#but like all of the others were completely obvious

[zephyrchama]

Make barbatos fanfics pls

The memory of your recent mishap kept playing in your mind. It was a complete mistake - you hadn't intended to drench Barbatos in tea. Despite him being more than capable of protecting himself, you foolishly attempted to shield him from whatever toxic concoction Solomon was cooking up. One thing led to another, a massive pot fell over, there was an ear-deafening clang, and Barbatos was on the ground. Sopping wet.

He wasted no time in excusing himself to clean off, leaving you to bear the weight of your sins. Anyone could have easily cleaned the mess with magic, but Barbatos instead opted for a shower for some peace and quiet to calm down. Solomon was left to scrub the floor by hand since he started this issue in the first place.

As all of the castle's linens had been conveniently gathered in the laundry room to be inventoried, you took it upon yourself to grab a clean towel and deliver it to Barbatos.

You could hear the water running from down the hall. It was so loud, you weren't sure Barbatos could hear you. Wisps of steam escaped from the cracks around the bathroom door. You knocked. There was no answer.

"Barbatos?" you called, knocking again. There was no answer. Only the running of water. He was probably already in the shower. You could take this opportunity to grab his soiled uniform and clean it before the stains permanently set in.

With that plan of action, you opened the door. Barbatos was not in the shower, despite the running faucet. In fact, Barbatos was stark naked in the middle of the room. A washcloth in his hand indicated he had already obtained his own towels. He had his back to the door, as if he was just about to enter the tub. He made eye contact with you over his shoulder, eyes wide.

That one second felt like an hour.

His posture was superb. A mix of tea and condensation from the muggy bathroom air trailed down the curve of his spine, fine enough to be in a medical textbook. Your eyes followed, down to the base of his tail and the derriere behind it. Two fabulous, firm full moons. A sight rarer than anything else in all the three realms.

"Did you need something?"

Barbatos' usual polite tone was punctuated with umbrage. He placed a hand on his chest, as though shielding his visage.

"I'm sorry!" were the first words you spat out, on reflex. Coherent thinking failed you in the face of such art. Sentences started falling out of your mouth and you hoped they made sense. "I thought you might need a towel, so I got one from the laundry and came to give it to you. I knocked! I did, I knocked, but you didn't answer so I came in to leave this."

You held the towel forward with both hands as an offering. "And I was gonna collect your clothes so I could wash them. As an apology for, ah, that other thing I did. Sorry."

You stared at the ground. Even Barbatos' ankles were pristine. A little bony, tapering down at the sides that led to his slender feet. You watched his weight shift as his tail curled closer to his body.

"How thoughtful. I'd appreciate if you could hang it on the towel bar. I will handle my clothes myself, later."

"Right, of course." You swiveled and diligently hung the towel up. The dirty clothes in question were on the ground, still soaking wet, neatly folded in a square. You looked from them back to Barbatos. He was rooted in place, not budging in the slightest. One wrong move, and who knew how much you'd see?

More than the current eyeful, that's for sure. More than the slope of his shoulders. More than the rise and fall of his upper body with each fresh breath. More than the sight of his wet hair clinging to the curve of his jawbone and the tenseness in his arm when his painted fingernails wrapped around the tiny washcloth.

"Do you need anything else?" he asked. An obvious cue for you to leave.

"I'm good," you said. It was hard not to ogle at the size of his waist fully unobscured by clothing, and its ratio to his hips. "Do you... need any help?"

"I am fine. I will be taking my shower now." His voice echoed around the bathroom as you finally left. It echoed around your head, too, when he said, "be good and wait for me."

[stars-obsession-pit]

Danny’s Phantoms

Though Danny did gain powers after the portal accident, they weren’t half-ghost powers. Instead, he gained the ability to boost the strength and tangibility of existing ghosts.

Not a very useful power for fighting off dangerous ghosts on his own.

But Danny wasn’t on his own.

Early on, a guardian spirit emerged from the portal. They were weak, barely more than a shadow. Not even strong enough to interact with the living world, never mind fight off the other ghosts coming through.

But Danny could change that.

Thus, the town first began to encounter their first ghostly protector.

Their first. Not their only one.

Gradually, other faded spirits found their way to Danny too. Offering to help protect the town in exchange for being given a second lease at (un)life.

Some stuck around. Others didn’t, choosing to return to their own haunts after their service was complete.

In the end, it mostly evened out. The shifting roster was confusing, but Amity Park eventually learned to roll with the punches and take things as they are.

Optional brief dpxdc addition under the readmore

So the obvious thing to me is “dead relative/friend/lover of a hero, who was previously too weak to interact, uses their boost to allow them to appear to the hero in their ghostly form”

Which could then of course lead to said hero bursting into Amity Park for answers, unintentionally destabilizing the careful balance between the different ghosts protecting/causing chaos in the town

Or for a non-DC possibility for upending the status quo, Pariah Dark would likely be a good choice too. After all, he sorta parallels Danny in how they both have forces following them (Danny’s ghost allies vs Pariah’s skeletons and Fright Knight).

And the chaos of such a back and forth could then be either the whole plot of a non-crossover thing, or could be an impetus for bringing in some JLD folks for a crossover plot.

[fanged-fanfics]

Hello! If it's not too much to ask, can you do the TFP Decepticons with a femme Cybertronian [(S/O) or platonic] that's like Rouge The Bat from Sonic? In terms of personality and her being a thief?

☆ Stolen Sparks — TFP Decepticons x Fem Reader HCs ☆

Genre: Fluff || she/her pronouns for reader || No warnings needed

A/N: There's more than just Megatron in the post I promise I'm just using him as the fic image cause I couldn't find a picture with all the Decepticons I included 😭

──────.𖥔 ݁ ˖˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ──────

Megatron:

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Despite his attempts, Megatron could never seem to track you down for long. You kept evading his notice, working as a rogue and stealing from whoever you please. It annoyed him at first... but he found his feelings shifting

ᯓᡣ𐭩 He was intrigued by you before long. What did you want for, were you working for someone else or purely yourself? A faction of thieves, maybe? He became determined to get to know you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 To your surprise, he could out-maneuver you. Turns and tricks that usually worked would get you caught, and you found yourself intrigued above all else. Though you loved to give up a chase, you couldn't resist humoring his conversation

ᯓᡣ𐭩 If he were being honest, it was more than just your efficiency to fulfill your own gain that pulled him in. It was the glances, the claws you'd trail against his plating, the flirting. It consumed his processor entirely, and he felt a drive to be close to you because of it, to experience it all over again every day

Starscream:

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Starscream was a bit harder to charm, he saw you as a direct threat to his reign and someone who could bring down what he's been working so hard to build

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Your cooing and little snarky comments made him irritated the most, and he was determined to find a way to stop your meddling. He talked about you constantly, always thinking about your next move, and always thinking of you over the littlest things

ᯓᡣ𐭩 It took some external prodding from Knockout for him to come to the sudden realization that he'd become infatuated with you. He couldn't help it, but he had no idea how it managed to sneak up on him. How you so effortlessly stole his spark like you'd done to countless treasures

ᯓᡣ𐭩 It wasn't long before you could pick on him about fumbling in battles and suddenly losing what little composer he had. He just couldn't focus anymore, because now when you got in his face to tease, all he could think of was the proximity of your frames

Soundwave:

ᯓᡣ𐭩 You thought it a fun challenge to see if you could get some sort of reaction out of the notoriously stoic Decepticon, but he never once spoke a word to you, no matter how many little jabs you gave him

ᯓᡣ𐭩 He spoke more with actions. He always knew your next move, and had plenty of Cassettes to set you back if you got out of line or threatened Megatron's cause. Other than that, he seemed more passive towards you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 You were surprised when you began finding trinkets and treasures being practically gifted to you. They were left out in obvious spots around your usual stops, and sometimes you'd catch a glimpse of the Officer warding off other bots who tried to pick them up before you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 You would start back up chatting at Soundwave, noting the little signs he gave in body language and his gifts that he'd been paying attention to your preferences. He didn't respond to any flirting outwardly, but definitely never shied away from your words

Shockwave:

ᯓᡣ𐭩 The logical but completely amoral, getting ahead of Shockwave was nearly impossible. He didn't rise to any of your bait, disabled any traps, and even mocked back when you goaded him

ᯓᡣ𐭩 With his unyielding stoicism, you were more than a little convinced that you were always the winner of your little play-fights, since he seemed to completely miss any hint you threw at him

ᯓᡣ𐭩 What you learned after he won a small scuffle between you two is you weren't the only one playing this little game. Intellectual challenges are where Shockwave excelled, and him letting you win was to prolong this habit you shared, of challenging the other into doing their best

ᯓᡣ𐭩 You both agree to mutually maintain this system for as long as possible, chasing each other in this friendly war of tactics that honestly has made you feel closer to the scientist than ever, especially when he reciprocates your sly remarks

Airachnid:

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Running into the spidery fembot was a dangerous bet— you'd heard plenty about what she was capable of, and you always tried to keep on your best wits when around anything she considered her territory

ᯓᡣ𐭩 When Airachid inevitably did catch you, she was surprisingly not keen on the though of tearing you apart. Instead, she told you all the potential she saw in you, and all the success you two could have when working together

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Whether you agree or deny, she's always in your plans from that day forth. Either by aiding your work and complimenting your efficiency, or by undermining your plans the same way you always do to others

ᯓᡣ𐭩 In cooperation or opposition, you two are evenly matched. Airachnid knows how to trip you up, and you know how to evade her fangs. No matter what you pick, she finds you alluring, and desires to someday have you as her own little treat

[chaos-of-nyx]

Obvious note: the "there's no treatment for HIV" is objectively incorrect - see all the above discussions of HIV treatment.

Afaik we still don't have any available cure, but iirc they were starting human trials on a possible vaccine?

I've also seen a friend go from almost dying of AIDS to a completely undetectable viral load (not that I recommend anyone letting it get that far - it's still caused permanent damage to his health, but not long ago, such a thing was impossible).

If you're engaging in 'risky' sexual behaviours, you can also access PReP, which is a pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Additional obvious note: HIV-positive folks aren't predators out here having unprotected sex without disclosing their status to intentionally infect folks, let's stop demonising folks with a chronic illness.

Nb: I thought most of this was common knowledge nowadays, and I'm disappointed that apparently it isn't, but it definitely should be.

HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence.

There are medications to stop HIV-positive folks from passing on HIV.

There are medications to help folks avoid becoming infected with HIV.

The science around HIV/AIDS has come so incredibly far in my 35-year lifetime, we're not still in the AIDS crisis and we don't need to act like we are (esp when it comes to demonising other humans based on their HIV status)

[billericious]

starry-eyed lover, the one that you saw | b.e

collateral - pt 1

The brightness of your screen illuminates your face, highlighting the tears that stream down your cheek. Breath caught in your throat as you read the notification. 

Billie Hey

You didn’t know what to do next. Would you seem desperate if you answered immediately? The last thing you wanted her to know was that you yearned for missed her, despite being the one that had ended what you guys had. This is what you wanted, what you prayed for. Why do you feel so conflicted now that you have it? 

This is real. She texted you, and you’re not dreaming. She contacted you, as if she was some sort of manifestation after a night of thinking of her. Could she still feel you, feel your emotions like they were her own? Have you been clouding her mental like she was clouding yours? So many questions to ask, and now you have the chance to do so. You click on the notification, opening up the message. Your finger shook as you carefully typed a response, scared that you would mess up something so simple.

Y/N Hey  Read 4:37 AM

Tears brimmed your eyes as she opened your message immediately. Anxiety bubbled in your stomach, awaiting a response. You shut your phone off in an attempt to soothe yourself, mind wandering as you do so.

“Hello?” you answer the phone. You hear Billie's voice on the other end. “Do you ever answer texts, baby?” your heart flutters at the pet name as you pull the device away from your ear and check your notifications, seeing multiple messages from ‘Billie :p’. “Whoops?” she laughs at your response, rubbing her eyes “you’re lucky i love you y/n, but back to why i called. What do you want snack wise for our movie night?”  

You smile, remembering the mini date night you had planned with her. “Nothing in particular…but y’know, if they just happen to have zombie takiss” you respond, exaggerating the ‘s’. “Oh well of course, can't go an october without having them at least once."

She was you in another body, a perfect match. “Well hurry bils, I miss you.”

“Just gotta check out, then I'll be heading home to you, love.” you both say I love you and end the call. There's a comforting warmth in your stomach that fights with the never ending dread. The dread of knowing she isn’t really yours, and you aren’t really hers. 

You’re brought back from the memory with the vibration of your phone. A text back.

Billie  I’ve been meaning to reach out, are you busy? If not, would you mind calling?

Your head spins at her message. For the first time in months, you would finally be having a real conversation with Billie. Were you even ready? You don't give yourself much time to answer your own thoughts as your body goes into autopilot, clicking on the small Call button on the top of the screen.

Ring

The reality of the situation hits you all at once, holding your breath as the phone continues

Ring

Was she messing with you? Would she even answer?

Ring

“Hey.” you feel your heart skip a few beats as her smooth voice greets you on the other end of the call. You finally let out the breath you had been holding, feeling lightheaded in the process. “Hey, Billie.” A silence falls over the call, obvious that the both of you had no idea what to say next.

“Why’d you wanna call?” a sudden confidence washes over you, motivated to understand why now. “In all honesty, I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to check in on you. To hear your voice.” she mumbles the last sentence, slightly hoping you didn’t hear her correctly. But you did, of course you did. Anxiety so high, hyper focused on everything she was saying.

“I’m doing…” you falter for a second, do you tell the truth or lie to save yourself from any embarrassment? You decide the latter would be a safer choice. “I’m doing okay, Billie. How are you? I’ve seen you, your promotions for the album.” Billie lets out a soft laugh at that, a rosy hue painted on her cheeks. She had completely forgotten who she was as soon as she picked up the phone. Too distracted by you to remember or focus on anything else around her.

“I’m uh, I'm good too.” it’s your turn to laugh, wet eyelashes laying on your cheeks as you close your eyes. “Good, I’m glad. You deserve it, I'm sure you’ve been working hard.” you say, trying to figure her out without trying to seem pushy. “Yeah, it’s been a lot. It’s different without you, though”

“Am i that ever lasting, Billie?” you say playfully, speaking to her never felt foreign despite it all. Immediately falling back into the groove you left on, before the argument. For a second, you almost forget why you had wanted her to leave in the first place. “God, you know you are.” she teases you slightly as you get flustered at her words. She continues, “I’m gonna be going on my press tour soon, and i just wanted to see you before I left. If that's possible, of course.”

You know you shouldn’t. You know that you would fall back into her immediately, sacrificing the little amount of healing you had made during the time of no contact. Your heart betrays your rational thinking, “Yeah, that’d be nice. It’d be nice to see you.” 

“Okay. I’ll plan, and I’ll text you the info, yeah?” “Yeah Billie, that sounds good.”

“I’ll talk to you soon, alright? I gotta go. Bye, y/n.” you wait a few seconds, waiting for the ‘I love you’ before remembering, it’s not like how it used to be. You quickly muster up your own response.

“Okay, bye Billie.” the disconnect sound echoes soon after. You look at her contact,

a smile creeping onto your face. You're not exactly happy, but not sad. Just shocked that this is finally happening. You don’t know what to anticipate. All you could do was hope for the best, even though you didn’t even know what the best is. A notification pops up at the top of your screen.

Billie Saturday @ 3. Cafe lunch. I’ll pick you up

Just hope for the best.

౨ৎ maze speaks !

im so sorry for the wait guis :< this is whack and filler, dont be too harsh pls im still getting the hang of this :p but seriously, thank you for all the motion on collateral my loverlies<3

tags: @luvforbills

౨ৎ౨ৎ౨ৎ౨ৎ send an ask ! always open<3

[corseque]

I honestly just wanted one single plot step that I could not predict given the 10 year wait. More behind the cut, I talk about Emet too, and I'm comparing his writing favorably to Solas' writing and why it worked better for me personally, but I am just talking about the writing skill that went into the games and not the dudes themselves, I love them both dearly of course. idk this is a mess and I am not going to edit it for clarity

For me, the game was a series of me saying

"ok I knew that. cool."

"oh yeah, I knew that. I guess it's good that the larger fandom knows about that now."

"nice, but yeah I already knew that too"

"that was something we've been talking about a lot for years"

"this thing they are acting like is a huge enormous reveal that the characters could not possibly have deduced through simply thinking about it in depth over the 10 years... the fans easily figured out by thinking about it in depth 10 years ago. So you would think his girlfriend would be able to figure it out more easily than we did. Like, why couldn't the game have been like 'oh lavellan already figured that out a while ago' it would have cost them nothing"

"this is something I've been thinking about for years, and now that it's being revealed, the companions' reactions to it are very irritating and jarring and unnecessary and I really dislike the experience I'm having right now, in this, the hour of my greatest triumph"

"this thing that is happening on my screen right now is something that I wrote an essay about 2 years ago describing how it would be a letdown if it happened without the correct setup"

"this way that they're characterizing Solas makes him less likable and less interesting than I have been finding him for all these years, and I have had people tell me 'no, he's simpler than you think' for years but I guess I was wrong, he really is simpler than I thought, so that fucking sucks. I wish I could take that information out of my brain."

"this thing is a retcon of information I have been thinking about for 10 years, and so I don't know how to follow along with this new direction, and I'm not sure if I even want to because it's not particularly interesting anyway"

"aw that was sweet"

"why is it like, so very impossible to have an honest back-and-forth with my favorite character about the dilemma that was most interesting to me about the previous game"

and then, as soon as, like, the other fans had caught up to the Solas lore that was really obvious from the other games, the game was.... over without anything surprising happening, or introducing a new element or plot point or perspective, or a real true twist (or two, or three) for those of us who have thought about it too hard for too long. It was very simple and easy, much, much, much, much easier than I was imagining. It all felt sort of like that Nicholson quote:

The thing was, the whole story was so interesting to think about because in 10 years, I couldn't figure out a good solution to it!!!!! It's why I was never able to write post-game fanfic about it. So I was stoked to find out some reveal we never knew about, some new information, in maybe a SERIES of steps of new information, that made the situation more complicated but also something that could be navigated by everyone involved. I know it was asking for a lot, but they had TEN YEARS, and they seemingly had set up the things they did in DAI on purpose, so surely they had some idea of a complex and satisfying narrative that would reconcile everyone.

The reason why I was expecting this is because FFXIV did a very similar story arc, which was started AND concluded WITHIN those 10 years (so it took the FFXIV team far less time to deliver as well). And the conclusion to the story in FFXIV did what I was expecting Dragon Age to do. So I thought, "holy shit, if this is the FFXIV version of this plot, how much more complicated is DA4 going to be!?!?" The DA devs also PLAYED FFXIV so they were completely aware, several years ago, of a satisfying story ending that was pretty darn similar.

People are probably going to think "oh, well Chelsea was disappointed because she spent too much time building it up in her head" but that's exactly it - I actually speculated and thought about FFXIV's story IN DEPTH NONSTOP for a year+ before its ending came out, and the ending absolutely blew me away. FFXIV Endwalker managed to introduce information and new story elements that I was not able to figure out in the YEAR I spent speculating on the ending of FFXIV's story. It took a complicated situation and revealed several several more facets to it that I was not able to predict, but were very interesting and thematically compelling, and took us all to surprising and climactic places that we could not have predicted.

Endwalker ("end" is in the title on purpose) too, was written to be THE ULTIMATE SATISFYING ENDING for a very long-running story in the exactly way that Veilguard SHOULD HAVE for Dragon Age, so while this complexity is being explored, FFXIV also gave catharsis to many different plot threads that have been built up through the previous expansions, until finally it ends with a bang. The story is desperately good to me, I loved it, it gave me closure for Dragon Age long before Veilguard was even revealed, and going back and looking at its story has made this whole thing far less painful for me.

So, I actually did not have a picture in my mind for how things SHOULD go. I just had the thought "I hope it's complicated and there are points of view or facts that we haven't before been exposed to, and the situation is resolved respectfully for Solas, not making him look like a fucking idiot (lol, the only thing I asked for). I don't even care what happens to Solas and Lavellan, I just need the story to be complicated and interesting to think about. Please, god, don't let it be "solas is wrong and he just needs to be convinced" because that's like the simplest story you could tell with this setup"

(btw they managed to tell Emet-Selch's story without making him seem like he's being an idiot on purpose or can never get anything right, and in fact the more the story goes on, the more you think of him as smart and capable and cool, so it is possible to write.... I wasn't asking for the entire moon)

And I played it and... yeah. Most of the story beats were more simple than I wanted them to be, a lot of them didn't make sense in my heart given the writing from Inquisition. (This is another essay, but if Solas' thematic story arc was always about him needing to let go of regrets, why was his personal quest the way it was? After that quest, doesn't he end up regretting not doing more....? Why did he never really talk about regret during Inquisition? If he was so trapped by regret, why was he able to do so many actions? It doesn't mesh well to me. The whole regret thing was very quarter-baked to me, I don't even like thinking about it.) His story never seemed like one that was as simple as being about one man's regrets, but then, I guess, it was always just about one man's regrets.

Emet-Selch's personal storyline (and the way it interacts with and affects the larger story) is very similar but much more cohesive and satisfying to me. It would be difficult to explain why without the aforementioned 5-hour essay. Emet-Selch's story IS about grief and anguish on a world-shaping scale in a similar way that Solas' was apparently always about letting go of regret, but Emet's story was also very pointedly and beautifully about that one theme for the entirety of his story from every tiny detail, from beginning to end - meanwhile, it seemed to me that they tried to introduce 'regret' as the main thrust of Solas' story only in the short story with the Regret demon onward.

From Inquisition just by itself, the closest I personally could get to a story theme for Solas was his inability to trust others hurting him and the world, but his trusting others in DA4 wasn't really addressed to my satisfaction. He is never required to trust anyone before the ending, he never opens up or makes himself vulnerable at all. People find out information about him, he never really dynamically opens himself. So the personal story I thought he had was never addressed at all, while a new one about regret was introduced that never made a ton of sense to me. And I don't think this is just because of my expectations - my reaction to FFXIV proves that I am able to meet good writing where it goes in surprising directions, as long as it's interesting and thoughtful and clear.

And I think this might be part of what people felt was off about the ending - Solas is sort of uninvolved in the revelations that are about him, and doesn't do much to be part of his own ending. Part of what I loved about Solas in Inquisition is that he is not controlled by you in any way, and so he feels like his own person with a very strong sense of character.

Anyway, Emet-Selch, in a very comparable and arguably more extreme plot position, is very involved in the revelations about himself, he always feels like a very strong character who cannot be affected by the player, and the whole situation is handled with deft emotion and care and delicacy. The story is comparatively very uninterested in litigating Emet-Selch or putting him on trial - the story allows you to simply feel the way that you feel in an organic way, and Emet's story spends that energy instead actually exploring his thematic material about grief and legacy, and the larger story theme of existentialism instead, in a way that is very refreshing and interesting. I've seen a lot of western stories tie themselves in knots over "redemption" and frankly it's almost never been interesting at all. Who cares about any of that. lol

(Now, I guess this is a matter of preference, because some people really like being able to shape a character's story, but idk I rewatched the ending of FFXIV and even though there wasn't a choice with Emet, because it isn't a branching story, his story felt more satisfying to me, maybe because there isn't a patronizing choice to be made for him. He is who he is, and he fulfills a very beautiful narrative role and purpose that no other character could in the story.)

I don't know how this could have been improved to me and still allowed players to choose Solas' ending for him, but I can actually think of a few different methods, none of which involve Rook condescendingly and patronizingly lecturing Solas as if Solas had never thought about a single aspect of this horrible situation he's in before that very moment that Rook lectures him lmfao.

All this to say... idk I'm writing this and I am not going back to edit it so it's stream-of-consciousness. But yeah

I just wanted the story to be complicated on a few more levels than I could have predicted. I genuinely don't care what happened, but I thought of a few twists like the Veil coming down and yeah, I was expecting A Single Twist or reveal to happen. In a Dragon Age game.

I wanted Solas to seem cool and capable and noble and smart, and actually feel like he was as old and experienced as he is.

I wanted a clear theme I could sink my teeth into

Like notice I didn't even say anything about Solavellan. Like I never in 100 years thought they were getting a happy ending where they were both alive in bodies, and I like that we got that, but I would honestly trade it for a more complicated story. To me, if a story is sad you can always write fanfic, but if a story isn't COMPLICATED, that's a much more urgent issue.

These 3 things DA4 didn't give me in a way that satisfied me but FFXIV did. anyway idk the way my hyperfixations work, I completely switch to a new subject so talking about Dragon Age is actually hard for me right now.

[jackiepackiee]

Telemachus x Apollo Blessed! Reader

Chapter Five

Masterlist

Prince Telemachus who is favored by Athena with a reader who's favored by Apollo. Both under the guidance of the god and goddess of wisdom and knowledge respectively. One a fierce warrior and the other a lovely musician. Yet complete opposites of their role when it comes to a peaceful artist and intimidating opponent.

Previously…

Looking embarrassed, he shrugged and his shoulders turned inwards a little.

Until you laughed. First, a small huff before a full giggle at his antics. Shocked and amused by his actions, you laughed.

And he thought it was the best sound ever, even better than the music from your lyre.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“Where are you going?” You asked, your laughter dying down as you took in a breath and watched him.

His head tilted to the side and his hair fell over his forehead, his body was turning to go inside. “Your lessons?” He referenced, pointing to the hallway.

“We don’t have to do it inside.” You offered, leaning against the wall while sitting on the balcony's stone railing.

“My mother will be accepting us to be…” He started, until he saw the way the sun was glowing on your face so beautifully. Wind taking your clothing and making it flow like water around your body.

He stopped, clearing his throat and looking away to the sky in thought. “Well, the weather is lovely.”

You nodded, unaware of his type of gaze. Looking at the view yourself. “I’ve never seen this part of the island.”

What could be seen was a part of the beach that only the palace could see, placed in a way that was down far in the island like a cove. Letting the rest of the view be mountains, ocean, and sky.

And against it, Telemachus thought you looked like a goddess in front of such a view when he looked back at you.

Clearing his throat, he spoke again. “Then we should stay outside… so you can see the new view! Of course.”

Trying to get a better look below, past his training grounds to the rest of the nature, you tilted forward. As you leaned, he gently took your upper arm and shoulder into his hands and stabled you. Strong body keeping you from going too far over the railing. His face was flush, but he didn’t mind it while he acted.

“This is very high up, my lady.” Despite his nervousness that was obvious from the touch, he refused to let you get too close to the ledge.

In reaction, you laughed again. Not minding his touch as he guided you to stand on the balcony. Feet meeting the ground as you joked. “That is silly coming from the prince who just climbed all the way up.” Smiling, your eyes couldn’t help but close at his behavior.

Not being able to see him, you couldn’t see the way his face softened entirely as he took in your expression. Feeling his heart in his chest, aware of every beat that it made in its haste. He took his hands away from you when you stood balanced on the floor.

When you finally stopped laughing, you picked up your lyre into the proper position. Not seeing the way he quickly shook his head and got focused.

“Have you ever played an instrument?” You inquired, making sure all the strings were in tune.

“…no.” He admitted, adjusting the brackets of gold on his forearms nervously. Twisting them so he didn’t look too interested in talking with you.

As you listened for his answer, you nodded. “That’s okay. We all start somewhere.” You spoke absentmindedly, finishing your check of your lyre.

Continuing on, you looked up at him. “What do you know about music?”

“That you’re good at making pretty songs.” He responded quickly, not putting much thought into his answer. As he realized his compliment however, he tensed up. Shoulders tightening as he stood straight up and put his hands up defensively. Flush returned to his cheeks, which the close proximity didn’t hide. “I didn’t mean to be so bold. Apologies.” His voice sounded higher than before.

Seeing his panic at the apparent fear of making you uncomfortable in his forward comments, you felt something strange in your chest.

A pulling at your heart which seemed to grow faster. So much so that you could feel it, even hear it in your ears and get caught in your breath.

“You’ve heard me play enough to know that?” You asked, trying to spin the conversation away from either of your reactions.

“Well… I heard you the day you arrived here. And yesterday when we were introduced. As well as today when you played during my training.” He admitted, recounting all the times he’s heard you.

Unbeknownst to him, you’d only ever played simple tunes off the top of your head while he was around. Not enough to impress anyone, at least not in your mind.

Before you could argue, he continued. “I know it’s not much, and it’s not like I’ve asked you to play for me. But I enjoy how it sounds.” He leans against the wall, looking at your lyre as if trying to understand its structure.

“I’ve never been very good at art… My mother is the artist of the palace.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he smiled gently at his admission.

Hearing this, you shook your head at his words. “I’m sure you could be wonderful, so you mustn’t be so doubtful.”

The confidence you had in him was surprising, though it soothed his mind of his worries.

“Thank you.” He looked back up at your eyes as he thanked you, letting his face relax as he took in your calm expression.

For a while the two of you stood in silence, only being able to hear the ocean crashing against the cove below and birds occasionally swoosh by the balcony.

After a minute or two, he started to speak. Voice not shaky, but not entirely stable and confident as he tried to present himself as a prince. “Hey, um. Do you think you could play me a real song?” He looked out to the sky, watching a cloud, before continuing his request. “I’ve only heard you for short periods.”

Confused at his desire, you made it known. “That doesn’t sound like much of a lesson.” Your voice was calm as it was before, but you didn’t look away. In fact you seemed to be in thought while gazing at your lyre in your hands. Fingers ghosting over the strings.

“Well, I guess not.” He shrugged, mentally hitting his head at his mistake for what seemed like a silly request. It was only your second time meeting, and he couldn’t help but be so forward and awkward!

After a few more bouts of silence, you spoke. Gaze moving from your lyre to his expectant face. “…I’ll play something.”

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Hearing music play, the queen paced down the corridor slowly towards the sound. Her nurse and most trusted maid, Eurycleia, at her side.

“Is that your son playing, my queen?” Eurycleia questioned, following a few steps behind the queen as she walked towards the noise.

“I doubt it.” Her level voice said honestly. “It must be the girl, as I’ve heard she’s one of the best musicians in all of Greece.” Slowing down, she stopped her quick pace when she neared the balcony.

The two women did not dare peek past the stone pillars of the wall. Not wishing to be caught or interrupt the lesson.

Eurycleia whispered, “We can get a better view from the window down the hall.”

And with that, the two walked a few meters down and turned so they could spot the two of you on the balcony.

You were both the picture of content.

You, strumming your lyre as you gently draped yourself against the railing. Sun gleaming onto you as it lit up on your golden instrument. It was obvious you were in a position of comfort. Doing something you know and love.

And the prince, Telemachus, was watching attentively. Eyes flickering around from your face to your hands. Letting his guard down, and looking absolutely entranced. Almost like he heard a siren song.

Both of you adorning smiles as the beautiful melody, looking almost childlike.

A state Penelope hadn’t seen her son in for years since the suitors roamed the halls and spiked his pressure to become a man.

The queen and nurse smiled at the boy, never seeing him allow himself to be in such a natural state of self.

“I know music lessons would be a good idea.” The queen said, smiling at Eurycleia.

“All it took was finding the perfect teacher.”

Taglist - @dog-and-cat-person230 @m-carriaga2021 @blessedbyahuntress @cleawritesstuff @b4ts1e @permanently-nothere

@kaguraaaa @rockyeatrock @keikeiluvyou @hijinkxy @doodle-with-rhy @barrythestrawberry041 @dazedemery @sunshinewhosketches @bafb1tch @lethby

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[vampzity]

all eyes on her | H.JS

★ DAY TWO: VOYEURISM WITH HAN ★

pairing: roommate! han jisung x f! reader

han has been your roommate for a year now, and you’re both been very good about each others privacy. but he’d never thought he’d catch you in such a vulnerable state.. or get off to it himself.

[warnings]: MDNI 18+!!, voyuerism, masturbation (fingering & jacking off), breast fondling, use of toys (a dildo), slight cursing? creampie mentioned, han’s a bit of a perv & sub, face riding, any other warnings i missed.

word count: 2.1k

Han walked into the apartment, knocking off his shoes tiredly. He had a long day of lectures and stupid meetings on campus and just wanted to lay in bed for the rest of the day.

It was quiet in the home, an odd feeling when it was of course a shared space between you and him. He placed his bag on the couch, being as quiet as he could assuming that you might’ve had the same thought he did and took a nap.

Han walked into the hallway, stopping by your door. A black laced pair of bra and panties hung against the door knob. His face burned red, knowing that this wasn’t something you normally did especially with a guy in the shared space. He hesitated for a moment, looking around to see if you were playing a cruel prank on him. But to his surprise, it seemed like a harmless mistake.

His hand reached out for the lingerie before his mind could even think of what to do. The lace danced on his fingers, making his cock twitch at the thought of you in them. The way your breast would perk up in them and the way your pussy would sit just right in them.

Just right ontop of him.

He brought the lingerie to his nose, taking a long breath. Your sweet vanilla perfume trailed on the fabrics, your cunt just dying to be tasted. Han was always a respectful roommate, and you two were good friends but unbeknownst to you, he had the hugest crush on you. To anyone else, it might’ve been obvious but you were a bit oblivious, assuming that he was just overly kind toward you.

Han scratched his head, placing your lingerie back on the door knob. He began to walk off, stopping as odd sounds filled his ears. He leaned against your door, hearing small whimpers and moans coming from what he assumed was you. Your voice was sweet and sultry, making him feel as if you were the pied piper and he was the snake.

His dick twitched underneath his sweatpants, practically throbbing at hearing you. He wondered what you were doing, how you were doing such a thing to yourself and why you were doing it alone. He could help you, in fact, Han would be more than grateful to help you let out your sexual frustrations.

He picked up the lingerie once again, holding it tightly in his hands as he opened your door just a bit, feeling relief as your moans drowned out the sound of the twisting and turning. He peeked into the dimly lit room, catching you sprawled on your bed. Lucky for him, the door was in the corner of your room while your headboard was against the same wall, leaving him with a perfect view of you without getting caught.

You were in your bathrobe— of course it was wide open, and you laid in it. Your whimpers were louder now that the door was open, making the boner in Han’s pants strengthen. He watched as you squeezed your breasts, your other hand moving at a quick pace against your cunt. The noises were like music to his ears, the sound of your slick enough to make him go crazy. You were so stuck in your own world, you could barely hear anything else around you.

At least that’s what he thought.

“Didn’t anyone tell you it’s rude to spy on lady?”

Han froze, his eyes meeting yours as you wrapped your robe around your body. His face was now a deep red, watching as you made your way toward him with a tightly fitted robe now on you completely. You looked down at the lingerie in his hand, giggling as you grabbed onto his hand.

“Oh look, you found it!” You took the lingerie from him, giving him a sly look. “I’ve been looking for this everywhere, thank you Hannie.”

He nodded, a look of confusion painted across his face. You walked back to your bed, placing it on the end as you sat down. Han stood there in disbelief, unsure of what to do or even say. You weren’t mad? It didn’t seem like it, in fact you seemed unusually nonchalant about it.

Wouldn’t a girl be offended or feel uncomfortable that a man— let alone their roommate was watching them?

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to— well I guess it seems that way? I was just, I was walking by and I saw, no I heard— ugh.” He ran his fingers through his hair, avoiding any eye contact with you. “I’ll just leave you alone, I swear this won’t happen again— well, I know it should’ve never happened in the first place,”

“Han.”

He met your eyes, a reassuring smile on your face as you motioned him to you. He closed the door, walking to you and standing in front of your bed. You grabbed his hand, undoing your robe and placing his hand on your now exposed breast. Han felt his cheeks and ears glisten red as the warmth of your body met his own, the soft feeling of your skin in his hand.

“Well don’t be shy now, touch me.”

He looked up at you, eyes widening at your statement. You repositioned yourself, now sitting on your knees with your legs open just slightly. You slipped your hand between your thighs, being met with the warmth and wetness between your folds. You moved your hands over your clit, moaning softly as your cunt ached to be touched. Han watched as your head fell back, the sounds now louder than before as you were right in front of him.

His cock twitched beneath his sweatpants, still in shock at what was unfolding in front of him. He squeezed your breast softly, his other hand coming up to cup the other. You whimpered as his thumb toyed with your nipple, the pace becoming quicker against your sensitive bud.

Han was hard, so fucking hard. He couldn’t control it— who would when you were practically drowning in lust right in front of him.

“Hannie.”

You looked up at him, a soft doe look in your eyes that could’ve made him fall to his knees at whatever you asked. You continued to toy with your clit, your whimpers growing while his hands fondled at your chest.

“Gonna cum,” You fingered yourself softly, your other hand rubbing your bud in circles as you felt your high approaching. Han watched you in all your glory, his hands holding your tits softly. He watched your pace fasten, your chest rise and fall quickly as it all rushed over you. He didn’t know what to think; he never thought he’d be watching you in such a vulnerable state like this.

You let out a deep moan, your voice feeling like candy to his ears as the whimpers slowly trailed afterwards. You pulled your fingers from between your legs, your other hand holding his chin.

“Wanna taste, Hannie?” His eyes lit up like a dog seeing a bone, nodding his head as you smiled. You knew Han was soft-hearted, but sexually? It came as a small shock to you seeing how he practically worshipped you without any romantic title.

“Needy, huh? Open.”

Han followed without hesitation, opening his mouth slightly as you brought your fingers to his tongue. He sucked on your fingers softly, your juices coating his tongue. It was sweet, he’s dreamt of the day he could taste you, even feel you on the tip of his tongue. This was as close as he could get to you and he was perfectly fine with that. He would do anything you wanted, anything you asked for if it meant that you’d let him have a taste at you.

“Mm, wanna watch some more, Hannie?”

He quickly nodded, watching as you brought over your desk chair for him to sit at. You pulled your robe off while he sat down, letting it drop to the floor as you crawled back into your bed. Han’s face was basically a tomato at this point, seeming as if there was actual steam coming out of his ears from how heated he got.

You pulled out something from your drawer, giving Han a quick glance before showing it to him. It was a toy, a dildo at that. It wasn’t too big or small, but just the right size for you. You positioned it under you, sitting ontop as small moans escaped you.

His mind raced with the thoughts of him stuffing you full with his cock. How it would feel to have you clenching around him as you struggled to take in his length. Han was practically leaking at this point, desperate to get off as he watched you and within seconds, his sweatpants met the ground. He held his member in his hand, the aching making him throw his head back as he stroked it softly.

Your hands squeezed the comforter as you rode the toy, pants leaving your body as it pressed against your sweet spot. Han stroke himself to your rhythm, imagining it was you ontop of him.

“So good.” you mumbled.

Han met your gaze, watching as your tits jumped when you fastened your pace. It was such a beautiful sight to him; one he could’ve only thought of in his dreams. You leaned back a bit, your hands keeping you still behind you. Spreading your legs a bit more, his mouth nearly dropped. There it was in all its glory and it was so pretty to him. He had a front row seat, watching as the toy slipped in and out of your soaking core. It was a creamy sound, small drops leaking out of you.

“Hannie,” you moaned softly, groping your tits harshly as you continued to ride.

His small whimpers filled your ears, his eyes fixated on you as he stroked himself quickly. He was aching, begging, desperately trying to hold himself back from falling apart right there in front of you and it only made you weak. You brought your hand to your folds, running it over your clit.

“Hannie, gonna cum.”

Your movements got faster with every hit against your sweet spot. You felt a small tingle at your core, the moans escaping you only growing louder.

“Please watch me cum, Hannie.” You met his reddened face, obediently nodding his head.

“Am I pretty like this, Hannie? Tell me I’m pretty.”

His thumb rubbed the tip of his cock, watching you throw tour head back in pleasure as you bounced happily against the toy.

“Fuck, you’re so pretty baby.”

His strokes fastened again to your pace, watching as you creamed all over the toy. You began to whimper his name— once, twice, a third time, over and over. You couldn’t hold it in anymore, and you felt so hot with Han watching your every move. You pulled the dildo out of you, legs shaking as you continued to abuse your clit.

“Taste me, Hannie.”

Without any hesitation, Han quickly pulled up his pants and climbed under your hovering body, letting you sit against his face. You rubbed your clit against his nose, his tongue lapping at your juices. You moaned out his name, hands tugging at his hair. His nose brushed against you, harder, faster as you felt your high coming and this time you couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Cum— fuck, Hannie, I’m… oh my god.” With a final thrust you came undone a top of him. Han held your thighs down with his arms, tonguing your core softly.

You met eye contact with him, whimpers escaping you as you realized he wasn’t done with you. This was a moment he’s waited— no, dreamt of. To feel your body, to taste your soft skin. It wasn’t something he was willing to give up so easily and you knew that. He grabbed your hips, moving them against his face as his lips wrapped around your swollen bud.

“Hannie, please.. fuck.”

Your sweet moans were all he wanted. He just wanted to make you feel good, give you something that you simply couldn’t fufill on your own. He sucked on your pussy, your sweet juices filling his mouth as your hands raked through his hair.

“You’re so good to me Hannie. Don’t stop..”

You moved your hips with the rhythm of his tongue, panting like a dog as he abused you. You were practically suffocating him at this point, but he didn’t care. All he wanted was to make you happy, give you what you deserved. He adored you, and he was willing to do anything it took to prove it to you.

back to valentine’s masterlist

a/n: this is definitely one of my favs from the event that i’ve written hehe

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[gooobraghhh]

I’ve successfully completely broken a mutual of mine and it has been so fun

I’ve talked about @the-kennel-keeper on here a few times but I think I really need to display the whole picture.

He started out like most of my followers, a puppy boy anon in my askbox that had a massive crush on me, but I had happened to follow his account along with like 10 others that were in the trans nsft tag when I first made this blog. He sent me an anonymous ask about realizing I followed him and how it got him so exited but he spam liked me like right before he sent it which made it exceedingly obvious who he was. That little pathetic mistake that was rip for being made fun of was the first thing that got me interested and his general tendency to accidentally humiliate himself or be easily tricked has remained extremely adorable. He finally dm’d me some message about how much he loves my blog since he wanted my direct attention and he did one of those ask games where one of the questions was like “who’s your tumbr crush?” and of course I asked him that one anonymously.

Surprise surprise he says me and at that point I’d sort of gathered too much dirt on him to let it go to waste and I really didn’t even try. We flirted, he talked about how he was only submissive in an extremely defiant, bratty way and how he basically can’t be tamed which just made him all the more alluring of a target for me. He did act like that for a while, but I built up to this perfect demeaning message where I revealed both of my little secrets on him and he just had no choice but to give in. The message ended with me telling him that I own him and I managed to get a “Yes ma’am” in response. He got so worked up that night that he finally got himself off after not being able to for months. I think that’s when I truly gained control over him.

Since then I’ve been slowly training him more and more. Learning exactly what gets him flustered and makes him tick. He started being more obedient, begging on command, singing my praises. A month or two later and the progress is undeniable. Hes cum for me a total of ~10 times (probably more than that, he couldn’t remember the exact number at first but I let him round down) 5 of which have been in the last 24 hours. He volunteered to send me audios of him jerking off and praising how good he’s been trained, he responds “yes ma’am” to basically every command I give him.

I know him so well that I can make him kind of shut down and give in from just a sentence or two of dirty talk. I mean I really pushed him today and yesterday and he couldn’t help but get himself off several times while recording it for me.

This man genuinely thought he was untamable, before talking to me he hadn’t even cum in months, but I’ve taken real good care of my new mutt. Thoroughly corrupted him into my perfect toy. Sometimes I even give him dirt on me just to give him a fighting chance but he’s so pathetic it doesn’t even matter. He’s had sex dreams about me and has chatted with me while around his friends, desperately trying to keep his composure.

So I’m starting a counter in my pinned of how many times he’s cum while thinking of me. It’s only fair I get to show off my hard work I think. We can all enjoy seeing how fucking pitifully submissive my mutt is.

And you can be jealous of him while that number ticks up because I know there’s a lot of you that’d kill to be in his position.

Exited to see how fast I can get keep the number increasing.

[garez19]

isekai’d! yandere x reader

I think we’ve talked about isekai’d reader already… but what do you think about a yandere who just got isekaid into a silly little world?

notes: mention of an injury (not descibed), no pronouns used for the reader, no use of y/n

when he finds himself in a completely different place, he mutters a curse word as he tries to get up.

huh?

huh?

and when he finally realizes this is the bedroom he has seen in that one webtoon, he runs to the bathroom. he takes a look in the mirror and he curses under his breath again as he sees the image of the main character. he touches his blond hair, and he looks himself with pure confusion.

“I can’t believe I just turned blonde,” he sighs. “man, fuck my life.”

but good thing he is the main character, right? well, there was no other character who were as charismatic as him apart from the protagonist, right? moreover, he quite likes the main character too, and relates to him on a deeper as the story processes. they have similar personalities and a similar way of approaching the situations. he rarely enjoys webtoons but well, good thing he found a cool one, no? however, when he figures out there are more to be upset over being blonde, he curses again. because hell, this was not a romance story.

this was a fantasy. a very descriptive and terrifying one too.

yet, he is at an advantage, he repeats, because he has read it multiple times, and very much knows about the ending.

he knows what to do, he knows who he should team up with, he knows who to stay away from, and he most certainly knows how he needs to handle anything that’ll ever happen.

he does handle it well. and he knows the ending will be priceless. he is sure it’s going to be alright. and he knows you too, the side-character with little to no role, but quite loved by the readers, he recalls. you help him out once or twice, and have your iconic moments too.

well, a shame you were going to die, huh? because you truly feel real, you make him feel like he’s not completely alone in this world. he finds you creepy in the sense that he is reminded the real world by you. he finds you relatable. and he finds your creepiness comforting in its own way, coming from the familiarity.

so he keeps you close. he doesn’t want to be all alone in a completely different world. he doesn’t want to face all this all by himself with all these puppets around them.

he asks you to join his adventures. and you accept it. you two become as close as you can, and he knows the chapter that you die in is soon to come.

and he most certainly isn’t ready.

so when you come along with him to do your duty respectfully, knowing you were going to pass away right there, he calls out your name.

“you’re not coming.” he says. you look up at him with an obvious confusion.

“why not?” you ask.

“because you aren’t needed. you just stay here.” he adds. and you frown, still confused. you definitely are needed there. everyone is needed there. and you are going to go. another thing that made you liked by the audience, brave and willing to take action.

“well, you aren’t coming, end of discussion. I can just lock you up if you want to keep talking.” he says. and although you think he just wanted to half-joke and assert some kind of dominance, he is definitely serious about it.

and you don’t need to know.

or you do. because fuck, you leave him little to no thing to do when you don’t listen and follow him around. there’s a different expression on his face, one that you hadn’t seen until now. it’s almost like he’s panicked, and you can’t understand why he panics when he sees you—considering there are way more scary things around the area.

he calls out to his best friend, and the horrifying creature they fight with seems wrathful. he needs to get you out of here. he needs to do it quickly.

“cairos will escort you, and we will talk about it once i come back, okay?” you’ve never seen him so upset, and you’re not sure why he acts so crazy about the whole situation. you look at cairos, and he seem shocked too, yet he accepts quickly and takes the lead. you’re sure if you’re supposed to do anything but obey now. and you follow him to the place.

“you’re fucked up, I must say,” cairos jokes.

“what did I even do anyway?” you huff. and to be fair, he doesn’t understand either, but there’s no way he’d get so mad if there wasn’t a reason, right?

“well, uh, beats me, but you shouldn’t do that again, you know.” he adds. and the rest of the path is quiet, with this uneasiness around you.

this was your last duty. one last one and you were going to be done and go back to your own life. at least according to what the wizard has told you anyway. and he has just messed it all up.

fuck

so what are you supposed to do know? wait for the beasts to hunt you down so you can go back? cairos tells you he needs to go back when you arrive, and that both he and you will be in big trouble if you decide to do that again.

so you wait quietly, and think of a new solution as you do so.

***

“luka’s injured, fuck,” cairos curses. and as you take him to his bed and bandage him up, you can’t help but think that none of these would happen if you were there. if things had gone as planned, maybe you’d have even waken up and drink a cup of tea in your room as you re-read the whole story once again.

“I mean, it takes two to tango,” you mock. cairos frowns.

“shut up.”

cairos has no serious injuries, but you tell him that he also needs to go and take a rest instead of waiting for him to wake up. although he tries to protest, the tiredness takes over his body, and he leaves as he keeps repeating to keep him updated.

and then you hear him shouting your name. you panic as you think he needs something, or is in pain.

“you okay?” you ask. he seems relaxed for a second.

“I really should have locked you up, right?” he smiles. after seeing him in such anger, you don’t know if you should be laughing at his “jokes”.

“it’s not my fault you can’t decide whether someone is needed or not.” you sneer.

“you are very much needed, just not there.” he says. you can see how tired he is, and you can’t help but cringe whenever you see his bandaged wound.

“I think you should rest now,” you say, “we can talk it out when you’re better.”

he nods. “but you’ll stay here, right?” he asks. “I mean, in case something happens. I have lost so much blood, you see.” he adds quickly. like he’s a silly kid ashamed of thunders and wants to sleep with his parents.

“of course.” you smiled.

***

luka truly has been enjoying the past week. the story is not supposed to go this way because well, you should be dead by now, but the author should’ve written that part better, no?

but he likes the fact that you’re always around to take care of him, as he makes it obvious you are the reason he’s got hurt when cairos had to leave him for more than half an hour.

and you truly feel guilty, not because of going there, but because of coming back. now the main character is badly injured, and you are still alive. you are still not in your own world. so you do whatever he needs, and you even treat him so nicely that he honestly considers getting injured more often.

yet, when he is finally all recovered, and the next chapters are even more dangerous for you, for him, for everyone; he decides he doesn’t give a damn about completing the story correctly, nor does he care about going back.

you can’t leave. you physically can’t.

and he’ll make sure of it.

[biblical-chronicles]

Clingy

___________________________________

where the others can see that Noel missed you (a lot) while on tour.

___________________________________

When you showed up at one of the tour stops unannounced, you didn’t expect a calm, collected reaction. But you didn’t expect this either.

You hadn’t even stepped into the dressing room fully before Noel had launched himself at you.

“Jesus—”

Before you could even brace yourself, you were flattened against the wall by a very enthusiastic Noel, arms wrapped around your waist like he was afraid you'd disappear again.

“Oh, fuckin’ hell,” Liam groaned from behind. “Here we go…”

“Mate, you’ve got a proper problem,” Bonehead chuckled.

You smiled, holding on to Noel for balance as he pressed his face into your neck, sighing dramatically. “Missed you.” he muttered, squeezing you even tighter.

You barely had time to breathe before Liam piped up again. “Mate, seriously? You might as well start humping her leg in front of us at this point.”

Noel didn’t budge. Instead, he let out a huff of laughter. “Aye, well, she’s mine, so deal with it.”

You couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Noel Gallagher, the man who would usually grumble at the slightest inconvenience, was now clinging to you like a bloody child.

“Come on, Noel,” you said, trying to peel him off. “I just walked in, let me breathe for a second.”

He let go—barely. His hand still firmly pressed to your back, and as you moved to sit down, he was quick to follow, dragging you onto his lap.

“Christ, mate, you’re arranging a bloody nest for her, or what?” he teased, leaning back with an exaggerated look of mock disbelief. “I mean, just look at ‘im. Never thought I’d see the day you'd turn into a clingy... well, whatever this is.”

“Yeah,” Bonehead continued, “I half expect you to start pullin’ out a duvet and a pillow at this point. Might as well throw a hot water bottle in there, too, and make her feel right at home. Wrap her up in fairy lights.”

You chuckled, but it was getting harder to keep a straight face as Noel kept you trapped in his lap, his hands not letting go of you for even a second.

“I swear, this isn’t normal for him,” you said, half laughing, half trying to understand what was happening. “He’s usually not this clingy, but I can see now… he missed me.”

Noel’s eyes softened, and he leaned his head into your shoulder, clearly not bothered by the teasing. “You’ve got no idea, love.” he mumbled, kissing the side of your neck.

“I think I might’ve missed you a bit too.” you said, laughing, but it didn’t seem to matter because Noel was still holding onto you like his life depended on it, nuzzling your neck.

"Alright, alright," you sighed, giving up. "I actually brought you lot some little gifts."

You tried to stand up, but Noel tightened his grip on you immediately, pulling you back onto his lap.

“No, no, no,” he said, shaking his head in mock protest. “You’re not goin’ anywhere.”

“But I’ve got your gifts,” you said, chuckling at his stubbornness. “I’m not gonna leave you forever, Noel. Just let me go for a second.”

“Yeah, right,” Noel muttered, leaning his face into your hair again. “You’re not leavin’ me.”

The lads snickered, unable to hold it in any longer.

“Mate, you’re not lettin’ her go ‘cause you’ve got a bloody hard on, haven’t you?” Liam said with a smirk, eyes flicking between the two of you.

Bonehead burst out laughing, nudging Liam. “Oh, you can see it, can’t ya? He’s practically glued to her. I bet if she stands up, he’ll have to grab the nearest cushion to hide that situation.”

“Jesus, Noel,” Liam continued, shaking his head with a grin. “At least put a blanket over it, yeah? Make it a little less obvious.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head at their relentless teasing.

Noel just groaned into your neck, completely unbothered. “Piss off, all of you.” he muttered, but there was a soft smile in his voice as he tightened his grip on you.

You shook your head, trying your best to keep your composure while laughing at how ridiculous this all was. “Alright, I think you might’ve actually missed me.” you teased.

“I have.” he admitted, without a hint of hesitation, his voice soft. Then, before you could even respond, he pulled you closer and kissed you, long and slow. You could feel the relief in his kiss, like he was making up for all the time he’d been away. When he pulled back, his eyes were a little softer than usual.

“You really have no idea, do you?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Just then, Liam couldn’t help himself "I have an idea—get a fucking room.”

___________________________________

cute short story for today as I have a blank mind so sorry if it's not the usual quality you lot xx

and no worries Liam nation I will be writin' for you as well soon, as you were x

[sleepanonymous]

Once again, a round of applause for Mr. Lever. You will see an obscure photo of Vessel and II if you click that link, fyi. I actually can't find Vessel, but II and George are def in it, and a friend says Vessel is too. For obvious reasons, I did not include the photo while formatting this post.

Full Production, Mixing & Mastering catered to by George Lever here at G1 .

Prelude

Working with Sleep Token is always a pleasure. I get this deep seated selfish enjoyment when we start new projects, mainly because I’m safe in the knowledge that the experience is going to be beautifully intense and incredibly rewarding.

Tracking

We started working on ‘Two’ just before winter started in 2016. Working on maturing the structure and fleshing out tones. Its no surprise that when it came to the final tracking that we changed the sonic balance almost completely (this is a running theme by the looks of things) Time restrictions led to us using programmed drums, however we took samples of the real kit to sequence so that it didn’t ‘feel’ completely robotic or lost. Guitars last time around resulted on leaning on my Kemper, however this time we used a live amp and cab for the majority, the momentum from the tubes / movement of the cab is something I’ve had to accept is difficult to recreate ITB. Its easier just to go down the most direct route. I had recently purchased a one of a kind Randall modded amp from a friend in the states. It turns out its an early prototype from when Fortin partnered up with Randall, its not a looker but its a box of pure filth. The Fortin was fed into my Mesa OS, placed an SM57 on the cap joint of the cone and off we went, pretty straight forward really! Bass is a hybrid setup between two real basses and then a 3rd lane of audio from a programmed bass. Because of the way the song’s have been written, keeping the sub lows consistent is vital to ensuring the song flows without feeling disjointed section to section / genre to genre. Vocals is where the most change happened (from a tracking perspective). Originally we had finished and finalised everything with my go-to setup. Modded Oktava > Germanium Chandler > Empirical Labs Distressor. And for the most part it worked. However halfway through the process I bought a Slate VMS. A modelling microphone. Without going into too much detail, its a microphone that can imitate more expensive vintage setups and it does it without any issue whatsoever. Obviously when testing it out and comparing, the VMS won without breaking a sweat. So back to tracking all the vocals again. (The vocalist is amazing however, the repeat performances were just as good, if not better than the original final takes) 

Gear Used

Guitars

Ibanez Prestige (7 string) – Bare Knuckle Aftermaths Fortin Modded Randall Diezel Einstein Mesa Oversized Cab Beyerdynamic m201 & 57

Vocals

Slate VMS – AKG C12 Emulation into Neve Pre

Drums

Sampled the original kit, programmed performances.

Bass

Fender Jazz Customshop Dingwall Combustion

Synths / Samples

Logic Stock Omnisphere Spitfire Albion LA Scoring Strings

Mixing

Everything with Sleep Token (from a mix perspective) is orientated around the vocal. The vocal here is god and attempting to get the mix to flow any other way would have been very strange indeed. Sleep Token were very clear and concise about the structure for the mix, Vocals, Samples, Drums then everything else equal after the fact. Very much like how pop is built actually. It turned out to be the most happily balanced mix I’ve worked on. I expected to have a harder time balancing moving between a few different genres through out the track but in all honesty, it just worked. Which in itself is testament to the quality of the song writing. We worked on a few different ‘perspectives’ for the mixes, however in all honesty. The mixes came together with very little effort and the tracking stage defined a lot of the movements that would happen later down the line.

Testimonial

“Worship” Vessel doesn’t give quotes. – ST

Mastering

I ended up going against my usual workflow for the master chain, trying out new things always lends to another perspective / approach / result. The signal chain looked something like this;

FG-Bomber Slate VMR – Neve EQ Focusrite Red 3 Slate VMR – Custom EQ UBK-1 (the density control on this is awesome!) Izotope Limiter FabFilter Limiter

Lastly…

If you haven’t already checked out Sleep Tokens first release ‘One’. You should. ‘One’ was also produced here at G1 but resulted in a darker sound overall! – G

[theemissuniverse]

“YOU’RE STUCK WITH ME” HENRY HART X GIRLFRIEND READER

SUMMARY: Your boyfriend Henry has everyone swooning over him and you hate it (Movie Henry)

WARNINGS : none I think?

MASTERLIST

The argument was stupid. At least to Henry. You were jealous, it was obvious. Since high school, Henry had no problem getting women. Well, now it wasn’t high school anymore. You were both in your twenties and this was the real world now.

But even in the real world, Henry had all the women on him.

It annoyed you. The constant flirting women did with him. Even openly with you present. Granted, Henry always shut the flirting down. He never entertained it.

It didn’t make you any less pissed off.

The argument got heated. Henry was mad you would even think about the possibly of him cheating on you. Then you shut down completely and walked out the house.

Henry has not seen you for approximately seventeen hours.

“Hey, you know who it is. Leave a message at the beep. Or don’t. I don’t really care.”

Beep.

“I swear to god, if you don’t answer me, I’m going to lose my mind. Where the fuck are you?” *sighs* “Look, you want to be pissed at me? Fine. You take the bed and I’ll take the couch but ignoring me for seventeen hours and turning your location off is crossing the line and you know it. Come home. Now.”

You rolled your eyes at the voicemail and deleted it. Were you being a little childish? Yes, but you didn’t care. You were mad. Henry got to be the hero in Dystopia. Signing autographs and having all the women swoon over him.

Who were you? Just his girlfriend.

You were outside of the bar, debating if you should get yourself a drink. You knew it was only a moment of time until Henry figured out some way to track you so you were soaking it in as long as you could.

A man was standing outside of the bar. He was a little bit older than you. He reeked of booze and despair. You tried to not make eye contact so he wouldn’t speak to you but it was too late.

“What? Mad at boyfriend?”

You were trying to be polite. The men at Dystopia weren’t exactly the best so you just gave a polite smile. “Something like that.”

“If you were with me baby, you wouldn’t have worry about that.”

Before you could respond, you heard a voice creeping up behind you. A familiar one. “Good thing you don’t have to worry about that.”

Henry was too quick to find you. Quicker than you anticipated which irritated you.

“How did you find me?!”

“Why were you hiding from me in the first place?”

The guy looked between the two before directing his attention back to Henry. “It seems like she don’t wanna be bothered.”

Henry gave the guy a look, eyeing him up and down. He even looked stunned he would make a remark like that. “It seems like I don’t care.”

You sighed a little, knowing Henry’s attitude. “Henry-“

“Don’t do that. Blackout is still out here and you want to take a stroll in town because what? You think I’m with other women?”

The guy still decided to chirp in again. “The lady doesn’t want you. So leave.”

Henry started to rub his temples in irritation. “Dude if you don’t back the fuck up, I’m gonna punch you in the face.” You grabbed Henry’s arm and forced him to walk away from the man. “No, seriously, who is this guy?”

His attention was focused on the guy so you forced Henry to look at you. “I needed space.”

“You needed seventeen hours of space?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“You can’t just do that.”

“Last time I checked, I’m not you. I didn’t sign up some shitty contract with you and now, you dictate how things go in the relationship.”

“Who’s dictating? If the roles were reversed, my head would be on a stick.”

“Your head is going to be on a stick if you don’t leave me alone.”

Before Henry could reply, the guy walked back up to them. “Leave her alone, asshole. She doesn’t want you.

Henry, very clearly irritated and frustrated, gives in to his impulsive urges. He punches him straight in the jaw, knocking the guy out. You just shake your head, knowing your boyfriend and saw it coming when the guy wouldn’t leave the two of you alone.

“I seriously don’t know how you became a superhero.” You told him honestly.

Henry ignores the statement and changes the subject, feeling the bruise starting to form on his knuckles. “We need to have a real conversation about this. Not you dismissing me like you always do.”

You gave him a look. “Like I always do? You’re the one that’s been dismissing me and my feelings!”

Henry sighed. He scratches the back of neck, pulling at the back of head slightly. “I’m not trying to, babe but I don’t understand what more you want me to do. You honestly believe I would cheat on you?”

“I don’t know.”

Henry looked at you like he couldn’t believe what you just said. “You don’t know?”

“Yeah, I don’t.”

Before Henry could say anything, he saw exactly what he was dreading. News reporters and a whole bunch of fans, specifically women. “Ah shit.”

One of the news reporters came rushing to him. “Henry! Is it true you punched this defenseless man?”

“Now is not the time.” Henry told him. He tried to focus his attention back on you but one of his fans that were women grabbed on the material of his jacket.

“Ooh. I like this. Is this real leather?”

You nodded, officially done with whatever conversation you and Henry were having. “Okay. I’m out of here.”

You were already walking away when Henry was calling your name. “Stop worrying about that loser.” The woman said flirty to him.

The random woman calling you, his girlfriend a loser made his blood boil. He shoved him off of her. Almost to the point where she could’ve fallen on her ass. “Get the hell off of me.”

He doesn’t care for the shocked look on her face. He pushes past the news reporter and keeps walking to get to you. “Baby, stop.” He grabs you and forces you to look at him. “Okay, I’m done. You hear me? I quit.”

You looked at him confused. “Quit what?”

“All this. Fighting crime. Being in the spotlight. If that’s what it takes for you to get over this and trust me again then I will stop. I don’t want to be the hero if it means losing you.”

That’s when it all it you like a brick. Henry was willing to give up everything. Again. Just to be with you. Just like he did when he was Kid Danger.

You were being selfish and you couldn’t keep doing this to him. Not anymore.

Tears were rushing down your face. Henry let out a sigh seeing how upset you were. “I’m sorry.” You told him.

If there was one thing Henry hated, it was to see you cry. He immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a hug. He rubbed your back to soothe you.

Henry’s hugs always felt like a big warm grizzly bear was hugging you. “I just feel like I don’t deserve you…” You said through the tears.

“Baby…”

“We met in high school and sometimes I feel like you settled for me.”

“Me? Settle with you?” Henry asked like he couldn’t believe it. He pulled away from the hug and you looked at him. “I love you. More than anything in the world. So what we met in high school? That doesn’t mean I want to ever explore the idea of other women. I want you and only you.” He takes his hand and interlocks it with yours. “I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you.”

“Dead?”

Henry laughed a little. You wrapped your arms around his neck and he pulled you closer. “Yeah, probably.” He gave you a peck on the lips. “You done being mad at me?”

You gave him a suggestive smile. “You going to take me home and show me how much you love me?”

Henry immediately caught on. He scooped you up, bridal style which made you let out a squeal. “Yes, ma’am.”

[butlervibesonly]

hi!! I love ur writing and I had this idea if you could please write it!? It could be Austin x actress reader, they are dating and made a movie together and now they are at some kind of interview, but they are both distracted by each others pressence 🤭 maybe like the tension between them growing visibly and it could end with some funny comments from fans? Thank you in advance! 🌼

𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒 || Austin Butler

• Pairing: Austin Butler x actress! reader

• Warnings: Austin and reader can’t take their eyes off of each other, flirting, desire,…?

• Note: HIII! What an absolutely amazing idea! You can’t imagine how I enjoyed writing this!! ( @eternal-love could tell… 😝) also! picture used at the end is fictional; created with app called TwiNote! AND YES, I HAD TO ADD THIS SONG.

You and Austin have been dating for a long time now. You both met thanks to the same industry you two work at and that nothing less than your beloved acting. Now that Hollywood has given you the opportunity, both of you were casted in a movie where you played love interests.

That was of course very easy for you, since the love you guys feel for each other is truly unconditional. When it comes to making movies there are a lot of duties to promote the movie by any kind of a way. One of them is interviews. Austin and you are on a press tour, promoting the movie you guys made and today… there is something in the air…

The bright studio lights cast a warm glow over the set, highlighting the two stars seated side by side in chairs. And that is of course you and Austin. The interviewer has barely finished the introduction before the oddly satisfying energy filled the room.

Even tho that the two of you have been together for nearly over a two years now, sitting next to each other like this, all dressed up for the press tour, makes it feel like you are back on set, falling for each other all over again.

You look absolutely breathtaking in a formal black dress in Austin’s eyes. Austin is wearing his grey shirt and black pants – so damn handsome. There are some glances between the two of you from the beginning of this interview. Something so unspoken but still so obvious.

“So,” the interviewer started, bringing you from your own thoughts. “Austin, Y/n… It’s nice to have you here today.” Both you and Austin smile warmly. “Thanks for having us.” Austin says, his voice low and deep - just like the way you love it.

“You two have worked together before, but this was your first time playing romantic opposite each other. Did that make things easier or harder?”

Austin opens his mouth to answer, but then you shift beside him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear, and he gets completely lost in thoughts. His gaze flickers to you, and you only, caught in the way your lips curl so slightly at the edges, because you know exactly what you’re doing to him.

You raise an eyebrow, noticing his hesitation. “Easier,” you answer smoothly, tilting your head toward him after breaking the uncomfortable silence. “Definitely easier.”

Austin clears his throat, attempting to focus on the interview that’s being recorded. “Yeah, I mean, when you already have a connection, it helps.” He finally manages to say, though his words came out slower than he wanted, as if his brain is struggling to catch up with the sight of you beside him.

“I see. So you slid into the characters pretty easily, didn’t you?” Austin chuckles, wanting to answer the question with confidence, but then your fingers brushes his to hold his hand. Just for a second, just enough to send a spark up his arm. Austin of course looses the thoughts again. You can see he is out of his straight thinking, and take over the question again.

“Mhm, yes. The characters we got to play are actually not so different from us, so it was really easy to bring those characters alive.” you smile warmly. The interviewer grins, clearly noticing the interaction of you and Austin. “You both look like you’re still in characters.”

Austin rubs his tight as he always does, his other hand rubbing his lips - as he always does. “Are we?” he smirks, letting out a laugh to ease the atmosphere in the air.

What Austin actually does is that he unbuttons the few buttons of his shirt on his chest. You peripherally see his chest glistening in the studio lights, the lust in your eyes growing stronger. Okay. Focus. Just answer the questions… goes through your head.

The interviewer is speaking about the movie, but neither you and him registers the words. You shift beside him again, crossing your leg over the other. You just look so stunning for Austin to keep his eyes off of you. Too stunning. How is he supposed to form sense able sentences when you’re sitting this close?

Little does he know that you are now kinda doing it on purpose. Austin hears his name being mentioned, knowing he needs to get back to reality from his fantasizing about you. Say something, Austin. Anything.

“So, Austin, what was your favorite scene to film?” the interviewer asks. His favorite scene? He blinks, hesitating. Right. The movie. The reason you’re both here.

His brain is stubborn, refusing to pull up any scene except for that one; The one where your hands roamed around his body, the way you whispered his name like it belonged to you. The way it never felt like acting.

“Um…” He starts searching for a savory answer. “I really liked the one that actually director decided to remove… But it was some kind of scene where Y/n and I run through the rain on a beach.”

You smirk, knowing he is lying and tries to hide his real intentions. It’s actually no longer after when you are the one being questioned, and suddenly know how it felt for Austin when you are being seduced by the sight. He’s staring.

You can feel the weight of Austin’s gaze without even looking at him. It’s been happening since you walked onto the set of this interview of course, but now it’s getting way harder to ignore. Every time you move, his eyes follow. Every time you smile, his lips twitch like he’s fighting the urge to do the same.

It’s distracting. So unfairly distracting. You tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, again, pretending not to notice the way his hands flex slightly, like he wants to reach out and just touch you.

As the interviewer continues to say something, you risk a glance at Austin, and sure enough, he’s already looking at you with that expression of his. His blue eyes are squinted due to his eyebrows furrowing, more intense, almost as if he has forgotten you’re supposed to be acting professional.

You notice the way his jaw clenches when he’s thinking. His fingers drumming against his knee when he’s trying to focus. The way his unbuttoned shirt opens just right, and how his cologne still lingers.

“…undeniable desire,” the interviewer says. “I mean, come on, do you two even realize how you look at each other?”

Austin finally tears his eyes from you, shaking his head with a breathy chuckle. You cross your arms, biting back a smirk. Damn yes you do. And so does everyone else.

Interviewer leans back in his chair, watching both of you being barely present. You and Austin are both trying to stay focused, you really do, but at this point, it’s a lost cause already. Every glance, every half-smirk, every moment or hesitation before answering a question. Too much to handle at this point.

The interview ends the moment, thanking you both for coming - even tho you did absolutely nothing at the interview - and with a quick glance behind the camera at his producer he grins. Yeah, this definitely going viral.

With a teasing smile the interviewer calls it a day and shakes both of your hands. “Well, I think that’s all the proof we need.” Austin’s furrows his brow. “Proof?”

You are equally confused as Austin. “Of what?”

The interview chuckles, standing up. “That the two of you are terrible at pretending you’re not totally into each other.”

Austin lets out a breathy laugh, shaking his head and you groan, covering your face with one hand. “Yeah, it’s just hard not to keep eyes off of her,” Austin’s hand lands on the small of your back and you shiver at his touch.

You two walk off the set, heading into the backstage. As soon as you both arrive at the changing room, Austin smashes the door to close them. You gasp surprisingly and he leans you against the door.

“You will be the death of me, Y/l/n.” he whispers into your ears, his lips then capturing yours. He grips your hips, pulling you close enough to him as he savor the fact he can finally kiss you. Only a fool wouldn’t know how you spent the rest of the night after arriving at the hotel.

[lillaydee]

Head Over Heels Part 14

Jackson!Joel / Reader

Special Guest Appearance by a Certain FBI Agent who may or may not look a lot like Joel.

You left the loneliness of your home and headed to Jackson with Joel and the teenage girl he was with, hoping your new life would be less lonely. You should've stayed alone.

WARNING:

Non-canon Compliant, Pining, Fluff and Angst, Hurt Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Joel Lives (The Last of Us), Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Soft Joel (The Last of Us), Jealousy, Loneliness, Trauma.

MEGA WARNING: Descriptions of Attempted Sexual Assault.

@copperhalfcent @joelalorian @vickie5446 @peelieblue @nandan11 @liciafonseca @senoratess @denisanoemi @lovefreylove @heartpatch

SERIES MASTER LIST

Part 13

---

Joel had been quiet throughout the scout so far. He was always quiet, sure, but Tommy knew his brother enough to know that he was mourning. You had ‘broken up’ with him.

Tommy was going to talk to you when they get back, ask Maria to talk to you. You were being rash, impatient. Tommy noticed your discomfort when you were riding with Benny to get to the forest where Pete laid. Everyone did. You were not well. Not 100%. But Tommy was behind you that day. He could tell from your gait you were in pain. And that was at a slow, walking pace. There was no way you would be able to fully ride for days at a time without facing consequences, permanent ones. Didn’t take a doctor to see that. Maria was acting out of her soft spot for you, not out of logic.

He wouldn’t have minded the extra duty of looking out for you. No one in the crew would. They all loved you, liked you, cared enough about you. Heck, even if you were at 100%, being on these trips would require everyone looking out for each other anyway. It was part of the job. But your condition would have put everyone at risk if anything were to happen, not just you. And as the person in charge of the scouting trip, he couldn’t risk that.

He promised Maria he wouldn’t tell Joel. And he had stuck to that. But as much as he thought his wife to be a wise woman, a great mayor, one who was fair and logical and was never wrong, he couldn’t in good conscience let this happen. So, he repeated your involvement to Hank, who quickly looked concerned. He watched as Hank spoke to Benny that night. Benny then went straight to Will. Tommy pretended not to notice the serious looks they were exchanging, and when Joel came in after his shift, Tommy pretended not to notice Will joining his table, whispered talks between the two of them.

He knew he would be in deep shit when he returned, with you, with Maria, but he couldn’t help it.

He wasn’t willing to lose his brother again.

He had spent years after Sarah’s demise watching his brother walk around like a fucking zombie. Watched as his brother became that cold-hearted soldier who shot his beloved niece without second thought. He saw that night, how Joel turned from a loving and concerned father to a man who had no reason to live, how the light in his eyes just switched off, how stoic he was when they buried Sarah together. The Joel he knew and loved growing up was gone. Buried with his daughter. He had seen Joel’s expressionless face as he cut off people’s fingers, gutted them, bashed their heads in, just to survive another day. He had lost count of the amount of times Joel had pulled him out of almost dying, only to put himself in danger so his little brother would survive.

Even after meeting Tess, and it had become obvious the two were engaging in… extra-curricular activities, Joel remained that man. He watched as Tess slowly fell for him, completely unreciprocated. Any attempts to talk him into giving Tess his heart was met with silence. His heart closed. No more.

And then one day, he came back to the QZ from another trip to Bill and Frank’s, Tommy noticed something shifted in Joel. He looked to be dreamy at times, thinking of something, or someone, but would switch back when he was called out on it. After years of leaving his former life behind, he walked into their shared apartment one day to Joel carving, a hobby he had since he started his career as a builder and carpenter. He gave it up when the outbreak happened, not wanting to be reminded of Sarah hanging over his shoulder whenever he did it at home. Tommy made it a point to scavenge for carving tools to help his brother get into his former hobby again. He received the first smile from Joel since Sarah died when he presented his brother with the set.

Soon, he began to hear stories from Tess about Elena, the lady who lived across the street from Bill and Frank. He watched as his brother pretended not to hear these stories, doing other things as Tess talked. When he asked Joel about this Elena, he could see him fluster, mumbling that he wouldn’t know anything about Elena, he never talked to her. She was Tess’s friend.

And then, Joel began hiding whatever he was working on from him whenever he walked into the room. The piece of wood placed in his pocket, the carving set put away. Tommy found discarded pieces of wood sometimes, the letter E clearly carved, but botched in some ways. And he just knew. He knew his brother was in love. And not with Tess.

Not to mention the fact that the name Elena became a fixture in his mumbled sleep, apart from Sarah.

When the three of you came to Jackson and he met you the first time, he knew you were Elena before he was ever introduced to you. It was hard not to. Joel was looking at you like a lovestruck puppy. But Joel almost bit his head off when he suggested anything more than platonic going on between the two of you. So he left it alone. He tried again when the three of you came back to stay, only to be met with the same attitude. He encouraged Joel to date other people, wanting see if his theory was wrong, that Joel was head over heels in love with you. Joel was always a one woman man, so if he wasn’t in love with you, he would have no problem dating others. He didn’t lie. He told Joel the truth. That men around Jackson had been asking about you but were wary since you came in with Joel. He could see his brother’s jaws clench at that news, a clear sign that he wasn’t happy with the thought that others were interested in you. And even for your ‘benefit’, Joel refused to date others. So Tommy knew he was right.

And then, around the time Jake was born, Joel slowly went back to becoming the man he knew growing up. He was smiling again. Laughing again. Making friends again. All seemed to coincide with the time you were seen together with him a lot.

Before the whole tragedy with Pete happened, Joel was a relaxed man, a man in love, and he was not afraid to show it. Hand always on you, walking you everywhere, fingers laced together, his smiles so big his dimples showed.

You had brought his brother back to life.

When Tommy, Will and Joel got back from patrol that morning, Hank met them at the stable, face white, telling them what had happened. Tommy saw his brother’s dark side return. He, Will and Hank had to physically stop him from going straight to Pete, telling him you needed him. “Go be with her, Joel. She must be scared. Go see her. I will make sure Pete stays where he is. Later, brother. Later.”

The fact that Joel didn’t kill Pete for doing what he did proved to Tommy that he was only refraining himself so that he could stay in Jackson, to be with you. He knew he might get kicked out if he did. And he didn’t want that, he wanted to stay. With you.

And now, you had told Joel it was over. And Joel was quiet. Too quiet. And Tommy didn’t like it. He didn’t like it one bit.

**********

“Marcus!” you rushed to his side, Benny running off to get the doctor. You hugged him, as gently as you could, feeling glad that you were here to see him wake up, and not on the road somewhere wondering if he was alright.

He was okay. His wound was healing well. He simply needed rest and food, and a lot of physiotherapy. His muscles needed working again, having been bedridden for three weeks. You and the nurses did help him ‘exercise’ during those three weeks, but there was only so much you could do.

You didn’t leave his side at all those first few days. Helping him adjust. You took him for walks around the clinic, waited outside the bathroom as he showered (no, Elena, you are not washing me! I’m awake now!”) got him food, read to him, and slept in the bed next to him come bedtime.

It didn’t take Marcus long to realize you were not speaking to your brothers, sitting on your bed every time they were there. He asked why, that first time you guided him gently out of the clinic, three days after he woke up. You didn’t answer him. You just walked back and forth along the width of the clinic building, ignoring his questions until he decided he was too tired and needed to sit down. You quickly guided him to the bench in front of the clinic and ran inside, getting him some water.

“So… how come you’re here all the time? Don’t you have work?”

“No.”

“How come?”

“Maria won’t let me.”

“Why?”

“My ribs.”

“Ah…”

He was quiet for a beat, taking more sips of water.

“You’re here with me all the time. Even slept here. Joel won’t mind that you’re always here?”

You drew an exasperated breath, rolling your eyes at him.

“What?”

“Why do people keep caring what Joel wants? What Joel needs? What Joel is okay or not okay with? What about me? What about what I want? What I need?”

He didn’t react. Just waited for you to keep talking.

“I was supposed to go on the scouting trip, you know, and Joel just came in and told me nope. You’re not going. So here I am, and there he is in my place. Why? Because I’m a woman? Because I’m his little woman? I kissed him and suddenly he gets to tell me what to do and what not to do? Is that what my life has come to? And you know what’s worse? My brothers. Your friends. They haven’t seen me for 20 years and suddenly decided they have the rights to tell me what to do too? They let him make decisions for me like I’m some porcelain doll that doesn’t have a brain. As if I didn’t survive the outbreak without them? They all treat me like I’m some delicate piece of crystal that might break any time soon. And I do not appreciate it!”

“Who are we mad at today?” Ellie asked, stepping onto the porch of the clinic, a basket of food in her hands. She sat down with Marcus and handed him his Tupperware and a fork.

“Joel, and her brothers,” he told her. She rolled her eyes at him, and he raised his eyebrows at her.

“Sit down and eat Elena, before you faint from ‘hanger’,” she said, shoving your own food in your hands. “So… I heard you broke up with Joel.”

“She did?”

“Uhuh. Yelled at him at the stables.”

Marcus looked at you, “Why the fuck would you do that? Did you really send a man who is head over heels in love with you out into the dangers broken hearted?” There was some worry in his voice, but his face was definitely mocking you.

You huffed, “He’s not in love with me.”

Both of them looked at each other and scoffed. “Yeah, okay, whatever you say. Sure. He’s not.”

“The man ignored me all the time we knew each other. It was a crush. Not love.”

“Elena,” Ellie said, lifting her legs up to sit cross-legged on the bench, “When we first met, I had only known Joel for two days. I knew immediately he was in love with you. Throughout our journey here, every time he looked at you, I could tell.”

“He yelled at me so many times Ellie,” you protested.

“You ever notice the yelling always coincided with you being in danger? He was terrified of losing you, you idiot.”

“I can take care of myself, you know this.”

“Sure, but that won’t stop him worrying. He loves you. He just didn’t want anything bad to happen to you. Look, why did you yell at me every time I came home late? Because you hate me? Or because you love me?”

“That’s different…”

“No… Elena, it’s not…” Marcus said, “He cares about you. Your brothers care about you. They’re not trying to control you, but come on, you can’t even lift your hand up fully. You really think you’re ready to go out there? You could put everyone else in danger if you’re not 100% you know.”

You went quiet. You knew he was right.

“Look, you once told me you envied Bill and Frank for having each other. How you wished you would have someone who was just there for you. And now you do, and you broke up with him because… he wanted you to be safe?” Marcus looked disbelieving. “Why the fuck do you want to go out there anyway? I don’t know about you, but I plan on milking this gunshot wound for all it’s worth. I’m not going out for as long as I can. Why the hell would you choose to put yourself in danger rather than the safety of Jackson?”

“Because Jackson isn’t safe. Not like we thought. Look what happened to me, to you. You got shot because I failed, Marcus! I was so scared the whole three weeks you were out. If you had died…”

“Hey,” he said, pulling your hand so you would sit next to him, side-hugging you. “You didn’t fail, Elena. He didn’t get to you, did he? He was a big guy, heck, I don’t even know if I could get out of hand to hand combat with him unscathed. I don’t think even Joel or Will could. And yet, you’re still here. You fought him off. You defended yourself. You injured him. And me getting shot, that could happen anytime, every single day I’m out on patrol I could’ve gotten shot. Heck, I could’ve gotten shot if the world hadn’t gone to pot. I was an FBI agent, remember? It was bound to happen either way. I knew what could happen and I fought him anyway, this is not your fault.”

There was earnestness in his eyes, he was not saying this to make you feel better. He was being honest. Ellie looked at you the same way, nodding along.

“Look, if what you’re saying is true, then why do they still treat me as if I’m made of glass?” you asked, still angry at the overprotectiveness of the men in your life.

“Oh, Boo Hoo, Elena,” someone said. Esther walked up to you, annoyance clear across her face. “Poor Elena, big hunky men want to protect you. Gorgeous, heroic Joel Miller is so in love with you he wants to put you in a protective bubble so he could keep you safe. How terrible for you. You know what I would give to have a man like that in my life? Someone who loves me so much he would rather go out there in danger so he could make sure you were safe? That man is so in love with you he searches for you in the crowd. You’re all he thinks about he ignored a wagging pussy in his face. And you want to complain he’s too protective of you? Tsk. You don’t deserve him. What he sees in you, I will never understand.”

She left in a huff.

Marcus and Ellie had to turn away from you to hide the smirks on their faces. The dumbfounded look on your face made them want to laugh.

“Just so you know, hypothetically speaking, if I’m not terrified that you would stop speaking to me, I would say ‘oh snap’,” Marcus said, a teasing smile on his face.

“I don’t get it. How does everyone see this but me? He was mean to me, especially on the road. He kept telling me he didn’t want me there, you know this Ellie, you were there.”

“Erm, actually, no… he never said that. You did.”

“What?”

“Yeah… you sort of attack him with his supposed thoughts of you, you know, how you knew he didn’t want you there, don’t worry, you’ll leave soon, you’ll never bother him again, all that… he never said them. You did,” she told you, looking a bit wary to tell you that.

Oh… yeah… you kind of did that…

Yeah… you were a jerk. 

Shit.

The three of you ate in silence after that.

After you helped Marcus to bed that night, you laid down on the bed next to his, trying hard not to let your imagination get the worse of you. They were right. You were too busy thinking of your own insecurities to see that Joel and your brothers were just looking out for you. You spent the entirety of your time in Boston wishing you had someone who was just there for you, and now you have people, a slew of them, all of whom cared so much about you they didn’t want you to get hurt. And what did you do? You pushed them away. How long had you wished Joel would look your way, would love you the way you did him? And now that he did, you got mad at him for caring about you. For wanting you to be safe.

You fucking broke up with him, like some brainless, vapid, dramatic teenage queen.

Fuck. You screwed up. So badly.

“You know, I could’ve come back that day after my surgery,” Marcus’s voice broke you out of your thoughts. You turned to face him, his eyes opened, staring at the ceiling.

“Why didn’t you?”

“I was back at the farm. Lily was there. So was Elena, my daughter.” He finally turned his head towards you. “I didn’t want to come back. I wanted to stay with them.”

You didn’t know how to react. There was a huge part of you that went cold in the head at the implication. But there was also another part, albeit small, that understood.

“They wouldn’t let me,” he said, hands playing with his blanket, a forlorn look on his face. “Told me it’s not my time. Literally pushed me out the gate,” he said, laughing a little.

You smiled. “Well, I’m glad they did that.”

“Me too.”

**********

Joel stood watch as the men behind him gathered the stuff they wanted to bring back to Jackson with them. This mall was a great find, a lot of clothing and other basic needs practically untouched. Food was mostly gone or gone bad, but there were some pharmacies and clothing stores that were left alone. Those who passed by mostly looking for food, or did not have the means to pry open the shutters to the shops. There were also a lot of dried out fungus, so that could have played a huge part on why this mall was left alone, not to mention it was rather out of the way. Took three whole days to get here.

They had to consider what they could carry home. They only had two wagons with them. It was important that they could carry as much as they could, while still be able to make quick getaways in case of an attack. Other items that was not an immediate need would be the next trip’s priority. Today, medication and clothing were the priorities.

The pharmacies were the first they explored, medication supply something they desperately needed. So as the men were carefully putting everything they found on the shelves into crates and boxes, Joel and Hank were just standing watch, looking out for any threats that might befall them. Another group was taking winter clothing out to the wagon.

He saw a store at the end of the row, a familiar one. He should go see, just in case. He had spent his time on patrol and scouting trips since he got to Jackson looking for this particular item. Heck, he’d spent the time on the road with you looking for this item. He had heard you mention it to Ellie, time and again. He wanted to see if they might be here.

He just wanted to make you smile again.

He knew what you said. He heard you. And as much as his heart clenched at the thought that he might no longer have you like that in his life, he still wanted to make you smile. He craved for your smiles. Needed them to go on. He knew you were angry at him. But he couldn’t help it. He needed you safe. Needed to have you around, a solace for his heart, a reason to go on.

His heart ached when he saw you struggling. He kicked himself for going out on patrol that night. He should’ve been there, protected you. He wanted to kill Pete with his bare hands. But the guys talked him out of it. So he made do with breaking his arms and legs. And Will and Benny were more than willing to help.

Every time you winced from the pain, he wished he could go back and kill Pete again. Every time you flinched when he tried to touch you, he wanted to find Pete’s body and burn it. Spit on it, chop what was left of him fine and feed them to the wolves himself.

If it were up to him, he would strap you to his person and never let you out of his sight.

But he understood how you could see that as controlling. Overprotective. Domineering. Suffocating.

So he accepted that you were angry and said the things you said out of anger.

But by God, he was going to beg you to take him back. To forgive him. Grovel, if he must.

And that store was a great start.

So when Tommy told him everything was ready to take back to the wagons, he asked if they had some time to go to the store, and Tommy shrugged. He didn’t see why not. Hank went with them, crowbar in hand.

They managed to break the shutter lock with ease, Joel immediately shining his torch looking for this item. Hank and Tommy did too, separating a little further from each other to save time.

Joel smiled when he found it, immediately taking it, still in plastic covering, placing it in his jacket to bring to you. He saw something else you had talked about, and thought you might like them too, so he took them, walking back to the front of the store, telling Tommy and Hank he found them. His heart was full. He could imagine your smile when you saw them. He couldn’t wait.

As the three of them walked out, the last of the crate of medical supplies in Hank’s hands, Tommy fell face first, right there in front of him.

A clicker had come out of nowhere, pulling his legs, immediately climbing on his back to take a bite. Joel pulled it off, shooting it in the face. Tommy was disorientated, his nose bloody from his fall. Joel pulled Tommy up as more clicking and snarls came, shouting at his brother to go. Shouting at everyone to go. He will fend them off. Get the medical supplies back to Jackson.

He pulled out the items he had found, handing them to Tommy. Make sure Elena gets these, he said, turning around to take care of the ten or so clickers who had emerged from the sewers.

“GO! I’LL CATCH UP!” he shouted as the men began shooting, alerting more clickers, taking down a few as they did.

As Tommy mounted his horse and the group took off, he shouted at Joel to come with, run Joel, you can make it! Joel turned around and ran towards Captain, but one clicker jumped on him, taking him down. Tommy shot it, and another came, Joel screaming at him to leave. Hank came back and pulled Tommy along, shouting at him to leave, shooting another clicker as Joel managed to get on his feet, shooting another.

Tommy knew he had to leave. He knew that. The supplies. The town. His wife. His son. He knew this. But he couldn’t help the guilt he was feeling. He took one last look at his older brother. He saw Joel facing three clickers at once, the wagons and others at full speed in front of him, taking a shot from the distance in an attempt to help his brother one last time, missed, and turned away as he saw Joel shoot one more clicker before falling from another tackle, turning on his back and shooting that one too. Joel got back up, about five or so clickers remained, shouting at him to leave.

His brother was tough. Joel would make it. He would be okay. He would be okay, Tommy thought, as he rode away at full speed, clutching the items Joel had given him to give to you to his chest.

**********

You checked with the gates every single day, asking the watchers in the towers if they had any news, if the had seen the men returning. They were supposed to be gone seven days, Elena, it’s only been five, Maria coaxed you as you walked away from the gates, disappointed that there were no news.

You nodded, knowing this, but you were anxious. You just wanted to see him again. You wanted to tell him you were sorry, that you understood his actions, that you just wanted to live your life here with him. To be held by him again. To kiss him again.

You couldn’t sleep that night, tossing and turning in your bed. You had told Will and Benny not to camp out, that you were feeling much better. Ellie came to spend the night with you. You no longer needed to keep Marcus company at the clinic, he was back home, much stronger than he was, and Jessie was there to help him.

You sleeps were no longer plagued by Pete, but that night, you kept seeing Joel. Just him, standing among the strawberries in Boston, smiling at you. You woke up in sweats every single time.

Fuck.

You needed him to come back. Please come back. So you could say you were sorry, so you could tell him you loved him. Tess’s final words to you kept replaying in your head.

“You know, we have been lucky thus far, but our luck might run out sooner or later. You should be nicer to Joel. He’s really not a bad guy if you give him a chance. Cause you never know, this might be the last time you saw him, and if something happens to him, you don’t want to regret being an asshole to him, right?”

Fuck. Please come back, Joel. I need you to come back. Please, Joel, I love you. Please come back.

**********

You woke up to the sounds of heavy knocking on your door. Maria. They’ve been spotted, she told you. Come on, let’s go to the gate.

You stood at the gate and waited as the thundering hooves got closer and closer, your heart making the same vibrations they were. They were almost two days early, someone said. Something must have happened.

You don’t know that, someone else said, they could have found some place closer than expected. Yeah, that must be it.

Please, let that be it.

The gates opened, and the two wagons came through, along with the men on horses.

One, two, three, four, five… why were there only five horses? There were supposed to be six. Six lone riders, and four in the two wagons. You looked around for Joel’s jacket, for Captain, only to have Tommy dismount right in front of you.

His face was bloodied, he was out of breath.

He took something out of his jacket. A brand new, plastic-bound copy of The Return of the King. His lips were quivering, his eyes wet.

You looked around one more time. You went to the wagons, looking inside, looking at each men in the eyes, all of whom looked away from you, even Hank.

“He’s not here, Elena.”

No.

You loved him. You were going to tell him that.

No.

---

Part 15

[thatbitchery]

When it comes to society and hierarchy the most important thing to remember is hierarchy is completely dependent on behavior and is reinforced by rejection and seperation.

DO NOT BE FRIENDS WITH LOW LEVEL PEOPLE.

Storytime- to make up for the overabundance of time I suddenly have I decided to join an exclusive gym and do activities and all that plus gym is a great place to network especially with the local Pilates WAGS. I'm new so we do that thing where we sniff each other out to test for hierarchy and obviously I am smiling and acquainted with everyone for the first few days- leaving the door open to be friends and then taking a step back and letting them fall to me if they so wish. So today I decide to go swimming in the indoor pool and this G that I know is dating a pretty high level man and has a thriving business is changing, as we all are in the lockers, and suddenly she tenses up and its like huh. They play petty stupid kindergarten power games in the new rich and I thought by now I'd be used to it and then I turn and this CLEANER is throwing miss thriving dating a millionaire a stink eye and the girl is shivering under it. Not just her- a couple of them. I'm like huh. Drama. GOD I LOVE DRAMA so I lay back watch the scene unfold. It's a work of art this one and I'm fully invested. And it's so obvious what happened. With my eyes closed I could tell you exactly what happened, the girls were too friendly with her at the beginning making all sorts of allowances for her and leaving space for her to exist peacefully while pushing their desires away (Like you know when someone is cleaning the floor and you do that thing where you walk through like you're walking on lava? EW) and now she's being passive aggressive and it's unsafe for them. So you have the one paying top dollar for an exclusive experience shying from a medium wage underpaid overworked nobody from God knows where. & I've seen this dynamic play out for so long where the children of Oligarchs and literal royalty gets harrassed and pushed around by the children of mistresses and middle class people. I've done my fair share of bullying and harassing I know hoe to pick em, and I can tell you from the onset who is the omega and who is the sigma (alspha is always open space) and the desire to be liked by the low levels sits very high in the lists of indicators.

When someone with a safety marker (Power, beauty, money or status) plays nice with or even engages on a same level with the lower classes they become untrustworthy and immediately weak. The safety in these things in the unattainability of them, how removed they are- so when they become accessible they become weak and lose meaning and they punsih you for degrading yourself. Men can get away with it but women could never. The Serena Van Der Woodsen fantasy of a pretty rich girl is a lie. When people lower than you see you being friendly with them and sacrificing etc they try to steal your power by degrading you and sometimes they succeed. Candace Owens X Taylor Swift X Beyonce are a great example of this. Beyonce and Taylor did not establish their boundaries early in their careers and tried to be relatable and not Divas and vampires like Candace saw the opportunity and took it. Women like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are the exact opposite of what Candace Owens preach but do you see her try her? While Beyonce and Taylor are so close to the christian Southern dystopian reality she wants so bad. Why? they made it very clear from day one they will run you up do not even try. They don't try to be relatable or cute or nice they throw it in your face yes I actually did say I'm better than you what about it? In the same way when pretty girls date broke ugly men they get run over becuase the men are punishing them for being weak and steal their power bc power can not be created, only transferred.

The more you make allowances for people the more they despise you. The Blair Waldorfs and Alison DeLaurentis of the world and mean girls have an easy time despite everyone acting like they can't stand them because they are not weak. I'm not saying go out of your way to be terrible like some insecure little idiot I'm saying do not make allowances if it's not required and let people serve you. Stop smiling too much and stop trying to make space for people. And stoppp trying to be friends with people lower than you, let them know the option is open and show them a glimpse of what it could be, then step back and let them work for it. People lower than you are jealous of you. they want to be you. That cleaning hipoppotamus broke ugly girl wants to be in that sauna, but she cant. So she makes it the problem of the people that are that will let her. And in that way, she feels bigger than them. And they let that happen the second they started randomly smiling and saying hi and calling her 'girl'. If they just walked in, did the gym, networked smart with their own level and went home, they wouldn't freeze over someone they probably could buy.