#but besides the amazing practical effects

[madegeeky]

31 Days of Horror Movies (?/31)

I WANT TO DEDICATE WAY TOO MUCH TIME TO HORROR, FUCK YOUR MOVIES, LET'S TALK TV

Okay, I know I said horror movies, but media would have been over-reaching (I'm not talking about video games or books, though do check out the Shining, it's amazing). And I'm not sure if there's any word that encompasses both movie and tv. (Watch, one of you assholes (affectionate) will tell me within 5 mins of me posting this.) But, I'm going to list some tv anyway, because it's my list and you can't stop me.

Inside No. 9: An anthology series in which each episode is a self-contained story and the genres range from drama to comedy to dark comedy to horror to black comedy. ... As with any other anthology that exists, there are going to be episodes you love, episodes you hate, and episodes that fall everywhere in-between. Most of the eps, for me, fall at least into the "like" category which is how it made this list. With only 6 eps per season and 2 specials, with each ep running 30 mins, for a tv show it's not a huge time commitment.

American Horror Story: Asylum: The second season of AHS follows the stories of "patients" and staff at an asylum in 1964. ... I made myself go with only one season of AHS and it was a no brainer that it'd be this one. The writers had really hit their stride with this one but weren't yet bogged down by all that had come before it (which was only one season). The characters are some of the best characters that have ever been written or acted in the series and the stories are some if its tightest. It's worth noting, though, that AHS is infamous for, as I put it, throwing everything including the kitchen sink into a story and this season is no exception.

The Haunting of Hill House: A fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it. ... If there's one show that you decide to give a try, this is the show you should watch. Some of the tightest writing I've ever experienced, amazingly acted, absolutely gorgeous character work, and the sixth episode, Two Storms, to this day takes my breath away. Definitely top 5 best tv shows I've ever watched. There is also another series from the same writer, The Haunting of Bly Manor, which is nowhere near as good but as some really amazing moments.

The Last of Us: A man must help a young teen girl get across a fungal-zombie filled United States. ... Man, if you'd told me that there'd be a zombie tv series on this list before I watched this series, I would have raised a very skeptical eyebrow at you. I tend to find zombies somewhat boring, all the survivors are always depressingly horrible to each other, and a tv show is long form which means that these two things are usually drawn out awfully long. But this show does it all right. The writing is amazingly tight, the character and relationships are great, the emotions are there and feel real and meaningful, and my only major complaint is a grudging one because this show is literally so well-written there's no way to change it without ruining the tightness of the script. So, insert "I guess" meme here.

[pearlzier]

now playing . . . cowboy by tyler the creator 𓈒⠀ ✧

⠀⠀⠀⠀𝅄⠀⠀ㅤׂ ⠀warnings / smut, cheating, random ass boyfriend called josh, reader is wearing a skirt, oral (m!receiving), p in v, public kinda (they're outside in the garden), unprotected sex (idk no mattlings running around yetzies)

⠀⠀⠀⠀𝅄⠀⠀ㅤׂ ⠀word count / lots of words like over 2k probably ??

⠀⠀⠀⠀𝅄⠀⠀ㅤׂ ⠀author's note / i got so carried away this was supposed 2 be a drabble LMFAOOO have fun w this :3

"THAT'S MY GIRLFRIEND. YOU STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER, ALRIGHT?" is what he was told, the moment he met you.

and he listened. he really tried to. until he couldn't anymore. until he had you pinned against the wall of his friend's house, creaming on his dick. it sounds insane, it probably was, but matt was a man pushed to his last straw with a very pretty girl at the end of it. you can't blame him for that, even if it does sound cruel. to be honest, his initial resilience and resistance of temptation should've been a dead giveaway to the way he would fall into the claws of desire so hard.

matt didn't think much when he heard that josh had gotten a girlfriend. he was happy for his friend, glad that he'd found someone. he didn't expect you to be drop dead fucking gorgeous. to be so pretty. he had to do a double take when he first saw you, absolutely stunned. josh wasn't that bad looking, no, but.. to pull a girl like you was a massive feat for anyone. you're like, so fitting for josh. but at the same time, that makes you fitting for matt. of course you are.

he's fully aware of how he stared at you the first time he saw you, which caused josh to say—"that's my girlfriend. you stay the fuck away from her, alright?"—bringing him out from the daze of lewd thoughts and inappropriate positions his brain had already put you in. was he a shit friend? probably.

this resulted in matt having a bit of a staring problem as you'd called it. it wasn't creepy or anything, it was actually appreciated and polite. albeit very much loaded. it was like you knew he was head over heels for you and decided to dangle your affection infront of him in some form of torture. it was not fair how he had to hide his boner around you. absolutely torture.

he couldn't hang out with josh like he used to simply because of your presence. and you fucking knew it too, you tease. it was your favourite thing to wear the tiniest clothes around him or simply bat your lashes and giggle in the most adorable way. matt was pretty sure you wanted him dead, just from how amazing you were. once again, at a party held at josh's place, he's day dreaming a little taking you in. his blue eyes flicker over you, he swallows thickly, glancing down at the soda he had in his hands. he'd barely drank any of it, if any. too distracted by your presence.

trying to focus his attention on something else, he glances away from you, focusing his attention on some other girls dancing together. they want his attention, you just.. capture his attention without even trying. until you actually did try to get his attention, flashing him that soft little smile when your eyes met his. he has to practically force his jaw shut after it drops at the sight of you. he's so whipped for his friend's girlfriend.

matt curses himself for the way he glances away like a little kid when you meet his gaze, and he knows you most definitely saw it. he swallows hard, trying to focus on somerhing but you once more. it becomes impossible when he feels a presence which he knows is most definitely you beside him. his mouth goes dry.

"hi, matt," you say, all coy, like you don't know the exact effect you have on him. matt glances up at you, trying not to seem as awkward as he feels. his lashes flutter as he tries ro come up with a response that feels chill, not.. insane. "hey," he settles on—it's simple, casual. doesn't betray the thoughts in his head.

the smile on your glossy lips only grows at that. it's like you can see directly through him into his soul. your eyes rake over him for a moment, as you consider what to say, "you havin' fun?" you watch him, waiting for a response even if you know exactly how he's feeling. matt goes quiet, brain whirling once more in an attempt to seem normal. "sure," he starts, "just.. y'know.." great job, matt. he seems so normal, right? great.

the laugh you let out at his response has his gut tightening along with his jeans, and he swears he can feel his heart in his throat for a moment. matt runs his fingers through his hair, playing with his rings in a nervous movement. "y'know?" your words are soft, curious, as if coaxing him to continue. he really doesn't want to, but he does, anyway.

"uh," matt scratches the back of his neck, an awkward chuckle slipping past his lips. you don't think its awkward at all, no, you think it's adorable. endearing. he's adorable. "a little bored, i guess, but.. never really been much of a party guy," his blue eyes meet yours again and the intensity, the tension, makes him glance away once more. you laugh again, making his cheeks flush.

"bored? here? m'surprised, everyone's like.. having the time of their lives," you're not wrong—everyone is having the time of their lives.

"i could think of plenty of other things that would constitute as the time of my life, this isn't one of 'em," matt snarks playfully, finding himself comfortable with you almost instantly. you have this vibe, this comfortable aura that makes people relax and chill out. trustworthy, in a way. "i get it, don't worry. besides the dancing and people and.. things, it's not that entertaining." he can agree with that, and he nods, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he leans back against the wall.

this allows him a moment to take you in. he shouldn't have done that. that once over only made his thoughts about you worse. horrifically worse, oh god. matt glanced at the ceiling as if the faint stain on it was interesting. it wasn't. he'd much rather leave stains with you on some sheets. even he cringed at his own thoughts. "come outside with me," you offer after a moment. everything about you oozes innocent but matt can't help but think you're anything but. he thinks about josh and swallows, mumbling, "i don't think josh would like that very much."

"he's not here right now, is he?" you remember very vividly josh had gone out to grab some drinks for the party with another friend of his, having headed to the convenience store near his house. which left you with free reign of the party, and the chance to do whatever you fucking pleased. and you wanted to do matt. the obvious answer.

matt's a tiny bit stunned by your words and he blinks slowly, processing for a minute before his brain catches up and he nods quickly, pushing off of the wall with an eagerness he's embarassed at. "you're right," he starts, "yeah, okay," he nods towards the door leading outside to the back garden with the hot tub and such. he's a tiny bit nervous you're playing with him, to go back and tell josh what he's doing, however you seem just as into this as he is, and he nods once more.

he takes the lead, glancing back frequently to check you're still there. you are, thankfully, and he gains a tiny bit more confidence. "you look nice," he murmurs, quiet, so if you didn't hear him he wouldn't have to repeat himself. you did hear him, however, and you feel flush at that. that soft smile only grows more, "thank you. can say the same," matt laughs softly, glancing away bashfully. he holds the door for you, delighting in the way your soft body brushes against his. he wants to feel more. wants to feel you under him, above him, around him.

it's cool outside, an easy breeze that contrasts to the warm heat of bodies within the house. you visibly relax which makes him relax too. he's quiet, you're quiet, the two of you making your way to a quiet part of the garden. it's sort of an alley, the bit between the back gate and the house itself. he likes how private it is. "so," matt starts, "so," you respond in return. it's not an awkward silence, but gentle. he laughs softly, he doesn't even know why. you're just so pretty it makes him giddy. and he says it. "you look so pretty."

"you think i look pretty?" you know you look pretty. when don't you?

"uh-huh," he nods, gently. "real pretty," he swallows hard. you overwhelm him. "sometimes i think—" he shouldn't go down that rabbit hole, especially not infront of you.

but he'd already gone too far, you'd heard him. "you think what?" you're always so attentive and inquisitive, he hates it. not really, he adores it, but sometimes he wishes you'd let things slide more often. matt curses under his breath, blue eyes soft.

"sometimes i think about if you were mine," matt's voice is quiet, almost scared as to how you'll react. he thinks you'll flip out at him, slap him, call him insane. but you don't, a soft looking appearing in your eyes. you look at matt with this gentle curiosity that coaxes him into saying more; "because you're.. you're just so gorgeous, and sweet, and funny, and you smile at me when i'm having the shittest days ever and i just fucking wish you weren't with josh because god, i'd make you feel so good, baby," he doesn't think twice about calling you baby and you don't think twice about how good you feel when he says that.

"now you're just begging me to kiss you," your tone is playfully soft, and matt looks a tiny bit weary, like he's scared you're joking. his plush lips are parted, soft puffs of air slipping past, "kiss me?" he asks gently, blue eyes innocent in how surprised he is. you want to kiss him?

you decide to answer without words, gently grasping at his hoodie and drawing him in for a gentle kiss. your lips meet, a soft groan slipping past matt's lips almost instantly. his hands hover around your waist, as he's scared to touch you, like he doesn't deserve to, so you gently mumble against him, "you can touch me," just to make it crystal clear you're okay with this. his lips are soft, gentle, his mouth tasting faintly like the soda he'd been drinking and a faint vanilla lip balm that made his lips so plush. your lips are equally soft, the glitter of your lip-gloss transferring to his lips and leaving a glittery sheen on them.

matt lets out a soft whine when your lips have to come off eachother, to simply get air. fuck air, he thinks to himself, but he doesn't say it outloud. "josh," he says gently, his brain immediately thinking to the worst scenario. you, however, don't look fussed. "what about him?" your relaxed demeanour and absolutely no worry in your gait makes his cheeks flush more, but also a confidence grow within him. he quickly grasps at your hips and brings you into him, thumbs stroking over the fabric of your skirt.

"nothing," he says quietly, practically breathing you in. the smell of your perfume made him dizzy. he wanted to suffocate in it. god, if you heard his thoughts.. "no—nothing about him," he slides his hands over your sides, and he's trying to resist the urge to grope at your body. "nothing, ma," he wants to kiss you again. "can i kiss you again?"

"mhm," you hum gently, preening into his touch with your eyes lifting up to his. your smile only grows, a giggle slipping past your lips once more. "i suppose so." matt eagerly slips his hand down to your ass, grasping gently to tug you impossibly closer before he presses his lips to yours again. his tongue brushes yours, and you eagerly reciprocate it again. as he grasps at your ass, your hands slide to his arms and hold yourself against him.

"god, you're so pretty," he murmurs against your lips, whimpering the words out gently. you slide your hands up and down his arms, making a shiver flutter down his spine a little. "s'not fair, how come he gets you?" his voice is whiny, like he really can't believe that you're his, even if he wants you so bad.

you raise your brows, "you're getting me right now." your words are a soft reminder, that he shouldn't think about his bestfriend, your boyfriend at this very moment. matt practically melts the moment you drop to your knees infront of him. he glances around frantically for a second as if josh is gonna pop out of a bush or something. this feels like a dream, like it's not real, but your fingers tugging on the zip of his jeans was very much real.

"are you not uncomfortable?" of course that's what he's worried about. your comfort. it's adorable how his blue eyes search yours to find any hesitation. he doesn't find any.

"m'fine, don't worry yourself 'bout it, matt," he's dreamed of this before. woken up with his boxers sticky at the thought of you on your knees for him. he swallows thickly, "okay," he breathes out, sounding a little on edge.

matt whines under his breath when you tug at the zip, his chest rising and falling in gentle breaths whilst he watched you. the cold air hits his thighs when you manage to tug down the denim previously covering him, and he lets out a nervous little laugh. "oh my god," he mumbles, he'd never thought he'd have you like this. your fingers brush his legs, making him practically buckle at the knees. "you don't have to, i mean—" he'd fully planned on being the one to make you feel good, but from how eagerly you're tugging at his boxers, he's pretty sure he'll get to wait.

"i want to, though," there's such certainty in your voice. it's attractive.

he swallows thickly when he feels you tug down his boxers, a quiet yelp slips past his lips. his tip leaks precum, clearly having been doing so for a while now considering the stain on the front of his boxers. matt would feel embarassed if it wasn't for how badly he wants to fuck your throat till you cry, pretty tears on your cheeks. he's so hard, it almost hurts. "you look so good," he mumbles quietly, "oh, god."

your eyes flutter over him, taking in the sight of his cock appraisingly. "says you," matt blushes instantly at your words, "me? pretty? that's just because my dick's out, isn't it?"

"that too," you shrug, running your fingers up over his thigh. the touch is light, and you realise you like touching him a lot. the faint shiver in his leg, the way he watches you so attentively at every tiny movement—you feel wanted. so, so wanted. more than josh ever made you feel. he instinctively pumps his hand on his cock, a pitiful whine slipping past him as his head tilts back a little. he hasn't even been touched yet, and he's yours. he thumbs his slit for a moment, coaxing more precum to drip. smearing it over the swollen head, he gently guides it to your mouth, watching as the tip pushed against your plush lips. "is this okay? do you—is this.." matt doesn't know why he's so nervous. he'd been with plenty of girls before so this isn't anything different, but it is. you're amazing.

"you're worried," you start, "but i wanna make you feel good," words mumbled against his tip, you leave little kisses as you speak—"let me," you say softly, watching as he strokes his cock once more. matt's hesitant for another moment, scared of making you uncomfortable, before he decides to let go of those fears and just go for it. his hand slides to the back of your head, cradling as he tugs your mouth onto him, watching your plush lips stretch to accommodate his girth. the sight is gorgeous, a gasp escaping him as he watches you.

"holy shit," he's gentle with you, wanting to worship the land you walk on in this very moment. your pretty eyes on his as you gag around him a little, grasping at his thighs to steady yourself. your lips leave a little gloss imprint on him, a quiet giggle coming from him at that. but he's also giddy about how warm your mouth feels around him, and the urge to just start thrusting his hips is palpable. "you feel so.." his hips move in gentle, shallow thrusts, trying not to go too far. you moan around him, a pretty sound which makes him whimper again.

your lashes fluttering as you swirl your tongue around the tip, making a mess of him as your drool runs in globs down the sides of his cock. he likes the way you struggle a little, but his head's fuzzy at how good you make him feel. "so, so good, ah, ah—" matt makes the prettiest noises, eyes squeezing shut the moment he starts rutting his hips against you, bullying his dick further down your throat. "fuck, fuck, shit.. like that.." he mumbles under his breath, hands drawing you closer by the back of your head.

it doesn't help the way you start to bob your head, his thighs tensing beneath your touch as he whines, "so.. fuck.. makin' me feel so good, baby, uh-huh," you have to breathe through your nose to take him as deep as you want, which is deeper than matt had anticipated. not that he was complaining. you felt so good, your mouth so warm and wet around him. more precum leaks from his tip at your motions, and you swallow for a moment slowly, the salty taste making you moan around him.

that makes his thighs tense once more, a quiet whimper bubbling from his throat before it drops into a guttural moan, his hips stuttering as he grunted out, "gonna cum, shit.. mmh, gonna—gonna cum," thick, white ropes of cum spurt as he lets go, warming your throat and painting its surface. he holds you close still, even as you swallow down his load, his chest rising and falling in quick breaths.

he looks so pretty like this—all blissed out and weightless from how good you'd just made him feel. his lashes flutter, blue eyes now on yours as his eyes open, and he stammers out quickly, "i'm so sorry, i didn't ask, i just assumed that.. that—"

"it's okay, hey," you liked everything he was doing. it felt good. you enjoyed swallowing whatever he gave you, it wasn't like you weren't enjoying yourself. the awkward way in which he handled his feelings towards you made your heart warm, a soft, nervous smile playing on his plush, pink lips now. "yeah?" he asks gently, swallowing hard. he's got an idea, brewing in his head. "okay. uhm, here, uh.."

he glances down at himself, embarassed at how hard he still is despite the fact he'd just came down your throat. but he's got a plan to fix that, as his hands slip down to help you back up. "here.." he mumbles, a little clumsy in how he handles you but it's still way more.. comfortable than it is with josh. even when you're outside against a brick wall. "is this okay?" he asks, running a ring-clad hand over the curve of your thigh for a moment before he presses you against the wall, letting your back come against it.

"this is okay," even a simple, is this okay, has you soaked. he's so considerate.

"it is?" he asks, gently, fingers brushing the hem of your underwear, tugging slowly with a curl of his index and middle.

"you're worrying," you murmur, expression soft.

"just wanna treat you right," matt says gently, tugging down your underwear finally. you flinch a little at the cold air hitting your wet cunt, his blue eyes following the string of your arousal clinging to your panties from your hole. he swallows thickly at the sight, sliding your underwear into his pocket for safe keeping. it'd be a miracle if you got those back after. "make you feel as good as you made me, baby," he shifts you against the wall.

you're pretty sure you're dripping down your thighs, and matt can't help a bashful smile at the sight. "up," he says gently, and you oblige, lifting your legs to hook around his waist so he holds you up with his body. it's an interesting position, but this is an interesting predicament, you suppose. "thank you," he says gently, unable to stop himself. he feels.. just.. amazing.

"what are you thankin' me for?" you giggle, head tilting. you're trying not to focus on how good you feel as the head of his cock glides over your folds, parting them gently enough to rub against your clit. he hasn't even been inside you yet and you're pretty sure you could make a mess right there and then.

"lettin' me have you," matt says it like it's obvious, scoffing a little at the way you look at him so curiously. his hands slide down to your thighs, gripping and tugging you closer to hold you up and give himself leverage to slide into you. he pumps his hand over himself once or twice, smacking the head against your cunt before he slowly starts pushing into your tight hole. a whine escapes both of you when he does so, the tight stretch making both you and matt shiver. "oh god, oh.."

if he could stay buried in you forever, he would. if you could have him in you forever, you would. he stretches you so good, a little muffled whimper coming from you as you'd nuzzled into his shoulder to keep yourself steady. "matt," you whine, "so good," he revels in your praise, a fluttery feeling in his stomach at how you seem to adore him. matt's careful, easing himself into you till he bottoms out, fitting snug within your sensitive pussy.

his head tilts back with a groan, content to just stay there like that, but he can feel you grow a tad bit impatient with a little rock of your hips. "i got you," he says with a little nod, slowly easing back before he rocks his hips forward again. he does this a couple more times till he finds an easy rhythm, the slickness of your pussy allowing him to just slip in and out. "is this o—"

"matt, it's fucking okay," he can't help but laugh at the way you snap st him, your words shaky as you watch the way his cock disappears into your tight hole, the wet sounds making your stomach feel all fluttery just like his. the rhythmic sound of skin slapping against skin makes you feel all the more connected to matt, your eyes searching his. "it's okay, more than—shit, mmh.." you just make the perfect sounds as he gradually finds himself pounding into you, hands holding you up against him.

his movements are a little sloppy and clumsy, a testament to how badly he wants you, wants you to feel good, wants to feel the way you clench around him when you cream on him. "like that, like that, shit, fuck me like that," your whimpers only make him thrust harder, his eyes locked on the bounce of your tits with everytime his hips meet yours. every inch of you is intoxicating for him.

"you feel like heaven, baby, god," he grunts out, feeling the way your tight walls squeeze him, practically trapping him there. he keeps it up, free hand lifting to palm at your chest, gently squeezing. he can't help himself, and you can't help but cry out louder. the music of the party is loud enough to mask your sounds anyway, you're sure of it. "this pussy, mmh, could die right here, poundin' your tight cunt, baby."

"uh-huh? yeah?" you coax, feeling your head spin as he hits every spot. his tip hammers into that gummy spot inside of you that makes you cry out with every hard thrust of his hips, and he groans under his breath as you start to clench around him again. "shit, matt, m'gonna cum, i can't, gonna—"

"yeah? yeah? me too, me too, baby, c'mon," he squeezes at your chest once more before his hand slides back down to your thighs, his thrusts only becoming more forceful, making your legs tighten around his waist and inner walls squeeze him even more. "me too, cum for me, cum with me, i got you, that's it, that's my girl," his hips stutter once more, especially when you cream on his cock like that, his blue eye falling instantly to the way your release oozes down him. it soon mixes with his own, a lewd, wet sound squelching out as he pulls out from you a moment after.

his chest rises and falls in heavy breaths, as does yours, recovering from how intense your orgasms were. even then, he feels like he could go again. a million times. maybe after a second, you'd definitely go again too. he's about to go to speak when he hears a call pull up outside, most definitely josh, and your eyes widen, "matt—"

"my place," he tells you, no negotiation in his tone. he wasn't done with you. he doesn't think he'll ever be done with you.

๋࣭ ⭑ taglist / @mattslolita , @st7rnioioss , @flairdean , @mattsluv , @bepositiveforachange , @poetatorturadaa , @onlynextdoor , @sturncakez , @luverboychris , @sirenedeslily , @evrithingbagel , @sl4ttformattsturniolo , @mattsturnihoe , @aphroditepjo , @mazzystar111 , @flouvela , @stonermattsgf , @str4wberryk1ss3s

[cipheress-to-k-pop]

academic rivals d.g.

Pairing: Dick Grayson as Robin x Reader

Warnings: Some injuries.

Word Count: 4.3K

A/N: Full discretion this idea was given to me by an anon and even though I said I wasn't taking requests I just couldn't resist.

Also @writing2sirvive I hope you find this offer acceptable after not writing for our baby for so long 😭😭

There was always a slight pinch of anxiety when your teacher went around the class, handing back your test papers after grading them and you waited with slightly bated breath, a fist clutching the fabric of your uniform.

Even though you knew you had done well on the exam, you were particularly unnerved by her declaration before distributing the stack of papers that only one person had managed to get a perfect score.

You kept your eyes trained on your desk, waiting for someone behind you to exclaim that they had gotten a 100% but it never came. Not until your teacher had placed your paper in front of you with a soft 'Good job'.

You beamed, barely able to contain your excitement as you waited for the bell to ring.

Of course, you were over the moon that you got a 100. And that you were the only person in the entire class that managed to get one.

But secretly, you were more elated by the fact that someone else didn't.

"Aw, what's wrong Grayson? Your daddy finally run out of money to bribe your teachers with?" You snarked as soon as you caught a glance of the 93 written in red at the top of his paper.

"Sub-par insult, (L/N)." He said flatly.

"I disagree, nothing about me is sub-par, as you can clearly see." A sly grin on your face as you waved your paper with '100' in his face. He rolled his eyes so far back you couldn't resist making a comment, "Roll your eyes as hard as you want, Grayson, you won't be able to find a brain back there."

His friend, Barbara, who was sitting beside him chuckled at this and he turned to her with an irritated glare, "Can I help you?"

She gave him a teasing smile, unnerved by his annoyance toward her, "Oh, nothing, I'm just eagerly waiting for the day you both stop pretending you hate each other and start dating."

It seemed like her comment had just the effect she had wanted when Dick choked on his spit in his haste to argue that even if you were the last person on Earth, he wouldn't go near you with a 10-foot-pole.

"I'm not too happy to agree with you, Grayson but I, very fortunately, have a boyfriend."

His face twisted, "Gross, who'd wanna date you?"

You gave him a fake smile, "Hopefully, not you."

***

"Recognized: Domino, B-08."

You squealed in joy the second the light faded from your eyes, gaze landing on your boyfriend who stood right outside the zeta tube with a giant smile on his face.

You threw your arms around Robin's neck with a giggle, peppering his lips with smiley kisses that he so enthusiastically returned, his arms snug around your waist.

"Do you guys have to do this every time?" Came Conner's unimpressed voice as he shuffled uncomfortably around the two of you making out, "Can you at least stop doing it in the middle of the entrance? People are trying to get places."

You pulled away with a soft blush, smiling at the sight of your sparkly lip gloss on Robin's mouth and his slightly dazed expression. There was nothing like your kisses that was able to knock the vigilante's world off its axis and it had been this way ever since you started dating 10 months ago.

The pair of you were still very much in the honeymoon phase, much to the chagrin of your teammates, who have walked in on you many times while your lips were practically glued to each other.

"How was your day?" Robin finally asked when you had each gotten your fair share of kisses, leading you to the kitchen for a snack before the mission briefing and you beamed, "Amazing! I got a perfect score on that test from last week!"

He raised a brow, "The one that you skipped a date to study for?"

Smiling, you nodded, "The very one."

He sighed, taking a box out of the fridge, "See? I told you that you'd do great! You probably didn't even need to skip our date."

You rolled your eyes, giggling at his pout that you were all too quick to kiss away, "Hey now, I made it up to you, didn't I?"

Nodding, he pushed the box further toward you with a smile, "You did. Which is why I got you this, but I guess it could be for a job well done too."

You gasped when you saw the squiggles of the familiar logo of your favourite bakery on the top of the box and eagerly opened it up, completely missing the fact that it had been sealed with tape and nearly ripping the carboard to shreds in order to get to the treats inside.

The smell of the strawberry shortcake and red velvet cupcake had you salivating, and you wasted to time before digging in.

"Ugh, I love you." You moaned, nearly dissolving into the symphony of flavours and Robin chuckled swiping some of the cream cheese frosting off your cheek before licking it off his thumb, "Are you talking to me or the cupcake?"

You paused, glancing up at him from the cupcake wrapper, "I can love more than one thing."

His affectionate gaze had you melting, forgetting the delicious treat for a second, "Thank you for the gift, I really love it."

Robin happily accepted the sugary kiss you had given him, "Well, I figured, since it had been a while since we had a date in Gotham, you'd be craving it."

You only took another bite of the cupcake to hide your guilty wince. While the list of details you didn't know about your boyfriend was limitless, starting with his name and ending with literally anything else, you felt guilty that he somehow knew even less about you.

At least you knew what city he lived in while he was under the impression that you lived in Star City with Dinah, your mentor. You really thought he wouldn't buy it, especially after he didn't believe Artemis the first time.

But nearly a year after joining the team it would seem that he was still blissfully unaware, and you were planning to reveal your identity to him soon enough. You were firm that you wouldn't be celebrating your one-year anniversary without knowing each other's names at least.

At least once he found out you were living in the same city, you'd be able to have more frequent dates.

"Team to mission room." You heard over the PA, and you grabbed the box with you to the meet Batman and Canary along with the team, unwilling to leave your precious strawberry shortcake at the hands of Wally. This way you'd be able to dislocate his shoulder the second he put his hands on your things.

When you entered the room to find a face that you recognized on the holoscreen, you paused and glanced at Artemis who shrugged in response.

"Leo 'The Lion' Stark, the leader of the cult that was kidnapping young girls was officially incarcerated this morning."

Cheers erupted around the room, and you passed the box in your hands to your boyfriend to high-five Artemis and bring her into a hug. Black Canary patted the both of you on the shoulder, "Job well done on this mission, you two."

The mission that led to his arrest had been an undercover op with both you and Artemis posing as the girls from the private school that was being targeted. Eventually, you were able to find the leader and put a stop to his entire organization.

You had never seen Robin more fearful for your life than during this mission and it was after it that you had said your first I love you's.

"Today's mission is a covert op. For stealth, I will only be sending two members of the team: Robin and Domino."

Robin sent you a smile and you squeezed your interlocked fingers underneath the table.

"If they can stop kissing long enough to actually get the mission done." Conner grumbled underneath his breath and was rewarded with a swift kick to the knee.

***

It happened too quickly.

Everything was going fine. The mission was well underway, and you had observed them long enough to know where they were keeping their illegal servers. All that was left was to input your program that would upload all their data wirelessly so it could be accessed by the league.

Then it all went wrong, all at once.

You don't even remember much of what happened. All you knew is that when you had least expected it, someone had snuck up on you and you had felt your stomach squeeze with a painful terror that you hadn't experienced in a long time upon being caught off-guard.

"The Lion sends his greetings."

What followed was a series of excruciating shocks up your body that had your heartbeat ceasing in your chest and the movement of every single muscle came to a standstill such that you couldn't even make a sound come out of your throat.

You didn't even have the time to think about anything before you lost consciousness, the last thought flashing through your head being your worry for Robin.

And then every single pulse in your head came to an abrupt end.

“Come on hero, come on!” Robin panted as he continued to pump his hands against your chest, counting down the beats in his head to the compressions, “Baby please, please wake up!”

He was in tears, even though he tried to control them, but he had been looking at your unconscious face for the last 30 minutes as he continuously tried to revive you. His stomach was in knots and his chest felt like it was on fire, but he still didn’t quit, he wouldn’t until he passed out himself.

Before he could even stop himself, he was sobbing and the wails he let out erased the count he was keeping in his head, “Someone please help! Please help.”

His communicator lay discarded only a couple of feet beside him, but he couldn’t take his hands off you for a second, he couldn’t mess up the beat, he couldn’t stop the chest compressions because you’d die; and he’d die right alongside you.

“Robin, come in. Robin, can you hear me?”

His chest collapsed in a fit of sobs as soon as he heard the sound of his mentor come through from the communicator. The device beeped with the sound that alerted him of an override indicating that his mentor could now listen in.

“Batman help! She’s not breathing! I don't think she has a pulse! I’m trying to do CPR but she’s not awaking up! Please help!”

“Hang in there, Robin. Someone will be there in five.”

***

"She's alive but her brain was deprived of oxygen for a while so we can't accurately put a time frame on when she could wake up." Batman explained, his voice as stiff as concrete like always but the hand he placed on his ward's shoulder was warm and comforting.

There were so many questions rushing through Robin's head, but he kept silent because a part of him already knew the answer. This wasn't the first time he had seen something like this, while being Robin he had seen countless families, parents, spouses, receive the same news.

The distraught questions would usually follow: would take months? years? is there a chance that she could never wake up? is there anything he could do?

He wanted to ask Batman anyway, he wanted Batman to lie and say that everything would be okay, that the girl he loved would wake up soon and he just had to wait but he knew better than anyone that was all it would be. Lies.

There were those that were fortunate enough for their loved one to eventually wake up. Others would be forced to watch life go by while their loved ones were imprisoned to a bed with the empty hope that one day they'd wake up.

So, he swallowed down all his questions, Adam's apple bobbing painfully in his throat, "Can I see her?"

His father nodded, leading him to the med-bay with one hand on his back. Robin felt his stomach sink with every step he took, staring sullenly at his sock-clad feet. In his rush to change after the mission so he could get to you as soon as possible, he had thrown on anything he could find.

Which resulted in him being dressed in your sweatpants and his hoodie that you had stolen so often it smelt like you; a combination that both comforted him and broke his heart all at once.

When he saw you from the door, a rush of epiphanies struck through him like lightning to a metal rod. Although, first and foremost, he was just relieved to see you. Even though it hurt him to see you unconscious, and he knew that there was a chance he'd never get to see you awake again, a part of him forgot all about that as soon as he saw you.

He took quick steps toward you, wanting nothing more than to feel your skin against his when he stopped in his tracks once again with wide eyes, realizing you were without your mask.

"Robin?"

"I-I know her. (Y/N) (L/N), s-she's in my class." He stammered, staring at your relaxed features with his mouth hanging open. As odd as it sounded, this was the first time he had ever seen you, as (Y/N), so relaxed.

Whether it was a scowl or even just a grimace, you always seemed to be frowning at him and he never bothered to pay any attention to you outside of classes, when you were talking with your friends. He was sure you'd have a mesmerizing grin, one that would reach your beautiful eyes.

Batman stayed silent behind him, and Dick wondered just how many times Bruce had heard him talking shit about the love of his life, having to keep silent to respect your privacy. His cheeks coloured, remembering the conversation from this morning, where he had claimed that he would never touch you even with a 10-foot pole.

If only he had known that he had been pressed against the same girl so many nights prior.

"Does it matter?" Batman asked, snapping him out of his mortified state where he remembered every single insult he had ever directed at you, either to your face or behind your back.

To anyone else, it would have sounded like a shallow question, but Dick knew his father was concerned about whether his feelings would have changed, whether your identity did matter to him more than your relationship or his love for you.

He swallowed, walking up to your bedside, and gently brushing a strand of hair away from your face and for the first time in his life, he took in all your features. It was startling how quickly his worst enemy became the most beautiful person in the world.

"No, it doesn't."

***

You could see the bright light even though your eyes were shut. There was nothing more you wanted than to slip back into your deep slumber but for some reason your consciousness began trickling back into your head in a gentle stream.

You squirmed, brows pinching together in a frown as you murmured something unintelligible, features twitching until finally your eyes began to flutter open.

"(Y/N)?" You heard and your hand was squeezed by someone you couldn't quite place. Your vision was still quite blurry, and you were extremely disoriented. Still, you tried to blink through the hazy shapes in your sight and you managed to recognize a familiar head of black hair.

"Baby?" You breathed out, sighing in relief when he pressed a kiss to your knuckles, "Thank goodness you're okay."

Right before you had lost consciousness, a thought had flashed into your head. Robin would never abandon you there, no matter what had happened to you, if you had died or just lost consciousness.

You worried that in his effort to stick by you, he'd be hurt or worse.

"Me? (Y/N), you were unconscious for two days! Do you have any idea how worried I've been?!"

If you had been any more conscious, you probably would've been concerned over the way his voice broke in grief and his heartbroken words but in your exhaustion, all you could do was give him a silly smile, wishing your eyes could focus long enough for you to see his beautiful face.

"I'm okay now, I'm okay."

"I didn't think you would be." He confessed, pressing another kiss to your fingertips, holding your hand gingerly but still in a firm grip in between both of his. Like he was scared you'd evaporate and disappear before his eyes.

"I'm okay, baby. Just a little sleepy." You told him, feeling your consciousness slip further and further away as your blinks began to get longer and longer and your strength began to disappear, "You'll be here when I wake up, right?"

He nodded, voice thick with unshed tears even though you couldn't see him, "Yeah. I'll be right here."

***

This time when you woke, you felt much more refreshed than you had before. Your head didn't feel like it was nailed to the pillow anymore, but it felt like you had lead in your veins which was expected considering you had been unconscious for days.

Despite his promise, Robin was nowhere to be found when you finally sat up, stretching your arms as much as you could, careful of the IV in your hand. Your eyes darted around the familiar med-bay, trying to catch a glance of the clock by craning your neck but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Was it a weekday? Was it school hours? Was that why Robin wasn't at your side like you had asked him? What about you? What excuse had Batman given the school to explain your sudden absence? Were your parents aware that you had been injured?

The endless barrage of questions was silenced to a mum when you heard the door slide open and you sighed in relief, noticing the head of black hair first, "I believe you promised to be here when I wo—!"

Dick Grayson was beaming at you and in certain angles of the light, his blue eyes almost looked glossy with tears, but you shook your head unconsciously. Why would he be crying at the sight of you?

'Because you're so ugly the sight is making my eyes water.' Would have been his classic response and you practically rolled your eyes at the thought.

"(Y/N), you're awake!" He took a step closer, and you flinched.

"Stop right there!" He quite literally froze in his steps, he might as well have been encased in ice at the receiving end of your cold glare, "What the hell are you doing here, Grayson?"

He paused and somehow you were annoyed by the dumbfounded look on his face while multiple scenarios ran through your head. A concussion, brain injury or something along that likeness. Perhaps the part of your brain responsible for recognizing faces was damaged and this wasn't actually Dick Grayson. Amnesia, possibly? Maybe you were actually good friends with him but managed to forget it all? Of course, there was always the possibility this was a dream.

Your brow twitched at his lack of response, "I asked you a question."

At your terse tone, it seemed like he was finally able to snap himself out of his stupor, "(Y/N), baby, it's me."

You scowled, "Don't call me that and speak clearly; the hell do you mean by 'me'?"

"Baby," He said again, so firmly that you were silenced in your effort to snap at him again, "It's me."

Dick watched as your face melted from an expression of disgruntled bewilderment to the smallest sliver of recognition. Your eyes raked over his body, only now noticing that he was in short sleeves, and you were able to see the familiar scar on his forearm that belonged to your boyfriend. The little patch of freckles near his elbow that you had traced with your finger so many times before.

Your voice was small when you called him again, "Rob?"

He nodded and your eyes went wide, not quite able to believe it. Your boyfriend stood stiffly, berating himself for not handling this better. He had very quickly gotten over the fact that his girlfriend was his greatest rival in high school while he watched your unconscious face for the past couple of days, waiting for you to wake up.

It had completely slipped his mind that you were still unaware of his identity, and he swallowed nervously. Sure, it was something he could easily put past him but were you the same?

Robin knew you inside and out, he knew how much you loved him, but he didn't know how just much you hated Dick Grayson. Was that hate enough to overpower your love for him?

You stared at him in surprise for only a minute, but it felt like hours to him before you closed your eyes and leaned your head back, "Wow."

"This-This doesn't change anything right?" He began, feeling the lump in his throat grow three sizes larger when you turned to him with an expression that was not a reassuring smile like he had wanted.

"Are you kidding? This changes everything! Barbara is never going to let us hear the end of this. And my friends? Oh, they've hated you ever since that incident during our group presentations." You exclaimed, fingers twitching, and Dick knew it was because you wanted to flail your arms around but couldn't because of the IV.

He bit his lip. You weren't outright rejecting him or anything, but he needed to hear you say it and he needed to hear it as soon as possible.

"No—(Y/N), does this change anything between us?"

You paused, stopping in the middle of your tangent to give him a confused glance, "Between us? No. Why would it?"

And just like that, the tension in his muscles evaporated away and he relaxed, approaching to your side like he wanted to and interlacing your fingers, "I love you."

You finally smiled at him, leaning to kiss his lips, "I love you more, even though you said I was gross and that no one would ever want to date me."

"Well, to be fair you said you'd hope I never did, so I guess we're even."

***

"Hey, stranger." It really didn't make sense that after almost a year of dating, your boyfriend's voice still managed to send shivers down your spine. You closed your locker shut before turning to meet the beautiful blue eyes that you grew to love.

It was scary how quickly you completely rewired your brain into loving every single feature belonging to Dick Grayson.

"Hi, Grayson."

His eyes dipped to your lips for a second, mentally scolding himself for turning to putty the second you said his last name. It was weird how the last time you both were in school together, he thought that the sound of his name coming from your mouth was like nails on a chalkboard.

Now, he felt like he had been blessed just by being in your presence.

"I have all the assignments and notes that you missed the past week." You had been ordered bed rest and some physiotherapy to regain complete mobility after being unconscious for a couple of days. Under your boyfriend's watchful care, he had dutifully nursed you back to health.

You smiled when he handed you the stack of papers even though the heft of it made you want to cry. All this work from just a week? All the AP classes you had been taking in order to compete with your own boyfriend had come back to bite you in the ass.

"Thank you. Can I come over later so you can help me out with it?"

It was really a formality that you were asking because you both knew he was obviously going to say yes. But you figured you'd do the polite thing and ask the first time. After today though his room would practically be yours, just as your room would now be his personal hideout.

"Of course, baby. I've been dying to introduce you to Alfred. We can go back to mine together after school."

You nodded, starting when you heard the bell, "I have Physics." You bemoaned, it being the only class Dick didn't take with you. He had opted for a language instead, which you were beginning to think was more useful than whatever you learnt anyway.

He gave you a smile, eyes twinkling when he slanted his lips over yours in a soft kiss and you had to pull away quickly before you forgot just where you were.

His disappointed pout was all too quick to disappear when you reminded him that you'd be going home with him that day, "I'll see you later."

The two of you parted ways with delirious smiles, feeling too much like you were wafting on cloud nine, completely unbeknownst to the small crowd of people that watching your entire interaction with wide eyes.

Barbara, who was stood at the centre of the flock, smirked, and held out her hand, "Pay up bitches."

***

Bonus:

"I'm surprised you didn't figure out her identity earlier, Dick. Aren't you supposed to be a great detective?" Wally teased and your boyfriend rolled his eyes.

"It's not that I couldn't find out, I just didn't try."

"How come?"

He spared you a glance and shrugged, "She asked me not to."

"I don't remember you offering me the same consideration." Artemis sniped but he knew it was all in good nature.

"You aren't nearly as pretty." He replied coolly, making you blush.

***

Forever Taglist:

@simonsbluee

@notslaybabes

@superheroesaremyjam113263

@writers-whirlwind

DC Taglist:

@emmacata

@p--e--a--c--h--e--s

@sometimeseverythingsucks

@sokkas-honour

@unstable1902

@lostgirlheart

@missdisapear

@tadpole-san

@isawachickeninatree

@uxavity

@battlenix

@capricorn-stark

@evermoore580

@dumbbitchgalore

@fuckingjinkies

@some-lovely-day

[fandomnerd9602]

Heat?

Bambi!Wanda x Reader

That doe of yours was insatiable. Plain and simple.

Even after you found the boys, Wanda was bent on finding any and every excuse to pull you off somewhere private.

Her kisses, her moans, the way she wraps herself around you, it was all so intoxicating.

You loved her and she loved you. Plain and simple. Or so you thought.

You found yourself in the Westview sanctuary break room one morning. You were already on your second cup of coffee, Wanda kept you up for most of the previous night. And somehow she had to energy to skip thru the hallways happy as can be, do her work diligently and effectively.

And here you were, tired and content, nursing another coffee from your Visit Wakanda cup.

A familiar groan wakes you up a little as your future in-law, Pietro, wanders in. His face carries the same bags under the eyes and tired expression you saw in the mirror.

“Hey bratok, any more coffee?” he smiles at you. “Rough night?”

“Of a sorts” you retort.

“Nattie,” he whistles, “she is a firecracker now. Those hybrid heat cycles.”

“Heat cycles?”

“Yeah,” he takes a seat across from you, “female hybrids are insatiable in their heat cycle. I thought you knew that”

Your face went pale. Wanda was insatiable lately, she was practically pawing at you as soon as the boys were asleep. Could it all be because of some uncontrollable urge?

“W-would Wanda’s match up with Natasha’s?”

“Well they are mere months apart in age so…yeah” pietro takes a sip of his coffee. “I wouldn’t worry though. Nattie loves me and Wanda loves you. Maybe a little too much”

You found your mind racing. Thoughts of your doe, your boys, this newly found out heat cycle. How far back would it go? Did she ever truly love you?

The questions probed at your mind all day and into the evening.

Later that evening, your loving doe came down the stairs, happy as could be. Wanda was dressed in a mini nightdress and silk robe. She was definitely trying to push your buttons. But was it just from the heat cycle?

“The boys are asleep.” She giggles as she nuzzles into your lap on the couch. “Wanna watch something?”

“Dick Van Dyke?” You try to maintain composure. She was in your lap, letting out little purrs.

Her giggles from the following thirty minutes of yours and hers favorite show was intoxicating. You loved her giggles and laughs.

And then she turned to you. “Are you tired, detka?”

“Not really”

She purrs, “neither am I” she slips into your lap, wrapping her arms around your neck.

She begins kissing you. One of her hands begins to play with your belt.

You gently put your hands on her shoulders and push her away. Wanda’s eyes immediately spring to worry.

“What’s wrong, detka?” She takes your face in her hands.

“We can’t. Not like this.”

“What?” Her eyes show hints of sadness and perhaps regret.

“I love you Wanda, so much. But I can’t take advantage of you when you’re in your heat cycle. I-I need to be sure that we love each other for the right reasons”

Wanda begins to giggle again. And then it grows into a full on laugh as she collapses against the couch. She tries to bury her face in her hands, to hide the growing embarrassing blush.

“Detka,” she giggles, “I’m not in my heat cycle. Did Pietro tell you that?!”

“Yes”

She recomposes herself and takes your hands in hers. “Detka I am with you because I love you for everything you are. You are the most thoughtful and loving mate I could ever wish for.”

“You are the most amazing mate” you smile at her, kissing her palms, “you gave me a home, a family. I love you”

“I love you” she blushes. “And I only want to show you how much joy you bring me.”

“So you’re completely insatiable…”

“On my own terms,” she giggles. “Besides…my heat cycle doesn’t start till next month”

And with that she gives you a wink before cuddling into your side, ready to watch another episode of your shared favorite show.

Meanwhile at Natasha’s den, Pietro was struggling to keep his own mate at bay.

“Down Nattie!” He tried to keep her away but that wolf was just so seductive.

“Down? I dare you to keep me down” she growls happily. Her wolf tail swishing back and forth seductively.

Pietro couldn’t say no to that.

Tags @lifespectator @olsenmyolsen @supercorpdanbeau @scarletquake-n7 @idkwhatever580 @pinklawyerwinnerzonk @softlymaximoff @russianredassassin @revanshand @aloneodi @julieromanoff

[artificial-transmutations]

A night you won't forget

You arrived at the parking lot exactly on time, but Zach was already waiting for you in front of the building, regardless. Similar to yourself, he was wearing a suit and had his dark hair styled for the occasion.

'The occasion' was actually not that special. A new casino, the 'Shifting Sands', had opened in town, and a couple of friends invited the two of you to a poker night in one of the private rooms they rented. You knew one of them, Daniel, for a long time, and when he got together with his now long-time partner, Ryan, you were introduced to one of his friends, Zach. The two of you got along okay. You were both straight, and occasionally, you hang out together to watch a game, but Zach wasn't necessarily your *best* friend. Still, he was a decent dude, and you greeted him with a fist.

"Hey, Zach. What's with the fancy get-up? Didn't they tell you it's just gonna be the four of us? No girls to get all pretty for."

Zach grinned and returned the greeting.

"Who knows what the evening will bring? Perhaps we will get out of our room later, and for that, I'd like to be *prepared*. Besides, you're suited up as well."

"Guilty as charged. I've had the same thought, and I've come *prepared* as well."

You flashed him a condom wrapper that you carried inside your chest pocket and the both of you laughed heartily.

The 'shifting sands' was a modern and glittering casino in the theme of Arabian nights. The staff was dressed accordingly and was pretty attractive, a fact that neither you nor Zach missed as you looked around.

"This place is amazing, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I wouldn't have minded if we just stayed and played here instead."

The two of you followed a hostess into a separate room behind a curtain and were greeted by the two other players. The gay couple had dressed up as well, and wore matching suits, which produced a playful roll of the eye from Zach's side.

Besides the two of them, there was one other person in the room, a rather good-looking and muscular fellow wearing a sleeveless shirt in the house's style - without doubt an employee of the casino. You waved a hello, and the employee smiled.

"I believe we're complete, then."

He got up and closed the door, drowning out the noise from the rest of the casino effectively.

"Greetings everyone. I'm your host, Gene - which is short for Eugene, if you are wondering - and I'm here to guide you through a night you won't forget."

The guy had a slight exotic accent, and the way he pronounced 'Gene' sounded somewhat like 'Genie' - which was, without doubt, what he was aiming at. While you could appreciate that the employee was certainly somewhat handsome, you guessed that Daniel and Ryan had to be practically drooling.

After exchanging some pleasantries, the five of you sat down at the table to play. This was the moment you had been somewhat nervous about, and you were glad that only your friends were here.

"Uhm. Before we begin. I actually have never played poker before."

Zach looked at you like you had just announced you were a chicken in disguise, but the dealer just chuckled.

"No problem. What's your name?"

You told him your name, and he nodded. "Alright, let me just explain the rules."

He did, and you listened closely. It didn't appear to be all that difficult, but it was a lot to remember the different card and hand values. Finally, you nodded.

"Great. Now, before we begin, let's get to know each other a bit. The two of you are together?"

Ryan nodded.

"Yeah, we are. I'm Ryan, this is my boyfriend Daniel, and this is Zach, a friend."

The dealer smiled and his eyes sparkled. "Well, welcome to the 'Shifting Sands', once more. I guess you are the top?"

Daniel looked like Gene had just punched him and he flushed red immediately. Ryan, however, answered.

"Yeah, I am. Why?"

"Just genuine interest. And the two of you..."

Zach was half a second quicker to answer than you.

"We're not together. And not gay."

"Got it. Not gay." Gene chuckled for a moment before starting to deal the cards.

Besides his shameless questions at the beginning, Gene was a brilliant conversationalist, with a bit of a show master attitude and even though you lost most of the games, you had a great evening filled with laughter, light food and tasty drinks. Your only solace in losing was that Zach fared little better, although he supposedly knew the game better than you.

Later in the evening, the chips representing your money had melted away to a point where it was doubtful you could play another round, and Zach's looked quite similar. You excused yourself to the toilet before that last round. Even the men's room was tastefully designed in the casino's theme, and you understood why this place had such high rankings on the internet.

When you returned to the table, you noticed that the tiny stack of chips in front of Zach had grown a bit: one more chip, in a glittering, shining color, had been added to it.

"Hey, where did that come from? You were as broke as I," you protested, but Gene just flashed a smile.

"Relax. Zach just brought one more thing to the table. Remember, you can bet everything you brought here."

"So, what did you bet?" you asked, curiously. Zach looked like he was trying hard to stay serious, and finally, Ryan burst out laughing.

"He bet *you*."

"He... what?" you asked, confused.

"To be more exact, Zach bet your humanity." Gene explained with humorously sparkling eyes. "As I explained, everything you brought is fair game."

It was clear you were past the serious game part of the evening, and you laughed as well.

"Well, then I want to bet something, too. And that is... Zach's *decency*!"

Everyone on the table laughed, except for Gene, who just smiled and dealt you another sparkling chip.

"Very well. I guess this is the last round, then."

He dealt the cards and even though your hand wasn't too bad, Ryan won everything, including your new chips.

You didn't mind losing, and after the game was over, the four of you got up to leave, but Gene raised a hand.

"Gentlemen, you still have to pay up. As I said, it's going to be a night you won't forget."

Suddenly, you felt *strange*. It was hard to describe the feeling, but a sudden wave of weakness went over you. Before you could voice your discomfort, however, you heard Zach talking.

"Man, is it getting hot in here all of a sudden?"

Your friend had already disposed of his jacket and was just half unbuttoning and half ripping open his shirt, in front of the eyes of everyone.

Suddenly, Zach grinned as he wiped away the sweat from his brow.

"Na. It's not getting hot, *I* am hot. Hot as always."

He cupped his groin, which was developing an obvious tent, and winked at Daniel and Ryan.

"Come on, admit it. You wanted me here just so you could ogle me all evening. I don't blame you, I'm just a hot stud."

He ground his groin into the air, and you could see him *changing*. His muscles swelled and his pecs and abs popped, his shoulders grew broader, his arms thicker. His hair became darker and longer, until he resembled a greasy biker model, complete with tattoos on the thick arms.

Zach's body wasn't the only thing growing. His cock, which was obviously hard all of a sudden, also grew in both length and girth, and it was spurting pre as he flaunted his new body shamelessly.

Both Ryan and Daniel were staring incredulously, and Daniel, who was the bottom of the two as you had learned today, even subconsciously licked his lips.

"You like what you see, huh?" Zach addressed Daniel now, who couldn't help but stare.

"Thought as much you needy boy. Hey, Ryan, how about we share your bitch tonight?"

"I, uh..." Ryan began, but Daniel looked indeed like he was about to drool.

"Ookay, I guess. But right here?"

"Yeah, fuck it." Zach answered. "I even brought protection."

With that, he grabbed you by the hair. You were so weak by now you had trouble standing and more or less collapsed in front of him.

Thinking he wanted to have the condom in your pocket, you fumbled with your own jacket, but Zach had other ideas, as he ripped down your pants.

"Come on, let's get nice and ready for that ass of yours," he addressed Daniel, while unceremoniously ramming his hard cock up your ass, which made you nearly cry out in surprise. However, it didn't feel as painful as you had expected, and to your confusion, the cock inside your ass seemed to grow even larger.

Only as your clothing slipped off from you piece by piece, you realized this wasn't what was happening. Instead of his cock growing larger, you were becoming smaller! The room around you grew, as more and more of your insides disappeared to make room for the gigantic cock, leaving yourself somehow... hollow.

At the same time, your skin changed texture. Within moments, what had once been normal skin, felt more and more artificial, even rubbery, no, more and more like *latex*. Only now did you realize with horror what you were becoming. Wrapped tightly around the cock of your previously straight friend, you were reduced to a condom!

With your last strength, you looked towards Gene, but the man was just leaning back in his chair, watching the events unfolding with an amused smile and a sparkle in his eyes.

Your legs and arms had disappeared, and so had your face, but you could see, smell and feel everything, including the musky cock filling you up to the brim. Now, however, Zach gave your elastic form another tug and Ryan a high five, before they both got to work on different sides of the amazed bottom. In mere moments, your world was eclipsed by the ass of your friend, as Zach and Ryan spit-roasted Daniel. You were pistoned in and out of his eager hole, and you couldn't help but share the excitement of all parties involved.

It didn't take too long with the movement of three sweaty male bodies until Zach's balls contracted and you felt his dick pulse inside of you. Then, with a powerful spurt, you were filled up with his cum from the inside, bulging out the section of your latex body that had once been your face. All your senses were fixated on the load, which you both felt and tasted at the same time. The moans from the other end told you that, simultaneously, the other men had reached their climax as well, and you felt like you had cummed yourself.

It took a few minutes for the afterglow to fade, but once Zach has caught his breath, he pulled you off of his dick and tied your back end into a knot before throwing you into the trash can without further consideration.

You faintly heard the three of them say their goodbyes to Gene and some plans to hit the clubs now, but after a few minutes, you were left alone, in the stinking dark, still filled with your friend's cum.

Later in the night, the trash bin was emptied into a big container, but that didn't change much. It seemed like you were left there for good, just an object to dispose of. Eventually, you drifted to a kind of sleep.

When you woke up, it was already morning. Thankfully, you were human again, although naked and in a trash container, and you could still taste Zach's cum. You held your head.

That was certainly a night you wouldn't forget.

And, against all rationality, you looked forward to doing that again. You did feel somewhat empty without a dick to fill you out...

[lyubovsdiary]

Confessions

a.aretas x best friend!reader

summary: your best friend armando has been by your side through every disappointing date, relationship and talking stage. but one fateful night he says something which will alter your friendship forever. the question is: will it be for better or for worse?

prompt: #2853 by @promptsforthestrugglingauthor

"I just want to fall in love!" She sobbed into her hands. "Why won't it happen?"

"What about the last person you saw?"

"I try. I actively try to like them.”

go check out their prompts if you’re interested, they’re amazing!!

a/n: enjoy!!

Turning the key in the lock of your apartment door, you walked in with hunched shoulders and a disappointed expression. The date you were on today had been disastrous. Justin, a guy you had met through a colleague, had been so boring, that you had to make up a bullshit excuse about your sister needing someone to drive her to a doctor’s appointment. You didn’t even have a sister.

Walking further into the apartment, you noticed Armando, your best friend for years, sitting lazily on your couch. He was in your apartment practically every day, so you weren’t too surprised to see him here. The thought of spending the rest of the afternoon and evening with him sounded ten times better than spending even five minutes with Justin.

“Hey, how’d your date go? Any luck with this Jordan guy?” Armando asked between bites of what seemed to be your leftover lasagna.

“His name’s Justin, but no. How can someone talk about his first driving lesson which happened three years ago for forty-five minutes? Nothing happened! It was a completely normal experience, except for the fact that he still remembers the colour of the house he parked next to for the first time,” you ranted as you took off your purse and shoes and went to wash your hands. Once you were in the bathroom, you also changed into more comfortable home clothes. Armando wasn’t someone you felt like you had to dress up for. He complimented you even when your hair looked like it had never been touched by a brush.

Armando never made you feel ugly or as less than. No matter what you looked like, he always treated you the same, which was like a breath of fresh air, when you considered how the majority of the men you had met acted like. He also made sure to not only compliment your looks but your personality as well. You didn’t know how he kept finding things to point out, but it was amazing to have someone understand you like that. You had different reactions to his compliments. If it was about your appearance, you’d take it lightly and give him a kiss on the cheek in thanks. If it was about your character, you’d look at him with as much gratitude as humanly possible and be physically close to him for the rest of the day, however long that may be.

“Was he the tarado that asked you not to wear leggings or joggers on the first date?” Armando asked while laughing.

You sat down next to him in the couch and put your head on his shoulder. You felt his arm going over your shoulders and your body instantly relaxed. Being in Armando’s vicinity always had this effect on you. All of your worries disappeared and you got to truly relax. You were lucky to have such a connection with your friend.

“No, that was Cole. Besides that part, he was actually really nice,” you sighed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s like I can’t make a relationship work.”

“It’s not your fault, mi querida. The men you go out with are the problem. Your taste is very…interesting,” Armando tried to soothe you. He also said something in Spanish, but only knew the basics of the language and some insults Armando taught you a couple years back. You just hoped the names he called you weren’t too nasty.

“It can’t be only their fault though. It takes two to make or break a relationship. And it seems that everyone but me has managed to do it. Happy couples, people in love are all around me, but I can never seem to be one of them. I just want to fall in love,” you groaned into your hands, which had come up to your face to hide your frustration. "Why won't it happen? Why can’t it be as easy as befriending people and feeling love for them?"

“What about your last boyfriend? You were in love with him, weren’t you?” Armando asked in a tone you couldn’t place.

Yet his words made you think of your ex, who you had had a complicated and difficult relationship with. Love wasn’t supposed to be complicated. It wasn’t supposed to make you overthink every word you said, it wasn’t supposed to make you change your personality to fit better into someone else’s life. A lover was supposed to love you despite and because of your flaws and not nitpick every single move of yours until you felt like a painting in a museum full of cruel critics.

But you had never shared those details with Armando. In fact, your ex had tried to isolate you from him and all your other friends, so to avoid any more fights, you had agreed with his ‘rules’.

Now you knew that what you had felt in your last relationship wasn’t love. It was desperation to fit in with your peers. Desperation to have finally found the most wonderful feeling a human being can experience: love. And while love and desparation do go hand in hand, it is important to remember their differences and base one’s behaviour off of that. That’s where you had messed up.

“No. I tried-I actively tried to like him and all the other guys I’ve gone out with, but it just doesn’t work. I either try too hard and seem too eager or I can’t force myself to care and lose interest before barely knowing more about the guy than what is needed in a police description,” you explained the conclusion you had come to while analysing your behaviour one sleepless night.

You then started tracing patterns on Armando’s arm while it served as a substitute for your sketchbook. Your hands needed to be occupied with a task or you’d be restless. “I also seem to always compare the guys to you, of all people. They either aren’t as charming, as funny or as pleasant to be around.”

Your words made Armando stiff as a board next to you. The reason why his evergrowing feelings never faltered or died out, was because you always said shit like that. One moment you could be making fun of every single part of Armando’s existence and in the next you’d be telling him how his presence alone makes you feel at home.

But it wasn’t just your words that rattled Armando. The gentle feeling of your soft fingers imitating drawing on his skin made the familiar warm feeling in his chest bubble up again and caused his brain to short-circuit. Armando loved feeling like your personal canvas, taking whatever you had to offer without complaints.

It was up ahead in his all-time favourite things to ever happen along with the cuddling you enjoyed so much. Every year when winter came around, Armando was almost giddy at the thought of you positioning your body as close to his as humanly possible, because you got cold quickly and he ran hot.

Still, it was all becoming too much all at once. Armando’s unwavering feelings towards you, your careless behaviour towards him, making him think he may actually have a shot, when he just doesn’t know anymore. You were the first person in a long time to make him feel unconditionally loved, but then you went ahead and went on a date with another man. You told him how no one could ever take his place in your life and then told him how he was the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

That was what frustrated Armando the most. He didn’t just want to be your friend anymore. He wasn’t sure that he had ever wanted that. Armando wanted to feel your lips against his. He wanted to sleep wrapped around you every night. As a matter of fact he wanted to be around you every second of every day, spending as much time together as their lifestyles allowed. Armando wanted to talk and talk and talk with you, getting to know every single one of your most intimate thoughts, opinions and memories. He wanted to know you better than he knew himself. Your soul was already a big part of his own, but he wanted them to be connected so fiercely that nothing could break them apart.

Armando knew that the change from a friendship to a relationship wouldn’t be that drastic, after all, the two are pretty similar, at least in your case. But he still wanted the feeling of belonging which came with a relationship. The knowledge that you were his and he was yours. It was not only a guarantee for him that you would never leave, but also a sign to others that you were taken now. No one would allow himself to come near you if they knew you were with him.

Due to his confusing thoughts and conflicting thoughts, he couldn’t control his tongue very well. “Be with me then,” he tried to joke, but it came out wrong. It sounded more like a plea, begging to be taken seriously. As soon as the words were out, Armando froze. The fear that this would make him lose you hit him at full force. As hard as he tried to play it off, he just couldn’t be the non-caring, hardly fazed person he was around others, when he was around you. Everything about you made Armando’s resolve crumble and his heart melt.

Your laugh died in your throat as Armando jumped up and went to the conjoined kitchen of your apartment. You quickly went after him, noticing the change in his behaviour.

“Wait- Were you serious?” you asked him unbelievingly. You had never seen Armando like this before. He was usually an excellent liar and great ar improvisation, something which combined with your flirting skills made you two able to get out of every type of trouble.

Right now though, Armando was fiddling with the glass in his hands which he was trying to fill with water.

“No, no, of course not,” he said. He sounded defeated and you didn’t want your favourite person to feel like that, especially because of something you said.

“Armando, tell me what’s wrong. I promise you, I’m gonna be here and listen no matter what. You’re my best friend, you can tell me anything,” you told him, trying to get the truth out of him. You meant every word of what you said, but you weren’t sure if Armando was going to believe them and/or actually listen.

As if to prove your point, the man before you rolled his eyes and turned away from you.

“You can’t help me with this, maravillosa niña. I appreciate the thought, really. But mi amor para ti isn’t exactly something I can talk to you about,” Armando remarked wistfully. His hands were grasping the glass so hard, his knuckles were white. This only made you worry more, since Armando was usually pretty laid-back.

“Armando, I promise you, you can. There’s nothing you could tell me that would change anything between us. I know you. I know you have a good heart, as hard as you try to convince others that it isn’t true. So whatever is on your mind and affecting you this bad, I promise you can share it with me, so you’re at least not the only one carrying its burden,” you expressed, conveying as much love as you could in your words. Armando was very important to you and you made sure to tell him that in different forms every once in a while.

“You ask what’s affecting me? ¿No es obvio? You are. The fact that I crave your company when you’re not around, the fact that I want to be the first person you call when anything happens or when you just want to talk! You have made me addicted to you and it’s not an addiction one can ever overcome. I love you. Every cell in my body yearns for your touch, every thought in my mind is devoted to you. llevo años volviéndome loco,” Armando finally blurted out. He hadn’t meant to confess his feelings for you in this way. He actually hadn’t meant to confess them at all, but they had just come out.

Armando’s words stunned you into silence. You had truly never expected to hear these words, but after overcoming the initial shock, there was something like … relief flooding your veins and takings its place right between your ribs. Armando was an amazing person who you admired deeply. The fact that he loved you made you feel happy in a very specific way.

Your mind was running a thousand miles an hour, processing every word Armando had said. If you imagined those words coming out of one of your other friend’s mouth, you wouldn’t be as overjoyed as you are right now. You would be flattered, but not excited as you were right now.

Which led you to only one conclusion.

Darting forward, you wrapped your arms around Armando. One went to his face and cupped his cheek while the other went to his side. You spared a quick look to his eyes, finding confusion, hope and lust in them, but then focused on his lips. They were just as beautiful as every other part of him, now also slightly parted as his soft breaths were hitting your collarbone.

‘Fuck it,’ you thought and connected your lips to his. He immediately kissed back and you could feel his hands coming up to your waist to hold you even closer. You moved your hand from his cheek to his hair and buried it in his soft curls. The two of you stood there intertwined for a long time, lips moving in a steady rhythm, until you broke the kiss to get some air.

“Was that okay?” you gasped out, trying to put air in your lungs again. The grin you sent in Armando’s direction earned you a crooked smile.

“Perfect,” was the only warning you got before his lips crashed against yours once more.

Smiling while your lips were still pressed together, you mumbled out a “Told you I could help.” and resumed making out with your handsome best friend.

Translations:

tarado - moron

mi querida - my dearest

maravillosa niña - wonderful girl

mi amor para ti - my love for you

¿No es obvio? - Isn’t it obvious?

llevo años volviéndome loco - I’ve been going crazy for years

[hanniefangz]

cuddles vs kisses - ★｡･:*:･ﾟ

pairing: ot8 x GN!reader

tags: fluff

summary: out of the members which of them prefer cuddles and which prefer kisses from their partner

word count: 1.3K

CHAN - prefers cuddling

chan loves cuddling up with his partner after a long day of working, because it's one of the only things that can relax him, his head in your chest, arms carefully wrapped around each other. he especially loves it if he can feel you lovingly trace shapes into his back, he lets out sighs of contentment and you giggle at his cuteness. sometimes he'll even try to guess what you're drawing, his voice full of sleepiness. he loves breathing in your scent as he's close to you, praying that he never has to let go. your bodies never leave each other, the warmth too addicting to pass up. eventually you fall asleep in this position, your cuddles are his safe place, and you can say the same about his

MINHO - prefers kisses

minho comes home from an intense dance practice, he kicks his shoes off by the door as you're laid on the sofa, snuggled in a blanket, eyes closed, soft snores. he pouts, only you have this effect on him. only you can make him feel this soft. he shakes you gently. he whispers to you softly and you open your eyes, and are met with the most amazing sight in the world. your boyfriend finally home. you sit up and immediately pull him into a soft kiss, and all his worries fade away, very nearly forgetting the ache in his back from the choreo. he doesn't stop kissing you all night, each one filling you both up with endless amounts of adoration for the other

CHANGBIN - prefers cuddling

this man was made to be cuddled. his chest is like a pillow, and you don't need one when you're in bed with him. you're so tired, work at the office has been absolute hell, your boss constantly giving you more paperwork, the mountain growing and growing until you can't see over it anymore. you finally finish it all and make your way back home to a very concerned changbin. not a single word is spoken between either of you as you kick your shoes off, finding yourself in his arms almost straight away, small tears escaping your eyes as he carries both of you upstairs to bed. once you're both in comfier clothes, you're under the covers, your head on his chest as he strokes your hair gently. still, no words are spoken, and you don't need it. you just need to be in changbins arms, and he needs to be in yours

HYUNJIN - prefers kisses

hyunjin is the ultimate romantic. he constantly shows his love to you through kisses, whether that be on your forehead when you're in bed sick and he's taking care of you, on your hand like a prince when you're on a fancy little date he planned out, on your cheek when you're sat beside him, on your back when taking warm baths together, on your nose when you're being so cute he just can't handle it, or on your lips in your most intimate moments, hyunjin wants nothing more than to kiss you all the time. his lips fit perfectly on yours, like they were made for no other. and they weren't. they belong to you only

JISUNG - prefers kisses

you love teasing jisung, feeling a little bit cheeky today more than others. you decided that the next time he pouts at you, you'll dodge his kiss. it upsets him a little at first, and it's not until he sees the glistening of your eyes and your teasing smile that he realises it's not going to be that easy to get a kiss from you today. he chases you around your entire apartment in a silly game of “hide from jisungs kisses”. you finally thought you'd lost him when you feel his arms around your waist as he attacks you with kisses on the back of the neck, and your heart races. he tackles you onto your shared bed, tickling your stomach as he peppers your face with kisses. you're laughing so hard you're not sure you'll make it out alive and he lets go, pouting again. you finally give in and let him kiss you properly this time. your silly little game made you realise how much you missed kissing him properly, you apologise and you vow never to tease him like that again…unless.

FELIX - has no preference

felix absolutely loves any kind of physical touch when it involves his partner. he loves the combination of both kisses and cuddles. you decided on staying in for date night this time, creating a fort with pillows and blankets from all over the house, fairy lights decorating the inside, and grabbing your laptop and snacks for a cute little movie session. it's not long into whichever disney film you both eventually decided when you two can't keep your hands (nor lips) away from each other. his arms are around you and you both keep leaning into to each other to sneak kisses here and there. he just constantly wants to be with you, almost like a little shadow. he never wants to leave you, and he never wants you to forget he's yours and you're his. after a few hours the final film ends and you're snuggled up on his lap, him stroking your hair lightly. he doesn't want to ever leave this moment, and he gives your forehead one last kiss before snuggling into you too

SEUNGMIN - prefers cuddling

seungmin isn't one for public displays of affection, he'll hold your hand here and there, give you affectionate pats every now and again, but this whole front goes out the window when it's just the two of you. he really does turn into a puppy when it's just you two alone, and he never wants to leave your side. he lays down on your lap and just one flash of his puppy-like eyes and you've melted, stroking his hair softly as you watch your kdrama together. then, when it's time for bed, with a few whines, he reluctantly gets up and you go put on your pyjamas, reminding him you can cuddle more in just a few seconds. you both sleepily climb into bed and within seconds he's back, attached at your hip. your fingers are intertwined with his and your snuggled into his chest, and he thanks whatever god there is out there that he gets to share this moment with you, the smell of your freshly washed hair putting him straight to sleep

JEONGIN - has no preference

jeongin is scared of showing you physical affection at first, even the slightest touch of your hands makes the poor boy almost start hyperventilating, he's not the biggest fan, he doesn't even really give his friends hugs. but he decides he wants to get over it, for your sake. you've mentioned that physical touch is one of your love languages, but you were willing to take it slow for him, and that only makes him want to show you it even more, you're too kind to him, and he wants to show you love in return. the prospect of cuddles was less intimidating so he started with that. you were watching something on your television, and he inches closer to you until your head is on his chest and his hands are holding yours. but then came the terrifying thought of kissing you. it took him weeks to work up the courage, and the first time he kisses you properly is on his birthday. you'd taken him out for dinner, and he thanks you with a soft, albeit quick kiss to your lips, which sets both of your cheeks ablaze, and he realises it's not as scary as he thought. after that day he doesn't ever stop, experimenting with the placement each time. and even if each one still gives him the same stupid butterflies, he never wants to stop showing you the love you deserve, in a way that you appreciate like no other

hiii ! i posted this on my ao3 literally months ago but i felt it deserved it's time to shine on here :3 hope you enjoyed reading this!! - reblogs & feedback are appreciated <3

[powerfultenderness]

lord powerfultenderness, I don't know how to fully picture it but can we have neighbor könig doing grocery shopping with y/n? Please!~

I swear I saw a post somewhere that said König probably makes bank. And Sugar Daddy König hc born/accepted. This man will spoil you if you give him the chance (and then idk wreck you later?)

Either you were oblivious to the looks strangers gave you, to the way women quickly turned around and went down different aisles, or you didn’t care. It was, in fact, the latter. This big menacing looking guy beside you practically cleared a path wherever you wanted. Busy aisles you’d normally have to do trick maneuvers with your cart? Cleared out when he looked at other shoppers. It was amazing, really.

You stopped and looked up at the shelf, the item you wanted on the very top and if you stretched out…you still couldn’t reach it. Even before you could pout and try again, König reached over and plucked the box of snacks off the shelf and dropped in the basket. 

Maybe it was the way his eyes crinkled a bit, but you could tell he was smiling at you. “Those are car snacks.” 

“Car snacks?”

You nodded and continued to push the cart down the aisle. You’d deviated from your shopping list so much that you were now just going up and down aisles to see if there was anything you needed.

“You know, snacks you keep in the car for emergencies. Like, getting stuck in traffic, or on the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck…or lost…” 

“How often do you get lost?” He laughed, shoulders shaking as he tried to keep his laugh at a reasonable indoor level.

“It was just the one time! My GPS wasn’t working!” It wasn’t your fault downtown was an impossible maze!

“What did you do?” 

“I had a snack and figured it out.” You gave up and went home, but he didn’t need to know that. 

Though he could probably guess with the way he was side eyeing you. You knocked your hip into his side (and he didn’t budge at all!) “What do you say to pasta for dinner?” 

He titled his head, “you’re making dinner for me?”

“Yea, I want to do something nice for you for helping me out.” 

König beamed at you, though you couldn’t see behind his mask and you were currently looking at one of the shelves. “I will eat whatever you cook.”

You laughed, it sounded so weird when he said it like that. “Alright, pasta it is.” 

On the way to the checkout, you happened upon a display of clothing, mostly blouses and tee shirts, but some printed leggings as well. “Ooh, that’s cute.” You stopped and picked up a strappy sundress printed with your favorite flowers. “And my size!” You cheered to yourself as you looked at the tag. You flipped it over to check the price tag then set the dress back on the rack. “Pssh, not that cute.” 

You looked at him just as he turned away from the dress you liked. “Hey, can you wait in line while I run and get my prescription?” 

He nodded and took over pushing the cart as you handed him your debit card, “just in case it takes too long.” 

It was a good thing you handed him your card too! There was a bit of wait while your prescription was transferred to the new in store pharmacy. You half debated whether or not you should just leave to pick it up another day, but you already missed a day and didn’t want to throw off the effects. 

By the time you had your medication, König was waiting for you out front. “Sorry about that!” 

He shook his head, “no problem.” And handed you the receipt and your card back. 

You giggled as he loaded the bags in almost one scoop into the back of his truck. Your car was currently in the shop and he very quickly offered to help you out in the meantime. 

“Thank you so much!” You smiled at him once all of the groceries were sitting on your counter. 

“Anytime.” He answered simply.

 “Still up for dinner tonight?” 

He nodded, “of course.” 

The little short answers, no hearty laugh included, were weird. But maybe he just had enough company for a few hours. “Alright, I’ll pop over later then?” 

“Goodbye.” He nodded again and quickly left you alone.

Weird…

Whatever. Maybe he’ll feel better once he…oh! 

You pulled out one of the very dresses you thought was cute, but too expensive, from one of the bags. König’s doing? You checked the receipt and it wasn’t listed. He…bought it himself? And hid it from you? Suddenly the way he was acting nervous before he left made sense. 

-

König’s stomach flipped and his face burned when he opened the door later that night. You were standing in front of him wearing the dress he bought. “You look like an angel.” 

You smiled and spun around, the dress flaring cutely as you did so. “I can’t believe you bought this! Thank you so much! But, let me repay you?” 

“No. Have dinner with me?” 

You giggled, you were already having dinner with him! “You sneaky man! Come on, let’s go!” You then grabbed one of his hands and started to pull him out and towards your flat.

“Wait. Let me lock up.” He fished his keys out of his pocket and locked the door with one hand, refusing to pull out of your touch. 

“Oh. right!” 

“You didn’t lock up, did you?” 

“What! It’s just right there!”   

König was laughing again as he followed you to your home, a dopey smile you couldn’t see lighting his eyes 

[More neighbor König]

[starminzoo]

╭──────────────────✎

╰─▗ ▘➤𖥸 fuck, it's cold

꒰ risa's note ꒱ brain is not braining because I am too busy with roblox :]

warnings: fucking, playing with food (don't try irl), pussy eating, cursing, reader faints after san's amazing dick down job, Choi San himself is a warning

"fuck sannie" you moaned as you arched your back on the cold marble top, his cold lips attached to your sweet spot sucking harshly, his fingers teasingly rubbing at your core above your panties. your mind was fuzzy as you tried to remember how you got here just one moment ago you both were enjoying the tub of vanilla ice cream, basking in it's coldness and then within a second you both were devouring each others mouth, cold tongues clashing together the ice cream long forgotten sitting atop the table. and now you guys were here with him scattering love bites on your neck while his hands took in your figure riling you up. "San but the ice cream~" you informed him of the melting ice cream as you didn't wanted it to go to waste, but he had other intentions, pulling away from your neck he scooped up some of it on the spoon and bought it over your breasts you looked at him confused but your expression changed immediately as he placed the spoon on the valley between your boobs the cold metal spoon contrast to your warm body temperature gave you tingles, dampening the spot on you panties more.

as he dragged the spoon down your body, it left a trail of cold ice cream behind he finally stopped as he reached above the waistband of your panties which dragged a low moan from your body, san smirked observing the effect of his actions and slight teasing, you thought he would drag your panties down to free you from your sticky misery but he removed the spoon throwing it besides your body on the counter and with a small pat on your core he went straight for your boobs pinching, sucking and bitting them altogether, he was a monster when it came to your boobs, you bit your lips to keep your moans at a bay but he was making it harder for you, moving away from your nipples he plunged his mouth onto your skin between your boobs sucking on the ice cream which had gone hot against you, he trailed down your body following the path he created while manically gropping your boobs, if he kept going like this you were sure you would have cum untouched but he removed his hands and held your thighs apart pushing them against your chest.

you know you were fucked when he started down at you with that sex crazed lust in his eyes, he grinned evilly as the saw your lips tremble, eyes blown and chest heaving, he now turned his attention towards your pussy "hold them for me baby" you did as he said holding your thighs to your chest, whimpers left your mouth as you saw him bending down towards your core and then his mouth was clamped over your clit above your panties "ahh san please touch me" you cried as he started sucking greedily but the panties were still in the way causing anger to rise in you "fucking remove them you asshole" san just chuckled against your core but didn't removed them "ask nicely princess" you grew more frustrated but you knew you had to please his ego so you begged "please sir please remove them, i want your mouth on my pussy so bad please"

the way you pathetically begged him brought him satisfaction so he obliged to your request and removed your panties using his teeth as soon as they were off his eyes were struck on your hole and how it was clenching around air begging to be filled, your arousal leaking out of you like a faucet so without wasting a second he dived towards your hole practically making out with it. "yes fuckkkk that's it" your back arched upwards, nails digging painfully in your plush thighs as you tried to keep them open for him , too lost in the immense pleasure you couldn't figure it out that how fast he removed his mouth from you while he scooped a spoon full of ice cream again and bought in his mouth and again went diving for your cunt, you shivered at the cool sensation it bought nearly bawling your eyes out (don't try this irl this is purely unhygienic and could lead to UTI'S)

as he continued to eat you out like a mad man the knot in your stomach tightened by each passing second, he began nibbling your clit while he pumped his fingers inside of you "i am cumming fuckk" you regretted letting those words leave your mouth because when he heard them he withdrew his mouth back leaving you shaking and crying in his hold thick tears leaving your eyes "cum around me baby" and with that he pushed his dick in you all the way so his balls were against your ass, you were not even in your right mind to curse him just moans and whimpers leaving your mouth due to the pleasure and the sight infront of you holy fuck he looked fucking ravishing covered in your arousal which was coating his lips, nose and chin slightly dripping down his chin, upon seeing you staring at his face he smirked and bought his tongue out licking your juices off his face and bent forward to kiss you letting you taste yourself, he took your legs from your hands placed them over his shoulder this position allowing him to hit more deeper inside of you "ahhhh fuck just like that baby squeeze me yeah fuck" he started thrusting in you deep and gripped your waist so you wouldn't slide away from him.

you dug your nails deep in his arms holding you, indicating to him that you were about to burst so he thrusted more rapidly "cum with me baby" that was it as soon those words left his mouth your high washed over you in big waves, your mind turning fuzzy as you shook from the intensity of the release, and then there was san who was trying to figure out why you were leaking so much so when it clicked in his mind that you were squirting he bought your quivering legs down from his shoulders and held them gently while slowly moving inside of you to help you out while he tried to recover from his own high, both of your arousals dripping down on the floor creating a mess.

when you opened your eyes you were in your bed covered with a blanket while your face was snuggled in san's chest you couldn't believe you fainted due to the orgasm just as you were trying to sort your thoughts you heard his voice muffled against your hair "was it that good baby?" "no it was the ice cream" not in the mood to satisfy his ego you playfully turned away from him and went back to napping but you heard him whining behind you that how you were lying and you obviously fainted due to impressive dick down job.

i am not impressed at what i wrote not even a bit, but I didn't want to be claimed as a d€ad blog when i literally just started writing so bear with me please I got some good ideas in my drafts!!

[am-i-interrupting]

Hey there! Can I get some headcanons for Alastor and Rosie with a female Best friend/ s/o respectively (cause y'know, Al's an 'Ace in the hole' lol) who's a singer and does covers of modern music in old-timey styles like postmodern jukebox?

Rosie and Alastor frequent different speakeasies and clubs often together.

Soon after Alastor’s return they restarted the tradition and that’s where they met you.

You were performing a cover of a song neither had ever heard before.

You were good. You were amazing. Fantastically.

Rosie was immediately smitten.

You walked down off the stage, placing a delicate hand in a demon’s outstretched one to help you down the stairs.

You practically floated around the floor and even convinced several people to dance with you.

“They’re rather good.” “Yes, indeed.”

When you approached their tables, dragged your hand along the back of both their seats and placed an outstretched hand between the two of them.

Alastor declined it, noticing Rosie’s specific brand of infatuation. In fact, the bastard baited you both and reached for your hand only to grab Rosie’s and place it there.

He can be a wing man if he wants to be.

The three of you met after that initial performance and were often found together.

Often Alastor would be on the end of Rosie’s thoughtless rambles about you as she flitted around. She called your voice angelic a lot.

Rosie would attend every single one of your performances. Alastor would attend them when he could or particularly wanted to. He wouldn’t rearrange his plans to see them unlike Rosie.

 When the Hotel was rebuilt and the welcoming party was being planned, Alastor immediately suggested you be a performer for the night.

Alastor may or may not have sent his shadows to place a note and a specific outfit he’d noticed Rosie really liked on your bed the day of.

One would imagine Rosie would have dressed for the occasion as well. I’m imagining this fanart because I’m in love with them both.

Alastor, of course, welcomed you with a specific brand of hostility.

He made sure you were comfortable, had everything you needed, any instrument you required would appear with a shadow playing it, and he did make sure to compliment you.

You didn’t see Rosie until you were onstage about to preform on stage.

She was sitting beside Alastor, so beautiful.

You felt almost scandalized seeing her in something that revealed her arms, much less her back and legs.

You immediately went flushed and walked off stage, put a hand in Husk’s shoulder where he was sitting at the bar nearby and took his drink from him (not registering that it was not one he was drinking but instead using to mix a drink for Angel so. . . good luck) and basically started chugging.

You patted his shoulder, gave him his bottle back (he just stared at it and looked at Angel who burst out laughing), then went back to the stage.

You started singing. Song after song, all on stage which was odd for you.

Then you caught Rosie’s eye at the end of a song and Alastor’s shadows started playing a different rhythm.

Feeling the effects of Husks’s drink take hold, you got off the stage.

You went to Rosie and held out your hand specifically to her. Still, Alastor pulled the same move of puppeting her hand, just for old time’s sake.

You moved so you were behind her and pulled her close to you, feeling her warmth and skin against yours and maybe you were in Hell but it was heaven.

You led her in a tango and then she led you and then you were— you both led each other.

At one point, body moving before you mind could process, you kissed her exposed shoulder.

She flushed a bright red.

Charlie went to Alastor and asked if you two were dating. Surprised to hear no.

Everyone watched on anyway because not often did people see Rosie dance and with you two so in sync it was mesmerizing.

You ended the dance with spinning which led to a dip.

Rosie actually, spurred on by the feeling of your hands on her back and the adrenaline of a dance, hooked her leg over yours and used her arm around your shoulders to pull you into a kiss.

Angel absolutely whistled.

You both pulled away flustered.

Maybe you ran off, maybe you didn’t.

Either way, Rosie turned to Alastor who gave her a thumbs up as she sat down. A smile on her lips as her hand traveled to it.

To Alastor, though, that wasn’t the most shocking part of the night.

For him, it was when he heard Charlie saying she was going see if she could commission you to do cover some of her favorite songs and compile them into a playlist.

And upon questioning her, he was informed you covered modern songs.

[mrs-kodzuken]

so hi! i'm the coach ukai ask anon 👋🏻

i just thought about reader being the volleyball team advisor along with takeda. and the boys definitely ships them all the time, and convincing him to confess 🤣

then when reader and coach got wed, ofc the boys are all there! 🥹

tysm again and have a nice day! 🥰

Aligned feelings & goals ♡

Pairing: Keishin Ukai x fem!reader

WC: 2.1k

Genre: fluff

CW: fem!reader, advisor!reader, best friend!Takeda, fluff, oc ukai since my first time writing for him, reader is a couple years younger than ukai, they crush on each other like they’re in high school

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

Being twenty-five and working in a high school as the office registrar who takes and checks attendance wasn't something I ever had planned. I always dreamed of having my own tea shop by this time in age, however, being the volleyball teams' second advisor really had its perks.

I was able to care and look after silly, ambitious high school kids but the really huge perk to that was that I had a special piece of eye candy to look forward to.

"Miss (Y/n)? Are you listening?" My coworker, Takeda, asked me politely as this was an often occurrence.

"Yes! What was it again?" I sheepishly asked, blinking my eyes in a way to make my good ole' friend view me as innocent.

"The papers, they need to be taken to the back gym. I'm so swamped, so do you mind?" He asked, swirling back around in his office chair after shoving the papers in my hand.

I took them but squinted my eyes at him when I knew he had already finished everything he had needed and was bluffing.

I scoffed, "Swamped? Yeah, okay..." I trailed off, rolling my eyes and leaving my own comfy, grey swirly chair.

As I began my walk towards the back gym, my hears picked up on the sounds of volleyballs smacking the floors very hard and the squeaking of gym shoes. I tried to hide my small smile but just couldn't, I loved these kids.

I especially liked their coach too, however, I would die before I admitted that.

Besides only having a couple boyfriends in high school, I basically knew nothing about dating—especially dating as adults. So, I kept quiet about my small crush in which only Takeda knew about it.

I eyed inside the gym, watching the boys while waiting for someone to come near the doorway since I was too focused on seeing Ukai that I didn't bring my correct shoes. Luckily, Daichi saw me waving around the papers but I didn't expect what was to come because of that.

"Oh hey! It's (Y/n) coach." He announced, effectively stopping all movement in the gym and all eyes on me—including those particular dark brown eyes. I could feel a small heat run slowly vibrate through my body.

"Hey! I'm just dropping off these for Takeda. How's practice coming along? Any new moves guys?" I asked, trying my best to be normal and limit conversation with Ukai only because I wouldn't ever want to stop.

"Nishinoya is teaching me how to do a rolling thunder!" The first-year Hinata explained to me excitedly with the onomatopoeia touching his words. I couldn't help but to smile in amazement at the kid.

I've been one of the volleyball teams advisors so I know all of the third and second-years all too well. It was just the first-years I was trying really hard to make a good connection with, which was necessary if I still wanted to continue to be an advisor.

"Oh wow, that sounds so cool!" I played into his words too with excitement.

"(Y/n), I'll take those papers. Thank you for bringing them along." Ukai spoke, his deep voice reverberating through me and suddenly the heat was back.

"Oh! Yeah," I let out a nervous laugh, handing them to him as our hands brushed which sent a volt of electric shock through my body.

His tall frame leaned over me, the nice headband pushing his pretty hair back—man did he look good.

"I should probably get back to work. Bye guys." I said, breaking our concentrated gaze and waving to leave. I can't get caught up in his eyes, the team was there and that'd be weird for all of us.

Usually, I'd stay and help Kiyoko with coming up with notes of things that needed to be done like cleaning wise of our volleyball teams' banner, uniform shenanigans, finding another team manager since she was indeed a third-year, and money issues.

However, the fact that Ukai was there, he would distract me more and more until I couldn't focus.

I came to the conclusion that my feelings were one-sided and tried to keep my fondness for him to myself—and Takeda. However, I couldn't help but to hear a little "ooo" in the background as I was walking away from the sports club.

I groaned as I smacked my head onto my desk which was my usual manner, then my complaining would start.

"You know..." I started off with before I heard Takeda whisper, "Here we go,"

"Hey! You're my friend, you should be a good friend and listen to my woes!" I reprimanded him with a glare before continuing.

"Oh woe is me! I just wish things were different and that I actually had the courage to confess. Is that even a thing anymore for people our age?" I rhetorically asked, even though I really did want an answer to my question.

I complained about how much I liked Ukai and how things in my life weren't how I wished they'd be—in which he would just say, "for now."

As I laid my head down I couldn't help but to remember a memory from a few weeks ago.

Kiyoko and I had just finished planning what needed to be done to the uniforms for the boys and my back was so sore from slouching.

Leaning straight, I heard my back pop and groaned.

"Miss (Y/n)? Did you ever think about other careers besides this one? I know dealing with high school kids can be a bit much sometimes," Kiyoko's soft voice reached my ears.

"Hm, yeah I do actually. I have always wanted to open up my own tea shop before," I smiled softly thinking of Ukai and how he took care of his mother's store as his own.

It's honestly a great act of compassion.

I glanced over to see if Ukai was listening and in fact, he was. I twinkled at how he was trying to appear as if he wasn't listening in on my dreams.

However, he's one of the main reasons why I even started talking about my tea shop with other people.

I could tell that his eyes were sparkling with curiosity of wanting to know who exactly made me feel this way.

I still get butterflies in my stomach every single time I think of that particular memory. The next thing I knew the school day was over and it was practically time to leave and go home. I never spaced out about Ukai that hard before.

Gathering my things, I said bye to Takeda. I knew we'd both have to be here tomorrow to finish up the last minute work that he pushed away.

My business-casual clothing was starting to make me itch in all in wrong places and I was suddenly happy that I wore flats instead of business heels today. As I made my way home, enjoying the fresh soon-to-be-summer breeze through the air, I realized today was unfortunately clean day.

I forgot that I needed to pick up more bathroom cleaner and kitchen spray which was a coincidence because on my way home the Sakanoshita Market was right there.

I chuckled at my silly behavior of getting giddy over entering, in which the little chime sounded. Surprisingly, Ukai was working even though it was right after school too.

"Hey, I was wondering where the cleaning supplies is..?" I looked over to Ukai, his eyes wide for a split second before turning back to normal after realizing that I was asking him a question.

"It's, uh, in the far back to the left." He pointed, trying to show me around the aisle of the left side.

I shone him a smile over my shoulder as a thanks and then headed my way towards where he directed. When I finally decided on what scent and kind of specific cleaning products I wanted, I made my way up front once again.

"Will that be all today, (Y/n)?" Ukai asked me as he scanned my items and bagging them. However, what threw me off guard was the way he said my name. It was something about the deep voice of his that made me swoon.

"Yeah, I think so. Wait, is it supposed to be that much?" I questioned, seeing the extremely low number in cost and that number was lower than what a convenience store should charge too.

"No, it's right. You get a little discount for being a wonderful person." He winked, which obviously made me blush never-ending.

"Ah, thank you so much. I really appreciate it aha," I gave him the very few cents and took my bag, walking out of the store. It seemed like he wanted to say more from the look on his face but I wasn't going to stay behind and make him uncomfortable if he didn't.

That interaction stayed on my mind all night and the following morning as I made my way briskly towards the school once again. I silently cursed myself for wanting to leave all the work for today instead of just enjoying a day at home.

I settled into the office, opening a window to let the breeze in. Takeda eventually came into work as well and we spent the morning and some of our lunch finishing the work nonstop.

I stretched my arms above my head, my limbs popping in some places due to my age.

“Agh, I’m getting old.” I told to Takeda, looking over at him trying to see if he heard my bones popping like I had.

“Yeah, just wait till you’re my age, (Y/n).” He chucked, straightening our last papers that we printed out and completed. I believe they were permission forms that needed to be signed by the volleyball teams’ parents.

“If those are going to the gym then I can take them? I need to get up and stretch anyways,” I looked at Takeda then back at the forms because they were my ticket to seeing Ukai again.

“Be my guest. I’ll be out of here soon as well, so be sure to take your things.” He told me in which I grabbed my bag and fast paced my way out of that room.

Man, I sure did love summer. The breeze, the birds chirping, the flowers. It was a beautiful sight, however that sight was going to have to wait for another day because I was on a mission.

As per usual, I walked to the gym and listened to the shoes moving around of the court. The doors were slightly ajar, which seemed to be the usual lately.

Peeking through, I noticed that the boys were playing their very best—more than usual. I do remember that the tournaments are coming up soon which would probably enhance their performance on regular practice matches.

However, all of that greatness flew out the window as soon as they noticed my presence from the doorway.

“Uh… keep playing like normal boys,” I waved, trying not to draw a lot of attention to myself. However, before that could even happen Ukai’s voice spoke out.

“Actually, Daichi you’re in charge till I’m back.” Ukai stated and motioned for me to follow him around the back of the gym.

A pool of nervousness flowed into my stomach as I walked behind him, curious to know of what he wants.

I almost bumped into him from how closely I was following behind and from how fast he stopped.

“Ukai..?” I questioned, awaiting for his response as to why I was brought to the back side of the gym.

“(Y/n),” He turned around, peering down into my own nervous eyes with his almond brown eyes.

“I like you. As a twenty-six year old man, I’m admitting that I have a crush on you. Do you accept my feelings?” His left arm in his pocket and his right scratching the back of his head was a sight.

I could feel the surprise on my face and from how ‘high school’ this confession felt.

I opened my mouth to reply and a noise came out that I didn’t expect.

“Woahhhhh!!” and then I noticed the entire volleyball team watching us. Which means they must’ve heard Keishin’s confession to me.

“Get back inside now! You noisy kids.” Ukai grumbled, probably because they messed up his heartfelt confession.

A chuckle came from my lips and I tried to cover it when he looked at me.

“I do. I accept your confession.” I smiled brightly up at him, happy with the school girl feelings I was having at the moment.

“I haven’t felt like this since high school, definitely takes me back.” He commented, looking away but he couldn’t escape the small blush that I saw on his cheeks.

“Same here. I hope good things stem from this confession, Keishin.” I smiled up to him, calling him by his first name.

“As do I, (Y/n).”

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

a/n: I’m so sorry that this took me forever, I’ve never wrote for Ukai before and it put me at a writers block! I didn’t incorporate the last few details into it but I still hope you like it nevertheless anon!!

you all know my header rules, if not see pinned post!!

[7s3ven]

hello! ur writing is so fun and rahhhh i heart it. idk if ur taking cato reqs but i love him bro its an issue. anyhow, childhood friend!tribute!reader and him coming to terms with the fact that both of them cant win. could be platonic or romantic whatever u like<3

I’m literally in love with Cato.

( master list )

DANCING WITH UR GHOST. cato hadley

IN WHICH… Cato Hadley and Y/N L/N accept there can only be one winner. The Capitol watches as one falls and the other leaves the arena with a furious heart, never quite moving on.

Warnings : not proof-read, a little bit of angst, some gore (it’s the hunger games)

—

THG TAG LIST : No one rn 💀

—

It was a hot and sunny day when the Capitol chose to announce the tributes. Small beads of sweat rolled down Y/N’s forehead as she clasped her hands behind her back. The sun was relentlessly beating down on the large group of teenagers crowded in front of the stage, organised by age and all eagerly waiting.

Y/N wasn’t like the rest of her District. She had seen how the effects of the Hunger Games weighed down on the tributes. Haymitch had turned to drinking after the slaughter of his family. Y/N couldn’t imagine returning home to see the people you held dear gruesomely bloodied on the floor.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cato. He stood out from the boys, being one of the tallest and towering over them. He had his jaw clenched and he was impatiently tapping his foot, waiting until he could leap onto the stage.

His head turned and they locked eyes. Y/N was the first to break into an amused smile and he returned it, his pale lips curving upwards.

Y/N paid no attention to the video playing on the screen in front of her. They showed it every year and she had practically memorised the voice lines by now. Her mind flashed back to yesterday, the day where Cato had suggested the unthinkable.

“What if we run away?” He questioned, making Y/N pause. She grasped the handle of her ax tightly as she spun around to face her childhood friend.

“What?” She needed to make sure that she had heard him right. It’s not like Y/N hadn’t thought of it before but for Cato Hadley of all people to ask was outrageous. He was Two’s greatest candidate. They were all counting on him.

“You heard me. What if we ran away? Away from all this and away from the games? I wouldn’t have to worry about being a peacekeeper. We could do it, you and me.”

Y/N has full faith in her axe skills and Cato’s strength but the idea was almost too crazy to pull off. She shook her head, “They’d find us.” She whispered. Y/N was glad nobody else was in the gym because this could be considered treason.

Y/N subtly shook her head. If only leaving District Two was that easy. They would surely notice if their strongest candidate and his axe-throwing friend went missing.

Her attention was caught by the lady, Kikoro, walking towards the microphone in a hideously bright yellow skirt. Beside her, Y/N heard Clove laugh.

Clove was a good friend of Cato’s and by default she was a friend of Y/N’s too. She was shorter than both of them but that didn’t stop her from snapping at people left and right. Her skills with throwing knives were amazing and Y/N often felt a little jealous. Surely the knives were lighter compared to lugging around a wooden stick with a blade attached to it.

“Now, I must warn you, there’s a new little rule. No volunteering this year.” Kikoro uttered into the microphone, her lips covered in yellow lipstick curling into an unsettling smile. She ignored the disappointed jeers from the teenagers as she reached into the first bowl. “Ladies first. It’s only polite.”

Everybody watched with bated breath as Kikoro unfolded the piece of paper painfully slow. Clove was practically shaking with excitement.

Kiroko cleared her throat before she leaned forward, glancing at the crumbled paper. “Y/N L/N.” She said.

Y/N clicked her tongue, thinking it was all a sick joke. She wasn’t scared shitless like the tributes in the paper districts were but she was disappointed. Why her and not somebody who actually wanted to compete?

Y/N begrudgingly stepped onto stage after being dragged by a peacekeeper. “Let go of me.” She hissed, yanking her arm out of the man’s grip.

“What’s your name, dear?” Kiroko asked, gesturing Y/N to step forward to the microphone. The H/C-nette stared at the Capitol citizen in confusion.

“You just said my name… Y/N L/N.”

Kikoro paused before she burst into a fit of light laughter. “Ah, sorry dear. I’m so used to volunteers. Next up, the boys.”

Y/N hoped her District partner would be someone useful who she could discard later. Someone strong but not too strong as to overpower her.

As Y/N rocked back and forth on her heels, she glanced over at Kikoro who was now unfolding the second paper. She read text written in black ink before grasping the microphone.

Hearing her own name getting called didn’t frighten Y/N but as Kikoro declared the male tribute, her heart dropped so fast that she may as well collapsed. It was the one person she wished hadn’t been chosen.

“Cato Hadley.”

The train ride was silent. Enobaria had tried talking to the pair but they never replied. Eventually, she gave up and went to a different compartment.

“We should’ve run away.” Y/N quietly muttered, suddenly regretting not putting the absurd plan into action. Across from her, Cato chuckled.

“Yeah…” He paused, refusing to believe that this was really happening. That he’d have to kill his best friend if he wanted to survive. He was brought back to the harsh reality as the train bumped along the tracks.

“You should’ve played dead… or something.” Y/N stirred the spoon around in her cup of coffee, having no intentions of actually tasting the bitter drink. She licked her dry lips. “What happens if we’re the last ones left?”

Cato didn’t have the courage to answer. He pushed his food around with his fork for a few moments before finally lifting his head. “May the best win.” He uttered.

Y/N glanced out the window, staring at the tall buildings of the Capitol in the distance. She took a deep breath as the train quickly approached the large city and their impending doom.

The days in the Capitol were limited. And they passed by fast. One minute Y/N was standing in front of the dummy targets, skilfully throwing axes as their heads then the next she was in front of a crowd in a glittery gold gown.

“You’re a fan favourite, Y/N. How does that make you feel?” Caesar, with his crazy blue hair and matching suit, said as he widely grinned.

“I guess I’m just that charming.” Y/N smiled as she leaned back in her seat, gracefully crossing one leg over the other.

“Our time is almost up but may I ask the question that everyone has been wondering? What on earth is going on between you and Cato?”

The Capitol had caught wind of the small stolen glances and borderline flirtatious kisses on the knuckles. Y/N shifted in her seat as she recalled the event before this very interview.

“You look…” Cato entered the room, practically starstruck as Y/N stood on a small platform. “Wow.” She frowned as she adjusted the tight bodice of her dress.

“Really? Because right now, I can’t really breathe.” Y/N let out a small laugh but she felt her corset suffocate her lungs.

“Does this look like a face that would lie to you?” Cato grasped Y/N’s hands and helped her off the platform. “I mean it. You look stunning… almost makes me wish we were getting ready for a ball instead of this.” Cato’s face was so close. Y/N couldn’t help but let her eyes dart to his lips.

“You look handsome too.” She playfully grinned as she straightened Cato’s tie. “Blue suits you.”

“We’re just friends.” Y/N repeated that overused phrase while the Capitol citizens groaned in frustration. “I don’t know what you want me to admit… Cato is handsome but I can’t imagine dating someone I’ve known since childhood… his face is getting a little annoying.”

Y/N’s cheeky remark earned her a few laughs.

“If given the chance, I probably would’ve liked to kiss him once, you know?” Y/N’s confidence grew and she forgot all about how Cato could hear her words through the small screen in the waiting room. She folded her arms over her chest just as the timer buzzed.

“Y/N L/N, everybody!” Caesar declared.

She stepped off the stage and back into the shadows, away from the piercing lights. Glimmer and Marvel had already returned to their rooms and Y/N was about to do the same before Cato came into view.

She saw him wave enthusiastically at the crowd but his eyes were on her. She shrank back, suddenly aware of what she had said during the interview.

Y/N scurried off before Caesar could even ask Cato one question. She stormed into the room assigned to District Two. Enobaria was sitting on the couch, clicking the TV remote buttons.

“Need help getting out of that dress?” The sharp-toothed woman asked. Y/N silently nodded.

“Thank you.” Y/N said, finally able to breathe properly again. She would never take oxygen for granted again.

Y/N was only dressed in a black singlet and shorts when Cato burst through her personal room door. “What was that?” He demanded, slamming the door behind him. “If given the chance? I’m giving you the damn chance, Y/N!”

Y/N let out a squeak of surprise when he grabbed her face and pulled her forward, swiftly kissing her like he had been waiting to do so for years. With how his hands trailed down to tightly grip her waist, Y/N wouldn’t be surprised if Cato had been dreaming of this moment.

Cato pulled away, resting his forehead on Y/N’s. “How’s that for a given chance?”

The sun in the arena felt different. Its heat was blistering and Y/N felt her body burning up underneath her heavy jacket. She wanted to discard the warm piece of clothing but it would come in handy at night.

The Careers had already made their allies clear. Y/N glanced at Cato who was already staring at her as usual.

To Y/N’s left was Glimmer, who was impatiently tapping her foot as the countdown began. Y/N stared at the decreasing numbers until it reached five and she had no choice but to get ready to run.

This was no mere dream, it was a reality that Y/N wish she didn’t exist in, for Cato’s sake.

To no one’s surprise, Cato was the first to react as the countdown finished. He leaped off his podium, immediately making a run for a silver sword. Some tributes turned tail and ran but those who joined the mess in the middle were gruesomely stabbed by Cato.

Y/N grasped a pack of throwing knives, tossing the sharp objects at anything that moved. She managed to cut Katniss’ cheek and the ravenette was not pleased about that. The District Twelve girl shot an arrow Y/N’s way but she ducked and avoided it.

“Y/N, here!” Cato tossed a fancy looking axe her way. She easily caught it, swinging it at a foolish boy who thought he could beat her.

The bloodbath didn’t last long thanks to Cato. He either killed or drove off any of the remaining tributes. “I’m feeling pretty good about this.” He grinned down at Y/N as they waltzed around the Cornucopia. He twirled his heavy sword in his hand.

“You’re in a good mood.” Y/N muttered. The hunger for bloodshed had clouded Cato’s mind, causing him to forget that Y/N would have to die in order for him to emerge victorious. She said nothing about it, though, not wanting to spoil his cheerful mood.

“I’ll be in a better mood after this.” Cato chuckled to himself as he pecked Y/N’s lips. He held her close, burying his face in her neck.

Y/N stood still, awaiting the moment where they would be forced to turn on each other. Out of the pair, Y/N had always been the rational realist.

Glimmer was dead, filled with toxin after Katniss sabotaged the Careers’ camp.

Marvel was next. Katniss skewered him like a kebab with her arrow. He died on the forest floor, joining Glimmer in Katniss’ kill count.

And then there were two. Y/N had narrowly avoided being bashed in the head with a stone by Thresh. The side of her head was still bleeding, the crimson liquid staining the green grass below.

Y/N groaned as she collapsed beside Cato, leaning against the large tree trunk. “Who’s left?” She rasped. She had heard a canon go off but she had no idea who it was.

“The boy from Eleven, the pair from two, and us.” Cato replied, his shoulder brushing against Y/N’s. He pulled out a small tin bottle, handing it over to Y/N. She gratefully took a large gulp of cold water. “Don’t worry, we’ll get home.” He whispered, “You and me forever.” After Y/N’s near death experience, Cato realized that the Capitol had played him as a fool. But he was happy about the announcement that said two victors could win if they originated from the same District.

Y/N leaned her head on Cato’s shoulder and closed her eyes, deeply sighing. She didn’t know when she dozed off or how long she was asleep but she cracked open one eye to see Cato hurriedly shaking her.

Night time, the Careers’ prime time to hunt, had already past. When Y/N’s eyes finally adjusted to the light, she furrowed her eyebrows. She was in a cave yet she remembered falling asleep on the forest floor. And Cato was covered in bites and gruesome grazes and blood. So much blood.

“Cato…” Y/N breathed, quickly leaning forward, “What happened to you?”

“I killed Katniss and Peeta… and the mutts killed Thresh. It’s you and me left, Y/N.” His sounded sounded so weak and he sluggishly cupped her face, panting heavily. For once, he was covered in his own blood rather than the blood of his victims.

“You drugged me…” Y/N’s heart fell to her stomach as she realized what had happened. Cato had slipped sleeping pills into the water and while she was knocked out, he put her in a cave and went to hunt down the three other tributes. She furrowed her brows. “How could you? Cato… you could’ve died.”

He let out a quiet laugh. “Yeah… I know. That was kind of the point. While you were asleep, they revoked the two victors rule. There can only be one again.”

That was enough for tears to well up in Y/N’s eyes. “Don’t leave me… please.” She cried as she held Cato, her childhood friend and her first true crush. His blood stained her muddy clothes but she didn’t care. “Please…” She trailed off as Cato wheezed.

“The mutts did a good job on me.” He muttered, finding it harder to stay awake. Y/N’s eyes widened.

“No. Cato. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me here!” She immediately noticed how his pulse slowed down. “Stay awake, Cato! I can fix this! Please.”

Y/N had already come to terms that there could only be one victor but she had yet to accept that fact that she had to lose Cato to walk out.

“You can’t give up now… we came this far. We can sort something out.” Y/N uttered as she shook Cato in a fruitless attempt to convince him.

“I love you, Y/N.” He grasped her hand, squeezing it tightly. “I always have. Ever since we became friends. Ever since you were the first to find the courage to talk to me. I don’t know what I would have done with you.”

Y/N laughed as a sob bubbled up in her throat. “I love you too. If only your name wasn’t called. I could’ve won the games and come back to you.” She shakily sighed as she leaned down to kiss Cato’s cold lips. She placed her hand on his neck and when she felt no pulse, she pulled back in a panic.

“Cato?” She shook him once. Then again. “Cato?!” She repeated, this time louder. “No… no… no! Don’t leave me here! Cato!”

She screamed so loud that the sound echoed around the forest, scaring the birds and causing them to flee.

“Cato!”

Y/N walked out of the arena a free woman. Not quite since Snow would still have full control over her but she liked to think she was free to a certain extent.

The Capitol workers had tried to discard of the necklace she held so tightly in her left hand but she refused to let them take it away. It was the only remaining memory she had of Cato.

Anger swirled around in her heart like a monster, threatening to burst free and reign terror over anyone that came in contact with her.

Only now was Y/N realising why the victors never looked genuinely happy despite having everything they wanted. It was because Snow tore their deepest desires away, always holding it near but never within their reach.

Enobaria had wanted to be a mother.

Gloss wanted a peaceful life with his sister.

Cashmere wanted nothing more than to take care of the children in District One.

Brutus craved freedom from Snow’s cruel clutches.

And poor Y/N dreamt of becoming a bride but as she watched the light drift from Cato’s eyes, her wish was swept away with it.

Now, Snow had nothing to take away from her because the person she loved the most was already gone.

[nomie-11]

Chapter 17 - The Pursuit of Knowledge

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“Tap out!” Rhiannon screams as a rider out of Second Wing fights to drag himself forward on the mat, his hands splayed wide, his fingernails digging in as Genevieve holds him in a leg lock Liam had taught her a week before, forcing his back into what should be an impossible arch.

Violet’s heart pounds with excitement as her and Liam cheer. It’s the last challenge of this portion of Squad battle, and the crowd pushes at their backs, Liam holding the two of them firmly in place at the perimeter of the map. After two events, the squad was in 7th out of 24th, jumping up from 15th after Liam won his section. If Genevieve wins hers, they’ll be up to third.

Mikael cries out in pain, the sound sharp and near ear splitting as Genevieve holds fast and presses her advantage, 

“Fuck me, that looks like it hurts,” Violet mutters over the cheering first years. 

“Yeah, he’s not walking for a while,” Ridoc agrees, cringing as the arc of Mikael’s back looks like a broken spine waiting to happen. 

“You got this, Genevieve! Hold him!” Liam yells, his voice booming over the crowd. 

With another cry, Mikael slams his palm into the mat three times, and the crowd roars. 

“Yes! Go, Genevieve!” Sawyer screams from behind Violet, and Genevieve drops Mikael to the mat, where he sprawls out, exhausted. 

“We won!” Liam rushes for Genevieve, and she’s swept up into a tangle of arms and shouting and joyous squadmates. 

“Your winner!” Professor Emetterio shouts, his voice ringing through the gym and quieting the zealous energy as Genevieve steps out of the crushing hug. “Genevieve Hale from Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing!”

She puts both hands up in victory and turns in a small circle, the sound of cheering making her ears ring in the best way. 

Genevieve grins as she catches her breath, sweat dripping down her brow The moment feels surreal, like a weight lifting from her chest. Her first victory in months. After losing again and again to Xaden, Liam, and Garrick over and over again. This victory was more than just another point for the squad—it was a confirmation that no matter what had changed, she was back. 

Liam reaches her first, his face split with a wide grin as he claps her on the back. “Hell yeah! That was brutal!”

She laughs, the sound breathless and triumphant. “Thanks for the lock,” she says, throwing a teasing glance his way. “Pretty effective.” 

“Effective? You practically snapped the guy in half,” Ridoc shouts as he joins them, still shaking his head. “Remind me to never piss you off.” 

“You should already know that,” Genevieve smirks, though there’s a playful edge to her voice. Despite the intensity of the fight, the camaraderie between her squadmates helps ease her back down from the high of competition. 

Rhiannon is next, her smile so wide it looks like her face muscle might lock in place. “You were amazing out there, Genevieve. I swear, Mikael never stood a chance!”

The praise fills Genevieve with warmth, and for a brief moment, she allows herself to bask in it. But as she glances over at the rest of the riders watching from the sidelines, she knows that this is just one victory in a long line of challenges ahead. They’re only third. 

Violet steps up beside her, her face a mixture of pride and awe. “That was incredible, Genevieve. You’re totally back on your game.” 

Genevieve meets her gaze, seeing Violet’s eyes beaming with pride. 

“Thanks,” She says quietly, her smile wide. 

Commandant Pancheck steps onto the mat, and Geneviev steps back with the rest of the squad, gratefully grabbing the towel Ridoc had brought for her to wipe the dripping sweat off of her skin. “I know you were all expecting the last portion of the Squad Battle to happen tomorrow, but the cadre and I have a surprise.” 

He has the attention of every single rider in the room now. 

“Instead of telling you what the final, unknown task will be, and giving you tonight to plan for it, your final task will begin at this hour!” He grins, throwing out his hands and turning just like Genevieve had. 

“Tonight?” Ridoc whispers. 

“Fuck, I’m so tired,” Genevieve groans. 

Violet feels her stomach hit the ground. “Dain isn’t here. Neither is Cianna.” 

“Oh shit,” Imogen whispers, looking over the crowd herself. 

“As you may have noticed, your squad leaders and their executive officers have been… shall we say, sequestered with your section leaders and wingleaders, and no, befores someone asks, your task is not to find them.” he continues to walk in a small circle, addressing each side of the mat. “You are to break into your squads and accomplish a unique mission this evening without the leadership and instruction of your squad leaders.” 

“Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of having squad leaders?” someone asks from across the mat. 

“The purpose of a squad leader is to form a tightly knit unit that can carry on with a mission after their demise. Consider your leaders… demised.” Panchek shrugs with a gleeful smile. “You’re on your own, riders. Your mission is simple: find and acquire, by any means necessary, the one thing that would be most advantageous to our enemies regarding the war effort. Leadership will serve as unbiased judges, and the winning squad will be awarded sixty points.” 

“That, with the points that Genevieve just won, is enough to put us into first!” Rhiannon whispers, linking her arms with Genevieve and Violet. “We could win the glory of going to the front!”

“What are the boundaries?” someone to the right asks. 

“Anything within the walls of Basgiath,” Panchek answers. “And don’t you dare let me see you trying to haul a dragon back here. They’ll incinerate you out of sheer annoyance. You have three hours, at which time we’ll expect you to present your stolen treasures in the Battle Brief room.” 

They all stare in silence, out of everything Genevieve was imagining the third task to be, this was last. 

“What are you waiting for?” Panchek shoos his hands. “Go!”

Pandemonium ensues. 

“Second Squad!” Imogen yells, putting her hand up. “Follow me!”

Sawyer and Heaton make sure the squad are like ducklings, following in Imogen’s wake as she leads them across the gym to the weight room. 

“You did super well,” Liam commented as Genevieve struggled to keep in step with the rest of the group, still catching her breath after the longest and hardest fight of her life. Silently, he hands her a waterskin, which she promptly drains. 

“Let’s go, let’s go,” Imogen says, ushering the group through the open door. She does a quick headcount before shutting the door and locking it. 

Genevieve immediately finds a seat on one of the benches, Liam and Rhiannon sitting next to her. 

“First thing. Who’s in command?” Imogen asks, looking at the ten of them. Ridoc throws his hands in the air but immediately Rhiannon shuts him down. “No,” she shakes her head. “You’ll turn this into some kind of prank.” 

“Fair point,” he shrugs. 

“Liam?” Quinn asks, lifting her eyebrows. 

“No way.” He shakes his head, but his gaze darts to Genevieve and then to Violet, giving his reasoning away. 

“No one is going to kill me while we’re out tonight.” Genevieve argues. 

He turns back towards Imogen and shakes his head again. Of course she nods. They’re both team Xaden. 

“You keep command,” Genevieve says to Imogen. “You’ve gotten us this far.” 

A murmur of agreement goes around the room. 

“Emory? Heaton?” Imogen asks. “As a third year it's your right.” 

“No thanks.” Heaton lens against the wall. 

“Nope. There’s a reason neither of us wanted to be in leadership.” Emery adds, sitting next to Nadine. “Any reason you wouldn’t be all right following Imogen’s command for a few hours, Nadine?” 

The entire group turns to face the first year, who hadn’t exactly been subtle in trashing Genevieve, Liam, and Imogen for being marked. She visibly swallows, her nervous gaze skittering over the entirety of the second squad. “I’m fine with it.” 

“Good,” Imogen folds her arm across her chest, her rebellion relic peeking out from under her tunic. “We have a little less than three hours. What are your ideas?”

“What about weaponry?” Ridoc suggests. “A cross bolt is deadly to a dragon, any enemy would love that.” 

“Too big,” Quinn says decisively. “There's only one in the museum, and honestly, the both aren't that deadly, just the launching system.” 

“Next?” Imogen says. 

“We could steal Panchek’s under-” Genevieve slams her hand over Ridocs mouth.

“This is why Rhiannon won't let you lead.” She arches a brow at him. 

“Come on guys, think! What's the most useful thing to our enemy?” Imogen’s brow puckers over her pale green eyes. 

“Information,” Geneveive answers. She swings her gaze toward Violet. “Violet, what about stealing something from the archives? Unreleased news? Battle reports?” 

She shakes her head. “It’s after seven. The archives are locked, and it’s the kind of vault wielding isn’t going to touch. The whole room is sealed up airtight in case of fire.” 

“Damn,” Imogen sighs. “That was good.” 

The entire room breaks into conversation, each suggestion louder than the next as ideas are hurled into the open. 

Information. Genevieve’s stomach twists as she locks eyes with Violet. 

“What are you two thinking?” Imogen asks and the room falls silent. “I can see you two practically communicating telepathically.” 

“It’s probably nothing.” Violet quickly answers. 

“Spill.” Imogen commands. 

“It’s a mad idea. Undoable, probably. We’d get thrown into the brig if we got caught.” Violet says, snapping her mouth shut before I say anything more. But it’s too late, everyone’s eyes are sparkling with interest. 

“Get up here and work it out,” Imogen orders, making sure Violet knows it’s not a suggestion. 

“Ok, we can wield, right?” Genevieve askes, brushing her hands down her sides and the hilts of the daggers she had restrapped onto her. 

“By all means necessary,” Heaton repeats, nodding. 

“All right,” Violet rocks back on her heels, a plan forming in her mind. “We know Ridoc can wield ice, Rhiannon can retrieve, Sawyer can manipulate metals, Imogen can mine-wipe recent memories–” 

“And I’m fast,” she adds. 

“Genevieve can do practically anything. Heaton, what about you?” Violet asks. 

“I can breathe underwater,” they answer. Violet blinks. 

“Awesome. But probably not useful. Emery?” 

“I can control the wind,” he grins. “A lot of wind.” 

“Damn that’s useful,” Genevieve mutters, but she’s reserved. “But that’s not what we need. Quinn?”

“I can astral project. Keep my body in one place and then walk around somewhere else.” Genevieve’s jaw drops, and she looks at Violet with a glint in her eyes. 

“Yes! That we can use!” Genevieve cheers. Violet nods, as she parcels through the easiest way to do this. 

“What are you thinking, Sorrengail?” Imogen prompts, tucking the short hair on one side of her shaved head behind her ear. 

“You’re going to tell us that we’re insane, but if we pull it off, we’ll win for sure.” She might not be enough like her mother to win her approval, but she and Genevieve have been around General Sorrengail long enough to know where the information is kept. 

“And?” 

“We’re going to break into my mother’s office.”

—-------------------------------------------------------

“It’s six flights straight up,” Violet whispers as they reach the next set of stairs. Genevieve is tense, tenser than usual. Six flights straight up is General Sorrengail’s office, and two flights down is her own personal hell. The group continues to climb the steps, bypassing Genevieve’s ashen expression. 

The adrenaline and exhaustion from earlier hasn’t quite worn off at this point, and she’s running on overdrive, every noise spooking her and every shadow causing her to flinch. This plan sounded good originally, but now she realizes that she would be much better off guarding Quinn’s body in the weight room then venturing further and farther into the very building she was trapped in. 

The group continue to climb the stairs as fast as they can without making any noise. Genevieve is so tense she has to physically stop the flowers from blooming underneath every step, slowing her down. 

Eventually, they reach the top of the steps, and Liam leans out just far enough to see down the length of what’s beginning to feel like the world’s longest hallway. “There are mage lights in sconces,” he whispers, turning to Violet. “And you were right,” he returns to the safety of the stairwell. “There’s only one guard stationed at the door.”

Was there only one guard blocking Genevieve from the outside world all that time, too? She barely has enough time to dwell on the thought before Violet responds. 

“Was there any light under the door?” She asks quietly, and Genevieve can practically hear the thrum of her heart, loud and echoing with nerves and fears. 

“No,” he turns to Quinn. “The guard looks about six feet tall, but he seems pretty athletic. The other stairwell is down the hallway to the left, which means you’ll have to get his attention and then book it.”

Quinn nods. “No problem.” 

“Everyone else knows what they’re doing?” 

There are nine nods. 

“Then it’s game time. Quinn, you’re up. Everyone else, circle back down so he can’t see us if he looks this way.” Genevieve can barely register what is happening, Liam pulling her lightly down the stairs. 

If she continues like this, she’s no longer an asset but a hindrance. She would never let herself be a hindrance. 

Genevieve takes a deep breath, forcing herself to focus, to be in the present. The sensation of Liam’s grip on her arm grounds her, and she closes her eyes for the briefest moment. She can’t afford to lose herself now—not with everything on the line. Not when they’re this close. 

“Genevieve?” Liam’s voice is low, steady, pulling her back. His concern is evident, but he knows better than to coddle her. That’s not what she needs. 

“I’m fine,” she whispers, though the lie is evident in the tremor of her voice. She hates it, hates how vulnerable she feels here, in this place. But she shakes off the creeping anxiety. There’s no other option but to press on. 

“Take a deep breath, little soldier,” Tairn’s familiar voice fills her mind. “You are not the same girl anymore.” 

Genevieve’s lips tighten at Tairn’s words. Not the same girl anymore, maybe. But the weight of the past is still heavy in this place, a darkness clinging to every stone and stair they climb. She isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to shed that completely. 

“Focus,” he commands her. “You’re stronger now. Faster. You’ve survived worse.” 

Quinn charges up the stairs, her voice muffled by the stone walls, but the guards pounding footsteps ring clear as day as he charges past the stairwell. 

“Get back here! You can’t be here!”

“Now!” Imogen orders. 

The group launches, leaving Rhiannon and Emery in the stairwell as they fly into the hallway. Sawyer rushes to the opposite stairwell, throwing the door shut and twisting the joints with his powers as they bolt down the hall. Genevieve’s vines creep up the walls, dampening the echo of their footsteps as they run. 

Nadine is already at the door by the time Genevieve gets there, Liam in tow. Nadine’s hands move in a flurry of motions as she tries to unweave whatever wards General Sorrengail has used. Liam takes the spot and position of the now gone guard, lifting his chin into position. 

“Are you all right?” He asks, and Geneveive’s chest heaves as her signet spreads over the hallway, securing the area. Now if anyone comes near she’ll know before she can hear. 

“Yep,” She replies, Violet falling into step next to her. Imogen gets to work next to Nadine, who’s signet is the ability to unweave wards, which Geneveive now realizes is quite possibly the most useful signet to ever exist.

“And I’ll be fine.” She assures him, nodding her head. “Which is funny because the last time I was in this building I thought I was going to die.” 

“Got it!” Nadine whispers, nudging the door open. 

“If you hear me whistle—” Liam starts, worry lining his forehead. 

“I’ll drag Genevieve out the window or something, don’t stress,” Violet assures him, pulling him down for a quick kiss. 

Liam smiles at Violet’s quick reassurance, though the concern in his eyes lingers as he gives a final nod and slips back into position. Genevieve watches the exchange with a mix of envy and admiration. Violet has no issue demonstrating her affection in front of her friends. Jealousy pangs through her, but she tries not to dwell on it; there’s no time for that. 

Ridoc and Sawyer brush past them, entering the room. “Don’t touch the mage lights or she’ll know,” Violet warns. “You have to make your own,” she flicks her wrist, twisting her power into a bright blue flame and letting it drift over her. 

“How nice is this?” Ridoc flops down onto the soft red couch against the wall. 

“We don’t have time for you to be… you,” Sawyer lectures, heading for the bookcase. “Help me search for something useful.” 

“We’ll take the table.” Imogen and Nadine start sorting through papers on the six-seater conference table. 

“I’ve got the desk,” Violet says, walking around the inhumanly large and daunting piece of furniture, leaving Genevieve to pray she doesn’t accidentally trigger any wards in the process of filtering through folders and papers. 

“So I got the bookshelf, got it.” Genevieve says, making her way over to the large shelves on the wall. There’s folder after folder all labeled neatly, names of people, names of places, names of weapons, and concepts that never came to fruition. 

She filters through them all, hands skimming over each and every one, trying to find anything useful, anything recent. 

“These are all…numbers,” Imogen says, rifling through the conference table papers. 

“It’s April,” Violet says cooley, reaching for the next missive. “She’s working on next year’s budget.” 

The room falls silent, and everyone stops and turns to look at her, all wearing varying expressions of disbelief. 

“What?” She shrugs. “Did you think this place ran itself?” 

“Keep looking,” Imogen orders, and everyone turns back to the task at hand. 

Genevieve’s eyes skim over the names, fallen cadets, the ones with the bigger folders have led more exciting lives, she notices, catching the wingleader patches on a few, or the squad leader patches on some too. 

And then she sees the name. 

‘Quinn Hale.’ 

Her breath catches, and her fingers freeze on the folder, disbelief and dread coiling in her chest. The name, so familiar yet unexpected in this context, feels like a punch to the gut. For a moment, she can’t move, can’t breathe. Her sister’s name stands out starkly almond the others, neatly written in General Sorrengail’s precise handwriting. 

Genevieve glances around to see if anyone else has noticed her sudden stillness, but they’re all absorbed in their search. Violet is still sorting through the papers on the desk, Ridoc is absentmindedly flipping through a book, and Liam, ever vigilant, stands guard at the door. 

With shaking hands, she carefully pulls the folder from the shelf and opens it, her eyes scanning the contents. Her heart races as she reads through the first few lines—it’s a mission report, signed by the General, detailing covert operations from. Years ago. Quinn’s name appears over and over again, alongside words like “failure,” “compromise,” “termination,” and… “venin.” 

What the fuck is a Venin?

A cold wave of nausea rolls over her, and she grips the edge of the shelf to steady herself. She had thought that Quinn died in a petty combat situation, not a full-fledged mission turned near assasination attempt. But now, with Quinn’s fate staring her in the face, it feels like the ground has opened beneath her, threatening to pull her back into the abyss. 

“Genevieve?” Violet’s voice pulls her from the fog. She looks up to see Violet watching her with concern. “You find something?” 

For a split second, Genevieve considers hiding the folder, burying the truth deep within herself where it can’t hurt her anymore. But she knows she can’t do that. Not here. Not with Violet and the others counting on her to stay focused. 

“Just…old records,” Genevieve manages to say, her voice tight. “Nothing useful.” 

Violet nods, not probing further, but doesn’t miss it as Genevieve slides the folder into her flight leathers, keeping the records close to her body as if they would vanish. Another few moments pass, the group filtering through more and more records, until-

“Hey, second squad. I know what we need to steal.” 

It takes a matter of minutes for the group to haul the map down and cut it out of its frame, then another to roll it, securing it with leather ties from Genevieve’s wrists. 

Liam whistles, and Genevieve’s heart leaps out of her chest. 

“Shit!” Ridoc races to the door and cracks it open as the group prepares to flee. “What’s going on out there?” 

“He’s pounding at the hall door! It’s going to give any second. We have to go now,” Liam whisper-shouts, holding the door open as they all race through the doorway. The map is too big to be carried by one person, and Sawyer and Imogen struggle through the doorway as the guard kicks down the door farther down the hall. 

“And we’re fucked,” Nadine announces out loud, as the guard is immediately met with a barrage of vines, dodging them as he barrels past the first stairwell. Rhiannon steps into the middle of the hallway, her arms outstretched. 

“Please work. Please work. Please work,” Imogen chants, and the map disappears out of her hands and reappears down the hallway in Rhiannon’s. 

Genevieve barely has time to register that it worked as the guard stumbled closer, almost getting impaled by the vines she keeps shooting at him, any closer and he’ll see Genevieve’s face.  

“This was not part of the plan.” Liam steps in besides Genevieve. 

“Adapt! Emery!” Imogen hisses, and the third-year steps in front of the raiding party. 

“Ok Genevieve, on the count of three,” Emery says, and he holds out his hands, prepared to send a torrent of air down the hallway in tandem with a wave of vines. 

Genevieve steadies herself, nodding to Emery. She can feel the weight of the Quinn folder pressing against her ribs, a fresh wound in her already raw emotions. but there’s no time to unravel the implications of Quinn’s involvement with… Venin, or whatever her sister’s death truly means. Right now, they need to survive. 

“One,” Emery starts counting, his voice low but charged with energy. The tension in the air thickens.

Genevieve draws in a deep breath, calling on her powers as she feels the familiar pull of her signet gathering strength. She can sense the vines crawling just beneath the stone, their roots waiting to spring at her command. 

“Two,” her heartbeat syncs with the count, and she flicks a glance at Liam, who is ready beside her, his eyes sharp and calculating. 

“You’ve done this before, little soldier. You’re faster, stronger. This guard will not reach you.” Tairn’s voice barks. “Focus.” 

“I can’t focus with you in my head, idiot!” She snaps. 

“Three!”

The moment the words leave Emery’s lips, everything happens at once. A violent gust of wind erupts from Emery’s hands, blasting down the hallway and sending the guard stumbling backward, ripping tapestries off the wall in the process. Genevieve’s vines follow instantly, thick tendrils shooting from the walls, curling around the guard’s legs and waist, pinning him in place. 

“Run!”

They sprint down the hallway, and as they pass the guard on the way to the stairwell, Violet stops, pausing at the knocked out and bound guard. she opens his mouth, and uncorks a vial from deep in her pocket, tipping it into his mouth. 

 “He’ll sleep the rest of the night now.” 

Liam’s wide eyes meet hers. “You’re kind of terrifying. I think I’m in love.” 

“Thank you,” Violet grins, and she starts to run again, following behind Genevieve.

Fifteen minutes later, their chests are still heaving as they skid into the battle brief room, just under the clock. They’re the last squad in, and the look on Dain’s face gives Genevieve the feeling that she’s going to get an earful about it. 

Presentations begin, and Genevieve watches as a squad in First Wing present’s Kaori’s handwritten manual on dragons, and a squad in Second Wing presents a uniform of an infantry professor with an ever-elusive name tag. Third Wing’s best offering is a scribe, wide-eyed and stolen straight from his bed, mouth bound by someone’s signet. 

Then it’s their squads turn. 

Genevieve’s eyes find Xaden, who’s sitting in the back, watching her intently. His eyes hold a mix of pulse-quickening curiosity and expectation. 

“It was your idea,” Imogen whispers, nudging Violet and Genevieve forward. “Present.” 

Markham’s eyes flare wide as saucers as he forces himself to stand, followed by Devera, whose mouth hands so wide, Genevieve almost has to laugh. 

Violet clears her throat and gestures to the map her squad holds up behind her. “We have brought the ultimate weapon for our enemies. An up-to-date map of all current outposts of Navarrian wings, to include troop strength of infantry battlements,” she points to the forts along the Cygnisen border. “As well as the locations of all current skirmishes in the last thirty days. Including last night.” 

A murmur rips through the quadrant. 

“And how do we know this map is, in fact, current?” Kaori asks, holding his reclaimed journal under an arm. 

There’s no stopping the wicked smile that spreads across Violet’s face as she pushes Genevieve forward to speak. 

“Because we stole it from General Sorrengail’s office.” 

Absolute mayhem breaks out, some of the riders rushing the stage as the professors battle their way toward us, but Genevieve ignores it all as Xaden tilts one corner of that beautiful mouth of his and tips an imaginary hat to her, bowing his head for a heartbeat before bringing back up his gaze to hold hers. Satisfaction rolls over Genevieve as she smiles up at him. 

It doesn’t matter how the votes come down now. 

She’s already won.

—————————————

Hello everyone!! What’s up? Did we like this chapter? What about Genevieve learning that Quinn was involved with Venin?

She’s getting so close to uncovering Xaden’s shit and I love that for her. Also, bear in fact that the next 5-ish chapter are intense. Chapter 18 chills out for a while, but then we get into war games and all that fun stuff!

Let me know- what are your theories on Quinn? Is she alive like Brennan or is she a Venin, or something else? I want to know what you are thinking!

As always, if you liked, please leave a like, comment, or kudo. I’ll be back on Wednesday with the next update!

———

Taglist: @awkardnerd , @hannraumari , @minjix

[jj-5656]

Mine First  With; James Potter (ATJ)

  A/N: Hello again! This took forever, I know. Writing has been taking me so much longer lately. What used to be single sit downs has become a three week mf process. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. This one was based of a request so feel free to keep flooding the inbox.

Summary: The one where you finally meet James’ best friends

TW: some suggestive humor, drinking

        It’s a brisk walk from where the cab’s dropped you off to the pub. The summer air is inviting, and you can smell some bonfire miles away as the streetlights illuminate your path from the lot. The harrowing work week has come and gone, and James has finally convinced you to meet his long-loved group of friends for a drink. 

It’s not like you believed you wouldn't like them. From the loads of stories of your boyfriends retold fondly from his school years, they’re an amazing bunch. But that’s just the thing, James’ friends seem absolutely amazing. A beautiful blend of complimenting personalities to form one unbreakable bond. 

Its undoubtedly intimidating. You’d never want to nose your way in on such a close-knit group. They’ve shared so much together, you’d hate to intrude. Besides, what if they didn’t enjoy your company? Whether you were too closed-off, too eccentric, too in-between. The thought has you stopping in your tracks, just short of the quaint pubs’ entrance. James halts too, having been pulled back your interlocked hands. The elation falls from his face as his eyes meet yours, lips pulling into a frown at your anxious demeanor. 

“What is it, love?” His hands go to hold your face, side-stepping drunken patrons as they shuffle out of the door. 

“What if they don’t like me?” If James’ eyes weren’t trained on your every movement, every breath, he’d probably miss the words slip past your lips. There’s not an ounce of self pity to them. It’s so soft, so gentle he practically feels his heart tear in two. 

“Sweetheart,” it escapes as a chuckle, astonished at the notion. “I promise you, those chances are terribly slim. Impossible even.” He presses a kiss to your lips because he can’t help it, another to your jaw. Willing away the oncoming anxiety in a way only he can manage. “They’re going to love you.” 

“You can’t know that.” You tug at sleeves of his leather jacket you’ve borrowed, feeling simultaneously under and over dressed with the white long-sleeved top underneath. 

“I can, because I love you.” His hands fall to your hips to send a reassuring squeeze, readjusting your necklace so the clasp is to the back of your neck. “Stop fiddling with your outfit, you look great.” His hazel eyes narrow, “a little too good, I think. Avoid Sirius, he’ll start flirting.” You only roll your eyes, letting him pull you into an embrace with a slow, deep breath. Pushing at his broad shoulders and fighting a fit of giggles when he blows a raspberry into your neck.

“Okay, okay. Enough, James.”

“Im sorry, love. Can’t help it.” He mutters the confession into the shell of your ear, ignoring your squirms of protest. With a reluctant pull away, he raises his brows in expectation, satisfied smirk adorning his features now that he’s effectively warmed you up. “We ready?” 

“Ready.” You take his outstretched hand with ease, letting him lead you in.

Light and laughter swarms your senses as soon as the door opens. The quiet of the night escapes you as it shuts behind your form. James greets a few familiar faces as he leads you through the crowded pub. It’s a town favorite, one he frequents with his friends. So much so that the owner saves a booth in the back for the lot of them. 

They’re rowdy as you approach, in the midst of some drinking game you recognize from high school. A pile of spoons are lined up on the table whilst they all reach for playing cards to add to their pile. The pretty red head’s eyes widen when she collects her most recent card, diving across to reach for a utensil. The rest of them are instantaneous in their follow-up, all reaching for a spoon of their own with a chorus of shouts and profanities. A tall, sandy haired gentleman huffs a sigh, regrettably chugging what’s left in his cup, seeing as he’s the only one without a utensil in hand. Faded scars adorn his handsome features, and it’s then you recognize him as Remus. The kind soul with some chronic illness, though it does little to stiffen his sass. 

James clears his throat, grabbing the group’s attention. “Having all the fun without us, are you?” They erupt in cheers, delighted with his presence. Immediately, their eyes avert to you, all kind and curious smiles. “Everyone, this is y/n. Love, this is...Everyone.” You offer a shy wave, immediately feeling silly with the action. 

“But…She’s so pretty?” A long, raven-haired boy chimes in, and another fit of laughter elicits from the group. The red head stands, ushering you into the booth with a gentle manicured hand on your shoulder. 

“Sit down, sit down. You’re as lovely as James described.” A blush adorns your cheeks, a glance to James for reassurance as you sit. “I’m Lilly, we’re so happy to finally meet you!” 

“Considering Prongs has hid you from us for so long.” A beautiful girl with curly hair and caramel-colored skin teases beside Remus, squeezing your hand with hers. With another quick look to your boyfriend, he mouths ‘Mary’ without needing you to ask. 

“Can you blame me? We’re here all of two seconds and you’re on her like hounds.” James’ hand squeezes your knee as he leans down, grabbing your attention. “What d’you want to drink?” It's a bit noisy, you have to focus your hearing on him amongst all the excitement. 

“Surprise me.” Is all you can manage, nodding to Remus when he holds up cards in a silent ask if you’ll join the game. 

“Anyone else?” A chorus of orders follows your boyfriend’s polite gesture, and he frowns. “Pitchers for the table it is, then. Be back in a sec.” With a kiss to your temple, your boyfriend backs away to leave you to the (albeit friendly) wolves. Sirius scrambles out of the booth, eager to unload all his questions on his best friend.

“Hold up, Prongs. I’ll help!” Immediately, the connection between the two is palpable. The lanky boy practically tackles your boyfriend into a hug. Patting his back in an obvious ‘job well done.’ You ignore their shared gaze as they await their orders. James is more than happy to blabber on about you to anyone that will let him, so he allows the array of questions from his best friend. 

“They’re quite a pair.” You note fondly, watching as Black ruffles a blushing James’ hair at the bar. 

“I’ll say.” Remus smiles too, expertly shuffling the stack of cards as he glances over at the two. “Biggest troublemakers in our year.” The girls nod along, setting up the game front them between sips of their drinks. 

“You’re kidding?” This catches all their attention, pausing their movements as you cock your head in question. 

“You mean James hasn’t mentioned his pranking phase?” You shake your head,  feeling as though you’re about to gain some great blackmail. 

“Not even the time he accidentally died his own hair pink for a week?” 

“Shut up.” The three nod eagerly, and you decide you love them already. 

“We’ll get into that later,” Mary frowns at the cards in hand, uncaring for a poker face. Brown eyes glistening with mischief as she surveys you. “Give us all details on James.”

You can only laugh. “Like what?” The four of you are quick as you converse, picking up cards and putting them down just as swiftly. Eager to collect four of a kind. 

“Is he romantic?” Lilly starts, muttering a profanity at a card before disposing it.

“Does he plan all of the dates?” Mary adds, eyes averting to the pair still at the bar to ensure your privacy.

“Does he still lose his glasses six times a day?” His old roommate grumbles, no real irritation to it. Sirius approaches the table before James with enough time to hear the interviewing, sliding in the booth beside you after setting the pitcher of beer down with a smug grin. 

“Is he as good in bed as he lets on?” You cough on your own saliva at his  teasing, trying to gain composure as James approaches. Brows taught in concern as he surveys the lot of his friends trying to conceal their laughter. Sirius goes to pat your back soothingly, making contact only once before he’s hoisted from his seat by the collar and sent to the booth on the other side. James takes his place, shooting an incredulous glare to his best mate when you offer a meek smile after having calmed down. 

“Alright, dove? You’re flushed.” He cups your jaw in his hand, thumb rubbing over your brow. You pull at his wrist to cease his doting, eyes shooting toward Remus when he snatches a spoon. You try, but your distraction has gotten the best of you. You stick a tongue out to the lot of them as they cheer, tilting you head back to chug your drink. James beams as they applaud on, astonished at your speed. An overwhelming sense of pride filling him at their impress. 

When you’re finished, grimacing at the taste and laughing along, Potter can’t help but stare. You’re fitting right in, just as he’d suspected. Completely enamored with the notion, he presses a kiss to your shoulder, shifting closer so he can get in on the game.

Your pitchers are on their third refill when James pulls you into his lap, insisting it’ll grant more room to the pair of you and the two girls beside you. Usually, you’d refuse his public displays of affection, but it’s honestly more comfortable for the lot of you. Admittedly, his friends are even better than he’s described, and despite having just met them you feel completely at ease in their company. When you’ve changed card games and you’ve still lost, Potter wraps his arms around you so that you can see his own. “You can be on my team, then.” He has to lean close for you to hear, and you bite back a smile in lieu of a poker face. Eyeing the raven-haired boy from across the table with a smug grin. 

“Thank you, Jamie. Always so generous.” This time, Sirius chokes. Trying not to spit out the contents of his pint all over the table at your suggestive tone. The rest of the booth besides your poor, clueless boyfriend crumples into fits of laughter. Unbeknownst to your previous conversation and your obvious innuendo. 

“I love her, Prongs. She’s officially one of us.” Mary kisses the crown of your head whilst wiping tears from her eyes. 

Potter is still utterly bewildered at your odd behaviors, but the elation of your acceptance is still distracting. Of course, he knew this would happen. He knows better than anyone how impossible it’d be not to love you. 

“Agreed, let’s keep her.” Remus jests, tilting his glass to you with an amused smile. 

“Here,” Lilly leans over her curly-haired friend with her phone outstretched to you. “Let’s exchange numbers. This way I won’t have to go through Prongs.” 

Mary nods, narrowing her eyes at your boyfriend above you. “We should add her to the girls group chat too, if he’s being a prick she can let us know and we’ll tell him off.” 

“I’m sitting right here, you know.” James shields his cards from Remus, who’s attempting to take the distraction as an opportunity to cheat. 

When you’re finished typing your digits into the redheads phone, you lean forward to look at both girls with raised brows. “Bathroom?” They nod, motioning for your boyfriend to slide you both out of the booth so they can file out. You hesitate before following them, turning on your heel to face the boys again. 

“Sirius is completely bluffing. And Remus has a good hand, but it’s not as good as yours. Don’t fold.” You press a kiss to his temple before taking Lilly’s hand to maneuver through the rowdy crowd, leaving the trio with jaws dropped. Sirius chucks his pile onto the table face up, arms crossed with childish pout. Remus folds too, too impressed to be angry. 

“Mate, how on Earth did you manage that one?” James can’t face them, too focused on watching your frame disappear into the crowd. 

“Absolutely no clue, honestly.” 

********

You huff a sigh as you press send on the seventh email of the night, overwhelmed with the current workload as a company presentation approaches. James is in the living room watching tv, decompressing from his own work day. He gets a call, and there’s some back and forth before he’s knocking at the office door. Approaching with the phone to his ear and a sympathetic smile at your hunched form. 

“Dove, lads want to know if you’ll make it out tonight.” 

“I don't know.” You purse your lips, considering your options as you make a correction to your project. 

“She's not sure, finishing up work,” a pause as he awaits response.  “What do you mean I might as well not come?” You laugh at that, rubbing your temples to ease your stress. James comes up behind you to massage your shoulder with his free hand. Pressing a kiss to the crown of your head with furrowed brows.  “That won't convince her, and especially not me. I buy all her drinks, Black.” There's more conversation on the other line, one you still can't make out despite your boyfriends proximity. “Oh. Well that might.” James presses the phone to his chest and spins your chair so you’re facing him. Crouching down to level with you. “Pads says he’ll sign up for karaoke if you come out.” More talking on the phone has him pressing it to his ear again, grimacing. “Says they won't tolerate my moping if you aren't there.”

“Is he serious?” James rolls his eyes, though it’s not directed at you. This time you can make out the ‘that's my name’ cheekily shouted on the other line. Potter tilts your chin to meet his eyes, full of heartwarming sincerity.

“Up to you, lovely. No pressure.” 

You hate how well he reads you. Practically visualizing the balance scale in your head, anxiously weighing your options. To be fair, you’ve been at it for hours, and have the rest of the weekend to make any last minute changes to the work. 

“Give me an hour to get ready.” There’s muffled cheers through the phone, and your boyfriend doesn’t even try to conceal his pleased expression as he presses chaste kiss to your lips. 

***********

You’re busy in the kitchen next time round. Adding freshly chopped vegetables to the sizzling pan whilst James stirs. It’s awfully domestic, a fondness your heart still hasn’t grown accustomed to. 

You’re planning for a movie night. It’s been a long day and an even longer week,  so a night in seems fitting. Music sounds softly from the record player across the room, Potter admires the way you hum along to the tune without thinking. He catches your frame with his free arm amidst your path to the fridge in search of more ingredients, nipping at the juncture of skin between your neck and shoulder despite your squirms. You pretend to resent his constant longing for affection, half-heartedly pushing against his bicep with muffled laughter into the fabric of his shirt. 

“You’re unbearable, Potter.”

“Hardly.” You shut him up by feeding him a cherry tomato, knowing full well he’ll only eat them unless they're incorporated into a meal. He practically gags, lunging toward you in search of revenge. Heavy arms wrap around your waist to hoist you onto the counter, his hazel eyes narrowed with feigned betrayal. Your phone goes off just then, Lilly’s contact photo beams brightly beside you. 

“Saved by the bell. You’re lucky.” You wave off his empty threats, bringing the phone to your ear with a delighted, albeit confused, smile. 

“Hello?”

“Have you even bothered glancing at the group chat? You’re coming, aren’t you?” 

Your doting boyfriend, nosey as he is, nudges himself between your knees once more. Lowering the heat on the stove to slow it’s cooking. 

“Marlene’s hosting a girls night! Sort of last minute, I know. But we’re all in dire need of a shit talk and a drink, yeah?”

James rears his head back from where it’s situated against yours to hear better, beaming bright with a succinct nod. 

“That does sound nice-”

“Lovely! James won’t mind driving you I’m sure.” Your mouth opens to speak before he’s leaning in close again.

“Not at all, anyone else need a ride?” 

“Prongs, you shouldn’t be eavesdropping. But no, thank you. We should be alright. See you around 8, y/n. Dress code is strictly pajamas, by the way.” 

“Great, thanks Lill’s.” The call ends just in time for the red head to miss James clashing his lips into yours. Grin never leaving his face as his hands take your head in their hold. You pout despite him.

“What about our movie night? You’re not upset?”

“Not at all, lovely. I love that they love you, and I’m even happier that I was right.” 

“And our raincheck?”

“Tomorrow. When you’re hungover and grumpy and I can smother you to my hearts content.” You adjust his glasses and his hair, feeling unworthy of his selfless nature. “I’m just wondering when my mates decided they fancy your company over mine.” 

************

James is enthralled in the rom-com you’d begged him to watch during your marathon. The same one he guaranteed he wouldn’t watch unless you forced him, and promised he’d save for tomorrow. He’s nearing the end and still debating whether he should fess up or pretend to be watching it for the first time when you accompany him. His phone buzzes beside him, a click as he answers before even glancing at the contact.

“Yes?” 

“Hey, Jamie.” Your smile is evident in your voice, light and airy. Potter’s brows shoot upward at the nickname, one rarely used unless you’re-

“I’m a little drunk.” It’s a whisper, some sacred secret he’s elated in receiving. Cheeks burning with the knowing grin adorning his features as he stands. Patting pockets and tossing round pillows in search for his keys. 

“Things are wrapping up there, sweetheart?”

“I think so. Most of the girls are staying over. They're really nice, Jamie. I think they like me.” His grin grows impossibly bigger, heart thrumming with pure love as you hiccup between words. 

“I’m sure they do, lovely. Very hard not to. Did you want to stay?” There's a pause, a shuffle on the other end. As if you’ve switched ears.

“I thought about it...” He cocks his head, awaiting your conclusion. “But I think..” Another pause.

“What is it, sweetheart?” 

“I miss you.” The three words elicit more emotion than winning the Quidditch cup. Without a doubt.

“Yeah?” 

“Only a bit.” You’re shy, then. Distracted by an eruption of laughter and a shout of your name in the background.

“Only a bit? I’ll leave you girls to it, then.” 

“James-”

“Only joking, Dove. Give me twenty minutes, yeah?” 

“Drive safe, please.”

“Always. I’ll text you when I’m there.” 

**********

“Potter!” Dorcas points a wobbly finger toward the man leaning against his car at the curb, eyes narrowed. “You’re stealing her from us?” You’re too busy giving a second round of farewell hugs to notice him just then. 

“She was mine first, you know.” 

“Nonsense.” Mary crosses her arms in mock defense. “We’ve turned her to the dark side.” It’s then you face his direction, unable to conceal how quickly your face lights up. Swiftly enclosing the space between you and nearly knocking him over with the force of your hug. He presses an array of kisses to the top of your head, and extra couple to your lips before he pulls you in again. Sticking his tongue out victoriously to the girls ahead. 

“They’re so in love, it’s nauseating.” Dorcas is all smiles as she speaks her mind. Her and Marlene approaching Potter as he opens the door for you. Unnecessarily reaching over to clasp your seatbelt himself. 

“You better take care of this one, Prongs.” Mary nudges the much taller brunette with complete sincerity. Doing her best to seem intimidating. 

“Right.” Dorcas nods along, eyes trailing his form as he rounds toward the drivers side. “If you fuck it up and its between you and her, we’re choosing her.” James can’t help but laugh, arms raised in surrender as his eyes instinctively fall onto you. 

“I wouldn’t blame you, honestly. I’d choose her too.” Its a chorus of gags at this, though Potter’s too enveloped in your abashed demeanor to care. 

“Off my property, the two of you. You’re sickening.”  

<3masterlist<3

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Ruby Myers (Typist Girl, Cinema Queen)— I just recently saw a documentary about her and thought that besides being really pretty, she had a very interesting life. She was born in the early 1900s in India to a Baghdadi Jewish family, and became the first woman to act in an Indian silent film. In the 1930s she started her own film production house, Rubi Pics, way before most female producers in Hollywood broke through. More info can be found in this Golden Globes webpage on her life [link]

Ginger Rogers (Swing Time, Top Hat)—Look I’ll level with you, I’ve never seen her in a musical and I know that she’s an amazing dancer and she’ll be even hotter when I finally watch Top Hat but I’m not submitting her as a dancer I’m submitting her as an ACTRESS. Her comic timing is impeccable!!!!! She’s full to bursting with life and in every role she seems to be having FUN, you can practically feel the twinkle in her eye. With her natural warmth it’s like she’s letting you in on the joke, y’all get to have this fun together! Making me laugh is hot!!! [If you'd like to see Ginger dance, videos below the cut]

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Ruby Myers:

Ginger Rogers propaganda:

She needs no introduction! An undeniable powerhouse on the dancefloor, and no less talented an actress. I once watched a compilation of cinema's greatest dance scenes and one of her and Fred Astaire's dances was featured, and one of the talking heads said he pitied her for 'having to keep up with him' - or something to that effect. Bullshit, I cry. Ginger Rogers was his absolute equal, and underplaying her incredible skill is downright criminal. I want the 'Cheek to Cheek' sequence from Top Hat to be permanently burned into my memory.

"Backwards in high heels", as the saying goes (though the pedant in me must point out that she in fact spent her fair share of time leading or dancing side-by-side). One of the earliest twinkle-toed ladies of the silver screen, and in terms of acting/persona, her balance of wide-eyed cuteness and movie-star glamour has never quite been replicated.

we all know her beloved string of musicals with fred but ginger also has an extensive and varied non-fred filmography that she's great in! a few ginger moments that are important 2 me personally ginger singing “we’re in the money” in gold diggers of 1933, complete with a verse in pig latin bc this whole movie is kinda mocking the concept of anyone actually being in the money in 1933; ginger and una merkel singing a verse of “shuffle off to buffalo” in 42nd street, providing some statler & waldorf-esque commentary on newlyweds from the upper berth of a railway car (interesting that belly was apparently a risque word in 1933 - maybe its bc the lyric is innuendo-ing about out of wedlock pregnancies - and that panties was a term for men’s underthings!); a favorite fred & ginger number

Ginger Rogers could do everything! She could sing, dance and act. She was hilarious in comedies, moving in dramatic roles (she won an Oscar for Kitty Foyle in 1940) and absolutely gorgeous!

Listen, no shade to Fred Astaire at all, but she both kept up with him step for step and then later went on to WIN AN OSCAR FOR ACTING. (which he did not.) truly a double threat!!!

One of the best dancers in Hollywood! Her work with Fred Astaire is just incredible.

ONE LINE: "Everything Fred did, Ginger did backwards and in heels" AND THEYRE RIGHT! Rogers was a total dance badass, and a lot of movie buffs know the story, but the Never Gonna Dance number from Swing Time took almost 50 takes, and allegedly by the end of filming it her white shoes had been stained pink because her feet were bleeding. As a note, she looks crazy gorgeous in this number. Watching these two dance is insane. They match up to each other in a way my mom describes as "divine" and she's right. DANCE NUMBERS!

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (Shall We Dance, 1937, dancing starts at 3:14, they're in ROLLERSKATES)

(Ginger Rogers is the hottest woman ever to live in this number. seeing this as a teenager altered my brain chemistry)

(also watch her feet and how she moves opposite Astaire in this one. We all know our boy Freddie had that precision demon but jesus christ Miss Rogers, let a girl live!)

Pick Yourself Up, Swing Time 1936 (Everyone's seen this one but by god you are going to see it AGAIN!)

Shall We Dance, 1937 (duet begins at 2:34)

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Roberta 1935 (There's just something about Ginger Rogers in a slick black dress man)

The Continental, The Gay Divorcee 1934

God she's MAGIC in this one.

Gay Divorcee's Ending Montage 1934The infamous table and chairs spin happens at about 0:49. Pay CLOSE attention to her in this bc it looks like witchcraft and I feel lightheaded whenever I watch this movie bc shes THAT awesome.

She is a miracle to watch. Sorry for the sheer amount of clips. My entire family is like madly in love with Ginger Rogers.

[asha-mage]

Since it's my birthday my friends got me the amazing gift of 'watching the Wheel of Time show while occasionally stopping to discuss/let me loose my mind' for which I am incredibly grateful. A few random observations from this time through, as I attempted to view it through the lens of the entirely WoT uninitiated (as my friends are)-

The group shots, where the camera passes from one of the Emond's Field 5 to another, do this clever trick where Rand is never actually standing on his own. He's always standing beside or behind someone in one of these shots, so the camera doesn't actually have to cut or pan away from someone else to get to him. This serves the purpose of highlighting him in contrast to his friends, but also to subtlety downplay his presence to the audience, and build up to the Dragon reveal in episode 7 very effectively.

The cinematography in general is so exceedingly rich and delicious- the stark white of the Whitecloak camp contrasted with the bloody reality of their actions. The bright primary colors used to make the Aes Sedai visually pop and feel magical and strange, even as they are dressed (for the most part) practically for their traveling (a complaint I had about the Witcher, aside from everything being brown and grey all the time, is that the mages show up to battles dressed in ballroom dresses instead of you know, clothing that would make sense). The subtle use of lighting and camera angle to create a sense of vast isolation of Shadar Logoth, fear and danger in the Ways, and cramp sweltering heat in the Blight.

Moiraine's opening narration in episode 1 is essentially a summary of the information we get from one of the epigraphs at the ending of the Eye of the World prologue, to whit:

"And the Shadow fell upon the land, and the world was riven, stone from stone. The oceans fled and the mountains where swallowed up. and the nations where scattered to the eight corners of the world. The moon was blood and the sun was as ashes. The seas boiled, and the living envied the dead. All was shattered, and all but memory lost, and one memory above all others, of him who brought the shadow, and the Breaking of the World. And him they named Dragon." - Aleth nin Tearin alta Camora, The Breaking of the World, author unknown, the Fourth Age "The world is broken. Many many years ago men who where born with great power attempted to cage darkness itself. The arrogance. When they failed, the seas boiled, mountains where swallowed up, cities burned, and the women of the Aes Sedai where left to pick up the pieces. These women remembered one thing above all else, the man who brought the Breaking of the World. And him, they. named Dragon." - Moiraine

This makes me suspect their was an earlier version of the script that actually used the epigraph (maybe even both of them). I have mixed on feeling on this, as the epigraphs are one of my favorite artistic choices of Jordan's and really help emphasize the history and depth of his world, but I think filtering it through Moiriane and making it slightly less opaque was a smart choice to convey the information to the audience. I also think this works on a character level as well- here is Moiraine's understanding of this information, shaped by her biases.

Every re-watch also makes me more and more comfortable in my 'the show is a future/past turning of the wheel from the books, the broad events and truths being the same, but seen in one of those endless variations we hear about' interpretation of the series. The heart of the story and characters is the same, and the broad strokes and framework are the same, but it's in the details where things emerge as different. This interpretation has the benefit of fitting really really well with the meta-narrative stuff Jordan always liked to pull, and in freeing I think the show expectations of being a one-to-one recreation.

That said I defiantly felt the cracks in the final two episodes as a result of the Covid shutter and loosing Barney Harris more strongly this time- some of that being that this is my first re watching of season 1 since I've seen season 2. You can practically see the things they wanted/planned to do that had to re-worked because of circumstances beyond their control. Mat's absence in the group argument scene (and the 'I am so tired of you two fighting over her' line that was clearly meant to be Mat's), as well as the lack of bigger/more cohesive battle scene in Tarwin's Gap. You can also tell they hadn't quite figured out how they where going to re-work season 2 yet given that the ending for season 1 had to be changed last minute (for example, their is no reason for Moiraine to just outright admit that she released Lan's bond unless they hadn't yet decided that was where their arc was going yet).

I think the show does an exceedingly good job of structuring it's exposition to the un-intiatited, trying to stagger it so that audience is largely learning new things in pace with the characters. I know people where frustrated that things like the War of Power have yet to come up in earnest even in the Latra and Lews scene, but I think the slow and steady reveal of things matches both the core idea of 'their is always more you don't know', and trying not to overwhelm the audience. My friends had no trouble following what was going and picking up the bigger implications/subtext that underpins a lot of information. 'But why did the Dragon try to cage the Dark One? It doesn't seem like it was that simple.' came up a few times especially.

The detail that what jump-starts Perrin's wolf brother connection is having his wound healed/cleaned by the wolves in that scene from episode 2 is so incredibly clever, and a good twist on the traditional 'werewolf bite' mythology.

I love the deliberate choice to incorporate so many random ruins and remnants of things in the background of shots. Not just the 'dilapidated stone buildings' that the characters camp in, but things like the trio of carved faces that Egwene and Perrin run past while fleeing the Whitecloaks, or the boundary stones Mat and Rand pass on the road, or even just the small carvings and pillars scattered about the cave where they are holding Logain. It all helps to make you feel that ancientness, that brokenness of this world more effectively.

The reoccurring use of the Dragon's Fang to symbolize violence and destruction: the Trollocs using it as a scare tactics, it appearing in the blood in the pool after Nynaeve kills the Trolloc, being burned into Siuan's ruined childhood home....and the way that contrasts with it's use in the finale episode, when we see it whole and unbroken in the seal/yin yang symbol for the first time was really really clever. One of my friends actually gasped out loud and went 'oh' at the first shot of the whole seal when it clicked.

The show does an exceedingly good job of maintaining that core idea of the series that it's about our relationship to violence- violence never being casual or simple or easy, but always raw, hard and bloody and a little bit ugly. EVen subtle things like the way the show depicts Moraine hurling stones at the Trollocs with uncomfortable frankness, trying to literalize what in most fantasy media would be an abstract. Take it from I cast stone 2, to I inflict horrible blunt force trauma on another creature. And of course everything re: Perrin and his ax.

I have more thoughts, but I think I'll save some of them for after we watch season 1, because they relate strongly to stuff from there.