

“No you goof, maybe they really like apples. Did you ever think about that hmm?” Robin teased back. The two of them continued to banter back and forth the rest of the period.

“So are we still on for Hellfire tonight?” Dustin asked Eddie. 

“Of cour-” Eddie started to say.

“No!” You interrupted. “You have to study Edward!” 

Eddie let out a large groan. “Can’t I just wing the test like I do every year?” 

“Look how far that got you dude.” Jeff said.

“Ugh fine, I’ll study.” Eddie sighed. 

“Perfect! It’ll be you, Nancy, Robin, and myself. We’ll meet at my place after school. Just make sure you bring your books this time. Oh, and snacks too!” You say. 

“Yeah yeah yeah, I’ll bring the snacks. Don’t I always?” Eddie joked. The rest of you continued to eat your lunch until the bell rang. 

Normally you would have gym right now, but since it was still a mess from the paint they granted everyone a free period. You went to the quiet little spot that Eddie showed you when the two of you became friends. It was in the woods just outside of the school grounds and it had a little picnic table. How it got there you still aren't sure. You knew Eddie used it for his deals, but you used it to be by yourself and clear your head. Before you made your way there, you stopped by your car to grab your Walkman and your headphones. You laid on the seat just listening to your music and staring up at the trees, just thinking and enjoying the nature around you. Those thoughts were soon interrupted by a thud. 

“There you are, peach!” Eddie exclaimed as he stood above you. 

You turned off your music and began to sit up. “Here I am!” You giggled. 

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” He questioned as he sat next to you.

You moved closer to him and set your head on his shoulder. “Just thinking.”

“Thinking about?” He asked.

“Life and how crazy it’s been.” You chuckled.

You both sat together like this until your watch alarm went off. “Well we better go, don’t wanna be late for class.” You stated standing up from your seat.

“Yeah I guess you're right.” Eddie said following you back to the school.

 For the next month, You, Robin, Nancy, and yes even Eddie studied your asses off everyday after school until it was time to take the final exams. 

“Y/N, what if I fail again?” Eddie would often ask you. To say he was nervous about taking the exams would be an understatement. 

“You won’t fail them Eds, you can do this! I know that all of this is really scary, but you’ve been doing well with the practice tests that Nancy printed up for us. I believe in you.” You always tried to reassure him. Despite what people thought of Eddie, he was actually really smart when he set his mind to it.

“I’m just scared I’ll fail again.” He said with a frown.

“Eddie, I’ll be here to support you no matter what. I’m always here for you.” You said giving him a smile to cheer him up.

Once it was finally test week, you all decided that once all the exams were done and you had gotten your grades back, you’d have a big get together of some kind. You would still have your usual traditions with Robin which helped the both of you relax during this time as well. The four of you were confident you would pass, well Eddie not as much, but he was still confident nonetheless. 

“How do you feel, Eddie?” Nancy asked as Eddie approached your group. You all had just finished the last exam.

“Relieved to be done with it.” Eddie said as he let out a sigh.

You were sitting on the hood of your car with your arms wrapped around Robin. “Well what do we do now?” You asked.

“I guess we just relax and wait to get our grades.” Nancy shrugged her shoulders. 

You wouldn’t find out about your grades until next Friday when they sent the results in the mail. Just another week, that wouldn’t kill you right? Well maybe not you, but for Eddie it would eat him alive. All he wanted to do was walk across the stage with his best friends and make those he cared for proud of him. He wanted to feel accomplished, he wanted to show those that doubted him that he COULD do it. 

“Well why don't we meet up on Friday and we can look at our grades together?” You asked. Everyone nodded and agreed to the plan. 

“Well on that note, I’m off to take my girlfriend to lunch! I’ll see you guys on Friday!” You stated hopping off the hood and jumping in the car with Robin. 

“Where are we going for lunch?” Robin asked as you drove.

“Mm I was thinking maybe I could pick up a pizza and we could just hang at my place, how does that sound?” You asked, grabbing her hand gently. 

“That sounds perfect to me.” She said, squeezing your hand and flashing you a smile.

“I do have to make a quick stop before I grab the food though.” You had pulled into the parking lot of the video store. 

“What are we doing here?” Robin questioned.

“You’ll see, stay here beautiful I’ll be right back.” You say giving her a quick kiss. Robin sat and waited in the car upon your return. 

You arrived after a few minutes with a brown bag in your hand. “Alright, you ready to eat?” You asked starting the car again. Robin, still confused as ever, just stared at the item in your lap. You noticed her looking puzzled at your lap and handed her the bag. "Take a look. It’s a gift for Steve.” 

Robin looked in the bag and let out a snort. “Oh he’s gonna hate you for this.”

It was finally the next Friday and you were on the way to the Wheeler’s residence with Robin to open the letters that held your grades. You pulled in the driveway to see Eddie had already arrived. You parked the car and the pair of you made your way to the door. Nancy was already standing there waiting for you both. “Come on, let’s go!” She exclaimed.

“Well someones impatient.” Robin remarked. 

“You haven’t seen Eddie for the past 10 minutes, he’s been pacing back and forth waiting. He’s kind of a mess right now!” Nancy continued as she led the two of you to the basement where Eddie was in fact pacing.

“Oh thank god, let’s get this over with!” Eddie said.

You all stood in a small circle and opened your letters at the same time. It was silent for what felt like forever, even though it was probably just a few seconds. 

“Yes!” Nancy cheered, she had obviously passed.

“Oh thank god!” Robin sighed in relief. She had passed as well.

You had also passed the exams. Now all that was left was Eddie’s results. He just stood there with a blank expression on his face which worried you. “Eds, what is it?” You asked him.

“I- I um.” He spoke softly.

“Well did you pass or what?” Nancy asked. 

“I passed.” Eddie said in disbelief. 

Nancy and Robin looked at him with wide eyes while you pulled him in for a hug. “I knew you could do it, Eds, I’m so beyond proud of you!” You hugged him so tight. 

He hugged you back. You could hear him sniffle and shake a bit. All he ever wanted was to make someone proud of him and feel like he did something good. And the fact that it was coming from his best friend made him feel special. You both pulled away from one another and you wiped away his tears.

“Congrats Munson!” Robin praised, giving him a high five.

“I guess this calls for a celebration!” Nancy exclaimed. 

There was a big party planned at Steve’s house later that night. After all the hard months that you all had put into studying, you all deserved this. Music was going, people were laughing, the energy was good. Everything was perfect. “Oh I almost forgot something, I’ll be right back.” You announced. You made your way to your car and grabbed the gift you had gotten Steve last week. You made your way back to the party and everyone looked at you with a puzzled expression. 

“What the hell is that?” Sam asked.

“It’s for Steve, go ahead and open it!” You say handing him the bag.

“Aww you shouldn’t have, that’s so sweet of-” He smiled as he opened his gift, that smile soon faded. “Alright, I take it back. Screw you Y/N!” He joked.

“What is it?!” Everyone asked with anticipation.

Steve pulled it out of the bag to show everyone, Eddie let out a snort and his drink shot out of his nose. It was a copy of Carrie on VHS. 

“Now why the hell would you get me this Y/N?!” Steve asked jokingly of course.

“What? You said you had never seen it before!” You laughed. Eddie couldn’t stop laughing, he found it truly hilarious. 

While everyone was inside, you pulled Robin outside to have a moment alone with her. You sat at the edge of the pool, the very same spot that you two had confessed your feelings for one another. “Hey pretty lady.” You say, giving her a small kiss on her nose. 

“Hi there, beautiful.” She giggled. “You having a good time tonight?” She asked.

“I’m having an even better time now that I get to sit here with you.” You laid your head on her shoulder. You both had your feet in the pool and just sat and talked.

Robin started to go on about a movie that she had seen the other day and you couldn’t help but just stare at her and smile. She looked beautiful with the moonlight beaming on her. You were thinking about her cute freckles and how you could kiss them for hours on end, how her eyes sparkled when she was talking about the things she was passionate about, and how when she wears her hair up like she was tonight, there was always hair in front of her face and you’d have to move it out of the way for her. She was just perfect to you and was everything you had ever dreamed of. 

She noticed you staring at her and stopped talking about the movie. “What? Oh god, is there something on my face?” She asked frantically, wiping her face. 

You moved her hands out of her face and just held them in yours. “No no, there’s nothing on your face my love.” You giggled. “I just- I just love you so so much. More than anything in this world. You’re my everything Robin.” 

“I love you too, so damn much.” She smiled and kissed your forehead. You both sat there in silence, just enjoying each other’s company in the cool night.

“And with that, congratulations class of ‘86!” Principal Higgins announced. You and the rest of your classmates threw your caps in the air in celebration. The auditorium was roaring with cheers and clapping from all the loved ones that had attended. Everyone had piled out into the parking lot and soon you met with your grandparents.

“We’re so proud of you darling!” Said your nana as she gave you a hug and a kiss, your papa following soon after. You thanked them and looked around for your friends and Robin.

 “And there he is!” Your nana exclaimed as Eddie and his uncle Wayne approached you. She pulled him in for a big hug. Your grandparents loved Eddie as if he was a part of your family. 

“We’re so proud of you Eddie!” Eddie could barely talk, he was fighting back tears all day. He just nodded in response, they knew what a big day this was for not just you, but for Eddie as well. Wayne had the biggest smile on his face all day. He loved and adored Eddie as if he were his son. He couldn’t be more proud of him. 

Before you and Eddie met up with the rest of your friends to celebrate your achievements, you pulled him aside to have a moment with him. 

“Eddie, I’m so beyond proud of you and how far you’ve come. You deserve great things in life, truly you do and I hope you know that. I’m so incredibly grateful to have met you and to have you as not only my best friend, but as someone that I consider family. You mean so much to me, I love you so much Eds.” You say to him. 

He couldn’t hold his tears back anymore. He began to sob and you pulled him in for a hug. You don’t know where you’d be without Eddie. Yes, Robin was your girlfriend, but Eddie was your person. Just like Steve was to Robin. 

“Okay, I think I'm good now.” Eddie said, pulling away from the hug. You handed him a tissue to wipe his eyes and blow his nose.. He didn’t want people to see him be vulnerable, that was a private moment for him and only a few people got to see him like this. You were one of them. Eddie trusted you more than anyone and he knew that you would never judge him or pick on him for the way that he was. He gained his composure and you both made your way to the rest of your friends to continue the celebration.

You and Robin sat in your usual spot in the field at the park having a picnic. It was her turn to pack the lunch and whenever it was her turn, she ALWAYS made sure to pack your favorites. You both had finished eating and were currently laying your head on Robin’s stomach while painting her nails. You giggled to yourself as you saw the tanlines where her rings were. 

“Can I tell you something?” She asked.

“Of course you can my love!” You say looking up at her. 

“I uh, this is gonna sound so stupid. Promise me you won't laugh at me okay?” She said with nervousness.

“I would never laugh at you baby.” You reassured her.

“Well before all of this-” She said, waving her hands around, indicating that she meant everything before you. “I used to think- oh god, I used to think that you were mean and scary.” 

You sat up from your spot and looked at her. “Me?”

She looked down, like she was embarrassed. “Yeah…”

“Now why would you think that you goose?” You chuckled.

“You said you wouldn’t laugh!” She chuckled a bit.

“I’m not laughing at you, I promise! You’re just silly is all! Was it because I was a cheerleader?” You asked.

Robin nodded.

“Well am I still mean and scary now?” You ask as you tickle her. You both fell over and you continued to tickle her. 

“I surrender! I surrender!” She laughed. You both chuckled together for a bit before just laying there. You moved a piece of hair out of her face and pulled her in for a kiss. Robin smiled into the kiss, she was truly happy. The kiss lasted for a bit longer until Robin pulled away. “I have something for you.” She said softly to you. She sat up and pulled a gift she had packed out of the basket. 

“For me?” You ask sitting up. She handed you the gift and you kindly took it from her. You opened it and gasped at what was revealed. “No way!! You didn’t!” You exclaimed quickly unwrapping the rest of the present. Robin giggled. She had gotten you the entire Lord of the Rings book collection, including The Hobbit. 

“This is perfect, thank you my sweet angel!” You thanked and gave her another kiss. 

“You’re very welcome, I wanted to get you something special for graduation. I know you’ve been wanting to read all the books and now you don’t have to borrow Eddie’s beat up copies anymore.” She chuckled. It was true, Eddie’s copies had been through the ringer, he’s read them so much.

“I may have also gotten you a gift.” You say turning to your bag and grabbing a box with a bow on it. 

“What is it?” She asked with a confused look on her face.

“Well open it and find out silly!” You chuckled.

She opened the box and her face lit up. “You remembered!” She said with awe. 

“Of course I did, I was there when it broke, remember silly?” You had gotten her a new chain since her last one broke while at a cookout at Eddie’s. 

“Thank you baby, I love it!” She thanked.

“Here let me help.” You had her turn around so you could help her put it on. “There, it’s perfect.” You say as she turns back to face you. You both stayed there for a while before it was time to meet everyone at the new ice cream shop. 

“What took you guys so long?” Sam asked as she pulled you in for a hug. 

“Yeah?! What were you two doing hmm?” Eddie teased. 

“Okay calm down, we were at the park!” Robin laughed.

You all stood in line and waited to order your ice cream. There was a good amount of people there already waiting or eating their frozen treat. “Is this place even any good?” You asked. 

“Yes!” The younger ones exclaimed in unison.

“How do you know? I thought this place was brand new?” You questioned.

“It was actually a shop in the mall before it had burned down.” Steve stated. You nodded your head to show you understood. “You know-”

“Oh hey would you look at that, we’re up next!” Robin interrupted. You looked at her with suspicion. 

Once everyone had their ice cream, you found a table and sat down. “Hey guys-” Dustin started as he motioned toward Steve and Robin. “Do you remember when you used to work at Scoops Ahoy?” 

You almost spit out your ice cream. “I’m sorry, what?!” You exclaimed.

“That’s what I was trying to say earlier before SOMEBODY interrupted me!” Steve stated looking to Robin. 

“Is this true?” You asked, turning to your girlfriend, who had embarrassment written all over her face. 

“Oh yeah! They had to wear uniforms and everything, the same as the ones they’re wearing I’m pretty sure!” Lucas said as he pointed to the workers behind the counter.

“Oh please tell me you still have that uniform!” You gasp and say to Robin.

“I may or may not still have it…” She said softly to you. “But what I DO have are photos of King Steve in his uniform!” Robin chuckled.

“Oh now that I absolutely HAVE to see!” Eddie proclaimed. 

The entire group started laughing. You all were joking around with each other and having a good time. You lay into Robin as you all watch the sunset. You couldn’t help but start to think about the year you’ve had. Moving to Hawkins, meeting Eddie and the rest of the Hellfire gang, all the drama with Chrissy, and most importantly, meeting and falling in love with Robin. You began to get emotional just thinking about everything. 

“Hey, you okay? What’s the matter love bug?” Robin asked as she noticed you getting teary eyed. She pulled you closer to her to comfort you.

You sniffled and shook your head. “Nothing’s wrong, everything is just- perfect. You’re perfect.” You say interlocking your fingers with hers. You never wanted this moment to end. There you were with the people you cared about more than anything. Life felt amazing, despite the ups and downs you faced this year. You wouldn’t have changed a thing.

“I love you so much.” Robin said, giving you a gentle kiss on your forehead. 

You looked up at her and smiled. “I love you too.”

The End ♡

[adelaidedrubman]

TOP POST CURATION EDIT

wip. well it’s been a minute.

i was tagged on this fateful wednesday by @cassietrn and uuuhhhh since before last time by @gwynbleidd @the-silver-chronicles @nightbloodbix @shallow-gravy @derelictheretic @socially-awkward-skeleton @quickhacked thank you all! sending fresh tags out to y’all who tagged me a bit ago (+additional outgoing tags beneath cut + opt in post) 

well thirty minutes in looks like hook, line, and sinker is in the lead. so here’s a little excerpt from chapter 4 i think i’ve posted a tiny bit of before, but mostly new or reworked. warnings for johnjess typical wanting to kill each other with violence and weapons as well as they wander around on the compound island

“Would you really rather wander off into the wilderness to get mauled to death by wild animals than wait for me to lead?”  Perhaps he should let her, he considered as she continued without a word of acknowledgement and a dismissive wave to show the silence was intentional. Since she was so stubbornly set on it. Avoid the problem of how to smuggle her out at daybreak by allowing Jacob’s overeager wolves prowling the woods to make quick work of her. Let the entire thing be nothing more than an unhappy memory, without even having to worry about disposing of the body.  If it weren’t for her potential to lure Nick and Kim back into his life and through the Gates of Eden, he thought he would. 

But since she could still serve some use before dying painfully for her sins, he would continue to nip at her heels for a bit longer.  He hurried along behind her, jogging slightly to catch up. “All the local children will gather around the campfire to tell tales of the Little Red Riding Hood who skipped straight into Big Bad Wolf’s open maw rather than ask the Woodsman for directions.” This earned him a toss of her head to look at him over her shoulder. “You cannot seriously think of yourself as the Woodsman in that analogy,” she scoffed, shaking her head as she turned back to front. “I doubt you’re any better with an axe than you are a fishing pole.” He thought he would do quite well with an axe at the moment, actually.  “You rip my heart out, Jessie,” he whined with feigned hurt as he trailed behind her, staying close enough he could lean in to tower over her. “For my part, I think you’d look absolutely darling in a little red cape.” “I think you’d look real fuckin’ good with your throat slit!” she replied. “Think I’d really enjoy doing that,” she added, holding up a finger to signal pause, then wagging it at him. “Not across — nothing that damages your windpipe and lets you die fast. On the sides,” she explained, tracing her index in lines of three on either side of her neck, avoiding where arteries lay in her pantomime. “Shallow, upward angle. Give you gills like a fish, then hold you underwater and see how long you can breathe with ’em.” He turned his head to the side to look at her as they marched onward, giving her a series of blinks just a bit too slow to be read as a batting of his eyelashes.  “Oh, Jessie,” he sighed. He sped up to gain ground ahead of her, so that he could then come to a standstill in front of her as if stopped in his tracks as he brought a hand to rest above his left breast. “It’s dangerous to talk like that. I might fall in love for real.”  She swung her head to the side to glare at him. “Certainly wouldn’t wanna fuckin’ risk that,” she replied. “Better we don’t talk at all.”

aaaaand tags out to @lordundying @florbelles @henbased @belorage @corvosattano @8bitpizzacoupons @shallow-gravy @firstaidspray @jackiesarch @theresaruggedroad @afarcryfrommymain @clicheantagonist @v0idbuggy @orionlancasterr @strafethesesinners @deputyash @confidentandgood @strangefable @stacispratt @miyabilicious @omen-speaker @nowandthane @hctknives @wrathfulrook @fourlittleseedlings @galaxycunt @josephslittledeputy @just-another-wasteland-merc @voidika @captastra @blissfulalchemist @shellibisshe @thedeadthree if you have something to share:3

[windriverdelta]

On the Grand Northern Conspiracy

Somehow I have been thinking a lot about the Grand Northern Conspiracy, an ASOIAF fan theory that posits that in AFFC/ADWD the lords of the North and Riverlands are plotting to install Jon Snow as King in the North. Well, no time like present to write a comment.

TL;DR I find it extremely implausible and would very surprised if TWOW featured anything even resembling that. It's a far-fetched conspiracy theory.

First of all, as other people like @turtle-paced have pointed out, there are lots of barriers to communication between the supposed conspirators and no evidence that they could coordinate their actions. Now, there is evidence in Arya's ASOS chapters that the Brotherhood Without Banners has contacts to the Riverlords and one wonders if Jaime Lannister in AFFC is being deliberately steered to Brienne, but that doesn't mean the Northerners can do the same.

Second, where is the set-up for the Northern lords using Stannis like that? Late Walder Frey is amply established as a traitor, opportunist and oathbreaker two books before the Red Wedding, there is no foreshadowing at all for Mormont, mountain clans etc. This isn't Game of Thrones, spectacular betrayals do not come out of thin air in ASOIAF. In this context, it's worth noting that foreshadowing in ASOIAF usually takes the form of a few unambiguous meaningful events, not a lot of very ambiguous little things that can interpreted in multiple ways like the infamous "Corn Code"

Three, Jon Snow does not work very well as a fulcrum for such a conspiracy. Ignoring for a moment that nobody has bothered getting his buy-in for such a plot (what if he deems it dishonourable and sleazy and ices out all the participants?), there is no indication that any physical copy of Robb's will survived the Red Wedding. Remember, the various lords and ladies are referred to as its "witnesses", and most of them are now prisoners of the Freys. Look at it from a character's perspective: Two lords who somehow survived the Red Wedding, claiming that Robb wanted to make Jon king. Why would anyone believe them? Especially Jon Snow, who knows in ADWD that Robb was killed by his own men, he has no reason at all to trust Maege or Galbart. And without the will, Jon Snow would just be an usurper and deserter from the Night's Watch.

Narrative-wise, I don't see much foreshadowing of Jon being king in the north in the main series - all so-called "foreshadowing" I've seen are ambiguous allusions or far-fetched interpretations. I see no thematic or character purpose, either - I tend to think that R+L=J, the three dragons and his assassination lead into him being a dragonrider and fighter against the Others. In my opinion, the political side of the Northern storyline is Sansa and Stannis' job. And there is plenty of potential conflict around them without the need for a king in the north scheme.

But the big sticking point is that the actions of many of the supposed conspirators don't fit with theory. Just to cite a few examples:

Lady Stoneheart is not crowning Jon with anything but a noose, not in a million years, there is no evidence whatsoever that she's anything but a revenge zombie.

Wyman Manderly is entrusting Rickon Stark to consummate Stannis loyalist Davos Seaworth, which makes no sense at all if he planned to betray Stannis later - why would he risk Rickon becoming Stannis' hostage?

We have no reason to believe that Barbrey Dustin is lying about not liking the Starks - for one thing, Dustin troops are noticeable by their absence for the War of Five Kings, true to her word. She'll probably jump ship if Roose falls, but that's not the same thing as becoming a Stark restorationist. In fact, I could see her supporting Stannis to take the Starks down a peg.

People keep citing Lyanna Mormont's defiant letter to Stannis as proof of Bear Island not being truly on his side, but not only is she (as Jon points out) not in charge of House Mormont, we later see Alysane marching with Stannis. She almost certainly is in contact with Maege given her comments to Asha about her family; I doubt that this is a right hand vs left hand situation. I am not even sure that she has much of a retinue, either - the problem with Rickon above may exist here too. Finally, recall that in AGOT Maege challenged Robb, telling him that he was so young as to have no business giving her commands. The Mormonts don't let anyone boss them around, that doesn't mean that they are Frey Lite.

In short, this theory requires lots of poorly foreshadowed OOC behaviour to enable a rather pointless political ploy that doesn't fit the narrative very well.

[avengerscompound]

The Interview - Chapter 16

The Interview - A Captain America Fanfic

Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Rating:  E

Warnings: none

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Melody Danes

Word Count: 2126

Summary:  Melody Danes gets the break of a lifetime when as a lowly intern, she’s assigned to write a profile piece on Captain America.  Steve Rogers is a hard man not to fall for and as she and Melody get closer and Melody’s career takes off, jealousy leads to sabotage, and the potential to bring her whole world crashing down.

Chapter 16

Excitement bubbled in Melody's stomach as she rode the Avengers Tower elevator up with Bobbi.  They’d both been to the tower plenty of times.  They’d met all the Avengers.  This was different though.  They weren’t there to sleep over with their prospective boyfriends.  They weren’t there for a party that half of the city had been invited to.  They weren’t there for work.  Tony Stark had invited them to dinner with the team specifically to get to know them.  He’d even had an assistant call to find out if either of them had any special dietary requirements to make sure they felt completely correctly catered for.  He wanted them to feel comfortable because for the Avengers this was the equivalent of meeting the family.

It felt like a big deal.  A relationship marker.  This was the part where the people who loved them best decided if Melody and Bobbi were good enough for them.  Melody just wished it had been Steve’s idea.

Bobbi reached over and gave Melody a push.  “It’s going to be fine.  It’s just dinner.”

Melody pushed her back. “I know.  I know.  It just feels like a big deal.  I don’t know if I should ask Steve to come meet my parents after this or what.”

“Well, at least you get to think about that as an option,” Bobbi said.

Melody frowned and put her arm around her cousin.  “I’m sorry.  I know.  But you got me.”

Bobbi rested her cheek on the top of Melody’s head for a moment.  “Yeah, I’ve got you,” she said.  “And Bucky’s already met you, and he thinks you’re great.  So I’ve got nothing to worry about.  Still, there are my sisters, and I hold out hope mom and dad will come around.”

The elevator opened, and to Melody’s surprise, instead of opening out onto the party deck where she’d first met the rest of the team, it was straight into an apartment.  She could only assume this was the penthouse because it appeared to take up the entire floor, and at least the one above too, as there was a large glass staircase that wound up on the left of the room.  Ahead of her were three steps that led to what appeared to be a living room and the top of the Chrysler building dominated the view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows.  The Avengers were all sitting on the couches together and they stood when the doors opened.  As well as Steve, Bucky, and Tony there, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Sam Wilson, James Rhodes, Bruce Banner, Wanda Maximoff, Thor, Maria Hill, Sharon Carter, and Pepper Potts were all there.  She’d met them all at the party, though some only very briefly, and while most she knew just due to their fame, there were others whose job it was not to be known by the general public.  Melody had Steve go through everyone’s names before coming just so she wouldn’t embarrass herself.

“Here are the guests of honor,” Tony announced, when they approached he stepped forward and kissed each of them on the cheek.  “Welcome, welcome.  Have you all met?  I’m sure you know most of them from their do-goodings.  That’s Maria and Sharon.  Anyone else you might not know?”

“It’s fine, Tony,” Steve said as he put his arm around Melody.  “They both met everyone at the party.”

“Though some of us only briefly,” Hill said.  “It’s nice to see you still around.  I don’t think any of us have ever seen that before.”

“This is the first person I’ve even seen Bucky actually date,” Clint said.

“There was that blind date Natasha set him up on,” Sam replied.

“Alright, alright.  We don’t all need to be going over my love life in front of my girlfriend,” Bucky said.

Bobbi took his hand and kissed his palm. “Your past doesn’t bother me, mi corazón.  They can tease.”

“Great, permission granted,” Sam said, rubbing his hands together.  “This is going to be great!”

Bucky groaned and ran his prosthetic hand down his face.  “Fuckin’ great.”

“Come on, come on,” Tony said.  “Dinner won’t wait forever.  Let’s go through.”

Melody had never seen a dining table as large as the one in Tony’s dining room in person before, and while she’d seen ones on TV just as big or maybe even larger, they featured on shows with vampires, or large mafia families, or epic sagas with Kings and Queens.  Those tables were always dark and heavy hardwood.  Often they were ornately carved.  This was nothing like those tables.  It was rectangular and made of what looked like a single piece of highly polished obsidian and sat on a support of polished chrome in the shape of an x.

Steve pulled out one of the black padded chairs for Melody and she took her seat as everyone else sat down around her.  As soon as they were seated two waiters came out and began filling glasses.  One poured either red or white wine into the wine glasses, while the other poured water into the highballs beside them.  Already set out on the table were platters with olives and warm sourdough bread, as well as meatballs, stuffed zucchini flowers, focaccia, and some kind of arancini.

Melody helped herself to a little of everything as the rest of the group filled their plates.  She was used to eating with Steve and Bucky at this point and wasn’t surprised to see how full Bucky’s plate was, nor how Steve had leaned more into the high protein things like the meatballs over the empty calories of the white bread.  She was surprised to see just how much Thor had taken.  He had dragged an entire platter of meatballs down to himself and added handfuls of everything else to it.

“Speaking of people’s love lives,” Melody said.  “How’s things going with Mattie, Sam?  He talks about you a lot.”

Sam’s eyes lit up at the mention of his new relationship.  “It’s going great,” he said.  “I mean - you know what it’s like dating an Avenger.  I don’t always have a lot of free time, but we’re having a great time together.”

“Ohh… is there another meet-the-family dinner coming up?” Tony asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

“I’ll happily let all of you degenerates meet him any time,” Sam teased.  “But we’re a little way off taking him back to Lousianna.”

Tony put his hand on his chest.  “I’m wounded, Tweety.  You wound me.”

The appetizers were already starting to run out and the waiters started to bring out bowls of a rich soup filled with clams still in their shells.”

“That’s Zuppa Di Vongole,” Tony explained.  “It was one of my grandmother’s favorites.  Or if you don’t eat fish, you’re getting minestrone.”

“How many courses are we having tonight, Tony?” Steve asked.

“Just six,” he said.  “I didn’t go overboard.”

Sharon, Sam, and Clint started laughing, while Steve, Pepper, and Rhodey shook their heads, the look of resigned disbelief was mirrored in all of them.

“Thank you so much for doing all this, Tony,” Bobbi said.  “In a way, it reminds me of dinners with my whole extended family.  Only we all cooked together as well.  And it was a lot more dysfunctional.”

“Give it time,” Bucky muttered.

“You don’t want to cook with all of us,” Bruce said.  “There’s only a couple of people here who can cook.  Most of us burn water.”

“Well part of the fun is passing on tradition, isn’t it?” Bobbi said.  “Bucky’s a great cook.  We’ve been teaching each other different recipes.”

“I didn’t know you liked cooking, Bucky,” Sam said.

Bucky shrugged. “You don’t know lots of things about me.”

Sam looked at him deadpan.  “Well I was going to offer to share some of my family recipes with you, but see if I do now.”

Melody was using one of her clam shells to pick out the clams from the others, but there was still a lot of soup left in her bowl compared to the people around her.  She was a little worried she’d still be eating by the time the next course came out.  She leaned up to Steve’s ear.  “I might need your help to eat all this.”

Steve chuckled.  “And you’re asking me?”

“Think of it as a public service.  Your poor hard done by girlfriend needs to save face,” she whispered.

Steve laughed harder and stole a quick kiss.  “Okay, I’ll help you,” he said.

“Thank you, honey,” she said and kissed his cheek.

Steve shook his head, smiling affectionately as he scooped some of the soup from Melody’s bowl into his own.  She was just getting to the bottom of the bowl when the waiters came out with the next course.  This time it was a salad course.  Most everyone got a Caprese salad, though Tony and Pepper seemed to have gone for something without dairy that featured pear and red cabbage.

“Still avoiding dairy, Tones?” Rhodey asked.

“Well, cutting it down.  It’s hard when there’s a Ben and Jerry’s flavor named after me,” Tony said.

“That’s not the humble brag you think it is, Tones,” Clint said.  “Most of the people here have Ben and Jerry’s flavors named after them.”

“And not one of them is as good as Phish Food,” Maria said.

“Woah, woah, woah,” Tony said.  “Hey now, I won’t hear a thing against Stark Raving Hazelnuts.”

Melody was starting to think she might make it through the entire six courses as she ate her salad.  It was light and fresh, and it didn’t feel like it was filling her up at all.  Then the waiters began bringing out the next course.

“Gnocchi with pesto cream,” Tony said.  “But it’s a cashew cream.”

Melody took a sip of her wine before she started eating.  Before she even took a bite, the conversation had started up again.

“Stark said you interviewed him, Lady Bobbi,” Thor said.

“Yeah, that’s right,” she said.  “We had fun.  You should do it.”

Tony snorted and took a quick swallow of his water.  “Sorry.  I just imagined what it would be like for your team to be making food from 2000 BCE.”

“Just big slabs of meat roasted over coals,” Melody laughed.

“I would not complain,” Thor said.  “A feast is a feast.”

“That sounds better than what I had to eat.  Everything I had was set in jello,” Tony said.

Clint laughed loudly. “Amazing.  I can’t wait to watch it.”

“So what’s the premise?” Sharon asked.

“Just a casual interview while you eat food made from recipes in magazines that came out the year you were born,” Melody said.  “We have other ideas too.  But so far we like that one.”

“That does sound fun.  I hate doing interviews and I’d do that,” Clint said.

“You’d be so welcome,” Melody said.  “I was also thinking of doing a series where we compared things from different chains.  Like pizza or burgers.”

“Oh, oh, I want to do that one,” Clint said.

“I’ll call you to set it up. Thanks, Clint,” Melody said.

“So what did you have to eat Tony?” Natasha said.

“There was a red cabbage salad in a jello that tasted like acid,” Tony said. “This loaf made of creamed liver, this sandwich that was made to look like a cake.”

“Mmm… sounds so appetizing,” Rhodey said.

“I was a little worried he was going to get revenge with this dinner,” Bobbi joked.

“There’s still two courses to go,” Sam said.

Tony laughed hard.  “See, I’m a better person than I thought.  That didn’t even occur to me.”

Despite Steve’s help, Melody was very full by the time she finished the pasta course.  She noticed that most of the other mortals were struggling too.  Pepper’s plate was practically full when they took it away and replaced it with Tuscan-style lamb shanks, while the non-meat eaters were given eggplant parmigiana.  Thankfully, the conversation flowed freely around the room.  So while Melody was feeling overfull, she didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

The fact that Steve’s friends were all so open to accepting both Melody and Bobbi was gratifying.  Nothing was quite as gratifying as seeing Steve and Bucky enjoying having Melody and Bobbi fit in with their friends.  By the end of the night, Steve had never looked so in love, and it made Melody’s heart feel full every time he looked at her.

By the end of the night and after a serving of Tiramisu served with Vin Santo, Melody not only felt very full but very content.

She said goodnight to everyone and headed to the elevator with Steve.  “Will you spend the night?” Steve asked.

She looked up at him and smiled. “You couldn’t keep me away.”

// NEXT

[tamlinweek]

Tamlin Creator Appreciation: Fanfiction Authors

Thank you all for your submissions for your favorite Tamlin creators! In the lead up to Tamlin Week (June 18 - 24, click here for prompts and rules!), we wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the amazing authors who have written Tamlin stories in the past. Here are some of the submissions we received, listed by ship, with some honorable mentions:

Tamlin/Briar:

a quiet, distant treasure (when you rise) by @yourethehero​

Rating: Mature, Words: 12k (multichapter, ongoing)

Summary: The truth is - Tamlin knows he failed. He knows he  could beg, and plead until the sun burned its last flame, and it would  get him nowhere. There was only the future, the one he could build for his Court, and for this child.

“I love their fic! It's such a unique take on Tamlin's redemption arc and the interactions between Tamlin and his adoptive daughter are very heartwarming”

Tamlin/Briar Honorable Mentions:

A Dream of Roses by @isterofimias

A Court of Love and Healing by @readingwritingwatching​

Tamlin/Feyre:

I Will See You Again by @goforth-ladymidnight​

Rating: Teen, Words: 2k (oneshot, complete)

Summary: ACOTAR AU - Mere days before the seven times seven years are up, Tamlin decides to send Feyre back to the mortal lands. A glimpse at what might have happened if Feyre had opened her heart and said those three little words that held more magic than she thought possible.

“This creator is AMAZING, BRILLIANT and a great addition to the pro Tamlin community!”

Tamlin/Lucien:

lovely and lonely by @praetorqueenreyna​

Rating: Mature, Words: 24k (multichapter, ongoing)

Summary: "In hindsight, Lucien thinks he fell in love with Tamlin the moment he first laid eyes on him." *** Lucien Vanserra must come to terms with his sexuality, and his complicated feelings for High Lord Tamlin.

“My favorite takes of the characters and Tamlin specifically by far.”

Tamlin/Nesta:

My Sun Shines Upon Me by @toast-com​

Rating: N/A, Words: <200 (oneshot, complete), Summary: N/A

“Her creativity and descriptive writing.  Tamlin creators, I am high-fiving all of you.”

Tamlin/OC:

Hyacinth by @suckerpunchfemale​

Rating: Mature, Words: 90k (multichapter, complete)

Summary: Hyacinth, known as Cin, has seen the once thriving and prosperous Spring Court fall into ruin and lawlessness due to the absence of their High Lord, Tamlin. But after two years  of waiting and hoping, Cin has had enough. Can these two trauma survivors,  Cin and Tamlin, save each other and their home?

“I don't usually reach for fanfics with OCs, but you can't help but root  for Hyacinth (aka Cin) as she tries to fix the very broken Spring Court  in the wake of the war on Hybern. What I like about SPF’s portrayal of  Tamlin is how she doesn't shy away from showing his suffering, but she  doesn't let him wallow in his misery, either. He made mistakes, but he's  not the villain here. It's a good and proper redemption arc! :D”

Tamlin/Rhysand:

A Court of Lies and Resurrection by @ashintheairlikesnow

Rating: Explicit, Words: 193k (multichapter, complete)

Summary:  AU: Feyre is dead, torn apart by Amarantha when Tamlin did not send her away in time. Tamlin, forced to submit to Amarantha's terms, finds  himself looking for help (and finding affection) in places he never expected.

“IT IS THE TAMSAND MULTI CHAPTER FIC!!!!! Their fic actually opened my eyes to Rhys potential post Amarantha which I didn’t realize was POSSIBLE”

Thank you so much to everyone who participated! Look forward to more pro Tamlin content by our wonderful contributors in June!

[lunalillyhbhb]

Lea's home

Chapter 8 pt.1

With test season coming up, I request Lea's mom if I can take some time off and focus more on my material and practice questions. This time of is much needed, I need to really remove myself from creating more situations that could potentially eat into my study time, and at Lea's place, those possibilities are everywhere. Lea, Mrs. Nicole, Mirin, Khushi and Roxanne too, I see them too often, and one thing always leads to another and I end up spending.... "quality" time with them. I can't have that now, I need to distance myself from them and my work and really get into preparations.

I miss Lea. Bad. Really bad. I want to suddle up on her chest and listen to her heart beat for me.

To make up for my absence, Lea's mom opened up a few spots and Lea recommended some of her juniors who she's close with, and asked me to meet up with them and give them a general gist of their duties before they agree to an interview. I plan on meeting them after 3, roughly at the time their classes should get over with.

Three o'clock rolls around too soon and I leave my things behind in my spot in the library and make my way to the gym where the meetup was planned.... let's see, if I remember correctly, their names should be Arielle and Arianna? In their 2nd year I'm guessing, should be around 20 years old.

I wait by the bench outside with a small note in my hand with the general duties of a maid and what's expected in their household. For 10 mins I see no one nearing the bench. This is bad, it doesn't reflect well on their character. Being tardy on the first meeting doesn't show them as reliable people. Or maybe they just got the meeting place wrong and are waiting somewhere inside the gym...... I decide to check before assuming the worst and dropping a message to Lea.

The gym is usually empty during this time, most students prefer working out in the morning or after 6 pm. Looking around, the place is clean and the equipment is shiny and inviting, but empty, save for a trainer sitting by the front desk. I walk up to her and inquire if she's seen 2 girls walk in and she replies that she did in-fact, see 2 girls walk into the women's locker room 20 mins ago and assumed they left already. I thank her and continue to the locker room just to check.

I open the door quietly and step inside. I hear the hushed sounds of heavy breaths and small moans. Of course, there's nothing suspicious about this, if anything this happening in the gym makes most sense.

"Arielle and Arianna? You guys in here?" I call out as I turn the corner. I'm met with 2 red head identical twins, tousled together in what I assume is some stretch position looking hot and bothered, panting slightly with their cheeks flushed, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights as they stare at me. I guess I must've interrupted these twins' private stretch routine.

"Sorry I was looking for someone, please don't mind me!" I turn back to head outside. "Wait!" one of the redheads call out. "I'm so sorry, we should've paid attention to the time."

"-We thought we'd squeeze in a quick workout-"

"-and didn't realize we overshot our meetup time!"

Wow. I always thought the whole twin completing each other's thoughts was a made-up thing, guess not.

"I'm Arielle"

"-and I'm Arianna!"

Ooh! They're Lea's juniors!

Arielle and Arianna dressed in their workout gear look cute but also very sexy, their thin shirts hugging their large breast quickly rising up and down with their breathing, their slim waists accentuated by high tights and thick thighs. I remember them now. These two are quite popular on our campus, the sexy twins who are very smart and studious and extremely shy, only ever seen with each other and no one else. Many have tried to get in their pants to no avail, so there's no point in me trying either..... I mean, it's totally not like I want to steth them right now and see if their heartbeats are beating equally fast at the same time.

"Just give us a minute-"

"-we'll pack up our things and be with you in a bit!"

"Sure!" I reply, stepping out quickly before I let them see my thoughts running wild..... just a simple glance at them in their workout gear has me quite riled up. I start thinking, just how far does their identical part go? Do they make the same expressions, have the same emotions, react the same way? Do they have....the same sensitive zones....do they squirm the same way when stimulated, do their moans sound the same, do their hearts beat in sync-

"We're ready!" They say in unison, as if taunting my train of thoughts. Today is going to be rough, but I'll power through this somehow, and try my best to keep that image out of my head.

I go over their duties for the time being and how they can manage their time alongside work, getting to know a bit of them in the process. Contrary to the rumors circulating around, they don't seem shy.... in fact, they were very friendly and nice to be around. I wonder why they don't hang out with their classmates more often.

I walk with them to Lea's house, determined to finish this as quick as possible to return to the library and continue my study session. For now, I just need to get them acquainted with the house and the rooms. While walking, they kept chatting about various things but somehow, they seemed distant, as if their mind was elsewhere, as if they too wanted to finish this soon, probably due to other plans. They kept fidgeting with their hair and fingers, trying to be as calm as possible.

Lea's house is quiet, no one seems to be home at the moment. Nice, no need to stop for pleasantries. I walk through the place quickly, guiding them through the important rooms and their quarters. As the tour continues, they abruptly stop.

"Any doubts/questions for me so far?" They shake their heads no, and look at each other, silently communicating something desperate with their eyes.

"Do you mind.... if we use the restroom?"

"We'll be back quick, promise!"

"Sure!" I reply. "We'll meet back in 10 mins? I'll be waiting in the maid's quarters." They nod at me and then walk away quickly. Their strange behavior is starting to worry me.....maybe their classmates have seen this side of them and that's why they find it hard to approach them?

Ten minutes pass by quickly yet there's no sign of them. Late again. This habit of theirs is very concerning, maybe I really should warn Lea and ask her to find someone else-

No. Let me give them a fair chance before making up my mind. I walk around the house looking through each room. As I pass by the storage room I hear the same noises like back in the gym locker room- muffled breathy moans. This time, coming from the storage room.

I quickly pull the doors apart and find the twins.....entangled in each other's arms, making out with such intensity and passion, eyes tightly closed. I am unable to pull my eyes away from them, while they are so engrossed in each other they still haven't noticed me. I watch them as their tongues intertwine, wet sloppy moans escaping, hard to differentiate who it's coming from. Their hands roam each other's bodies and I notice each of them has firmly placed her hand under the other's left breast, as if firmly holding the other's heart in place. My mind instantly remembers what it was thinking and before I lose myself, I clear my throat loud enough to be heard over their moans.

Their heads snap back so quickly it almost gives me whiplash. Again, the same deer caught in the headlights look.....so this was their private stretch session. Mortified faces, as if their dirty ugly secret was exposed for the whole world to see and yet....their palms never left the other's heart. As if even in that moment when their shameful secret was out, they still couldn't let go of that sensation, and I know beneath the mortification they are secretly enjoying the way their hearts are beating out of control.

I have something to use against them. The corner of my lips curl up slightly. "Make yourselves presentable and meet me downstairs. Now." I order and walk away.

Time to put my thoughts to the test. Let's see just how far their identical features really go.

[feyhunter78]

Moonflowers (11/16)

Description: The aftermath of Aegon's death begins

Next Chapter:

Helaena woke in darkness. She could still feel Alyra’s warmth at her back, hear her even breathing, and she closed her eyes once more, telling herself that the excitement of the previous day had caused her to wake so early. She drifted back off, only to be woken once more by Alyra’s hand shaking her shoulder.

“Helaena, wake up, something’s wrong.” Alyra said, her voice scratchy from sleep, but with a clear undertone of panic.

Helaena sat up slowly, glancing around the room, it was still dark, nearly pitch black, she could only make out the whites of Alyra’s eyes and the faint light of torches outside her window. “What’s happened?”

Alyra rose from the bed, and quickly lit a nearby candle before donning her dressing gown and handing Helaena her own. “I’m not sure, I always wake up an hour after the sun rises, every day without fail, but I am awake, and the sun has not risen.”

Helaena remembered Alyra’s words from the night before, as sure as I am that the sun will rise in the morning and set at night. The sun had not risen this morning. A gnawing fear began to form in her stomach as she slipped her dressing gown over her nightdress. “We must find the children, and Aemond.”

Alyra nodded and headed out the door, the small candle she held their only source of light. They walked silently, Helaena holding Alyra’s free hand as they first made their way to her and Aemond’s chambers. Alyra knocked quietly, and the door swung open.

Aemond was fully dressed, sword at his side. “My love, sister, I was moments away from coming to find you both.”

“What is happening?” Helaena asked, looking around the hall to see if any others had awoken.

Aemond stepped out of his quarters, shutting the door firmly behind him. “I am unsure, I rise with the sun, but was not greeted by its light this day.” His voice was calm, quieting some of her anxieties, but she noticed the way his hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the whiteness of his knuckles.

“Could this be an invasion, or some use of dark magic?” Alyra asked, fiddling with her ring, as her eyes swept the hall. “I don’t understand how we haven’t run into any guards.”

Aemond hummed lowly, “we haven’t currently offended any other house enough to warrant an invasion, but perhaps we have been betrayed.”

Fear shot through Helaena at the idea of her children alone in this strange darkness, with potential enemies prowling the empty halls. “We must get to my children.”

They set off towards the nursey Aemond leading the way, when they got closer, they began to hear soft conversation and Aemond halted them, drawing his sword. He took careful, quiet steps, inching forward until he could peek through the crack in the nursery’s door. His shoulders relaxed, and he pushed the door opening, beckoning for Helaena and Alyra to follow.

Inside the nursey was Rhaenyra, and Jacaerys, their heads bowed together as they spoke, but turning quickly towards the open door.

“Sister, good-brother.” Aemond said, making sure Helaena and Alyra entered the room before he shut it.

Helaena let out a sigh of relief to see Jaehaera and Jaehaerys sleeping soundly in the arms of Jacaerys and Rhaenyra. She reached out towards Rhaenyra, taking Jaehaera from her and holding her daughter close to her chest.

“My princess, do you know why the sky is black?” Alyra directed her question towards Rhaenyra, her hand seeking Aemond’s for comfort as she did.

Rhaenyra shook her head, “I do not, nor do I know where the guards have gone, we came here to check on the children, and then we were headed towards you three next.”

Jacaerys held Jaehaerys in his arms and brought him closer to Helaena. “I wished to find you first, but I knew your first priority would be the children.” He leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, before lowering his voice. “Are you unharmed?”

Helaena nodded, “have either of you seen my mother?”

“We have seen no one but my family, the children, and now you three.” Rhaenyra said. “Harwin has stayed in our chambers with Lucerys, Joffrey, and Viserys.”

“We should see father, to check on him and to request to be married.” Helaena said, eyes focused on Jacaerys. There were too many unknowns this morning, she did not want to risk losing her chance at happiness due to any upcoming chaos.

Rhaenyra nodded, “we shall take the tunnels, follow me.” She pushed on the far corner of the nursery, and it gave way, exposing a darkened passageway.

Helaena blanched at how easy it would be for an assassin to slip in and harm her children. She made up her mind that once she and Jacaerys were officially wed, she would move the children closer to them and have all their rooms checked for secret passages.

Alyra took Jaehaerys from Jacaerys and motioned for him to follow behind his mother, while Aemond took the rear. They followed Rhaenyra in silence, marveling at the way she seemed to know every twist and turn by heart, never stopping or second guessing herself. She pulled the arm of a carving in the wall and another doorway appeared.

They emerged in their father’s chambers. It was dimly lit, and Rhaenyra knocked on the door to his bedroom before stepping inside.

King Viserys was wide awake, sitting at his desk writing by candlelight.

“Father?” Rhaenyra called.

He turned and smiled; his greying face brightened by joy. “My daughter.” He looked at all of them gathered behind her and his smile dimmed. “Is there a problem? I cannot remember when so many of my family has visited me all at once.”

Rhaenyra walked over and knelt beside her father. “The sun has refused to rise, have you not seen?”

King Viserys glanced out his window. “I believed it to be late in the night.”

Jaehaera began to cry in Helaena’s arms, and she shushed her gently, but Viserys had already turned his attention to them. “My beautiful granddaughter, please bring her closer.”

Helaena did so, turning so that her father could see Jaehaera’s face. He reached for her, and she eased Jaehaera into her grandfather’s arms. Helaena had always felt a connection with her father, despite his near constant ignorance of her existence. When he did remember he had a second daughter, he would call her to read to him, or to bring her children to his chambers. They would play on his rug while he attempted to broach the subject of dreams with her.

“Father, I wish to ask something of you.” She said softly.

He looked up at her as he let Jaehaera play with the sleeve of his night clothes. “Oh?”

Jacaerys stepped up beside her, taking her hand in his. “We both have something to ask of you.”

Viserys raised an eyebrow at Jacaerys, not missing the way he clasped Helaena’s hand. “Do go on, then.”

Jacaerys looked at her, warm eyes searching her face as if to make certain once more that this is what she desired. She squeezed his hand and nodded, she had no doubts, no hesitation. “Grandsire, I love Helaena, and she returns my affections wholeheartedly. My mother has already married us in the Valyrian tradition, but I wish to obtain your blessing for us to marry under the eyes of The Seven.”

Viserys sat back, his eyes darting to Rhaenyra, who nodded, confirming Jacaerys’ words. “You both are aware that Helaena is already married, correct? I am holding one of her children from her marriage to Aegon.” His voice grew serious. “Bigamy is a crime punishable to the highest extent, if Aegon were to ever find out—”

“He won’t father, Aegon is dead. He was killed by a prostitute late last night, his body discovered in an alley by a member of the City Watch.” Rhaenyra said, stepping forward and placing her hands on Jacaerys and Helaena’s shoulders. “Aegon was a cruel boy, and an ever crueler husband. Jacaerys and Helaena should have been allowed to marry instead of her and Aegon. And now that Aegon is dead, Helaena is free to marry another.”

Viserys’ arms began to shake, and Jacaerys took Jaehaera from him, allowing the girl to snuggle her head against his chest.

“My son is dead?” Viserys said, his voice strained.

“It is of his own doing, Aegon knew the dangers of Fleabottom, but continued to venture there night after night.” Aemond spoke up. “My sister has been a dutiful wife and mother; she should not be punished for having a pig of a husband.”

“How do you know all of this? I am the king, I should have been informed as soon as his body was discovered.”

Helaena stiffened, what could they say?

Rhaenyra swooped in, saving Helaena from attempting to make up an answer. “Harwin is still Commander of the City Watch, his men informed him of the tragedy.”

Viserys nodded still hesitant, “and now you two”—he motioned to Helaena and Jacaerys— “wish to marry so soon after his death?”

“Please father, I know it is unorthodox, but think of how it will unite the family. Jace and I’s children will be of Targaryen, Hightower, and Strong blood. They will be beloved by the Hightowers and the Strongs.” Helaena said, blinking back the desperate tears that welled up in her eyes. She didn’t wish to cry, she wanted to appear strong, and determined, so her father would believe her words.

Viserys sighed and leaned forward in his chair, scrutinizing her and Jacaerys. “Swear to me neither of you played a hand in Aegon’s death.”

Both her and Jacaerys swore on their dragons, Helaena offering up a silent apology to Dreamfyre.

Viserys looked to his eldest daughter. “Rhaenyra, do you truly believe this is wise?”

“I do, father. I would not have married them if I did not believe that their joining would be a boon to our family.”

He nodded his head and stood, using the arm of his chair to assist him. “Very well then, Jacaerys, Helaena, I give you my permission to wed, provided it is after the funeral for Aegon. I will not have it seem as if we are making a mockery of his death.” He turned to Helaena and gently brushed her cheek. “Your mother would not be happy if we joined you and Jacaerys before then.”

Helaena nodded and beamed at Jacaerys.

“Thank you, grandsire, your wisdom, and kindness, knows no bounds.” Jacaerys said, smiling at Viserys then at Helaena as he handed Jaehaera off to Rhaenyra before embracing Helaena and resting his forehead against hers. “Soon I shall be able to shout from Vermax of our marriage, of my joy.”

Helaena closed her eyes, basking in his warmth. “I love you.” She whispered, “I cannot wait to be able to profess my love for you in front of the realm.”

A frantic knocking on the door snapped everyone from the moment, and Aemond opened the door slowly before standing back and allowing his mother entrance into the room.

“Viserys have you seen Helaena or the children, I cannot—” She froze, seeing Helaenain Jacaerys’ embrace.

“Helaena is here safe with Jacaerys, and the children are also here, safe with Rhaenyra and Alyra.” Viserys said, holding his hands out to calm Alicent.

Alicent stalked over to Helaena and Jacaerys, tearing her daughter out of his arms. “Helaena.” She hissed. “You are a married woman; you cannot be caught in the arms of another man in such a way.”

“Jace is not another man, he is my husband.” Helaena said, her father’s approval giving her the courage to face her mother.

“Your husband? Aegon is your husband?” Alicent’s hand went to feel Helaena’s forehead, “are you feeling alright sweetling? Shall I call a maester?”

“Aegon is dead, mother, the City Watch informed us late last night.” Aemond said, removing her hand from Helaena and taking it in his own.

Aemond was the only one who could truly calm their mother, and at times Helaena envied his ability.

Alicent’s face paled, and then her knees gave out. Aemond’s quick reflexes were the only thing that kept her from falling. She looked at Viserys, “is it true?”

He nodded, “Aegon was found in an alley, stabbed by a woman from one of the brothels, I am sorry, my dear.”

Alicent let out a broken sound of distress and Helaena felt her tears return, she never wanted to harm her mother, only to be free of Aegon’s cruelty.

Aemond moved to the floor with their mother and let her sob into his shoulder. “It will be alright, mother. We will tell the people he died of a sickness, no shame will befall our family, I swear it.” He said softly, his arms wrapped tightly around their mother.

Helaena wanted to go to her, to comfort her mother, but it would feel false, as if she was intentionally deceiving her. She did not grieve Aegon, not the way her mother did. To Helaena’s surprise, it with Rhaenyra who took Alicent’s hand.

 Having passed Jaehaera to Alyra who now had both children, she knelt by her former friend and squeezed her hand. “I may not know your exact pain, but I know how it feels to lose a child.” She said, motioning for Aemond to allow her to take Alicent.

He did so gently and stood, taking Jaehaerys from Alyra, so she could wrap both arms around the squirming Jaehaera.

Rhaenyra cupped Alicent’s tear soaked face. “This pain you are feeling will lessen, I promise you.” Her words were soft, her eyes locked on Alicent’s. They sat there staring at each other, communicating silently, as Helaena assumed they did long ago.

“He was my son, my firstborn.” Alicent whimpered, her hands clutching Rhaenyra’s shoulders for support.

“He will always remain that, he will always be yours.” Rhaenyra said, wiping Alicent’s tears away with her thumbs. “Let us join our children, let them be happy in the wake of this pain.”

Alicent’s shoulders sagged, “she is my only daughter, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra wrapped her arms around her former friend, pulling her close. “Jacaerys will not let her come to harm, they will remain here. I will not take her from you.” She rested her head on Alicent’s shoulder, her voice so low, Helaena almost didn’t catch her words. “Helaena deserves to be married to someone she loves; give her the chance you did not have.”

Alicent nodded, wrapping her arms around Rhaenyra as well. “I will allow the marriage.” She said, her voice stained with tears.

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda, @haydee5010

[amelikos]

Some character notes and episode notes for HZ048, writing them down for future reference.

The ep starts with Roy doing some training with Hogator and gets too fired up during it. Afterwards, the trio heads to Bowl Town and a festival seems to be taking place. They meet Hassaku (Liko calls him sensei too!) who explains that it's an art festival that takes place every year and that he is there as an art instructor. Colza's sculpture of the Black Rayquaza and the Kimawari is at the entrance of the festival and is the centerpiece of it (nice that they brought it up again after HZ010). Roy asks Hassaku if Colza is at the gym because he wants to challenge him so he leads the trio there.

Hassaku and Colza have nicknames for each other, which Liko notices and she asks them if they are friends. Colza explains that Hassaku is his mentor and that he helped him when he was going through an art block and that his current art style took shape thanks to him. They go back a long way.

Liko's dad shows up too, and she is surprised to see him there. He knows Colza (which was brought up before in HZ009 and HZ010), and also Hassaku. Makes sense that the three of them seem close given that they are all artists. Liko tells her dad she passed her basics test. She also introduces Dot to him since it's the first time they meet. Dot seems nervous, and Alex tells her that he heard about her from Liko. Dot is going out of her comfort zone a lot since the beginning of this chapter, she is meeting new people and feels a bit anxious about it.

Roy tells Colza that he is there to challenge him, and Colza is also curious to see how much Roy has grown. However, he has no time since he is busy finishing an art piece for the festival so Roy has to wait. Hogator seemed curious about it. Roy tells him he can't wait because he wants to get stronger to battle Rayquaza again, but Nemo shows up and suggests they battle. She also tells Roy that since students can't use Terastal against each other during the course, she'll go by these rules and won't use it against him. Roy tells her she can use it though, and she points out he seems confident. Interesting exchange there.

Either way, they battle. Nemo seemed happy about Roy's Hogator learning new moves. She just seems to be about recognizing potential where she sees it and encouraging it, because she brings up the word "fruitful" a lot. She wants to participate in Roy's growth as a trainer (which she did in this episode). It started raining partway through their battle and Roy didn't notice it, which is one of the reasons why he lost because he was so engrossed in the battle that he didn't pay attention to his surroundings. Roy immediately wants a rematch against Nemo and says he lost because of the rain, but Colza tells him it's no use and that he cannot win as he is now.

Hassaku suggests that they should all try making art pieces for now. The rule is that they should make a piece together with their Pokemon. Liko and Dot are on board, but Roy still wants to battle Nemo. Liko says it'd be good for him to switch things up, and she makes him notice that Hogator seems interested in Colza's art. So Roy is willing to try for Hogator. Nemo leads the trio to the gym, which serves as a public workspace during the festival, so they can make their pieces.

Liko decided on painting something which fits her since she likes drawing and she is creative. She wondered if she could paint something nice like her dad (which is cute, because she admires him as an artist). She got help from her Pokemon who all painted with her. Nyarote was really into it too and used her paws and bud. Liko ended up doing a painting of Oliva and called her piece "Oliva in full bloom". Two things I like about it. The proximity Liko feels towards Oliva (the first of the Six Heroes she met after Rayquaza, the first one she decided to help, Oliva showing up to protect her from Spinel, and to help her calm down Galar Fire, Oliva being a Grass type like Nyarote fitting Liko's themes of life etc, there is a lot going on here and I like that Liko just feels close to Oliva and decided to paint this Pokemon specifically). Also liked the use of "full bloom" in the name of the piece, like in Liko's Terastal phrase (which I think fits Liko's character since she really is blooming alongside Nyarote and revealing her potential, being more courageous and going forward, etc).

Dot took on a more mechanical project. Kanuchan liked the material so she decided to give it a try and really got into it. She asked Roy to let her borrow Kaiden. It was nice to see a one on one interaction between Roy and Dot (they have moments, but usually we see more Liko and Dot or the trio in general, so it's always cool to see Dot interacting with more characters one on one). I also always like when a character lets another borrow their Pokemon, because it shows trust between them (and we need to see Kaiden more, so it's good she thought about him). Either way, Dot made a ferris wheel and had her Pokemon and Kaiden help show it off with their moves.

Roy took on a clay project. He is into crafting things (after all, he made a secret base back in his island, and he created things several times during the show like when he wanted to help Kaiden, he also fixed the ship flag etc). Hogator was looking at art of Lizardon, so they decided to made Lizardon with clay. It's always adorable when they emphasize how much Hogator looks up to Lizardon and wants to be like one someday (which, btw, is a good way to use older gen in contrast to the current gen, and how the mentor character, Friede, has these older gen Pokemon and inspires the kids etc, there is a lot to be said but I just like how Horizons uses these concepts efficiently). Either way, at first Roy couldn't use the clay well so Colza gave him a hint that anything in reach or in sight could be the clue he needs to create his art. Roy eventually figures out that he needs to use Pokemon moves as materials, and that hints can be found in all places (and the same goes for battling). He managed to complete his piece and its title is "I wanna get stronger", which is inspired by both his and Hogator's feelings. Colza was impressed, and deems that Roy is ready to take on the basics test.

On to the battle (Hogator vs Usokkie). It was good. I think new BGM were used during it? I hope we'll get to hear more new tracks during this chapter. Roy is growing more strategic as he managed to guess who the real Usokkie was (after the latter used Subtitute) after seeing it sweat from Hogator's Flamethrower (it wasn't Roy's initial intention, but something he managed to see after his consecutive use of the move, so maybe in the future, he'll try to think more before battles or come up with similar strategies using his environment or things he notices etc). Roy used Terastal too, in response to Colza using it (different from Liko, who used it first against Kaede). His Terastal phrase was great. For a character like Roy, I would have expected something going on about "fire" or "passion", but the fact he talked about the crystal of his dreams caught me off guard in a good way (he is much more of a poet than I thought). There is this longing feeling to it, in relation to his dream, which I find interesting. He also used "shine", just like Liko (which makes sense since Terastal is described as the phenomenon making Pokemon sparkle and shine like jewels, so maybe Dot will use that verb too for her own Terastal phrase).

Either way, Colza knew most of Roy's moveset but the one thing he didn't account for was Hogator knowing Nitrocharge, which is eventually the move that defeated Usokkie. Roy won the battle (he faced Colza and lost before, so I figured he'd win this time, but it's still satisfying to see the buildup paying off!). I like the way Roy's growth as a trainer is depicted tbh (it's slowburn, he is taking small steps every time but it feels organic to me). Colza congratulated him and told him he passed the basics test. Also liked that Roy was specifically set up to face Colza, who is an artist, because as an artist, he takes time to analyze things etc, and that's something Roy needed to learn since he is more impulsive and tends to act first and think later (he tends to be hasty and impatient but needs to take time to think.. Roy is quite perceptive already, he just needs to make a conscious effort not to rush).

The ep ends with Dot feeling nervous knowing she'll take on her test next, and the trio deciding to visit the food stalls at the festival. (The preview was also cute, because Liko and Roy hype up Dot for her test and she is a bit embarassed about it)

Anyway, this ep was written by Michihiro Tsuchiya. The most recent ep he wrote was the Nyahoja backstory ep. He also wrote Hogator and Kaiden's argument back in HZ017, among other things (so it makes sense Kaiden appeared here).

Additional note, but Colza's way of speaking is kind of funny. I didn't pay attention that much to the way he spoke back in HZ010, so it kind of surprised me seeing him refer to others casually as "kisama" and talking in a grand way.. On the other hand, Hassaku seemed overly polite in his speech pattern.

[fanaticsnail]

Okay, I haven't read chapter 6 of Sapsorrow yet, I have a big day ahead so I know it will distract me too much and I like the incentive of something to treat myself at the end of the day, so my actual thoughts on the chapter are yet incoming

HOWEVER

Your thoughts for Buggy and/or Law having a ring have inspired me.

Ive been working on an idea for a series of interconnected one piece one shots using fairy tales (which got set back once I got COVID bc I had three days of writing planned out which ended up being three days of delirious fever sleep). And I haven't really set anything in stone yet but I have several stories that I think would work for each character and several extra stories I haven't yet decided characters for. So allow me to regurgitate some of those stories that I think could be thematically appropriate for Law/Buggy stories in the Sapsorrow AU:

Hans who made the princess laugh/The Princess who never smiled/the lad with the goat skin (there are a lot of variants of the story of a boy making the princess laugh/smile for her hand in marriage) - I was thinking of using this concept for a Koby or Luffy story, but it also really suits Buggy. If the condition placed upon marriage is him finally making his betrothed laugh it makes room for lots of hijinks that would inevitably lead to her getting to know him and fall in love.

A Thousand and One Nights - I planned this for Usopp (obviously) but I feel like Buggy managing to entertain someone with tricks and jokes so they allow him to keep wooing them the next night and so on until they agree to marry him because he's entertained them successfully for however many days and nights as was his task

Princess and the frog/beauty and the beast/Prince Lindworm esque story - hear me out, Reader as the scary beast bc Buggy's task was to prove he loved them truly for more than just superficial reasons. I feel like, thematically, I could see Buggy learning to not judge others and consequentially therefore learning not to be so harsh on himself (learning that he deserves kindness by extending kindness to others?) (And then there is the opportunity to flip the script with Buggy being the one wearing the ring and Reader being the one owning it.)

Hades and Persephone - I like how Buggy consistently fails upwards and I can definitely see the bumbling clown somehow getting lucky enough to snag the favour of someone super dangerous and powerful despite tripping over himself repeatedly. I imagine someone only ever feared might enjoy him speaking his mind bluntly. Also could have Reader owning the ring. (The comedic potential for a story of Buggy somehow failing forwards into the arms of a Morticia-esque partner. The angst/drama potential of someone learning they are not only capable but deserving of love and loving and are allowed to have some light and fun in their dark life.)

For Law I feel like his task could be something associated with him being a doctor. Either his betrothed promises to marry whoever manages to cure her loved one (or her) of a sickness/curse. Maybe his betrothed has sworn off marriage because she is sick and expects to die and doesn't want to leave anyone heart broken, which is why she objects to marrying him, which leads to a lot of secret keeping and angst on both sides.

OR, something that is the other side of the coin, his betrothed wants to kill/poison someone and needs his help. Oooooh~ dramatic crime story

SNAIL AGAIN! I should've seen this one first. My dear, you spoil me!

The way I have been struggling with Buggy's Sapsorrow. I want to write a little snippet so desperately, but he is thus far eluding me. I am LOVING these thoughts.

I do have an idea for Law, but I am wanting to write for him last due to not desiring to reveal all of the lore involving the spectre of Sapsorrow just yet. Of all of the rings to be given, I will say that Law will be the only one to offer it to someone freely: using it for its intended purpose. It is going to devastate me, but I am very much looking forward to his the most. Main theme: Angst.

NOW THAT THAT HAS BEEN SAID.

........are you saying you would like to join in on the storyteller au collab? Because if you are!!! Usopp with "a story short" and Luffy with "Fearnot" would be perfect for you: considering it sounds like you already have many a similar idea regarding them, and I would LOVE to have you involved!!!

[all-for-geek]

I Lost You Once Chapter 8: A Fork in the Road

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Word Count: 1,238

Fandom: Alex Bale/Don't Feed the Muse

Warnings: mild grotesque imagery

Summary: After Carl reaches out to Kim, she and Ramona have a choice to make.

Kim and Ramona stared at the e-mail. For a brief moment, the two shared a mutual spark of excitement. Not only did Carl trust them, but they had a lead on what they could potentially do next. Perhaps he wasn’t too far gone to get out of the Muses’ clutches. 

But then the reality of the situation hit them again. Carl took a big risk sending them that e-mail. If the Muses found it, Carl wouldn’t be too much longer for this world. Worse yet, they could use the email to find them.

“So what’s the plan?” Ramona asked.

“Hold on,” Kim answered as she scanned the email again, “There’s a link to something here.”

Kim clicked on the link and was greeted by a video of a man cloaked in shadow. Despite that and the voice modulator, Kim recognized the silhouette. It was Carl. It appeared that he had already taken the responsibility of warning Mark into his own hands. The video held much of the same information as his email did with one exception: to not plant the spore.

“Well, that’s good at least,” Ramona commented. “If he hasn’t been infected with a spore yet, he might have a chance.”

“Hopefully,” Kim muttered.

“Do you think you could find Mark the way the Mu-the way Connie found Carl?” Ramona asked. Kim appreciated that attempt of respect towards their other houseguest.

“Probably. If Mark has any sort of online presence, I could at least find a way to contact him.”

“If he has a Muse, that’s pretty likely.” Ramona stood up from the couch and began pacing the floor. Even with it covered by her hair, Kim could tell that Ramona’s face was scrunched up from concentration.

“So, we find where Mark is and do a wellness check like Carl asked. If he has gotten his father’s video, it should be easy to persuade him to let us help him. If not, we can figure something out. Then, we rescue Carl and all four of us can work to destroy Happy Meat Farms together.”

“Woah. Wait a minute. We can’t go back for Carl,” Kim interjected.

“What do you mean?! Sending us that email was risky enough but the video on top of that? When, not if, HMF finds it, he’s a dead man.”

“So now you’re concerned about who dies,” Kim thought bitterly. Kim wasn’t sure if Ramona knew she was alive until they recently crossed paths again, but she knew that Ramona was still okay with working with creatures that were willing to kill her best friend. Kim was also willing to bet that she wasn’t the only person Mother’s children hunted down. All people Ramona would have had to turn a blind eye to.

Kim took a deep breath. She couldn’t go too deep down that road. Now wasn’t the time for a confrontation.

“Let’s run this down,” Kim explained. “We go back to Carl. Either we track down his house ourselves or message him and hope that he will just send his address. We get there and have a confrontation with a Muse. What then?”

Ramona froze in thought. “I…I don’t know. But we have to do something!”

“What we’ll do is end up dead.” Kim tentatively placed a hand on Ramona’s bulging shoulder. “I don’t want to see anyone die either, but as far as we know the three of us are the only ones actively fighting them. Carl’s dead either way, but if we try to go in all guns blazing or something, no one will be left to stop them.”

As Kim sat back down at the computer, Ramona stood there. It didn’t sit right with her. She had sat back and watched too many good people die because of her mistakes, and she didn’t like being told she had to do it again. Kim was right though. What could they do against the full power of a Muse? She begrudgingly sat down next to Kim.

Up above, watching through a small crack in the hatch, Connie was deep in thought. Kim was, as usual, correct. Neither she nor Ramona had the capabilities to go head-to-head with any of her siblings. Even the weaker doppelgangers had the strength and power equivalent to 5 adult humans. Ramona now had some of Mother’s blood coursing through her veins. She perhaps could hold off one, but a fully grown Muse like the one Mr. Mayhew was hosting? Only another of Mother’s Children would stand a chance.

Another child like Connie. Even still, the idea did not sit well with her. Although, she was not entirely sure why. Kim had rescued Connie before Connie could bask in Mother’s light. Even if she had, that would no longer be her, but the perfect version of Connie that Mother would have molded. That did not stop Connie from still feeling a connection to her siblings, however. Her kind was designed to work as parts of a single unit after all.

Connie would forever be grateful to Kim for allowing her to exist in her original state. The debt she felt towards the human was the reason that she agreed to help Kim with her abysmal quest in the first place, but she still had her limits, and if she allowed herself to be perfectly honest, Connie was afraid to face her siblings. Of being faced with the perfection that they would remind her that she lacked. Of what she would lose if she could not walk away from the confrontation.

So Connie did what she always did. Sat quietly and waited in the dark.

Fortunately, it did not take Kim long to find Mark Mayhew. Unfortunately, it was due to his infamous reputation on the internet. Like his father, Mark had been coerced into a public presence by digging into controversy. While Carlton made his name in conspiracy circles, Mark was known as a conceited contrarian of a cinephile. It seemed any movie that was deemed beloved Mark found reasons to hate. Kim and Ramona groaned while hoping that it was a persona his Muse forced him into.

“So do we want to do the same thing we did with Carl?” Ramona asked.

“We can’t do the exact same thing,” Kim explained. “Carlton was actively asking for people to reach out to him. Especially if he gets his dad’s warning, Mark might need more persuading.”

“What about an interview? We can say we’re with a newspaper or blog looking to ask him some questions.”

Kim thought for a moment. “Could work. It would take some time though since we’d have to create a fake website for it.”

“How long would it take?”

“To make it look convincing? At least a week probably.”

Ramona thought long and hard before she answered. “If it ends up taking longer we can figure something else out, but let’s go with that for now. In the meantime…” Ramona pulled one of the files she had stolen from Happy Meat Farms. “...I think it's time to start lighting some fires.”

Kim sighed. She was never a fan of this part of the plan, but it was the part that Ramona wouldn’t compromise on. “Okay. Maybe start with the animal experiment videos. If you go for the weirder stuff first, people are even less likely to believe you.”

Ramona walked away giving Kim the closest thing to a thumbs up that she could.

[writing-how-did-i-get-here]

I'm gonna start queuing my work! I don't know who will see this, but I hope you like reading it, I made a revision to some stuff and this is chapter one of a book I'm writing, it's gonna jump from time to time, so it's gonna be a while before you get back to the beginning, but I'm putting it on here because I don't intend to market this and I have other work too I will market, this though is just a cool lil book .Also, nobody is taxing my books.

Link to the intro - INTRO

Chapter 1 - The one friend I had.

TW, Mentions of suicide/implied suicide (not the main character). mentions of schizophrenia/implied a little bit though appealed later? some horror?

   So, after years upon years of sitting in solitude, a hermit, hidden from the world, I had no friends. Yet one day, just in the span of a few minutes of being there, after the car had just arrived, Kerix showed up. He walked up to me and asked me a simple question, “Hey, you seem nice, and around thirteen too, that’s cool, what’s your name?”, and it was the first time I’d heard the question in years, it had been so long since someone really wanted to meet me, since someone thought it worthwhile, thought I was worthwhile, then Kerix walked up to me without a second thought and went off on a tangent about indie animation and upcoming games and for a moment I forgot about the childhood wasted in solitude, all the time I had spent alone, all the time I had to myself. Because of him

   School started that fall, three years ago, the first year of high school, it was great, middle school sucked for me. The kids were relentless, and being vulnerable with nobody to defend me made it really suck for three years, I wasn’t in the best place. Yet this year was better, people told me it was because I was getting older, because high school was just better, I never believed them. He radiated a kind of energy, nobody messed with us, they didn’t want to, we looked happy. That year was great, we did everything together, we wrote together, he wrote stories, I wrote poetry, any other kid would have bullied me for it, yet he recited it in an overemphasized shakespeare accent. Things were great for that year, and the year after, and the year after, and now this year he’s missing and everything has gone to shit. He was my best friend, so much so that we had been calling each other by our tags rather than our names. He was Kerix, and I was Jay. Things were going well, until he went missing last week.

   So far the only lead I have is the note he left for me, it has a bit of blood on the corner and it might be written in blood? I don’t know, or red pen, I was always the theater kid of the two of us, so I doubt he’d do something that dramatic. Unless of course he was taken, kidnapped maybe? By some evil organization, it sounds like something he would do, upset some big bad guy and get kidnapped? Wait, am I the prince in this scenario, am I saving the princess? Was he doing this as self sacrifice, turning himself in to save the planet and everyone on it from destruction? I think I may have resorted to making up scenarios to keep myself sane, but I have to detectivize this mess, I haven’t got much time, or maybe I do? This is complicated.

  Well, maybe the other kids know something? His sister? No,I don’t think Riley has the mental capacity, being five and all, to hold any potentially useful information at the moment, though getting her side of the story could be useful later. I should question someone, this is outrageous, I know he told me not to look, but if he knows anything about me, he knows I am incredibly determined and will stop at nothing, or maybe I’m just really stubborn, either way it’s a good thing, solving the mystery of his disappearance. Unless he’s dead, that would suck, maybe I shouldn’t be working to find him, what if he had a good reason for saying that? What if he started a pyramid scheme and ran off to live on an island somewhere, if that’s the case, I’m going to be very mad he didn’t bring me along, I could’ve set up the database and everything.

   So I have pretty much no legitimate leads other than asking his also grieving family, which makes me a bit of a douche to do, and there’s a chance he’s dead. It could have been suicide, that’s what they’re all saying, but I know it wasn’t, he wouldn’t, he was happy, not with the world, but with everything he had with all of us. Maybe the world is doing horrific, and maybe things are falling apart in the world, and maybe it was too much, but I doubt it. I’m going with the “he was kidnapped” theory for now. I have to, it’s all I have to go off of, I hope he was. 

  Kerix wouldn’t have killed himself, no matter what, he might’ve had his moments, but he would never go that far, and he’s honest, if he were writing a suicide note, it would be obvious, he wouldn’t hide something so incredibly important. I know he’s out there, I know it, he has to be, he just has to- The doorbell rings, I’m home alone, like most afternoons, scribbling in a journal I’ve now dedicated to my search for Kerix. I know I shouldn’t open the door, but it’s tempting, then I hear a voice, it’s him, it really is, it is. “Hey, Jay! Could you let me in, I need somewhere to stay for a while, just enough to hide for a little bit, please?” And I know he could be kidnapped, this could be a trap, but I don’t care, I rush over, unlock the door and pull it open… but, there’s nobody there, just the wind blowing, it’s warm outside, warmer than in here anyways. I step back to take my sandals and slip them on, I walk outside, I live on a hill. A hill where if someone were here, I’d know, there isn’t anywhere to go, he wouldn’t ding dong ditch me here, right? He’s a good guy, he couldn't have, it’s impossible to get out of sight that fast, we have a fence, and no bushes. I think in horror I might know in my heart that he’s gone, that I’m in denial, that maybe this is really it, that I’m hallucinating, hearing his voice. Then I remember that isn’t how denial works and I skipped over several important stages of grief and that I’m just a fuckin idiot and overreacting. I might be imagining things out of trauma, but I’m not gonna psychoanalyze this for an hour, I’ve got a friend to find.

   I walk back inside and shut the door, I swear I see a figure out of the corner of my eye as I do, almost certain it was there. It’s weird, it seemed so real, I ignore it, instead focusing on the matter at hand. Finding the happy go lucky dude I’m proud to call my best friend forever, and I know it sounds stupid and like a girly thing to say, but hey, I’m a bit girly sometimes, so what? I walk back to my usual chair but not before I see a hand and a pair of incredibly human looking eyes disappear behind the corner of the doorway leading to the living room. “Holy shit”, “I’m either crazy or going to die", the first thoughts that ran through my head. 

[tokiro07]

Cipher Academy ch. 22 thoughts

[Prologue: End]

...This was not a reassuring chapter

Not only is Cipher Academy in the literal back of the magazine, but this chapter was very much “tell, don’t show”

That said, children being brutally murdered by bandits is probably a little dark to actually show in Jump, so maybe that was the editor’s decision

I will also note that this sort of anti-climax is also pretty par for the course for Nisio Isin; skipping the actual end of the Leaky Poker game, Iroha deciding between chapters to drop out, only deciding to stay because of the reassurance of his friends, this is all the kind of thing I’ve come to expect from him. It just happens to be reminiscent of how a canceled manga looks

Obviously it hasn’t been canceled yet, and as far as I’m aware it’s not getting canceled next week, but the next round of cancellations is likely to be in August/September, so unless it either really boosts its popularity or other things really drop off, it’s not looking good

But! While I’m  a realist and admit that things look grim, I am not a defeatist! Regardless of what happens, I’m going to keep doing my reviews until the very end, because this series deserves my attention and frankly it deserves yours too

So Iroha was mistaken for a girl on a club trip to a foreign refugee camp, which allowed him to be spared by his captors. This doesn’t seem to be a positive in his opinion, though, as he not only had to witness the deaths of all of his friends, he also had to struggle to survive, maintaining a smile the entire time. No wonder he said he could keep up a smile during Leaky Poker!

What really interests me about Iroha’s story though is that he mentions his club advisor was inspired to help refugees by a political cartoonist. Iroha also mentions that “that political cartoonist” is the one who sent him to Cipher Academy in the first place under the pretense that he would be safe there. Those who remember the lipogram battle with Yugata will recall that Iroha said his father forced him to enroll in CA, and that his father was a “caricature artist” according to Kumar’s translation (fortunately Kumar left in the kanji, so I can see that Iroha’s words were “fuushimangaka” or satirical comic writer, so that’s pretty clearly a political cartoonist to me). In other words, that political cartoon that inspired Iroha’s club advisor was almost definitely Iroha’s father, and Iroha feels too detached from him to actually refer to him as his father, at least in this context. He probably didn’t have many options during the lipogram battle

I wonder if perhaps this is meant to be similar to Fukurou in Medaka Box; all of Iroha’s problems stem from his father, to the point that it seems like his father is actively “masterminding” the events of the story. Knowing Nisio Isin and his love of deconstructing tropes, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Iroha’s father works for either Kick Attack Planning or the Nohime family and deliberately put him in contact with them because he knows something about Iroha’s potential as a cipher soldier

We also still don’t know why Iroha has an explosive handling license. Feel like that’s going to be relevant if we make it far enough to see it

Moving away from Iroha’s backstory, I really loved the other candidates giving him their votes. Naturally, Anonymity was my favorite part, still being prickly enough to tell Iroha to go ahead and leave if he can’t solve the codes while holding a smile with her sparkly face. If the series gets to continue, I think it’s fair to say that this group of three will be the vanguard supporting Iroha. Perhaps having code battles to show off characters outside of Iroha will help raise the series’ popularity?

Iroha very humbly accepts the position of Class Leading Private, citing that he knows that he’s not the best cipher soldier in the class, but that in a way makes him ideal to be the one at the forefront shielding the rest of the class from danger. Iroha’s always been humble, but previously it was to the point of self-deprecation, so to see him stand confidently in front of the class makes me feel so proud of him. He’s definitely one of my favorite protagonists in Jump right now, even if others don’t see what makes him so endearing

We end the chapter by cutting to Kogoe meeting with the other CLPs, who all seem to be strong personalities in classic Nisio Isin style. With the exception of the one who’s laying down out of frame, all of them are confused by a pretty innocuous statement from Kogoe, which makes me wonder if this scene is meant to illustrate how out of touch these girls are or if it’s meant to illustrate just how conniving Kogoe really is, as they suggest that when she says “get along with each other,” she must be speaking in code

The fact that this cast was introduced like this does imply that Nisio still has plans to flesh out the story going forward and hasn’t given up just yet, so hopefully their eccentricities will help get more people on board

I also want to point out that the badge for the CLPs is half of Cipher Academy’s logo, which in and of itself looks like it could be viewed as a stylized CA, a lock, and keys on a ring. The badges themselves all have different teeth, suggesting that they themselves are keys and will need to find their complement to be used properly in whatever they unlock. There might even be a code hidden within the keys themselves. If I had to guess, I’d say that the CLPs are going to be battling each other for their keys

As a final note before I finish up, I do want to address a misconception that I’ve been seeing in various comments and posts. Iroha says that only the boys in the cheerleading club were allowed on the trip to the refugee camp because it was dangerous, and that he was spared by the bandits because he was a girl. Some have taken this to mean that Iroha is either a girl masquerading as a boy or a trans boy. While I’m all for headcanons, that contradicts with the text; what he was saying was that the bandits believed he was a girl and spared him presumably for their entertainment. I won’t say who it was, but one commenter pointed out that Iroha’s buttons are on the traditionally female side, but that just isn’t true. In fact, if you look over any given characters’ uniform, all of them are the reverse of Iroha’s. Said commenter also noted that Yugata’s uniform is the male side, which again, is sadly not true. Admittedly I was excited at the prospect, as I thought it would be fun, but no, Yugata’s buttons match the direction of all other female characters. I’m giving this person the benefit of the doubt that they saw Yugata’s buttons were the opposite of Iroha’s and simply reached the wrong conclusion from the evidence. I do want to thank them for pointing it out, though, as while writing this I realized that Iroha’s buttons were likely how Toshusai realized that Iroha was a boy in the first place. Also, the wording was admittedly confusing, I think that that line should have been in quotes rather than simply bolded, but I guess Dan Luffey figured that Iroha’s gender was already a well-known enough concept

On the whole, this prologue section was extremely fun, and if it had to stop right here, I think I’d be relatively satisfied. I’d be disappointed I’m not getting more, but at least it would be a complete character arc, which is more than most canceled manga get. Hell, a lot of ongoing series arguably don’t get that. I can only hope that if CA doesn’t make it past the summer that it will be able to complete whatever storyline it starts

Or Mashle will reach its conclusion and two other manga will dip below CA’s popularity just long enough for it to gain an actual following. There’s already one that seems to be on the decline, though out of respect for its fans, I won’t mention which one. The point is that there’s hope for CA, even if chances are slim. I’m emotionally preparing myself for the end, but I won’t give up hope just yet