#but at the same time i'm like: don't hope too hard it'll only hurt more if it doesn't happen

[danthropologie]

honestly it’s not even just that checo’s seat is the one he’s most likely to get if he manages to get himself back into a top teams seat it’s 1) red bull has a much better car than merc so if you do get a race you’re more likely to get a podium 2) you have a higher chance of adapting to the car and regaining all your confidence even if it’s just behind the scenes 3) the team already knows and loves you

like Daniel could genuinely decide next year that he does want to retire and if that’s the case wouldn’t he much rather spend the year with people he has a long and established relationship with rather than spending a whole year awkwardly sitting next to Toto - especially if no ones sick and he doesn’t get a race and he can’t be used for the rookie fp1 sessions either

yeah exactly!! and from the rbr side of it as well, it seems like such an easy and obvious choice? they know what a good driver he is, they know how marketable he is, there's a personal connection there (literally driving horner to his wedding!!), and you know that christian is 100% petty enough that if he caught wind of a daniel to merc rumor, he'd at least attempt to swoop in and poach him out from under them just for shits and giggles. and why not when picking him up for a reserve driver role is such a low stakes option for the team? if it works, great and the team is better for it; if not, they still have checo so no harm no foul.

of course, going back would take daniel swallowing his pride a little bit, but from the way he's been talking and the goals that he's been reiterating over and over again—being back at the front, competing for wins and podiums, etc—i think he'd be willing to do that if it gave him a path back to the top

[lavenderlyncis]

Join me in reviewing Olivia Rodrigo's album GUTS. I've waited years for this!!

all-american bitch - 9/10, big fan. I love it when she screams because the world is unfair. same girl, same

bad idea right? - 10/10. I know this one is controversial but I LOVE her more punky songs, I think that's when she's best

vampire - 10/10. I'm not always a fan of piano ballads, but the bridge and outro really make it for me. The hurt turning into anger and despair is just so cathartic. And the video is one of my faves of all time

lacy - 1000/10. What the hell. Did not expect to feel this much emotion from that title. Uhhh... yeah, same. I super relate to that. Whether or not lacy is supposed to be a real person or a manifestation of the beauty standard, this hits. Also, idk if I'm making this up but I dig the romantic undertones, they sell it

ballad of a homeschooled girl - "I made it weird, I made it worse"/10. OLIVIA HOW DID YOU KNOW that I lie awake thinking about all the weird things I did and said, Olivia, did you write this for me specifically??? Every day I am alive IS social suicide. I'm sorry, this is my song, actually. "Can't think of a third line", she's so real

making the bed - "I'm playing the victim so well in my head"/10. How. Does. She. Do. It? I could write an entire essay about this song. Maybe THIS is my song?? She's so good at saying exactly how I feel. I already know that this song will play a million times on my phone. Also I love the drivers license references. Big fan of the making the bed metaphor

logical - 9/10. favourite crime vibes. She's good with these songs about bad relationships. Used to be my favourite thing she did, but now I'm more invested in the songs that are about her/other experiences. That being said this song is really fucking good. This is the Olivia I fell in love with and she's still amazing at doing piano ballads

get him back! - 9/10. Olivia having ANOTHER song with speak-singing where she wants to get back with her ex?? Yes, PLEASE. Bad idea right 2.0. Fucking obsessed

love is embarrassing - 10/10. I said it before I'll say it again, angry Olivia is the best. And she's right, love IS embarrassing as hell

the grudges - 10/10. She does the paino ballads SO WELL. I think this is my favourite one on here. Because, wow, yeah, that is how it is

pretty isn't pretty - i can't rate this/10. GOD, I love it when she talks about insecurities. And don't think I don't see that skipping lunch line. It's sp hard to articulate how this song makes me feel. Especially since I've been low key comparing myself to her, even though we have entirely different bodies and faces. It's nice to know she also struggles with this. And she's right, you could do literally anything to change your appearance and you'd still be unhappy

teenage dream - 100000/10. "Is it recording? Of course it is.", the way I gasped. Okay, I love the interpretation of it ending with a child to be about growing up and childhood innocence. But the line she says?? Especially combined with the meaning of the song it feels a lot like it's about taking away youth by recording it and putting it out there just like she was supposed to be everyone's teenage dream as a child actor and young musician. This feels so personal to her while also being relatable to others. I'm 19 too, Olivia and I are born in the same year. And this is exactly how I feel about growing up. I hope it gets better, my teenage years were crap, I'm tired of being young, but it's also the only thing I can hold onto. I'm honestly terrified of turning 20. But hey, Olivia did it, so... it'll get better, right?

[gotham-daydreams]

Hi hi! Anon that can easily stay stuck in their imagination here-

I'm so glad you answered my ask!! And yeah in a situation like not [] where they will try very hard to not physically hurt the reader a case where they will is more difficult. Honestly it depends on the person's will.

Most people can't take torture nor can that take having their independence taken away.

And while the reader in not [] is very much more angry than numb to them at the end of part 3, I feel it takes a lot to be broken.

Personally spite would keep me from giving in. I don't have a lot to ask for but basic decency and admittance of guilt but the batfam is too prideful and selfish to ever do such a thing.

And I live with pain all the time so being in more pain isn't ideal but it's not something I couldn't handle. In the case were my limbs are taken they only thing they can't take from me is my mind

I mean they could always try other methods, drugs and surgeries (lobotomy is such a horrifying concept fr) and such but honestly doing that would be completely destroying what once was.

The batfam is mostly selfish to the point where they are obsessed with the IDEA of reader not who they actually are. A part of me would hope that in destroying who reader was they would feel remorse and do what's right but the other part of me doubts that.

It would take a lot for them to actually feel to do what's right and at that point what's right is taking reader out back for a final send off.

But in such a case where the mind is gone then you really have nothing but a shattered vase. You can try putting it back together but you'll never succeed. A broken vase is much easier to fix than a shattered one after all.

Overall I have enough spite and mostly enough pain tolerance to stick through my decision of staying with my head in the clouds

In all honestly the human body can only last so long when the person in the body has no will to exist. You can feed it and bathe it, take care of that bag of flesh made to carry your bones and organs with all the right ingredients, but the brain knows when the metaphorical heart isn't in it and will only last so long, no amount of reviving can fix that sadly

It's why I wouldn't mind being kidnapped if they would actually take the steps to put their pride and selfish nature away. Yeah staying trapped in the manor sucks but continuing on with the forgive and forget attitude is a surefire way to get one to despise your guts.

I'm so glad you have returned for a bit!! I apologize for rambling in your ask box I am a certified yapper and hopefully all my yapping doesn't sound as scatterbrained as it does in my head-

Stay safe!! Don't forget to hydrate! I hope you have a lovely day or night

YES!!! YOU GET IT!! HAHA!

Also don't even worry about it, I love all of these long submissions and such and they are such a joy to read!!! I hope you have an amazing day/afternoon/night as well, and again, don't even worry! I'm a certified yapper too LMAO

But seriously you so get it and I love you for that anon! The family is so fixated on the idea of the reader moreso than them as an actual person. They, ultimately, care more about feeding their own delusions and ideas of what could be - and they do that through the reader. Misery loves company, after all, and what I was also basically trying to get at with the previous post which is, well-

They'll grasp at straws. They'll tear away at everything, and destroy whatever they 'have to', and anything that gets in the way if it means getting what they want. No matter how broken it is, they'll keep replacing parts- and even if it'll never be the same, even if you will never be the same, as long as you look the same, and physically are the same person... well, they'll keep that. They'll take what they can get, and they'll make sure of that above all else - even if it means essentially losing you in the process.

If anything, I also feel like my other previous posts I've made today support that- LMAO

That they'll absolutely destroy you, only to physically keep you around, and whereas they'll all have their own methods of treating you and keeping you around - as I do doubt that all of them will be so selfish and self centered to not even try to apologize or work things out in a semi civil manner - its still ultimately harmful regardless. Though, that's mainly because of their borderline obsession with progress.

Specifically, for the Not [ ] Series (and I hope this'll show in Chapter 4 as it is sort of why things go down the way they do), why things have ultimately turned this way and why they get so messy so quickly is because of that obsession of progress. Obviously, they want to be with the reader and be the totally happy family that they never were - but they're biggest problem is that they're impatient. They're impatient and the reader... well, they basically aren't giving the family any avenues to make progress-

WHICH IS OKAY!! It's perfectly fine to want space and time just... away from others, especially if they are the ones that hurt you so deeply and greatly affected their life. Especially when, like the reader, the family made them suffer alone and by themself for years. They were essentially isolated and kept away from everyone except for Alfred, and no one encouraged them. No one was there for them at all, and as they express and say in Chapter 3 - they feel like their efforts were in vain. Everything was all for not, and it's okay to want to be away from that, even if the family technically didn't do anything, because it was ultimately their inaction that caused this in the first place.

The reader just needs space because, until a few months ago, they were around and stuck in a place where they felt unneeded, unwanted, and just... alone. They want more of that space so that they can clear their head and finally focus on what they want to do in their life, because now they're actually getting a chance to actually live their life and they love it! So the prospect of going back.. of being in the mansion again? Of going back to that horrible, isolating life? They can't do it. Especially when they can't bring themself to believe that the family's intentions are genuine. Especially when they just don't want to 'risk' things going back to how they were, because god damn it- they just started living their life!! And it's like the family is trying to take that away again.

Nevertheless, the family will still try to do what they can to get what they want, and if Chapter 4 will show anything, is that when given no room... they'll make it. They'll rip and tear, and most importantly, they'll take.

I feel like the end of Chapter 4, and subsequently- the beginning of Chapter 5 (if i write it how i think I will when i get to that point) will definitely spawn all the spite and dread someone will need for a lifetime, believe me! And honestly I have all hopes for people like you being able to withstand the torment that will come from most of the family. Though, I will also say that, or course, that is most of them.

Push comes to shove, hell, at least Alfred will have you with how reasonable he'll seem - with him definitely beinf the most guilty when it comes to making others out to be worse than they are, and acting as your savior. Both literally and figuratively as he will comfort you and, as usual, act as a voice of reason with some much added sass thrown in there.

I also feel like Bruce, despite his own pride, would also sit down and talk it out - and I won't go into much detail here as it will be shown in Chapter 4, but let's just say he'll try. He may not be very successful as he is a man of few words at his core, but I'll say that he won't be one of the people impulsively tearing off any limbs, that's for sure!

Barbara is in a similar boat as she'll try to reason and talk things out, but she isn't one of the family members 'living' with you, so...

Aaand I won't go too indepth with the others as I feel this post in long enough- though just note as well that Selina would try to be another voice of reason (and also manipulation), and so would Duke - who would try to also hold people back from doing anything 'rash' (since, if anyone is going to not only seem reasonable, but also feel genuine, it would be him. hands down. and sure, maybe it'd be Dick... if the whole argument didn't happen LMAO) if they were in the series, which... I'll definitely try to include them going forward as they are apart of the Batfam- I just didn't have a means to include them into the series, and now that it's lowley wrapping up... well, I think it's just best to include them elsewhere!

Nevertheless, thanks for sending this in! I really enjoyed reading it, along with the first one you sent in as well! I love long submissions so much (though any submission/ask makes me happy as hell), and, again, this was really fun!! I always love a good excuse to yap too, as you can tell...

Regardless, again, have an amazing day/afternoon/night, anon!!! You get it fr 💛💛💛

And if I misread or misunderstood anything... feel free to correct me! I read pretty fast and tend to skip over words and such by accident, which is... hilarious considering things, but yeah! I'm sorry if I misunderstood anything, but regardless, again, this has been fun and I love you 💛

[beauty-in-negative-spaces]

Sparda boys Vs. A crush

I saw a few other people do this so I figured I'd give my two cents. I'm hoping to write more often so if there's something you'd wanna see my requests are open :)

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

Dante

While Dante has the reputation of a player, when he starts to fall he falls hard.

It'll start out innocent enough, he thinks about them a lot, will often worry about them when they're away, typical golden retriever man stuff.

He'll always bring them up in conversation or, when talking to them, will bring up him thinking about them.

"Last night I saw this movie, the lead totally reminded me of you-"

Dante will take every chance he can to flirt with them.

Even if they're just passing by he has to tell them how much he likes the outfit they're wearing or the way they did their hair.

When Lady and Trish tease him for being so infatuated he'll deny it vehemently.

"We're just friends, I talk to everyone like that!" "Uh huh, you totally tell everyone they look sexy eating pizza Dante."

Has no idea how down bad he is until one night he's cranking one out and their image pops into his head.

One thing's for sure, the post nut clarity is a bitch slap of truth this time.

Vergil

Unlike Dante, Vergil is a much harder nut to crack (hah)

He catches himself falling hard and fast before he can show it externally

He'll immediately emotionally withdraw himself once he realizes how he feels. Of course he cares about them, that's why he has to keep them away.

Although he emotionally distanced himself, he can't physically stay away from them.

This only worsens his internal struggle, and soon enough he'll start making excuses in his head to justify staying around them.

"If I don't flirt with them then there's no harm done, talking about books over tea never hurt anyone" "I don't care about them anymore, they'll only get hurt, but it'll hurt them too if I skip lunch with them tomorrow."

This continues until he reaches his final conclusion, "I can be strong enough to protect them this time."

From that point on he'll take the secret admirer route, leaving small gifts and notes, mostly poems, for them to find.

Vergil will take note of things they tell him to add in later. They mention their favorite candy? You bet they're gonna find a small package with a hand written note later that night.

Nero

It's really not too hard to tell when Nero has a crush.

While he's considered the most level headed of the three, he's also the one who can't seem to find his footing when he's down bad.

He'll become a blushy mess whenever they're around. (Nico likes to tease him about how his ears turn red)

He's so desperate to win them over he'll take advice from anyone, even Dante (big mistake).

Bad pickup line after bad pickup line, he tries his best.

He'll try to get as close to them as possible, mentally noting down every detail about them and their life.

He'll try to go the same route as Vergil but will soon get impatient (both with coming up with good notes and how long it's taking)

After a while he finds it easiest to just be honest about how he feels.

[cringefaecompilation]

people are already saying that the vision won't change anyone's mind. i mean, it might change one guy's mind, one in particular who's really been deadset in his ways. won't make him hate the gods, but it'll kick his butt into gear about another problem he's got.

orym and cassida are so alike it hurts. i thought i was helping. i am helping. i want to walk alongside you. why won't you tell me anything? please trust me. i'll do anything you ask me to. all my suffering to get where i am had to have been for a reason. there is hope in everything if you just hold on to it. please don't make me do this. i'll do it if it helps you.

cassida is used time and time again by everyone, by aeor, by the gods, by ludinus all to justify their actions and to assuage their guilt. who remembers her? she was just another nasty hubris wizard, another victim killed by the wicked gods, another casualty of a war that higher powers fought amongst themselves.

orym is much the same. kicked around by the world but always staying on top. he'll do anything anybody asks of him with no care for his own well-being; pragmatic to a fault and goal-oriented as a perfect little soldier. these are not virtues.

when he cannot do something he overexerts himself. he seeks out dangerous pacts with fey hags with his own life as payment. he'll tell everyone else that they are good and kind and more than their powers, but he doesn't believe it himself. and what he gets for this devotion is mission after mission with no rest and the swinging sword over his neck telling him that it will be an eventuality that both his dearest friends will have to die by his hand.

(this isn't keyleth's fault. i'm not trying to take orym's agency from him or blame her influence fully on his suffering.)

if orym keeps pushing himself this hard and keeps justifying his self-harming, it isn't a question of if he will die, but when. ever since he got back from the moon he's been coming closer and closer to realization but hasn't quite reached it. we can only hope he sees himself in someone like her, trying her damnedest to see hope against all odds before it's too late.

[wyvchard]

Idea from this prompt: by @whumperofworlds

"What are you here for?" A guard asked me while I awaited my death. "You clearly don't seem to belong here. Your eyes tell me that."

"... Something." I muttered, trying to be polite. I knew full well what will become of me by the time the sun rises.

The people demand it. They demand something which they clearly didn't have full will over. I do not blame them.

"Don't be like this. There's a chance you would be set free." As much as I'd like to agree, I know that wouldn't be the case.

The crime of which I was accused is too heavy for that.

"No. There wouldn't be." I leaned back into the wall to steady my breathing. I need to focus. If there is any consolation, I'm alone in the dungeon.

"... I'm sorry."

"You're just doing your job. Don't worry about it." I walked into the cell and watched as the stars seemed to weep for me.

A child whose fate is tied with the destruction or the prosperity of the realm. It was true. However, the conqueror twisted it in a way that led people to believe I was the cause on why the realm was conquered.

When I've grown, I founded a family, a team. They didn't believe the lies. They were supposed to have my back.

Until they didn't.

All it took was just one incident. We barely escaped with our lives. The conqueror ensnared us with a trap that was many moons in the making.

They didn't realize how close they were to death, too blinded with blaming me for getting them into the mess. They were too filled with anger to realize that the planned path would have killed us all.

They surrendered me to the people, telling them how they shouldn't have given me a chance. How I hurt them.

It was enough to cause a turning point. Enough for them to call for my execution.

"You seem calm for someone falsely accused. Are you afraid of your death?"

I glanced up at the conqueror, indifference filling my eyes. I didn't even know when they'd walked in. "No. I keep on hearing the people demand for it. It was only a matter of time before this comes to pass."

My adversary merely narrowed their eyes as I was handed a bottle. "For your execution. It makes your blood flow much faster."

A couple of seconds passed by before I drank it. I had to suppress a cough due to its taste; throwing it up will only lead to more hurt.

Endure it. Take a breath. It'll all be over soon.

"I never wanted things to be this way. After all, you were such a wonderful asset. For everything to go somewhat well just because you're there?

"I really did expect you to die back there. But, I still won, didn't I?"

It was hard to keep my face passive, fighting the sting in my eyes as the betrayal stung again once more.

"I'll make sure your death will be quick."

And I was finally left alone. The only visitor who came by was the lone crow I'd raised since it was a hatchling.

The first rays of morning came by slow, as if the skies were trying to delay my death. But time waits for no one. The bell will declare my death in its time.

And with it, the death of the realm.

Foolish conqueror, when you made our realm submit and made us part of yours, the conditions remained the same. And now, my death will be the reason your own realm will fall. My lot is that.

I looked around at the crowd awaiting for my death. The ones I considered my family is brimming with vitriol.

My right hand and the healer took glances at me, one with contempt and the other with betrayal. Yet, I tried to keep my indifference. There's no point in being sad or hurt about it. Not anymore.

"Any last words?" The conqueror asked me as I stood on the platform.

I glanced at the crowd I so tried to keep safe. I closed my eyes to await for my death.

"I hope you remember the prophecy's exact words. Let those words be the one to reveal the circumstances, for my words mean nothing to you lot.

"We'll see if my destruction affects the realm in the way I think."

Silence filled the stage as the murmurs thundered. I knelt down, ready to face my executioner's sword.

"If there is blood on anyone's hands, it's on all of yours. You should have listened to them when you had the chance."

Everything started going dark as the blade plunged itself into my body, warmth leaving me as my blood flowed out faster than usual. There was a dull softness-healing magic-but I know it's too late.

If they had actually listened to my crow, they would have saved the realm.

But alas, it's all too late.

[nogenderbee]

a, g, f, for yandere alphabet akito?

Sure! I have a feeling like it was either good or cringey but I'll let others be the judge of that- Anyway I just hope it's somehow alright-

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝕐𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝔸, 𝔾, 𝔽 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Akito A, G, F yandere alphabet

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ TW: unhealthy obsession, insults, abuse, overprotectivness and possessivness

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @bleachtheidiot @yulikesminori @toyaswif3y @miya-akane

✧ Abuse = Could they ever hurt you physically or mentally? What would be the reason?

Unfortunely Akito would hurt you... he'd be willing to do it both, mentally and physically if he'd have the reason for it.

As for mental health, he'd hurt you only if you're sensitive because the reason he'd even attempt is when you talk to other guy. That's when he lets go of his emotions and will call you things like "slut" or so, and his harsh words can continue for few hours but he gets over it and you can be sure he'll apologize more or less directly.

As for physical abuse, it's luckily not anything too serious. He'd slap you, maybe punch you but never enough to break something and there's a very little chance of him giving you even black eye. As for the reason... you'd have to do something against his will like try to escape, spend time with someone else or so.

"I bet you enjoyed spending time with that weirdo, didn't you? Maybe hook up with him while you're at it!!"

✧ Force = Are they willing to force you into loving them? How will they do it?

Akito would have no problem with forcing you if there's really no other exit. I mean... he already acts a bit possessive, even when you're not together so being possessive just to be with you is not much problem to him.

Be it physically or mentally, he WILL force you to be with him one way or another. He'll try telling you no one else suits you, he doesn't go as far as saying no one else will want you tho- There is a chance of him dragging you by force and hitting you whenever you make it hard or make a scene. That way you learned to not ask for others help by saying how he's "forcing you" as it'll only end up worse for you, he knows where you live and spend your school breaks at after all!

"We're going to cafe. You better not make a scene again... I don't need everyone giving is THAT look."

✧ Gross = What is something they think is really romantic/sweet but is actually horrifying?

Akito thinks the way he's always ready to protect you is sweet. He sees it as an act explaining how much he cares about you and how much he wants you by his side.

In reality tho... it's scarry mostly to outsiders how he's already threatning anyone that comes close to you, sometimes even with a weapon. He'll hold you very tightly with a smile when you actually don't know if he's hugging you to give affection or to hurt you because his hands are always digging into you skin, especially if he just got jealous.

Same goes for the stares or threats he gives others, you know they're not meant for you but somehow they always send shivers down your spine since you know well what he's capable of doing.

"What do you mean? I'm not hurting you, I'm PROTECTING you.. You'll get used to my affection one day..."

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

[dickarchivist]

Hello!

I am obsessed with your OC Clone squad. Thanks for sharing them with us!

You said you’re taking requests so I’m sliding in with one 👀

I’m taking from the same delicious NSFW prompt list @dystopicjumpsuit used!

The prompt is “Keep your eyes open, look at me, baby.” with Ghost. He seems so sweet and deeply caring. With his cybernetic eyes perhaps eye contact is important to him/his partner???

Do with this as you please, no pressure! 💕

Thanks @starrylothcat for the fic request!! I'm so excited to deliver, and for my sweet boy Ghost too 😭

I Will Know You Forever, Even In Darkness

Clone OC Ghost × fem!Reader (civilian mechanic) (new relationship)

Word count: 2860

🔞Minors DNI🔞

Prompt: “Keep your eyes open, look at me, baby.”

Summary: After a scare on a mission, your new sweetheart's in recovery at the hospital. When you're finally allowed in to see him, you make up for lost time.

Contents and Warnings: fluff and smut the ultimate combo, bit of angst at the beginning, PiV sex, mentions of eye trauma (nothing graphic), yearning good lord the yearning this man does for you. Happy ending, pinky promise.

Author Notes: This fic takes place directly after the mission that causes Ghost to lose his eyes and get his prosthetics. No actual eye trauma is described in detail, it's only stated that he lost them from acid splash, and he's given cybernetics as a replacement.

Small cameo of others in Grave Squad, the jedi of the 404th, and even smaller cameo/mention of two other sw OCs I've made over the years.

Sorry this one's so long, but also not sorry at all because I think it's really good.

When The Crypt lands in the hanger, you're absolutely thrilled. Ghost and his brothers were home at last. You set down your tools and twll your assistant you'd be back in a second, to which they roll their eyes with a smile, "Boyfriend's back huh?"

"Shush," you giggle, and start toward the ship with glee. But the closer you gwt, the more your smile fades

Wraith is out first, Specter and Banshee carrying a stretcher after him, "Careful! He's fragile, don't jostle him, I just got his vitals stable again!"

Guilt bubbles in your stomach as you hope and hope that the clone on the stretch was Phantom. You wouldn't wish for any of them to be hurt, but please. Please, anyone but--

"Ghost's gonna be fine," Phantom stretcha as he gets out of the ship, play wrestling with Wraith in a bad attempt to lighten the worried media's mood, "You saved his face, I'm sure he'll thank you for that when he wakes up."

"If he wakes up, Tommy!" Wraith spits at his brother, poking his finger hard into his chest, "Like I said, he's fragile, we can't be too cautious! I don't know the extent, he could die for all-"

"Wraith." Specter's voice cuts like a knife. He had noticed you when you'd arrived, and knew all the talk wasn't helping your anxiety.

"He's... he's not going to die, right?" There's a tremble in your voice, your hands are gripping the front of your jump suit so tight its almost hard to breathe, "He can't, he's- please..."

Phantom pushes his brothers along, the stretcher jostling just enough that Ghost's arm falls limp from it, and the cry that comes from you is mournful enough to make the hanger fall silent.

Wraith tries to comfort you, but his anxious yammering only proves to make things worse. Phantom catches your shoulders, then pulls you into a hug, "Hey, hey Mesh'la, it's fine. It's fine, Cap's been in worse spots than this. His name is Ghost, not Dead Guy, right? Afterlife can't get him, he's stuck here with us. Take a breath, okay, it'll be fine. He'll be fine."

His brothers keep you up to date while you aren't allowed in to see Ghost. He's lost both his eyes. They tell you he was heroic, only thinking about the lives of the people he was protecting during the battle. Wraith later confides in you that he believes it was his fault, that if he hadn't forgotten his helmet, Ghost wouldn't have given him his. Ghost's eyes wouldn't have been lost. You want to be angry, but you know them too well at this point.

"Rai, you didn't take his helmet off him. You didn't throw the acid. You didn't do anything malicious... Specter said you kept him alive, it was your quick actions that saved him. Stop calling yourself Ghost's attacker, he'd hate to hear that..."

Wraith nods, but doesn't say anything else, just goes back to Ghost's hospital room to do his best in helping his brother. You get the feeling that Wraith isn't going to belive it's not his fault until Ghost tells him that himself.

On the fifth day, you hear a voice you don't recognize.

"I don't care, no one is going to replace Captain Ghost." There's a few garbled words, then the voice came back, more forceful, "Ghost, not CT-1313." There's another pause before you hear a snarl, "HIS NAME IS GHOST!"

There's hushed murmers, then the voice speaks again, "Good, now that we're clear that this is a man and not a number: you'll give him new eyes. Yes, I do mean that. I do not care what it costs you, he's an irreplaceable asset to the 404th, and I will not have him decommissioned when the best course of action is to replace what he's lost."

You don't realize how close you've gotten to the door until it a little girl grabs your hand, "It's not polite to easedrop... it's fun to do though."

You'd seen her once before, Ghost called her "Vod'ika", and you aren't sure if that's her name or not. She's got her ear pressed to the door, and she giggles, "Oooh, Master Dax is angry, he's using his little voice."

"Master-" when the door opens, a yellow zebrak in jedi robes stands before you. His bright blue eyes catch you, then the little girl behind you.

His glare turns to a funny face immediately. Hands beside his head flaired out, tongue sticking out, eyes crossed. It makes you laugh for the first time in days. "Good!" The zebrak booms, holding your shoulders, "We like happy. Happy means hope, and what's wrong with a little hope right? You must be this "Cyare" Ghostie has been muttering about in his sleep, I know all his brothers, and none of them have that moniker, Athena there is "Cyar'ika", so Cyare must be you!"

You know that word, you heard it often when you were a mandalorian foundling as a child. Beloved. Your face blooms with blush, and you look down at the kid behind you, then back to the man, "uh... y-yeah, I guess so."

"Good, good good good, excellent, good!" He puts his arm around your shoulders, leading you away from the door you'd been camped in front of since Ghost was admitted, "Listen Cyare, Ghost's gonna be fine, Wraith and another clone, I don't know if you know him, Repeat, they'll be preforming Ghost's surgery. Why you ask? Because I don't trust those smug asses with my boys!" His laugh booms again, and you can't help your giggle either, "Now, Re is from my previous Padawan, now a master, so proud. Re is from Annika's battalion, the 418th, let me tell you..."

Master Dax talks your ear off for hours. But it takes your mind off of the situation, and before you know it, Specter is collecting you from the enthusiastic jedi, "Buir, shut it. C'mon, Ghost's up, he wants to see you."

You wave to Dax and Athena, thanking them for spending the day with you. As you walk the now familiar path to Ghost's room, you find that your pace moves quicker the closer you get. Specter chuckles at your side, "Just run, we told the staff to let you in."

"Thanks," you manage before sprinting away. You're running so fast the doors don't part for you at one point and you slam directly into them, eliciting uproarious laughter from a few of the clones lucky enough to see the disaster. It takes a lot of patience to slow down enough for the automatic doors, but eventually you're where you need to be.

Wraith is waiting inside Ghost's room for you. He's fidgeting more than normal, and when he sees you, his speech goes into over drive, "Okay keep in mind I'm not perfect I did my best and he's my brother so of course I did my very very best for him and Repeat was a huge help please don't be mad at-"

"Wraith," Ghost's voice sends your heartbeat further into overdrive, "Shut up before she thinks you killed me." There's humor... stars you're so happy to hear that light chuckle, "C'mere Cyare, I want the first thing I see to be you."

Before you go to his side, you stop at Wraith, kissing his cheek lightly, "Thanks for brining him back to me..."

"Y-yep." As Wraith stumbles out of the room holding his cheek, you cross to Ghost.

Your hand finds his, and immediately his head turns to you with a smile, "There she is, my heart. Rai said the bandages could come off a few hours after surgery. Told him I wanted you to be there for it, hope that's alright."

You don't say anything. You climb into the bed with him, your arms wrapping around him, tangling your legs together as best you can with the blanket over him. Ghost kisses the top of your head as you settle in, rubbing your back, "I'm alright..."

"I know."

"If I'm not handsome anymore, you can always date Phantom, he hits on you enough to where I think he might be serious." He chuckles, but when you don't, he stops. Ghost's hand finds your cheek, and brings you to look at him, even though he can't see you yet, "Hey. I'm not going anywhere, alright? I'm alive, and I want to see you... please Cyare, let me see you."

You move on him, straddling his hips, thankful for his eyes being the only injury this time. You hold his face gently, and he steals a kiss to your palm, making you blush. "Ghost..?"

"Hm?"

"It's not just your looks, you know that, right? It's you. Even if you're still blind, or your face is weird, I'd still want to be with you... Phantom's gross anyway, not made of boyfriend material like you." When he laughs this time, so do you. Hope, you think, a little hope is good.

Careful, so much so you're holding your breath, you begin to take off Ghost's bandages. His eyes are closed underneath, and you cover your mouth for a moment. It's like a mask of scars tissue, still gently pink from the acid. When he flutters his eyes open, white irises meet yours, and you can help but cry. Tears stream down your face, and Ghost looks almost dejected before you croak, "You're okay..."

Ghost lets out a breath of relief, his new eyes focusing on you, "I was hoping to see you smile, but I'll take happy tears too. They are happy, right?"

"Yes!" You burst, bouncing in his lap a little with the laugh, reaching for him again as you go to kiss him.

Ghost gives an appreciative "mmm~" as your lips find his. He puts his hands on your hips, one leaving its post rather quickly and rubbing across the small of your back and side. He's surprised when you deepen the kiss, and you feel his length move under you as your tongue slides over his. He chuckles when you part, and looks up at you with new eyes, "Careful there Cyare, I'm getting excited."

"Is... is that a bad thing?" You bite your bottom lip a little and deliberately roll your hips on him this time, "I... I missed you, and these last few days, I couldn't stop thinking about... a-about how I don't want to be without you."

Ghost throbs against you, but you get the feeling it wasn't because of your movements on him, rather your words. You keep rolling your hips on him, wanting to feel him yourself, "For a moment I thought you were gone, and I realized I didn't get to tell you how I feel-"

"Stop," he holds you still, his hands finding yours, "Don't say it. N-not unless you mean it, got that? Don't say it because you feel like you have to."

You recognize the look of fear in his eyes, of rejection, pain from a love once spurned. You're not each others firsts, but you do know one thing, you want him to be your last firsts. You put your hands on Ghost's and guide them to your heart. It beats fast against his palms, much as his does on yours when you reach out to him. You mirror each other's moves, one hand each going to hold your cheeks. His thumb rubs your cheekbone, eyes locked with yours, "Cyare..."

"Kar'taylir darasuum." The mandalorians who found you, became your family, they had taught you this phrase when you left them. With how Ghost's eyes soften at you, you know he understands them too. You repeat them to him all the same, beginning to rock on him again, "I will know you forever, Ghost."

Ghost repeats them back to you, his hand guiding your face to his for another kiss. It's slow and lingering, when you pull back, he's smiling so warmly, lips gently parted with soft breath, "I will know you forever, even in darkness."

Ghost's eyes roam down between you, and blush finally shows on his face, "Cyare, if we don't do something about these clothes, I might throw a fit."

You're both giggling as you fumble with your clothes. Soft stolen kisses, small gasps of appreciation, little stories of "What's this scar from?" And kissed freckles. When you're standing beside Ghost's hospital bed fully bare to him, he looks at you with so much adoration. His hand reaches for yours, and you're guided back to his lap. He's bigger than you thought, his length hard in your hand. "Wow..."

"I could say the same," Ghost chuckles and puts his hands on your hips, eyes on your slick folds before slowly working up to your eyes again, "Never seen such a beautiful body before."

You bite your lip as you move against him, running his length through your folds to slick him. The groan he makes joins yours as you toy his tip against your clit. Ghost smiles up at you, hands holding your breasts, circling your nipples with his thumbs, "Stars you feel great already... Cyare, mmm~"

Your eyes flutter closed as you take him into your waiting walls, "Ghost..."

“Keep your eyes open, look at me, baby," when he speaks, it's so soft, so breathy and light, you're not sure if you heard it or thought it. You look down at him, and he already looks love drunk. Eyes half lidded, his hands move down to your hips again and pull you further onto him. You moan, bracing on his chest, and he groans with delight, "That's right baby, eyes on me... I want to see you."

"Ghost... kriff, s-so full," your eyes stay on his as you start to move on his lap, taking him fully each time you lower back down. You start slow, easing yourself through the burn of the initial stretch, but soon you're at an even pace. The sticky wet sound of his length moving in and out of you fills the room with your tandem breathing.

His hands hold you tight, hips bucking up into you as you bounce on his length. His eyes flicker between yours, your breasts bouncing, and the way he glides in and out of you with such easy. You whine for him, hands balling in his chest hair, clenching around his length, "Feels so good, Ghost, s-stars." When his fingers slide to your clit, you cry out for him with an arch of your back, "Ghost! Ah!"

"D-dont look away," his other hand holds your face, thumb running over your bottom lip before you take it in your mouth and suck. Ghost's eyes widen a little, his hips stuttering before the pace quickens, "Oh kriff..."

You release his thumb and lock eyes with him again, "I'm close, do-don't stop, don't stop, Ghost, oh-" a whine releases from your lips as he rubs your clit faster, eyelashes flutter but you keep your eyes open, closer and closer to the edge, "Ghost, oh, oh baby, oh Ghost!"

"S-stay with me baby, come on, s-so close, so--" he grunts, his hips snap up into your walls in an intense build of pressure before he sits up off the bed with a cry of your name, spending himself inside you without restraint.

His wild bucks and intense attention to your clit were enough to get you to the edge, but feeling him fill you with his spend, it sends you over into ecstasy. You collect his lips in a kiss as you orgasm, body clenching around his length and shuttering with aftershocks of pleasure. Tears prick the corners of your eyes as you come down, and as Ghost holds you close, kissing your neck and shoulder, you feel so warm and safe.

Small drops of warmth hit your shoulder, and for a moment concern holds your body still. Was he hurt? You pull away to see Ghost's face, and to your surprise, tears are filling his new eyes, falling down his cheeks. You hold his face gently, wiping the tears from his unmarked skin, Careful of the sensitive scarring, "Ghost... what's wrong baby?"

"Nothing," he laughs a soft cry, kissing your lips just once, "I'm... overwhelmed. Spent the last month thinking of this, the last week needing to see you, just one more time, and..." He chuckles, feeling silly, kissing you again, "I can't believe this is real."

Your heart flutters, how is he this sweet? You press a delicate kiss to his forehead as you ease the both of you down. You nestle under his chin, still full of him, not willing to let that feeling end yet, "It's real, I promise."

After a few minutes of silence, Ghost rubbing your back in soothing circles, you're nearly asleep when you hear him again, "Did you mean it...?"

"Hm...?"

"You love me?"

You press a sleepy kiss to his jaw, "I love you, Ghost."

His heart picks up, you can feel it against your own, and it has you smiling. Ghost gives you a little squeeze, going back to rubbing your warm skin, "I love you too, Cyare."

[eventinelysplayground]

A Glance & A Dance

This is @violettduchess request for my 50 follower event. I already explained the saga behind this but it really was so much fun! I decided to go less trauma more because the one I had with more trauma and angst was getting pretty dark and I also couldn't pull it together. Only thing I wish I could have come up with a better title, I'm trying to get more creative with them just it's not working well. I hope you enjoy and that it adds to your day, and thanks again for the support and congrats! Mild swearing, WC approx 1967.

The stars in the night sky glimmered like jewels, as did the young ladies in their splendid dresses. The palace ballroom was lively and the music drifted on the night breeze while everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves, everyone except for two princes who stood on opposite sides of the room, one smiling while talking with everyone and masking his pain, the other silently watching.

He's always been strong. He'll get over her, he has to.

The first notes of another waltz began to play but rather than ask any of the dozen young ladies around him for their hand Leon gave them all a smile and walked away.

Come on Leon there's gotta be one woman here that-

“For somebody who's idea this whole thing was, you don't look to be having any fun.”

Jin didn't even bother to turn in Clavis's direction.

“Me having fun isn't the point of this.”

“Oh?”

Jin took the drink that Clavis so casually offered him and took a long sip, his gaze still focused on Leon.

“It won't work, you know that right.”

“Why not? He fell in love before and a ball is the perfect place for it after all, two hearts can become one with a dance.”

Clavis blinked in a daze for a moment then he burst out laughing.

“If it were really that easy I don't think you'd be feeling so guilty now would you."

Perceptive bastard aren't you.

“It may hurt for a while but it'll be better in the long run for everyone if he just moves on. None of us were supposed to fall in love with Emma to begin with-”

“But some of us did, didn't we? And I'm not just talking about Leon.”

Jin's grip tightened around his glass and his jaw clenched ever so slightly.

“You confessing to being in love with her too, Clavis?”

“Me no, but perhaps you want to take a good look at yourself.”

“I'm not in love with Emma.”

I can't allow myself to be. She deserves a hell of a lot better than me, better than Leon too. She deserves a life better than anything that awaited her here, she deserves to be happy.

Jin was expecting Clavis to laugh or try to push him on the matter but instead there was only silence. When he finally bothered to look at Clavis he found him staring down watching the grape juice swirl inside his glass as he toyed with it.

“I don't think any of us is qualified to give lectures on love or what to do about it to anyone but, I know Leon isn't happy and I doubt Emma is either. Is making two people so obviously miserable really the right thing to do, or is it what's easiest for you?”

Clavis didn't wait for a reply, instead walking off into the crowd leaving Jin alone with his thoughts. Jin was frustrated, not even with Clavis but with himself. How many times had he asked himself the same questions Clavis had just asked him? Jin downed the last of his drink and started walking across the ballroom.

I need some damn air.

He crossed the ballroom and exited out onto the balcony. The night air was cooling and helped to calm his thoughts as he leaned against the railing. As he stood there listening to the music he was brought back to a night similar to this one some twelve years ago.

“How have you been enjoying tonight's ball so far?”

“Fine.”

“What do you think of the guests? Any in particular that have made an impression?”

Jin knew what his father was asking and internally he grimaced.

“Sure, quite a few of them have sand in all the right places.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“I'm sure there's a couple that wouldn't mind playing by my rules in-”

The King's fist came down hard on the balcony railing sending a dull thud into the night air.

“Is that all you care about? Just satisfying your base lust and carnal desires!”

Jin's jaw clenched, how dare his father try to lecture him on giving into base desires.

“What about your future? What about love?”

“Love!?”

Jin spat the word out as if it burned his mouth.

“Yes love. I would like for you to have love in your life, like I did once. A ball is the perfect place for that after all, it was when I was dancing with your mother that I realized how in love with her I really was.”

“What?”

“It was a waltz. We were from two different worlds and I hadn't really allowed myself to think…but all it took was a glance during that dance and I knew. She loved me and wanted me as much as I did her and so I took a chance. When the waltz was done I took her out on the balcony and I confessed my love for her and asked if she loved me in return. She gave me the sweetest smile and and an even sweeter kiss, our two hearts became one because of that dance.”

“Love is nothing but a curse.”

“Then I hope it's a curse you one day have.”

Jin stood there and sighed at the memory, he was about to go back in when he noticed Leon further down, his hands resting on the balcony railing and a look of sadness in his eyes.

Come on Leon, you have to know that doing this is best for everyone. Hell if Emma could have been happy here I would have made my move well before you ever had a chance to make her fall in love with you but she wouldn't be happy she’d just be mis-

‘Is making two people so obviously miserable really the right thing to do?’

No, no it's not. I really screwed this one up didn't I? Hopefully I still have time to make this right. I may not be the one who gets to make her happy but-

“Hey.”

Jin called out to Leon as he approached him but Leon didn't acknowledge him, things had been strained between them lately. Leon had come up with a proposal to keep Emma by his side and all their other brothers had readily agreed to it but Jin wouldn't budge, not until tonight.

“Leon.”

“Oh Jin, sorry I didn't see you out here.”

“You looked like you were thinking pretty hard about something.”

“It was nothing, do you need something or.”

“That depends.”

“On?”

“On you admitting what you were thinking about.”

“Then forget it.”

Jin knew Leon had every right to be angry with him, and that was only for the stuff Leon knew about, but the distance between them now and the venom in Leon's voice stung. As Leon began to walk back inside Jin called out to him.

“You were thinking about Emma again weren't you?”

“If you're going to try and-”

“Just listen okay, I promise you don't have to listen to another word I ever say as long as you listen to me now.”

I'm the one who needs to let go so she can be happy.

**** One year later ****

On another night when the sky was filled with stars that shined like jewels and music was carried on the breeze a prince stood silently watching but this time it wasn't another prince he watched.

Emma had agreed to annul clause ninety nine and shortly after she had returned to the palace for good. All his brothers were happy she was back but especially Leon, Jin had never seen him as happy as that night on the balcony when he told him he would give in but only if Emma agreed to it.

I guess it all worked out for the best. I'm not the type of man who could make a woman like Emma happy, not really anyways but Leon's different. I know he'll do anything to make sure her life is full of love and happiness. Guess you got your wish after all huh old man?

Jin was watching Emma as she talked with a group of women her age then suddenly their eyes met across the room and she smiled at him.

I love seeing you smile like that. If only I could truly let you go but as much as I've tried I can't.

Jin saw that Emma was excusing herself and his eyes followed her as she came to stand at his side.

“Hey there Emma, you look like you're having fun.”

“I really am, I've talked to so many people and danced so much tonight.”

“That's good, it's important to enjoy yourself.”

“What about you? I’ve barely seen you talk to anyone or dance once tonight.”

“Haha. Is that your way of trying to get me to dance with you?”

Jin reached out and playfully tousled Emma's hair.

“I'm flattered but I couldn't possibly dance with you.”

“Are you afraid I'll step on your toes like I did to Yves?”

“No, I'm afraid that with just one dance you'll fall madly in love with me.”

“Oh I see…wait, what?”

Jin slid an arm around Emma's waist, his voice taking on a seductive lilt.

“It's only natural after all, the soft music, the rhythmic motions, how close you have to be to one another, the longing gazes. One dance is all it can take for two people's hearts to become one”

This may be selfish of me but...

“It also helps that I'm already madly in love with you. I have been for a long time and I want to be the one to make you happy so badly it hurts. You have no idea how jealous I am of Leon, that he’s the one who gets to be with you, kiss you, make love to you.”

Jin tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.

“I'm also super sexy and still in the prime of my youth, so all those combined the only thing you could do is fall in love with me and then I'd have to fight Leon for you, shirtless of course.”

I can't be with you and that's the best thing for you, even if you didn't love somebody else it would still be best for us not to be together. All I can do for you now is watch over you.

Jin’s voice was purposely light, a smile on his face and he started to laugh as he removed his hand from Emma's waist.

“You should see the expression on your face, did I take it too far this time?.”

“Jin, don't tease me like that! I thought you were serious!”

“Sorry, I promise I won't tease you like that again. How about I make it up to you by dancing with you after all?”

Jin was about to offer Emma his hand but then he noticed Leon approaching from the corner of his eye.

“Looks like that dance will have to wait for another time, unless you really do want me to fight Leon shirtless?”

“No! I'm perfectly fine with no shirtless fighting!”

“Do I want to know what the two of you were talking about?”

“Leon! Jin was just teasing me again, that's all.”

“Well then it looks like I'm just in time, care to dance Emma?”

“With pleasure!”

“See you two later. Oh and Emma, don't forget what I said, it only takes one dance.”

I don't really mind living with this curse. Leon makes you happy and as long as you can always be happy, unlike them.

The ball was long over but in the stillness just before the dawn, when shadows played along the walls there in the middle of the ballroom the ghosts of a Belle and her Prince took one more glance and one more dance.

[kangals]

way back in 2014, probably a few weeks or months after you posted that picture of boone with the stick on his head, i checked your blog out and so dearly enjoyed all the dogposting that i followed. i think you were the first dogblr blog i actually followed at the time, but it's been ages and my memory is bad, so i'm not fully sure. it wasn't long before then--2012 i think?--that i had gotten a new dog of my own, a border collie. iirc he and boone were just about the same age.

in 2018 i lost that blog i'd followed you with, and a lot of connections with it. i didn't return until 2021, and when i did, i didn't refollow most of the old blogs; i don't think i even really went looking for them. it took me a while to get back into the swing of using tumblr.

last september, my border collie had a sharp health decline, and i had to say goodbye. it's not the first time i've had to put a pet down, but i think it was the hardest. i'm still not over it. even just typing this now, i feel raw.

then in march or so, i made a new fandom friend who knows you, and i enthusiastically recalled following you before and how much i enjoyed it. i didn't even know about stellina, and now there's kep too! but... i also didn't know you'd lost boone. i followed because i still really enjoy your blog, and i love your collies too. and butters!!! so glad she's still here!

idk what made me look tonight... maybe because i talked about my old border collie with someone today. i went looking for the posts immediately around when you lost boone, because i guess some part of me wanted to know what happened. i spent the better part of an hour (maybe longer?) reading posts from the weeks before the decline, and then the loss, and then the deluge of old boone pictures after, and i've been crying pretty much the whole time just reading your posts and tags about him.

and this is a long and windy way to get to saying thank you. i'm glad you shared your grief, though that seems like a weird thing to say. there's something cathartic about crying over someone else's dog when you still hurt about your own, and knowing you're not alone in that kind of sorrow. boone was such a beautiful boy. i'll never forget that silly post that made me check your blog out in the first place, or the years of posts i stuck around for after. i wish i'd remembered to follow sooner, but the archive is still there, and it's so fun looking through all those old posts about him and his quirks and antics. he was amazing.

sorry for the length of this, i just... really wanted you to know that he touched yet another life, i guess. and i've been so deeply enjoying your posts about stellina and kep. i know it'll be a year soon... i hope there's some peace in how things have gone since he passed, and i hope the anniversary isn't too hard on you. thank you for sharing him with us.

i've been on tumblr for 14 years and this is, genuinely, the nicest ask i think i've ever been sent.

thank you - sincerely. there's been a lot of times over the course of this blog that i've felt like i was oversharing, or talking about pointless things only i cared about. i still so frequently start typing out a post only to stop mid-sentence and delete it because i can't help but think "no one cares about this." possibly it's why i like to talk about my pets so much - they're not me, but i'm the one who knows them best, so i get to say "hey look at this" and ramble and have people say "i'm looking" back. when boone passed, i lost that filter and i poured my grief out into this blog because it was the closest outlet i had. and to have hundreds of people not only acknowledge this but to commiserate, to reassure, to share their own stories - that helped healed me more than i can put into words. it's exactly as you said: there's a catharsis in grieving together.

i am sorry you also had to say goodbye. i wish i could say it gets easier, but i think that would be defeating the point of grief. your grief is your love and damn it if there isn't any act more loving in the world than choosing to say goodbye to an old, loyal dog. you think of how dogs were domesticated tens of thousands of years ago, of how human society and dogs have developed intertwined, of how we have records of ancient greeks and romans carving loving epitaths on their dog's graves, of how a prehistoric dog's skull was found with a bone placed in it's mouth after death, and you wonder if grieving a dog isn't one of the most consistent experiences in the whole of human history that there is.

i'm glad to know that this could bring you some comfort, in some way. it's incredibly touching to know that you kept me and boone in your thoughts for all this time. i am doing ok - i've been reflecting a lot as we approach the one-year mark. i'm not sure if i'll be able to condense those thoughts down into coherent words, but i'll do my best. i hope that my silly little pets continue to bring you some happiness, and that you've found peace with your own grief.

thank you, again - this is extremely touching and means a hell of a lot to me.

[shidouyosa]

Hi there!! Can I request barou and his boyfriend having sex for the first time. Whereas barou is scared of putting his dick in because his boyfriend is way smaller than him and he's scared of breaking him but the boyfriend is like "just put it in already :((("

Doesn't matter if it's a drabble, fic or just headcanons <3

Hope you have a great day and don't feel pressured to write this!!!

Ahh sorry for taking so long with writing this😭😭 tysm for your request!

MINORS DNI

Tags: male!reader x Barou, soft top!Barou, bottom!reader, anal, cumming inside, oral (reader receiving), a little fluff at the end, I'm kinda rusty with writing smut but wanna get back to it </3

It's been over an hour since your somewhat innocent makeout session turned into much more. It all started when you sat on your boyfriend's lap and a kiss turned into making out and suddenly you found yourself being pinned to the bed with all of your clothes gone.

So by now, you're a desperate, needy mess.

But Barou is still hesitant. Every time he's about to enter you, he pulls back a few seconds later and says "Let's prepare you a little more first" before he goes back to fingering you. And sure, that feels good to you, but you're extremely desperate to find out what his cock feels like inside of you.

Barou is used to doing whatever he wants when and how he wants. But with this, it's different. As much as he wants to fuck you, he's afraid of hurting you. No amount of preperation feels enough to be sure he'll make you feel good without any pain.

"Come on... just put it in already..." You say, almost in a begging tone while holding tightly onto Barou's shoulders so he can't move awar from you.

"No, we should do a bit more of p-"

You quickly interrupt him. "We've done enough of that, Shouei. Just... come on... Fuck me already..."

"And what if it hurts?" Barou is about to pull away from you, but then decides to stay in place.

"It'll be fine..." You reassure him, thightening your grip on his shoulders. "We can always stop if it hurts.. you know?"

For a moment, your boyfriend goes silent. You expect him to pull away once again, but then get caught off guard when he leans in to kiss you passionately.

He continues the kiss, only getting more heated each second when he suddenly starts rubbing his cock against your ass again, just more eagerly than the times before. And this time - kind of to your surprise - he slowly starts pushing into you.

You quickly pull away from the kiss to gasp for air, which has Barou worried that he's hurting you so he's about to pull out again. Before he gets to do that, you wrap your legs around his waist to pull him even closer.

"F-feels so good... don't pull out.." You whisper with a soft smile on your face.

Barou looks back at you, not saying anything yet. He's a little in disbelief that this is actually happening right now. It just feels too good to be true.

Without a response, Barou slowly starts moving. He's carefully moving in and out of you, only using half of his length because he knows if he pushed all the way in, you'd be in pain. It's actually a little hard for Barou to hold back right now, but he doesn't want to get rough with you. Not yet, at least.

Time seems to pass by quickly and not at all at the same time. You and Barou are getting so lost in the moment, neither of you have no idea how much time is passing by. Everything about this feels so good, you just don't want it to end.

You had expected Barou to be more aggressive and rough during sex, it would fit his personality, after all. But he's being so gentle and careful with you, it's like he's showing a whole different side of himself to you.

After a while, Barou slowly feels an orgasm building up so his pace increases a little bit, but he's still trying to be gentle. Just now, he's starting to push more of his length into you. Still not all of it, but you notice the difference and it leaved you wondering how his entire dick would feel.

"Can you push all of it in?..." You ask between your moans.

"...Are you sure?" Barou responds with a hint of worry in his voice.

"I'm very sure..."

So now, with each thrust Barou pushes in a little deeper, until his entire length is burried inside of you. And after this, his speed gets faster once more, as he's now getting closer to cumming.

"Fuck..." Barou grunts and leans down to kiss your lips, "I'm so fucking close..."

It doesn't take much longer before Barou cums inside of you, but he doesn't stop moving yet. He thrusts in and out of you a few more times before pulling out and collapsing on top of you.

"That was so good... Thank you..." You whisper while gently stroking his hair.

Barou catches his breath a few moments later and sits up. "Don't think we're done already."

"Hm?" You look at him with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"

"I still have to make you cum." Barou says before lifting up both of your legs and lowering his head towards your crotch.

"Oh, you mean you wanna- A-ah- Shouei-" You get interrupted by the feeling of your boyfriend's lips around your cock.

He's not hesitant at all about taking your entire length into his mouth. All he cares about is to make you feel good - and besides, he already loves doing this.

Barou continues sucking your cock, eager to make you cum. His hands grips your thights tightly and you already know there are going to be bruises later.

"Shouei... I'm so close..." You whisper, expecting him to pull away.

But no, Barou only increases his pace. His grip on your thigs also tightens a little more, which causes you to whimper slightly. Although that gets overshadowed by your moans.

You end up cumming into Barou's mouth, which he immediately swallows after pulling away.

Both of you are still catching your breaths when Barou lies down next to you. He firmly wraps his arms around your body and pulls you into a tight embrace.

"That was so good..." You tell him, still breathing heavily. "Can we do this more often, please?..."

Barou gently runs his fingers through your hair. "Of course..." He then places a soft kiss on your forehead. When you look up at his face, all you see is an expression full of love.

[fullstcp]

Joshua Bassett Singles Sentence Starters

JUST LOVE

"An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind."

"We can't seem to see the way cause everyone's hurting."'

"Tell me, when will we learn it?"

"And what more can I say?"

"What if we just love?"

"Am I asking too much?"

"Too many have lost their lives."

"Too many tears we've cried."

"We couldn't seem to see the light."

"Now you're all by yourself."

"You're crying for help."

"Your walls know too well."

"You've been living in hell."

"Tell me what to do now."

"Don't you get tired when you run for your life?"

"You don't need to this time."

DIFFERENT

"Darling, how I missed you."

"Two years, not even friends."

"I'm trying to kiss you, cause we've seen how this can end."

"My therapist would kill me if she knew that I was here."

"No one knows me like you know."

"No one holds me how you hold me."

"I'm back in your arms, but everything's changed."

"We've been to hell and back again."

"My biggest regret was walking away."

"I'm not gonna make the same mistake."

"I know you're afraid we'll end up the same. And the truth is, we might."

"But if we do this thing right, maybe this time it'll be different."

"I didn't think we'd end up here."

"I didn't think you'd kiss me."

"I'm too in love to care."

"Kiss me slow before I go, my dear."

"Make me yours and I'm not leaving."

"I know for sure you're all I needed."

"I can't believe I didn't see it."

"We took our time and space we needed."

"Maybe this time it'll be different."

I'M SORRY

"I thought about what I would say, but I'm two years too late."

"I can't imagine how you're doing these days."

"Sure it wasn't perfect back then."

"I'll be the first to admit."

"It was better than being strangers again."

"I'm drunk too late, talking to the moon."

"Ever since that day, the things I didn't say they haunt me."

"I know that I'm to blame, so go ahead and blame it on me."

"I know that I'm too late, but I'll say it anyway."

"I'm sorry."

"It was me, it wasn't you."

"It's cliché, but it's true."

"I wasn't thinking how I usually do?"

"Bet it was hard to watch me put you through hell."

"I hope you know I'm not proud of who I've been."

"I hope you know that I wish you nothing but the best."

SHE SAID HE SAID SHE SAID

"I saw you in the back of the room taking shots with your friends again."

"You talk shit, like you always do."

"I guess high school never ends."

"You sure got a lot to say when you're talking on my name."

"You sure got a lot to say, but did you tell them everything?"

"When you dance with the devil, the devil's gonna dance with you."

"When you play with fire, the flame's gonna burn you too."

"Starting rumors, it's nothing new."

"We're on this shit again."

"I let you go."

"Drunk talks are sober thoughts so don't act so innocent."

"I can't keep playing games when your rules are always changing."

"So, if you're saying, 'sorry', you can save it."

"Burn your bridge, talk your shit."

"I've been growing thicker skin."

"Forgiveness? Ask again."

"Patience only runs so thin."

WOULD YOU LOVE ME NOW?

"I never wrote the letter that I swore I'd send."

"I never got to tell you what I really meant."

"I can't help but thing of all the things I would say."

"If I showed up at your doorstep would you turn me away?"

"Would you care to see a stranger whose eyes are still the same?"

"Take me or leave me."

"I'm going home, but I'd rather be going your way."

"Would you love me now?"

"Take me back to when we were young again."

"After everything, would you let me in and love me now?"

"We made ourselves a promise we would stay in touch."

"If we're being honest, that's on both of us."

"I'm running out of reasons not to do it all again."

"You know I'd fly away with you if you asked me to."

"So what do you say for one more day?"

"Would you love me?"

DOPPELGÄNGER

"I guess I'm not as over you as I thought that I was."

"I saw someone who looked like you at our favorite coffee shop."

"Part of me was hoping that we'd get the chance to talk."

"I guess I'm not as over you as I thought, and I thought I was."

"I've spent a lot of nights memorizing lines, thinking about what I might say."

"After all this time, I'm still fight or flight."

"I can't help but run away."

"I know we're getting older."

"We're moving on and over."

"Everywhere I go, I see your face."

"I couldn't believe my eyes."

"Even when I left, I was still a wreck."

"I'm scared to death to see you."

"I wanted it to be you."

"The truth is no one's like you."

"A heart cannot be lied to."

FEEL SOMETHING

"We'll sneak up to the fire escape and wait for the rain."

"Most days, dear, you drive me insane."

"Why don't we both push past the pain?"

"Meet me in the middle of midnight."

"Barely made it out alive."

"We're selfish, we're melting, we're talking shit just to tell it."

"We're stupid."

"We're doing anything we can just to feel something."

"Hold me like it's the very last time, at least for tonight."

"Pull my hair and kiss my head and we'll get high."

"We felt it."

ANYONE ELSE

"You say you gotta think it over."

"I can't stop thinking of you."

"I'll be here when you need me to."

"There's a million little things I haven't told you."

"It kills me every time he's/she's/they're with you."

"How am I supposed to think about anything else?"

"How am I to go on keeping this to myself?"

"I am done pretending I want anyone else."

"Now the days are getting longer."

"I'm caught daydreaming of you."

"I'm still waiting for my happy ever after."

"When you're ready, I'll be ready too."

"The world melts away when I'm with you."

"I know you're afraid to jump too soon."

"I'd love you better than he/she/they ever could."

"We'd have it good."

"I keep hoping it'll only be a matter of time until the memory's faded and the feeling subsides."

"Time won't help."

"I can't settle for anyone else."

COMMON SENSE

"Kiss the girl/boy goodbye."

"Leave it all behind."

"The girl's/boy's not worth my time."

"Common sense ain't common when you come to mind."

"She/he/they was/were not worthwhile."

"Don't go the extra mile."

"Go back and reconcile."

"Common sense forgot about her/his/their smile."

"Second chances are thought of to be weak."

"Second chances aren't given usually."

"A second chance is all I really need."

"I think I want to love you."

"I want to love you."

"Please let me love you."

[growandrecover]

hi,

im really scared bc im officially ✨overweight✨ and my ed has just been #triggered. any tips on how to avoid relapse?

Hey, anon.

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. I'm really proud of you for reaching out and actively trying to avoid relapse. That's wonderful.

First up, if you can, stop weighing yourself, measuring, body checking, or anything else you may be doing. Your weight does not say anything about you. Absolutely nothing. If you're concerned about your BMI specifically (which I know a lot of people with eds get caught up in), it's all a bunch of garbage. It was made based off of cis white men, and does not take muscle mass into consideration. Even if you happen to be a white amab person, it's still a joke. If you can't stop completely, try to limit what you're doing.

Next, please make sure you're eating all your meals and snacks. My therapist has told me to do this, and I'm passing along the information to you guys. If you have to, set a schedule for yourself and stick to it with the best of your ability.

If you're someone who used exercise to lose weight in the past/if you exercise currently, you may want to lay off that until you're in a better headspace. Going along with this, if you wear a Fitbit or Apple Watch of any kind, taking it off may help avoiding triggers like your daily step count, calories burned, and your other exercise levels. I wore one for almost a year and took it off a few months ago. Surprisingly enough, my quick dips back into some of my ed behaviors have stopped. I finally realized that those triggers sitting on my wrist 24/7 had been messing with my head.

If you're able to/not already, get an adequate amount of sleep. I think we all know what happens when we stay up too late, letting our minds wander into our ed thoughts in the middle of the night. Low levels of sleep interfere with our mental health, which, in times like these, needs to be extra nurtured.

Try to look at it from someone else's point of view. If someone you knew came to you with this exact problem, what would you say? Would you want them to be kind to their body, to fuel it, and to take care of it? Probably, right? Or if that's hard for you to say to yourself, wouldn't you just want them to be free of their eating disorder?

This is pretty harsh, but your ed is trying to hurt you. It's trying to kill you. Whatever it needs to say to get you to engage in those behaviors, it will. It'll tell you that you're not as [adjective of your choice] or [another adjective of your choice] when you weigh more than you have in the past, but that's simply not true. As I said earlier, your weight is just a number. You deserve recovery. You deserve happiness. You deserve a life free of food rules and that nasty voice in your head.

If you're scared, I'm here to tell you: your ed will not fix anything. Losing weight will not fix the idea of yourself you have in your head, and won't make you magically like your body more. It wants you to think it will, but it won't. It only makes your life worse.

Something that helps me is looking at recovery posts on Pinterest or Tumblr. I love being able to see other people's thoughts and encouragement. It always inspires me to keep going, and I hope it'll do the same for you, too.

Whatever it is that triggered you is not worth all the pain and suffering that comes with an ed. I don't care if it was something somebody said or just a thought you had. Nothing is worth going back to your ed.

You can do this. I believe in you.

I really hope this was at least a little bit helpful, and I hope you're okay, anon. If you're not right now, you will be.

If I missed something, or you need someone to talk to, feel free to send me a message! ♡

[cainluvr69]

Literally Just The Cain Parts Of Arc 2 Chapter 19 (half of 19-7, all of 19-8)

Cain: (I hope the Sage is okay… I know they went to Cortes in Western Country along with that person who got turned into a bird, but…)

Western Lady: Fufu… And here I thought Central was just full of the serious and completely boring types… But listening to you talk is so lovely and stimulating, Lord Cain…

Cain: Haha, thanks.

Western Lady: Would you like me to pour you another glass?

Cain: Please.

There are many forms justice can take. For instance, I'd decided that protecting my country and my master is what justice is to me. And so because of that, I think that acting as though I'm going to sell my country out so that I can protect it also qualifies as justice. My mother's justice that she believed in as she raised me, was that she was willing to turn a blind eye to me telling lies.

✦✧☾✧✦

I remember this time when I was a kid, when I latched onto my mom, crying my eyes out. I was one of those way-too-active kids, but it wasn't like anyone had scolded me too hard that night, and it wasn't like anyone was hurt. But still, there were tears rolling down my cheeks, and my mom was gently rubbing my back. Hey! Stop that! See you later! Take care! Oh my! That's amazing! Tonight, my mom's normally bright voice was small and quiet and trembling.

Cain's mom: It's all right… You've been good…

Little Cain: …I'm not good. I told a lie to my friends.

Cain's mom: You didn't tell them a lie, dear. When they asked you if you'd ever met a wizard, you just stayed silent.

Little Cain: That's the same as lying. Everyone said that…they wanted to see a wizard.

Cain's mom: And what did you say?

Little Cain: …"Me too"… …Even though I'm a wizard… Hey, I lied to them. Telling lies is bad, isn't it? That's what dad said.

Cain's mom: That's right.

Little Cain: My swordsmanship instructor said the same thing. That friends shouldn't tell lies to each other. …But I still…

Cain's mom: I know you're upset, but you kept up what I asked you to, didn't you? About never telling anyone about being a wizard.

Little Cain: …Yeah…

Cain's mom: Thank you, Cain. Thank you for making sure I don't worry about you.

My mother sadly stroked my hair. Normally, being thanked was something that made me feel good, but for some reason, today it just made me feel even worse. I didn't want to make my mother sad. But at the same time, I didn't want to make my friends hate me, either. But more than anything else, I was terrified that I'd become a creature that couldn't live with itself. Something that couldn't accept what it had done. I think…that night was the first time I lost sight of what righteousness is. When I was a kid, there was only one kind of justice, and I truly believed that as long as I held to it, I would make it out alright. I wouldn't do anything bad. I wouldn't lose to my own desires. I wouldn't hurt anyone. I would chase my dreams with all my heart without abandoning them. I would be thankful to my parents for raising me. I would treasure the friends that I met along the way. I thought it was as simple as just not giving in to darker temptations. God, I really had no idea. Sometimes, chasing your dreams and honoring your parents and cherishing your friends can come into conflict with one another. And it'll all feel like each has the same sense of righteousness to it.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain's mom: Please, Cain. Don't go to the capital. Being a knight here in the Town of Glory is more than enough. Everyone here loves you, and our local lord favors you too.

Cain: But that's exactly why I want to go. It's thanks to everyone that I was able to get this chance in the first place. I want to do as much as I can. I've been dreaming of this day for ages! I'll be fine! I'm your pride and joy and all that, right?

Cain's mom: There's still so much you don't know about society… You're far too young to be doing this.

Cain: You don't need to worry so much.

Cain's mom: The knights in the capital surely can't be as good as they say. The people in this town still…

Cain: Why are you saying things like that?! Haven't you always been rooting for me to follow my dreams, ever since I was little? I'd rather you be smiling as you see me off like usual. It's going to be fine. Don't worry.

Cain's mom: …

Cain: Being able to go to the capital is amazing… Err, I don't really know how to put it, but it's like I got given a luxury gift! I'm really excited about it!

Cain's mom: …Do what you like.

Cain: … Well then, I'm off, mom!

Sometimes we misunderstood each other, and then we'd argue. There's all sorts of things we can't see eye to eye on. Just like how not everyone was always going to agree with me, there were times I couldn't agree with them either. Sometimes I'd make a joke, and someone'd get angry at me for it. Sometimes someone would make a joke, and I'd find I couldn't laugh along. But I could still feel how loved and protected I was despite all of that. I wouldn't say it was perfect, and it certainly wasn't classy, but my world was still one that loved me. The city I was born in had watched over me.

Cain's friend: Hey, good luck, Cain! Go get as famous as you can out there!

Cain's friend: You've always been the best of all of us! So go 'n get 'em, Cain!

Cain's friend: Once I convince my parents to let me, I'm gonna go to the capital too! So go and wait there for me!

Town of Glory citizen: Take care! Keep yourself safe and rack up those medals in the military!

Town of Glory citizen: Those city folk can be touchy, so don't let it bother you no matter what they say! And if you really can't stand it, you can come back here!

Town of Glory citizen: Cain, take care. I hope that no matter how many wonderful people you meet, you won't forget about us…

Cain: I won't forget! Well then, I'm off! Thank you, all of you!

✦✧☾✧✦

I'd thought that there was only one form of justice. If everyone followed the same rules, then no one would ever be hurt. That had been a childish fantasy. There's so many different kinds of justice in the world. And just as there's many different kinds, each person has a different kind of justice they'll prioritize. And as the differences in people change day by day, or even mood by mood, the things that they prioritize in their justice change as well. Like about individual freedom. Or how to assist those more vulnerable. Or how to honor tradition. Or how to have an impartial heart. Or about laws. About liberty. About rights. And how they want to uphold their justice is all different as well. To be peaceful, to be judgmental, to be tolerant, to be an example. But still, I tried to be as good a human as I could possibly be. I wanted to be kind to them, and I wanted to help them. I wanted to understand them, and I wanted to be friends with them. I didn't need anything in return. No one was forcing me to do these things. I just wanted to love and protect people the way that my family and friends had loved and protected me.

Owen: Don't be ridiculous. You're just trying to make yourself look better, my hypocritical Sir Knight.

I bet if I told that to Owen, that's how he'd ridicule me for it. But I'm not lying, I'm not trying to put on an act. The world I've seen really is that beautiful. Wasn't there anything beautiful… …in the world that he saw?

Chapter 8 -- What It Means To Believe

Owen: We're almost there.

Arthur: It sure looks that way. Even from far away, the City of Wealth is still bright with light. Truly, this is a city without night.

Owen: Why did you change your outfit?

Arthur: I figure it's better if no one can recognize my status where we're going.

Owen: Even though you're a prince? I thought that among humans, being a prince was one of the better things to be.

Arthur: What do you mean by "better"?

Owen: Like how strength speaks for itself in the North, doesn't social status speak for itself in Central? The nobles are above the commoners, and royalty is above the nobles. And the king is about as intimidating as Oz or Mithra. So why are you hiding your status?

Arthur: He's not that intimidating. And I don't particularly think Lord Oz or Mithra are intimidating either, are they?

Owen: They are.

Arthur: Are you intimidating too, Owen?

Owen: Of course I am.

Arthur: Like when?

Owen: Hah? Always. Like right now?

Arthur: I see!

Owen: Yeah.

Arthur: Owen. Regarding what we were talking about earlier…

Owen: Keep the conversation moving naturally! Are you going to let me intimidate you? Even though you're a prince.

Arthur: I didn't realize I was being intimidated, so it's fine. I think we're both appropriately intimidating for who we are, don't you think?

Owen: Something about that is pissing me off…

Arthur: Owen. Regarding what we were talking about earlier, could you tell me a bit more about what's going on? Why is Cain throwing away his honor?

Owen: So that the Western army will trust him.

Arthur: Trust him…? Wouldn't upholding his honor be a better way to get them to trust him?

Owen: Hmph… Cain said the same thing. You're just as foolish as he is. That's why I told him. A man like Cain isn't trustworthy at all. The kind of person they can trust is someone filthy with mud. Someone more shameful than they've ever seen. Someone with no heart who'll betray people at a moment's notice. Someone who'll do anything to protect themself and their own interests. That's the kind of person who's really trustworthy.

Arthur: Why?

Owen: That should be obvious. Because everyone knows the rules that way. I said rules, but it's different from laws. It's not anything that ever got written down. It's understood without using words. It's a person's true nature.

Arthur: A person's true nature…

Owen: Yep. When you encounter someone more fortunate than you, you get jealous and envious and want them to fall hard. There are desires you can't admit in front of people, but can indulge in when no one's around. That's a human's true nature. And everyone wants to hide that ugly part of themself. That's why if you can see how ugly someone's nature is, you don't have to worry and can be friends with them. That's trust.

Arthur: …

Owen: …But no one knows what Sir Knight's rules are. So he can't be trusted. He doesn't show his heart to anyone. Haha… How stupid.

Arthur: …And that's why Cain is choosing to throw his honor away? Because he took what you said seriously?

Owen: Yep. Are you disappointed?

Arthur: No… I'm worried. That's not like him. I wonder if something else happened.

Owen: …What do you mean?

Arthur: Ordinarily, Cain wouldn't take what you tell him so seriously.

Owen: Hah? What's that supposed to mean?

Arthur: It means that I believe in Cain. This is what I think trust is, Owen. Cain's concept of faith in others isn't wrong.

Owen: …

Arthur: And don't you believe in him too?

Owen: In who? In Sir Knight? As if. Arthur. The one who tempted him into going down this path was me. And it's something I've been waiting so long for. Ever since the day I stole his eye, I've been waiting for him to show his true colors. He's weak, foolish, cowardly…

Arthur: But you don't seem happy about it at all.

Owen: Hah?

Arthur: Even though Cain is about to fall to depravity, you're not happy about that.

Owen: I am happy about it. That's why I'm bringing you. So I can make the situation he's ended up in even worse. You're the last person Sir Knight wants to see as he sinks into gambling and lust.

Arthur: …

Owen: I just know it'll break him apart. I'm looking forward to it already.

Arthur: …You're very contrary, aren't you.

Owen: A drop from this height will kill you, Sir Prince.

Arthur: Let's say I take you seriously for a moment. As a wizard that loves to be unkind to others, you're looking forward to Cain's corruption… So I thought that if Cain were do to anything even slightly unbefitting a knight, you'd point and laugh at him. That's why you're always following him around.

Owen: Haha… Exactly. I want to see everyone's beloved paragon of virtue Sir Knight drown in his desires once he sees who he really is in the mirror. And I'm going to sit and laugh when he does. …Hmph. There really is no such thing as an ideal knight, is there. Everything in this world makes me sick. There's nothing but my beloved vile and disgusting malice and lies. Serves him right. But he can't fool me.

Arthur: …But in truth… Didn't you believe in him?

Owen: …

Arthur: Which is why you came to me…

Owen: Haha… Don't be stupid.

Arthur: Owen.

Owen: Shut up. I'll rip your tongue out.

Arthur: I feel the same way. I'm thinking the same things you are. I want to believe in him…

Owen: …What?

Arthur: … Owen. You're a Northern wizard who's lived for a very long time.

Owen: That's right.

Arthur: …Do you know… Do you know why Lord Oz is called the Demon King? Is it just because of his strength? Or is it… …Exactly as the stories say? That he once made to conquer this world? If you've seen him that way, then…

Owen: … What did Figaro and the twins say about it?

Arthur: …They avoid the subject. But I get so angry when I hear people dragging Lord Oz's name through the mud… They just comforted me by agreeing with me. And I just took it as them denying those stories without actually asking them. Lord Oz also says nothing of it.

Owen: Fufu… Is that right.

Arthur: But you know, don't you, Owen? Won't you tell me?

Owen: Nope, I don't know. Maybe I'll remember something later, but right now I don't know anything about it.

Arthur: Why… Please just tell me without putting on an act about it.

Owen: I told you, I don't know.

Arthur: Owen. Please.

Owen: Oz was once a terrible Demon King. He was more brutal than the <Great Calamity> itself and crushed the world beneath his heel.

Arthur: …

Owen: Do you believe me?

Arthur: …Are you lying to me?

Owen: Which would you rather? You can pick whichever you like, Sir Prince. Picking what you like means living in a world that you like. You can cover up the pieces so you don't have to look at them.

Arthur: … I wish I could. Serves you right. But you can't fool me. I'm glad I believed in Lord Oz. …Is what I wish I could say.

Owen: Hmph. We're going down. Don't make a fuss since we need to be quiet about it. I'll take you to Cain.

Arthur: We're going to see him quietly? I thought you wanted to get in the way?

Owen: I am. I want to make you feel terrible, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Western officer: Ahaha! You're an interesting man, Cain. If the general were here, I'd introduce you to him. Too bad.

Cain: General Barnett, right? I hear he's running the Magical Technology Division all on his own. He worked with Nicholas too, didn't he?

Western officer: Yeah. To be honest, he was supposed to be back by tonight, but it looks like that's not happening… Huh? He is back…? Sounds like he's back in the City of Wealth.

Cain: That's good to hear. How soon can I meet with him?

Western officer: He is his Excellency the general. He's not that easy to get a meeting with. But… Since you've been such a good 'n sociable guest, if he drops by this club tonight I'll be sure to introduce you.

Cain: Really?

Western officer: Sure. But y'know, it's already pretty late.

Cain: It's on the days you work the longest that you want to drink the most. Is there anything the general likes in particular? Is he one for dancing? I'm pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Western officer: Ahaha, sure, you can dance. If I'm remembering right, there's this popular novel series he really likes.

Cain: Oh, what a coincidence. I'm probably a fan of it too.

Western officer: Really?

Cain: Sure. Put it in front of me and I'll read it out loud as loud as I can, too.

Western officer: Haha, I'd wanna hear that, too. There's so many risque lines in that thing.

Cain: That's perfectly fine. I wonder if the general heard, he'd be interested?

Western officer: Well, if he's not too tired… But it's definitely something he'd be into. The protagonist is this young maid girl, and…

Cain: Yeah, just lend me one of the volumes. How about I just start reading it here and now?

Western officer: Yeah! Now that's what we wanna hear!

Western lady: Lord Cain is so darling.

Cain: Alright, here we go. That would be the first night of many nights of hands-on experience, my ample breasts bouncing with every motion…

Arthur: Excuse me.

Cain: …?! (Lord Arthur…! Why is he here?!)

Officer's club staff: Hey, you can't be here. This isn't a place for kids.

Owen: It should be fine if there's an adult with him.

Cain: (Owen…! So you were the one that brought him here!) (For Lord Arthur, this is as good as walking onto a battlefield.) (No matter how much you want to needle me, there's still a limit on what's acceptable!) (I'm never going to forgive him for this one.)

Owen: …

[starlightmoon96]

Yandere Optimus Prime/Yandere Megatron x OC character chapter 9

Sabina told Hiro how her new life as Sabina Rose went with her, she told him everything since day one she went to California. Even telling him how she met his cousin Yuko at her new High School, winning mutable awards and having every art collage fighting over her for scholarship. What Hiro wanted to know was when she started to Sugar Baby business, Sabina didn't want to be too dependent of Tōshirō on supporting her she starting sugaring when she turned 18 years old and a senior in High School. Looking up on what type of sugar babies there are she really like the Japanese version of it which was Enjo-kōsai or compensated dating, Hiro knew what it was since he was from Japan and was alright with it since Sabina has control over her relationships with her sugar daddy's."

Back in California Tōshirō had finished explaining everything to Richard, now Richard understood why she didn't want to go to New York or anywhere near there. Despite him now knowing most of the truth, he still wanted to help Sabina in anywhere he can, he still cared for her and wasn't like more women in his life that cared about money. Sabina was the only one that didn't she cared about him and what he wanted and respected his wishes, so he told Tōshirō that he wanted to help Sabina in any way he can. Which made Tōshirō very happy and grateful too Richard, though Richard was curious about Sabina's fiancé so Tōshirō told him what Sabina told him about Hiro."

Around 10 at night in New York Sabina was looking up at the stars from outside of the lake house's porch, though she wasn't alone. Hiro had his arms wrapped around her from behind since she was sitting on his lap and had a long warm blanket wrapped around the two of them.

"Hiro you pick a location the view is perfect for star gazing." While she still spoke she looked at Hiro

"Remember how we used to star gazing back in high school?" As Hiro answered her she leaned his forehead on hers

"I sure do, only this time its official." Right after he said that Sabina said to him as she laid her head on his chest

"To be honest Tōshirō was your replacement he was the closest to your aura and personality, but it wasn't the same as yours. Richard showed the same aura of love as you though which surprised me."

"From what you told me about him, seems like he really cares about you more than a sugar daddy should. I think you might be right about him purposing to you when you were supposed to go back to California." Hearing Hiro say that made Sabina a little un easy as she spoke back to him

"I don't want to hurt him, he's been so sweet and treats me like a treasure. Meeting you changed everything now, I'm not so sure how things are going to turn out now?" She looked at her engagement ring that was still on her ring finger while still speaking

"Especially this, who knows how long until we can start officially plan our wedding. Let alone tell your family that I'm not dead, I just don't want anyone else getting hurt because of me. I always hoping my dad would walk me down the ale." After she said that Hiro said to her

"And things are going to be very hard for the two, if we have our wedding soon it'll end very badly I'm sure of it. Caroline when are you going to Japan?"

" In a couple of months when I finish collage Yuko is coming with me, I leave her I know she'll be a target and I'm going to haft to tell her the truth soon I don't think it's far for her to be in the dark." After Sabina said that Hiro stood up and helped her up by taking her hand, after she stood up Hiro said to her

"Why don't we all it a night? You haft head back to California tomorrow in the morning. Cant oversleep."

Though Sabina was taking a privet jet back to California she still didn't want to oversleep, what she didn't like was separating from Hiro. To help communicate they decided to do this old fashion way and send letters and post cards to each other for the time being, Sabina also told Hiro that she would stop sugaring once she's in japan. It got him some relief even though she's very responsible about sugaring, which Hiro was VERY happy about. Though one thing did worry Sabina and that was being by herself, she didn't want to ask anyone seeing Hiro with her on security cameras or worse if any of the humans that worked for the decepticons spots them. Now it was hard for her to trust anybody anymore, she had to be even more careful she didn't know how many there are.

When it was time for Sabina to leave she arrange a driver to pick her up outside a starbucks, Hiro had to drop her off a block away from the building to avoid the security cameras. While Sabina was waiting for her ride she decided to grab a coffee inside, once she got her coffee her ride showed up and helped her get her belongings in the vehicle for her. Since she was taking a private jet she needed to go into a different entrance of the airport, when she arrived at the airport to her surprise she saw Richard waiting for her outside of the jet.

"Richard this is a shocker I didn't expect to see you here?" Right after she said that Richard pulled out her hand to her in his hand was bouquet of blue orchids as he spoke to her with his cheerful smile on his face

"And that's what you like about me Sabina." Sabina gratefully took the flowers out of his hand as they both started to walk into the jet together, then for the past few month's things had been surprisingly fine and her ankle was all healed up so she didn't need the ankle brace anymore. When September started to come around Sabina had started to pack some of her belongings from her small library in her apartment, she didn't need any help so she did it herself she wasn't doing any extreme packing it was just to get her ready for the big move once she finished college starting off in one room was a good start to her option. Sabina also loved that October was coming up, not only Halloween was her favorite holiday but her birthday was on that month. During the time she was packing it was on a Sunday so she didn't go to either her job or her college on that day, Sundays are her days off and she enjoyed the piece. Once she was done packing she decided for a little lunch which was coffee jelly and a side of almond milk, just as she was eating her phone started ringing and she answered it.

"Hey Jasmine what's up."

"Sabina I know this is last minute but I really need the help for a project." Hearing her friend say that over the phone surprised Sabina as she continued speaking to her

"What do you need help with?" After she said that her friend Jasmine answered her

"My model just canceled on me, she has strep and this project is for the autumn expedition. And I know you already turned yours." Before she continued Sabina interrupted her as she finished drinking her almond milk

"Sure I'll do it, it's been a while since I modeled for someone."

"Great can you come by around an hour at the campus dorms? Naerim is going to help out with the shoot as well she's here with me." After that call ended Sabina finished eating her coffee jelly and almond milk, then Sabina got to her college in the dorms where her friends where and the dorm where her friend Jasmine lived in. What she wasn't aware of from outside of the dorm Optimus was using his holoform to listening to their conversation, he had been very careful to not being caught now that he was aware of Sabina's gift for the past several months. Yet during those months he didn't spot megatron anywhere near her when he was around, he wondered in megatron knew.

"So what's this modeling thing you want me to do?" Sabina asked that question to her friend Jasmine as she sat down in one of the chairs as her friend answered her

"I'm wanting to do an autumn photo shoot with featuring the autumn leafs and trees, I'd like you to model as an autumn elf. You already look like a doll and I'm really curious as to how you would look as an elf." Right after she said that Sabina's other friend Naerim spoke to Sabina

"I'm curious about that myself, I bet you'll look very beautiful as one."

"That explains why you brought Naerim here, she's great at cosplay makeup." Sabina said that as she looked over to Naerim, then she looked back at Jasmine

"Alright I'll do it." Her answer made her two friends very happy as did optimus that was listening, he knew what elves where and was would love to see what Sabina would look like as one. Two of Sabina's friends did different works Jasmine was doing Sabina's hair while Naerim was doing her makeup, with two of them working at the same time would get things going a lot faster. For the hair it was Mother of Dragons braid, once Jasmine was done she put the very long elf ears on Sabina while Naerim was finishing up the touches on the makeup the style she went with was autumn fall fairy elf makeup. Once she was done putting on the lipstick both girls where so happy so see Sabina in the entire elf look, she was indeed very beautiful as an elf. Before the makeover Sabina did wear the outfit she was asked to wear for the shoot, then both girls took selfies with Sabina before heading out.

" A lot of people on campus where so surprised seeing Sabina dressed the way she was, they came up to her telling her that she was beautiful and wanting pictures with her. Optimus though watching from the shadows was so shocked seeing Sabina the way she was, he didn't think it was possible but she was even more beautiful than normal. It was thanks to that some of Sabina's admirers wanted to help with the photoshoot with the lighting and setups, having that help would make things go more quickly so all three of then agreed with the extra help. Sabina also liked that idea for a couple of security guards during the shoots in case something happens, luckily over ten of her admires where helping and three of them agreed to help with the security. Sabina felt a lot safer and she saw that they were determined to keep her happy from the colors she was seeing from them, when she shoot started it was one pose after another. One's with autumn leafs raining down on her to a Northern cardinal actually landing actually landing on her hand that surprised her followed by a blue jay that landed on her shoulder, Jasmine was so happy seeing the results of the photos the same with Naerim and Sabina. What Sabina didn't know that she was under surveillance from one of Megatron mini flying drones, they were the size as sakata bugs. They didn't pose any threats which was why she didn't notice them even with her sight gift, now that Optimus was in the picture Megatron didn't want to risk being spotted by him. Though Megatron didn't like the male attention Sabina was getting either, but he did like her new appearance and how surprised it turned out on her.

"When autumn expedition started a lot of people showed up to see the students art work a lot of people were impressed by Sabina's work with was very large paining of a deer in a mystical autumn forest with a mysterious black hooded girl that had both her hands on it's back, though people were equally as impressed seeing her friend Jasmine's photography gallery of Sabina in her elf attire. Sabina was there for her friends since there was no point for to be at her finished piece, a lot of people told Sabina how beautiful she was in the pictures and she thanked them. Sabina say the several colors of envy and jealously from young women around her and jasmine's age, though she was used to seeing those colors from both of her High Schools. Despite that she was quite popular and wasn't hated or bullied because of her then background with being Tōshirō's adopted daughter from her second High School, though after some time Sabina wanted to get something to eat not wanting to spend any money Yuko made her a little bento box for her that she had in her work studio. Plus she wanted to get a little peace so she decided to eat in her work studio, Sabina said to goodbyes to her friend before she took off and before things got more busy."

"Excuse me." Hearing that male voice surprised Jasmine, it also caught her attention that made her look over to see who was speaking to her. The person that was speaking to her was Optimus using his holo form once he got her attention he continued speaking to her

"If you don't mind I would like a moment of your time?" Jasmine found herself a little speechless seeing him, so she did answer a few questions for him. What Optimus didn't know was that Ratchet followed him to the college he to use a holoform to avoid human attention. Ratchet's holoform didn't look that much older than optimus's, slick back light dark green hair like his armor color. A short sleeved torn jacket that almost went with his hair along with a black shirt, with dark blue jeans like with optimus black boots. Ratchet found it odd that Optimus was speaking with a human the way he was. Though it look like he wanted something from her, he couldn't get close enough to know what they were talking about. All he could do was watch from the shadows seeing what Optimus was up too and get some answer to his new behavior, during that time Sabina was enjoying her bento lunch in her work studio in the peace she wanted. She also wanted to wear her new engagement ring without anyone seeing it, to her it felt like Hiro was with her even though he wasn't. Just as she finished eating Sabina pulled off her ring and put it back in her pocket, then her phone started ringing and she answered it.

"Hey Jasmine, good timing I just finished eating."

"Oh good I got lucky." While Sabina was supporting her phone from her shoulder she was putting her bento back in her bag

"Listen this really hot guy showed up not long after you left" Hearing that surprised Sabina then she asked her

"Really what did he say?" After she said that her friend answered her

"He was asking about the photos in the art gallery at first, though it seemed he was interested in you in general." That surprised Sabina a little bit then she asked her with a little worried look on her face

"Um this guy? Was he polite and easy to talk too, none threating? Had a calm caring voice by any chance? Maybe leader type?" From Jasmine end she was surprised her hear that it described optimus and the way he acted to Jasmine perfectly then Jasmine answered her

"Yeah how did you know? He had a jacket with red and blue flames." After Jasmine said that Sabina's line was silent that made her friend speak to her again

"Sabina?"

"Jasmine listen to me very carefully, I do know him. You need to stay away from him he doesn't look it but he's bad news like that guy Tom I told ya'll about." That set off a few red alarms in Jasmine's head that made her run off as she spoke to Sabina again with a very worried look on her face.

"Sabina get the hell out of your work studio right now, I might have told him about your lunch break. Met me at my dorm." Sabina quickly ended the call as she grabbed her belongs and running out the door before locking it from the outside.

"Why didn't I see it before they meeting the guy twice was no coincidence that was Optimus using some sort of avatar. No wonder he seemed familiar."

[grapenehifics]

Fic Rec Friday

Here's today's lesson in 'people can't actually read your mind, dumbass' (it's me, I'm the dumbass in this scenario). I was talking to @palfriendpatine66 and just, like, assumed that I'd already written a big long treatise about how much I love Center Stage? But, then, turns out, I guess I haven't. So, here one is now!

The flashbacks, and the way they're integrated into the plot. Maybe I'm just so impressed by this because it is so hard for me, personally, to do. But there's two stories going on here, and one of them isn't even told completely linearly, and they both feed off of each other and one gives you context for the other but instead of it just being 'plot info dump background information hope you remember this because it will be important later' (which is how I tend to do it), it's pieced out at the time that you need it and it leaves me hungry for MORE. I was just as, if not more, invested in the 'backstory' as I was in the present-day stuff.

Obi-Wan and Anakin feel like them. I mean, you know I love a good sports-as-Jedi metaphor, and the dancing works really well too. It's physical and mental at the same time, so you get those elements that you get from a good sparring scene: sexual tension, Anakin wanting to impress Obi-Wan (who is maybe less physically flashy but more experienced), determination to get it right, having to balance technical prowess with emotion...

It's a fun little peek into a world that I don't have a lot of experience in; one of my favorite things in the world is an AU where the person is clearly writing from personal experience and I get to learn stuff about dance competitions or coffee shops or someone's job or whatever

THE PINING

You know what the pining deserves a second bullet point because it's that good, there's just such LONGING and old hurts that they have to work through but the love is always there, they just have to let themselves be brave and take a chance

This is maybe just a more specific version of bullet point 2 but Obi-Wan is not only a performer but a teacher, too, and still in that transition period between the two so he's grappling with his feelings about aging and shifting to a different stage (ha) of his career, and as someone who is very much into the current Star Wars trend (on TV, anyway) of exploring middle age and what happens after these really monumental life events this speaks to me personally. Like, these are actual adults who are learning to grow into themselves and they're still who they are but they've let life change them, too.

Again I'm still stuck on the flashbacks but you get to watch Anakin's progression from needy, broke, angry teen to quitting the studio and leaving Obi-Wan behind for supposedly greener pastures all the way to coming home to him again and it feels exactly right and very Anakin

All in sub 14k words which just boggles my mind because I don't know if you've noticed but brevity is not my jam and I am deeply impressed anytime someone manages to pack so much emotion into a (to me) short wordcount

This quote: "He loved Anakin now and he had loved Anakin then. He had never known a time where he didn’t love Anakin, it had just grown and changed along with them" which sums up canon Obikin to me in, like, ten seconds

Also, it has a happy and romantic ending, so even when things get tough, never fear it'll work out