#besides the audacity won't get you anywhere

[babyleostuff]

Soooo is there a reason you ignored my request?

not really. mind you i have a life outside of tumblr

[verstappen-cult]

Okay so this is my first request even having but I just had this random idea. So basically I had knee surgery recently (won't get into that 😂) but I was just wondering if you could write a fic about lestappen where their girlfriend gets surgery and basically the whole thing is just fluff tbh add whatever u want or whatever surgery if u write this. But I just feel like they would definitely make me feel loved after surgery

“Are you comfortable?” Max asks, fluffing the pillows behind your head.

It’s the third time he asks you the same question in a span of ten minutes. You don’t want to be rude, he’s just trying to help, so you smile up at him.

“Yes, baby. Thank you.” He opens his mouth to speak again but you beat him to it. “Weren’t you going to stream today?”

Max frowns at you, and shakes his head. “No, I told the boys I won’t be present today. I’ll be taking care of you.”

Your heart melts. If it weren’t for the surgery you just had that makes it a little difficult to move, you would be getting up to kiss him.

“I won’t go anywhere, and I already have everything I need here,” You take his hand, caressing the inside of his wrist with your thumb. “You can go, I’ll call you if I need anything. Besides, you know how much I like to watch your streams.”

“Are you sure?”

You nod, “Yes, go!”

Max leans and kisses you gently, being very careful, and then flies out of the room shouting something similar to I love you.

You reach for your laptop, ready to watch your boyfriend. And he really wastes no time because in less than five minutes he’s joining the stream, the viewers going absolutely crazy about him.

“I wasn’t going to join today, Crane. But my girlfriend insisted!” Max says and you can’t help but smile.

“She had surgery recently, no?”

“Yeah, nothing too serious. She’s resting now,” Then he looks at the camera and has the audacity to wink.

The stream goes like any other, they joke around, they play and joke some more. You don’t even notice when an hour has passed, it’s only when you look up to see Charles at the bedroom door that you realize how late it is.

“Charlieee, I missed you.” You pout, making grabby hands at him. He immediately makes his way to you, leaning to leave a kiss on your forehead. “What took you so long?”

“I couldn’t find the medicine you needed but I got everything after searching literally everywhere.” He takes off his jacket, sighing. “I picked us some dinner, too. Where’s Max?”

“Streaming.” You say, pointing to the screen where he’s looking very focused and hot.

“What?!”

But before you can beg him not to say anything, he’s already storming out, going directly to Max’s streaming room. You can’t move but you still have a front row seat.

Looking back at the screen, you see Charles’ legs coming into view. You see in slow motion how he removes Max’s headphones off his head with a little more force than necessary.

Max turns around and a smile makes its way into his face. “Hey love, didn’t hear you come in.”

“You left her alone?! She just had surgery and you left her alone?!”

“She insisted!”

“You should’ve said no!” Charles gives Max’s shoulder a little push and storms out.

You can hear him saying something in French from your room, and you know he’s just cursing Max for leaving you alone.

You hear Max’s friends laughing and making fun of him while your boyfriend looks embarrassed, cheeks impossibly red. He says a quick goodbye before shutting everything down.

Charles enters the room, brows furrowed.

“You didn’t have to do that.” You say, trying to look more angry than amused. “He didn’t want to but I insisted.”

“I told him to take care of you while I was out, was that so hard?”

Max shows up then, shoulders slumped and looking like a kicked puppy.

“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much.” You cross your arms over your chest. “I don’t need you to be by my side every hour of the day.”

Charles' expression relaxes and he opens his mouth to argue, but you raise your hand to stop him.

“I’m not finished,” He closes his mouth and you sigh before saying, “Max, come here.” He immediately does, sitting by your side. “You’re gonna apologize to him now.” You speak to Charles this time, looking intently at him.

Charles lets his head fall forward. Now he’s the one who looks like a kicked puppy and you try very hard not to laugh.

“I’m sorry,” He mumbles, getting up just to sit at the other side of his boyfriend.

“It’s not like you left me alone yesterday so coy could play some FIFA while Max was training.”

Max gasps, clearly offended, “I want a public apology.”

“It was supposed to be a secret!” Charles groans and you slap his arm.

The smile is back on Max’s face.

“They’re gonna make fun of me for life.”

“They already make fun of you, Maxie.”

“Okay, rude.”

“And by the way,” Charles glares at you, pointing an accusatory finger at your face. “We’re just trying to take care of you. I don’t care if we annoy you, we’re not gonna stop.”

“But—”

“No buts,” Charles shuts you up with a kiss. He does the same with Max, peppering his face with kisses as an apology too. “I’ll grab dinner and we can watch a movie.”

Max stands up and follows Charles out of the room.

“I want to help too!”

“No!” they shout from the kitchen.

[lunarw0rks]

Through The Ashes | Chapter Six

Summary: You've been given an offer to join the 141 Task Force. Upon taking it, you find yourself ensnared with the mysterious masked man who won't take his eyes off you.

Warning(s): explicit content (18+), jealous!ghost, car sex, fingering, bite play kinda?, p in v sex, size kink??, themes of terrorism, canon-typical violence, depictions of death, PTSD themes

A/N: i hope you enjoy! | Word Count: 3.9k

꒦꒷ MAIN MASTERLIST ꒷꒦ GHOST MASTERLIST ⋆ ⚘ 🕊 ˚✧ ₊˚ʚ prev. chapter | next chapter // requests | ao3 | playlist

Do Not Negotiate

When you arrived in Chicago, the sounds of the busy city never stopped. The number of civilians walking around at any given moment made you sick to your stomach. They have no clue what kind of danger they’re in—the violence you’re witness to every day.

“Laswell says Hassan was picked up and brought somewhere Downtown. They smuggled the missile here, but the target location they’re after is still unknown.” Price’s voice rang over the burner phone. He ended the call before you could say another word.

You tossed the phone into a trashcan and kept walking, scoping out the district you’ll be hiding out in with your team.

A hand pops out of the dark alleyway and yanks you into it. You’re about to reach for your pistol, but stop when you see his eyes. “What the fuck is wrong with you? I almost shot you!” You exclaimed, looking around you in case someone was eyeing the two of you.

“You’re practically walking around with a target on your back, Sergeant,” His voice emerges more as a growl.

“I went out for some fresh air, the hideout is only a few blocks away.” You say in your defense, removing yourself from his grip. “You’re the one slithering around in the dark, Sir.”

Ever since he spilled his guts to you in Las Almas, there was an eerie serene feeling between the two of you. You had no choice but to stay professional. You heavily doubt he’ll make the mistake of being vulnerable around you again.

“I’ve been tailing you since you walked out the door. You need better ears.”

You scoffed at the audacity of him being anywhere near you. He wouldn’t be unless he was ordered to. “Price put you on this? I didn’t ask for a babysitter.”

He finally steps out of the darkness, continuing to follow behind each step you take. “Captain’s worried about you.” He’s taunting you.

“Yeah, I’m sure he is.” You keep your distance ahead of him, picking up the pace of your walk. The sooner you get back to the hideout, the sooner this conversation will end.

You finally approach the building, not bothering to hold the door open for him when you walk inside. He’s seconds behind you, instantly splitting off from beside you to go off on his own. The makeshift work area is more simply a room with a few chairs, some laptops, and a few bedrolls. You never thought you’d be missing the lodging in Las Almas, but this place made you do just that.

“You sure we can’t add some wallpaper, Cap?” Soap asks Price, who is less than impressed at the joke. You stifled a smirk and proceeded to your “bed”, hoping to finally catch up on the sleep you’d lost the past few weeks. Your body was exhausted by this point.

You were dragged out of your sleep by a boot nudging your rubs, making your lids snap open. You scowled at Soap, who seemed amused with himself.

“We’re going for drinks. Might do you some good to have fun once and a while.” His words are followed by a sneer.

There’s no point in going back to sleep now, you’re wide awake. At least this time there won’t be any suppressed feelings with Ghost—he’s made his feelings, or lack of them very clear—so why not?

You put on a pair of casual boots, pushing yourself to your feet. “Are you only asking me because Ghost didn’t want to come with you?” His reaction to that question answered it for you, making you roll your eyes sarcastically. That’s exactly why he asked you. At least you didn’t have to feel Ghost’s passionless eyes watching your every move for once.

You went over to the mirror in the corner, seeing the bruising on your face had reduced down to small bits of discoloration, no longer a deep shade of rusty violet.

You then slipped on some of the only civilian clothes you packed — a pair of black skinny jeans and a plain shirt paired with a khaki parka to shield you from the rain.

“You look fine.” Soap says, growing impatient at you nitpicking yourself. “Don’t worry about the scars, men find it sexy.” He guides you to the door as if he’s practically shoving you out the door to let loose. You know he’s just gassing you up so you don’t spend the entire evening a sourpuss.

—

You and Soap meet the rest of the team, except for Ghost—who’s out there doing God knows what. For the first time, you’re actually enjoying yourself with them, all in spite of the stressful work that brought you to the city.

You’re sat at the end of the table you were all sharing, merely listening to their conversations, which are complete nonsense by now.

Soap gets up from the seat next to you, leaving it open. “I’ll go get us another round.” You keep your eyes on the drink you’re holding, savoring the bitterness of it when you sip from it. You’d rather relax and laugh at them, instead of with them.

“Where’d you get the scars? They’re badass.” A random bellowed over the crowd, emerging from it. “You some kind of secret agent or something?” He slurs his words and looks as if he can barely keep himself upright.

Your team was still occupied in their drunk conversation, which would probably save you the embarrassment of being flirted with in front of them.

“She’d tell you, but then she’d have to kill you.” The man's eyes widened a bit in fear, and he stumbled away, disappearing into the crowd of patrons again.

You turned around, seeing Ghost standing behind you with a puffed chest. The others didn’t pay much mind to what happened if they even noticed at all. The music playing in the bar stifled almost everything, and you were at the end of the table. He follows the man with his eyes, making sure he was fully gone before he responded. 

He’s dressed the most casually you’ve seen him—a tight black tee with an Army green pair of cargo pants, and in place of the balaclava is a black face mask.

You tightened your brow and set your drink on the table. “Thought you weren’t coming.” You stayed detached with your tone, acting as if you didn’t care whether he was there or not.

“Changed my mind…” His words had a hidden undertone to them, as if he wanted to say more, but didn’t.

You almost retort, but it’s pointless. Once he’s made up his mind, there’s little chance of going back on it. You expect him to sit in the empty seat beside you, but he stays standing, looking like he wants out of the busy bar as soon as possible.

You look down at the time on your phone and leave enough cash to pay your tab. You then stand up from the stool and walk out of the bar, seeing the rental Simon had parked at the entrance.

“Mind giving me a lift?” He was kind enough to inhibit a flirty conversation, so the least he can do is drive you home. He remains silent and climbs inside, waiting for you to get in as well.

As he pulls out of the space, you can’t take it anymore. “I have to ask… How long were you watching us? You timed that cockblock surprisingly well.”

He almost steers off the road at the sudden vulgarity, but there was no sense in beating around the bush. You two have seen too much of each other for that. He turns his head to look at you, then returns his attention to the slick road ahead.

If he were to be honest, he was watching, just not the group. He was watching you.

“Way to keep it professional, Sergeant.” You can tell he’s trying to hide a smile, but the crinkle around his eyes tells you otherwise. “I wasn’t watching… I was—”

“—Watching, spying, the same thing, L.T.” You cut him off, resting your head against the window. “Besides, I thought you over anyone would’ve been in there having a drink.”

“Too bloody loud in there, not my scene.” He replied, reaching the street the hideout was on.

You sneer at him, “Oh, right, I forgot—you only drink alone without any lights on.” You recall the night you and him did just that when you were still new to the team.

He looks over at you, giving an offended glare through the mask, even though deep down he knew you were only playing with him.

That was the first night you looked at him that way. If you had known how things would turn out, you would’ve pushed the desires away the second they flooded you, which was easier said than done. 

You weren’t the master of suppressing feelings like he was; that stung a little to think about.

He parks beside the curb, shutting off the engine. You can tell he’s deep in thought again, almost near dissociation. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out why he wanted anything to do with you, and vice versa. After everything? The confusion he put you through?

“I should probably get to bed.” You reach for your bag, which is at your feet. Your hand is hovering over the handle, ready to push it open.

“That bloke in the bar,” he freezes you in your tracks, “why’d you give him the time of day?”

You took your hand off the table and looked at him with a baffled expression.

“Because there wouldn’t be baggage attached.” You reply facetiously, your mouth still slightly agape in shock. “Why are you so curious?”

“You need better judgment. He was pathetic.”

“You sure you didn’t have anything to drink, Sir?” You asked teasingly. You were wondering where this sudden vigilance came from since he showed up behind you at the bar.

“Painfully sober, Sergeant…”

Your faces were only inches apart now, both staring at one another over the center console. It was the same look he gave you before he kissed you weeks ago—a look of appetite. This time, you initiated the ravenous kiss before he had time to rethink it. You pulled down his mask and pushed your lips toward his.

His hands were gripping your shoulders, and you were climbing into the driver’s seat without a hitch. You break away for air, resting your forehead against his as you look into his eyes for any sign of hesitation. There is none, but you can tell he’s holding himself back.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered into your mouth as if that was going to stop you now.

You trace your thumb along his Adam’s apple, giving it a little pressure. “There’s no rule saying we have to like each other.” His eyes flash a deeper look of arousal at your words as if that’s what he was waiting to hear.

He keeps one hand on your waist, and the other pulls your shirt and jacket off, allowing him to run his tongue down your cleavage. He nibbles on the skin of your breast while you let out a gasp. Last time, he barely did anything to serve you, so it was a new palette of sensations to experience.

He bites down on the cup of your bra, then lets it go, letting it harshly snap against your breast. Your breathing hitches, feeling the sting of it afterward.

He forces his fingers down your waistband, running his fingers over your clothed clit. You shakily gasped, feeling his cock begin to harden through his pants. Not long after, you slipped them off, careful not to elbow the horn behind you. Now you’re in your panties, straddling his clothed length.

You’re stomach to stomach with him. He lifts you up briefly to slide his pants down to his mid-thighs, now exposing his cock to you. You’re more focused on seeing his face, instead of just his eyes—or like last time, only his mouth.

This time it’s his whole face right there in front of you, a sight you never thought you’d have the privilege of seeing. His chiseled jaw, small scars riddling his face; and most of all the chestnut-brown eyes eye-fucking you.

You begin to tremor your hips against him, feeling your wetness soak through the fabric so much you could see it seeping on his manhood already.

He grunts and shoves you off of it, instead pulling the tongue of your panties to the side, inserting his middle and ring finger inside your moistened walls, curling them into an arch, which only heightened the feeling of pleasure.

He slowly inserted his lengthy fingers into you over and over again, making you grind against them for more. You could finish from his skilled hands alone. He flicked his from his own fingers, up to your face, noticing your eagerness for more of him. He took that as his sign to continue.

When he removes his digits, you guide yourself onto him, sinking slowly to make sure you’re adjusted to his size first.

“Fuck, you feel good around me…” He trembles, his eyes rolling back against the headrest of the seat.

It took a few moments, but eventually, the feeling of him inside of you made you whimper, getting quicker as you panted into his mouth. You leaned into the crook of his neck as he gripped onto your hips, guiding your movements when you grew too sensitive to keep consistent. You clenched around him tightly in response, causing him to shutter in anticipation for more.

“You can take more than that, Love.” He whispered into your ear, gripping your hips tighter before forcing them all the way down on his length with one rough shove. A sharp cry escaped your lips at the sudden change in the amount of length you were taking.

He seemed more than amused at your reaction, continuing to harshly put you down on him, and all you could do was sit there. He secretly loved the way you let him manhandle you, making you take him however he pleased.

Your hand pressed against the frosted window, the warmth of your hand causing a visible print to show on the outside.

Your thighs burned as the motion worked their muscles, sure to make you sore in the morning. In the moment, you didn’t feel the fatigue, only the feeling of his tip deep inside of you, brushing against your cervix. His size bulged through your stomach if you looked closely at it.

You expected him to get sloppy as he was nearing his climax, but he kept his stamina the entire time, using every bit of his strength to keep guiding your body. Hushed, low grunts escaped his lips, most muffled by his mouth against your neck as he rode out his high.

He placed the heel of his hand against your bud, lightly pressing down, so with each thrust you got some friction on it. When your moans got more out of control, he continued thrusting upwards into you, covering your mouth with the other hand to ensure no one nearby could hear.

With a few slamming thrusts that became more spaced out, he released inside of you, coating your entrance as he pulled himself out. You’re slumped against him as you catch your breath, finally relaxing your exhausted muscles.

He traces his fingers over your shoulder blades, then down the curve of your spine, as if to soothe the weakness he knows you’re experiencing.

He kissed your neck tenderly as you peeled yourself off his lap, back into the passenger side. You tongued your bottom lip, still running off the euphoric high you just experienced. He reached down and grabbed your bottoms, allowing you to get redressed.

It was ironic. Even after him being deep inside of you, practically exploring every inch of you, you still couldn’t say a word to him. Nor could he, still feeling like he was using you in some way—like he was repeating old mistakes.

You opened the car door, clenching your wallet in your fist. You catch a glimpse of your reflection in the windshield; your cheeks are flushed, hair a mess, lips still puffy from his bites.

He remains in the car, watching you as you return to the inside of the safehouse.

When you arrive inside, a sense of relief washes over you, seeing that none of the boys are back yet. Thank God for you—there would be few ways to explain your appearance away.

Surely, them seeing you leave the bar so abruptly was going to be suspicious enough, you didn’t need more.

You take a lengthy shower, using the steam to soothe the tension you’re carrying. When you exit the bathroom, everyone is back from the bar. Price is working somewhere in the shadows, Gaz is typing away on his laptop.

You overhear Soap’s prying through the paper thin walls.

“Something you’re not telling me, Ghost?”

“Like what, Johnny?”

“Don’t act coy, L.T. The handprint… you took someone on a joyride.”

Your cheeks heat up in humiliation, praying that Ghost will explain it away somehow. If a loudmouth like Soap finds out, you’ll never hear the end of it. Not to mention Price. Oh God, Price…

“You’d get the chance if you focused on yourself, Johnny. I ain’t telling you the details.”

You give a hefty sigh of relief, moving away from your eavesdropping position when the two men emerge from the kitchen. You pretend to be flipping through the pages of the book you bought, laying on your back on the bedroll. In reality, you’re using the book as a prop to hide your facial expression.

“Goodnight.” Soap says as he slips inside of his bedroll, which of course has to be parallel to yours—and he’s senselessly unaware of the stages of grief his gossiping just put you through. You mutter a goodnight in return, gazing at the cracks in the ceiling above you.

—

“Did you hear what I said, Private?” Price’s stern voice snaps you out of your blank stare.

“Right,” You start, examining the eyes on you from each member of your team. “We’re going to find Hassan somewhere downtown, and redirect the missiles.” You repeat what he briefed, only getting a squint in response.

You were right, technically, so there’s no proof you weren’t listening. In reality, you’re combing over everything that happened yesterday.

Fucking each other was better than being at one another’s throats—but you were somehow stuck in the purgatory between the two. You’ll just keep doing what you’ve been forcing yourself to do for months—shut everything off, and get the damn job done.

Why was this so hard to keep up? Maybe he was right, and you really weren’t meant to be with someone like him, otherwise you’re plagued by a debate of being honest or changing the way you feel completely. 

You risk losing any semblance of trust or losing yourself.

—

“Laswell will be completing our overwatch. Hassan is surrounded by loyal, heavily-trained AQ reinforcements. I want all of you to stick together, and keep civilian casualties to a minimum. Everyone got it?”

Everyone is laser focused as your vans speed through the streets of Chicago, swerving through rush hour traffic as you race for the downtown. You grip your weapon tightly, keeping your eyes peeled for anyone who seems out of place. You need to find the missile control before Hassan is tipped off on your team’s presence and decides to detonate.

The brakes jerk everyone in the seats as fast as their feet are at hitting the pavement. You’ve reached one of the target buildings—a shell company owned by the Las Almas Cartel.

“You have authority to execute any hostiles. Find that missile control and shut it down.” Price booms through the comms. You do just that, following in formation as you sweep the building.

These AQ soldiers weren’t just following orders like the Shadows—no, they were here to cause chaos among innocents—you didn’t have any doubt as you dropped any you faced.

“Finish evac on the civilians, Garrick. We’re heading toward the Control Room.” You follow behind Soap and Ghost, finally reaching your destination. Ghost hovers in front of the control panel, Laswell in his ear instructing him on how to disarm the missile.

You’re on your toes as you guard the room, looking outside at the city bustling in the distance, no clue what kind of danger they’re in.

“Copy. Entering disarm code now, Laswell.” With a few beeps, he succeeds in disarming it. You resume your position behind them as you retreat back down the levels.

Now, you needed to find Hassan. He’s still out there, still just as dangerous without the missile as he was with it.

When you reach the outside, you hear distant gunshots from a few blocks away, making your squad scramble back inside the vehicle. As you race even faster than before, you hear the emerging screams of civillians.

You don’t remember getting out of the car, just that you’re now in cover behind a stone fountain, hearing gunfire ricochet around you. You peek out and open fire at the targets—each one you drop is a breadcrumb to Hassan.

“Parkway is clear. Moving on to the shopping plaza on Main Street. Multiple civilian casualties along the way, Sir.” You speak into your radio, tiptoeing along the streets as your forced to listen to the misery around you.

“Alleyways are clear.” Gaz emerges from them, meeting in the middle with Ghost, Soap, and you.

You eventually reach the middle of the Plaza, where Hassan is hidden somewhere. By now, he’ll be more reckless, and with even less to live for. You felt the anger bubble in your stomach when you saw innocents injured, or crying out as they held their dead loved ones. It made you sick to your stomach, no matter how many times you have seen it.

“I would rather die than surrender!” Hassan’s voice is heard from somewhere above, making your team stop in their tracks. You spot him, standing above on one of the apartment complexes, holding a grenade in his fist.

You aim your sights at him. “Visual on target, Captain. He’s on top of the apartment complex by the market.”

He responds to your call quickly and firmly. “Do not negotiate. Execute the target before more people are blown to bits.”

“You don’t get to surrender, Hassan. Look around you. Look at the innocents you’ve killed.” Soap thunders up at him, his lips pressed into a tight line of disgust.

“My message will always carry. My men will always fight, even after I’m gone.” He reaches for the pin of the grenade and loops his finger through it. Your scope doesn’t leave his head, even at the prospect of being blown apart.

You don’t think. You don’t breathe. You shoot—instantly watching as he tumbles over the railing of the balcony, causing a gruesome scene that painted the street below.

You should be relieved that no one else got hurt, but you’re not. The feeling of numbness is quick to stifle any appreciation you’re receiving. You wince at the sight of his corpse, forcing yourself to advert your eyes.

“Good shots.” Soap pats your shoulder, but you have no reaction to the praise. You didn’t deserve any of it. It felt wrong. All you could picture were the innocents that lost their lives today, the ones who are going home without a loved one tonight, those who will have no visitors in the hospital.

“Target is down, Sir.” You affirm into the radio, staring vacuously at the people you couldn’t save in time.

TAGLIST: @neoarchipelago @ghostlythots @gothgirl6-6-6 @cloudyyjanee @ladyelissarose @almightywdm @glitterypirateduck @brokenghostgirl1

[always-andromeda]

𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖 𝐀𝐋𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐓

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐞 “𝐃𝐢𝐨” 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐱 𝐅𝐞𝐦!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 3313

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: sorry, friends. I’ve had this one sitting in my drafts for literally. almost two months. 😬 but no matter, we’re posting this now. I'm a sucker for a dark haired, emo asshole. for those who know me, this attachment was inevitable; forgive me.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: smut (minors, do not interact <3), descriptions of p in v sex, oral, cum play, biting, choking, overstimulation, voyeurism, free use, occasional pet names (princess, baby, good girl, sweetheart), slight elements of sadomasochism, descriptions of cigarette usage, nothing else I can think of!

𝐀 = 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 (𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐱)

Let's not beat around the bush. Dio is not great when it comes to aftercare. Hell, he's not even good at it. He's not too eager to get cleaned up, preferring to sit in the post-climax haze and revel in how sensitive you still are. He'll teasingly stroke your outer lips or the raw spots on your side where his fingers had been gripping on. But don't expect him to get all cuddly. If you tried he'd scoff, "Jesus, it's way too hot for that. Give me some space, princess." The most praise you'll get from is him whispering, "Good girl," as he strokes your hair.

𝐁 = 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 (𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬)

Dio is quite fond of his shoulders and arms. They're perfect for caging you into his space. They look good clad in his worn leather and slung around your frame, not so subtly showing the lowlifes that flit around him that he's already got a girl of his own. He's also a huge fan of your neck. Especially how it looks when it's all marked up. Whether you try to hide them or not,  he’s proud to know that he gets to claim you as his own. 

𝐂 = 𝐂𝐮𝐦 (𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐦, 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲)

This man will cum anywhere but inside of you essentially. He's not looking to have any sort of pregnancy scares and protection isn't exactly always at the ready with him. He kind of has to have a top tier pullout game. Besides, you worked so hard to make him cum, might as well actually see the result of your efforts, right?

Sometimes he'll ask you where you want it, but usually he already has a location in mind and it takes a little bit of convincing to change his mind once he's made it up. But be rest assured, wherever his spend lands, he's swiping up some of it on his finger and making you lick it up. He purrs gently, "C'mon, baby, get it all," and pushes his finger even further past your lips. He won't ease up until you do in fact get it all. And he's definitely kissing you long and hard afterwards. What's better than the taste of him still lingering on your tongue?

𝐃 = 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 (𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐬)

Dio doesn't feel much shame about anything. But one thing he'll never let you know of is just how much he loves marking you up. And not just from hickies on your neck. Sometimes he'll deliberately dig his fingers a little deeper into your hips while he's fucking you. And he feels a tiny bit guilty when you cry in pain, but it almost immediately dissolves when he pictures the gorgeous bruises that'll bloom over your skin in the coming days. Then he has the audacity to tell you not to put your clothes back on, just so he can trace over those spots, soothing them with the instruments that made them in the first place. He's so proud of himself for being able to pull you apart only to put you back together again.

𝐄 = 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲? 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠?)

Oh, the man is experienced, alright. And he'd never let you forget it. You might be his Queen of Darkness or whatever other punk rock bullshit he spouts, but Dio sure didn't turn into the King of Darkness overnight. And he proves it right from the jump by making you cum four times the first time he hooks up with you. He somehow seems to know just how to navigate every crook and curve of your body and coaxes the best crescendoing climaxes from you. In both the worst and best ways, Dio is like no other person you've been with.

𝐅 = 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Dio absolutely loves being ridden. Sure, he can fold you in half and pound you like a champ. But he likes when you take the reins. It gets his blood rushing, having you proudly towering over him, taking his cock. It doesn't even have to involve penetration. Grind down on his thigh or even just his stomach and he'll be so hard that he practically has no choice but to palm himself through his dark jeans while he watches the show.

𝐆 = 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐲 (𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬? 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

He's as serious as a heart attack. Sex with Dio is intense and always leaves some kind of an impact on you. If anyone’s laughing, it’s him chuckling over how much of a mess you are for him. 

𝐇 = 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲? 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬? 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

His dick sprouts from a bush of unkempt, curly, dark hair that trails up his lower stomach. I’m telling you, that bush is thick. And he definitely likes making you bury your nose directly in it when you go down on him. 

𝐈 = 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭)

Whatever sentimental feelings Dio may have for you, they rarely, if ever, come out during sex. In fact, all of his vulnerabilities are masked by about a dozen different layers of sarcasm, superstitious nonsense, and his superiority complex. So if Dio truly loves you, you'll only see that genuine adoration in little glimpses.

It's the occasional peck on your lips when he's just finished and he's still trying to come back to reality. Or him being a little bit gentler with your body when he's fucking you on your period. Or him kissing old bruises on your thighs and whispering, "Sorry, sweetheart," before diving right into your cunt. It may be a bit cold and shriveled, but there is a heart underneath that sardonic, leather coated exterior.

Sometimes in the midst of this fucked up world, he's tempted to bury himself six feet under. But you drag him right back up from the depths of hell every time. He doesn't make you aware of those feelings often, but when he does, you can't help but almost sob at his moments of fucked up tenderness.

𝐉 = 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟𝐟 (𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧)

He's a little bit of a sex fiend, but he's never been the type to actually masturbate that often. Touching himself only gets him so far. He much prefers having someone else to engage with. It’s the power plays and mutual pleasure that really gets him going.

However, when he does masturbate, it’s a slow, burning build up. There’s not an ounce of desperation in his thrusts as he marches himself towards a release before calmly pulling himself back. Dio doesn’t let himself get off that easy. It’s just his hips languidly rolling into his hand. He takes sharp breaths in through his clenched teeth and occasionally lets out a few low moans. It’s a sacred affair that leads to his eyes rolling back in his head and him spurting ropes of thick spend over his toned stomach. Worn out and filled with self satisfaction, that’s when he lets himself kick back.

𝐊 = 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤 (𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬)

Okay, buckle up, because there's quite a few. First and foremost, voyeurism. See the location prompt for elaboration on that point. Bits of sadomasochism here and there. That usually entails some overstimulation, choking, biting, hair pulling from both ends. He just likes sinking his teeth, his tongue, his fingers, his cock, his...everything...into you. He's also particularly fond of making you wear one of his necklaces while he's fucking you. There's something almost hypnotic about the way the pendant bounces against the valley between your tits; he could totally get lost staring at the sight. There's also some traces of a free use kink around everything he does. When the lines between completely innocent and downright filthy are blurred, he's a happy guy.

𝐋 = 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨)

Anytime and anywhere. Dio takes a lot of pride in being able to have you anywhere he wants, especially if there's the chance of being seen or heard and especially if those seeing and hearing are the people that hang around him. Nothing strikes intimidation in the hearts of his followers like seeing their idol make a girl scream and cry for him.

Give him a bedroom. A bathroom. A closet. A couch. Even just an empty wall and he can make that moment last forever for you. Maybe it's his demonic powers or maybe it's just his sheer cockiness that has you melting for him. Either way, it's difficult to stay lucid around that man; you're a complete goner.

𝐌 = 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐨𝐧, 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠)

A chase. More than anything, Dio enjoys having something to crave. Sure, having you available just for him can be nice, but he also wants to fight for it a little. Even if it's just an illusion of a challenge, that just makes it more exciting for him. 

𝐍 = 𝐍𝐨 (𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐨, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬)

There are very few limits to what Dio would be willing to do. His biggest no would be adding any extra partners into the mix. He doesn't care if anyone else watches. But if there is even the slightest chance that someone might steal his thunder? It brings him completely out of the moment. God forbid one of his friends suggests a threesome. He'll have them on the ground, beaten and bloody within minutes. You're all his; no one else gets to touch. He's a bit possessive (and insecure) in that way.

𝐎 = 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 (𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

While he certainly isn't opposed to giving, he really prefers receiving. There's just something so beautiful about having you on your knees, staring up at him, putting so much trust in him. It's even better if you don't have any experience or at least feign ignorance of having any experience. It gives him a chance to instruct you. He likes being a bit bossy, showing you exactly what makes his toes curl. He'll hold your hair and slowly guide you along the length of his cock, taking his sweet time getting acclimated to the silky smooth warmth of your mouth.

But your lack of experience doesn't grant you any mercy; he'll still find a way to be a bit mean about it. If he's not quite satisfied with the amount of friction, he'll grab your hair and push you down just a little deeper. Just enough to make you gag so he can see the tears well up in your eyes. When you feel his warm cum hit the back of your throat and he finally pulls out, he holds your jaw and orders you to open your mouth just to make sure you swallowed all of what he gave you.

𝐏 = 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐞 (𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡? 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥? 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

Depending on how he'd like to torment you, he can go either way. But what he loves most is giving you slow, steady strokes. So leisurely in his movements that your heels dig into his back, urging him to give you just a little more friction. Then, right when you're just about to give up on getting him to listen to you at all, he slams right into you. It knocks the breath from your lungs and makes you let out this halfhearted yelp. And Dio watches as your whole body shakes and seems to crumble even further into the mattress. So, yeah, he can do it fast if he wants to. But there's more fun in making you fall apart with just a little bit of control.

𝐐 = 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐞 (𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

Of course Dio would love to spend a long while edging you until your legs are trembling and you're begging him to let you cum. But, alas, the outside world exists and he can't always spend his time fucking you no matter how much he would like to.

So, that leads to many quick rounds where he's telling you to keep quiet before putting one hand over your mouth and shoving the other down your pants. It also leads to him breaking out those puppy dog eyes and undoing his belt and the button of his jeans in preparation to ask you to give him one quick ride before you have to go off to work. Just know that regardless of if he's getting or giving that single orgasm, he's going to make it as worth it as possible for the time he's allowed.

𝐑 = 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 (𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬? 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

Of course he's game for risk in almost every sense of the word. That's the name of the game, baby. However, there are definitely times where he can go a bit too far and boundaries would need to be set. Like if you need a safe word? He's there for it.

𝐒 = 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫? 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭?)

Dio's stamina can be almost impossibly relentless at times. He'll completely ruin you, pull out, cum on your stomach, and flop over beside you. And before it even has any time to begin to dry, he's already looking over you and asking, "Ready to go again?"

𝐓 = 𝐓𝐨𝐲𝐬 (𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐲𝐬? 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦? 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬?)

I'm telling you, this man would love to get his hands on one of those remote controlled vibrators. They might be on the pricier side but it's completely guaranteed that he'd make every penny completely worth it. He'd keep the controller in one of his big jacket pockets and pat it teasingly whenever you mouth off or tease him a little too much in front of his friends. When you finally push the envelope, he'll simply lean over and whisper in your ear, "You forced my hand, baby," and chuckle when you start to squirm for him.

I also see him being the type that would love to have some sort of bed restraint system. Sure, he'd like to get you all restrained. But he'd like it if you got him all hooked up instead. We know that he likes being presented with a challenge. And being all tied up to a bed frame is yet another hurdle for him to attempt to jump over. But don't get it twisted, he's not whining and begging anytime soon. It's more like he's daring you to touch him, to make him strain against the ropes and grasp for any inch of your skin that he can get to. "Make me want it, baby," he'd sneer defiantly, only egging you on more.

𝐔 = 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞)

This man is top tier when it comes to teasing. He has this way of coming off so gentle, so innocent, and so enticing. His voice would get so raspy and soft and he'd look at you like you're the only thing that he could ever truly worship. He'll play the game and be nice to get you where he wants you and as soon as he does, a switch flips and he turns into the cockiest little monster imaginable. He finds it so humorous when you squirm upon feeling his hot breath. "What? Is my little princess getting impatient?" he chuckles. But he won't hear anything about how he was literally begging to be between your legs just a few minutes ago. He has ways to make sure you don't question him.

Dio is not only proficient in the art of teasing but he is also a huge fan of being teased himself. He fantasizes over the way your fingers ghost over his tan skin and leaves him shivering. Even just your eyes drinking up his lean figure while he's under you renders him speechless. He's completely at your mercy and you better savor it because it won't happen often.

𝐕 = 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞, 𝐞𝐭𝐜.)

Don't expect to be hearing any sort of whimpering or whining from him (the majority of the time). But you can expect to hear some deliciously loud, low groans and dramatic sighs. He also has a tendency to curse under his breath, his voice all raspy and drawn out. One of his favorites, especially when he's sinking into you is, "Oh, fuuuuck, baby," followed by a relaxed chuckle. If he's feeling good, you're going to know all about it.

𝐖 = 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫)

Two words. Nipple piercings. I just know he has them. At first it was a choice he made for aesthetic purposes. He's got loads of other shiny accessories, what's another one for the collection? But the biggest perk was definitely his nipple sensitivity skyrocketing. That's when they become more of a little secret he keeps instead of something he flaunts openly. He tends to wear baggy clothing so only those who are lucky enough to sleep with him get to see them (and use them against him). Spoiler alert: he'll whimper a little bit if you suck on them just right.

𝐗 = 𝐗-𝐫𝐚𝐲 (𝐥𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬)

He’s close to six inches when hard and on the skinnier side but he knows how to use it well. The underside of his shaft is lined with a prominent vein that is a little bit intimidating on his tan skin. Definitely circumcised with a slightly darker, bulbous, mushroom head tip. It's a somewhat manageable size but he wields it like a weapon.

𝐘 = 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?)

You never quite know what you're going to get with Dio. If he's in one of his moods, he makes a point to abstain. Sometimes coming doesn't give him the release of stress that he's looking for and he straight up gets bored with going through the motions. But when that craving comes back? Get ready for a big storm.

Look forward to him thoroughly pounding into you, chasing every cry you let out as his balls slap against you. He'll grab at your thighs and hike your legs up just to get the perfect angle, working his way impossibly deeper into you. Get ready for him to be spreading you open and lapping at your cunt like he's a starving man. He'll be licking up every ounce of you and growling at the taste while palming himself through his jeans. In those moments, he swears that he doesn't need to take any drug ever again. He's completely and utterly high off your aura and he'll never need another fix again. Every once in a while he'll purposely go cold turkey because he knows that when he lets out all that feral energy, it's going to feel fucking fantastic. 

𝐙 = 𝐙𝐳𝐳 (𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬)

Dio is the type to need a cigarette after having sex. No matter how hard he cums, he'll have that buzz running through his system and feels like he needs that dose of nicotine to keep it going. It never really hits the way he wants it to. As soon as he's done, he puts the cigarette out on the ashtray on the bedside table and puts his arm around your shoulder. Then he stares down at you, chest heavy and beaming with pride at his mangled toy. He glistens in sweat and somehow looks like a god, though you know he'd oppose that immediately if you said it. Instead, you let him kiss you like he'd kissed that damn cigarette and you taste its smoky residue and the nutty undertones. But it's the bitterness that takes over. It's always bitter when it ends, always.

[starlightshadowsworld]

To be burned in light

(While Kouyou's in the Agency's clutches, she and Atsushi have an unexpected talk. Atsushi reveals he understands her situation better than Kouyou realises.

Tw for talking about child abuse.)

Atsushi hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He should leave, he was done here. Kouyou was doing well, she was updated on the plan with Dazai.

The peace between them was delicate. The whole time Atsushi felt like he was standing on ice. One wrong move and it would crack, sending him falling into the icy depths.

What Atsushi wanted to say would no doubt get him stabbed. He would deserve it too, because he would absolutely be crossing a line.

And yet, at the same time Atsushi felt it needed to be.

"Ozaki" 

The Port Mafia Executive sighed, exasperated "what now boy?" She was certain he'd have ran the moment they were finished. The whole time he'd been civil but out of duty.

Much like herself. 

Oh sure Kouyou wanted to attack him. But now wasn't the time for that, not when Kyouka's safety was on the line.

The Agency wouldn't take kindly too the weretiger showing up bleeding out. Besides, Dazai was the brains behind this operation and he'd taken the brat under his wing.

He'd always been protective over who he deemed as his people. Not that Kouyou could say much, she was the same.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry." Said Atsushi. Kouyou smiled but it wasn't kind. "Whatever for? Taking my dear Kyouka from me?"

Atsushi held back a wince at at. It wasn't the words themselves, but the tone. Chilling, barely restrained rage that reminded Atsushi all to well of the Headmaster.

Atsushi had his back to her but that didn't mean he couldn't feel her sharp gaze on him. He took a deep breath and braced himself.

"I'm sorry that the light burned you."

The smile on Kouyou's face fell. Whatever she was expecting him to say, it wasn't that. Her mind went blank, she couldn't formulate a response. And even if she could, what do you say to that?

Atsushi took her silence and that he wasn't being stabbed, as a sign go continue.

"I don't know you, I won't pretend that I do. Or that we're anything but maybe allies but..." Atsushi takes a deep breath in "the light won't burn Kyouka."

Anger.

Anger like Kouyou had never felt in her life filled her veins. Her composure shattered.

"You know nothing! How dare you, you drag my Kyouka into this destructive light. And than you have the audacity to say that you can gurrantee her safety."

Atsushi didn't so much as flinch at her words. He turned around to face her. The look in his eyes was not one of fright or fear like Kouyou expected, but sadness.

"Because the light burned me too." His voice was soft but there was a strength to it that hadn't been there before. Kouyou was taken aback, she was still angry but curious.

"I was born into darkness. I'll spare you the details but my parents were awful people. One thing led to another and eventually they threw me out" He chuckled, but there was no humour in it.

"Literally, in a rubbish bag. But someone found me, let me out and took me back to his Orphanage." Atsushi wasn't looking at her.

His gaze was fixed on the wall behind her. But it felt like was looking at a person.

"He was the Headmaster. He gave me clean clothes to wear, a place to sleep. And even took the leftovers they had and cooked me some Chakuze. It was the best meal I ever had."

He shakes his head, a sad smile on his face.

"So I ended up staying, not like I had anywhere to go. And I was in debt to him. I'd be dead without him, so I did whatever he ordered me too like a servant to a king."

Atsushi looks at Kouyou. "You stabbed me when we met." It's not accusatory, there's no anger in it he just states it like a fact. "I did" confirms Kouyou, not sure where he's going with this.

"I stopped bleeding before Kunikida and Kenji showed up. Akutugawa cut off my leg off, it came back in minutes." Said Atsushi.

Kouyou nodded, unable to move her gaze away. It's true she stabbed the boy, anyone else would be left wailing in agony before suffering a slow death.

Even without Kyouka's intrusion. Kouyou was one of the best assassins in the Port Mafia for a reason.

She hadn't known Akutugawa had done that. And here it was, like nothing had ever happened.

The weretiger had an incredible healing factor, so to have scars that were clearly years old seemed impossible.

And yet here they were.

She'd have thought he was lying if she didn't know Akutugawa. Or of she hadn't fought the weretiger prior.

"I was mopping the bathroom, knocked over a bucket of water." Explained Atsushi, letting his shirt roll back into place. "I wasn't referring to a literal burn" Said Kouyou, regaining her composure.

But Atsushi just chuckled.

"Yeah, I know. But I figured it'd get my point across."

His smile fell "the man who saved my life turned into my own personal nightmare. That might be the only scar I have to show for it, but I should have so much more."

Kouyou found herself believing him. People like that never striked once, especially if it began over something so trivial."You're afraid we'll do the same to Kyouka."

Kouyou nodded "it's a fair assumption. Besides, how do I know this isn't all a rouse conjured up by your mentor to win me pity."

Even she knew that wasn't the case, but it was hard to accept this. That this boy on some level understood her, that he was trying to reach an understanding with her.

"No one in the Agency knows about my past." Said Atsushi. Kouyou raised an eyebrow in disbelief but Atsushi just shrugged.

"It's true. They know it was rough. But they don't know the details. It took Dazai so long to believe I got kicked out in the first place."

The kid was practically transparent. He was like an open book. A liar he was not and despite herself Kouyou deemed what he was saying truthful.

"Than why tell your enemy? I could easily use this against you."

Atsushi shook his head, amused "can't be any worse than I use it against myself. And if you do... Well it was for Kyouka anyway so it was worth it."

That suprised her.

Kouyou had noticed, she'd have to be blind not to see that the weretiger had a fondness for Kyouka. Almost like that of an older brother, but how? "Why would you go so far for her? You barely know her."

Because as much as Kouyou wanted to deny it, the lad did care. He had been alight with protective fury, so much so he'd been about to attack her before Dazai stepped in.

All because he deemed her a threat to Kyouka. He hadn't cared that she'd attacked him, only that she could hurt Kyouka. That's where his priorities lied, it was clear as day.

She expected the usual response, that it was because he was of the Armed Detective Agency. That he was on the good and just side that saved lives. But that was not the response she got.

"It sounds dumb but... When I saw her on the train with that bomb strapped to her chest. All I could think, was that she looked scared." He hugged his arms around himself.

"I've always been helpless, too powerless to do anything. No one was ever there to help me, no one wanted too. When I looked at Kyouka, I saw myself." Said Atsushi, a frown on his face as he recalled that fight.

"I didn't want to fight her, I had no choice. We found out the bomb was rigged. Kyouka, she said she didn't want to kill anyone else and jumped out the train. I went after her, destroyed the bomb and we fell into the water."

Kouyou absorbed this, and made several mental notes to have a word with Akutugawa... Because to strap a bomb on her Kyouka and rig it to explode no matter what.... He was going to pay for it.

"I see, I can't say I quite understand your reasonings... But I am glad you were there." Kouyou admitted, Atsushi blinked in suprise but than smiled.

"Of course."

Atsushi's gaze flickered to the wall again before looking at her. "The women who treated your wounds was Doctor Yosano. She once worked under your Boss, back when he was underground doctor."

But she wasn't content to let this end there.

"But you may care for her, reluctant as I am to admit it. But who's to say your fellow Agency members won't shun her away. That they won't do as your Headmaster once did to you."

Kouyou blinked in suprise, she hadn't known that. Though it made sense she supposed. Looking back the doctor was kind but she was quite sadistic for one living in the light.

"We didn't even know Dazai was former Port Mafia up until recently, and frankly no one cares." Said Atsushi with a small fond smile. "... I can't tell if that's endearing or stupid" replied Kouyou.

Somehow his confidence was infectious, because she felt her worry dim.

Atsushi shrugs "and well, the President was a former assassin. And between you and me, his ability might just be adopting strays. He wouldn't turn her away." He said, and it honestly suprised Kouyo to hear the unwavering confidence in his voice as he spoke of his boss.

It was still there, but it was less than before. Kouyou knew Fukuzawa, not personally but she'd heard enough to back that claim from Mori himself.

"Will I be able to see her?"

Atsushi looked at her in suprise and Kouyou scoffed. "You haven't won me over yet brat." But it was clear she was wavering. Atsushi didn't comment on it though.

"That'll be up to her. But I won't stop you, neither will anyone else unless Kyouka declines or you become a threat to her."

That, Kouyou would agree with. It didn't escape her that the weretiger specified if she became became a threat to Kyouka. Both of them knew once she returned to the Port Mafia, this alliance was over.

... But maybe this alliance could last just a little longer.

"Very well, I agree to those terms." Said Kouyou. Atsushi nodded, turning to the door. "We can talk when I get another update, but I've taken up too much of you're time. I should go."

He got up to leave but Kouyou stopped him. "Before you go, what is your name?." Atsushi paused, suprised and turned back to her. "It's Atsushi. Atsushi Nakajima."

Kouyou nodded, committing the name to memory. "Thank you, Nakajima." She waved her hand dismissively and Atsushi bid her goodbye and left.

She'd lied, she had another question but hadn't been prepared to ask. Probably because Kouyou had already figured out the answer.

'Why did he apologise?'

It was because Atsushi had looked at her, and he'd seen himself. His Headmaster had never apologised, the man probably never would. So Atsushi had apologised to her, just incase it helped.

Kouyou chuckled to herself, what a strange boy.

She looked out the window, watching the bright cloudless sky. 'I will take you out there and show you the radiant world.' Was what he'd said.

Before the ex Boss found out. And the very light she'd become entranced by, was the very same light that burned her.

Dazai had told her the same fate would not befall Kyouka. But it wasn't until now that Kouyou believed him.It will be kinder to Kyouka than it ever was to her.

'And I hope it this radiant light will he kind to you, Nakajima.'

(To clarify on Atsushi's past, because there's a lot of headcannons about it.

The only part that's confirmed in canon is the burn scars, but not the cause though it seems linked to punishment involving chores. And that yes Atsushi's parents threw him away in a bin in a rubbish bag.)

[rozyrne]

the fact that her retainers didn't come to meet her - the audacity! - means she has to seek them out herself in a flounce of rose perfume and fluttering petticoats.

it's evening when she sets out, bells chiming as students mill between classes. she won't get distracted, even with all the new sights and sounds! ..well, maybe a bit. there are flowers she has never seen growing her, and the weather is so much nicer, but - no! she's on a mission!

( she does pluck a flower, though, discreetly. other students are doing it - so surely it's fine if she does, right? besides, she's a princess! )

there are so many faces. so many students, and most of them older than she. she puffs out her chest and pushes through the crowd with the determination only a teenage girl can carry, and finally - finally! - she spots a familiar bow and blue-pink hair.

"you kept me waiting long enough!" she calls out to her retainer, pushing her way uncaringly through the crowd to stand in front of him, hands on her hips. "how rude!"

and yet - despite her harsh words, she's smiling. a rare hortensia smile, the sort worth capturing on a canvas - a real smile, not that saccharine royal smile. the slope of her lips is gentle, her eyes bright.

she throws herself at rosado, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"how have you been?" is asked quieter, more vulnerable. closer to his ear. a weakness for few and far in between - a weakness for not just her retainer, but her friend.

he'll swear it up, sideways, and upside-down on the jana and the divine one and everything in between — that he was looking for her first! bonus points of being well-liked and having a bunch of people to talk to was that he was never ever late to the latest and greatest scoops, and even in a place as full to bursting with royalty as this academy, word of a princess still makes it down the grapevine to his eager ear.

did you see her dress? yep, that's elusia for you!

i swear the newbies that keep showing up here are each crazier-looking than the last. that's her highness princess hortensia you're talking about! and my best friend, to boot.

rosado, of course, didn't usually like to brag ( it wasn't very cute ) but today, today, he couldn't help it.

hortensia— hortensia— was on the way!

he totally didn't sleep last night. ( but when's that ever bothered him? )

so he'll swear it on his best brushes, his favorite platform heels, and all his sweet snacks for the rest of the week. that when hortensia finds him, it's because he's lost track of where to look at the town gates around so many people, and because she's always been a little smaller than most; there's no way a princess should be showing up to the academy unreceived, right? not by her retainers, and definitely not by her friends.

he'll remember that look on her face forever, anyway. like the kind of candy you had once as a kid that changed your life maybe, and you could never find it again anywhere else. and then one day it just shows up, completely out of the blue. he doesn't get to see it all that much, anymore.

"you're here . . . ! you're actually, really here! i almost can't believe it," he gasps, utters, and breathes into her shoulder, squeezing and rocking from foot to foot like he doesn't want to let go, grinning so hard his face hurts. she smells like the sea freshly crossed and the sky so blue and a little of the snow and ice of elusia, a little like powder and taffeta and bubblegum. and just when he's about to pull back to look at her to really make sure he isn't dreaming, she whispers again, this time like a secret just for his ears. how has he been?

he's been great; he's been happy. he's been totally occupied, and over his head in homework without her to help, and busy with training, and wrapping his head around everything there is to do here, and—

and there's really only one thing that's totally, one-hundred-percent the first and truest thing he wants to say. "ohh, i've just missed you."

arms cinch tighter; just a few more seconds. because she sounds a little like he remembers from not-as-happy times and back then there wasn't anything he could do about it, but this time he can give her a hug, at least? "but now everything's right in the world." now he does pull back, hands on both her shoulders, beaming with all daylight starshine; she's going to believe it! he'll make her believe it. things'll be so perfect that she'll have no other choice! "you, and me, and goldmary. we're going to be unstoppable, just like old times."

[forgottenbrigit]

ooc | Brigit & Arthur

congratulations! brigit does not like you!!!

It's not even really his fault, but his dad invaded their country and has her queen as his hostage (no thank you!!!) and almost more offensive than that, he then has the auDACITY to try to flirt with eithne??!?!?!? like he'd eVER be worthy of her!!?!?! (not that anyone is worthy for any of her sisters, but this is besides the point) And if he's just having fun, then he's doubly an ass!!!! But also if he dared to ever try to ask her to marry him, then Brigit would be extremely upset because taking her sister away is the woRST thing anyone could do, especially because brigit knows that eithne would do the stupid thing and actually say yes to him so she can ~save the family~ *eyeroll*

that being said, she's not stupid, and she knows telling off a prince won't get you anywhere but locked up (and then were would poor eithne be w/o her ;D), but that's not gonna stop her from being sarcastic/passive aggressive and just generally running interference whenever she sees him so much as looking at her sister!

[morsinteritus]

No words can elaborate how much pain and damage you've done.

No amount of faking it and standing brave will ever make up for what you did

No pleas of "sorry"s and other ways you wish to mend it (as if you wanted to anyway with how you see me as wrong every step of the fucking way) will ever fill the gap you've punctured in this hollow heart i possess.

You will never get me back but i will still eat with you and the pack of wolves in sheep's clothing which you de facto lead every single recognition day.

I will only talk if you beg and beg for me to say yes. Given you never want to beg for others, it will never happen.

Besides, calling me "it's always about you" and saying "wara man sato malinig" was the final nail in the coffin for a relationship in which you had nothing worth offering back.

You were so boring that you couldn't talk anything about yourself that i even had to talk to you for months about updating myself and you couldn't insert yourself ANYWHERE INTERESTING. THEN YOU HAD THE AUDACITY TO SAY "IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT ME" when you've never ever given anything bout yourself. I was the only one efforting on that boat whilst your bullshit exploitative and manipulative savior complex gets the better of you once I'm your groupmate and you call it an act of friendship when it was your obligation to do as a fucking leader so irregardless if i was your groupmate or not. I AM SO SICK OF YOU and the fact that I've ended up this sick and pathetic that my coping mechanism is to fight my pain with more pain and stress to counteract the damage you've done is slowly driving me physically ill. I hate that this anger hasn't disapitated despite my emotionless face everytime i go outside. I hate that i loved you that much i started hating you and how i remember every bullshit you say that you change every single time a new person asked. I hate that i feel like i mustn't be angry and don't deserve to voice out. I hate that you will never know you are the one in the wrong and won't stop with your bullshit on wokeness and contemporarily shit mindset and oneliners. Your voice is so irritating saying those things I wished that I was either fully deaf to not hear that homoerotic voice your larynx has been playing the minute you started puberty or hoped I had a knife to slit open your throat to rip that voicebox out in order to break whatever repetitive disc recording of whatever you present in every fucking research time that turns me into an overstimulated monster as I breathe and continue to relapse from the damage you did.

I may as well be Sisyphus as everytime I heal back such wounds tend to return in the morning back to square one; a pain comparable to that of Prometheus, forever bound to a mountain with a vulture eating out his liver and the latter growing back again every day to be eaten. I am trapped in a cycle. I am trapped in the hell you've made me feel while you enjoy your life after ruining another. I wonder if ever i do become valedictorian i will add this segment in my speech. I wonder if i will immortalize you in some way so infamously disgusting you'd see just how much regret you would have for a man who stated he has no regrets in life and proceeds to whine how he should've done something about a decision he had complete control on but couldn't because he's lazy.

Papa was right. I should've killed you that day. I should've taken your life. Your lucky all i did is sob and never got my urges over me.

[koopzilla]

In a mocking sing-song tone, he responded. "So little? Ooooh, princess. You insult me." He swaggers, circling her. "In case you've forgotten... My castle flies! I have more weapons than anyone! We can set up wedding ceremonies in a matter of minutes! We aren't lacking anything!"

Truly, 'we' is being stretched to a breaking point. He can do that. Yet, that is his power. Minions seeking revenge, seeking territory, food, money, power-- they desire to get it through Bowser. What their king takes from others... that is what sustains them.

"I've conquered kingdoms, Peaches. We could live anywhere we wanted. Take any land we want! We like the dark! We like the heat! And we don't respect a ruler that needs outsiders to defend them." Bowser peeked in their direction: towards the kingdom where the Mario Bros. hide away. "Your environment gives spoiled babies a place to hide away. Wusses like that WON'T be tolerated when I rule. And they'll be stronger for it."

Audacity peaked when he stopped beside her. "You're strong, princess. But you rule like a weakling. We could work together, y'know?"

"We can fix your pathetic kingdom and make it something worth fighting for. As King and Queen..."

She had long since known Bowser wasn't a good ruler but each passing word just further cemented that thought in her mind. A true leader wouldn't carelessly throw away those that didn't align with their goals. They should try to help, try to understand. Sometimes they had genuine good ideas and advice to give.

An agitated huff came from the monarch. As much as she didn't want it to his comment did get to her. Was she perfect in her ways? No, not in the slightest. But Peach still tried to do what she thought was best. What was right!

"I...look at the environment that they live in. What does that give them? They have so little because it's all been stripped away! I haven't failed them! Not when you've already stripped them of everything that they could've had normally. Your environment turns them into that!"

[bernardolovesanita]

BernardoLovesAnita Watches 1961 - Commentary Highlights

As a kid I never appreciated the overture at the top of the movie and would always fast forward but Mr. Bernstein's music is so *chef's kiss*

I love the overhead shots of the city. New York City, my beloved. I miss you 😭

Ice (also known as Diesel) is the hottest Jet in this movie with Action close second.

I just love how everyone is scared of these white boys who just start fucking ballet dancing in the middle of the street. NOW that's not to say dancers can't kick ass. It's just funny as hell.

INTRODUCTION OF BERNARDO, MY BELOVED 🥰 Do I appreciate George Chakiris' brown face? Of course not. Would I still make passionate love to his Bernardo? YES! That red shirt. The hair. THE RED BRICK!

The fact that Loco can spit that far and accurately is a fucking SKILL

Action calling for the Jets was a bitch move though.

Baby John is the only Jet I will ever have a soft spot for besides Anybodys BUT GODDAMN HE DESERVED TO GET HIS ASS KICKED

The huge fight at the park barely looks like a fight. It's like these guys are just performers who never got into a fight in their lives 😭

BUT WHY IT SOUNDS LIKE SCHRANK CALLS THEM COCKSUCKERS????? I know that can't be what he actually says because it's 1961 BUT DAMN it's in character for him

The Jets and Sharks hated each other but they hated the cops even more. West Side Story said ACAB first.

The ONLY flaw with George Chakiris' portrayal of Bernardo (besides not being Latino) was the brown face. Because the accent was accurate. His performance was just so fucking good. HIS FUCKING SASS AS BERNARDO IS STILL UNMATCHED! "Would you mind translating that into Spanish?" THE FUCKING AUDACITY His Bernardo was solid. I don't give a shit.

The pause before "friends" YOU KNOW Schrank wanted to say some stupid shit like a slur. FUCK LT. SCHRANK! THIS IS A SCHRANK SLANDER BLOG!

Anybodys really didn't deserve the treatment they received. Whether they were Trans or just a tomboy the treatment was trash and they deserved so much better.

Baby John is like "I don't want to die so let's just leave them alone" Bless you, you confused little man. 😭

The Jets are definitely younger in this film than the remake. I always saw them as high school drop outs. Anywhere from 16-22.

So Tucker Smith plays Ice but he also sings for himself and for Riff. And BOYYY it is so clear that it's Ice's voice coming out of Riff especially when Riff leaves and Ice starts singing. He's got a good voice though so I'm not even bothered by it.

Richard Beymer gets an award for being the prettiest Tony.

Riff jinxed everything when he said the thing Tony is looking for might be at the dance. RIFF YOU BITCH!

The lip syncing in this movie is so good. Still could fool me if I didn't already know about Richard and Natalie.

RITA MORENO'S ANITA WILL FOREVER BE THE BEST ANITA OF ALL TIME

Maria: "What happens when you look at Bernardo?"

Anita: "Its when I don't look at him that it happens."

I see you, Anita.

Maria: "I think I will tell mama and papa about you and 'Nardo in the balcony at the movies."

BROOOOO THE FUCKING DRAMAAAAA! Because I doubt Bernardo and Maria's parents would have given a shit. BUT ANITA'S FAMILY! THE SHAME! Men were allowed to be mischievous and sexual. They were allowed to bring a pregnant girl home. BUT GOD FORBID A WOMAN HAS CONSENSUAL SEX THEN SHE'S BRINGING SHAME ON HER FAMILY! My mom and I were talking about this happening in our own family.

Maria talking all that shit about the dress as if Anita doesn't know what's she's doing.

Bernardo and Anita are so in love my heart can't take it 😭

Chino: "but it is a lady's shop"

Anita: "we won't bite until we know you better"

I would die for that woman.

THAT TRANSITION FROM MARIA DANCING TO THE GYM IS STILL.OME OFY FAVORITE FILM TRANSITIONS OF ALL TIME

Maybe it's because I'm biased but the Puerto Ricans dances in the gym are so much better.

The editing of this film for it being a '61 film is PHENOMENAL! Like the tunnel vision camera work or whatever it was when Tony and Maria see each other.

Tony is mumbling some nonsense and Maria is all "You're prettier when you don't talk MY HANDS ARE COLD"

There is a soft dumbness to Natalie Wood's portrayal of Maria that I always loved.

Bernardo coming in like a bat outta hell "GET YOUR HANDS OFF AMERICAN! STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER!" YOU TELL HIM "There's only one thing they want from a Puerto Rican girl." THE SAD TRUTH BEHIND THAT STATEMEMT

I'm sorry but Tony's bitch ass going "don't listen to him" I KNOW YOU HAD GOOD INTENTIONS BUT THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO DO OT DUMMY

Bernardo is RIGHTFULLY protecting his sister. WE KNOW Tony doesn't have ill intent towards her but Bernardo doesn't know that. He just knows that Tony hangs out with the assholes. Which I'm sorry but by association makes Tony an asshole.

Since Riff says to meet for the War Council at Doc's store and Bernardo agrees does that mean Doc's store is meant to be the nuetral ground? Because I ALWAYS viewed Doc's store as solely the Jets hangout.

Anita telling Maria "he's the old married woman" after Bernardo goes off on her is such SIL solidarity. Anita and Maria's relationship is so 🥺

Anita: "Sometimes, I don't know what is thicker? Your skull or your accent."

I would die for Anita.

Pepe: "You came with your mouth OPEN"

PEPE WAS WRONG FOR THAT 😭

1961's "America" is so fucking good! And again I can't stress enough how much the rebuttals are STILL so accurate.

Anita's purple dress is my favorite piece of costuming of ALL TIME.

Speaking about the shots in this film, putting Bernardo and Anita in shadow is *chef's kiss*

They call It the balcony scene, but it should really be the fire escape scene

Why is Tony always atleast foot taller than Maria? I WANT A PRODUCTION WITH SHORT KING TONY

1961 "Gee Officer Krupke" has unmatched energy. It's chaotic and amazing.  And it does bring up a good point about how youth are treated within the system.

Casting Ben Cook as Mouthpiece in the remake was the wisest choice but they really missed a lot of opportunities with him.

Action got so much anger for such a short man. But like bitch me toooo 😭

Anybodys grabs Indio and his face is just like "wtf did I do?" 🤣

I know "w*p" is a slur for Italians but why my monkey brain went like Cardi B WAP???? But I mean if someone called anyone a wet ass pussy that could also be seen as an insult

Schrank is such a fucking CUNT! He makes my blood boil. Like Schrank talking so disrespectful to Doc. DON'T DISRESPECT DOC! NOT IN MY FUCKING HOUSE!

Poor doc. He's just in his store having to put up with the chaos of these poor bastards.

Anita: "After a fight like that, that brother of yours is so healthy."

Anita is thirsty AF for Bernardo but so am I 😭

Maria telling Tony to stop the fight is the biggest ask and the WORST decision. Because if Tony never showed up it would be JUST a fist fight. No one would have died. PLUS he promises her, but he doesn’t stop the fight and therefore breaks his promise.

The bridal shop wedding scene makes so much more sense than that remake's museum scene.

When Riff loses his knife and goes against the fence he literally yells "KEEP OUTTA THIS" before the Jets try going for Bernardo. WHY? Because it's a fair fight.

The way Bernardo looks down at the blade in his hand 😭 He didn't want it to go this way. And one of the Sharks telling Bernardo to run before Tony gets up. THEY KNEW NO MATTER WHAT IT WASNT GONNA END WELL FOR BERNARDO How could it? He was a brown man who just killed a white man. The law wasn't gonna treat him fairly.

Tony realizing what he'd done, turning over Bernardo's body and then screaming "MARIA!" hurts so badly.

Maria blissfully dancing on the roof before finding out the bullshit that just occurred. She's just in love and happy. Has no idea what Chino is about to tell her 😭

The fact that Maria asks about Tony before wondering ABOUT HER FUCKING BROTHER gets me heated. Chino says "’Nardo and a knife" AND ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS THE BOY YOU'VE ONLY KNOWN FOR A DAY????

The scene when Maria beats on his chest yelling "KILLER KILLER KILLER" has broken me everytime I've watched as an adult. But I'm still bitter how quick she gets over that he MURDERED Bernardo. She's all "Oh? He killed Riff? That's fine then" LIKE BITCH THAT WAS YOUR BROTHER

Ice is like "if any of you bitches don't calm down we're all going to jail"

I NEVER REALIZED ANITA BRINGS HOME BERNARDO'S JACKET 😭 Wtf? So that means even in the original film she must have been the person who had to identify his body. WHAT THE FUCK?????

ANITA'S FEELINGS ARE VALID! She is a broken woman. She just lost the love of her life. And yes, she is looking out for Maria's best interest. This is the hill I will die on.

Schrank really walked in like he owns the place FUCK THAT DUDE

The scene in Doc's store between Anita and the Jets always had me fucked up even when I was a kid and didn't understand what exactly was going on. It's even more disgusting and heartbreaking knowing the context as an adult.

Tony's death scene in '61 is so much better staged and written than '21's version.

When Maria drops the gun and just breaks down 😭

I love the way they did the credits. Written on graffitied walls. Perfectly fits the films's aesthetic.

Anyway 1961 West Side Story is still a masterpiece.

[scorpiusgurl]

It's not Seungho's arc to kill In-Hun

Seungho has a penchant to do whatever he pleases depending on his moods, but I hope he remembers he also the cause of Nakyum's behavior.

Seungho vented his anger and jealousy all out on Nakyum

He is no better person than all the other characters (besides Nakyum of course) and frankly his attitude has barely improved since Nakyum's sickness. He took advantage of Nakyum's kindness and feelings for In-Hun and still had the audacity to get jealous whenever Nakyum protected In-Hun from him. He may have not realized his feelings for Nakyum at the time but it still doesn't excuse his abrasive behavior.

Actions vs Affections

Jealousy is an ugly thing especially when it comes to love and when it goes against all reasons. When Nakyum tells Seungho that his confession was for In-Hun, Seungho snaps and slams Nakyum face onto the floor. He assaults Nakyum on the pavilion to make him submit but he stops as his guilt consumes him once he sees Nakyum flaccid and crying.

Why would Seungho care so much about a confession? It's because he's jealous.

He doesn't recognize it, so, he takes it on Nakyum because he's used to others falling for him at will. It was all about the paintings before, so why did Seungho want him?

Even Seungho couldn't answer that, but he knows that he gets angry whenever Nakyum thinks about In-Hun. Seungho's violence has spoken more than his affections has as he tried to use force with Nakyum to get what he wants.

But it isn't the same for Nakyum because his emotions is tied to his sexuality. Yet after all that, Seungho brings in a change of clothes and tries to comfort Nakyum.

Seungho doesn't have to do this because:

A) He's a noble and this was supposed to be a business relationship.

B) Servant Kim was heading out to give Nakyum clothes because that is his job, so why did Seungho go out his way and grabbed them instead?

As much as I hated Seungho for this scene, I noticed that there was a side of Seungho that didn't understand why Nakyum doesn't feel the same way he does. Seungho never had to court someone into loving him but yet he goes insane whenever Nakyum is involved.

When Nakyum slaps Seungho's hand away, Seungho gets mad about the rejection instead of Nakyum's disobedience. Nakyum tells Seungho that he hates him so much that he could die and calls out Seungho for his hypocrisy. And trying to kill your crush's crush is not a way to impress them.

He tells Nakyum his relationship with him will never change, basically telling Nakyum he is just another body with no strings attached. Once again use, he's projecting his feelings into his actions trying to make sense of his emotions, but openly admitting that Seungho is only available for sex and not an emotional connection.

The Great Divide

What Nakyum says: How could I, when I cannot go anywhere without you, sir?

What Nakyum means: I don't have no where else to go, I don't have a home or family. So, I have no choice.

What Seungho says: So you're aware. I thought you might not be, given your penchant for wandering about alone.

What Seungho means: You have finally realized that your home is here with me. Now, you don't have to runaway anymore.

The biggest problem between Nakyum and Seungho relationship as a lot of miscommunication multiplies with their interactions. Seungho doesn't really take Nakyum feelings into account until later in the Season 1. But even then, it's too late Nakyum has put a wall around his heart so he makes himself physically available and not emotionally anymore.

But what Seungho does is add insult to the wound as he hides his true feelings and intentions from Nakyum. All the things Seungho has done for Nakyum is just to make him feel comfortable, but once he gets bored he'll throw him out like he did with the others.

Unlike Nakyum, everyone that has known Seungho knows that he had changed because of Nakyum. We hear it from the servants to the townsfolk and even to the nobles. Even In-Hun has caught on. But Nakyum is lost in a world that he new to him and never had the time to adjust. He's confused and lost.

Love and War

The only person he thought was by his side, turned out to not be what he thought he was and eventually he gave up. His efforts to please In-Hun and dealing with Seungho's tendencies has now been all in vain. Do you know how humiliating that is?

He truly put In-Hun on a higher pedestal than Seungho just to turn out that he is just as bad as he is. And Seungho killing In-Hun will probably make their relationship worse. Seungho didn't talk to Nakyum about his feelings at all, and going up to decide In-Hun's fate on his own won't make Nakyum feel better.

Seungho's lack of communication and pride will be the death of any type of development between him and Nakyum as killing In-Hun will just mean that Nakyum is still stuck with a tyrant of a f*ckbuddy instead of having a lover.

It's Nakyum path to deal with his inner demons and In-Hun not Seungho. Seungho shouldn't be the judge of what Nakyum does and doesn't deal with. Nakyum is more of an emotional person that Seungho so this will have to be between Nakyum and In-Hun.

Seungho has not made his own feelings clear to Nakyum yet, so he doesn't know what's going on in his head.

Disclaimer

** This isn't a hate post to Seungho. I have a love/hate relationship with this character, but this post is to call out how he doesn't treat Nakyum any better than In-Hun had. Yes, he maybe a bit more honest to Nakyum, but he isn't as self aware as he thought he was.

Seungho is just in the middle of his metamorphosis, but most of the problems that had happened in this series are because of him and everyone is just taking it out on Nakyum because he's a lowborn.**

[mashiiiron]

Authors note: Italicized = thoughts

Oscar, Ren, Nora, and Jaune make up the mighty team ORNJ (pronounced orange because why not).

•••••••••••••••••

"Alright team RWBY and team ORNJ [A.N], once we touch down we need to make our way to Atlas Academy to meet with Ironwood." Ruby said to the occupants of the airship. The teams accompanied by Qrow and Maria have finally made it to Atlas after their battle with Cordovin and the leviathan Grimm. "Once we get this meeting out of the way we'll find a place to rest. I'm sure we could all use a few days off." She glanced over to her sister who was sitting with Blake. The young leader knew they needed a few days to relax after their fight with Adam.

Yang noticed her sister looking over to her and her faunus partner. She raises her hand to signify that they are ok not noticing that her fingers are still entwined with Blake's. To this Ruby raises an eyebrow but says nothing deciding to bring it up at a later time, maybe once they've settled down at where they'll be staying for the next few days.

"We're approaching the landing area everyone." Maria says from the cockpit. Upon landing the group is met with atlas soldiers sent to escort them to general Ironwood.

"I guess my letter did make it here before us," Qrow says before taking a swig from his flask. "I just hope Ironwood will listen to us with a clear head."

On their walk to the academy Ruby cant help but gush over all of the technology Atlas has to offer. Rambling on and on to her partner Weiss. "Ooohhh Weiss do you think we'll be able to take the maglev trains while we're here?! Or, or what about finding upgrades to crescent rose! Did you have anywhere you went to visit often Weiss??"

To this Weiss just sighed, "Calm down you dolt, I'm sure we will have ample time to explore the city after we meet with Ironwood." She said to her hyperactive partner with extra emphasis on after. She recognizes that her partner has grown to be an incredible leader on the battlefield but is also still a kid who is easily sidetracked. As long as we stay on task I don't see why the two of us couldn't go and see the city. I'm sure she'd like to go and explore.

Oh man I hope me and Weiss find some time to go around. Especially the maglev trains those things move so fast! Ruby thought to herself. Secretly she just wanted to make sure Weiss didn't brood over being back in Atlas after spending so much effort just to leave. She wasn't about to break her promise about staying by her side otherwise she wouldn't be a very good best friend.

Up ahead she heard what sounded like her uncle Qrow about to get into an argument. Shooting a quick glance at her white haired partner confirming that Weiss also hears the commotion, the two partners head to the front of the pack. However as soon as they reached Qrow, Weiss could feel the blood drain from her face.

"Father" the ex-heiress breathed out.

"You! You insolent child!" The patriarch Schnee shouted at his daughter. "Not only do you have the audacity to embarrass me at my gala, but you also attack the port city after stealing an aircraft. You chose to run away to play your games with these low-lifes further slandering the Schnee name!" Jacques says while lifting his hand as if he were going to strike his daughter.

Weiss sees her father raise her hand and flinches away expecting to be hit but instead is met with a gust of wind coming from besides her. In the blink of an eye Ruby had positioned herself behind the Schnee patriarch with crescent rose fully expanded and the curved arc of her blade acting as a barrier between Weiss and her father. In fact crescent rose's blade was positioned in a fashion where if Weiss' father did strike his daughter his arm merely would have been cleaved off by the sniper-scythe.

Weiss opened her eyes to see her partner protecting her from her father's anger. That dolt! Always getting involved with my personal business. I suppose it isn't too bad though, I must admit it does make me feel cherished by at least someone. But she doesn't need to go ahead and put herself in danger for my sake!

The guards accompanying Jacques Schnee had their weapons trained on Ruby after they realized that she had blink-stepped behind them to threaten the patriarch. "I highly suggest you leave Mr. Schnee." Ruby sneered with as much venom as she could.

Jacques let go of the breath he was holding and took up his air of confidence again. "Very well, Weiss, you are hereby disowned from the Schnee family, your inheritance, stake in the company, and everything else associated with the Schnee name will hereby no longer be available to you. Good day." And with that he turned on the spot and left the group behind.

Ruby folded up her weapon and flashed over to her partner wrapping her up in a hug. She could feel Weiss bury her face into her neck as she stroked her silver locks. "I'm so sorry Weiss." The leader whispered "I'm sorry"

Weiss took a deep breath of the scent of roses that she learned to take comfort in over the course of their partnership. "It's alright Ruby she said as she pulled back just enough to look into her leader's gunmetal eyes. She leaned forward to press her forehead against Ruby's and closed her eyes. "Thank you Ruby, for standing up for me, for protecting me." With that she pulled out of the hug to see the rest of her team watching the two of them closely causing her to blush. Team ORNJ, Qrow, and Maria were pretending to be preoccupied in an attempt to give the two girls privacy.

"You alright ice princess?" Yang asked, breaking the silence. To which Weiss just nodded. In the next moment Yang scooped her up in a hug of her own and Weiss could feel Blake place a hand on her shoulder and shoot her a reassuring smile.

"Alright enough worrying about me, we still have to get to Ironwood." Weiss said to her companions. I'm glad I have friends like them but we do need to move on. I cant believe I've been disowned. While a big part of me wants to be relieved that I no longer have to worry about what my father is doing to the company grandfather started, I can't help buy feel sad. All of the work I put into trying to impress my father from a young age just wasted. I'm the one trying to do the right thing for the world and this is how he treats me?! The snow haired girl did not realize that the group had already made it to the academy as she was so caught up in her thoughts. She didn't even notice the way Ruby was walking practically pressed up against her. Most likely the younger girl wanted to offer her some solace but not sure how to shake her out of her stupor. I'm glad I have you by my side Ruby. She thought to herself grabbing the young leaders hand and giving it a squeeze as to say she was alright.

The group had reached the headmaster's office not long after they arrived at the entrance of the academy. The guards sent to escort them proceeded into the office to notify the general of their arrival and shortly were ushered into the room.

"A ragtag team of kids, a dusty old crow, and a grandmother? Is this all you come to me with?? Qrow! Where is Ozpin?" Ironwood asked his old friend.

Oscar stepped up now, "sir, I'm oscar and ozpin has resurrected in me." To which Qrow just nodded when Ironwood shot him a questioning glance. "And we have the relic, Ruby has held on to it through our journey." Oscar said gesturing to the brunette.

They began their meeting as to what to do moving forward and what to do with the relic. Throughout the meeting however Ruby could only half-heartedly contribute, as she noticed her partner sink back into her thoughts. The red and white duo had been holding hands since the entrance when Weiss suddenly grabbed her hand. And for a little while Weiss seemed to be feeling better. Ruby would squeeze her hand every now and then to show her that she was there for her but the meeting currently going on had cause Weiss to recede back into her mind. I wish there was something I could do. I was going to ask Weiss to show me around Atlas but now she might not be up for it. No! I Ruby Rose wont stop until I put a smile on her face! I'll take her out to try and take her mind of off things as soon as we get out of this dumb meeting. The young leader vowed to herself nodding her head in determination.

Soon enough the meeting was over and Ruby had given the relic to Qrow and Ironwood to safeguard and the teams were tasked with finding the place Ironwood had set them up with for their stay in Atlas. Before they could all set off to their lodgings however Ruby grabbed Weiss' hand and shouted over to her teammates, "We'll catch up with you guys later! Don't wait up!" Before blasting of with her semblance leaving a cloud of rose petals in her wake.

"SLOW DOWN YOU DOLT" Weiss shouted at Ruby causing the younger girl to gradually come out of her semblance. "I sweat I will never get used to that no matter how long we are partners." She huffed. "So, why did you drag me out here?" She asked Ruby.

"Oh, well I figured you might want to go around and take your mind off of... the stuff with your dad." Ruby said sheepishly as she looked into the icy blue orbs of her partner. "O-of course of you don't want too I can always blast us back to our safehouse."

"That won't be necessary, Ruby." Weiss said, grabbing onto the brunettes hand again and interlacing her fingers with Ruby's causing her face to flush slightly. She looked down unable to meet her partner's silver eyes. "Thank you Ruby." She said quietly. This girl will be the death of me I swear. But there are worse ways to go. This girl never ceases to amaze me. She's always by my side supporting me even though I can have... not the friendliest of attitudes. Oh Ruby, what would I do without you.

Weiss didn't know where Ruby was taking her as she knew Ruby had never been to Atlas before. But before she knew it Ruby had lead her to the edge of the floating city to look out at the sky. "I'm sorry Weiss but I wasn't sure where we could go, but I figured if I just ran in one direction with my semblance we'd get close to the edge to watch the sunset." The caped girl said quietly while gazing into ice blue eyes.

Weiss just gestured to the energetic girl to sit with her. "Its beautiful, thank you Ruby." She said as she gave a squeeze to their joined hands. "Before the white fang started to attack the company, my father was actually kind and supportive. And often he would take Winter and I here to watch the ships go by." The ex-heiress said with a sigh. "He became colder and more distant once the white fang started targeting members of the family. We stopped coming out here and he would more regularly be away for work. If he was home he was angry and he took that anger out on us."

Ruby could tell that Weiss was having a hard time keeping her composure but knew that the snow haired girl had to get this off her chest. And Ruby would be there to comfort her after she was finished. She gave a comforting squeeze of her hand as to say she was there for Weiss no matter what.

Weiss squeezed Ruby's hand back before continuing. "I-I thought that if I could be the best that maybe he'd go back to being the dad he was before. Th-that he would praise me a-a-and be proud of me. B-b-but he didn't even care! He-he doesn't care that beacon fell! He doesn't care that I'm trying to save the world. He disowned me Ruby! He... he...he doesnt love me Ruby."

She then felt Ruby's arms encircle her bringing her into the younger girls chest. "It's ok Weiss, let it out, team RWBY has got you, we're all here for you. I'm right here for you, Weiss." And with that the dam broke and Ruby could feel the sobs rack through the icy girls body. She could feel her corset dampen with the tears that Weiss was shedding. All she could do was hold the girl as she let her sorrows out. She could feel Weiss' hands clutch at her back as she tried to bury herself deeper in the leadeds embrace.

After a few minutes Weiss managed to calm down and pulled out of the embrace just enough to wrap her arms around Ruby's neck and nuzzle into her neck. "Ruby" she breathed out, "thank you Ruby, I've felt this for a long time but I'm certain now. Ruby Rose, I love you." She said as she nuzzled closer to the girl she loved so very much.

Ruby tightened her arms around Weiss, never did she think Weiss would confess to her she always though she'd have to be the one to confess. "I love you too Weiss, I have for a long time, and the time we spent apart made me realize even more. I love you and I will always be here for you." She said as she place a kiss on the top of the silvery strands.

Weiss took a deep breath of the rose scent she loved. The scent her partner brought with her everywhere and the scent that always told Weiss she was safe. "You're all I have now Ruby, I don't know what I would do without you now." She said craning her neck to look Ruby in the eyes.

Silver met blue as the duo gave into each other's eyes. "I'm not going anywhere Weiss." Ruby said as she leaned ever closer to her partner. Weiss pushed herself up to meet Ruby halfway and their lips met for the first time. Their first kiss was awkward and chaste but Ruby went in for a second and soon the girls found a comfortable rhythm. Weiss pulled away needing to breath before resting her forehead on Ruby's and breathing out, "You are my everything, I love you Ruby Rose."

[mind-reader1]

Queen of Hearts (Ch.9)

Drake x MC (Emma Barnes)

TRR AU: What would happen if Emma loved Drake but had to marry Liam?

Catch up here

Warnings: None. Pure Fluff 

Note: If you’d like to be added to the tag list let me know! Also I love talking with you guys about the chapters and story to please don’t be afraid to tell me what you thought! :) 

Word Count:  2735

Summary: The first stop on the engagement tour is Fydelia, Madeline’s home! Will she be able to recruit her as a press secretary and Madeleine’s family’s support? Emma and Drake find a moment to themselves and she tries her best to teach him the waltz.

Chapter 9: I don’t Dance (Lee Brice)

I’ll never settle down, That’s what I always thought Yeah, I was that kind of man, Just ask anyone

I don’t dance, but here I am Spinning you around and around in circles It ain’t my style, but I don’t care I’d do anything with you anywhere Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand girl 'Cause, I don’t dance

Love’s never come my way, I’ve never been this far 'Cause you took these two left feet And waltzed away with my heart

Once he cleared the hall she went back into her room and started packing, it was the first day of the unity tour. She had just finished packing when there was a knock on the door.

“Maxwe- Bertrand?” She was surprised to see the elder Beaumont at her door. Now she was really glad that she had made Drake leave.

“I'm glad to see you're already packed and ready. Today is a very important day, it's the first stop on the unity tour.”

“Where are we going exactly?”

“Fydelia.” Emma laughed and looked at Bertrand whose expression didn't change.

“Good one, where are we really going?”

“We're going to Fydelia. It's an important stop, even more important since it's the first. It shows that you, Madeleine and Liam can put aside your differences and get along, and we're going to be recruiting Madeleine as your new press secretary.” Emma felt like she had walked into a nightmare.

Later that day in the boutique with Bertrand and Maxwell, Emma still hadn't wrapped her head around the idea.

“Of all the press secretaries in Europe, why does it have to be Madeleine?” Emma was getting desperate, she was willing to beg and grovel if it meant she didn't have to recruit Madeleine, her least favorite person in Cordonia.

“As you know Justin isn't an option because he was injured and is still in the hospital, he recommended Madeleine though. He was impressed by the way she handled the press during her brief engagement to Liam.”

“You have to admit she did manage to spin everything in a favorable manner.” Emma shot Maxwell a look, he was not helping her case. Maxwell being Maxwell however, took it in stride, he'd rather have Emma be upset with him for a few minutes than have Bertrand lecturing him about the impending doom of House Beaumont.

“If I must. I suppose it will be good to have her evil, snake charming powers working for me rather than against me.”

“Yes! The unlikely hero-villain team up against a greater threat.” Maxwell grinned.

“Exactly. She still holds much influence at court and is frankly far greater an asset than enemy.” Emma really couldn't argue with that, even if she tried it would be futile, Bertrand had made up his mind.

“This is all assuming we can convince her to help me. We never exactly had a close relationship, especially after everything that happened.”

“Precisely why you will need every advantage you can get, and why we are here.”

“A dress with the color of Madeleine and Adelaide's house. A dress as green as her envy towards you and as black as her shriveled heart.” With a flourish Maxwell pulled a dress off the rack. Emma grabbed the dress and slipped into the changing room. It was a club style dress, tight fighting so it hugged her curves but a halter, so it wouldn't slip while she was dancing. It appeared to be black with a patterned green lace over it, some of which extended past the end, just long enough to be classy. It was beautiful, as always.

“Don't forget this isn't only about Madeleine, you also must convince Adelaide to attend the wedding.” Emma brushed off Bertrand's concern.

“Adelaide won't take any convincing, if there's a party she's there.”

“Yes, but you will also need the support of Adelaide's husband, Madeleine's father which will be far more difficult.” Emma raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Adelaide is married?”

“Duke Godfrey doesn't reside in Cordonia. He spends most of his time in England at his duchy.”

“The rumors at court are that Adelaide and Godfrey don't exactly get along.” Maxwell whispered as if someone may overhear.

“Which means his attendance at your wedding will be so important and hold a lot of sway, further into this tour.”

“So, do the impossible. Sounds like a normal day at this point.”

That evening Emma approached Madeleine's estate with her friends, but she hung back as they gushed over it, not feeling in much of a party mood.

“What's on your mind Barnes?” Drake fell into step beside her.

“What do you know about Godfrey and his relationship with Adelaide?” Drake sighed.

“Not much. Married for political reasons, as far as nobles go, he's as uptight and pretentious as they come. All he cares about is titles. My least favorite kind of noble.”

“Well I guess I have my work cut out for me then.”

“If anyone can do it Barnes, it's you.” Emma reached over and squeezed his hand, releasing it before they entered the ballroom which was…surprisingly empty.

“Wow, this place is like a ghost town.”

“Father mentioned that there would be a lot turn out. Fear is still high along the nobles after the attack on the palace and more recently the video.”

“They're afraid to be seen supporting the monarchy.” Drake scowled. He hated the idea that his best friend and love of his life had to put their lives in danger while the other nobles hid like the cowards he always thought they were. Scanning the room, Emma saw Adelaide speaking with Constantine and Regina, and a man with white hair, a permanent scowl on his face who she assumed was Godfrey as he took a seat right next to Adelaide.

“You'll win then over though, you always do. It's like magic!” Maxwell inserted himself into the conversation.

“It'll be easier to talk to them alone though.” Emma noticed Madeleine on the other side of the room, clearly not interested in the party. She approached Madeleine who properly greeted her for the sake of tradition.

“You've been greeted, could you leave me alone now, for once?”

“Actually, I needed to speak to you about something, an opportunity for you.”

“I'm sure it's of no interest to me.” Madeleine tried to leave.

“I want you to be my press secretary on this upcoming tour.” Madeleine stopped and turned, a satisfied smirk on her face.

“I knew it. You've come crawling back to me, begging for help because you've dug yourself too deep into a hole. Good luck getting yourself out. I'll be sitting at the top watching.” Madeleine hissed, and this time didn't stop as she walked away from her. Emma explained what happened to her friends and they decided to take a break. While they were getting some food, Drake accidentally bumped into Neville. Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes as she approached, he was amongst her least favorite people. He droned on and on while still managing to find a way to insult them all. Drake stepped in to defend Emma, some part of her loved that Drake would defend her even if publicly she was with Liam, but another part wanted to be able to elevate Drakes status so people like Neville would leave him alone. When Neville had the audacity to compare Drake to a dog she could see him losing it, Emma almost lost control of her own temper, it took all of her will power not to.

“He's not worth it Drake.” She whispered in his ear. As much as he hated Neville, he couldn't make things more difficult for her or his best friend and so he backed off, Emma was right. Drake had a feeling that Neville would get what was coming to him, even if that day wasn't today.

“We still need his support though. We need all the nobles we can get.” Hana said. The idea that Drake would have to watch Emma get married to Liam, knowing Neville would be in the crowd to mock him made his anger spike again. He needed a moment to himself and so he made a beeline for outside, hoping he wouldn't be followed. He turned when he heard soft footsteps, relieved to see it was only Emma.

“I'm sorry, I just needed some fresh air. I couldn't let my anger get the best of me. He was right, if I do something rash it only hurts you and Liam.” Emma gave him a sympathetic smile.

“For the record, I want to punch him too.” Drake chuckled.

“I don't suppose there's a metaphorical way I could punch him.”

“Maybe if you knew what fork was for what purpose.” Drake smirked.

“Guy like him, he'd know all that stuff. I did have one idea though.” Emma raised her eyebrows at him.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, something you could help me with.”

“What would that be?”

“Don't make me say it Barnes. You know what I'm talking about.” Emma really had no idea though, she shrugged.

“Dancing. Maybe you could teach me some fancy court dances.” Emma grinned.

“The Drake Walker is asking for dancing lessons?”

“I know. Can you help me or not Barnes?” Emma smiled and grabbed Drake's hands.

“Let's start.” He led her to a secluded part of the gardens under an arch filled with twinkling lights.

“Why dancing?” Drake sighed.

“We'll be going to a lot of balls, dancing is usually involved.”

“Neville got to you. Fuck what he thinks Drake.”

“It's not just Neville. I want to do this for you! For Liam! You guys need all the support you can get, and I can't be just the commoner friend who sticks around, I need to show them that I'm an asset.”

“Drake you don't need to change. You don't need to earn their respect to be helpful. I could never ask you to change for me.” He lifted her chin gently.

“I want to Barnes.”

“I love you Drake. Despite what anyone else thinks.” Drake kissed her gently and smiled.

“Okay, where do we start?”

“What do you know?”

“You know me Barnes, I don't dance. I know the starting position and that's it.”

“Let's start there then!” Drake gently placed his hand on her waist and grabbed her other hand with his, holding it out. She put her hand on his shoulder and slowly began gliding him through box steps, as she sped up, he struggled to keep up with her. His footwork became sloppy, almost stomping on her toes. Drake sighed in frustration, breaking hold.

“This is hard. You always make it look so effortless.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“That's because I'm not stomping like I'm part of some military marching band, you need to glide. Your movements need to flow together rather than stiff, and individual.” Drake just stared at her like she was speaking another language.

“Imagine you're dancing on glasses of whiskey, every time you stomp you break a glass.” Drake gasped.

“That's a tragedy Barnes.”

“Then I guess you better learn to glide.” It only took Drake a few more steps to finally learn to glide.

“Am I good? A perfect dancer now?” Emma smiled and shook her head.

“You still need to correct your frame, you have to hold it at all times.” Emma waited for Drake to find the correct frame.

“When you hold your frame, it helps your partner react to your movements accordingly.”

“Like this?” Emma pretended to be checking over Drake's frame and snuck in for a kiss. Drake immediately broke hold, falling into the kiss before pulling away.

“That's not the next move.” Emma giggled.

“You don't know that. You said yourself you don't know anything about dancing.”

“I've been around court for years Barnes, nobles don't go around kissing each other. That was a cheap move.” She winked.

“You loved it though. Anyways, my point was that you need to be able to focus through distractions. Your partner is trusting you to lead them through the dance, especially this next step.” Emma demonstrated and explained the next step before Drake took his place with her. Drake glided forward, and Emma took a step back, spinning under Drake's arm.

“What's the last step?” Emma grinned and jumped into Drake's arms, catching him off guard. She wrapped her arms around his neck and enjoyed the quiet moment together.

“As much I love this, what's the real move?”

“A simple spin.” Drake began twirling and Emma giggled until he lost his balance and they tumbled into the bushes.

“Aah!” Drake hissed and grabbed his shoulder. Emma rolled off him and looked at him, worried.

“Drake I'm sorry! Are you okay?” He nodded and let out a deep breath.

“I'm fine.” He pulled Emma back on top of him who wasn't convinced.

“Your shoulder, Drake.” He silenced her by kissing her. Her protests immediately stopped as his tongue slipped into her mouth.

“Drake? Emma!” Maxwell's voice forced them apart just as Drake's hand began wandering up her dress.

“We've been gone too long.” She whispered. Drake sighed and helped her up.

“Right here Maxwell.” They brushed each other off and stepped out from the gardens.

“What were you doing out here?” He looked them up and down.

“I was teaching Drake to dance.” Maxwell clearly didn't buy it.

“She was Maxwell.” Everyone dropped the subject.

“Thanks Barnes. I never wanted to learn because I didn't want court to change me. You've done it all though, you're going to be queen, but you're still the New York waitress that I fell in love with. If you can do it, then so can I. For Liam, for Cordonia, for you.” He gave her a meaningful look and she returned it, walking back inside to the ball behind Maxwell.

“Lady Emma!”

“Bertrand!” She mocked his rushed tone and waited for him to explain.

“I've been looking everywhere for you. Adelaide and Godfrey are alone, you should talk to them now.” Emma made her way over to Adelaide and tried to recruit her with no luck, she also had no luck with Godfrey, but she was able to figure out why everyone was so tense. It was something at least, she needed to talk to Madeleine again though, Bertrand would be furious if she didn't recruit her.

“Any luck?” Hana asked. Emma shook her head.

“I need to talk to Madeleine again, I know what's bothering them all.”

“I think that's going to have to wait.” Emma followed Maxwell's gaze to where Neville was asking Madeleine to dance. Emma's lips curled into a smile, Liam was nowhere to been seen.

“Let's show them how it's done Drake.” He looked at her wide-eyed and shook his head. “You want to give him the courtly middle finger, this is how you do it. You've got this.” Emma grabbed his hand and dragged him on to the dance floor. Drake took one look at Neville and his demeanor changed, he deftly began guiding Emma through the steps. She looked over her shoulder and saw him scowling at them, Emma turned back to Drake and grinned.

“We're definitely getting to him.”

“Guess he can't handle a little competition.” Neville grew increasingly showy, twirling Madeleine and gliding her across the dance floor, his scowl never leaving them.

“I think he's going to do something big. Can you do a lift?” Emma looked at Drake and was genuinely concerned, she wasn't going to ask him to do something that would hurt him. He nodded and met her gaze, he could do it. As the music crested, Drake lifted Emma by her waist and spun her as she threw her arms back, he gently set her down as the music stopped.

“That was amazing Drake!” Emma wrapped her arms around him and laughed as their friends rushed over.

“I guess she really was teaching you to dance. Stop holding out on me Drake!”

“Where'd you learn to do that Drake?” Hana joined them as Neville stormed over. Again, he tried to pick a fight with Drake and the others.

“Just because you did one waltz doesn't mean you belong here with us.”

“Why are you so threatened by Drake? It it because you know that no matter what you do in your sniveling life you'll never be as good as the commoner who took a bullet for the future queen.” Emma got in Neville's face and he took a step back sneering.

“That's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard.”

“Really? Then why are you running with your tail tucked between your legs?” Neville huffed and walked off, at a loss of words.

“Thanks Barnes.” Before Emma could say anymore, she heard a commotion and turned to see what it was. Madeleine and her parents had begun arguing in raised voices.

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