#but he has to let the world in. and that's a Tough Nut To Crack

[preciouslittle-bhaalbabe]

Thoughts about Ascended Astarion! (This is a long one, and I'm not trying to change anyones opinion, just highlighting the fact that the player is in complete control of the situation at all times. This game is about choices.) First off, I don't usually prefer to ascend him. But I love all versions of Astarion. His character is so well written and all of his arcs deserve praise and attention no matter what your personal opinion of them are. The devs did an incredible job. If any parts of his arc (ascended or spawn) make you uncomfortable, then romancing him isn't for you. If the dynamic between AA and your character makes you feel scared or upset, don't ascend him. That dynamic is supposed to be 100% consentual. He's a tough nut to crack and his story can be very triggering. I myself broke down a few times hearing him talk about what he went through. There are other companions with lovely character development that you can choose. When people go "ugh he's ruined I didn't want this" My dear, with all due respect. This is the dark fantasy romance option. Emphasis on the fantasy. You didn’t get his approval by being nice. It's not like he's the only option. You chose to romance the vampire. The game warns you of what exactly you're about to do multiple times. You willingly help him murder thousands of people for freedom. A vampire who was a literal slave for longer than he was even alive for just got a MASSIVE amount of power. Were you expecting he was gonna just be a good guy now? He has had NOTHING for so long. His entire life trajectory changed within moments. He’s still figuring himself out. You as the player are still completely in charge. He owes everything to you and he knows that. You can walk away at literally any point. He asks you to kneel and obey to establish trust and a dynamic. To confirm this is what you want. YOU CAN SAY NO. Then, he gets right down on the floor with you. He's either gentle or rough based on your choice. If you don't like the vibe just break up with him at that point like he literally lets you do. Or, even just reload the save. But just remember. "That's what you want, isn't it?". When Astarion ascends, Neil says it best. His mask is off and he's allowed to be at his most terrible with no fear. He doesn't have to perform or be aloof as a distraction from the pain anymore. He was never good aligned. But now, he has the power and ability to give himself and his favourite person the life he thinks they wanted. Otherwise why would you ascend him? His love language becomes acts of service and gifts. He ADORES tav to almost obsession. He's always doting on them and calling them his. The ritual only amplifies that. "but what about what he says if you convince him not to go through with it?"

He’s not lying. He knows tav saved him from himself. It is technically the “good” ending. But that’s not what matters here. The ascension is for characters who are not good aligned. It is for characters that are just as much of a power hungry monster as ascended Astarion is. They want to be a monarch that rules the world over. It’s a role playing thing. Is it wrong? That’s for you to decide for yourself. Not others.

"but what about karlach? He's a massive jackass to her when he ascends" ...Yes. He's not a good guy. Karlach is basically the goodest character in the game. It won't work. And if you do break up with him, he lashes out and says some extremely hurtful things. Because you just broke his heart. It's a perfectly normal response from someone being completely blindsided. He thought you wanted this. You said you wanted this. After everything you both did you get here, he feels betrayed. Not even to mention ascended Astarion does not make you just a regular spawn. You quite literally become his vampire spouse. He thanks you for putting your trust in him. Then eventually you become a true vampire with time. He wants to make sure tav doesn't go insane after being turned. If you wanna learn more about vampire spouses in DnD I highly reccomend doing some google searches. It's fascinating. Is ascending him the right thing to do? No, but it's not "wrong". The game doesn't work that way. Is keeping him a spawn the right thing to do? Maybe, if your character thinks it is. Either route has their sets of pros and cons. It's up to you which ones you think work for your playthrough.

I almost always convince him not to go through with the ritual. But ascended Astarion + durge is a power couple and the vibes are immaculate for evil runs. Just have fun with the game! The devs made all these character arcs for you to explore! Thanks for reading <3

[bachiras-toaster]

teaching ranpo a lesson : ̗̀➛

RANPO EDOGAWA x f!reader

contents. nsfw dubcon, dom! reader, submissive!ranpo, tit sucking, bratty!ranpo, dry humping, panty fucking, ranpo tastes his own cum, pet names (reader calls ranpo “good boy” and “sweetheart”), reader jerks ranpo off, he eats reader out, praise

wc. 6.2k

a/n. okay but i wish tumblr didn’t remove my italics whenever i paste my fanfictions from another tab?? when is tumblr gonna start showing me the word count so i don’t have to write on other apps? so, just imagine the italics are there.

"Come in!" Ranpo called out when he heard a knocking on his door, and a pleasant surprise came his way when he discovered that it was you peeping your head through the entrance. "Oh, what a nice surprise!"

You shot him a cold glare before making your way into his room, slamming a pile of documents onto his messy table. You disliked Ranpo, so you didn't want to attempt making conversation, but he seemed eager to chat. Ranpo couldn't help but notice the chill in the air, but he brushed it off- as he always did, his eyes glinting with curiosity as he leaned over the table, examining the documents you'd brought.

"This is it?"

"Yep. All twenty cases that Kunikida has assigned to you." You muttered, crossing your arms as you watched him lean against his desk. "You have half an hour to solve them all before we get to close the cases."

"Half an hour, you say?" Ranpo chuckled softly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Very well then, let's see what we've got here." He began flipping through the papers, his mind already racing with potential theories and connections.

Watching as he eagerly dove into his responsibility, you turned to leave him to his work. However, before you could even face the door, he grabbed you by the wrist, a little dissapointed that you thought to go so soon.

"You're leaving already?" He frowned, pulling you back. "I was hoping you'd get to see my genius mind at work as I solve all of these mysteries."

"I don't have time to watch you solve these cases, Edogawa. And you know I'd much rather do anything else than stay anyway." You rolled your eyes, scoffing as you snatched your hand away. He scrunched his nose a little, irritated how you'd insist on calling him Edogawa instead of Ranpo.

"Still calling me Edogawa, huh? After we've known each other for so long." He pouted slightly, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, maybe I should try something else to catch your attention."

"Try all you want. I'm leaving." You let out a displeased snort.

"Alright, let me give this a shot." He interrupted your path towards the door, still holding your gaze. "I'll admit, you're one tough nut to crack... What exactly is it that you don't like about spending time with me?"

You arched a brow. "The master detective asking me a question?" You shrivelled your nose. "Now, I can't tell if that's rhetorical."

"It's not." He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "So, tell me, what's the matter with me?"

"God, you really are a piece of fucking work." You finally turned back to face him fully, pinching thr bridge of your nose as you prepared yourself for the rant of a lifetime- since he had been so kind as to ask you himself.

"Okay, first of all: You're a narcissist. You think the entire world revolves around you and that your ability is the best. You're lazy and irritating, you leach off of other people, and you refuse to do any work that doesn't interest you. And not only that, but you get kind people like Atsushi and Kenji to go out and run errands for you because you know they're too nice to say no."

His eyes widened at first, but his lips curved in amusement before he shrugged.

"Well, I'll admit to a little bit of narcissism. And maybe a touch of laziness. But I like to say that these kinds of things are what make me me!" He boasted, completely unaffected by your remarks.

Your eye twitched at his unfazement. "It's clear that nobody's ever taught you a lesson up until now, Edogawa. I would've thought that the boss would shape you up to be a decent person, but you're still the same, old egotist."

"Well, I'm sorry if I don't fit into your idea of a 'decent person.' But maybe there's something about me that you haven't quite figured out yet." He leaned closer, his voice lowering. "I don't need to be taught any lessons."

You saw how he attempted to take control of the situation, but you just lifted yourself up and walked over to him, backing him up slightly as you let out through gritted teeth:

"If it were up to me, I wouldn't let you walk around all high and mighty like the boss does" You had leaned so close to him that you were backing him into his bed.

"Oh really?" He challenged, his eyes glinting with mischief. "And what exactly would you do to make me stop, hmm? Torture me? The boss would have you kicked out in no time."

"You see, unlike you, I'm reliant on my strength outside of my ability." You pressed your palm against his chest and pushed him down onto his bed so you stood above him, your eyes glaring down at him. "And even if I wasn't, I wouldn't have the lip to talk back to people stronger than me."

"You're not stronger than me. You might have some physical strength, but your mind is weak. It's obvious that you've never encountered anyone like me before."

"Oh, I've encountered hundreds of narcissists like you in the past. The only issue with you is that I work with you." You flicked the button of his hoodie so it would fall off, leaving him in his button-up, tie, and vest. You pulled on his tie and leaned down so that his face was forced inches from yours. "What's a strong mind if you can't comprehend simple shit like shutting the fuck up?"

"I'm the one who decides what to shut up about." Ranpo grinned, his face inches from yours. His voice betrayed an unexpected level of arousal beneath his bravado. "And I'll never shut up, if that goes against what you want from me."

You loosened your grip around the end of his tie so your finger could hook around the top of it instead, pulling the tie off him.

"You're a brat, you know that?" You lifted your knee up to the side of his bed so that you started to straddle him- An action that caught Ranpo completely off guard because of how completely out-of-character it seemed for you to do, considering your rocky history with the cocky detective. His face flushed red as he glanced up at you, his pupils dilated and his jaw hung open just a little.

"What are you doing—?"

"It's obvious that no one's taught you how to behave before, and since everyone at the agency seems reluctant to, I guess I could fill that role." You glared down at him from the seat on his lap. "You're going to listen to me, and I'm going to turn you into a humble, hardworking, and kind detective."

"You're lying if you think that's possible," Ranpo snorted with a grin, his face flushed with excitement beneath your aggressive stare. Despite his protests, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the fact that you were actually willing to do something like this to the person you hated most.

"It is possible, Edogawa." You hummed. "And I know I can't hurt you physically, so I can torture you in some other ways." Your hands moved down to unzip the fly of his pants.

"Other ways?" Ranpo groaned, his face flushed red as he felt you unzip his pants and touch him through his underwear. "You... you're not actually planning to—?"

"Sh." You ordered. "If you want to ask me any questions, you need to say my name first. And be polite." You fished his erection out of his pants, which only grew harder by the second.

Ranpo's eyes widened, his heart racing in anticipation and fear, but he kept a fidgety smirk on his lips as he attempted to keep his composure.

"Oh, I have no questions. Just enjoying the show."

"Still quite the brat." You commented as you began to stroke the length of his cock, slowly sending shivers through his nervous system.

"Hah... well, aren't you just confident?" Ranpo teased, his breath hitching as he arched into your touch, his cock twitching eagerly. "If you wanted me this badly, you could've just asked. My door is always open."

Suddenly, your movements slowed down immensely, and your thumb swept over the tip of his cock, which caused a jolt. You glared at him with a deadpan stare, but kept stroking at a rate that was starting to get irritatingly slow. Ranpo couldn't help but growl in frustration as you teased him mercilessly, his hands clenching into fists beneath you, his breath hitching uncontrollably.

"Damn, stop it..."

"Stop what?" You asked innocently, swiping the collection of precum that emerged from his slit down to the base of his shaft, making it easier for you to stroke.

"God—" Ranpo's voice cracked as you swiped the precum, his body jerking slightly from the unexpected sensation. "You're not making this easy..."

"I wasn't planning to." You said coldly, leaning down to gather saliva in your mouth before spitting down at his cock to lubricate it more for your hands.

"Fuck..." Ranpo hissed out, his hips jerking upwards involuntarily into your hand, seeking more contact even as he tried to maintain his dominance. "Come on, let's stop playing games now. Stop teasing me..."

"Not with that attitude." You huffed, starting to speed up more at a steadier pace now.

"You... you have no idea what you're doing to me..."

"Oh, I feel like I know exactly what I'm doing... Does it feel good, Edogawa?" You asked in a babyish tone, like some sort of mockery. To that, his face contorted, a mix of humiliation and intense arousal. "Aww, what? Does little Edogawa like being the dominant one?"

"No— I mean... damn it, stop teasing me, already..." Ranpo groaned, his body trembling with the effort to maintain his composure as you teased him relentlessly.

"You're gonna have to ask a lot nicer than that if you want something. Have you no manners?" You went to grab him by the base of his chin by your left hand as your right hand slowly moved up and down his length again.

Ranpo gritted his teeth, his breath coming in quick, ragged moments through his nostrils.

"Stop teasing me... Please." He added, as if he were a a bratty toddler being asked to do something he really didn't want to do.

"That was a good start." You nodded approvingly. "Unfortunately, you can't undo bad manners with one good deed. I'm going to train politeness into your brain by fucking you until you can't take it."

"Don't be stupid. You can't train politeness" He spat back, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him as you spoke; his hips arched up slightly, offering himself to you once more.

"Me? Stupid? But I can. Look at how you're arching for me right now." Your left hand began to travel down from his neck down to his shirt and vest so you could undo the buttons.

"Stop the attempts now... you're not getting me to submit like this." His heart raced as your hand continued to undo his clothes, revealing more skin.

"What do you mean? It's working." You hummed as you carelessly tossed his vest to the side, leaving him just in his unbuttoned shirt, which revealed his chest that panted uncontrollably.

"I'm not gonna give in so eas—ily." He gulped between his word as the pleasure hit him suddenly. His cock twitched in your hand, leaking pre-cum in anticipation.

"You will. And once we're done, I'm going to be the only member of the detective agency you'll listen to completely. You'll bend over backwards for me and you'll have the upmost respect for me." You stated as a matter of factly. "As for everyone else: You're going to treat them all with the respect and kindness they deserve and you're going to pick up your weight at the Detective Agency."

He seemed amused at your assertiveness, but his heart pounded relentlessly. "No one can control me like that. You're being dumb." He wanted desperately to pull away and give himself a moment to reassert his dominance to take control, but his body betrayed him, responding to your touch and words.

"You will." You pushed him back so his back laid completely on his bed, with you still sat comfortable on his lap. "And we'll start with tabletop manners. If you want something, you say 'please'. When you get it, you say 'thank you'."

"How do you expect me to apply that here?" Ranpo murmured, feeling both humiliated and aroused by your dominance, his body trembled slightly as fet your weight on his thighs.

"Easy. Like this:" You retracted your hand again, leaving him without touch for a moment. Once you had pulled your hand away, he felt a shaky breath leave his lips- Which was much less embarrassing than the whine he had suppressed. "You want me to continue?" You questioned coyly.

The man's jaw just ticked, and he looked back at you with the most unimpressed stare of the century. "Obviously..."

"Ah, ah, ah." You immediately tutted, shaking your head. "That's not what I just taught you. Try again."

You could see Ranpo'a eye twitch at your command, which made it all the more amusing for you when he finally let out a large sigh.

"Yes..." He whispered, hating himself for it but unable to resist. "...Please."

"Loud and clear. I didn't quite get that."

He felt like he was close to giving in, his cock throbbing in anticipation of your touch.

"Yes, I would like you to continue please." He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Good boy." You teased with a delicate smirk, but one that could barely be seen through your glare.

Upon hearing such a sentence, Ranpo's eyes immediately widened at your praise, and his cock throbbed even more before you even touched it again. He squirmed a bit, his body aching for you to touch him. He knew he was being pathetic, but he couldn't help it. He was hopelessly obsessed with you. His face blushed brightly when you had praised him like that, and it was like such a reward was enough for him.

"I'm no genius like you, but I can understand you love being praised." You hummed sweetly with a stone-cold expression as your hand met his cock again to stroke. "I'm no monster, so I'll praise you when you do something good. That's our deal."

Ranpo gasped softly, his eyes rolling back into his head as your touch sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't believe how much he craved this from you, even though he knew it was wrong. His mind was a mess of desire and submission.

"When you do something wrong, you apologise and say that it won't happen again." You continued reciting the rules.

Ranpo nodded slowly, his eyes still rolling back into his head. "I...I understand." He said, knowing that he was giving in to you entirely. His heart ached as he realized how much he wanted to be owned by you, his hands needing grasped onto your thighs as he yearned to touch you. However, when you felt him on your thighs, you paused again, making him whimper at the lack of sensation.

"I don't remember recall saying that you could touch me. And I also don't remember you asking."

His face turned red.

"S-sorry...I just...I can't help it...I needed to—" He sounded desperate and filthy, his need for you was becoming more and more obvious as time went on. He cleared his throat. "...I'm sorry. It won't happen again." His hands retreated.

"What did I say you should do when you want something?" You queried. Ranpo swallowed hard, his heart racing

"A-Ask...I'm supposed to ask." He trembled, his mind a jumbled mess of desire and submission. He wanted you to take control again, but he also knew that he shouldn't give in to these urges.

"Good. So ask nicely." You offered. You realised how easy it was to get him to listen when your hands were around his cock.

"P-please...can I touch you?" He asked, his voice trembling.

"Touch me where?" Your brown arched.

"Your thighs... Please." He was practically begging now, his submissive side completely exposed.

"Of course. I can even take my tights off if that would make it nicer for you. Do you want that?" Your unoccupied hand went to stroke his chin, his eyes filled with need and desire.

"Y-yes, please...I want you to take your tights off."

You leaned your palms against the bed and hovered over him for a moment so you could pull your tights off your legs. He bit his lower lip nervously, his heart racing in anticipation as he made eye contact with you above him. Having your chest so close to his causes Ranpo's eyes to widen, but he knew that this was all for a greater cause, so he didn't dare to move. Once your tights were discarded of to leave your thighs bare, you sat back on his lap.

"There. Now what do you say?"

Ranpo looked up at you, his eyes glued to your thighs, which were now bare and exposed. His breathing was ragged, and his heart was racing. He could feel himself getting harder, aching for you.

"...Thank you..."

"Well done." You felt Ranpo began to knead at the softness of your skin at the same time you stroked him.

He moaned softly into the touch, his hands moving up and down your thighs, feeling the warmth and softness of your skin beneath his fingertips.

"M-more... I need more." He panted, his voice filled with desire and submission.

"Need more what?"

"More... of this." He said between gasps, his hands moving higher up on your thighs, brushing against the sensitive skin just below your waistline. "I want to touch more of you... Please."

"Like what, Edogawa?" You seemed bored with his lack of clarification.

Ranpo swallowed hard, his heart pounding in anticipation. His gaze flickered down to your hand, still stroking him gently.

"Your... chest." He croaked, his voice barely audible above the sound of his heavy breathing.

"My chest?" Your eyebrows raised a little, amused by his plea. "But do you deserve it?"

"I..." He cleared his throat, his body shivering slightly from the anticipation and excitement. His eyes filled with determination and submission.

"Do you think you deserve my chest?" You asked him directly now, watching as he trembled.

"Yes, I do. Please... I need you. I crave it. Please—" He begged.

"You don't need it. You want it." You corrected him.

"I... Yes, I want it. Please, give me what I want." He groaned, his body arching towards you, seeking out the connection he desired so desperately.

Your lips teased into a smile. "How about this: We do a little exercise to show appreciation to all of your coworkers. If you can say one nice thing about all of them, I'll let you hold my tits."

"A-alright..." He gulped, knowing that this would be difficult for him, as he wasn't the most expressive person when it came to compliments. But the challenge seemed fair- for the reward, anyway. "Umm... I guess Junichiro has a cool ability..."

"Ah- Stop there." You shook your head. "You need to sound more confident about your compliments. None of that 'I guess' shit."

"Y-yes, sorry." He swallowed thickly, trying to find the right words. "...Junichiro's ability is really unique and serves as a perfect defence for our team..." He let out a long, shaky sigh as he could still feel your hands wrapped around his dick. "A-And Dazai's intellect is incredible... It's almost matches mine." The final comment made your movements stop, which caused him to wince.

"No snarky comments either."

"S-sorry... I couldn't help it. I just want to hold you—"

"Not until you give all of your coworkers compliments. Say them. Now." You demanded.

"—'M sorry...! Uh..." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to think of something nice to say about each person. You listened as he continued to spew out more words of kindness, growing more whiny and helpless as he went on.

"...And Kunikida is great at handling the more technical aspects of investigations. He helps keep the whole team on track and ensures we don't miss anything. I really appreciate his contributions..." He could feel himself growing increasingly desperate as he spoke.

"Well done! Now was that so hard?" Your lips pulled into a kind smile as your palm ran down his cheek, which was flushed with a glowing pink colour.

His cheeks felt hot as he let out a shaky breath, feeling oddly relieved. "T-th-thank you... I-It's wasn't so hard..." he stammered, his heart racing as he anticipated what would happen next.

"Now. I'll hold my end of the bargain. Sit up." You pulled him over so you could read the other end of the bed. You rested your back against his pillows, allowing him to settle himself between your legs. "If you want to get a taste of my tits, you'll need to take off my shirt yourself."

His face was flushed and his hands were shaking, but he leaned over and gently pulled the hem of your shirt up over your chest, exposing your breasts to him. With a simple flick, he had unclasped your bra and discarded it carefully to the side as to not cast it too far away. His breathing was quick and shallow as he stared down at your bare chest, his hands trembling as he tentatively reached out towards your right tit, hesitating. He paused, not sure if he should go further. 

"M-May I touch?"

"You may."

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, he gently cupped your breast, his fingers trembling against your warm skin as his thumb swept over your nipple, his fingers exploring every inch of your soft skin. His eyes were locked onto the fat of your chest, and your eyes darkened at how eager he stared at your chest- the wat he fondles your breasts while licking his lips.

"M-May I taste now, please?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You may."

With a small moan of delight, Ranpo finally gave in to his desires and lowered his head towards your chest. His warm breath fanned across your sensitive nipple as he took it between his lips, sucking softly at first before beginning to tease it with his tongue. The way he dragged his tongue across you made it seem like he was trying to make out with your breast- He was so desperate to have it in his mouth. The delicate touch of his tongue sent butterflies through your stomach, and the small moaning noises emanating from his throat only served to heighten the intense sexual tension in the air.

As he leaned in closer, you could feel how his cock pressed between your thighs and up against your clothed cunt. As he sucked on your tit, he was pushing his tip up aright against you- Almost involuntarily, like he didn't even realise. Feeling the warmth and wetness that spread across his tongue, Ranpo couldn't help but become more assertive. His hands roamed up your body, seeking out your breasts, pinching and rolling the nipples in time with his mouth's movements. His cock pressed against you even more as he leaned forward.

But you held your hand against Ranpo's chest to push him away, and he whimpered as he lost connection with your nipple.

"Are you getting too excited, Ranpo?" You questioned, gesturing down to his leaking cock. "It seems like you're pressing up against me way too much."

His eyes flickered up to meet yours, filled with a mix of desire and defiance. He swallowed hard, his cock twitching against your thigh as he pulled back slightly, but not entirely.

"I... I can't help it.” He said softly, in an almost apologetic tone.

"It's like you're using getting to taste me as an excuse to get yourself off down there too." You let out a deep breath. "I told you, if you want something, you need to ask."

Ranpo felt a blush spread across his cheeks and neck as you called him out, his heart racing as he stared down at his erection. His cock throbbed again, as if eager to fill the void between them.

"I... I want to be inside you, please…”

"Well, after that, I don't think you deserve it." You huffed, to which Ranpo's eyes widened in shock and disappointment; there was still an undeniable spark of determination within them.

"Please! Please, don't do this..."

"How about another exercise then?" You suggested, causing his eyes to light up at the opportunity.

"Yes, another exercise...!" Ranpo breathed out in relief, his mind already racing with potential scenarios. He could feel himself growing even harder against his will. "What would you like me to do?"

"I want you to tell me how smart Dazai is... Without complimenting yourself in the process." You offered, watching how his eye twitched.

He bit his lip, thinking for a moment. There was no way he could take the opportunity to praise someone he knew he was smarter than, but he had to find a way to prove his independence.

"Dazai is... extremely intelligent.”

"Is that it?" You scoffed

"I don't know what the stakes are! I don’t know what I'm getting in return..." He grumbled.

"Good boys don’t ask for something in return. But, if you can compliment Dazai. I'll let you dry hump me and fuck my panties. That's all you get." You offered, but that still seemed enough to satiate his neediness. He seemed to hesitate at first, frustrated at his inability to resist praising Dazai but determined to find a way out.

"He is incredibly intelligent and... cunning." He added, knowing that even with his compliment, it would still be clear who was smarter.

"You can be nicer than that." You told him with another shrivel of your nose.

Feeling the heat between you two intensify, Ranpo let out a small groan of desire. He took a deep breath and tried to ignore the intense throbbing he felt between his own legs. Contrary to popular belief, it probably would kill him to compliment someone else- but the reward was too sweet for him to care.

"Dazai is... Incredibly intelligent- An underrated source of intellect for the team. He may not show it often, but his strategic thinking is one that has saved our asses on numerous occasions.” He said it all with a grumble, not even looking you in the eye- But you were satisfied, nevertheless.

"Well said." You smirked. "Okay. Now you can take off everything you need, except for my panties."

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Ranpo began to undress you, pulling your skirt off. He crawled further towards you, his eyes fixated on your panties as he reached out to touch them, his tongue wetting his lips as he realised his great achievement..

He steadily pressed his tip against your panties, the precum already leaving a wet patch on the cloth. He couldn't stand that the fact that he couldn't feel your pussy instead, but the panties would have to do. So, with a soft moan, Ranpo began to grind against your underwear, his cock begging for more as he felt your wetness against him, all while his other hand slid up your leg to trace soft circles around your inner thigh. He let out a low moan of pleasure as his hips moved back and forth against your panties with more force, feeling the head of his cock rub against your fabric, on the edge of what he desperately craved.

"F-Fuck..!" He almost instinctively whimpered out. Even you couldn't help but let out soft whines as Ranpo's tip just about bumped your clit through your panties- An action which only caused Ranpo more motivation. Feeling the warmth emanating from your body, Ranpo's determination only intensified. His hand gripped your thigh tighter, digging into your soft skin as he continued his relentless assault on your pant-clad sex.

"Does that feel good, huh?" You asked, panting heavily.

Heaving as he continued to pleasure himself through your panties, Ranpo nodded whilst gnawing on his bottom lip, his eyes narrowed down at the space below between you in concentration.

"I... I can't take it anymore... let me..." He pleaded, pushing against your panties with his cock. "Please-"

"Please what?" You glared at him, narrowing your eyes at his desperately blushing face, which had beads of sweat dripping down his cheeks.

He groaned in frustration, his cock poking at your panties as he panted heavily.

"Please let me have you... I need... I need... Ngh~!" Ranpo stammered swiftly. "Oh, god- Please! I'll do anything—"'

You seemed amused by his begging, all while he was still thrusting his cock against your panties.

"You ‘need me'? What do you mean by that?"

"I... I need you, okay? —Fuck! I want you!" He confessed- backtracking when he heard his own mistake, hips moving faster and harder as he pleaded for release. "I just... can't handle this anymore..."

"You want to cum, is that it?" She chuckled, brushing her finger against his chin.

"Yes, yes, please... I can't hold it much longer..." He whimpered as he continued to grind against your panties, his hips pistoning up and down in desperate need.

“God, please, let me cum… I don’t even care what I have to do this time…”

"My, my, aren't you desperate." You cackled at him, teeth sinking into your lip as you attempted to suppress your own moans at the tension. He hadn’t been bumping at your clit so much anymore, rather sloppily thrusted against your clothed hole instead, but the warmth in the action was enough to cause you to sweat.

"You cum when I say it's okay for you to cum."

Ranpo cried out, his eyes closed as he moved faster, tears threatening to fall from his lids as his hips slammed against your panties, need coiling inside him.

"Fuck, it's too much... I can't—"

"If I let you cum, will you be a good boy tomorrow at the agency?" You asked him simply, seeing how messed up and blushy his face became. "You're gonna be nice to your coworkers and you're not going to be lazy?"

Ranpo panted heavily, his eyes glossed over in lust as he nodded hurriedly.

“Yes, yes of course... just... just let me cum... please..." He pleaded.

"What did I say about speaking more clearly?" You demanded. He inhaled sharply with another thick swallow, gyrating his hips as he pleaded for you.

“I'll be a good boy tomorrow! No more laziness, I'll be so good! Please— I’ll be on my best behaviour, just for you— Fuck!”

You smirked.

"…Okay, you can cum then." You hummed, seeing how his tired eyes lit up with the permission.

With a loud, shuddering whine, Ranpo finally reaches his peak, his fingers digging into your thighs as he found release. With a shaky arch of his own back, his seed spurted between your legs, painting your panties with his essence.

"God, you're so messy." You sighed.

"I'm sorry... I can't help it... you're just too..." He gulped, his eyes roll back, revealing his submission even in his post-orgasmic state.

"Well, since I was so nice and let you cum." You grabbed a fistful of his hair and forced his head down a little so he was forced to look up into your eyes. "It's your turn to make me cum."

Ranpo couldn’t help but blush at your touch when your hand grabbed a bunch of is hairs, his body still trembling from the aftershocks of his orgasm- but finding a new source of pleasure all the same. He whimpered softly, unable to meet your gaze as he was so fixated on your panties and how his own seed coated the fabric.

"C-Can I..?"

"I expect you to." You said darkly. "Eat up. And get a taste of your own mess before you do.”

He was reluctant, but did as you commander him to, tentatively reaching out to lick at your panties, his face flushed with embarrassment and submission. As he tastes his own seed, his face contorted a little at the taste, but his body tingled with pleasure, an unavoidable moan escaping him.

As his tongue dragged across the cloth of your underwear, he latched his teeth onto the edge of your panties, pulling them down slowly. When he had torn them down completely, it revealed your swollen, wet folds to his greedy gaze. The man looked up at you guiltily, his face burning red as his cock twitches in anticipation, leaking more pre-cum as he sees your panties still clinging to your thighs.

"Don't be shy now." You said, assisting him to fully remove your panties as you kicked them off to the side to reveal your glistening cunt. "I thought you wanted to taste me."

He nodded silently, leaning forward to taste you properly. He took a large strip between your legs using his tongue, tasting your sweet nectar as he starts to lap at your folds, his mouth exploring every inch of your wetness.

"That's it..." You shuddered as you felt his tongue inside you, finally feeling your own sense of pleasure. Ranpo’s heart raced with excitement when he sensed your enjoyment and he continued his assault on your sensitive flesh, pushing his face deeper into your folds, seeking to please you even more.

"F-Fuck... God, you use your tongue so well." You chuckle softly through your gentle moans. "See what happens when you use that mouth for better things rather than pissing people off?"

He hummed in agreement, his tongue continuing to wedge itself between your folds. With a groan, he licked harder, drawing your walls upwards, seeking to reach your throbbing center.

"You're gonna eat me out until I cum, aren't you sweetheart?" You grin, hands finding his way to his hair to run your fingers through the strands before stopping to grab a handful of it again.

"Mhm..." He moaned, his fingers twitching with desire. His tongue darted out, swirling around your clit, making you shudder as he brought you closer and closer to the edge. You had treated him so well that night, and he fully intended to return the favour.

—

The next day at the agency, Ranpo kept his side of the promise. For the first time— Possibly ever, Ranpo wasn't glued to his office desk anymore shoving treats down his mouth, instead, he was walking around and offering his assistance to anybody who looked like they needed it. It amused you to see him frantically searching for work to do while you were working on your own thing at your desk, pretending not to see his efforts, but you were glad that your intimate act with him didn’t go to waste.

"Would you look at that! I've never seen Ranpo so diligent!" Dazai commented to Kunikida, who was as equally surprised by the sight of the rare happening.

During the mesmerising scene, Kenji had happened to pass by Ranpo, which made him feel like he had been granted a glorious opportunity by the gods above. His eyes lighting up, the taller, brunette stopped Kenji in his tracks- Whom of which had been two boxes of files, tapping him on his shoulder with an awkward smile.

"Hey, Kenji, do you need help carrying that?" Ranpo queried with a hopeful gaze, to which Kenji stared blankly, blinking a few times.

"...It's a little heavy." He said softly with gentle beamed smile, trying not to offend him.

"Don't worry about it!" Ranpo reassured him, holding out his arms. "Where do you need me to take it?"

Upon seeing his eagerness, Kenji's eyes sparkled exponentially and he went to drop the boxes in his grasp.

"To the boss's office!"

Ranpo immediately felt like the weight was going to crush his arms when the heavy boxes had been dropped onto them. He struggled for a moment to hold them up, but eventually found his method to keep himself standing without feeling like his arms were going to break. After the wave of accomplishment had washed over him, he frantically looked over to you to see if you had been watching him with a hopeful smile— Which you had, of course, but your head was tilted down as to not let him know that you had.

"Maybe he's finally learnt that he has responsibilities at this agency." Kunikida suggested, staring as Ranpo uncomfortably waddled out of the office, the boxes threatening to break his fingers.

"I wonder what could've made him suddenly realise that though, considering he had never lifted a finger to help before." Dazai's eyes narrowed.

[emilvr]

┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° boyfriend spencer !

oh lord have mercy this man is sooooo ( ∩ˇωˇ∩)♡all my boyfie spencer thoughts in one place.. <3 this man deserves a happy ending and if cm won’t give it to him i certainly will!! click the link 4 a surprise … & also send me ur spencer reid thoughts before i collapse!!

warnings: just swearing/slight suggestive tones (like smooches..) and gender neutral reader i think !!

spencer, at least— according to derek, is a tough nut to crack. he doesn’t trust easily at all, and the fruits of your labour may not actually show until years down the line. but if there’s one thing about him you could never doubt, is his loyalty to not just you, but his entire team. especially when he tells you, “i’ll do anything you need me to. always.” and the earnest tone he whispers it in, his brown eyes flickering up to meet your [e/c] ones. the soft, glowing warmth of the love of a thousand lifetimes burns bright in his irises and you will find that you simply don’t care how long you have to wait for him to allow you to hold his heart in your hands.

he may not say i love you in the traditional sense; but it is as clear as the turning shades of the leaves in autumn. it’s clear in how he wants to know everything about you: the things you deem mundane and unimportant, the things that make you embarrassed and the things that make you avoid his eyes as you grin childishly. it’s clear in the way he remembers everything, which isn’t all that surprising given:

“did you know i actually have an eidetic memory and an iq of—“

“187. yes i know, spence. what a smart cookie!”

(in response, he flushes always when you coo the words ‘smart cookie’, although in the same breath he will stare at your face and whisper ‘angel’ in your ear like you’ve been sent down from the heavens just for him.)

he treats you like you’re made of delicate rose petals, and a touch that is too forceful will cause you to wither away. his lips graze your cheek gently in a kiss, his fingertips softly pet the top of your head and slowly follow the curve of your cheeks to the slope of your nose. and when you giggle and go “that tickles,” he’ll only grin in response and nestle his nose into the crown of your head and hum knowingly.

although, most infuriatingly, he will not make the first move. now, doesn’t mean he won’t drive you absolutely insane with soft smiles and eyes full of love and want. he puts all of shakespeare’s sonnets to shame, truly. he keeps it up until you break and march over to his apartment with wobbling lips and twinkling irises (and emily’s encouraging “go get ur mans!!!! GET HIM!!!!” text on your phone. her, jj and penelope are the worst enablers ever.) and even then, he stands still (like the whole world has come to a standstill, really) and waits for you to utter the words. he waits, quietly and patiently. his attention is on you.

“it’s okay. you can say it.”

“you’re torturing me here.”

“am i?”

“‘am i?’ i will pretend you never said that, smarty pants. you infuriate me.”

“ooh, big words.”

“hey! i can talk fancy too!”

“mhm, i’m sure you can angel.”

“not fair. i love you, by the way. more like adore you. or any other word you can think of.”

“i can think of a few.”

in the before, he may tease you when you put a hand on his shoulder or trace the outline of his knuckles; but don’t let the teasing trick you. spencer is atrocious. a mess, even— without you. when you get pulled into a case three days before him, he spends the three days with absolutely zero sleep. and when jj and emily (knowingly, grand masterminds!) ask him if he’s doing okay, he just barely grumbles out a: “i can’t sleep without them anymore. feels cold. not right.” jj awe’s at him and clutches her hands close to her chest, whilst emily barks out a laugh and goes “oooh he wants them baaaaad!”

the grumpiest thirty-something year old man you know, by the way. smug as shit, too. lays with you in bed, head on your stomach as you call him pretty.

“but am i the prettiest?”

“oh, absolutely, my love. there is not a man in the land prettier than thou!”

“ … -__- can you ever give me a normal reply.”

“hehe.. absolutely not.”

henry knows all about you. against his will. someone save this boy he knows your birth date and time of birth down to the hour. knows your big three against his will. (despite the fact that spencer says astrology “isn’t scientifically accurate” … my when i’m in a big ass loser contest and my opponent is in-love spencer walter reid….) spencer puts henry to bed and starts rambling:

“the other day, [y/n] and i were in the kitchen and it suddenly hits me how effortlessly beautiful they are, i mean seriously, i feel sick th—“

“uncle spence. please. i want to go to sleep. i’m gonna call mama.”

“not your mom. please.”

(he tells jj and will when they get back from their date. you wake up to 23 text messages from jj saying “marry this nerd please henry can’t do this anymore!!!”)

also may i propose: classical music lover spencer, rock music lover emily, pop music lover jj and [y/n]. spencer absolutely gives you shit for your music taste and jj threatens him by saying she’ll marry you before he does. he goes pale at the thought. goes even paler when jj starts calling you “her darling baby” … your whole relationship is tug of war between jj, emily and spencer. spencer won’t try tug of war with derek like ok whatever you say handsome!!!

also, there have been many times spencer has woken up in the morning and reached his hand out to stroke your cheek and give you a kiss, when halfway he opens one eye and sees either jj or emily sleeping behind you. he’s the third wheel. in his own relationship.

and it’s all great until you give emily or jj too much attention and he starts sulking at home like… bitch you are in your thirties. and then you have to kiss all over his face and jokingly (or not???) call him your ‘pookie’… he sticks his tongue out and goes ‘bleurgh!!!!!” but we all know he loves it. silly scorpio man is fooling no one.

also read: candid photos of him where he always looks good ??? and when you mutter “you make me sick.” he takes it seriously and you spend the next week buying him his favourite donuts and kissing him until his cheeks go pink. most dramatic man ever!!! now does he pretend to be upset so you kiss him all the time… who knows.

he also places his forehead on yours when he gets overwhelmed and can’t calm down. and starts giggling when you go “helllooooooo!!” but in like, the way where your voice hits several octaves. a very, very giggly boy around you. and he also always has cold hands, and goes “oh no sweetie looks like i have to hold your hands!” (emily makes a gagging sound)

but truly, he is the softest man /ever/. when you two lay in bed at night and he leans down to kiss you, he goes so slowly that his eyelashes brush against yours and your chest starts to throb with how fast your heart is beating. he leans forward slowly and the kiss he presses to your lips is so soft that you squeeze your eyes closed because looking at him sends you into cardiac arrest. doesn’t kiss you much in public, but the way he looks at you makes up for it. eyes crinkled in the corner, brown irises reflecting your beauty as if you’ve been blessed by aphrodite herself. his chest lifts and trembles slightly, index finger twitching with the need to hold yours <3 (emily catches him in the act and she grins, then goes ‘booooo’ and cackles how he’s ‘whipped’ — which makes derek’s head snap up.)

also he absolutely calls you bunny and pretty like no one say a word to me… bunny is the cutest term of endearment ever im gonna throw up and throw myself down the damn stairs!!!

&&— marriage is absolutely in the cards for you two. he looks down at you, chin tilted, and he can’t imagine a future where he doesn’t watch you style your hair every morning or watch you grumble over a stain that won’t come out of one of his cardigans. (“spence, baby, you got anymore sweaters that need washed? i’m putting a woollens wash on!” and he blushed a soft fuchsia and has to resist the urge to cradle your face in his palms.)

although he has faced many tragedies and painful memories in his life, you’re his solace. the pain of his father leaving, his mother’s illness, prison, his drug addiction— you provide him with the normalcy and soft, angelic happiness that makes him smile until his cheeks hurt.

spencer (look at the absolute beauty i pulled by being an autistic nerd) walter reid <3

[artful-aries]

Genshin Headcanons: What Gets Them Flustered (Tighnari, Kaeya, Thoma)

​​

Tighnari:

​​He’s actually a bit of a tough nut to crack, but something that will always short circuit his brain is when you play with his ears or tail

​​With a flushed red face, he would insist that you stop messing with his ears, claiming that it tickles or is annoying

​​Really, he just doesn’t want you to see how weak in the knees he gets when you pet him like that. It’s a bit embarrassing for him.

​​He would never admit that he likes the way you gently pull and stroke his animal features, but the subtle wag of his tail and the twitch of his ears is a dead giveaway

​​If you keep at it long enough, Tighnari will end up a puddle in your lap

​​Sometimes catching your scent as you walk by also makes Tighnari flustered, especially if you’ve just showered and washed your hair

​​Your scent would almost assault his senses, but in the best way possible

​​You’d look over at him and see him zoned out with a faint dust of pink on his cheeks before he snaps out of it, realizing you’re staring at him

​​No, he will NOT tell you what he was thinking about, no matter how much you beg him to

​​Tighnari would like to keep at least one shred of dignity around you

​​Shockingly, just general proximity to you doesn’t get him flustered at all, it’s only these minute things that really get him going

​​

​​Kaeya:

​​It’s almost like a game to him, seeing who breaks and gets flustered first

​​Most of the time it’s you who gets flustered first under his constant flirtatious teasing and gentle touches

​​However, you do have a few tricks up your sleeve if you pay attention to his reactions enough

​​He gets so flustered if you tug at his hair a little, especially if you’re doing it to make him look at you

​​Kaeya will stare at you wide eyed for a moment, the sudden exchange of power throwing him off before he smiles and lets you do as you please

​​Beneath his charismatic exterior is actually a rather soft, affection starved man

​​If you gently caress his face and look at him as if he’s your world, he is going to bury his face in your hand, just to hide the growing blush that’s on his cheeks

​​He has no problem admitting these things get him worked up, but he will only do so in a teasing way, still trying to come out on top of this little game that the two of you play

​​The gentle look in his eye is the only indication that his reaction goes beyond physical; he genuinely gets nervous when you show him such tender love

​​When he catches you staring at his flustered state for too long, he will find a way to distract you, whether that’s by kissing you, picking you up in his arms, playing with your hair, the possibilities are endless

​​

​​Thoma:

​​Despite being a dependable worker of the Kamisato Clan, he is actually quite easy to fluster

​​He’s just an earnest, straightforward kind of guy. When you make small efforts to rile him up a bit, it definitely shows

​​Thoma’s face will turn as red as his clothes if you pull him closer to you, whether it’s by his hand or the collar of his shirt, the sudden proximity to you makes him clam up

​​He becomes a stuttering mess too whenever you fluster him, his silver tongue quickly becoming tarnished when you tease him

​​Another thing that gets him flustered is when you put your hair up, or if your hair is too short for a ponytail, when you pin it back out of your face

​​It’s super mundane and he knows this, but something about you showing off that extra bit of skin that you normally don’t show has him practically swooning

​​If you were to ask him why his face was so red, he would rush out the excuse that it was a bit warm in the room, even if it’s in the dead of winter and there is a chill in the house

​​When questioned further, Thoma insists that because of his Pyro vision he gets hotter than people who don’t have one

​​For the sake of him not combusting on the spot, you choose to believe him, but make a point to wear your hair like this more

[weministertomonsters]

Naga Father (Araza) x gender-neutral reader - 2

"Just a few kids from school won't hurt, Mr. Araza. You have to give Sam a chance at a normal life," you say in exasperation, shaking some food into your cat's bowl and balancing the phone against your shoulder.

You've been babysitting Sam occasionally for a few months, enough to feel somewhat comfortable with pressing the subject of holding a birthday party for Sam.

"He's not normal," is Mr. Araza's reply, and you grit your teeth for a second before you blow your breath out slowly, forcing yourself to calm down.

"I know you're trying to toughen him up in your own way... But he's going to end up hating you if you don't ease up now and then. Sam is smart, you know. He can figure out how to live in a world of humans on his own."

"I know what's best for my son," Mr. Araza says, and you hear the shuffle of papers in the background.

"Oh, are you working? Did my call interrupt you? Sorry, I'll hang up now. Just think about it, okay?"

Before he has the chance to respond, you hang up.

"He's a tough nut to crack, Ginger," you say to your orange cat who is happily crunching down on his food. "I wonder what happened to make him like that?"

On a whim, you grab your phone and look his name up. There he is, featured in an article from a prominent news station. He was one of the two nagas rescued from a monster trafficking ring that got busted fifteen years ago. There's a picture of him with the other monsters that were rescued. He's staring blankly at the camera, a blanket wrapped around his thin shoulders. The other naga was too weak and passed away in the hospital. Everything makes sense now.

You put your phone down and stare hard at the wall. No wonder he's so fiercely protective of his son and pushing him to survive the best he can. Your phone buzzes and you look down to see a text from your best friend, Cora.

Hi Tobi, it reads, I know this is short notice, but I totally forgot I had a marriage counseling appointment today and we can't leave Annabelle alone! Do you have 2 hours to spare? I made chocolate chip cookies this morning!

A smile curves onto your lips and you type a reply.

I'll be there in 10 minutes

Cora only lives a couple of blocks away, so you end up walking there. Cora and her wife are in the driveway, ready to leave.

"Tobi, you're an angel!" Cora says, coming forward. "I present to you my devil spawn."

Annabelle squirms restlessly in her mother's grip, nibbling on her forearm. The five-year-old had new teeth coming in and apparently, her mother's arm is a serviceable chew toy.

"She's got a ton of energy today," you laugh and scoop her up.

The pup smells like baby shampoo and cookies. You wave her parents off and hoist her onto your shoulder.

"So what do you want to do?" You ask her.

"I want ice cream!" She yells, her knee catching you in the ribs.

"Oof. Isn't it a little too close to lunch?"

"I want a burger too! With cheese!"

"Demanding, aren't you? An alpha in the making for sure. Okay. We'll have burgers and ice cream. Just don't tell your mommy okay?"

She grins and nods. The commercial strip is within walking distance and even if it's a bit far away you figure Annabelle could use a long walk. As you walk together you're making a mental note not to marry a werewolf. Even a half-werewolf would be hyper, but Annabelle is out of this world. She's so bouncy that half the time her feet aren't even on the ground. You're forced to herd her around now and then so she doesn't hop off the sidewalk.

You're relieved when you reach the ice cream shop because it has a fenced-in playground.

"I'm going to make a sandcastle!" Annabelle shrieks, charging towards the sandbox.

"Okay, darling." You grab your phone and text Cora.

Bestie, what's up with Belle today?

Too much sugar :( my bad. I caved and let her have frosted flakes for breakfast Cora texts back.

Oh boy. Then ice cream is going to be a bad idea. Idly you walk up to the swings, wondering how you're going to convince her to get something else. And then you notice Mr. Araza and freeze. He pauses too, looking down at you. You have to put a hand up to your face to hide your grin because he's on the monkey bars. It's sturdy enough to hold his weight, but he looks ridiculous. His son is underneath, head craned up to look up at his father.

"Hello," you say politely.

"Papa is stuck," Sam says, turning to look at you. "Help him, Tobi."

You gulp down a burst of laughter and bite your lip hard, trying not to let your amusement show. Mr. Araza's golden eyes narrow, and his tongue flicks out, tasting the air. His eyes turn into annoyed slits and he lets out a huff. His tail is wound through the rather sophisticated monkey bars, and you can see he's stuck in more than one place.

"How did you even get up there?" You ask.

"I was... Teaching Sam how to climb," he says, and you can't help the small laugh you make this time.

"I do not find this humorous, neither should you," he hisses. "My tail is going numb. If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate a hand."

You glance down at Sam. "Hey, I brought a friend with me, and she's the same age as you. Maybe you could play together?"

Sam looks doubtfully at Annabelle, who has forgotten about her sandcastle and is digging a hole in the sandbox. Then he nods and shyly slithers over to say hello. You turn back to Mr. Araza and put your game face on.

"How about I make you a deal? Promise to actually think about throwing a party for Sam, and I'll help you."

His pupils widen in shock. "You can't be serious," he scoffs.

You reach out and poke at his tail. "I dunno, Mr. Araza. You seem stuck pretty good."

"For heaven's sake," he rolls his eyes and his shoulders slump a little. "Fine. Quickly now, I look ridiculous."

You grin. "Then it's a deal," you say and walk around him in a slow circle, calculating.

You're not sure how you're going to get him out. The monkey bars are about six feet high, and he's right on top.

"Okay, I think I've got this," you say and begin to climb.

The next ten minutes are the most awkward ones of your life. You almost fall off twice. Mr. Araza twists his upper body to look at you, and his mouth turns down.

"You're going to hurt yourself this way."

"I'm good," you say, hooking your feet against the bars as you grab the thinnest section of his tail at the end. "You've kind of tied yourself into a knot here, mister," you tell him. "Can you move the end of your tail to the left?"

His tail moves, the end of it curling around your wrist.

"Okay," you mumble.

You succeed in freeing that section and move upwards.

"You're not a cat, you know. You can't fit in just any space," you tell him and you wrap your arms around his tail and press your chest against it like you're about to lift something really heavy.

Which is exactly what you're about to do. His tail is a solid hunk of muscle, his scales rasping against your bare arms. Maybe you press a little too hard or something, but he hisses and it's not a  normal hiss. It's a "get your fucking hands off me right now" kind of hiss.

You jerk your hands back. "Sorry, sorry," you say.

You have just touched softer, more sensitive parts of his tail where scales have been ripped away. Naga scales are incredibly hard to damage or remove but after your research this morning, you can guess how that happened.

His claws clank against the bars as he repositions himself. He won't look at you but maybe that's a good thing. If he looks at you, he'll be able to tell that you know.

"Just get on with it," he mumbles, wiping sweat from his forehead.

You take a deep breath and carry on. He doesn't make a single sound after that, not even when you have to pull so hard that he shudders.

"Need some help?" An employee from the ice cream shop calls over, finally having noticed.

"No, I've got it," you call back.

Just one more section to go. Araza is sprawled on the monkey bars, his torso pressing against them. That can't be comfortable. The way he's gone so still and pliant worries you.

"Are you okay?"

He nods, his hair falling over his face.

"Look at me," you command. "Please?"

He darts a furtive glance over his shoulder. His eyes are glassy, like he's partly somewhere else. Not good. Quickly, you balance your feet on the bars and tug. He comes free and falls off the monkey bars with a thud, taking you with him.

"We're okay," you say to Sam and Annabelle, who look up curiously.

"They're playing," Annabelle giggles to her new friend.

Sam looks worried, but then smiles and goes back to playing. You realize your legs are tangled up in his tail and gently extract them.

"You okay?"

He shoots upright, rolling over to the underside of his tail is against the floor.

"I'm fine. Thank you," he says airily, brushing leaves out of his hair.

All signs of vulnerability are gone.

"Great," you say, trying not to sound too bright as you stand up and dust yourself off. "I'm sure you won't do that again," you laugh.

He flexes his claws. "I have learned a valuable lesson. Your human trappings are terrible replacements for trees."

"Try a park next time," you suggest. "Were you here for ice cream?"

"I promised him a reward for his hard work in school. I did not think he would suggest such a ridiculous-"

"We're here for ice cream too!" You say brightly. "How about we all go in and get some?"

If Mr. Araza is about to protest, Annabelle's excited screaming knocks it out of him.

"Please do not tell me that is your child," he says flatly. "She is untrained."

"She's just a kid," you say. "She can be very loud, I'll give her that."

"Come on," you tell the two children, "let's go get ice cream."

Later on, after you've dropped off a sleeping Annabelle- amazingly enough - at her home and gone home with a gift of a box of chocolate chip cookies, you get a call from Mr. Araza.

"I have made up my mind," he says.

"About the birthday party?"

"Yes," he says, and you begin to dance in triumph.

"On one condition," he adds sharply. "I don't know what a party entails. I'll need your help."

"Oh, you don't have to ask twice!" You say happily.

Maybe the upright naga is finally warming up to a little living...

~ • ~ • ~ • ~

The amount of times I mention "ice cream" in here, lol! 😭

[voidcat]

Serval Landau is a tough woman to love, but loving her you do without a thought.

Known around pretty well in her circle of status, a brilliant mind and a dazzling talent, she blinds you with her shine the moment your eyes land on her.

As hard nut to crack as she can be, you find it almost too easy; every crook, smirk and blush of hers captivating, her passion making her all the more endearing.

It leaves the person drunk, to have Serval Landau look at you the way she does. Victorious. On top of the world, how the first architects of Belabog first must’ve felt, if you’re being honest with yourself.

Living in the present is easy, conjuring what the future might bring a fun activity to pass time, yet you don’t expect the past to come and crash everything down, burn it all to smithers with a snap of fingers.

It happens too naturally, a little comical or so to speak. A woman of her caliber, it is no surprise to hear of her past achievements, occupation and research, nor the people she were with, the branches she worked closely within. Cocolia Rand’s name is repeated often and how can it not be? The late architect of Belabog, some still remember her for all the good, show understanding for her sacrifice, others choose to resent her and how she never listened to anyone.

In the dim lighted pub, you don’t quite catch Gerard until he vanishes from your sights yet from the force of his hand you can tell he had a little too much. He lets out a hearty laugh, a sigh of relief, throws you a congratulations and celebrates you on your victory. Mouths a little here and there how long it took Serval to move on, from the Cocolia Rand; the woman whose name is tied to Serval’s whenever it is the past people lament.

You feel chills down your spine, yet your smile remains frozen in the spot. He lets out how in the last moments she reclaimed closure in her own way— “I am no longer in your shadow.” Gepard recalls the phrase.

“Here now big guy, why don’t you sit down and brea—“ and before you can finish, he is nowhere to be seen.

Now you see, you know Gepard, and you know in everything he does, he always means the best, but maybe, just maybe, you wish the goody two shoes of the family had a little more experience with alcohol, sparing you from the obvious truth that’s been in your face since the very first days of your dream relationship.

Serval Landau is no longer in Cocolia’s shadow.

But you are.

Doomed to be.

Because you see, it was her first big everything, love and heartbreak, affection and hate, tension and excitement— the woman who robbed Belabog and the underground, left it sinking in the eternal snow, continues to rip apart anything good remaining, separating, even in her death.

And you have to live the rest of your days in your lover’s embrace, forever hidden in the shadow of her ex. In your steps, it’s her heels that echo against the tiles, in your smiles, she always recalls her good old times, every kiss, every edge and crook of skin, every kiss plastered, you’re haunted by the reminder of her ghost cast over your flesh, beating heart.

To those close to her, she has obtained her long deserving closure.

Serval Landau claims she is no longer in her shadow but you know that’s a lie.

And you spent every night dreading, will it be tonight she calls out the name Cocolia

[warabidakihime]

In the midst of the bustling city, where folks of various factions mingle, there was an unassuming coffee shop that served as a neutral ground. Dazai Osamu, a notorious charmer and your co-worker at the Armed Detective Agency, found himself irresistibly drawn to you.

The tension between you has always simmered beneath the surface, and today was no different.

As you sat across from Dazai, your eyes locking in a playful challenge, the air crackled with anticipation. The banter had been going back and forth, with each of you trying to outwit the other with flirtatious remarks and witty comebacks.

"You're quite the tease, Y/N," Dazai remarked, a sly grin playing on his lips. "But let's be honest, resisting my charm is like trying to stop the tide from coming in. It's an impossible feat."

You rolled your eyes, a smirk dancing on your lips. "Oh, Dazai, your confidence knows no bounds. But I won't be so easily swayed. It'll take more than smooth talk to win me over."

Dazai leaned back, feigning a hurt expression. "Oh, I see how it is. You're a tough nut to crack, Y/N. But don't worry, I have a secret weapon up my sleeve."

Curiosity piqued, you leaned forward, playfully challenging him. "Alright, Dazai, impress me. What's this secret weapon of yours?"

Dazai's eyes sparkled mischievously as he reached into his pocket, producing a shiny coin. "Let's flip a coin, Y/N. If it lands on heads, I'm all yours. But if it lands on tails, you'll be mine. Are you up for the challenge?"

You chuckled, caught off guard by his unexpected move. "Well, Dazai, I have to admit, you've resorted to quite the tactic. Fine, let's see how this plays out."

With a flick of his wrist, the coin spun through the air, its fate hanging in the balance. Time seemed to stand still as it landed in Dazai's palm, and he revealed the result. It was heads.

You stared at the coin, momentarily taken aback. Dazai had won, and a mixture of surprise and amusement crossed your face. "Well, well, Dazai. It seems luck is on your side today. You've managed to crack the code and win me over."

A triumphant grin spread across Dazai's face as he leaned in, his eyes sparkling with victory. His lips gently brushed against yours, and for a moment, it felt like the world had faded away. The air crackled with an electric current as the kiss deepened, the tension between you reaching its peak.

But just as the moment grew more intense, you found the strength to pull away, your eyes meeting Dazai's with a mix of desire and restraint. Your voice was barely a whisper as you spoke, and your words were filled with promise. "Dazai, as much as I want this, we need to take it slow. There will be a time when we won't have to hold back, when our desires won't be contained. But for now, let's savor the anticipation."

Dazai's eyes softened; there was a mix of understanding and longing in his gaze. He nodded, his voice filled with a newfound tenderness. "You're right, Y/N. Patience has its rewards, and I'm willing to wait. I promise you, when the time is right, we won't hold back, even if our bodies give up on us."

A knowing smile played on your lips as you leaned in, capturing Dazai's hand in yours. "Looking forward to it, then."

In that coffee shop, where folks of various factions found a temporary truce, you and Dazai discovered an undeniable bond. The playful banter had led to a game of chance, and while you held back from fully surrendering to the moment, the promise of a deeper connection lingered in the air.

With a shared understanding and a promise for the future, you both embarked on a journey of exploration and desire, knowing that when the time was right, you would embrace the passion that awaited.

[newkatzkafe2023]

Kid scenarios gender bent and regular. Really liked the idea. If possible and when you have time.

Oh goodness let the madness continue

(S/N)=son name

(D/N)= Daughter name

(Lmk Wukong) You couldn't believe that. You will never expect your life to end up the way it was. You were once a palace Warrior Guarding the peaches of immortality and now you've got kidnapped by the one who kept stealing those peaches. And now you're her husband Mildly sick of her affection for you and quietly hitting the bottle whenever she leaves. This was not what you signed up for as you were by yourself again drinking bourbon. You were soon attacked by a tiny figure.

(???) Baba! I found baba!

You look down to see a tiny monkey girl. Who looks exactly Like your wife and that Already scares you. And then you heard other tiny little voices

BABA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh God

Meanwhile with Sunny Wukong She's been pretty down lately. She came back from another date with you. But it seems like you are more annoyed than ever when you got back. She brushes her fur quietly with tears in a corner of her eyes. She knows your marriage has been in a rough patch lately. But she really wants to fix things up with you. But it just seems like you hate her The more she tries.

Monkey (S/N) Are you thinking about him again???

Wukong Looks up to see a little boy sitting on a Nimbus cloud. He look exactly like you but with her sunny disposition.

Monkey (S/N) I would have thought by now that you would know when he's really feeling and when that's just his face

Wukong was confused Who is this tiny cub? Where did he come from? and dad? Was he talking about you?

(Lmk Wukong) As a matter of fact I am He's been loving me a lot less lately and I don't know what to do. Why does my husband hate me😥

The mysterious club look towards his mother. It was no brainer that his father was a tough nut to crack, not mention very anti social. But there is one thing he disagrees with her about

Monkey (S/N) He doesn't hate you

(Lmk Wukong) How would you know???

The younger monkey thought to himself

Monkey (S/N) Follow me please

If the monkey queen was confused but dead what she was asked And followed the cab to a remote location of the island and There the two saw something incredible. It was you sitting in the middle of a lot of little girl. Cubs that look exactly like her. Some were hugging you,others were climbing on Your back. There were two that was talking your ear off and a tiny little one sleeping on your lap. And you know what's the crazy part you're a smiling. You are smiling at all these little girls.

Monkey (S/N) Dad doesn't hate you mom otherwise you wouldn't have all of us

Tears appeared back and the monkey queen's eyes as she feels a lot more hopeful for you and her future

(HIB Wukong) It's Happened again. You and your wife got into yet another argument and she stormed off. Leaving you laying where you were. Why doesn't she get it? You're tired of watching her tire herself apart for other people's approval. And for what her appearance you like her face I should be enough for her. You are proud of everything she does and achieved. Even if she failed, you're happy to know she tried, and that is enough for you. Why can't she understand that.

Monkey (M/N) What a drag😒

(???) We totally get it

That's when you look up to see a pair of Twin teenager Girls who Interesting enough Is looked exactly like your wife but was just as exhausted as you.

Meanwhile, your wife was stopping around brooding to herself when she smacked into a smaller figure.

(???) Watch were you going you hag!

(HIB Wukong) The hell did you call me?!

That's when she turns to see a grouchy Little boy glaring up at her, interesting enough he exactly like you But he was grouchy like her.

Back with you and the two girls You tiredly told them the issues between you and your wife. The two quietly listened to what you had to say before sharing their Thoughts on the matter

1p Monkey (D/N) Mother isn't trying to get the world's approval

2p Monkey (D/N) She's trying to get yours

This confuses you, You thought your wife knew about how You felt about her why is she So Paranoid now

1p Monkey (D/N) You are the only one who treated mom with some kind of decency

2p Monkey (D/N) You were with mama since the very beginning you are her greatest treasure. She loves what she has with you and she doesn't want to lose that.

1p Monkey (D/N) If she has to change some part herself Even if it's a slight adjustment, that means she'll have less of a chance to lose you.

Your stone heart breaks in two as you thought about the twins's words.

With Sunny Wukong she is stopping in the woods back to you next to the boy She bumped into earlier

(HIB Wukong) Ugh Why are you still following me?

Monkey (???) Don't flatter yourself hag. I'm simply trying to find my sisters so we can go home

Wukong did Not like the attitude of this little boy. But it seems to be familiar

Monkey (???) Aren't you the monkey queen?

(HIB Wukong) Yes I am

Monkey (???) What happened to your lazy husband?

That's When will Wukong stopped First of all, who is this kid to insult her husband and second. She should really be getting back to, but she's a little nervous. You could still be angry with her and wouldn't want to talk to her.

(HIB Wukong) Not that you would care of anything but We had a disagreement

Monkey (???) Is that right my old man and The woman always getting into a fight. She would storm off and the old Geezer would stay at home and brood But in the end, the old hag always runs back to him.

(HIB Wukong) Sounds exhausting

Monkey (???) Well that's how their relationship always worked. They would Argue almost every day She could be screaming at him and he could just be giving underhand Insults. But she would always come back home and demand cuddles from him. Dad would tirely hug mom before they give their silent apologies. It may be toxic to the outside world. But that's the only way they're relationships going to work.

Wukong Was suffering a bit of deja vu, That sounds exactly like you and her not that She will ever admit that but that was Dangerously similar. Then it hits her

(HIB Wukong) Hey I think I may know where your sisters are

Monkey (???) I think I know too

The two walk back Is to the cottage just to find you sitting there with the twins. The little boy runs out to his sisters and hugs them, as they returned his affection You and Wukong Is walk towards each other in silence

Monkey (M/N) There seems to be some things we need to discuss together

(HIB Wukong) It seems You're right

You told them hug each other as the Is chids watched the two of you

Monkey (S/N): Man the old hag and that geezer really don't change🤮

Monkey Twins: And we wouldn't have it any other way☺️☺️

(Mk Reborn Wukong) This is war. Tensions were high as you and your wife were on A chinese standoff against what seems to be your kids from the future. Your son was glaring into your soul standing right in front of his mother while you did the same. Your daughter and wife were having a hissy match mini cat fight Trying to display dominance over the other as Your little girl hung from your shoulder. It was a hot freaking mess and Neither master tang or the pilgrims knew what to do in this situation at all. But all I can say is that everybody's possessive Instincts have punched a hole in the ceiling As the family of four afford for their respective Parents and children.

Monkey (S/N) Mama is mine😡

Monkey (M/N) Well I had your mama first 😡

Monkey(S/N) Why??? is not like you wanted her in the first place

Monkey (M/N) Between you and me, I didn't want her. But that doesn't mean anybody else can have Her especially you

You and your son continued to glare at each other and while you're Wife and daughter would just Hissing at each other till one of you submits.

(NR Wukong) You're not sure how this came to be. First of all you're sitting next year's son who Says he's from the future and one of your daughters who is Taking a nap while clinging on To you as you watch your two oldest twins, gossip and chat with their mom as they do each other's make up I'm brushing there fur. Out of all the bizarre things that your wife has caused you to be part of this has to be the The final straw.

(S/N): Dad why is this happening to us aren't we good monkeys😥😢

Monkey (M/N) Well, you are, I clearly did something to the universe to p*** it off. And now i'm married to An immortal crackhead who Exploited my love For alcohol.

Monkey (S/N) I feel sorry for you😔

Monkey (S/N) I pity you the same kid😮‍💨

(Netflix Wukong) It was complete chaos down at the village. The monkey queen and her son From the future apparently Are running to The Town square as the villagers ran in the opposite directions. Not only were they under attack by some demon gang but Her husband and her daughter choose this as an excuse to finally bite the collor off. They flew off the hinges, When the two finally arrived The demon invaders were running for their dear lives. As a little girl, no older than 4 was hanging off One of them while throwing makeshift grenades at them. And then there was her husband running around the battlefield. Chopping heads off left and right it was a bloodbath.

(Netflix Wukong) I gave birth to that?!?😨

Monkey (S/N): You did I was as shocked as you are but dad was pretty stoked so

Wukong Was at a loss for words as she stood next to her son

Monkey (S/N) Although now they're looking at some of these Bodies This would be very good for my taxidermy hobby

Wukong Slowly turned her head to face her son

Monkey (S/N) Don't worry mom I usually wait until they're already dead i'm not A monster

Oh god is this what is like to be the only sane one?😥😥

FEEL FREE TO REBLOG

[einloukrativesangebot]

March 2024 Destiel Fic Recs

My favourite fics written in March 2024. Please leave kudos and comments for the authors.

Baker Six by komodobits

Summer, 1944. Dean doesn’t think about First Lieutenant Novak.

Feel It All Around by egravis

With Cas newly fallen, a lot of things have changed. Like, for one, Cas has never appeared so fragile before.

I hate you when Sam sees it (and love you when he doesn't) feat Bobby Singer by FreyaBlackthorn

Dean and Cas love each other in the dark. They hate each other in front of a freshly soul-supplied Sam. It's that easy.

Except it's not easy, because Sam may be a Winchester, but even his stupidness knows bounds. So how can you make your little brother believe you are totally not interested in your feathered best friend (who is totally your boyfriend, for the record)?

Bobby makes a guest appearance because he's the best, and because he cannot be fooled.

Never Let Me Go by K_A_Mindin

Found the place to rest my head

Personal Jesus by GreenEnthusiast

Dean has made a nasty habit of calling out to Castiel in the dead of night, when he’s all alone. Repressed feelings and a case of beer are quite the duo, one the Winchester is no stranger to. All he wants is to love and be loved, but he’s not sure if he knows how.

The Space Between The Trees by birdyedwards

The point was that Cas fell out of that barn and right into Dean’s life like he’d always belonged there. Like there was a Castiel-shaped spot missing somewhere and he’d slotted right into it. Over the past several months, the two of them haven’t been apart for more than a couple hours and Dean wonders how he ever went on without him. How it was even possible that Cas hadn’t been there the entire time.

- + -

The thing no one tells you about hunting is that it’s surprisingly boring. Having Cas around helps.

touch and go by stayawake

Cas comes equipped with enough angelic strength to fling demons against the wall with a flick of his wrist, but still lets himself get pushed and pulled around by Dean like it's nothing.

a happy ending in the palm of your hands by all_american_hips

It has been three months since the world was saved.

-------

Everything is finally in its place, and Dean tries to get his shit together.

An angel walks into a flower shop... by FreyaBlackthorn

This is literally a pinterest post turned into a silly fic. What would happen if an almighty angel walked into a flower shop to buy his serial killer of a boyfriend flowers? (feat Sam, because let's be honest, he would probably be there and be a little gremlin about it).

love in messages by DeanIsABottomDamnit

The relationship between cas and dean seen through texts, through the years

inhuman/human by Xxcxreyxx

Stuck in Purgatory, Castiel has time to think.

devastating, apocalyptic, & utterly catastrophic by aalienbluezz

And that was it. Cas was done. So done. Why on Earth would he read this ridiculously inaccurate folklore when he could just look at Dean’s adorable face. And eyes. And his pretty, pretty mouth. Cas was about two minutes in to remapping out each atom of Dean’s devastating cupid’s bow when Dean finally piped up with that same strange look and a self-conscious laugh: “Uh, I got crumbs on my mouth or somethin’?”

or,

Cas introduces Dean to the wonders of Chapstick.

the gone fishin' fic by the_oncoming_stormageddon

Dean and Cas have been dating for three months, but Dean isn’t sure that he’s ready to come out yet. Meanwhile, Bobby’s known they’ve been dating for six months.

A Tough Nut To Crack by ImYourHoneyBee

The cold is worse, bad enough that their comfortable moss insulation and leaf doorway don’t keep it out, and despite his thick winter coat, Dean is freezing. On the other side of the nest, Cas is curled into a tight ball, his tail flipped over his nose like a blanket. Dean wonders if he’s cold too.

It’s dark inside their nest, almost pitch black with how the maple leaves block out the starlight. Cas is nothing but a lump, but Dean bets that if they were lumps together, they’d be warmer. It’s not gay if they’re huddling for warmth, right? It should also be taken into account that they’re squirrels, and he’s pretty sure it’s not gay if they’re squirrels, either.

Dean is suffering because he’d insisted that they be two squirrels sleeping on opposite sides of the nest, five inches apart because they’re not gay.

Morning After by lizleenimbus

Dean wakes up after a one-night stand only to find something - or rather someone - he didn't expect.

It's the first month of @deancaspinefest posting, so check those fics out here if you want some long fics of Dean and Cas pining for each other. And please do read my fic "Not our kind of thing" here.

Check out the other posts:

January, February

[thewertsearch]

PAT: mAYBE YOU COULD HELP ME, hERE, PAT: sINCE i DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE NOW, bUT MAYBE HELP ME, PAT: aBOUT A THING THAT HAS TO DO WITH A GIRL, PAT: lIKE, PAT: a ROMANCE THING, yOU MIGHT KNOW ABOUT,

Looks like Tavros is about to get into it. Before he does, let’s speculate for a bit about what he’s thinking.

Tavros looks appalled here - and maybe even a little disgusted. Meanwhile, Vriska’s expression reads as confusion and disbelief that he’s reacting this way. Honestly, I think that’s what bothered Vriska the most - not just that Tavros didn’t kiss her, but that he didn’t think she was worth kissing.  

See, I honestly don’t think Tavros likes her - in any quadrant. Maybe he thinks he does, but he doesn’t look like it, he doesn’t act like it, and he doesn’t talk like it, which is very telling indeed. 

I think Tavros is confused. Vriska is showing interest in him, and he feels like he should reciprocate (tick, tock, goes the imperial drone), but all he actually wants from Vriska is a restraining order. 

PAT: tHERE IS AN ANGRY VOICE IN MY HEAD,

Of the two remaining members of the Midnight Crew, Boxcars is the ‘angrier’ one. None of the Felt seemed particularly angry - except maybe Cans. 

Unless...

PAT: aNYWAY, i THINK VRISKA IS UPSET ABOUT IT, aND SHE'S NOT TALKING OR ANYTHING,

Are you kidding? She just got rejected. Believe me when I say she is fuming. 

CCG: OK WELL, I CAN ADVISE YOU AND STUFF CCG: BUT YOU DO REALIZE THIS IS A PUBLIC BULLETIN. CCG: WE SHOULD BE HAVING THIS CHAT IN PRIVATE.

For all his faults, Tavros is actually a pretty tough nut to crack - it’s often hard for me to tell what he’s thinking. 

Spill the beans, Nitram. I want to hear your take. 

PAT: mAYBE FUTURE HER CAN READ THIS, aND, PAT: i GUESS, PAT: kNOW i'M SORRY ABOUT IT, PAT: i DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT HER FEELINGS,

Oh, dear. 

He was forced into a kiss, and he actually thinks he needs to apologize. This poor kid.

CCG: BUT YOU SHOULD REALIZE THE FUTURE IS KIND OF A WIDE OPEN THING, I MEAN SHE COULD READ THIS LIKE TWO MINUTES IN THE FUTURE AS WELL AS 600 HOURS. [...] PAT: oH, PAT: yEAH, PAT: i DIDN'T, rEALLY THINK OF THAT, PAST arachnidsGrip [PAG] 0:08 HOURS AGO responded to memo.

And it keeps getting better! I almost can’t bear to read the rest of this. 

PAG: Tavros, it's ok. Really. PAG: So you don't feel that way a8out me! That's fine. I shouldn't have expected any different. PAG: I can deal with it! I am not a wimp like you. I roll with 8ad 8r8ks all the time. No 8iggie.

Oh. 

Oh, this is not how I thought Vriska would deal with this, and I don’t believe her for a second.

Remember when she thought Aradia was executing a long-awaited revenge plot on her, because that’s how she sees the world? Vriska is going to ‘forgive’ Tavros - and then, further down the line, she’s going to punish him. 

I don’t think her forgiveness is ‘fake’, exactly - Vriska is actually a pretty sincere person, when she’s not explicitly in cahoots. I think, in this moment, she believes she’s a tough, emotionally resilient winner who can accept rejection. Nevertheless, I don’t think she’s going to be able to forget it. 

PAG: Anyway, though totally unnecessary, your apology is accepted.

It’s the lowest of low bars, but I will give her a quark of credit for acknowledging he didn’t actually do anything wrong. 

I think she really believes this - but that’s not going to stop her from hurting him later. Hopefully Doc Scratch won’t egg her on this time, or she might actually kill him. 

CCG: THERE, GREAT, ANOTHER HAPPY COUPLE CCG: IN WHATEVER HIDEOUS QUADRANT THIS BATSHIT PAIRING WILL SUSTAIN.

Which is none of them!

[eldritch-spouse]

Not the same anon but ooo a guessing game? *cracks knuckles* I've been here awhile, let's see:

Morrell is scared of being hunted and eaten? I'm not 100% on the being ate part but big guy definitely DOES NOT want to be hunted down for certain mush features.

Vinnel doesn't want to find out if he can be considered a sapient soup (being liquidated) without his suit.

Patches...gold? That's too an easy answer, there has to be more. Maybe his unknown past?

I'm with the first anon on Santi not wanting to be without his minx. Biggest fear without knowing them though? I'm not sure. Being sent back to hell permanently? I remember reading that somewhere.

Gallon doesn't want to be poor. Jk... I have no fucking clue. Having acid thrown at you is a fear but is it a present enough threat to be The Big One™? Then again he does work at TCE so.

Nebul I'm also not sure of. I can't say silver this time since he doesn't seem to have Patches level of fear of his anti precious metal of choice? What about his general unfulfillment with life? But that's a wraith thing in general hnn...

Krulu obviously doesn't want to be caught and be thrown back into the Null. Or have Admin be killed.

Grimbly is with Gallon on not wanting to be a pauper. Heh no, I have no idea with him either. No end to the parental issues? Never finding love? He's the one all the anons need to group fund therapy for.

Sybastian doesn't want to be recaptured, yes yes.

I dug through a lot of old posts about these losers and still couldn't guess most of them haaaah. It was fun though!

On the case of Morell, why do you think he's as big (in terms of muscle mass) as he is? Why do you think he's constantly jumpy and reacts dangerously to sudden touch? Why is he so viciously competitive? What greater fear does being afraid to be hunted imply?

Vinnel fears a lot of things, but there's something to be said about how he's always putting up a persona, how he's always performing, how no inch of him is ever exposed.

It may seem as if Patches is the one who has more hang-ups regarding his past, but that title actually belongs to Nebul. One of the fics practically spells his greatest fear out.

Speaking of Patches, don't you think his fragmented state of self has anything to do with what he fears? He's constantly at odds with his dullahan side, his deepest fear is tied to that.

Santi's fear superficially appears very similar to Morell's. But it's actually quite different. What does a demon that constantly seeks to be surrounded by others fear? Growing up in Hell as a concubus can often feel very... Isolating.

Gallon is a tough nut to crack, for sure. He may be a slight germaphobe, but that's not it, is it? You ever wonder why he's so meticulous though? Why he thinks over what he says so thoroughly? What would happen if he didn't do so?

Grimbly and Santi do share similar fears, but not entirely. More than his parental issues, Grimbly fears something he's already gone through repeating itself.

Sybastian's deepest fear is more "altruistic". There's a reason he's very attached to his mimiclings, and his fear is definitely tied to them.

We've talked about Krulu at length, haven't we? I don't think I need to say more about him.

Belo... Oh Belo, poor confused little thing. It's such a strange new world he finds himself in. Perhaps there's some things he doesn't want to acknowledge. There's more than just the abandonment there, but that's one facet of it.

Fank-e's fear is not as deep as the others'. Or is it? Perhaps the bullet in his head isn't the bigger issue. A crowd pleaser like him has got to fear something else...

[sshbpodcast]

Character Spotlight: Guinan

By Ames

Guinan gives The Next Generation the closest thing the show gets to a wizard: just some kind of supernatural being whose unquestioned wisdom gets the heroes out of scrape after scrape but whose true powers are never entirely explained. Oh, and she wears baller hats.

Sure, she may play into that “bartender, here to listen to your problems and guide you on your path” trope (which frankly Deanna should be doing but rarely does), but Guinan is so much more than that. We’re going to get into the good number of moments this week on A Star to Steer Her By, so get ready for your personal epiphany as you read on below and listen to our chatter on the podcast (pull up a stool at 1:02:25). El-Aurians are always listening.

[Images © CBS/Paramount]

Best moments

Whole generations of disposable people Simultaneously one of Picard’s best scenes, the peptalk Guinan gives to Jean-Luc when he’s being thoroughly whooped by Riker’s prosecution in “The Measure of a Man” feels like a turning point in the show. Whoopi Goldberg’s calm presence as a Black woman in a scene about creating androids as slaves imbues their discussion with meaning, weight, and stakes that are both personal and universal.

Every time you feel love it’ll will be different The perpetual sounding board, Guinan helps Wesley parse his feelings at the end of “The Dauphin” in a scene we really give the both of them credit for. Guinan doesn’t speak down to the kid or just tell him everything will be okay while he’s broken hearted after watching Salia leave. She tells it like it is: love is deeply subjective and his feelings are valid.

A warrior’s drink Guinan introducing Worf to prune juice in “Yesterday’s Enterprise” is such a perfect microcosmic scene depicting her character in a lot of ways. She just knows people. Worf is a tough nut to crack, but she reads people in such a way that she figures out just what he’d like in a drink, just as she does later in the episode on a much greater scale…

I look at things, I look at people, and they just don’t feel right …when she figures out the parallel dimension problem at the heart of “Yesterday’s Enterprise.” In that slightly fantastical wizard way she has, Guinan can feel that something is wrong with the timeline when the Enterprise-C shows up out of some rift or other and suddenly her once familiar crewmates are denizens of a warship. And even better, she gets Picard to believe her.

You have to let go of Picard Whenever anyone on the crew needs a little guidance, that seems to come from a really great scene with the ship’s bartender, and who could possibly need it more than Riker at the top of “The Best of Both Worlds, Part 2”? She gives him the confidence he needs to keep going in the absence of Picard, whom she insists she’s super close to for reasons we don’t know yet.

Job opening in the Empath field Another crisis, another peptalk from Guinan. We all know Troi handles losing her empath powers in “The Loss” pretty terribly, but you know who handled it great? This El-Aurian bartender I know who swoops in and reverse psychologizes Troi with such stealth that even if she had all her senses at the time, Deanna wouldn’t have known what hit her!

You saw exactly what you wanted to see in the holodeck It is downright glorious how Guinan puts Geordi in his place in “Galaxy’s Child” when he’s unironically whining about how Leah Brahms is nothing like the hologram he created of her (vom!). “She's probably done the most horrific thing one person can do to another,” she says, “not live up to your expectations,” and I can’t help but stand up and applaud.

I’ve heard some Klingon belly laughs that would curl your hair Guinan’s advice to crewmembers isn’t limited to the human ones! In “Redemption,” she not only schools Worf in holodeck target practice (and left-landed, to boot!), but she also makes him consider what it means to be Klingon, as his experiences are atypical from most of his people. We have no doubt that her chat with him inspired him to get involved in Kurn’s war.

You ain’t never had a friend like me When Guinan sees other officers like La Forge pointedly avoiding Ro Laren, she makes it a point to befriend her in “Ensign Ro.” That in and of itself is very Guinan-like behavior, but it also comes with some of her copyrighted motivational chats when she is able to convince Ro to come clean to Picard about the secret mission she was tasked with for Admiral Kennelly.

I tell you, that razorbeast was a good friend All throughout “Imaginary Friend,” while the other officers not only infantilize Clara Sutter for having an imaginary friend, but they entirely ignore the signs that something isn’t right. Everyone except Guinan. Guinan talks to Clara as an equal, even if she’s a child, and imparts the story of her own imaginary friend: a Tarkassian razor beast, which somehow seems fitting.

We are also lonely Despite being conflicted about Hugh being on board in “I, Borg,” Guinan goes and meets with him and it’s such a cute little scene. You forget that someone as old and wizened as Guinan still has things to learn, and to find some common ground with a Borg was unexpected for her. And she even convinces Picard to see him too, giving us yet another great scene from this great episode.

Why are you still sitting here? Let’s see, is there a single member of the crew Guinan hasn’t peptalked yet… ah right, Dr. Crusher. Now we have a full BINGO card! Our final tete-a-tete from Guinan comes in “Suspicions” when Bev is doubting her decisions to look into Dr. Reyga’s murder and Guinan cheers her on until the good doctor solves the mystery, kills the baddy, and flies in a sun like a badass! Truly so many of our Best Moments from other character spotlights are initiated by Guinan!

—

Worst moments

Give yourself permission to be selfish Guinan’s first significant scene in the series is in “The Child,” and of course she’s doing better counseling than Troi. However, your hosts here at SSHB can’t help but cringe because, while the show got rid of Beverly Crusher for a season, it means we were still stuck with Wesley because Guinan convinced him to stay, especially after a season in which we were so annoyed by his character all the time! Guinan, how could you?

You’re a ‘droid and I'm a ‘noid You saw above all the times Guinan helped all the other characters with a little self introspection to find their way through a problem, and the one character whom I’d say she fails with is Data in “The Outrageous Okona.” It’s probably because encouraging Data to consult Joe Pesci on how to do comedy led to the events of my least favorite TNG episode, and it’s all Guinan’s fault!

Tell me more about my eyes While the scene in which Riker flirts with Guinan when Wesley asks for dating advice in “The Dauphin” is hot as hell and inspired a little bit of shipping, we’ve got to admit that it’s not at all helpful to Wesley. Usually Guinan scenes are much more beneficial to the crewmember who is struggling, and in this one, none of this is what Wes asked for. I’m still totally into it though.

Let me introduce you to the Borg We learn in “Q Who?” that the El-Aurians were almost wiped out by Borg… because apparently Guinan and her people never told Starfleet this before? Think about it: she clues Picard in after Q has flung them into the Delta Quadrant about who the Borg are, and it is news to him! Starfleet spends every other interaction with Borg playing catch up because they don’t have any info on them!

That’s what you get, Charlie! You get fork stabbed! Pardon the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia quote, but I couldn’t help myself. And Guinan seems to me no better than a McPoyle when she stabs the suddenly human Q with a fork in “Déjà Q” and generally mocks him. It just seems petty and violent for a character who is usually so stoic and reserved. So much for the tolerant Alpha Quadrant.

But I know it was an empty death, a death without purpose While Guinan had a lot of instances from our Best Moments list above from “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” we’re still troubled by her nudging Tasha Yar to go sacrifice herself on the Enterprise-C to make up for her waste of a death in “Skin of Evil.” Even if you consider it a better death than a tarpit, then you get freakin’ Sela in “Redemption,” which Guinan somehow blames Picard for when she’s the one who compelled Yar to go!

That was setting number one While some might give credit to Guinan for quelling a riot before it could get out of control when everyone was on edge due to sleep deprivation in “Night Terrors,” I’m not one of them. As I said in “Déjà Q,” violence doesn’t seem the answer for Guinan, and this scene escalated so quickly (partly because the bar scenes in this episode feel like afterthoughts), it makes me wonder how she let things get that bad.

A Yankee in Captain Picard’s Court Oh boy, I’ve got to question some of Guinan’s standards when we see her hanging out with Samuel Clemens in “Time’s Arrow” (and a terribly acted Sam Clemens at that!) after Picard had claimed in “Ensign Ro” that she’s very picky about her friends. Her cohorting with the author led to some of the most obnoxious scenes from The Next Generation that I’ve ever seen.

Our relationship is beyond friendship, beyond family There are several instances of Guinan hinting at her and Picard’s established kinship before we get to the story of the bald man who was kind to her in “Time’s Arrow” and my reaction was… that’s it? We say sometimes that leaving something unexplained is better than giving it a stupid explanation, and oh boy, Picard just sitting with Guinan in a cave once was totally fizzled what had been built up for so long.

Were you this much fun when you were a kid? Some of this is the overall child acting being bad in “Rascals” and Guinan’s child actor had it especially stacked against her since her voice had to get dubbed (resulting in her just sounding super smug all the time), but boy was she insufferable as a child! It was cute for adult Guinan to befriend adult Ro in “Ensign Ro,” but we felt bad that little Laren had to put up with this! Let this girl mope by herself, lady!

Forty to love Though Guinan helps boost Beverly’s confidence in “Suspicions,” she does it by tricking her with this lie about playing tennis that just seemed unnecessary. Guinan always finds ways to converse with people who need it, but this whole tacked-on frame story had some weirdness to it because it forced both Guinan and the episode to be indirect when it really didn’t have to.

Think of me as an echo of the person you know I’ll take every opportunity I get to shit on the Nexus in Generations. It’s just such a confusing device they used to get Picard and Kirk together that really makes no sense if you think about it for more time that it’s actually onscreen, which isn’t a lot. And there’s an echo of Guinan in there, feeding Picard exposition and generally complicating what this place is supposed to be, and I’m just done with it.

—

That’s enough from Guinan’s advice column this week! We’ve got a really special DOUBLE spotlight next week, in which Tasha Yar and Ro Laren are going to go head to head for the title of Baddest Bitch on the Enterprise-D. Place your bets now and be sure to come back for that! Also keep coming back for more of our series watch of Enterprise over on SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts, order a drink with us over on Facebook and Twitter, and enjoy your prune juice.

[lesbiancolumbo]

the fact that i got to see this before the general public remains a huge honor so. end of first chapter of i've got a match. hello. HELLO

i've got a match has a very special place in my heart bc it was the first sidjay fic i wrote after a real devoted community popped up -- and it was a real word of mouth kind of thing lmao! which is why you got to read it like 2 years early because i wasn't on ao3 yet and hinting at it like crazy and you just DM'd me and asked for it! (which, for anyone reading, is like a surefire way to get me to do anything lol)

one of my favorite moments from the lehman canon is when sidney and jj play gin in hunsecker fights the world, so anytime i can incorporate them playing cards, i'm gonna do it. i also took inspiration for sidney's being in a wheelchair from the holy gospel ("the coded queer lives of a hollywood classic" by david thomson):

The odious cop, Kello, has beaten up Sidney on the street and carried his limp body away. Is he dead? Or would it be possible for J.J. to come down to the street to reclaim the broken body, carry it upstairs, and put it in the room left free by Susie’s departure? That is not an enviable future for a very odd couple. Maybe Sidney lives in a wheelchair, crippled and needing to be looked after. Just so long as he can exchange barbed lines with J.J.

so that was what bounced around in my mind as i wrote this. this scene at the end of the chapter is the culmination of most of my favorite dynamics re sidney/jj: that they don't talk about their true feelings at all, that everything between them is an extremely elaborate game that results in a Winner and a Loser, and that no matter what anyone else on this website thinks or says, j.j. loves sidney more.

i don't plot fic out in advance -- i write them as i go, because i'm insane -- but i knew as soon as i put sidney in that wheelchair that he was gonna purposefully try to stumble out of it to see if j.j. would let his ass tumble to the floor. i also knew that at some point sidney's memories were going to start filtering back to him, and decided that after an extremely (for them anyway) tender round of sex that that would be the perfect place for it, because with those two i like blending moments of tenderness and moments of violence all in one.

also this was the first time i ever wrote from j.j.'s perspective which i remember as being extremely difficult because he was (then) a tough nut to crack. but very rewarding, and some of my best work remains in this chapter. :)

[fallen-stellar]

You know, I have a dream I want to tell you about

Omoi no Kakera by Switch Song Analysis

Lyric Translation from Mika Enstars (@/mikaenstars) and KYM2020 (taken from the Ensemble Stars Wiki)

Overview:

This song is about finding what you once were, through the slumbering fragments of things you once desired or dream of. Even if you can't find it, there are people who are more than willing to help you reconnect with them and repaint them for you, embracing who you once were.

Note: This analysis is made with me having a decent knowledge about metaphors and Switch itself. I have dived deeper a bit with the Japanese original of the song, however I have not included every detail that might be hiding! So if you can add more to this or see some misinterpretation, please free to discuss with me! I love discussing these things with people! Anyways, enjoy reading!

Omoi no Kakera is a bit of a hard one to crack and it's bound to be different for everyone, but I will share with you today what I see this song to be!

Since it's a Sora-center song, fittingly, the song centers on Sora and his relationship with Switch. But before that, we should know how the song gets told to us and some references that I will be saying throughout this analysis.

Omoi no Kakera translates to "fragments of imagination". The lyrics also include being in this illusion, particularly using the kanji "幻", which means vision, illusion, apparition, and even a short-lived dream. The song revolves around these things, so buckle up because this is quite a ride!

I am not kidding when this song is a tough nut to crack, it relies heavily on metaphors and references to how Sora perceives Switch and his relationship with the members, both of which I just have a decent knowledge of, but I have taken the challenge to scrap up what I can find. As I said in the note, please freely to criticize or discuss this song with me! I love discussing with people, especially these particular topics.

In order to understand my blabbering in the next few paragraphs, let us address one term that is constantly repeated in the song and what ties this whole song together:

Fragments of Imagination/Memories

This is basically the topic and even the title of the song and it's a phrase repeated in almost every stanza of this song. Not really the exact words, but precisely the words imagination and memories are constantly repeated throughout the song. These are mostly referred to as being found or being seen, however, it's mostly accompanied by being caught in a dream or being in someone's heart:

The sleeping fragments of memory will remain there in your heart The world that surrounds us is a swaying fragment of memory

These are also referred that could be touched:

When I touch it (the fragments of memory), it's like I can hear you, I wish you could tell me

Or be interacted with:

If you have trouble finding them, come and see me Connect them and paint a new layer

What I could get from this, basing the that this is possibly Sora's perspective, this might be literal memories from him or referring to memories, specifically with Switch, which will be much clearer as we go on. The ability to interact with these memories will be important later on as we go. With this in mind, let's finally tackle the song itself!

The song starts by introducing us that the persona of this song is in a dream, or at least it will bring us much more understanding since it's a Switch song, it has magical elements to it.

The world that surrounds us is a swaying fragment of memory When I touch it, it's like I can hear you, I wish you could tell me

Keep in mind that this is Sora's world, the memories are his. When he touches one of his memories, he feels like he can hear one of the members of Switch.

The next lines are actually heart-wrenching to dive deep about, even if you don't know the context behind it all:

A beautiful dream that you told me that day I've already forgotten about it now You're already yourself there's nothing I'm worried about

Let it be known that the first line, "A beautiful dream that you told me that day," is sung by both Natsume and Tsumugi, telling Sora that he has told them something before, to which he responds, "I've already forgotten about it now." Natsume then responds, "You're already yourself" or "You're your own person" in other translations. Let's take these one by one. Sora has told Natsume and Tsumugi about his dream before, and the two then tried to let him remember it, but Sora responded he doesn't remember it anymore. Natsume responded to him with "You're your own person (now)." However, this is immediately followed by "There's nothing to worry about."

This entails that Natsume (and Tsumugi by extension) have seen how much Sora has grown, to the point that he has already forgotten about a dream he had (we will come back to this in a second). Even though he has forgotten this dream, Sora became his own now, which Natsume is proud of, reassuring him that "there's nothing to worry about it."

Even if one day it may seem like nothing but a dream The sleeping fragments of memory will remain there in your heart If you have trouble finding them, come and see me Connect them and paint a new layer

The basic meaning of this stanza without any connection with any prior lines is even though everything feels like a dream (specifically a short-lived dream), the fragments or the traces of the memory will always be inside them. When in times they couldn't find themselves, they should seek guidance to connect them and bring them in a new light or make them better or change it (in reference to "painting a new layer").

Honestly, that doesn't boil anything down to any simpler terms, so in order for me to clearly state the meaning of this line, let's take another line from the song.

This world that we've chosen, the fragments of memory that come and go If we recognize each other Our days will become even more wonderful

This stanza of the song basically confirms that the fragments are from Sora's and Tsumugi and Natsume is in the fragments, especially with the line "If we recognize each other, our days will become even more wonderful." This is a reference to how Sora desires for Switch to be together (if you want a deeper dive on this King of Thieves scout story is a good way to start!) It's not really in terms of recognizing each other, but it's apparent with Sora that he hates it when Switch, especially Natsume and Tsumugi get into misunderstandings, especially with their "colors" change. With the previous line being "the fragments of memory that come and go", meaning every day in Sora's life, he wants Switch to be together and he wants these specific fragments of memories.

You know, I have a dream I want to tell you about. It continues out into the sky, far far away, like a line being drawn Never stop dreaming and never give up on anything...

When I said we will come back to the dream Sora "forgotten" about earlier, we will come back with him telling the first line, "You know, I have a dream I want to tell you about."

This is just my interpretation (everything about this post is my interpretation, so please feel free to say something that I missed or got wrong), but since this line is after the prior lines, it might be referring to how Natsume and Tsumugi have helped him to remember his dream or reconnect with them. This is also heavily backed up that this is from past to future order with these lyrics:

A continuation of the past is waiting in the future Today I will show you it

A continuation of the past dream for the future that they will do in the present.

Let's go back to the chorus of the song:

Even if one day it may seem like nothing but a dream The sleeping fragments of memory will remain there in your heart If you have trouble finding them, come and see me Connect them and paint a new layer

The chorus of the song could be explained in simple terms: If things don't seem true or things might be confusing, the desire will still always stay in your heart. And if you have lost yourself, you could find us, we will connect these desires and memories and make them even better.

With that in mind, putting ALL of what I have blabbered about in this whole analysis in Switch terms:

It is implied that Sora is lost, even from the start he told us that he could hear them from his memories, and telling "I want you to tell me" is basically a term asking for guidance. Sora has forgotten about the dream he once told to Natsume and Tsumugi, may it be Switch being recognized or finally bringing the magic of Switch to everyone (or anything). Natsume and Tsumugi then reassure him even though he has forgotten the dream, or even if everything feels confusing or like a dream, the sleeping fragments (or the hidden memories or desires that are waiting to be awakened), are always in his heart. They will help Sora to find them if he can't, connect them, and make them better for Sora. Once they did connect, Sora finally found himself or this dream that continues on, telling himself to never stop dreaming and never give up on anything. It's a continuation of what Sora has desired before through the present, where Natsume and Tsumugi are helping him, up to the future of himself and Switch.

Adding onto this, the dream that they might be saying here couldn't be the literal sense of Sora's dream, however, it fits as well, but what he really is or what he desires. It actually makes sense how Natsume told him, "You're your own person" meaning Sora has grown already. However, the thing that Sora lost was integral to him, even tho Natsume (and Tsumugi) were proud that he was growing up. Even the last line emphasizes how important this dream was or whatever Sora lost:

Embrace the fragments of your memories...

It's telling to hold on tight to these memories, as even when we grow older, these dreams are what shaped us throughout the years.

[thekrows-nest]

Oh ayo?

There's a lot I could do with it.

Was the changeling chosen because they would be able to protect themselves and could potentially even be a match for Krow?

Or were they dying and/or considered disposable?

Also neither Gabby nor LT know about the cage. Should Dove's replacement be taken, what if the cage negated the changeling's power or their glamour? (I'm assuming it's metal.)

What if being surrounded by it was killing them? What if the torment of it drove them insane?

The biggest hurdle though would like. Being sure Gabby doesn't tip off something is up. I am sure she'd be in on the switcheroo and she'd have to pretend nothing is wrong or different.

Would Gabby be told? LT might not want to reveal the switch to her in case she tipped her hand and was then put in danger.

Gabby would very likely work it out for herself before too long though, what with her keen perception. And she would have to know Dove a bit to know they were in danger and care about their wellbeing so she would notice something off on a personal level. So LT might tell her just to keep her trust.

I'm sure she'd manage to keep up the pretense for at least a little while. Gabby is a tough nut to crack and even if she felt no duty to the changeling her prickly dislike of Krow could still be interpreted as protectiveness of "Dove".

But how well could she suppress her reticence and unease towards the changeling? Her manner might not change towards Krow but it might change towards "Dove"...

And what if despite the fear and nausea she began to pity the changeling? To know how it felt to be in danger, in a situation you don't control? Even grudgingly come to like the changeling as them?

If she slips up, Krow will be onto her and hoo boy.

LT won't let anything happen to her.

In fact, an ending I considered for the kidnapping story (Double Shot) was going to be LT approaching Krow's house where Gabby and Dove were being kept.

But it does mean her owing him yet another favour... when the power differential is already tipped. The rules are already bent.

And seeing how dangerous this world is he might beg to take her away from it. Take her somewhere she will never age or know pain.

Krowspiracy once again coming to the ask box with some of the coolest shit. /pos I so so love your asks. Anyway.

Gonna do a read more cause this will get long dkjfndf

Those are all very good questions, and you really could go with most anything.

And yeah, the cage would definitely... not be well for a changeling Dove. Or any fae being that is close to it or, god, INSIDE it (cause yes, it IS made of metal).

Yeah I think LT would need to tell Gabby immediately or soon after, both to keep her trust and out of love and respect for her. He's fae, yes, so he has different morals, but Gabby is still the person he values the most, even above himself.

Gabby might be... apprehensive about the whole thing. But she'd trust LT, and she would be a tough nut to crack. Krow wouldn't realize for a time he has been had.

But... Gabby is only human. "Dove" would still represent her dear friend. May still carry some mannerisms, but she'd know it's still not truly THEIR Dove. So some subtle tells might leak through that Krow could eventually pick up on...

And, yes, I could see Gabby eventually seeing the changeling as not like, Dove 2.0 or Fake!Dove. But as... whoever it is they are. This is a situation not really anyone wants to be in...

LOL true. LT would never let anything happen to Gabby. Not like Krow wouldn't TRY something eventually if he believes he could get away with it but... ya know.

Ooooooh. Hadn't considered the idea of Krow kidnapping Dove AND Gabby. Could be possible. Hmm HMMM

[raisindave]

[Chapter 11] Seeing the World Through Ballistic-Tinted Glasses

“There’s no talking your way out of it this time,” Soap shouted over the roaring engine of the plane, “we’ve decided on your callsign.”

“I thought you’d’ve learned your lesson from last time.” 

Your brows furrowed, considering Soap’s words. Despite years of service, you’ve never really been considered an applicant for receiving a callsign. With your role as a specialist, you’re onto the next task by the time your current team knows you exist. You never get any voice in what your nickname is either; usually, they just happen, a label on your record as a reference to some embarrassing moment or notable feature. Being compared to an insect doesn’t quite sit right, but you don’t have the authority to argue. 

Cricket? Like… the bug? I think I liked Salsa better. 

“Because you’re always chirping at people, then as soon as someone’s fed up and goes to smack ye’, you’re invisible,” Soap clarified, smiling triumphantly.

“I mean, I’d rather not get a callsign from someone named Soap,” You countered. 

“Actually, it was Ghost that came up with it.”

Your eyes flicker to the culprit. Half-shadowed in darkness by the dim cabin light, he smirked at you- or you assumed he smirked. The mask made it hard to tell when he was being malicious. Perhaps that’s the point. 

“Well, I guess I don’t have a say, do I,” You spoke after a tentative silence. 

“Not a chance,” Price added, letting out a breathy sigh as he looked like he was about to take a shot at catching some shut-eye. His hat tilted to fall over his eyes like a sleeping mask. 

Numb to the discomfort, you unclasped the helmet you had by now forgotten was squeezing your temples as the stiff metal yawned from the change in temperature. The balaclava, too, had the tensing benefit of feeling like a snug blanket around your face, but its time had also come to an end. You combed your fingers through heavy hair, thick with sweat and unwashed dust, feeling like you could take the first real deep breath in hours. The feeling that washed over you after unburdening yourself with now unneeded armour could only be compared to nirvana. Aching eyelids fell over dry eyes, still cold from the frigid Russian air. 

Then there was Ghost. Ghost was such a tough nut to crack. So unreadable, so ambivalent to the world around him. Though evidenced by his rapport with his teammates and Soap’s affinity to joke with him, he clearly must have at least a little humour under that tough outer layer. Something about him made you want to get under his skin. Like an otter smashing an oyster open on the riverside, you needed to see what was under that tough outer shell, or die trying. He ground your gears in a way so few people could. There was something about the arrogance in his sanctimonious skull mask. How does someone so emo make it so far in the military anyway? It’s like he got his mask from Hot Topic. 

You blinked, realizing you had been staring into oblivion for an unknown amount of time. 

“So, Cricket,” Price spoke up, creating a welcome break to the stiff silence, “What’re you expecting back home?”

“Not much. I’ve got some shows and friends to catch up with. Definitely due for some dusting around the house… and a goldfish back home, who must be missing me dearly.”

A grin illuminated Soap’s face, indicating that he was about to say something dastardly. He always had this look in his eyes that read like he was ready to say something cheeky. It’s best when you see it on his face before any words even leave his mouth, letting you get a head start to retorting to whatever stupid comment he has coming. 

“Lua, I hate to break it to you. It’s probably long dead by now,” he quipped.

“No, it’s-” You sighed and smiled, rolling your eyes with feigned agitation, “It’s with my neighbour.” 

“What’s its name,” He added, intrigue as an apology for implicating you as a fish murderer. 

“Chupacabra,” a cheeky smile and a rolling ‘r’ accentuating your exaggerated speech.

“Sounds like a killer,” Price sighed, fiddling with one of the straps on his harness. 

You felt your cheeks tense as a smile widened across your mouth, sifting through your comments to respond with. 

“Oh, he’s a killer,” The answer finally hit you, “but when he makes a kill, he doesn’t have to debrief about it with his buddies for twenty minutes.”

Gaz kicked his head back to laugh while Price let out an exhale out of his nose. There was something uniquely satisfying about making these seasoned executioners chuckle. It feels good to be able to keep up with their wit, although it doesn’t seem to be that much of a challenge. These old fuckers probably have too much brain damage to compete fully. Though, maybe that’s more of a slight on your own humour.

Time slipped by, thinking and reliving details of the last few days, trying to refuse the creeping smile in satisfaction at having solved the Russian mystery. As satisfying as it might have been, Graves did have a point. It was your ‘fucking job,’ and you shouldn’t be digging for praise on a thing that you were uniquely and specifically trained to do. After all, you don’t see Price or Gaz raving about how satisfying and skillful it was to pick off enemies and slink through the shadows. Well, maybe a little. You made do with folding and re-folding the strap of your duffle bag half a million different ways, having now relinquished the remainder of your thermal gear and weaponry to Laswell’s instructions.

Cresting sunlight peaking over the horizon revealed a vast landmass creeping over the skyline. You made it to friendly territory without being shot from the sky, so that’s the first step. Satisfaction washed over you, making the remaining ninety minutes due on this flight seem in higher spirits than ever. Gnawing muscles from strain and lack thereof crackled to life as you stretched your back to wake up your body. It seems that Ghost’s mind was also elsewhere. You watched as his eyes flickered between two invisible points in his vision. He has brown eyes, something you never had the opportunity to note before. However, your experience with looking at his face was usually him shouting at you or his eyes boring into you in judgment. 

Feeling the clunks and clicks of lowering landing gear, you prepared yourself for yet another landing. Increasing pressure against your chest from the harness attaching you to the plane made it official, though you frowned seeing Soap winge against the unwelcome pressure on a fresh injury. The rest of the gang stretched and crackled, especially Price, who clearly had the fortune of being able to fall asleep with a jet engine screaming in his ear. A low rumble and bouncing tires winding the plane to a halt. Muscles protested the movement of raising to your feet and even more so to having to absorb the shock of jumping off the plane’s elevated floor. Fresh air, though still agonizingly cold, couldn’t penetrate the depths of your bones quite like that Russian night air. 

“I have to say, that was my first time uncovering Chinese nuclear warheads in rural Russia,” You breathed, sliding your palm over the strap of your duffle bag.

“I bet…” Price took his time to saunter over to you, a surprisingly warm smile on his face, “we’ll be seeing you again, Cricket.”

“Oh! And I think we owe you a cake too, eh?” Soap interjected your sweet moment. 

“Not a chance in hell, Johnny.” You chirped in response, playfully slapping the back of your hand on his chest. 

In an instant, he doubled over in pain, whinging and groaning. You recognized your transgression, and your face dropped, clasping your palms over your mouth in horror. The damage he sustained from the bulletproof armour was just sparked alive by your thoughtless banter, his blood-curdling winging proof of his agony. Frantic's apologies sputtered from your mouth, looking up to meet Ghost’s judging gaze looking down at you, arms crossed, an unreadable expression in his eyes. He's probably furious that you just damaged his comrade.  

“Ahh, I’m just fucking with you.” Soap sprung up from his stupor, cackling with laughter at your shocked expression. 

“See ya’ Cricket,” Gaz called out with a nod. 

You nodded in response, giving Gaz a dry wave and a tight-lipped smile, still reeling from Soap’s little stunt. 

A new wave of emotion washed over you, mouth agape as you were a split second away from bursting into tears. Laughter crackled through the air. So full of real comradery that made your reluctant smile widen. However, it was due to end. After all, it’s not like you’re the first specialist this task force has interacted with, and you’re sure they’ve met thousands of other people with your skillset. At this point, it made you consider what must have happened to their last linguist to need a new one desperately. It really makes you wonder. 

Four supersoldiers, each horrifying bunks of muscle and lethality, turned to walk toward a pre-arranged plane to take them wherever home was to them. They walked like the ground rose to greet them with every footstep, wearing their combat gear like they were born to it, effortless and confident- which still somewhat irritated you. Sure, they were good at that one thing, but they weren’t that special. You could do without some of them, but at least most of them weren’t miserable company, for the most part. 

At least you won’t be leaving empty-handed. Now you have a new callsign that is most likely not an acronym for a slight. How do you uphold a callsign anyway? Is it just a trust system? What’s stopping you from saying that some unnamed comrade has given you the callsign Emperor  or DragonWizard ? Either way, satisfaction bloomed in your chest, and you were eager to start your new life anew as Corporal Lua “ Cricket ” Grant. 

It took a few hours for a flight from Alaska to California to arrive, and the sensation of raging homesickness took over you for the first time in weeks. Although restlessness is hardly uncommon at an airport, a particular aching desperation to get home gnawed at your bones. The idle chatter of strangers and familiar sterile lighting did nothing to ease your comfort, though well-regulated heating and cushioned seating made it bearable. Memorizing each pixel of the digital clock under your gate number, probably looking like a lunatic to passing passengers. 

There’s a certain safety in an airplane; everyone is locked into one location, no one is going anywhere, and there is a certainty that there are no guns about to be pulled on you unexpectedly. Everyone is lazily lounging in their slightly reclining seats, enjoying a movie they hadn’t had the time to watch under normal circumstances, and enjoying the distinctive view of the planet from up high.

Staring at the TV screen on the seatback, you settled in for the final flight that would be bringing you ever closer to your final destination. Meeting the deep brown eyes of a child seated next to you, likely no older than ten, his eyes were shining with awe. You couldn’t help but smile. A genuine lightness lifted your chest. Something about the innocence and wonder in his face, the mechanical figurine in his hand implied that he must look to people like you like you’re superheroes, reminding you that you’re still wearing an army uniform. A kind smile did nothing to drop his gaze from you, still enraptured by your presence. Recognition struck, and you realized that you likely looked like a disaster of messy hair, a dishevelled uniform, and sunken cheekbones from days without eating. The intentions of the child would quickly become unknown as the show on his seatback monitor started a particularly engaging action scene between two monsters, commanding both yours and his undivided attention.

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