#but i promise my affection for him goes way deeper than that

[popqorn]

a gift for @shizunitis

[telanadasvhenan]

thinking more about the psychological aspect of solavellan, and before I start, I'd like to stress that this is NOT CRITICAL of it, I actually think it's what makes part of the dynamic interesting. My word isn't the be all and end all, however, this is just my musings on the topic :] Also, REALLY long post! so, more under the read more lol

From Lavellan's point of view, I would personally struggle to see her trusting another lover or close one again for a long time, if ever again. I don't really think people ever talk about the real impact of the things she goes through, or what solas put her through, and the hurt as a result of it. The relationship is never defined between the two of them, it's always spoken about in vague undetermined words from their companions and poetic elvish between the two of them. Are they lovers? companions? partners? it's really up to the player. Leliana says that "you were close", Sera says Lavellan is "in it." Vhenan means home, heart, it's not a word said lightly imo and he tells you he loves her by their second kiss. It's never an official thing, so how secure can Lavellan truly feel?

This could go both ways when it comes to the break up. Crestwood, as a scene, is so interesting to me because the first portion seems like a man brought to his knees by weakness for the woman he loves. The two of them never cease to touch, fingers entwined, shoulders brushing, skin to skin. It's so reminiscent of how Lavellan matches his Hallelujah cadence. They're two parts of a song singing together. It's a gorgeous scene and it's understandable how so many are angry at how it ends because the whiplash between how it starts and what it leaves you with is severe. Imagine this from lavellan's shoes.

You're desperately in love with someone at odds with your people, who is wonderful and enticing and smart. Loving solas feels like loving the whole world, like being free and connected with the stars. But you don't know what this is. And, if you thought you did, how far can you presume? Is Lavellan always on edge, scared to love him deeper and richer than he loves her? or is she in a false sense of security, assuming his affection is forever hers. So when he not only breaks away your faith and trust in your history, plus potentially the vallaslin, she is clearly deeply upset. This isn't a minor fact that simply can be swept aside. The vallaslin is important. And Solas, even with the best intentions, has hurt her. He knows it and there's a reason why he apologises (bc he wimped out on the real truth). How much more does he know about her people that he has refused to tell her or kept from her by omission? Can you imagine the embarrassment, the utter humiliation of that secret? how many memories of them together where she replays his distaste for her people in her mind, knowing that he has access to knowledge that could change her perception of her past? Its ALOT. and thats even before the breakup.

Solas is not kind about the break up. It's rushed (impulsive to me) and doesn't do their connection justice. His composure cracks in places and it's very unlike him. It absolutely blindsides the player, so imagine being in Lavellan's place, AFTER THE VALLASLIN? personally, I wouldn't have been able to function. I half suspect that a sad, calm Lavellan is also in shock or disassociation. Because how else do you cope? The lack of communication between them alone is enough to raise my eyebrows. He promises answers. He confides that she saw through his mask and doesn't tell her what was real, and what was fake. He has given her a kernel truth whilst keeping her in the dark. Everything he told her could be a false, imaginary polite mask or it could be the truth. Where does it end? Where does he begin? Where does she stand?

I don't know if everyone has experienced what it's like to be ghosted or for a friend to simply disappear one day, but it changes you. I say this as someone who has both been avoidant as well as anxious, but you never recover. Someone disappearing like that makes you doubt any reassurance that people won't just evaporate from your life. So when Solas just disappears, the game's single conversation with Leliana feels a little lacking to me. I understand that they can't really dedicate a lot to it, I get that, so I'd like to fill it in. At first, it's search parties. Solas wouldn't just leave her like that. He promised her answers. He started another mural just before they left for corypheus. He didn't intend to just leave, surely.

Days, weeks and months pass. The question is worse than the truth. Is he dead? Did he use them? Was he being truthful when he spoke to her in those ruins, or another polite mask he could hide behind? Is it better if he's dead or better than he didn't deem her worthy enough to even say goodbye? We, as the players, obviously know this isn't true, but she doesn't know that. Does your lavellan assume the worst and be overcome with grief that her one love, her heart, her home, was nothing more than a lie of omission? or is there anger there at his betrayal of her trust once more? I seriously doubt it was easy to forget or dismiss. That kind of disappearance ruins your trust with people. Something. Anything would have been enough.

Again, this is all my opinion on how these emotions would play out and DEFINITELY NOT canon nor do they have to be! But I seriously struggle to see how Lavellan could even come to heal from these wounds within even a two year time skip. By the time of trespasser, almost everyone has left her side. She's almost entirely alone again, save Cullen and Josie (and leliana if she's not divine). And thats okay: they all have rich lives to return to. But that must just reaffirm to her that no one will stay. She is alone. How does she trust again?

And then there is Fen'harel. Lavellan's reaction to fen'harel has always lacked the fear I kind of hoped would be there? I mean this isn't just a minor deity, this IS THE antagonist of her entire faith. I'm assuming that she's lost hope in the gods, even though it's confirmed to her that they're real, but that message has been a part of her since childhood. So learning that he is the dreadwolf, again not from him, but from the fragments of his past must cut her deeply.

Her love was never who he said he was, she knows this, but who is the real man? She's never known him in a context where he can truly show her. Her love is fragmented between each identity he holds. Her trust that he is who he said he is fragments with it. The knowledge that not only has he been watching the inquisition, her, for years without a single hint that he lives or is okay must destroy her. Could you imagine how insignificant you must feel to him? And he essentially affirms to her that yes, in the greater scheme of things, his love and hers are inconsequential. They cannot matter to him because he cannot strive from his path. His indulgence was a mistake. And it's undeniably cruel. I love solas and I cannot argue that he was kind to Lavellan because he wasn't. To me, there is no way to see his actions as kind. Understandable, absolutely and definitely without malicious intent.

Lavellan learns that he loved her just as deeply, if not more. He loved her with all his heart and it did not matter. She changed him and it has only brought him more pain. He loves her too much to even allow her near him, to even give himself that weakness. They are apart from each other in an endless distance, only the two of them in the world. No one else.

Obviously, each Lavellan is different, and I've made a lot of assumptions, but I think it's worth considering. How do you love someone again after all of that? How much can you rebuild your faith after what you have learnt. Lavellan has loved a "god" (I know he's not a god, but for all intents and purposes, he has the power of a god and wears an evanuris crown.) and in turn, a god has loved her. And he left her with one last embrace that will leave its mark on her forever, then he leaves once more. Lavellan is alone.

Each love after is met with suspicion, distrust and comparison. Lavellan is entirely changed. How many pieces of her can be taken away until she is no longer herself? Each person wears a new mask she cannot determine. Where do they begin? Where can she find herself?

How lonely it must be to love someone like Solas and be at the other side of an endless distance.

[kingkaizen]

𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓬'𝓼

∘ desc: breeding scenarios revolving around the jujutsu kaisen boys, hope you enjoy <3

∘ ft: gojo, geto, nanami, sukuna,+ choso

∘ a/n: first post on the blog! im so excited for you all to read. pls let me know if you want something similar for different characters, i'm open to ideas!

∘ includes: nsfw, breeding, dirty talk, creampie, crying

Gojo

↠ this man has one of the biggest breeding kinks, this isn’t up for debate he’s so serious

↠ he can’t help but love the possessiveness of it all, the way you squeeze around him so tight while he mumbles over and over about how much he wants to fill you up

↠ “Fuck princess, you’re clenching around me so hard..makes me wanna give that pretty pussy what it deserves.”

↠ “Yeah, you want me to cum inside you baby? How bad do you want it? Tell me baby.”

↠ he can’t really make out your desperate response, but he could tell how much his words are affecting you by the way your back begins to arch paired with your eyes rolling to the back of your head

↠ the thought of getting you pregnant turns him on much more than he’d like to admit to you, why wouldn’t he want to put his claim over you in the most primal way possible?

↠ gojo can’t stop himself from pounding into you harder, reaching impossibly deeper as he presses your legs against your chest 

↠ “I can’t wait to see you all full with my cum, with our child.” 

↠ his fingers stroke at your clit before moving up to rub your tummy

↠ “right here? im gonna fuck a baby into you.”

Geto

↠ geto’s breeding kink isn’t something that he’s ever mentioned to you before

↠ truthfully, it isn’t really something that he’s put much thought into in the first place

↠ it’s more of an “in the moment” thing

↠ he’s always been very rational, but all sense goes out the window once he hears your voice

↠ “god, you always sound so cute for me. begging for my cum just how i like.”

↠ he wants you to tell him how much you want it. He won’t give it to you unless he knows how desperate you are

↠ but even then, he knows that there’s no way that he could ever deny you anything

↠  so when he finally does let it all go, he doesn’t stop until you’re shaking underneath him

↠ “i’m gonna fill you up again and again until i cant anymore, you deserve it all.”

Sukuna

↠ breeding to sukuna is a privilege

↠ he doesn’t care how needy you get, if you don’t deserve it, he won’t give it to you

↠ he’s a huge tease, so even if you think you’ve been good, he’s still never going to make it that easy

↠ he loves it most when you work so, so hard just to prove it to him

↠ with your hands gripping the sheets beneath you, he has you on all fours, towering over you casually as you push back against him

↠ “god you’re such a slut, i didn’t think you were this desperate to get me off.”

↠ his laugh sounds so sinister coming from him, smiling so wide at the way your arms shook as they began to give out

↠ sighing deeply, he braces a hand against the headboard, other hand gripping your waist as he finally moves you on his cock himself

↠ “you’re so pathetic, making me do all the work when you promised you could make me cum yourself. i guess you’d rather have me finish on your back then, hm?”

↠ the sound of your whining in response makes him feel that much more powerful

↠ “calm down, im just kidding. i’ll make sure you take it all inside of you like a good girl.”

Nanami

↠ nanami isnt someone that i can see wanting kids

↠ sure, he probably would be very good with kids but it isnt something that he necessarily wants for himself

↠ the only aspect of this kink that nanami enjoys is the mess

↠ sex with him is always so passionate, he puts his everything into making you feel good

↠ he can’t help but crave the sight of his cum leaking out of your cunt, and the way it always leaves you twitching and begging for more

↠ “you always feel so good, getting me so worked up already.”

↠ after he’s through with you, he never stops there

↠ carefully placing your sore legs back down from their previous spot on his shoulders, he slowly plunges his fingers into your core

↠ he’s almost ashamed of himself by how much he gets off to your fallen tears as he scoops his cum from inside of you, hushing your soft hisses with rough kisses to your face 

↠ “c’mon baby, i want you to see how good we taste together.”

Choso

↠ breeding for choso isn’t about the potential risks or even the mess

↠ he simply just wants to bury himself deep inside of you, completely losing all and any sense of control

↠ he never really indulges you in this kink unless he really just needs to let off some steam

↠ seeing you wear literally anything is enough to get him in the mood, he’s so attracted to you

↠ you were both on your way to meet up with some friends, but he couldn’t help dragging you into the bathroom

↠ you soon found yourself being fucked against the wall, choso not having a care in the world about anyone who could just walk in

↠ “i’m sorry baby, i couldn’t wait, j-just wanna be inside you.”

↠ he thrusts into you with such urgency, so needy for his release so that he can watch the way his cum trickles down your thighs

↠ your nails dragging down his back while creaming all over him sends him right to the edge, loud and desperate groans making its way to your ears as he sets you back down

↠”now you’re gonna walk back out there and hold my cum inside of you until we’re done here, okay?”

© kingkaizen | do not copy, steal, or duplicate!

[slightly-knot-insane]

This is me who wrote about the werewolf!fem × werewolf!m. I really want this, no matter how much I looked for it, no one has it. Please fulfill my dream. 💘

I really hope you will enjoy this! It is a bit longer and has more plot (I kinda fell in love with these characters and lowkey wanna draw them lol) but it was super fun to write this so thank you!

[ m!werewolf x fem!werewolf!reader ]

In Heat

You push him inside and he trips, almost falling on the floor. "Get undressed." You lock the door behind you.

His fixes his vest with a smug face. "What about a date first? Dinner? Walk in the park? You young people always skip the courtship phase nowadays. In my time we did things differently."

You roll your eyes. He was barely ten years older than you. You remove your jacket and throw it on the floor. "Why are you just standing there? Get naked."

He crosses his arms. "You need to relax. I don't like being ordered around." He fixes his glasses. "I agreed to this, but I want some respect, miss."

By the time he finishes his sentence, you are already in your underwear. "I can't wait anymore. I need it now." Your cycle has never been this strong. You could hardly think during work, barely made necessary preparations, and reserved a motel room for privacy. You need to fuck - hard - and you need it two hours ago.

His eyes change - he is finally being affected by your pheromones. He slowly removes his glasses. "Let's take care of you then."

You don't like the expression he used, but beggars can't be choosers. Your heat surprised you this year. You couldn't reach your usual fuck partners on time and you simply had to ask him for a favor. And he loves being owed to. He loves being the one in control, the smug asshole. Whatever, you don't care. Not now.

You walk toward him, intending to rip his clothes apart, but he grabs your arm, pulls you and twists you around. He holds his arm across your chest, locking your upper body against his torso, and pushes his hand down your stomach and into your panties. He just barely flicks your clit and you have to moan. It is so good. There is an old, greasy and cracked mirror in front of you and you can see he changed a lot more than you. You are both growing and transforming all while he is slowly gliding his finger along your folds. "Fuck me... more."

"Let me do what you asked me to, miss. In my own way." His voice is so much deeper now. He pushes one finger inside your soaked cunt and pulls it out. Finger goes into his mouth and you can feel his cock pushing against your back. "Fuck," is all he says before carrying you onto the bed, kneeling on the floor and ripping your underwear with his sharp teeth.

"Yes," you moan as he glides his tongue across your pussy. "Yes, more. Give me more."

He immediately pushes two fingers inside you and you gasp from pleasure. You can feel your bones change, your body hair thicken, your claws and teeth grow and sharpen. Very soon you are in your true form, growling and panting in delight. And his fingers and tongue aren't enough. They can't reach that part of you that needs to be dealt with. "Fuck me already."

He lifts his head, his wide mouth completely wet. He bites your inner thigh. "Beg me, miss bossy. "

He climbs on the bed - naked, big, so frightening and alluring - and pins your hands above your head. You can't move, you are completely overpowered. His cocky animalistic grin is making you tremble. "Tell me how much you want my cock."

His phallus is resting on your stomach, not fully erect, waiting to dig into your starving cunt to expand. You moan, rubbing your thighs together. You are so fucking wet and feverish. "I want it," you whine like a pathetic fuck toy. "Fuck me, please. I need it so badly. Please."

He lets out a satisfied growl. "I will fuck your tight hole. I will fuck it until your bones melt and you are a shivering mess. And then I will fuck you more."

But instead of doing what he promised, he pulls you off the bed. "This shitty bed will break," he explains. He lifts the cheap piece of furniture to the side as if it's made of cardboard, and places one of the blankets onto the floor.

"On your knees, you bossy brat. Ass up." His snarl makes your knees buckle and you immediately do as told. His cock finds your pulsating pussy and slides easily inside. "Yes," you both moan in duet. He pushes your head onto the floor and positions himself before fucking your pussy without mercy. You moan into the blanket, incoherently begging for more, and he keeps slamming his groin against your ass.

You climax almost immediately and he knows it. He snickers hoarsely and just continues pounding you. He changes positions, lifting you on his lap, holding you against the wall, getting back on the floor and forcing orgasms out of you within minutes.

"Aaaaah... yes...." You can't even talk anymore, you are again on your stomach, your hips pulled upwards by his big hands. He doesn't slow down. He grabs your throat and pulls you backward, onto his chest. You arch your back to feel his thick cock rub your g-spot just right.

"Cum for me again," he orders you and you let yourself go. He fucks you through your orgasm. While you're still shaking from it, he pulls out and stands in front of you. You know what he wants - only monster mouth and throat can accommodate a whole werewolf cock. Which is something he can't get often.

You catch your breath and bite your lip. "You want to fuck my throat?"

He doesn't seem as arrogant as usual. He is almost... submissive. "Yes... please." You like how he sounds.

Luckily for him, you wanted it too. You wanted to taste his werewolf seed. His shaft is so red and overstimulated - he won't last long. You take his tip on your tongue and let him push his whole cock inside your mouth. He growls and grabs a fistful of your hair but lets you set the tempo. With a loud snarl, his knot swells as he orgasms into your mouth. You happily swallow all his cum.

You both fall onto the floor. "Well," he says as he looks at you with his all-knowing smirk. "How about that date now?"

What an annoying smartass. You smile. "I would love to. Under one condition, though - dinner is on me."

[st4rg4z3]

─── ᴡʜᴀᴛ’ꜱ ᴡʀᴏɴɢ, ᴅᴏʟʟ ꜰᴀᴄᴇ?

cw: just fluff + toji owning up to his mistakes

pairings : bf!toji x gfbimbo!reader

Toji scratched his head in frustration as he watched his girlfriend, Y/N, sulk in the corner of the room. Your pouty lips and crossed arms made it clear that you were angry with him. Yet, he couldn't quite wrap his mind around what he had done this time.

Y/N was a beautiful girl, infamous for your bimbo persona. Though you had a reputation for being hazy-brained, Toji had always looked beyond that. He just saw the gentle heart beneath all your misguided choices and was drawn to your carefree nature

He was always this cold hearted guy when you guys first met but after a while he just turned into this big puppy that goes wherever you go.

“What chu’ sighing over there for? Come here, what’s wrong doll face?" Toji patted his lap — asking you sit on it. He expected you to follow right away but got confused when you just looked at him, shaking your head no.

You gave him a disdainful look, your perfectly manicured nails tapping impatiently against your phone screen. "You should know what's wrong, Toji. You're not paying attention to me." you huffed, crossing your arms.

Confusion washed over Toji's face. "Baby, I’ been spending so much time with you lately. We even went to the movies yesterday and had dinner together." he said, scratching his head.

You rolled your eyes dramatically. "It's not about spending time, Toji. It's about the quality of the time."

Toji chuckled, realizing that this sulking episode was going to require him to dig deeper than usual. “Don’t laugh!” you said, sulking some more.

"’Kay don’t roll your eyes at me, sweetheart. I’m sorry, can you just explain what you mean, huh? pretty baby?” Toji said before standing up, walking towards you then sat criss-cross infront of you.

You huffed loudly. "I mean, you're not treating me like a princess anymore. You're not showering me with compliments or planning grand gestures of love. It's like you don't care about me anymore."

Toji was taken aback by your words. He thought back to their early days when he would surprise you with flowers, and shower you with affection. But as yiur relationship had progressed, he had assumed you didn't need such extravagant displays of love anymore.

"Doll, I thought you appreciated the simple moments, the everyday gestures," Toji said gently.

Toji stood up before pulling you up, carrying you in his arms. Your legs wrapped around his waist while you arms are wrapped around his neck, he then walked towards the couch to sit the both of you down.

"I’ been tryin’ to show my love in other ways, like spendin’ quality time with you and supporting you in your dreams and a’know you know that, baby.” Toji placed his hands on your cheeks, caressing it gently.

Your pout softened a little, but your eyes still held a trace of disappointment. Toji realized that he had made a grave mistake. He had unknowingly bought into the stereotype of who he thought you were. He had assumed that all you cared about were superficial things, failing to truly understand your desires and needs.

You continued, your voice softer now, Toji, I may enjoy being happy-go-lucky, but that doesn't mean I don't long for romance and appreciation.”

Toji reached out and gently took your hand in his. "I know and I'm sorry, doll. I never meant to overlook your emotions or needs. I promise to be more attentive and show you the love and appreciation you deserve, ‘kay?”

You smiled, your eyes sparkling with hope. "Thank you, Toji. I believe in us, and I know we can grow and learn together."

Toji smiled and nodded before pulling you in for a kiss. He was just always so used with you being so bubbly and so happy, he never wanted to make you sad ever again.

[thatlotuscookie]

Hey hypno! Could you write a My Hero Academia request for ProheroBakugo x PopstarReader? The reader being a popstar (inpsired by sabrina carpenter) and goes on tour and does the Juno performance dedicated to bakugo their fiance

✧･ﾟ: a/n: hope you like it, anon! It was super fun to put Juno in the story:) And for all you Sabrina Carpenter fans, I hope you enjoyed this too! Thank you for the request, anon <3

✧ Title: ✧ Stardust & Dynamite ✧ ✧ Characters: Pro Hero Bakugo Katsuki x Popstar Reader (Fem!Reader) ✧ Genre: Fluff, Romance, Slightly Suggestive ✧ Rating: T ✧ Summary: On the final night of your Short N’ Sweet tour, you dedicate your most famous song, “Juno,” to the person who holds your heart—Pro Hero Bakugo, your fiancé. As the lyrics hint at a future together, Bakugo’s reaction is... heated. ✧ Content Warnings: Public performance, slight suggestiveness, mention of starting a family, fame/spotlight, spicy lyrics. ✧ WC: 1128 // 6.3k chars

The final show of your Short N’ Sweet tour was on, and you could feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins. The last song of the night was coming up, and this one held extra meaning. As you scanned the crowd, all eyes glued on you, your mind drifted to him, the only one who mattered in the sea of faces.

In the VIP section, Bakugo Katsuki—Pro Hero Dynamight—stood with his arms crossed, his signature scowl in place. His gaze, though, never wavered from you, like a hawk fixated on its prey. He was always there, watching from the shadows, but tonight, you planned on dragging him into the spotlight and making him a part of your world in front of thousands.

“This next one’s dedicated to someone really important to me,” you announced, breathless from the last song but buzzing with anticipation. “Some of you might know it—it’s called ‘Juno.’”

The crowd roared in recognition, a wave of energy surging through the arena, but your attention zeroed in on Bakugo. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly, his scowl deepening as if he knew you were about to do something that would challenge his comfort zone.

Grinning mischievously, you continued, “This one’s for you, Katsuki.”

He stiffened at the mention of his name, surprise flashing briefly in his eyes. Public declarations of affection weren’t his thing, but that didn’t matter. You knew he was listening, every word slicing through the distance he often kept.

The beat of “Juno” kicked in, and the familiar melody filled the stadium, wrapping around you like a warm embrace. For you, though, it felt like the song was for him alone, a private performance in front of thousands, filled with unspoken promises and desires.

“Don’t have to tell your hot ass a thing Oh yeah, you just get it Whole package, babe, I like the way you fit God bless your dad’s genetics, mm, uh…”

Bakugo’s eyes darkened, his jaw clenched as he watched you own the stage. He wasn’t one for grand public gestures, preferring to keep his feelings hidden, but you knew him well enough to recognize the way his breath caught when you sang. His grip on the railing tightened, his gaze burning into you with more intensity than usual. You were getting under his skin, and it thrilled you.

He smirked, a flicker of pride dancing in his eyes as he appreciated how brazen you were, how unapologetically you made him feel seen. But when you hit the pre-chorus, something stirred deeper inside him, twisting emotions he had yet to fully acknowledge.

“You make me wanna make you fall in love, Oh, late at night, I'm thinking 'bout you, ah-ah… Wanna try out my fuzzy pink handcuffs? Oh, I hear you knockin’, baby, come on up…”

Bakugo’s heart skipped a beat. Damn, this song was bolder than he expected, filled with innuendo that ignited a fire in his chest. His mind was racing, imagining you whispering those very words to him in private. The cheeky lyrics, the sway of your hips as you sang them—it was driving him wild. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his cool, but he could feel the heat rising in his body.

Then you locked eyes with him as you slid into the chorus.

“I know you want my touch for life, If you love me right, then who knows? I might let you make me Juno… You know I just might…”

The implication of the words didn’t slip past him. Juno? The idea of locking things down, starting a family… It left his mind spinning. Did you mean what he thought you did? His hands flexed by his sides, a flurry of emotions swirling in his chest. He hadn’t thought about kids much before, but hearing you sing about it—hell, it didn’t sound like a bad idea. You were already engaged, and the thought of being married soon made the idea of starting a family feel more tangible, more real.

“Let you lock me down tonight, One of me is cute, but two though?”

He coughed, trying to hide the faint blush creeping up his neck. “Damn tease,” he muttered under his breath, feeling all sorts of emotions bubbling to the surface. The image of the two of you, together, building a future, lingered in his mind, unearthing feelings he wasn’t quite ready to confront but couldn’t deny.

By the time you reached the final chorus, the energy between you two crackled like electricity in the air. Bakugo was watching you like a hawk, his face flushed, his breathing unsteady. The way you looked at him, full of love and mischief, nearly knocked the wind out of him. You weren’t just performing; you were weaving a tapestry of hopes and dreams that felt impossible to ignore.

The last note echoed through the stadium, and the crowd erupted in applause, a cacophony of cheers and shouts. But Bakugo wasn’t paying attention to any of that. His gaze stayed fixed on you, intense and unwavering, as if you were the only thing that existed in that moment.

Once you stepped off the stage, your feet moved straight toward him, drawn by an invisible thread. Without hesitation, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you into him, his breath hot against your ear.

“That song…” he growled, his voice low and rough, tinged with a mix of desire and something deeper. “You tryin’ to tell me somethin’?”

You smiled up at him, your heart racing as you wrapped your arms around his neck, feeling the heat radiating from his body. “Maybe.”

Bakugo’s lips twitched into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and unmasked yearning. “You better not be messing with me, ‘cause I’ll make sure you get exactly what you’re asking for.”

His words sent a shiver down your spine, a thrill of excitement racing through you as you couldn’t help but laugh softly, pressing closer. “Maybe that’s the plan, Katsuki.”

“Tch, you really are a piece of work.” He leaned in, his lips brushing against your forehead, a tender moment amid the chaos of the night. “But you’re mine, and don’t you forget it.”

You nodded, your heart swelling with affection, the world outside fading into insignificance. “Never.”

In that moment, with his arms wrapped around you, the noise of the crowd fading into the background, you knew that no matter where your career took you, Bakugo Katsuki would always be the one you came home to. The love between you was more than just a fleeting thrill; it was the promise of a future together, and as you looked into his eyes, you could see it—a shared life, filled with laughter, chaos, and perhaps one day, the pitter-patter of tiny feet running around.

[pinksugarscrub]

Guts

Hobie Brown x fem! spider! reader

Event by @the-kr8tor and banners by @the-shroom-garden

Thank you @hyperfix-wip! (beta reader) you know how excited I was to finally finish

Can you tell I like Olivia Rodrigo yet? Thanks to my little brother for forcing having me to listen to her music 💜

word count: 1,770

parts: 1, 2

cw: cursing, suggestive comment from Peter, and simping

~

Tap, tap, tap

Tap, tap, tap

“Oi mate-” Hobie’s foot tapping falters as he turns around.

“You look bloody fit,” Ned groans. Draped over the edge of Hobie’s bed bored out of his mind. “Will you get out of here? You’ve only got ten minutes.”

Hobie’s shoulders sink as he glances at himself in the mirror again. His fingers running over the leather of his jacket. A plush lining to keep him warm after your persistent warnings about New York Autumn.

“Oh mate…” Ned’s expression falters as he turns to lay on his stomach. “You’re really worried about this.”

Hobie swallows as he tears his gaze away from his reflection. “No shit.”

Now Hobie knows tonight is nothing more than a casual dinner. It really isn’t anything special. Just pie and more pie and oh wait, more pie. But it’s also the first time he’ll meet your family and the encounter feels more like an indoctrination than an introduction.

He wants to make a good impression and when did he become the kind of person to care about impressions? It’s just that these people care about you and you care about them ten fold. If he fucks it up with them will he even have a chance with you? 

Hobie can see you smile in the back of his mind. He doesn’t feel good enough for you but he also doesn’t want anyone else to have you either. Doesn’t that sound egregious.

He wants to hear you sing. He really does and he’s somewhat terrified the moment he does he’s going to fall deeper in love with you. 

He really wants to be there for every wonderful moment the way you’ve been there for him. There isn’t a show you’ve missed or a song you haven’t listened to that he’s recommended. Hobie wants to be by your side and the feeling is as suffocating as it is satisfying. He didn’t even know you played until he caught you fiddling with his guitar. 

Is it weird he wants to hold you in his lap while you strum a few chords? Sing to him like his own personal songbird.

Damn he was whipped.

“Listen, Hobs.” Ned’s hand clasps his shoulder. He softens his voice too to a tone only reserved for moments much like this one. “You’ve got to trust her.”

Trust her? With what? His unyielding affection and admiration.

“If it’s meant to be it’ll work out.” Ned bites his tongue. Unsure if he’s said the right or the wrong thing. 

Hobie sighs and finally turns to Ned. A half hearted smile on his lips as he pats his hand. “I know but…”

“Doesn’t make waiting any less shitty?” Ned replies. A weak laugh escaped him. 

“Yeah,” Hobie chuckles. Wrapping his arms around Ned and becoming dead weight. 

“Want me to go with you?” Ned shifts Hobie in his arms to keep the two of them from collapsing. 

“Nah, I couldn’t ask you to do that for me.” 

“You’re not asking, I'm telling.”

Their flat goes quiet and Ned knows Hobie is seriously debating the idea so without much thought he drags him along on his way to his room next door. 

“Is it a shithole? Because I don’t want to lose my good chucks.” 

“It’s a good part of town,” Hobie mumbles. Face hot as his nerves finally seem to settle. “Thanks Neddy.”

“Shut up and get off,” Ned huffs. Snatching his favorite jumper and searching for a pair of jeans. 

“Really mate-” Hobie slowly grins as Ned shoves him off. It deters him none as he makes obnoxious kissing noises. “You’re the best.”

“Bloody back off!” Ned chokes on a laugh. “These lips aren’t for you, you little shit.”

“Promise I’ll make it up to your date.”

“I don’t want you anywhere near Riri.”

Ned cringes as soon as the words leave his lips. Well, fuck.

“Riri!?” 

-

The venue is loud. Not burst your eardrums loud which Ned agrees with, but definitely loud. 

“Are you sure we’re in the right place mate?” Ned scans the room before shrugging. “Looks like a regular old pub to me.”

“It’s a different kind of show.”

“Really? Different how?”

Hobie doesn’t know. You were so nervous when you asked him to your show he couldn’t bring himself to pull it out of you.

“Guess we’ll have to find out-”

A quiet buzz forms from the back of his neck down his spine. Subtly he turns his head. 

“I’m too old for this.”

“Oh please, we’re in our late twenties.”

“Early thirties,” someone else corrects.

They look familiar but he can’t quite place them until one person from the group catches his eye. It’s your MJ.

“Oh, hey! I’d recognize you anywhere.” She grins as she leaves behind who he now knows to be Peter Parker and Harry Osborn. “You must be Hobie.”

 Hobie’s hands suddenly feel sweaty. “Yeah, pleasure to meet you miss.”

Ned looks over at him flabbergasted but doesn’t say a word. Only makes a twirling motion with his finger and silently mouths ‘whipped’.

Hobie glares, prepared to give him the greatest beat down of the century until Peter and Harry finally seem to catch up. Then he’s all smiles and polite laughter.

“Babe you totally ditched us b— woah, hello sailor.”

MJ sighs while pinching the bridge of her nose. Way to make a good impression, she thinks.

Peter leans in close to her ear. “I see the appeal.”

“We…we can still hear you,” Ned interjects. Perplexed as he turns to Hobie. “They do know that right?”

“Hey, Hobie right?” Harry smiles. Pushing past Peter with a much softer tone to his voice. “Our girl has told us so much about you. You must be…?”

“Ned, Leeds.” Now Ned feels like quaking in his boots and he’s not even the one needing moral support.

“Ned, ah, I’m glad you could make it.” He nods toward the stage. “Should be starting any minute. Mind if we join you?”

Hobie yelps before nodding and letting out a hurried, “yes of course.”

“Great.”

Hobie thinks Harry’s turned away for his benefit. He takes the opportunity and rubs his side. 

“Did you really have to hit me that hard?” He hisses.

“Nah, I just enjoy torturing you.”

“You little-”

“So, are you two excited?” MJ chirps back in. “You’re the first friend I think she’s ever invited to one of her shows.”

That gives Hobie pause. “How come?”

“Oh well she’s always kept to herself. Society's been good for her. I trust you’re looking out?” 

Hobie nods, “I’m taking care of her, I promise.”

MJ smiles and nods in return. “Good.”

“Looks like it’s just us.” Peter wraps his arm around MJ’s shoulder. Eyes on his phone. “Junior just texted her other friends will meet us at F.E.A.S.T. after the show.”

“So it’s just Hobs she invited?” Ned asks. Not even hiding his cheshire grin.

Peter immediately matches his energy. A cheeky grin on his lips. “Just him.”

The butterflies in Hobie’s stomach grow worse. So much worse. Then the lights shut off and cheers erupt.

To be completely frank, Hobie doesn’t pay a lick of attention to the bands on stage. He’s just waiting for a glimpse of you. 

Time doesn’t feel fast enough but when he hears your voice, he wishes he could stop it.

“Is everyone enjoying the show!” 

The cheers grow even louder and your laugh, god his heart tightens in his chest.

“Wonderful! Well, I have the honor of closing tonight so I’m pleased to introduce The Mary Janes!”

Goosebumps break out on his skin the moment the guitar riff echoes into the area. It’s the exhilarating feeling he gets from playing with Ned and the others. Listening to music with you in your car, talking nonsense all at once.

Driving on the right-side road

He says I’m pretty wearin’ his clothes

And he’s got hands that-

Wait, was this song about him?

Feet on the dashboard, he's like a poem I wish I wrote

I wish I wrote

Please be about him.

And he laughs at all my jokes

And he says I'm so American

Oh, God, it's just not fair of him

To make me feel this much

His heart skips a beat when you lock eyes with him. There’s a slight falter in your voice but you push through. Smiling at him as sweat builds up on your skin.

I'd go anywhere he goes

And he says I'm so American

Oh, God, I'm gonna marry him

If he keeps this shit up

I might just be in love

God, I'm so boring, and I'm so rude

Can't have a conversation if it's not all about you

The way you dress, and the books you read

I really love my bed, but, man, it's hard to sleep when he's with me

When he's with me

Yeah, he’s kissing you tonight

I apologize if it's a little too much, just a little too soon

But if the conversation ever were to come up

I don't wanna assume this stuff

But ain't it love?

I think I'm in love

Shit he wants to kiss you now.

The final chords ring out and the screams have been loudest out of the whole night. 

As soon as you’re out of sight he looks to Ned and Ned laughs. With a shove he points his best friend into the direction he’s sure the backstage is in.

“Go get em’ tiger!” MJ yells.

“Please keep the tongue to a minimum!” Peter cries.

The pounding of his heart and the smack of his boots on the floor are all he can hear. Skidding to a stop he slips through a door with a taped over sign.

He spouts apologies and jumps over drum kits until he barrels into you or, you barrel into him. You’ve really got to watch where you’re going.

“Hobie-!” You feel dizzy after the clumsy collision of limbs. “What are you doing back here?”

“Was that for me?” He asks out of breath.

You blink as you finally register his presence. A shy smile makes its way onto your face. 

“If it was?”

“If it was?” He laughs. “You’re such a cheeky little thing.”

“Hey! I’m-”

The words die on your tongue as he crashes his lips onto yours. His hands moving from your shoulders to your face. Gently caressing the skin there.

“Yeah.” You answer when you part. Dizzy for a whole different reason. “It was for you.”

Hobie laughs again.

“Well what are you waiting for?” You sigh. “Kiss me again.”

So he does.

I had so much fun participating and hope we can continue to have this mass collaboration moving forward. You all did wonderfully and if I haven't gotten to your work I hope to do so soon. Well done everyone! 🫶

[mrsportgas]

The Neightbor. Chapter 7

Summary: The story takes place in the real world. Shanks, your unbearable neighbor, makes you a proposition that you're unsure whether to reject. It could be the start of a friendship, or maybe something more?

SHANKS X YOU

WARNING: Except for the first chapter, the rest will contain scenes of sex and violence, making this fanfic strictly +18.

TAG LIST: @buggsclownie @commanderfreethatdust @nocturnalrorobin @candy1277 @bluetokie @cyberkittenduck @heartsytune @riftmage27

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Shanks took a step towards me. Although his gaze was tender, there was still that mischievous glint he always carried with him.

"Come on, Y/N," he said in a soft tone, but loaded with intention. "I don't want to end the night like this. Not when things between us… have been so good."

I looked at him, crossing my arms, trying to keep my distance, though inside, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Shanks always had a way of slipping under my skin, making me forget what I should really be feeling.

"Shanks," I sighed, wanting to sound firm but feeling weaker than I’d like. "It's not that simple. You've made me doubt everything. How do you expect me to trust you?"

He smiled, taking another step toward me, breaking whatever invisible barrier I tried to keep up. His hand, warm and sure, grazed my cheek, a soft touch that made my heart race without my permission.

"Because, Y/N," he murmured, leaning in close enough that his voice was almost a whisper, "what I feel for you is real. It has nothing to do with work or any game. Do you really think I could fake all of this?" His thumb gently caressed my cheek as his gaze pierced into mine with an intensity that made me forget, for a second, my reasons for being upset.

"Shanks…" I tried to say something, but his closeness left me speechless.

He smiled, leaning even closer, his lips just inches from mine.

"Admit it, sweetheart. There's something between us that goes deeper," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. "And you feel it just like I do."

I tried to stand my ground, but his nearness, his touch, were crumbling my resolve. The way his fingers played with a strand of my hair, how his eyes locked onto mine as if I were the only thing that mattered in the world… it made it hard to think clearly.

"How can you be so sure?" I managed to say, trying to hold onto what little pride I had left.

His smile widened, that flirtatious spark that was so typical of him lighting up his face. He leaned in even closer, his forehead nearly touching mine, and his lips brushed against my ear.

"Because every time I'm near you," he murmured, his voice a low whisper full of desire, "I can’t think of anything else but you."

A shiver ran down my spine at his words, and even though my mind screamed that I should keep my guard up, my heart was pounding, betraying what I really felt.

Before I could respond, Shanks wrapped his arms around me, gently pulling me until my body was pressed against his. His embrace was warm, enveloping, and for a second, I let myself lean into him, resting my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"Just give me a chance," he murmured against my hair, his voice soft and seductive. "I promise tomorrow we’ll sort everything out. But tonight… tonight, I just want you to trust what you feel when we’re together."

I pulled away from him, though only just enough to look him in the eyes. That blend of affection and mischief in his expression was irresistible. How could he be so carefree, so sure of himself, even in a moment like this?

"Always so confident, aren’t you?" I said, trying to sound defiant, but my voice came out softer than I had intended.

He chuckled lightly, his smile dazzling.

"Can you blame me, when I’ve got someone as amazing as you in front of me?" he replied with a playful wink.

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile crept onto my lips despite myself.

"Shanks…" I began, but he didn’t let me finish. With a smooth movement, his lips found mine, in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. There was no rush, just the warmth of his mouth on mine, as if he wanted to show me, without words, what being with him truly meant.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes were shining, and his hand still rested gently on my cheek.

"Tomorrow," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "Promise me we’ll see each other tomorrow."

I looked at him, still feeling the echo of his kiss on my lips, and though part of me remained cautious, another part couldn’t help but want to believe him.

"Alright," I whispered finally, letting out a long sigh.

Shanks smiled, with that carefree yet charming expression that made him so irresistible.

"Thank you," he said before gently kissing my forehead. "Thanks for not telling me to get lost tonight," he joked, leaning in a little closer, as if he was going to say something more, but instead, he just looked at me. "You know I’m going to make it up to you tomorrow, right?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling.

"What surprises me is how you’re still so confident, even when things don’t go your way," I said, crossing my arms as I looked at him.

Shanks stepped a little closer, leaning toward me, his flirtatious smile returning as he looked at me.

I shivered at his touch but quickly pulled away, trying to keep some control over the situation.

"Goodnight, Shanks," I said with a light smile, stepping back toward my door. "We’ll talk tomorrow."

He stood still for a moment, watching me intently. Finally, he nodded and smiled.

"Goodnight, Y/N," he responded softly. "Dream of me."

I rolled my eyes again but couldn’t stop smiling as I opened the door and stepped inside. Before closing it, I glanced back, seeing Shanks walking toward his own door, hands in his pockets, whistling softly. It was impossible not to feel something for him, even though that mix of confusion, desire, and distrust still lingered inside me.

I closed the door with a long, deep sigh. The night had been chaotic, but tomorrow… tomorrow would be the day when everything would become clear. I climbed the stairs to my bedroom, still feeling the warmth of his lips on mine, and collapsed onto the bed, hoping the morning would bring answers.

The sun had barely begun to light up the room when I felt someone gently shaking my shoulder. Half-asleep, I heard a familiar voice.

"Y/N… Y/N, wake up!" It was Nami, with her usual morning energy. "Come on, it’s time to get up!"

I groaned, still refusing to open my eyes, trying to get back to the warmth of the bed.

"Nami, let me sleep a little longer…" I muttered, pulling the blankets over me.

Nami chuckled and, without hesitation, yanked the covers off, leaving me completely exposed to the cool morning air.

"Not a chance, you need to get out of this room right now," she said with a mischievous grin. "Robin and I are going to grab breakfast and do some shopping, and you’re coming with us."

I finally opened my eyes, looking at her in disbelief.

"I’m not in the mood, Nami… after everything that happened last night, I need time to process."

Nami rolled her eyes and sat on the edge of the bed.

"That’s exactly what you don’t need. You can’t sit around here all day thinking about that idiot. You know what the best cure is? Breakfast and a good shopping session with Robin and me."

I sighed, knowing there was no convincing Nami otherwise. Reluctantly, I got out of bed, accepting her offer. "Alright, alright. Give me five minutes to get ready."

After a quick shower and putting on something comfortable, I went downstairs and found Nami waiting in the living room. Robin wasn’t with us yet, but Nami gave me an approving look when she saw me.

"You look much better now," she said, satisfied. "Come on, Robin’s waiting for us around the corner."

We opened the front door, and as soon as we stepped outside, fate decided to play a trick on me. There, on the porch next door, was Shanks, relaxed, with a cup of coffee in hand, looking at us with his typical carefree smile.

"Good morning, ladies!" he said cheerfully, raising his cup in greeting.

Nami, visibly annoyed, frowned and rolled her eyes. "Great, here we go again." Without another word, she gave me a small pat on the back and muttered under her breath, "I’m going to find Robin. I’ll let you deal with him." She shot me a warning look before heading off.

Now alone with Shanks, he approached with his usual relaxed stride and a flirtatious grin.

"What? Is Nami mad at me? I don’t get it, I’m always a gentleman," he joked, clearly not bothered at all.

"Just do the right thing… and she’ll get over it," I replied, crossing my arms with a playful smile on my lips.

Shanks grinned, stepping a little closer while taking a sip of his coffee. "Hmm, I’ll be on my best behavior for you."

I laughed in disbelief.

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze more intense. "I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but I can’t stop thinking about it. In fact, I was thinking of inviting you to dinner tonight… just you and me."

"Really? At your place?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and playing along.

"Well, yeah. A quiet dinner," he said with a mischievous smile. "I could cook something, or we could order food… that’s up to you, of course. But I promise it’ll be an interesting night. Plus, I have a bottle of wine I’m sure you’ll love."

I took a step closer to him, tilting my head slightly with a sassy smile on my lips. "I didn’t know you could cook."

Shanks took another step toward me, his nearness making my heart race. "I’d do anything for my girl."

I couldn’t help but laugh softly, crossing my arms. "I’m not your girl."

Shanks burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the game. "But you will be, sweetheart, I promise you that. Besides, we have a lot to talk about."

I looked him in the eye, realizing that despite his playful attitude, there was something deeper in his words. He really wanted a chance to make things right. But I wasn’t going to make it easy for him, not after everything that had happened.

"Don’t expect tonight to be an easy one for you," I finally responded with a playful tone.

Shanks smiled, clearly delighted with my response.

"I love it when you play hard to get," he said in a low voice, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "See you tonight."

I took a step back, not breaking eye contact. "See you later, Shanks."

Before I could respond, I turned toward the path, giving him one last glance over my shoulder. As I walked to where Nami and Robin were waiting, I could feel his eyes on my back, and I couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Nami, who had been watching from a distance, gave me a disapproving look as I reached her side.

“What the hell happened back there?” she asked, clearly frustrated. “Don’t tell me you’re still playing along with him.”

I gave her a mischievous smile, shrugging. “It’s all part of the fun, Nami. Don’t worry. He thinks he’s in control, but… well, we’ll see who wins this time.”

Nami sighed but couldn’t help but smile. “You’re impossible.”

I sighed as we sat down at one of the terrace tables in the café, basking in the warm morning sun.

“It was nothing… just a dinner invitation,” I replied casually, though we both knew it meant more than that.

“Oh sure, ‘just a dinner invitation,’” Nami shot back, imitating my tone. “Come on, Y/N, you’re not fooling anyone. You’re playing with fire.”

Robin leaned forward slightly, a small smile on her lips, clearly intrigued. “So, are you going to accept the invitation?”

I shrugged. “Yes, I want him to answer all my questions. But if I go… I’ll make sure he regrets every moment for what he did.”

Nami burst out laughing, shaking her head. “That’s the spirit! If you go, make sure you leave him speechless.”

Robin, with her ever-perceptive gaze, added, “It seems the ball is in your court. But make sure you enjoy yourself too; not everything has to be a lesson.” She gave me an enigmatic smile and then, casually, added, “Speaking of which… I’ve been seeing one of Shanks’ friends lately.”

My eyes widened, as did Nami’s.

“What?!” we said in unison.

Robin only chuckled softly, taking a sip of her tea before responding. “Yes, with Marco. He’s quite interesting… very calm, but with eyes that say everything. I like his perspective on the world.”

“Wow!” I exclaimed, laughing in surprise. “I didn’t see that coming from you, Robin.”

Nami quickly joined in. “Well, it looks like Shanks’ friends aren’t so bad after all,” she added with a wink.

After breakfast, we decided to browse some shops in the mall. The streets were bustling with people, and the stores were showcasing their new fall collections. We entered a boutique where the mannequins were dressed in elegant and sophisticated outfits—just what I needed.

“If you’re going to dinner with him, you have to look spectacular,” Nami said, pulling me toward a section full of dresses and outfits clearly designed to impress.

I started browsing through the clothes, looking for something both elegant and daring, something that would catch Shanks’ eye but also make him second-guess himself. Robin and Nami watched as I tried on different outfits. Finally, I found one that seemed perfect: a black satin dress, form-fitting in all the right places, but with a touch of sophistication that wasn’t too obvious.

“How about this one?” I asked, stepping out of the fitting room and giving a little twirl.

Nami’s eyes lit up. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! He won’t be able to take his eyes off you all night.”

Robin nodded approvingly. “It’s simple but striking. Perfect for keeping him guessing, just what you want.”

I smiled at myself in the mirror, satisfied with the choice. Shanks wouldn’t know what hit him. I was going to make him regret every moment he’d ever taken me lightly.

“This is the one,” I said with determination as I took it to the checkout.

Once we finished browsing all the stores, we headed back home. I had to start getting ready for the night with Shanks.

“So,” Robin said conspiratorially, “how about we meet up with Shanks’ friends tomorrow? Marco’s been suggesting we all do something together.”

Nami immediately agreed. “Yeah, I think they’re planning a barbecue or something.”

“A barbecue?” I asked, somewhat surprised. “With all of them?”

“Yeah,” Nami replied, excited. “It could be fun. Plus, I’d like to introduce you to my PhD advisor. The other day with Shanks was all too rushed.”

Robin smiled enigmatically. I laughed, knowing that between Shanks and his friends, that barbecue would be anything but calm.

“Alright,” I agreed. “Tomorrow, we’re all in.”

After our morning of shopping and breakfast, Nami and I returned home, arms full of bags.

Nami looked at me with a mix of amusement and curiosity as I set the bags down on the sofa. “Well, it looks like you’ve got everything ready.”

I smiled, trying to calm the nerves that were starting to rise. "Yeah, it’s going to be… interesting. But I’m not giving him the satisfaction of making this easy."

Nami, ever the practical one, crossed her arms. “Just remember, he plays his own game too, and Shanks has never been one to give up easily. Keep that in mind.”

“I will,” I replied with a smile. “This time, the cards are in my hands.”

With that, I headed upstairs to start getting ready. I opened the box with the dress I had bought and carefully put it on. It was perfect: elegant, sophisticated, but also bold enough to catch his attention effortlessly. I added a touch of soft makeup and slipped on some heels to complete the look.

Just before leaving, I took one last look in the mirror and took a deep breath. It was time to face him and, if everything went according to plan, make him regret every time he’d played games with me.

I walked down the stairs and made my way to Shanks’ house. When I arrived, I knocked on the door and waited, feeling adrenaline rush through me.

The door opened slowly, and there stood Shanks, his expression shifting from relaxed to surprised in an instant. He wore an apron tied around his waist and a kitchen towel slung over his shoulder, clearly in the middle of preparing dinner. But what stood out the most was how his eyes slowly traveled up and down, taking in every detail of the fitted dress I had chosen.

“Wow… Y/N,” he said with a crooked smile, his voice lower than usual. “I have to say, you’ve exceeded my expectations.”

“Were you expecting anything less?” I replied playfully, tilting my head slightly and letting a mischievous smile curl on my lips.

Shanks chuckled as he stepped closer, closing the door behind me. “Not at all. Though… if I’d known you were going to show up like this, I would’ve lit the fireplace earlier.” He leaned in a bit, his intense gaze locking onto mine. “Because with what you’re wearing, things are about to heat up.”

I felt warmth rise to my cheeks, but I wasn’t going to let him have the last word. “Well, maybe that’s exactly what I wanted…”

Shanks gave me that signature smile of his, playful and dangerous, before leaning in and kissing me without warning. It was a deep kiss, full of that teasing energy he always had, but with a spark of something more. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, pulling me closer as his hand rested on the small of my back. I could feel the tension in his body, and I knew I had him right where I wanted him.

When we finally pulled apart, Shanks looked at me with those mischievous eyes, full of desire. “We should probably head inside before I forget about dinner.”

We stepped into his house, and the first thing I noticed was the atmosphere.

The living room was bathed in the soft glow of candles placed around a small table, right in front of the fireplace. Although it wasn’t lit yet, the scene was cozy and warm, as if it had been designed for an intimate and special moment. There was an undeniable romantic air to the whole setting.

“Impressive,” I murmured, looking around, genuinely surprised that Shanks had gone to such detailed lengths.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said, guiding me toward the kitchen. “But I need your help with something before we sit down. I can’t do everything on my own, you know.”

I smiled, following him to the kitchen. “What do you need me to help with?”

He gestured to some vegetables and a couple of utensils laid out on the counter. “Just chop those while I finish the main course.”

I nodded and started working, feeling his eyes on me the whole time. Shanks was good at keeping the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable, but tonight, there was something different about the way he moved—more focused, more… intent on me.

As I chopped the vegetables, I felt him step closer from behind, too close, his warmth enveloping me. Before I could react, his hands gently settled on my hips, and he wrapped his arms around me from behind. I could feel his body pressing against mine, and when he lowered his head to whisper in my ear, a shiver ran down my spine.

“You know,” he said in a low, husky voice, “watching you move around my kitchen in that dress… it’s not helping me focus.”

I bit my lip, trying to maintain my composure as I felt his breath against my neck. His firm chest was pressed against my back, and something else, very obvious, was pressing against me from below. A mischievous smile spread across my lips.

“Oh, really?” I replied, feigning innocence. “I didn’t think I was that… distracting.”

Shanks let out a low chuckle, his hands slowly tracing the curves of my body. “Oh, you are. And you have no idea how much.”

Before I could respond, his lips brushed against the skin of my neck, a gesture that left me breathless for a moment. His closeness was intoxicating, and the way his hands moved slowly over my hips was making it hard to focus.

I tried to stay composed. “And what if we don’t finish dinner on time?”

He laughed softly, his lips still close to my ear. “I think there are plenty of other things we could do if that happens…”

The tension in the air was palpable, but I decided not to give in so easily. I turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him with a smile. “Well, then we should probably hurry, don’t you think? Wouldn’t want to miss dinner.”

Shanks looked at me intensely, as if calculating his next move. Finally, he smiled and let me go, though not without giving me one last glance full of desire. “You’re right. Dinner first. After that… we’ll see.”

He finished the last touches on the meal and gestured for me to sit at the table he’d prepared near the fireplace. The ambiance was cozy, almost intimate, and the candles cast a soft glow that highlighted the rustic yet elegant details of the room.

“Have a seat. I just need to change,” he said with a mischievous smile before disappearing down the hallway.

A few minutes later, Shanks reappeared, and I struggled to maintain my composure when I saw him. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, perfectly fitted to show off every muscle in his torso, and, to my surprise—or perhaps not so much—the top buttons were left undone, giving me a glimpse of his chest. He looked so effortlessly put together, as if he wasn’t trying to be provocative on purpose, but every detail seemed perfectly calculated. His presence filled the room, and when our eyes met, a cocky grin spread across his lips.

“Is this better?” he asked, turning slightly so I could take in the full view of his outfit. “Didn’t want the chef to be outdone by his guest.”

“Much better,” I replied, throwing a playful jab. “Are you always this good of a host?”

He laughed, approaching with a bottle of wine in one hand, serving both our plates carefully before sitting down across from me. “For you, always.”

Shanks started serving the meal with his usual graceful ease, but I could barely focus on the food in front of me. There were too many questions swirling in my mind. As I watched him move with that confident grace, I decided it was time to confront him.

I lifted my gaze and looked at him directly. “Shanks.” I placed the fork down on the plate, taking a deep breath. “Why did you hide that you were one of the investors? That you knew about my project and were going to be at the auditorium that night?”

The change in his expression was subtle, but I noticed it. His relaxed smile remained, but his eyes darkened for just a second.

For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the soft crackling of the fireplace that was now lit. Shanks didn’t look away, but I could see his thoughts swirling. He was trying to decide what to say, how to handle the situation.

Finally, he sighed and leaned back in his chair, his smile returning, though this time a bit softer. “I didn’t tell you because I wanted to know you… without that barrier between us. I knew the moment I told you, you’d distance yourself or think I was using you.”

“And that first night, when I told you everything, about my project, my PhD—didn’t it occur to you to say something? You just carried on as if none of it concerned you?” I asked, my tone sharper. I wanted to hear more.

Shanks nodded, but with that playful gleam in his eyes that he always had when the conversation got interesting. “My company is interested in your project, Y/N, like all safe investments. I specialize in recognizing and securing talent, getting the best project at any cost. But… that has nothing to do with how I feel about you.”

I felt my heart race, but I wasn’t ready to let him off the hook that easily. “That sounds lovely, but you still hid it.”

“I did,” he admitted, leaning forward.

He smiled more genuinely this time, his eyes lighting up with that mischievous fire he always had when he knew he was in dangerous territory.

I carefully set my glass down on the table and looked at him directly.

“Last night, with Mihawk… It wasn’t right for you to interfere in our conversation. I was talking about my project, something that means a lot to me, and your interruption could’ve ruined everything. I could’ve lost him as an investor.”

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, but his gaze never wavered. He didn’t seem surprised by what I was saying but attentive. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he watched me with calculated calm.

“I know,” he responded after a few seconds, his voice low and soft, as if he was weighing each word. “I don’t know what got into me, but seeing you with him and your project…”

“No, Shanks,” I interrupted quickly, straightening in my chair, my tone firmer than I expected. “This isn’t about me in that way. It was a business conversation, something important, something I’ve built with hard work. You made it personal, and that’s not okay.”

His face changed subtly, but his expression showed no signs of regret. Instead, he seemed to be measuring his words, as if each one carried more weight than I could understand at that moment. “I know how much your project means to you, Y/N. And I know Mihawk saw it as an opportunity. I know him better than anyone.”

I let out a humorless laugh, incredulous. “And what do you know about Mihawk? For that matter, what do you know about Beckman?”

Shanks ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply as he leaned back in his chair, as if the conversation was exhausting him. “Mihawk and I weren’t always rivals. There was a time when we were… almost like brothers. We did our PhDs together, working under Benn Beckman. We were the best, competing healthily… until someone else came along.”

I looked at him, intrigued but still angry. “Someone else?”

“Elisabeth,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and something darker. “We both fell in love with her. And while Mihawk played fair, I… didn’t. I did things I shouldn’t have done. I manipulated the situation, got ahead of him in more ways than one. I won the girl… and the investors he wanted for his own project, even his position at Red Horizons. Since then, Mihawk and I haven’t been the same. What you see now is just an extension of that rivalry. Last night, when I saw him interested in your project, I…”

“So… you got everything? Elisabeth and the investors?” I asked, my tone inadvertently accusatory, though I tried to stay neutral.

“That was a long time ago. I was just a kid. I was always working, and Elisabeth got tired of it and left me. But yes, I became CEO of Red Horizons, and as you can see, Mihawk hasn’t done too badly either.”

“Then…” I began, my voice tense. “The woman you were talking to yesterday? It seemed like you knew her well, Shanks.”

“Elisabeth,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine with intensity, searching for any sign of disagreement. But I didn’t let him see the fury coursing through my body.

Elisabeth.

The word echoed in my mind like a distant sound that suddenly became deafening. The woman I had spoken to the night before, the same woman who had been at the center of his rivalry with Mihawk, this woman from the past who seemed to still be present, even when Shanks was trying to assure me she wasn’t. My stomach churned in a way I couldn’t control. I felt a wave of emotions—jealousy, anger, sadness—all mixing in a way that overwhelmed me.

The silence between us grew heavier than ever. I could barely look at Shanks. My hands, which I tried to keep steady on the table, began to tremble slightly. The truth was there, laid out before me, and though he was trying to justify it, I couldn’t ignore the feeling of betrayal creeping up on me. Not because he had a past, but because that past was now interfering with my present.

“Y/N…” Shanks’ voice broke the silence, his tone softer and more urgent than ever.

I couldn’t help it. Tears started to well up in my eyes, and I blinked quickly, trying to hold them back. I didn’t want him to see me like this, vulnerable, but it was too late. Everything I had heard in those few minutes had shaken me deeply. How was I supposed to compete with such an old story, with a past so tangled?

I felt a lump in my throat, and before I could say anything, I stood up abruptly from my chair, wanting to escape the situation, from him, from everything.

“Y/N, please, wait…” Shanks’ voice was filled with a mixture of concern and desperation. Before I could get far, I felt him kneel beside me, taking my hands in his. His touch was warm, but in that moment, it felt like a chain binding me to something I wasn’t sure I wanted to be part of.

“Let me explain it better,” he said, his words coming out fast, urgent. “All of that happened a long time ago. Elisabeth means nothing to me anymore, not like before. Yes, I made mistakes, and what happened with Mihawk and her haunts me, but that has nothing to do with you. I don’t want to lose what we have, Y/N.”

His hands squeezed mine tighter, as if he feared I might disappear at any moment. His eyes, usually so confident, were now full of vulnerability. I could see the genuine concern in him, the fear that everything between us would fall apart. But still, how could I trust someone who had hidden so much from me?

“Shanks…” My voice cracked, and I couldn’t stop the tears from sliding down my cheeks. “This is too much for me. I can’t just pretend everything is fine when last night you were talking to her. How can I be sure you won’t repeat the same mistakes? You’ve already lied to me about your company, about knowing my project from the beginning. What else are you hiding?”

He shook his head, desperate. “I’m not hiding anything else, I swear. I only kept my connection to the project from you because I wanted you to know me as a man, not as a CEO. I knew that if I told you from the start, you’d pull away or think I had ulterior motives. But what I feel for you is real, Y/N.”

His words hit me hard. Part of me wanted to believe him, wanted to hug him and say everything would be fine. But the other part, the part that was hurt, refused to give in so easily. Elisabeth was back in his life, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that she had been the reason for the fracture between him and Mihawk. What would happen now that she was close again?

Shanks, seeing the conflict in my eyes, moved closer, resting his forehead against my hands while his fingers traced soft circles on my skin. “I’m not asking you to understand everything right away,” he whispered. “But I’m asking for a chance. Give me a chance to show you that I’m here for you, not for anything or anyone else. I know this is complicated, but the last thing I want is to lose you.”

My tears continued to fall silently, and everything inside me was in chaos. But when I looked at Shanks, kneeling there in front of me, with that sincerity and vulnerability he rarely showed, something inside me wavered. He was a man who had made mistakes, yes, but he was also someone who had shown me his most human side, someone who was opening up to me completely.

I sighed, my heart still racing and my thoughts racing in a thousand directions. "I don't know if I can trust you right now, Shanks," I confessed, my voice barely a whisper. "But I also don't want to walk away. I just… need time."

Shanks nodded quickly, his eyes fixed on mine, filled with hope. "Take all the time you need," he said softly, his voice cracked with emotion. "I’ll be here, waiting. And I’ll do everything I can to show you that I’m worth it, that I’m not going to let you down."

We stayed like that for a moment, with him still kneeling, holding my hands as if they were the most precious thing in the world. And although the storm inside me hadn’t passed, something in his gaze, in the way he looked at me, gave me a small glimmer of hope.

The tension that had filled the air seemed to begin to dissipate, but there was still a sense of uncertainty that wouldn’t let me feel completely at ease.

“Finish dinner with me, Y/N,” he said, his tone softer but firm. "I want to get to know you, truly."

I looked at him for a few seconds, still feeling the whirlwind of emotions in my chest, but I nodded. Maybe it was only fair to give him that chance, at least to hear more of what he had to say.

Shanks visibly relaxed, his lips curving into a genuine smile as he poured me some more wine. "I’ve always thought that the best way to understand someone is to know their story. So, how about I tell you a bit about mine?"

I looked at him with curiosity as he sat back down, his voice shifting in tone, warmer and more open. "You know? I wasn’t always the CEO of a big company. I grew up in a small fishing port, with not many expectations for the future. My childhood was quite… simple. My parents worked hard, but often it wasn’t enough."

I started to relax a bit as I listened to him talk about his childhood, the life he lived before becoming who he is today.

“And you?” Shanks suddenly asked, leaning forward with interest. "I want to know more about you, Y/N. How did you get into this incredible project?"

I looked at him, somewhat surprised by the question, but I found a little relief in talking about something more comfortable. I shared a bit about my life, my own dreams, how I had always wanted to build something that would leave a mark on the world. Shanks listened attentively, his gaze fixed on me, and for a moment, it almost seemed like nothing else mattered.

The atmosphere between us had become lighter, more natural. It wasn’t the tense conversation from before, but something more personal, more intimate. And when we finished dinner, Shanks smiled mischievously, as if he already had something else planned.

“It’s time for dessert,” he said, getting up again and gesturing to the sofa in front of the fireplace. “Come, sit here.”

He winked at me as he began to move some of the candles, placing them around the sofa, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. I let myself be guided, sitting in front of the fire, the warmth enveloping me as he went to get dessert.

When he returned, he brought two small plates with what looked like chocolate tarts. He sat down next to me, his closeness now much more evident, and passed me a plate. The playful spark in his gaze had returned, and his smile told me that the mischievous Shanks I knew was about to re-emerge.

“Look how fancy you’ve made everything,” I said, my tone playful and sarcastic, taking a small bite of the tart.

“Fancy? You don’t know half of it, darling,” he replied, with a mischievous grin. “You’d be surprised at what I can do with a couple of candles and a good dessert.”

I glanced at him sideways, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, really? I thought your cooking skills were a bit… limited.”

Shanks let out a low laugh, leaning in a little closer. “Well, let’s just say I have certain… hidden talents. You might be surprised.”

His eyes sparkled with mischief, and I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “Always so confident, huh?”

He leaned in a bit closer, his lips curving into a dangerous smile. "With a woman like you, I have to be. Although, of course, if you ever want to test if I measure up, you know where to find me."

My heart skipped a beat, but I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me blush. “Wow, it seems like you never tire of trying to impress, huh? Let’s see if all that talk is backed up.”

Shanks set his plate on the table, and in a swift movement, he leaned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine, his expression both challenging and playful. "What makes you think I’m trying to impress you? Maybe I’m just enjoying myself."

My smile widened, enjoying the game that was unfolding. “Oh, I’m sure you enjoy what you see, but don’t forget that the show isn’t always free.”

Shanks laughed again, this time louder, and leaned back against the sofa, stretching an arm behind me as if to mark his territory. “You’re right. Good things cost. But for you, I’m willing to invest.”

My eyes met his, and at that moment, the atmosphere between us changed. The flirting was still there, but there was something more, something deeper, almost electric. We both knew we were playing a dangerous game, but neither of us wanted to stop.

“Well, Shanks,” I said, biting my lip softly and looking at him boldly. "I hope you have a lot to invest because I’m not an easy project."

He looked at me intently, his smile slowly growing. "Oh, Y/N… I’m not afraid to bet on the complicated. In fact, it’s the challenges that motivate me."

The tension between us grew, and as the fireplace crackled softly beside us, his hand brushed against mine, sending a spark through my skin. His fingers began to gently caress my arm, slowly moving up from my wrist to my shoulder. The touch was barely perceptible, but the sensation was like a current coursing through my skin. My breathing became a little heavier, and although I wanted to keep my composure, I couldn’t help but notice how my body responded to each of his movements.

My face was burning, and I couldn’t help but blush. He noticed and smiled, that small but confident smile. His hand slowly moved up to my neck, caressing my skin with a touch that sent shivers down my spine.

He leaned in closer, and the space between us vanished. His warm breath brushed against my skin, and the world around seemed to fade away. It was just us, the warmth of the fireplace, the candles flickering in the dim light, and Shanks’ touch, growing more intimate by the moment.

With a gentle motion, his other hand slid around my waist, pulling me closer. I could feel his body against mine, every inch of space reduced until there was almost no air between us. His gaze dropped to my lips, and at that moment, I knew what was coming.

"This isn’t just a bet for me," he murmured softly, his lips barely brushing against mine, teasing me. "I don’t just want to get to know you better, Y/N. I want to be with you, here and now."

Before I could respond, his lips finally found mine. The kiss was soft at first, as if he were waiting for a sign from me, but as I responded, his intensity grew. Shanks kissed me with a mix of passion and tenderness, as if he were melting away all the barriers between us.

My hands instinctively slipped to his chest, feeling the muscles tense beneath his fitted shirt. The heat of his skin pierced through the fabric, and I felt his breathing quicken. He deepened the kiss, his hands roaming my back with a firmness that made me shudder.

The world completely faded away in that moment. There was nothing else but the taste of his lips, the pressure of his hands, and the growing desire between us. It was as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was this instant, this kiss.

Finally, Shanks pulled away just a millimeter, his forehead resting against mine, our breaths intertwined. His fingers gently caressed my jaw, his gaze searching for mine in the dim light.

“You have no idea how much I desire you,” he whispered, his voice rough and filled with emotion. “All this time, since I met you… I can only think of you.”

I looked at him, my heart racing wildly, unable to speak in that moment. My fingers clung to his shirt, and for a second, all I wanted was to lose myself in him, to let the tension between us overflow completely.

“Y/N…” he murmured, his voice hoarse, as if he were struggling to contain himself. “You have no idea what you do to me. Yesterday, when I saw you in that dress…” His lips brushed against my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my body. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how incredibly beautiful you looked. I chose it thinking of you, but seeing you in it exceeded all my expectations.”

I shivered at his words. The closeness of his body to mine, his deep and soothing voice, everything made my heart race uncontrollably. Shanks lowered his gaze to me, his fingers playing with a strand of my hair, caressing it slowly, as if he wanted to prolong the moment.

"And now… tonight…" he continued, his voice dropping even lower, filled with longing. "You look so beautiful that I can hardly keep control. This outfit…" his hands gently traced my waist, his eyes taking in every detail, "you’re all I can think about. It’s as if you were made to tempt me."

My cheeks burned, and not just from the warmth of the fireplace. I knew he was flirting with a skill he mastered perfectly, but the sincerity in his words, the way he looked at me as if he couldn't take his eyes off me, made me feel something deeper.

I bit my lip, trying to maintain my composure. “So, is all of this just another strategy, Shanks? Another trick of yours to get what you want?”

He smiled, that playful smile he always seemed to have ready. He leaned in even closer, his lips just inches from mine, but still not kissing me.

“It’s not a trick, Y/N,” he said in an almost reverent whisper. “Not with you. What I want is… to have you. To know you, to touch you, and to make you feel as desired as you make me feel.”

His confession left me speechless. My breathing was uneven, and I felt my body respond to each of his caresses, to every word he spoke. Shanks wasn’t just flirting; he was confessing his true desires, stripping away more than his usual charm. His intensity enveloped me, and as his hands continued to roam me, a part of me wanted to completely surrender to him.

“Last night, when I saw you in that crowd… with Mihawk… I knew there was no turning back. That I wasn't going to let you go.”

Shanks didn’t take his eyes off me, his gaze tracing every inch of my face, as if he was searching for something, some sign. And then, with surprising gentleness, his lips brushed against mine. The kiss was slow, almost tentative, but charged with an electricity that coursed through my body. I felt his hand on my waist, firm yet gentle, pulling me even closer to him, while his other hand tangled in my hair, holding me as if he never wanted to let me go.

We separated for barely a second, our breaths intertwined, but Shanks didn’t let the moment fade away. With that mischievous smile that always managed to disarm me, he whispered close to my lips, his voice low and filled with intention.

“Y/N…” he said, his warm breath against my skin "I want to make love to you.."

NEXT CHAPTER

[cannedwyrms]

Spoilers for Shadow of the Erdtree but...

I'm gonna talk a bit about Miquella.

So, I've seen a lot of (what I believe to be) misconceptions about what we learn about his character in SOTE. I'd like to clear them up as best I can, although I'm no expert at the lore. Still, I think a lot of people are quick to discard him as an irredeemable villain too quickly, or believe that his character in the dlc is different from how he was presented in the base game.

Now, in the base game, I too thought Miquella was pretty cool. He had the rare honor of being one of like 3 characters to not be racist, he seemed to actually care for his sister and have a good relationship with his brother, and he just seemed like the only demigod with some kind of basic empathy.

However, while I believe all of those things are true, there were signs that there was something deeper going on.

Take the bewitching branch, for example.

It's description goes like this:

"The Empyrean Miquella is loved by many people. Indeed, he has learned very well how to compel such affection."

So, basically, we already knew he could charm people.

Here, I think, is the first misconception. Miquella does not brainwash or mind control people, he just has the ability to make people like him. "He wields love to shrive clean the hearts of men," as the honorable sir Ansbach says.

Shrive, by the way, means to confess, or in this case I think absolve.

So, while Mogh is absolutely the victim, it should be noted that he didn't abandon his original goal. He just factored Miquella into it. His plan went from "rule my dynasty" to "rule my dynasty with Miquella." Still bad, I want to stress, but I think people believe that Miquella can just turn people into mindless slaves or something. All he can do is make you love him and see his point of view.

Next, let's talk about him and Malenia. In the base game, he seemed to really care for her, going as far as leaving the Golden Order when he learned it wouldn't help her.

Now, though, people believe he actually never cared about her at all and even that she was brainwashed into following him.

For this, I'll actually quote Miquella's dialogue in the Consort Radahn fight. (We'll get to him, don't worry)

"My loyal blade, and champion of the festival. Both your deeds will ever be praised in song."

So, when he says "my loyal blade," he's talking about Malenia, right? You know, Malenia, the blade of Miquella.

It's obvious to me that Miquella did care about his sister. His actions in the base game reflect this, and he's the same guy in the dlc, so of course he'd still care about her.

I suppose he could also be talking about Leda here, but what I got from her arc is that she was always doomed by her own bloodlust to be a failure to her cause. In the end, she never truly understood Miquella, and he probably never even knew she existed.

But I'll save all that for another post.

Point is, Miquella definitely cared a lot about his sister, so much so in fact that, in the moment he was so close to achieving his goals, he praised her accomplishments.

But, there's more to his dialogue, which I will use to clear up yet another misconception.

Miquella also praised the tarnished here. "Champion of the Festival," and all that.

This is because Miquella doesn't hate anyone. He doesn't want to fight us. Consider his instant lose move, where he charms you. To me, this reads as Miquella looking for a peaceful outcome to your conflict. What does he say to you?

"I promise you a thousand year voyage guided by compassion."

And

"Lord of the Old Order, let us go together."

It's clear to me that he's trying for a peaceful solution.

See, I think a lot of people have begun to believe that Miquella is some kind of compassionless robot, but, as always with elden ring characters, it's more complex than that.

Miquella obviously has a lot of empathy for the world. Maybe even too much. Instead of him wanting to rule over everything as some kind of God, he simply wants to make the world a kinder place.

Like Marika, he sought godhood not for personal power, but for a cause. But, as we all know by now, to become a god in Elden Ring is to abandon your humanity.

Miquella literally does this, while I think for Marika it's a bit more metaphorical.

Elden Ring is about how people lose themselves in pursuit of their goals, and this is especially true in SOTE.

So, with that framework, Miquella is actually the obvious choice for the main antagonist of the dlc.

Think about it.

What better antagonist could there be for a game about purpose and cause being twisted than a highly compassionate person who became a monster? It's almost painfully on the nose. (In a good way)

Miquella might even be aware that he's done awful things, but as long as it's in service of a better future, he probably sees it as a necessary evil. Still evil, mind you, but necessary.

Normally, I'd just say that if he worked on making everyone be less being racist and mean, then no one would need necessary evil, but Elden Ring avoids this because, at the time out tarnished arrives back at the lands between, racism is literally a law of reality.

It seems like the only way to change that would be for a new god to write new rules.

I don't know, that's all mostly speculation on my part, but whatever. My point is, Miquella absolutely makes sense as the main antagonist of the dlc, but he is notably not the main antagonist of the base game, nor the story at large.

Personally, I'd argue those titles fall to Morgott and Marika respectively, but I digress.

Miquella is just one link in a long chain of people fighting for a cause they believe in. Really, his actions are no worse than Ranni's, but strangely no one is really as upset about the fact that she literally had Godwin murdered to attain her goals as they are with Miquella doing the same thing to Mogh.

Something interesting that I noticed is that Miquella is actually very similar to Messmer. Whether that was intentional or not is not for me to say, but I do think it's interesting that the oldest demigod and the youngest have a lot in common.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm no Messmer lore expert , but, for example, Messmer is often described as being very compassionate and nice, only taking on the burden of being the face of the hornsent genocide to spare his mother that shame. It's an interesting contradiction, to be sure, and one that is quite similar to how Miquella sheds his humanity to make a brighter future.

Perhaps Messmer is meant, in part, to mirror Miquella to make his seemingly "villainous" turn make more sense.

Again, maybe that's just speculation on my part, but what's important is that Elden Ring stresses again and again that there is no such thing as pure evil. Everyone's a victim in some way.

All that to say, I don't think Miquella is out of character in the dlc. I think everything we learn about him is perfectly in line with his portrayal in the base game.

Alright, it's finally time to talk about the big guy with a little horse.

So, I've seen a lot of people say that Radahn was charmed and used by Miquella, or that Miquella only saw him as a tool, but I really don't think that's true.

Let's take a look at some more of Miquella's dialogue.

"Aspiring Lord of the Old Order. If you have known sin, if you grieve for this world, then yeild the path forward to us. To I, Miquella, and my Promised Consort, Radahn."

Now, I don't know about you, but of Miquella only saw Radahn as a tool, then what's with all the "Yeild the path forward to us," and "To I, Miquella, and my Promised Consort, Radahn."

If he really viewed Radahn as just a means to an end, then why specify the both of them, unless Radahn was always in on Miq's plot?

Also, if Miquella really only wanted a big guy to ride around on and fight for him, why go through all the trouble of making Radahn a promise? Why not just bewitch him from the start and just force him to follow you?

I don't know why Radahn and Malenia fought. Maybe that was part of the vow, if Miquella could grant Radahn a warrior's death, then he'd follow him, or something like that. So maybe my theory isn't totally sound, but I do still think it's just as plausible as the bewitched theory, if not more.

Another thing I've heard people say as evidence of the bewitched theory is that Radahn wouldn't have gone along with it because Leonard wouldn't be with him.

But, like, you guys, that horse is dead. You killed it in your fight with Radahn in the base game. And Radahn is obsessed with warrior's deaths and all that. He probably saw that Leonard was dead, mourned him silently, and even resolved to take take revenge on the one who killed him, which, again, is you.

And, as a side note, Starscourge Radahn did not treat Leonard with any amount of respect. Did we even see the same attack animations. He was pushing him into the ground, standing on him, and definitely not feeding him. Leonard was described as scrawny, but when we see him, he's downright skeletal. And of course Radahn wasn't taking care of him. He was a literal zombie.

So, I don't think Radahn was bewitched. I think he willingly went with Miquella, once his soul was put into Mogh's body.

Miquella, at his core, is compassion without understanding. He feels for the plight of the world and its inhabitants without having the context necessary to understand why they are suffering. It's a very childish outlook, reflected in his design and curse, his outward childlike form representing his nieve understanding of the world.

That's why he can only see godhood as the solution to the suffering. Because it's all he knows. He was an empearyan, after all.

Of course, if he was a little more emotionally intelligent, he'd realize that abandoning everything that made him who he was is a bad thing, but he's not. He can't see past his own status, not in an arrogant way, it's more like he just doesn't know or understand there's an alternative.

He's that theme I mentioned earlier, the pursuit of goals turning you into a monster, personified. I mean he literally leaves his humanity behind. Can't get much more obvious than that.

Well, that's everything I have on Miquella, at least for now. I've just seen so many "Miquella is actually super evil" type posts and videos, and just a general increase in Miquella hate, which maybe is to be expected, but I still think a lot of people missed the point.

If course, everything I've said is subjective, and if Miquella being evil is what makes you like the character, then more power to you.

But if you, like, actively hate Miquella or misunderstand what we're presented in game, then I don't know. I can't stop you, I guess, but maybe I've managed to change your mind. I think the fun of lore hunting in this game is that everyone kinda has their own version of events, it's almost like we're historians debating ancient history. Idk, I just find that cool, so if your interpretation differs from mine, I think that's fine. Just don't be an ass about it, basically.

Tl;dr: if you took a shot every time I started a thought with "now" or "so," you'd be dead.

Okay, that's all, bye.

A brief adendum to this post:

So I've done a bit more thinking, and somehow completely forgot about the fact that Miquella appeared in Caelid after Malenia bloomed, to help the wounded.

This does, at first blush, come off as quite the dick move on Miquella's part, as he didn't think to help his sister, but I do have some thoughts and speculations.

What if he couldn't? Like, he's a small guy, it's not like he could've carried her all the way back himself. Maybe he trusted Finlay (Malenia's gf, it's canon) enough to let her do it. I mean, I guess it depends on how he got to Caelid in the first place, but like how does anyone in this game get anywhere?

No one uses ships as far as I'm aware, and the only transportation we see is like horse or giant drawn carriages, which are already pretty slow. Maybe Finlay asked to carry her back. Maybe Miquella could have used Torrent, but idk. This is all just speculation on my end.

Anyway, I also think this points to my earlier speculation about Miquella's character thematically. He saw only the wounded he needed to help, but ignored the one closest to him in the process. This interpretation lends itself very well to the idea of his childlike, naive ideas of compassion.

Okay, that's really it this time. I'll probably talk about Leda and the others next.

Bye

[the-s1lly-corner]

Waking them up w/ a morning kiss! (TADC edition)

slowly but surely i am approaching the end of my tycoon... and yet despite the exhaustion creeping and making a home in my bones, i do not feel the desire to go to bed. perhaps its self destruction or carelessness, i'll be damned that this is the most productive ive been writing wise in a hot minute anyways requests are open

CAINE:

well this is assuming he sleeps... which personally, while i think the others CAN sleep (although they dont need to), i dont think.. caine can.. i think when he falls asleep its akin to how computers to. but one little tap is enough to snap him right back... so you may get startled when he snaps his jaws open the second your lips make contact with his teeth... but dont be alarmed...! hes not upset.. actually i think if anything he might be a little shocked at the gesture... oh he should have done it to you, damn it! definitely going to try to one up you that day, no one gets the jump on # 1 reader simp, Caine!!! 8/10 hes still very giddy and happy about it and hes in a good mood for the entire day

POMNI:

i think she might be a little too groggy to realize youve kissed her, but will flutter her eyes open if you give her another kiss. gets really red in the face before pushing herself deeper under the covers... i think shes generally like that with random gestures of affection and love, so please dont take this as her not enjoying the act! i promise she does like it, its just between this being standard reaction for her and just waking up shes a little... more bashful than she normally would be.. i think she would try to do the same to you the following day.. or maybe do a surprise gesture for you in return to even out the score! 7/10 very cute

RAGATHA:

as time passes i find myself making ragatha more and more of a sap, and honestly i dont hate the direction im going in. i think if you woke her up with a kiss, she would be smiling throughout the day and like caine, be in a more upbeat mood! its such a small thing to wake up to, but it means the world to her, you know? know these are starting to sound samesy with the 'returning the favor' thing but i think ragatha would at least double what you did for her.. you better incorporate the morning kisses into your routine because small stuff like that goes a long way for ragatha! 8/10

JAX:

i think he might just look at you before flipping over to face the other way and try to go back to sleep. its not totally to be mean to you and him being 'eeeewww affection' but mostly because hes not really.... a morning person. he never will be. kiss him all you want, hes not going to wake up... if he doesnt turn over, hes probably going to tug you to his chest and hold you still. probably grumbles at you to stop because he wants to sleep in that morning... but hey, look at it this way, you got some cuddling now! so hey at least theres some side of trade 5/10

KINGER:

i think he might nuzzle into your cheek and try to give you a 'kiss' back when he realizes what youre doing. pulls you to his chest, but he has full intent (unlike jax who mostly just wanted to keep you put and to make you stop moving around)... he may not have arms, but hes going to try his damndest to use his hands to keep you close... tries to push off the beginning of the day for a while longer... despite kinger actually being a morning person. leads to the two of you having a mumbled conversation about your dreams... very nice very sweet 8/10

ZOOBLE:

oh zooble is very much NOT a morning person, but i dont think they would be as mean as jax... they might mumble and tell you to hold back, but once theyre fully awake theyre going to set down some boundaries and apologize if they had upset you. they just dont like being woken up, no matter how sweetly... unless theres an emergency, they dont want to be woken up... though even then they might still be a little irritated... i think in this case swapping out morning kisses for something else that works better for both of you is the best course of action here 6/10

GANGLE:

i think she would lean right into it... maybe she wraps herself around you, if she hadnt already done that in her sleep... her mask is a little cold, so it might shock you a little and wake you up a lot more than you were expecting... oh i think gangle would feel bad about that... she didnt mean to make you uncomfortable (even though ultimately, youre not)...i think throughout the day she might be more happy and bubbly, perhaps even putting herself out more than she normally would. definitely a confidence boost for her! she even doesnt seem as sad or upset when her comedy mask breaks... i mean shes still... upset.. but not as much as she normally would be 7/10 very cute

[tgmsunmontue]

Season to Taste - 18/? WIP

Explicit Hangster - Celebrity Chef Bradley and Naval Aviator Jake Seresin who have a relationship spanning the globe before they realize how tightly bound they are to one another. Heading into this little world.

PROLOGUE/ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FORTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

                He starts keeping a record of his favorite dishes, what he likes and doesn’t like about places they eat. And they eat at so many different places. While he might ring Ice once a week or every other week, me calls Leandro and Silvia almost everyday. And everyday Leandro or Silvia give them another instruction, a food to try or a place to go and visit, or a restaurant to go to. Ask to meet the chef, tell them who you are. They are expecting you.

                It’s the fact that they’re always somehow expecting Bradley and Violet means they can’t not turn up. Sometimes it’s high-end places where they are so incredibly underdressed it makes him uncomfortable, but he notes that in the best places they don’t pay any attention to what he’s wearing, all customers treated with the same level of respect and deference and he likes it, reminds him of Leandro’s restaurant.

                “Why are you keeping all these notes?”

                “I… I think I might want to open my own restaurant.”

                “Holy shit. Really?”

                “Yeah. Is that crazy?”

                “Yes. Absolutely insane. Where?”

                “I don’t know… Where do you think?”

                “Well. How much money do you have?”

                “Shit. That’s a good question.”

                “It’s a good thing I have a business degree.”

                “What do you mean?”

                “Well, I’m not letting you go off and do it alone.”

                “Thanks Vi. I love you.”

                “Ew gross. Feelings. Love you too though.”

…            …            …

                He hears the door and the sounds of Jake kicking off his boots before they’re carefully placed out of the way. It’s after midday, so he’s not sure if Jake would have eaten yet, he’s just making some sandwiches, easy enough to simply put away for later if needed. Jake doesn’t bother calling out, heads straight for the kitchen like he knows that’s where he’ll find him and it feels nice, that he already knows Bradley so well.

                “Hey, how was your morning?”

                “Torture…” Jake offers. “But somehow not illegal.”

                “That bad huh?” Bradley asks, and Jake comes to stand at the corner side of the kitchen island, leans forward to give him a kiss and he can’t help but smile into it. The easy gesture of affection but also Jake’s dramatics over his sisters torturing him.

                “Do you promise not to hold my family against me?” Jake asks

                Bradley grins, goes to immediately tell him of course not and then pauses.

                “Well. As long as you can promise me the same, I guess. When the time comes.”

                “Pretty sure my five sisters are scarier than any family you can throw at me…”

                “Yeah… you’d think so. Probably. Just… uh. It’ll be fine.”

                They need to actually reach a milestone of maybe months or a year together before he considers raising his relationship with Ice. Vi might think his fame would cause issues, but he honestly thinks Jake won’t give a damn. Vi’s right, he’s far too down to earth and grounded to care about what fame or money Bradley might have behind him. He cares about the person Bradley is and it’s nice, makes such a nice change. However he suspects that Jake will care about his deeper ties with certain members in the Navy, especially given that they’re all Naval aviators as well. Right. Like what he thought before, he’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it. Jake has shifted closer, has stolen a sundried tomato and popped it into his mouth and chewing while he grins and then he’s kissing Bradley properly, the sharp tang of tomato still in his mouth.

                “Why are you always initiating sex in the kitchen...?”

                “It is pretty much where you spend a lot of your time. Where I find you…”

                “Huh. Yeah. I guess you're right.”

                “Hmm. Maybe spend some time somewhere else and then you might find me doing this in other places…”

                “Mmm. So it’s not me in the kitchen gets you going huh?”

                “Baby, you anywhere and everywhere gets me going. Think we've already determined the fact that all I need to do is look at you...”

                “Sweet talker.”

                “Just for you. Also we ain’t having sex yet. This is just a welcome home kiss. You forgotten what sex is already?”

                Bradley laughs against Jake’s mouth.

                “Yeah, think it’s slipping from my memory. You better remind me…”

                “Mmm. Hard job but someone’s got to do it…” Jake murmurs and Bradley hadn’t meant it as an invitation, not really, but Jake steps behind him, draws him back so that Bradley’s ass is cradled against his hips, he can feel Jake’s growing erection pressing through the layers of denim and his own cock has already started racing to catch up, an almost Pavlovian response now to seeing Jake simply walk through the door and surely he’s going to get used to it eventually. He braces his hands against the counter, shivers as Jake nips at the side of his neck, his hands pressing down over Bradley’s.

                “Yeah, keep them there…”

                “Huh?”

                Then Jake’s palming his cock, fleshy part of his palm dragging and pressing and he jerks a little, caught between wanting to grind back against Jake’s cock or press into the friction of his hand. He can’t decide, glad Jake clearly has a plan as he works Bradley’s jeans open, hand slipping inside and pulling his cock out, starting to work it, not giving him time to think other than I was making sandwiches for lunch. Instead he’s panting, hands white-knuckled on the kitchen bench as he feels Jake’s body flex behind him as he works his hand down-up-down.

                “One day I’ll come home and you’ll be in nothing but the apron…”

                Bradley lets out a choked laugh, wants to say something about saving it for a special occasion, he’s not wearing an apron right now, but Jake is shifting so he’s more caged in by his body, more of him is pressed up against Jake as he grinds his hips against Bradley’s ass, his teeth nipping at Bradley’s neck.

                “Love making you come for me…”

                “Oh,” the breath punches out of him and he doesn’t last much longer, Jake holding him in place as he shudders through his orgasm, can’t believe a handjob has him coming that hard. Jake makes a humming sound and Bradley wonders if he’s imagining him sounding pleased with himself, before he’s stepping away to wash his hands in the sink and Bradley’s glad he’s supporting himself against the bench.

                “You going to let me take care of you now?”

                “Oh sweetheart, I’m banking on it.”

…            …            …

                Jake isn’t sure what has opened the floodgates for Leo, but he listens as talks about his childhood, his dad dying in a training exercise at Top Gun and now that he thinks about it, he vaguely remembers reading about it, like they have to read through all the accidents and incidents so they can be better prepared. Bradshaw. That’s why the name rings a bell.

                Then his mom being diagnosed with cancer, his godfather being there when he’s not deployed. Other naval aviators being present as he grew up and he uses callsigns like they’re as natural as breathing and it occurs to him then that when Leo had said he knew what Jake’s job entailed he had really meant it. He knows it can be dangerous. He knows Jake will be gone for long periods of time and that communication might sometimes be difficult, even if it has gotten much better. Leo was raised not only by a family in the military, but by naval aviators and if Jake had been looking for someone that might understand his job without doing the job themselves, then he couldn’t find someone better.

                Then Leo talks about his mom dying, his godfather pulling his papers and his immediate and drastic decision to take the first plane out of the country. He files it away, that Leo’s first response when hurt and angry was to run away, wonders if that’s still the case. Then Leo is talking about his other family, the Gallo’s, and the way the name sounds has him grinning.

                “Sounds like you’re saying gallows…”

                “Yeah, pretty much. Why is that funny?”

                “Well, I know it means rooster, among other things…” Jake says, and he can’t help the grin as he thinks of the sexual prowess and loud voice. “But my callsign is Hangman.”

                “Okay…” Leo says, and it’s clear from his tone that he has no clue what Jake is referring to.

                “You’re clearly not a Styx fan. But there’s a line, Hangman is comin’ down from the gallows… You’re the Gallo…”

                “Then the line needs to be changed a little. Maybe going down on instead?”

                “Yeah? Just maybe?”

                “Yeah. Just maybe.”

NINETEEN

[frozenjokes]

After years of thinking... I finally want to know what is CUBGUY and his boyfriend's MBTI aka the 16 personalities

You’ve opened Pandora’s box with this one my man because I am a psych major that HATES personality tests however that did not stop me from taking the test three times (this one which I hate specifically because the commercialization of personality tests to measure worth is evil BECAUSE THEY DONT WORK. THEY ARE NOT A GOOD MEASURE OF PERSONALITY OR WORTH AND HAVING TO TAKE THIS FUCKING FOR LITERALY JOB APPLICATIONS INSTEAD OF IT JUST BEING A FUN THING TODO IN YOUR FREE TIME IS FUCKING AURYRHEUSHDHUDUSHDJSHSJAHSUSUSJ KILLING BITING MAIMING GRAGAGSHGEHWDGSHHS I HATE. HER.) anyway. I can be normal about this subject I promise.

normal elsa: haha hey guys! I took the personality test for my ocs! yippeee!!! from left to right we have Cub, Scar, and Grian. thanks for the ask! this was fun!

but it’s not about having fun is it

so anyway I took notes. So you may have noticed some things don’t look quite right here. I mean, Cub looks fine! That’s pretty accurate even! Scar too, look at him go! … wait a minute. Grian’s not nice!!!! Or poetic!!!!!!! Is altruism even real????????????? (It is and I feel strongly about this but altruistic as an adjective to describe a person i believe is doing a disservice to the definition because what they MEAN is ‘selfless’ not altruistic but while we’re on the topic of selflessness Grian is fucking NOT)

So why did this happen. I don’t really care that the personality test got someone wrong, but I am interested in Why that happened, and why a test like this will never get a character like Grian correct.

Put simply, the answer is that this test wants to make you Feel Good. Now, having fun isn’t a crime and oftentimes personality tests are there to have fun, but the danger of something like this is that the MBTI isn’t presented as a low stakes fun activity, it’s presented as fact. Look. This is you! This is a good, objective measure of your personality, aren’t you great? You’re awesome :)! Here’s a list of vague-enough sentiments that probably apply to you based on the questions we asked. Yippee! its a really clever and extremely affective trick.

While the little blurb for Scar describes him relatively well, nearly every description of his ‘personality’ besides extroversion read pretty inaccurately, and that’s because the focus is so positive. The thing is, Grian and Scar are largely very self serving people (/neutral tone). They are often more worried about themselves than others, they’re impulsive, and that’s not all they are, but it’s pretty impossible to get at someone’s actual personality without recognizing what makes people flawed.

The closest I think the MBTI test gets to probing at this idea of potential selfishness are questions that are meant to test thinking versus feeling. Do you consider someone’s sensitivities in if they conflict with reason? Are you more concerned with facts or emotion? Logos versus pathos. That kinda stuff. But ultimately the MBTI test doesn’t really care about selfishness, it doesn’t care about flaws, it just cares about making you feel good baybe! So these neutral questions don’t really come back in any meaningful way. The MBTI is concerned about making caricatures of people, not accurately measuring their personality and that Matters because its so often treated as scientific, at least good enough to be used in consideration for jobs and work and school and all sorts of stuff.

And I could go on but the problem with modern personality tests goes so so so much deeper, even in more controlled, more science oriented fields like psychiatry. The system for diagnosing personality disorders is somewhat similar to a personality tests are at the very least aided by them, falling on a straight lined spectrum of Openness, Consciousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. But this system Sucks and everyone knows it sucks because comorbidity between clusters (A, B, C) of personality disorders is Insanely High. I wish I had the exact percentages, but I can’t quite find the information I’m looking for, but the point is that if the rate of comorbidity between different disorders is So High, how do you know these disorders are correctly defined at all? If a person more often than not has Disorder A and Disorder B at the same time, who’s to say they’re all that different at all? In general, a lot of the criteria for diagnosing a personality disorders is Really similar, so in general it’s a section of the DSM that needs a pretty massive overhaul.

I don’t envy personality psychologists man their job is Tough (and in my opinion, kind of impossible. there’s too many roadblocks in making an objective test. It is. Eugh.)

TLDR: the MBTI test is about as decisive as a fortune cookie and it literally can’t be anything more because then you would realize its lying to you. amen

[ramonag-if]

My main problem with Salyra is in fact her lack of empathy towards the MC and her presumption that MC should show sensitivity while interacting with her other child after being ambushed.

We can say all we want about Alhf being an inadequate father, but at least he always tried to put himself in MC’s shoes and he understood how to the MC his behaviour would appear lacking to the point that he is confused and surprised when the MC show affection for him. Many MC may even feel that Ahlf never loved them and is using them to save Irus, but in one of Erlan’s letter we find out that Elran has promised to protect the MC if Alhf helped Irus claim the crown, so even in this situation he is prioritising the MC.

Even Sargon shows more consideration to the MC’s feelings than Salyra does, if they react negatively to his questioning about their heritage because he is aware of the treatment that half-ishari receive in Cyre. That make me think that Salyra too should be well aware of this and instead she comes across as someone that has deluded herself in believing that the MC and Ahlf have been living happily in Cyre.

I can understand that she has been prisoner for a couple of months and so is a little out of it, but MC has seen their whole life turn upside-down, their only family killed in front of them (and if Salyra is the reason for Erlan early death before the plan to ensure Irus’s coronation came to fruition, then she is responsible of all this pain the MC is feeling now 👀). Salyra didn’t even stop thinking about her estranged child wellbeing and need for space, she was just thinking about hers and her other daughter needs.

I will say that at this moment I don’t think Salyra has ever prioritise the MC, because if she had she would have given her child to her brother when he begged her to go with him in Vinia, while she stayed in Ishari where her fate was. Keeping MC with her regardless of the danger give me the impression that she was prioritising the goal for which she had the MC not their safety, especially because I don’t think Salyra thought that Erlan would risk war against Vinia just to kill her child.

And now the sentence in Ahlf’s letter to MC about Salyra making sure that the MC’s blood belonged to the Ishari people sounds rather ominous…👀

I have to admit that I am loving the parental angst, it is the best angst 👌😋

I'm really glad you mentioned her lack of understanding/empathy to the MC's situation. Salyra means well - or at least to her she does, so it goes over her head that she's being inconsiderate with the MC. When she first sees the MC, she automatically assumes that they're there with Ahlf and from what she knows, the MC has had a good life in Salt Bay so seeing them so distraught confuses her.

There is a goal attached to the MC's birth but it didn't come to fruition - or who knows? We're only in Part 2 of the game 😆 I can say that Salyra thought that she and Ahlf would work things out and she'd have found a way to let the MC get to know him while still living in Ishari so it's one of the main reasons for not giving the MC to Belahm - she had hoped to eventually fix her relationship with Ahlf.

There is something rather ominous about that line, isn't there? Funny how everyone has mentioned the MC's eyes despite it being the same colour as Ahlf's 👀 Whatever could have happened 😏

Parental angst is hands-down the best angst. I know some prefer angst in romance but I feel nothing cuts deeper than the pain of rejection/abandonment from a parent 😆

[lynnerdo]

* The Willow's Purpose *

“The willow submits to the wind and prospers until one day it is many willows—a wall against the wind. This is the willow's purpose.”

As sister to Paul Atreides, and trained in secrecy to be a healer Bene Gesserit, you witnessed the rise of the Lisan Al Gaib. As you experience visions and dreams of a certain man, realising that he will be the one fighting your brother to the death changes your perspective on everything. An uncontrollable force takes over you as you revive him, questions lingering in your mind.

***

Fic on AO3

***

Chapter 7 - Revelations

In the days that follow, you delve deeper into the nature of your bond with Feyd. The connection between you is undeniable, a pull that goes beyond mere emotions. One evening, as you sit in quiet meditation with each other, a realisation strikes you with startling clarity: when you saved Feyd's life, you left a part of your soul within him. To heal him, you broke off a piece of yourself, binding your fates together irrevocably.

It's all too much for you to handle and you excuse yourself early. He looks worried but you reassure him you’re fine. He does however feel your fear shine through but decides to let you have your privacy.

This revelation explains the inexorable need you both feel to be near one another, the sense of incompleteness when apart. You remember reading about it in old scriptures you once were handed. It was severely rare for it to happen, and only a few accounts in the last thousands of years had made it so. When you’ve gathered enough evidence in these old scriptures, you decide to confront Feyd with this understanding, hoping it will help you both navigate the complexities of your bond.

You find him in his quarters, his expression pensive as he’s reading a book. He turns as you enter, his eyes immediately locking onto yours.

"Feyd," you begin, your voice steady but filled with the weight of your realization, "I’ve figured out why we feel this way, why we’re so connected."

He raises an eyebrow, effectively dropping the book on his bed, intrigued. "Go on."

"When I healed you, I broke off a piece of my soul," you explain while showing him the scripture. "Here it says to do a soul healing you have to give up a piece of yourself. Usually, it can only be done with another Bene Gesserit administering an extra source of energy but… All the other information checks out. Part of me, that’s in you, wants to return to me, that’s why we feel this need to be around each other."

You’re rambling at this point, trying to explain it as properly as you can. Feyd is silent throughout your entire monologue, only frowning more than before. You’re worried this would be the last straw to upset him even further and you can almost physically feel him. Feyd's eyes widen with understanding, a mixture of awe and confusion washing over his features.

"So, this bond—our very souls…”

You nod, feeling a sense of relief at finally understanding the truth.

"Yes. We’re connected in a way that goes beyond anything either of us has experienced before."

He leans closer, the intensity in his eyes deepening. Before he responds, Feyd's expression hardens, and he grabs your arm, pulling you closer. His touch is rough, but not painful, a reflection of the turmoil inside him.

"I need to do this," he says, his voice low and intense. "I need you to understand how much this affects me."

Without warning, he leans in and kisses you. It’s not a gentle kiss; it’s full of heat and anger, a release of all the frustration and self-loathing he’s been carrying. You feel the depth of his emotions, his hatred toward his own actions and words, his struggle to express love in a way that isn’t tainted by his past. At first, you’re taken aback by the force of his kiss, but then you respond, matching his intensity. It’s a kiss filled with unspoken promises and shared pain, a desperate need to connect on a level that words cannot convey. When he finally pulls back, both of you are breathing heavily, the air between you charged with unspoken emotions. Feyd's eyes search yours, a mixture of vulnerability and determination.

"I hate that I can’t just be loving," he admits, his voice raw with honesty. "I hate that my actions and words always seem to hurt. But I need you to know that I’m trying. I’m trying to be better."

You reach up, cupping his face in your hands, your touch gentle despite the whirlwind of emotions.

"I know, Feyd. I feel it too. This bond we share—it’s not just about the pain. It’s about healing, about finding a way to be better together."

He nods, his eyes softening as he looks at you.

"Together," he repeats, the word a promise.

In that moment, you feel the weight of your shared burdens lift slightly, replaced by a sense of unity and purpose. The journey ahead will be fraught with challenges, but you are no longer alone. With Feyd by your side, bound by a connection that transcends the physical, you are ready to face whatever the future holds.

You find it hard to leave his quarters later, a string wanting to tug you back into his arms. As you go in to kiss him goodbye for now, his hands find their way to your lower back, slightly pushing you into him. Both of your heartbeats loudly ringing in your ears, his lips too soft on yours. You have an overwhelming feeling to stay but also a duty to fulfill so you leave for now, a painfully cold feeling setting in your heart every time you do.

[castlebyersafterdark]

Crossing fingers for some sort of reunion special years down the line no matter what! It's been such a culturally important media phenomenon, something will happen.

not to be that person, but i was so relieved when they finished filming cos i always worried something would happen before it got done. that makes me sound glib because if a cast member got hurt, obviously there's more important stuff than a tv show... but imagine if someone had gotten covid during the break and died? imagine if like noah or finn had freaking died? like.... the show would just... i don't know. stop?? years later would it have come back with a total rewrite to fit it around things? or out of respect just never returned?

even when noah was posting tiktoks of him filming while driving a snowmobile i was like EYES ON THE SLOPE! FOR YOUR SAKE AND WILL BYERS'! hahaha

do i sound insane? i'm not a total gloomer i promise, but my mind either is like lalalalaa all good or jumping to the VERY WORST option haha. which i think is more worthwhile to get worked up about than stuff like whether noah and finn are dating raya girls haha! ive never worried much about the byler storyline itself, i trust it'll be gorgeous; real issues like people getting ill or hurt are things that happen. and if it did, well no byler anyway, good storyline or not.

especially when covid hit... i wasnt in fandom yet but i wonder if there was a vocal worry about that, or if people just went crazy in the quarantine making theories. basically, as long as theyre alive and happy i'm good haha! and now the show is finished so... we'll see will byers again for sure (and mike! <3)

This is a very interesting perspective but I think we'd be lying if things like this didn't cross our minds? We're invested in the show, the characters, the actors, we're superfans. There's an emotional investment here - I'm being honest in saying we genuinely care for these people and the work we're making. This is reality with very public ventures - YES you care so much about these people and anything happening us devastating but you also worry for what they're creating, what will happen to their show or movie if tragedy or disaster struck.

Bringing it back to my former world - thinking of the heartbreak of losing Carrie Fisher in the midst of making the sequels, partially why I have trouble with those movies is how they treated the legacy actors/characters. I truly believe the filming pressure did her in and what a tragedy. Took that one really, really hard. And you can't help but feel that way, that love and concern for a movie or show goes deeper - because art (and yes, I do call all of it art) affects people, is close to emotion. You worry and care and celebrate and mourn where needed, even if we didn't know the stars. You want the best for them and the best for what they've worked on, of which have captured your imagination.

[vodid]

ok i keep seeing awfully targeted vagueposts about me pertaining to my silly idw-exclusionary prowlsweep campaign — which i didn't expect to have gained so much traction and negative reactions — so, while yes, i understand lighthearted jokes may still hit home a little too closely, i'm not responsible for your feelings /neu. but i get it. we're protective of our blorbos and i have a hard time with the jokes too. especially about prowl and especially especially about idw prowl, believe it or not. i do get upset over them, which i suppose was why i ran my campaign like that. many of the polls (from what i could see, i probably missed a lot) were just "my blorbo is so sweet he deserves to win" but swervesweep was solidly "do not vote for prowl he is a shit man" you can't tell me there wasn't some sort of bias because of idw prowl. there's a difference between lifting up a contender and slandering another so horribly. voting because you hate, not because you love.

so yeah, just like some had gotten upset over my campaign (even if it was a joke), i got upset upon seeing all the negative tags (even if they were jokes). i admit to getting defensive and decided to run a funny campaign focused on g1 and tfa, because there was more love for them and i wanted to try to make something a little silly but positive out of it. like "hey, ignore idw for just a second because i promise there are husband-material prowls." i do admit i may have let my saltiness show through that campaign too much, so this is a bit hypocritical of me and i fully acknowledge that.

i got more to say tho shdfdsfs this got long and messy, sorry. i'll put it under a cut. i don't usually talk this in depth about my opinion of idw prowl (or just. any opinion.) ironically for this exact reason but,,

i so desperately want to like idw prowl. i really do. and in some way, i do like him (surprising, i know). but i can't look past the way the writers and the fandom treat him. that's what i truly hate. he gets insanely (and imo undeserved) bad rep and i was just sick and tired of seeing all the unreasonable hate for him from cherrypickers. so if idw prowl is going to severely /neg affect people's opinions of prowl as a whole, then i'd prefer he didn't exist. that's my harsh and albeit a bit childish truth but i'm not sorry for it.

i dislike his portrayal for a number of reasons in that it's just not him to me. i can certainly acknowledge a character doesn't have to be consistently the same every time, and that idw was meant to be an expansion of these characters and what they can be. but it doesn't mean i like the direction they took with him. what they did to him/had him do. it was like they took his core being, what made his character solidly his, threw it at the mirror to reverse it and wondered why it shattered.

if it weren't prowl, i wouldn't have as much of a problem with his character in idw. but unfortunately, he is. in concept, he is a very interesting character with a beautifully tragic story and maybe i would've liked his skrunkly ass /affectionate. but he's just not my rodrick.

also i can't get past the ableism of his portrayal 🫶 that's not a page in my book i'd like to add besties. and not a page i'm getting into in this post.

it goes so much deeper than "wahh big titty cop man is so mean" like cmoooon. i'm not a coward for asking people to look past his wrongdoings in idw they unequivocally hate him for when literally everybody else in idw has in some way done equally bad or worse things ...but are still unconditionally loved? nah. if they can stop their bias for one (1) second, maybe they could see more. thus, idw-exclusionary campaign. in an attempt to get people to stop seeing every prowl as bad. because like i said, idw taints the fuck out of non-idw prowls. how is that any fair? (and how are we prowl lovers supposed to feel seeing all that?)

these are entirely my opinions. i'm entitled to mine just as you are yours, and i am entitled to spin the campaign in any way i want. idw-exclusionary, pro-jazzprowl, boob-loving 💖, what have you. if you didn't like it, then you were more than welcome to start your own campaign alongside me! you didn't have to leave it to me. should i have maybe tried to convince people why idw prowl's wrongdoings don't make him deserving of such hatred? sure, that'd been nice. but i'm not well enough equipped for that. you can do that tho, i'd love to see it

i can't stop you from vagueposting and i won't tell you your opinions are invalid. but if you get to share your thoughts, i'd like to as well. we can both be critical of these topics in our own way and it'd be nice to come to an understanding instead of having to resort to blocking and vagueposting. (me? the coward? /j) you have every right to do that though, especially if its for your own comfort, and i really can't stop you. but it'd be real nice if we didn't outright attack the person and call them names. this problem is bigger than me. i just happened to speak on it.

all in all, it's not that serious of a situation — or rather, i wish it wasn't and i'm upset that i'm even writing this. i shouldn't have to write this, but you guys cannot for the life of yourselves understand the basic reason behind the campaign. or do you just refuse to? did you think to ask why?

we're both protective of prowl. idw or not. we were on the same team and it's not an awful thing to want to encourage people to consider other prowls before idw. i want them to see he can be good! i want them to see what i see in him. he's just a little blorbo man and it's funny in a bit of a sad way that i'm getting so heated over a fictional character and a silly poll.

sorry to poll ops. i didn't want it to spiral like that. i truly did have a lot of fun running my little campaign, even if it looked a bit (lightheartedly) aggressive. i just wanted my blorbo to win fandom favor for once 💔 jazz vs prowl would have been absolutely hilarious too. even as a non-j/p shipper, i hope you'll agree it'd have been funny to see us losing our minds over having to choose but that's besides the point!

in the end (it didn't even matter) we're all robot lovers. and it's sad we tend to have such a difficult time getting along. i'm here to make art and it's all supposed to be fun and games.

sorry to my many new followers too, this isn't the best first impression. i try to keep this stuff off my blog. i hope u like my art and thanks for sticking around — yes, even u swervesweepers (you absolute TRAITORS /lh /lh 💕)

take care of yourselves